#and as long as women keep settling for men who expect them to be beautiful despite having no interest in caring for their own appearance's

[stardust-swan]

I'm convinced that the idea that "love is blind" is a pysop meant to brainwash women into settling for less. I always see beautiful women who clearly take care of themselves, dress well, get their lashes done, work out etc with boyfriends who look like they just rolled out of bed and put yesterday's clothes on. And I very rarely see this happening the other way around.

Men shill the idea that it's shallow for women to want someone who looks halfway decent but never hold themselves to this standard. They're so cruel to women they find unfuckable and treat women who they are attracted to but don't fit the societal beauty standard as dirty secrets (how many times have fat women talked about how men are happy to have sex with them but won't claim them in public because they think being seen with a fat woman is embarrassing?) The dadbod thing has been big for a couple of years while there has been no equivalent for mombods that gained traction (you know, the ones whose bodies actually went through physical changes due to pregnancy instead of just gaining weight from stealing their kid's snacks and watching the football instead of playing it).

It's so bad that even women shill this idea to other women. You have to ignore the fact that he never trims his beard and his daily outfit is a lint encrusted hoodie and sweatpants with a hole because if you don't you're shallow and not considering who he is on the inside too. We're told that being haggard shouldn't count as long as they have a good personality, and while I agree personality is important, a huge amount of men don't have good personalities. A lot of men are boring at best and a lot of them are just straight up assholes. Most of them aren't raking it in cash either to make up for their lack of looks and character. It's sad to see so many women doing the most for men who aren't particularly pleasant to be around, don't have money, and aren't physically appealing.

Men also shill this to eachother. I remember when I was a teenager there were huge hate trains almost entirely compromised of grown men against any pretty boy singer who got popular (Justin Bieber had it especially bad). They never did anything wrong (Justin Bieber's hate train was at its worst years before he started acting like a douche), men just hated them because they looked nice and girls liked them. They also act like any guy in real life who's comfortable with being attractive instead of purposefully making themselves unattractive to fit in with the other ugly men is gay and act bitterly when the men who actually make an effort get more female attention than a man who last showered three days ago. They act like women are catty bitches who hate prettier women when their egos are so fragile around men who look decent. There was even a recent study that suggested good looking men are at a disadvantage when applying for certain jobs, because their male colleagues feel threatened by them.

It wasn't always like this either. Not all that long ago it was expected that a man dress up nicely, wear cologne, style his hair etc when he was trying to court a woman.

When my mother was my age, she could just walk into a cinema and at any given time there would be films with leading men who looked like Leo, Depp, Brad Pitt, James Spader, River Phoenix, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Brendan Fraser, etc. And now those World's Sexiest Men lists are filled with average or below average men and we're told that we're meant to cream our panties over guys who look indistinguishable or even worse than your average guy on the street. Right after this era my mum was young in was when the media started pushing this idea that we have to settle for unattractive men or else we're immature and shallow. There were a ton of movies with men like Adam Sandler pulling gorgeous 20 year old women just because they were funny. That stupid genre of movie where an awkward nerd pines over the cheerleader who is pining over a jock who's always portrayed as a bully that the cheerleader is framed as misguided or a bitch for wanting a handsome boyfriend instead of picking the nerd (even though the dork main character we're meant to root for also only likes the cheerleader for her looks and is just as much of an asshole as the jock) in became really popular around the same time.

Unsure of whether this is because of men complaining about beauty standards or other feminist concepts they only half understand (while female beauty standards never budge and have always and remain a much higher bar to reach than male beauty standards), or if men are just forcing this idea that looking like shit is cancelled out by telling a few dad jokes so that women will feel pressured into dating them no matter how busted they look just to not be alone.

[not-goldy]

But why Jimin is feeling some type about turning 30 🤔 He doesn't have a biological clock ticking to get pregnant, he's a man who according according society doesn't reach their 'expiry date any time soon, he got everything settled financially and family wise, he got supportive parents but he lived majority of his life away from them... now even if he wants to have them here he's perfectly capable to do so. He still looks dropdead gorgeous... actually older he becomes prettier and graceful he turns. His body is still young and beautiful, He already got a partner who is so understanding and makes him feel the best no matter how he looks or his age.

I don't see Tae, who's same age as him focusing on turning 30 much.. he's still having fun, dating best girls out there, all set to enjoy after he retun from MS too. Like he should..because 30 is still very young in my book lol

Biological clock to get pregnant....

Ha🤣

A. He's human

B. Different backgrounds Different directions in life

Tae doesn't have chronic backpain does he??

Tae's career is not woven around his ability to dance his ass off and contour his body into impossible shapes does he? He dances sure and he's good sure but he's not Jimin 🥴

Watch BTS Island or whatever that show was I think they talked about these things- vmin I mean.

Remember he said he hated working out but then had to learn to love it because he needed to work on his form. He said he was becoming weak- he is not just a pretty face. He is not the type of idol you'd give a mic and a seat center stage to perform.

He is Beyonce. He is a spectacle

He will always be a spectacle unfortunately

Losing weight, dieting, fixing his teeth tweaking that- can't do that all his life that's just sad if he has to😢

So he is gonna reminisce and wonder if he should keep doing this or choose a different part- as he said he did before in the past when BTS was going through stuff.

He's gonna reinvent himself take stock reevaluate and shit. 30 is a milestone I suppose most idols do that before they decide to go all in for the long ride- you wouldn't want to look back at 40 and regret certain things you know?

This is where I start ranting bout the impossible beauty standards and performance expectations yall have of him- HE IS SOMEONE'S SON NOT AN OBJECT FOR YOUR ADMIRATION

And before you tell me this idol don't do that that person don't do that- THAT PERSON IS NOT JIMIN AND YOU KNOW DEAD WELL YOU HOLD JIMIN TO A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD THAN TEHM DONT LIE

And let's not forget 30 is primarily when an Idols career is assumed to have come to an end in kpop- sure there are new trends of older idols breaking the stereotypes but let's not act like age isn't a huge part of Kpop and that newer younger, much much younger idols are popping up on the scene- they may not be as seasoned or as talented but that will not stop toxic stans perpetuating ageism against BTS.

Its very normal for an idol of JMs caliber to put some thoughts into what he wants to do with his life at this point- if the company isn't going to be any helpful to his career and he doesn't have his age playing in his favor then boy or girl he very much has a right to ponder over his age. He's human.

If he's queer and wants a family then he very much has to worry about that too. And don't be fooled, men do experience low sperm count as they age and other erectile disfunction as they age too it's not just women like they try to portray.

They grow grey hairs and they go bald 🙄

Their bodies change dramatically with age too🥲

I can go on and on but he's just human doing what normal humans do.

[fangirlstorycreator]

Aemond Targaryen X Reader

Travelling the world to explore and learn, your suprised when you find yourself in the company of the Targaryen's. But one amongst them formed a closer bond than the others, but was that a blessing, or a curse? Your history and family are questioned by everyone, and in time you aswell. But what could this mean? And is your future with the greens? Or the black? That's all going to come to light....especially learning about your capabilities....even with the most deadly of creatures.....

(P.S. Anything in red is a character speaking in high valyrian)

Contains: explicit language/C word 😬/aggressive behaviour/fighting/not for minors

Part 1/3

Dragons...war...destruction and chaos...this was the world you were born into. You learned very quickly that life was dangerous, filled with bad people, cruel motives and even worst things people had to do just to get by, or fill their belly with food. You were an only child, and never met your parents, so being raised by your grandmother was what you had instead. Your grandmother owned a brothal, made a rather successful career in employing women to make money, and bring in the men who would give as much coin as they desired. Your she herself was once a wh#re, as she put it, after leaving her disastrous family to make her own way in life. During her time of making this brothal her own, she had two children, one boy, one girl. Her son grew up and left to have a life of his own, while her daughter, your mother, chose to work closer to home, your grandmother's brothal. You were told that the man who impregnated your mother had emerald green eyes, and your mother's were violet. Your mother took after hers, having long white hair, however, when you were born, you looked very different to how you were expected to come. On the day of your birth, there you came. Held in your mother's arms right after giving you life, and you were extremely unique. Not white hair like your mother's and hers before her, but brown hair, with a patch of white on the right side of your head. Also your hair wasn't straight like your mother's either, it was curly and bouncy, according to your grandmother, your father had curly bouncy hair. That was something noone had seen in a baby before, however, the most unique part about you was when you opened your eyes. One green eye, one violet. Unfortunately, your mother passed away soon after you were born due to an illness brought on through child birth, you never had the chance to meet her.

But your grandmother spoke about her in many positive ways, helping you keep a little part of your mother growing up. You saw what the brothal was like when you were a child, witnessed the men coming and going, and new what the women were expected to do. Your grandmother explained it all to you, and why she chose to make this place what it was. But no matter what, your grandmother had always told you that you could choose your own path in life, decide your own way, and if you wanted something, you needed to fight for it. Don't just settle. Search, find, explore, just like she did. According to her, she was born into a family that made choices about her life before she was even born. Not allowing her to do what she wished, or go wherever she wanted, it was like being born into slavery. She didn't want to be used like a pawn in someone else's game, she didn't want to be used as something to make babies for the next generation. If she wanted a child, she'd choose to have one with whomever she wanted. She didn't tell you who her family were, just that they weren't a family she'd choose. And having the freedom to have her own son and daughter away from that life, was more than she could have hoped for. From a young age, you knew you didn't want to settle down or have babies, you wanted to explore the world and find all the beauty and adventures in it. You wanted freedom, skills, knowledge, and noone was going to stop you from getting it. Your grandmother adored you, and supported you in your dreams. There was something she used to say to you whenever you showed your strength and capabilities.

"You have the fire of a dragon in your heart my darling. Let the world see you burn"

You never knew why she said that, maybe it was because she told you tales of dragons who belonged to the royal bloodline, The Targaryen's. In tales she told, The Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen had claimed the dragon known as Syrax, a beautiful golden female dragon. As well as her other family members, her father Viserys, who rode The Black Dread, Balerion. And his brother Daemon, rider of Caraxes, and many many more. You were fascinated by the stories of the dragons, especially those who were wild or unclaimed. She told you about 3 wild dragons, Sheepstealer, Greyghost and The Cannibal. Noone had claimed these dragons before, and noone had lived when confronting them, especially the most dangerous of all...The Cannibal. The Cannibal fascinated you the most, he was said to be the largest of the wild dragons, and had been given the name due to him killing and eating his own kind. Now that was one dangerous creature. Can you imagine anyone claiming him? It would seem anyone who has tried, has found out the hard way...but what if it was possible? What if indeed...By the age of nine-and-ten, you were just one year away from turning 20, and new that this was the time to venture out on your own. Your grandmother had helped you with learning life lessons, how to keep yourself safe and not to care what anyone says. In her own words.

"If someone's acting like a cunt, treat them like a cunt"

That was one of your favourite things she ever told you. Not only that, but you had taken lessons on weaponry as well as hand to hand combat skills. Your grandmother had paid for the best teachers to help you fight as well as, or even better than most fighters of the generation. So not only were you mentally prepared for the world, but you were physically prepared for it too, having knowledge and skills with every weapon and blade known to man. The day you left your grandmother, she was so proud of you and what you've achieved. She wished you luck on the path, and told you there was a forever home for you hear, if you ever wanted to come back. She was so understanding of you not wanting to be a whore in the brothal, which was something your mother had chosen for herself. She was proud to see you leave and fight for yourself, to hear about your adventures and what you'll become. Right before you left, your grandmothers last words to you were.

"And if you see your uncle, tell him I wish him well"

"Trust me grandmother, when I see him I'll probably knock him out"

"You two always had a weird way of expressing love for eachother"

"It's a sign of strength and respect! Only my uncle and I get to do that, it's kind of like our own little family tradition"

"Just TRY not to knock him out this time if you come across him ok? I know he taught you that, but you've grown stronger in your years"

"While he's grown, what? Weaker?"

"Don't let him hear you say those words darling"

"As if I would. Goodbye grandmother, I hope to return with many stories of adventures"

"And I'll be ready for each and every one of them"

With one final wave, you climb onto your horse and trot through the streets, onto whatever life was going to throw at you. The first few months were definitely an interesting start. You had taken on small contracts to help the innocents of the land. Weather it be helping them rebuild their home from a storm, or paid to slay a beast that was hunting and killing people. Whatever it was, you were truly living, and fighting just like you wanted. Every time you went to a new place, you had sent a letter to your grandmother, telling her about your adventures. She was always so pleased to hear from you, and no matter where you were, you always sent her a letter, as she did to you. It wasn't all smooth sailing though. There were many times you yourself were in very dangerous situations, but managed to overcome them with your determination. One time a short while back, a band of pirates had climbed aboard the ship taking you to a new area, when they attacked you and the rest of the crew. While you did incredibly well to slay nearly half of them with ease, you didn't see one sneek up from behind you and reach around to stab you right above your belt line. You were weakened, but killed the pirate who hurt you. You had no idea how the night ended until you woke up the next morning to a healer on the ship, tending to your wound. She had told you the knife wound had damaged something that was unable to be fixed. The short version, you weren't able to bare any children, not one. The wound that would soon be scar tissue had stopped any chance of you creating life, and yet....you weren't upset. This world was dangerous enough as it was, and you didn't want to be a mother, if anything, this was a blessing in disguise. Once you healed up a few weeks later, you were back to doing whatever you wished, including indulging in the pleasures of men. Now that there was no fear of pregnancy, you could truly enjoy sex rather than fear it, and it was incredible.

Some men knew what they were doing, some were not as impressive. But you were young and free, and had your whole life ahead of you, with a choice of anywhere to go. One sunny day, a ship you happened upon had taken you to another place you had yet to see, Kings Landing. The tales about this place were true. There were hundreds of people who lived and worked there, streets filled with life, with many different kinds of people too. You had only recently heard of the issues that had gone on hear. With King Viserys dying, his first born son Aegon being named King, and many of the people choosing sides of either the current King, or The Princess who was named heir, Rhaenyra. You didn't follow the politics of the royal family very much, but you did know this new information, and that The Princess had left for Dragonstone, but was still eager to reclaim her birthright. Hopefully this wasn't something that was going to get in the way of your visit hear. Walking through the streets, many looked at you, in awe or suprise. It was clear that the people hear hadn't seen a young woman in light armour, weapons kept close and a confidence about her. Or maybe it was that your personal features were different? Not changing from birth, you still had your white streak of hair, proudly on show in your ponytail of wavy brown locks. Your emerald green and violet eyes scanning everyone and everything you see, taking in all you wanted to know.

It was at that moment, that you witness a small child being pulled by their hand by a man in armour. This child couldn't have been more than 5-6? What did he think he was doing with him?

"Please sir! I only wanted an apple to feed my sister! My mother is unwell and can't work for us!"

"Shut it you little shit! You were caught stealing! And for that (he says raising his dagger above the boys hand) You will face the punishment!"

"No! NO!"

Everyone watched in shock, not brave enough to stand up to this soldier, about to bare witness to this little boy having his hand chopped off. But you weren't going to stand for it. The split second his blade was going to slice at this little boy, you grab the soldiers wrist, and held him firmly in your grasp, everyone around you fell into silence.

"Who dares lay hands on The Kings Guard?!"

"Someone who doesn't tolerate bullies"

You say proudly, twisting his wrist back and kicking him to the ground, everyone gasping as he does. The poor little boy shakes with fear, but while the soldier collects himself, you kneel beside this child, and whisper.

"Go and hide behind the banner over there. I'll come and find you once it's over ok?"

Simply nodding his head, he ran quicker than his feet could carry him, and you wait patiently for the soldier to stand, hands crossed, waiting patiently when he starts brushing the dirt from his knees.

"You insolent whore! You dare approach and lay hands on a man like that?"

"Interesting you should ask that, considering you were the one who was hurting a child, and was about to cut off his hand"

"The child...was a THIEF!"

"Do you hear yourself? He's a child. Who told you he was trying to feed his family. You seriously think you have the right to hurt him?"

"Any thief will face the consequences of The Kings Guard"

"Is that right? And The King himself put this rule out to all the people of the city?"

"Yes!"

"The former King Viserys? Or the current King Aegon?"

"By order of King Aegon Targaryen, anyone who steals in Kings Landing shall face the penalty!"

"And did he include children in that?"

"A thief is a thief! No matter the age!"

"Well then, in my personal opinion, any King who thinks it's acceptable to punish a hungry child for taking an apple, by cutting off their hand....is a cunt"

The entire street gasp in horror! Noone had said anything bad about The King before! Let alone infront of The Kings Guard.

"What....did you just say?!"

"Oh? Did you not hear me the first time? Any King who thinks it's acceptable to punish a CHILD like that....is a CUNT!"

The soldier pulled out his sword, pointing it in your direction.

"You dare speak about The King in this way?! I shall kill you hear and now for your slander! Repent, and I may spare you with a lifetime in the castle dungeons"

"Pfftt! Is that little sword supposed to scare me?"

That's when you pull out a 6 inch tube from behind you on your belt, you subtlety press a button and out of each end shoots a hidden weapon. The moment you press it, this small object turns into a double ended spear, that also makes everyone gasp in amazement. Smirking and giving it a few easy, and impressive swirls in your hand, you hold it beside you, ready for anything he throws at you.

"You want to kill me? Go ahead. Oh! I must let you know, the last man who said he'd kill me, ended up with his head on a spike...I'm just saying...."

The soldier can hear the firm confidence in your voice, you stand still, ready for anything. Whereas he is starting to shake in his armour.

"A woman can't fight! All women are whores! And once I'm through with you, I'll make you my OWN personal bitch!"

"Hhsss, oh dear....seems I'm going to have to teach you some manners..."

The second he swung his sword, you slashed his armour right off from his torso, slice at his hand holding his sword, and kicking him to the ground as you stand before him. One foot pressed on his chest and your spear pointed directly at his throat, he was powerless to you, and everyone around could see that.

"Now...what was that you were saying about calling me a whore? And wanting to put me in the castle dungeons?"

"I-I, uh-umm"

"Speak up little man"

"I, I'm sorry. Please forgive me"

"Get up...and if you try and harm an innocent child again, or get in my way while I'm hear, I won't be so merciful next time. Now run off to your King. I intend to drop by the castle shortly. Hopefully another view on this situation can change how The King views children in the eyes of the law"

Without hesitation, he stormed away in the other direction, that's when the people of Kings Landing who had watched the whole thing, started applauding you. It would seem there aren't many people over hear who stick up for them. You just generously nod, and excuse yourself, heading to the little boy who was hiding behind the banner. Kneeling down, you speak gently as not to frighten him.

"Are you ok?"

"Y-yes my lady"

"No need to call me lady, just call me Y/N"

"Ok"

"May I ask your name?"

"It's...it's Laeon"

"It's nice to meet you Laeon. If I heard correctly, you tried to take an apple for your sister?"

"Yes...she's hungry, and my mother can't work right now. I can go longer without food, but my sister, she's so much smaller than me"

"You wait hear, I'll be right back"

You stand and walk to one of the market stalls selling food, and buy a fair amount, putting it into a large basket. Apples, bread, preserved food in sealed tubs, dried cured meats and some sweet rolls too. Taking it back to the little boy, you offer him your hand to help him up.

"I would like to give this to your family. Would you care to show the way?

He simply smiled, taking your hand and leading you through the streets and straight to a quiet area with a wooden door. He pushes it open and runs straight to his mother, who was sat on a chair and holding her daughter.

"Laeon! Where have you been?!"

"I'm sorry mother, I was trying to get something for us, for Laenya"

"Oh, it's ok, it's ok. Who-who is this?"

You enter and smile at the mother, Laeon happily bounds up to you.

"Mother! This is Y/N! She helped me in the market street"

"Helped you? I don't understand? What happened?"

Laeon suddenly goes quiet, clearly nervous about what he's done.

"Laeon was trying to get an apple for his sister. A member of the Kings Guard tried to hurt him, and I stepped in-"

"She beat him up mother! She-she kicked him to the ground and swore at him! And she has this BIG spear that-"

"Laeon..."

"Oh! Sorry, I interrupted"

You just smile and shake your head when his mother scolded him for that.

"Anyway, the Kings Guard left and your son lead me to you and your daughter. He told me your unable to work right now, is that right?"

"Ah, yes. I work in the (whispers "brothel") but I've slipped and sprained my foot. I'm unable to perform certain duties and can't walk properly for at least a few days. And without work, I can't afford to buy food for my children"

"Well then, it's a good thing I ran into your son. I've brought you a basket of some food to keep you going. You said you'd be resting for a few days, there's about a weeks worth of food in hear, plus a small bag of coin that can restock that basket if needed"

"Oh, my lady, I can't possibly accept this. I have nothing to give you in return"

"I don't want anything in return. Your son was very brave today, and your a mother trying to do best by her children. Sometimes we need someone who will just give a little help. And hopefully this will"

"You are...unbelievably generous my lady, how can I ever thank you?"

Laeon suddenly jumps and smiles at his mother.

"Do not call her a lady mother! She wants us to use her name. What was it again? Y/B?"

"Y/N"

"Yeh yeh!"

You can't help but chuckle, Laeons mother smiles too.

"Bless you Y/N. I will let my friends and the people know that you are a generous woman who is a kindness to Kings Landing"

"It's really no problem at all. If you don't mind me asking, this is my first time hear in Kings Landing. And it doesn't seem to be very popular. What's the reason why?"

"It's all about the Targaryen's. The royal bloodline who rule this place. The late King Viserys was gentle and understanding to the people. But since he passed away and his son has now become King, it's as if people are of no use to them. I believe it was The Princess who should have been on the iron throne, Rhaenyra was a good woman. But Aegon...we all fear what he will do as King"

"Well then, it seems it's time for me to meet this Aegon. If he thinks it's acceptable to allow fully grown men to what they did to your son, he needs a firm talking too"

"Talk to The King?! But you can't! Noone sees The King unless they are a member of the council, Kings Guard or Targaryen blood!"

"Well today, he's going to have to make an exception-"

"Wait wait! Did Laeon speak true? You took down a member of the Kings Guard?"

