#also aiden has many questions and demands mANY answers

[madebysimblr]

Winterfest

-

Aiden: HI AUNTIE SUMMER!!

Trey: [oof] She's not your aunt, kid. Her mom is. Summer is your cousin.

Aiden: Oh right. Who's that!?

Trey: [laughs] That must be Grey, welcome to the circus. Summer, your mom is upstairs, she invited herself. Hope you don't mind.

Grey: Uh hi! Thanks for having me!

Summer: Of course she did. I guess you can meet my mom today too. Sorella?

Trey: On the catio last I saw.

Aiden: Do you play video games mister? Are you Summer's husband? What's your favorite color? Are you in call-age too??

Grey: Uhh. Yes, maybe one day, purple, and yes.

Aiden: COOL! Come play Party Frenzy with me!!!

[renetess-b]

I'm curious as to how episode 5 would go in your swap au

This one’s a bit messy because I don’t have a proper finale for it yet hhhhh

But I’ll share what I have right now:

Once again, the new order of the stone are treasure hunting, in the exact temple the enchanted flint and steel were supposed to be. Unfortunately for them, that was another case of coming out empty-handed.

So they head back home, and just as in the original, Olivia and Axel are distracted by Ivor’s mess of a house. When Ivor asked if they’ve found anything, their answer got him all worked up and worried. They didn’t understand what he was so concerned about, but he told them to go talk to him in the Order Hall as soon as possible and runs off there first. As Jesse and Petra were approaching it, they’ve spotted Aiden, who was nervously shuffling near the entrance. Once he noticed them coming toward him, he regained his composure and quickly came down to business. He said he’d received Jesse’s letter and got here as soon as possible. They wanted to resume their conversation inside, but got quickly interrupted by Ivor. He was really concerned with the fact that someone got their hands on the key for getting the Eversourse. He demanded that they head out as soon as possible, as it may not be too late.

Jesse couldn’t just leave Aiden hanging while they go out adventuring, so she quickly tells him about the confrontation they’ve had with the Ocelots the day that she wrote him a letter. When they realized that they were supposed to find a flint and steel, Jesse says that they’ve heard Lukas, Maya and Gill mention it that day. So his friends might have something to do with this whole situation they’re having right now.

Since Jesse’s group have all the information about that thing Lukas, Gill and Maya were interested in, Aiden wants to go with them. He’s only interested in finding his friends and said he’d leave as soon as they get to them. He’s very reluctant to ask for help at first, especially with how “great” the last time he tagged along with them went, but this was his only lead in months and he couldn’t possibly miss that chance.

In the end, Jesse, Petra and Aiden follow Ivor to the portal, which had already been opened. They didn’t want to waste any more time and enter it.

Luckily for them, Lukas, Maya and Gill arrived only a few hours prior, meaning they still got a chance to get the treasure first. But during that time they’ve managed to leave a really good impression on the Founder. She recognizes them as people who clearly know what they are talking about when it comes to building, and she sees their visit as a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience. So things are going great so far for the Ocelots.

When Jesse and the gang arrives, they break the rules by building a bridge. While they were exploring the city, they discover that some other people arrived here not that long ago too and they’ve actually managed to get into the palace. After the witness of their horrible bridge building crime informs the guards, they confront Jesse and the others in order to arrest and escort them to the Founder. Since the Ocelots weren’t shit talking them, their situation is not that dire actually, but they’re still in trouble for breaking the rules.

They’re given a chance to either escape with Milo’s help or surrender. As in the original, Ivor thinks this is the best course of action since it’s the fastest way to get into the palace and Petra’s saying they should leave right now. Aiden actually agrees with Petra at first, but if his friends are really in there, and if that’s the fastest way he could get to them, he’s willing to take this chance. Jesse thinks this all can be resolved if they just talk it out and makes a decision to surrender.

As they’re led to the Founder, they find Maya, Gill and Lukas standing beside her. Of course, Jesse, Aiden and Ivor are greeted with “Oh god, not you again”. As they seem to recognize each other, Isa asked the Ocelots to tell her what they know about them, so she knows who she was dealing with. Basically, they’ve described them as mostly harmless, but unpleasant to deal with.

So Jesse’s telling Isa everything as it is: they didn’t know the rules, it was all a big misunderstanding. And this is the first time the Ocelots have heard about the law that prohibits building and think: “??? Kinda fucked up”. Then she takes Jesse to have a conversation in private on the balcony, while the others are kinda left there to awkwardly wait for them. But Aiden got there with one purpose: to talk to his friends. And he tries to strike a conversation, but is quickly shut down by Lukas. After all, he shouldn’t be discussing personal stuff in a room full of random people, it’s at the very least impolite. But he doesn’t give a damn about being polite, he’s been waiting for this moment for months and doesn’t want to waste it. They actually end up making quite a scene and prompted guards to shut them all down.

As Jesse and Isa returns, naturally, they’ve failed to defend themselves and are going to jail, which shocked both groups. After they’re escorted to jail, Isa and Lukas are having a conversation where he actually questions her decision and laws. He may not like these guys, but getting jailed because of building something is wild. Isa notes that he and those criminals actually share the same mentality when it comes to things like these and warns him that even if they’re her guests, she expects him and his friends to respect her rules.

This time Reginald doesn’t get Jesse and the others out of jail, because he has no reason not to trust the Ocelots. They’ve been nothing but polite and respectful to the Founder and the citizens (well, for the most part). So they’re pretty much stuck there. Their best options are either to wait for Petra to somehow get them out of there or to break out themselves. Which they spend quite some time unsuccessfully doing.

Some time later they hear someone approaching their cell. To their surprise, Lukas, Gill and Maya came to bust them out of jail. Even if things are still pretty tense between them, it just feels like the right thing to do. Besides, a couple of spare hands would be quite helpful right now, as they still need to figure out how to get back home.

Waiting outside of jail were Petra and Milo. Turns out they were caught by the Ocelots while trying to sneak in and they actually agreed to help them free their friends and leave this place all together. So now basically everyone is a criminal and they all need to get out of there quickly.

Now they have a temporary alliance in order to escape while still looking for the Eversourse. Eventually they all end up in the storage room where all the spawn eggs are kept and that’s where they find Benedict. But then they’re confronted by Isa and the guards. She’s very angry that she was betrayed by the Ocelots and thinks that it all was some kind of convoluted plan to get to the Eversourse. So a big fight starts out, which resulted in Jesse, Lukas and Isa falling over the edge and discovering that there’s land underneath Sky City.

Aaaand this is pretty much all I’ve got for now lol. With how things have been going, this episode won’t have some grand spectical finale and they actually could safely escort all people to land, so there aren’t many high stakes there really, so it can be pretty boring.

Also, after this point, there’s no big enough reason for Aiden not to stay with his buddies. I obviously didn’t go into too many detail with dialogs and how the scenes play out (otherwise this post would’ve gone on forever), but by the end of this episode Maya, Lukas and Gill actually want to make things better again with Aiden, or at least try.

But at the same time I really want to send Aiden adventuring without his friends as it progresses his character development even further, plus him interacting with Jesse, Petra and Ivor even more and in ways he never did in the original is such a blast to imagine and write.

So yeah, these are my thoughts

[mordoriscalling]

The Life (of) Surprise (2/4)

Jaskier lies to his family about being engaged to Geralt for the second time… and there are way too many surprises involved.

Part 4 of the Singer and the Sailor AU that no one asked for but I wrote anyway (again). This fic happens a little bit more than a year after Geralt returns home from his last deployment. Warnings: referenced alcoholism and trauma.

(Part 1)

II - A Surprise Is Uttered

The day begins with a sleepless night. For Geralt, not Jaskier. Jaskier is a heavy sleeper, so he has no idea about it until nature’s call wakes him up at half-past three in the morning. The bed is empty so, after relieving herself, Jaskier looks around the house and finds Geralt sitting by the kitchen table. His face is hidden in his hands and there’s an empty mug next to him. It’s the third night in a row that he hasn’t slept at all and Jaskier’s heart breaks for him a little.

They’re supposed to take a little trip to Brighton and return in the afternoon, before Yennefer drops Ciri off at Geralt’s after school. Now, Jaskier decides that the plan changes. In half an hour, they’re both ready to set out. Geralt drives because he already had coffee.

The drive passes in silence. Jaskier dozes off in his seat for some time but after the sun rises, it’s too bright outside for sleeping, and he wakes up slowly. They arrive in Brighton a few minutes after six. Save for occasional joggers and people walking their dogs, the streets are blissfully empty, and so is the beach.

It’s just a quiet, sunny morning like any other. In short: perfect. Jaskier doesn’t have to worry about someone photographing him, or anyone (quite) possibly seeing his proposal being rejected.

The air is slightly chilly as they stand at the shore, the waves almost touching their shoes. Geralt doesn’t say anything, only looks at the water. Jaskier watches him bask in the closeness of the sea. The delicate morning sunlight accentuates all his wrinkles in a stunning way and his white hair is lit up like a halo, gentle breeze ruffling it slightly. Jaskier takes in Geralt’s strong profile, his pretty stubble and his tired, tired eyes, and he thinks to himself that he loves this man so.

Jaskier can’t help but recall everything that happened since Geralt’s return, the good and the bad. All the times Jaskier pushed too far or Geralt was too gruff. The piano lessons with Ciri, and the adorable look on Geralt’s face when he concentrates on playing. The quiet weekends they sometimes manage to squeeze into their lives. Geralt chuckling at Yennefer’s disgusted expression after Jaskier asks her if she’s off to do “hot girl shit” again. (Jaskier knows she actually loves that phrase). How Geralt’s insecurities get better of him some days and he turns into a brooding idiot. The way the two of them are able to have a conversation without words, the way their bodies move against each other when they have sex. The smell of Geralt's sweat after he works out.

