#a series of conversations (in order) I had with my sister while playing.

[nagalias-mindscape]

Sis: I haven't seen you play that game in ages. Enjoying it?

Me: Yeah. Never fully beat Xenoblade before, so I wanna see if I can.

Sis: Yikes- what's a level 90 doing in an area full of enemies no more than 20?

Me: Being Immovable Gonzales. I gotta go down and around, using the spire. See?

Sis: Nice. So why haven't you?

Me: I don't want to jump down and potentially die by fall damage, but the map is confusing.

Sis: Huh. Collectable time?

Me: Kinda.

---

Me: Fuck this. I'm jumping.

Sis: I can't believe you actually made it. I heard the switch vibrate. Although... I think this is the first time I've seen you character's health get so low.

Me: Just wait until I get past the marsh. It... won't be for a bit since I want to complete some of the quests I've collected, but yeah. Game gets hard. I think... I never got past the marsh on the wii, but I've heard people bitch about it.

Sis: Is that console I remember you playing it on?

Me: Yeah, during eye therapy.

Sis: Fuck, it's been awhile.

Sis: Wait- why are you going around everything? Wouldn't it be easier to just make a straight line instead of making an S-path?

Me: First- they're level 75. I'm level 31 if I choose to uncap my characters. Second- the icons. The audio icons means they won't attack me if they don't hear me. The eye icons means they'll attack me on sight. No icon means they won't attack unless I do.

Sis: But you walked right in front of those birds earlier with the eye icons and they didn't attack.

Me: Because I'm level 29 and they're level 15-ish. They know they'll get their asses handed to them and let me pass through without complaint.

Sis: Neat!

---

Sis: Ha! Your path is blocked by a cave-in!

Me: ... Fuck.

---

Me: One sec, let's see if I can't put this fucker to sleep- oh. I can't... Hmm...

Sis: You can change who you play as?!

Me: Now... how much effort do I want to put into this stupid thing...

Sis: What are you even trying to do?

Me: Complete both parts of a two-path quest before I turn it in. I got the dynamite, now I just need the rock.

Sis: Holy- this game lets you know when you're about to die?

Me: Yep-o. but, fuck this. I'm going to just damn over the dynamite.

---

Sis: *wheezing laughter*

Me: Fuck off. It's been a couple of months since I last played. I thought the rock and dynamite were a questline where doing one locks the others. This game has those.

Sis: *still laughing*

---

Sis: This place is pretty sparse. Are all towns like this in the game?

Me: Nah. I'm rebuilding colony 6, hence why I'm collectable hunting. Don't want to lock myself out of anything.

Sis: neat-o.

---

Sis: Wait- there's weather?

Me: Yeah! It affects things, too. Like which enemies show up. Time of day does that, too.

Sis: ... Can I borrow this game when you're done?

Me: Just return the cartridge when you're done.

Sis: Deal.

---

Sis: What's Spike III?

Me: A gem I can slot into my weapon or armor for bonuses.

Sis: .... So you turned in a divine rock... for a magical gem? Seems like a rip off.

[nadvs]

rafe x reader meeting eachother’s family ?? love the series !!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

thank you!! i got a few requests for this one, i hope y’all like it 🥰

based on this fic

» au masterlist

they decided it’s best to meet each other’s families before he moves away to start training and playing basketball professionally. the timing works out well, considering they’ve been together for five months now.

when rafe met her family, she could not believe he was even capable of being so polite. he shook hands. he asked questions. he even fake-laughed at jokes. he was charming as hell. and she teased him mercilessly for it.

“didn’t expect you to call my dad sir,” she mumbled with a small smile as he drove them out onto the street.

“i can’t afford to fuck up,” he replied with a shrug. the fact that he cared so much made her heart flutter.

now, a week later, they’re driving to rafe’s family house and she can’t believe how big the homes in his neighborhood are.

he had told her about how his dad owned a successful business. she knew he was well off based on how carelessly he throws money around, the opposite of most of their friends, who fit the cliche of poor students scraping by. but this? this is ridiculous.

“could’ve told me that you live in a mansion,” she says as the gate at the end of his driveway opens.

“okay. i live in a mansion.”

she nudges his shoulder and huffs a laugh.

when they step through the front door, she can tell rafe didn’t mince his words when he told her about his familial relationships. the way everyone greets him makes it clear he was telling the truth about everything.

his youngest sister, who he said he always had a soft spot for, throws her arms around him. his other sister only offers a nod of her head. apparently all they do is bicker.

his step-mom’s side hug is impersonal but polite. and rafe visibly stiffens when his dad approaches him, pulling him into a hug, patting his son’s back hard.

he told her all about how much he’s always tried to get his dad’s approval. that his sister usually got it without having to try, while rafe always struggled for it. she can tell her boyfriend is tense.

“congratulations are in order,” ward says, diving into conversation about draft night. then, because he just seems to love making his son feel less than, he mentions how the team he was drafted to hasn’t won a championship in a few years.

“but hey, maybe things will change this year,” his father adds.

she can’t hold herself back from interjecting.

“they will. they have a new team of coaches now. they’re making all kinds of improvements, including the rookies they signed,” she says. she forces a smile and offers a handshake, introducing herself.

rafe watches her with a smirk he can’t stifle. he was just about to introduce her, but she couldn’t help herself from butting in to bat for him. they have a lot in common, including how protective she is.

sure enough, after dinner, wheezie quietly mentions to rafe that she’s basically a girl version of him.

“you think so?” he mumbles.

“no kidding,” sarah says, overhearing. “except i actually like her.”

rafe watches his girlfriend drift towards a wall of photos, cocking her head as she looks at the images of him in different stages of his life.

“wow,” she mumbles when he comes up next to her.

“what?”

“you’re playing basketball in like, all of these,” she says with a soft chuckle. “it was meant to be.”

he looks down at her. he know he’s grinning like an idiot because he notices rose close by, smiling at him like a proud parent.

afterwards, she goes to the restroom before they head out, and his step-mom turns to look at rafe the second she’s out of earshot.

“we like her,” rose says, her arm at the crook of ward’s elbow. “you seem happy.”

“i am,” rafe admits. he didn’t need their approval, but it feels really good to have it. it’s not a surprise to him, though. she was talkative and fun. she was likeable. she was herself.

“make good choices when you’re out there, son,” his dad says. “let us know if you need anything for the move.”

rafe nods. it’s bizarre how he’s taking such a big step, moving states away for an nba contract, yet he still feels like a kid when he’s here.

but then she comes back into the room and he feels like the self-assured man he knows he is.

they say their goodbyes and she breathes a breath of relief when she shuts the passenger door of his car.

“you good?” he laughs.

“that was so nerve-racking,” she admits.

“what?” she seemed totally cool and collected the whole time.

“the first thing i did was snap at your dad,” she says nervously. “i thought i blew it.”

“nah, everyone liked you,” rafe says. he turns the car on. “my sisters said that we’re the same person.”

the sentiment warms her heart.

“you’re really sweet with wheezie, by the way,” she says. “the guys would never believe it.”

“and they don’t have to,” he mumbles, feigning irritation. she laughs. he puts up a tough, intimidating front with his teammates. she sees right past it.

she leans over to kiss his cheek. she’s glad it went well. she sees a future with him. he sees one with her, too.

[sirenpearldust]

Pearl - Part two

series masterlist ⋆ part one ⋆ part three

Pair: Eris x Reader

Word count: 2.599

Warnings: mentions of cheating, fertility issues, insecure thoughts

As months slipped by without conception, your mind wandered to the idea of a baby. You found yourself daydreaming about your future baby, wondering if they would inherit your traits or resemble Eris. 

Maybe your future child would be a perfect blend of both of you, or a mirror image of Eris with his luscious locks, mischievous amber eyes accented by long, dark lashes, and his straight nose.  

You hoped your child would resemble your wonderful husband, with his charming laugh, his thoughtful frown, and all the beauty he possessed.

As you stood before the mirror, you gazed at your belly, imagining it swollen with pregnancy. 

Your mind wandered to your child laughing, giggling, and cooing with joy,  happiness radiating from their bright eyes. 

You felt stressed as numerous people, especially Beron, exerted pressure on you. However, Eris remained your source of comfort, always sweet and wiping your tears, soothing you whenever the healer delivered the disappointing news of another unsuccessful conception.

Eris concealed his relief upon learning of the unsuccessful attempt, careful not to show you his true emotions. Despite this, his desire to fulfill your every wish remained strong, understanding that the timing had to be right for both you and your future heir's safety.

He saw you trying everything—from taking long walks with his mother to eating healthier, experimenting with various fertility teas, and praying.

Despite trying everything, nothing seemed to help. He witnessed your tears and mourning, understanding your sense of shame for not fulfilling what you saw as your only duty. 

Eris, feeling responsible for your anguish, was ashamed, as he was at fault making you feel this way.

To help you relax and ease the strain on your body, Beron ordered that you be sent to your parents' house. The Lady of Autumn spoke with Beron, suggesting that a vacation could alleviate your stress and potentially increase your chances of conceiving.

• •

Being at your parents' house proved to be truly relaxing. The familiar surroundings provided comfort, surrounded by your loved ones. You spent time chatting with your sisters and reconnecting with friends you hadn't seen in a while. 

Enjoying tea and playing cards together, the conversations and laughter helped you forget all of your worries.

In your childhood home, you were surrounded by laughter and joy, you felt whole and content. 

It was a stark contrast to the tension and loneliness you experienced in the forest house, where rivalry, scheming, and jealousy were ever-present. 

There, in the forest house, you always felt on edge, but here, in the comforting embrace of your childhood home, the atmosphere was vibrant and carefree. 

The air was filled with the joyful laughter of children, and the warmth of your friends' companion enveloped you, easing away any lingering worries you had.

You couldn't help but wish for your child to grow up in such an environment. Perhaps not falling pregnant right now wasn't the worst outcome after all, you sadly mused.

Today, the weather was warm, carrying the scent of the black tea your mother brewed and the cherry cake your sister baked earlier. 

Laughter echoed through the garden where you sat, accompanied by the sweet singing of the birds. 

The sun shone just right, casting a gentle glow, and overall, the atmosphere was calm and serene.

The atmosphere was abruptly disturbed by your friend's gasp as she remembered something important.

"Oh my, I almost forgot to tell you what happened to Cassandra, you all remember her, right?" she exclaimed, her shock evident as she jumped in her seat. 

"Her husband had been cheating on her, and despite her attempts to have a second child with him, he remained loyal to his mistress. 

To prevent any illegitimate children with her, he resorted to using a tonic, it hindered any chance of pregnancy. Apparently it is also illegal to use. 

Cassandra's father found out, killed the mistress and punished her husband by law."

"I don't know what happened exactly, but Charles now has a scar across his face," another friend chimed in. 

"And lately, he's been sticking close to Cassandra when they are at gatherings. Apparently the punishment he faced was only halted because she intervened and saved him from her father. Since then, he's been keeping in line."

"That was well deserved," your mother chimed in, sipping on her tea with a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

As you listened, doubts began to creep into your mind.

Maybe someone had tampered with your tea. However, your handmaids assured you that they hadn't seen anyone interfere with your food or beverages. 

Every step of the preparation process, from the ingredients to the serving, had been strictly monitored.

Despite the numerous intimate sessions with Eris each day, it seemed impossible that there could be an issue with fertility. 

However, hearing the conversation about Cassandra's situation sparked a troubling thought: what if the problem lay with Eris? Could he be infertile? 

The notion of him using a tonic seemed absurd, and the thought of him resorting to such measures was too cruel to contemplate. 

He had wiped away your tears and shielded you from harm, from the rumours, the nasty glances directed at you. 

You couldn’t entertain such a devastating possibility—betrayal from him would be unimaginable.

He talked to you about the names he had chosen and the colors he envisioned for the baby's room. Every time you talked about your future child he was happy, excited to help choosing the clothes and how he would play with him or her. He didn’t care if it was a girl or a boy.

You both had laid in bed one night, when he confessed his hope that the child would resemble you. He had held you close, your fingers were intertwined, his head on your chest, he wished that your child would inherit your eyes and your smile.

He wouldn’t cheat on you, no he wouldn’t. Not Eris, never him, right?

You obviously would never openly accuse Eris of such a horrendous act or him using the tonic. 

Accusing the heir could result in dire consequences, you would be risking your life and insulting the  Vanserra family to which you still didn't fully belong to. 

You understood that full acceptance into the family would only come with the birth of his heir.

For now, you felt more like a placeholder, knowing that if nothing worked, you could easily be replaced by a new wife.

• •

The evening neared its end and your friends departed, your family prepared for bed. 

Quietly, you made your way to your father's office, seeking help to calm your nerves before you also joined dreamland.

In the cold hallway leading to his office, you closed the window, the chill dissipating. 

Taking a moment to glance at your reflection, you noticed your hair cascading loosely around your shoulders, and your nightgown, a deep red with golden accents, gave you a regal air. 

Compared to a week ago, you looked healthier, your cheeks now filled out. 

Gazing past your reflection, you turned your attention to the sky, silently praying and hoping that your father held the answers you needed.

Approaching the grand oak door adorned with golden leaves, you knocked twice.

"Come in," your father's voice called from within. 

Upon entering, you found him engrossed in his papers, his glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. The office carried the aroma of black coffee and biscuits. 

Closing the door behind you, you stood before him, clearing your throat to gain his attention.

"Father, have you heard about what happened to Cassandra?" you inquired.

He rubbed his face in frustration before replying angrily, " Good evening to you too. Yes, but I prefer not to indulge in gossip or spread it myself. Why do you ask?"

"It's not about the gossip itself, but about the tonic," you clarified.

His eyes widened in surprise as you quickly added, "Don't worry, I'm not asking to brew it myself. I'm just curious why it's outlawed and what it consists of." 

Reassured, he sighed and admitted, "There is a book in the library somewhere. I forgot the title of it." With a smile, you bid him goodnight and wished him a restful sleep. "Goodnight. Sleep well," he replied before you left.

As you walked towards the library, a peculiar sensation stirred in your belly, akin to butterflies fluttering about. Nervousness and a certain cold crept over you, you had a sudden urge to relieve yourself.

As you walked into the library, you skimmed through the books, spending about two hours in the healing section. 

Along the search for the specific book, you stumbled upon some intriguing ones that you planned to read later.

Eventually, you found a small black book titled "Outlawed." Within its pages, you discovered a chapter detailing the forbidden tonic.

It described how the tonic could hinder any pregnancy without causing infertility, with a minty scent and a taste like honey.

You stopped breathing, the realization hitting you like a tidal wave. 

Eris used to drink a similar concoction in his office every morning—minty and tasting just like honey, just as described in the book. 

You remembered how he once swiftly took the drink out of your hand after you had a sip, warning that it wouldn't be safe for a woman.

At the time, you hadn't thought much of it. But now, everything pointed to your husband being the one who used the forbidden tonic. Tears streamed down your face as you realized his betrayal.

You sobbed, as your mind raced through the events of the past few months. 

You remembered how Eris had taken care of you, reassuring you that you weren't at fault for the failed conceptions. You went through every moment you had with him, his reaction, how he didn't mourn.

Now, you saw the deception clearly, realizing what a fool you had been to fall for his lies. 

He had truly lived up to his name—the cruel prince of autumn.

You never anticipated that you would become a pawn in his schemes.

Questions swirled in your mind. Did he, like Charles, have another woman by his side? 

Was he in love with someone else? 

Jealousy gnawed at you. Why couldn't he confide in you? After all, you were friends before you were married.

Feelings of stupidity washed over you. Why did you even care now? He had lied to you, and he was probably involved with another woman. There wouldn't be any other reason to use the cursed tonic, right. 

Why? Why? Why?

Why would he do it?

• •

You cried the whole night, your eyes swollen and bloodshot red by morning. 

Your back ached from falling asleep in the library, and you felt chilled to the bone. Your heart raced with anxiety as you glamoured yourself to avoid questions from your family.

As you dressed and looked into the mirror, doubt crept in. 

Were you truly beautiful and put together, or were you actually ugly? Worries plagued your mind—perhaps you were too clingy, or maybe you simply weren't his type. 

Did he even find you attractive at all?

You forced a smile as you gazed at your reflection, but your eyes appeared lifeless, devoid of their usual sparkle. No amount of glamouring could mask the emptiness within. Tears welled up, but you quickly wiped them away.

With a frustrated huff, you adjusted your clothing, trying to compose yourself. Taking a deep breath, you headed downstairs.

The tearful goodbyes were exchanged as you hugged everyone farewell. 

Standing outside the manor, you waved goodbye to your family before winnowing away.

• •

You arrived in your room after being attended to by the maids, your personal attendants taking charge of your bag.

Finding yourself alone, Eris was nowhere to be found, but he had left flowers on the vanity along with a letter. 

Opening it, you read his words: 

Hello, Beautiful. 

I hope you enjoyed your time with your family. I have missed you dearly I hope you have missed me too.

It was quite lonely without you. I’m blessed to have you. Without you I am not complete nor at peace.

I promise to give you the life you've always wanted and to provide for you. I'll stand by you through thick and thin 'till death do us part. So don’t ever worry about anything else.

Sadly we will need to join dinner today as my Father has invited us.

Please tell me everything you experienced, what you’ve baked, eaten, played and read.

I also have planned a surprise for you (; 

Yours truly, Eris.

You crumpled the letter in your hand, before burning it with a flicker of magic. It would have been sweet if you hadn’t known him to be a liar.

Erecting a barrier around the room to ensure privacy, you screamed and cried out your frustration until your throat grew hoarse and your eyes were dry. Once you stopped, you undressed yourself, feeling the need to wash away the disgust you felt from letting him touch you. A soothing bath would probably help.

• •

Out of the bath, you called for Erica and Grace. Seated at the vanity, Erica dried your hair while Grace selected jewelry for you, presenting it. Today, you decided on wearing a mauve dress, as you were in no mood for vibrant colors like red or orange. Frankly, orange made you look terrible, and you weren't in the mood to deal with that today.

They both appeared nervous, avoiding your gaze as you smiled at them. Sensing their unease, you asked, "What's wrong, girls?"

 "Nothing, my lady," Erica replied, but before Grace could answer, you noticed her hesitation. 

"We don't want to upset you before dinner," Grace added, her voice faltering.

Your smile faltered as well, a nervous feeling creeping over you. 

Your heart began to beat faster as you sensed that something was amiss.

"I would rather know than be kept in the dark," you insisted, turning towards them.

They exchanged a hesitant glance before Erica spoke up quietly, "We have seen the prince meeting with a woman on the days your ladyship was away." 

Your heart skipped a beat, but you forced a tight smile and urged them to continue. "Go on," you said, encouraging them. 

"The woman doesn’t work here, and we tried to find out more about her, but we’ve found nothing," Erica explained.

"Don’t worry, she's not pretty. You are prettier than her," Grace added quickly. 

You couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. 

"She's charming enough to keep my husband occupied," you said wryly, a hint of bitterness in your tone.

"Tell me everything you know," you demanded, your voice steady despite the rage burning within you. 

"She's a blonde and quite tall, with red eyes," Erica began, and Grace nodded in agreement. 

"They also seem to be close. Every time we saw them, they were closely huddled together," Erica continued. 

"They would whisper, but we didn't see them being intimate or kiss. They mostly met in the forest or inside the stables," Grace added, her voice tinged with concern.

Meeting a woman in secret usually hinted at an affair behind one's wife's back. 