"Yes, it was quite easy actually. I don't know who trained him, but he clearly wasn't the best fighter hear"

"Your right! But! Today is where Sir Criston Cole is holding a fighting tournament, in an arena inside the courtyard of the castle. It's where he recruits new soldiers to fight along side him. And whomever is the strongest, not only gets an audience with The King, but gets a chance to work in the castle as the personal guard of the royal bloodline. They could use someone of your kindness, bravery and generosity in the castle, lord knows most of the family in there don't show any of that to us little folk"

"Is that so? Well that's definitely peeked my interest, but the fact I could get an audience just by turning up and fighting? That sounds like a very good idea. I think that's what I shall do"

"Please be careful though! There are 2 men whome no soldier or fighter has managed to defeat. Be careful your not up against one of them"

"And just out of curiosity, who might they be?"

"Sir Criston Cole...and the only man who has won against him in a fight...Aemond Targaryen"

"Aemond? I've heard of that name, isn't he brother of The King?"

"That's correct"

"Well then, it seems I have quite and interesting afternoon ahead of me"

Saying your goodbyes to the family, you made your way back to the market street and asked one of the vendors what the quickest way to the castle was.

"Do you truly intend to speak to The King?"

"I do, and it seems that someone needs too. What he thinks is right in this place is completely unacceptable"

"Whilst I do agree...I fear you might fail"

"Why do you think that?"

"It's nothing against you at all, but it's the fact that your a woman. No woman is truly safe hear in Kings Landing, royal or commoner. In fact, your the very first female fighter I have ever seen, and watching you take down a member of the Kings Guard so quickly and easily, was like watching history being written infront of my own eyes"

"I understand that women aren't seen as real people hear, but maybe the royal family need a different perspective. And I intend to show them that. Now, what was the quickest way again?"

Upon learning how to get there, you soon arrive at the front of the castle, where the fighting arena was being held. A long line of men were up against the wall, waiting to be summoned to the centre, where a man with short dark hair, silver armour was and a white cloak was standing. This must be Criston Cole, The Commander of the Kings Guard, he must be the one to choose who was worthy of an audience with The King. He was twirling his sword around as you stood and waited with the men against the wall, which clearly caused some mumbles and whispers.

"Hey"

One man said to you who stood right beside you, with two other men looking at what was happening.

"This arena is for fighters. Why don't you run along home and cook something in the kitchen for when your husband arrives eh?"

He and the two men laugh at what he said, but you just simply smile.

"Tell me, do you have a wife at home?"

"Yes, and two daughters"

"Hhsss...oh you poor thing"

"What?"

"I just feel bad for your wife. You see, apparently a woman only gives birth to girls if she hasn't had a real orgasm. It seems you can't speak nicely to women, or satisfy them either. So it's a real shame your wife and daughters have to deal with a shovanistic beta male walking around the house all the time. Is that why your over compensating with such a big sword?....Maybe you'd be happier with a dagger? Try asking your wife for recommendations, she must have lots of experience with handling...(looking down at his crotch) smaller items..."

Now that, definitely shut him up, unlike the two men watching, who were laughing till tears came out, you just smile and face the centre again. You look around the arena moments before the fighting started, and up on the main turret, looking down on everything, were a few members of court and the royal bloodline. Lady Alicent Hightower, her father Otto Hightower, King Aegon Targaryen...and someone stood beside him, with long white hair, a focused expression and an eye patch. Was this the brother you had heard about? Whome had claimed the dragon Vhagar? If it was, that was impressive for someone the same age as you. And if it is him, the mother you spoke to had warned you about Criston and him, you needed to be on your guard.

"Attention to all whome have come to the arena! As The Commander of the Kings Guard, I shall be dueling any who dares to face me. Whomever I choose to be a part of the Kings Guard shall have the honour of serving King Aegon Targaryen. And the strongest will have a chance to work as personal guard to The King. Now! Who dares to face me first?"

The man who was beside you clears his throat, and approaches Criston Cole, trying his best to look valiant and brave. However, it would appear his attempt to bark was actually worst than his bite. As Criston had dueled him for a matter of seconds before wounding the man and declaring that he is not strong enough. He left that arena quicker than he had arrived, tale between his legs. One by one, each of the men in the line approached Criston, and they all fell, one way or another to his sword and skills. The last man hobbled away with a damaged leg, only for the arena to now hold Criston...and you. It would seem that he was unaware that a woman had entered, and thought you being there was a mistake.

"My apologies my lady, I believe you may be lost. This is a fighting arena"

"I am well aware of what this is Criston Cole. I am hear to fight"

"With all due respect my lady, women can't fight"

"Care to put that to the test?"

He looked around a little nervously, even the royal family who were watching from above. Surprisingly, it was King Aegon who announced down into the arena.

"Come now Sir Criston! If this woman truly wants to fight, why not give her what she wants? And when she fails, she can go back to being a housewife!"

You hold your tounge and stay firm in your posture, not giving Aegon the satisfaction of your reaction. Now it seems Criston has no choice, his King demands it.

"Alright, step forward my lady"

"You can call me lady when I act like one..."

You say, removing your weapon and opening it just like you did in the market. Twirling and displaying the dangerous and impressive double ended spear you hold. Alicent and Otto think this is barbaric, Aegon starts to get rather excited, thinking this may actually be very interesting. And Aemond...he can't seem to take his eye off you...why?

"Are you ready Criston? Or do you need a break after fighting all those men before me?"

"I never loose my strength"

"Let's see about that"

It was Criston who struck first, but you were more skilled than he ever will be, and slid right out of the way, ducking his sword strike with ease. Again, he swung, over and over, each time you swerve or slide straight out of the way, smiling and not allowing his sword to even touch you. You were doing circles around him, all the men who had come before were all hit by his weapon, yet he couldn't touch you. This was observed by the royal family, with Aegon laughing at Criston failing against a woman. But it would seem that one member was growing more and more fascinated by you, leaning against the turret wall and watching you move with such skill, such control. Aemond Targaryen was almost hypnotized by you.

"Come now Criston! Can't you catch me? I am just a woman after all"

"You cannot fight so you dodge me? That's cowardly!"

"I'm simply avoiding your weak attempts to harm me. Your on the attack, where as if I was on the attack, you'd be on the floor in mere moments"

"I'll believe that when I see it, whore!"

"Oooh, naughty Criston..."

That was the moment you stopped, his sword swung up to your face, but you easily blocked it with your spear. Criston couldn't believe it, someone had successfully blocked him. And he was in for a bigger shock when you used your spear to push his sword away, swiping and slicing at him and his armour, backing him up and frightening him in the process. You were winning, you were in control and Criston was struggling to stay on his feet and defend your strikes. Seconds later, you duck his sword and swipe at his lower legs, he falls to the ground with a loud crash and his sword has been dropped, just out of reach. You stand with your feet beside him, spear pointed at his neck as he sweats and shivers from you defeating him.

"Call me a whore again, and this blade will be the last thing you ever see..."

A loud cheer and round of applause is heard from The King and Otto above, still keeping your blade close and your eyes on Criston, you step back, allowing him to stand and brush himself down after being humiliated by you. From the look on his face, it was clear he hadn't been beaten in a long time, and never by the opposite sex. The doors to you and Criston flew open where Aegon, Aemond and Otto all walk to Criston, Aegon still laughing a little at him.

"I, I apologise Criston, I do. But my! It was just too amusing seeing you beaten so easily, and by a girl no less!"

"My deepest regrets your grace. I must have been caught a little off guard by her"

"Pfftt! Please! We all saw you from above, she ruined you! Haha! Oh my it truly was a spectacular sight to see. And my...I hadn't been close enough to see you properly my lady. What an interesting look you have, is that a white streak in your hair? And the odd coloured eyes too. Green and violet. I apologise for what I said about you earlier"

You say nothing, just stand and listen to him. If your going to speak, it's going to be about the important things, not your looks.

"How interesting, almost as if you have a touch of Targaryen about you. My family have white hair, yet you have but a streak. How did that happen?"

"If I might interject your grace"

"What the f#ck is it Criston?"

"I-I apologise for not being able to find a suitable candidate for the Kings Guard"

As Criston is trying to talk to The King, Aegon still subtly smiles at you. But you continue to stay firm. When you glanced away however, you were suprised to see the younger, yet taller brother Aemond. He was observing you with his one eye, taking in all your features with fascination. He says nothing, does nothing, just looks, but why?

"I-I shall send word for more men to come forth and show their strength-"

"No need Sir Criston...I believe we have a suitable warrior already"

Aegon says proudly looking at you. Otto and Criston are extremely confused, yet Aemond seems to have the smallest of smiles at the corner of his mouth. Otto interject's.

"Your grace, you cannot possibly be considering allowing a woman to join the Kings Guard? She simply got lucky against Sir Criston. He had fought many and must have been tired from that, and she took advantage"

"Well from what I was seeing Otto, this young woman not only gave him the space to make any move he wanted, but gave him ample opportunities to harm her. Alas it would seem he simply wasn't...good enough"

"Your grace-"

"And by the way Otto, I am not considering her as a member of the Kings Guard. I would like to offer her the position of being my personal guard"

"Your grace! This is-"

"Not your place to speak Otto! I am your King and my word is final!"

"....Yes...yes your grace"

"Wonderful! Now, it would seem I need a private conversation with this young woman. Otto you may leave, and you Sir Criston. My lady, if you'd like to follow me?"

The whole of the arena was watching you follow Aegon into the castle, closely followed by his brother Aemond. Aemond walked behind you the whole way, it didn't intimidate you in the slightest, so it must have been for the security of his brother and King. A short walk later, your in the throne room, where Aegon sits himself comfortably on the throne, while Aemond takes his place, standing at the foot of the throne.

"Now then my lady, you truly are an enigma. Not only are you the first woman who has learned how to fight hear, but you also seem to be the only other person besides my brother who has beaten Criston Cole in a match! Now that is impressive. And what's more impressive is your silence. Tell me, are you a mute? Taken a vow of silence?"

"I have taken no vow"

You say proudly, making Aemond listen to you more closely. This had been the first time he had heard your voice, and he was entranced.

"I simply allow my actions to speak for me at the right opportunity"

"Oh really? Well, you've certainly done that today. You've demonstrated great skill, balance, knowledge of weaponry and a calm focus. Something many around hear seem to be lacking these days. How would you like to work as my personal guard?"

"While the offer is a good one, I actually came hear today to speak with you on another matter"

The room falls silent. Both the brothers look at eachother, and Aegon sits up a little more in his throne, looking you straight in the eye.

"Is that so?....There are not many common folk brave enough to try and come straight to The King to discuss simply matters. Those who have tried have ended up in chains, or thrown out of Kings Landing"

"I am aware. However, I am someone who will not feel fear easily. I do not feel intimidated by anyone, especially those who happen to be of royal blood or who sits upon a throne. In my eyes noone is my superior, if there is respect and understanding I shall treat anyone as my equal. So this is something you should greatly consider as I speak to you. If you wish for me to work in your castle, I will not refer to you as your grace, I will not be called a lady, for I do not act like one. We can be on a name basis and I will be truthful with you about anything you wish to discuss. Weather it's politics or simply how you look in certain outfits. All I ask is that you hear a request I have to discuss with you, and agree too. Otherwise I shall leave hear and not come back. I am a patient woman Aegon, and I do not fear death. So what is your answer? Agree, or I walk away. Your choice"

Aegon was stunned into silence, he couldn't speak and was shocked by everything you just said. Unlike his brother, who now definitely had a smile on his face. Noone had spoken to Aegon like that before, especially someone who was classed as a commoner. And yet...he liked it. Everyone had to call him your grace, they didn't have a choice. And yet, hear you were, a strong willed and independent woman giving HIM rules if he wants to have you work with him. Aemond turned and looked up at his brother.

"I like her, brother"

Aegon laughs.

"As-as do I brother! Ahaha! Oh my! Ahh. You humor me my-oh, what is your name?"

"Y/N"

"Y/N? It's a lovely name......Alright! I'm going to hear you out! By the gods this is a real first! What is it you wish to discuss?"

"I arrived in Kings Landing today, to a member of the Kings Guard trying to cut the hand off someone who attempted to steal an apple"

"Yes? And? That is the penalty for thieves"

"It was a child. No more than 6 years of age. Tell me, how do you allow and justify that?"

Both you and Aemond look up to Aegon, who's face went pale.

"Wait what? Of course that's not the penalty for children"

"Well, according to the guard whom I brought down, a thief is a thief, no matter the age"

Now Aegon was annoyed, he knew about the penalty, but he didn't know about the ages it was allowed on.

"Is what you speak true? That truly, a member of MY Kings Guard tried to cut off the hand of a little boy?!"

"Tried and failed, I wouldn't allow him to do it. The poor boy was starving and simply trying to feed his family. Despite the guard knowing that, he cared not one bit"

"Ok.....do you think you could identify this guard if I were to bring them all forward?"

"Yes, I could"

"Well then, it would seem Y/N...we have reached an agreement. I shall deal with this guard who thought it appropriate to do that, and I shall change the penalty for thieves. Not allowing any harm to come to children. Once that is done, I shall request an audience with you when the guards arrive, I trust through this agreement you shall now work as my guard?"

"If I know my roles and responsibilities, yes"

"I'll allow my brother to fill in the details as I go and summon the Kings Guard. Take her to the council table would you Aemond?"

"Yes your grace"

And just like that, Aegon left the room, where it was now just you and Aemond.

"Come, I shall show you the way"

Now, instead of Aemond walking behind you, you both walk side by side as he took you through the castle. It was enormous, rooms upon rooms, studies, private wings, and much more. He threw open these large doors to a small set of steps, leading to the large rectangular council table. Noone was there for a meeting, so it was just you and Aemond, who was still a complete enigma to you. What was his deal? Why so quiet? And as someone who should be looking out for his brother, shouldn't he take more care in agreeing upon a person to guard his brother? Rather than just agree straight away? He must see a use for you hear, but what was it? He took a seat at the table, as did you.

"Hm...it seems my brother is firm on his decision to have you hear in the castle. Tell me...Y/N...what brought you to Kings Landing?"

"I was under the impression you were told by your brother to bring me hear and discuss my new responsibilities. Some might say your shunning your duties"

There's that little smirk again.

"Hm...I knew there was something about you...the moment I witnessed you walk into the arena, I knew something was about to change"

"Is that right? I'm surprised you could see much of me from so high up in the castle turret"

"I may have been up high, and only have one eye...but I see things my brother clearly doesn't"

"Do you? And what would they be?"

"I see...I see someone who was raised to be strong and independent, something extremely rare these days. Despite commoners thinking otherwise, even royal ladies don't have as much knowledge or skills as you do"

"So you observed my fighting skills? That's what you see of me?"

"I see a woman who has the strength to take on an army...one who won't let anyone stand in her way, no matter the cost...and that was made abundantly clear by the way you spoke to my brother. You know, not even his closest subjects use his name, I myself refer to him as your grace in his presence. But you...hmm...tell me...how were you raised to be this way?"

"Maybe if you ask nicely..."

Smiling at you, you can tell he's loving this interaction with you. To be honest, it's probably the most someone has spoken to him without it being a royal duty.

"...Please...I wish to know your story"

"It's not much of a story. My mother died giving birth to me. I never knew my father, so yes, I'm a bastard. I was raised by my grandmother and taught that nothing should stand in my way, and I shouldn't let innocents of the world suffer when I have a chance to change that"

"So you see yourself as a saviour?"

"No. More like someone who will help the little man if the ones in charge aren't doing that for them. Being a saviour is far different then just being a helpful person"

"And that's how you ended up hear and infront of my brother? Helping the people of Kings Landing"

"It would appear someone's got to do it"

"Hmm...I like your attitude...it intrigues me"

"IT intrigues you?....or me?..."

"Hmm..."

He stands and walks towards the window, looking out to the city below with his hands crossed behind his back.

"Your duties as The Kings personal guard will be to protect The King, The Queen and heir to the throne"

"Heir? As in I'm only to protect one child?"

"I'm afraid there's only one to protect at this time. (Sits back down with you) Are you aware of the assassination upon the heir to the throne? Prince Jaehaerys"

"No? Someone killed a child?!"

"Unfortunately it's true. The perpetrators have been dealt with, and the main culprit who organised it shall pay too. But I'm afraid there is only one child and one baby whome will require your protection, Princess Jaehaera and the young baby Maelor. However, being the personal guard along side Criston means you will be summoned when you are needed, meaning you have free reign about the castle and city before you are"

"So Aegon will summon me when he wants me around? Is that it?"

"Yes, and it could be to stand in the corner when he's in council, or on a trip out of the castle and into the city. You will be paid handsomely in coin and given a room with a securely safe door"

"And when he is not in need of me?"

"You can do as you wish"

"Alright...so I'm not in need now, so I could have a look around the castle if I wanted?"

"You may, or if you'd like I can give you a tour? Saves the possibility of you getting lost"

"This is surprisingly generous of you"

"Which is rare...I don't make a habit of it"

Nodding your head, you think there's no harm in it.

"Alright, I shall take a tour with you, seeing as your being such a gentleman by offering"

"Hmm (mutters under his breath) [This woman seriously thinks I'm a gentleman?]"

Oooh! Now this was going to be fun. Little does he know you have a world of knowledge, including mastering many languages

"[You know, you really shouldn't speak another language under your breath when someone else is in the room. Some might see it as inappropriate...]"

"You...how are you able to speak in high valyrian?"

"I have many skills you haven't seen yet. Learning to master languages across the lands was one of the many things I desired to learn..."

"Ah...I see...[And you can speak high valyrian...just a little?]"

"[Oh no...fluently...]"

"[I say...you truly are growing more and more unique the more we speak...did it take you long to learn the language?]"

"[Not long at all. When it comes to mastery of the tounge, I excel at that and much more...]"

"[I don't doubt that...]"

The conversation is interrupted by the doors swinging open, revealing two soldiers accompanying Aegon.

"Ah! Aemond and Y/N! You both seem happy. I trust my brother has been pleasant company?"

"Yes...very pleasant"

You say, giving Aemond a little smile. The corner of his mouth also shows he feels the same.

"Wonderful! Now Y/N, if you'd like to come with me. I am in need of you"

"Lead the way"

You follow Aegon along side Aemond through the halls of the castle, and back onto the very turret where the Targaryen's and Hightowers were watching you and Criston earlier. Leaning to look over the edge, you see many men all in neat lines, waiting patiently and standing to order.

"Now Y/N, you told me today that one of my Kings Guard had tried to harm a little boy. Is that correct?"

"Yes"

"Good. Now if you look down at all these men, these are all the members of the Kings Guard. I would like you to point out the one whome you witnessed doing this to the boy today"

You take a good look at all the men down in the arena, surprisingly most of them were very similar. But you'd remember this man anywhere. He had very distinguishing features, and there he was right in the middle. Short fluffy blonde hair, short blonde moustache, a scar underneath his left eye and the same red pin on his wrist.

"It's the one in the middle, with the short blonde hair"

"With the red pin and moustache?"

"Yes that's him, without a doubt"

Aegon whispered into the ear of a man who stood beside him, you and Aemond. Then he slipped away and down to the arena.

"Thank you Y/N, now I know who was responsible for this, I can punish him for what he did"

"What is the punishment for trying to do that to a child?"

"I'm not sure, I'll see what I feel like doing when he's in the throne room and at my mercy"

You glance to the side and see two men escort the blonde haired guard into the castle, allowing the other Kings Guard to leave and go about their day.

"Come Y/N! I'd like for you to witness what I'll do with the bastard"

As Aegon starts walking towards the door, Aemond pulls you back slightly by taking your wrist, clearly wanting a word with you in private.

"Is something wrong?"

"No...but I wish to speak with you tonight. If I have your permission to be in your company in your chambers?"

"Ok"

"Thank you"

Once you both had spoken, Aegon leads you both back to the throne room, where upon Aegon sits on the iron throne and watches as the Kings Guard is brought in and made to kneel on both knees before The King.

"Ah Sir Harris! It is Harris right?"

"Yes your grace"

"Wonderful! Now, I have a rather important issue we need to discuss...and you are going to speak the truth to me, are you not?"

"Of course your grace"

".....Today...in the market....did you happen upon a thief?"

"I...I did your grace"

"Ok....what did they steal? And how did you punish them?"

"I uh...they stole an apple your grace. And I was going to give the punishment that was meant for anyone who stole"

"I see...tell me Sir Harris...was the man who stole this apple, a very large man?"

"Your grace?"

"The man who stole? Was he large? Looming? A dangerous figure whome scared the people of the market?"

"I, I think so-"

"Hhsss! Oh dear Sir Harris.....My my, what an impressive bruise you have on your jaw there. Was that from the thief too? Did he put up a good fight?"

"I-uh-uh-yes your grace"

"..........Do you remember what I told you when you entered hear Sir Harris?.....Hmm?....I asked you if you were going to speak the truth, did I not?"

"You-you did-"

"Then WHY!....Are you lying to me? This 'man' whome was supposed to be a thief, was no man....but a child! Wasn't he? Wasn't he?!"

"He-yes, yes he was your grace"

"Why the fuck would you try and cut off the hand of a little boy?! Grown men and women who steal will face a penalty, NOT CHILDREN! What the fuck is the matter with you, that makes you think you can do that?!"

"But-but I thought it was the same for all ages. Anyone who steals-and-and I didn't actually cut off his hand your grace"

"Oh I know! Because this young woman stopped you didn't she?"

Aegon says, pointing to you and Aemond stood in the corner, unbeknown to Harris who hadn't seen you when he entered.

"Wait-what is she doing-"

"She is hear at my request! It would appear a woman whome I've only met today has been more honest and truthful to me, than a member of my own guard!"

"Your grace, that woman is a vile-"

"If you speak one word out of line about this woman, I shall remove your tounge!....So....not only have you lied to my face, but deem it appropriate to verbally attack the same woman who stopped you harming a little boy-"

"The whore doesn't belong hear-! Oh! By the gods I-I didn't mean-"

"I've heard enough....You shall be taken to the dungeons, stripped of your armour and cloak, as you are no longer a member of the Kings Guard. Oh, and did I hear you call her a whore? When I told you NOT to speak one word out of line about her?"

"Your grace-I humbly apologise! Please allow me to make amends-"

"Sir Criston?"

Aegon asks as Criston enters the room.

"Yes your grace"

"Take Sir Harris down to the dungeons. Strip him of his armour and cloak....and it would please me if you take his tounge too"

"Y.....yes your grace"

Criston looked frightened for Harris, but he had to obey the orders of The King. Harris on the other hand, who was now being dragged away kicking and screaming, was far more terrified about his fate, unknowing if he will even survive his ordeal.