How, when they stay over at Geralt’s house, Geralt is always annoyed that Jaskier doesn’t wash the dishes right after using them. How, when they stay over at Jaskier’s house, Geralt always forgets to take his shoes off, much to Jaskier’s dismay. How Geralt is an annoyingly good cook but he’s also really shit at paying the bills on time. How he doesn’t allow Jaskier anywhere near kitchen appliances, which wounds Jaskier’s pride.

All of Geralt’s mannerisms. How he’s grumpy by default but then sees a dog. How Jaskier sometimes wants to talk very much but Geralt doesn’t. How Geralt delivers freaking sermons sometimes. That one time they managed to go out for a drink with Aiden, Eskel and Lambert, and Eskel started talking about his retirement plan involving goat yoga. Lambert nearly went batshit crazy, insisting that there was no way that something like goat yoga existed. Eskel and Jaskier tried to demonstrate how that would work, with Jaskier pretending to be a goat. Lambert, Geralt and Aiden almost pissed themselves laughing. The following day, Ciri woke Geralt and Jaskier by blasting a techno remix of Her Sweet Kiss so loud that the windows rattled. Then Yennefer made them go grocery shopping despite their killer hungover.

How Geralt holds him when unpleasant memories haunt him. How Geralt’s brutally honest when some of his songs suck. How he looks at Jaskier when he sings. His smothering gaze when he calls Jaskier his siren. How he makes sure that Jaskier eats and drinks when he forgets about it himself. How Geralt stands by him and supports him in his career, withstanding all the paparazzi nonsense even though he hates it with passion. How Geralt doesn’t want to know him for who he knows, how he’s always there for Jaskier and never asks for a thing in return.

All of this, and Jaskier suddenly doesn’t know where to start. He only knows that he wants to keep this man in his life so much that there’s hardly any air left in his lungs. His heart is hammering in his chest, his hands are sweating, and he decides to begin with what’s safe.

“Hey, Geralt,” he says, “I love you very, very much, you know that?”

Geralt hmms an affirmative and looks at him. There’s a smile on his face and warmth in his gaze as he answers, “I love you too.”

His golden eyes stand out against the blue of the cloudless sky. Jaskier slowly drowns in them, only the sound of the waves reaching his ears. It seems like only the two of them matter in the world and the reality is a safe distance away. In this state, almost hypnotized, Jaskier simply does what he has to do and gets down on one knee.

“What are you doing?” Geralt demands with a sowl.

His tone isn’t exactly a good sign. Jaskier flashes him a shaky smile and reaches for his hand. Then, he slides the buttercup ring halfway down Geralt’s finger. He didn’t buy a new ring; there’s no need for it really. He only needs to give their old rings new meaning on this seemingly meaningless April morning.

“Geralt, I-I,” he stutters out. His heart is beating so fast that he can’t breathe. He makes himself look up at Geralt, who stares down at him with a frown. Jaskier smiles nervously and forces the words out, “Will you... will you marry me?”

Geralt’s eyes widen and his mouth opens in shock. The silence drags on like eternity and Geralt doesn’t move a single muscle. When he finally does, his lips slowly quirk upwards and his whole face lights up with the tiniest, shiest joy. Jaskier is about to sigh in relief but then Geralt’s answer comes.

“Jaskier,” he grumbles, “get up, you’ll ruin your trousers.”

His trousers are white and it’s indeed a bad idea to kneel on the wet pebbles. As Jaskier gets up, his heart sinks and his head hangs low. “I’m sorry,” he mumbles, “This doesn’t have to mean anything, I just–”

He’s still holding on to Geralt’s hand and the ring, so he starts taking it off Geralt’s finger completely. Geralt stops him, though. Jaskier watches in amazement as Geralt’s muscular hands guide his own so that he slips the silver band back on Geralt’s finger.

When the realisation hits him, Jaskier gasps. He looks up at his fiancé, for real this time, and sees Geralt’s whole expression is alight with happiness. The sight takes his breath away. “Geralt...” he begins, but what Geralt does next takes away his ability to speak.

Geralt fucking kneels. Then, he takes Jaskier’s hand and slides the golden wolf signet off Jaskier’s finger. As Geralt looks up at him, he raises an eyebrow in silent question. Jaskier, still rendered speechless, only gives a jerky nod. Geralt grins like he almost never does, sharp teeth on display, and slides Jaskier’s ring back on.

The next moment is a blur. Jaskier, blinded by joy, wants to throw himself at Geralt. Geralt seems to want the same thing because he meets Jaskier halfway. Their bodies collide and they almost fall into the water but Geralt steadies them. Then, they’re standing up, and Geralt holds him tight, so tight that Jaskier may get bruises. Jaskier doesn’t care about that. He’s laughing and Geralt is smiling, truly smiling, and they pepper kisses all over each other’s faces.

“Please say it,” Jaskier whispers hoarsely, “just that one little word,”

Geralt huffs a laugh. He pecks Jaskier on the cheek, then murmurs into his ear, “Yes.”

It’s just one word but it’s said it the gravelly baritone Jaskier will never be tired of hearing, and his heart almost bursts with all he feels at that moment. The need to kiss Geralt stupid is stronger than ever, so he does exactly that. Burying his hands in Geralt’s hair, he brings their mouths together. Geralt lets out a pleased hum and sneaks his strong arms around Jaskier’s waist. The kiss resembles their very first one during the birthday party – it’s deep and slow, the best kind of passionate.

It takes them some time to break apart. When they do, they take off their shoes and take a walk along the shore, ankle-deep in the cold water, holding hands and talking. When Jaskier sees a little fish, he starts naming all the fish that he knows while Geralt laughs at him. Then Geralt wets his hand in the sea and puts it against Jaskier’s nape because he’s a bastard. They’re a moment away from splashing war when Jaskier’s stomach rumbles loudly. The two of them realise that they’re both hungry, so they embark on a search of some nice restaurant. Eventually, they find one and treat themselves to a big breakfast. Jaskier drinks coffee but forbids Geralt from having one, to Geralt’s immense displeasure. He steals a sausage from Jaskier’s plate as revenge but Jaskier physically can’t be mad at him today. His grumpy expression makes Jaskier melt.

The drive back passes in silence. Jaskier sits behind the wheel; the coffee Geralt had at night is wearing off and he’s too tired. Geralt sits in the front passenger seat with his eyes closed the whole way back but he’s not sleeping. His thoughts often don’t let him sleep, Jaskier knows.

They return before noon. Walking into Geralt’s house feels different somehow, now that they’re truly engaged. As soon as the front door closes behind them, Jaskier drags Geralt in for a kiss. Way too soon, Geralt breaks it... because he needs to yawn.

Jaskier laughs and says, “C’mon, my jolly sailor bold, you need a nap.”

Geralt grunts but doesn’t argue. They go to Geralt’s bedroom upstairs and change into comfortable sweats and "for home" t-shirts, stealing some kisses in the meantime. Geralt closes the thick curtains and they lay down in the bed, facing each other. Jaskier shifts closer until he can tuck Geralt's head under his chin and run his hands through Geralt’s hair while Geralt rubs his palms up and down Jaskier’s back.

It’s one of their favourite ways to cuddle. They say nothing for some time, simply enjoying the closeness. Jaskier’s lost in his head, picturing how Geralt’s family is going to react to the development in their relationship, but then he suddenly remembers what he said to his own family yesterday.

“Geralt?”

“Hm?”

“What would you say about marrying next spring?”

Geralt opens his eyes and squints at him. “So soon?”

“I’ve always wanted to have a May wedding,” Jaskier answers. It’s not even a lie. After he and Geralt got together, he’s started fantasising about his own wedding for the first in his life and, in his mind, it always happens in May.

Geralt watches him closely, clearly sensing that there’s something he isn’t being told, and damn him for reading Jaskier so well. Jaskier tries not to squirm under the golden stare, as unforgiving as the sun, doing his best not to let his fear show. Jaskier will have to tell Geralt about the circumstances of their engagement one day, and when he does, Geralt may take it extremely the wrong way.

“I’ll think about it,” Geralt says finally.  

It’s not a no but it’s not a yes either. Jaskier can’t have that, so he brings out the big guns and innocently suggests, “We could marry at sea, you know.”

A pause.

“Hmm.”

It’s definitely an intrigued hmm. Jaskier presses on, “I could rent us a yacht. Or a boat. Or a big ship, even. Whatever you want.”

There’s a moment when Geralt doesn’t even breathe. Then, he heaves a long, resigned sigh, and Jaskier smiles in victory.

“Damn you, Jaskier,” Geralt mutters tiredly, “Damn you.”

Jaskier chuckles and kisses Geralt on the forehead, earning himself a happy hum. He keeps running his fingers through Geralt's hair and begins to sing softly. It's the first song Jaskier wrote for Geralt; Jaskier knows that his fiancé has a particular fondness for it. As he croons lyrics about woods and the Fae, Geralt's breathing starts slowing. After he finally falls asleep, Jaskier lets himself doze off too.

***

“Dad!”

Jaskier jerks awake, opening his eyes just in time to see Geralt do the same. There’s a moment when they stare at each other in confusion. Then, Cirilla’s wails reach their ears, and Jaskier’s blood runs cold. In an instant, there’s pure, unadulterated terror written all over Geralt’s face. He gets up lighting fast and rushes out of the bedroom. Jaskier follows right after him.

“Dad!” she shrieks again.

“Ciri!” Geralt shouts, completely frantic, as they run down the stairs.

Cirilla meets them at the bottom of the stairs. Her face is red from crying, her cheeks wet. She falls into his arms and buries her face in her father’s chest, sobs tearing through her frame.