"Alright, please keep an eye on them, but don't put yourselves in danger. If Eris finds out, tell him that I, as his wife, had ordered you two to keep an eye on him. If he asks why, tell him he should confront me, as it is our business," you instructed firmly. Both Erica and Grace nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

You stood up, inhaling deeply to steady yourself, and forced a smile at them. 

At least now you knew the truth: he had used the tonic, used you for pleasure, lied, cheated, and deceived you. The realization made you feel sick to your stomach. You wanted to take a bath again and scrub your skin.

You knew you had to get out of this situation, whether dead or alive, though preferably alive. Perhaps you could even stage your own death to escape his grasp once and for all.

Main Taglist: @bubybubsters

Pearl - Taglist: @bubybubsters @favsrachz @fxckmiup @st4r-girl-official @starriestarlight @adharanotfound @mybestfriendmademe @se7enteen--black-blog @anainkandpaper @bunnyredgirl @loneliestluvr @justanotherlostreader

[writingoddess1125]

Theater Brat 🎭 pt. 2

Didn't expect to make this to turn into a series but due to popular demand I gotcha guys! Also I got the other part set too

Support me on Ko-Fi ☕️

Part two Also kinda Fluffy + bit of Angst

Buggy couldn't lie- he had enjoyed his time with you. Greatly- often whining and throwing what was equivalent to a temper tantrum when others watched over him, so you had become essentially in charge of his head of sorts.

You'd feed him, humor him with your smart comebacks and even shared a interest with him. That and he couldn't help but find you attractive, which he often exploited in a series of dirty jokes. The two of you could judt sit for hours and talk about different play, or whatever came to mine. He had never had a person in his life he could do this with- Even Shanks hasn't been this open to conversation.

Buggy often talking about different things he had done in his young life in order to love the theater. Even admitting in some way it was for attention he went into his performing roles. Laying on your bed you looked to Buggy who was on his respected spot on the nightstand.

"Well, Buggy I'm sorry to Rain on your parade but- It doesn't sound like Shanks betrayed you-" You deadpanned.

"But he did! I would have been rich and started up my crew early! I could have done so much!!" He yelled, Angry just thinking about his old friendemy- you chuckled

"It sounded like an accident and then he saved you- honestly you should be happy, You're a feared Pirate Captian like you wanted and have abilities to boot" You pointed out, Smiling as you watched the gears turn in his head at your words. Before he replied your bedroom door slammed open- Zoro standing there with a frown at the sight of the two of you.

He had grown very suspicious over the freindly relationship you'd develop with Buggy. While no one else spoke on it and Even Luffy thought in some way it was funny, Zoro had been very resevered and his attitude growing a bit frosty at you.

"We are landing in Tangerine Town soon-" He said calmly, walking forward and picking up Buggy and Tossing him in the burlap sack quickly. Ignoring the Fuss from the head as he shot you a cold look.

"Be ready" He said before leaving with Buggy head. It was rather uncomforble being in the town and seeing Nami with her village- a bubble of resentment there even when learning from her sister and later Nami herself what had taken place and sobbing to Luffy for help. The whole time Buggy having been silent on Zoro's hip... listening. That evening when everyone was trying to rest for the fight in the morning to help Nami and her Village you heard shuffling from the bag Buggy was in-

"(Y/N) get out now.... Arlong is too strong.. please" You heard him whisper. But turned away and continued to sleep. Hoping he thought you asleep...

At daybreak the plan was set heading to Arlong Park to liberate the people, As the battle started it was like chaos broke out, Fishman surrounding you all and beginning to attack- Your specialty wasn't fighting but you tried your hardest. Eventually being that you couldnt help but notice a headless body hanging next to stuffed animals.

Making your way towards it, you pulled out the short Dagger you'd been using to defend yourself. Ready to help cut the restraints that held him up, However as you got close you saw a larger Fishman appear next to the shack, He looked similar to that of a pufferfish- he was twice your size and cackled at seeing you, Holding a massive sword which he swung at you and you barely dodged.

A scream ripped from you as you dodged and ran- A Dagger wasn't going to beat a giant pufferman with a damn claymore. You ran into the forest, hearing heavy footsteps behind you which made you glance back.

Seeing Pufferfishman chasing you ran as fast as you could. Your lungs burning as he tried to outrun him. Tears brimming in your eyes as his quills pulled and he shot out poisonous darts.

While you tried to weave through the the trees it seemed lucky wasn't on your side- as one of the poisonous darts stuck in your arm. You screamed in pain and stumbled, trying to keep a running bur the pain felt almost unbearable. Stumbling to the ground as you held your arm- it felt like fire.

"Hahaha! Such weak things you humans are!" The Fishman yelled, getting closer to you as he puffed up to deliver a final blow.

"Chop Chop Canon!"

Two arms shot out with knives attached, Slicing the Fishman down the sides- cutting off effectively its arms. Before a flying hand turned and sliced off the head. The Fishman crumbling to the ground before your feet as the arms returned to its owner-

Buggy panted as he was covered in blood ot seemed having killed some more of Arlongs men to find yoh. Rushing to you quickly as you held your side, you gasping in pain as you felt the harsh burn of the poisonous dart in your skin tears rolling down your cheeks as you watched Buggy look over the injury. Using his gloved hand and in one fluid motion yanking out the dart making you scream in pain.

"I know I know. Bare with me just a bit more Doll"

He muttered. Pulling off his bandana first before leaning forward and putting his lips to the wound before starting to suck and spit out the mix of poison and blood. Holding your arm tightly to keep it from spreading as quickly as possible as he worked.

After a few moments of this he tied his bandana tightly over the wound. Looking over your face, noting the pale appearance.

"Come with me (Y/N) we need to leave my shop is close-!" He said ready tonpull you but you quickly resisted. Pulling back slightly.

"I can't go with you Buggy- I have to stay with my crew..."

Buggy grabbed your hand, Looking you in the eyes like he wanted to say more, fight, throw his fit or even beg. However he gave only a saddened sigh and released you.

"You really don't want to come with me?..." Buggy asked, it was odd- your chest hurt at seeing him in such a way. It wasn't exactly pathetic but it was like you had kicked a puppy..

"Just N-Not now- I did promise to draw one of your shows afterall. But right now my crew needs me-" You say, figuring this was the best option. His eyes softened in disappointment but he nodded non the less.

Buggy looked up, seeing the figure of Usopp running it looked like he had faced his own battle already. He looked back at you and carefully released your hand, backing away before he whistled loudly to catch Usopp attention before bolting. The fellow strawhat seeing you and rushing to your side.

Usopp helped you up, frantically ranting about how dangerous this all was before trying to lead to back to the group. Once the battle ended and the crew ended up back at Tangerine town you received the antidote for the poison which luckily had been mostly sucked out before it took effect. Laying by the fire you stared tried to let the day roll off you, it had been too eventful and you didn't know how to feel. Buggys disappointed eyes Seeming to appear everytime you closed them. A shuffle of someone sitting next to you drew you from your thoughts, seeing Zoro seated next to you with his second plate.

"He helped you didn't he- The clown?" Zoro asked bluntly, staring straight ahead. You looked to him softly before nodding and messed with the bandana still tied to your arm.

"Yes..." You mutter softly, Zoro giving only a grunt in reply before continuing his meal. A uncompleted silence falling over the two of you. Nothing else was said and while you enjoyed the party, you couldn't help but feel conflicted non the less.

That night back on the Going Merry you felt... Uneasy? Tossing and turning- Was it because you had gotten so used to Buggy being there? His head laid on a Pillow next to the nightstand? You sighed, Rolling over again to stare out the window. The movement of the waves finally starting to lull you to sleep, the long day slipping behind you as you felt relaxed enough to ignore any odd feelings.

"Mmm!?" You hummed, eyes wide as you felt a form pinning you down a hand placed tightly over your mouth to keep from screaming. Blinking quickly your eyes trg focused on the form above you.

"Don't scream" You hear the hushed voice whisper in your ear- A shiver running through your form as you recognize the voice. Buggy- Seeing him above you, it was far different then the disheveled head you had grown uses to- He was clean with fresh makeup, a few peices of his blue hair having slipped from his bandana and hat indicating it was freshly washed paired with the sweet apple scent that wafted off him.

Slowly he removed his hands from your lips, glancing at Nami's bed to make sure she was still asleep before meeting your gaze.

"Buggy? What the hell are you doing here?" You whispered harshly. Trying to sit up for a second but he gently pushed you back down into the bed.

"Well.. I made a promise to you that you'd see one of my shows- without the 'unpleasant bits" He used quotation fingers at the unpleasant bits, his eyes not helping to roll but he smiled down at you anyway. Paired with traveling down to snag a peak at the rest of your sleep attire- Which both made you blush lightly and pinch what was the closest to your hands- in this case his thigh.

"Oh~ Kinky-"

"No-" You give a faux glare, before glancing around quietly. One show couldnt hurt right? It wasn't like the crew would know about about it-

"Fine- One show" you whisper out, a wide smile pulling at Buggy face as he climbed off you gently. Fixing his large hat like he was preparing for something bigger.

"Good, and just to make it easier- Sorry (Y/N)" He said softly, holding up the stumble where his left hand should have been. You look at him confused before turning to see his hand floating next to your head as he squeezed a Muggy Ball. The red smoke filling your lungs as the world started to spin, as the world turned black you felt warm hands grab you.

[muzyoshi]

Miles Edgeworth's Secret

This post is purely for documentation purposes, and also to inform anyone who may not be aware. This post will contain SPOILERS for the end of Phoenix Wright: Trials & Tribulations, so proceed with caution.

During Case 5, Bridge to the Turnabout, while playing as Edgeworth, you are presented the opportunity to peer into Iris' heart. Specifically in regards to a secret she is withholding from Phoenix, someone she was romantically involved with. During which, if the player fails to present the correct evidence specifically for the second Psyche-Lock, an interesting conversation concerning the nature of secrets occurs.

I have seen talk of this dialogue, but no footage or screenshots, so I took the liberty of getting them myself. The full conversation and my further thoughts will be found under the cut.

You MUST present incorrect evidence during the second Psyche-Lock. This dialogue is laughably easy to miss, which is why I could find zero footage of it. (Sorry if the formatting for this sucks)

(Interesting to note: the music stops playing here.)

Incidentally, Iris' secret is that she developed romantic feelings for Phoenix while dating him in college (disguised as her twin sister). Edgeworth affirms her thoughts, confirming that he does indeed have a secret of similar nature deep within his heart and soul; "It takes one to know one." It cannot be said what exactly this secret of his is, but every real plot point behind Edgeworth has been more or less resolved by this point in the series. He found his path as a prosecutor, the truth behind his involvement in the DL-6 incident was concluded, so... What's left? Reading between the lines, this only really seems to lead us to one answer. It has something to do with romantic feelings. I truly can't see it being anything else, even with a critical mind.

Just mere moments ago, Iris had inquired as to what Edgeworth and Phoenix' relationship was. Edgeworth (famously) responds that Wright is a "dear and indispensable friend". Wonder if Iris gleamed something deeper from that comment, then? ;P Keep in mind: she makes these comments directly because Edgeworth avoided presenting Phoenix Wright's profile.

"he just like me fr" - iris probably

Now, just for completion's sake, let's see what happens when you present Phoenix's profile and break the Psyche-Lock.

I have a lot of thoughts regarding this string of text from the two of them. This is a huge reach from an admittedly shipper-crazed brain, but aren't Edgeworth's retorts here... interesting? He does not know this girl, but he knows that the two of them are important to one another. We can assume it's likely that he is pushing for this for Wright's sake, rather than Iris'. At this point it's fair to say that Edgeworth has some basic understanding of her secret (the feelings, at least), and he doesn't benefit from her telling Phoenix her secret. So why is he adamant that she does it? Especially when he's, apparently, holding a secret of similar nature himself? Projecting, perhaps?

"But it's pointless..." "Why would you say that?"

Why indeed.

(EDIT) I was thinking about this feverishly, and I had another thought. What if the "darkness in his heart" and his "secret" has something to do with jealousy? Still in context of romantic feelings... it starts to make sense that this could fit into the puzzle as well. By this point it was already established to Edgeworth that Phoenix and Iris share an intimate connection of some kind, and with all of this pressuring (including the words the two of them share before Edgeworth leaves the Detention Centre), it sort of adds up. "Uncovering the truth" in order to "get rid of the deep-seated darkness in [his] heart" - could this refer to closure? As in, if Iris comes forth to Phoenix Wright with her secret, and there is some level of reciprocation, would this make Edgeworth's own secret/feelings "pointless" to confess? I wonder.

One last note I'd like to make is that this is the first time we view Edgeworth through the 'protagonist lens', and that a great deal of care was put into having the player truly feel like they are Miles Edgeworth in this moment. His mannerisms, choice of words and thought patterns are decidedly very different than Phoenix's when you are in control of them, as I'm sure most people would agree. Therefore, I feel comfortable proposing that a lot of what he says here isn't filler, and in fact is very deliberately worded.

I think this post also deserves a spot here.

Diehard Narumitsu/Wrightworth shippers are likely already aware of this conversation's existence. However, due to the circumstances necessary to see it, I wasn't able to find any screenshots. I hope this was interesting to read, at least... Thanks for reading!

[notakugelblitz]

YOUR POWER • THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

A/N : hi ! here is a series of a few preferences (well i think that’s what they’re called). I really hope you’ll like them even though they’re short sometimes ! i’m planning on posting character x reader stories too so stay tuned. first post here on Tumblr so let’s see how it goes ! oh and English isn’t my first language, i’m sorry if you spot some mistakes. enjoy :)

no trigger warning, all safe ;)

PART 1 : YOUR POWER

You were born on October 1st 1989. You are the eighth child adopted by Sir Reginald Hargreeves. Welcome to the Umbrella Academy, number 8.

LUTHER • TELEPATHY

You have the ability to establish a connection between your mind and another in order to carry on a silent conversation. There wasn't a day when you weren't in communication with Luther when he was on the moon. You missed him like crazy, and it was mutual.

DIEGO • SEE THE FUTURE

You can get a vision of the near future by touching an object or a person. There are many opportunities to annoy Diego and cut him off at every turn, knowing exactly what he is going to say. It drives him mad. But that´s something you relished as soon as he got over his stammer. Before that, you preferred to apply this mischief to your other brothers and sisters, much to the delight of Diego, who was always by your side.

ALLISON • WATER MANIPULATION

You have the ability to manipulate water to your heart's content, melt or liquefy it, create tsunamis, shoot jets from your palms and breathe in the depths. Diego teases you a lot and calls you "The Fish" all the time. It gets on your nerves a little, but Allison is always there to cast a rumour when Number 2 isn't already being sprayed with cold water.

KLAUS • ANIMAL METAMORPHOSIS

You have the ability to take on any animal form. When Dad locked Klaus in the mausoleum, you'd transform yourself into an insect and crawl into the grooves to join him. One day, you found yourself crushed under your father's foot. Seriously injured, Grace took care of you for a while. Dad then decided to take control of your powers : thanks to a little gadget, he could control your metamorphoses. And that was quite a burden for you but Klaus never stopped trying to find it and break it for you.

FIVE • HEALING

You have the ability to heal and to give of your energy. During your trainings back at the Academy, you only went into battle when someone was seriously injured. If your brothers and sisters needed you, Five would teleport to pick you up and bring you back. The first few times, these trips made you vomit, so Sir Reginald Hargreeves trained you for a long time until you were no longer ill. It pained Five, but he had to obey. Unfortunately, when he disappeared, you were forced to stay with Viktor and your father : close to the mission but inactive.

BEN • INVISIBILITY

You have the ability to disappear completely. When you were sad, you’d become invisible and cower at the bottom of Ben’s statue. Before he died, you used to play hide and seek with him. The rule was that there wasn’t any. Often, you’d stand right in front of him, invisible to his eyes, and he’d surprise you with his tentacles, tickling you until you’d surrender. Dad often punished you for this but you never ever regretted it.

VIKTOR • SELF-MULTIPLICATION

You have the ability to clone yourself ad infinitum, but it takes a lot of effort. Reginald Hargreeves always pushed you to the limit during missions, which finished you off far too quickly. Most of the time, you'd fall over from exhaustion before the criminals had even been arrested, resting as much as you could with Viktor who took care of you, away from the battle scene.

[rubyvhs]

part seven, too much, too little time [jensen ackles]

series masterlist | main masterlist

seven,

"Rewind. You got pregnant? When? Did you give birth?"

"No," She lets out another sob. I furrow my eyebrows but Gen seems to get it as she gasps slightly, hugging Danneel closer to her. Gen's eyes start to tear up too and when i finally realize, i don't think i can handle it. 

I so so desperately want to leave this conversation, but I know what the right thing to do is; stay next to my best friend and let her cry into our shoulders. We’re all waiting for the tears to dry while I hear hearing Jensen keeping the other two girls busy in the kitchen. He seems to know what's going on here.

"I just— i couldn't keep it. I don't want to." We nod quickly, not wanting her to think we're judging her.

"Hey," Gen forces their eyes to make contact, "You don't explain yourself to us. We're here for you, always." She hesitates but nods anyways, trying to dry the river of tears that streamed down her face in less than ten minutes. 

"Go wash your face, we're here." She listens to my words and i let out a sigh. I can't believe she bottled it up like that. I lean my head against Gen as Jensen and the girls come in to sit around too. 

My voice is quieter this time for only Gen to hear since the three are still in conversation about the kids and their show. "Why'd you think she kept it?"

"I'm not sure," she sighs, looking through her phone's contacts, "She’s Danneel. She always wants to be the tough one, maybe it had something to do with that."

"Yeah. Maybe. It's still... it doesn't sit right with me. Danneel has been with me through so many things and then she just left because she was hurt. She keeps pushing me away over and over again and i don't know how many times i can pull her in." Gen seems to agree with me because she isn't on her phone anymore, this time she's laying me on her chest and we're joining the random conversation around the room just for the sake of it. Danneel comes back and the girls greet her with worry and love, Jensen hosts us some drinks and sits next to his wife, his arm resting on the couch behind her head.

They look so much like they used to just a year ago but still so different. He's not constantly touching her and kissing her.

It's new for all of us.

“You okay?” Gen’s words pull me out of my trance, so I nod against her chest. Me and her and curled up on the red couch, Jensen and Danneel on the one next to us while the other two girls are on the floor, resting against the beanbags.

The whole house is very Danneel, it always has been. She had all the creative freedom in the world to decorate this mansion in anyway she wanted— Jensen had never told her no. Though, her freedom has much more to do with Jensen knowing he’d mess it up than it being a cute gesture.

We all enjoy coming to sit with them whenever we can, and whenever they invite us. Christmas parties, birthdays, brunches— you name it, the Ackles have probably hosted it. Their house is large enough to fit the whole cast and still have room (maybe that’s an exaggeration) so we all like to come by and have drinks. Besides, they love doing it. Danneel’s eyes occasionally leave me the whole day, even when I’m not talking, she’s looking at me— as if waiting for me to do or say something. An hour after when Jensen decides he’ll order us all Mexican and leaves us in the room, we all huddle up on the floor. Me in between Gen and Dee. “You know, we miss you on set. You used to come all the time— you still should.”

I nod at Gen’s words, “Yeah, Dee. No matter the circumstances it’s your set. ‘Sides, you’re coming anyways to play Sister Jo in a couple of weeks.”

“Right,” She shakes her head in disdain, “I couldn’t get out of that.”

“Why would you want to?” Alona asks.

“Just… not in the headspace, you know? I’d rather not take up any projects right now. Lily said I should do it though.” We all seem to agree with her agent’s words as we nod at her, voicing it.

