#anne you have outdone yourself

[twistandtom]

“‘Because,’ she said, ‘that is what men would call it. They invented Satan didn’t they? Satanic is merely the name they give to the behavior of those who would disrupt the orderly way in which men want to live.’”

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 224: Who You Are

Thursday, on her way to school, Ren got a message.

Yusuke: Pardon me, but you do remember the exhibit was today, correct?

Ren: Correct.

Yusuke: Do you think you could accompany me once again?

Ren: Of course!

Ren: Should I meet you at Kosei or the museum?

Yusuke: Just head straight to the museum.

Yusuke: I have to be there early to organize a few things.

Ren: Gotcha.

Ren: Do you want the others to come?

Yusuke: Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?

Yusuke: Hold on.

Yusuke started messaging the group chat.

Yusuke: I have an exhibit today. I’ve already invited Ren, but does anyone else want to come?

Makoto: Oh…

Yusuke: What’s the matter?

Makoto: Well, I was just thinking, we need to whip up a calling card for sis.

Makoto: We’re on the cusp of the deadline, and we need to make one soon.

Yusuke: I see…

Yusuke: Well, I can make the design at least and hand it off to Jose to give it to you.

Jose: Are you sure?

Yusuke: Positive.

Ryuji: And I’m guessing you want me to write the first draft once again.

Ann I can come with you to give you moral support.

Ryuji: Thanks babe.

Makoto: So, do you want me to put on the finishing touches?

Lena: She’s your sister.

Makoto: Very well then.

Lena: I have club activities, so I can’t join you today.

Lena: I’ve been learning how to balance everything, but it is a lot.

Sumire: I know what you mean.

Sumire: I’m heading to practice today as well.

Haru: There’s a meeting at Okumura Foods that I promised I’d be at.

Haru: So I can’t join you either.

Ren: Well, we don’t all need to be there.

Ren: I already agreed to accompany Yusuke.

Futaba: I think one of us needs to be at Leblanc in order for Sojiro to let us use it.

Ren You can do that, right?

Futaba: Of course!

Makoto: Well, it seems like we have a plan going forward.

Makoto: Remember: a lot is riding on this. One false move, and everything goes up in smoke

Ren: Right.

Ren: I’m positive we’ve made the right calculations.

Makoto: I sure hope you’re right.

Futaba: Who do you think we’re talking about here?

Futaba: Us Phantom Thieves have done the impossible time and time again.

Futab: We can thread this needle too!

Makoto: Thanks Futaba.

Ren put her phone away, and continued on to school.

After school, she went to the museum as recommended. She looked around and saw the fervor and excitement of the exhibition. Yusuke noticed her from the corner of her eye. He turned to her. “Ah Ren! Perfect timing!” Ren smiled, and headed over towards Yusuke. He smirked. “Behold: ‘A Beacon of Light in The Garden of Madness’!”

Ren looked at it. The edges looked similar to the last painting, desolate, uninviting, and withered. But in the center, there was a beam of light. The area of the Garden that has been touched in light feels calmer, more inviting, more beautiful. “Wow,” she remarked. “You really outdone yourself!”

“Why thank you,” Yusuke replied. Tell me, what do you like about it?”

“I mean,” Ren began, “I see the effort from your last painting, and how you built on that. I can see the vitriol of the world, but I can also see that where there is light, there is comfort, and it really tells me a lot about your outlook. The world may be rotten, but wherever you find your light, the world feels whole.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself,” Kawanabe said. The two of them turned towards him as he approached. “Really, it’s head and shoulders above what you entered last time.”

Yusuke got defensive. “And I didn’t need your help to do it.”

“Did you now?” Kawanabe retorted.

Yusuke was puzzled. Ren took a second, but she understood. “Wait…You said all of that on purpose to motivate Yusuke, didn’t you?”

Kawanabe chuckled. “Guilty as charged.”

Yusuke was stunned. “So…that was a ploy to draw out my inner artist.”

Kawanabe nodded. “And it seems like it worked.” He looked at the painting once again. “Honestly, it reminds me of back when Madarame made his own works.” Yusuke and Ren were puzzled. “That is a compliment. Although I understand it not coming across.”

“No…” Yusuke said. “I suppose Madarame was a real artist in his own right at some point. I wish I got to see that side of him.”

“Did you know him?” Ren asked.

Kawanabe nodded. “He and I went to school together. Honestly, perhaps I could have stopped him from falling prey to his worst instincts. However, his descent was slow enough where I didn’t recognize it as such until it was too late. Hindsight is 20/20, I suppose.”

“It’s not your fault,” Yusuke said. “It’s nobody’s fault but his. And thanks to The Phantom Thieves, he’ll never do it again.”

Kawanabe nodded. “Are they perhaps your ‘Beacon of Light’?”

“Well, at first,” Yusuke said. “But over time as I started making new friends, and getting more encouragement from that, I have found them to be my ‘Beacon’.”

“How interesting,” Kawanabe said. “Now that I’m thinking about it Madarame used to ask me for help all the time.”

“He did?” Yusuke said.

“But the last time he did so,” Kawanabe continued, “was a while ago.” He looked intently at Yusuke. “He gave me a call because a child he was taking care of was sick. ‘Kawanabe!’ he pleaded. ‘Yusuke is sick, and I don’t know what to do!’”

Yusuke was shocked. “M-Me? He cared about me?” Kawanabe nodded. “It seems like he did. At least for a while. I can’t speak on your living condition during that time as much as you can though.”

Yusuke paused. “It…wasn’t all bad. But I always had fear in my heart. Once everything was said and done, I finally stopped being afraid. But perhaps that’s what gave me my artist’s block. Like a child eating as much candy as they want, only for them to get a stomach ache once everything was said and done. The freedom of not being in Madarame’s clutches let me run wild before I could even define myself outside of that.”

“How mature,” Kawanabe said. “I do have to admit something though.” Yusuke was curious. “Not everything I said at the sushi place was a lie necessarily. If you want, I can still support you through my foundation. Just…a little more hands off.”

Yusuke took it in. He took a deep breath, and said “I’m afraid I must decline for the time being.” Kawanabe was surprised this time. “Right now, I need to focus on what I want. I want to continue to evolve my work on my own terms. Perhaps when I am ready, I may accept.”

Kawanabe smiled. “Well, whenever you are ready, here’s my business card.” Yusuke took it. “Well, I should go. There’s plenty of other talent on display here.” He headed off.

“I’m surprised you said no,” Ren said.

“Well, I was tempted,” Yusuke admitted. “However, I feel like I still need to work on defining myself more. Even though this was a rousing success, I cannot let this go to my head. I need to always be chasing what’s next. And when the time comes where the Japanese Art Support Foundation is on the horizon, I shall chase it!”

Ren giggled. “I have to agree. You’ve become a lot more mature.”

Yusuke smirked, and then pouted. “Madarame is a…complicated person. Obviously, he was a monster that needed to be dealt with. However, I cannot deny that there was kindness in him. As Phantom Thieves, I wish to work with you to cultivate a world that thrives in that kindness, instead of causing others to retreat into bitterness.” He extended his hand. Ren shook it, smiling.

I am thou, thou art I

Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.

Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion and break the yoke of thy heart.

Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of the Emperor, granting thee infinite power…

Emperor-Yusuke Kitagawa: Rank 10

Inside Yusuke, a powerful force was manifesting itself. His Persona, Goemon, was changing. Evolving. It froze over before shattering, and his persona grew alongside him, becoming Kamu Susano-o.

How wonderful! Truly a beautiful first step towards a better tomorrow. I shall cherish this moment with all my heart.

Once Yusuke and Ren finished shaking hands, Ren remarked “I have to say, great covering your tracks on that Phantom Thieves question.”

“Hm. Well, you can never be too careful,” Yusuke said. “Let’s look around. I want to see what I’m up against.” Ren nodded. The two of them headed off through the museum, looking at the different paintings, and appreciating them in their own ways.

Meanwhile, after school, Makoto was heading out, when Eiko caught up with her. Hey!” Eiko said.

“Oh!” Makoto replied, surprised.

“Do you have any student council business to attend to?” Eiko asked.

“Well, no,” Makoto admitted. “However, I have…other things.”

EIko was confused for a moment, but then got it. “OH! You mean…” She glanced around, and then whispered “Phantom Thieves things?”

Makoto nodded. “And this one is big.”

“How big?” Eiko asked.

“Very,” Makoto said. “Both for us as a whole…and me…”

“I’m sure it can’t be that bad,” Eiko said. “I mean, it’s not like you’re going after your sister or anything.” Makoto looked at her seriously and nodded. Eiko gasped. “You’re going after your sister?!”

“Shhhhhhhhhhh!” Makoto warned her. She glanced around, seeing no one noticing. “That’s correct.”

“When?” Eiko wondered.

“Saturday,” Makoto answered.

“Yikes!” Eiko reacted.

“But furthermore, there’s a lot riding on this,” Makoto said. “What happens because of this will change the course of the entire country.”

“How?” Eiko asked.

Makoto seemed nervous. “Well…I think it’s better if we explain it once we’re out of here. Besides, I don’t want to keep them waiting.”

Eiko was stunned. “Are you sure?”

Makoto nodded. “I brought you into my house. I shouldn’t have to cause more chaos than necessary.”

Eiko hugged Makoto. “It’s OK. I know you care for me.”

Makoto smiled and blushed. She gave EIko a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks. We should head out.” Eiko let go, nodded, and the two of them left the school.

Once they arrived in Leblanc, Ryuji, Ann, Jose, and Futaba were all waiting there, along with Sojiro behind the counter. “Oh, hey Makoto!” Ryuji said. “Are you ready?”

“Well, almost,” Makoto said. She walked in, and EIko followed behind her.

Ann was curious. “Who’s this?”

“This is EIko,” Makoto explained. “My girlfriend.”

Eiko was shocked. “You told them?”

“I…” Makoto said, nervously, “I had to. I’m sorry!”

“No, it’s OK,” Eiko said. “They’re your friends, right?”

Makoto nodded. “Right.” She sighed. “This is all new to me. I mean, I also had to tell you about The Phantom Thieves, but they need to know who else knows just to be safe, and-”

“Shhhhhhhhhhhh,” Eiko said, pressing a finger up to her lips. “I just said it was OK, remember?”

Eiko backed her finger from Makoto’s mouth. “Right…” Makoto replied. She chuckled.

“Well good for you two!” Futaba said. “But we should get to the matter at hand.”

Makoto nodded. “Right.” She smiled. “Eiko, this is Jose, Futaba, Ryuji, and Ann. And that’s Sojiro. He’s Futaba’s dad.”

“I see,” Eiko said. “Hello.” Everyone greeted her back. Makoto smiled. She sat down. EIko sat down next to her. “So, is this everyone?”

Makoto shook her head. “We’re missing some people. It’s a pretty busy day.”

“And from what I can tell, it’s going to get busier,” Eiko remarked.

Jose looked over at Makoto. “How much did you tell her?”

“I explained the basic overview,” Makoto answered. “But maybe we can walk her through some of the finer details.” Everyone looked at her a little stunned. “Guys, she lives with me. Anything that happens with my sister at least has a tertiary effect on her.”

“Fair enough,” Futaba said. “I mean, when I was in trouble you let Sojiro in.”

“True…” Ann said.

“Oh yeh!” Makoto said. “Did you want anything? This is a cafe.”

“Hmmm,” Eiko said. “I’ll just take a coffee.”

Makoto turned over to Sojiro. “I’ll take one as well, Boss.”

“Sure thing!” Sojiro said. “Comin’ right up!” He went to prepare their order.

“So, how ‘bout I start writing while everyone else fills in Eiko about what’s going on?” Ryuji offered.

“Is it because you don’t know what’s going on?” Futaba teased.

“Hey!” Ryuji snapped. “I know what's going on.”

“Yeah,” Jose added. “He wouldn’t be in charge of drafting if he wasn’t.”

“Thank you, Jose!” Ryuji said.

Futaba pouted. “...I’m sorry.”

Ann giggled. “It’s OK, Futaba.”

“I thought you were here to support me,” Ryuji said.

“I am,” Ann said. “But Futaba needs support too.”

Ryuji pouted. “I can’t deny that…” Eiko chuckled. “What’s up?”

“It’s just,” Eiko said, “you’re all so fun. On the surface, you all seem different, but I can see why you’re all friends.”

Makoto smiled. “Thanks.” Eiko giggled some more. “But I think we should explain what’s going on.” Eiko nodded. They proceeded to explain everything surrounding Sae’s Palace and the accusations laid at the feet of the SIU director, and how they intertwine.

Eiko was stunned. “Wow. That’s a lot…”

“Yeah,” Makoto said. “Honestly I’m a little glad you’re not on the frontlines of all of this.”

Eiko grabbed Makoto’s hand. “If you’re that worried, should I be worried about you?”

“Well…” Makoto said.

“Are you kidding?” Ann said. “She’s one of the toughest members on our team!”

“Yeah!” Ryuji added. “She’s the Fist of The Phantom Star!” Makoto glared at him. “Eeek!”

“Do you have the draft finished, Ryuji?” Makoto asked, intensely.

“Y-yes ma’am!” Ryuji said. He handed it over.