“Ciri,” Geralt breathes out, running his shaking hands all over the girl’s body in search of any injuries.

Ciri appears physically unharmed but still, something is definitely very, very wrong. The girl keeps bawling her eyes in Geralt’s embrace while her father strokes her head soothingly. Jaskier finds it to be a truly gut-wrenching thing to witness, and he isn’t even Ciri’s relative. He can scarcely imagine what Geralt is feeling, though a good portion of his fear and worry shows on his face. Jaskier, in an attempt to comfort Ciri and Geralt, puts his arms around them both.

“What happened?” Geralt asks, his voice hushed and gentle.

Cirilla cries harder and Geralt’s face scrunches up in pain he feels for her. Jaskier’s heart breaks for them both.

“Dara,” Ciri finally chokes out, “He wasn’t at school today and didn’t text me back and... He called me just before I walked in and told me... “ Her body starts shivering. “There was a fire at his house, dad, only he...” She trails off and wails. “His parents and brother didn’t...”

Jaskier gasps and Geralt curses.

“He has nowhere to go, dad,” Ciri adds, “no relatives in the country, he has nothing....”

Ciri weeps on while Jaskier looks at Geralt helplessly. He silently asks Geralt what to do and Geralt answers with a slight shake of his head. Jaskier purses his lips and racks his brain while Ciri slowly begins to calm down. Finally, he gets an idea.  

“Sweetheart, did he tell you where he is now?”

“Yeah,” Ciri replies, her face still hidden in Geralt’s chest, “Why?”

“Well... My house has more than enough room for two.”

***

The day ends in a sleepless night. For Jaskier, not Geralt. Geralt, just like Ciri, collapsed from exhaustion around an hour ago in one of the bedrooms in Jaskier’s house. Jaskier, unfortunately, can’t say that about himself. Too much has happened for one day and he still hasn’t processed even half of it.

It’s almost midnight. Jaskier sits on the couch in his living room, strumming his acoustic guitar idly and trying not to think about the dead look Dara had in his eyes the whole day. When Jaskier pictures what kind of trauma the boy has just gone through, he wants to scream.

The sight of Dara himself snaps him back to reality. He acknowledges Jaskier with a nod and goes to the kitchen, which is open to the living room. Jaskier watches in the corner of his eye as Dara pours himself a glass of water and drinks. The air around is still, awfully so, and Jaskier itches to break the oppressive silence.

“You can’t sleep too?” he says.

“Yeah,” Dara answers quietly.

“You can sit here with me if you want.”

Dara hesitates for a moment but then comes over and sits down next to Jaskier awkwardly. He and Jaskier did meet before but they never talked much. Usually, Ciri would just say that the two of them are going somewhere before dragging Dara away. Jaskier’s aware that he’s a stranger to him and he certainly has no idea how to act around a person who’s currently experiencing the worst kind of nightmare that they can’t wake up from. Still, if there’s one thing he knows, it’s the fact that music can be a cure for many ailments.

“Any requests you’d like to make of this humble bard?” he asks, gesturing at himself theatrically.

“I like Metallica,” Dara replies with a shrug.

Jaskier smiles. “Ah, good taste!”

After a moment of thought, his fingers strum the strings and the first notes of The Unforgiven ring out in the air. Dara tenses but Jaskier decides to go on. When he sings, he pours all his emotions into it: how much his heart aches for the boy, how he wishes to ease his pain. His voice is mournful but strong and Dara listens to him carefully. During the second chorus, the boy’s eyes glaze over. Jaskier’s voice cracks. A tear rolls down Dara’s cheek, then another, and another. Jaskier plays on and Dara starts crying in earnest.  

The same couch that Ciri and Geralt sat on when Jaskier met them for the first time, the same couch that Jaskier and Geralt sat on when they exchanged their rings before the birthday party, now Dara sits and weeps, his face hidden in his hands.

Jaskier almost breaks down in tears himself but he fights it – he has to finish. His voice is loud and clear as he sings the last verses, openly but unapologetically raw because that’s how the song should be sung. That’s how this moment should feel.

After the last notes of the song die down, only the sound of Dara’s sobs can be heard. Jaskier’s looks at the mourning boy, only sixteen and left with nothing, and wants to help.

“Do you need a hug?” he asks hoarsely.

Dara nods and Jaskier moves closer, putting his arms around the boy’s shoulders. Dara leans against him and cries, and cries.

As they sit there, Jaskier thinks to himself that he has lived a life of immense privilege. There were times when it was bad, like his serious health problems in childhood. There were moments when it was even worse, like when his dad’s drinking spiralled out of control when he was a teenager. The memories of that time still make him shudder. Yet, all ended well in the end. Jaskier’s a healthy man, his dad is sober. Jaskier's career pays very well. He doesn’t have greater problems than pursuing his dreams, and he realises there are scarcely any people with similar lives in the world.

People like him, Jaskier muses, should learn to put their own wants and needs aside more than anyone.

“Hey, Dara,” he says, feeling shy possibly for the first time in his life. He swallows down the nervousness constricting his throat and says, “I know this can be a weird question, you don’t even know me, but... Would you like to stay? You could live here, at least until everything, well, settles down. ”

Dara doesn’t reply for a long time. When he does, his answer is just, “Okay.”

The single word is said so quietly that Jaskier almost misses it. When he does catch it, and it feels so monumental that his breath is taken away.

[cherryeol04]

The Firsts

Summary: No one ever told him that living was going to be so difficult. That there would emotions get couldn’t label and distinguish. He’s just a young boy trying to navigate through life and its unexpected ups and downs.

Genre: Humor, Fluff, smut(?)

Pairings: Oc x Felix, Oc x Changbin, Changbin x Oc x Felix

Warnings: poly relationship, angst in some part, excessive fighting about the MCU.

Parts: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 / Part 13 / Part 14 / Part 15 / Part 16 / Part 17

A/N: This story has a theme of Firsts. First love, first kiss and many other firsts. Each part can be read on their own and are meant to stand as oneshots. It’s basically a collection of oneshots (little snapshots into my Oc’s life. 😁)

“Thor.”

“Loki.”

“Thor!”

“Loki!”

“Neither!” Seungmin and Minho stopped dead in their tracks as they stared at Aiden with narrowed eyes. He hadn’t really wanted to get in between their little quarrel over which brother was hotter, Thor or Loki, but it had been going on for the past four hours and Aiden was actually tired of it.

“Excuse you?” Minho asked with a raised brow. “Have you even watched Thor?” He asked. 

“No.”

“Do you even Marvel?” Seungmin asked and Aiden shook his head. “Then you can’t contribute to this conversation!!!” He exclaimed, cheeks puffing out in frustration. 

“Oh, well excuse me!” Aiden held up his hands in defense and slipped between the two, walking ahead of them. There was silence for a brief moment before the two boys were back at their argument, trailing behind Aiden as they made their way up the long driveway.  Bang Chan was a friend of Changbin’s and extremely popular, or so Aiden had heard. His family was originally from Australia, but they moved when his father got a chance to expand their business in the Korean market - he was known as a self-made millionaire which of course made Chan a hit with all the people that wanted his family’s money. 

He was a sweet guy, if not a bit reserved and wary of people. But he has hit it off with Changbin one day during chemistry and the rest was history - though it had only been a couple of months. Chan has offered to host study sessions at his place and who were they to refuse such a generous offer? Their first visit, Aiden had expected to see a mansion but was greeted with a modest house. Decent size and you could tell that the place was pricey, but it didn’t scream wealth which had surprised Aiden but at the same time was a blessing. It put Chan in a different light for him - though rich, he was still a normal person and his family tried to live modestly.  True role model. 

Knocking on the door, it was opened in less than a minute to a bright-eyed and smiling Chan. “Hey guys.”

“He-“

“Channie hyung! Thor or Loki?” Minho asked as he pushed Aiden lightly, the male stumbling to the house.

“Whoa.” Chan wrapped his arms around Aiden quickly to catch him before he went tumbling down, eyes looking back at the other two. “Loki.” He said. 

“Ha! See, I told you!” Seungmin cheered happily, Minho simply rolling his eyes and scoffing. 

“Uncultured swine.” He snorted and made his way into the house - as if he owned the place - with a shake of the head. “Thor is the better of the two brothers and you can’t change my mind.” He huffed. 

“How can you say that when Loki is literally the best at everything?” Seungmin questioned as he followed quickly behind Minho, their voices fading as they disappeared around the left corner and into the study. 

“Uh...” Chan stared at Aiden in confusion as he stood upright and brushed himself off. 

“They’ve been going at it since the 5th period.” Aiden told him, flashing him a smile. “They won’t shut up and told me I couldn’t contribute to the conversation because I haven’t seen Thor.”

“You haven’t seen Thor?” Chan asked, his eyes wide, trailing after Aiden as he walked in.  Closing the door, Chan followed up his previous question with another. “Have you watched any of the Marvel movies?”

Aiden was silent for a moment, staring at Chan as he debated if he should answer truthfully or not. He could probably lie and get away with it, for now. But if the talk of Marvel movies and Thor continued, his lie would be seen so quickly. It was probably just best to say the through, despite how embarrassing it really was. “No, I haven’t.

He winced at the gasp Chan gave, loud and overdramatic and he knew he had made a grave mistake with this answer. “Oh my god!” Chan turned quickly, feet shuffling as he made his way into the den. “Aiden hasn’t seen any of the Marvel movies!” Chan’s voice was nearly drowned out by the loud gasps that fell from the other’s lips, complaints filling the air to the point Aiden wanted to just leave and pretend this didn’t happen. But he knew if he did run away, he really wouldn’t live this down. 

