#and end up meeting a certain young woman who is definitely me and who you will definitely fall in love with

[silverynight]

The dark side of a hero

<---Previous

Chapter 6

Inko

19 years ago

She observes as Katsuki walks in the house, carrying both his and Izuku's backpack. Inko likes that about that little blond kid; he's kind, acts like a gentleman, and makes sure her Izuku is always happy.

During moments like this, Inko wonders if she's being one of those overprotective, paranoid mothers who end up suffocating their own children. Then, she shakes her head and assures herself she's not like that, her concerns are justified... right?

Because even though the little Bakugo kid is a perfect and dedicated friend, his kindness ends when Izuku is not around. Inko has observed that even teachers justify Katsuki behavior around others because of his powerful quirk.

And she's not sure if she should be worried about it or not. It's true; she doesn't know that much about how quirks affect people, especially in the early years after it manifests itself, but at the safe time, she's aware that Katsuki can be kind and gentle because he's always like that towards her Izuku.

"Shoes," she reminds them both as they walk in. Sometimes, she tells herself she's overreacting, and that's why she keeps giving her little kid permission to have sleepovers at the Bakugo's residence; she even invites her son's friend to stay at their tiny apartment every now and then.

Like today.

Inko watches with confused fascination as the blond boy proceeds to kick his own shoes off and leans to help Izuku with his.

Her kid chuckles.

"Kacchan! You know I can do that on my own!" Izuku reminds him, smiling adorably at his friend.

"Let me help!"

"Alright, Kacchan!"

Katsuki has changed in a few years; he doesn't glare at her like he used to, especially when she hugs her own son in front of him. Katsuki is very polite around her now, which makes her feel a bit weird since he's not like that at all around his own parents.

"You can start your homework while I make dinner," she mumbles, watching as Katsuki nods before taking Izuku's hand in his.

"Thank you, Midoriya-san!" He says, perfectly polite.

Izuku smiles at his friend, happy watching as he's very respectful towards his mother.

That's when Inko often thinks about herself as a very hysterical mom; analyzing his son's friend behavior like he's some sort of criminal mastermind. Because, sometimes she has the feeling that Katsuki is only polite to her because he wants to impress and make Izuku happy.

Then, she shakes her head because she reminds herself he's a very young boy still.

Inko should judge him; he hasn't reached maturity yet.

As usual, she calls Mitsuki to tell her that both boys arrived safe and sound. Then, she proceeds to tell her that Katsuki ended up in detention again for hitting another boy.

"He definitely has a crush on your sweet son," she says after a while, and if Inko is being honest, she has no idea what to feel about. "Apparently, that other boy was being mean to Izuku."

It's certainly not the first time something like this has happened. Other kids have not been kind to her Izuku because he's quirkless, but now they stop themselves from saying mean things about him out loud because they're afraid of his best friend, Katsuki.

Inko truly appreciates the way that boy tries to protect Izuku, but at the same time, she thinks he's too aggressive to everyone else.

Mitsuki doesn't seem to see it like that; she's, in fact, very happy because she's certain that meeting Izuku is the best that could've happened to her son. She believes he makes Katsuki a better person.

Sometimes Inko thinks that Izuku's presence has made the blond kid a lot more... possessive.

After a while, Mitsuki thanks her for letting her son stay at Inko's, and the green haired woman suggests the other to go on a date with her husband.

As she hangs up, she remembers the flower insident. It was a spring day at Izuku's school and the parents were invited as well for the festival. After watching the cute performances, they walked around to have fun in the school fair. The Bakugos and the Midoriyas were together because Katsuki refused to go anywhere without Izuku.

Then, a pretty girl from Izuku's class approached the green haired boy and gave him a flower.

"Thank you!" Izuku beamed, letting go of Katsuki's hand to hold the tulip with both of his.

The little girl blushed. Inko smiled at the scene, happy that not all the kids in Izuku's class thought less of him. She clearly had a huge crush on her son.

It seemed like she wanted to tell him something, but suddenly, as she watched over Izuku's shoulder, she paled.

Inko followed her eyes and realized that Katsuki's piercing eyes were glaring at her; in all her life, she hadn't seen that much hate in a boy's eyes. Even Inko looked a bit afraid for a moment.

"S-Sorry, I have to go! Bye!" The girl stammered before running away. Izuku didn't notice the fear in her eyes and instead turned around to show the flower to his best friend.

"Let me see that, Izuku."

"Sure!"

Then, they all watched as the flower turned into dust in Katsuki's palm; he activated his quirk.

Izuku eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, Izuku. I didn't mean to!" Katsuki said immediately, but he didn't look like he actually regretted it.

"Oh... well, in that case-"

"Wait here, Izuku!" The blond boy said suddenly before running away. Mitsuki rolled her eyes, but Masaru went after him even though they were inside the school.

"I'll buy you a new flower," Mitsuki offered, but Izuku shook his head and politely told her it wasn't necessary, Inko said the same.

She was already planning to buy her son one as well.

"But I really appreciate it anyway, auntie," the green haired boy assured her.

"You're such a sweet boy!" Mitsuki smiled, ruffling Izuku's hair affectionately.

Then, the three of them turned around only to see Katuski rushing back towards them with a big bouquet of forget-me-nots.

"I'm sorry about your flower, Izuku!" He said, handing the bouquet to a very surprised Izuku. Then, the freckled boy beamed and hugged the flowers, pulling them towards himself. "But see... I brought you better ones!"

Masaru appeared, looking a little bit tired for following his son around.

"He bought them with his savings," he informed them, prompting Mitsuki to smile proudly at her son.

"These are my favorites, Kacchan! How did you know?" Izuku grinned, making Katsuki's cheek turn slightly pink, but he looked so, so smug at that moment.

"I know everything about you, Izuku!"

"Kacchan is the best!"

"Of course I am!"

Everyone seemed quite happy afterwards, Inko was the only one who was not entirely sure about the whole situation. For a moment, it occurred to her, that maybe this was exactly what Katsuki wanted.

Then she scolded herself. He was just a kid, like his Izuku.

***

As she starts making dinner for the boys, Katsuki gets out of Izuku's bedroom and gently asks her for a glass of water.

He's not a bad kid. She should try to understand him better instead, even though sometimes it makes her a bit nervous to see him close to her boy.

"Here you go. Can you ask Izuku if he wants one too?"

"This is for him. I'm not thirsty."

Inko blinks a couple of times, watching as Katsuki happily brings the glass of water towards her son's room.

After dinner, she gives the boys a cookie, she could only afford two, but judging by the grins on their faces, it seems that it's more than enough.

However, Izuku grabs his cookie the wrong way and it ends up on the floor; his son is a good kid and he's aware that his mother can't afford a lot of things, so even though he's sad, he immediately gets off the chair to clean the mess.

But before he can do that, Katsuki puts his on Izuku's empty plate.

"Take mine."

"But Kacchan..."

"It's okay, I don't like sweet stuff anyway!" Katsuki assures him, cleaning the mess himself.

"Let me do it, Katsuki!" Inko rushes to his side.

"It's okay, auntie. I can handle it myself!" The boy insists, cleaning the floor after throwing the broken cookie to the trash bin.

Inko definitely judged that boy wrong.

In the morning, she rolls her eyes, realizing that Katsuki left his futon and ended up sleeping next to Izuku instead. They barely fit on the mattress, but Katsuki seems glued to her son, with his arms around Izuku's waist like an iron grip.

Even while he's asleep, the other boy seems determined to be as close as Izuku as he possibly can. Inko is not sure she likes that possessiveness directed towards her boy that much.

But Katsuki is young, he'll learn how to behave eventually.

***

They're offering a better position to anyone who'd like to move to the other side of the city; Inko knows Izuku has adapted well to his school and he seems really happy being close to his best friend, but something inside Inko urges her to take the opportunity.

So she does, and even though Izuku seems sad to leave his friend behind he understands because he's a good kid. The only thing that makes Inko feel guilty is that she tells her son the same day they're going to move out of their apartment, the things inside are not theirs anyway so they can leave without even having to require a moving company.

Izuku wants to say goodbye to Katsuki, but Inko assures him he can do that in their new home; she'll give the Bakugos the new address and phone number so Katsuki can call him.

Except that she doesn't.

Mitsuki finds out because she calls to Inko's cellphone number, and when the green haired woman gives her the news it's too late.

"Katsuki will be heartbroken," Mitsuki mumbles, sounding genuinely worried. "But they can still see each other. Just give me your new address when you're done unpacking. I'll drop Katsuki every weekend or, if you prefer, Izuku can stay with us instead. I can pick him up!"

"Sure," Inko says, as part of her mind tells her how cruel and evil she's being. While the other side insists that this is for the best.

She feels terrible after changing her cellphone number, and even worse after telling Izuku that she lost the Bakugos number. Her boy cries for a while, until she assures him that he'll probably see his friend again.

But she hopes he finds new friends soon. Is this really for the best? Is her gut feeling wrong?

She doesn't know, she just wants the best for Izuku.

***

You can read Chapter 7, Chapter 8 and Chapter 9 on my patreon already!

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[ledesaid]

Twelve photos and one video

▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️▶️

It took twelve photos to bring Billy Batson out of anonymity.

He's proudly ten years old, but those photos don't do him justice; he looks six or seven...

He sighs, somewhat defeated... He didn't expect things to end this way...

When Slade, alias Deathstroke, accompanied him to buy new clothes (after a mishap where his favorite hoodie ended up resembling a sieve) and to eat ice cream with the most innocent intention (of course, this was one of the few acts of generosity from the notorious villain), to a street kid he accidentally traumatized... he hadn't anticipated things would spiral so wildly.

But it seems Batman has more eyes than he expected. A high-definition video was being projected in the Justice League meeting room. Is there a stain under his chin? Who would have guessed?

Flash: Does Slade have a new kid? He looks pretty young... I'm gonna talk to Cyborg so he can look for him in the global camera network.

Marvel: He's not Slade's son.

The certainty in his voice causes everyone to turn to him and notice a certain... resemblance.

Flash: But... he looks way more like you, Cap.

Hal: Yeah, don't tell me you hired Deathstroke as a babysitter.

Marvel: That's ridiculous, Hal. Slade doesn't charge for those kinds of services...

The word "charity" dies in his throat. Everyone's stares explode in astonishment.

Flash: No way! Is he really your kid?

WW: By Athena, he has your eyes and your cleft chin.

Marvel simply grimaces in discomfort... "Help me, Solomon!" Billy pleads in his mind.

Solomon just chuckles a little and offers a few words of advice.

Marvel: Sorry, it's confidential and private.

Flash closes the video file and apologizes for intruding. Still...

Marvel: It was a coincidence that they met. I had no idea who Slade was until yesterday.

WW: Brother, is Deathstroke's real name Slade Wilson?

Marvel: Yes, he told me. No! I mean Billy told me before going to sleep...

Guy: I like that name! Does he play any sports? I coach the community center’s little league in Baltimore. He can join after school without a problem!

Marvel: Thanks, Guy! I'll ask him, and speaking of that... Look at the time! I have to go!

With a poorly planned escape, Billy returned to Fawcett. He wonders what he could say to the others to keep them from asking more about Billy...

The excuses he's writting in his notebook were forgotten as a knock sounded at his apartment door... An abandoned apartment.

Bad.

It turns into something less bad when he sees it's Bambi, a woman from the building who's quite friendly with the younger kids.

Bambi: You don't have much time, grab what you need! Gambit's guys are downstairs, and they're looking for you!

Little did she know the cause was an old feud between Deathstroke and Gambit.

Bambi got him out of the place inside a bag, and the next thing he knows, they're waiting at the bus station... Billy tells himself that maybe he could visit Guy in Baltimore while things settle down in Fawcett.

[flawssy-227]

AIRWD: Chapt 2 - Something About Us

(ex) best friends dad!Joel Miller x f!reader part 2!

summary: Joel's spirals about you. Is he too old? A creep? Or is there something between you two?

tags: 18+, female reader, always write for woc in mind, but there are no descriptions so everyone is welcome to read. tlou AU, no outbreak au, modern au, age gap ~20 yrs, reader is 28, Joel is 49, alcohol consumption, Tommy and Maria meddling, f!masturbation

a/n: chapter 2 title ib: Something About Us - Daft Punk

w/c: 3.4k

part 1

Joel was decidedly not a fan of hot yoga. It was the second time Tommy had dragged him to this place. Before that it was a rock climbing gym, and before that, kickboxing. Tommy had finally decided at 45 years young, it was time to settle down. House in the suburbs, picket fence, wife, kids, the whole nine yards. He had tried Tinder, but didn’t find much luck. So now, he was certain that he would meet a good woman at one of these places, and once he told Sarah about it during a family game night, Joel was damn near forced to join in. 

“You can’t just rely on construction to keep you in shape, Dad,” she had implored. “It’ll be good for you to get out of your comfort zone.”

He had offered nothing but a grunt in acknowledgement, silently wondering if fratricide was really such a bad thing. 

“Plus,” she said softly, “maybe you’ll meet someone new.”

That had Tommy and her grinning across the card table.

And that brought him here—sweaty in some trendy yoga studio in downtown Austin. Slipping and sliding all over a borrowed mat for the last hour and wondering how the hell anybody found their zen in a place like this. He was pretty sure this spot used to be a family owned dry cleaner, but now, some transplant opened up a $40 a class boutique gym. It definitely wouldn’t have been his choice to meet his future sister-in-law, but Tommy was certain one of these days he would run into the perfect woman.

But to be honest, Joel was tired of Tommy’s bullshit. Tired of him needing Joel as his wingman and definitely tired of these absolutely ridiculous workouts he was paying an arm and a leg for. He still hadn’t met anyone, and Joel swore he was just about to tell him he was over this shit when he called over your shoulder.

“Joel! Look who I just ran into.”

It felt like time was moving in slow motion when you turned to look at him. You were beautiful, somehow looking incredible despite the amount of sweat the class practically required from participants, and he felt the wind get knocked out of him when you made eye contact. And then, it hit him. He knew you. He remembered you and his little girl running around the house, all those times he woke up on the weekend to the two of you giggling downstairs and how happy he was that Sarah had found such a good friend in you. And then he immediately felt guilty for the instant attraction he felt toward you. 

Clearly he was right to feel that way with the abrupt way you ended the conversation, grabbed your friend and ran away from him. 

“Well, she grew up,” Tommy said.

Yeah, you sure did.

Tommy couldn’t stop talking about Maria the entire way home. 

“Got her number,” Tommy said.

“Yeah, you told me.”

He ignored Joel and his less than happy tone, running on a high after finally meeting a woman that was beautiful and funny and kind.

“You know all that from talking to her for five minutes, huh?”

Tommy grinned from ear to ear, still unbothered. “S’just different, Joel. Can’t explain it.”

Joel just nodded his head, offering a noncommittal yeah whenever the conversation called for it. But then, Tommy mentioned you.

“Small world, huh? What are the odds that they’d be friends? And be there?”

This time, the silence that filled his truck turned a bit heavier, more weighted. If Tommy was anyone else, he would have noticed the unpleasant way Joel ticked his jaw or the death grip he had on the steering wheel at the mention of your name. But he wouldn’t be his baby brother if things like that were ever on the top of his mind.

“Remind me, is she the same age as Sarah? She looks good.”

Joel’s really making an effort not to think about just how good you looked in those tiny biker shorts and soaked through tank top he just saw you in. It was weird, right? Ogling his daughter’s friend like that. He felt like such a pervert and Tommy wasn’t making it any better.

“Stop it, Tommy. She’s a kid.”

He scoffed at that. “Ain’t a kid if she’s Sarah’s age. Gotta be 28 at least.” Tommy leans back in the passenger seat and smiles at his phone as it vibrates again. “Besides, I saw the way you were lookin’ at her.”

By Monday morning, Joel was feeling a little fucked up over you. He had dropped Tommy off at his place and spent the rest of Sunday in meager solitude doing household chores he always tried to put off. He had been alone now for a few years, now that Sarah had moved in with her fiance. It typically didn’t bother him. He genuinely enjoyed the quiet that came with an empty house, but some days, he couldn’t help but fantasize about having someone here with him, filling in the quiet gaps with a little love.

So, he looked you up on Facebook. He was certain he had added you years ago, probably when you were still his kids best friend. He vaguely recalled a life update here and there: a college graduation, tagged photos from a beach trip to Cancun. He smiles when your profile pops up. You clearly hadn’t updated in a while, but he scrolled through your tagged photos anyway. More photos from law school graduation, a few from your mom wishing you a happy birthday, and he kept scrolling, further and further back until he landed on one of you and Sarah, crappy digital camera quality from the early 2010s, back when he was a father to a teenager, and you were a teen yourself.

He felt revolted. What the hell was he doing, perving on some 28 year old? He thought back to how quickly you grabbed yours and Maria’s things and ran away from him. Of course you probably thought he was a creep, he figured. Joel was pretty much thinking the same thing about himself right now. So, he did the only thing he could think of to clear the air, and assure you that he was in fact, not, a creep: he sent you a message.

-it was good seeing you. hope me and tom didn’t weird ya out too much. not sure if your parents are still living around here, but let me know if you ever need anything.

It was short, to the point and above all, kind. He left his number at the bottom for good measure.

But now at the worksite, Tommy was buzzing, a little ball of happy energy and it was grating on Joel’s nerves. Maybe it was the fact that he was genuinely feeling a bit lonely yesterday, or perhaps it was the self flagellation he gave himself before sending you the olive branch of a message on Facebook, or maybe it was the fact that he checked again this morning and you still hadn’t responded to him. Stop bein’ so fuckin’ weird, Joel.

He couldn’t help himself. When he wasn’t signing off on contracts and overseeing the construction crew, his thoughts drifted back to you. He wondered how your morning was going, if you made your coffee at home or stopped somewhere to pick it up. Did you have a lot of meetings and contracts to go over? He hoped you weren’t working too hard. Lost in thought, he found himself smiling at the memory of you yesterday in your workout clothes and inadvertently drifted to the idea of you in a tight pencil skirt and black leather heels—

“What’re you smilin’ about?”

Tommy’s voice was jarring, snapping him out of his blissful state. It didn’t help that he was wearing a shit eating grin at catching his brother lost in a day dream.

“Nothin’.”

Tommy let out a disbelieving scoff and settled into the chair across from Joel’s desk. “Yeah, right. Thinking about her, huh?” He leaned back in his seat, far too comfortable for Joel’s liking. “Maybe if things don’t work out with Maria, I can give her a call—”

Joel shot his brother a look that would’ve made anyone else’s blood run cold. “Shut the hell up! Can’t you focus on one woman at a time for once?”

Tommy lets out a laugh, it’s low and short and Joel knows he doesn’t find it funny. “So I can’t be interested in her too?”

“Nope. You’ve got Maria. Yesterday you were goin’ on and on about how special she is. You gonna try to date her friend? That won’t go over well.” Joel quiets as he looks out the window, taking an appraising look over his crew. “Plus, she’s too young for you. For both of us,” he tacks on quietly at the end.

“Ah, I see,” Tommy says, shaking his head. “But what if, hypothetically,” he let’s himself trail off, much to Joel’s disdain.

“Tommy,” he snaps his fingers at him. “The point?”

“Well, what if she was interested in you? Wasn’t worried about the age at all?”

Joel just scoffs at that. Hypothetically, if you were interested, well Joel would be desperate to take someone like you out for dinner. You were beautiful, of course, but what really struck him was how you were already so accomplished and not even 30 yet. During his deep dive on your Facebook profile last night, he saw that you were also a good person, frequently volunteering at women’s shelters and taking on as many pro-bono cases as you could. Somewhere in between that, you took time to travel, have a social life, and apparently do hot yoga on Sunday mornings. If he were a few years younger, yeah, he’d be all over you. But he’s not, so he can’t. He tells Tommy just as much.

He gives him a frown. “Don’t take yourself out of the game so soon, brother.” It was so typical of Joel to not put himself out there and to not be selfish in going for what he wanted. “There’s plenty of older men who date younger women. Hell, I’m 10 years older than Maria.”

It was hard from him to not be aggravated by Tommy acting as if he was a relationship guru a mere 24 hours after he met your friend. His mind went back to how quickly you ran off from him yesterday. “It’s a little more than 10 years, Tom.”

Not one to be deterred, he just leans back in chair and lets out a low whistle. “Like I said, don’t take yourself out of the game just yet, big brother. Maria and I are gettin’ drinks tonight and we want you and her to meet us.”

Joel was up and out of his chair instantly at that, but Tommy, the little weasel he was, slipped out of the office door before he could wring his neck.