Once he was taken away, Aegon approached you, with a little smile on his face.

"In case you thought his punishment was harsh, worry not. It would appear Harris has a reputation for being cruel to the people of Kings Landing. Only last week he was seen by someone, harming a young woman and her sister, and being cruel to anyone he deemed lower than himself. You've done me and the people a great service knocking him down a peg, and telling me about his continuous problems. I am not in need of you right now, you may go about the castle as you see fit, but first, Aemond. Would you be kind enough to show Y/N her new living quarters? It's grown dark and she must be feeling tired"

"Yes your grace"

"Good. I shall see you both at day break"

Aemond walked you out of the throne room and a long way through the castle halls, to a long corridor. He swung the door open to reveal a small living quarters. A table laden with fruits and wine, a window overlooking the city that lead to a balcony, a bathing room to the side, and behind another door, the bedroom. With a rather large bed, covered in fine silks, soft sheets and pillows.

"I trust this is adequate for you?"

"More than adequate. I've not slept in a bed this large before, it will certainly make for a good sleep"

"Hmm...if I may bring up what I asked you earlier, I wish to speak with you tonight, hear, in your chambers. Is that something you still wish to happen?"

"If you still want to talk to me, yes. If you give me 1 hour, I shall be ready for company"

"Very well...I will return shortly"

And just like that, with a turn and a whip of his white hair, he leaves your chambers, allowing you to lock it and have some privacy. It didn't take long for you to settle in, infact, you very much enjoyed the space. You were a traveller, going from place to place, sleeping in tavers, on floors and spare beds in random places. Now you have your own space to call your own for as long as you wished, it felt nice, almost homely. It kind of reminded you of your chambers you had back with your grandmother, upstairs from the brothal. Despite what some might think, it was actually quite comfortable, and you barely heard the men and women downstairs. About an hour later, you had eaten and drank, and were sat to the table with the window open to the night sky, book of Targaryen history in your hands. That's when a knock came at the door. You stand to open it, and see Aemond once again, waiting to be allowed in

"May I come in?"

"You may"

He comes inside to see where you were previously sat, reading a book on Targaryen history.

"I see you have a fondness to learn about the royal bloodline"

"Not necessarily (you sit to the table, followed by Aemond) it was one of the first books that jumped out to me when I was looking over the bookcase"

"I've read the very same book you have before you, many years ago"

"But, I'm guessing you had to read it as part of your role as Prince?"

"While that is correct, it was actually by my own choice. I may be the youngest brother, but I was the one who took interest in our families history, learning how to fight and how to speak correctly at court"

"Are you implying that your brother doesn't take his role as King seriously?"

"He does not care for the throne. I'm quite suprised I don't see him sneek off to the brothal every evening"

"This....is interesting"

"What is?"

"That you've known me for what? A day at most? And yet you sit hear with me, a commoner and discuss issues you have with your own blood. Either your dangerously trustworthy to people too soon, or your trying to see if I would do anything to your brother or anyone else with Targaryen blood whome resides in Kings Landing"

"While those are two very clever guesses, I'm afraid neither are correct"

"Or so you say"

"Hmm...I speak to you tonight, and about my brother for a reason Y/N"

"And what would that be Aemond?"

"........It's my mother"

"Your mother? Lady Alicent Hightower? What could you possibly want to discuss with me about your mother?"

"Not quite a discussion, more of a warning"

"Are you suggesting I should be fearful of your mother?"

"In a sence..."

He stands and walks to your open window, hands behind his back, then faces you.

"As you are aware and have seen yourself, women hear in Kings Landing are not quite seen as people. Many women are used to create heirs, strengthen bloodlines or....gain power. The only woman I know whose had a taste of such power was my mother. She took on responsibilities while my father was dying, and believe it went to hear head. She herself shunned Princess Rhaenyra when she tried to claim the throne and now I fear she may want to corrupt my brother to control him, taking any power she can"

"So what's that got to do with me?"

"She was not best pleased when she witnessed you in the arena. She saw what she couldn't be, what she isn't strong enough to be. A woman with freedom, who speaks her mind, damned the consequences. And the fact that my brother has shown a fondness too you, will definitely burn her from the inside"

"Not to mention that her other son likes to take private moments with me in the dead of night"

"...Hmm...My mother does not control me, no matter how hard she tries. If I wish to speak to a lovely woman in my own time then I shall..."

"Lovely woman?"

"Hmm...would you not agree?"

"I'm just a little suprised that, after seeing me literally fight a man, speak to your brother like he was no more than a boy on a chair, and not bat an eye when a guard was told he would have his tounge removed....why you would use the word lovely to describe me is most peculiar"

"I live with women all around me, whome have never defended or stood up for themselves in their lives. They roll over like dogs. But you....you fascinate me....I've met no other woman like you...[Case in point that you have more knowledge about high valyrian than my own brother does]"

He says, sitting back down to the table infront of you.

"[I like to train my brain like it were a weapon. Just as I have mastered many blades over the years]"

"[Including your tounge?]"

"[You think of my tounge as a blade?]"

"[It's as sharp as any other...]"

Was he complementing you? It certainly seemed like it, and with that look...you couldn't deny it was rather attractive.

"You must be tired from your long day Y/N, I shall leave you to rest now (stands up from chair) I hope you have a pleasant evening....and I will enjoy waiting for our next interaction..."

He slowly walks back to the door, pulls one handle back when you speak to him.

"Enjoy waiting for me Aemond? You know...with the way you have spoken and looked at me this evening, one might think you were being almost...playful...teasing even...a woman could get the wrong impression if your not careful"

"Or maybe this woman has guessed correctly of my possible interest?..."

There's that little smirk of his....yes he was! He was actually flirting with you, wasn't he?

"Have a pleasant sleep...Y/N..."

He said in a smooth tone, closing the door behind him. Wow! That was one hell of a day! Arriving in Kings Landing to an absolute asshole trying to hurt a little boy, helping out a poor family, fighting and winning against The Commander of the Kings Guard, having The King take a liking to you, being offered a job in the castle, having your own space and.....and Aemond...what was it about him? And why would he be so easy to talk to, considering how hard faced he is towards most of the people he sees. You had heard about him growing up, and about how he lost his eye, yet he gained the largest known dragon in the lands. Your grandmother knew a lot about the Targaryen history considering she neither lived or knew anyone there...as far as you were aware. And there was something else that was bugging you too, why did Aegon think you have a little Targaryen in you? You've had people say this to you before when you were little, with the white streak and the one violet eye...but now The King saw this...you actually started to doubt yourself and your history for a moment. Your grandmother never told you where she was from, and she had white hair, quite like the Targaryen's. Was she?...No, no, today was just too long for you and you clearly needed to rest. This must have just been your brain getting all worked up over nothing. So you wash up, and get snuggled up into bed, slowly drifting off to sleep. With the last thought in your mind being Aemond....and what could future interactions with him lead too?

The next few days went quite quickly, you took to your role as The Kings personal guard very seriously, and did accompany Aegon when he wished for your presence. To be honest, he didn't actually need you a lot of the time, which gave you ample opportunities to explore the castle and grounds, to the city, and even visit the family you met on your first day hear. The mother was doing well and was already back on her feet, just taking it easy. Her son and daughter were very sweet and drew you a picture to say thank you for your generosity, it was so kind of them, and you told them you would treasure it. The more the days passed, the more you learned about The King, his subjects and the issues with the war, and you couldn't deny you were a little on the fence about it all. At times when you find yourself on your own, alone with your thoughts, one person would come and keep you company, Aemond. It was as if he was watching you, because any time you felt lost or alone, he was always near by. Your conversations were still very similar to the night he came to your chambers, accept a little more amorous. He was definitely growing more confident around you, and you him, but you couldn't help but feel there was something about him you couldn't figure out. He was so mysterious. You found yourself growing very fond of him, maybe even like him. One evening, you were sat on the balcony of the main castle wing, reading a book with a glass of wine, when all of a sudden the doors of the main hall swing open as Aegon and a few of his friends all laugh and stumble in, completely drunk. Aegon laughed right before he saw you sitting quietly.

"Aha! Y/N! What ever are you doing reading a book? Come! Drink with us!"

"Are you drunk?"

"Pfftt! Am I drunk?! Well (hickup) of course! I'm having fun with my friends! Will you join us?!"

"While that's kind, I'll pass"

"Oh come on! Your such a sourpuss! Just like my brother. He REALLY wasn't happy when I saw him tonight. You know-you know he was SO embarrassed when I saw him tonight, all curled up like a little kitten!"

"Uh? What?"

"Oh! Did I not say? We (hickup) we found Aemond in the brothal! Curled up with the whore he lost his virginity too! What a wimp! Aemond The Fierce! Haha!"

"W-wait what?! You just walked in on him? Why?"

"Why not?! I was after a whore and found Aemond! I couldn't help but laugh at him! He was so vulnerable! I asked him-I-I-asked him, if he fucked her like a hound! Oh he's so ridiculous"

"Are you...are you serious right now? What the fuck is wrong with you?!"

"Wh-what?"

"How could you be so spiteful and cruel to your own little brother?! He's been loyal to you and you treat him like that?"

"He's MY brother, I can speak to him any way I wish"

"Wow...you really are a cunt aren't you?"

His friends, who were equally drunk were shocked, and gasped at what you said.

"You-what did you call me?"

"A CuNT! You deserve to be called one with how you behave, and to your own brother no less! Your horrible Aegon. And I'd rather spend my time in the presence of a real man, not some overgrown boy wearing a metal hat that's CLEARLY too big for him!"

"Hey-w-wait! Where are you going?"

"Anywhere but in your presence!"

And that was the last thing you said before storming out of the hall and slamming the door behind you. You did not care one bit that you called The King a cunt, he deserved it! How could he do this to Aem-! Oh my god, Aemond! He must be feeling so upset about what happened tonight, should you go to him?

Link to part 2

[baphymittens]

JTTW/Part Two

Wukong got into the habit of isolating himself from the others for a while after arguments. The others in their group did not mind the change at this point. When the monkey did this, he was less likely to kill people, preferring to take his anger out on whatever trees or rocks were around instead of a living person. He always returned, a little dirtier, but in a better mood.

This time, he was not alone when he returned.

Tripitaka certainly didn't expect Wukong to come back with an unconscious woman in his arms and talk excitedly about being rewarded.

Oh God, he kidnapped a woman.

It took a tightening of the golden headband and a nervous Wujing to get the girl safely away from the Monkey King for Tripitaka to be willing to listen to him.

Wukong's eyes narrowed as he looked at his master sitting across from him. "Ah see, see! This is why I asked for a better companion!" He jumps up from his previous position of curled up on the ground in pain and stands up, pointing a clawed finger at the monk. "You always assume the worst of me, don't believe me. I have lived as an immortal for so long, I have no need for lies. I am telling you the truth."

"Wukong..." The monk begins. "I apologize for making you feel this way. But your past actions do not make it easy for me." Sighing, he jesters to the resting woman next to him, whom Wujing had carefully placed on some bedding. "This situation is sudden and very strange."

"Well, I say it's quite simple, Master. I asked for someone to be sent who would understand and appreciate me, and now she's here. How she came was a surprise to me as well, but perhaps they knew it was better not to keep The Great Sage Equal to Heaven waiting." He straightens up and puffs out his chest.

Bajie let out a boisterous laugh from his spot under a nearby tree. “Ha! I'm sure Brother Monkey is exaggerating. Why would the gods reward someone as naughty as him, and with a woman as beautiful as this no less. He can't be telling the truth! I'm sure it's all just a tall tale he's spinning.”

Wukong had been so sure that this was a reward from the gods, and now it was being laughed at. Angry, he looks to the pig demon and bares his teeth“ I am telling you the truth, and I expect you to believe me-” 

Tripitaka felt a large hand on his shoulder and looked to see Wujing kneeling at his side.

“Master, I understand your hesitation, but you've seen some strange things yourself, unbelievable things.” He nods to the girl. “Someone falling from the heavens certainly wouldn't be the strangest thing to happen. Perhaps he really is telling the truth and… for as long as I've known him, he has shown no interest in women. For what reason would he steal one?”

The monk remained silent as he thought about what Wujing had said.

If... Wukong is really telling the truth... one must consider the fact that Wukong has undergone a great transformation during his journey, and he has been able to learn and grow as a person. He has been able to recognize and understand the importance of "some" basic morals. But he still often sees killing as necessary and often causes trouble. It's true that he's better than he was, but...

Why do they meet in this way? Why not have them meet like he did with his other disciples? If she really fell from the sky, does that mean she's from heaven? What is Wukong expected to do with her? Could it be a test? 

"Wha... what's..."

At the sound of a feminine voice all four men look to the previously resting girl. Her eyes have a distant, unfocused appearance, indicating that she's not completely conscious. She looks around in confusion. First looking at the monk before settling on the large blue demon. Eyes meeting Wujing quickly becomes flustered and hides behind his master, in vain with the difference in size.

Wukong chirps in excitement, on all fours he quickly makes his way to her. Rudely shoving the two men away.

He scooted close enough to invade her personal space. “Girl, your name. What is it?” Wukong asks, eagerly waiting for an answer. She looks around in confusion, trying to make sense of her current predicament.

[oldfashionedmorphine]

(going with the theme of the other ask): Joyce/Karen

Alright hear me out for this one…

So I think they both are bi (though an argument can be made for Karen realizing later in life that she is actually a lesbian)—but for years are of the belief that “all women are beautiful, all women think this way, and wanting to be with a woman is totally normal you just don’t act on it because it’s a sin” and so while there were a couple heated moments in their youth, they never confront it—too scared and ashamed of the implications.

And they both wanted children, so they ultimately sought out relationships with men, and while they love their children, they never stopped thinking about the “what if…” of it all and at times their love lives were lacking…

Most especially Karen. She felt trapped for years in a loveless marriage, and that’s why she reads so many steamy romance novels—imaging scenarios with men who are too perfect to exist, but then one day she realizes sapphic romance novels exist too. She buys one at a bookstore along with a couple other books (a small effort to seem like it was an accident to the cashier) and she reads the hell out of that book, always picturing herself as the protagonist and Joyce as the love interest and it makes her crazy! She wishes that was her life, but she never tries to change it because she has to stay with her husband for Holly… but it also never helped that Joyce remained in her life because her daughter married Jonathan and her son has been in a long-term relationship with Will—Joyce is always there!! Reminding her at every holiday of what she really wanted… it just wasn’t fair. But once Holly turned 18 and went off to college, she finally filed for divorce. She couldn’t take it anymore. Her loveless marriage was keeping her from true happiness…

Joyce was always followed by a string of rotten luck, ever since she was young. It’s true that there’s a lot of choices she regrets, many missed opportunities, and what-ifs that haunted her every night right before bed, of course in the light of day she doesn’t have much time to dwell on it—she constantly has to focus on work work work to raise her two sons. Daydreams don’t pay the bills. Their deadbeat father (oh boy she can pick ‘em) was no help at all… but she found another guy eventually who seemed a decent fella, and she desperately wanted her boys to have a good father figure—she had them in mind and the guy was great, a little boring, but great—but then he died. And that really sucked. Because she was happy enough with how things were going. What other chance was she gonna get? But then she does. Her old crush from back in high school—sparks were flying and he sweeps her off her feet. And once again, she is sure it’ll be great because her kids still needed a father and she truly loves him, no regrets, for once things were finally going right for Joyce Maldonado… but nothing lasts forever and eventually he becomes ill, cancer, probably from all the chemicals from the war and her heart is broken to pieces when he dies too.

But Karen was there for her through it all—all the hospitalizations and all the treatments until the bitter end—she cooked her dinners, helped clean her house, gave her a shoulder to cry on—Karen did whatever she could to help Joyce because she didn’t want to see her suffering. Because she finally could admit after all these years that she had always loved Joyce. No more denial. And sometime later, once Joyce seemed to be more like herself again, no longer dwelling in the dark cave of her room and when she stopped calling her up on the phone in tears, Karen started to invite Joyce out for dinner, dancing, and the weekly night out at the movies, and then one night after having one too many drinks, she finally confesses her feelings… and Joyce reciprocates! Because she had feelings too—buried deep down below responsibility and expectations, but they were always there. They decide to move in together, eventually settling into a beach house, and spend the rest of their golden years as a couple, happy and fulfilled <3

[ginevrafangirl]

Love Between Fairy And Devil Commentary Part 3

The final one! Excerpts from my reactions while watching episodes 25-36! Apologies for the delay

Part 1 | Part 2

SPOILERS ahead!

when did shangque fall in love with her anyway i feel like it snuck up on me. like it was obvious it was going to happen, but the how happened subtly

the grooms need to get DRESSED

it would be hilarious if girlie and sauron get together now and kiss and people see and incest rumors cause the weddings to fall apart

wow sauron looks SO weird with his hair up

a red wedding is about to happen // its snowing as well for maximum effect

he cannot control hellfire well anymore he really should not be doing this

i love that him being 'injured' means he got eyeliner and dark lipstick

she didnt fail the tribulation besties she is fine

FINALLY we get a badass moment from girlie

wdym 'why cant i control hellfire' its obviously cause you have emotions again

have i mentioned how much i hate jin guangshan

did she just feed him her blood to heal? what in the svsss?

girlie's 'i want to jump into the river' after getting caught locking lips was so cute

also why is everyone acting like they dont know why sauron cant use hellfire // i mean he was against her restoring his emotions for this very reason??

god i knew they were gonna be disgustingly cute

i think jieli was prettier in the mortal clothes but girlie is definitely more gorgeous in her immortal robes

i really appreciate the little comedic moments scattered through this show

omg this is beautiful // the women singing together for the return of their men // very avatar like

DAMN that was an eventful two episodes // the wedding happened, batman appeared, everything went to plan, batmans identity was revealed, girlie and sauron finally kinda got together, danyin and ice man came back and girlie's true identity was also revealed

its so crazy that they are saying they need to settle the score as if sauron hasnt regularly whooped jack frost's ass completely

girlie you were happy as a mortal cause you were rich

omg she is literally 'i see you as a nice friend'-ing him rn. i didn't expect this level of self awareness

sauron feeling proud of dragon boy for scoring a date

sorry dragon boy jieli is a businessminded woman

i feel like a matchmaking auntie watching these cuties together

oh good batman backstory // he literally has no parents. but he is also blind like a bat. and uses sound - the flute. // i am a genius

HAN PU!????????? baby batman is HAN PU (who rules the world reference)

also batman is literally luo binghe (svsss reference)

good for jin guangshan and jack frost's mom for running away and escaping this madness

frostie is suicidal. cue the beat boxing song

YES GO FULL HIPPIE ICEY BOY

that man did NOT swallow

DANYIN? danyin is the baby??? then why does the pregnant lady look like jieli???

i am 99% convinced fake old god is gonna die

this is a very random last minute storyline/backstory that i did seriously not see coming

has jieli been a plant by catwoman and batman this whole time?? thats why she cant reciprocate dragon's feelings?

shangque stop saying you'll forgive her manipulating you

damn the whole city gathered to stop him from getting laid

he wants to mawwy herrr

this is why dating villains is fun, they truly dont give a fuck about right or wrong, just you. great romance

he didnt go to hang locks! does he need to get the spike in him right NOW?

that punishment is so awful sauron become 3D in a 2D show

there is lightning! are they gonna kiss kiss body swap again?

why dont they just tell emo boy girlie isnt a fairy, she is the goddess of xishun

this conflict is seriously so unneccessary, she is a GODDESS

the people on twitter were right, this does get only better as you keep watching

thats not a cave, thats a torture chamber

and he decided to share her pain // ofcourse he did

thats a long ass wig

i thought he was gonna carry her but them walking hand in hand is so much better

ice man and jin guangshan's fathers name is lord DONG that is amazing

wowwwwww danyin just confessed her love in front of EVERYONE // balls // she has got balls

girlie's true identity was the fix-it of everything huh

dragon boy is brave to the point of stupid giving jieli all his money // omg is she finally accepting him // i wonder what they will get up to in his dragon form

now wtf is happening here

plot is now aiming at killing girlie i see

i dont see how he didnt see the loss of hellfire coming from miles away after he got his emotions back, i mean wasnt he so opposed to it for this very reason??

i cant believe they hurt my babygirl dragon boy

the phrase "menacing fairies" is quite funny

sauron just wants to live in domestic bliss but the plot wants WAR

i love the meek obedient expression sauron gets on his face around girlie

he is too smart to work with an obviously evil swirling dark cloud // right?

mr sauron i thought you werent gonna lie to her

she has gotten good at setting boundaries

is he possesed rn or just what is happening

i hope the war lives up to the hype, unlike who rules the world // i mean we have been talking about it for literally 30 episodes

the crazy thing is that if he had been straight up with her and told her why she has to die she would have killed herself easily

jieli is fucking smart

I GET IT NOW // he cant take off the bone orchid cause she is devoted to him, so he has break her heart so he can take it off

oooo is it time for ✨war✨

for two opposing armies the fairy realm and demon realm sure have the exact same armour

i think even if she tries to kill herself she wont die cause of special goddess powers

ooooo i think he will use the evil qi and then girlie will purify it

wow her screams of pain are quite intense

honestly i am sick of lady war just having no agency in this story // like lets have her come back to life and tell off batman please

ohhh its the long awaited batman vs iceman fight

they sure picked a place with terrible visibility for this war huh

who tf is qingchuan???

after all this time iceman just now found out batman is ronghao?

love how lady si ming still hasnt shown up again // though i do still believe she will

i knew it!! her magic dust brought everyone back to life

that god(dess) for better visibility amirite

wait are they still pretending she isnt gonna live

sauron doesnt have enough sand on his face, he face planted multiple times. i need him to be coughing up sand

oh wow she is actually disintigrating thanos snap style

why is jieli not just telling dragon boy the truth that she was poisoned? is it cause she knows catwoman is gonna come after her and she doesnt want him to get hurt?

and now batmans all happy and shit?? rude

omg stop manipulating lady war i am sick and tired of her agency being taken away

awwww this is a very cute sequence if not for the fact that he is definitely dreaming

wow watching sauron smile with all his teeth is weirddd

so i guess the remaining 5 eps will be him trying to get girlie back

if dragon boi dies i am gonna riot

oh its a dream sharing incense burner!

woooooow hot take from ice man there 'she will come back from death cause she hasnt married me yet'

i love the juxtaposition of the chaos irl and the serenity in his dream

i am really confused about the girlie marrying iceman prophecy because there is no way thats gonna happen right? unless she has some serious memory loss or something

i am so confused about ronghao's feeling towards lady war

jin guangshan is a fucking bitch

hah i knew lady si ming was gonna turn up

what a power couple though lady si ming and her dragon living together forever

popping back in to say i was right about the memory loss (i stopped in the last few eps cause i was tired lol)

i hate memory loss tropes btw // her memories better come back

did lady war just off danyin?? // misdirect

after i was done i had some last words to say

the ending wasnt bad exactly, plot wise, but i missed the light hearted tone of the show in the last six episodes and also why do we get more fluff in the middle than at the end??

all i wanted was to see them getting married and sitting on the moon throne as king and queen

and not a single jielie/shangque kiss?? we were ROBBED

And that's it folks!! Overall a very fun and enjoyable experience, would recommend!