Jose looked over at Ann and Ryuji. “I will say, Makoto and Eiko bring up a good point. How do you two deal with your significant other being in the middle of all of this.”

This caught Ryuji and Ann off-guard. “You two are dating?” Eiko asked.

“Yes,” Ann answered, embarrassed.

“Yeah,” Ryuji agreed. “Well, um, to answer the question, while I do worry, I just worry a lot in general. I mean, I know a lot of the things I went through, and I know what she went through as well. But I know that she’s strong, almost to a surprising degree. When Ann wants something, she is determined to do it. Plus, she’s been a Phantom Thief longer than I have, so who am I to say she should stop.”

Ann giggled. “Thanks, babe.” Ryuji smiled and blushed. “As for me, nothing about this situation is ideal. I mean, we are all putting our lives on the line, but we all agreed to it. Our leader even cautions everyone about the risks, but we still agreed to it. Besides, we aren't alone. We have each other, and that puts my mind at ease. If Ryuji was out there by himself doing this, I’d be pale as a ghost. But with everyone else, I can relax more; relatively speaking, at least.”

Eiko chuckled. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m meeting you all then, huh,” she remarked.

“I guess it is,” Ann said.

“Yeah,” Ryuji said. “I can’t wait for you to meet everyone else!”

“Me either,” Futaba chimed in. “You seem nice.”

“Thanks,” Eiko replied.

“Alright,” Makoto said. “I think I’ve got it. Jose?” Jose handed her the card.

Eiko was stunned. “Do you design the cards?”

Jose shook his head. “That’s someone else. But I go to school with them.”

“You have another kid on your team?” Eiko remarked.

“No,” Makoto said. “He’s actually a prodigy. He goes to Kosei.”

“Ohhhhhhhh!” Eiki replied. “I see.” She turned back to Jose. “Well, you must be impressive.”

Jose blushed. “Well, I do what I can. He he.”

“Woah!” Futaba said. “Be careful Makoto. It seems like you might have some competition.”

Makoto chuckled. “Somehow, I think I’ll manage.”

“Yeah,” Jose said.”I don’t want to break a couple up.” Everyone shared a laugh. They continued talking for a while, eating and drinking as well, while Makoto put the finishing touches on the calling card. However, when evening rolled around, people started leaving. Still, it was a fun and productive meeting.

Meanwhile, after Yusuke split off from Ren to head back to Kosei, she got a text message.

Haru: Um, are you finished with Yusuke’s exhibit?

Ren: Yeah.

Haru: Oh.

Haru: I just got out of my meeting. I was going to try and come by and see it.

Ren: It’ll be up for a bit.

Haru: Well that’s good to hear.

Haru: But as long as you’re available, do you mind helping me with something?

Ren: What’s up?

Haru: I just want to go out and find some books down in Jinbocho.

Haru: But I also have a lot on my mind.

Ren: Sure thing.

Ren: Meet you there?

Haru: Yes.

Ren: Seeya soon.

Haru: See you soon.

Ren put her phone away, and headed out.

A little later, Ren met up with Haru in Jinbocho. “Hey there!”

Haru smiled. “Hello.”

“So, what are we looking for?” Ren inquired.

“I’m here looking for books on management, as well as seeing if I can find some books on growing vegetables,” Haru explained.

“Sounds simple enough,” Ren said. “Let’s go.” The two began shopping around. “So, what’s on your mind?”

Haru paused. “Well… I was in that meeting today, right?” Ren nodded. “It occurred to me that because of everything that happened, I don’t have a grasp on managing the company. I mean, I was set to be married off to someone who would do that for me. How can I guide the company with my vision if I don’t know how to guide a company in the first place, you know?”

“Well…” Ren replied, “I think if you’re giving it this much thought, you’re not going in the wrong direction at least.”

Haru smiled. “Thank you.” She frowned. “I want to be able to do more. All my life, I was told what I could or couldn’t do. I mean, I’ve rebelled when I thought I could get away with it, but I never felt like I had true freedom until recently. But even then, I got a lot placed on my shoulders. I feel like the easy thing to do would be to give up, but I don’t want to give up until I explain what I want.”

“You shouldn’t have to give up,” Ren assured her. “Like you said, you’re only now feeling your unlimited potential. You should have the freedom to choose what you want”

Haru smiled. “Thank you. I’m sorry. I keep bringing you into all of this.”

“What are friends for?” Ren retorted.

“True,” Haru said. “It is nice to have someone to talk to. I have Hiroki, and I’ve had him for a while, but we were never really open with each other. But that’s changed a little now too, I suppose.”

“Again, it’s your life,” Ren assured her. “Whatever you want.” Haru chuckled. They continued looking through the stores.

Upon seeing a gardening book, Haru went to reach for it, when she noticed someone else was grabbing it as well. “Sorry!” She said. She looked over, and saw that the other person was Hiroki

“Oh, uh, it’s alright,” he said. “I mean, I guess it makes sense. You are the one in the gardening club.”

Haru chuckled. “What brings you out here?”

“Well…” Hiroki replied. “Makoto-senpai is placing her trust in me to run the student council next year. So I came here to find books about leadership. Plus, I think I might start getting into gardening again, so I wanted to find some books for help on that.”

“I see,” Haru said.

“What about you?” Hiroki asked. “Are you here looking for gardening books too?”

“Well, yes, but,” Haru began.  Ren snickered quietly. “I’m also looking for books on leadership and management. I mean, I am hoping one day to manage Okumura Foods.”

“Oh. RIght,” Hiroki said. “Boy, this is a coincidence, huh.”

“You’re telling me,” Haru remarked.

“Are you done?!” a condescending voice said. Hiroki’s brother started coming over. “I can only ait for so long. I’m starting toge- YOU!” he noticed Haru. “WHy did your father have the AUDACITY to break off our engagement?!”

“I asked him to,” Haru responded.

“Since when did he listen to you?” Haru’s ex-fiance replied. “Do you really think you can manage a company all by your lonesome?”

Haru glanced away, unsure. “She’d do it better than you any day of the week,” Hiroki chimed in, surprising everyone. “I mean, your only skill is sitting there and looking pretty. You can’t even tell the difference between a stock and a bond.”

Hiroki’s brother glared at him. “Since when did you have a backbone?”

“You’re just now noticing my disdain for you?” Hiroki retorted. “Like I said: sit there. Look pretty.”

Hiroki’s brother scowled. “Oh please. You think you're better than me?”

“No. I know I’m better than you,” Hiroki shot back.

Hiroki’s brother grew angrier. “Wait until father hears about this.”

“Trust me,” Hiroki replied. “It’s not going to be new information to him.”

“Then why does he like me more?” Hiroki’s brother gloated.

“Because you’re a puppet,” Hiroki said. “He’ll tell you to do something and you do it, no questions asked. You say I never had a spine before? When was the last time you talked with dad without bending the knee?”

Hiroki’s brother grew furious. He raised his hand to smack Hiroki, but Haru stepped in and caught it. “Let’s not make a scene!” she demanded. She kept gripping his arm. “You can air out your disdain for each other on your own time. But right now, people are here shopping. I can’t imagine this would look good for you, or your father, if a brawl erupted here.”

Hiroki’s brother glared at her. He broke out of her grasp, shanking his arm, before settling down, at least physically. “You do have a point. Still, I hope you’ll reconsider.”

Haru continued her intense gaze. “I respect you enough to tell you that I think you could be competent enough to run a business. However, you are such a miserable person that I would rather spend time with The Devil himself than with you.”

Hiroki’s brother glared at her some more. “I see those devilish Phantom Thieves got you as well. No matter. We’ll see where you stand when the angels come. Perhaps if you beg, I’ll take you back.”

“Maybe you should go,” Haru said. “Before I decide to ‘make a scene’.” She clenched her fist.

“Hmph,” her ex-fiance scoffed. “I guess I’ll head back to the car then.” He turned to Hiroki. “Hurry up asshole.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” Hiroki replied. “Or do. I don’t care either way.” Hiroki’s brother headed out. Hiroki turned to Haru. “Sorry about all that.”

“It’s OK,” Haru said. “I know he’s an unpleasant person. You don’t have to apologize for him.”

“Well, true…” Hiroki agreed. “But I'm also talking about…well...I know you can defend yourself. I just stepped in because…”

Haru smiled. “It’s OK. I appreciate it. To be honest, I’m not sure how well I’d do managing a business. So thank you for sticking up for me.”

Hiroki was taken aback. “Oh, uh, thanks,” he said, blushing.

“Do you want to continue looking for books together?” Haru asked.

Hiroki paused, and then shook his head. “As much as I want to make my brother write in agony, I think I do need to get going soon. I can pick up gardening books some other time. Seeya!” He started to leave.

“Wait!” Haru called out. Hiroki turned back. “Um, I’m willing to let you borrow any books I find interesting. If that’s OK.”

Hiroki smiled. “Yeah. That’s great!”

Haru giggled. “Talk to you soon, OK?”

“OK,” Hiroki nodded. He left.

Haru sighed. “Hey,” Ren said. Haru looked over. “How are you feeling?”

“Well…” Haru said. “Oddly, refreshed. My father broke things off with my fiance, so I never got to tell him how I felt. This gave me the opportunity. But I’m still a little conflicted.”

“Well, for what it’s worth,” Ren began, “I think this proves you have what it takes to lead.”

“What do you mean?” Haru wondered.

“Well,” Ren answered, “you managed to deescalate a conflict. You said what you wanted, and remained firm throughout.”

“Well, I needed help at the beginning,” Haru admitted.

“Speaking as someone who’s been leading ‘those devilish Phantom Thieves’ for a while,” Ren remarked, “a good leader will admit when they need help.”

Haru smiled. “I see.” She went into deep thought. “I guess I always saw my father as this be-all end-all figure. I didn’t think he was the paradigm of true leadership, but I never understood what exactly his failings were. I suppose that needs some thought given to it as well.” She pouted. “I only have a few months before I graduate to figure everything out.”

“Ehhhhh,” Ren groaned. “I don’t know about that.” Haru was confused. “I’m not saying you’re not smart, but I imagine that you would want to learn more. You know, go to college, get a degree? I don’t think running a business is something you dive headfirst into.”

Haru smiled. “You’re right. I do need to work on taking those first few steps though. If I want to be the leader of Okumura Foods, I need to give people an outline of what the plan is at the very least before I go off to college.”

Ren nodded. “And who knows? Perhaps they’ll be really helpful. You told me you like having people to talk to about things. Maybe talking with them will yield similar results.”

Haru giggled. “I guess you’re right. But like you said a good leader knows when to ask for help, and well, I did ask you to accompany me today. So I think I’m in a better spot than I thought I was. So thank you.”

Empress-Haru Okumura: Rank 5

Haru grabbed the book she and Hiroki grabbed for earlier. “It’s getting a bit late. I think we should wrap up this shopping trip. This has been fun though.” Ren nodded, and the two went to check out, and head home for the night.

[legends-of-time]

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 11: A Remedy to Cure All Ills

Masterlist

A/N: This one will be longer than previous chapter but not the longest.

——

Amelia's POV

Nightmares are a funny thing. It can be defined as a disturbing dream associated with negative feelings, such as anxiety or fear. For Amelia, they used to mean exactly that. Be a reflection of her fears, a reflection of her subconscious, but once she woke up, she would realise the silliness of the dream as dreams often did not make sense and weird inconsistencies that you do not realise till you have woken.

Anne seems to have nightmares that were a reflection of her subconscious, though they are often of her parent's death despite the fact that she does not remember. She often describes them as a mixture of flames, black shapes and screaming. Amelia supposes that Anne's nightmares are often her mind wondering about what actually happened that day. Did her parents suffer?

Since coming into this life, nightmares had become to mean something very different to Amelia. Her nightmares have a greater possibility of now coming true. At first, she would try to remind herself that the possibility of it actually happening was not for certain but after her adoptive parents' deaths after her dream warning her, she had begun to fear that they would actually occur. When a normal nightmare occurred, not a vision of the future, it was sometimes difficult to remind herself of the differences between the two.

The show had not shown how often Morgana would have her 'nightmares' as they were only shown when it was convenient for the plot but Amelia had known they were bad enough for Gaius to have to give her a sleeping draught so that she would have some sleep. He now has to give these to Amelia, however, as she gets older, it, as expected, has a lesser and lesser effect on her.She debates whether it is due to her body learning to fight it/getting used to it as you would with antibiotics or it is due to her possible magic getting stronger as she ages.

When she has nightmares that were not related to the plot of the show, it always surprised her as she is not able to determine through her notes and memories (before her accident), whether they will come to fruition or not.

One night as Amelia dreams, strange images come into her mind. She can see flames coming toward an unknown figure and an axe flying through the air before it changes into Morgana lying in her own bed, unmoving with blood coming out of her ear. Amelia wakes up suddenly gasping in fright and before she knows it, she is being pulled into someone's arms. Anne, she realises, relaxing and calming down.

——

Morgana and Amelia have congregated in Morgana's Chambers when Gwen enters with a large bunch of lilies.

"You have outdone yourself, Gwen," Amelia says teasingly from where she stands at a table. Morgana laughs.

"Oh no," Gwen says shaking her head shyly. "These arrived for Morgana." Handing them to Morgana who stands by the other side of the table

"Who are they from?" Morgana asks curiously.