What was his obsession with Joel and you anyway? Why would Maria want you both to tag along on her first date with Tommy? Joel tried to focus on his work and the project they were nearly completed with as the rest of his day inched by, and if his workers were feeling suffocated by Joel monitoring their every move, well they had Tommy to thank for that.

“You know,” Tommy started talking over the roar of the Texas highway on his way to the bar, “you really don’t have to be on property anymore, Joel.”

It was true. After decades of grinding and barely making ends meet, Miller Brothers Contracting had turned out to be extremely successful in the last few years. So successful that Joel was able to take a massive step back from the day to day hustle of the job and essentially, sit on his ass and collect a paycheck. He had bought a nice house on Lake Travis with his very own slip two years ago, fully planning on spending his early retirement a bit more relaxed than he had been afforded to be in years prior. But he wasn’t one for being idle and quickly decided that going to work every day was a nonnegotiable.

He glanced back at Tommy. “We’ve talked about this, I wasn’t quite ready to be fully hands off.”

He shrugged, keeping his focus fully on the road ahead. “Well, maybe if you get a pretty, young girlfriend to take up some of your time…”

What else was there to say? Joel was tired of arguing to Tommy about how uninterested in him you would have to be. Repeating for the fiftieth time today about how old he was or how creeped out you must be was doing wonders for his already low self esteem. He had come to terms with the fact that you would probably look at him with disgust and leave after one round of drinks. He figured it was well deserved.

And he was certain, when he felt your eyes on him after he got out of Tommy’s truck that you were going to turn and walk away, but you didn’t. You gave him a shy smile and made your way to him, tucking yourself into his side body like you had always belonged there. He tried to be delicate and not grip your skin as tight as he wanted to, savoring the feel of your bare arms and the incredible softness that only comes with a lifetime of diligent moisturizing. He breathed in your scent, something sensual and sweet, wafting up to his nostrils in waves of ambery cotton candy, and then you pulled away and looked at him, really looked at him, and gave him a genuine smile.

“We’re not gonna be friends.”

You weren’t sure what possessed you to channel your best Margot Robbie and look Mr. Miller Joel Miller in his eyes so seductively and tell him that yes, you would go to lunch with him, but not as his friend, but something did, and now… Well now you were going.

So what, were you going on a date? You tried not to let yourself spiral on your way home. Your stomach fluttered at all the possibilities. He asked you to lunch, which is perfect if things turn awkward, as you could always cut it early and blame it on an emergency case filing. If it was bad, you would just have to tell Maria to never mention his name again, which would probably be challenging for her, but doable. It’s not like you would have a good chance of running into him; hot yoga was a fluke. But if it was good… could you date Joel Miller?

You had determined you had a 21 year age gap. You were nearing 30 and completely independent, so dating a much older man wasn’t that scandalous, was it? You knew a girl in law school who had a 60 year old sugar daddy when she was in her early 20s. Comparatively, this was hardly anything to bat an eye over. He was 49, and he looked good for his age. At the bar, you couldn’t help but sneak glances at him, admiring the golden hue of his skin, the way his muscles were trapped tightly under his t-shirt. His veins protruded on his forearms in the way you’d only seen with men who worked with their hands and the image made heat rise in your body. And his hands were massive; thick fingers that you wouldn’t mind being wrapped around you.

By the time you got home, you were exhausted. Not only did you never go out for drinks during the week, which was already making you want to go straight for your bed and skip your shower, but mentally, your lawyer mind had run all possible scenarios for a lunch with Joel. You hadn’t even gotten his number, you realized. Your only way to reach out to him was either through Maria or Facebook. Despite being a mere 20 feet away from Maria and the other Miller when Joel had asked you out, you decided quickly to keep that detail to yourself, at least for the time being. So, to Facebook you go.

Joel’s message was harmless. You internally scolded yourself for getting so worked up about it for the last 24 hours. You had gotten cozy in bed, legs curled up under your comforter and an old stretched out college t-shirt draped over your body. The alcohol you had earlier in the evening had worn off a bit, making you feel less than buzzed but still just a bit warm. Even warmer now that you were scrolling through Joel’s posted photos.

God, he was so cute. Fluffy brown hair in every photo, strong arms on display in most, and those gorgeous whiskey brown eyes you knew you could get lost in. He smiled in one, one of those wide grins that you rarely saw on his face back when you knew him before, which immediately made the warmth you were feeling trail down toward your abdomen. The sun was bright on his face, making his eyes squint and soft crows feet make an appearance. He was at the beach and the sinful display of his toned torso glistening with sweat made your mouth go dry. What you wouldn’t do to see that image in person…

You felt bad for ogling him the way you were. How gross did you feel, objectifying a 49 year old man on a photo from Facebook, for goodness sake. While your mind was scolding yourself, your body was in its own world. Your nipples hardened and a chill shot through you despite that subtle warmth that had trailed even lower. You let your fingers trail just below your panties and gasped at the wetness there. All from a photo.

It had been far too long since you had sex last, so you needed to do this. You could feel guilty after an orgasm. You let your fingers dip lower, gliding easily through your slick, moaning at the wetness. You propped your knees up and moved two fingers, up and down, teasing your clit and then moving back inside you. You looked back at that photo, Joel loosely holding a beer bottle, thick fingers dwarfing the neck. How much better would it feel with him? you thought. The earlier anxiety you were feeling was quickly transforming into a carnal need you felt to have Joel’s fingers, hands, and lips on you.

The last boyfriend you had was exactly that, a boy. Barely knew what to do with your body and definitely lacked the manhood you had craved. Would Joel be different? He had to be. You were sure he had several partners in the past, a grown man with lots of experience. Would he be soft and patient, pulling pleasure from you like he knew exactly what to do? Or would he be hard and fast, fucking you with an intensity that made your mind go quiet and limbs boneless?

You were lost in your fantasy now, eyes shut tight and imagining it was Joel’s fingers pistoning in and out of you. Soft moans left your mouth at every prod of that soft spot no man seemed to be able to find, your other hand rubbing frantic circles over your clit.

Would Joel find that spot? Would he go down on you, letting his greying beard rub against your inner thighs, leaving soft marks that would remind you that he was there for days? Would he look into your eyes when he made your orgasm?

You let out a soft sigh of his name when you finished.

Fuck. Joel just gave you the best orgasm you’ve had in a while and he wasn’t even here.

You get yourself cleaned up and crawl back under your comforter. You're sated and warm, smiling at the absurdity of the fact that you just jilled off to a photo. You could genuinely say that a photo of anyone had gotten you that hot and bothered before.

You wake up your computer and find your message thread again, adding Joel’s number to your contacts.

And then, you compose a text:

How about lunch on Wednesday? You’re buying.

part 3

[nightghoul381]

Victor ~ Mistress Contract - Premium End

This a fan translation so it is definitely not 100% accurate. I do not own anything related to Ikemen Villains. Support Cybird by buying their amazing stories!

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

Leading me by the hand, Victor stepped into a world of lasciviousness.

In a certain room—

Lady: “Hehe, I can’t force such lewd things on my husband.”

A woman who played the role of a faithful wife at home but acted like a strumpet in bed, was enjoying playing with fire.

Gentleman: “Oh, if only I’d met you before my wife…! The love we share is true love.”

In another room, a gentleman was making passionate love to his mistress.

The worlds glimpsed through each door were enough to dissolve one’s common sense and reason—

(Sometimes I feel like I’m watching something I shouldn’t.)

As I walked down the hallway with a light step, I passed a woman accompanied by several men.

Woman at the mistress club: “Hehe, why don’t you join me and have some fun, my adorable young lady?”

Kate: “Um…Ah, w-well I’m…”

Victor: “I’m sorry, but she belongs to me. I’m afraid I don’t want anyone else to see her adorable side.”

Victor grabbed me around the waist, leaving me confused, and led me away.

(Victor…)

Listening to the sweet sound of my heart beating confusedly in my chest, I passed in front of many doors from which sweet moans emanated—

Kate: “……That was kind of amazing.”

I leaned against the balcony and let out a feverish sigh.

My mind was still spinning from the intense world I’d just witnessed.

Victor: “Just as no two people are the same, no two ways of loving or being loved are the same.”

Victor: “Love has no boundaries or shapes. Being here made me feel that way.”

Victor spoke one truth.

Kate: “I think… My thoughts about love have changed. Maybe love is less restrictive than I thought.”

When I blurted that out without thinking, Victor narrowed his eyes in a dazzled manner.

Victor: “I like your open mind.”

His gaze made my heart skip a beat.

As I stared at Victor’s face, not understanding why my heart was reacting in such a way—

Victor: “It’s a beautiful moonlit night.”

Victor cast his gaze out at the calm night, with the moon floating brightly in a cloudless sky.

As I looked into his loving eyes, the words he’d said earlier came to mind.

Kate: “Victor, earlier, you said that humans were creatures who pursue love.”

Kate: “What kind of love are you pursuing?”

Victor: “Are you interested?”

Victor tilted his head suggestively, and for some reason the gesture made my heart race again.

Kate: “Yes… I’m curious, so please tell me, if you don’t mind.”

Then, Victor’s expression lightened.

Victor: “My ideal love is to wrap everyone in my love.”

Victor: “Loving everyone, deeper than the sea and higher than the sky.”

His words were a reflection of the everyday life that unfolded at Crown Castle.

Kate: “That’s typical of you, Victor. It’s clear that you love everyone with all your heart.”

Victor: “May I ask you the same question? What sort of love do you seek, Kate?”

Kate: “I--…”

It was a difficult question to answer, so I looked up at the sky to think about it.

As if searching for an answer among countless stars, I picked out the feelings deep in my heart and put them into words.

Kate: “Tonight, I saw a lot of unconventional forms of love.”

Kate: “I learned how difficult it is to spend your whole life with one person.”

Kate: “But I still long for the idea of meeting the one you’re destined to be with and continuing to love that person.”

Victor: “Like a fairy tale?”

Kate: “Yes, but I understand that a happy marriage without worries and troubles only exists in fairy tales.”

Kate: “Reality never goes as you want it to. But that doesn’t mean I can give up on my dreams just yet.”

Kate: “I know it’s an ideal, but I want to live with the person I love and overcome my fears and worries.”

Kate: “I hope I can find that kind of love.”

By becoming a fairy tale keeper, I learned the importance of facing things head-on.

The reality that makes you want to turn away, the ugliness and cruelty of humanity that makes your heart break—

(If I had run away instead of facing it, I would not have noticed the light beyond the darkness.)

(There’s always hope in the darkness.)

(So, I want to look closely and not miss it.)

Kate: “I want to see the expressions and words of the person I fall in love with and see what lies beyond.”

Kate: “Even if that means saying goodbye.”

Victor: “That’s a very sincere love.”

Victor: “I think that’s your typical way of loving, since you’re single-minded and think everything through thoroughly.”

Victor: “…Anyone who is loved by you will surely be happy.”

Victor was listening to what I was saying with a smile.

But for a moment, his expression somehow looked lonely.

(Victor…?)

Gentleman at the mistress club: “Oh, I guess I drank a bit too much.”

The person who came out onto the balcony appeared to be a drunk male visitor.

Gentleman at the mistress club: “Huh? Victor…?”

(Victor, huh?)

Victor: “This is bad, I know this council member.”

Kate: “You’d better pretend to be my affair partner again and get away with it!”

Victor: “Ah…Sorry. Please hold on for a moment.”

Victor pulled me toward him by the waist and frowned apologetically again.

Kate: “It’s not your fault, Victor. It’s a mission, so please hug me as tight as you can.”

Then, a sigh hinting at a smile brushed against my cheek.

Victor: “Your dedication really touches my heart.”

Victor: “At the same time, I want to find out. How much will you accept?”

(Huh?)

Victor looked straight at me.

His eyes, moving as if clinging to me, made a sweet impulse well up in my chest.

In the darkness of the night, the boundaries between the sky and the sea seem to blend together.

What is acting, and what is not anymore?... I felt the boundary becoming blurred.

I was held by Victor—

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Premium End | Epilogue

[i-am-vita]

A Night at Loguetown

A Bogard x FemOcReader Oneshot

+ 7,700 words Looong, I don't know what the hell happened here.

👉 My Masterlist, Oc Ghost Rose Masterlist

Fic based on my OPLA hot older guys headcanons. Just a little angsty love for the five Bogard fans out there. Shot out to those who wanted some Phantom Captain content.

Summary: 8 years ago you had to go into hiding with your little niece to protect her after the demise of your entire stranded family. During the process to claim her as your ward, you meet again with the man whose heart you broke along with yours when you ran away from the life your family had decreed for you. Warnings: Some swearing. Mention of family loss. Bittersweet, things may get angsty. Mention of drinking. Light NSFW, no smut but implicit sex. Definitely angsty ending. Expect: They have History... and not just Bogard and Reader. Lovers to Strangers to Lovers. Idiots in Love who won't talk things out. Lost Chance. Use of You, not Y/N. FemOcReader, fem pronouns. Bad english, consistent time tenses not detected.

Any other warning or expectation you detect, let me know.

Really, dear showrunners had no business hiring such a young handsome actor for Bogard. I accept no complaints.

.

8 years ago...

Poorly. You had thought of this poorly.

You've made a career in white collar robbery and piracy by planning and being prepared for every eventuality. You didn't enter a room without a full plan of action and at least three escape routes.

But all those years of pirate life went to hell the moment you heard of the ultimate demise of your entire estranged family. So when you knew of the survival of your niece and where she had been sheltered after the shipwreck, you had to make an effort not to zoom into the Loguetown Marine Base in a frenzy that would rival Kuro's during one of his bloodlust nights.

Still, you charged through the main door and into the hallways with such a pose and authority that the guards took a while to realize you weren't an Officer or even a Marine at all, despite your pristine two-piece cream suit.

Really, the pencil skirt and heels should have been a clue.

"I shall talk with the captain in charge of this base!" You demanded while looking in your pockets for the permission with the appointment when intercepted by two guards who didn't take kindly to being bossed by a random civilian woman and rudely grab your arm. "Get your paws off me!"

In an instant, you had the first guard on his knees in a painful joint lock, his twisted arm being held by your right hand, your fingers pressing certain paralyzing points on his flesh. Your left was preparing to deflect the baton of the second one when a scabbard appeared and intercepted the weapon, sending it flying with the smallest of flourishes along with the guard who ended up crashing against the wall.

Your eyes followed the length of the scabbard to the figure of a man dressed in a formal gray suit with the white coat of a high rank Marine Officer, a gray fedora obscuring the features of his face.

Suddenly you were aware of the situation you found yourself into, bursting into a Marine Base and technically attacking an officer, with absolutely no escape route or back up since you practically jumped the ship as soon as you docked.

Then, the man in the fedora raised his face and the world stopped spinning for a second.

Oh, fuck...

Because of all the Marine Bases in all the Blues, you had to storm into the one he was stationed.

"Rick?"

Bogard had heard some Marines calling for a person but it had been the feminine voice speaking with such authority that stopped him in his tracks.

He turned the corner of the hallway in time to witness a guard rudely grabbing the arm of a well dressed woman while spitting words unfitable for a respectable Marine towards a civilian, let alone a lady.

"What the..." He heard the Vice Admiral who was turning himself while you immobilized the guard.

In an instant, Bogard had advanced towards the conflict and got rid of the second guard with a flourish of his still sheathed sword.

A heavy silence followed as he heard his first name from your lips. Nobody had called him anything but his family name since he had enlisted in his youth. Since you.

Your name too escaped his mouth in disbelief. His eyes widened as they traveled up and down your figure, taking note of your polished appearance but, more shocking, your martial pose.

You were never a fighter. Even from the short time you spent together in your youth it was clear you lack the ability to put on a fight. And here you were, ten years later, having blossomed into this stunning woman capable of dealing with a fully trained man bigger than you with only your non-dominant hand. In a skirt and heels.

It's not that you had been pinning over the memory of your first love all these years. You've lived the life you chose without regrets and had your own share of lovers through the time. But it had been an emotional amount of weeks with the memories of your beloved sister and previous life haunting you even in your sleep.

And with the memories of past times, inevitably came him and the day you broke both of your hearts…

The throat clearing of his boss brought both of you out of your reverie.

"Ejem... Madam, would you be so kind as to release the Ensign." You heard the heavily accented voice of an older man in full white suit and Marine coat pointing to the guard who still remained immobilized by your left hand.

I'll be damned... You thought when recognizing Vice Admiral Garp.

You loosen the guard's arm who snatched it and tried to regain his footing while reaching for his baton. A heavy glare from Bogard was enough to freeze him in place.

"Dismissed, Ensigns. You will answer for your manners later." He commanded both guards before returning his gaze back to you.

"... Madam, is there a reason why we shouldn't proceed as protocol for this exchange?" Garp questioned looking from you to Bogard who still remained unable to take his enthralled eyes off of you.

You barely managed to withdraw your eyes from your former suitor to look at his superior when another visitor showed up.

"Excuse me, Vice Admiral Garp, isn't it? May I intercede?" Spoke an elegant gentleman coming from the opposite side of the hallway, being escorted by a couple of guards. Dressed a little over the top with a dark blue three piece suit, a short cape, top-hat and a rapier sword at his hip, the old man looked like he had just come out of a ballroom.

Of course you knew your Captain Erik better. That was his to-go outfit for almost everything not pirate-related. And now he was presenting himself with his real identity to save your sorry impulsive ass.

"Shostakovich Eriksson, from Angel’s Arts and Exports." He introduced himself with an ostentatious curtsy. "I believe my employee has a meeting with the current captain of this base regarding the custody of a certain late Captain Charles’ child." He extended a folded paper accompanied by an ornate business card. The same paper with the appointment you had forgotten in your hurry.

Bogard received the papers and scanned them while Garp looked intensely at the newcomer, like trying to figure out something about him.

"Have we met, Mr. Shostakovich?" With a little gesture of his hand, Bogard showed his superior the card with the full name and rank of the gentleman. “... Duke Shostakovich.” Garp corrected himself.

"I believe we have spoken on the Mushi from time to time..." Your Captain answered enigmatically, giving the Vice Admiral a very particular gaze.

Both assistants looked baffled at their bosses.

You had no idea Captain Erik maintained certain communication with Vice Admiral Garp from all high rank Marine Officers. He tended to avoid them like the plague. Meanwhile, Bogard was sure at that point he knew all of his boss' associates out of the Marine but that gentleman's name had never come up.

Unless it was one of his unsavory contacts only known by a code name...

His sharp gaze went from Duke Shostakovich to you wondering what kind of job you’d do for someone like him. His only clue about what had become of you after breaking your courtship was a very recycled story from your family of you going away to be an artist against their wishes and cut all ties with them… and himself.

“A nasty situation.” Garp finally spoke. “Captain Charles was an exceptional Marine. Still, we are used to losing even the best of us, but his family too?” A pregnant pause. “I’m sorry for your loss, Madam.”

“Thank you, Vice Admiral.”

“Let's put behind this little misunderstanding. We have an appointment after all.” Suggested Eriksson signaling the hallway that led to the Base Captain’s office and making a small salute by bringing a hand to his top-hat as a farewell sign.

You were about to turn around when the Vice Admiral voice called for your Captain.

“Your Grace, may I have a word in private?”

A look of panic filled your face at the prospect of being left alone with the man who once asked for your hand so many years ago.

“... Why not?” Was your Captain’s answer.

Well, fuck.

.

Garp extended the glass of whisky he had just served from the local Captain’s stash to the elegant gentleman and served himself a second.

“... Really, Erik, a Duke?” He asked finally after assessing his counterpart.

The Phantom Captain made a small shrug that did little to alter his perfect sitting pose while sipping his whisky.

“You never asked about my real identity.”

Garp sighed heavily and drank his whole whisky in a go.

From all the things he expected to uncover after Captain Charles and his family’s perish, the identity of one of his oldest associates was not in the list. While his acquaintanceship went as far as The God Valley Incident thirty years ago, when Garp teamed up with Roger and his allies to fight off the Rocks Pirates, their formal arrangement started as recently as after the execution of the King of Pirates. As a last gesture, Roger had shared with him the contact of his main informant, the elusive Phantom Captain, just in case he needed something. Since then, his exchange of information was limited to Den Den Mushi calls and the occasional meet with the mysterious masked figure.

“And why now? After all these years…”

“I've learned to go with the current when the unexpected happens. Would you rather me to deny everything and leave you suspecting with all these other dubious facts around the former Captain of this base?”

“And about your little assistant?” The Vice Admiral inquired about the pretty lass that had single handed immobilized one of their officers and had his subordinate so entranced.

“Ah, that information is not up to trading. She’s been like another daughter to me and her secrets are her own.” The threat was evident in Eriksson’s tone. Garp understood, he himself was protective of his underlings too, no matter how old and experienced they were.