“Dee, you’re an incredible actor, and you haven’t done anything in… too long. You should do this, Lily’s right.” She sighs, nodding.

“I know she is, I will do it. I’m excited to see all of the cast again.” She faces Gen with a smile, “‘Specially Jare. Haven’t seen him in a while.”

“Yeah, he asks about you.” Dee’s eyes soften and I sink in my beanbag at the sight. If all it took was letting her know we care about her to get her to calm down, we would’ve made this visit ages ago. “We’re all excited to have you back. And I’m excited to play again.” We all laugh, praising her as she flips her hair around, expecting it. If anyone is in love with their character— it’s Genevieve Ruby Cortese.

“Y’all ready to bring Meg and Jo back?” I tease the two girls as they also sass me back. God, these celebrities. “Can someone convince Bob to bring Jo and Dean back together in heaven?” Alona rolls her eyes at me and i move closer, holding both her hands in mine, “Please, ‘Lona! We need it! We all do.”

“I’m pretty sure the whole fandom does.”

“Who did you think I was referring to?” She scoffs with a playful smile, snatching her hands back. “You’d do us all a favor. I swear if Dean dies loveless—”

“Why do you think he’s dying?”

“Do y’all think I’m stupid? ‘Course they’re killing Dean. They fucking hate him.” Jensen chooses that glorious moment to come into the room, passing Dee’s phone back to her, confirming he ordered us the food.

“Now,” he settles behind his wife, “What was that about hating Dean?” His green eyes stare right back at mine and bashfulness gets the best of me as I shrug— God, please take me.

“Just that… he shouldn’t die alone, you know?”

“Yeah, with you. But it also wouldn’t make sense to give him a random lover at the end of his days.” I straighten up once I notice he’s actually taking this seriously, like he wants to know my opinion. Like it matters.

“I said Jo. I mean he likes her and they never actually did anything which kinda mean something to Dean cause he fucks anything that walks— so I just—” Suddenly my tongue fails me as everyone in the room bursts into a fit of laughter, Jensen putting a hand on Dee’s shoulder as he laughs along, “Sorry, just mean their relationship’s significant.”

“We know what you mean,” He dismisses my concerns, “And that would actually be good. I mean we tried the whole Jo thing back in season five.” He looks over at Alona quickly, who gives him a reassuring smile that she’s fine with it. She’s came to terms with how fast they left her character, how fast they dismissed her for no fucking reason. “But we can try to give it another go. His end and all that— wait who spoiled it?”

“What?”

“How’d you know he’s dying?”

“It’s supernatural, of course he’s dying. I figured it out, you just confirmed it.” He shakes his head with a grin, “And anyways, I’m not watching the episode.”

“What? The series finale?”

“Yeah, I’m not breaking my heart like that— that’s just cruel.” They all seem to highly agree with me as we move onto the next topic and the next and the next. I put my hand over Danneel’s every once in a while, squeezing her thigh too. I like being in contact with her, it helps remind me (and maybe even her) that this isn’t it. This isn’t where our friendship ends, we’re still going strong. We always will.

After a few hours filled with Mexican food, tiramisu we brought for them, and hanging out with the kids, we decide to head out, all of us admitting it's a long drive back. "'Sides, we want you to have time with the kids. We just wanted to come say hi, and I’m sure we overstayed our welcome,” i throw my hands up to the sky that’s starting to darken, the sun setting, “maybe we can do it again and not be so distant." I shoot Danneel a look as i say that, hoping to get a confirmation out of her.

"Yeah," Jensen's the one to speak up, "'Course." 

I saw my best friend today, but i also didn't really get to see her. She's been sitting next to Jensen the whole time, joining in on the conversation mostly when he does or when he gives her a look. She doesn't look fragile, not like she did when she was in me and Gen's arms, but she's not her usual happy self. She's much more reserved.

I give her one more look and see her smile weakly. I smile too, because even if she's going through it, at least she's trying. "Yeah. We'll see you on set."

Danneel furrows her eyebrows, "Lils, you on the show?"

"No, just go to annoy those sons of bitches to no end." Gen laughs first, getting it all too quickly before we all join in. "And I’ll be there when you come back next week too."

"Yeah," she nods once, "it's been great seeing all of you. Have a safe drive back." We all say our goodbyes with kisses and hugs before i reach Jensen. I don't know why he scares me like this, in this all-consuming, never ending, nerve-wrecking way. I don't know how to act or be around him, I want to be perfect. And I’m far from it.

"Hi," i say slowly, although i know i'm supposed to be saying 'bye'. I don't think clearly when he's around me. It's too hard to do so.

"Hey, sweetheart. Thank you for today," He seems to be thanking me for helping Danneel out more than she has, "y'all really helped cheer her up. And i'm glad i got to see you."

"You see me everyday, Ackles." I smile, leaning back a little so we weren't standing too close. So we weren't standing like him and Danneel always stand. 

"Yeah, first time we got to talk though," he says it teasingly but the guilt follows the second the words leave his mouth. I want to freakin' forget that ever happened, even if I did it for years. 

"Yeah i'm—"

"Hey, no, ‘m just teasing. You're fine. Don't apologize. It’s all over now." I nod once and pull him in for a hug, this time it isn't a side one, and we aren't 'hardly touching' we're fully flush against one another and his way too muscular arms wrap around my back, it makes me dizzy. He quickly lets go though and i notice how long we've been talking. "I'll see you Wednesday." He rubs my back once, and i set off with the girls, all getting into the Jeep. I decide to drive this time. I need the distraction.

+

When we drop everyone off Rachel's tired so she says she'll take me home and stay with me the night. She let us use her Jeep and finish off her gas a couple of times, so of course i agree. I get dressed for bed and tell her to use the bathroom and my wardrobe as she pleases as I rest my back on the headboard, going over notes.

"I don't get it." She says as she ties her hair up. "You have a date with Jensen?" I roll my eyes, "so you have a not-date with Jensen?"

"Yes," i say quickly, "that's exactly it. Not a date, just two friends hanging out."

"Laila, y'all are not friends."

"Are so—"

"You avoid him like— no, worst that the plague."

"Used to—"

"Just last week you ran to go paint your car."

"That's different—"

"A day before that it was cause your cats sick. You don't have a cat." I sigh in exasperation, throwing my book onto the bed. "'Sides, don't you think he's a little too old for you. You're still in college. Jensen's married with kids."

"Nuh-uh. Was married. And i'm not dating him."

"You want to though," i decide it's futile to argue or deny so i don't react, sliding further into my bed. She joins me on it. My crush on Jensen is far too obvious to the girls, i can't try to hide it anymore no matter how guilty i feel.

"I don't wanna hurt Dee." I sigh, looking up at my best friend. "She's my girl, she's the one who introduced me to all of you, she was my rock when i first came to America— I don't want to lose her over a guy, a guys who's rightfully hers."

"He's not anyone's, he's Jensen Ackles. He's a human being. You can try to not hurt Dan all you want but if he likes you the same way you do him, it won't matter what you both do, it's inevitable."

"I’ve liked him for years, Rach. Why's he noticing now? I liked a guy for eight years once, never dated him in my life, cause he had a girlfriend and i'm not doing that, obviously. Now jensen talks to me once and i'm falling at his feet? Why'd i agree to go out with him? I'm a horrible—"

"Hey! Stop it. Laila, you're an incredible person because you care this much about how Danneel's gonna feel even if it has nothing to do with her." I sigh and she moves closer on the bed to me, a hand in my hair, "They're not together. He likes you. You like him. It's not wrong."

"Then why's it feel like is it?"

"'Cause you're a good person, Lils. Danneel is not the obstacle between you and a relationship with Jensen."

I tilt my head to the side, straightening up, "What is?"

"His age, for one. I'm sure he feels strongly about that." 

"He's never mentioned it. He's not that much older, just 20 years." She lets out a small laugh, teasingly.

"You sound like one of his fangirls."

"Shut up. JJ is four, i'm much older than she is, it's not like he's as old as my father is either— okay that's not a good point to make but my dad was a child when he had me.”

"Right. What about his kids?"

"What about them? JJ and the twins love me!"

"Enough to call you mommy?" I choke back a laugh, "i'm serious, Lils! You want jensen, you gotta be in it for the long game. He's a celebrity whose life is scrutinized, you can't just come in and out whenever you want without causing some serious backlash on him." I love that Rachel is being fair to both me and Jensen when she lists out the reasons. She's always been my very own pros and cons list, who even cares enough about the other person to mention what might hurt them.

"They won't call me mommy. Dee is their mom. I'm still aunt leela."

"Who's sleeping with daddy."

I roll my eyes slap her shoulder, "Shut up! I don't even know why we're talking about this, he didn't even say it's a date."

"Yeah, but what if he asks you on one? Besides, Wednesday's tomorrow. You even think of how you're gonna manage to spend the day with him when you have a final on Friday?" 

"How'd you—"

"Got your schedule a while back. I know how shy you get, you can't reschedule and you definitely don't cancel. You study enough for this final?"

"It isn't a final, just a mock. The final's still next week."

"You study for the mock?" I shake my head and glare down at my book, dull notes on the Lymphatic system staring back at me. Maybe I'm not fully prepared, but it's good enough. Mocks don't matter that much anyways. "Mocks are important," it's as if I'm an open book with these people, "just as important as finals. You can't skip out on it and you can't fail it."

"M'not failing. I studied. Rach, he's Jensen Ackles, not my next door neighbour, I can't cancel on him."

"That not how you think of friends, that's how you think of celebrities. If all Jensen is to you is just another a celebrity then it'll never work out, you'll just be too scared to ever ask him for anything, not like you need any help in that." I'm about to fight back, say anything, but instead I throw my hands up and then cover my face groaning. 

"This fucking sucks." I uncover my eyes to see her nod and i sigh. "Let's go to sleep. I'll think about it later."

I won't, I don't need to, I just need to go out with Jensen and finish the date as fast as it started so I could pass my mock.

part eight

guysss, we’re getting the big date/non-date next chapter (which is 4k words I don’t even know how to apologize for that) but so so excited!

Taglist; @kr804573

[venturethroughtheveil]

Beyond The Pines [Pt. I]

[Series description: Two years ago, dad died from cancer, leaving you to raise your younger sister, Vivian, alone. Your best friend, Ellie, was one of the few support systems you had until your feelings for her seemingly put a strain on your relationship. When Vivian goes missing, can you trust Ellie to help bring her back?]

[Author comments: I've put together an audio to go play along as you read. Voices are *ALL* AI-generated using ElevenLabs. I did not include Y/N's voice in order to preserve your own inner dialogue. This series will be slow-burn, and will have smut and graphic depictions of violence. 18+ only.]

[Credit to Youtube Channels Ambient City (horse stables); Hursty Outdoors (walking/snow); Music: Gustavo Santaolalla (Opening Suite; Longing; Unbound)]

Be sure to expand the audio to play from the beginning!

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

You slipped a glove off, braving the winter chill to scavenge your jacket pockets.

Sugar cube.

A rare commodity for your generation; you were lucky to find a small box of them while scavenging a ravaged coffee shop. You twiddled the rock-hard substance between your thumb and index, anything to dissociate from the girls’ conversation. Something about Dina falling into a pile of shit; you tried not to smile at that.

Fresh, powdered snow crunched beneath the heel of your boots. The warm glow of faerie lights danced across the ground at the stable’s entrance. 

Jackson was quiet. Peaceful. Safe. A stark contrast from the nightmarish infected and worse – bandits – roaming the mountains outside town limits.

They pass you.

“C’mere, Phantom,” The sleek, black mare whinnied and happily trotted into her refuge, “my pretty girl.”

She was a young horse, strong, with a spitfire nature. You had that in common.

When you weren’t on duty, you and Ellie used to race her and Shimmer on Cirque Trail, stopping to stuff your pockets full of wild huckleberries, which Joel made into killer pies. You frowned at the thought.

Gently, you threaded your hands through Phantom’s mane, silently thanking her for keeping you safe another day.

"Because you've been so good today," you murmur, presenting the sugar cube in a cupped hand. Immediately, Phantom gnashes it between her teeth, nose flaring.

Her face is just too comical. You laugh, wiping the slobber from your palms on your worn blue jeans.

The shrill creak of another stable door shutting disrupts the moment. Dina laughs at something Ellie says.

“Night, Ellie.”

From your peripheral, you see the woman leave.

The last six hours of patrol were miserable, from the clutch of infected you cleared to the dry dialogue between you and your friends.

Well, you were friends until three months ago at the town dance when you watched Ellie and Dina kiss. At this, you passed your glass of whiskey off to an equally dumbfounded Jesse and walked straight out of the hall, tears pricking your eyes and bile rising in your throat.

Beyond patrols with them– which, despite your pleas, Maria continued to schedule, likely to force a reconciliation – you hadn’t talked to either since.

Apart from working well together, you and Dina weren’t inseparable, so avoiding her has been relatively easy. On the other hand, avoiding Ellie, your ex-best friend, has been excruciating. No matter how hard she tried – showing up at your door in the dead of night to beg you to come outside, leaving joints on your windowsill, landing snowballs square in the back of your head – Ellie couldn’t get more than cut-and-dry responses out of you.

Eventually, she stopped trying.

Part of you was embarrassed at your childish behavior, but you couldn’t face her, not after that night.

You closed the latch to Phantom’s stable, hyper-aware of the forest green eyes that bore into your side profile.

Without a word, you make your way over toward Mike, who was on duty tonight.

“Hey - thanks again for picking up a shift so short notice, Y/N,” he gave you a sympathetic smile, “with the horde that’s passing through, we can’t be too careful.”

‘Bullshit. This is all Maria.’

“Sure, don’t mention it” Your tone was casual, but irritation and exhaustion were etched into your features. Desperate to go home and avoid Ellie – who was clearly waiting for you, you quickly scribbled in the logbook.

‘Four runners + three clickers in Tetonia. Cleared.’

You said goodnight to Mike and walked straight past the freckled girl. She was propped up against the stable entrance, brows furrowed and lips in a tight line. She looked tired.

“Uh - hey...”

You keep walking.

“…okay…”

‘Fuck off,’ you wanted to say. Instead, you shook your head and gripped your backpack tighter, eyes unable to meet hers.

No more stargazing with her. No more all-nighters snuggled up watching cheesy 1980s horror films. No more spitballing ideas for her next set of tattoos – a rabbit skull; an arrow; the numbers 000129 – she never explained that one; an ouroboros. No more. You had bigger things to worry about.

She made her choice, and it wasn’t you.

‘UGH,’ Your face scrunched up in a cringe.

She could have at least told you. While her head was in your lap – your fingers gently combing her auburn locks to the soft tune of Johnny Cash’s Hurt filling your bedroom – she was dreaming of Dina the whole time.

And you could have it all, my empire of dirt.

I will let you down.

I will make you hurt.

Heat bloomed across your face in embarrassment. You never told Ellie that you loved her – that you were in love with her – hell, you didn’t even understand it until you saw them lock lips at the dance. Now, you were cursed to watch them fall in love while you self-isolated and grew more bitter by the day.

The walk home was about thirty minutes from the stables. A good chunk of land on the outskirts of Jackson that's been in the family for generations.

Hopefully, your sister wasn’t asleep. You needed to vent.

‘If I walk fast, I’ll probably get home at 10ish.’

Fragrant pine and earth filled your frost-nipped nostrils. Even with your heavy parka, and thick, fur-lined boots, the cold settled deep in your bones. Without a flashlight, seeing your hands in front of your face would be impossible. It was that dark out.

The metal of your keys stung your battered hands. You became keenly aware of something behind you as you turned the lock. No need to reach for your pistol; it was obvious who was in your driveway.

‘How the fuck did I not notice her?’

“So, you’re stalking me now?” Without turning around, you tapped the heel of your boots against the worn, wooden deck to knock off the snow. You then kneeled to untie them. “Go home, El.” There was an authority in your voice.

Footsteps approached, crunching through the snow. 

“Maybe I’m not here to see you,” Ellie shrugged, “maybe I’m here to see Vivian.”

“I really doubt that.”

You turned and looked up at her, batting snowflakes from your lashes. It was the first time you’d really studied her face in weeks.

Dark circles hung beneath her eyes, cheeks hollow as if she’d not slept or eaten, yet, with that constellation of freckles smattered across her face, the deep forest green of her eyes, those lips, she was still the most beautiful girl you’d ever seen, more beautiful than any model from those Vogue magazines your sister collects.

“You look like shit.” You lied.

“Gee, thanks.” A smile tugged at the corner of Ellie’s lips. “Can I come in? It’s cold as shit out here.”

You hesitated; time seemingly slowed as you studied her. Ellie’s eyes met yours, unwavering. That stupid cocky smirk was still etched into her face.

“Take your shoes off,” you conceded. “Don’t track horse shit into my house.”

Family pictures, odds and ends from your grandparents’ vacations to Maine, and cheesy words of affirmation your mother hung years ago adorned the entrance of your home. It wasn’t your style, but it felt wrong to take them down.

Ellie’s eyes traveled around the room, searching for changes.

The cabin was simply too spacious for just Vivian and yourself. Two stories tall, there were four rooms and three baths. Maria has scheduled to move incoming residents downstairs sometime next month. This angered you more than Viv. This was your family’s home, and you certainly didn’t want strangers sleeping in what once was your parents’ bedroom. You didn’t have any say in the matter.

Your younger sister, on the other hand, was enthusiastic. For her, it was ‘too quiet,’ being just the two of you. You couldn’t really blame her, though. Most interactions between you since your dad’s passing have stuck to mostly your venting about patrols and Maria and all the house repairs needed. Vivian would talk about her newest boyfriend – if you can even call them that – the boys never lasted more than a month.

Dad passed two years ago from cancer.

It was a devastating loss to both of you, but you especially had little time to grieve. Vivian was just 14 at the time. She’d started supervised patrols with Jesse only one week prior. Dad was proud.

When everything went to shit, you took extra patrols to cover Viv’s duties. You did this for a few reasons, to let her have the chance to be a kid and grieve, to provide for your baby sister, and to avoid facing the reality of your situation. You two were alone in the world, and you weren’t ready to raise a 14-year-old.

Ellie made the extra effort to be there for you both. She’d walk Vivian to school and training, cook dinner, and often help with chores. She’d spend ration coupons on old, crumbling makeup or cheap-smelling candles that your sister adored.

It wouldn’t be totally out of character for Ellie to walk all this way to check on Viv, not at this hour, though, and you both knew it.

‘So why did you let her in?’

You set your shoes down at the entrance, inviting Ellie to do the same. The grandfather clock in the adjacent dining room read 10:13 pm.

“I’ll tell Vivian you’re here. I’m gonna head to bed –“

“Come on, Y/N,” Ellie grabs your arm, “I can’t live like this anymore. You don’t answer the door, you won’t talk to me,” she grips you tighter, “you won’t even fucking look at me.”

Her touch burned your skin. You try to yank back your hand to no avail. She was much stronger than you.

“I fucking miss you, I miss my best fucking friend, and I don’t even know what I did wrong.” Her eyes are pleading, desperate.

“Let go of me, asshole,” you demand in a whisper-yell. “you’re gonna fucking wake Viv.”

But it was useless; Ellie’s eyes were determined, glossy, as if she were on the verge of tears.

She pulls you closer to her, chest pressed against yours, and you’re sure she can feel your heartbeat pounding out of your ribcage. This is too close. Intimately close.

“Talk to me. Say what you need to say.” She demands. “yell at me, hit me – anything – so we can move on and pretend you haven’t been acting fucking insane the last few months.”