"I don't know. Maybe Arthur?!" Gwen suggests. Amelia doesn't know how she came to that conclusion.

"How disappointing," Morgana says sarcastically.

"Who'd you like them to be from?" Amelia asks her, smiling.

"I don't know. Tall, dark stranger?" Morgana says, smirking as she looks in her direction.

——

Amelia doesn't think anything of the flowers till Morgana does not wake up the next morning as if she is in a coma. The only oddity Amelia can think of is those flowers. She feels like she should have realised something but it is not unusual for someone to give Morgana and/or Amelia flowers.

When they realise Morgana is unwell, Amelia refuses to leave her side. This leads her, with hardly any sleep or food, to still be sitting at Morgana's side two days later with Gaius examining her on the other side of the bed from where she sits with Uther sitting on the same side.

"Her body seems to have closed down," Gaius tells them as if they do not know already. Amelia worries, the image she sees before her is almost like the one in her dream.

"Why? You don't have an answer, do you? Nothing you've tried so far has worked. It's been nearly two days. And what do you know?" Uther demands angrily. Amelia would be like that as well if not for her being devoid of sleep, well no more than usual. She feels like she should check her notes but she is too tired to bother.

"I fear she may have some form of inflammation of the brain," Gaius answers calmly having gotten used to Uther's tantrums.

"What could cause such a thing?" Uther asks.

"An infection, possibly, rest assured, I will do everything in my power to cure her, Sire," Gaius says before turning to Amelia. "Amelia?"

"Mmm..." Amelia says blearily looking at him.

"How is your head? Are you still forgetting things?" At her nod, he continues. "Maybe you should rest." She tries to refuse but before she knows it, she is being lifted up by Anne and Arthur, who have materialised behind her without her realising; though with how exhausted she is that is not difficult.

"Come along, My Lady," Anne says. Arthur nodding along with her. This is clearly an intervention.

——

Anne's POV

Anne enters the Main Square with Arthur after putting Amelia to bed and they are confronted with a man who stands at the door. He stands slightly bent over with a large cloak that covers his face.

"What's your business here?" Arthur asks him. The man looks up and it is then that Anne can see the very prominent scars on the right side of his face as if he had been badly burnt many years ago. Anne can't help but stare.

"My name is Edwin Muirden, and I have a remedy to cure all ills." The man answers him, ignoring Anne's stare as if he is used to it though he does glance at her curiously.

"Is that so?" Arthur questions disbelievingly, glancing over to Anne who also shares his doubt.

"I beg an audience with the King." Edwin states matter of factly.

"Our Court has a Physician," Arthur begins to walk away. Anne begins to follow him still glancing at Edwin as something about him feels familiar.

"I hear the Lady Morgana is gravely ill," Edwin says suddenly, drawing Arthur's attention and causing him to stop and turn.

"That is no concern of yours." He says angrily.

"I might be able to help her."

"Our Physician has the matter in hand." Arthur continues walking.

"I will be at the inn, in case you change your mind," Edwin calls after him. Anne is about to follow but Edwin calls to her, "What is your name girl?"

"Anne," she says cautiously. "Anne Audley." A flicker of realisation seems to flicker over his face before it disappears and Anne wonders if she ever saw it.

"Nice to meet you, Anne."

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia does not sleep long and by that evening she is already by Morgana's side on one side of the bed again as Gaius examines her.

"I cannot preserve her life for much longer. She has hours, maybe less." Gaius says sadly turning to Uther, who is behind him.

"We cannot let her die!" Arthur cries angrily from the end of the bed.

"Arthur, please," Uther says tiredly, sitting down on the bed.

Arthur walks to their side of the bed. "There's a man, he came to the Castle yesterday. He claims he can cure her."

"That's ridiculous. He doesn't know what's wrong with her." Uther says dismissively.

"He says he has a remedy that can cure all ills." Arthur continues, not giving up.

"Impossible," Gaius says.

"Well, for Morgana's sake, surely we should at least hear him out. I mean, what've we got to lose? Please, Father." Arthur begs.

"Probably some charlatan hoping for a quick shilling." Gaius criticises.

"Does it matter!" Amelia suddenly says, drawing their attention to her. By the looks on their faces, they had forgotten she is even here. "If she's about to die, what harm can it do?! Give him his shilling! If there's one chance in a million he can save her, then why not?!" Amelia cannot let her dream come to pass.

They blink at her in surprise before Uther says, "Send for him."

——

Amelia does not go to meet the man in the Council Chambers and waits for him to arrive at Morgana's Chambers. It is not long before the others arrive and only a few more moments before the man and Merlin arrive.

"Put my equipment over there." He says to Merlin, who follows his orders and places his things on a table, before turning to Uther. "Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy." His scarred face makes Amelia feel like she should remember something but she can't decide what.

"Certainly." Never seen Uther be so polite to someone before. She reluctantly stands up and follows everyone else out of Morgana's Chambers.

——

They all stand by the Griffin staircase that lead to Morgana's Chambers, when the man, Edwin Amelia had learnt, descends the curved stairs to meet her, Uther, Arthur, Merlin, Gaius and Anne.

"Great news, Your Majesty. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain." He announces.

"What is it then?" Uther questions. Amelia frowns sharing a look of confusion with Anne. Surely Gaius couldn't have been wrong...

"It is cerebral haemorrhage." Edwin answers.

"Haemorrhage? I don't think so." Gaius says doubtfully.

"I found this trace of blood in her ear." Edwin shows them the bloody cloth. Oh no. It is like in her dream. She has not stopped it.

"God in heaven," Uther says in shock.

"The severity depends upon the size and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually death." Edwin continues.

"How could you have missed this?" Uther asks Gaius accusingly.

"I didn't see any blood," Gaius says with slightly less determination.

"Please. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?" Edwin pipes up. Uther turns to Gaius for an explanation. Amelia frowns, there is something about him that irks her. She also does not like the looks he keeps giving Anne; it's as if he knows her.

"It may have increased the bleed." Gaius reluctantly answers Uther's look.

"Is there a cure?" Uther asks Edwin desperately.

"See for yourself." Edwin gestures his hand in the direction of the staircase. They all rush to Morgana's Chambers with Uther and Amelia leading the charge.

"Morgana, this is truly a miracle." Uther gasps once they enter and see Morgana sitting up in her bed. Uther kisses her forehead. "I thought... I really thought..." he is clearly overcome with emotion.

"Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily," Morgana says sounding slightly exhausted. No sooner had Uther let her go than Amelia leaps at Morgana and gives her a squeeze.

"Careful, My Lady," Edwin calls.

"Sorry," Amelia says letting her go. At least Morgana is better though she does worry about the other parts of her dream.

Everyone chuckles, except Gaius, who leans around Amelia to ask Morgana, "What exactly did he give you?"

"I have no idea. But thank heaven he did." Gaius glances back at Edwin with a frown.

——

Anne's POV

Anne, having noticed Gaius and Edwin had left the room, immediately follows hoping to find Edwin as she has been having a weird feeling ever since she's met him. When she catches up with them, she realises that she has caught the tail end of a somewhat tense conversation.

"The injury to your face?" Gaius asks him piquing Anne's curiosity.

"It happened when I was very young," Edwin answers tersely.

"Perhaps it was I that treated you for it." Gaius persists.

"I told you before, we've never met."

"Yes, of course. Well, I'll leave you to your work." Gaius says, clearly not believing his claim that they have never met.

Anne quickly hides round the corner when Gaius walks past her. When she peeks her head around the corner she can see that Edwin is looking directly at her, smiling kindly.

"I'm sure your mother taught you that it was rude to listen to other people's conversations." He says as Anne steps out. He doesn't seem mad, it is like he wanted her to hear.

"I did not know my mother or father," Anne says quietly. "They died when I was young." Edwin does not look surprised.

"I lost my parents when I was young as well but I have a few memories of them." He tells her. Anne is not sure why he is telling her this. "It is the reason for my injury." He points to the scarred part of his face.

"Oh." Is all that Anne finds herself saying. It is interesting that both of them had parents lost to flames. She wonders if it is through the same method.

Neither says anything for a moment before Edwin suddenly says, "Well, it was lovely to converse with you Anne but I must get on with my work."

"Yes of course," Anne says nodding before walking away, glancing over her shoulder to see him still looking at her.

——

Amelia's POV

Uther sits in his chair at the back of the Council Chambers in the centre with Morgana then Amelia on his right and Arthur on his left behind his own chair.

"Name your reward," Uther says.

"I desire nothing more than the good health of my patient, Sire," Edwin says. There is something funny about him but Amelia cannot decide what. No one else seems to notice it.

"There must be something I can do for you." Uther insists.

"No. I will wait until the Lady Morgana is fully recovered, and then I will be on my way." It seems like Edwin is being overtly noble and moral.

"Why don't you stay awhile? You could live here in the palace." Now Uther is being desperate.

"No. I-I feel I would be trespassing. And you already have a Court Physician." Amelia narrows her eyes at him.

"I'm sure Gaius would be glad of your help." Gaius is fine thank you very much.

"It is a kind offer, but..." Edwin trails off seemingly pretending to not want this offer.

"Think about it. Dine with me later. Give me your decision then." Uther says with finality.

"To dine with Your Majesty would be reward in itself." Amelia raises her eyebrows. Would it? Always seemed pretty dull.

Edwin bows and leaves the room.

——

In her Chambers, she finds Anne cleaning but she seems distracted. "Anne?" Amelia asks.

Anne looks up startled as if she did not hear Amelia enter. "Oh, sorry I did not hear you." She says quietly.

"You seem distracted? Is everything alright?" Amelia asks concerned. This is not normal for Anne.

"It-" Anne begins before stopping herself as if to collect her thoughts and figure out how to answer. After a moment of silence, she speaks rambling, "It's Edwin. I-I do not know what it is but there is s-something strangely familiar about him but I-I do not know how I could as I am sure I have never met him before and I think I would remember with his scars and-and there is the f-feeling that he seems to know information about me, even more than I know and I..." she trails off.

"Maybe he knew your parents?" Amelia wonders walking over to her and putting an arm around her shoulders. "What if he could tell you more about them? You have said that you do not have any memories of them. Give you a connection to them."

"Maybe..." Anne mutters as if she is not sure if she should but with mild hope.

——

Gaius's POV

Gaius enters Edwin's Guest Chambers and comes face to face with said man who already stands in the room at a table full of his equipment. The look Edwin sends him is a look of contempt.

"Edwin. Your scar has healed well. I often wondered what happened to that poor young boy." Gaius says, walking from the door to the other side of the table so that he is directly in front of Edwin.

"I told you we've never met before." Edwin still insists.

"I didn't realise who you were until I checked the records. You used your mother's maiden name." Gaius says resolutely. Edwin looked mildly alarmed but kept control. "You are Gregor and Jaden Audley's son. Eldest of their two children."

"They were friends of yours," Edwin says now giving up the pretence.

"They were Sorcerers."

"They practised magic. And so did a lot of people back then, Gaius." There is an underlay of anger in his voice.

"Uther will be furious when he finds out who you are," Gaius tells him, believing he has the upper hand.

"Fine. Fine. Shall we tell him? Let's go and tell him. Let's tell him. Let's tell him everything." Edwin begins to walk towards the door before suddenly stopping just before opening it. "Ooh, I know... We could also tell him about Merlin." He says smirking.

"Merlin?" Gaius questions in false confusion. How can he know?

"You didn't know he was a Sorcerer?" He smirks in disbelief but also triumph. "Ah." He says walking back towards the table, Gaius follows. "I wonder what Uther will do. Probably have him burnt." A bored look appears on his face like he cannot be bothered.

"You would betray another Sorcerer?" Gaius asks in disbelief.

"You did." Sudden anger takes over his voice. An anger that has been simmering under the surface and is now being unleashed. "When you turned a blind eye and let my parents die at the hands of Uther! At least Merlin doesn't have a son who will try to rescue him from the flames!" He points at the scars on his face with a shaking hand. "A sister taken away! A sister who I have recently learnt is living in near vicinity to Uther! A maid to one of his wards!"

"You're here to take revenge." Gaius now realises, now slightly pitying him after his speech.

"And I have waited a long time." He says in a tone full of desire as if the mere idea of accomplishing it gives him pleasure. "An added bonus I find my sister. Maybe she will help?" He smirks.

"You think I will let you corrupt Anne? Sacrifice the King to save Merlin?" Gaius asks in disbelief.

"It is unbelievable what familial links can do. Think about it, Gaius." His tone indicates that he believes he has got him. "But if I find out that you have told one other person, including the boy," his voice raises, "I will go straight to Uther."

Gaius opens his mouth to respond but then Merlin enters the room with a serene look on his face. "I got your provisions." He then says quietly as if he can read the slight tension in the room.

"Oh, thank you, Merlin. Gaius was just reminiscing about old times, weren't you, Gaius?" Edwin says threateningly in Gaius's direction, a false smile on his lips.

"Yes," Gaius says trying to hide his tenseness.

"But now, I must get back to work," Edwin says putting a hand on Merlin's shoulder briefly still looking at Gaius with a threatening look.

Merlin and Gaius then both leave the room. "I'd better get on with my errands."

"Yes, of course, you must." Stopping in his movements causing Merlin to do the same thing.