Reluctantly, he moved into the study and stared at his ‘friends’ as they all sat around a decent-sized coffee table - books and papers laid out for their intense study session that has yet to start. 

“I can’t believe you!” Seungmin scolded with a shake of his head. 

“How have you lived this long and not watched a Marvel film?” Woojin, Chan’s friend, asked concerned. 

“We bonded over Spider-Man dude. Spider-Man! I thought I knew you.” Changbin tsked, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“First of all, we were eight!” Aiden huffed and glared at Changbin, arms crossing in a mimic of the other’s posture. “Second of all, I’ve just been busy.”

“No one is too busy to watch a Marvel Movie. There is literally an entire cinematic universe.” Minho scoffed, disgusted by this horrid betrayal of his friend. 

“I have things to do!”

“Like what? Whine about how much you want to fuck Felix?” The words were said so nonchalantly that Aiden had to wonder if Changbin’s brain had been working when he so easily spilled his greatest secret. “I mean-“

“Whoa! Where did that come from?” Chan asked with wide eyes, head whipping back and forth between Felix, Changbin, and Aiden. 

“I don’t know. Changbin be out here making up stories so he can be so melodramatic.” Aiden hissed, eyes narrowed at the male and he could see Changbin shrinking in on himself, trying to apologize with his eyes. Aiden would only consider the apology if he could get out of this situation without anyone actually thinking he wanted to screw around with Felix. 

“I don’t date anyone who hasn’t seen at least Iron Man.” Felix said, a smirk playing on his lips as he joked. 

“Well damn, looks like you struck out buddy.” Chan laughed and clapped a hand over Aiden’s shoulder. “Aiden hasn’t seen a single Marvel movie.”

“Wow, you truly do love under a rock, don’t you?” Minho asked in awe. 

“Listen, Linda, can we dropped this stupid subject and actually study?” Aiden whined. 

“Marvel isn’t stupid. Marvel is life!” Seungmin protested and Aiden could only roll his eyes as he took his seat next to Changbin. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“At this moment in time, I don’t care.” Aiden stuck out his tongue at Seungmin, snickering with the other pouted. 

“Alright children, let's get down to business.” Woojin spoke, arms extending across the table to signify the end of this discussion. 

“Fine. But this isn’t over. Thor is superior and you all will see this, I swear to you.” Minho huffed as he flipped open his book to start working.  Felix was glad the topic had been dropped and everyone settled into a comfortable silence. It gave him time to think about things that had been said - words so haphazardly thrown about with no regard to the people involved. And what was Felix supposed to say? ‘Right on, let's find a bed and get down to business?’

How was someone supposed to act to such a crude confession as that? He wasn’t appalled by it - he knew that much - but it also wasn’t a favorable confession considering it came from Changbin. But Aiden did deny it, claimed it was made up but it was too specific to be a lie.  Changbin wasn’t that good at making up stories; his C+ literature project proved that much. So he laughed it off, continuing the joke of blasphemy about Aiden never seeing a Marvel movie. But he was aware now, so extremely aware. Every few seconds Aiden would lift his eyes to sneak a glance at him, Felix catching the movement out of his peripheral. 

He was a peculiar person, Aiden. The times that they had interacted alone, he seemed so shy and uncertain. Yet when with Changbin, his personality was alimony bigger than life and on countless times pulled laughter from him over something idiotic he had said or done. There was something about him that interested Felix in some way, but was it in the way that Aiden wanted? To suddenly have feelings forced upon you was inducing anxiety-inducing and suddenly he was feeling and questioning things he had never questioned before. 

‘Would it be worth it? Was he worth Aiden’s time? Would it work out? Did he even have feelings for Aiden in return?’ 

None of those questions were getting answered and they were burning the back of his mind, demanding some closure. The offer slipped out before he could even stop himself, lingering heavily in the quiet room. “You could always come over to my place and we could watch the movies.”

Aiden’s head lifted and their eyes locked. Everyone in the room stilled and Felix could swear they were all holding their breaths, waiting to see how this would play out. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t in the same position. 

“Really?”

“Yeah. I own all the movies, including Infinity War. We could have a movie marathon this weekend.” It was an innocent offer and yet Felix felt so guilty because there was so much meaning behind it, to him. A spur of the moment thing that would satisfy his need for answers. He just hoped he didn’t up hurting Aiden in the process. 

“Okay, sounds like a plan!” 

Well, that was easier than he thought. 

“Ooooh, sounds like a date~.” Minho teased, a smirk plastered on his face. “Felix and Aiden sitting in a tree -“ 

“F - U - C - K - I - N - G.” Seungmin continued, a matching smirk etched across his features as well. 

“I hate you both so much.” Aiden grumbled, the two boys giggling in happiness at Aiden’s discomfort. 

“It’s not a date.” Felix said quickly as he looked around the table. He wasn’t oblivious to the way Aiden’s face fell at his words and he quickly tried to back peddle his statement. “I mean-“

“Poor Aiden. Forever the unconfirmed gay virgin.” Changbin teased, laughing as he was punched in the arm. “Someday you’ll get some action.”

“I truly hate all of you.”

[eyesopen2019]

Chickenpox in Cunit

We got the train from Seville to Barcelona on 23rd June which was very comfortable and an easy trip.  Our apartment was basically across the road from the train station in Seville which was handy.   When we got on the train we had the usual arguments about who was sitting where………. Aiden always wants the window seat, Lani and Leon always want to sit with me, no-one ever wants to sit with Aiden so it is always a bit of a fight until usually I have to step in and tell everyone where to sit!  Leon had to sit next to Aiden on this train so wasn’t very happy to start with, but eventually got over it.  

While waiting to board the train I noticed Kai was breaking out in red spots.  We had a few mosquitos in Seville and initially I thought he’d been bitten, but over the course of the journey he got more and more spots coming up until he was almost covered in itchy blisters…..chickenpox.  Leon and Lani had a few spots the previous week and some headaches but I’d thought they were tired and had mosquito bites, so I now think they’d all had chickenpox – except Aiden.  Poor Kai was covered in spots by the time we got off the train.  Luckily, he didn’t feel too bad – just itchy.

We arrived in Barcelona Sants at 9.30pm and had to get a regional train to Cunit which is where we were staying for the next 2 weeks. We decided to stay out of the city due to cost and also we needed to stay somewhere for a bit longer so we could apply for our visa to China.  

Cunit is a beachside holiday town for Spanish tourists approximately 45mins by train south of Barcelona.  Our apartment is across the road from the beach and a short walk to the train station and supermarket.  There is not much to do in Cunit besides the beach, but they do have a few good cafes in town with great coffee and a very friendly and relaxed feel to the town.

The night we arrived in Cunit we got off the train into the pitch black and found fireworks and firecrackers exploding all around the train station and town.  The streets were filled with the smoke of crackers going off everywhere and the sound was constant and very loud.  We had no idea what was happening or why this was all going on.  We walked about 20 minutes through the streets trying to avoid being hit by stray fireworks.  It was a bit scary as we had no idea what sort of place we had ended up.  Looking around the streets they were filled with old and young people as well as young children with their families which made me feel better.  The beach was filled with people setting off fireworks and sitting around fires.  When we arrived at our unit to be greeted by our host and her DIL on the phone she explained that it was the celebration for the summer solstice all throughout Spain.  After we settled into the unit and watched the fireworks from our balcony. They continued until well into the early hours and sporadically for the next few days.  It was good to see families out enjoying themselves well into the night with no intoxicated people causing trouble.

Our first few days in Cunit were spent trying to sort out our China visa.  We had great difficulty getting information about what documents we needed for visa application.  We were unable to call or email and get a response from the visa centre in Barcelona, so we decided to visit in person where they answered all our questions. For the next 2 days we managed to get everything together and all forms filed in and documents printed and collated (90 pages!).  I made an appointment to apply for the visa and Kai and I went to the visa centre. While we sat there waiting for our turn, I noticed that not many people had their applications and passports taken off them during their turn and that they were sent away for corrections or more paperwork.  When it was my turn, I handed the consulate staff my 6 forms and passports and she was a bit surprised there were so many.  I explained that we were unable to apply in Australia as we’d been travelling since February and really need to apply today so we could get the visas back before leaving for France on the 8th July.  She was very friendly and helpful, and we spent the next 4, yes 4, hours filling and refilling in forms and paperwork so it was all correct to submit.  It was a very tiring and difficult process before we finally had it all right and she took all 6 applications off me.  I then went to pay at the cashier and my card was declined!!!!  So, Kai and I had to run to the ATM to get cash before they closed their doors 10 minutes later.  We made it back and paid the money and I was so happy to get out of there.  I felt a great stress relief once it was submitted and now we just wait 8 working days to go back and pick them up.  Fingers crossed……..

To get out of the heat one day we went to the Port Adventura water park which is a bit like Wet’n’Wild at home.  We all enjoyed the rides with Leon and Lani going and going all day long.  Kai loved the lazy river and Hung tried some of the waterslides, but he got pretty sick so napped most of the afternoon.  Leon was the most adventurous and went on the King Khajuna which was 31m high with a near vertical drop and he survived.  We were all really tired the next day from being out in the sun all day and had a resting day at home.

We noticed there were heaps of mosquitos in Cunit and we struggled with the heat at night and lack of aircon in our unit.  We cranked up the fans and Hung rigged up some temporary flyscreens with mosquito netting which helped.  We were up at the beach most mornings before it is too hot.  The beach is very calm with crystal clear water. Lani loves to sit and play on the beach for hours, digging holes and building castles.  Everyone has been swimming, except Aiden, and enjoyed cooling off in the water.  On the weekends the beach is packed with extended Spanish families with their umbrellas, coolers and chairs where they will spend most of the day.  