Her lips are too close to yours.

“Don’t make me.” Your voice was small, eyes welling with tears. Emotions that had been bottled for the past three months. It was your turn to beg. Beg her not to do this. Not here, not ever. All you wanted was to grieve the loss of your friendship and move on so you could get your shit together for your sister. There was no room for weakness in your life anymore. Cutting her off is easier than a painful rejection.

Ellie’s eyes searched yours for an answer, and her lips were pulled in a frown.

“I need to know, Y/N.”

‘Don’t do it.’

You weren’t the best at impulse control. It was a trait you got from mom, something you thought you’d begun to improve at. But the body heat between you, the desperation in Ellie’s eyes, and her nails digging into your now-bare shoulders were too much.

Ellie’s lips were chapped compared to yours. Salty from the tears that had flown moments prior. The kiss was innocent, sad. Your lips moved gently against her still ones. This wasn’t how you dreamt it happening.

The kiss was over as soon as it began.

Ellie pulled back, freeing you from her iron grip. You both stood there, facing each other for an eternity. The grandfather clock ticked loudly.

She looked dumbstruck, cheeks blooming red, and it wasn’t from the cold.

“Shit”

White-hot shame finally engulfed you as you realized what you’d just done.

‘So much for self-control.’

Without another word, you grabbed the jacket at your feet and rushed upstairs, two steps at a time.

Part of you wanted to seek refuge in your sister’s room, cuddle up, and cry into her shoulder like when you were kids and mom and dad would have screaming matches downstairs. Instead, you barged into your room and locked the door behind you.

Ellie doesn't follow.

[wishfulwithwine]

Eye of His Storm - Prologue

Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!Fem!Reader

She was the pure beauty of the Targaryens and Velaryons, only daughter of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, second child.

He was the scarred, menacing son of the King Viserys and Alicent Hightower.

They put together the broken pieces of their lives, and made each other whole.

Warning: series will have INCEST, cursing, smut, violence, ptsd, alcohol, and other possible triggers. PLEASE DO NOT READ IF MINOR. 18+ ONLY

photo from pinterest

Y/N stood faithfully next to her father at Laena’s funeral, wrapping her arms around him as Y/N tried to comfort him while Laenor did his best to be stoic. 

As the second child and only daughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, Y/N was seen as the sunshine of the family. The gem of the Velaryon house - as she was also the only child that was clearly visible the product of the two wedded parents. 

Her skin wasn’t nearly as dark as her father’s, nor her cousins Baela and Rhaena, but she had a glow to her skin unlike her mother and brothers. Her hair and eyes were the same color as both of theirs, but the silkiness of her hair was Rhaenyra’s. Y/N was pleased her hair did not have the typical Velaryon texture, as her father showed how his unruly hair troubled him daily. 

There was never any question of her legitimacy, in contrast to that of her brothers.

During the funeral, as the only child that looked like her father, Y/N was subject to the staring, as the Velaryon legacy was whispered about. She heard the whispers from Princess Rhaenys, Lord Vaemond, the Queen, and everyone else it seemed. 

All throughout the ceremony, she kept her head down or buried her face in her father’s side, unwilling to look at anyone. Her mother was more concerned with her brother’s - Jace, who wished to be mourning his actual father at Harranhaal, and Luke, who was too young to quite understand anything. Y/N reasoned that her mother’s increased attachment to the boys was because of the loss of Ser Harwin, however it didn’t make it feel any better. It wasn’t the first time she didn’t feel the affection of her mother, and Y/N knew it wouldn’t be the last. Y/N was a product of duty, not love, and Y/N felt more alone than anyone else. 

After the funeral, when everyone was eating, she followed her father to wade in the water. He was clearly drunk, but she’d rather be with her father than the eyes of everyone else. 

When Laenor got too drunk, Ser Qarl brought him and Y/N back to Laenor’s chambers, where Laenor brought out some more wine, drinking again, trying to drown out the memories of his sister. It didn’t take long before Ser Qarl told her to leave in order to put her father to bed.

As she passed through to go to her own room, she heard her grandparents’ Rhaenys and Corlys’ conversation of heirs - how Princess Rhaenys wished to transfer the Driftmark inheritance to Laena’s daughters or state Y/N instead of Luke as heir, since none of the boys were of true Velaryon blood. Lord Corlys denied it, however, as they both knew how women were treated, and “names were to be remembered”. 

Tears flooded her eyes, as Y/N scurried away as quickly as she could without being noticed, before she saw Helaena and hung out with her in her room. The girls had grown close, almost as sisters, as both the middle children with only brothers at Kings’ Landing. Y/N didn’t mind Helaena's fascination with bugs - although Y/N had learned that the spiders were something that she did not want to touch or be near. 

“Are you okay, Y/N?” Alicent asked, when she saw her with Helaena playing. Alicent had noticed the red eyes from tears all too well on Y/N’s face, despite the fake smile Y/N was showing to her daughter to keep Helaena happy. Y/N turned to Alicent, a woman that although had drifted apart from her own mother, was someone that she didn’t have any bad interactions with. Y/N looked down at her hands, before looking over to Helaena, before back to Alicent.

“My Queen, may I - may I talk to you?” Y/N asked, softly. Alicent gave the girl a soft smile, nodding as she gestured the girl away from her daughter. 

“What is troubling you?” Alicent asked, looking at the girl who had become so close with her daughter, as well as Aemond. To be honest, Alicent was surprised Aemond wasn’t there as well, considering whenever Y/N was around, so was he. 

“Everyone’s talking about my brothers and I, how different I look from them, and I don’t know how to deal with the stares. How do you - how are you always so calm as Queen? I..It’s overwhelming” Y/N said. “I apologize. I know I should ask my mother this but-“

“But nothing, sweet girl. Y/N, you have been my daughter’s best friend since she was born, and technically you are family. Everyday is a new battle, I suppose. I am grateful that you think I am calm, sweet girl. I cannot tell you how to stop the stares, but just know that you have done nothing wrong. You are a beautiful girl, my darling, absolutely perfect,” Alicent said, treading lightly on her words, as she brought the girl into a hug. Alicent looked up, locking eyes with Ser Cole, who was staring at both of them with regret. 

When Rhaenyra had proposed the joining of houses, she had no problems with Y/N and Aegon marrying. However, in order to protect Helaena from marrying Jace, a bastard, she needed to marry Aegon to Helaena. Y/N was the daughter Alicent wished she had, a girl who enjoyed the finer things such as painting and needlepoint, and who’s mother clearly did not appreciate near enough. 

“Thank you, my Queen” Y/N said, holding Alicent a bit tighter, before going back to play with Helaena. 

Soon there was loud commotion outside the room, and Alicent was urgently brought out to address a fight that had occurred between the other children. She had instructed the guards to keep you and Helaena there, protected, until she otherwise said so. 

“He’ll have to lose an eye” Helaena mumbled, and it stroked fear inside of Y/N. Worried, she tried to see anything outside the window or hear anything from the guards, but all she could do was wait with Helaena. 

It was a while before they found out what had happened, Aemond came through the doors, alongside his mother, Otto and some maesters.

“Oh Aemond!” Y/N said, rushing over to him as soon as he was settled in a chair, holding his hand, as tears started to fall down Y/N’s cheeks as they stared at one another. Y/N was on the side that he could still see, as the maesters worked on the injury on the other side of his face.  “Who did this to you? Gods, I’ll kill them. Tell me who and I’ll rip their eye out” Y/N said, with such conviction, that Alicent’s stomach dropped. Although she was still furious at Rhaenyra and her sons for doing this, it clearly was not Y/N. Her family once again putting her in the crosshairs of the drama.

“It’s okay. I claimed Vhagar” Aemond said, which seemed to soften Y/N’s face. Everyone stared at the pair, but each other’s focus was on the other. There was love there, it seemed. Love that everyone had seemingly ignored.

“I’m so proud of you, Aemond. You got the dragon you deserve. That is not enough, though, and whoever did this to you needs to be punished. I don’t care who it is” Y/N told him, squeezing his hand lightly, before looking to Alicent who she knew would tell her.

“It was your brother, Lucerys. Your brothers and cousins attacked him” Alicent said, regretfully to the girl. The maesters and guards who were in the room were surprised at Alicent’s response, seeing her reaction during the fight and now with the daughter of who she injured.

Y/N stilled, shocked by her family’s actions, before hugging Aemond closer.

“Oh gods, I am so sorry” Y/N cried, kneeling on the ground besides Aemond, placing her head on his arm. Aemond reached out his hand, rubbing her back, with almost a tilt of a smile, looking down at the girl he loved - which didn’t go unnoticed by Alicent.

“Take my eye” Y/N whispered, looking directly at him. The room silenced with shock. 

“No” Aemond stated.

“Take my eye. I assume my mother has protected her sons, but I’m here. Take my eye. Let me repay the debt” Y/N said, tears falling down her face as she looked to Alicent, who was struggling internally. 

Here was the daughter of her now enemy - willing to sacrifice for her son, understanding the debt to be paid. Alicent looked over at her father, who shook his head.

“You are too good for this family, Y/N. You did nothing wrong. You are not to be blamed for the sins of your brothers” Alicent said, coming closer to the girl. 

“Then I’ll go get it from Lucerys” Y/N said, going to stand before Aemond pulled on her, causing her to stop, kneeling back and being by his side.

“Don’t leave me” He pleaded, and she looked over to Alicent.

“Stay, it is Aemond’s wish. The King has ordered this all to be done, so there are no actions to be taken” Alicent said, trying not to let the bitterness she still held show. Y/N nodded, and rested her head back against Aemond’s shoulder.

“I will stay here as long as you’ll want me” Y/N promised, as the maester finished working on Aemond.

Aemond couldn’t help the smile that grew on his face, as he held Y/N closer to his side. He may have lost an eye, but he got a dragon and it seemed his love as well.

[bbkissme99]

Megumi

fushiguro megumi masterlist

𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑~ inumaki toge // fushiguro megumi ; jujutsu kaisen

guardian when one of the actors at a haunted house attraction gets a little too handsy, megumi doesn’t hesitate to come to your aid.

Seven minutes in heaven/hell

Surprise Surprise!

angry kisses

first 18+ best friend Megumi x reader

best friend!megumi

𝔹𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕄𝕖𝕘𝕦𝕞𝕚

❝ 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘢❞: Where Megumi has an existential crisis over his best friend.

classic he doesnt realize he's in love with you until your gravely injured trope.

i am once again thinking of childhood friends to lovers with megumi fushiguro

You had both liked each other for a while anyway so why not try just saying it

Caught

he likes me, he likes me not

— CARRYING YOU : FUSHIGURO MEGUMI

Secret relationship

Megumi's secret girlfriend comes back to Tokyo after a 3 month mission abroad.

hiding your relationship from your loudmouth friends and your energetic teacher is harder than it seems.

truth or dare - fushiguro megumi

Megumi F. ||sensitive/ flustered reader

Puppy Love | Megumi Fushiguro X GNReader

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ — 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 : Gojo watches from the sidelines as his son gradually falls in love with you.

nothing but fluff + kisses (lips) + touching foreheads

Megumi Fushiguro Headcanons

sleepy confessions

Sleepover

Injured Fushiguro Megumi Kisses and Confesses to You

he is crushing on a dense reader

happy little accidents

♡ A MELTED HEART

♡ CUTE LOCK SCREENS

Megumi Fushiguro bf hcs!

megumi bf headcanons!! ☄. *. ⋆

random boyfriend headcanons

General bf!Megumi Fushiguro HC

relationship dynamics w/ megumi

♡ PAPER RINGS - FUSHIGURO MEGUMI

♡ MEMORIES OF LIFE - FUSHIGURO MEGUMI

Dad Megumi

him teaching your toddler

more dad megumi

FUSHIGURO MEGUMI || HIS S/O BEING PREGNANT + HIM AS A FATHER

nonsexual acts of intimacy ↬ sharing a bed

Lazy Mornings

comforting megumi after a nightmare

crawling back to you- fushiguro megumi

Megumi’s ears turn pink when he lies

MEGUMI FUSHIGURO | no nut november

megumi finding out his girl watches porna mf them asking to watch together

[12:17 AM] — FUSHIGURO MEGUMI X FEM! READER

one sitting on the counter as the other grabs a spoon + pint of ice cream from the fridge and feeds it to their lover.

✩ ˛˚ . FUSHIGURO MEGUMI — it’s beginning to get colder in the mornings, so now your boyfriend is trying to steal your body heat

morning smut in kitchen

Megumi the type of boyfriend who lets you lay on him all the time

megumi wants to fuck with his dad so he decides to rail you in order to annoy him with your moans.

sexy missionary with megumi

“i’m sorry that i did that to you.”

tattoo! artist megumi x reader

megumi was not shy around his crush — and that’s a fucking lie.

SERIES: Rich bf! Megumi

brother’s best friend!Megumi x reader

Gojo's little sister kissing her childhood crush Megumi for the first time at Shibuya

LOVESTRUCK FOOL gojo younger sister

Yuji and Megumi introducing you to Gojou

Fushiguro Megumi x Reader

megumi finds himself eavesdropping a conversation between the rest of his classmates when he hears his name pop up. 

Reverse curse user f!Reader

cuddling gumi and the dogs. fluffy fluff

summary: “its okay, i couldn't sleep anyways."+ playing with their hair.

literally just more random megumi. cuddly megs.

random boyfriend headcanons i can’t get out my head

I don’t want you to stop.

please come back to bed

touched starved Megumi

12:15 AM - Megumi Fushiguro

FUSHIGURO MEGUMI || EVERY DAY AT EVERY SECOND

the little things with megumi

LOVER'S QUARREL

[whenthesnowfelloverwinterfell]

Vatic - Chapter XII " A Different Coat "

Series Description : The youngest daughter of King Viserys and Queen Alicent grows up split between the two sides of her family. With dreams plaguing her sleep of people she does not know, and a war looming ahead of her. She will be forced to choose between the two sides of her family, between the love for her brother, and the loyalty for her sister. 

Chapter Description : The wedding of Prince Aegon and Princess Helaena

Warnings : Very young and arranged marriage, vague self harm, mentions of violence, mentions of a bedding ceremony, mentions of whoring, Aegon isn't a good person lmao, crude language ( please tell me if I missed anything !! )

Pairing : Eventual Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen!Reader ( cannon typical targcest idk what to tell you )

Word Count : 5.0 K

A/N : You all bullied me in my inbox so here's the chapter I was holding onto for like a month lmao

That morning, Y/n had awoken from a dreadful dream, and it had plagued her the entire day. The dream had been a rather short one, but it stuck in her mind. The sound of the music playing from above the unfamiliar castle hall. The notes and beats ominous and a harbinger for a tragedy. It was all hazy now as the hours of the day had progressed, but she had hummed it to herself as the sights flooded her thoughts. An older woman with auburn hair and a boney face, bright blue eyes, and her son, the same hair and eyes. But he wore a cape on his back, to direwolf head broaches keeping it pinned to his body. A Stark. 

Y/n could not put the visions in order. They had been scrambling since she had woken up. She would see the beautiful dark haired woman from the dream, clearly with child, laying in a pool of her own blood , lifeless. The words “- send their regards” echoing, but she could not attribute the voice to a single face, and she could not make out the name the man had said. A bolt from a crossbow in the young man’s shoulder, leaning over her. His mother holding a young girl captive, pleading with her son but Y/n could not remember what she had pleaded with him to do. All Y/n could remember before she woke up, was the woman’s sob.  A cry unlike anything Y/n had ever heard.

It had kept her rather silent through the wedding ceremony between Aegon and Helaena. Alicent was rather quiet as well, and could hardly bring herself to watch the ceremony but it was for a far different reason than Y/n’s. She had many dreams before, she believed she’d even seen the auburn haired young man before in a dream, but none of them had ever been so violent. None so capable of rendering her silent. She had opted to hook her pinky finger with Aemond’s to keep herself grounded as they had arrived back to the Red Keep for the reception, and she had remained quiet as she sat and ate in her and Aemond’s shared silence. 

Aegon had found his comfort with every time he had his cups replenished, and Helaena. . . She did not seem to find any comfort in her current station. She sat stiff, with her head bowed to stare into her lap. Aegon would not even dance with her at their own wedding feast, he spent more time giving attention to the serving girls who would then try to cower in the corners or with the ladies of the court to find refuge. Viserys was sitting at the table, hardly saying a word. exhausted in his own right. Y/n had heard the news. Four toes had been taken from him the night prior by the maester, and he been given a small dosage of milk of the poppy to keep the pain at bay, but not enough to where he looked content in his seat. 

The princess felt no empathy for her father. 

“Issi ao sȳrī?” Aemond whispered to her. This had been a running event between the two of them. If they did not wish for others to hear their conversations while surrounded, they would speak in High Valyrian. Helaena and Aegon would understand it, but Aegon, when he had practically drowned himself in wine, could hardly speak the common tongue, and Helaena wouldn’t tell anyone about their conversations. Their mother disliked when they did it, saying it was disrespectful, but they hadn’t paid much mind to their mother on the topic. 

But Y/n did not know how to answer his question. Are you well? 

“Nyke ȳdra daor gīmigon,” She mumbled to him, turning her head to look at him. His brow bone and left eye were covered by a leather patch he had recently taken to wearing ever since he had accidentally scared a few ladies of the court when he walked around with his empty eye socket exposed. She turned her head to look back at the crowd, lords and ladies dancing, sitting in their seats eating and conversing. But what she had said was the truth. She didn’t know if she was alright. Was it truly a dream? Were any of the dreams she had in a similar vain even dreams? A majority of them felt like memories. Like she had been there with all of the men and women there. But she did not even know their names. Y/n knew them all, and yet, she did not. 

Faces stood out, and she could almost hear some of their voices, but she did not know their names, nor was she even sure they existed. Yet they plagued her. She felt Aemond’s hand gently grab her wrist from her lap, taking her hand to rest in both of his, but she felt on of his fingers trace along her cuticles. 

“Ao kostagon’t lua ōdrikagon aōla.” He told her. That brought her attention to her the hand he was holding, where she noticed the healing breaks in her skin. you can’t keep harming yourself. She had not even realized she had done so. She knew that she often picked at her nails and bit at her cuticles, but she had not known she’d become so vicious with it that they had begun bleeding. But she realized when it had likely happened. When she had been standing with Aemond, one hand in his, and the other up in front of her face. She remembered the faint taste of iron in her mouth as Helaena had quietly spoken her vows. 

Y/n pulled her hand out of his, resting it back on her lap, keeping her eyes trained on the dancers in front of her. Aemond sighed, still looking at her. But like a mirage, she could see the auburn haired young man standing by the doors of the great hall, staring at her blankly, a bolt of a crossbow lodged into his shoulder, a knife in his abdomen, his cape still being held in place by the direwolf head broaches. She did not understand. 

She had spent her entire childhood around the idea of violence, she’d grown up around tapestries of a lewd nature, and watch as men trained in the training yard, frequently getting hurt, and Theobrand had told her she was ready to begin hunting out in the Kings Wood with him as part of her training. She had no issue with the idea of harming an animal, but she supposed the idea of hurting another person had never truly crossed her mind. But even so, she did not know the nature of the young man’s death, he could have been a traitor, he could have been a warmonger, and yet, she felt an extreme sense of familiarity and sorrow when she saw him in such a state. 

But Y/n blinked, and he was gone. 

Nervously, she brought her hand up to her mouth, her teeth beginning to nibble at the skin around her nails. In the corner of her eye, she could see Aegon drowning down another cup of wine, and when she turned to look at him, he had finished the drink, but  he was holding the top of the glass by his mouth, but he was biting the nail of his thumb. A shared trait it would seem. 