“Funny thing, I was considering giving you a call as long as I was out of here. What information do you have about Captain Charles?”

“Native of somewhere in the New World. No registered relatives. Surprisingly wealthy young man. Enlisted at 21 years old under your personal tutelage. A meteoric career. Married at 26 to the eldest stepdaughter of late Admiral Thorne. Very low profile since then.” Eriksson kept enlisting the many accomplishments of his assistant’s brother-in-law. “Recently promoted to Loguetown Base… Killed a month ago during a raid at the ship that transported him and his family to his new residence. No survivors except for his only child.”

“Officially, that was an accident.” Grunted Garp tightening his hand around the glass. It had been frustrating to be asked by the upwards to let the case be archived as a shipwreck and brushed under the carpet.

“... That’s new.”

“Fresh from this morning.”

“Oh? They found out the culprit, didn’t they?”

“Not to my knowledge. What do you have?”

“Uhm… Didn’t you ever wonder about your former pupil's family name?”

“Are you calling a family feud? But no, no registry of his family.” Garp considered this new angle for a second. Marines hardly have any ties to their families once enlisted. Orphanhood being a most common occurrence. “Charles…” Understanding finally entered the Vice Admiral's mind. “No way.”

“Alleged fifth son, expelled and erased from the family records at 19 years old. Managed to steal a large amount of treasure before disappearing. What he took that was so valuable they were after him all these years and how they finally found him remains unknown.”

“Treasure or not, that would make that little girl the grandchild of…” The Phantom Captain made an affirmative nod. “No wonder they were eager to send her somewhere hidden and secure.”

“To send her…”

“The child was sent to a secure location when it was apparent the claiming process by her aunt was going to take a longer time than anticipated.” Eriksson’s left eye twitched in annoyance at not having been privy to that knowledge.

Like you would’ve said: well, fuck.

.

The insistent tic of a nearby clock marked the pass of seconds since both older men had entered the small office an overeager Captain had borrowed, leaving their younger underlings at the small and empty waiting room.

Bogard’s gaze almost hadn't left your figure since the moment he caught sight of you, feeling like a caress in its intensity, leaving you flustered like that young debutante in his first ball that you were once.

"You look good." His words broke the heavy silence, finally addressing you for the first time in ten years.

"Thank you…” You found the courage to take your attention off the clock and back to your former beau. Time had certainly suited him turning that young promising officer barely out of teenaging that you were so enamored with in your late teens into this earnest and dashing man. “... I like your hat."

An unamused chuckle followed your remark. Bogard diverted his face to the side while taking a step towards you before returning his intense dark gaze to you again.

“... Are pleasantries all that’s left of us?”

Bogard had thought himself prepared to face you. After the death of his dear friend Charles with his wife and in-laws, it was obvious there was only one person to take care of their surviving child and the family's inheritance. With Vice Admiral Garp in charge of the investigation, it was inevitable that your paths cross again.

But a week passed, and then two. A solicitor from a private firm assured them you were on your way. More weeks… And just on his last day ashore, you stormed into the Loguetown Base, assaulting the first guards who dared to stop you from your meeting, looking all proper and polished with a Duke as your benefactor.

He was prepared to face the girl that had rejected his hand, he was not ready for the stunning woman that arrived instead.

“I didn’t believe there was an us left after...”

“After you ended it all?” The accusing tone was evident in his low voice, something that was expected. What you didn’t expect was the pang of longing in your heart when another step brought him closer to you, enough that, if you dared to uncross your arms, you could raise your hand to touch his clean shaven jaw and discover if it felt as soft as it looked.

“I understand if you’re still angry at me, but this is hardly the time…”

“There hasn’t been a time in ten years.” He spat coldly. “I looked for you. I asked and asked again but nobody would tell me a damn thing. Sometimes I wondered if you were still alive…”

Those first years after your departure were a torture to Bogard. Wondering where he went wrong for you to reject him and leave so suddenly. What befalled to you? Where you safe? Did you even make it to where you were supposed to?

“Because nobody knew.” You fought to keep your voice low in vain. “I didn’t want to be found. I didn’t want anything to do with that life anymore.” It had taken you years to finally dare to contact your sister, a fact she had sworn to keep a secret. Still, not even she would have been capable of pinpointing your location.

“... Was the prospect of marrying me so daunting?” Were his affections not enough for you? He knew his heritage was not nearly as much as your family may have wanted but his promising career and friendship with your brother-in-law were considered adequate enough when he asked for their permission to court you.

“It wasn’t. That’s what scared me the most. You were ready to reject the Vice Admiral’s promotion to stay with me and I was suffocating at the idea of a life like my mother and my sister.”

There it was, you’ve finally said it out. You both had your own dreams and ambitions before meeting each other, how were you so ready to let it all go wasted after mere months together?

“You were my first love, you still are the only man I’ve ever loved…”

You knew you never loved Shanks as more than the best of friends even if your on and off relationship had been the longest of all; Kuro had been a lie, a master manipulator that knew how to twist your affections and the memory of your first love to his interests; Buggy was a pretty eyes nuisance, it was just one time and you were wasted drunk after dumping Kuro. But Bogard? You may have been just a teen but your regard towards him was still one yet to be surpassed, and it was precisely its intensity that scared you off.

To hear that confession from your lips after so many years was like a balm to Bogard’s heart. His hand raised almost on its own volition towards your face, his fingers barely grazing your cheek when your next words halted his movement.

"... but we were too young.” You added in a defeated tone. “We knew very little of each other when we were together all those years ago and now… it’s just too late. We have our lives. I'll go with my niece soon and you to your next commission. If we leave it this way we may remember the good of those days as happy as they were instead of the tragedy that brought us today.”

Bogard wanted to punch himself for his idiocy. Here you were, dealing with the sudden demise of your family, changing your entire life that you had made for yourself to take care of an orphan child you barely knew. And here he was demanding and complaining for his ten year old unresolved feelings towards you like the sulking teenager he once was.

An apology was already forming on his lips when the office door finally opened letting out Garp and Eriksson who regarded their younger assistants with equal looks of bewilderment at their closeness.

You backed away to a proper distance, knowing that whatever time life may have offered you with your old flame was gone.

“Farewell, Lieutenant.” You made polite curtsy like those you were taught in your youth.

“Madam…”

Bogard brought your hand gallantry towards his lips in a goodbye kiss. His dark eyes never leaving yours. You let out a small gasp, soft red lips slightly opened like begging for a proper kiss akin to the one he couldn’t give you the first time you went away from him.

Sad eyes followed the figure of the Vice Admiral Second while both Marines walked away into the hallway.

“So… that was The Guy.” Eriksson murmured in a teasing tone. You could feel the blush taking over your cheeks. It had been years since you shared the story of your first love at a drinks night with your crew. You didn’t think he would remember.

At that moment, the current Captain of the base called you into his office to start the process you were called upon.

“So… that was The Lass.” Garp murmured to his second. Bogard cleared his throat uncomfortably, not letting his mask of stoicism drop from his face.

How could Garp forget all those years ago when the best of his young former cadets, freshly promoted to Petty Officer and ready to be permanently assigned to his ship, almost left everything for the hand of a pretty lass? A pretty lass that displayed a little more common sense by rejecting the proposal and returning his prize pupil to his original ambitions.

Garp knew it had been a bitter pill but the life of a Marine rarely left time for personal attachments and romance. Most officers ended up having few contact with their families and significant others until the relationships cooled down into mere acquaintanceships.

Eriksson's little assistant had made the right call and for that Garp respected her. Enough to make a small concession for a day, even if it came years in the after.

“All is in order to set sail with the first tide in the morning.” The Vice Admiral commented after several minutes of silence while the pair exited the base, heading to the docks.

“Aye, sir. All permits have been signed.”

“Good, good. Let’s take the rest of the day off.”

“Sir?”

“Life's too short to not enjoy a nice free evening when it shows up so unexpectedly.” The older man gave his younger companion a significant look. “I may look for a nice place to dine, call upon some acquaintances if they’re still around. See you on the morrow, my lad.” Garp gave a friendly path over his collaborator's shoulder and parted away leaving a very astonished Bogard.

.

Bureaucracy was the worst.

Paperwork filling, walking from office to office, and explaining time and time again why it had taken you a month to arrive at Loguetown to fulfill your new responsibility as the only direct heir of your family and ward of your niece.

“You try to cross from the other fucking side of the Grand Line in less than a month…” You would think bitterly.

“Do not mistake the tardiness of my First Assistant as apathy toward her duty.” The Duke would supply, detecting the signs of stress over the fidgety of your fingers. “My dukedom is not around the next island and the Grand Line is not smooth sailing on the best of days.”

The presence of the Duke and the lies of your parents over your disappearance had worked well on your behalf. The fact your sister kept the carefully edited letters you sent her from time to time over the years and your personal Den Den Mushi contact helped too. That’s how the family lawyer had found you.

You were yet to be taken with your niece. They won’t even tell you where she was and that was the worst. Was she injured? Scared? Was somebody with her or did they keep her alone in some hide room for her own sake?

“All papers are in order…” The Marine Lawyer finally declared to you and the solicitor from the family that had taken your niece, a kind lamb-look-alike gentleman that introduced himself as Mr. Merry. “Miss Thorne may lay claim over the child as her legal tutor at any moment from now.”

“Excellent.” Claimed happily Mr. Merry offering to shake your hand. “I'm so glad this matter was finally settled. I don’t know how many more days I would be allowed to wait at Loguetown for the legal procedures.”

“And I deeply apologize for the delay, Mr. Merry. It has not been the easiest of transitions.” You said to the lamb-man.

“Of course, and I am deeply sorry for your loss, Madam. Your sister and her family were greatly appreciated by my employers and rest assured you and your niece are welcome as many times as you wish at their state. Their daughter, Miss Kaya, would be delighted to have her dear friend close.”

It relieved you to know that your niece was well cared for among family friends and arranged with Mr. Merry to set sail to Syrup Village in your respective ships the next day after brunch.

.

The sun was low in the sky when you and Eriksson finally walked out of the Base. The weary sight of you gaining a concerned look from your Captain.

You were one of his best assets on the field, steady and fast when retrieving any information he may be after, your knowledge and culture toward appraising any of his retrieved pieces of art and treasures remarkable, your leading as his First Officer for the last years outstanding, but your patience towards more polite intercourses runs thin. Added the emotional turmoil of the last month and your recent encounter with whom he assumed was your first love… He knew you were ready to snap.

“What was all that with the Vice Admiral?” You asked suddenly.

“Dunno. What was all that with the Vice Admiral’s handsome subordinate?” A small smile finally appeared on your lips at your Captain Erik’s antics. “Where do you think all those assignments to acquire intel from Marine Bases came from?”

“...  You've got to be kidding me.”

Would there ever be a day when the Phantom Captain didn’t leave you stunned with a random fact about his mysterious acquaintanceships?

An hour later, you were still munching the new information about Vice Admiral Garp and Captain Erik’s association. Does that mean Bogard would be privy to the same information? Would his superior share the identity of the Phantom Captain with him? He looked as surprised as you at Garp’s assessment of the Duke when he introduced himself. Would Bogard judge the fact you ran away from your engagement to end up becoming the same thing he fought against? That you were the Ghost Rose?

“Stop, I can see the smoke coming out of your ears. If dad thought it acceptable to share his identity with the Vice Admiral it means he’s legit and won’t snitch on him.” The soft voice of Raoul tried to serene your thoughts.

“For once, it’s not the well being of the Captain that concerns our dear rose, is it?” Added Carlotta between sips of her pink cocktail.

“Ohhh, more like some tall, noir and handsome Lieutenant in a fedora.” Purred Meg giving you a nudge.

You drank your glass of sweet red wine in a go to have something to blame for the subtle blush on your cheeks. After you came back from your appointment at the Marine Base, your crew decided a farewell night of drinks was due. It had been during one of your first bonding over drinks night that you had shared the story of your first love and how you came to be where you were with them. You couldn’t believe they still remembered but that’s what you get when you deal with a crew who thrive in collecting intel from all the seas.

“Hey, if you need the night to sort things out, we won't hold it against you. I know these past weeks haven’t been easy.” Murmured Carlotta, giving your hand a friendly grip.

Your crew knew that while you loved them to death, you were also a person who valued more alone time when something plagued your thoughts.

That’s how you found yourself wandering the streets of the city of your youth, letting your feet guide you wherever they desire.

From your vantage point on a stone bridge, you could sight The Angel of Music at port, captain Erik’s favorite vessel, where you had been sailing for the past years.

It was ironic that, from all the crews sailing the seas, you ended working for an extravagant Duke posing as a Pirate Captain.

“Nobility was suffocating me. I could no longer live among the fake and lies of the World Government so I decided to run away to discover the secrets of the world.” Your captain had shared with you when you asked him why he had chosen you as a protegee among the Red Hair Pirates. “Your Redhaired boyfriend was raised in this Pirate World and has all the intention of living and dying in it. We had a very different upbringing. Life has a way of finding us and pushing us back where we come from, one way or another. So we, upper runaways, should stick together. We have better odds to face the comeback side by side.”

How forewarning have been the Duke’s words. Your old life had indeed found you and dragged you back where you started.

Your eyes catched the sight of the Marine Vessel captained by Vice Admiral Garp. Small figures in white running up and down, ensuring their evening chores, preparing to depart at first light in the morning and, hopefully, with it the memory of your encounter with your first love.

You turned from the view of the port and kept walking the polished and well kept streets of Loguetown, lost in your head among memories and ghosts of the past but sure of the certainty of your decision. You’ll go the next day to meet with Mr. Merry’s employers who had taken your niece temporarily under their wing. Whether she wants to go living with you to your birth town or both stay in Syrup Village with her friend, your life would change irrevocably. Again.

You found the square following the melody of string instruments. More like a hidden corner between the tall elegant buildings. A little cafe spreaded its product’s scent on the air along with the bread, cheese and spices of the adjacent diner. A few young Marine cadets and civilians occupied tables and benches, enjoying the still warm weather of the late afternoon and the ocean view.

A small band at the corner played soft tunes to which some couples danced at the center of the square.

You love dancing. It was the only joy you found among the insipid upper class you were dragged to after the second marriage of your mother in your infancy. You wanted your little town by the sea back, the seasonal festivals full of lively music and food, the narrow shabby streets with intimate corners such as this one…

You were brought out of your reminiscence by the silent approach of the same gentleman that plagued your thoughts earlier. His stoic countenance softened by the smallest of smiles while his eyes roamed your figure now free of your previous formal wear and encased in a fitting black lace dress.

After your exchange of words that morning, Bogard had thought you gone for good again. Dread filling him at his inability to express the longing for you in his heart. So many years of putting on a facade of soldierly professionalism had taken its toll and it had been tough to let himself be vulnerable with another again. He had gone defensive over your candor at addressing your past courtship and inexperience in dealing with the fervor of your affection toward one another.

The dismissal of his superior for the rest of the day gave him hope to set things right between you. He knew what the bureaucratic processes entailed so he was left with time to seek one of his favorite places for the very few occasions when he had had a free evening in the city and freshen himself up, but he couldn’t resist calling upon some favors to obtain some information about this Duke Shostakovich.

There was something about all that earlier interaction that wouldn’t let him be.

Hours later, he hadn’t come with anything that seemed dubious enough. Duke Shostakovich had had a clean business since he had claimed his title and current lands; his islands were a safe haven in the Grand Line for both his subjects and refugees. Nobody had dared to fight his territories, some islands near him even asked for his protection. If it wasn't for his philanthropic image and lack of expansionist ambition, he could be considered an equal to the Emperors of the New World… And have you been working for him all these years? Doing what exactly?

The sun was already set near the horizon when he was informed through a mutual at the Base that the procedures had finished more than an hour ago and the Duke and his assistant had left.

Bogard cursed his researcher nature for taking so much of his time. In his haste to depart to find you, he left behind his white coat and suit jacket. He was about to go back upstairs for them when a vision of a beauty in a black lace dress crossed his sight.

It was not the first time in the past ten years that he let himself be swayed away by the image of a woman reminiscent of yourself. He had to look twice to ensure that it was indeed you walking in the small square near the inn, regarding the dancing couples with longing.

Years of training made Bogard’s steps almost soundless. He was about to clear his throat to call for your attention when a sudden stiffness took over your back and you turned around. Your left hand moved unconsciously to your thigh where your trusted blades laid sheathed under the fabric of your short dress.

Your eyes danced over the silent approaching figure of the Vice Admiral’s Second. His coat and jacket nowhere to be seen, the cuffs of his shirt rolled over his toned forearms, the gray waistcoat accentuating his lean figure previously hidden by the burlines of his coats.

“Am I under any suspicion to merit this silent approach, Lieutenant?”

“It depends. Have you engaged in suspicious activities recently, madam?” The light jest brought a smile to both former lovers. Oh, if only he knew. “I happen to have a room in this inn.”

“Do you happen to spend many nights at inns?”

“Being in close quarters at sea for weeks can get… tiring. A good night ashore makes wonders.”

“Yeah, tell me about it.” You smiled at the memory of your first months at sea. How that first sensation of liberty turned into dread pretty soon. “I was ready to jump overboard and swim to port the first time we spotted land after three weeks at sea.”

It wasn’t the first time that something in your demeanor was off for someone presumably invested in the arts world, starting with your fighting display from earlier. Bogard wasn’t the most connoisseur of the arts trade but something didn’t match...

“You are thinking too loud.”

“May you elaborate, madam?”

“You have that same frown from the first time we met and I asked you to help me hide from my brother-in-law and whoever of his friends he was set to pair me with.” Bogard chuckled at the memory.

By request of your mother, poor Charles was left with the responsibility of introducing you to his most eligible acquaintances during your debut. Bogard already knew of you, having been asked by his friend to dance with you to get rid of his meddling mother-in-law. He didn’t expect to find a kindred spirit in his discomfort of upper social gatherings. Time flew by dancing and conversing with you.

Like that first night, Bogard extended a hand to you in a silent request for a dance. You gave him your own hand in return and let him guide you to the center of the square where other couples danced at the rhythm of the band’s instruments while a female voice sang about a night of romance in a far away city. He followed the familiar steps of the square pattern with ease and grace.

“You haven’t forgotten.”

“What kind of swordsman would I be if I didn’t have a perfect stance and footing.” He repeated his words from that first time you danced when you expressed your surprise over his skilled steps. “About earlier today…” He added after more seconds of swaying. He had a second chance that day to make it right with you. “Please, forgive me.”

“After how I ended everything, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness…”

“No, you were right in walking away from it all. We were too young and I asked too much from you too soon.”

“Let’s not lean on it, we are not those children anymore.”

“Indeed…”

You were right to point out how little you really knew about each other. He was so set in enamored you and made you his that he failed to assess your wishes for the future. While he could recognize and accept the infatuation of his younger self as immature in nature, the memory of your past romance was mixing with the current feelings of a full grown man towards a woman whose beauty and mysterious allure enchanted him.

His hand on your waist tightened until pressing your bodies closer in a sensual move that had nothing to do with those he’d attempted when dancing with you in your youth. Your left temple laid gently against his smooth cheek thanks to the added height of your heels. If he moved slightly, he could taste your lips with his and determine if they were as sweet as he remembered…

His intent was stopped by your retreating body while your head denied his advance.

“Nothing has changed from this morning, Rick. We are still set for different paths tomorrow.”

“There’s still tonight.”

Bogard drew you back to him and the soft sway of your bodies at the slow rhythm of the string instruments. Your traitor body eager for his touch, warmth filling your belly at the prospect… Would it be that bad to let yourself get a taste of what could have been?

“What then, Lieutenant?”

“May I invite you a drink, madam?”

A drink turned to full dine at one of the small tables at the terrace, among longing gazes and soft hands touches, sharing under the candlelights and between sips of wine those parts of your lives safe enough to not break the illusion of normalcy that you wished to enjoy if only for the short time you had…

You didn't mean to stay the whole night in Bogard’s bed, but your body refused to part from his warmth, your face hidden in his neck, the scent of his aftershave still lingering on his skin, his fingertips tracing imaginary lines over your naked back and shoulders leaving delicious shivers.

The first time you were set to retire from his room, but his thoughtful care at cleaning you and ensuring your comfort after your joining made you lure him against you again, and then more until exhaustion finally took over, letting yourself be drawn first to a light slumber and finally pass out in his arms.

.

Bogard woke up first after some hours of rest, his body used to rising before dawn after years of life at sea and setting sail with the first light. Reluctantly, he abandoned the softness of your body under the sheets to retrieve both of your clothes from the spots where they have been left behind during the night.