I spent a few days out in Barcelona with Aiden watching a couple of movies (we saw Rocketman which was my choice and John Wick 3 which was Aiden’s choice) in the heat of the day and then visiting the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla and some of Gaudi’s famous buildings.  There are endless gorgeous alleyways filled with little shops and different foods to explore.  He had his hair cut and rebleached one night while I waited in a nearby café which was very relaxing just having a wine and watching the passing traffic. After that we wandered around for a few hours until we jumped on the train home.  Hung and Aiden went into the city one night and went vintage shopping.  Aiden picked out a shirt for Hung which Aiden really liked. Aiden bought himself some beige pants and a jacket in a particular style he’d been looking for since Japan.

We spent some time near the Barcelona Cathedral and Leon and Lani enjoyed watching the various people on the street trying to scam tourists out of money by giving their kids balloons or jumping into people’s photos.  They couldn’t believe it when the clown snatched the balloon back from the child when their parent wouldn’t give them any money or demanded the photo be deleted from the tourist’s phone.  We visited La Sagrada Familia and learnt about Gaudi and his obsession with the building.  It is a Roman Catholic Church inspired by faith and nature and has been under construction since 1882 and continues today.  All the kids enjoyed looking at the building and admiring the wonderful decorative exterior. We also wandered down Passeig de Gracia to see Casa Batllo (House of Bones) redesigned by Gaudi in 1904 where Leon and Lani were more fascinated by a nearby tree…..

Hung and I celebrated our 19 year wedding anniversary in Cunit and spent an evening out at the Picasso Museum with the kids and had a lovely dinner together when on our last night in Barcelona.

The Picasso Museum was interesting, and the kids were interested to learn Picasso started painting so young but were unsure why he was so famous when they thought they could do his paintings also.  Leon and Lani both were keen to try a cubism drawing in their journals the next day.

Hung and Lani rented an electric bike one day and spent the day cruising around together.  They came home with a fish and some anchovies that they bought and fried them up for lunch.  It was funny to watch Lani pull the jaw off the fish and scoop out the eyballs then eat the rest – she really is Hung’s daughter!  Lani out of all the kids enjoyed the beach and the water the most and could spend all day there if able.  She’d much prefer that than walking around a city looking at buildings…….

On June 7th we caught the train from Cunit back to Barcelona where we were due to collect our passports the following day.  Hung and I went out for a dinner at a local Spanish restaurant and had a delicious seafood paella and tapas dishes.  We shared a bottle of Spanish red wine which we thoroughly enjoyed as we did the ice cream on the way home.  We got up early the next morning and Leon and I headed to the Chinese Visa Centre to collect our passports with hopefully our visa inside. I was pleased that we just were able to head to the counter and collect our passports straight away with no problems. I breathed a big sigh of relief when I had the passports in my hand and all the details were correct.

[trr-fangirl]

Remember Me - VII

Pairings: Liam x MC (Kimiko), Drake x Olivia 

Word Count: 1,700+

A/N: This chapter is full of drama aka my specialty. I’m sorry this chapter took so long to get uploaded. I was having a little writer’s block until Wednesday afternoon, then it just spilled out into this lol. Also, this was only supposed to have twelve parts series originally but this story took on a mind of its own. I’ll most likely be a bit expanding this series because I still have a lot of ideas for it. Just an FYI... If Madeleine actually ends up dying in the next chapter of TRR, she’s still going to be in this story! (Girl is too vital to this plot line!) Okay, I'll shut up now and let you all enjoy.

Notes: I did use my King’s and MC’s name for this fic. This is set after all of the events of book three (sorta) A read more cut is inserted below. 

Tags: @choicesfanatic86 , @captain-kingliamsqueen , @gracepedia , @hopefulmoonobject , @hhiggs , @umccall71 , @mfackenthal , @heatherfilliez , @flowerpowell , @writtenbycandy , @flyawayblue56 (Let me know if you want to be tagged! I’m sorry if the tags don’t work.) 

MASTERLIST

Disclaimer: All characters used belong to Pixelberry. This story is only for entertainment purposes. 

Drake walked down the hallway, steering clear of the bustling staff members. The Queen had been discharged from the hospital early that afternoon and was returning to the Capital within the hour. Each staff member was making sure everything was clean and in order for her and the King when they arrived. He sighed softly as he noticed one of the guards walking up to him, he was second in command after all.

“Sir, the palace has been secured and there is a guard at every entrance and exit in the palace.” The guard reported to him and Drake nodded.

“Go to your post. She should be here any minute.” He ordered before nodding to the guard as he bowed and ran off. Drake continued his walk down the hall before noticing Madeleine walking towards the entrance area. He frowned for a moment before continuing to walk in the same direction as his friends.

Hana squealed, “She’s here!”

Before anyone could stop her she was already out the door, rushing to greet the royal couple.

“Are you sure you got it?” Aiden asked as he helped Kimiko up onto her crutches. She gave him a quick nod before hearing Hana call out to them. She looked up and smiled brightly as she watched her run over to her.

“Welcome home!” She chimed and gave her a small gentle hug. Kimiko hugged her back before looking up at the building, admiring it before starting to slowly walk into the palace with the help of her crutches. Aiden and Hana walked behind her, making sure she didn’t harm herself and entered the palace.

“Your Majesty! It’s so nice to see you’ve returned home safely!” Madeleine said, throwing everyone off guard. Hana and Drake frowned as Maxwell stared in utter shock. This was the first time she had ever said anything remotely kind to the Queen and it was unsettling.

Kimiko glanced at the unknown woman but smiled back nonetheless, “Oh, thank you! I assume we were close?” She asked.

“Not necessarily,” Drake muttered before receiving a glare from Madeleine. He knew something was up and he wasn’t the only one.

“Oh, don’t listen to grumpy ole Drake. I was your press secretary during the Unity Tour a few years ago.” She said as she placed a comforting had on her shoulder, “Hopefully you’ll remember me but for now, you should probably retire to your bedroom before lunch.”

Aiden cleared his throat before protectively stepping forward, “Madeleine is right. Your doctor said you shouldn’t be on your feet for too long.” He said to Kimiko, who only nodded and began to hobble off. Aiden quickly bowed to the group before leading Kimiko to their room. Drake motioned for Hana and Maxwell to leave as he walked over to Madeleine.

“What do you have up your sleeve, Countess?” Drake spat, not wasting any time.

Madeleine glanced over at Kimiko’s friend and hummed. She didn’t expect him to catch on so quickly but maybe she was being too obvious. The woman folded her arms, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m not as gullible as Maxwell, Madeleine. I know that whole conversation with Kimiko was fake. We all do. Now, what are you planning?”

Madeleine’s eyes narrowed as she stared down the man, “I wouldn’t test me if I were you, Walker. Unless you want Olivia and Aiden to somehow find out about your little meetings with the Queen—“

“How do you know about that..?” Drake muttered through clenched teeth. No one in the palace knew about that. Not even Hana or Maxwell, not that he would want them to know but it was a well-kept secret. Or so he thought.

Madeleine smirked, “How wouldn’t I know? Oh, how would poor little Olivia feel when she finds out her boyfriend was having sexual relations with the Queen before her accident?” Her face quickly changed into a scowl as she got closer to his face, “Don’t. Test. Me.”

She quickly turned on her heel and stalked off down the hallway, leaving Drake with more questions than answers.

~~~~~~~~~

“This is our room?” Kimiko asked ecstatically as she hopped into the room. She looked around the room, taking in all of the furniture, hardwood floors and lavish bedspread. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Aiden smiled as he closed the door and helped her over to her side of the bed. He lowered her onto the bed and took her crutches, setting them close to her, so she could reach them.

She slowly and cautiously laid down and let out a sigh, “Thank you.”

Aiden frowned, “For what?”

“Being there for me. I barely remember anything about us, yet you didn’t let that stop you from being a good husband to me.” Kimiko said with a bright smile on her face. Aiden smiled back at her and planted a small kiss on her nose, she only giggled before staring at him happily.

“Are you going to stay with me or do you have kingly things to do?” She asked softly as she reached out for his hand. He glanced down at her hand and intertwined their fingers and hummed.

“I might have a few minutes before my first meeting.”

A smile crept upon her face again. She slid over a bit and motioned for him to sit next to her. As he did, she began to play with his wedding ring with her smile slowly fading. “What’s your favorite memory of us? Besides, our wedding day?”

Aiden chuckled, “There are so many.. I love them all actually.”

“Stop being sappy!” She said with a small giggle before humming, “How about when we were engaged?”

“There’s still too many.” He told her but only earned a sigh from him. He chuckled again before hummed, “Let me see..”

The room became quiet again as he thought to himself for a moment. She continued to play with his ring as he began to talk again.

“I think it has to be when we were first announced to the court together.” He muttered as he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, “You looked heavenly in your feathered dress. I could barely take my eyes off of you. Anyways, you said it was like a dream come true for you to be heralded in front of the court with me. After everything you had been through.”

She frowned, “What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say… It took a long time for us to get engaged. People took matters into their own hands instead of letting fate run its course.” He told her, his voice becoming lower as he relived the memories of his father’s meddling in their relationship.

Kimiko noticed his somber expression and bit her lip, “I’m sorry I made you relive those memories.” She whispered as she lifted their hands and kissed his hand.

He could only smile at how thoughtful she was, even in her state, “Nonetheless. Hearing our names together and how the court praised us as we entered the ballroom was… one of the best feelings.”

Kimiko looked up at him as she listened to him tell her his favorite memory, “I…I wish I remembered that too.” She muttered, her eyes falling to the bedsheets. She bit her lip as she frowned, “Why did this have to happen to me?” Kimiko asked, tears filling her eyes. “Why can’t I remember the good memories instead of these broken images of someone trying to hurt me?”

Aiden’s face softened as he squeezed her hand tighter, “Don’t blame yourself for this… The accident wasn’t your fault.” He told her as he leaned towards her and kissed her forehead tenderly. She didn’t say anything as tears began to stream down her face.

“It’s not fair.” She whispered before pulling away from him, slipping her hand from his in the process. Aiden looked at her with sadness as she turned away from him. He opened his mouth to speak but she had already beat him to the punch.

“I— I think I need to be alone.” She said, her voice soft and broken.

Aiden gulped thickly before nodding to her and standing, “There will be a guard checking in on you every 30 minutes if you need anything.”

When she didn’t answer, he took it upon himself to leave the room and return to his study.