“Princess,” 

Y/n looked back in front of her, quickly removing her hand from her mouth, looking at the young man in front of her. His hair light brown, and his eyes a dark brown. He wore an off white color, with red stitching. And his doublet was ornately embroidered with scarlett threads. And on the shoulder of his doublet, she could make out a red lion. 

“Ser Raymond Reyne,” He introduced himself, bowing his head to the two of them. Lord Robert Reyne had one son. And he was nine years Y/n’s senior, and he was at court. 

Y/n gave him an awkward nod in acknowledgement. “Ser,” She greeted. 

He briefly glanced at Aemond before back at Y/n. “I have only just arrived in King’s Landing from Castamere, Princess. I was told that the festivities here were quite elaborate. That appears to have been true.” 

Y/n nodded again “My family seems to have a taste for the dramatics,” She told him, feeling as Aemond took her hand under the table. “Does the Westerlands not have festivities so grandiose?” 

Ser Raymond chuckled. “Not quite so, Princess. The Lannisters and the Reynes have a taste for the dramatics just as much as the crown. . . but we do not have the gold that comes with the crown to afford them to be as grand as this.” He seemed to examine her from where he stood and she sat. 

She did not know what to say to him in response in the long pause of silence, all the while Aemond was squeezing her hand under the table, and she could see the scowl on his face from the corner of her eye. 

“Red suits you, Princess.” Raymond complimented, pointing to Y/n’s gown. It was the first time she had worn red in a very long time. And she had only gotten away with it because Alicent was so busy fussing over Helaena to express her distaste for Y/n’s choice in outfit. But she had chosen it herself. A crimson color, with golden stitching all along the sleeves of her gown creating the shapes of dragons and flame. She had done the embroidery herself. 

“Thank you, Ser.” She told him, a timid grin coming to grace her face. 

“Would you care to dance, Princess?” 

The question had Y/n frozen in her seat, squeezing Aemond’s hand, a lump forming in her throat. She knew how to dance, her mother had insisted she learn because of her birth status. A princess had to know how to dance in order to perform her duties as a lady of a castle or as a princess of the seven kingdoms. 

But the answer came tumbling from her lips before she could even truly think about what to say. “Yes,” 

Y/n stood, her hand slipping out of Aemond’s as she rounded the table. The table for their family had been placed on a temporary wooden dais, and Ser Raymond was standing on the stone floor. As she approached him, he reached his hand out for her to take and help her down. 

Her first impression when she placed her hand in his, was that it was much larger than her own, and the second was that his hands were calloused and firm. She stepped down onto the stone, finally noticing just how tall he truly was in comparison to her. He was a knight, and not a child, it was to be expected that he would be taller. 

Ser Raymond led Y/n to the dance floor as the prior song came to end. Once there, Ser Raymond turned her by her hand to face him, and as the next song began, he placed his free hand on her waist, and she rested her’s on his arm. 

“Your sister does not appear happy with her match to Prince Aegon.” Raymond stated as they began stepping. briefly gesturing with his chin to Helaena. 

“I do not know how my sister feels,” Y/n confessed. “But I do know she does not enjoy crowds. They make her uncomfortable.” 

Raymond nodded in understanding. “In my experience, in every wedding I’ve been to before, the bride is apprehensive as to what is to come.” 

Y/n tilted her head in confusion. “When the men carry her off?” The inquiry was met with a chuckle laced with condesention. She had heard it plenty before from Aegon. 

“Yes, Princess.” He said, recovering from his laughter. “Carrying her off.” He laughed again as they continued to dance. She narrowed her eyes at him, and pressed her lips into a fine line, but he seemed not to notice as he continued speaking. 

“It is my first time at court, Princess. What do you do for entertainment?” 

Y/n explained to him her archery practice, and how Theobrand trained her, but Ser Raymond seemed to be unsettled when she began to speak about it. She knew why. Her grandsire had been disturbed by a young girl learning any type of art of war or violence. He disliked it whenever he saw her in her training breeches, following Theobrand to the training yards. Most men found it unsettling. 

So she moved topics. She spoke of how she enjoyed history, and enjoyed when Aemond read to her philosophy books, or how she enjoyed to embroider her dresses while Aemond read to her, and that seemed to gain Raymond’s interest back. 

“What history seems to be your favorite, Princess?” He asked as he spun her around during the dance. 

“I enjoy the history of house Lannister.” She admitted shyly. Aemond had found it odd that she was interested in the history of a house that was not their own, but he had indulged it, even finding a book somewhere in the deep corners of the library about the Lannisters. 

“Lann the Clever and his scheming. The King and Queens of the Rock. I know much about Lannister history as well. The Reynes and Lannisters have a deeply intertwined history.” Raymond acknowledged. 

She nodded. “So I’ve read. Alys Reyne married a King of the Rock.” 

“Cerion Lannister. One of the greatest kings in the Lannister line.” Raymond informed. She had known the king’s name, but she had chosen to leave it out. Alys Reyne was the one who had married into the Lannister line. “The Lannisters frequently like to underestimate me and my family, treat as if we are subservient to them.” 

“You are a vassal house to them. . . You do serve them.” She reminded as the song came to an end. The two of them both stepped away from the dancing as the next song began. 

“A lion cannot rule over another lion. You do not know this, Princess, but in the wild, there is scarcely any lions in a pride. The lionesses make up the majority of it. And that is because the lions do not wish to be ruled.” Raymond took Y/n’s arm gently, leading her back to the dais. 

“And the lionesses do?” 

“That is unimportant. The point is that no other lion can command another. They are of two separate prides. With the same power.” Raymond’s ignorance was glimmering through his words. A house sigil meant nothing in comparison to those within the house. It was a dangerous thing to spout. The Lannisters were more powerful than the Reyenes. The Lannisters were far more prideful and their ambitions knew no bounds. The Reynes were audacious, and that was far more dangerous for them. 

As the approached the dais, Ser Raymond helped her step up. But before she left for her seat, she turned to look at him. She looked him up and down and the words came to her as she looked at him. “Only a cat of a different coat.” She saw him furrow his brows and only slightly tilt his head. “That is the only truth you know.” 

They shared a look of confusion. He was confused by her words just as much as she was. She quickly bowed her head to him and scurried off to the table, taking her seat beside Aemond once more, feeling his hand instantly incase her’s once more.

“Gaoman daor hae zirȳla” Aemond asserted from beside her. I do no like him.

“Gaomā daor jorrāelagon naejot, Lēkia” She told him softly. You do not need to, Brother. She looked at him only to find he was staring Ser Raymond down as he spoke with his father, Lord Reyne, and a young woman. “You cannot dislike someone just because I danced with them. Surely there must be another reason?”

Aemond shook his head in response, continuing to stare down the Reynes from their seats. She sighed in response, leaning over to him to place her spare hand of his. His temper had begun to grow in recent weeks. “Umbagon gīda.” She soothed. Remain calm. 

“My lords and ladies! I believe it is time for the bedding ceremony!” A man bellowed from the crowd. There was then obnoxious clamouring from the lot of them, and almost as if in a flash, their mother had appeared behind her and Aemond, a firm hand on both of their shoulders. 

Y/n watched as Aegon downed the last of his wine and stood up from his seat, wobbling a bit as he did so. Confidence was oozing from his posture as he found his balance, however, Helaena stood timidly, her head hung as she did so. Many others stood as well. Aemond had stood only to step closer to Y/n as Aegon and Helaena stepped down from the dais, and a swarm of women of the court approached Aegon, giggling and laughing as they pracitally herded him out of the great hall, their hands lingering on his body. 

The men. . . they looked predatory as they approached Helaena. They did not herd her in the way that the women had done to Aegon. They were grabbing and pulling, shoving, dragging her out of the great hall, and Y/n could make out her look of distress as they got her out of the hall, going in the same direction as the women had taken Aegon. 

The great hall grew quiet, and Y/n was sat there, staring at the grand doors in confusion. “I believe it is time for the two of you to go to bed.”

“But, Mother-” Aemond tried to speak

“You heard your mother, Aemond. You and Y/n need to find your ways to your beds. Go.” Their grandsire interrupted. His tone firm and commanding yet quiet enough to where it did not strike fear in them. 

“It is a celebration, I see no reason why they may not stay up later than my wife insists for them.” Viserys was speaking through deep breaths, as though he had climbed a vast amount of stairs and was attempting to keep his fatigue unnoticed by those around him. 

But Y/n was already standing from her seat to go to her bedchambers, quietly walking around the table to step off of the dais and go to her chambers, but the moment that her foot touched off the dais, Maris had appeared, and taken her by the arm, interlocking their elbows, and the Tarly girl set a brisk pace for the two of them down the great hall to the large wooden doors. 

Maris was wearing her house colors, her hair gracefully fallen around her face and back, two small braids at either side of her head having been pulled to the back and tied together. Y/n did not understand why Maris had not gone with the other ladies of the court, or why she had suddenly grabbed her, or why they had been walking at such a fast pace. 

“Maris-”

“Princess, you have to pass Aegon’s bedchambers to go to your own. You will get lost in the chaos.” Maris informed her, her other hand coming to squeeze Y/n’s forearm. 

Y/n still did not understand what she meant by it. Or why they were doing what they were doing. 

“You should be with Helaena, you are her maid-” 

Maris came to a sudden stop, and Y/n watched as she suddenly looked around them for any sign of someone whose presence would be unwelcomed. But once she had decided no such person was there, she turned her attention back to Y/n, fulling facing her and placing her hands on Y/n’s shoulders. “Believe me when I say no lady or maiden wants to be in that room. The only ones who do are the depraved deviants of the court. I do not wish for you to get lost in the crowd outside of the room.” 

Y/n opened her mouth to speak, but Maris beat her to the punch. “Your grandsire found it more fitting that I was your maid-in-waiting, you are a young maiden in need of other maidens in your presence. Helaena does not seem too comfortable with multiple maids in her presence. Now, we should get you to your chambers before your mother has my head.” 

Y/n remained silent, and Maris led her through the familiar halls until the reached the royal apartments. She could hear shouting echoing through the corridors, and some of Aegon and Helaena’s clothing littering the floor as Maris turned a corner. And that’s where Y/n saw them. The ladies and lords, and knights and maidens of the court standing and hollering outside of Aegon’s door. Many of the ones who were up against the door had their ears pressed up against it, cackling and yelling profanities. 

Maris pulled Y/n closer to her, an arm snaking around Y/n’s shoulders to keep her close. Maris had been right. She would have gotten lost in the chaos. The swarm took up an entire portion of the corridor, and Maris was getting ready to shove through them. 

“Deflower your new bride, My Prince!” One man yelled. They were incredibly loud. Y/n brought her hands up to her ears, to at least try to muffle the sound. 

“Be sure you know where you’re putting it!” Another man yelled. As they began to push through the lot of them, Y/n and Maris were being bumped into from everyone moving around. They finally made their way through the massive crowd of people, but it did not end. 

The yelling continued. “Well, at least we know she’s a maiden!” A woman yelled. “Was a maiden!” A man responded. When Y/n had taken her hands away from her ears for a brief second, she could hear Helaena’s wailing from the otherside of the door. She made an attempt to get out of Maris’ grasp to run to the door. Her sister was in trouble, but Maris prevented her from leaving, practically dragging her down the rest of the length of the hall until the reached her own bedchambers, where Maris practically shoved her into the room. 

“Helaena needs help!” Y/n screeched at Maris, attempting to shove past her to reach her door, but Maris grabbed her and pulled her away. But Y/n attempted to shrug her loose, but Maris’ grip was far to tight, no doubt leaving red marks in Y/n’s skin through the fabric. 

Maris grabbed Y/n from around the waist, pulling her back from the door, but Y/n was kicking at her legs and hitting at her arms with closed fists.

“Princess, please!” Maris pleaded. 

“Unhand me!” she shouted back, trying to loosen Maris’ grip on her arms, but the older girl was stronger, and more determined it would seem. Determined to disallow Y/n from protecting her sister from whatever harm was falling onto her.

“Y/n, enough!” Maris finally shouted, grabbing the young princess by her face, both of Maris’ hands on either side of her jaw. Y/n fell silent. No one had ever dared speak to her in such a way before. Too afraid of the Queen’s response. And when Rhaenyra was still in King’s Landing, they were equally petrified as to what the crowned princess would do to anyone who so much as laid an unwanted touch to Y/n. 

Y/n’s eyes with the purple portion in one of them locked with Maris’ amber colored ones. Her brows were pinched together, and her shoulders hunched up in frustration, her hair a bit frizzed up in the aftermath of their struggling with one another. 

“Why will you not allow to go to Helaena’s aide?” Y/n’s voice was quiet. Defeated. Her own friend would not allow her to protect her kin. Sweet Helaena who never voiced her displeasure except in ‘hms’ and uncomfortable expressions she did not seem to have control over. Helaena had no ill will to anyone, and kept to herself. 

“Princess. . .” Maris sighed, closing her eyes to gather her thoughts into what could be coherent words. “Do you know what happens when a man and woman are wed?” Y/n stayed quiet. She did not think that there was much that they did. “Oh, Y/n. . .” Maris seemed to have come to an unpleasant realization. “I would have thought your lady mother would have at least given you some clue.” 

“Maris, I do not understand?” 

“Your brother is a drunk, whoring, letcher of a prince. He has no morals and he is depraved. He sneaks out of the Red Keep at night to go whoring around Flea Bottom and the Street of Sisters.” Maris’ words were calloused, her thoughts on Aegon made extremely clear through her unwavering and deepened voice. 

“Maris-”

“They are doing the bedding ceremony, Princess.” Maris interrupted. “And your brother knows only the whores of Flea Bottom who are experienced and have been used by men like him their entire lives so they make profit of it. On the streets of King’s Landing you can find a brothel or a common whore every block. Women who will allow men like Aegon to do to them as they please.”

Y/n’s eyelids refused to blink. Instead, they stayed wide open, mouth agape at Maris’ words. Y/n had heard the phrases ‘whore’ and ‘common whore’ before. She believed she’d even heard the word ‘brothel’ before. But she did not know what any of them meant. And the way Maris spat her words out of her mouth like a rotten fruit was beginning to make Y/n believe they were bad things. 

“Young men and women are very different, Princess. In many ways. You and I are the same because we possess wombs and all the same bits between our legs. Men are the same because they all share the same bits as one another between their own legs as well. Bedding is when a man puts his in a woman’s.” 

“What?” Y/n stuttered out. Her stomach churned at the very wording of Maris’ sentence. 

But the Tarly girl was growing frustrated. Y/n could see it in the way she was breathing and the way her eyes held a certain unknown look in them. Anger. 

“Men derive pleasure and gratification from shoving their cocks into a woman. And many men do not know how to treat their new wife on their wedding night. Your brother included. Your sister sounded like she was in pain because she was.”

Y/n shook her head, stepping away from her. “And you would not allow me to help? To defend her?” 

“You cannot help her in this, sweet girl.” Y/n did not like that Maris was older than her in this moment. Because despite her own denial of the situation she had heard through the stone walls and wooden door of Aegon’s bedchambers, she knew in her very core that Maris would not lie to her. “It is expected of her. And Aegon is her husband, to everyone else in the realm is the one who commands her. You could not tell him or prevent him from harming her if it was what he wished to do. But in this, Princess, you must trust and believe me, he just did not care that she was a maiden.” 

Y/n looked at Maris once again. “Must I one day do that?” 

Maris chewed her bottom lip and avoided Y/n’s gaze. The silence was palpable. But she saw her nod. “All ladies must.” She finally answered. “Some men are kind and gentle. You may get lucky with one of those men, Princess. Princess Helaena was unlucky in her match.” 

The young princess found herself wishing she was anywhere but there in that moment. She wanted to find an escape. She did not know what to do with her hands, or her feet. But she had such a strong urge to start running and just never stop. She felt completely useless in that moment. She could not help her sweet elder sister. She could not run to her mother in fear of being told their topic of conversation was improper. She did not wish to discuss it with Aemond who was likely just as at a loss on the topic as she was. She did not care to speak to the king, she did not like her grandsire in truth. 

She wanted Rhaenyra. 

She wanted to run to her eldest sister and find comfort in her embrace as she once did when she resided at the Red Keep. She wished to discuss the complexities of life she was at a loss for. Letters did not suffice. 

Rhaenyra would answer any question Y/n posed to her to the best of her ability. She would rub Y/n’s back and stroke her hair in the way Y/n always liked. Rhaenyra would be of some comfort. She longed to be called ‘Dae’ once more. She did not know why Rhaenyra called her that. But she missed the pure and unadulterated affection that came with it. Alicent always appeared to have a hint of guilt whenever she showed affection to Y/n and her siblings, she did not allow herself to openly and publicly show affection for her children. She would lay a hand on their shoulders, or grab her and Aemond’s hands within her own, and would be affectionate in the only way she knew how in private, she’d hold Y/n when she went to her mother’s chambers, but she longed for the embraces that were initiated by Rhaenyra. 

Maris pulled Y/n into a tight embrace, but it was not what she had wanted. “I want Rhaenyra.” She admitted in a murmur.

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[amewinterswriting]

Ame Reads: Charmed Life by Diana Wyn Jones

I'll be honest - this one was a reread for me. I read most of the Crestomanci books as a child and could still remember the broad brush strokes of the plot.

What I couldn't remember was just how skillfully written it was and still is. While the book is marketed at children as young as 10, and the plot moves quickly because of this, it never feels rushed or oversimplified. In fact, I've read adult and young adult fiction with less complex plots, character motivations and language.

(Spoilers after the cut and discussions of themes which does include familial abuse and mentions of death)

I remembered that Gwendolyn was not a nice person (to put it mildly). I didn't remember exactly how much of an evil little shit she is. In any other children's story, it would have been easy to paint her as selfish but simply that, in the way many children can be. She sees that her brother has something she doesn't (magical power) and takes it from him simply because she wants it for herself. But the story makes it explicit that she planned the sacrifice of her own brother and she even casually mentions that they will need to kill him multiple times due to his extra lives, showing that she has thought about this for months in detail and clearly has not had any hesitation or stirrings of guilt whatsoever.

In a more subtle way, the story does make it clear that Cat has been abused by his sister for his whole life - Janet, Julia and Robert all comment on it in various ways, even if the word 'abuse' never comes up. Crestomanci and the other adults are also aware but unsure of what exactly to do, especially as they aren't entirely certain that Cat isn't a willing participant in Gwendolyn's plans. For a book written in 1977, aimed at children, it's really quite radical that Diana Wynn Jones even hinted at abuse within a family unit, let alone an older sibling as an abuser.

Reading as an adult, the way in which Cat and Janet are profoundly let down by the adults is also radical and quite tragic because it's very understandable how it happened. Crestomanci is aware of virtually everything the whole time (or very early on) and yet the whole plot is Cat and Janet trying valiantly to fix the mess Gwendolyn's left them in without any adult help because they don't know the adults can be trusted and the adults think that not revealing what they are aware of is the best for everyone involved. Everyone is doing what they believe is best given the information they have, but everything could have been resolved with a few short conversations and more trust shown from both sides. And I'm really glad Janet gets to point out that Crestomanci should have talked to them sooner and he doesn't brush her off.

Other surprisingly dark things in hindsight - Gwendolyn summoning the 'drowned life' of Cat as a petty power play not once but twice, and Cat not realising why exactly it gives him the heebie-jeebies but having a very strong reaction to seeing his own drowned corpse (understandable) each time. Except that the second time, it's accompanied by the other times he's died, including at birth. A giant foetal corpse is not exactly something you expect to see in a children's book!