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong

Order

Add to Goodreads

Publication Date: February 28, 2023

Synopsis:

In a dazzling new fantasy world full of whispered secrets and political intrigue, the magic of women is outlawed but four girls with unusual powers have the ability to change it all. The Nightbirds are Simta’s best kept secret. Teenage girls from the Great Houses with magic coursing through their veins, the Nightbirds have the unique ability to gift their magic to others with a kiss. Magic—especially the magic of women—is outlawed and the city’s religious sects would see them burned if discovered. But protected by the Great Houses, the Nightbirds are safe well-guarded treasures. As this Season’s Nightbirds, Matilde, Aesa, and Sayer spend their nights bestowing their unique brands of magic to well-paying clients. Once their Season is through, they're each meant to marry a Great House lord and become mothers to the next generation of Nightbirds before their powers fade away. But Matilde, Aesa, and Sayer have other plans. They know their lives as Nightbirds aren't just temporary, but a complete lie and yearn for something more. When they discover that there are other girls like them and that their magic is more than they were ever told, they see the carefully crafted Nightbird system for what it is: a way to keep them in their place, first as daughters and then as wives. Now they must make a choice—to stay in their gilded cage or to remake the city that put them there in the first place.

My Rating: ★★★★★

My Review and Favorite Quotes below the cut.

My Review:

This was a lot twistier and heavier than I was expecting. It's full of secrets and lies and betrayals and political machinations, and centers on four incredibly strong young women. I found myself just along for the ride as I was breathlessly hurtled through the twists and turns of the plot, never knowing who to trust or where danger might spring from next. The magic is darker than I expected but also quite beautiful. There are moments of light throughout the novel but it is a heavy read and a very dense one. The writing is gorgeous and I highlighted several passages that I found beautifully written and very profound. Sometimes you find a story that is a cracking good story but also gets at an underlying truth. This is one of those stories. Also the sheer feminist rage I felt whilst reading this was something else. These four women are incredibly strong and resilient and so, so angry at being torn down and persecuted and caged by the men in their lives. The book leaves off on not-quite-a-cliffhanger, but certainly nothing is settled. The four women are finding themselves and their inner strength but there is still a long way to go before they, and the other magical girls of Simta, can be safe. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. *Thanks to Bookishfirst and Penguin Teen for providing an early copy for review.

Favorite Quotes:

Matilde slips on her Goldfinch mask. It’s like a second skin: her truest face and best lie.

---

Sit tight, be quiet, stay secret: It’s all they seem to hear lately. Fold your wings and close your pretty eyes.

---

Fenlin tips back her mask, revealing a sharp jaw, a green eyepatch, and a devastating mouth. A kissable one, if you like a dash of lethal with your trysts.

---

It isn’t posed as a question, but an answer, writing over any she might give. He sounds like Enis when he said they were meant for each other, like the man in Leta’s ballroom when he commanded her to dance. All different men, but their words served the same purpose. To tell her who she is, what she is for. To drown her voice.

---

Her grandda always said she had a sheldar singing through her. Just listen for her tune and have the courage to answer. Perhaps courage is a thing you choose, like friendship. It’s choosing to have faith in the voice within.

[yt-playlists]

Why successful men use escorts: what the rich and the beautiful have in common

​ @darbyohara They won't submit to a husband who loves them but will do for their boss who expects work."

@edheldude

This is because we Western husbands have been taught from the cradle that girls are naturally sweet and delicate and nice, and must be respected at all times no matter what and when we get older, we’re told that any kind of natural masculine leadership tendencies are toxic and abusive. Societal feminist indoctrination has gradually demonized every last masculine tendency as evil and toxic.

But the real crazy thing is a certain degree of patriarchy is the natural order and women actually preferred that way, even though they protest not. Women because they are more sensitive to things like hierarchy and dominance, Need a supreme figure to base there after actions on, and to get afformation from, and in a healthy life, should be their husband. A woman without a husband to center her is like a kid running from distraction to distraction or a dog without a master taking every impulse that strikes its fancy.

I was quite the beta for a long time, even in my own marriage, I was fine with letting my wife do most of the decisions and setting the rules. Then there came a time when she was unemployed, and I was the sole breadwinner so to keep herself busy, and because she felt bad about that she started being a lot more domestic. So we went from always been a mess in the house and often times either scrounging up or getting carry out to her having a hot meal every day and cleaning at least one room. That wasn’t all as she made herself into my partner servant and I as the one with the big picture financial view, who had to take care of us all in the leadership roll, The way she looked at me and responded to me changed for the better. Attraction and reverence that had been missing for years came back, and she became more obedient. It even helped her with her mental state from going from feeling basically lost and pointless after having the kids, and now that with them in school to having direction and focus again because she was serving somebody and had a point in life beyond herself.

Maybe our ancestors had a point when they settled on patriarchy."

[sought-out-and-spoiled]

Since the beginning of evolution, men have worked to impress women with security and assets. Women have, for generations, chosen the best man available to them, who loves them and can provide. Men chose the women with the strongest genetics which was portrayed by physical beauty, health and intelligence.

Men at age 18-30, speaking generally cannot offer anything. They are financially just starting out, and barely have enough for themselves let alone a woman.

Men under 30, and even some under 40, are just looking for casual fun and to see what’s out there. They don’t want to commit to one woman for fear that he‘ll miss out on the other options and regret it. But men don’t do this for 1 year or even 2. They seem to do the same thing over and over for 10 or 15 years. 

This is the reason modern men do not want to invest in a woman, and the reason behind the 50/50 dating style. If he doesn’t buy anything for you, or support you in any way financially, he has no responsibility in the relationship and can leave at any time. There is a reason why many cultures ask for a bride price at the time of marriage. It’s to show the man’s sincerity, seriousness and devotion to the woman and their relationship. If a man invests 10-30k in you, do you think he will just leave? He will see it as a long term investment.

However most men don’t want to do this on their own. Some men will, of course they will offer. But a majority of men would rather have you not knowing your own worth and downplaying it, so they don’t have to put in any effort or be responsible. They want to keep their options open. This is why dating and seduction tips are necessary. I don’t believe it is manipulation because there is no negative psychological damage done or any abuse. The man is not forced to do anything dangerous or bad for himself. But rather his mind is opened on how to treat a woman better, he might be clueless on what you want. He can always say no and you can always move on.

We have to be realistic about men, of course we have to ask and suggest the things we want to them. What man can just know that we want that Chanel classic flap in medium in caviar leather that we saw on instagram one time. Do you think he’s a mind reader? Or gay? Some men are generous and want to be, but they don’t know how, and they rather not risk buying the wrong thing. Some men will try to withhold their money if you don’t ask them and push them a bit. You have to know your worth and don’t settle when they try to cheap out. Why is it seen as extortionate and golddigging for a woman to want a house and gold investments upon MARRIAGE, but simply normal for a man to expect a young and beautiful women at the prime of her life to be happy with a Netflix and chill offer. Men’s lust and desire for women’s bodies (after all the standards they place on women) for free is normalized but women having any standard at all for a man is demonized.

This is why men say women over 30 are expired or not valuable. Most women over 30 still look 25. A woman at 30 may finally have realised her intrinsic value as a woman. They no longer feel impressed by being “flown out” or a primark haul worth £200. They realize that if a man asks them on holiday, he needs to pay for her flights, a separate room, a spending allowance and however much money she is losing by taking time off of work. But a 21 year old who doesn’t know her value might only ask for the flight ticket and think he’s doing so much for her. This is how young girls end up in compromising situations with no way home. You have to be brave enough to ask for what you want, and how you want it.

When looking for a man women need to forget sex. Sex does not benefit women the way it benefits men. If you are a woman who is getting in the bed all the time the man won’t take you seriously and will never spend money on you. You need to know the value of sex and how to use it in the beginning stages. You shouldn’t be sleeping with a man until there is a significant investment made and a clear title with marriage on the table. But you should put sex in their head often through behavior, style, speech and even telling them you are looking for fun. This will drive them crazy and get them to do things for you. Just like how dogs are on their best behavior before they get a treat.

Women also need to forget men’s looks. We have all met men with crazy egos who think they are gods gift to the earth. Men will put absolutely no effort into their looks or personality or how they treat you and yet they think you should be grateful to even be around him. Ugly, Old and Fat. These are the three characteristics you need to pick 2 of. If you don’t want an old man you have to look for ugly and fat, if you don’t like fat you need to look for ugly and old etc. These men will really surprise you with their egos still. They will be super confident and entitled. Let’s be real, a man’s looks don’t pay the bills but a woman’s looks does. If the man looks better than you it will not work in your favour. He will age better than you, and when he’s 40 he’ll look 30, when you’re 40 you’ll look 50 beside him. This is the same reason I say date older, men with money age slower and better.

Any woman can date older and golddig. We have makeup and wigs, eyelash extensions, heels and dresses. We have everything we need to be glamorous and beautiful. Men do not see individual women but they see the “type” of woman. What they see on first glance is what they’ll remember you as. Were you sexy? Cute? Elegant? They don’t see that your nose is crooked and your hairline is uneven and they don’t even care. So forget insecurity and remember your true value as a woman. The ugliest woman still has a higher value than the best man in the dating market, just by being a woman.

Some women worry they will miss out on experiences with young men if they date older from a young age. But what will you miss? Drinking in a field in a mini dress? Being cheated on by a gym bro? Staying in hostels when you travel?

Lets be real, it’s better to be an old man’s darling than a young man’s slave.

[xdazzlex]

continued:

10. So I recently asked myself what would change if someone right now told me: "You will never have a happy relationship in your lifetime". Would I still strive to get into some toxic shituationships? Nah... Would I then stop to care for my clothes, hair, diet, etc? NAH! I love looking good for myself and for other chicks. It's an ego boots and it wins favours, e.g. during job interviews. It pays off to be pretty. What would change then? Well... I'd not worry to resign from dresses, get all skinny and bust-bind. I'd not care to look feminine. I'd still want to look hot though. So why can't I strive to get there now? I only have one life... why wear clothes I feel men would potentially feel attracted to, if I can just wear the clothes that make me feel attracted to the reflection in the mirror? And so I am on my way there. It's a long way, because I don't want to develop any eating disorder, but it's been fun slowly ploughing through.

11. So I have to admit - it feels freeing to realise that the worst thing that can happen is ending up forever alone. It clarifies your true priorities. I've already figured I really, really, 10000% don't want children, P-in-V sex, hormonal contraception, cooking and washing for some dick, not to mention sucking some, etc. Am I asexual? Definitely not. I'm just not into what the majority of people are. Am I special? Definitely not. Just haven't found yet (and may never will) someone who brings to the table as much as I do and expects the same things. Most people are very typical (nothing wrong with them & that!), but it's funny how me being so atypical (in both good and bad ways... so I don't feel special, honestly!) had been desiring the typical, whil throughout the years, life & fate have been trying to get me on the right tack rather than waste my life away on being a normie. So it's freeing. I think being a normie and having your highschool sweetheart and having your bunch of guys approaching you and asking out like you aren't some Gozzilla is beautiful and lovely. But I also think that not having any of that is just as cool... It just takes longer to appreciate it.

12. Regardless, it's super vital to keep & maintain standards. Shoot for the stars, so you'll at least land on the clouds. The further you go up, the lonlier it feels, but honestly... why would you want to lower your standards and settle? So many women do it, and then we have phrases for phenomena such as 'bang-maid', 'orgasm gap', 'manchild', 'entitled femcels', etc. Yes, I can be in my 40s and infertile and have a few wrinkles here and there, but I should never let some horny & sad & frustrated momma's basement neckbeard sons - who jerk off to Fresh&Fit & Andrew Tate content, hoping that one day they'll become handsome millionnaires even though their 20s (wasted on p0rn & gaming & mountain dew addiction) is their peak - persuade that I'll then become worthless... I'll be that rich bitc changing my cars like girl change handbags and continuing to go on lone dates & cool holidays like I've been so far. So that's why I will *not* settle for "uhm bbbut he has a good heart maybe?" (yeah and lots of visceral fat on top of it) dicks with no prospects and no ambition. My way or the high way, so unless it's my male counterpart in *all* aspects that are vital to me (job, edu, looks, personality, moral backbone, etc.) I'll choose being single even for the rest of my life *any day*.

13. xoxo

More and more people have started talking about this online which is really nice to see, but I kinda just wanted to go off on a little tangent about never really dating or having much romantic experience and how that has effected my self esteem.

I feel like people say the cliche things like “learn to love yourself first” or “it’ll come when you least expect it” but honestly the more I hear it, the more frustrated I become.

I won’t lie, when I was younger I really did think something HAD to be wrong with me in some way for nobody to see me in a romantic light. It’s taken a lot of work to build myself up into the person I am today, and I’m genuinely very proud of how far I’ve come in terms of the way I feel about myself and my body and the way I’m perceived. I still have bad days, but I don’t think there’s a single person out there who doesn’t. But those bad days are few and far between.

I can honestly say that I do love myself. I think I’m a good person and a kind person and a patient person. I’m a romantic at heart and I have so much love to give but nobody to give it to.

I’ve never had anyone actively seek me out for a relationship. I’ve never been formally asked on a date, the one boyfriend I have had ended up cheating on me.

When you go through life like that, never receiving any kind of validation that you are worthy of being viewed in that way, it becomes incredibly difficult to believe you ever will. It’s so so hard for me to imagine someone else loving me or being interested in that way. Like I can honestly say that I don’t really know what to do if someone compliments me, I doubt I’d really know if I was being flirted with….. and as much as I would really love to get the opportunity to experience romance, I feel like I’ve been so conditioned to think that it’s something that I’ll never have that I wouldn’t be able to identify romantic interest if it hit me with the force of a speeding train.

Maybe this all sounds incredibly trivial and shallow, but honestly I just want to understand what it feels like to have someone love me that way. Yes I have friends and family who love me, but familial and platonic love just aren’t the same.

And onto the topic of “It’ll come when you least expect it” or “just wait, it’ll happen when the time is right.” WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO WAIT TO BE LOVED! I see so many people experiencing romance every day, why not me? Am I not just as deserving?

This whole rant might come off as bitter, and maybe I am. I just hope at the very least that maybe someone else can relate and maybe feel a little less alone in their experience.

[buckyalpine]

Pretty Little Thing Part 1

18+ Minors dni

Mob!Bucky x f reader, Rumlow x reader (forced marriage)  A/N: This is going to be in parts because it was getting way too long for a one shot. Felt like writing some protective Mob Bucky because he is an absolute treasure. Rumlow is a piece of shit. Please like, comment and reblog! <3 

Warnings: ANGST, forced marriage, swearing, abusive marriage 

Word count: 1.8k

Bucky reluctantly got in the SUV after Steve nagged him for 2 hours about the importance of maintaining civil relationships with business partners and rivals.

“You know what they say punk, keep your friends close and your enemies closer”

Bucky groaned, adjusting the gun in his holster wondering how he let Steve convince him to meet with Brock Rumlow again.

He had zero interest in having any business dealings with Rumlow; he had agreed to a meeting to maintain an air of peace. Though they were both part of the same world, Bucky had some morals.

As they neared the residence, something was different this time. Bucky frowned, wondering why the mansion they were pulling up to looked so…homely. A trail of flower bushes lined the gravel road to the entrance. A large garden swing sat on the lawn. Rumlow didn’t seem like the type to sit outside on a sunny day to lounge on a garden swing. Not unless someone half naked was on it. The large balcony that was typically occupied with the women Rumlow was entertaining that week was empty. Instead 2 guards that had previously never been seen had taken up residence at the main door.

“He’s up to something, this man didn’t suddenly turn into Mr. Rogers” Steve shook his head, doing a quick pat down of his weapons before exiting the vehicle.

The inside was no better; a giant bouquet of flowers sat in an ornate vase beside the stair case. The curtains had been opened, allowing natural light to pour through the living room. A number of family photos had been placed above the fireplace, replacing a previous cigar collection.

“Gentleman!” Rumlow descended the stairs, flashing them an unnaturally bright smile.

Bucky nodded, his stoic face unchanged. “I see you’ve made some changes”

“All this,” Rumlow gestured around him, “is for my beautiful new wife”

Steve hoped Rumlow didn’t hear him choke though Bucky definitely did, struggling to hide his smirk.

“Didn’t think you’d be one to settle down” Bucky said coolly, wondering which woman of the week he had convinced to marry him.

“You would too Barnes, if you got lucky enough to find a woman like mine. Let me introduce you!”

Before Bucky could protest (though secretly curious to know who would agree to marry such a creature), Rumlow called for you.

“Y/n, sweetheart, come down, meet my business partners!” “We’re not bu-”

Bucky immediately stopped upon seeing you descend the stairs. That wasn’t who he was expecting.

You quietly padded down the stairs in a simple white sun dress that stopped just above your knees, the soft material flowing between your legs with each step. Your hair cascaded down, softly bouncing as you approached them. As you neared, Bucky noticed the finer details that just added to your beauty. The small beauty marks on your skin that made you unique, the curve of your jaw, the way you nervously bit you bottom lip, the soft light color you had painted on your toes. Fuck you were angelic.

You stood quietly by Rumlows side, nearly hiding behind him, glancing at the two very handsome men that visited your home. If you’d even call it a home.

“She’s a pretty little thing isn’t she?”

Bucky and Steve stood in stunned silence, nodding after a moment. Rumlow smirked, getting the exact reaction he wanted.

“Barnes, Rogers, this is y/n, my sweet wife” Rumlow firmly gripped your waist, pulling you forward while placing a possessive kiss on your neck, his lips lingering on your skin for longer than necessary. You squirmed slightly, immediately stopping when you felt his fingers dig into your skin.

“Pleasure to meet you y/n” The handsome blonde gave you a soft smile, extending his hand. You hesitated before taking his hand; his hold felt firm, safe.

“Y/n, this is James Barnes and Steve Rogers, they came to discuss some of our business trades”

You smiled softly, nodding keeping your gaze down. You fidgeted with the large diamond ring that sat on your finger, the heavy rock a harsh contrast to your simple appearance.

“Gentleman follow me, we can discuss everything in the office. Y/n darling, prepare us some drinks please”

The office looked the same as the last time Bucky had been there; a large solid wood desk with simple arm chairs surrounding it and a large couch off to the side. Everything was the same except for one stark difference; a large wedding portrait hung on the wall behind Rumlow’s desk. He looked proud, as if he had captured the prey he prowled after, his arm draped possessively around you waist. You were in a plain white silk wedding dress, both your hands clasped around a bouquet of blood red roses. You’re lips were curved up in a small smile but your eyes looked lost, devoid of happiness.

“Take a seat, y/n please” Rumlow gestured for you to pour them their drinks while they sat. Another change; there were no longer maids or butlers in the house. There were security guards that walked the perimeter and few in the halls but the many women that previously waited on Rumlow hand and foot were nowhere to be seen.

“I don’t see any of your other….assistants?” Steve wasn’t sure how to refer to the lack of help. He knew for a fact Rumlow had them around for more than just cleaning the house.

“Ah, no need for them when I have this angel here. Got rid of them all after we got married”

He grinned at you, pawing at your waist as you dropped a few ice cubes into the crystal glasses. Your body tensed under his touch, quickly pouring the whisky so you could leave the room. Your nervous movements caused a splash of the dark liquid to spill onto Bucky’s shirt.

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry Mr. Barnes” You looked up wide eyed, frantically grabbing a cloth to dry off the spill. Your hands trembled as you quickly dabbed his chest, feeling the hard muscle under tense.

“It’s okay doll” The name rolled off his tongue with such ease before Bucky could catch himself.  He took the napkin from your hand and set it on the table, giving you a soft smile. His eyes were a stunning piercing blue and you felt yourself get lost in them for a moment, collecting yourself when you heard a cough from your husband.

“That’ll be all y/n. Sorry gentleman, she’s still learning” Rumlow gave you a nod, smiling, however his voice and eyes were cold as they bore into you. You nodded, quickly retreating to your room before they could see the tears fall.

Steve shifted uncomfortably, while Bucky’s jaw clenched.

“Learning?” Bucky’s voice was cold. He already had no interest to be here but seeing the way you were treated angered him more.

“Yes Barnes, learning” Rumlow’s was voice equally cold, his hospitable demeanour slowly crumbling seeing the way you looked at Bucky.

“And how did she agree to this marriage in the first place?” Bucky sat back in his chair, genuinely curious to know how you ended up in his hellhole.

“Truthfully, that’s none of your business Barnes”

“We can talk about this first Brock” Steve said lowly, his hand gripping the arm of the chair to keep from punching the man’s jaw out of place.

“I don’t have to explain anything to you Barnes, or you Rogers, you came here to talk business,” Rumlow glared at the men, realizing the conversation would not move forward unless they got their answer. “But since you seem so keen, it was for her benefit”

“Benefit?”

“Her family owed me a large sum of money they couldn’t repay. Millions. I spared them in exchange for her”

Bucky felt sick, anger beginning to cloud his judgement. He should have known you would have been forced into this arrangement against your will. Steve sensed his friends change in mood, tapping his knee, signalling for him to cool down.

“So you forced her to be your wife?”