"Do you want me to get you anything?" Merlin asks.

"No, I'm fine. Just do what Edwin asks." Gaius says giving a small smile and watching as Merlin walks away with a feeling of dread. He does not know what to do.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia once again sits in her seat with everyone in their usual seats mulling over what Anne had said about Edwin while said man stands in front of her, Uther, Morgana, and Arthur. Courtiers loiter at the side.

"I have been through the Court medical records with a fine-tooth comb, Sire." He says.

"And were your findings satisfactory?" Uther asks.

"With regret, I would have to say they were not," Edwin says in false regret that only Amelia seems to see. Edwin is definitely up to something. Amelia frowns causing Morgana to glance at her with concern.

"How so?"

"Gaius is a great man, thorough, and dedicated."

"But?"

Edwin sighs. "His methods are outdated. He has failed to keep up with the latest developments. This has led to a number of errors."

"Gaius has served me well for 20 years," Uther argues though not that strongly if Amelia has anything to say about it.

"And one cannot blame him for the infirmity those years have brought. Age can be a terrible curse." Okay, 1. he is not that old and 2. age does not mean he's useless.

"Perhaps it is time to lighten his burdens. Have you given any more thought to my offer?" Uther says almost too eagerly.

"Yes. I have considered it very carefully."

"Allow me some time to do the same." Edwin bows and exits. Uther gets up and goes to the table that was on the other side of the room on his right for a drink. Morgana follows him, Amelia does the same.

"Uther, you can't do this," Morgana says to him.

"You heard what he said. Gaius is old, he makes mistakes." He says while taking a drink.

"Gaius has treated us since before we can remember. You can't cast him out." Amelia pipes up.

Uther turns to them. "Morgana would have died if her care had been left to him. That's something I could not bear." Funnily enough, that seems to be the only redeemable bit about him, how much care he shows to Morgana. To such a degree that Amelia has never received. She does not recall ever being jealous.

"I know that, but..." Morgana tries, bringing Amelia back to the conversation.

Uther cuts her off. "I cannot risk something like this happening again." He walks away ending the conversation.

"He will never truly get rid of Gaius. I'm sure of it." Amelia says trying to comfort her. She wishes she knew with more certainty but she has recently missed placed her notes. Anne likely mistakingly put them somewhere else.

——

Anne's POV

She is walking down one of the corridors, intending to meet with Amelia and Gwen to go to the Lower Town for some shopping when she overhears Uther and Edwin conversing and spots them further up the corridor.

"I think you'll be very happy here," Uther says not taking any notice of her probably as to him, she is just a mere servant though Edwin looks directly at her giving her a smile that she does not know how to interpret.

"I'm sure I will." It is also then she realises the implication of their conversation, Edwin has officially taken Gaius' job. "When I reviewed Gaius's work, I noticed that he's been prescribing you arnica."

"It's for, er, my shoulder, it's an old battle wound. It gives me a lot of pain." Uther answers.

"May I take the liberty of providing a new prescription? It should prove far more effective."

"Really?" Uther asks in surprise.

"Oh, yes. It is a remedy to cure all ills." Edwin says as they walk past Anne. She cannot help but think how ominous that sounds before hurrying on her way.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia walks in the Lower Town with Anne and Gwen as they buy fruit from a stall when she spots Gaius leading a horse out of the main gate. Anne suddenly rushes over to him with her and Gwen in tow.

"Gaius? You really are leaving? You cannot!" Anne asks before she can say anything. Uther must have officially in effect fired Gaius and let Edwin properly take his place.

"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't come and say goodbye." He says remorsefully.

"I don't want you to go. I don't trust Edwin. There was no blood in Morgana's ear, he put it there. He did something to her, I know he did." Gwen declares strongly.

"You need to be careful who you say that to." He warns her.

"She's saying it to you because you can do something about it," Amelia tells him.

"I can't."

"But you think the same, don't you? He's evil." Amelia can see Anne frown when Gwen said that though she does not know whether it is in thought or disagreement.

"It's not that simple," Gaius says.

"So you're going to turn your back on us?" Anne asks him, seemingly snapping out of her thoughts.

"I have no choice, I'm sorry."

"In life you always have a choice. Sometimes it's easier to think that you don't." Gwen says wisely. She is not wrong.

"Well, then. My choice is to leave."

"Then I'll miss you." Gwen kisses Gaius on the cheek.

"We all will," Amelia says reaching forward to give Gaius a hug before letting Anne do the same.

"Goodbye Gaius," Anne says as they then watch him walk away from Camelot.

——

Anne's POV

Anne is shocked later that night to see Gaius reentering the Castle. Curiosity gets the better of her and she watches as he slips into Edwin's Guest Chambers. She slips in as well but through a different door that she knows, to watch what he is doing from beyond the shadows. After what Gwen had said and the previous conversation she had seen between Gaius and Edwin, Anne cannot help but be worried about what this Edwin is up to and wonders what Gaius had figured out.

Edwin enters his Chambers and places his things on a table in the far corner of the room, leading to Gaius stepping round one of the pillars he had hidden behind. "I will not allow you to kill Uther."

"You've never had a problem letting people die before," Edwin says to him. Neither has noticed Anne's presence and she decides to keep it that way till she understands the relationship and situation between the two.

"Your parents were practising dark magic, just like you." Gaius walks closer to him. Anne's eyes widen in surprise. Were Edwin's parents burnt like hers? It would explain a few things.

"And how do you propose to stop me?" Anne can already see he is dead set on this path.

"Wáce ierlic." Gaius chants lifting his hand but nothing happens.

"Hmm. I think you meant: vaki ierlt." The spell throws Gaius against the wall. "Have you forgotten everything, Gaius? You're getting too old."

"What are you doing?!" Anne cries now stepping from her spot and crouching next to Gaius. Edwin looks at her in surprise.

"I suppose you heard us. Mmm... Might as well tell you the whole truth then," Edwin smirks after recovering from his shock. "Hey, Gaius?" He turns to the man who was gasping on the floor.

"What truth?" Anne questions in confusion. "I already know your parents were burnt, that you have magic and that you are taking revenge on Uther."

"Ah yes." Edwin nods. "But not the whole truth."

"Gaius what does he mean?"

"Your parents," Gaius gasps. "His parents. They are the same." Anne cannot believe it. She looks up at Edwin gapping in shock.

"You have got to understand why I do this Anne." He tells her. It saddens Anne. She has finally found a family relation and they have already been corrupted by anger and revenge. She knows she cannot reason with him but she has to try.

"No. I cannot let you do this. This is wrong. Our parents could not possibly want this."

Edwin to frowns. "I am sorry about that but first I have to deal with Gaius." Before Anne can determine what he means, he chants again, "Vaki ierlt." This throws her against the wall away from Gaius leaving her dazed. "Forbærne yfel." He speaks again and the spell encircles Gaius in flames. He smiles.

Before the flames can reach Gaius, who has been able to stand, and Anne can fully regain her bearings to stand, Merlin and Amelia burst in and after taking in the room Merlin turns to Edwin exclaiming, "What are you doing?"

"He was trying to kill the King. I couldn't let him." Gaius' gasping is worse as he struggles against the heat of the flames.

"I can rule the Kingdom now. And with you at my side, we can be all-powerful." Edwin tells him.

"Release him!" 

At this moment Amelia runs over to Anne. "Anne?" She asks, her blue eyes full of worry. Anne nods to her, nonverbally telling her she is alright.

"It's your loss, Merlin." He seems too drawn into his mission to care about fully convincing anyone. He lifts his hand throws an axe at Merlin, but Merlin stops it leaning as far back as he can. "Swilte, Merlin." Merlin's magic overpowers Edwin's. Merlin sends the axe forward. It propels forward and lands on Edwin killing him and the flames disappear.

"Are you alright?" Merlin asks him as Anne is able to get up and walk over to Edwin's body, frowning mournfully at it. He may have been full of revenge and hate but he had still been her brother though she does not hate Merlin for what he had done. She is more sad for what could have been.

"Yes. Thank you, Merlin." Gaius seems still a bit stunned himself. Merlin fetches a box from a table in the middle of the room. "What are you doing?"

"Uther's ill; the same thing Morgana had." Gaius, Amelia and Anne walk over to him. Merlin opens the box. "Edwin said he used these to cure Morgana. Maybe we can too." They all look over his shoulder to see it was full of frozen beetles.

"Elanthia beetles." Gaius recognises them.

"They're magical?" Amelia asks.

"Yes. They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul. We must go to him." Taking the box with them, they rush to Uther's Chambers.

——

Once entering, Anne can see that Uther is unconscious and unmoving laying in the middle of his bed.

"How do we get the beetle out before it kills him?" Merlin asks.

"It can only be magic," Gaius says.

"We can't use magic on Uther, he'd kill us." Anne says in shock.

"I don't think we have a choice," Amelia says.

"Amelia!" Merlin exclaims turning to her.

"There are times when it is necessary. It is your right." Gaius calmly tells him.

"I don't know how."

"If you don't, he's going to die." Not that Anne thinks that is terrible but it is not time yet. Arthur is not ready and Uther dying of magic will not help things.

Merlin sits on the bed and places his hands over Uther's ears. "Bebeode þe arisan ealdu. Áblinnen."

"What's happening?" Amelia asks. Merlin pulls his hands back, holding the still bug in his hand.

"Has anyone ever told you, you're a genius?" Gaius asks rhetorically, looking between Merlin and the bug in his hand.

"You certainly haven't." Merlin laughs before putting the bug in the box, it is then that Anne and Amelia lunge at him exclaiming their own praises.

——

No one's POV

Gaius stands before the Royal Court.

"I, my family, and my Kingdom are deeply indebted to you," Uther says. "And in honour of this, I not only reinstate you as Court Physician, but henceforth, you are a free man of Camelot." Uther hands Gaius a roll of parchment and the Court applauds.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

[eizagcnzalez]

The journey to New York felt longer than it was, not because of the distance, but because of the anticipation that bubbled in Eiza’s chest. She couldn’t believe how, in such a short time, Anne had completely captivated her. It wasn’t just Anne’s beauty—though that was undeniable—it was the way she spoke, the way her laugh carried through their conversations, and the surprising vulnerability she had shared during their last meeting. Eiza had spent days replaying every moment, every touch, every kiss in her mind, and now, she was here, heading straight toward the woman who had turned her world upside down. Eiza had chosen her outfit carefully, striking a balance between alluring and classy for the crisp winter evening. She wore a long, tailored camel coat with a belted waist, paired with slim-fitting black trousers that accentuated her legs. Underneath, a high-neck cashmere sweater in a deep burgundy color peeked out, perfectly complementing her bronzed skin and dark hair, which fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Her boots were heeled but practical for the chilly streets of New York, and a chic leather bag completed the look. Eiza looked every bit the effortlessly glamorous woman she was known to be, but her heart was beating faster with every step she took toward Anne.

As she pulled up her rental car to the Airbnb, Eiza’s breath caught at the sight of Anne waiting on the porch. “Annie,” Eiza breathed as the older woman pulled her into a warm embrace. She laughed softly as Anne’s lips peppered her cheek with kisses, her hands automatically sliding around Anne’s waist to hold her close. “Hey, darling,” she replied, her voice low and affectionate, her smile widening as Anne’s lips finally found hers. The sweet, lingering kiss was enough to make Eiza momentarily forget the cold air nipping at her exposed skin. When Anne pulled back, Eiza couldn’t help but chuckle at the other woman’s slight fluster. “You don’t have to apologize for anything,” she said, her accent soft and lilting. “Honestly, I didn’t mind the ride. It gave me more time to think about this.” She leaned in again, her lips brushing against Anne’s temple before she stepped back to retrieve her bag.

Eiza followed Anne inside, her boots clicking softly on the hardwood floors as her eyes took in the cozy, beautifully decorated space. “Wow,” she murmured, setting her bag down near the entrance. “You’ve outdone yourself. This place is perfect.” Her gaze returned to Anne, her dark eyes sparkling with a mix of admiration and desire. “But then again, so are you.” Without giving Anne a chance to respond, Eiza stepped closer, her hands framing Anne’s face as she pulled her into a kiss that was anything but tentative. This kiss was hungry, passionate, a reflection of the days they had spent apart and the emotions that had built between them. Eiza’s lips moved against Anne’s with deliberate intensity, her fingers sliding into the soft waves of Anne’s hair as she pressed their bodies closer together. When Eiza finally pulled back, her breathing was slightly uneven, her lips curved into a wicked smile. “I’ve been thinking about doing that since the day you left my place,” she admitted, her voice a low murmur. “And now, I have a whole weekend to catch up on everything I’ve missed about you.”

ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕐𝕠𝕦// 𝔼𝕚𝕫𝕒 & 𝔸𝕟𝕟𝕖

The first time Anne and Eiza spent together was one of the most unexpected moments in Anne's life. Anne couldn't wrap her head around what had happened between them, and there wasn't a single moment where the American actress regretted about it. It was exciting, new, and almost unbelievable that someone like Eiza had turned her world upside down in just one day. Since then, they hadn't stopped texting each other. Every time Anne received a text from the younger woman, it was like a breath of fresh air; she would stop whatever she was doing to respond, and usually, these text exchanges wouldn't end until one of them fell asleep first.