Anyway, I'd love to see the Chrestomanci series adapted into a television serial that really takes it seriously. Like the recent (ish) adaptation of Pullman's His Dark Materials that the BBC still hasn't finished. Hour-long episodes, I reckon, something like Charmed Life as a two-episode special to introduce the world and concepts (and Janet waking up in Gwendolyn's bed would be the perfect place for a cliffhanger at the end of episode 1, let's be honest) and then take an episode for each book in the series so while the episodes could be watched in any order, watching them all will give you more information about who reoccurring characters are and what they're doing.

In the meantime, I definitely think I'm going to dig out the rest of my old books and go through the rest of the series myself. Diana Wynn Jones' writing is complex enough that it really demands a second look. If your only exposure to her work has been through (the magnificent) Studio Ghibli adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle, consider this your sign to delve into her works, too. Charmed Life is an excellent starting point for the whole Chrestomanci series but you really can read them in any order, as the plots of each book are self-contained, with some characters making regular appearances throughout.

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

chapter ix - gust & flame

Eris Vanserra x Reader

Eris Vanserra has been a prisoner in his own home since the day he was born. He has done what he had to in order to survive and protect the few he loves. And he is playing the long game. Waiting, waiting, and waiting for the right time to make his move, to usurp his wicked father and become High Lord of Autumn Court. But things become even more complicated when a human girl drops into his life. Perhaps Eris can wait no longer to take his throne.

Word Count: 3,000+

Warnings: spoilers for entire ACOTAR series

masterlist

For being one of the strongest High Fae currently alive, Feyre was still huffing quite a lot up the steep hill. 

Y/N had tried to sneak out to go on another one of her hikes. The sneaking was due to her knowing no one would let her go alone after what happened with Cassian and Nyx. But that was exactly why she wanted to go alone: so no one else could be put in danger. 

However, Feyre had been visiting the House of Wind, on the hunt for her sister, when she crossed paths with Y/N. 

The High Lady had insisted on joining Y/N for her hike, choosing a very different trail and a completely different woods than where she had been attacked. 

“You alright?” Y/N asked with a teasing tone. 

Feyre glared at her. “I understand the benefits and joy of a hike. But why are we sprinting?”

Y/N shrugged. “Part fresh air, part endurance training.”

“I used to hunt in the woods, back in the mortal lands. Started when I was just a child. But I was slow and quiet.”

“I see,” Y/N took in the bit of information. Feyre didn’t talk much about her time as a mortal. It didn’t seem like a taboo subject. Perhaps her happiness with the present made her dwell on the past very little. “Hunting is quite different than hiking.” 

Then Y/N paused and smirked at the High Lady over her shoulder and teased, “Maybe you should spend some time training with the Valkyries…”

Feyre laughed, but shook her head. “That is Nesta’s domain, her sisterhood. I dare not intrude on it. I train still, just not with them.” 

For some reason, the response triggered Y/N to think about the third Archeron sister. She knew the least of Elain, but enough to know she was not a warrior. Y/N had never seen the middle sister train, and rarely did she ever leave the River House. 

“I met Lucien the other day,” Y/N blurted out. 

It was enough for Feyre to stop in her tracks. 

Feyre gave a short nod. “Rhysand said Azriel mentioned him stopping by your shop.”  

Y/N continued hiking, but slowed down the pace to make it easier for them to converse. “I did not realize Elain had a…mate.” 

“We once called ourselves friends, Lucien and I. But I’m not sure what we are anymore. I should say I feel like I’m stuck between the two of them. But Lucien rarely has the courage to ask me about Elain. And my sister likes to pretend Lucien doesn’t exist.” 

Y/N was silent for a moment, trying to tread the topic carefully, but still wanting her curiosities answered. “I just thought…from what I know of mates – you and Rhys, Nesta and Cassian…”

Feyre gave her a sympathetic look. “Mating bonds are…peculiar things. To some, they create soulmates.”

“Like you and Rhys.”

Feyre nodded. “But to others, it’s just two puzzle pieces finally being put together. Nothing more – no connection, not emotions. Bonds not always equate to love. Sometimes it’s the Cauldron telling us that two people would simply create superior offspring.” 

“You make it sound so…cold.” 

Feyre nodded again. “My sister…she would have never chosen the life she’s been given. Elain thought she was in love – and perhaps she was. But she was turned fae against her will. And the next moment: a stranger confessed that they were bond together – all while she still wore her engagement ring to a mortal, who hated what she became.” 

Poor Elain, Y/N thought. “Is he so horrible that she won’t even give him a chance?” 

“Lucien is not horrible. He has made great mistakes…but…he is a good male.” 

Y/N processed that. The wind had told her of his lost lover, of being forced to watch her get murdered by his family and court. How could Eris have watched such a thing and not intervened? But the wind did confess that it was Eris who helped his youngest brother escape Autumn Court and seek sanctuary in Spring Court. 

“He seemed surprised that Eris knew me, that he had saved me and brought me here.”

Feyre’s body stiffened at the slight change of subject. 

“Does he not know that Eris wishes to take the throne from their father?” 

Feyre took in a slow breath. “It is best that you do not speak of Eris’ plans for his court.” 

“Does he know that Lucien is not his father’s son? Is he not the bastard child of Helion Spellcleaver?” 

Y/N realized by the High Lady’s reaction that she just spoke an even more dangerous piece of information.

It wouldn’t be the first time the winds had gotten her in trouble with sharing such secrets. 

“Y/N,” Feyre’s voice was so serious that it caused a chill to go down Y/N’s spine. “You must never speak of that to anyone.”

“Lucien does not know,” Y/N whispered in realization. 

“No. And I do not believe Helion knows either,” Feyre added. “The Lady of Autumn has kept her son’s secret close to her heart – to keep him alive, I imagine.” 

Y/N knows of Lucien’s true parentage, Feyre spoke to Rhysand through their minds. 

But Rhysand only seemed amused, Who knew the winds could be so troublesome? 

She seems rather curious about Elain and Lucien’s bond, Feyre added. Should we tell her? She deserves to know about Eris. 

We cannot, Rhys answered immediately. We promised him we wouldn’t. 

Feyre grew frustrated in her mates head, She will be just as angry as I was. But furthermore, she will be confused. She will not understand it like I had. He is not her kind. 

He does not wish for her to know. Beron is still a risk to her. It is not our place, Feyre darling. 

Feyre cut off the connection, further proving her growing frustration. 

“You alright?” Y/N asked. 

Feyre just nodded. “Damn your hikes.” 

–––––

A week later, Y/N was cleaning around her shop. She was gaining more and more customers to her surprise – and also delight. She was even receiving custom orders, which meant more and more late nights spent casting and brewing.

The other night, Cassian had even found her passed out on top of her workshop table. 

But now, Y/N was surprised to see a familiar redhead standing before her. 

“Lucien!” she greeted cheerfully, trying not to immediately think of her conversation with Feyre about his failed bonding with Elain.

“Change your mind about that love potion?” She took a risk, teasing him on such a subject. 

But to her relief, Lucien laughed. “No. Not yet, at least. I came to thank you for your…”

“Merchandise?” Y/N offered innocently.

Lucien smiled so charmingly that it was hard to believe someone like Elain wouldn’t at least give this male a chance. 

Y/N crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side. “And it worked?”

But she knew her magic wouldn’t fail. 

Lucien blushed and nodded. “I can’t explain it entirely. But I…felt so much lighter. I haven’t slept that well in a century.” 

She smirked proudly and even stood straighter. “If you have trouble with sleeping, you should have told me. I have dozens of remedies for that.” 

“Now you are just boasting.” 

Y/N shrunk at such a comment, “I do not mean to, I promise.” 

Lucien gave her a soft smile. 

“I did not expect to see you back so soon,” Y/N changed the subject. “Feyre says Rhysand keeps you quite busy as an emissary of this court…” 

“Yes. He’s kept me very busy. But I spend a lot of time in the mortal realm with a couple of friends. And one of them wished to try some of your merchandise, as well.”

“Friends?” Y/N questioned.

She didn’t know why the word sounded so unusual to her. But she had blurted it out nonetheless.

Lucien huffed out a laugh. “Yes, is it so surprising that I have them?” 

“N-No! No, I’m sorry. I just…” But she couldn’t explain her response. 

Perhaps because this was the first time she felt like she had them herself. Her coven was her family before all else. But having been on the run the past years, alone, and constantly needing to just survive, friends were not a privilege she was allowed. 

But isn’t that what she had gained in the Night Court? Hadn’t Rhysand’s inner circle become her friends, too? And the Valkyrie’s… hadn’t they become even closer than friends?

Y/N blinked, and then forced a small smile. “W-What would your friend be interested in trying?”  

Lucien’s amusement disappeared as he clearly caught Y/N getting lost in her own mind. 

“My friend has been…cursed.” 

Y/N opened her mouth. 

“I am not asking if you can break it,” Lucien stopped her from interrupting. “The one who punished her is far more powerful than any High Fae. He is a death-lord.” 

Y/N had heard whisperings of death-lords from the wind. She didn't know much about them. Only that of how powerful they were.

He took in a shallow breath. “She is forced into the form of a firebird during the day, only to return to her mortal form at night. And she experiences…pain after the transformation.”

Y/N gave a confident nod. “Anything else?” 

“She doesn’t allow herself to sleep in her human form, saving it for when she is a firebird. Coffee nor tea is not strong enough to keep her up the way she wishes to.”

Y/N nodded again. “I can help with both.” 

Then she was off, bustling about her shop to prepare what was needed. 

Lucien watched her with both admiration and amusement. There was still so much he wanted to know about this woman.

Why had his brother saved her? Yes, she was beautiful. Anyone could see that, even feel it. Surely there was more to it than that. Or perhaps Eris had become so lonely that saving a damsel in distress felt rebellious and reckless.

“Has my brother visited since he brought you here?”

Lucien caught how her movements stopped for a moment from the question. 

“Only once. After I was attacked.” 

Lucien’s eyebrows rose a second. “Rhysand told me of the attempted kidnapping of Nyx. He also said you saved his life, most likely. How could Eris have known you were injured?”

Y/N shrugged. “I-I-I don’t believe that was why he had even come…” She shook her head. “I just figured he had business with the court.” 

Lucien suddenly realized that Y/N hadn’t considered that perhaps Eris had come because she had been hurt. 

Which just made Lucien have 20 more questions: Why would Rhysand tell Eris that Y/N had been hurt? And why would Eris care enough to see for himself that Y/N was alright?

Y/N had already returned to moving about her shop. At one point, he heard her mutter something while weaving and knotting a leather bracelet. 

A few moments later, Y/N returned to him with a woven basket filled with various objects. And gently placed it in Lucien’s arms. 

“This,” Y/N lifted a bright orange candle. “Tell her to light it as soon as she has returned to her human form. But it must be lit by only her, and with intention.”

She picked up an orange and golden gemstone that was attached to a gold necklace chain. “This is citrine. She should wear it throughout the night. It will shake off any grogginess and keep her alert.”

Then she pointed to a green gemstone, but this was too big to be jewelry. “This is malachite. After lighting the candle, she should rub this across her skin, focusing on the bottoms of her feet.”

Lucien nodded, trying to memorize the instructions carefully. 

Y/N picked up the bracelet that he had heard her reciting an incantation over. “This bracelet will soothe any pain she has. But she should only wear it when experiencing it, not at all times.”

She grabbed a jar that was filled with what appeared to be various herbs. “When the pain is very bad, mix two spoonfuls of this mixture to brew tea. It’s capsaicin, cloves, ginger, turmeric, and rosemary – all will soothe her aches and pains.”

And before Lucien could thank her or ask any questions, Y/N unfolded a piece of paper that he hadn’t seen in the basket. “I’ve written down all the instructions here, as well.” 

“Didn’t trust me to remember it all?” Lucien teased. 

Y/N smirked. “I don’t trust males to do many things.” 

“You wound me.” He looked down at the basket in his hands. “What do I owe you? I refuse to take any gifts from you again.” 

Y/N sighed, but gave him a number to pay.

Lucien didn’t so much as blink at that price, so he must not be short on currency. 

As she moved them to the register, Lucien cleared his throat as if trying to get the courage to ask something. 

“Would you join me for dinner tonight?” He asked. 

Y/N was so taken aback by the question that her head snapped up to meet his gaze, half expecting to see an expression that showed he was messing with her. 

Her mouth opened and closed a couple times before she finally got her thoughts in order. 

“That is very kind, b-but…” She closed her eyes for a moment and took in a shaky breath. “With Elain…I-I-I don’t think it is…appropriate.” 

Lucien hid his disappointment well. “Not even as friends?”

Y/N narrowed her eyes at the cheekiness of it all. “And is that what everyone else in Velaris would perceive if they saw the two of together?” 

They both knew she was right. 

But Y/N also had no intention of getting between two fated mates – even if one of them refused to acknowledge their magical bond. 

“We are all going out dancing tonight,” Y/N quickly added, as if it would soften the blow of turning down his dinner invitation. “You should join us.”

Lucien was quiet for a moment, truly contemplating the invite. After a moment, he hesitated before finally giving a short nod. 

The ease at which he accepted made Y/N wonder if his dinner invite was merely out of loneliness and not actual romantic interest. 

“R-Really?” Y/N asked excitedly. "It’s called Rita’s – or so I am told.”

He nodded, “I know it.”

“If you wait an hour or so, I will be closing and we could go together. I’m meeting them there, it’s not a far walk.” 

But Lucien shook his head. “I must drop these off at my apartment, and then run some errands. But I will see you there.”

And he was walking out of the shop. 

Y/N didn’t truly believe Lucien would show up. But if he did, she hadn’t even considered that any of her friends would be upset that Lucien was invited in the first place. Elain wasn’t exactly one to go to the taverns and drink. But maybe tonight she would. 

–––––––

Feyre walked into Rhysand’s office with a nervous expression. 

Nyx sat on her hip as he was held and a bright smile appeared on the toddler's face when he caught sight of his father. 

“Lucien is here,” Feyre quickly shared. “Says he wishes to speak to both of us.” 

Rhys nodded and stood up, gently taking their son from her.

Feyre led them to the den, where their guest patiently waited for them. 

Lucien’s arms were crossed and he wore a deep frown as he looked into the crackling and blazing fireplace. 

“Lucien,” Rhysand greeted formally. 

Nyx cooed in his arms. 

Lucien turned and gave a slight bow of his head to both of them. “I come with a request.” 

“And what is this request?” Rhysand continued. 

“I wish for you to send a letter to my brother, Eris. I need to meet with him, and I do not have the same methods of contacting him while he is in Autumn Court.” 

Feyre and Rhysand didn’t look at each other, but shared similar thoughts in their minds. 

“What is this about?” Feyre questioned harshly. 

“The mortal witch you are harboring in this court. I know that Eris saved her life and brought her here. But no one will tell me why. And it seems Y/N is being kept in the dark and is not fully aware of how peculiar her situation is.” 

Rhysand ignored the accusatory tone and asked, “Where do you wish to meet him?”

Lucien has probably already assumed correctly, Feyre told Rhysand through their bond. Is this smart?

Rhysand answered, We cannot tell him the truth. Whether or not Eris wants his brother to know of his secret is up to him. Let him tell his story. 

“The Band of Exiles manor,” Lucien answered. 

Feyre rolled her eyes at the name of the dwelling.

“I will send him a message tonight then,” Rhysand told him. “Telling him to meet you there tomorrow as dusk.” 

Lucien nodded, but still narrowed his gaze at the two of them. “I am an emissary to your court, but you still would not trust me with this?”

“Your brother asked us to keep Y/N safe. That is all,” Rhysand shrugged. 

“All of us know Eris is not a merciful male,” Lucien growled. "He has nearly killed almost every member of your Inner Circle, including your own mate. Yet you protect someone upon his request.” 

“Perhaps we do not know Eris as well as we once thought,” Feyre surprised them all by pointing out. 

Lucien had nothing to say to that, then looked at Rhysand. “Just get him the message, please.” 

He started to leave the room, but paused. “Will Elain be going out with you tonight?” 

Feyre squinted in confusion. “No, why?” 

Lucien only half-turned to face them. “Y/N invited me to join all of you tonight. If it will be uncomfortable for me to attend, I understand.” 

“You are welcome, Lucien.” Rhysand answered before Feyre could. “You are an emissary of this court, as you said.” 

Lucien nearly rolled his eyes and huffed, “Yes, but only an emissary and nothing more. That has always been made very clear.” 

Then he pulled a pouch from the inside pocket of his jacket. “These are for Elain,” and placed them on the nearest surface. 

And with that, he left. 

Once he was gone, Y/N picked up the pouch to see that they were seeds. 

Feyre gave Rhysand a sad look. “What would you have done had this been us?” 

Her mate seemed to hold Nyx even closer. “I do not like to think about what could have been when it comes to us, Feyre Darling.” 

–––––––––––

Please, please, please leave a comment or a message. it would be oh so lovely.

What do you think Lucien will say to Eris?

How do you think a night out at Rita's with all this tension will turn out?

What do you think Lucien will say to Eris?

How do you think a night out at Rita's with all this tension will turn out?

chapter x

[paracosmic-murdock]

Tell me what are my words worth ; Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Chapter 4: "Les mots de Whistledown"

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: While the other ladies have grown with the mindset of marrying and having children, you, as the daughter of a man who wanted a son, grew up being both. You learnt how to embroider, play the pianoforte, fence and manage the estate. However, there were some things that not even the Duke of Burgundy could do, so after he passed and you thought there was nothing left for you, you decided to move to London for a while and go to the Royal Academy of Art.

Nothing was going to keep you from what you wanted, and you would do whatever it takes: you would lie to everyone, you would live to death, you would pretend to be a man. You had a plan and it would be a piece of cake for you. But again, when has something that she wants and should not do easy for a woman? Especially when a man like Benedict Bridgerton gets in the way in more ways than one.

Warnings/tags: idiots in love, eventual smut, love triangles (but not really), lgbtq+ themes, bisexual benedict bridgerton, feminist themes, historical inaccuracy (for the sake of the plot), inspired by mulan (1998), song: the lakes (taylor swift), other tags to be added

Chapter summary: After enough days hiding in plain view, your arrival in London gets announced by Lady Whistledown. Its consequences—dozens of suitors— wrecked your plans for the day, but the dinner at the Bridgerton home wasn't one of those, but unfortunately, there is one Bridgerton brother you are still yet to meet.

Word count: 3.7K

❁ Series masterlist

❁ mila's anthology (main masterlist)

Dearest gentle reader,

It is this author's duty to keep you informed of the most important news, and it mortified me to not have a positive thing to notify you of in recent times. However, it has come to my attention that there is a charmant new arrival in town.

Walls have ears, doors have eyes, trees have voices, and so do I, and we all have gathered here to tell you, dear reader, that the distinguished Lady Y/N of Burgundy, daughter of the late Duke of Burgundy, took a trip from France to delight us with her presence.

By now, you are sure I cannot grant you incomplete information here, so I must let you know that Lady Y/N is nothing but grace, elegance, kindness and virtue in the flesh. If she had arrived at the beginning of the Season, and we could count on Her Majesty's judgment to be correct, she would have been named the Queen's diamond.

That takes us, dear reader, to our next topic of conversation in this issue, a matter most must be pondering about. Surely, there is a reason for her to be in London, and do not think for a second your beloved author will leave you in the dark any longer: she is looking for a husband!