~~~~~~~

It had been almost a month since the Queen had returned home. She was doing better every day as she relearned the courtly etiquette along with the Cordonian waltz, handled paperwork for her duchy with her staff members, and remembered a few happy memories here and there. She was even able to walk without her crutches. Though she was having an amazing time in the palace, not everything was as it seemed.

Kimiko had her first luncheon with the Queen Mother and it didn’t go well. Regina was already giving her a hard time about how she wasn’t getting enough work down to keep up with the demands of the kingdom. She even used the ‘You’re letting your people and your husband down.’ line. This didn’t go over well with Aiden when he saw Kimiko crying as she hobbled back into their room. Things between the royal couple and the Queen Mother were fraught but to Regina’s joy, it was going as planned.

Regina walked through the halls towards her bedroom turning in for the night when she passed the King’s Chambers. Muffled voices came from behind the door, sparking some interest in Regina. She glanced around the hall before turning the doorknob ever so slowly and pushing it open a bit, in order to hear their voices clearly.

“I don’t know how much more I can take...” A crying Kimiko muttered as she sat in the middle of their king size bed with her white nightgown on. She was wiping her tears away as she sat alone on the bed. “She makes everything so much harder.”

Aiden sighed as he stepped out of the bathroom and walked over to her, “I’ve already spoken to Regina. She isn’t going to have any more daily luncheons with you. It seems to be stressing you out more than you need to be.” He explained to her calmly as he threw his dirty clothing down the laundry shoot.

“Why do I feel like she hates me? She always gives me dirty looks and scoffs every time I walk into a room! If I did something to her, she obviously knows I can’t remember so why is she holding that grudge against me?” She mumbled before starting to cry again. Aiden sat on the bed in front of her and pulled her into his lap, cradling her as she cried.

“Don’t think too much into it. You’re doing a phenomenal job despite her hostility.” He reminded her as he placed a small kiss on her head.

She shook her head, “I don’t think she’s being hostile. She’s been telling me that if I can’t take it, I should just abdicate and go back to New York where I belong. She even said she’d buy my ticket just to help me leave the country.”

“What?!”

Before Kimiko could reply, her small dog began to growl viciously at the bedroom door. He continued to growl before beginning to bark loudly and aggressively. The couple looked at the door and Aiden immediately frowned.

“Jasper? What’s wrong?” She whispered to the little corgi. The corgi continued to growl at the door, seeming to ignore her question.

“You closed the door completely. Right, Kimiko?” He asked in a low tone. She nodded.

Aiden quickly got off of the bed and went over to the door with Jasper following close behind him, growling. In an instant, Aiden pulled the door open, revealing a startled Regina on the other side.

His face immediately turned into a scowl as he realized what she was doing, almost without question. “You were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”

Regina shook her head and fixed her posture, her eyes narrowing at him a bit, “Of course not, I just got here. I wanted to ask Kimik—“

“You were never a good liar, step-mother.” He interrupted as he scowled at the older woman.

Neither of them looked away from each other before Kimiko’s small sniffle reminded them that this wasn’t the time nor the place to have a foolish standoff.

Aiden cleared his throat, “I’d advice you to leave on your own free will before I have a guard escort you to your room.”

Regina furrowed her brows at him before glancing at the lady in the bedroom. Though she didn’t say anything to her, the look she gave Kimiko sent chills down her spine. The Queen Mother turned away from the King’s Chamber and continued down the hall to her own room.

[ghost-town-story]

Let’s Dance Like Old Times

The very air seemed to hold its breath here. This was a place of old magic and ancient creatures, and only those who were truly desperate would dare tread here. 

And that description fit Aiden perfectly, he thought wryly as he made short work of stripping his clothes. 

Leaving them in a neat pile next to his backpack, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and jumped into the pool. He fell quickly, down, down, down, until his toes sunk into the soft sand at the bottom of the pool. 

A chuckle reached his ears, but he didn’t dare open his eyes yet. Something slashed at his neck, and Aiden couldn’t help his reflexive gasp at the pain. He was relieved when he didn’t choke on water, the magic immediately taking effect. 

“Well well little fire mage,” a voice purred. “I never expected to see you again. Didn’t you find what you wanted?” 

“I did,” Aiden said, finally opening his eyes. 

In his home world, she might have been called a mermaid, though far more spiny and scaly and terrifying than most would like to believe. When he had called her that, the first time they met, she had hissed and corrected him that the term was waterkind, thank you very much. 

“Then what brings you back?” Her tail flicked lazily under her as she regarded Aiden with half-lidded eyes. 

“Can’t you guess?”

Aiden knew she enjoyed the banter, as she bared her teeth in the facsimile of a smile. “You’re desperate.” 

“Aren’t we all.” 

The waterkind laughed, the sunlight dancing off her scales as she tossed her head back. “Yes, you silly humans usually are if you’re visiting me,” she chuckled. “So tell me, little fire mage. Why are you here? What do you need to find so desperately you’ll pay my price again?” 

“Two things.” 

“It’ll cost you.” 

“I’m willing to pay.” 

“Oh I know.” Her grin was predatory. “So what is it, little fire mage?” 

“I need to find Starfire.” 

“Your dragon companion has fled Ilasea?” 

It was more of a statement than a question, but Aiden still nodded. 

“And I need a way to get my magic back. Preferably without needing Ashe.” 

“Your former mentor?” 

“One of them. He took my magic and I need it back. Please.” 

His voice cracked slightly on the last word. He was so close. He couldn’t bear the thought his magic was gone forever. 

The waterkind hummed, looking thoughtful. 

Aiden held out his wrist. “You know my questions. Now take your payment and tell me.” 

The waterkind shook her head, and Aiden felt his heart jump into his throat. 

“You ask difficult questions,” she purred, swimming closer. 

Aiden didn’t move despite every instinct screaming at him to put distance between them. He couldn’t help a shudder though as she ran her claws along his neck. 

“And for those,” she continued, “it needs to be closer to the source. Understand, little mage?” 

Aiden barely nodded.

“That’s my price,” the waterkind purred in his ear. “Are you willing?” 

“I’ve come this far. Would I say no now?” Aiden tilted his head to the side. 

“Some do,” the waterkind murmured. 

Any response Aiden would have given was cut off as the waterkind sunk her teeth into his exposed neck. Blood magic was powerful of course, why else was he here, but damn it hurt. 

The waterkind released his throat, licking at the blood that was undoubtedly trickling from the wound. “You’ll find both answers you seek in the north,” she murmured against his skin. “The dragon cannot return to her kind, but she is drawn there nonetheless.” 

“And my magic?” Aiden asked. 

“You’ll find both answers you seek in the north,” the waterkind repeated. “Your magic is tied to the dragon. Find her and your magic will return.” 

“Just like that?” 

The waterkind sighed, pressing her lips to his neck for a moment. “She holds your magic,” she eventually replied. “And once you come into contact with it again, it’ll return to you.” 

Aiden nodded, dislodging the waterkind. “Thank you.” 

“In a hurry to set off, little fire mage?” The waterkind drifted back, licking at the blood that stained her lips. 

“I’ve lived ten years without my magic or my dragon,” Aiden answered. “Can you blame me for being anxious to get them back?” 

“But what about your third answer?” 

Aiden froze. “I never asked a third question.” 

The waterkind grinned, her teeth sharp and bloody. “He’ll come to you,” was her cryptic answer. “Sooner, rather than later.” And with a flash of scales, she darted off into the rocks. 

Aiden didn’t have the strength nor speed to chase her down, and he thought he knew who she was referring to, so he instead swam for the surface. Now he just needed to find Starfire in the north. He hoped it would be an easy task.

James read the note left, then looked up at Basil and nodded. “It’s here.” 

“Any special instructions?” Basil asked, edging closer to the pool and peering into it’s impossibly blue depths. 

“Doesn’t look like it.” James folded the note and slipped it into his backpack to join the many others there. 

“Alright.” Basil slung his rifle off his shoulder. “Why are so many of these stupid portals in water?” 

James mustered a weak laugh at that. 

“See you on the other side.” Basil shot James a grin, then hopped in. 

He sunk down, deep into the pool before he felt the telltale wash of magic, then he was in a dark room full of boxes. Basil silently cursed, cautiously moving away from his starting position, rifle up and ready to shoot if necessary. 

As he was making sure the room was empty, he heard the sound of water, and a glance told him James had followed him. 

“Safe?” was the only thing James said. 

Basil finished his lap of the room, making his way back to the other man. “For now,” he said. “But I don’t like this.” 

“Neither do I,” James admitted, glancing around nervously. “Did you see a note?” 

Basil shook his head. “One can’t be far though.” 

Before they could get looking though, they heard footsteps echoing outside the door. Basil just had enough time to raise his rifle before the door slammed open, and Basil found himself looking down the barrel of a gun. 

“Let me tell you, having a portal lead to your storeroom is real fucking annoying,” a voice grumbled.

Basil blinked. He sounded so familiar for some reason. 

“Now put down the fucking gun and we can talk like civilized people, okay?” 