His foot made contact with a cold metal and he remembered the satchel of rose carved blades tied to your left thigh he had uncovered after removing your dress, the carvings combining with those of the rings that adorned both of your middle fingers. A small sight of panic had seized your eyes before he knelt and his skilled fingers got rid of the offending garment to continue his survey of your skin with his lips.

Now his inquiring mind insisted on his suspicions from the day before but why couldn’t there be a simple and innocent explanation? Yes, you worked for a noble dedicated to the arts and philanthropy for years, a Duke whose lands were located in one of the most dangerous regions of the seas. The Grand Line was unforgiving and a death sentence to those who didn’t prepare to deal with its hazards. You had lived in it, probably sailed it regularly as commissioner of your boss’ exports, of course you had hardened and developed fighting abilities to survive…

A soft slide of sheets brought him out of his thoughts to retrieve your possessions and leave them at the feet of the mattress. Your still sleeping form getting restless without his presence beside you.

He continued getting dressed, the Marine in him insistent in departing towards his duty, the man already yearning for your soft skin and the intoxicating flowery scent of your hair but he wanted to respect your decision of letting it be. In the past, he had overseen your wishes, took for granted that your mutual affection was enough to start a life together at the expense of both your dreams and ambitions.

Now he knew better and pondered if with the years he would have gotten restless or resentful toward renouncing Garp’s promotion and be stationed somewhere safe and have a family with you, like his friend Charles had done with his own.

Even when his body burned for you, more now that he had got the opportunity to have you, he could not feel other than grateful for you taking the decision for both to go live your own separate lives all those years ago but… what about now? You had taken the decision to come back from your life to care for your niece and start anew somewhere safe.

Would you be willing to have him in your life again?

Bogard rejected the thought as soon as it formed. What kind of companion would he be to you or even a father figure to your child? Always absent sailing the seas with the constant threat of losing his life in the line of duty. You had already lost a father and a stepfather like that.

No, you were right from the beginning. It was better for you two to go your own separate ways…

You were pulled out of your slumber by the subtle sounds of movement and fabric, your mind too trained to be alert to keep you in sleep anymore even if it recognized the safe space you were in with your companion for the night. Among the shadows of the predawn, you recognized the male figure of your lover getting dressed, the muscles of his back moving enticingly while he put on his white shirt and the rest of his formal wear.

Knowing the farewell was upon you, you rise from the bed and put on your dress, a sudden need to be covered to face Bogard for a last time. You approached silently and touched his shoulder gently, his lack of a sudden reaction indicative of his awareness of you.

“Let me.” You signaled the hastily made knot of his tie and helped him tidy it. His coats and hat remained at the table next to the door, ready to be taken. You couldn’t help taking the gray fedora to place it on his head, your fingers caressing the line of his short hair, down to his forehead, over his elegant nose and lips…

Bogard pulled you towards him for that last kiss he regretted not giving you before. His mouth eager and passionate while his hands roamed the skin of your back still free of the zipper of your dress. Your own hands wandered over his jaw and clothed shoulders, fighting not to tear off the fabric to feel again his warm skin under your fingers.

His tongue nudged gently your lips to deepen the kiss and yours answered in equal fervor. Both trying to convey with your bodies the yearning for a life that was no longer available to you. His eager lips drift down your neck to murmured sweet endearment in your ear between kisses.

“Mia cara rosa, I…”

“No, please, don’t say it.” If you heard him say it out loud you may have broken right there.

He acquiesced and finally pulled away from your embrace. You’ll remember everything happening very quickly from there. You helping him put on his gray coat, white Marine overcoat folded on his arm. You opening the door, Bogard pulling you in for another kiss, you drawing him in for one more… And then he was gone.

You rested your forehead on the dry wood of the closed door, letting out a small whimper and the tears you didn’t dare to spill in the presence of your love for fear of making him doubt your resolve of going separate ways again but…

Would you dare? You wondered while getting properly dressed yourself.

To share with him your true identity as the Ghost Rose, open up about your recent past, the things you have done, even against the World Government and the Marine.

As Garp’s subordinate, would his sense of order and justice be as flexible to accept you in his life? Or would he ask for no explanation and look the other way around to every suspicious detail of your life, letting the secrets accumulate until you drown each other in distrust?

You walked back to your Captain’s ship, silently and slowly, the heels of your shoes the only source of sound in the dark streets before dawn, unsure if in fear or anticipation of finding Bogard waiting for you after all.

The view of the docks greeted you finally, the first lights of the sun coloring the sky in bright pinks while a Marine vessel set sail to the horizon.

You couldn’t help yourself. You ran towards the space Vice Admiral’s ship occupied minutes ago and to the edge where the waves crashed against the concrete, watching the sea taking your love away the same way he saw you go all those years ago... A hand found a place on your shoulder giving it a friendly grip, you turned lighty to see your Captain Erik comforting smile.

Yes, life had dragged you back where you started, but you had people at your side to face the comeback.

.

.

.

I'm not crying, you are...

Moots and interested people I remember: @fanaticsnail @jintaka-hane @cinnbar-bun @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @feral-artistry @holylanguagesbatman @triangularz

[mnemomnemonomi]

Roronoa Zoro x Reader : An Adrift Love

Hello everyone ! I finished translating the last One Shot I wrote on Wattpad. It’s still in third POV. I will now focus on creating a masterlist and rules articles to open the request for everyone !

Synopsis : Y/n is a young woman that was rescued by the Strawhat crew while she was adrift on the sea. She became acquainted with everyone and want to help them but a certain grumpy swordsman makes it quite difficult. But is it really that difficult ? Isn't Zoro just a misunderstood soul ?

Content : Y/n is not part of the crew, Y/n is hardworking, Zoro isn't honest, Zoro is surly not misogynistic, Zoro centered.

Words : 3.4k

An Adrift Love

It had been a few weeks now since Y/n had been aboard the Thousand Sunny, the famous ship of the Straw Hat crew. She had been very lucky to stumble upon a ship, and even luckier to stumble upon them!

She reminisced about their meeting as she looked out at the horizon. Half unconscious when the lion-headed ship appeared, she had felt relieved, saved. She wasn't going to die as she had feared. Then... she saw the famous Jolly Roger of the pirates, and for her, she no longer had any chance of survival. What would pirates do with a young woman like her, helpless and frail? Would she become a slave? Would they kill her? She would have preferred to die at sea rather than by the hands of pirates!

In the end, it was a man with a long nose and long black hair who exclaimed upon seeing her:

"Guys, I think someone here needs help!"

She had then heard fast approaching footsteps coming from where the long nose was, and she had barely had time to feel some sort of embrace around her waist before she passed out from exhaustion.

When she woke up, there was a creature with a big round pink and blue hat tinkering with scientific equipment. She had then sat up abruptly, only to lie back down groaning. She was so hungry that she couldn't do anything. The creature in question turned around somewhat panicked.

"Don't move, you need to stay in bed! Sanji will bring you food, but for now, you need to conserve your strength!"

"Wh-What are you going to do to me? You're pirates, right?" she had asked, half growling.

"For now, I'm going to heal you and get you back on your feet. Afterward, you can do whatever you want."

"-L-Lies... You're definitely going to do something bad to me!" the young girl had retorted.

"Why would we do that? We don't even know you, it would be strange to harm someone without reason..."

"... Are you really a pirate...?"

"Yes and I'm the doctor!" the little creature had smiled. "By the way, I'm called Chopper!"

"Oh um... I’m Y/n. Thank you, Doctor Chopper..."

It was at that moment that she had met a second member of the crew. A young blond man with twisted eyebrows and a slight goatee had knocked on the door and entered swaying.

"Mademoiselle, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance. I've prepared some treats especially for you, I hope you'll enjoy them," he had said in a charming tone.

"Sanji, here, is the cook of the ship. You’ll see that everything he’s cooking is delicious and good for you." explained Chopper.

"It... It smells so good..." the young woman had admitted, starting to salivate.

"Chopper told me that you haven't eaten in a while. I've prepared a special meal to get you back on your feet in no time! You’ll love it believe me! Oh and don't hesitate to call me if you need anything, Miss with the radiant beauty!"

With that, he had placed a plate full of food on the bedside table next to her bed and had disappeared from the infirmary.

That's how she had gotten to know Chopper and Sanji for a few days before finally meeting the rest of the crew and, most importantly... getting out of the infirmary to explore the ship! She had met all the crew members, and everything had gone well, even though a certain swordsman had been ready to slice her into pieces...

When Zoro had spotted her on the deck of the ship, he had immediately drawn his swords and yelled to everyone that there was an intruder. Of course, Sanji had come to her rescue, seeing that this "idiot swordsman" had dared to point his swords at "a beautiful innocent young woman."

After that, they had all gotten to know each other, and she had even played cards with Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Franky. The Straw Hat crew was really nice, and they were nothing like the pirates she had heard about... That's why, to thank them, she had decided to help the crew in any way she could. After all, they had taken care of her and were hosting her...

So she had helped Franky as best she could by bringing him the necessary materials in his workshop with Usopp. She had organized the books in the library by theme, being careful with Robin and Chopper's books. She hadn't dared to touch Nami's belongings, fearing she would mess up her cards and damage them. That’s why right nown, she was, taking a little break. With all these exercises, she was somewhat tired, and she felt a bit hot. It was Luffy who brought her out of her thoughts.

"Hey Y/n, want to come and play cards? Oh, and afterwards, why not play Pirate and Marine? (A version of Tag in One Piece)"

"Oh yes, I'm coming right now!" she replied with a smile.

A little heat was nothing! And it would pass! She rushed over to Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper to start playing. She owed them that, and it was fun to play with these three.

After several rounds of cards and Tag, Y/n began to feel out of breath from running around trying to catch Luffy. The captain was a real monkey! Usopp used his techniques to escape and hide better, while Chopper... He was smaller, and it was easier for him to evade Y/n’s movements. She decided to take a little break convincing herself that she was going back to chase them after a few minutes.

"Aren't you playing with them anymore?" asked a grumpy voice next to her.

"Ah! It's you, Zoro, I didn't notice you."

"It's hot, and the sun is beating down. I hope they don't get a sunstroke," he announced before leaving.

" Huh? Why is he saying that? They all wear hats..." she murmured.

"Hey, Y/n, we're over here!" Luffy shouted, waving his arms.

The young woman with h/c hair redirected her gaze toward the green-haired swordsman, then shrugged and joined Luffy. They played all morning, even though Chopper insisted that Y/n take breaks from time to time, saying she wasn't in the best shape yet.

She later helped Sanji prepare lunch, then decorated the table as nicely as possible. Of course, the cook was absolutely delighted that the beautiful young woman was assisting him. He would never say no to such a beautiful woman!

Sanji came out of the kitchen and announced that everything was ready. Luffy was the first to arrive and began devouring anything that looked like meat. Nami was by his side, correcting him by hitting him on the head while scolding him. Franky filled up on cola and then served Chopper and Usopp. Y/n watched the scene with joy and smiled. Well, she was still hot, maybe even more so than before, but she had cooked, so she thought it was only natural.

Zoro was eyeing the food with his open eye before looking at Y/n. It was clear that she was sweating much more than usual. He looked at the food again before closing his eye and sighing.

"Hey shitty cook, do you need someone to do your job properly?"

"What? Repeat that, two-bit swordsman?!"

"You heard me perfectly, you're so overwhelmed with work that you need someone to help you? And you call yourself the best cook..." Zoro added, opening his eye and looking at Sanji mockingly.

"I don't need Y/n to do my job. She wanted to help, who am I to refuse the assistance of such a goddess?!" Sanji replied.

"Yeah, right, just excuses. Well, if that's really the case, you can make us a lot of little dishes for tonight, all by yourself like a big boy, right?"

"Of course, I can! You brainless cactus head!"

"What? Are you picking a fight?!"

"Zoro... Sanji, wa-wait..." Y/n tried to intervene.

“So, twisted eyebrows, are you looking to get sliced into pieces?" the green-haired man retorted, beginning to draw his swords.

"I'm going to chop you up, you damn swordsman!" the blond chimed in, getting into a position to strike with his legs.

Nami got up, walked over to them, and scolded them while hitting them. The two of them separated and returned to their places, simmering with frustration. Lunch continued as Zoro and Sanji exchanged dark looks.

After the meal, Luffy fell asleep on the bow of the ship, Chopper cleaned and restocked the infirmary, Franky and Usopp locked themselves in the workshop, promising to invent something amazing. Brook played the violin for Nami and Robin as they read, and Sanji cleaned the kitchen. Y/n thought about offering to help the cook, but Zoro's voice stopped her.

"Oy, Y/n, come with me."

"But, um, I wanted to help San-"

"He doesn't need you. Follow me," Zoro repeated.

The woman with E/c eyes complied and wondered what the swordsman wanted from her. After all, she didn't really know him. He kept his distance and had this wild and somewhat mysterious side that piqued Y/n's curiosity but also made her a bit anxious.

Zoro suddenly stopped, and the woman, lost in her thoughts, didn't notice and gently bumped into the green-haired man. He turned his head towards her with a questioning look before Y/n blushed and apologized.

"Sit here," he instructed, pointing to a shaded area with a lounge chair and a cool drink.

"But why? Do you need something, Zoro?"

"Just sit, dammit!" he replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

The woman with e/c eyes complied and kept an eye on Zoro.

"Damn woman," he grumbled. "Okay, you stay here; I'll be back."

Y/n nodded, watching as the swordsman walked away. She wondered what Zoro was up to. She didn't know him well, and he had this enigmatic and wild side that both intrigued and unnerved her.

Zoro came to a sudden stop, and the young woman lost in her thoughts didn't notice, bumping into the green-haired man. He turned his head toward her with a questioning look before Y/n blushed and apologized.

"Sit here," he instructed, pointing to a shaded area with a lounge chair and a cool drink.

"But why? Do you need something, Zoro?"

"Just sit, dammit!" he replied, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

The woman with E/c eyes complied and kept an eye on Zoro.

"Damn women," he grumbled.

"Okay, you stay here; I'll be back."

Y/n nodded, watching as the swordsman walked away. She wondered what Zoro was up to. Up until now, the green-haired man's behavior made no sense. And what was with this habit of giving orders like that?! But on the other hand, if Y/n had really wanted to, she could have retorted, but she didn't really have the energy for it... And besides, it was one of the rare interactions she had with Zoro, so yes, she was quite curious to know what he wanted from her.

Zoro finally returned after a few minutes, carrying his enormous dumbbells. He placed them in the blazing sun a few meters away from where Y/n sat.

"Okay, we can start," Zoro announced, beginning to lift his gigantic dumbbells.

After a few minutes of silence, the woman on the lounge chair spoke up.

"Um, Zoro ? If you're planning to train, it means you don't need me, so I'm going to help Sanji, okay?" she said, somewhat disappointed by the turn her interaction with Zoro had taken.

"But are you even listening to me? He doesn't need you, so stay here," Zoro replied, his frustration evident.

"And why should I stay here, huh?" she asked, no longer understanding the conversation.

"... I need someone to count how many times I lift my weights..."

"But you usually do it alone!"

"Yeah, but it's hot out here, and we're in direct sunlight! I don't want to think that I potentially trained incorrectly because I miscounted due to the heat!" retorted the swordsman.

Y/n acquiesced and tried to make sense of their conversation.

"Fine, I'll just count, right?" she relented.

"Yeah, and you better not get lost in the numbers!" Zoro warned.

"Yes, yes, okay, let's start. 1... 2... 3..."

And so, for a good part of the afternoon, Zoro trained alongside Y/n, although she couldn't concentrate on counting the green-haired man's weightlifting repetitions for more than a few minutes. She ended up falling asleep with a headache. Zoro noticed and sighed.

"Some training partner you are... Well, it's not like I needed you to count. 153, 154…"

It was only a few minutes later that Nami's voice echoed throughout the ship.

"A violent storm is approaching! We need to raise the sails, everyone to their posts!"

"Huh? What's going on?" Y/n woke up, disoriented.

"Y/n, can you go down and place the cola barrels in the compressor? We're going to use the Burst to avoid being in the eye of the storm!" Nami commanded.

"Uh, yes, right away," Y/n replied, getting up suddenly.

She had to hold onto the lounge chair to avoid falling due to her lingering headache. She stayed still for a few moments until she got used to the sensation, then hurried to the Thousand Sunny's compressor.

Finally arriving at her destination, she quickly grabbed a barrel but underestimated its weight, causing it to wobble. She managed to catch it just before it fell and put it back in its original position. The task would be challenging given her condition and the weight of the barrels, but Nami and the entire crew were counting on her, so she didn't have a choice.

She tried to lift the barrel again, carrying it as best as she could to the compressor. She placed the barrel just at the foot of it and took a deep breath before putting the first barrel into the compressor. She didn't have time to celebrate this small victory before she heard the thunderstorm.

"I need to hurry!"

She quickly made her way to the other two barrels and almost lost her balance due to the turbulent sea. She grabbed one barrel and did as she did with the first, but with all this effort, her vision started to blur. Her headache felt like a jackhammer in her head, and she suddenly felt cold. She shook her head and took a firm hold of the barrel, lifted it, and positioned it.

"Come on, just one more," she thought while gritting her teeth.

She hurried to the last barrel, and despite the ship's swaying, she managed to get closer to the compressor. She felt her strength leaving her gradually, but she had to finish placing the barrels, after that, she didn't care what happened to her. Someone would surely come to check on her realizing she hadn't returned.

As she lifted the last barrel as high as she could, the ship was hit by a powerful wave that caused it to tilt. Y/n felt herself falling backward due to the imbalance, leading to the barrel falling on top of her. She closed her eyes instinctively, preparing for the impact, but she felt nothing except pressure on her back.

"Let me handle this," Zoro's voice rang out.

She opened her eyes and saw Zoro holding her waist with one arm, but with his other hand, he put the barrel on the ground. He then left Y/n and pushed the barrel into its designated spot in the compressor and then turned to the woman.

"You should have joined me in training after all. It's not with your feeble..." Zoro began, teasing her gently.

He stopped abruptly when he saw her condition. The young woman was red-faced, breathing heavily, and trembling. He put his free arm under her knees, lifting her, and asked if she was okay. She managed a faint smile before she fainted in his arms.

"Oi, Y/n! Damn it! Chopper, I need help!" the green-haired man called out, rushing back to the Thousand Sunny's deck.

"Zoro? What's hap—Y/n!" Chopper exclaimed.

"She suddenly passed out. She was pushing herself too hard, and-" Zoro explained, his concern evident.

"I suspected as much, I should have done something. Anyway, this is not the time. Zoro, take Y/n to the infirmary! Usopp, take my place!" Chopper ordered, his expression serious.

"Okay!" Usopp replied.

So, while Chopper and Zoro, acting as his assistant, tended to Y/n, the rest of the crew did their best to help as Nami gave orders until Franky used the Burst to get them safely out of the storm. Once they were at a safe distance from the tempest, Nami breathed a sigh of relief and asked Usopp about what had happened to Y/n. The others did their best to assist while waiting for Chopper to come out of the infirmary.

"Chopper, how's Y/n doing, my love?" Sanji asked, visibly worried, holding a tray with a drink.

"She's resting, and Zoro is keeping an eye on her. She overexerted herself while she wasn't fully recovered from being adrift at sea," Chopper replied.

"WHAT?! Why is that cactus head keeping an eye on her?!" Sanji exclaimed.

"Because he helped me examine her and reduce her fever," the doctor responded, not understanding where Sanji was going with this.

"WHAT?!?!" Sanji's imagination ran wild, and he felt a strong urge to strangle the swordsman.

Fortunately for Zoro, Chopper forced the cook to stay out of the infirmary, explaining that Y/n would need a good meal.

In the meantime, Zoro was sitting on the floor beside Y/n, who had been sleeping for quite some time. He watched her and got lost in his thoughts. He had tried to make her understand to take it easy, hadn't he? The hat, the shaded area with the lounge chair... It seemed he hadn't been direct enough. But this girl troubled him.

He had a strong desire to protect her, admired her dedication to everything she undertook, even if it wasn't her expertise. But seeing her push herself and neglect her health to please the entire crew irritated him. He never wanted this to happen; in fact, he was the only one who had noticed that Y/n hadn't been feeling well lately.

"Damn woman," he sighed, scratching the back of his head, frustrated with his reaction to Y/n.

It was at that moment that he heard the sheets on the bed rustling. He raised his head and approached the bed where the young woman who troubled him lay.

"Complaining about women again?" Y/n asked weakly with a small smile.

"No just you. You're quite the troublemakers. Are you stupid or something? Overworking yourself like that," replied the green-haired swordsman as he approached T/p.