Now, I plead the gentlemen of the Ton not to get eager, for there are certain requirements you must possess in order to even consider courting her: heart, wealth, face, and brains!

If you are a respectable gentleman and consider yourself not only in possession of those requirements, but also worthy of her, do not hesitate to pay Lady Y/N a visit at the Carrington Mansion.

And a little help: it seems like she is quite the emerald enthusiast.

Sincerely yours,

Lady Whistledown.

"Mama! Your dearest Lady Y/N is on today's issue of Lady Whistledown!" Eloise yelled after reading the paper.

Violet Bridgerton frowned. "Is she really?"

Eloise nodded eagerly, starting to read the article out loud to her mother and some of her siblings that were in the room.

"Is she to be a duchess, then?" Hyacinth asked.

"That is not how it works, Sister." Anthony said.

"Is she pretty?" Colin questioned.

"Oh, she is." Benedict answered to Colin with a smirk.

"You know her?" Eloise looked at her brother wide-eyed.

"The director of the Academy, Lord Carrington, is her godfather. I even painted her portrait the day before yesterday," he explained. "How do you know her?"

"Her father was friends of your father and I," Violet replied. "I reunited with her at Lady Danbury's first, but yesterday, Eloise and I were at the Modiste and saw her again."

Benedict smiled and stood up with a groan, hoping that maybe you would go to the Academy today for whatever reason. "I am off to the Academy!"

Lady Bridgerton shook her head at her son. "If you or your brother try to get close to her, let me warn you that you shall only do so if you have the best of intentions."

"Did you know she was the one to send those cufflinks you're wearing, Brother?" Eloise questioned, looking at him attentively as he admired the precious emeralds adorning the cuffs of his shirt. Even after so many years, he still wore them from time to time.

"Oh, is she also the one who sent us wine a couple years ago?"

"Yes, it was her," His mother gave him a quick glance. "You should know that the wine came with a heartfelt letter thanking me for the condolences I sent for her father's death, so you must not mention that to her during dinner tonight."

"Is she coming tonight?!"

"Yes, Sister, my mother invited her for dinner," Eloise told Hyacinth. "Although, I fear she might not come when she hears that both Colin and Benedict have their intentions set on courting her."

"Benedict is not going to court her," Colin stated, ignoring where his brother was the past afternoon. "And I cannot conceive the idea of her ignoring me! I've got the heart, the wealth, the brains and the hair!"

"Heart, wealth, face and brains." Eloise corrected him.

"The great hair is surely a bonus point in my favor, is it not?"

Hyacinth laughed. "You don't even know her!"

"I have heard enough." He smiled.

"What could Lady Whistledown even know anyway? Y/N arrived just a few days ago, and for Whistledown to say such amazing things about her, it would mean they have known each other for a while or simply Y/N did something nice for Whistledown, doesn't it?" Eloise theorized. She gave it a thought in silence and then ran to her room.

"She is everything Lady Whistledown says," Lady Bridgerton commented, giving Colin a serious look. "She is also self-righteous, obedient, honest, and service-oriented. She would make such a lovely wife… But as I just said, if you do not have the best intentions, Colin Bridgerton, don't you dare get near her."

"You are taking all the fun out of it, now I think I do not want her anymore."

"Good."

Hyacinth looked at the scene in amusement, returning to the pianoforte.

You woke up to Antoinette's insistence. "Antoinette! Is it not too early for you to wake me up so violently?"

"You are in the newest issue of Lady Whistledown!"

"Who on Earth is that?" you questioned with a frown.

"It is a gossip newspaper here in London, you must read it!"

"Does it have to do with Antoine?"

"Thanks to the Heavens, it does not."

"Then, I couldn't care less. I have a few minutes of sleep left until I have to go to the Academy."

Antoinette sighed. "I am afraid you won't be able to attend the Academy today."

"What?" You wrinkled your nose. "Why not?!"

"Because there is a long line of suitors waiting just for you, my Lady."

You sat up immediately and took the newspaper in Antoinette's hands, reading it all in less than a minute.

"Mon Dieu !" you groaned. "How many men are waiting for me?"

"At least four dozens." A tired exhalation indicated just your mood as you stood up and got changed with the help of Antoinette.

Once you were ready, you went downstairs to meet with quite the entourage of gentlemen. The staff of the mansion were running here and there, trying to accommodate everyone as best as they could.

"At least one of these must be interesting enough to marry."

You laughed. "Everyone younger than me or old must be sent away. The same applies if the man seems slow or a shag-bag, I am not going to tolerate that. Other than that, let the games begin," you instructed, letting your pettiness get the best of you. "This must be fun!"

"Anything you say."

"If any of them is Lord Walker or Mr. Schwartz, let them in," you said. "Madame Delacroix recommended them. Oh, you remember about Benedict, do you not?"

"I do, he was here yesterday."

You smiled at the memory. "If he is here, make him come first."

Antoinette tried not to laugh as she nodded, and soon enough, you were sitting in front of the third gentleman Lady Carrington had sent your way. Antoinette was your escort and some of the staff.

"Was the 'heart, wealth, face, and brains' your line?" he asked, making you chuckle.

"I did not say that, though it is not like those are four qualities I don't search for in a man. Especially the heart and the brains."

Lord Weber smiled. "Parler français est une condition nécessaire, aussi ?"

[Is speaking French a requirement also?]

"Uh, oui, mon copain doit parler français car je viens de France," you explained to him that your husband must speak French because you are French. "And you do."

"Are you looking to marry anytime soon?"

"I was exposed by your clownesque gossip writer, so I must say yes."

He chuckled. "Do you not want to marry?"

"I do, but not as soon as that woman said. She made me look desperate, did she not?"

"Just a little."

"I only ever wanted to make my debut during the Carrington ball and see what happens," You shrugged. "At least I know that the men Lady Carrington threw out will not come back."

She did all of us a favor, did she not?"

"She did," You curved your lips. "So, tell me about your family: do you have brothers or sisters?"

"A younger brother and an older sister. My father passed away a few years ago, and my mother lives in the country," he replied. "We have a manor in the outskirts of town, actually. Maybe you and the Carringtons could come and stay with my family for the annual Weber Masquerade Ball if you wish."

"Oh, when is it going to be held?"

"The last weekend of the next month, my Lady."

"I shall speak to the Carringtons about it and give you an answer, then, my Lord."

He gave you a charming smirk. "Would you be interested in walking along the promenade with me this afternoon?"

"I'm afraid I already have plans for the afternoon, Lord Weber, but perhaps we could arrange it for another day." you said, wishing for him to not invite you anywhere if it was time for you to be at the Academy.

"Tomorrow afternoon sounds good?"

You nodded. "Tomorrow afternoon sounds perfect."

Lord Weber stood up and offered you his hand to help you stand up. You took it and once you were both standing in front of one another, he kissed your knuckles.

"Would you forgive me if I said to everyone that you are an insufferable young lady? All is fair in love and war, or so I've heard."

"I would be very offended and disappointed that you didn't stand a chance against some men who do not even speak French, my Lord."

He winked. "You're right. See you tomorrow afternoon?"

"Yes."

When he disappeared, you threw yourself on the couch.

"This is not as fun as I thought it would be," you complained. "I am tired of them, are there many more?"

"Around ten."

You groaned. "They are always inviting me to do something and I am obliged to say yes! What if I am busy doing something actually important? They are inviting me to go for walks and do stuff when I should be in…"

Your face shone with enlightenment when the idea crossed your mind, and a loud, excited shriek echoed in the entire room.

"Every cloud has a silver lining!" You hugged Antoinette, who laughed as she tried to push you away. "Bring them all in!"

"Did you tell your sister you're going out tonight?" Cortez asked you. You gave him a condescending look.

"I am invited to go to dinner tonight at someone's family, I have no idea where, to be honest. So, right after dinner, I'll go to White's."

"Yes!" he cheered. "But don't you be too late."

"I will not promise you a thing, Santiago," you replied. "That I am going must be more than enough for you."

"We will be drowning that hostility in whiskey, Antoine!"

"I am more of a wine person, you know?"

"Oh, let's get this man back to his homeland!" he yelled. "Not at White's tonight, by the way. It will be a private party at the Cortez Manor."

"Sure, see you there." You got inside your carriage with a big smile. "We should get going to the Carrington Mansion so I can get ready to go to the Bridgertons for dinner and then I'm going to the Cortez Manor for a private party!"

"You are doing what?!" Antoinette questioned, altered. "It has been a very long, hard day, my Lady. Go back to the Carrington Mansion after dinner, listen to me."

"I already promised Santiago I would go. Antoine Voclain is a man of his word."

"Antoine Voclain doesn't exist, my Lady, please stop this before it gets out of hand!" she pleaded. "We can still say he passed away and you will not get in any trouble."

"I will not get in any trouble, Antoinette," you told her, taking your clothes off. "And I'm not going to stay in Art School my entire life, just for some time until… I don't know, until I find out who I am."

She sighed. "You are Y/N Voclain, the future duchess of Burgundy. You are a respectable Lady, you are intelligent, talented… You are going to make an excellent wife, mother to many children, and you are going to marry a man who can see that. You will bring so much pride and honor to your father to watch from the Heavens."

"Look at me," you demanded. "I am taking off the clothes that I stole from my cousin, I just finished another day at a school I am not allowed to attend, I am on my way to the home of a family who received me with open arms and open doors, the same family I lie to every single day. I am sitting in this carriage I stole from home, with the maid and the drivers I forced to travel for two days to a strange city with me. I should be looking for a husband, but instead, I wear jewels a second and a hat the other. Most ladies are only allowed to have makeup and ball gowns, but I have all of that plus a library of all the books I have read and the poems I have written, I have a bow and arrows, I fence, I travel, I paint, I do the numbers, I speak, and that is not who a respectable lady is supposed to be! I hate to think that I was born to be a wife and a mother while my father raised me to be more than that… Once I realize who that person is, I will return to France. Not a second before."

Antoinette felt silent while you wiped the tears you didn't notice had run down your face. You arrived at the mansion but didn't leave the carriage until you were ready.

"My, my, where have you been?" Lady Carrington asked as soon as you were in front of her.

"I went out for a walk with Antoinette," you mumbled. "I asked your maid to please tell you."

"She did, but you must let me know when you are going out, you're a lady!"

You nodded. "I understand, Lady Carrington. My apologies."

"It is okay, dear," She exhaled. "Are you going to the Bridgertons'?"

"Yes, I will get ready first."

"If Lady Bridgerton invites you to stay a little longer for some tea, stay. I know you must be tired for such a hectic morning full of suitors and the promenade in the afternoon, but it would be rude not to."

"I will, Lady Carrington."

"It is a pleasure to finally have met you all," You smiled. "Though, I was informed that there were eight of you."

"Our brother had a… matter to attend to," Anthony informed. "But he sends his apologies for not being here."

"Very well," You nodded. "I am looking forward to seeing him later."

"So is he." Gregory mentioned under everyone's apprehensive glance, and his sister Hyacinth jostled him.

You ignored it with a small smile.

"Shall we start?" Lady Bridgerton asked.

"Yes! I am starving." you agreed.

Most of the siblings thanked you.

"How has been your time here in London, Lady Y/N?" Colin asked.

"It has been great! I have met a lot of nice people, thanks to that I could see your mother again," you replied, muttering a thank you to the maid who served your food. "Everything was perfect until that absurd Lady Whistledown exposed my arrival to absolutely everyone, and had the Carrington Mansion full of gentlemen."

"No one caught your attention?"

You chuckled. "It's not that. Lady Carrington filtered all the men for me. I suppose that knowing everything about everyone is convenient from time to time. Lady Whistledown made me look desperate, did she not? It was humiliating to some extent."

"That is what I thought, too," Eloise said. "To anyone it could be flattering, right? But she described you like a trophy to get!"

"Exactly!" you exclaimed. "I thought I could make the most out of it, but I am a little offended that she made me look like nothing but a lovely bride."

Eloise smiled widely, but before she could say anything, her mother interrupted her. "Was there any suitor interesting, my dear?"

"One or two," you confessed. "I am afraid they will lose their interest in me once they find out I would rather be visiting my mother's family in the Americas instead of attending balls like a trophy."

"Have you been to the Americas?" Colin asked with wide eyes.

"Yes! My mother is from there, and her family owns the biggest emerald mines," you replied. "I wish to return soon, but I have never traveled such distances alone. After my father's death, I am afraid my voyages will have to wait until I marry."

"You travel a lot?" Anthony asked.

"I used to with my father… ever the explorer," You took a sip of your drink. "I would go with him whenever and wherever he went, so I have been to many places."

"I was traveling, too, a couple of months ago. My favorite stop was the Greek Islands." The rest of the Bridgertons groaned at Colin's intervention.

"I have been to Greece also. My father wanted paintings of the Greek Ancient Ruins in Athens and Epidaurus," you commented. "Although I would not change the Kingdom of Tahiti for anywhere in the world, it is certainly the most glorious land I have set foot in."

"Y/N, Colin will never shut up if you keep feeding him with information about travels."

"Eloise!" Lady Bridgerton scolded her.

You laughed. "It is not a problem, if you wish I will stop talking."

"Do not listen to her," Colin asked you with a grin. "Did your father get the paintings?"

"He did indeed, I painted them." you answered, and Eloise and Anthony looked at each other with knowing eyes.

"It is such a shame that our brother is not here, he would adore you." Eloise commented, making you look at her in confusion.

"He will regret not being here, certainly," Daphne smirked. "I hope you see each other at the Carrington ball."

Colin shook his head. "Please, ignore them."

You frowned. "Uh… the food is incredible, Lady Bridgerton."

"I am glad you like it, dear." She sighed in relief. "Did you like the wine?"

"I did," You nodded. "Which reminds me, did you like the wine I had sent to you the last time?"

"We all did," Lady Bridgerton answered. "Actually, Colin was telling me how much he had enjoyed it earlier today."

"That is good to hear!" you exclaimed happily. "It comes from our winery."

"It was one of the best wines I have ever had." Anthony added.

You smiled. "Thank you very much, my Lord. I will make sure to send a letter and have some bottles sent to you directly from Burgundy."

"We will be looking forward to it," Anthony said. "And please, call me Anthony."

"However you please, Anthony. Please, call me Y/N, too."

"And how is Burgundy, Y/N?" Francesca asked you.

"It is a wonderful region, dear Francesca," you told her. "And all of you are more than welcome at the Château de Germolles, the Château du Clos de Vougeot, or the Palace of the Dukes."

"Thank you, dear, we will take it into consideration. Perhaps for vacations." Lady Bridgerton answered.

"I hope it doesn't stay in consideration and I get to have you. All of you are welcome, there is more than enough space for all the Bridgertons. I am sure you would adore the Palace... it is enormous, there is art everywhere, the most precious gardens for you to explore."

"We must tell Benedict everything, he will be so mad to have missed her!" Eloise whispered to Anthony, and they both chuckled.

"I would love to!" Hyacinth nodded eagerly.

"Then I will be expecting you. Your presence would be a treasure to have in my homeland." You winked.

The rest of the dinner was great. Daphne talked about her husband and child, and invited you to Hastings whenever you wanted to. There was some teasing at Anthony when you mentioned, accidentally, that you had met the Sharmas at Lady Danbury's, and somehow Colin managed to find a way to mention his travels again.

After the dessert, you said goodbye to everyone and returned to your carriage.

"Now, we shall go to the Cortez Manor." you told Antoinette, who told the drivers. Once the carriage started moving, you started getting changed.

"You cannot tell Benedict about everything that she said!"

Eloise laughed. "They have already met, Colin."

"Oh, they would make the perfect match, would they not?" Hyacinth commented.

"I hear wedding bells." Francesca added with a smile.

"This counts as treason." Colin shook his head, making his siblings laugh.

"Colin, Y/N does not have a father to look after her, so I feel personally responsible for her now that she is here in London. If you do not have good intentions, I beg you to stay away from her."

"Why do you not have faith in me?"

Daphne laughed. "You have said more than enough times that you do not wish to marry, so forgive Mama for doubting you."

"So has Benedict!"

"While it is fairly obvious that she is too good for our brother, and this is coming from someone who is deeply against marriage, me, you have to admit that they have enough in common to make a good couple," Eloise told Colin. "And I would only support her getting married because that is what she wishes for."

Her mother looked at her surprised. "I hope you do not brainwash her into not wanting to marry, Eloise."

"Do you think she would have been named the Queen's diamond had she arrived earlier?" Hyacinth wondered.

"She surely would have." Colin replied.

"Then she would be engaged to Anthony." Eloise joked.

"I would have proposed, just so you know, Colin." Anthony mocked his brother. "We would be with child right now."

"Anthony!" his mother chided.

"Y/N would not marry Anthony if she knew Benedict… Being engaged to the wrong brother sounds awful, does it not?" Daphne gave Anthony a look, making him roll his eyes.

"Then it is good no one is engaged to a wrong sibling." Anthony cut the conversation, leaving the dining room.

[found-family-tournament]

Found Family Tournament Round 1 Part 20 Group 100

Propaganda and further pictures under the cut

Reds and Blues: Grif, Simmons, Sarge, Donut, Lopez, Doc, Caboose, Church, Tucker, Agent Washington, Agent Carolina, Locus

Wright Anything Agency (& Company): Phoenix & Trucy Wright, Apollo Justice, Maya Fey, Miles Edgeworth, Pearl Fey, Ema Skye, Kay Faraday & Sebastian Debeste

Submissions are still open!

Reds and Blues:

My babies are all assholes but love each other deep down

Wright Anything Agency (& Company):

THEY MEAN THE WORLDDDDD TO MEEEEEE for some reason a lot of people in the fandom don't play Ace Attorney 5 which is fair since it's kind of messy BUT. BUT. IT INTRODUCES ATHENA AND DOES SOOOO MUCH FOR THE WRIGHT ANYTHING AGENCY. In AA4 we learn that Trucy Wright made the Wright Talent Agency into the Wright Anything Agency in order to bring Apollo in as a lawyer when before it was just her (a magician) and her adopted father Phoenix (a poker player). and AA5 is all about Athena joining and Apollo learning how to trust her, at least it is to ME. they're so gooddddd aaaaaaa like you've got Phoenix and Trucy who are weirdos who love to scheme and you've got Apollo their longsuffering guy who deals with it all, and Phoenix is the mentor... and then Athena comes in and she has a lot of light and determination and trauma (just like the rest of them lol) and she's SO determined and I like her a lot!! And Trucy is my favorite and Phoenix cares about her SO much but he also has his other found family in the Feys!!!!!! Mia dies in the first game but her ghost stays with Phoenix and her sister/cousin Maya and Pearl are SO IMPORTANT TO HIM he loves them so much that's his sisters to me ;-; he would do anything for them and Trucy and he's growing as a mentor to Apollo and Athena too as the game progress... They don't write them all perfectly but they sure do a lot of things I like :) also feel free to split this up into their Wright Anything Agency or Phoenix + the Feys or Phoenix + Trucy if you need to I won't mind I just love AA's found family a lot

Picture this. You are a attorney in your mid 20s and somehow find yourself surrounded by weird little girls with every case you take on. You officially adopt one but really, all of them are either sisters or daughters to you. Especially your loud, burger-loving lesbian sister. Your childhood friend turned rival turned lover, who has a whip-wielding adoptive sister of his own, goes on a series of investigations while messing around with a furry for a couple of weeks and returns with two 17 year old children, a thieving lesbian and a child with a narcissistic murderer for a father who should've kept him back in school a few grades. Your lover has each of them under an arm, and they are appended to your stable of weird little girls but are very much hidden in the back. Then you find out that your daughter, the official one, has a 22yo trans half-brother with a musical diva mother and was half raised as a prince in Khura'in, so you divorce his boss (who is not your official lover, you just had a weird thing for a while when you were in your alcoholic phase, maybe while your actual lover was still messing around with the furry) very publicly while sending him to prison for murdering your daughter's father. Oh, but you have been disbarred, so you make your daughter's son send his own boss to prison, by planting false evidence on him. Of course the young man punches you in the face. Needless to say he works for you for a couple of years and never finds out that he's related to your daughter because that would require a straightforward conversation, now wouldn't it?

only one of them has never been arrested. only two of them arent lawyers. theyre all gay

Theyre very weird and misteruous and kinda fucked up a bit and they were through a lot but phoenix did his best and trucy well she's still just a kid but oh she's trying so fucking hard and always trying to wear a smile and it's breaking my heart the two of them. Also theyre weird i already said that but let me say it again they are WEIRD. and we love them<3 (the ace attorney fandom)

[veronicaphoenix]

IKIGAI (or A REASON FOR BEING) — CHAPTER FOURTEEN · LAST CHAPTER

“You two have a serious problem,” Jolly interjected, his irritation even more palpable than Lia and Noah’s, despite his calm demeanor. “I can’t decide if you’re acting like children or like a married couple. Either way, you’re fucking annoying. If you can’t stand the thought of the other fucking someone else, sort yourselves out, but leave me out of it next time. I’m not going out anywhere else with you two as long as this banter goes on. Grow the fuck up, please.”