“Says the one also threatening to shoot.” Basil reluctantly lowered his rifle, but kept it at the ready. 

There was a long pause, then, “Well fuck me gently with a chainsaw.” 

“Isn’t that a Heathers quote?” James murmured to Basil. 

“Basil fucking Hendrickson, is that really you?”

Basil tensed up. “How do you know me?” 

The stranger lowered his gun and flipped on a light in the storeroom, and Basil gaped in shock. The man was in his late sixties, but there was no mistaking that distinctive scar on his neck, mirrored by a tattoo, nor the style choice of a leather jacket with a flannel shirt tied around his waist. But Basil couldn’t be too sure. 

“Show me your arm.” 

The man raised an eyebrow. “Alright.” 

He stripped the jacket, revealing his left arm was covered in bandages. Before Basil could make further demands though, the man unwound the bandages to reveal an old scar on his left forearm.

Basil blinked, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. “Jay?” he breathed. 

“The very same.” Jay grinned. “It’s been a long time Basil.” 

Basil dashed across the space between them, his rifle clattering to the floor, long forgotten as he threw himself into Jay’s arms. Jay grunted with surprise, but wrapped Basil in his arms. 

“I never meant to stay away so long,” Basil mumbled into Jay’s tattoo. 

“I know,” Jay whispered back. “We knew Baz. We understood.” 

Basil wanted to stay here forever, but he was on a mission, and so finally reluctantly extracted himself from Jay’s grip. “Jay, this is James. James, Jay.” 

“James Milo Lunacen?” Jay asked, picking up his discarded jacket and slinging it over his shoulder. James started in surprise, and Jay laughed. “Yeah, Aiden told me all about you.” 

“Aiden?” James breathed, his eyes shining with hope. 

“I’m assuming your Aiden. Heller, right?” 

James nodded. 

“Alright then,” Jay said. “Come on, I’ll make some coffee, you two can get dry, and we can all get on the same page here.” 

Basil grinned and snapped his fingers, drying himself off with magic. 

“Showoff.” Basil knew Jay was rolling his eyes behind his tech goggles, though he was grinning. 

“This is the first world I know I can safely use magic in since I left, fuck off,” Basil shot back, drying off James. 

“Oh you haven’t changed a bit,” Jay said fondly. “Come on. Coffee time.” 

It was gradual, but Aiden eventually became aware of the fact that the natural forest sounds were dying away. He was approaching something dangerous, something the creatures of the forest were afraid of. Aiden only hoped the danger was Starfire, and not some monster he had no hope of fighting as he was, magicless and defenseless except for his small knife. 

Aiden pushed through a wall of bushes to find himself suddenly free of the trees. Looming ahead of him was the Dragon Ridge, still as dark and forbidding as they had looked when he was sixteen. 

Aiden stared at the tallest peak, eyes searching for a flash of movement. Are you there Starfire? he wondered. Are you up there on Stormking, with your family again? 

A low growl distracted him from his thoughts, and Aiden’s gaze snapped back down to the ground. There was no rustle of leaves indicating the danger was behind him, so Aiden let his sights focus on the boulders littering the ground around the base of the mountain. He crept closer, knife held at the ready, on alert for another indication he was in danger. 

There was another snarl, this time accompanied by the clatter of rocks, and Aiden swung towards the noise to see what he had missed before, the entrance to a cave where movement was stirring in the depths. 

Not for the first time, Aiden wished for his magic back, if only to throw a light in the cave to illuminate the danger. Instead, he was forced to wait for the creature to reveal itself. 

And slowly, it did, with a flash of ruby and crystalline scales. 

Aiden gasped, nearly dropping his knife. “Starfire!” He ran towards his dragon, sheathing his knife as he went, but she snarled and snapped at him.

“Hey, it’s just me,” Aiden soothed, but he stopped short, wary of her sharp teeth. “Look, I know it’s been a long time, and I’m so sorry, but I’m back Starfire, and—Hey!” 

Starfire lunged for him, and Aiden barely dodged her snapping jaws. 

“Starfire! It’s me!” 

His words seemed to have no effect as she made to bite him again. 

Aiden danced away, pulling out his knife, though he was painfully aware of how little protection it afforded him. “Stand down,” he said, his voice full of confidence and authority he didn’t feel. 

Starfire snarled at him. 

“Stand. Down.” 

Starfire’s tail lashed angrily, and that’s all the warning Aiden got before she leapt for him again. 

This time, she managed to catch Aiden’s arm in her teeth. Before she could go any further though, Aiden had his knife under her jaw, where he knew the scales were soft and easily moved aside and he could hurt her. 

“Don’t make me do this Starfire,” he pleaded, eyes stinging at the pain coming from his arm. “Please girl, I don’t want to do this. Let me go, and I won’t hurt you.” 

Dragon and man stared at each other for a few long moments, then Starfire gently released Aiden’s arm. Aiden hissed in pain, but he kept eye-contact with his dragon as he slowly made his way around to her side. 

Starfire growled again.

Aiden dropped his knife, holding up his empty hand. “Let me get this off you,” he said softly. 

Starfire’s tail twitched, but she made no move to attack him. 

Aiden took that as consent, and moved closer to remove the saddle still on her back. He cursed softly as he dragged it off, seeing where the straps had cut into her sides. Somebody had tried to ride her after he left, and never took her saddle off again. 

“I’m sorry girl.” He almost laid a hand against the raw, angry wound, but thought better of it. There was nothing he could do for her right now.

Aiden pulled the saddle away from Starfire, finally settling down where the rocks turned to grass again. Starfire stared at him with narrowed eyes. “At ease girl,” Aiden tried to joke, but she didn’t move, didn’t relax her tense, angry posture. 

Aiden sighed. He tried. 

Instead, he focused on bandaging the bite on his arm before rifling through his saddlebags. He was pleased to find his weapons still there, the old magic still working to keep them clean and in working order. Everything was just as he left it, except…

Aiden pulled a jar out of the saddlebag. “What’s this girl?” 

Aiden held it out to Starfire, but she just snarled at him. 

“Okay.” Aiden was confused by her behavior, but instead focused back on the jar. 

It was filled with what seemed to be liquid flames, burning blue and gold and red. They seemed familiar, but in a twisted way, like from a nightmare he barely remembered. 

But Aiden had always been too curious for his own good, so he opened the jar. The flames, which had been softly sloshing around, now became agitated, trying to escape. A few droplets splashed against Aiden’s skin, and he hissed as it burned, bringing back memories he had tried his best for forget.

Ashe’s hands covered in liquid flames as his blood turned to ice. 

Tied down, helpless, unable to do anything but watch as Ashe pulled his magic from his body. 

“Oh this better be what the waterkind was talking about,” Aiden muttered, then poured the flames over his uninjured arm and legs. 

The burning was immediate, and Aiden gasped with the pain, dropping the jar. But as the flames clung to him, racing across his body, Aiden saw his old tattoos returning, the marks he’d made to amplify his magic. 

Aiden looked up at Starfire, tears blurring his eyes. “It’s back,” he gasped. “It’s back Starfire.” 

He felt, for the first time, the gentle brush of Starfire’s telepathy. Aiden? 

“It’s me Starfire,” Aiden laughed through his tears. “Here.” He stood unsteadily, the last of the flames winking out across his body as they sunk into his skin, and he pulled out Starfire’s scales. “I think these are yours.” 

Starfire blinked, her golden eyes going wide in surprise. 

Aiden carefully used his magic to remove the metal from the scales, then held them out to his dragon. Starfire gently pressed her nose into his palm, and the scales skittered from his hand to her body, slotting back in to the places they had been taken from. 

“Who did this to you?” Aiden asked softly, running his hand along her scales until he made it to the wounds in her sides. 

The traitor, Starfire snarled. 

“Ashe?” 

Yes. 

“Then we’ll make him pay,” Aiden said grimly as he healed his dragon.

Basil lightly knocked at the door, and when no answer was forthcoming, carefully opened it. As he expected, the bedroom was empty, the balcony door wide open and curtains fluttering. Basil crossed the room to the balcony, finding Jay leaning against the railing, a lit cigarette dangling between his fingers. 

As Basil stepped out onto the balcony, Jay reached down without looking and tossed a can of something at Basil. 

Basil easily caught it, opening it and taking a swig as he joined Jay at the railing. He sighed in contentment. “Haven’t had one of these fuckers in over five years,” he said. “You’ve kept some around for me this whole time?” 

“Of course,” Jay said, looking out to the horizon. “You said you’d come home. We never doubted you.” 

Basil hesitated, but he needed to know. “Jay, where’s Sky?” 

Jay was silent, taking a drag of his cigarette. 

“Jay, I need to know.” 

“I know you do.” Basil had always hated the way he was entranced by the smoke curling from Jay’s lips as he talked. “But it’s hard to know how to tell you.” 

“She’s gone.” 

“Yes.” 

Basil felt his chest constrict. “How?” 

“It was an accident, in her lab. I tried so hard to save her Baz. I tried so many times to save her.” 

“Jay.” Basil laid a hand on Jay’s shoulder. “You said so yourself. It was an accident.” 

“I know.” Jay sighed, taking another drag of his cigarette. 

“I should have been here for you.” 

“Did you try to get home? When you were ready?” 

“Yes,” Basil whispered. “But I fell into their world, James and Aiden’s, and it was so hard to escape from. The doorways were so fleeting and temperamental and fragile and it felt like I couldn’t escape.” 

“Then you did everything you could,” Jay said quietly. “And you’re here now, and you know.” 

Basil nodded, and the two stood in silence for a while. Basil finished his drink. Jay burned his cigarette down to the filter. 

Finally, Jay dropped his cigarette into his ashtray, then held out his hand to Basil. “Come on. You deserve this much at least.” 