“Hardly”, Rumlow replied coolly, sipping his whiskey. “She agreed to the marriage in exchange for her family’s life”

“She’s a person Rumlow, you don’t trade lives for your benefit. She’s had to sacrifice her whole life for her own family, what the hell have you given her in exchange for it!?” Steve felt his own composure beginning to falter.

“ I’ve made plenty of sacrifices for her!” Disgust dripped from his voice when he mentioned you. “Do you see any women walking around this fucking place? Not one maid, no whores, all of them gone for her. I’ve remodelled the house according to her likings; I have not touched her once until she agrees. She is getting everything according to her needs, the least she can do is learn to pour a glass of whiskey”

Rumlow’s chest was heaving his frustrations grew. He knew your family would have paid the money off eventually but he wanted you. The pretty, sweet, angelic looking thing that sat on the swing in front of your family’s home, nose tucked in a book. So he made an offer. All debt’s cleared in an exchange of marriage. You protested, so he made another offer. He would change, become a better man. No more women, he would change his home to resemble your own. He wouldn’t lay a finger on you until you consented.

“You’re proud of not touching someone who doesn’t want to be with you in the first place?” Bucky scoffed, his hand itching to pull the gun from his holster.

It had been 6 months since the wedding and his patience was growing thin. The marriage had never been consummated and Rumlow was only willing to play his part for so long. He’d get what he wanted if you were not going to give it to him willingly.

“I’ve had to keep it in my pants for 6 months Barnes, I think I’ve been pretty generous, don’t you think?” Rumlow smirked, enjoying the reaction he was getting out of Bucky.

The floor screeched as Bucky stood out of his chair, heading straight for the door. A minute longer and a bullet would have found its way between Rumlow’s eyes. Steve followed without a word, as Rumlow sat back in his chair finishing off his whiskey.

In the car, Steve glanced at Bucky, shaking his head, knowing where his friends head was at.

“Be careful Buck”

“About?”

“I saw how you looked at her. Called her doll right in front of that piece of shit, God knows what he’s going to do to her now”

Bucky groaned, closing his eyes as you clouded his thoughts. Your bare feet softly padding down the stairs, your hair slightly tousled. Your soft y/e/c eyes that pleaded for forgiveness. The tear that slipped and rolled down your cheek. He noticed.

-

Part 2

[erodasfishtacos]

~ MLB Curious Gazes ~

prompt: four different situations where people have run into or hung out with MLB!H - told from their perspective.

word: 6k +

warnings: language, mentions of sexual content

If you enjoyed this please - reblog, like, recommend, comment, and inbox me to chat about it!

please consider donating to my kofi - my work is FREE and it is a great way to show support!

enjoy!

-=-=-=-=-=-

The Doctor’s Office

Aubrey couldn’t believe her eyes as she sat in her uncomfortable, too small chair in the empty waiting room at the OBGYN office in the early hours of the morning. 

She was sitting alone with her baby boy sitting in his carrier on the floor - it was his nine month checkup and it was taking forever to be seen.

The woman was sitting, scrolling on her phone when out of her peripheral she saw an extremely - like extremely handsome man step into the area with a carrier.

Aubrey was a married woman but holy shit this guy was hot- without even trying is the thing. 

He had on a New York Yankees Nike hoodie and a pair of Nike athletic shorts with some calf length Blake Nike socks and trainers.

In the carrier was a fresh little baby, couldn’t be older than three months who was bundled up with a sunflower headband on.

The man was multitasking with a curly haired toddler on his other hip as he finds a seat a little bit down from Aubrey on the opposite side.

His wife was standing up at the check-in and of course it made sense that she was absolutely beautiful as well even though Aubrey could relate to how tired she looked.

The woman still had a small bit of her pregnancy bump left signifying that the baby was indeed very very new to the world.

She keeps glancing over at the man, he looks so familiar but she would remember if she had even met someone that handsome.

Then the context clues hit her, his hoodie, his toddler son was also in a little Yankees hoodie that matched his fathers and Aubrey googled quickly.

Her eyes flitted throughout the recent articles.

Styles’ Alleged $65 Million Dollar Bonus

Hot Head Harry Styles - how he managed to start three bench clearing brawls in one game!

Breaking Records and Bats - Styles manages to break his own record in the same season followed by breaking a bat in celebration

Holy shit.

She could help but watch them - this was much more interesting than reading a magazine.

Aubrey didn’t follow baseball but Harry had turned celebrity status and was this well known cocky dickhead to the media - women and men loved and drooled over him for his looks and his skills.

Right now, he sat down with his two babies - the boy looked exactly like Harry, it was quite unbelievable from the curly locks to mossy green eyes that was copy and paste.

Harry was currently tucking an applesauce pouch between his lips and guiding the boy's small hands to hold it for himself.

“Good job,  ,” He murmurs in the dead quiet waiting room as he tucks him further into the crook of his arm.

Harry looks up to his wife who joins them, she is a bit in awe when Aubrey sees him palm a bit at her bloated belly and whisper, “Y’look gorgeous today, mama.”

Aubrey couldn’t help but frown, she wished her husband did that.

YN sits down, leaning her head on his shoulder - Aubrey didn’t know her but she seems tired - of course she was a new mother.

The silence is broken when a nurse comes out and with an apologetic face says, “I’m sorry, we are running really behind today. It might be another thirty minutes,” before shutting the door again.

Harry kisses his wife’s forehead before wrapping his unoccupied arm around her shoulder, a flashing gold band on his ring finger.

Aubrey zones off for a little when her son wakes up, rocking the carrier a few times before he settles again.

She’s brought back to the couple when she hears a sniffle comes from Harry’s wife and his face turned towards hers, hand rubbing her shoulder reassuringly.

“Mama, she’s so healthy. There’s nothin’ to worry about, did a perfect job growing her in y’belly. I know these check-ups make you anxious but nothin’ is gonna be wrong,” He soothes, a near whisper because of how quiet the room is and he didn’t want to disrupt.

“I just don’t know if she’s been getting enough milk, it’s so hard to tell,” YN replies sadly, like she’s disappointed in herself.

“Y’kidding me? She’s our chunkiest baby - look at those little rolls. She’s on y’tits more than any of the boys including me,” He jokes softly, obviously trying to make her feel better.

It seems to work a little bit because she lets out a light giggle with a roll of her eyes, “No one is on them more than you.”

Harry shrugs unashamed before replying seriously, “Everything will be okay. She’s perfect and healthy.”

The curly haired little boy gets a bit squirmy with the wait after he finished his pouch, asking to be set down which his father does.

Harry is watching him carefully, his nervous but still adventurous little two and a half year old, as he toddles around the waiting room.

When he spots Aubrey and her carrier, he wanders over looking up her with wide curious eyes, he points at her son and squeaks, “Baby?”

Ever the diligent father, Harry is up and next to his son, Aubrey is a bit starstruck if she’s honest when he talks to her.

“M’sorry, he’s a curious little one,” Harry smiles at her, going to pick Ezra back up to guide him away from bothering her.

Aubrey waves her hand though, lifting the visor to show the sleeping baby, “Yeah, he’s a baby. That’s Dominic.”

The boy gazes at the baby before lisping, “Bry!”

Aubrey isn’t sure what he means but his father clarifies, “You’re right, Dominic is a baby just like your little sister Briar.”

“Okay,” Ezra shrugs and goes back to his mom to inform him of what he just discovered before crawling up and cuddling into her chest.

Harry nods, “Thanks for indulging him.”

“No pro-problem,” She stutters like an idiot and Harry smiles a bit like he knows but doesn’t say anything else before going back to his family.

A few minutes later when a high-pitched cry resounds through the room, Harry is carefully cradling his daughter who Aubrey notes looks nothing like him but like her mother even though her features were still so little.

“Shush, darlin’,” Harry coos with a soft drawl, leaning in to kiss at the newborn’s button nose.

Briar roots at her father’s chest, smacking her plump lips, and squeaking in frustration when she doesn’t find a nipple. It makes Harry chuckle before he glances at his wife and his smile falters a bit, “Sweetheart, did y’bring a bottle?”

Aubrey watches his wife shake her head, she is facing away from her so she can’t see her expression but gauging Harry’s it seems that she may be upset, “No, I completely forgot. I didn’t bring my nursing blanket either - I’m going to have to go the bathroom. M’being such a bad mom.”

The observer feels a pang in her chest, she can definitely relate to not always feeling like she is a good mother because of little mistakes she makes like forgetting diapers, buying the wrong formula, forgetting to bring a pacifier.

“Hey,” Harry’s voice is firm, “Y’not going to talk like that when s’the farthest thing from the truth. S’okay, we have four babies, we’re both goin’ t’forget things sometimes, okay? Here, let me help you.”

Aubrey wishes she had a husband who was as empowering, supportive of his wife.

He hands the whimpering baby over to his wife, he’s then tugging off his hoodie. Aubrey tries but fails to divert her eyes when his shirt rides up revealing  a glimpse of his taut abdomen and a light dusting of hair leading into his shorts, obscene tattoos covering his hipbones .

Harry maneuvers the hoodie over his wife’s shoulder, helping her tug down her loose shirt and nursing bra, and guiding his newborn to his wife’s breast until she latches and starts suckling hungrily.

“There y’go mama,” He whispers encouragingly before tugging Ezra back onto his lap to rock him a bit as he’s getting whiny - ready for a nap soon and not liking being in an unfamiliar place for too long.

-

Aubrey is buckling Dominic into his carseat when she spots the other family exiting the office. 

Harry’s wife looks much more relaxed, a smile on her face, and her arm tucked around her husband’s narrow hip, they’re parked close to each other, and Aubrey climbs into her small sedan - blasting the aircon.

She watches the parents strapp their kids into a massive, tinted and brand new cadillac escalade that was no doubt over a hundred thousand dollar car but who could expect them to be driving around a mid-level minivan?

After the kids are secured and they close the doors, Harry presses his wife up against it with his arm resting over her shoulder against the window. He is whispering to her, their mouths close before he ducks down to connect their lips.

His hand comes back to her deflating baby bump like he did in the doctor’s office, hand massaging the skin with adoration that was visible even to Aubrey as she sat in her car watching them.

Later on in the week, as she sits on her couch, a video pops up on her timeline. It’s a sports report she was about to skip until the name caught her attention. 

The sports reporter stated, “Harry Styles was fined an alleged sixty thousand dollars at last night’s game after getting into a verbal altercation when the second base man purposely tripped him.”

It flashes to the man she just saw in the doctor’s office in a form-fitting Yankee’s blue and white striped uniform with a helmet on as he ran at an impressive speed from first to second, stumbling when the baseman put out his foot.

Harry recovers quickly enough to touch the base to be considered safe. 

After that though, he’s pushing himself up and brushing off the dirt, then he’s charging towards the man who fucked up the play. 

He has no fear as he gets in the man’s face, veins on his neck standing out as he shouts. They don’t play the audio but you could tell Harry was cussing this man up and down.

It flashed back to the reporter speaking to another, “Nearly every team in the league reports that Styles is an absolute nightmare to play against from his skill to his downright arrogant and cocky attitude. He’s not someone I’d find myself wanting to hang around.”

“I agree with you there, Tucker. He has a right to be proud with all of his broken records and achievements but being a bit humble would do this man so good. I feel sorry for his wife and kids. He probably just spends all day bragging about himself.”

Aubrey clicks off the video, if only everyone in the world just saw the Harry Styles she saw just a few days ago - well they’d all change their minds on what kind of person he is. Especially what kind of husband and father.

--

The Charity Event

It was a charity event at Madison Square Garden in Time Square. 

It was for all Major League Baseball teams who had qualified for the playoffs and of course, The New York Yankees were there.

There were tables filling the whole stadium, extravagant in white linen tablecloths, multiple bars, and it was black tie dress code. 

It was a private event and it was not open to the public but after the dinner there would be awards given out and that would be broadcasted.

Nicole was there with her husband, Trent, the left outfielder with an average batting score. He wasn’t the most popular on the team by far - well everyone got outshined by Styles. 

She couldn’t help but be a little bitter that Harry had gotten a $60 million dollar bonus (the biggest bonus ever gifted but also the Yankees were not taking any chances at losing their star and their ultimate money-maker). Trent got a measly bonus of $100,000 which was nothing in baseball terms. 

The wives and girlfriends of the Yankees players did not like YN one bit. It really wasn’t fair because she was always lovely, kind, and friendly. It didn’t matter because they were all spurred on by jealousy of what she had.

Nicole couldn’t help by gaze at Harry as they sat at the same circle table towards the podium where the awards would be presented after dinner. He was in a sharp all black suit with a small team logo pin of the lapel.

She couldn’t deny how stunning YN looked in an absolutely stunning dress. It was a one-shoulder with sparkling black stripes against a tan background, it fit like a glove and accentuated her stunning legs with a high slit. ***

It blew Nicole’s basic black Gucci dress out of the water which made her even more infuriated at the woman. She knew she was being irrational and if she hated her so much, why couldn’t see stop staring at the couple?

Nicole could get away with it by looking past them at other tables but to be quite honest, the two were much too wrapped up in each other to be aware of any of their surroundings or people watching them.

Trent was off bullshitting with all the other players while the Styles’ sat at the table and Harry waited for people to approach him - like the cocky asshole that he was. He would give them a minute of his time before becoming visibly bored and returning his attention back to his wife.

As the appetizers arrived, Trent finally sat down with a grunt, giving his wife literally no attention as he dug into the salad like a slob. 

Across the table, Harry looked down at his plate, picked out all the tomatoes and stabbed them with his fork. He then brought his hand over to his wife who giggled and let him feed her the three little tomatoes for his salad.

“Don’t like tomatoes, Styles?” Henry, third-baseman, jokes as he watches him feed his wife without any shame.

“I love ‘em, m’missus just really like the little grape ones,” Harry shrugs casually - like that didn’t just sound like the most whipped thing that he could say.

Trent probably couldn’t even guess Nicole’s favorite color - let alone know something so minuscule like YN like the little tomatoes that come on house salads. 

Throughout the whole dinner, it was quite disgusting how infatuated these two were with each other - Harry had at least one hand on her body at one time - her thigh, shoulder, even cupping her neck in a way that was almost too intimate for the setting.

At one point, Harry notices that YN is a bit quiet - sipping on her glass of water and he pulls back from the conversation, murmuring, “Y’alright, mama?”

Nicole bites her lip hard at the cute pet name, feeling even more dislike towards YN - why couldn’t she have had someone like Harry?

“D’you think the babies are okay? Ezra’s been so anxious lately,” YN replies quietly, there were no phones allowed at the event and had to be left at home or at the door.

Harry kisses her temple, “Y’know Ezzie is good with m’mum, doesn’t get as anxious as he used to at sleepovers. Y’know East and Cash are probably on a sugar high.”

YN nods, agreeing and Harry jumps right back into the conversation but she notices that he keeps looking over at his wife to check on her.

Trent accidentally knocks her elbow hard and just grunts out a bland, “Sorry.”

The topic changed to traveling for games. Ellie, another wife of a player who was nice to YN were chatting about how stressful it is.

“I know, loading all three boys up is rough when we do decide to travel to games with H,” YN says to Ellie, a small smile on her face.

“Ugh, I know. Lily and Parker are the worst flyers! They usually end up throwing up or not being able to nap at all,” Ellie groans about her two little ones she has back at home.

YN let’s out a laugh that just irked Nicole to not end.

“It's going to be even harder when we have more kids,” YN laments like she’s bothered.

“Oh? More kids?” Ellie squeaks with excitement, clapping her hands together.

Nicole reaches a breaking point, jumping into the chat,“Really? More kids? Don’t you think you should focus on the ones you have? Or do you think because your husband makes an unfair amount of money, you can just have as many as you want? Hire nannies and act like you take care of them?”

Before YN frowns, about to respond when Harry interjects with a booming, displeased voice, “First off, why don’t y’mind your own fuckin’ business. My wife and I can ‘ave any many kids as we want, last time I checked.”

He continues with tense posture, all of his previous calmness disappears, “Second off, don’t take it out on my wife tha’ your husband got a shit bonus, we all know tha’ why y’pissy. And don’t act like y’dont have a nanny for your one kid while we don’t nor ever will have one.”

Nicole sneers, “You’re a cocky bastard.”

Harry smiles in faux charm, “Of course I am, dear. I’ve got a fucking beautiful wife, three healthy babies, the most records broken in history, and the fattest bank account in this room.”

“Alright, alright,” Trent interrupts and it doesn’t go unnoticed that he doesn’t defend his wife. Instead he shoots Harry an apologetic look for his wife’s behaviors.

Harry just scoffs at the couple, rudely rolling his eyes, and tugging his wife in for a kiss that’s a bit too intense but he can’t help himself, smiles against her lips when his wife pinches his thigh playfully.

He says (not quietly at all), “All these women are jealous of you, hm? S’cause you’re so beautiful and such a fuckin’ catch.”

Nicole feel a sharp pang in her chest at the indirect comment - fucking asshole.

Deep down, Nicole is unfavorably realizing that somehow YN has it all - a loving husband, who is seemingly head over heels four her, three well-behaved children, and everything she could ever want - sitting on Harry’s $600 million dollar net worth, on top of being gorgeous.

She didn’t have that. Trent and her were on the rocks constantly, has definitely cheated on her, their kid is a literal nightmare, and they’re both so reckless with money they have no savings.

It made her jealous to see Harry whispering in YN ear to make her giggle- lips brushing her ear, his hand splayed across her bumcheek while they waited for drinks at the bar, she even hears them murmur ‘I love yous’ at least twice.

Then the lights dim, spotlight on a podium in the front of the room, an older man in a crisp navy suit taking the stage.

“It is an honor for me to announce ‘Player of the Year.’ The decision by the board of Major League Baseball wasn’t a hard one. The statistics and records broke continuously by the man has led us to only one option.”

Everyone watches all the other players in room deflate a bit because they realize the award is going to Harry yet again.

 “He is again breaking a record tonight, he is the first player to earn this achievement four years in a row. The duality of this man when it comes to pitching a curveball or hitting a homer is truly remarkable.”

It makes all the players even more irritated than they already are when they look over at Harry who’s sitting back, manspreading, hand on the back of his wife’s neck gently, and a cocky, unbothered grin.

Like this award wasn’t the biggest accomplishment he could earn.

One of the players from an opposing team at a different table mutters to one of his teammates, “Fucking arrogant asshole. The only thing this award does is feed his gigantic ego.” 

“Such a douchebag,” The other agrees, jealousy tinges his voice.

“I’ve most likely made it obvious who the the recipient is this year. The New York Yankees pitcher with the most strikeouts to date and top-scoring hitter - Mr. Harry Styles!”

The crowd erupts in applause, whistles, and a standing ovation because despite his unsavory demeanor - no one could deny he was a legend.

Before he gets up, Nicole watches as he cups his wife’s cheek - locking her lips in a kiss before she has to give him a playful shove when he tries to slip some tongue.

When Harry gets up to the stage, he shakes the hand of the announcer and takes the award from him, setting it on the podium.

“Fourth year in a row has a nice ring to it,” Harry gives the crowd a dazzling white smile that have his dimples digging into his cheek.

The crowd whistles and coos.

Nicole notices YN getting teary-eyed as she watches her husband accept the award.

“I want t’thank a few people tonight. I want t’thank m’wife and the mama of my babies - YN. She’s supported me from when I was in college with no other career path but baseball, unsure of if I’d fail or not, she stuck through it.”

She can sense everyone’s eyes dart over to YN who is still staring up at her husband - who is giving her a gleaming smile right back.

“We’ve been through some really hard obstacles in our first years as a couple but she’s the reason for all this - the fact that she always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

The audience is respectful, quiet as he publicly tells a story of his deep love for his wife.

“I want t’thank m’three babies. Easton, Cash, and Ezra. They inspire me to be a better better man and a good role model - even though I think y’all agree they won’t be if they watch too much how I play when I’m out in the field.”

The crowd erupts in laughter at Harry poking fun at his own antics that he’s most famous for. He goes on to thank the team, coaches, Nike, everyone on the professional side of career.

When he’s done, everyone stands back up to congratulate him, patting him on the back as he returns to his seat.

Nicole watches as Harry sits back down, chuckling as he swipes a tear off his wife’s cheek, “Why y’crying, mama?”  

“I’m just so proud of you. Everything you do for me and our babies. The best husband, best daddy. My heart is just full,” She murmurs, clearly not meant for others to hear but Nicole was eavesdropping.

Harry’s eyes darken with something Nicole can’t identify but does notice his hand creeping a bit further up her thigh.

He leans into whisper something into her ear before she sees his lightly nip at her lobe before pulling back to join into the conversation.

-

After the lights come back up, Trent abandons her to go shoot the shit with other guys.

When she trails off to the bathroom, down a long hallway from the main area - she hears a rustling from behind a door labeled with a plaque that says ‘executive meeting room’.

Nicole pauses confused, all these offices and other rooms were strictly off limits during events obviously. She was confused to hear someone in a room that was not supposed to be in use.

Then she realizes it’s not just someone - it’s two people.

“S’good, sweetheart. Give it t’me so good.”

And she knows right then and there all she needs to know about who’s in that conference room and what they were doing.

“Be quiet, you’re being too loud,” YN scolds back, the walls were clearly thin because she could hear the exchange.

“Make y’cunt not feel like heaven then,” He remarks back, his voice slower and more soft than it would be in front of people.

God, Trent and her haven’t slept together in ages - let alone has spontaneous hookups or dirty talk like that ever.

When they all end up back at the table before the closing speech for the night, Nicole spots a nicely sized mark under Harry’s jaw that he’s wearing with pride.

YN had her lipstick wiped off and was much more clingy as the night rolled on which Harry seemed to thrive on.

As she and Trent are on their way home, Nicole speaks into their silence, “I don’t think our relationship is working.”

Not after she saw love and happiness at that event table tonight - she wanted that kind of love not settling for some cheating asshole.

-

The Little League Game

It was a cool autumn evening, it was an important game - if you could call it that for the little league team that Kayla had her son on.

The goal was to determine which team would move onto the playoffs, even though most of this was all in good fun because it was for eight-year-olds and it wasn’t serious.

Kayla couldn’t lie and say that she didn’t spend some of the time curiously gazing at the New York Yankees player who would come to watch his son play.

He wasn’t at every game due to his schedule but it seemed like he came to whatever ones he could with his wife and other three kids.