Author's note: It's here! I can't believe I finished the first part of this series in about two months while also doing an MA and working.

Chapter tags: pure angst, most characters in this chapter are slightly drunk and it's not nice, best friends not acknowledging that they're in love with each other and being angry, pissed Jolly, swearing and mentions of sex. | Word count: 3.6k | Cross posted on AO3. | Series masterpost. ✧.*

CHAPTER 14

Lia is 22. Noah is 23.

“What’s the matter with him?”

Lia furrowed her brow and diverted her gaze over her shoulder toward the source of the persistent attention. The guy she’d been flirting with for the past ten minutes, Shaun, had been giving her his undivided attention, but in the last two minutes he seemed to be distracted by something in the far distance, behind her.  

“Oh,” she replied, smiling again and playing it down. “It’s just Noah, my best friend.”

“Your best friend? Given the way he’s been looking at me since we started talking, anyone would think otherwise.”

“Not at all. I’m like his little sister. He can be a bit overprotective sometimes.”

Casting another glance over her shoulder, Lia muted a “stop it” without vocalizing a sound. Noah effortlessly understood the message, and let his shoulders drop as he turned away, directing his focus to the bar counter where his half-drank beer waited in a glass.

Jolly was sitting on his left, blissfully oblivious to Noah’s disquiet as he engrossed in a lively conversation with the girl who had served them their drinks. The ambience hum of various conversations, intertwined with the warm glow of the venue’s lights, set the stage for the casual Saturday night. The trio had decided to go out to break from the work-from-home routine. It had been a pretty busy week, the guys had had a lot of meetings, deadlines pressing on them, and now that their schedule seemed to give them a three-day break, Jolly, Noah, and Lia had decided to just go to a bar downtown, have a few drinks, and maybe grab dinner in a nearby restaurant.  

Yet, the slight thrill they might have felt at the idea of a night out, particularly Noah, was swiftly overshadowed a mere half-hour into their escapade as Lia became the point of attention of a persistent guy sitting not far from them. His blue-eyed gaze had been fixed on her since their arrival. Lia hadn’t taken much time to notice the weight of his eyes on her, and she, with her spirits high, decided to give him a chance. She had grabbed her beer and walked up to him, introducing herself. The guy had two friends with him that greeted Lia as she exchanged words with the strangers, all the while Noah’s eyes observing the scene, analyzing the men’s behavior and their body language. Jolly had nudged him, urging him to chill and enjoy the night, but it wasn’t that simple. He hated himself for that, but he couldn’t stop himself, either.

So, when Lia noticed him staring with a nonsensical brewing fury in his eyes and told him to stop, he was overcome with the realization that maybe this was a fight he could never win, and all he could do was give up, but the thought only made something else surge inside of him. Rather than assuaging, his anger intensified, and suddenly he felt angry at Lia.

Downing his beer, he ordered another and sought distraction around him in a desperate attempt to avert his attention anywhere else, far from her.

His eyes chanced upon a young blonde woman a few feet away, sitting alone. She exuded an air of innocence and shyness, engrossed in her phone while patiently waiting for her friend to return from the restroom. She was wearing tight jeans and a black t-shirt with some design and letters on it. Noah recognized the lettering immediately. Sensing an opportunity he approached her.

"Hey, nice choice with the Linkin Park tee,” he started, giving her one of his most charming smiles. “Big fan?”

The girl, caught off guard by Noah's good looks and voice, blushed but managed to nod in agreement. Noah couldn't help but feel a pang of desperation. He might be doomed, he thought, given that Linkin Park was one of Lia's favorite bands. He was tempted to look back at where she was sitting, still engaged in that so cheerful conversation with that blue-eyed guy. She doesn’t even like guys with blue eyes, he thought. They’re not her type, so why is she with him?

Containing a sigh and putting on his most enamoring behavior, he ignored his thoughts.

"You know, I'm actually in a band myself,” he continued.

Noah adeptly wove a tale that made him sound like the most fascinating musician she had ever encountered. The girl, whose name was Kate, was mesmerized by his storytelling, and found herself drawn further into the allure of hispresence. A few minutes into the conversation, she complimented his tattoos, remarking how painful it must have been to endure so many hours of needles sinking into his skin. He shrugged it off and subtly showcased more of them, lifting the short sleeve of this t-shirt to reveal the intricate ink adorning the top of his arm and shoulder.

Reveling in her attention, he continued to engage her with facts and anecdotes about his life.

Meanwhile, Lia, engrossed in her conversation with Shaun and laughing at the jokes his two male friends were making, couldn't help but glance back to the men she’d come with. Her eyes widened as she witnessed Noah with that stranger, a blonde girl that was smiling up at him as he talked and looking at him as if she was about to melt. A sudden wave of displeasure washed over her.

The blonde girl was not the only one to catch Noah's attention. Another girl joined the group, and Noah politely extended his arm, shaking her hand. This new girl didn’t seem that much captivated by Noah’s charm, much to Lia’s relief. Nevertheless, the way the other female was giving attention to Noah was making her cringe.

Noah invited both girls for a drink and gestured towards Jolly, moving back to let them see him, but he was still immersed in conversation with the waitress. Lia found herself grappling with a bunch of thoughts that she couldn’t answer. Was this what they had come here for? To get a distraction from each other and end up by a stranger’s side? Was that what she had really wanted instead of being with Jolly and Noah? But I spend the days with them. I live with them, she thought. I’m just looking for a break…

But when Noah excused himself to use the restroom, Lia took it upon herself to change the way the night events were unfolding. She stood up, leaving the table and ignoring Shaun’s attempt at physical contact. He’d had an arm draped above her shoulders on the padded couch they were seated, and when she moved away, his fingers touched the skin of her bare shoulder.

Lia approached the blonde girl and her friend with a big smile. She bent over the counter to order another beer, the ends of her long brown hair touching the counter and falling on her face.

"I see you've met Noah," she casually began, turning to them and drawing their attention. She put a few strands of hair behind her pierced ear.

Lia could tell that the blonde one was visibly surprised by her presence, by the tattoos covering her arms and the sharp lines of her face, her black outfit and cargo boots.

"Um, yes,” she inquired with a hushed tone, flush creeping up to her cheeks. Oh, it was so obvious she was already rapt in Noah’s charm and his good looks, probably his voice, too. On top of that, she was wearing a t-shirt of one of her favorite bands. Ugh. “Do you know him?"

Lia handed the waiter a five-dollar bill and, smirking, leaned into the girl.

"Yeah, he's my friend. Listen,” she feigned a little preoccupation.” I know he's charming and all, but you shouldn't get too hung up on him. He's got a girlfriend."

It was a good lie, good enough to make a girl like her move out of the way.

Kate’s eyes widened, and she exchanged glances with her friend at her other side.

"He didn't say anything,” Kate replied, her voice lower than before, as if she already felt she had committed a crime of some sort.

"Of course he didn't,” Lia reassured her. “But I'm telling you for your own good. And for his. When Lisa finds out, she's gonna kill him."

The other girl swore under her breath, and Lia nodded, satisfied with her improvised stunt.

“I think we should go, Kate.”

Kate hesitated, looking into Lia’s eyes expecting to see anything that could make her stay. She had really liked that boy and she had hoped that she could get to know him better… But Lia’s eyes remained the same, telling her that she had no option.

Kate thanked Lia, she grabbed her purse, and followed her friend towards the exit.

Lia dropped her shoulders and let out a sigh. Before Jolly noticed her, she walked back to the table where Shaun had got distracted by some random chat with his colleagues. Lia missed the moment when Noah came out from the restroom and crossed Kate and her friend on their way out.

Returning to the table with a beer in hand, Shaun draped an arm over Lia's shoulder, this time making sure the physical contact was there and that he had her locked by his side. He asked her if everything was okay and she answered cheerfully, even though she felt a sting of guilt in her chest, in her heart. Shaun pulled Lia closer, his face getting closer to hers. She could smell the alcohol on his breath, and he probably smelt the same on hers.  

Unaware of the tall figure approaching, Shaun’s other hand fell on Lia thigh and squeezed as his face leaned a little bit forward to hers.

Then, whatever spell must’ve been there —if there had been any— was broken by Noah’s rough voice.

“What the hell, Lia?” His voice cut through the air, through the music, drawing hers and the other three guys sat at the table attention.

Her heart raced as she realized that, by the look on his face, he had found out.

Shit. So much for a quick stunt, she thought.

"What?" Lia asked, blinking up at him. He was really imposing when he stood so close to her in his full height.

“’What?’” He repeated, incredulous. “Who the fuck is Lisa?”

Lia bit her lip. She was in trouble. Next to her, Shaun was also looking up at Noah, but he didn’t take in the anger that was emanating from Noah because he was totally oblivious to how bad he could react if someone pressed his buttons.  

“Hey,” he interrupted, eyeing Noah up with his blue eyes and a slight frown. “What’s up, dude?” He asked the question to Noah as if he had just ruined a moment, which only helped to make Noah even more pissed.

Noah just shot him a glare, sharp and wordless, that said “shut up”.  

"I don't know any Lisa," Lia responded, deliberately feigning ignorance. Why was she behaving like this? She had never been like this with Noah, her best friend. For a moment she felt disoriented and didn’t recognize herself. Confusion crept into her thoughts.

“Funny because apparently, I have a girlfriend with that name, and those girls just left thinking I’m a douchebag,” Noah retorted, his frustration evident in the furrow of his brow and the restrained intensity of his words.

“What is this all about?” Shaun interjected, sensing the tension between Lia and Noah.

Noah's anger intensified at her lie and even more as he noticed that moron’s hand on Lia’s thigh and his arm over her shoulders, keeping her in site. Shaun opened his mouth to say something else, but it only prompted Noah to raise his rough voice and deliver a stern warning.

"Get your hands off her," Noah commanded, the tension escalating. He locked eyes with Shaun, brown against blue, fire against ice.

"Noah," Lia sensed an impending storm in his tone and rose to her feet before Shaun could react, removing her body from his grasp. She placed a hand on Noah’s chest.

"Dude, are you her father?" Shaun retorted defiantly, rising to his feet, too. "She came to me, idiot." His attitude had changed, and Noah’s escalating anger was now mirrored in Shaun’s face.

Great, Lia thought. I have really messed it up.

"You were eye-fucking her the whole time since she arrived!" Noah grunted, pointing at him. Lia noticed the veins on his neck growing taut. "You should have shown some fucking respect."

"This is unnecessary," Lia interjected, feeling slightly off-kilter due to the influence of the alcohol. The effects of it were palpable on all of them. She could tell when Noah was also being controlled by the few drinks he’d had.

Behind them and not too far, the waitress pointed towards them, and Jolly noticed the rising tension and cursed upon realizing that it was his friends.

"Unnecessary is this guy putting his hands on you. Get lost and leave her alone," Noah declared, his voice echoing against the low murmur of other conversations around them and the melodies emanating from the corners where the venue’s speakers were located.

"I'll leave her alone when she asks me to," Shaun defiantly responded.  

"Shaun, please. Just... don't say anything," Lia implored, her voice was quickly swallowed by the music.

"Oh, you're gonna let him tell you what to do?" Shaun scoffed.

"No, that's not what I'm doing,” she replied, exasperation growing on her veins.

"It definitely seems like it."

The way he was talking now was far different from the earlier charm he had used to entice her a while ago, to get her to join him and his friends at his table.

"What is wrong with you?" She asked him, her eyes piercing through the dimly lit haze of the bar, casting a judgmental look upon him.   

"Are you two fucking each other? Is that where the problem is coming from?" Shaun insinuated, his words slicing through the charged atmosphere like a knife.

Noah’s eyes widened. He would let his friends make as many jokes as they wanted about Lia and him, but this dude? He had no fucking right.

Noah surged forward, his movements driven by an impulse, but before he could touch Shaun, Lia pressed both hands against Noah’s chest, acting as a human barricade. Jolly appeared from behind and grabbed Noah with a firm grip.

"Enough," Jolly interjected firmly, pulling Noah away.

"You go fuck yourself," Lia snapped at Shaun, her words laced with anger and disdain. What a disappointment.

"Screw you. You're nothing but a cocktease,” Shaun spat back, the words dripping with resentment.

"Shut your mouth before I do it for you!" Noah yelled as Jolly continued fighting to guide him towards the exitbefore any of the security guards took matter into their hands.

As the tempest of emotions raged on, Lia, not one to be outdone, knocked down Shaun’s drink, a cascade of liquid splattering across the table and his shirt. The alcohol journeyed down until it reached him, not only staining his shirt but also drenching his pants in the process.

"Enjoy your drink.”

"Bitch!"

Jolly retrieved Noah’s car keys from his back pocket and hoped that once in the confines of the car the chaos would subdue. But oh, was he wrong… As soon as they were all settled, Noah in the front and Lia in the back, they started throwing accusations and grievances at each other. Lia blamed Noah for spoiling the evening, while Noah, in return, retaliated reminding her of how immature her stunt had been. And for what? When Jolly intervened to tell them that they were both accountable for their own contributions to the discord, Noah and Lia told him to shut up at the same time, to which he replied telling both to fuck off.

The tension only escalated further when Noah unexpectedly opened Lia’s door when they reached the driveway of the house and grabbed her arm as she emerged, to keep her steady. She resisted his grasp, their eyes locked in a volatile exchange.

“Go take a shower. You’re drunk,” he ordered, his disappointment and irritation evident in his voice.

“So are you, and stop telling me what to do,” she replied making her way towards the house.

Jolly, overworked by their ongoing altercation, opened the door and, with deliberate indifference, proceeded inside, depositing the keys into a small decorative bowl near the entrance.

“Given your childish behavior someone has to!” Noah shouted walking behind her. “Don’t ever think about bringing home any more jerks like that one! You hear me?”

“I can hear you perfectly and I don’t care!” She replied, entering the house and removing her boots, steadying herself against the wall.

“You should! It’s not just you living in this house, princess!” He slammed the door shut with a resounding thud, adding to everyone’s frustration.  

Lia growled at him. She didn’t understand why he felt the need to say that, especially considering her infrequent instances of brining boys home. The irony wasn’t lost on her, knowing full well that Noah was the one to bring girls every once in a while and letting them stay the night. On occasion, she could even her them from her own room, for God’s sake.  

“Living with you is so annoying!” Lia’s shout reverberated through the hallway. She threw boots towards the shoe rack by the entrance.

“Oh, is it? Excuse me for looking after you!” He got back at her while he took off his jacket and flung it towards the couch without even bothering to look where it fell. His gaze was fixed on Lia’s, on her big brown eyes ablaze with fire and adrenaline. She was intoxicating, but he wouldn’t let her get away with this.

“You were going to hit him for flirting with me!” Lia punctuated her accusation, advancing towards him. “That’s not looking after me! It’s called ruining my night!”

“Okay, so you can get away with telling girls that I have a girlfriend to keep them away? What kind of stunt is that?” He opened in arms in a gesture of exasperation. “That’s so… childish!”

“Of course! And you’re such a big boy wanting to get into fights with whoever looks my way! Thank you for being my knight in shining armor even if I never asked for it!” Lia’s retort dripped with sarcasm and resentment.

“You two have a serious problem,” Jolly interjected, his irritation even more palpable than Lia and Noah’s, despite his calm demeanor. “I can’t decide if you’re acting like children or like a married couple. Either way, you’re fucking annoying. If you can’t stand the thought of the other fucking someone else, sort yourselves out, but leave me out of it next time. I’m not going out anywhere else with you two as long as this banter goes on. Grow the fuck up, please.”

“Say that to him!” Lia pointed at Noah and quickly walked up the stairs, retreating to her bedroom and locking herself in with a resounding thud of the door.

Now alone, Jolly and Noah found themselves enveloped in a tense silence. Noah’s eyes remained in the last spot where he had seen Lia until he decided he’d had enough, and he slumped onto the sofa.  

“What the fuck, man?” Jolly broke the silence as he stood in front of him, hands at his hips.

“She just…” Noah ran his hands through his hair, emitting a low, contained growl. “She drives me crazy.”

“I can see that,” Jolly acknowledged, a knowing look in his eyes.

“I…”

“What are you going to say this time? The same old bullshit? That you’re just looking out for her and you knew that the guy wouldn’t be good enough for her?” Jolly cut in.

Sometimes Noah hated how much Jolly knew him.

“Noah, that excuse is not valid anymore. No one will ever be enough for Lia, according to you. Have you stopped for a second to consider that you keep saying that maybe because you think you are the one who will be? Have you thought that maybe… you’re in love with her?”

Noah’s eyes shot up at him.

Had Jolly lost his mind?

“I’m not fucking in love with her,” he replied immediately, but an uncomfortable silence followed. Jolly studied him as Noah visibly struggled to articulate his thoughts, his reasons. “She’s my best friend. Why is it so shocking that I feel a responsibility towards her?” He sought to justify himself, his gestures emphasizing the absurdity of Jolly’s proposition. “Her mother neglected her all her life, her father is God knows where. Her grandparents don’t give a fuck. I’m the only one she has. She’s my family,” he made a pause, and when he saw that Jolly remained just as skeptic as before, he stood up again and raised his voice. “And no, I’m not fucking in love with her!”

He went to bed that night clinging to that mantra, and Lia, in the room in front of his, grappled with her own tumultuous thoughts. She wondered why she told that girl that Noah had a girlfriend, why she had felt so betrayed, so… jealous? For a while, she wished she could go back in time to when she was just a teenager, when summers were spent either in Noah’s room making music or by the lake, with Noah’s growing body swimming around her, his wet hair stuck to his forehead, and his smile shining under the afternoon sun. She missed the smell of nature, of blooming flowers and the trees that kept them safe in that corner of the world that for years seemed to belong only to them. She missed sitting on the deck with Noah, shoulders touching, and chatting away as the sun set, throwing rocks in the water, competing to see whose would go further.

That was where they kissed for the first time, where they kissed each other.

The memory made her stomach sank.

 She put the pillow over her head and screamed.