“Deserve what?” Basil took his hand. 

Jay’s answer was with his magic, enveloping Basil and dragging him away from the present. 

When their surroundings cleared, they were in the living room, lit by late afternoon sun. A younger Jay was on the couch, his legs tangled with Sky’s. Basil felt tears blurring his eyes yet again. They were his age. Or, the ages they should be relative to him now. 

Past-Jay looked up from the screen of his tech goggles, and Basil knew he made eye contact with his present self. Past-Jay nodded, then closed his screens and sat up. 

“Jay?” Sky asked, looking up from her book.

Past-Jay stood and held his hand out to Sky. “Ready for some time bullshit?” he asked. 

“Okay?” Sky was smiling as she took past-Jay’s hand and stood with him. 

She blinked. “Basil!”

Basil looked at present-Jay, who let go and stepped back, and that was all the invitation Basil needed to pull the young Sky and Jay into his arms. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I’m sorry it took me so long to make it back.” 

“As long as you’re happy Basil,” Sky murmured into his chest. 

“Yeah.” Past-Jay gently headbutted Basil. “And hey, you make it back to us eventually.” 

But Basil could see the haunted look in past-Jay’s eyes. He knew Basil didn’t make it back to Sky. 

“So, how long can you keep this up?” Basil asked either Jay. 

Present-Jay answered. “A bit. I’ll let you know when we have to go.” 

Sky shook her head. “No talking. Just hugs.” 

“Okay.” Basil was content with that answer. 

After what felt like not long enough (forever wouldn’t be long enough), present-Jay coughed. Basil reluctantly let go of his two younger partners. 

“Oh Basil,” Sky sighed. “I’ll see you in the future, okay?” 

“Yeah.” Basil kissed her forehead. “Stay safe Sky.” 

“Of course,” Sky giggled. 

Past-Jay nodded solemnly at Basil, though he mustered up a smile for Sky’s sake. “See ya,” he said. 

“Same to you kiddo,” Basil smirked. “Stay safe. Make sure he still exists.”

Past-Jay rolled his eyes. “Will do.” 

Basil felt present-Jay grab his shoulder, then Jay’s magic flared and faded, and they were back on the balcony in the starlight. 

Jay sighed, settling back against the railing, weariness etched into every line in his body. 

“Thank you,” Basil whispered. 

“Of course.” Jay dug his cigarettes out of his pockets and lit another one. 

Silence fell again. Jay eventually broke it. “You’ll go with him, when he leaves to follow Aiden.” 

“Don’t sound so sure,” Basil scowled. 

Jay raised an eyebrow at Basil. 

“Don’t claim time fuckery, you can’t be sure about this!” Basil insisted. 

“This has nothing to do with the time bullshit,” Jay claimed, taking a drag of his cigarette. “Rather, I know you Baz, and more importantly I know myself.” 

“You can’t force me to leave.” 

“Baz, what do you have to stay for?” 

“You!” 

“And you’ve missed a good forty years of my life. I won’t let you stare that guilt in the face every day for the rest of your life.” 

Basil knew a fight he couldn’t win. 

“You two can stay a few days,” Jay waved his hand vaguely. “You can wrap up any lose ends you feel you still have, and I’ll give that rifle of yours an upgrade. Then, James goes after Aiden, and you go with him.” 

“Jay.” Basil reached out in the space between them. 

Jay took Basil’s hand in his free one. “You promised to come home, and you kept that promise,” he said. “Now go live that life you’ve found out there.” 

Basil knew he couldn’t change Jay’s mind, and moreover, he didn’t entirely want to. Jay did have a point. 

“Mkay?” Jay squeezed Basil’s hand. 

Basil sighed. “Fine. But for tonight…” He trailed off, not entirely sure what he wanted to ask of Jay. What could they do in one night that would excuse the forty years Jay and Sky had spent without him, that would make up for the lifetime Basil would live without them? 

Jay set his cigarette in his ashtray before standing up straight and pulling Basil close. “For tonight,” he repeated, looking up at Basil. Despite the age difference between them now, he was still shorter. 

“Let’s dance like old times.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[kurenohikari]

Green eye monster and sleepless nights (Only Chapter).

It's been a bit more than a year since Sakura and I got married, in a few weeks it was going to be the first birthday of our sons. I still can't believe how much they had grown in such a little time, not to mention what an incredible big sister Yurika has been acting as. Sakura and I became an unbeatable team, no one could get between us or go against us- we were real partners. But there was still something... off.

I knew that my wife was keeping something very important from me, a big secret. It all began during one of her nightmares- she has a lot of them from war- she kept of mumbling things under her breath and tossing around her bed. I ended up waking up because of it and was trying to wake her up, when I realized what she was saying. She kept on repeating the name of my little brother's messenger over and over again, while asking him not to leave her. It kind of broke my heart, thinking that she wanted someone else over me.

It all got worse when I began noticing how much they've been disappearing together lately, and how insistent she was that Ethan and Aiden spent time with their 'uncle' Obi. It made me question if they were really my children and if Sakura had had an affair. However, I knew that Sakura would never do that to me and that she really loved me. Also, it was crystal clear that those two were my sons. Those thoughts were only creations from my jealousy.

But still that didn't take away the fact that those two were keeping something big from me, and I was going to demand to know what it was. With that thought in my mind I headed towards our room, determined to not take no for an answer.

"Love, what are you doing here so early? I thought you had a meeting with Lord Haruka" Sakura commented as soon as I entered our chamber, kissing me afterwards "Did something happen?"

"No, I just had to cancel with him... something else came up" I replied, taking of my cape and crown- this conversation wasn't between king and queen, but husband and wife "We need to talk, Sakura" those words made her smile vanish and a serious expression to take over her face, I hated that but it had to be done or else my jealousy thoughts would drive me crazy "What is going on between you and Zen's messenger? I know you are hiding something from me and I have the right to know what it is" I demanded firmly.

"I can't get away with anything with you, can I?" she sighed, with a soft smile "Let's sit, this will take some time" I was surprised by how willing she was to cooperate, but it also showed how much she valued our marriage "You've met my mother, you know she can be... a little too much sometimes"

"A little?" I questioned her, with a raised eyebrow and a teasing smirk- which caused her to laugh, soon followed by me.

"A lot, she can be a lot for a man to handle. She had her fair share of affairs, but none of them ended up in the pregnancy of a bastard. My dad, on the other hand, didn't have an affair... he fell in love. Out of jealousy, my mother sent my father's lover to be killed. However, the assassin wasn't able to complete the job... at least, not completely. He let the baby she was carrying live and returned him to me father, that's how Obi- my older brother for a few months- was born" I was shocked by her admission.

"Why... why didn't you tell me before?" I had to ask, hurt that she didn't trust me enough to tell me.

"You see, my dad never told anyone about Obi being his- my mother would have killed him as well. So, he kept him close and safe for a long while. However, that didn't stop us from becoming fast friends, Obi was being trained to be my guard and future right hand. The day the war broke everything changed, we were being suffocated by how overprotective my dad was being- I couldn't even go to the bathroom without someone following me! At the beginning we thought it was only me, but one day when we sneaked out for a little while, we returned to my dad going insane- demanding the guards to find his children! That's when we found out the truth about Obi's origin... soon afterwards, my mother sent for him to be killed. That's the principal reason why we ran away from the castle and entered the war, I had to get back because I had my responsibilities as a princess... Obi, he died as a great hero of Japan. He has his own sculpture and everything, my mom was raging with fury but couldn't say anything" she sighed, and looked at me- apologizing with her eyes "I've been keeping this secret for so long that... I kind of became a habit. I never really thought about telling you, it was natural not to tell anyone about it- being 'dead' is all that's keeping Obi alive, as ironic as it is. Sorry Iz, I never meant to hurt you by not telling you" she apologized, wrapping her arms around my neck to pull me down for a heated kiss.

"That's why you are so insistent with our sons spending time with Obi" I commented, once we broke apart to catch our breath.

"It's that he has lost so much time with Yurika, that I don't want to happen the same with Ethan and Aiden" she replied.

"What about the sneaking you both have been doing?" I continued with my interrogation, I was so lucky that Sakura didn't take it the wrong way and was happy to answer all my questions.

"That's... for us to keep. At least, for now. You'll find out soon enough, anyways" she told me, with a secretive smile on her face "For now... let's enjoy that you got back from work early" she told me seductively, before guiding me to our bed- things didn't end up going south after all.

-A few months later-

"So you've been playing matchmaker these last months?" I asked her, chuckling at how idiotic I was being.

We were dancing at our sons' first birthday party as we watched the new happy couples enjoy their first time out together. Mitsuhide and Kiki were a couple I've been waiting to form for a while, the sexual tension between them could have cut someone in half- by how intense it was. Shirayuki and my brother, those I knew that were together, but that the announce of their engagement- that was a big surprise!

"This castle just had so many potential couples, waiting just to take the next step, that I couldn't help myself. I just had to bring them together, that way they would be happy much earlier than if we would have let them on their own" she answered.

"What about Lord Haruka and Haki?" I teased her with a knowing look.

"They have a great potential to make each other very happy!" she replied, blushing by my unsaid accusation. I raised an eyebrow, smile widening, not saying a word but still enough to get her nervous "Ok! Jealousy might have driven me to make sure that your ex-fiancé was had her eyes on another man, but they are very good together. Not even you can question that!"

"I wouldn't do that to my own personal Cupid" I replied, bringing her closer for a small kiss- socially accepted, but still romantically enough to tease my fierce wife "I'm just happy that our children are having a good time"

"I hope they'll still be when I tell them that they are having a little brother or sister" she commented, a big smile on her face and her hands on her belly.

Things are really looking up for us.