They had taken the bench on the bleachers right below her so she had an up close and personal view of the family when they’ve never sat this close before.

As the kids warmed up, Harry had his youngest son who looked to be about four sit next to him, squished between his dad and mom happily.

Their middle son was next to his mom on the other side, looking to be about six, and he was wriggling impatiently in his seat - eager to join the other kids in the jungle gym.

The baby girl who looked about a year and a half old didn’t look anything like her brothers - it was obvious that she was a spitting image of her mother (who was stunning).

She was curled up in her mom’s lap, asleep with her face squished against her mother’s chest - a pacifier suckling fiercely between her puffy lips.

“Mama, please,” The curly haired boy begs with greedy puppy dog eyes as he keeps glancing back to look at the other kids.

“You stay right where daddy and I can see you, yes?” YN murmurs, brushing back his unruly curls that where getting long, “And what are our rules?”

“Stay where you can see, don’t talk to strangers, and be nice to others,” He recites perfectly, Kayla was a bit blown away by his manners.

She watches baseball. It was hard to believe their children were so mild mannered when their father was the exact opposite - at least on the field.

Harry was rustling in the diaper bag for something as his son looked at him with wide, concerned eyes, “My baby, daddy.”

“I know, Ezzie. M’lookin’ f’your baby,” His father replies softly, the polar extreme of his normal brash, crude language that had a nasty tone like he couldn’t bother giving people the time of day.

“Daddy, please,” The youngest whines, his little hand grasping at his father’s tattooed wrist as he gets to his knees to help his dad look.

“Left inner pocket,” YN murmurs offhandedly as she makes sure Cash gets to the playground safely with his friends.

“Say ‘thanks mama’,” Harry coos to his son as he manages to tug out the baby doll and hand it to the awaiting little boy.

“Thanks mama,” He replies instantly with a gapped smile as he nuzzles right back into his father’s side as if he can’t get close enough.

“How are you feeling, Ezra?” His mother leans over to ask, keeping the baby close to her chest.

“M’happy, mama,” Ezra replies simply before starting to babble to himself as he plays with the babydoll.

Kayla watches Harry and YN swap a fond look at their son but she couldn’t help but wonder why they asked him that? He seemed fine so why did they feel the need to do that?

The game is going okay, Harry stands up to cheer and whistle when Easton hits a two-base hit but YN smacks his thigh and motions to their sleeping baby.

He looks at her sheepishly before sitting back down, kissing her cheek in apology, and peeking down into the fleece blanket to watch his daughter sleep for a moment.

Then it seems like Easton starts to lose momentum after he pitches two home-runs, his face pinched in disappointment as the other team scores but Harry is attempting to keep him motivated with encouraging shouts.

Easton struggles from then on, he strikes out for his final three turns, doesn’t catch two pop-ups, and his pitches start to get a little shaky. It’s obvious in his facial expression he’s getting upset because he’s breathing heavier like he’s trying not to cry.

Kayla feels a sense of dread for the little boy, his father who’s the best baseball player in modern day history is watching his son not do well during an important game.

 Because of what she knows of him from his temper and attitude on the field - she worries that he’s one of those father’s who will hound their kid for doing poorly.

“Oh, c’mon East,” Harry murmurs softly when his son stumbles over a ground ball before another kid picks it up and throws it in - their son smacking his glove down against the ground in frustration.

“He’s getting himself worked up,” YN notes as she watches her oldest kick his cleats in the dirt with a quivering bottom lip.

“I know,” Harry replies to his wife, “Wish he wouldn’t, he’s gettin’ upset out there, I can tell.”

“Sad?” Ezra squeaks, clambering onto his father’s lap and stating, “Hold me, daddy.”

Harry obliges easily, gathering up his small son before his attention is directed back onto the game - it was down to the last few minutes and unfortunately Easton pitched a ball that resulted in a home run for the other team.

“Fuck,” Harry mutters, running a hand through his messy locks before he’s setting Ezra back down on the bleachers, “I’m going to go talk to him. Do you want to meet back home?”

YN nods, leaning down to tuck the baby into the double stroller before buckling Ezra in as well, “I’m going to go get Cash and head out. Why don’t you take him out for some ice cream? I love you.”

“I love you too, mama,” He replies, kissing her softly before kissing both of his kids foreheads and stepping down the bleachers - ignoring all the adults who are staring at him with a starstruck expression as he heads to the dugout.

It cleared out fast, nobody sticking around after the loss that ended with them not continuing on to the championship, and Easton was sat on the bench - he was stoic and there was a hard, angry expression on his face that reminded Kayla of what she saw Harry look like when he played.

As she gathers up her son and makes sure he’s got all of his equipment, Kayla stands and chats to a few of the moms before she’s heading to her car - which happened to be parked next to a sleek Masserati crossover, who would let their muddy kid go in there? Rich people, she guesses.***

Kayla pops the trunk to her van with her key as they get closer, she notices that Harry also has his up and Easton is sitting on the tailgate with his eyes looking down at the pavement. She tries not to appear as nosey or eavesdropping as she tucks her items into the back.

“Sweetheart, s’okay. Y’did so so good tonight,” Harry assures his pouty son, he squats down to start to untie his son’s nike cleats but continues to make eye contact with him. 

“No, I didn’t, Daddy!” Easton whines, tears finally starting to bubble over the surface as he begins to sob with a shuddering chest, “I gave up home runs and then I missed ground balls!”

“Whoa, bubby,” Harry simpers after he tugs off the shoes and throws them carelessly into the back before standing up, “Y’did amazing, are you kiddin’? You did three innings of strikeouts, hit two of y’own homeruns. Y’played like a professional, way better than daddy.”

Kayla’s heart aches a bit when she sees Harry sit down next to him before hugging him harshly into his side, thumbing at the tears that are running down his son’s sweaty cheeks with soft reassurances.

“Daddy, are you mad I didn’t win?” Easton asks shakily, keeping his head buried into his father’s side and his small hand clutching into the fabric of his hoodie.

Harry chuckles lowly, “Daddy would never be mad at you f’anythin’, definitely not a baseball game. Remember what mama and I said? If at any point y’want to stop playin’, just let us know and we can find something else, yeah? Just like how Ezzie does art classes.”

Easton seems to calm down after a few moments of Harry rocking him and reassuring him of what an amazing son he is.

As Kayla drove away that night, her perspective on the all-star baseball player definitely changed. It was refreshing to see someone to not hold their child to an unreasonable expectation just like she thought Harry would.

--

The Campfire

Austin was the shortstop on the baseball team, he’d brought along his girlfriend, Chelsea, to the frat party to celebrate another win.

Everyone was in whispers that Harry was bringing his new girlfriend but nobody knew who she actually was because it was just a rumor.

It was surprising because Harry wasn’t a relationship kind-of man. He wasn’t into hookups much - always said he needed to focus on baseball.

Many of his teammates were envious of how many girls were constantly coming up to Harry at parties to flirt and try to get a dance in but he had always rejected them.

Harry had never showed interest in any of these girls at the parties, never seen him disappear upstairs with one or really entertain a conversation over a beer like they’d expect.

Chelsea pokes his shoulder and nods towards the entrance when Harry walks in with his arm around YN’s shoulder.

Most were in a little shock because they seemed like such an unlikely couple - YN had written some scathing articles about him and it was no secret he hadn’t been a fan of her.

“Holy shit, Harry’s dating YN?” Chelsea whispers to Austin as the group of party-goers cheer and whistle at the allstars appearance.

“Guess so,” Austin replies with a shrug, tugging Chelsea into the kitchen for a drink.

Later on that night, there’s a bonfire on one side of the backyard and a volleyball net on the other where a group was gathering to play.

Austin and Chelsea are on the opposing team of Harry and YN - she can’t help but watch them with curiosity because of what a surprise it is that they’re dating.

Even Austin has been watching because Harry’s acting in a way that he’s never seen throughout his time on the team with him.

Harry is just all over YN which was confusing how he went from not being remotely interested in the college girls to being a lovestruck puppy.

When she throws the ball up to serve, Harry reaches over and pinches her bum which makes her squeak and accidentally drop the ball which has him cackling as she glares at him.

As they change positions, he crowds up behind her, and massages her hips, leaning down to murmuring something in her ear.

She blushes wildly before smacking him off which has him laughing hard and kissing the back of her head before taking his position.

After Harry jumps and spikes the ball hard, earning them the winning point, YN turns around and wraps her arms around him to hug him tightly.

Harry wraps his arms around her shoulders, returning the hug before pulling back to kiss her lips in a soft peck.

Chelsea elbows Austin, “Who’s that and what did they do with Harry?”

Austin shakes his head, “I really don’t fucking know.”

The group migrates over to the fire as they might become cooler and the stars are high up in the sky, the fire flickering orange and yellow crackles of sparks.

Harry plops into a chair, pulling YN right onto his lap, and she wriggles until she’s comfortable. Chelsea notices him tap her thigh as if telling her to cut it out, too much motion right on his crotch.

Jake, one of his teammates, says in a teasing tone, “YN, I’m surprised to see you around these parts . I clearly remember a strongly worded article about how stupid frat parties are.”

YN takes it in stride, smiling as she replies, “And this party just proves my point.”

The group laughs easily, they enjoy YN’s sharp wit and comebacks as they get to know her. Austin can’t help but to notice how quiet Harry is.

Normally, he’s the life of the party, loud and making his presence known to everyone but not tonight. He has his chin propped on her shoulder and she’s cuddled back into his chest.

Austin can’t make out what Harry is saying but he’s constantly whispering in her ear and accentuating each time with a squeeze to her thighs.

“Are you guys official?” One of the teammates asked bluntly, a few beers deep by this point in the night.

Harry replies instantly, a possessive squeeze, “She’s mine and off the market, s’don’t even think about it.”

“Well I don’t think it matters because she’s turned down the whole baseball team by this point. I think everyone tried to ask her out at least once,” Steve jokes as the others agree.

“Tha’s m’girl,” Harry murmurs to her before teasing his friends,“Who’d want to go out with any you? You’re all dickheads.”

Everyone continues to joke around, it’s nearing midnight and that’s right about when Harry gets in his prime - like the party just started.

But not tonight.

YN’s eyes start to flutter shut as everyone banters and drinks around the fire, obviously not used to these late night parties.

“I better get this one t’bed,” Harry states after a few minutes, thumbing at YN’s cheekbone as she tries to stay awake.

“I’m okay,” She mumbles weakly, head still heavy against his shoulder.

“You’re coming back though, right?” Kyle asks expectantly, brows furrowed.

Harry shakes his head, “Nah, m’in for the night when she is.”

All the players look at him with a bit of a dumbfounded look, Steve shooting out, “Who knew you’d be so pussy whipped, Styles?”

Chelsea’s eyebrows raise at the crude comment, waiting with bated breath as Harry’s jaw clenches as it seems like he’s biting his tongue.

“Goodnight,” Harry says in a tone Austin has never heard before - agitated and almost…offended.

When Austin and Chelsea are sneaking up to his room for a late night hook-up, she overhears Harry and YN in his bedroom.

At first, she thinks they’re in an actual argument but as she listens to them - it’s not the kind of arguement she thought it was.

“You’re always the little spoon,” YN groans from behind the closed door.

Harry squawks, affronted before huffing back at her, “S’my favorite, please spoon me, darling?”

“You’re so fucking spoiled,” YN giggles as Chelsea assumes they move into a position where Harry’s the little spoon.

“Mm, I like feelin’ y’tits against my back, s’nice,” Harry hums with a boyish tone.

Chelsea doesn’t even realize she’s smiling until Austin drags her from her stupor. 

All she knew was that Harry Styles really really fancied that school reporter.

-=-=-=-=-=-

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[purrincesskittens]

Star Eyes, Zuko is mistaken as Water Tribe.

Gift for @muffinlance based off this post and this one

......................................................................

It was night when they found him. A quick examination showed blood on the back of his head. As they pounded on his back someone noted his eyes. “Gold eyes.” They called. “Are you fire nation?” The boy lifted his head and the light of the lantern caught his eyes reflecting back at them. “Of course I am.” The kid snarls. “Star Eyes.” Someone breathed. Shit this kid was one of theirs. “Could be the child of a war bride.” Was suggested by someone. “At least he’s not a fire bender.” There was a laugh that was quickly interrupted by the star eyed boy himself. “Yes I am.” “Well that was.... honest.” 

Star eyes were only something seen in the water tribes though. Even if this kid was a fire bender he had to be water tribe. More then likely the result of a woman stolen from her tribe during a raid and raised as Fire Nation since he looked enough of the part. But he was young, probably just recruited or practically forced into joining the military. There was a easy way to figure out how dangerous this kid was or rather how much more dangerous he was considering he was a fire bender. 

“Have you ever killed someone?” Hakoda asks crouching before the boy lifting his chin in one hand so the boy had to look him in the eye with those gold colored star eyes. “What? No ... I don’t think.... No.”  The kid seemed confused the blood on the back of his head suggested a head wound but this kid was young probably just assigned to a ship only to get knocked overboard by either by a storm or by another soldier. Those eyes probably didn’t make him popular or the fact that this kid’s eyes kept sliding away from Hakoda’s own suggested he may be a fey child. 

“What do we do with him?” Somebody asks as they watch the kid cough up water, curling and uncurling his fingers against the wood of the deck his eyes cast down. “We keep him for now. His mother is probably Water Tribe war bride if he is star eyed. Have Kustaa check him over and if he survives we figure out what to do from there." Hakoda announces to the crew. They took care of their own and until they figured out who his mother was and could turn him over to her family if she had any left the crew of the Akhult would take care of him for now. Half Water Tribe and the child of a war bride was still Water Tribe and like hell were they going to turn him over to the Fire Nation to continue using as a weapon.

Kustaa later informed him the boy had hypothermia as well as potentially severe head trauma it was hard to tell right now. The kid mistook him for his uncle. Which uncle they weren't sure. It's possible the boy's mother had a picture of her family she either managed to take with her or she drew herself or he could be thinking Kustaa was his father's brother. The escape attempts didn't help some of the crews opinions on keeping the kid but considering he was raised as Fire Nation and was in a strange place so its expected that he would try to escape although climbing the mast was something Hakoda really wished he didn't do along with scaling the side of the ship.

Kustaa had mentioned the boy called for his mother while delirious along with begging his father for forgiveness pledging his loyalty to him and pleading no to the man which didn't paint a pretty picture of the man or gain much favor of the fire nation in the crews opinions. "Tell me about your mother." Hakoda suggests sitting up on the mast beside the boy. Glowing gold eyes blinked at him. "I remember trailing robes. She favored long sleeved robes with delicate embroidery. She had long hair I remember her brushing mine when I was little. I would sit in her lap and she would brush my hair talking to me about theater or turtleducks or plants. Different things she liked. I think I would sometimes tell her about my day or what I had done recently I don't remember clearly its... faded almost. Fuzzy. I barely remember what she looked like."

Hakoda frowned the boy was water tribe he had to be with those star eyes of his but why wouldn't his mother tell him about her people, her home. Maybe she couldn't? Maybe the boys father was so controlling he made sure she never spoke of home to their son? Then the boy said something that made him rethink everything he knew about the kid. "Uncle said my hair is alot like hers. Or it was. I don't even remember why I shaved it." The kid frowned obviously struggling to remember rubbing his head with one hand. The head wound had left him confused he didn't rember his name or much of anything recent but he remembered he had been burned for cowardice supposedly or partially for that but what did the fire nation consider to be cowardly? Kustaa suspected the boy's own father burned him based off what they gleaned from fever dreams and night terrors.

“What did she look like?” Hakoda questions softly holding his breath hoping he was wrong with the hunch he had. “Elegant, beautiful, she had long straight black hair that was so soft and amber eyes with flecks of true gold in them she wore long sleeved red robes with elegant embroidery. The sleeves would bellow and she would hide me in them when I was little.” The boy continued to talk about his mother someone he remembered fondly although all the details suggested the hugs, the turtle duck kisses and every else stopped when the boy was small. Something happened to his mother and Hakoda was beginning to suspect it may have something to do with the boys true parentage. But how to suggest it to the kid without breaking the poor things mind? The whole crew already suspected he was spirit touched as the water tribe liked to call those who were different mentally the earth kingdom called them fey and not all of the earth kingdom where kind to them. 

“If I promise no one on this ship will hurt you and we won’t turn you over to the Earth Kingdom will you stop with the escape attempts?”Hakoda asks when the boy falls silent picking at the grain of the wood under his hands not meeting Hakoda’s eyes. The kid blinked up at him startled. “Okay.” Getting the kid down the mast was surprisingly easy after that and a few more rules were hashed out before the kid was sent to see Kustaa again and the crew was gathered. “The boy’s mother was fire nation. He remembers her more clearly then anything else.” This drew murmurs from the crew some wanted to toss him over board then since he wasn’t the child of a war bride. “But he’s star eyed he has to be Water Tribe.” Toklo says tilting his head in confusion. “Exactly. We know he seemed to have issues regarding his father and Kustaa suspects he may have been the one to burn the kid. I learned his mother also disappeared or may possibly have been killed when he was young.” This gained more murmurs from the crew. 

Panuk pulled in a sharp audible breath. He had figured out what Hakoda was getting at. “Does any one here know where they were about 16 to 17 years ago? If they were around the Earth Kingdom or the colonies anywhere?” Their chief had to ask if none of the men on this ship was the boys father he would have to send messages out to all the others in the fleet see if anyone remembered if maybe had met a pretty woman in the Earth Kingdom or in the colonies and spent a night with her. If the kids mother was Fire Nation and he was star eyed that meant his real father had to be Water Tribe. His mother had to have married or started a new relationship soon after and the boy looked fire nation enough to pass him off as her husband’s but the husband probably suspected what with the star eyes. There was silence followed by an uproar. “You can’t be serious?!” Aake shouted in outrage. “I’m not judging anyone but the boy is water tribe and with his mother gone we most definitely are not giving him back to the Fire Nation so we need to figure out whose he is. We take care of our own.” Hakoda soothed the crews ruffled feathers listening as the men scrambled to remember where they were and what they were doing all those years ago.

Slowly they managed to clear the majority of the crew those who couldn’t remember were left struggling valiantly to justify why they couldn’t possibly be the boys father while their youngest two crew members watched with glee obviously in the clear themselves due to their age. Once Kustaa cleared the boy Hakoda set him to work and had to add no breathing fire to the list of rules. Toklo and Panuk made friends with their newest crew member over laundry and the boy was very shouty about women’s work. And then the issue over the kid not having a name he remembered came up. Names like Siqinq, Kallik, Cupun, Tulok, Yuka and Tulugaq were tossed around. He is pretty sure they settled on Tulok simply because they already have a Tuluk and Toklo on board and that name is almost a combination of the two plus it had a star meaning behind it. The boy just wanted to fit in.

Reds were changed for Toklo’s blues and the boys hair shaved to regrow properly after Kustaa managed to break it to the kid that a real father wouldn’t abuse his son, biological or not. They picked up Bato who sympathized with them for wanting to keep the star eyed child, teach him his real culture, and find his real father but the kid was still a fire bender. A fire bender on a WOODEN SHIP!! The boy, Toluk looked like a kicked polar puppy being denied sleep in the hammock he was used to and his usual snacks when ever he wanted. They still had a lot of work cut out for them when the kid thought he would be killed over a bending accident because he didn’t fully remember he needed to mediate to control his fire. His memories were still patchy at best. So Hakoda ended up with his temporary foster star eyed child sitting in his cabin breathing with a lantern holding a dog.  

The kid liked sea prunes proving he was Water Tribe at heart. He was good at using his fire bending for non evil purposes even if he protested it. He proved he shouldn’t be left alone in port either by himself or with his friends. He gained a piercing, two rusted swords, a theater scroll and a cabbage? No one seems to know about the cabbage. He can cook as it’s proven despite how spicy his cooking is and nearly gets kidnapped by prostitutes. Sex workers were not on the list of people Hakoda thought he would have to fight for custody of Tulok with. He nearly gets himself kidnapped by a Earth Kingdom solider they are allied with who seemed sure their boy was then dead prince of the Fire Nation. Never mind that the prince was dead and their boy was star eyed. The solider was surprisingly unfazed by the heat of the kids cooking. He didn't end up kidnapped despite his best efforts.. The kid really needed to stop climbing the mast. “Prince Zuko?!” Hakoda’s kids seemed to also mistake Tulok for the dead prince. 

“That’s the Prince of the Fire Nation, dad he chased us all over and tried to capture the avatar numerous times. His sister did capture Aang.” His kids argued trying to convince him that their new foster brother was some evil prince. The kid in question for his part had more headaches then usual and just seemed more confused and angry. He remembered something. A little sister named LaLa. It takes a while but after watching their new brother and listening to the crew, “His name is Zuko, he is the prince of the Fire Nation, his father is Fire Lord Ozai does no one care about that?!” Sokka asks in outrage staring as the kid in question does laundry like its a perfectly normal thing for a prince to do. “His mother may be fire nation but his father sure isn’t.” Panuk comments dodging a wet shirt thrown by their resident fire bender.  This earned laughter and calls of “Good for her!!” And “She could do a lot better!” Followed by “At least a water tribesman would treat her right!!”. Sokka groaned in frustration and confusion. 

“Why is my nephew wearing blue, convinced Ozai isn’t his biological father and that he is water tribe?” General Iroh the Dragon of the West questions calmly. Tulok seemed to recognize Iroh and even called him Uncle and recognized some of the crew but he still didn’t have complete clear memories although his headaches grew worse until Kustaa told him it didn’t matter if he remembered or not he was water tribe and nothing was going to change that spirit touched or not. “He is star eyed you can’t possibly tell me the fire nation has star eyed kids that’s a water tribe thing only.” Iroh considered it briefly before dismissing it. His nephew looked similar to a young Ozai, so Ozai had to be his father even if he wasn’t much of one and his nephew deserved better then Ozai. But surely Ursa couldn’t have had an affair while married to Ozai it was impossible. Iroh tried to do the math off the top of his head of when Ursa and Ozai married vs when Zuko was born. “Look the obvious answer here is that the boys mom met with a Water Tribe beefcake and had a one night stand that lead to the boy. It’s the only thing that explains why his supposed father hated him so much and why he struggled with fire bending and is star eyed.” Bato explains grinning. “Beefcake?” Hakoda and Iroh question. 