"Sorry..."

"Don't apologize, idiot. You better recover quickly, or I'll have to deal with you," Zoro replied, flicking her on the forehead.

"-Ouch... No need to do that..."

"From now on, you'll stay with me, so forget about the others. No more 'I'll help the others,' especially Sanji. Got it?"

"What?" she exclaimed, sitting up before feeling dizzy and falling back on the bed.

"You're not in a position to negotiate, so stay in bed and listen to me."

"And why should I stay with you, anyway? It's not like you specifically need me to train," the young woman admitted, somewhat demotivated.

"That's true. But if you're not near me, how can I look after you?"

"But I don't need anyone to look after me," Y/n began before seeing the gentle expression on Zoro's face, who had a slight smile.

It was the first time she had seen this expression on the young man, who always seemed serious and tough. After a few seconds of silence, she felt herself blushing realizing what he implied. She covered her head with the sheet, not wanting Zoro to realize she was blushing. However, the sheet didn't stay there for long, as Zoro took it and made sure he could see the young woman's face.

"Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Zoro asked, returning to his usual expression and getting incredibly close to her.

"Y-Yes..." she nodded, struggling to meet the swordsman's eyes.

"That's good then," he finished, planting a kiss on the young woman's forehead.

Y/n couldn't help but turn bright red, unsure of how to react to the advances of the young man. Lost in her thoughts, Zoro was already at the infirmary door and announced, with his back turned.

"I'll say it again, no Sanji within 10 meters, and now rest. I'll be here when you wake up," he said before leaving the infirmary and closing the door. Now, Y/n couldn't wait to recover as quickly as possible so she could see the unexplored side of the swordsman, who, despite his rough exterior, hid a caring young man.

[joeliz99]

Second Chance- George Weasley

George Weasley 

Sixth Year of Hogwarts 

The sixth-year girl walked through the hallways, searching for a place to spend her free period before returning to class. She ended up choosing to recline against one of the arches that overlooked the main gardens of the castle, intending to resume reading the new book she had started recently. She had been trying to avoid a certain person since yesterday, and so far, it had been successful, as she didn't have any classes in common with the Gryffindor boy that day and had breakfasted earlier than usual. However, her reading was interrupted by the voice of someone calling her. Without even having to turn her face to know who it was, her body tensed, and she closed her book, ready to leave.

-Hey, Fernsby! Wait! - The redhead boy quickened his pace, leaving his brother and best friend behind. ---(Y/N)! - The Ravenclaw stopped with a sigh, knowing this time there was no escape, and turned around, forcing a smile.

-George... What's up? - He raised an eyebrow when he noticed this and crossed his arms, observing her.

-Are you avoiding me? Because that's what it looks like. -

-No- (Y/N) shook her head repeatedly, glancing at the two people now behind George. -Fred, Lee. - She greeted warmly, smiling halfheartedly.

-(Y/N)- Both said simultaneously, mirroring the young woman's gesture.

-Guys, why don't you go on ahead? I need to have a conversation with (Y/N) for a moment. - George said, making the girl feel uncomfortable for a few seconds, Fred and Lee watching both with some amusement.

-Sure, see you in the Great Hall, Georgie. - His brother tapped him on the shoulder and smiled in farewell to (Y/N) before leaving with Lee, leaving the two alone.

-So... What do you need to talk to me about? - The Ravenclaw asked, biting her lip in a nervous reaction to the tension she felt in that moment. She knew perfectly well what they needed to talk about.

- I waited for you for an hour yesterday at the Three Broomsticks as we agreed, and you never showed up... I even had to give someone the butterbeer I bought, for you. -

- Oh...- (Y/N) couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt when George mentioned the latter. Perhaps standing him up hadn't been as good an idea as she thought. In fact, it hadn't been a good idea at all. -I'm sorry, I honestly completely forgot that we were supposed to meet, and I didn't even go to Hogsmeade. -

- You're lying- George almost immediately said, still with his arms crossed over his chest.

- I'm not lying! -

- Of course you are. Every time you lie, you can't look people in the eyes, and you play with the ring you're wearing right now. -

The girl glanced at her hand for a second, ceasing the spinning of her ring to look back at George, somewhat surprised by that observation.

-What's going on, (Y/N)? I thought you were okay with going on a date with me...- She sighed upon hearing that and briefly averted her gaze from the redhead before speaking.

- Listen, George, I'm sorry. It's just that I don't think this— - Her hand moved, pointing to herself and then to him- is a good idea. Maybe it's better if we stick to me helping you with Potions and nothing more. - George frowned upon hearing this and shook his head.

-That's stupid. What made you change your mind? Did I do something wrong? Did someone tell you something about me? -

- No - (Y/N) hurried to say, being completely honest this time. - I just... I don't think I'm what you're looking for in someone, George. There are plenty of other girls who would love to go out with you. Much prettier, more interesting, definitely more laid-back- She added with a forced laugh, avoiding direct eye contact. -I don't want to waste your time, not when it comes to me. -

His expression twisted upon hearing these words from (Y/N), huffed, shaking his head before moving a bit closer to the girl. Making her lift her face to be able to see him due to the significant height difference.

-It's me who decides what I'm looking for in someone. I don't want to date anyone else; I want you... I thought I made that pretty clear when we talked before- He moved a bit closer, causing the girl's nerves to spike along with the beating of her heart.

—George—

—Let me finish— He whispered, never breaking eye contact with (Y/N). -I don't need someone who's just like me; I want someone who complements me. I don't care if you prefer being in the library instead of pulling pranks. I definitely don't care if you think you're carrying a few extra pounds or if you sometimes struggle with your hair- His hand takes a curl resting on (Y/N)'s face and moves it aside as his gaze descends to her lips. -Don't push me away without giving me a chance. That's all I'm asking for.-

(Y/N) sighs at the redhead's words, the butterflies in her stomach now fluttering intensely as he was so close, she could feel the gentle brush of their noses.

—A date, just that— The boy whispered, daring to draw her closer by the waist, his lips now brushing against (Y/N)'s. -And if you're not pleased, I'll let you go. We'll just go back to being the same old classmates... Please. -

He left a small kiss on her lips, causing (Y/N) to feel like she was melting in the arms of the beloved redhead. She gazed at him for a moment before nodding, returning the gesture with a small, shy kiss that brings an immediate smile to George's face.

—Should I take that as a yes? — He chuckled, pulling back slightly to get a better look at her. —Yes...— (Y/N) smiled shyly, forcing herself to step back completely. -This Friday, we'll meet at the Black Lake at 5 in the evening. I'll take care of the rest. It's the least I can do after leaving you hanging yesterday. - George laughed and nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets as he watched the girl start to walk away, keeping her gaze fixed on him as she walked backwards.

—It's a date then, see you later, Fernsby!

—Until later, Weasley. Don't be late for tomorrow's tutoring! — The redhead chuckled at that, shrugging while keeping his eyes on her.

—I can't promise anything, darling. — (Y/N) rolled her eyes, shaking her head before turning around to continue her way to the class about to begin, unable to shake off thoughts of a certain someone who was slowly but surely stealing her heart.

[ballsballsbowls]

Stuff Your Kindle Day Part 5/5

People actually wanted to know what I was thinking and feeling and finding re SYKD this time, and we actually have multiple days of warning before SYKD so I have a little free time.

I'll throw out a few things to keep in mind and the slap the rest under a readmore since I assume the average person here doesn't want to read romance books.

Blah Blah SYKD website. There were 2000+ books last time and there’s definitely more this time.

Blah blah kindle but there’s other stores, too, if you don’t do kindle.

SYKD is tomorrow, June 20th.

Dark Romance

Observations:

This will almost certainly be my last big update. I might post about other stuff if it’s really funny or interesting, but we’re getting down to genres I could take or leave that are substantially less interesting.

Looks Interesting:

Raise the Blood by Nenia Campbell Crimson Peak meets Ready or Not: a young woman searching for her missing sister in the remote California mountains finds herself at the mercy of her sinister in-laws and their playfully seductive younger son. The more time she spends with the Cullraven family, the more certain she is that something is terribly wrong with them. Keywords: they do it in the library during a thunderstorm, gothic, cult romance, folk horror, daddy kink, morally black hero, anxiety rep, villain love interest, stalker romance, somno, spicy nightmares, god forbid a man have hobbies, gothic romance, age gap, non-con, dub-con, family secrets, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, my ancestors made me do it, sex rituals, what is he doing in those woods, there is something very wrong with this family, "I'm a serial killer, not a cannibal, GOD," what's in the basement, the fuckbench was an unpaid actor, Mr. Rochester would never, I didn't sign up for this, surprisingly satisfying HEA GET Raise the Blood FOR FREE ON KINDLE: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia

Day of Judgment by Aurora Crane A federal prosecutor with a three-digit body count, his clever and adoring husband, and the FBI special agent who got too close. Keywords: MMM, forbidden romance, assassin with a code, established couple GET Day of Judgment FOR FREE ON KINDLE: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia

I’ve read other books by the same author and recommend:

None

I’ve read this specific book and recommend it.

Body Count [Wayward Sons] by L Eveland River Laskin is a mortician, a vigilante, and a stone-cold sociopath, exactly the kind of monster I should fear. But when he saves me, I don’t run…I fall for him instead. Keywords: m/m, dark romance, vigilante romance, found family, mental health rep, consent kings GET Body Count [Wayward Sons] FOR FREE ON KINDLE: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia

Fawn [Blackfang Barons] by Elaina Jadin For thirty days she’s ours, to do with as we please. She thinks it’ll be easy. That we’ll have mercy on her. That we’ll use a gentle touch. And that she’ll be able to walk away from us at the end of the month. But we aren't her saviors and she'll soon learn we have other plans in store for her... Keywords: Dark romance, mafia romance, sold to them, reverse harem, possessive heroes, psycho/sociopath, touch-her-and-die vibes, resilient heroine, ptsd triggers, bondage & kink GET Fawn [Blackfang Barons] FOR FREE ON KINDLE: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Australia

[sofargoneao3]

three's a crowd

“I think I was just propositioned for a threesome,” Remus said as he set down their butterbeers on the table.

Peter choked on his handful of peanuts so violently bits flew out of his nose, Sirius barked out a laugh, and James’ mouth dropped open in shock.

“By who?” James asked, looking around The Three Broomsticks curiously. For a Saturday, it wasn’t that busy so whoever it was would definitely be noticeable. 

“That witch at the bar,” Remus pointed at the witch who sat with a large mug of mead in front of her.

“She’s about fifty,” Said Peter, after he’d finished coughing.

“Not bad looking though,” Sirius observed. 

He wasn’t wrong, she had red lipstick and looked good for her age, but her graying hair and the style of cloak she wore definitely gave it away that she was getting on in years. Remus grimaced slightly and James laughed at Sirius.

“Nothing wrong with an older woman, if you ask me,” James said proudly, “look at Lily!”

“James, she’s two months older, not two decades,” Peter looked over his shoulder at the witch again, “Or two millennia.”

“What did she say?” Asked Sirius, as if he was considering going over to her if Remus didn’t plan on it.

“Er, she just asked if I was busy later,” Remus took a drink of his butterbeer, “and if I had any friends that would be available as well.”

“Too bad we’ve got that Order meeting tonight then,” Sirius grinned, “threesomes are very in right now, even with muggles.”

“Remus, don’t do it, she’s just an old hag who wants to watch you make out with some other young guy for the evening, it’s creepy!” Peter shook his head

“Piss off, Peter, you haven’t got a clue what you’re on about,” Sirius said, and smiled mischievously. “You haven’t even tried it.”

“Well, maybe I would… if there were two girls,” Peter said quickly, and the rest of the group laughed as he blushed.

Sirius waved his hand dismissively. “This isn’t the right way to do it, anyway. You’ve got to be the guest.”

“The guest?” James asked curiously.

“Yeah, you’ve got to be the third party, so you’re just there for the fun.”

“Speaking from experience, are you, Pads?”

Sirius smirked. “I might be.”

“Bit like being the seeker, isn’t it? Just come in at the end for the glory?” James said, like suddenly it all made sense if it related to quidditch.

“Exactly. You don’t want to go around mucking up things with your friends or girlfriend.”

“You haven’t got a girlfriend,” Peter pointed out uselessly.

“That’s why I’ve done one and you haven’t,” Sirius said, goading. Peter put his head in his hands, looking slightly traumatized by this revelation. 

“I haven’t done one.” James said as he swallowed his butterbeer.

“You have got a girlfriend!” Peter snapped. 

“I haven’t either,” Remus said, though he was certain they all already knew that.

“You wouldn’t, you’re far too well behaved,” Sirius said as James sniggered beside him. 

“She called me a bad boy!” Remus gestured towards the witch at the bar with his head. James doubled over in laughter while Peter spluttered in disbelief. 

“She’s just trying to convince you! That is so creepy-” Peter shook his head, baffled.

“Well, if you’re going to do it, you can’t do it with a friend,” Sirius said defiantly. “we’ll have to pick someone else out.” Sirius looked around the bar, and pointed over to Benjy Fenwick, who was sitting across the restaurant, “oh, he’d be good.”

“No, no,” Remus said, playing along, “it would have to be someone I trust… like James!”

James grinned proudly, “Ah, Moony, you flatter me. I don’t think Lily would approve though, you might have to go for someone with more experience… Sirius?” 

Sirius grinned and leaned back in his seat, his hands resting behind his head. “Thank you, James, that means a lot. But no, I’d have to go for Remus here, for the fun of his first time.” 

While the other three shared sly smiles, Peter looked at them in disbelief. “Oh great, thanks, just forget all about me.” The rest of the boys shouted out protests but Peter just rolled his eyes at them. “It’s like being picked last for quidditch teams again with you lot.”

“You said you’d only do it if it was two girls!” Remus pointed out.

“Well, yeah, but you know,” Peter waved his hands frantically, “I want to be included still!”

“Alright, next time we’re all having a pretend threesome, we’ll make sure to invite you,” James patted Peter on the shoulder as he said it.

“Thank you,” Peter sniffed, looking slightly less offended. 

“Alright, I think I’ll go talk to her then,” Said Sirius, and before any of them could stop him, he was leaning against the bar, chatting up the middle aged witch.

“He’s certifiable,” Peter mumbled as he watched Sirius from their booth.

“Oh, you know him,” James shook his head, “probably can’t stand that she asked Moony before him, he’s got to one up him.”

“What do you think he’s saying-” As Remus asked, the witch grabbed her mug of mead and tossed it towards Sirius, the red liquid splashing over his face and hair before dripping down onto his shirt. “Er, that’s not good.”

Sirius grabbed a napkin and wiped his face before hurriedly walking back over to his group of friends, who were all howling with laughter. He threw a handful of galleons on the table, and grabbed his leather jacket from where it was hooked over the back of the chair.

“Remus, you plonker, she wanted help carrying some boxes,” Sirius shook his head, and specks of mead were flung about, “we’re about to get kicked out of here, let’s go.”

The rest of them could barely walk out with how hard they laughed, Rosmerta’s shouts only fuelling their hysteria.

[androgynousblackbox]

Welcome to Hazbin Vale. 8 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

"Salutations, my dear beloved listeners. Isn't just wonderful to being able to wake up and see such a splendid day like the one we have today? The sky is so clear, birds are singing and everywhere you look there is a friendly face.

As long you don't look in the wrong places, that it. Like maybe inside of a rock that is clinging to the ceiling with all it's might, holding together the whole ceiling! I hope the promise of it giving away and crushing your young little heads kept you all entertained enough while staying there.

Such a pity for those who didn't listen in our past broadcast and didn't know about the community center not being available anymore.

Oh, but don't worry too much, there won't be any need for a service for them today or any other day. The workers already took care of everything so everyone who ever missed them or care about their pathetic lives can rest easy, crying in the corner on their room as they should so nobody else has to hear it. No doubt filled with all the memories of those that are never returning and regrets over everything they can't change anymore.

I almost get giddy just thinking about it.

Do you see, my friends, this is why we come together in this stations of ours. You should know by now that when we are together here, everything will be just right and the raccoons won't have to gnash their teeth into a surprised face.

If they still end up with a face, though, at least it will be after you have been properly warned. Isn't that what counts in the end?

Ah, but those deaths is not the only good news that we have for today, dear listeners! As all of you should know, for a few months the toy store that was abandoned was bought and in the process of renovation by our local toy maker.

After a lot of working, painting, rebranding and whatever else, the new toy store is finally opening it's door for the public.

Rejoice.

I… won't be going to the party inauguration.

But, Alastor, I can hear you scream with reckless desperation. This is definitely going to be news worthy! The tiny toy maker invited everyone in! There is going to be food and child appropiate drinks and even some bouncy castles!

Well, my dear listener, for as much as seeing kids potentially breaking their ankles and giving each other more than one black eye is entertaining, I am afraid I am sitting this one out. Instead I will be sending one of our production assistant Niffty to take a few notes and see how it goes.

A real gal that one! Don't ask me what she is chasing half of the time, though, I have no idea! She came with the building. I think. Or she was a homeless woman who came in from the window. One of the two!

She has been living on the attic most of the time, where we save up old records, and it's a lovely woman once you get to know her. More than one time she and I shared a nice cup of coffee as the announcements were playing.

Well, I was drinking it at least. She just stared at me with a permanent smile and didn't blink the entire time, not even when a fly landed on her eye. I don't believe she was breathing either, HA HA!

Ah, I am sure that kids will love to meet her. Although, if I can give just the tiniest bit of advice, maybe don't leave her alone with any scissors. I can't promise anything not splattery if you do that. Or do, if the party gets too boring at any point.

Which reminds me, I have to ask a certain chief officer to keep an eye on her. Just to make sure that she comes back safe, you see. If she gets a little bit too excited, don't worry, she doesn't bite.

Usually.

She might still do other things that none of us can imagine. But at least it won't be our problem.

Yes, she will be my little corresponsal at the party. Everyone please be as receptive, talkative and kind to her as you would with me. Remember that I am always listening, even if I am not there.

As to the reason why I won't be attending the party, it's obviously because I am taking care of my diet, of course! Lately I have been indulging a little bit too much on so many sweets. A very unlike me thing to do, as you all know.

I just can feel the risk of my teeth rotting inside my mouth already, thinking about all that sweet I had shoved into my mouth with too much carelessness. The sickly, disgusting, nauseating sugar that doesnt belong on my plate anyway. A plate that was made to contain meals of a red and darker variety.

Without any stupid shiny condiment on top.

Yes, that is right. I am finally giving it up.

I just can't keep pretending like that was the kind of man I am, dear listener. It will take probably a little bit of time to get back to a normal routine before the sweets invaded everything I see and think about, but! I have full trust that with a bit of willpower and concern for my health, I will manage to get that saccharine taste out of my mouth for good.

Frankly, I don't even know what I was even thinking getting involved with those kind of food in the first place.

Maybe was the golden wrapper? The blue sugar? The gentle little sounds that it made when I taste it? The way that it seemed to taste me as if it was finding something sweet too?

No, no, that couldn't be. What a delusional thought is that. My, couldn't be that I am also catching a fever? Such irrational and stupid ideas don't seem like me at all.

All the more reason to not go partying. It could be contagious for all I know. And we don't want that, don't we?

I will be fine. I managed to have a perfectly decent life without any sweets before. I had not a single complaint. Waking up at the same hour, preparing for work, come here and share with all of you whatever was worth knowing about our beautiful small town was all I could ever ask for. Why would you ever attempt to mess with perfection such as that?

Without any tiny feet coming down the hallway or a hand reaching for my shoulder while the coffe is brewing. Without anyone pulling on my leg to show me their new piece of art or my arm to show me their latest idea. Always pulling. My feet somehow moving along with it.

My house was fine without all of that extra noise.

I don't need sugar and cream, dear listener.

I don't need it. I never did.

In fact, I will probably do even better than before. Just getting back on the old savoury goodness that I have come to know will put me good as new in no time.

So! That is my resolution from now on and I am sure that my teeth will appreciate it just as much as my stomach. Other people might find it disagreeable, but I have made up my mind to this.

I was never meant to taste that sweetness anyway. It wasn't made for this tongue.

I am still hungry, unfortunately. I might never stop being hungry. But now I at least know that my food is elsewhere.