As promised, they planned to meet again. This time, Anne wouldn't be rushed because her kids were spending the rest of the week and New Year's Eve with their father, leaving Anne free. She cancelled a couple of events she was supposed to attend with friends and booked a beautiful Airbnb on the outskirts of NYC—a discreet place with exquisite, vintage decor. It wasn't too big, but it was ideal for a cozy holiday weekend. Anne ensured the place was decorated with a Christmas tree and some lights, a cozy fireplace, and everything else necessary to make the setting perfect. If Eiza was flying from LA to NYC, Anne wanted to ensure she had the perfect place and the perfect time.

Anne arrived at the place at noon. She ordered food, ensured fresh coffee was ready, and chilled some wine bottles in the fridge. When Eiza announced she would arrive before nightfall, Anne was ready. She wore tight black jeans, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top buttons undone, revealing a hint of the black lace bra underneath. Her long hair fell naturally over her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle. Satisfied with both the house and her appearance in the mirror, she waited for the woman who had occupied her thoughts for days. When a car stopped outside, Anne rushed to open the door. Laughing adorably as she saw Eiza approaching the porch, she exclaimed, "Finally!" Anne extended her arms to embrace her, holding her tightly, momentarily forgetting that Eiza's bag needed to be brought inside. "Hey, darling!" Anne said kissing Eiza's cheek several times before moving her head slightly to press her lips against the younger actress giving her a sweet and long peck on the lips as she held her face with both hands "sorry, i couldn't pick you up from the airport, but the paparazzis are avid of new material" she chuckled you didn't have troubles to get here?"

@eizagcnzalez

[loveforpreserumsteve]

A Whole New Ballfield: "ALN" Story (Pre-Serum Omega!Steve and Alpha!Bucky Modern Domestic AU)

Twelve:

"Stevie, you've outdone yourself," Natasha moaned around a mouthful of chocolate cupcake.

Playfully rolling his eyes, Steve dismissed his best friend, "It's just cake. The same recipe that I've been using for years."

"But it's always the best," Nattie shrugged, finishing off the cupcake.

Shaking his head, Steve refilled the veggie platter. Carefully arranging them in hopes to distract himself until the party could get on with it. After all, he was impatiently awaiting to find out what his grandchild was going to be. Sure, Steve was going to love that baby no matter what, but there was an energetic buzz in the air with everyone's excite–

"Who's Kit's friend?" Natasha asked, coyly evaluating the person she was talking about.

Turning to look where she was, Steve smiled. Although things fizzled out between Kit and Huxley almost as quickly as they began, Leigh-Anne had made herself a fixture around the house. Truly getting the Ian Treatment of being an honorary Barnes member.

And, of course, that also meant that the spit-fire of an omega was here today.

"That's Leigh-Anne," Steve informed. "And she's just a friend. I don't want you getting any ideas about playing matchmaker. Kit isn't ready for that."

"First off, if I waited to match people until they were ready, you wouldn't be on your way to being a grandpa. And second," Nattie placed her hand on her hip, accentuating her curves even more than the Betty Boop costume did. "If they didn't want to spark my matching gene, they shouldn't have decided on a couple's costume."

Glancing over at the twenty-one year olds, Steve could admit that he did quirk a brow when Leigh-Anne showed up in a powder blue tuxedo. Very much the perfect Harry to Kit's Lloyd. It had been easy to see why Bucky thought they were such a great pair for each other. Even before the Dumb and Dumber costumes.

"You know," Natasha started. Lowering her naturally raspy voice, she tried to persuade the petite omega, "They would be beautiful babies."

All Steve could do was shake his head, but the smile remained. She wasn't wrong. But Steve thought that all of his kids would make beautiful babies no matter who they were with. However, he knew that Kit was nowhere near ready for that. The longest relationship that they had ever been in had been two weeks. And Steve wasn't sure if that counted since it was a crush that led to nowhere because they moved on without even giving it a shot.

Sighing, Steve searched through the crowd of their friends and family. Finding Ian, the omega leaned in close so he could quietly tell the godmother to his children, "If you want to match someone, try Ian. Him and Daryl broke up –"

"Shut up!" Nat gasped. Holding her hand to her chest, "But they were so good together."

"They were," Steve agreed. "But Daryl got the chance to work abroad."

Shaking her head, a deep sorrow briefly flashed over her face. She could empathize with loving someone and then setting them free. Knowing that not all lovers were meant to last forever. After all, she had firsthand experience.

Snapping back to her usual confident self, Natasha excitedly started, "I have the perfect person for him!"

"Of course, you do," Steve good-humoredly scoffed.

"Although, they are local..."

"That just means he gets to move back home," Steve grinned. "And you know how much we want that. Especially Bucky, the big softy."

"James? Wanting his kids close? Never," Nat mocked, causing the two of them to loudly laugh.

Speak of the devil, Steve thought when the alpha himself approached them. "What's so funny?"

"Just admiring your future daughter-in-law," Natasha answered, causing Steve to choke on his saliva.

"Nat," Steve swatted at her once his breathing returned to normal. "We just agreed that we wouldn't set them up."

"Now, Stevie," Bucky started. Smug, he continued, "Let's hear her out. After all, she does have excellent taste and a good track record."

Setting his mouth into a straight line, Steve narrowed his eyes at his husband, more than ready to tell his husband off. Before he could say anything though, Pepper announced, "Gather 'round!"

"Oh my goodness," Winnie excitedly stated.

Here and there, people murmured enthusiastically as they formed a loose circle around the expecting parents. And really, Steve and Bucky couldn't help but get swept away in their guests' eagerness. Especially since they were feeling the same way.

"These are for after the balloon is popped," Tony told them, handing out the confetti poppers to the family members.

Taking up a place beside her in-laws, Roberta leaned over to ask, "What do you think they are?"

Pointing at the pin on his Batman costume, Bucky predicted, "Team ghoul, all the way."

Playfully bumping Steve's shoulder, "What about you?"

The pin on his Robin costume proclaimed his choice loud and clear. Moving the yellow cape off his shoulder, "Team boo-y!"

Roberta nodded, "I'm still undecided."

"Okay!" Rhodey clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention. In his hand, there was a large black balloon with the question: Boo-y or Ghoul?

Beside him, Oliver held a large needle and had a bright, beaming grin on his face. "Everyone ready?"

"YES!"

Chuckling, Ollie nodded, and Rhodey steadied the balloon. Without hesitating, Oliver pricked the balloon, causing the massive thing to pop, and reveal a shower of tiny blue balloons, blue confetti, and blue streamers. Excitedly, the family twisted their confetti poppers, revealing more of the blue confetti and streamers.

Congratulatory hugs and pats were given, and Steve couldn't help but cry. Sure, he would've been happy either way, but to know he couldn't help but bask in the love that filled their house. They were getting a grandson. A little Rory Roo that was going to be so much like his fathers, Steve could already tell.

While Steve wiped some of the happiest tears he had ever cried from his face, Bucky pulled him in for a tight hug. Even going so far as to lift the petite omega off the ground. Before Steve could tell his husband to put him down, the alpha buried his face in the crook of Steve's neck, letting him feel his own tears of joy.

"Mazel tov!" Nattie patted the two men on their backs.

"Thanks," Steve sniffled, being set back down on the ground. Bucky sniffled as well, but pulled his mate in close, tucking him under his strong prosthetic. Wanting to get all his love across – because he was so unbelievably thankful for his life – he told his best friend, "I mean it, Nat. I'll never be able to thank you enough."

"I know, sweetie," she assured, comfortingly rubbing his arm, and then reaching up to wipe at her own wet eyes.

"Well?" Ollie asked, standing in front of his fathers.

"'Well,' what?" Bucky good-naturedly scoffed, pulling the younger, taller omega under his other, flesh arm.

Playfully rolling his eyes, he removed himself from under Bucky's arm so he could face the two men. Worrying his lower lip with his teeth, he asked, "Are you disappointed he's not a girl? That he's not a, 'Flora?'"

"Oh, honey," Steve reached out and took his son's hand in his. Reassuring, "It doesn't matter what they are, we love them all the same. He never would've been our Flora, but that doesn't mean that he won't be the best Rory there ever was."

Wiping at his own tears, Oliver nodded. Steve couldn't help but feel bad about the burden his son had hoisted upon his pup's shoulders. Steve would never want his grandchild to live in the shadow of who their aunt could've been. The expectations never even crossed his mind because there could never be another Flora for them, just like there would never be another Ro–

"Ooh!" Oliver exclaimed, hands immediately going to his bump.

"Everything okay?" Bucky asked, causing worry to stain the bond.

New tears fell over Oliver's freckled cheeks and a large, toothy grin split his face, "He's moving."

Both of the older men beamed, but knew better than to just reach out and touch. Ollie knew that. So, he took Bucky's flesh hand and one of Steve's and brought them to his bump so they could feel their grandson. And as if he was trying to join their conversation, Roo made sure to kick with all he had so it couldn't be missed.

The love that coursed through the bond was so strong and abundant that it made Steve feel weak in the knees. Especially when Bucky got down to his knees so he could be face-to-face with the twenty-two week bump.

"Hello!" Bucky started, grin growing when another kick pushed along Oliver's abdomen. "Can't wait to meet you, bub! None of us can!"

[lourryswh0r3]

Loves of my life, Part 2, Part 1 below.

February 3rd, 2018

-

It was Harry's birthday party, I had already been planning this for months. It's going to be at our home in London. Harry, Louis, and I flew in the night before while Louis and I were making sure everything was perfect, Harry was visiting his family.

"You outdone yourself, love." Louis said while looking at the Harry shaped cake.

I giggled while he came behind me putting his arms around my waist and his head in the crook of my neck.

"His birthday needs to be perfect, He's turning 24." I said whilst Louis started kissing my neck. "It's going to be perfect, you've been planning for so long, don't stress it."

I nodded and faced him to kiss him. He kissed back, when it started to get heated I stopped. Louis frowned, I ran my hand through his hair.

"How's Freddie?" I asked with a smile. He smiled too, he loves his son. "He's good, he's back in LA at the minute."

I nodded with a smile painting my face.

"Come on, let's go get ready." I said and grabbed his hand and lead him upstairs with me to Harry and I's bedroom.

"I don't have a wardrobe." He said with a hint of attitude. I rolled my eyes at him, "Use Harry's dummy."

He opened Harry's closet and found himself a black T-shirt and black jeans.

I grabbed my tight fitted emerald dress. Louis decided to lay on the bed and watch television.

I went into the bathroom and did my makeup to match my dress a bit and straightened my hair, once I was done I put on my diamond necklace Harry gave me and the dress with 2 inch black heels. I felt confident.

When I walked out of the bathroom, Louis' head snapped to me.

"You look hot, I could just bend you over right here right now." He said.

I smiled, "Thank you." I walked over and gave him a peck on the lips, Harry walked into the room.

"Oh I came just in time!" He said while locking the door and running to us.

He kissed me, then Louis joined us. "You guys both look great, what do you guys think about telling everyone about our relationship tonight?" Harry asked.

"I mean, I'm okay with that, It's up to Louis." I smiled to them.

"Yeah, let's do it." Louis said with an uncertain look on his face. "Great!" Harry said before he pecked my lips then Louis'. He went into the bathroom to get ready.

"Are you sure you're ready? You don't have to if you're not sure." I said to Louis.

He shook his head. "I'm just nervous that's all, I'm ready."

I smiled and hugged him.

"I'll go greet the guests." He nodded, I left the room and walked down the stairs to see Harry's mom and sister first.

"Anne! Gemma!" I said with a grin, coming down the stairs. They had gifts in their hands.

I grabbed the gifts from them and brought them to the gift table.

"It's so great to see you both!" I said whilst hugging Anne.

"It's great to see you Y/N!" Gemma said once I made my way to hug her. Anne smiled and looked at Gemma and I.

"My two beautiful daughters even though one technically isn't mine." She said with a teary eye. "Aww, I love you Anne." I said while hugging her again, tighter this time.

"So beautiful you look!" She said while wiping her eyes. "Thank you so much, I tried."

More people started to come in and Gemma went to go greet them. "So Y/N, tell me the details about you and Harry, how are you guys?" She asked.

"We've never been better! We're really on another level lately." I said.

She smiled and watched Harry and Louis walk down the stairs. "Boys!" She said and ran to hug them. I was alone now, I went to the bar and grabbed a scotch on the rocks.

I saw Harry hugging friends and family. I smiled at him. He smiled back, Louis walked towards me.

"So many people." He said while taking a sip from my drink.

"That's mine, daddy." I whispered the last word in his ear. He looked at me with a face I couldn't even describe, it was just hot.

I grabbed my drink back and finished it.

Hours had passed I decided it was time to sing to Harry. I grabbed the cake from the fridge and lit the candles, well Louis lit them.

I called everyone to sing to Harry, he ran over to me. He was very obviously drinking.

"Okay , one , two , three." Everyone started singing happy birthday and Harry looked happy looking around at everyone. He looked at me and Louis and nodded.

Once everyone was done singing he blew out his candles.

"I have an announcement to make!" Harry yelled.  Louis' eyes widened a little bit as well as mine, we both didn't think he was really gonna do this.

"Everyone here knows Y/N and I have been together for a while!" Harry said, someone people hyped him up and said "Yeah!" He smiled.