Azula finds this all far to amusing. “That just means I’m the rightful heir after all. You can stay here with your little water tribe family and I can be the next Fire Lord after Uncle.” Somehow things get worked out that their star eyed fire bender’s fire nation sister will be staying with them along side her two scary friends and the kids supposed Uncle will become the next Fire Lord once they take down Ozai. The kid is still confused and there are still gaps in his memories but they aren’t giving him back now he is their’s and the fire nation can’t have him. They still call him Tulok since the fire nation does consider the sun to be a star after all. He seems to like it better then Zuko. He still does their laundry still wears beads in his braids in red, blue and one gold. In all that’s happened no one thought to alert the rest of the fleet about what they learned leaving them in for one heck of a surprise when they reach Chameleon Bay where the rest of the men from the fleet scramble to try to remember where they were sixteen-point-nine years ago. 

[wellfell]

 akina mori has always been more of a tornado than a woman , and it was awfully beautiful to be a woman . because women knew when to stop , women were wise , and tornadoes were mindless pieces of nature that didn't see where they were destroying as long as they were freely dancing around . akina was a tornado because sometimes she couldn't see beyond her and her lover's eyes , couldn't decide if she'd save the world or let it burn just so karube daikichi doesn't get cold again ; he wears ridiculously thin clothes , it's not fun having his hands feel like ice around her waist as the weather gets colder and it's incredibly difficult not to mother him . something flawlessly opposite of what she truly was and wanted to be .

 so a tornado doesn't understand games , it just gets what it wants even if it means leaving desolations behind .

 doesn't understand the tenderness of the little peck on her forehead because she was expecting to be devoured for looking that good with her sharp eyeliner on . she can't fathom why he keeps her untouched and smiles down at her like a lost deer . she likes keeping him on his toes , that's for sure but her oracle reading yesterday told her it'd be wiser to stop playing around and settle down — ‘ i'm not a wise girl , sorry ‘ i'm a mindless tornado . she watches him stretch , with eyes of a startled doe . lets him loosen his muscles before sitting up . only to crawl to him and harshly pin him to the bed .

 the action might suggest something inappropriate but she looks a little angry more than anything . the curve of her hips jut out slightly when she straddles his stomach and tightens her grip on his shirt with a glare . ❛ kiss me properly . ❜  the tip of her finger touches her own lips , taps on the plump lip with an expectant stare . but she doesn't want to let him do all the job , she's leaning forward to peck the corner of his lips . betrays her own request by teasing him , not quite kissing him . palms of her warm hands settle on his chest , toys with the soft cotton of his shirt while she enjoys her little game .

 of course she likes being dolled up , and she uses it against the men with smaller brains and bigger eyes . karube has never been one of them , he does have greedy and big eyes but he also thinks of the consequences of his greed if he gives in to it . she's tempted to remind him just how greedy his eyes ( and hands and tongue and mouth - ) was last night , but instead she pulls away from him . changed her mind , kissing her properly ; it might and it will lead to worse things that'll confuse the friends who are trying to reach them . her phone buzzes and she crawls to the sheets , off of him , weight lifting from his stomach . a feminine voice comes from the other line , familiar , making her gaze fix on karube as she speaks up softly ;

 ❛ emi . . . how are you ? i'm - ❜  she feels disgusting , she doesn't look like she does , but it's making her skin crawl . ❛ no . i don't know where he is . ❜

@wellfell | continued

Karube Daikichi, turns out, possesses no common sense.

All he's ever done for most of his relatively short life is pretend he does. And sometimes he doesn't even have to lie to throw it on, like a worn t-shirt he only pulls out to do the dirty work for someone else.

Being sensible, rational, responsible, he's not the oldest of his friend group - he's not even the oldest in this room right now, and their society demands some sort of s o m e t h i n g from their age difference, but Karube sits back and Akina growls and who could possible deter them from being whatever they are, right here, right now - but he sure acts like it sometimes, perennial older brother, perennial babysitter, perennial boyfriend.

Cigarette in hand, sharp wit hidden under his tongue, and a tight grip on someone's metaphorical shoulders when they need him to give again.

He acts mature.

He is, maybe.

But turns out, he has no common sense.

A man with common sense would have shied away from Akina's mewling as much as her hissing should have scared him off, the gentle tease of her claws and the tender feeling of her fingerpads. Soft and rough around the edges, Akina always played both sides of her own coin masterfully well, he could never guess if he was the lion or the lion tamer.

Meet her when she's not out to be nice and her smiles are about as pretty as a poisonous flower - just as enticing for the bug he is, as well.

Meet her like this, and suddenly she's as soft as her skin when he'd stopped to marvel at it, when his calloused fingertips had met it with the kind of tenderness he hides behind his sideways smiles and vulgar utterances of philosophies people smarter than him don't buy because smarter usually means better at winning in a world such as theirs.

The stupid kids are usually the ones who know it better, but only perhaps because Karube wrongly counts himself among them, the way too many abandoned by their world do.

He doesn't even wince, not really. The press of her nail in his thigh is more grounding than it is bothersome, enough to work as intended and drag his gaze off the emptiness of the air, refocus it on the world of Akina that breathes in it.

She's already perfectly dolled up. Karube should note down asking, perhaps one day, if she likes it or if she uses it only. He wonders if 'both' is what he'll get.

He watches the red of her lips and wants to chew it off.

Karube sighs. He grabs Akina's hand, moves it off his thigh to give himself enough space to shift and slip until he's seated next to her. It's a good angle to potentially find something, anything she'd use to wipe her face to kill the glow of his cigarette in. It's an even better angle to lean back, mimic her, put his weight into the elbow he shoves into the mattress - keep the glowing fingers far away from her face - and lean down.

He steals a kiss.

Slow, warning, just enough space, enough room to be pushed away.

A kiss to her forehead. Because Karube plays mean by being the opposite of what people expect him to be.

When he pulls back, it's to grin down at her.

"I like to keep you on your toes," he straightens his back with a strained sigh, half a stretch, even. "Don't deny you like to do the same."

[mysticmeena]

your post was beautiful, really fuelling the daydreams right now and i’m living for it.

anywho, i return with more bird feed for the brain. male!roxie who’s surprisingly good at praising his puppy (yeah, that’s readers official title now. or the occasional pup. and yes, reader does respond to it like it’s their name.)! when he’s feeling nice, he loves to pat your head and praise you gently. usually, the praises turn back to him, in someway.

“ it’s truly a miracle you’ve managed to stay by my side this long, most people can’t. i’m so proud”

male!roxie who enjoys reading when he’s feeling domestic for once in his life, and lets reader rest their head on his lap as he does so. it was.. scary, at first. puppy expected some kind of prank. totally expected him to pinch their cheek and do his condescending ‘ nuh uh ‘ as if they’re a real puppy, but no, he allowed it!! how odd..

male!roxie who hand feeds reader. hear me out. say you’re just giving beside him on a chill day, roxie will definitely pluck a grape from the bowl sitting on the little table and hold it up to your mouth, wholeheartedly expecting you to accept this oh so gracious offer of his and eat as much as he wants you to. (he’s the one who asked for the grapes in the first place.. weirdo )

oh and if you’re wondering, yes, that is his excuse to shove his fingers into your mouth. he likes watching you splutter in shock about it. yeah, he’s so mean.

aw, I'm so glad you love the post! <333 and omg yes nonnie, you're so creative!!

praises are just a must for our glorious male!roxana, after all! with his golden fair hair, his captivating ruby red eyes, and that a smile that cause women and men to fall for him, you have to consider yourself lucky he kept you next to him! and he reminds you ever so often of that. he's your master so obviously he expects you to compliment him whenever you're both together which is almost all the time. he'll only ever praise you if you've been a good puppy to him. and if you haven't been good to him, you could see a very cold side of him which he doesn't even acknowledge you. even to the point he treats you like an actual dog which is definitely what you don't want to experience.

typically, it would be you to hand feed him. does he bite your fingers every now and then? yes he does but if you're lucky enough, he would kiss where he bit you even though he was the reason why it hurts. but some days, he likes to feed you from his hand. yeah, he would shove his fingers down on your mouth whenever he wants to but on the more genuine moments shared between you both. he likes to watch you make the expressions when he personally hand feeds you. either you're shocked or must accept it as him being him, he also takes notes of what food you like and what you don't. he'd be a horrible master if didn't know his puppy's preference even if he teases them about it.

domestic moments are not the rarest moments but are not uncommon in the agriche mansion. after all, he is one of lante's top three children so work is necessary to do. but after a long day of work, he'll just crash into the bed, taking you along with him. whether you were cleaning up his room or reading a book, he won't care. after all, won't you put his needs first as you always do? and during one of the more overwhelming days of being an agriche, he let his head rest on your chest and listens to your heartbeat which keeps him grounded in reality. to him, you may be his puppy but you're also his saving grace. you keep him from going insane in this household yet at the same time, he would go berserk if you're harmed in any way. you can't leave him in this hellish household. he won't let you.

on the unrelated note, i just keep thinking of this one scenario! when the night the black agriche falls and male!roxana runs away, he'll take you with him and disappear into the night. whether you find a lovely cottage to settle in or a bustling city filled with opportunities, you'll find a new side of him that isn't overshadowed by the agriche name. he may still be your teasing master and you'll be his loyal puppy yet somehow you feel as if you can finally reach out to him and he'll meet you halfway.

[boldlyvoid]

36 Questions to Fall in Love

Summary: When Derek bets Spencer that he cant make someone fall in love with him in a week, he doesn’t expect Spencer to marry the girl the next day

warnings: strangers to lovers, blind dates, betting, talks of: drug use, drug addiction, abusive marriages, rape, sexual assault, abuse, attempted murder, mass shootings, parental death, love confessions, elopements, opposite of slow burn

word count: 8K

A/N: this is based on a request I received a while back about this article

Derek was a betting man, to say the least. He knew Spencer was from Vegas, he also knew Emily couldn’t say no to a challenge and that Rossi had enough money to burn. Betting at work was the best way to have fun when he worked there, and now he can’t stop.

“I’m not saying con a woman into loving you, I’m saying let us find a girl and let’s see if she can fall in love with you, take a week off from work and just spend time wooing her, and in a week, me or Emily will hit on her, if she turns us down for you, then you’ve won.”

Derek explained it like it was simple, and yet the mere thought of being set up with someone was horrifyingly nerve-wracking. But he got Spencer to agree… unbeknown to him that he had another bet going on the side.

You see earlier that day he was invited to Penelope’s apartment, her younger sister was moving in for a little while and they needed a big strong man to help move the boxes. And like Penelope, Y/N was really chatty and overly friendly really fast. It was like he’s always known Y/N Garcia.

She explained to Derek how hard it was in California to find good men who want someone to love them, she’s tired of guys thinking she comes on too fast, she wants someone who wants to settle and have kids and be a dad. Not a Vain narcissist who only cares about what the city can offer him.

“The last guy I went on a date with literally ran when I mentioned I read a New York Times article about 36 questions to make you fall in love… I just want a person to love? Is that really so hard?”

A lightbulb goes off in Derek’s mind, and Penelope almost reads it.

“Spencer.” They both reply with the same cheeky grin.

“I bet you, you could be as insane as you say you are and he’d still be in love with you by the end of the week.” Derek teases, and the way she smiles shows just how interested she is.

—

Woo her.

The words have rattled around in his brain every second of every moment since Derek said he found a girl for him.

She was free on Saturday, all Spencer had to do was tell Derek where she should meet him and all Penelope had to do was not mention to Spencer that she had a sister, it was up to Y/N when Spencer learned that fact.

She’s already there at the restaurant when he arrives, he’s not sure what he was expecting when Derek said he found the perfect girl but it wasn’t this. He was thinking it was going to be a joke, that either no one would show or Derek was hooking him up with some hot blonde who was way out of his league.

She was beautiful in a nice dress, her makeup was stunning and she looked so content sitting there, waiting for him. Starring her ice water with a straw, she wasn’t paying any attention to the room, she barely knew he was there.

“Hi?” He said softly, not wanting to startle her.

“Hi,” she beamed up at him, that same unsure look on her face. Neither of them was expecting anything from the other, but they were pleasantly surprised.

“Spencer Reid,” he says, actually extending a hand to shake her’s because it’s the chivalrous thing to do.

She reaches out her hand, watching him take it and kiss her knuckle softly, she’s so surprised. “Oh, um, Y/N Garcia,” she whispers the name and his eyes go wide.

“Garcia?” He panics a little, sitting down in the booth and facing her as her face drops at his reaction.

“Did he not tell you I’m Penelope’s sister? I knew Derek was up to something,” she looked like it was all too good to be true, upset almost.

“He didn’t, he probably wanted you to tell me, I mean this all so we can get to know each other,” Spencer shrugs it off, interested in seeing why Derek picked her of all people.

“I guess,” she smiled again, “so what do you do?”

“I work with Penelope, I specialize more in psycho-linguistics and geographical profiling.”

She nods in approval, “I’m a high school English teacher.”

Spencer laughs lightly, “what’s that like?”

“Interesting to say the least, especially in California. Every kid there wants to be on TikTok, no one cares about reading any of the books I ask them too,” she just shakes her head. “I’m worried about the next generation.”

“Me too, it’s almost alarming how many kids are unsubs,” he agrees. She’s so easy to talk to, he’s suddenly not nervous anymore and the waiter is coming to take their order.

He never even opened the menu, “what looks good?” He asks Y/N, nervous and she can tell.

“I think I’m going to have the lobster, let’s go all out?” She shrugged again, both of them feeling more adventurous than normal.

“I’ll have that as well,” Spencer smiled, keeping eye contact with only her as she handed the menus back to him.

They ordered sides and appetizers, stuffed mushrooms and fresh bread, it was amazing. They traded small facts about each other, Spencer noticed a lot of Penelope’s quirks in her, she was very friendly and kind and funny. She loved to tease him and make him laugh, his stomach hurt by the time their lobsters came out.

“I’ve never done this before,” she admits, putting on her bib and holding the claw cracker in one hand.

“Neither have I, but I think it’s fairly simple you just need to apply the correct amount of pressure,” he demonstrates by picking up the crustacean and cracking it at its weakest point before twisting it open.

He’s surprised he did it, so is she as she copies is movements and struggles a bit. “You got it, come on,” he encourages her as she squeezed so hard her hands shake but the shell does eventually crack.

She smiles like she just won the science fair, overly proud as they stare at each other. Enamoured already by just how cute the other was.

“So, what do you do for fun outside being a fed?” She teases between bites.

“I like to spend my time finding new things, I tend to go to the same spots often but I’m always looking for new places. I like the theatre, the old cemetery is nice, I’m excited for the new phantasmagoria to open this fall,” he explains all his interests as he cracks away at his dinner. “I just like to try and appreciate what’s out there, after everything I see.”

“That’s really nice, I’ve always wanted to go to a phantasmagoria actually, science magic is the best kind of magic,” she says it like it’s nothing, almost embarrassed by the interest.

“Me too, I love magic,” Spencer lights up, “I can actually do some magic, hold on.”

He digs his NA chip out of his pocket, showing it to her quickly before making it disappear and reappear behind her ear and she was so smitten, “how the heck?” She asked as she reached for her own ear, shocked at the fact he could do it.

“Do you always keep a coin on you for that?”

He thinks about it for a second, not knowing if he should tell her or not. “No, I keep this on me for support.”

He places it on the table, she picks it up instead and inspects it carefully, “2 years is a really long time, I’m really proud of you.”

He feels like he falls in love with her in that moment, she places the chip back in his hand and smiles, “it’s not easy to admit nor recover from, it’s something you should be really proud of Spencer.”

“Thank you,” he blushes, “um, is there anything else you want to know about me?”

She bites the inside of her lip as she thinks, “actually I was reading an article the other day that said there are a list of personal questions you can ask someone and by the end of all of them you should be in love with the person.”

He thought it was a good opportunity to take a sip of water, upon hearing the word love he realizes it was a mistake. He chokes lightly, coughing as he puts the glass back down and apologizes.

“Love?” He repeats the word.

“I’m going to be real honest here Spencer, I don’t date to get my heartbroken, I date to find my life partner so if you’re not interested in marriage or kids one day tell me now,” she’s very stern about it and he can tell she’s gotten her hopes up and heart broken before.

“I want that too, I just didn’t expect you to be so upfront about it,” he’s honest, because clearly that’s what she wants from him. “What was on the question list?”

“Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?” She asks, remembering the questions easily.

“Wow,” he takes a moment to think about it, “alive or dead?”

“Sure, why not,” she shrugs.

“Probably biological Eve,” he comes to the decision rather quickly. “I’ve always been fascinated with the fact all humans can be traced back to one single women. I’m sure she was amazing, it must have been so interesting being the first women on earth.”

“That is the coolest answer anyone has ever given me,” she smiles, “I think I’d be boring and have dinner with Julia Roberts.”

“She’s a very talented actress,” he smiles, recognizing the name from Penelope’s movie nights. “Um, I have an eidetic memory, do you have the list I can just read it once and then we can spit it back and forth easily.”

She looks at him with wide eyes and a growing smile, “yeah hold on.” She takes out her cellphone and pulls up the article before handing it to him.

He reads it quickly and then hands it right back, she was amazed, surely it was a joke? “Would I like to be famous?” He repeats the next question to himself.

“No,” he’s very certain. “I’ve had some encounters with psychopaths who think they are my biggest fans, perfect match or my only rival, and it’s not fun. I’m sure being adored is lovely, but I don’t like the attention if it’s not from a good place.”

“So you want praise but you don’t want a stalker?” She dumbs it down slightly with a smile, “I definitely don’t want to be famous because I don’t like other peoples opinions about me.”

“That’s incredibly fair.”

“Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say?” She asks the next one.

“If it’s for work or my mother, yes,” he answers it completely honestly. “I prefer not to make phone calls, so when I have to make them I typically spend the day before panicking.”

She smiles, “well, if you ever need someone to call tech support and pretend to be you, I am really good on the phone.”

“Like Penelope?”

She nods, “we spent a lot of time talking on the phone when she moved to Virginia for your team.”

“That must have been really hard, I’m surprised she hasn’t mentioned you yet?”

“I’m not really her sister,” she smiles, “I wish I was. I met her during a really abusive relationship and I didn’t feel close to my parents anymore, so my old name didn’t feel right either. Penelope and her brothers were the closest thing I had to family, so I took their name after my divorce.”

“That’s beautiful,” his smile is so soft, she wonders if he feels the same about Penelope.

“What do you consider a perfect day?” She moves on before she can pry into his personal life further, just to pry into his personal life further— in another direction.

“Nobody dies.”

“Even the bad guys?” She squints as she asks it, wondering if that was an appropriate topic for the first date.

“I’m not a fan of the prison system, and I’m really not a very big fan of suicide by cop, let alone lethal injection,” he explained. “Just because you’re a murderer or a psychopath doesn’t mean you have to die too, there is rehabilitation and a way to keep them sane and alive while keeping people safe. I just hate when people die.”

“Me too,” her smile is sad, “my perfect day would be having my parents back, I’d like to show them my degree and go out for ice cream and give them another hug.”

“We should have our perfect days back to back,” his voice is low, he was nervous to say it. “Cause then once you bring them back, I stop people from dying and they can stay forever.”

He sees her heartbreak as the tears well in her eyes, “that would be nice.”

“Um,” he clears his throat and then takes a sip of water. “When was the last time you sang to yourself, or someone else?”

“I was singing in the car on the way here,” she smiles with a sniffle, “I sing a lot actually. I’m always humming or tapping as well, if my mind is wandering then it has to make some kind of noise.”

“What is your favourite thing to hum?” He can’t stop himself from asking it, “I personally do the muppets, duh duh nanana, manamanah.”

She laughs again, and a tear slips out as her eyes close. She hurries to wipe it away, “I often find myself doing the teletubbies song, you know; ‘Tinky-Winky, Dipsy,’” she sings the words before humming the tune to match.

“That’s a good one too,” Spencer is really enthusiastic suddenly, the way he would be with Penelope. He was really comfortable. “If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?”

“Mind, because that’s how you keep a good body. If I can keep the strength and willpower to get up in the mornings and go to work and remember why I love being alive, I’ll be young forever,” she answers like it’s rehearsed.

“I was going to say I’d want my mind too, but the way you said it is a lot more elegant,” he teases. “My mom has Alzheimer's, you were honest about wanting kids and you should know that's genetic. I can also pass on schizophrenia and any other mental illness, like depression, bipolar disorder and most definitely anxiety—

“Spencer,” she reaches across the table for his hand, “breathe, that’s not scary to me. My grandma had it too, I’m not optimal gene-wise either.”

He takes a deep breath, “Sorry.”

“It makes you real to react like that, I don’t mind seeing that side of you. Fake strong men and men who compensate are the worst, in my opinion.”

“Mine too,” he agrees. “I am an anxious worrier, I barely sleep, I’m terrified of the dark, I have PTSD nightmares about my short stay in prison, and I cry a lot when I’m alone.”

“It was a mistake clearly? The prison stay, that is.”

“Yeah,” he nods, moving to the next question. “Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?”

She laughs through her nose at the switch topic change, “well until I was 19 I thought my husband was going to kill me, then I thought maybe it would be myself, now I’m content dying in my sleep when I'm old.”

“It is ever-changing,” he agrees. “I have died before.”

“What did it feel like?”

She doesn’t ask how, she knows he was sober, she knows he’s been to prison, she knows he’s an agent. It wasn’t a surprise. Penelope even almost died once before, it was an unfortunate part of the job.

“Warm.”

“Like soothing warm, like drinking a hot chocolate, or that uncomfortable warm like being in a hot car?”

“Like a hug.”

Her lips purse, she hums a bit. “Yeah, my answer stays the same.”

“Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common.”

“You like to learn,” she smiles again. “You enjoy the mysteries and the horribleness of the world because it keeps you grounded. You love your mom.”

“We love Penelope, our hearts have similar scars, life has been mean to us for no reason,” he adds 3 more for good measure.

“What are you grateful for in life?” She asks the next question.

“I’ve never said this before,” he prefaces, “but found family. If it wasn’t for my team, no matter who was coming and going over the years, anyone who has had my back. Anyone who loves me in any capacity. That’s what I’m grateful for.”