Now, the weather…"

[elliepassmore]

A Natural History of Dragons review

5/5 stars Recommended if you like: dragons, epistolary narrative, light academia

Usually I review books as I read them, but this time I'm reviewing this after I've finished the series (barring the spinoff/companion novel), so I have the benefit of hindsight. This series is great if you like epistolary narration since Isabella/Lady Trent is writing her memoirs and thus takes the narrative style of someone who knows they're telling a story. It's heavy on the academia, so if you like light/dark academia, I definitely recommend it and it does cover some additional topics other than dragons, though obviously they're the bulk of Isabella's interest. This first book does feature dragons and Isabella does get to study them somewhat, but I would say this book is the least draconic of the series. It was a little disappointing for me in that regard, but I went on to read the rest and was not disappointed at all in the dragon content. And to be honest, the fact that she wasn't too involved in studying dragons in this one makes sense.

I have to say, I greatly appreciate Brennan being an anthropologist and think we should have more light/dark academia books written by people with such professions. I can definitely see how studying and working in anthropology have influenced her writing here and enjoyed the little things she was able to naturally incorporate into this book and the rest of the series.

This book covers Isabella's childhood and the way she fell in love with dragons and her various misadventures pursuing them in adolescence. The meat of the story really starts when she meets her husband-to-be and manages to get them both on a dragon studying excursion to Vystrana.

In terms of the world's geography Anthiope = Europe and Scirland = England. Bulskoi, which doesn't really come into play until toward the end of the book, is Russia. Vystrana, the country Isabella and co. spend the most time in, is clearly Eastern European of some kind, though it's harder to pinpoint. Likewise, I'm not entirely certain what country Chiavora is meant to map onto. My theory currently is that Vystrana = Georgia and Chiavora = Turkey. None of this is particularly relevant to enjoying the story, but I find it interesting.

While it is only lightly touched on in this book, I found the way Brennan does religion, culture, and language to be fascinating and I really enjoyed the worldbuilding. While Isabella might not be an anthropologist, she does note a lot of details about the location she is in, including cultural details. Religion also comes up in this book because Scirland is 'Magisterial' and Vystrana worship in the Temple (I assumed that mapped to Christianity and Judaism, later I revised my hypothesis), and along with the main religion, there are also folk beliefs held by the people of Vystrana and Isabella accidentally steps right into them and ends up in a whole mess.

Isabella definitely comes across as young in this first book, which makes sense since it covers her childhood and adolescence, and I believe she's all of 19 when the book closes. That being said, it's easy to forget both her youth and the fact that she isn't the anthropologist when she has clearly educated herself on her topic(s) of interest. She's well-read and stubborn, and she generally has a good grasp on how to steer people toward what she wants them to do.

I did have some moments where I cringed at her behavior and thoughts while in Vystrana though. It becomes very, very clear that she isn't a trained anthropologist nor has she had any kind of cultural relativity training once she's on the expedition. Props to Brennan though for creating a voice who sounds very much what I would imagine a Victorian-era European woman would sound like when studying in the field (for those also cringing and/or uncomfortable by these behaviors/thoughts, Isabella improves with each subsequent book).

The other 'main' characters in this book are Isabella's husband, Jacob; the trip's leader and benefactor, Lord Hilford; and draconologist Tom Wilker. Jacob is open and understanding of Isabella's interests, and by and large has little problem with her pursuing them. They do have some issues at the start, with him not understanding why dragons are so interesting and important to her, but over the course of their trip they grow even closer and develop a stronger bond than before.

Lord Hilford is a wonderful mentor and wholeheartedly supports Isabella's interests. His own niece (grandniece?) has her own 'unfeminine' interests, and so he's even more open-minded than Jacob and provides Isabella opportunities to learn, hypothesize, and grow over the course of the trip. I really liked his character and found him to be an enjoyable part of the story.

Tom Wilker is more unpleasant and he and Isabella settle into a kind of petty rivalry. He clearly looks down on her for being uneducated, and perhaps for being a woman, and she in turn starts (or perhaps already did) looking down on him for being lower class. Their interpersonal relationship is a whole issue, but Wilker definitely knows his stuff about dragons. He has experience studying them and provides valuable insight into their behavior.

Overall I enjoyed this book and found it to be an interesting read. It's definitely academic, and I liked learning different things about the language, culture, and religion of the region, as well as about dragons. This is the 'least draconic' book in the series, but I still found it very interesting.

[blithesrps]

Act 1 Scene XII

“What the hell happened?”

Ara slowed her approach, wariness rising as Leona’s anger became clear. In response, he stepped forward, meeting her on the sidewalk with a wary Ruggie over his shoulder.

“Hey,” Ruggie greeted in lieu of a proper hello from Leona, and Ara gave him a shy smile.

“Ara. Are you deaf?” Leona demanded, taking her jaw in his hand and turning her face to see how far the bruise under her eye extended back.

“No,” she answered, watching Leona’s ear twitch with irritation. She knew she looked rather roughed up, by their standards. The Isle of Woe medic who had patched her up had insisted she wear a sling on her arm, though Ara was certain she could have faired fine without it. Besides that, and the nice shiner she was sporting, she also had a nasty bruise up one side of her ribs, but that was thankfully hidden under her shirt.

“Where’s Shroud?” Leona asked, and Ara inwardly winced.

“I…don’t know,” she answered carefully, “He just escorts me there and back. It wasn’t his fault, Leona. Really, it’s not so bad. I-“

“Every time you ship off to that place you come back looking like shit,” Leona interrupted bluntly, “We talked about this. You don’t belong to anyone anymore. Tell them to fuck off.”

Ara hesitated. Ruggie flicked his gaze between them, tail swishing nervously. This was…new for all of them. He and Leona had messed around almost since he started running errands for the prince, but their mutual interest in Ara had turned that bond into something more solid. They’d had to tread carefully with the inexperienced young woman, but finally the three of them had settled into what could almost have been considered a normal relationship. But lately…

“I go because I want to, Leona. I like being useful,” Ara said carefully, and a flicker of disgust passed over Leona’s face. He knew she was being taken advantage of, that having a hivechild dropped into their laps was too big a boon for the top dogs to pass up. But he hated it, and he didn’t understand why she didn’t hate it too.

“Tch. Fine. Have it your way,” he grunted, shaking his head and slipping back into a feigned ambivalence. If she wanted to get the shit beat out of her every other week why should he care?

Ara’s brows knit, her heart giving an anxious flutter in her chest. Every conversation she had in this world was a sort of test, and she hated the thought of failing one, especially where Leona or Ruggie were concerned. They had become very precious to her.

“Leona…” she began, but he turned away with a wave.

“I gotta get to class,” he huffed, a lie no one would have believed. Ruggie tried to put an encouraging smile on his face, reaching to grab Ara’s hand before she went after him.

“Aw, let him go. He’s just pouting,” he assured her with a half grin, “He was worried, y’know?” Ara didn’t answer, watching Leona storm away until he turned the corner.

“Are you upset too?” she asked Ruggie, eyes glistening in the way that always made him feel like he’d kicked a puppy.

“Nah,” he lied easily, throwing an arm around her hip and turning her to walk away the other direction, “I know you can take it. Come on, let’s go find some snacks at Sam’s and I’ll fill you in on what you missed over the weekend.”

“Very well,” Ara agreed, but after a few steps she stopped them, turning to press a soft kiss to Ruggie’s cheek. He flustered with a bashful grin, one she returned with relief. What had had they been so upset about again? Oh, right…Leona…

Ruggie sighed. He’d go find him later and see if he could talk him down. Knowing Leona he’d want to sulk and then try to move on without solving anything. He definitely was too stubborn to give any quarter, and Ruggie was beginning to suspect Ara had the same streak.

He had sure ended up falling for the troublesome ones…

--

Just a little drabble on some conflict that arises between Ara and her boys as she begins serving on the Nyx task force. Leona's not a fan of her weekend job and it results in conflict that follows them post-graduation as well...

[finniestoncrane]

Hello! Can I have a blind date? I'm a plus size (250+) woman, neurodivergent in SOME way, who is demisexual. I have short, layered curly brown hair and multicolored glasses. I do have an hourglass figure with bigger hips but I do have squishy thighs and a bigger belly that make me a bit self conscious. I have my degree in biomedical engineering, and in my free time I love to cook, bake, embroider, sew, paint, and crochet. I also LOVE video games when I get the chance to play! I love little trinkets, and I'm really proud of the way I have decorated my apartment even if it isn't always the cleanest. I love bringing baked goods into work to share with people, and I like it when people compliment me on how good they are! I would love a partner that makes me know I'm loved, and who knows and remembers little things about me.

Ty 🥹💙💙💙💙

💜 blind date 💜 the kitchen is now closed! 🔞minors dni🔞 • masterlist • kofi link • tag: finnie1500 (to follow or to block) a/n: anon ty for the opportunity to indulge myself here as a fellow big girl💚

"Hi! Welcome to the Vill-Inn. Are you here for the blind date? I have to admit, I've been hoping you weren't going to show. If you'd given it ten more minutes I was clocking off an joining her myself!"

You're gestured towards a table where you are sat down in front of your date, a red headed woman with soft, green hued skin and bright, inquisitive eyes.

"Hi, I'm Ivy. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her voice is gentle, warm, and so sultry. It takes you a few seconds to tell her your name, but you get there eventually. And then it's non-stop.

Ivy is filled with compliments, and they all sound so sincere and genuine, and sprinkled thorughout the evening, just when you least expect them.

"Your hair reminds me of newly sprouted shrubbery, when it's young and fresh and complex in it's growth. Your body reminds me of the petals of a rose, the way it curves out to an extreme and then tempers back in again. I love those glasses on you, the way they catch the light is like morning dew on the blades of grass."

It never seems superficial that she's focused on your appearance, likely because she's so focused on getting to know you as a person. And she's filled with excitement when you mention your degree. It's so rare for her to meet another scientist who she can have a conversation with. And biology is definitely her subject, although with a definite botanist's skew.

Everything you mention, she seems to find a way to call back to it during the conversation, particularly your hobbies. You're certain you only mentioned embroidery in passing at the very beginning of the date, and now an hour later, she's suddenly remembered that she wants to show you some designs she found of various succulents, asking if you could maybe make one for her in exchange for a succulent of your choice from her garden.

"I really relate to other creative minds. Gardening is an art form, just the same as your hobbies. They complement each other too, don't you think?"

At the end of the date, you pluck up the courage to ask Ivy back to your apartment for dessert. She laughs when she realises you're being genuine, and not just trying to get her back to your place alone. The temptation of home baking is too good, and who knows. If it's really as amazing as she imagines it will be, you might be getting second helpings.

[crystalflygeo]

“are you sure you haven’t seen her around?”

“no,” yaoyao said sadly, “i’m sorry, mei jiĕjie… i asked the other adepti and they also said they haven’t spotted spring bringer in a few days now…”

“i see… and you say you overheard the funeral director saying that the consultant on the parlor is taking a few day offs?”

“mhm! but… why do you ask? are they related?”

“…. you could say that.”

meirin’s frown deepened.

were they perhaps just taking a vacation together? but in that case, why…. why didn’t she respond to my prayers? no, something is definitely wrong here. if anything happened to her, there was no way that person would stay silent, after all.

the young child looked up worriedly as the woman’s expression turned darker, the lines between her eyebrows creasing further. her dainty fingers tugged on the adult’s hand, “…. jiĕjie, have you had lunch?”

“hm? oh, not yet… hey, why don’t we get lunch together over at wanmin? my treat, of course.”

“i was about to suggest that! it's always better to think with your stomach full! ah, but i can pay for myself…”

“no no, consider it thanks for helping me with the information gathering. besides, i’m craving some liyue-style meat-based dishes…,” meirin paused, remembering a certain tale - or, well, it would be more proper to describe it as an incident - which crys had told her before.

“…. yaoyao? after the meal, can you show me the way to the nearest post office? i’d like to send a letter to fontaine before planning my next move.”

if the geo dragon is missing, then i’ll try my luck with the hydro dragon….

...... i hope al haitham has some new information when we regroup later.

“Survival skills like those become very much a necessity when you’re wandering all over the world. The wind can tell us many things including the coming of rain or the presence of danger.”

“I still think it’s impressive! You have very keen senses…”

The pair chats calmly as they eat, this time enjoying a meal at one of the village’s restaurants, sitting side by side at the counter, taking small bites with their chopsticks and enjoying fragrant tea. A ship set to Liyue will sail early the next morning and agreed to take them for a comfortable price (With Crys promising she’d pay Kazuha back ASAP and once again thanking him profusely)

“So, you’ve been to Liyue and Mondstadt before, any other place?”

“I’ve wanted to visit Sumeru for a while… hmm, what about you? Mentioned Fontaine for a… business meeting? And the Ministry of civil Affairs… I’ve heard before of an adeptus working there.”

“Oh! Well… I do… I travel a lot too I suppose. Though I cannot recall much, and specially not being here in Inazuma before.”

“Hmm.” Kazuha remains pensive, statements like those does make it sound like she’s probably important, most likely people will quickly recognize who she is as soon as they steep on the harbor, or at least he hopes so. Or that at least going back to a familiar place her memories would come back easier.

“Oh! I want some of th-”

“Do you think-”

Crys stretches a bit in front of him to pick a piece of sashimi, at that moment Kazuha turns back to her and both end up faces mere inches apart, noses almost brushing.

Kazuha’s cheeks get warm with a healthy blush spread while Crys immediately turns scarlet.

“I-I’m sorry-!!”

“No! i-it was me I-!”

“Um…!”

Both sit back a little apart, Crys practically shrinks into her seat looking at her lap while Kazuha pointedly stares at a wall. There a short silence.

Awkward…

Crys feels bad, her ears droop. “I’m sorry Kazuha, it was my bad.”

“No worries…”

Oh.

Great.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite diplomat.” A female voice purrs with amusement. “I thought you’d be long gone back to Liyue, dear.”

The pair turns across the counter, there sits a woman with long flowing pink hair, fuzzy ears hanging low adorned with jewelry, and a stylized shrine priestess’ outfit. She rests elbows on the table, chin propped at her crossed hands with a mischievous glint.

Crys stares and blinks.

“Ah… Guuji Yae.” Kazuha murmurs.

“Hm, I thought after your business at Narukami a couple of weeks ago you’d be right back home, how interesting to find you here in such unique company.”

“I’m sorry I… we know each other?” Crys asks embarrassed.

Yae Miko stays silent for a few moments, her eyes sharp and unreadable as she seems to calculate a million things at once. Finally, she speaks again, her tone completely serious. “What happened to you?”

“She’s… lost. She lost her memories it seems, can’t remember a lot of things, flashes come and go in the past few days” Kazuha explains. “I found her passed out outside Chinju forest almost a week ago, Lady Guuji.”

Yae Miko hums, eyes narrowing. “Any aggressiveness? Has she passed out again since then?”

“N-no…” Crys mumbles.

“So probably not erosion. Anything particular?”

“Um… I can’t… remember people close or important to me, their names, faces, my own names… it's like just out of reach, I have them at the tip of my tongue but”

“But,” Kazuha pipes in. “Whenever she does remember a name, other memories seem to come back along with it.”

Miko’s eyes widen a fraction. “I see… allow me, just a moment.” She stands up and gets closer, much to Crys’ nervousness. Her gohei materializes with a glow and she waves it around a couple of times in slow precise movements before almost tapping the illuminated beast on the head.

Her expression turns severe.

“Hm. As suspected.” She sighs and dismisses the item again. “You my dear, have been ‘pranked’ by a powerful youkai.”

“W-what?”

“It’s an ancient and difficult technique, usually meant to… ensnare others and force them into subservience. You’ve had your name stolen.”

“My… name?” How can one steal a name?

“That’s right” She drawls, sitting back again across from them. “Your memories, your experiences, your identity, they are all tied to your name, it’s who you are, and so long as you don’t reclaim it, you’ll continue being lost…” She explains calmly.

Crys pales, she feels anxious, sick.

“Can’t you undo it, Lady Guuji? After all you are… very powerful.” Kazuha clears his throat. Miko gives him a look.

“Unfortunately, only the bearer of the curse can break it you see.”

“B-But-!” Crys stands up, she’s shaking slightly. “Y-You know who I am, you know me, you know my name, my real name… don’t you, Lady Guuji?”

Yae Miko sucks in a breath almost imperceptibly. “It’s been… centuries since you called me that.” She murmurs. Then shakes her head, and Crys’ feels her hope drop. “I have always known you officially as Spring Bringer and for several centuries you have gone simply by ‘Crys’ I’m afraid I am not privy to your true name.”

“That… can’t be…” Crys drops back into the chair, crying. Panic rises in her chest, how did this happen? How can this be? How does no one know? What if no one knows? How does she herself not remember her own damn NAME!!

This time Kazuha stands up, placing his hands on the crying woman’s shoulders trying to comfort her as she sobs. “But then how did some random youkai know her name?”

“Simple, to steal a name you need it to be written down. Literally ripping out or destroying it seals the deal. You must have had some document or letter on you with it perhaps.” She shakes her head. “Regardless, Spring Bringer, listen to me, do not fret. Go to Liyue. The other adepti will know, they will help you.” She reassures.

Yet, the distressed adeptus continues crying.

Kazuha steels himself. At least they now have answers… and a solution.

Lost in the forest, so deep In solitude’s embrace, shroud of mystery A deer wanders, and softly weeps     

no drawings this time but ayyy biggest lore bomb drop 1k words

@i23kazu ebg Jan 19-26

[tomyunbornchild]

Baby,

As someone who has many aroace friends and isn’t really looking for romantic partners currently, I have few opportunities to talk about my “type” so I wanted to tell you. This is all coming from the lens of someone who is semi certain that they are demiromantic and demisexual.

I have no gender preference. While it would be difficult to be in a relationship with a woman or nonbinary person due to my parents being somewhat homophobic, I am not against it because I do have a tendency to form stronger emotional connections with non-men in comparison to men. However that could also just be because I don’t have any friends who are boys that fit my other criteria for being my type.

For physical appearance, it’s hard to describe. I definitely have people I think have nicer facial features than others but it varies a lot. I’ve also noticed that the more I connect with somebody on a personal level, the more physically attractive they appear to me. (That’s why I always say I’m only friends with hot people.)

In terms of personality, I prefer someone who is nice. Not someone who showers me with gifts and compliments, rather someone who has good sense. Someone who doesn’t speak badly of everyone and tries to see the good in others. Being funny is a plus, but I have the second worst sense of humor in the world so that’s not a very hard expectation to meet. (I like to think at the very least I’m funnier than people who joke about trans people and are misogynistic.) I’d prefer someone with a similar world view. I’ve always thought that their religion doesn’t matter, so long as we can respect each other’s beliefs.

For other weird assorted criteria, I want to marry someone who is fluent in at least one other language. It doesn’t matter to me if said language is sign language or French or Korean or Tagalog or Swahili or what. As someone who loves different languages and cultures, I think it’s attractive to be fluent in another language. I can’t help it.

I really really want to marry and have kids young, like early twenties. At the very least before 30. I also know though that the more I wish for this the less likely it will be that it happens or that I will end up with the right person for me. My parents were 30 and 32 when they had me, so I know it’s fine to have kids in that age range but I’m an impatient person who dreams of having their own family and maybe a PhD if they have the time for it.

I hope it isn’t too weird to hear your mom talking about what type of person they’re into. Who knows, maybe I’ll have you via IVF and you won’t have another parent so this will be super weird, or maybe I’ll end up with someone completely different from this. It’s just a teenager’s thoughts, not an adult’s experiences at this point.

Sincerely,

Joy

[itsgameofthronesimagines]

Oooh good to know, thanks🥰 would you feel comfortable writing a Alicent x reader & a Rhaenyra x reader one? Where they are both fighting over reader’s love?

Title: Black & Green All Over

Fandom: House of the Dragon

Pairing: Alicent Hightower x Fem!Reader, Rhaenyra Targaryen x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 8,224

Warnings: Follows the events of the entire show and a little bit of the book, so spoilers for those who are not caught up! Angst, underage love, unrequited love, childbirth, unfulfilled ending, etc. 

A/N: I apologize if you weren't requesting a female reader, but it's definitely what I wanted 😏 so that's what I wrote. Also, to have Y/n a part of the King’s court so that Alicent and Rhaenyra would have a reason to be around her, I placed her in the Strong family so that she also has a hot older brother. Sorry not sorry. Enjoy!

(I do not consent to my works being reposted/copied)

Lady Y/n Strong of Harrenhal was the oldest daughter of Lyonel Strong. Once he was appointed Master of Laws to King Viserys, Lord Lyonel brought his two sons and Y/n to King's Landing with him, leaving his youngest daughter behind. Once in the capital, Y/n was appointed to be one of Princess Rhaenyra's handmaidens, along with one other young woman, Alicent Hightower, the Hand of the King's daughter.

The three daughters of Viserys, Otto, and Lyonel became thick as thieves over their years of friendship. Despite being in service to her, Rhaenyra treated Alicent and Y/n as her equals, reliant on them as close friends would. But one particular day changed the three young girls' lives forever.