"Well, Y/N and I were and are one of the most healthy couples ever! We've only argued two times! He yelled." I shook my head while laughing a little bit.

"Well, now it's not just me and Y/N. It's Louis, Y/N, and I!" He said and the room got quiet.

"That's right family and friends! Louis and I are bisexual. We all really like each other." He said.

It was still silent. Harry went and hugged both Me and Louis. Then everyone started cheering for him coming out.

"Yeah! Harry!" Many people yelled. I smiled and kissed his cheek.

We cut into the Harry cake and served everyone we could. I grabbed my slice and put it in Harry's face.

"Y/N!" He said while laughing. I laughed and kissed him, Louis joined the kissing.

I saw Louis try to help Harry get the cake off, he looked so happy to be in this relationship. I wanted to get them both into bed as soon as possible.

If it wasn't Harry's birthday party it would've been happening right in that moment.

"You guys are my everything." I said before kissing them.

[yandere-mha]

🌌- I wanted to add onto the hawks with a darling who picks their skin ask. Ps hawks’ real name is keigo

You’ve already been warned not to say anything to the nurses that might indicate that you’re in danger with hawks. You didn’t want anyone’s blood on your hands.

That’s why you would have one word answers to the nurses questions, and you would t look them in the eye, and how when they tried to answer questions you wouldn’t answer.

The nurses overlooked this, hawks had this charisma and charm that the nurses would dawn over.

All they did was give you ointment to put on your hives, advised you to not scratch your hives or pick at the scabs, to try some relaxation techniques and if this continued to check up with another doctor.

Hawks was thrilled at how well you behaved at the hospital, so much so that he allowed you to watch tv with him instead of only movies or Netflix.

The hospital visit didn’t deter you from continuing this destruct full act, neither did anything hawks did. He tried lavender, he tried to do meditation with you, he even gave you access to his personal gym(with his supervision of course), he even tired locking mittens but those didn’t prevent what he walked in on.

The sight of you panting, the locking mittens chewed up and ripped on the floor, tears down your eyes as you viciously scratch the raw skin in your neck. Your skin marred with angry red scratches that were bleeding. On your legs, arms, stomach were the repercussions of hawk’s actions.

The tears in your eyes brought him out of it. Before you could even blink hawks had you in his arms, shushing your sobs, tightening his hold on you when you try to squirm away.

You stay like that for a while, until you’re too exhausted to try to get away. Hawks pulls away and one long feather captures your wrists, binding them together. Hawks picks you up, carrying you to the bathroom where a first aid kit is. He cleans your wounds with a antiseptic wipes, his grip in your leg tightens when you try to pull away. His gaze makes you want to disappear. What’s worse is that hawks hasn’t said a word to you yet.

That was until he places you on the bed, pushing you onto your back and straddling you, feathers holding down your limbs in a starfish position.

“I’m so sorry Angel, I’m so sorry I let it get the far. But I’m going to fix it. I’m going to fix you,” he says opening a pill bottle and holding your mouth open. His eyes are wide open, derangement, desperation, and insanity in his eyes he forces you to swallow those tiny white pills.

“Don’t fret Angel, pain killers. I’m going to save you, just like how I saved you from the hurt and pain out the outside world.” He walks to the bathroom, the sound of locks being tossed onto tile floors echos, and he comes out holding a wrench.

“But this to fix you, I have to do this, trust me Angel,” he walks over to you, ignoring your struggles, wiping away the hot tears running down your face, and the pleas coming from your mouth,”this is going to hurt me more than it will hurt you,” he says standing up, the heavy wrench firmly in his grasp.

The sound of your left arm cracking is what you first hear. The pain comes next. The white hot pain that makes you want to throw up. Your screams fill the bedroom as hawks walks to the other side of the bed.

“This wouldn’t happen if you let me save you!” He cries out. You can’t even see him, the pain is blinding.

“Please keigo, please don’t,” you beg, this is the first time you use his real name, not the one the commission gave him.

“See, it’s working already. You’re being so good and using your manners. Don’t work Angel, this one will be quick,” he says ignoring your cries and please.

The right arm was even worse, if that is even possible. Your screams leaving your voice raw and you’re crying so hard that you would have thrown up anything in your stomach. Hawks shushes you, dropping the wrench and gently placed both hands on your face, forcing you to look at him.

“See Angel, now you can’t hurt yourself anymore,”hawks says, the pain still radiating through your body.

“Keigo, it hurts,” your broken plea leaves your mouth, hawks’ deranged eyes widen at the sound of you using his first name, laughing he kisses your cheek.

“Say it again Angel, say my name again,” he commands, but you’re still sobbing and the pain is making you dizzy.

“Please no more keigo,” you beg. He realizes what he has just done and runs to get a medic, one he will surely kill right after helping you. Leaving you alone, confined to the bed, with both arms broken and radiating pain, and with a broken spirit. A broken shell of a person that hawks can now mold into who ever he wants, his ideal version of you.

OH MY GOD, ANNE!! You’ve outdone yourself holy shit bro!!! I was even thinking “Man, I feel bad I left that shit so open ended” but I have so many other requests to get to and I wasn’t able to write a sequel. Then you swooped in and saved us all so thank you 🙏 This is a better sequel than I could have ever written myself <333

I gotten say you’ve made me a fangirl of you. Every time I see your little 🌌 now I’m like

[optimistic-dinosaur-nacho]

25 Days of Chris-Fics

25 𝓓𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼-𝓕𝓲𝓬𝓼

Happy Holidays, my lovely elves and reindeers! Hope you got yourself some hot chocolate with some marshmallows and gingerbread cookies with you because we have another challenge for you all! For those who did my October Challenge, you might like this one! Don’t be afraid to gather more friends to join on this one!

As some of you know, it’s December, my birthday month! If you’d like to do a special fic for me, feel free to message me and you can work from there (Will add the day of my birthday if you’d like to gift it on the day of it). As always, I’m grateful to have you all gathered here, I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving with your families! This is my first time celebrating my birthday on Tumblr so it’s going to be a nice thing to do. 

There will be a lot of choices for you so choose whatever you please to make this Holiday a nice treat for those.

Rules and Prompts are provided below the cut!

Do you have to follow Dino to participate?

No. You do not have to, this is for everyone. But I’d appreciate it.

Deadline?

No deadline, you could even start it in January. Even though it says 25 Days of Chris-Fics. And if you’re late for my birthday, you can post it before or after (if you plan on something special. I don’t expect something for me cause you’re enough)

Rules

Minimum 500 words. No max 

Unlimited choices, you can do whatever you choose, but keep it below 5 choices.

Limit of 2-3 stories per person.

No Smut! Implied is allowed just have very little and warnings.

These can be reader insert or OC stories.

Ethnic, Interracial, LGBTQ+ and polyamorous stories are welcome and encouraged.

It must be an original work and not part of an existing series.

Be sure to tag me and if I ever miss your fic and didn’t reblog it in two days, feel free to throw a message at me and I will surely give you a reblog in 24 hours.

My Birthday is on the 21st of  December, so you’re welcome to post your fic on that day!

Prompts:  Choose your favorite prompt and use it for your Holiday Fic!

Song Prompts: List of your favorite Holiday Songs you can use for your characters can sing, dance, listen to in your story or represent your story. Movie Prompts:  This can be something the family could watch or only two people could be alone with a nice cozy blanket. Or if you’re interested, you can use it as a AU. Ex: Choice of Character hates Christmas and ruins it for the other. (Grinch)

Picture Prompts: This is for your story to come to life, represent what your story holds. Either a nice hot chocolate on a winter night, a nice Christmas dinner, or decorating a tree.

When you have your Holiday Story written, tag me in that fic and use the tag #ODNHolidayBDay2020

Prompts

1. “Is that a Mistletoe? Are you holding a Mistletoe?” 2. “So help me if you eat another Gingerbread man, me and you are going to fall out.” 3. “Christmas movies, Christmas lights, Christmas songs and you? That’s my ideal Christmas.” 4. S/O dresses up as Santa for the kids. 5. Secret Santa with family. 6. “You’re slowly turning into Buddy the Elf, so calm down.” 7. “Santa’s not real...” “I will cover you in Christmas lights and tinsel, turning you into a Christmas tree if you say that one more time.” 8. Person A and Person B decorate their Christmas tree and they argue who puts the star on top. 9. Dressing their pet up as Santa, Rudolph or an Elf. 10. “Stop being such a Grinch!” 11. “If you eat one more cookie from that plate, we’re going to have problems.” 12. “I want a reindeer.” 13. Person A mounts lights onto the house while Person B holds the ladder as they’re panicking that Person A will fall. 14. Snow fights/Ice Skating 15. Person A and B both are making Christmas treats. 16. S/O makes hot chocolate and sets a cozy date on the couch for their S/O. 17. S/O hates Christmas but after a lot of convincing it works. 18 . The kid(s) wake the parents up at 5am. 19. “____, come back to bed, please.” S/O with camera, “I will prove he exists.” 20. “Did you really set a trap by the fireplace?” 21. Kid(s) wrap S/O in wrapping paper and puts a bow on their head. 22. S/O shows the other how to wrap presents. 23. Making Gingerbread houses. 24. Matching pajamas (including pet) 25. S/O takes the kids sledding. 26. Go riding with the reindeers. 27. “You really outdone the house.” 28. S/O dresses up as an Elf while cooking dinner. 29. “I’m going to tie you with Christmas lights if you don’t stop.” 30. Going to a Christmas Light Show in a park with live animals. 31. “Ooh, cookies-” “Get out of my kitchen!” 32. “You’re drinking wine at 7 in the morning-?” “You keep bothering me, I might soon enough be drunk.” 33. “You better get your ass out of bed.” “You better get your ass out of my room.” 34. “Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.” 35.  Singing Xmas Carols in a plaza to earn money for the homeless.

Song Prompts

36. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

37. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

38. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

39. It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year - Andy Williams

40. The Christmas Song (Remastered) - Nat King Cole

41. Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

42. Last Christmas - WHAM!

43. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes

44. Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer - Gene Autry

45. Frosty The Snowman - Jimmy Durante

46. Santa Claus Is Coming Town - Jackson 5

47. (There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays - Perry Como

48. I’ll Be Home For Christmas - Michael Bublé

49. Wrapped in Red - Kelly Clarkson

50. Silver Bells - Andy Williams

51. Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano

52. Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra

53. Where Are You Christmas - Faith Hill

54. 4 Carats - Kelly Clarkson

55. White Christmas - Bing Crosby

56. Winter Wonderland - Darlene Love

57. Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson

.

Movie Prompts

58. Fred Claus (2007) 

59. Last Christmas (2019) 

60. Four Christmases (2008)

61. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) 

62. Home Alone (1990/1992)

63. The Polar Express (2004)

64. Elf (2003)

65. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

66. A Christmas Story (1983)

67. Frosty The Snowman (1969)

68. Deck The Halls (2006) 

.

Picture Prompts

69.

70. 

71.

72.

73.

74.

75.

76. 

77.

78.

79.

TAGS:

@jtargaryen18 @donutloverxo @captainchrisbaby @sweater-daddiesdumbdork @stop-obsessing-over-those-actors @star-spangled-beard-burn @nickysurfer28 @nbarnes @cheeseburgersstuff @iguessweallcrazyithinktho @navybrat817 @waywardodysseys @just-one-ordinary-fangirl @chris-evans-indian-fanfic​ @queen-kass-the-writer​ @ssebstann @writerwrites @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad​ @anika-ann​ @ladywitheclecticheart​ @a-little-counter-esperanto​ @heavenlypugpizza​

Signal Boost if you want!

[gaemkyuu]

Of Kings & Queens (Part One)

Warnings: none!  A/N: Here’s the first part! This is mostly context to the story, with a sneak peak of Prince Charlie! I’ll upload a little more tomorrow! AU!Prince Charlie Gillespie x Fictional Character Disclaimer: This is a FICITONAL writing piece! In no way do I claim characters in this piece act this way in real life.

Masterlist *now taking requests ;)

Part 1/Part 2/Part 3/Part 4/Part 5/Part 6

Four Kingdoms stood strong.  North, East, South and West.  Four Royal Families would unite the land. The Blood of Gillespie would rule the cold North, bountiful with forestry and game. The Blood of Shada would rule the Eastern coast and land, mastering the stormy seas and its’ treasures. The Blood of Joyners would rule the hot Southern lands, gathering the resources for petrol that kept the Kingdoms running. The Blood of Lee would rule the golden coast of the Western lands, providing crops and livestock to feed the people. In each Kingdom, a Ruler to bring prosperity and peace to all its’ people.

Dawn was breaking and people were already moving busily about the Western Kingdom. As more people woke, the excitement in the air increased, for today was a special day. Festivities would start early in the day and go late into the night as the Western Kingdom celebrated the coming of age the Princess. Not only was it the Princess’ birthday, it also signified that the Princess was now officially on the Royal Market, searching for a partner to become King of the Western Kingdom. Tonight’s celebration at the castle would bring people from all over the nation, including the royal families from the Eastern, Southern, and Northern kingdoms. Farmers harvested and packed their crops and livestock, Bakers made fresh delights by the dozens, Florists put out their best and brightest flowers and the Merchants polished their wares. This special occasion would bring people from all over the Four Kingdoms to their stores in celebration and vacation. All the work that was being put into the celebration brought the citizens together and united them on this special day. 