“We’re not even through the first set of questions and I can see why everyone loves you,” she admits. Moving far too fast, doing exactly what Derek wanted from her.

To scare him and see if he still stays.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Spencer stops the questions, “I can’t continue if I can’t tell you this.”

“Yeah, what’s wrong?”

“Derek and Emily bet me $20 that I couldn’t get someone to fall in love with me, he wanted to set this up and then hit on you in a week and see if you picked me over him, and it feels like a really shitty thing to do to you. It’s making me feel like you’re an object more than a person and I feel really bad about it.”

She just laughs and he has no idea why. “He bet me that I could be as insane as I am with most of my dates and you’d still want to stay with me after a week.”

“You’re not mad?” He worries, by passing her words and the implications of it all.

“No, did you truly mean how you feel?”

“Yes…”

“Then I accept your apology, you’re really kind Spencer. I believe you when you speak, I trust you,” she explains her reasoning and he settles once more. “You’re the most real man I’ve ever met, I think.”

“Thank you,” he smiles again, reaching out for her hand once more, “do you want to finish these questions?”

“Not really,” she smirks, “I think they were wrong about all 35 of them making you fall in love with someone.”

“How so?”

“It only took me 9.”

It’s so absurd they start to laugh, making eye contact, they feel delirious. His hand in hers, she squeezes it lightly and he never wants to let it go.

“Do you want to get out of here?”

“Sure, did you drive?” She asks.

“No, I walked over.”

She gets up from the table and takes his hand once more, “well, are we going to mine or yours?”

“Are you living with Penelope?”

“Yours it is then,” she teases, bumping his shoulder. This was going to be fun.

Spencer pays for their meal and meets her out front, he gets in her passenger seat and gives her the directions. “Do you want to finish the questions on the drive?” He asks.

“Hmm, well, 11 is a long one, if you want to start telling me your life story in graphic detail? Or we can jump to 12 and you can tell me what super ability you’d like to wake up with?”

“Have you ever watched star trek?”

She’s not expecting that, it makes her take a double-take, she laughs lightly, “Yeah, why?”

“Deanna Troi can sense peoples emotions, I think that would really help with my job,” he explains it easily. “And in times like this.”

“I can just tell you,” she offers, pulling into his apartment complex, she can tell why he walked.

“You don’t have to yet, let it simmer,” he smiles softly, he’s not ready for her to make a decision like loving him when she really doesn’t know everything yet. “Come inside?”

She nods, getting out and taking his hand again for the walk inside. His house is green, and it makes sense. There are door wooden bookshelves and the distant smell of old books and spilled coffee, it’s dusty and old and very Spencer.

“Can I tell you some of my story?” She asks as she kicks her shoes off.

“Absolutely,” he follows her lead, “do you want anything, wine, water?”

“Wine would be nice,” she smiles, following him to the kitchen, “you know my favourite place to talk to someone is in the kitchen.”

“Why?”

“It's the heart of the house,” she smiles slightly, “that's what my mom used to say. This is where all the love happens.”

He loves her and he knows it already, she makes him happy and calm and if she’s in the heart of his house she might as well know all of his own heart.

“I was born in Vegas,” Spencer admits, pushing his life story past his lips before she can stop him or else he wouldn’t.

“My mom was a professor, my dad is an attorney, I have always been really smart and not so athletic, I enjoy chess and reading and I had big thick glasses as a child. My mom participated in a murder and my dad covered it up and that ruined their marriage but they blamed it on her schizophrenia when he left. And then I was left to raise her when she was supposed to be raising me. I cared for her until I turned 13, I left her during the weeks and my aunt would make sure she was okay and I would travel back and forth from CalTech and Vegas on the weekends.”

She can see the exhaustion on his face at just remembering it.

“I got my licence at 16, and then I took her car and it was easier. When I was 18 I put her in a sanatarium and sold her house and took a road trip with my friend to Virginia to go to the academy. He didn’t like it after a week and asked me to go with him to New Orleans and I didn’t— I met my mentor and joined the BAU instead. I was kidnapped and drugged by a man with DID… I died and then his personality switched and Tobias brought me back. I had an addiction to Dilaudid for a few months after, then I got sober after visiting Ethan in New Orleans.”

“Was he good to you?”

“Wonderful,” he smiles, “he was my shoulder to cry on for a long time and I didn’t realize how much I needed him in my recovery until we got a case and I had a reason to see him. I missed a plane and ignored my friends to just be with him. He’s the reason I got clean, not anything else… he told me that I was too special to hate myself, and he was right.”

“He was,” she smiles. “He sounds lovely.”

“And then, the first time I saw my mom after putting her in the sanatarium was because she told parts of our case to a man who lost his daughter, and he did a lot of messed up stuff… like he shot my co-worker. She was another special person to me—“

“I’m so sorry.”

He smiles, “she lived, don’t worry. I loved Elle, she was amazing but the bureau didn’t see that. She was a broken toy to them, we all become one eventually. I miss her a lot.”

She walks into his space and wraps her arms around him, giving him a hug as he rests against the counter, she makes no attempt to move back. Holding him in the heart of the house, close to her own. He holds her back just as tight.

“Maeve, she was another person I loved who got shot, she died. I see her sometimes when I sleep, she visits me when I’m in the most need. I’ll always love her, but she’s gone. The only other woman who claims to have loved me was a psychopath who is dead now too, she framed me for murder, had me drugged, kidnapped my mother and the list goes on and it’s not pretty. In prison she had a lot of bad things happen to me, I have scars that will never heal and a part of me was lost but I’m okay now.”

They have a moment of silence in the middle of their stories, she absorbs it while preparing her own, rubbing his back as her cheek stays pressed to his chest.

“I was born in California, my parents were high school sweethearts, they made me at prom. Learned that from the scrapbooks,” she laughs against his chest, “they were great and then they died when I was 14, it was a mass shooting at a mall, and I went to a foster home. I married the oldest son in the home after he groomed me for a few years… I met Penelope when I was 20 and she helped me get divorced and back on my feet and her brothers protected me.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I’m sorry you relate to loss.”

“It's the one thing that unites us all, really,” Spencer’s voice is barely a whisper. “When you think about it, we’re all born and we all die, the only difference is how we fill the middle.”

They never get to that bottle of wine he mentioned, she pulls back and asks the next question as she drags him to his bedroom. “If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?”

“If I get to have kids.”

She drags him into the room and closes the door, “that was going to be my answer.”

“Is there something that you've dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven't you done it?” He asks as she starts to take her clothes off.

“Sleep beside the love of my life.”

“I’ve never woken up beside the love of my life,” he replies with a soft smile and follows suit, getting undressed down to their underwear before climbing in bed.

“Greatest accomplishment?” She asks as they settle in, laying her cheek on his chest once more.

He takes a moment to think of everything he’s done that has been good, and one really stands out. “there was a case a few years back, we found a bunch of kids who went missing and returned them to their families and gave answers to the families of children who didn’t make it. Days like that feel like a reward.”

“Getting divorced,” she pushes the words out quickly.

“Most valued friendship?” He asks, knowing she doesn’t need to explain herself.

“Penelope.”

“Derek.”

“Most treasured memory?”

“When JJ placed her son in my arms and told me I was his godfather,” his voice is hushed and she knows it’s because he doesn’t want to cry. “It's the closest I’ve gotten to being a father so far.”

“I got an end of the year present when I was first starting out, this girl told me that I was the reason she enjoyed reading again and it was the reason I started teaching, I’ll never forget her. Tammy Brownlee, she graduated in 2009 and we’ve been Facebook friends ever since.”

“Most terrible memory?”

“My parents dying.”

“You’d think mine would be dying right?” He asked, she nodded against his chest, “it was actually being held down by 3 men, getting a sock shoved in my mouth while they beat me.”

She kissed his chest softly, “I’m sorry, I know that feeling. Mind you, he was only 1 man, it’s not a good feeling.”

“If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?”

“If it’s definite; not like a chance or a cancer statistic, if it’s like this is the day you die no ifs and's or butts, then I’d just continue as normal and have 1 really awesome day right before,” she smiles against him. “Make the most of it all.”

“If I was dying a year today, I’d ask you to marry me.”

“Already?” She laughs, thinking he’s kidding.

“You want a nice husband and a kid? I will be good for you as long as I know you, and I’ll have as many kids as you want me to help you make.”

She’s silent as she thinks about it. “What does friendship mean to you?”

“Someone who is there for you even when they don’t want to be, even when it’s hard,” Spencer whispers, thinking about his friends.

“It means hacking the government and voiding a marriage and changing someone's name so they can escape,” Y/N whispers. “don’t tell the feds she did that too.”

“What roles do love and affection play in your life?”

“I crave it and hardly receive it, but I give it out like it’s a sample at costco,” she snickers at the example she gave. “It’s something that people have always admired about me and yet it’s also the thing that scares people away. When I love, I love hard and it’s full and annoying and you will feel suffocated sometimes, but just tell me when and I’ll back off.”

“I don’t know how to ask for what I need,” Spencer whispers. “But I need someone to love me like that.”

“The next one is to alternate 5 good things about each other,” she rests her chin on her hand as she looks up at his face in the darkness, “soft.”

He pauses for a moment, bypassing the easiest one and saying pretty, instead, he says; “you’re honest.”

“You’re very caring,” she replies.

“You see beauty in the world still.”

She smiles at that one, “you make the world beautiful.”

“You are beautiful.”

“And you’re handsome, that’s my 4th,” she keeps track in her head.

“You’re true, to your heart, your promises, everything.”

“And you’re real, you see the world for what it is and you don’t try to change it for the better. You want to make it manageable,” her explanation is the longest one yet. “Was your childhood happy, and do you feel close with your family still?”

“I write to my mom every single day and I drop the notes off weekly, and no,” he doesn’t want to cry, but he feels like he might again. “It was liveable, I made it.”

“Mine was happy until I was 14, then I was alone, I have 1 living aunt and she is strange but I get a card from her every Christmas,” Y/N adds. “I’d like to think your lack of love and my need to fill the world with what I miss from my parents will make a really good family dynamic.”

“Me too.”

“How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?” She asks, “I think I know already, but it’s the next one.”

“She hit me a few years ago because I made her take some medicine, she hit me once when I was a kid too…” he whispers them so that they stay a secret, if they can’t be heard else where then they don’t exist in his mind. “She was a wonderful mother but the worst memories stick out the most now. She’s forgetting everything and all I can remember is how hard it’s been on me, like a bad son.”

“My mom was my best friend, and I still talk to her every day, I bring her and my dad around with me in my necklace,” she pulls the chain on her neck and shows him the little jar. “Mom, Dad, this is Spencer. Spencer, this is my mom and dad.”

He holds it in his hand and tips it gently, “nice to meet you.”

“The next one is weird,” she changed the topic again.

“Make three true "we" statements each. For instance, "We are both in this room feeling…" Spencer says it verbatim. “We are both feeling understood.”

“We are both hopeful.”

“We are both falling in love,” Spencer ends the feelings with the most prominent one.

“We are,” she agrees with another smile.

“Finish this,” he insists on moving forward, “I wish I had someone I could share…”

“The rest of my life with,” she whispers this time. “If we become besties, what’s something I should know?”

“I think I’ve told you all the important stuff so far,” Spencer thinks hard, pausing for a moment. “My butt is ticklish?”

It makes her giggle, “that is a good one. My sides and the bottom of my feet are ticklish too.”

“Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you've just met,” Spencer reads the question back from memory, “don’t be afraid to be too honest.”

“I like that you know how I feel but I hate that you’ve been hurt. I like how you listen to me, and I really like how comfortable you make me feel. I’m almost naked in your bed right now and I know you’d never, ever hurt me, and I haven’t felt that in a really long time.”

“I like that you are indulging me in the dream of becoming a husband and a dad one day… most people say it’ll happen but they never picture it. No one has ever said yeah id have your kids. I like that you know what you want and you’re actively looking for it.”

She moves up so she can hold his face in her hands, “only 7 more. Is it working?”

He nods, “my most embarrassing moment is the time I had a wet dream on the work jet.”

She laughs and then covers her mouth in panic, “I’m sorry that’s not funny.”

“It is, it’s fine,” he smiles. “I was dreaming about kissing this actress we helped, she actually did kiss me in the pool, so I guess it was bound to happen.”

She leans in and presses her lips against his, holding his cheeks in her hands his wrap around her waist as he holds her there. She peppers smaller kisses to his lips before pulling back, “we both cried in front of each other already today, so next question.”

“Tell me what you like about me already?”

Her hands trail his chest and down towards his boxers, he’s hard again from just kissing and she smirks, “this is promising.”

His hand on her back unclips her bra, “I love boobs, not even going to lie. They are my weakness.”

She pushes the straps down and tosses her bra aside, pressing her naked chest against his, she moves on. “What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?”

“Being called insane, saying I'm seeing things, or acting crazy, those are things I don’t like to be told because they make my anxiety worse.”

“Noted,” she smiles. “I talk to myself a lot so get ready for that.”

“Okay,” he smiles, she’s way too easy to be real.

“I don’t want to mention my last husband from here on out, I think if I get married again I will never tell anyone I have a first husband,” she’s firm in her words.

“Technically, Y/N Garcia has never had a husband,” he reminds her.

Her face lights up at the realization, “you’re right.”

“If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven't you told them yet?” Spencer asks.

“I regret not screaming at my ex before I disappeared but I wanted to live.”

He hums, understanding how it feels. “There isn’t anyone in specific I’ve wanted to tell this to, but I wanted to kill people when I was in prison. It made me really angry being in there and I let myself dream about killing people who hurt me and then I almost did kill someone.”

“Remember what you said about bad guys?” She whispers a helpful tip, “even the worst people deserve to have a chance at life. And you’re not hardly as bad as the worst people you’ve met.”

“You’re right,” he agrees. “Thank you.”

“This place burns down, what’s one thing you’d run back inside for? Outside of people and animals…” she asks the 3rd last question.

“The book Maeve gave me.”

“The girlfriend who died?” She confirms, and he nods. “If my place with Penelope burned down, I just want my necklace and I don’t take it off that often.”

“The next question is interesting,” Spencer thinks about it, “Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing, and why?”

“I’m glad I wasn’t at the mall with my parents, if I saw them get shot it would hurt more,” she whispers. “I’m sorry you had to see Maeve die like that.”

“In a way, I’m glad I saw Maeve get shot, otherwise I wouldn’t have believed it. She never felt real to me and then she was dead…”

She just hums, “Share a personal problem and ask your partner's advice on how he or she might handle it,” she whispers the last question.

“Also, ask your partner to reflect to you how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen,” Spencer adds in the second half.

“I need to find a place to stay now that I’m here, I don’t want to keep living with Penelope. As much as I love her, I want my own place,” Y/N admits.

“I think I’m in love with this girl that I just met and I don’t know if it’s too soon to ask her to look for a house with me?” Spencer pretends to sigh, “she’s super cool and I think we’d make some nice kids. I would love some advice.”

“Has she told you she loves you yet?” She teases.

Spencer shakes his head. “I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you, too, Spencer,” she replies, leaning in one more time to kiss him.

It’s deeper this time, she breathes him in and rests her forehead against his as she breathes between them.

“How did that work?” She whispers, truly amazed at how easy it was.

He shrugs, “it’s a good questionnaire.”

“You were really honest, your heart is really pure and I would like to get to know you more, but I feel like I know everything?” She shakes her head while she talks, overthinking all the things she has learned, “I don’t even know what could be left?”

“My birthday is October 28th?” He whispers, “we have a lot to discover yet.”

—

When she doesn’t come home in the morning, Penelope knows she’s at Reid’s house. She just doesn’t expect to walk in and find them naked in Reid’s bed, out cold and cuddled together with their clothes all over the room.

It looks like something happened. If only she knew the truth.

“Oh my god?” Penelope’s voice wakes them up and Spencer scrambles to make sure they are covered by his blankets.

“What are you doing here?” Y/N shouts as she wakes up.

“I came to see if you were okay. I expected one of you to be on the couch, I didn’t think it went this good?”

“We just slept in the same bed, I promise,” Spencer turned bright red as he panicked, “we just got to know each other and talked all night, in what we normally sleep in.”

“Uh-huh,” Penelope smirks, “so I take it the 36 questions worked?”

“Perhaps,” Y/N smirks back at her sister.

“Do you use it on many people?”

“No one has made it past the first question,” she smiles at him instead, kissing his cheek as Penelope watches.

“That’s my queue to go, um… yeah, wow, I didn’t see this happening so fast,” Penelope is shocked but in the best way.

She leaves just as fast as she arrived and Y/N settles back into Spencer the second she closes the bedroom door. “You know, if she’s not going to believe us we might as well do it? If you accidentally get me pregnant then we can move fast and no one will question it.”

He laughs, “accidentally, is the key word there.”

“My parents made me at prom after crushing on each other for 2 years… I think knowing each other for 2 days isn’t the weirdest way to start a family?”

“Honestly,” Spencer lets out a sigh and her happy mood drops to a more serious one. “I was a little worried that we’d wake up this morning and you’d change your mind.”

“Why?”

“In the heat of the moment, learning everything about each other and saying I love you was really exhilarating, but I have a hard time believing it,” he admits, “not many people mean it, or stay around after they tell me they love me.”

She cuddles back into the crook of his neck and holds him as tightly as possible, wrapping a leg around him for optimal coverage, “I am staying right here, because I love you, Spencer.”

“Okay,” he whispers. Sounding like he still doesn’t believe it.

“I love you because you’re honest, you want what I want and you’re truly kind. You’re friends with my sister, you’re smart, you would make a great dad, you won't hurt me, you are really nice to cuddle with, and I know you mean it when you say you love me because it’s not a word you use lightly.”

“Are you my girlfriend now?” He wonders aloud, “cause if you really want to have a kid, I have my mom's old wedding ring in my closet, and I would rather be married to you before we do that?”

“Okay,” she whispers, tears welling in her eyes as she hides her face in his neck, “the courthouse is literally just down the road?”

“We can get breakfast together after?” Spencer adds, rubbing her back as they plan, he wasn’t scared anymore.

“Penelope will kill me if she’s not there, can we have her as our witness?” Y/N finally sits up to look at him, pulling away to sit on the bed, still shirtless.

His smile while he tries to keep eye contact with her is so funny, she giggles a little as she hides her nipples behind her palms and cups her boobs.

“I’m pretty sure she’s still in my living room,” Spencer giggles, “Penelope!?”

She comes back in then, “yes?”

“We’re going to the courthouse to get married, wanna come?” Y/N asks with an embarrassed smile.

“Yes!” She cheers, “I’ll go get you a dress!”

And then she’s off again, this time actually leaving Spencer’s apartment. “What if we don’t tell Derek, and let him hit on me next week anyway?

“Then you can say ‘sorry I have a husband,’ and he’ll body slam me to the floor,” Spencer laughs nervously, “the whole team is going to be so pissed they missed my wedding…”

She frowns, “send out a mass text, tell them to meet us at the court house, it’s their day off right?”

“You’re right,” he smiles.

This was going to be interesting.

—

Walking out of the courthouse, hand in hand, she’s in a white dress, he’s in a suit he’d probably wear to work, Penelope is crying and the whole team is waiting outside for them.

At the bottom of the courthouse steps, they all clap and cheer, throwing rice at them like an old movie, Spencer’s smiling so hard his cheeks are burning. Y/N introduces herself to everyone, hugged over and over by everyone she should have met 15 years ago.

Derek is tapping his foot, waiting for Spencer to come and hug him, “what the fuck?” He asks as Spencer steps into his space, wrapping his arms around him and shaking his back and forth.

“Nice try, I’ll give you $20 as a thank you,” Spencer teases as he pulls away. “She is perfect.”

JJ and Will are busy talking to Y/N when he turns around, Mike and Henry not far behind them. Spencer walks over and wraps Henry up in his arms, the kid was growing way too fast, Spencer loved him so much it hurt sometimes.

“Y/N, this is my godson,” Spencer introduces them, “Henry, this is Y/N.”

She gives him a big hug too, “do you have any cousins, Henry?”

“No, but I was 8 when Michael was born,” he smiles, “and I’m getting old enough to be a good babysitter?”

Spencer laughed, messing up Henry’s hair quickly with a smile, “I’m sure by the time you’re a cousin you’ll be great.”

They take a group photo outside, Spencer and Y/N in the middle, everyone was smiling. It was the first time all of them had been in a photo together, the entirety of Spencer’s found family. Now they were Y/N’s too.

She hyphenated her last name, Y/N Garcia-Reid, and their kids would share the same one. He was not only about became a father thanks to Y/N, but Penelope would also become an Aunt once more. It was like a gift that kept on giving, seeing Spencer and Y/N create a little family of their own.

—

She cried her eyes out when she met Diana. She wasn’t expecting to be so emotional, but then Diana was lucid and very welcoming and sweet.

“It’s going to be a pleasure having you as my daughter,” Diana smiles, thinking it was just a nice thing to say.

Y/N cries and holds her so tight Diana almost can’t breathe but she lets her hold her as long as she needs to, “thank you.”

“You’re welcome?”

“I haven’t had someone to call mom since I was 14,” Y/N whispers, “if that’s okay?”

Diana hugs her just a little too tight in response, “you can call me mom whenever you want.”

“Just until you become a grandma,” she whispers again as she pulls back and Diana’s attention snaps to Spencer.

“Are you trying?”

He nods, “we want kids, we’re not getting any younger.”

Diana wraps him up in a hug and he almost falls off his chair at the sheer force of it, she was so happy for him. She knew this was all he’s ever wanted; because he would be good at it, he had all this love in his heart, and he wanted to show his father how easy it is to stay.

“You’re going to be a great dad, Spencer,” she holds his cheeks as she pulls away, “I’m proud of you.”

He cried. It’s all he’s wanted from her, and now he has everything right here in this room.

—

When they find out they’re pregnant after the first try, it’s really funny to them. It was all working so well, it was a little too much for them at first. They were looking for a house, she was looking for a permanent teaching job but Spencer convinced her to wait until after the baby is born to go back.

They name her Morgan Garcia-Reid as a thank you for Derek’s little bet, and before she’s even 6 months old they’re pregnant again. By the time they have 4 kids under 5 they take a break and just enjoy their little family.

To think Derek gave them 7 days to fall in love… and then they lived happily ever after.

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