After Queen Aemma died in her birthing bed and Rhaenyra was named Heir to the Iron Throne, something began to strain between Rhaenyra and Alicent, and no matter how hard she tried, Y/n couldn't find whatever tear in the cloth this rift started on. The three girls were beginning to near womanhood, and with that came the expectations of marriage. All three of the girls' fathers were trying to find a suitable match for their daughters, and Y/n feared that this might break their bond permanently should the three friends separate.

"It is the way of things," Harwin tried to reassure his little sister as he walked with her through the royal gardens, hands held behind his back, "You are Father's oldest daughter. He would've married you off a while ago if he wasn't so busy attending the Small Council meetings."

"I know. But if that was the case, he should've married you off years ago," Y/n pointed out sternly, lifting her skirts as they walked up the stone steps leading up to a beautiful gazebo, "You are his oldest son."

Harwin smirks, acknowledging her clever response with a nod before directing the subject in a different direction, "And what makes you so certain that marriage would break your friendship with the princess and Lady Alicent?"

"Because we'll each be sent away to live with our husbands in separate corners of the country. Perhaps Rhaenyra could stay, but I'm not a princess. Neither is Alicent. We go where our fathers command it. Rhaenyra... she could do whatever she wants."

Her voice was sad, and upon sighting the first bench he sees, Harwin sits down and now had to look up to meet his younger sibling's gaze, "That doesn't have to be a bad thing, sister. Perhaps Rhaenyra will demand that you and Alicent stay with her as her handmaids."

Y/n paced in front of him, playing with her hands as her eyes drift off with her thoughts, "Perhaps... though I don't see her and Alicent mending their bond anytime soon."

"How do you mean?"

"They've been acting... strange as of late. They rarely speak to each other anymore, but they'll still speak to me."

"The princess just lost her mother, Y/n. Lady Alicent lost hers before that. Perhaps confiding in each other is not how they wish to grieve."

"But they would separately confide in me?" Y/n stops pacing briefly to glance at her brother, "How does that make any sense?"

Harwin shrugs, "Rhaenyra was just named her father's heir. She might feel pressured into confiding her secrets and council onto only one individual."

Y/n's eyes widen in shock, "Are you saying that she trusts me over Alicent?"

"... Alicent is the daughter of the King's Hand."

"That's ridiculous. Rhaenyra wouldn't do that," Y/n returns to pacing, stubbornly stomping that thought away.

Harwin thinks for a moment before something dawns on his face, followed by a shit-eating grin, "Maybe they both prefer you over each other? Would that be so awful? I must take any advice you could give me, sister. I would kill to be the centerpiece of two women's affection."

Y/n stops her pacing once more, instinctively smacking her brother in the shoulder as her face screws up into a scowl, "You're a dog, Harwin."

He laughs at her distaste for his choice of words, a hand on his heart as he pipes down with a genuine smile, "Try talking to them, Y/n. Ask them firmly and stop trying to decipher their thoughts in the shadows. Their answers may surprise you."

~~~~~~~~~

Unfortunately, her chance at talking to the pair of them never came to pass before King Viserys announced his engagement to Alicent, stunning both Y/n and Rhaenyra and furthering the princess' disdain for Lady Hightower. It broke Y/n's heart to watch her two most entrusted friends look absolutely miserable, especially as both she and Rhaenyra laced up Alicent's wedding dress together. What was once a fraying friendship now appeared to be completely shattered between the princess and now the new queen, with Y/n caught in the crossfire.

Rhaenyra would try to keep her mind off of all the drama in her family by riding her dragon, and sometimes, she would take Y/n along as well. Y/n was far less scared of Syrax than Alicent and was far more willing to ride with the princess, feeling as free as a bird and as large as a dragon when flying over King's Landing, unable to see the people below. If she was feeling bold, Rhaenyra would even fly the pair of them as far as Dragonstone and the two young women would have a picnic over the ragged cliffs, overlooking the unforgiving sea. Sometimes, they would get so full of cake and wine, they would huddle close to each other, leaning their backs against Syrax, and fall into a dreamless sleep, the wild winds blocked by Syrax's form. Those days were blissful and always took the weight off the girls' shoulders, momentarily forgetting all of life's struggles and hardships. Y/n especially loved watching Rhaenyra in her element, flying over everyone's heads, wind in her hair, and smile as wide as a dragon's jaw.

Months passed and Alicent quickly became pregnant to the whole kingdom's delight. Y/n tried her best to be there for her friend's pregnancy, but it was difficult as long as she remained Rhaenyra's handmaiden. Perhaps Y/n imagined it, but it felt as though Rhaenyra kept her closer now more than ever, purposely keeping her from Alicent. It distressed both Y/n and Alicent, the Queen wishing to have a true companion to comfort her in her time of need but unable to voice her wishes when Rhaenyra seemed adamant about keeping Y/n to herself.

"Perhaps you may enjoy having tea with the Queen later this afternoon?" Y/n tried to negotiate as she braided Rhaenyra's hair before breakfast.

"I would not," Rhaenyra spoke briefly, stubbornly avoiding the subject every day Y/n tried persuading her.

But the princess could not deny Alicent for long. Once she started her labors, Alicent finally found the will to use her stature as Queen to her advantage. A servant girl entered Rhaenyra's chambers that night, bowing her head in respect, "Princess, forgive the intrusion, but the Queen asked to have Lady Y/n by her side."

Both Rhaenyra and Y/n appeared shocked by this request, glancing at each other before the princess sternly spoke, "I deny it. Lady Y/n stays with me."

The servant girl, now pale and afraid, stuttered out her next words, "Her Grace thought you might say that and she said-- forgive me, Princess, but she would then demand that the Lady Y/n come to be at her side. Her Grace is no longer asking. A thousand apologies, princess. I am only the messenger."

The room falls into silence, Rhaenyra's expression crumbling into rage and betrayal. In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of her handmaid rising from her seat, her skirts in hand. Rhaenyra whips around to address her lady-in-waiting, "Y/n--"

"You may do as you like, Princess..." Y/n's eyes refuse to meet hers, her head bowed in departure, "But I cannot deny a queen and a friend who is in need of me."

Y/n swiftly leaves the room with the servant girl, not wanting to wait for Rhaenyra's response. The princess' actions spoke louder than words, and it angered Lady Y/n. It angered her to see how little Rhaenyra cared for Alicent as if their years of friendship no longer meant anything now that Rhaenyra's father forced Alicent to marry him. As if Alicent was the one who betrayed her. However, in Y/n's eyes, it looked as though it was Rhaenyra who betrayed Alicent. To falsely claim that Alicent was playing a twisted game behind the princess' back was childish, and Rhaenyra should've known better than anyone that her friend wasn't at fault for the King's stupid choice of marriage. Instead, Rhaenyra blamed Alicent for everything and now openly despises her, dragging Y/n into the mix even when she wanted no part of this... unnecessary feud.

The servant girl brings Y/n to the Queen's chambers, and she doesn't wait for the guards to open the doors for her. Y/n pushes her way through the heavy doors herself once she heard the sound of Alicent's screams of pain and raced into the room. Alicent was found kneeling over her own bed, sweating from head to toe, her hair loose and unruly. Her shift stuck uncomfortably to her skin and her hand was grasping her swollen stomach in pain. The wet nurses parted for Y/n as she reached the queen, her hands immediately flying to Alicent's hair as she gently pulled them out of her face. Alicent looked up, agony slowly crumbling into relief when she noticed the woman in front of her. She let out a soft cry and her hands immediately held onto Y/n's shoulders as another contraction hit her like a wave.

"I missed you so much," Alicent whimpered.

Y/n gently shushes the expecting queen, ignoring the pain she felt against Alicent's iron grip. The Lady Strong holds onto Alicent's shoulders as well, never wanting to let go, "I'm here for you, Ali. I always have been and always will be."

Y/n stayed with Alicent and personally helped deliver Prince Aegon II. Y/n stayed while Alicent was resting, the queen only trusting her friend to care for the baby while she lay unconscious, and she even stayed for the days Alicent recovered, never leaving her side. They dined together, took turns with the baby together, and even rested together. If Y/n was honest with herself, these few days were some of the happiest of her life. It felt amazing to reconcile with Alicent and spend so much time together as if no time had passed at all between them. It was like a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. She never wanted this to end.

Alicent eventually allowed Y/n to return as Rhaenyra's handmaiden, and the princess stubbornly pretended as if Y/n was never away, flying the two of them to Dragonstone for yet another picnic. However, for her next two pregnancies, Alicent continued to demand to have Lady Y/n by her side, again, only trusting her children's safety in her friend's hands. Y/n eventually started looking forward to Alicent's pregnancies, knowing that she would soon be able to spend precious time with her dear friend.

However, after Alicent's forth and final child, Daeron was born, Lord Lyonel Strong began to talk about a possible suitor for his daughter. King Viserys listened and approved of a union between Y/n and Jason Lannister of Casterly Rock. When Rhaenyra caught wind of this, she sought an audience with her father.

"I forbid it!" Rhaenyra proclaimed with as much authority as she could muster, "Have Y/n's betrothed come and stay in King's Landing if you wish, but I don't wish to be parted from her."

Viserys sighed with exhaustion, fighting off a headache as he tried taming his daughter, "Rhaenyra--"

"You had already ruined my friendship with Alicent when you decided to marry her instead of Laena Velaryon," Rhaenyra snapped, glaring into her father's soul, "Don't you dare try to ruin my friendship with Y/n by having her married off to that disgusting excuse for a man."

As always, Viserys tried to please everyone by disappointing a few. Instead of announcing Y/n's engagement to Lord Jason, he had Lord Lyonel instead marry her off to his twin brother, Ser Tyland Lannister. It all fell into place rather quickly. Jason Lannister married Johanna Westerling at Casterly Rock and Tyland Lannister traveled to King's Landing and married Y/n Strong soon after.

Rhaenyra thought she played the game skillfully, believing that keeping Ser Tyland in the capital meant keeping Y/n as her handmaiden, but her victory was only brief. During Tyland and Y/n's wedding celebration, Alicent stood over her guests and excitedly asked the bride to become her own lady-in-waiting. The proposal stunned both Rhaenyra and Y/n, but the latter of the two quickly accepted without ever looking at her princess for permission, which angered Rhaenyra.

"It is the highest honor for a lady to become the Queen's handmaiden," Y/n's other brother, Larys, sat in a chair by the fire while he watched her fuss around her old chambers, packing essentials. With this new... promotion, her chambers were now going to be moved closer to Alicent's, and while a part of Y/n was excited, another part of her was going to miss this old room and all of its memories. It was her room for years, ever since her family arrived in King's Landing. Larys wasn't as sentimental as his sister, looking around the room with a blank expression, "Surely the princess would understand that."

Y/n briefly paused from her packing, turning to show the dread in her eyes, "You weren't there."

"Of course, I was there, Y/n. It was your wedding. Do you truly believe I would not attend my own sister's wedding?"

"You weren't looking in the right places. You should have seen Rhaenyra's face when I accepted Alicent's request. She looked at me as if I betrayed her."

"And what else would she have expected you to do? Deny a queen's request?" Larys slowly, carefully, rose to his feet, reaching for his cane.

"Larys. You do not have to stand," Y/n quickly disregarded a dress in her hands and crossed the room, gripping onto her brother's elbow, "Stay a while. Rest your feet."

"My ever-dutiful sister," he affectionately pats the woman's hand, ignoring her invitation as he grabbed his walking stick, "And although I enjoy your company, I have reason to believe you'll have a different sort of company soon enough."

"What do you mean?" The new Lady Lannister eyed her brother suspiciously, "My lord husband has already left for Casterly Rock. He won't be back for a couple more moons."

"It is not Ser Tyland I speak of," with his sister's aid, Larys is able to limp towards the door, "But of the princess."

Y/n stops in her tracks, letting her brother walk the rest of the way before she spoke, "Have you been spying on her?"

"Why, sister, to spy on the princess would infer I had a possible agenda against her," Larys smiled, although weak as he opened the door and peered outside, something or someone catching his eye, "I just simply made an observation-- Ah. Princess Rhaenyra. Forgive me. I would bow, but--"

The door fully opens as Larys indicates to his bum leg and his little strength being used to open the door for said princess. Y/n straightens her posture as Rhaenyra drifts into the room, the Targaryen princess stiffly nodding towards the crippled man in the doorway, "There is no need for apologies, Lord Larys. You may go."

"Princess. Sister." Larys bids the two women goodnight and leaves, the sound of his cane slowly thumping down the hall.

Y/n keeps her eyes lowered, but kept her head tall. She waits for the yelling and accusations, for the princess to insult her and her virtue, but it never comes. Instead, Rhaenyra steps forward and gathers her friend in her arms. Y/n could feel the princess' breath on her neck where she had buried her face, thin arms wrapped around Lady Lannister's shoulders. Slowly, Y/n relaxes and hugs back, basking in the silence and the warmth of her friend. The calm before the storm.

"It's not fair," Rhaenyra starts off, pulling away but keeping a tight grip on Y/n's arms, "You should not have to juggle between us. She's clearly doing this to alienate me from you. She just wants you all to herself."

Something inside Y/n snaps at the princess' words, eyes narrowing as speculation slowly forms in her mind, "You speak of juggling and Alicent wanting me for herself as if I was just some toy... Princess."

Rhaenyra's eyes widen, her mouth falling open and shut as she tried to form words, "I... I didn't mean it like that."

"But perhaps you're right," Y/n snatches her arms out of Rhaenyra's grasp, turning away and getting back to packing, "Perhaps I am just some toy you two women have been fighting over these past three years. Maybe I was a fool to believe I was more than just some prize to be won. Maybe I was a fool to believe we were friends."

"We are friends, Y/n!" Rhaenyra rushes over and slams her hands over Y/n's clothes, forcing her to stop folding them, "We are the best of friends, and-- And... and sometimes I wished we could be more."

Y/n's eyes widen in confusion before peering up to stare at the princess, her brows furrowing together as she tried to form an appropriate response, "Excuse me?"

Rhaenyra's face pales, caught off guard by her own confession. Her voice comes out in whispers of disbelief, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You're married now, and... And even still, I thought I could have you all to myself."

"Rhaenyra, of the very few times you've held your tongue, now is not one of those times," Y/n regrettably spoke harshly, in denial of what she believed Rhaenyra was saying, "Speak bluntly and plainly, as you always have."

The Targaryen princess lowers her gaze, straightening her back and away from Y/n's bed. She appeared conflicted, eyes frantically trying to find something in the room that could possibly turn her invisible. Finally, she summons the courage and wets her lips before speaking, eyes slowly peering back up at Y/n through her lashes, "I love you. I think I always have. I just wasn't aware of it. When we were younger, I just thought I was in admiration of you. But as I watched other ladies speak to one another... I realized what I felt for you wasn't normal."

Y/n's entire body froze, breath refusing to escape her lungs as her mind tries to comprehend Rhaenyra's words. She looked back down at her clothes, her voice not nearly as strong as she had wanted, "But it is. Alicent speaks of me the same way you do. It's perfectly normal."

"Perfectly normal for being in love," Rhaenyra steps forward, voice darkening ever so slightly at the mention of Alicent. Her pale hand softly touches Y/n's as she bends her head to stare into her hiding eyes, silver hair spooling over her shoulder, "She fancies you, too."

Y/n hesitantly meets her eyes, still in denial, "You don't know that."

"I do. Why do you think we stopped speaking to one another? We both realized we loved you."

The room falls into silence as Rhaenyra finally bites her tongue. Guilt began to pool in her stomach as Y/n's eyes widen in horror. Stepping back from Rhaenyra, Y/n also pulls her hand away as if the touch had shocked her. Lady Lannister felt as though her whole world was closing in around her, unable to crawl out of the chilling revelation, "So... these past few years... when my two best friends stopped speaking to one another... it was because this had all been a contest? A battle over who could win me over?"

When Rhaenyra didn't answer appropriately, Y/n's eyes darken, "Do you realize how foolish that sounds now that it's been said out loud?"

"Why must it be foolish to love you?" Rhaenyra tried to desperately defend herself, hurt pooling into her eyes, "You're wonderful."

"No. Stop." Y/n turns away and finds a goblet to fill with a pitcher of wine, quickly bringing the drinks to her lips to calm her wild emotions. She found it hard to breathe and to think, tears threatening to form, "After all this time, I thought... I thought-- I've been trying to mend your relations with Alicent so everything could go back to the way it was. But this whole time... you've intentionally grown apart, fighting over someone you could never have."

Rhaenyra's brows furrow as her lip began to quiver, "Y/n--"

"No." Y/n shocked even herself at how stern and cold her voice became, slowly turning to stare down the dragon princess, "I don't believe you. This is a stupid game, Rhaenyra, and I will not be made a fool. Even if Alicent loves me the way you say she does, and even if she's willing to play this silly little game with you, I will not! This ends tonight, now, this very second. You will come with me and beg Alicent for forgiveness because this. Is. Over."

The demand hardens something in Rhaenyra's chest, the dragon slowly coming out of hiding. Y/n knew she just ordered a princess to do something against her will, despite not having the authority to do so, but she didn't care. She barely even flinched when Rhaenyra's once broken gaze suddenly began to harden, venom dripping from her voice, "I can't believe you... I've given everything to you! And you betrayed me... betrayed me just like Alicent!"

"By the gods, Rhaenyra! Are you truly mad enough to believe Alicent had any say in marrying your father?!" Y/n roared back with the might of a lioness, stepping forward and surprisingly driving Rhaenyra to step back in shock at her friend's raised tone of voice, "Like every other lady in this gods' forsaken world, she gets no say in who she marries! She does her duty as a wife and mother and then she dies! That's it! You can't blame her for doing the very thing she was born to do. I may not have known about this stupid game you played with her, but I know one thing. You betrayed her. You accused her of treason and you couldn't find it within yourself to forgive her for something she didn't do. Do you want someone to blame? Blame your father. You betrayed Alicent by not supporting her, by leaving her to the vultures, by wringing her out, and by leaving her to dry. You alienated me from her, keeping me away from my friend because you were jealous. That is betrayal. And the sooner you see the difference, the sooner we can put all of this behind us."

Every step Y/n took brought her to stand right in front of Rhaenyra, staring her down with a ferocity that cannot be formed unless years' worth of keeping quiet were to suddenly boil over. Rhaenyra barely recognized the woman in front of her, and instead of feeling grief, rejection and anger took over. The princess' scowl forms and fire lights behind her pale eyes. Rhaenyra quickly whips around and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind her before either one of the girls said something they could not take back.

~~~~~~~~~

After that night, Y/n couldn't bring herself to ever look Rhaenyra in the eye, always moving to stand beside Alicent whenever they had to share a room with the princess. Even though she wanted to ask Alicent for the truth, Y/n couldn't bring herself to do so. She couldn't bear to know whether or not Alicent felt the same as Rhaenyra did, to know that they were both aware of this game without ever telling their prize the truth of it. Y/n felt ashamed and even dirty for the first few weeks of being Alicent's lady-in-waiting, but she tried not to show it. Instead, she did her duties, smiled, and nodded, but nothing more outside of that. Alicent noticed this change but decided not to question it. Instead, she enjoyed having Y/n in her company again, without the worry of Rhaenyra trying to take Lady Lannister back.

A part of Y/n wondered if maybe her rejection caused Rhaenyra to start lashing out. First, the princess raced out of the hunting party on horseback with Ser Criston Cole in tow, then she decided to end her engagement tour early, and then the worst scandal of all... she snuck out of the Red Keep late one night with her uncle, Daemon. The next morning, as Y/n helped Alicent clean up in the King's chambers, Otto Hightower walked in to speak with Viserys. Both women hid behind the changing screen as the two men spoke, horrified as they both listened to the scandalous rumors about Rhaenyra's night activities with Daemon. It didn't feel as though it was in Rhaenyra's nature to sneak into a whore house and sully herself with her uncle, but Otto confirms the rumors by stating that one of his own spies from the city had spotted the princess and her silver hair. Once Otto had left and Alicent snuck herself and Y/n back to her chambers, the two women consoled one another, with Lady Lannister determined to prove Rhaenyra's innocence.

"I don't believe it, Your Grace," she states while brushing Alicent's hair, "I will speak with my brother. He had the watch patrol last night. Perhaps he could shed some light on these disgusting rumors."

As always, she persuades her oldest brother to walk with her into the royal gardens, but this time, under hushed voices. She asks him if he saw anything strange the previous night, to which Harwin appeared tight-lipped about it. Once Y/n confided in him about the rumors revolving around Rhaenyra, Harwin finally relents, knowing he could trust his sister, "Yes. I saw her. But not at a whore house. She was running through the back alleys with Prince Daemon. Nothing more."