Well... At least the citizens were excited...

The Princess was awoken by her best friend and handmaiden, much to her displeasure. She groaned and pulled the covers over her head as the curtains in her room were parted, trying to ignore the hustle and bustle going around her. She knew what day it was, and this made her want to stay in bed for much longer. She even debated not getting up at all. As her handmaiden made herself busy and gave directions to other servants that had entered her room, the princess pulled a pillow over her head, trying to make it clear that she had no intention of getting up. With a heavy sigh, her confidant gave the other servants orders and ushered them out before shutting the door softly behind them.

“Liv. I love you and you know how I feel about today, but I would really appreciate it if you would cooperate so we don’t have the queen on our butts this early” the princess groaned and her best friend pulled the covers off her body. She flinched at the bright sunlight streaming into her room.

“I’m not getting up today Sav. It’s not happening” Savannah shook her head and rolled her eyes at her friend. She knew that Olivia could be quite the drama queen, but today she needed her to cooperate so that she wouldn’t fall behind schedule. Savannah glanced at the clock, already knowing that the extra 15 minutes she allotted was now gone. 

“Liv, unless you want to bathe in a cold bath, you will get up or so help me I will dump ice water on you myself!” Olivia groaned and finally sat up looking at her best friend with disdain. “Listen, I know you don’t want to do Today. I get it. But you don’t need another reason to get on the nerves of the King and Queen today” Savannah’s voice sounded slightly distressed and Olivia felt a little guilty at her dramatization this morning.

Olivia and Savannah were best friends ever since she could remember. Savannah was the only friend she had growing up in the palace and was the only friend her parents let her have that wasn’t Royalty. Sure, there were the Duchesses and Countesses of the smaller lands in the Western Kingdom, but Olivia always found them snooty or rude. Savannah’s family had been helping the royal family for generations and they were integral parts of the inner workings of the palace. Naturally, when Savannah’s parents were busy at work Savannah would wander the halls until she found Olivia. The two were like sisters and the King and Queen appreciated the hard work her family put in to serving the Royal family. 

And while the Royal family paid them handsomely while providing them lodging, Olivia couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at times when the difference in their status showed. Olivia rarely wore the same dress twice, while Savannah had a very modest and small wardrobe. Olivia had a private instructor, while Savannah went to the school with other children. But Savannah never really cared and that’s what Olivia loved about her. She was a true and honest friend who Olivia felt safe confiding in.

“Sorry Sav. I didn’t mean to make this any harder on you than it already has been” Olivia offered her friend a smile, patting the spot beside her on the bed. “Think you can spend a few minutes off your feet? Debrief me on the day if you will?” Savannah greatly accepted the spot, giving her a knowing look and a big sigh.

“Well Princess-” Olivia glared at Savannah at the title. “You need to get into the baths and get clean so I can do your hair and make up before the lady the Queen hired arrives. There is no way I’m letting you face the neighbouring nations’ heirs with makeup and hair that I don’t approve of.” Olivia laughed at Savannah’s possessiveness.

“Do we know if the royal families are coming or just their heirs?” Olivia gave a stretch, preparing herself to start the day.

“To my knowledge, just the heirs... But I hear that Prince Charles is quite handsome!” Olivia rolled her eyes as Savannah winked at her. “What? I can’t help it! You hear the chitter chatter in the palace halls. They arrived yesterday and some of the other servants have already been gushing about him. He’s apparently really charming and great husband material” Savannah saw the look of defeat briefly cross her friend’s eyes, before covering it up with an annoyed sigh. “But enough of that. Let’s get you cleaned and dressed and ready to greet our guests.”

***

“Alright Liv, take a deep breath and hold it, I’m pulling up the zipper!” Olivia did as she was told, while Savannah pulled up the zipper to her dress. She was already dreading the fact that she would have to wear the elaborate garb for several hours. Although the light blue gown was absolutely stunning and represented her fashion sense too, she didn’t expect it to come in several pieces. After putting on two layers of skirt, she had a separate top that needed to be zipped up and a cape draped over her shoulders. She could already feel the weight of the material weighing her down a bit and she sighed at the fact that they hadn’t put on her jewelry yet. Savannah and her helpers busied themselves about putting on a bracelet here and a necklace there. Another girl was putting on her earrings while the other made small hems to her dress. Olivia felt like the dolls that her and Savannah played with as little girls.

“Voila! I’ve outdone myself!” Savannah exclaimed, admiring her bestfriend’s transformation, stepping away from her so that she could see herself in the mirror. As much as Olivia didn’t want to like this moment, she couldn’t stop the smile that graced her face. Her best friend had listened to her every request about her dress. Her mother insisted that her first dress be floor length, modest and a Queen Ann neckline. She requested that the dress be midnight blue with the lace accents to be gold. Her mother criticized her colour choice, saying that dark colours were for the evening, not the morning. Olivia argued that if she had no say in the dress at all, she would go naked, a response in which her mother glared angrily at her. However, as she looked at herself in the mirror, she realized that Savannah had taken her mother’s requests and her requests and blended them together. She had a high waisted, A-line skirt that held the princess look her mother wanted, but it wasn’t so big that Olivia felt like a pastry. The Queen Ann neckline was a dark blue mesh with gold lace accents that extended into long sleeves for her arms. Her bodice held very little decoration as the bottom of her dress held all the royal ornate details. The velvet floor length cape was held together by a golden broach.

As per tradition, Olivia wore her family jewels. The gold diamond festoon necklace sat proudly upon her collar and the gold and sapphire earrings were prominent but not over done. A small dainty gold bracelet sat on her wrist and her family ring decorated her right hand. Her hair was neatly pulled back into a loosened braided low bun with the occasional curl framing her face.

“You’ve done a fine job Savannah” the girls jumped at the voice of the Queen. Quickly turning around, Savannah curtsied to her majesty and Olivia followed with a smaller curtsy. “Savannah, could you please grab the tiara out of the case?”

“Yes, your majesty” Savannah hurried over to the velvet case on the vanity and presented it to the Queen. The small but simple gold tiara sparkled in the light of the room. As the Queen gently picked the tiara up, Olivia bowed, lowering her head, a gesture she was all too familiar with. Her mother placed her tiara upon her head and held her face in her hands. She kissed her daughter on the head, careful not to get any lipstick on her.

“The gods have been great to bless me with a daughter as beautiful as you.” Olivia smiled at her mom, not expecting the sudden emotional tenderness she displayed. “Happy Birthday my dearest. Promise me you’ll try to behave yourself today?” Olivia scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“I’ll try” her mother chuckled softly.

“Just like your father... All I ask is that you give today a chance to be great. You might be surprised at the unexpected events that may present themselves to you” Olivia could never see herself being as polished as her mother. She knew her mother had her best interest at heart, but Olivia couldn’t help but feel like her mother was forcing her to fit into traditional roles of the Kingdom. “If you’ll excuse me, I must be on my way to the throne room. I shall see you shortly Olivia. Savannah, please ensure that the Princess does not stall. I would hate to have her tardy for her grand entrance.”

“Yes your highness!” Savannah curtsied as her mother and the remaining servants exited, leaving the two of them in the room. “Ready to go my lady?”

“Savannah, you know you can drop the formalities around me.” Olivia stepped off the round fitting platform, Savannah catching her arm as Olivia stumbled for a moment, not used to wearing heels. “It makes me feel weird!”

“I know, but we are going to be around tons of people today and most of them would probably have my head if I called you by name in front of them. I’ll be at your side the entire time, but when others are around, you have to remember I’m your attendant” Olivia sighed in slight disappointment, but she knew her friend was right.

“How is it that you’re not the Princess and I am? You’d be way better at this than I am” Savannah giggled at her remarks and dusted her dress off before they opened the door. They knew that her royal guards were right behind it and that as soon as they exited the room, their dynamic had to change.

“Please, I can’t hide my feelings as easily as you. When I think someone is an idiot, it’s clear all over my face and I don’t even notice it!” they shared a laugh as they opened the door and officially started the day. 

But they didn’t expect to see a brown haired man zoom by them in hysterical laughter as a taller blonde man chased after him. 

“Charlie! Get back here with my crown!” and the two disappeared around the corner. Olivia blinked in shocked, trying to process whether the scene in front of her happened or not. As her and Savannah shared a look and shrugged their shoulders, they realized that today was going to indeed be very eventful.

tag list:  @ifilwtmfc

[harryhoney-bee]

JÚLIA I AM SCREAMING AND CRYING AND THROWING UP OVER YOUR FIC OH MY FUCKING GOD IM OBSESSED. her giving him an attitude, him putting her in the place HARRY BRINING HER DOWN TO THE KITCHEN SO SHE DOESNT HAVE TO BE ALONE IM EITIRIORKRIRI her being worried about anne seeing their laundry 🥺🥺🥺 i almost read this on my break at work but i ended up talking and i am SO GLAD BECAUSE ID TURN SO RED THAT WAS SO GOOD YOUVE OUTDONE YOURSELF!!!!! IT WAS SO HOT !!! AND CUTE IM LOSING MY MIND THANK YOU FOR WRITING IT AND SHARING IT WITH US IM OBSESSED. anyways going to try and calm down and read that again because holy shit it’s so perfect i love you so much

FROM THE BOTTOM OF Y HEART, THANK YOU, I AM BLUSHING!! You are so sweet to me, thank you!!! Im so grateful that you took some time of your day just to type this ☹ you are the sweetest, I can't put into words how much this support means to me baby, I love you Amelia :((( 💘💕

AND HE WOULD NEVER LEAVE HER ALONE, Y/N IS HIS BABY 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

[tragcdysewn]

closed starter for annie james!! ( @woundedwrldd​ )

“once again, ann, you’ve outdone yourself.” hallie praised her twin as she played with the skirt of her dress. “so, you have your eye on anyone tonight? i can do the accent and hit on them for you?”

[oddlybitter]

you know, like nya?

CW: Swearing, Religion Mention

a quick excerpt from an upcoming fic on ao3. college AU, but still the same amount of shenanigans. 

"Why the fuck," Says Akechi Goro, "is Ren wearing a maid outfit?" 

Ren hides his face in his hands, muttering something that sounds like the Lord's Prayer, but Goro always fell asleep during Sunday school, so his knowledge of praying is a little iffy. Even with his face hidden, Goro can see that the tips of his ears are bright red. No, he does not mean the attachable cat ears with the silver bells on them. Futaba chuckles, filming the entire thing with glee. It's the most prominent case of schadenfreude Goro has ever seen. 

Lamentably, there is a rather large group of idiots sitting in Leblanc, and Ren's ridiculous friends make up most of them. The model, Ann, he recalls, twirls her blonde hair around her finger. Goro tries not to get too invested in his classmate's lives outside of lectures, but Amamiya Ren has a whirlpool effect similar to Charybdis; once he sinks his teeth of friendship into you, a many-headed beast goes for your throat. That many-headed beast is also known as Ann, Ryuji, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru. 

"Ren lost a bet. This is his punishment." She says, a slow smile spreading across her face. 

Reminding himself not to cross her, Goro sits down at the bar, draping his coat over a barstool. "Pray tell, what bet did he lose?" 

Much to his displeasure, it's the other blond's turn to speak. Ryuji chuckles, his legs crossed over the table. "He lost to me! Ren said I couldn't beat him at poker." 

"I did not!" Ren protests, gathering the ruffled fabric of his skirt. "You proposed the bet, and I-" 

"You took it, Ren," Makoto says, not looking up from her book. 

Perhaps he was a little harsh earlier. Although Ren is many things, vicious and monstrous, he is not. Ren is compassionate and encouraging, but also rather shy to those he doesn’t quite know, preferring to listen rather than to speak. In Goro's Philosophy class, he seems to be the only other person who's not in it for the politician career build. And, to top it off with complete honesty, Goro thinks he's rather cute. 

"Oh, Ren-kun!" A gentle voice calls out. "Would you mind?" 

Okumura Haru points daintily to a china tea set she's placed on the bar's counter, wicked, sadistic amusement in her eyes. Bristling as she comes close, Goro eyes her with suspicion. "I wasn't aware he was... Serving." 

Futaba chuckles, still in her high school uniform. "Oh, we all get a go with Ren. In fact, I think you should get one too." 

Blanching, Goro turns to fetch his coat. "Oh, no, I really am not at all interested. I'll see you later, preferably without the lace stockings." 

Wait, lace stockings? He checks again, and much to his dreadful pleasure, Ren is indeed wearing white thigh-highs with lace garters. Swallowing down a noise that rises in the back of his throat, Goro gropes blindly for his coat on the barstool, his eyes stuck on the white lace frills. 

"You're leaving so soon, Akechi-kun?" Haru asks, her tone inflecting just so, causing chills to writhe across Goro's skin. As her manicured hands firmly close around his shoulders and guide him to a seat at the bar, he swears he sees his life flash before his eyes. 

Haru is the most formidable Business major that Goro has ever met. Although standing at a measly 5'2, the young woman had a mind so finely honed for marketing that her father awarded her a privately owned tea company for her eighteenth birthday. Crossing her, he thinks, means death. 