It relaxed Y/n's thoughts for the time being, and she reported this to Alicent. However, the queen seemed reluctant to believe Harwin's report, pacing her chambers that night with a cup of wine in hand. Y/n sat off to the side, watching Alicent wear a path into the floor.

"It's possible that she only wanted to explore the city with the prince," Y/n tried to reassure her queen, "And all anyone who wouldn't want to see her on the Iron Throne would have to do is start a train of whispers."

Alicent nodded, but continued to pace, "I had wondered if my father's spy was just trying to win favor from him."

"Favor? Why would Lord Otto reward someone for this scandal? He'll serve Rhaenyra one day, so why would he want to see her public image fall?"

The question falls from her lips and a thought dawns on Y/n as she watched Alicent pause in her steps, looking away from her handmaid. It was the only answer Y/n needed as she stated the obvious, "Your father doesn't want her to rule."

Alicent doesn't face Y/n when she confessed, "He believes the Seven Kingdoms would burn if she ascended the throne."

"Do you believe that?"

"I don't know," Alicent admits, starting her pacing again while taking a sip of wine, "But Rhaenyra told me herself that nothing happened."

Y/n's eyes widen, shock evident on her face, "You spoke with Rhaenyra?"

"I did."

Lady Y/n's heart falls, her shoulders beginning to slouch with the weight of that sentence. So Alicent and Rhaenyra do still talk. Did that mean this whole contest for Y/n's heart was just one-sided on Rhaenyra's behalf? Alicent doesn't appear to have the motivation to compete with the princess, so why would Rhaenyra say such awful things about her?

She swallowed the bile crawling up her throat, lowering her eyes to the floor, "Do you believe her?"

"I have to believe her. She's my friend."

Y/n's heart continues to shatter at the revelation. Alicent still saw Rhaenyra as a friend, so it could only be Rhaenyra whose envious of this whole... stupid game. It might mean that Alicent doesn't love Y/n the way Rhaenyra does, leaving the princess' anger all for naught... so why did Y/n feel disappointed?

"But...?"

Alicent sighed in exhaustion as Y/n pressed on, "But I can't help but feel like it's true. Rhaenyra isn't the girl we once knew. She's... changed."

"And if the rumors are true, then what difference does it make?"

The Queen's eyes snap back to her lady-in-waiting as if appalled by her friend's stupidity of the obvious, "Her maidenhead was taken, Y/n! Rhaenyra's virtue has been soiled!"

"If that is true, does it really concern you, Your Grace?" Alicent's eyes widen as Y/n finally looks back at her, shocking even herself when her tone and posture remained calm and insincere, "You are not her mother. Whatever happens to her will not affect you."

"She's acting childish and taking advantage of her stature in life. She acts like she can do whatever she wants. And I want her to answer for it."

"You're the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms... anyone would kill to be in the position you're in. And Rhaenyra swore to you that nothing happened. Isn't that enough?"

Alicent never responded, instead asking Y/n to fetch more wine and draw a bath.

~~~~~~~~~

A week passes and Otto is disregarded as Hand of the King, replaced by Y/n's father, Lord Lyonel. Alicent was distraught the night her father left; perhaps it was envy, but she didn't want Y/n to comfort her. Plans had been made for Viserys and Rhaenyra to leave for Driftmark to propose a marriage between her and Laenor Velaryon and not long after they left, Y/n noticed her brother Larys taking a quiet fancy with Alicent. She had caught him speaking to the queen under hushed voices more than once since the king and princess have been away, and Alicent refuses to answer why when Y/n asked her. With her father gone in Driftmark, Y/n instead turns to her other brother.

"I think Larys is spying on the princess and reporting back to Alicent."

Harwin's dark eyebrows furrow, his eyes clearly troubled by this accusation, "Are you certain? He's our brother, Y/n. Do you think he means harm?"

"I don't know... all the same, please keep an eye on Rhaenyra for me. When she returns, that is."

When the King and his daughter return, the Velaryons soon follow and a grand, seven-day wedding ceremony was set to take place. The planning and decorations were as grand as a gods' feast, and half the kingdom was excited about this union. Even Rhaenyra looked happy... and oh, so beautiful in her wedding dress. Being Tyland Lannister's wife, Y/n had to walk into the throne room under his arm and announced as Lady Lannister along with Lord Jason and his wife. Alicent was quite alright with this and told Y/n not to worry about her. She planned on getting herself ready for the night, and for some reason, the way she spoke sent chills down Y/n's back.

It was all going smoothly until Daemon showed up... and then Alicent, wearing the most radiant green dress in the entire world. The color of the dress is what drained the blood from Y/n's face as she sat next to her husband, Tyland even had to help his wife stand when the Queen passed their table. Looking across the way, Y/n spotted both of her brothers standing at the table reserved for their house, and she had trouble swallowing when she noticed her brothers' mouth the words 'green' and 'war'.

Y/n was no fool, and the way Alicent coldly spoke to Rhaenyra only made her stomach turn. Trying to ignore the meaning behind Alicent's dress, Y/n tried watching Laenor and Rhaenyra dance. Over time, others joined the dancefloor, Y/n included. She first danced with her husband and with a brief spin, they switched partners, Tyland now dancing with Rhaenyra and Laenor dancing with Y/n. After a few other dance partners, Y/n eventually spun into her brother's arms and didn't hesitate to whisper in his ear.

"Go dance with the princess. Get her to laugh... I think she needs someone to keep her mind off of things."

Harwin nods with a look of determination. At the next spin, Harwin fits himself between the crowd and eventually finds Rhaenyra. Y/n smiled while watching them dance and didn't pay attention to who her next dance partner could be until she fell into Daemon Targaryen's arms.

"You have quite the loyal dog for a brother, Lady Y/n."

Y/n's posture tightens and her voice thins, "Quite an observation, my prince."

"I haven't had the time to converse with you as of late," Daemon smirks as he spins the pair of them in a circle.

"I apologize, my prince. I have been busy attending to our queen."

"Ah, yes. You're new position as her handmaid. I did wonder why Rhaenyra never spoke of you last time we talked."

Something tightens in Y/n's chest, confusion sprouting on her face, "I doubt she speaks of me that often for you to notice."

"When she was younger, all the time."

It hurt to hear this from Rhaenyra's uncle of all people. Y/n briefly looked away, feeling ashamed enough to change the topic, "I had meant to come to you and apologize for the loss of your wife. The gods are cruel to take away life so young."

"Her life was no loss to me. She was never kind to me. The reason why I came to this celebration was to acquire a new wife," Daemon's smirk had yet to leave, his eyes ever mischievous while looking down at the lady in his arms, "Perhaps you know of someone, my lady?"

Y/n bites the inside of her cheek, "I have been wed to Ser Tyland Lannister for many months now, my prince."

"Congratulations. Although I wasn't referring to you," Daemon's eyes briefly look over her shoulder, "No disrespect. You are quite the creature. But Rhaenyra would never forgive me if I married you. Too many of her family members have taken her lovely friends away as of late."

Y/n followed his gaze and sure enough, Rhaenyra was watching the two of them out of the corner of her eye, but then quickly looked away to laugh at something Harwin had said. The guilt in Y/n's stomach tightened and so she excused herself from the dance floor with the reason of tending to Alicent, who remained sitting at the front of the room.

And just in time as well. Before Y/n could even reach Alicent, a swarm of screams and cries rang out over the dancing crowd, driving her to spin back around. Kingsguards frantically try to break through the mob of lords and ladies, but to no avail, and yet no one knew why there was chaos running through the dancefloor. People were shoving past one another, frantic to find an exit or further crowd around whatever was going on, blocking the view from sight. After a moment of fear, Y/n's feet bring her to Alicent, shielding the Queen with her own body in case of any danger, Alicent's hand gripping onto her friend's arm in fright. As Y/n's eyes scan the room, she noticed that Harwin was standing on the outskirts of the fighting crowd, and Rhaenyra was nowhere to be seen. Lyonel, who just so happened to be standing near his daughter, heard Y/n cry out to him.

"Father! Where is Princess Rhaenyra?!"

With one movement of his head, Lyonel ordered Harwin to move. Y/n could only watch as Harwin rolls his shoulders and forced his way into the crowd, fighting off lords throughout the chaos and pushing his way through until Y/n lost sight of him. Within minutes, she spotted a white dress being risen up over the crowd, and eventually, Harwin pushes his way out of danger, with Rhaenyra thrown over his shoulder. Harwin brings her to the King's table and when no one moved to comfort her, Y/n breaks away from Alicent and gathers the princess into her arms, trying to tame Rhaenyra's shaking body. Rhaenyra clings to Y/n like a lifeline as the crowd grows silent, small gasps of horror shushing over the crowd. As people back away and give each other space, the King's court is finally able to make out the horrific scene.

Due to obvious reasons, Laenor and Rhaenyra were married that very same night, with no one else around but the King and his family, the Knight of Kisses' blood still splattered over the throne room floor.

~~~~~~~~~

Ten years pass, and it felt as though Rhaenyra, Alicent, and Y/n became strangers to each other as time passed on. Between three children born from each woman though everyone seems to forget Daeron, switched alliances, and the King's disintegrating health, Y/n has learned to move on and treat her once entrusted friends as just her Queen and her Princess.

Even though Y/n was still her handmaiden, Alicent began to grow distant from her once close friend. By the time those ten years came around, Y/n was nothing more than another servant girl to Queen Alicent. Y/n Lannister wanted the days when Alicent trusted her with advice and secrets back more than anything, and she couldn't help but feel that loss and even disgust when Alicent forced her to go to Rhaenyra after the princess just gave birth to her third son. Y/n couldn't look Rhaenyra in the eye when she spoke on the Queen's behalf to see the newborn prince, Joffrey, and was quickly sent away when she tried helping Rhaenyra dress. For years, Y/n wanted to be a part of Rhaenyra's pregnancies as she was there for Alicent's, but the Targaryen princess never permitted her to, and always sent her back to her 'precious queen'.

Y/n wasn't sure why Alicent began alienating her, but instead of finding out, she instead let Larys keep her old friend company. Y/n embraced her crippled brother as the Queen's spy, despite not approving of it. She didn't want Alicent to feel lonely, so at least she could still find a friend in Larys. Y/n just let them be.

As for Rhaenyra, both Harwin and Laenor filled in the roles Y/n could not be for the princess. Over the years, Y/n entrusted the two men to care for Rhaenyra in her place, and they always felt the need to report back to Y/n. It was as though Harwin and Laenor understood Y/n's motives were genuine and they wanted her to feel as though Rhaenyra was still a part of her life as she is in theirs. Harwin even spoke to Laenor in secret once, telling him about the relationship between Rhaenyra and Y/n. As someone who understands what it's like to love someone you can't have, Laenor was kind to Y/n and treated her like a friend, always informing her of Rhaenyra and her children's well-being.

From a distance, Y/n loved Rhaenyra and Alicent's children, almost as much as her own. Y/n and Tyland Lannister had two sons and one daughter, Gerold, Lyonel, and Rohanne, all with hair like their father and eyes like their mother. Despite not being the Lord of Casterly Rock, Ser Tyland was highly respected among the King's court and so were his children. Therefore, they had lessons besides all the royal children. The daughters sang together and the sons often trained together in the yard. It felt peaceful, in a way, despite Alicent and Rhaenyra side-eyeing each other. Along with Y/n, people began to call the women the Three Mothers. Y/n didn't want a part of that title, already tired of the whispers she hears about the Greens and the Blacks in the King's court. No matter who asked her, Y/n's answer was always the same.

"I am nothing but the Queen's handmaiden."

Peace suddenly came to an end when Lyonel Strong decided to take his son back to Harrenhal after Harwin attacked Ser Criston in the training yard. Lyonel kissed his daughter goodbye with the promise of returning soon. As for Harwin, Y/n hugged her brother as tight as she could muster, half hoping to break Ser Breakbones' ribs so he would be forced to stay. Harwin kissed the top of his sister's head as he bid her farewell, "Send letters as often as you can. Write about your children and how they're managing."

"Every day," she promised.

Harwin laughed quietly, his expression heartbreaking. Y/n understood why, but didn't say it out loud as he whispered, "Promise me you'll look after the boys and their mother."

His sister nodded in understanding, so he left without another word, afraid of watching Y/n shed tears for him.

That was the last time Y/n ever saw her father and brother.

Word got back to King's Landing about a fire that set Harrenhal aflame around the same time Rhaenyra took her family to live in Dragonstone. The deaths of Lyonel and Harwin Strong brought the Red Keep into a week of mourning in black. Y/n was beside herself, distraught and mourning the death of her family members. Larys, now the Lord of Harrenhal, barely bats an eye at the news and didn't ever visit to comfort his little sister.

Alicent, however, became kind and gentle to her old friend, as if the years of alienating Y/n never happened. The Queen was strangely sincere and comforted Y/n when she needed it the most. What was meant to comfort Y/n, however, only brought a dreading and chilling sensation to the back of her neck. Every inch of her wanted to pull away whenever Alicent touched her as if her body had a mind of its own, but she forced herself to keep still and let Alicent be her friend once again. The returning friendship continued even as the royal family traveled to Driftmark to pay their respects after the death of Laena Velaryon. Y/n left her husband and children and traveled with the Queen herself.

It was like hitting the last nail in the coffin for Lady Y/n. Tensions were high during Laena's funeral, but it all came to a head late that very night after Lucerys attacked Aemond with a knife, leading to the loss of the Targaryen prince's eye. Rhaenyra continued to lie and defend the legitimacy of her children's parentage as the reason behind Luke attacking Aemond. This terrible occurrence led to Alicent demanding an eye for an eye, much to Y/n's horror and disgust. Even if Rhaenyra's children were bastards and they attacked a prince... Y/n couldn't find it within herself to care. Those boys were not just Rhaenyra's sons... they were Harwin's as well. Y/n never wanted harm to come to her secret nephews, and she made a promise to her late brother to protect his family.

When Alicent took King Viserys' knife and attacked Rhaenyra, Y/n's first instinct was to hold Jace and Luke back, despite their screams and cries for their mother. They buried their little faces into Y/n's skirt, scared to watch as their mother fought for her life, all the while Y/n cried and begged Alicent to stop this madness. Alicent and Rhaenyra's true colors were shown that night, and Y/n's heart was completely shattered.

After the attack, Rhaenyra was rushed away to be tended to by a maester, and Y/n took the boys to be with their mother. Lady Y/n even stayed with the small family as Rhaenyra was stitched up, neither woman saying a word to the other. Y/n felt reluctant to tend to her queen that night, but duty demanded her to do so, forcing her to leave Rhaenyra and her sons. Rhaenyra watched Y/n leave the room with a heavy heart, calling out to her as she reached the door.

"Lady Y/n... thank you."

Y/n could only nod to her old friend before leaving for the Queen's temporary chambers. As she entered, Otto Hightower, the newly regained Hand of the King, was leaving. Y/n bowed her head to him and closed the door once he left, not saying a word as she moved to help Alicent undress.

"Stop," Alicent ordered, her eyes hard as she watched Y/n flinch under her gaze, "You shielded Rhaenyra's sons... you sided against me."

"I meant no offense, Your Grace," Y/n whispered, unable to meet Alicent's gaze, "I acted upon my motherly instincts to shield a child from further harm... that's all."

"That's all?" Alicent lets the room linger in silence before making her accusation known, "How strange that after your brother's death, you started to dote on the very children suspected to be his bastards."

Y/n's eyes spring up and firmly lock onto Alicent's, "Princess Rhaenyra's sons are Velaryon, Your Grace. I believe that."

"Name your proof."

"Their grandmother, Princess Rhaenys, is half Baratheon. Black of hair runs in the blood of that family. Lord Laenor may have Velaryon descent from his father, but he also carried that dark hair trait from his mother and onto his sons. It's the only explanation."

"So you don't believe your brother sired these children?"

"My brother was many things, Your Grace..." Y/n's voice broke as she recounted her recent loss, letting out a shaking breath, "A dishonorable man wasn't one of them."

This answer didn't satisfy Alicent. It only angered her. She swiftly turned away from her handmaiden, "Go. I'll tend to myself."

Y/n bows despite Alicent not noticing, turning to leave the room. She makes it to the door before her inner demons took over. Slowly, the Lady Lannister turned back to face her queen, "Your Grace... was it my fault you and Rhaenyra became disheartened? If I had done anything different... all those years ago, would you two still love one another?"

The room fell silent apart from the crackling of the fire. Alicent stubbornly keeps her back turned to Y/n as she slowly, coldly, spoke with the regency of a queen and not a friend, "Whatever thoughts you have in mind, Lady Y/n, squander it. Don't ever ask me that again."

Y/n sucks in a sharp breath, blinking back tears, "Then it's true. What Rhaenyra said about your love for me was true."

Alicent spins around and spoke with a dark, threatening tone, slowly teetering into madness even with more tears in her eyes as the events of tonight come jumping back at her, "Watch your tone with me, Lady Y/n! I am the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms! And... and I have the power to be rid of you."

~~~~~~~~~

The day after the royal company settled back into King's Landing, the King and his court and family receive news of Laenor Velaryon's death and the marriage between Prince Daemon and Princess Rhaenyra. Watching the way everyone reacted to this news, Y/n felt the final piece of the puzzle fall into place in her head. When she heard of the marriage herself, her mind had been made up.

Y/n asked the King if she may be excused from Alicent's service so that she would be able to leave for Casterly Rock. When Viserys appeared shocked by this request, the lady further explained that her children should spend time in their family's keep and reunite with family members from their father's side. She also reasoned that her eldest son needed to learn how to govern a keep one day, and what better way to learn than from his uncle, the Lord of the Westerlands. Viserys obliged with this request, seeing the logic behind Y/n leaving instead of the actual intent.

She packed up her children's clothes that day, her husband already waiting for them with a wagon and company at the gate of the Red Keep. Y/n ignored her offspring's pleas of staying and tried reasoning with them.

"Think about the adventures you could have with your uncle's children. Does that not sound like fun? I promise you'll love the Rock. It's going to be beautiful this time of year."

The boys groaned and dragged their feet while Rohanne clung to her mother's hand as they make it outside to the gate, the King waiting by Ser Tyland to say goodbye. To Y/n's surprise, the Queen and her children were also waiting in a line of farewell to the Lannister family, the children kindly bowing their heads to one another and promising to write. Viserys embraces Y/n and her children, even petting her hair for good measure.

"This has been your home ever since you were a girl. I would be lying if it didn't feel as though I am saying goodbye to someone like my own daughter."

A brief smile flashes onto Y/n's face as she wished her king good health before walking down the line of the royal family. She dutifully bowed to each of the princes and the princess before making it to the end of the line. Hesitantly, Y/n approached Alicent, and both women held a tense gaze for what felt like ages. Finally, Y/n bowed to the Queen, lowering her sorrowful eyes.

"I wish you good fortune, my Queen."

Alicent didn't appear surprised or impressed, her voice tight with paranoia, "Do you truly?"

Y/n straightened her posture and raised her head back up, sporting heartbroken tears in her eyes, "As I wish for Princess Rhaenyra's."

She turned away and climbed into the carriage without ever looking back at Alicent. If she had, she would've seen unshed tears swimming in the queen's own eyes, tears she would have said were caused by the wind if anyone asked, but no one questioned her emotions.

Once the carriage leaves King's Landing, Y/n's tears have dried and she instead watches the land move outside her window, occasionally entertaining her children for their long journey ahead. Eventually, Tyland leaned towards his wife, voice lowered, "I still don't know why you wanted to leave. Over the years, I learned to stop asking you since you seemed adamant about staying."

Y/n rolls her lips, forcing a sob down before it could even crawl up her throat, "I was being torn in two for a war I didn't ask for. I would rather die than choose sides."

~~~~~~~~~

A/N: I got carried away again. Sorry. I know I made this kinda depressing, but I was struggling over who Y/n should choose, then I decided to have the fighting over her come at a stalemate. It's like a divorced couple fighting over a child and thinking "why does my kid never come and visit" only it's actually their lover and she knows that in their own way, both women are toxic.

I guess this story is a little biased because of me. I'm Team Black, but only because in the books, Alicent is already portrayed as the enemy and her relationship with Rhaenyra is vastly different from the show. Rhaenyra is easily portrayed as the hero in the books, so it's easy to root for Team Black. However, in the show, Alicent is a more complex character and she's even likable, so I can easily see why people are Team Green. So, since I'm undecided, so is Y/n Strong/Lannister.