"Haru, please, he doesn't deserve this," Ren pleads, clasping his hands in front of his mouth and resting his index fingers on the bridge of his nose. 

Futaba cackles, her glasses flaring behind the flash of her iPhone camera. "Nah, he totally does." 

Snapping her fingers sharply, Haru points to the china tea set and then the pot of warm tea on the counter. "Hush, now, I asked you to do something." 

Sighing, Ren walks over to the counter, the heels of his shoes clicking on the wood. As he reaches over the counter, the hem of his skirt brushes slightly against Goro's shoulder. A rush of the borrowed perfume hits the brown-haired boy like a sledgehammer to the face, the sweet scent of lavender and coffee flooding his senses as Ren looks over his shoulder. 

"I'm so sorry," He mutters, laughing slightly, "I completely understand if you want to move to another city." 

Entranced by the smell, Goro leans his elbows against the counter and smiles haphazardly up at him. "There's no need for that now, is there?" 

Ryuji chuckles, nudging the blue-haired Yusuke next to him. The artist knowingly locks eyes with Goro, huffs out a laugh, and starts scribbling onto a sketchpad. Ren turns on his heel, carrying the tray over to Haru's table. Raising an eyebrow, she takes a sip of her tea, closing her eyes. As she exhales, a satisfied smile grows on her face. 

"You have really outdone yourself, dear." She says fondly, patting the dark-haired boy's hand. 

Snorting, Ann collapses into giggles as she takes in the sight of her friend in a surprisingly high-quality maid outfit and cat ears. Makoto hides a smile behind her book, raising the pages higher to mask her face. Haru waits expectantly for Ren to clear the table, then checks an ornate gold pocket watch from inside her expensive-looking blazer. 

"Goodness, look at the time. I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave." She announces, leaving her seat and pecking each person in the room on each cheek. "It was wonderful to see you all, but I'm afraid I've got a meeting with the board of directors tonight." 

Just as Ren opens his mouth, raising his hands to the buttons on the back of the dress, Haru wags her finger at him. "Oh, no, no, no. You get to keep it. You still have to repay Ryuji for your harmful assumption that he's bad at poker." 

Unable to keep it in, Makoto giggles loudly, the book falling into her lap as she clings to Ann in her hysterics. Goro watches Ren sigh, his face flushing red as Yusuke motions for him to turn to the side, the pencil scratching away at the paper.

[dimitrescus-bitch]

Indulgent (Perrie Edwards x Reader)

Happy birthday @themanbexl​

Smut.

“Thanks Jess,” Perrie said to Jesy. You cleared your throat to announce your presence and Perrie immediately turned around and ran towards you. “Baby!” Happy birthday!”

“Thanks Per,” you said and Perrie peppered your face with kisses. “Hey Jesy.”

“Hey Y/n. Happy birthday,” Jesy said. She was smiling at you and Perrie together. Jesy had known Perrie for a long time and she’d never seen the Geordie take a liking to someone as quickly as she did you.

“Thanks Jesy,” you said, opening your other arm to hug Jesy. Jesy took the bait and hugged you quickly before she left you alone with Perrie. “Thank you for bringing me here so we could spend the day together.”

“Day and night. There’s a hotel room waiting for us with a lovely view,” Perrie said and you raised an eyebrow at her. “It’s gorgeous and far away from us that you can really indulge in all your gifts.”

“Perrie,” you whined and Perrie pressed a kiss to your cheek. “It’s not nice to tease, and you have to be nice to me. It’s my birthday.”

“Oh I’m going to be more than nice to you baby. You’re getting spoiled today, I’m just letting you know that you’ve got some really special gifts,” Perrie purred in your ear. You shuddered and Perrie smirked at you. “Come on, let’s get going.”

“Where are we headed?” you asked and Perrie just shushed you. You pouted for a moment, but then she kissed you. You couldn’t help but be happy when Perrie kissed you. Her lips were so soft and always the perfect amount of sweet. You could taste her lip gloss and hints of whatever tea she had with breakfast. Perrie had requested that she get the day off, so while the girls did a bit of media, you got to monopolize with Perrie time.

“I present to you the best Chinese in the city,” Perrie said as she walked you into a restaurant. It had been delicious, and afterwards, Perrie took you out for a walk around the city. It wasn’t necessarily supposed to be special, but Perrie managed to make it special for you. “Wait here.”

“Perrie, where are you going?” you asked and Perrie walked off towards a flower vendor on the street. She came back with an assortment of roses, alternating white, pink, and red. “These are beautiful, thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Perrie said and you kissed her cheek. The two of you kept walking through the streets until she took you back to the hotel where the girls were staying. You got ready for your party there and then Perrie took you to Jade’s nightclub. It had been decorated especially for you and there was a very strict guest list to make sure that nobody who could ruin your night was there.

“Perrie, you really went all out didn’t you?” You looked around the club in awe of everything that had been done. ‘This is perfect, thank you.”

“It’s not finished,” Perrie said and Leigh-Anne brought over a crown. Perrie picked it up and set it gently on your head. She took a bunch of pictures of and with you before a waiter brought over a bottle of champagne. She popped it open and poured two glasses.

“Perrie, you’ve really outdone yourself,” you said and Perrie shrugged it off like it wasn’t a big deal. “Seriously, this means so much, thank you baby.”

“Hey, it’s your birthday and that’s special to me,” Perrie told you. She placed her fingers under your chin and tilted your head towards her. She pressed a soft kiss to your lips before your cake was brought out. Everybody sang to you and then you blew out the candles. A few drinks, some questionable karaoke choices, and a bit of dancing later, and you were on your way to the special hotel room that Perrie booked for you.

Perrie unlocked the door and you immediately had to take a moment to catch your breath. There was a classy, vintage 1920s feeling to everything. You looked up at the chandelier and watched as it sparkled and lit up the room. Perrie lightly tugged your arm to guide you through the room. You walked through a doorway and that was when you saw the bed. It was huge and looked softer than anything you had ever seen in your entire life. Perrie sat you down on the edge of the bed and then climbed onto your lap.

“Close your eyes,” Perrie commanded softly. You closed your eyes and she got off of your lap. You pouted at her in hopes that would get her back on top of you, but she did you one better. You had to wait a couple of seconds before you felt her weight on you again, but when you did, she was considerably warmer than she had been before. You placed your hands on her thighs and felt skin. “Open.”

“Wow,” you breathed out. Perrie had splurged and bought a new lingerie set. It was a sensual, dark red and complimented her skin nicely. Your favorite part of it had to the be stockings if you were completely honest. It wasn’t often that you got to see her in them, so when you did, it was a treat. Perrie pressed her lips to yours in a kiss and you kissed her back. She tightly tugged on your bottom lip with her teeth. You moaned and she slipped her tongue into your mouth.

Perrie kept the kiss going as she lightly guided your body backwards until your back hit the mattress. She sat up after that placed her hand on your stomach. You watched her hand for a moment as she spread her fingers out and then brought them back in, balling up your shirt in the process. You looked up at her and noticed that she had been watching you the entire time. Perrie bit her lip and then started to pull your shirt off. You sat up a bit to help her with the process before laying back down on the bed.

She leaned down and started to kiss your neck. The lower her kisses got, the harder it became to contain your moans. Perrie reached around and unhooked your bra. She gave your now bare torso an appreciative once-over before she leaned down and took one of your nipples into her mouth. She teased it with her tongue before she went to the other to give it the same treatment. Perrie left a trail of sloppy kisses from your breasts down to the waistband of your underwear.

“Are you ready?” Perrie asked and you nodded. She smirked as she slowly unbuttoned your jeans. She grabbed the sides of them just below your hips and tugged them down your legs. She came back up and then hooked her fingers around the sides of your underwear to do the same. Perrie placed her hands on the insides of your thighs, once she had removed your pants and underwear, and spread your legs. “Just lay back and relax for now baby.”

You did as you were told and the reward was monumental. Perrie’s tongue started with slow licks around your entrance. As Perrie’s tongue moved up from your entrance, she replaced the movements of her tongue with her fingers. Perrie continued this teasing of your entrance until she had sucked your clit into her mouth. You squeezed your eyes shut and your back arched off of the bed just as she pushed her middle and ring finger inside of you.

“Perrie, fuck!” you cried out into the hotel room. Perrie was relentless as she pushed her fingers in and out of you. Her mouth never left your clit and you swore that you had never cum so fast in your entire life without a build up. Perrie slowed the pace of her fingers and reduced her efforts on your clit to a slow lapping with her tongue. Perrie slid her fingers out of you completely after you were done with your orgasm and she took a couple of licks at your entrance so she could taste your cum.

Perrie sat back happily and watched you with a content smile on her face. You sat up after a couple moments to collect yourself and pulled her onto your lap. She giggled as you moved her onto her back. She undid the clasp on the front of her bra and you immediately moved in with your mouth. You lathered Perrie’s breasts in kisses before she began to push your head down. You pulled her underwear down and kissed both of her hip bones before you settled in between her legs.

You gave her one last look and bit your lip as you really went in. You kept your tongue on Perrie’s clit like she had kept hers on yours. You did as much there as you could before you moved your mouth down and used your tongue to fuck her. You moved your tongue in and out of her as you rubbed her clit with your fingers. Perrie’s voice carried through the room as she moaned and attempted to form sentences. It was no use though because seconds later, she was nothing except for a screaming, panting mess.

“Y/n!” Perrie’s scream of pleasure echoed off of the walls as she came. You held her as she came. Perrie pulled you up for a kiss and you melted into it. Once she believed you were putty in her hands, she flipped you onto your back and then eagerly moved down in between your legs. 

Perrie dove straight in with her tongue. One of her hands was in yours and the other was holding down your hips. You sort of liked the feeling of being pinned to the bed as Perrie had her way with you. Perrie’s tongue pushed inside of you and you felt your hips stutter. Her slender fingers rubbed tight circles on your clit and you threw your head back in pleasure. It didn’t take very long for her to elicit almost shocking sounds as white-hot waves of pleasure took over your body. You were like a woman possessed, but Perrie didn’t back down until you had been sent from one cyclone of pleasure straight into the next.

“Happy birthday baby,” Perrie said as she kissed your cheek. You turned your head and she gave you a couple of quick pecks on the lips. The last kiss was more intimate and serious. You could taste yourself on her tongue and it mixed well nicely with the natural taste of her lips.

“Thank you,” you said and Perrie kissed the side of your jaw. “For everything, I love you.”

“I love you too.” Perrie yawned and you rested your head on her chest as she held you.

[royalcordelia]

i found my voice (in her sweet melodies)

Summary: Christmas with Gilbert has never been traditional, but it always manages to steal Anne’s breath away. (A S3 + Married Shirbert Christmas Story).

This story is for @mariamancini who was one of three winners of my fic giveaway. I do hope you like it, dear!! ♥

***

December 1898.

For once in his life, Gilbert Blythe was blissfully unaware of the winter chill. It might have been the scarf Mary had just finished knitting for him with soft midnight blue yarn, or his father’s old sweater that he was finally beginning to fit into. Each breeze brought faint scents with it - the flowery perfume of Mary’s soap, the lingering essence of his father. 

Yet, Gilbert was only half aware of these comforts as he marched through the snow. Perhaps what really was warming him was the trail of footprints leading from his back door directly to the Green Gables homestead. The small boot tracks, without a doubt, belonged to the youngest member of the Shirley-Cuthbert household. Gilbert’s eyes glazed over as he walked, following the footprints, though his mind was off elsewhere. As it was, he couldn’t help but notice hints of Anne in everything he saw - the white-tipped tree branches, the cardinals on their high perches, the unique stellar shape of each snowflake that flurried before him. 

His thoughts were consumed by her up until the moment he saw her through her window. Anne - as lovely as she ever was, floury apron tied around her waist and her braids tumbling down her back. With movements somehow laced with affection, she kneaded a sugary dough on her kitchen table. Her lips moved in a song Gilbert couldn’t hear until he nudged the side door open. The melody from her lips was her favorite Christmas tune, “The Holly and the Ivy,” but the words were entirely of her making. 

“My footprints fall behind me, across this crystal field. It’s you I’ve come to see, my love. It’s you that brings me here.” Her voice echoed through the peace of the house like a hymn loose in a cathedral. “So come and stand beside me. And hold me in your arms. I long to lay close with you, beside our warm hearthfire.”

Already rosy from his trek through the cold, Gilbert felt his cheeks tingle. How tempting it was to pretend that this kitchen belonged to him and Anne, that the pastries she crafted with her loving hands were for their very own Christmas dinner. Just the two of them. She’s keep singing her song, and he’d heed its lyrics to reap all of its marvelous benefits...

With a shake of his head, Gilbert rapped his knuckles against the door before letting himself in. He’d been subject to too many of Marilla’s “Gilbert Blythe, you know you’re welcome anytime. Please let yourself in!” lectures to wait for Anne to get the door herself. Her head rose from her baking, and the sight of Gilbert made her face split into a grin. 

“Hello Anne,” Gilbert greeted warmly, unwrapping his scarf from his neck so that he could speak. If he’d been looking, he might have seen Anne’s eyes linger on his chin and neck as they became exposed, and if he’d been looking even closer, he might’ve noticed her bite her lip. But instead, he smiled and took a few steps into the room, tracking some melting snow in behind him.

“You look like a mountain man just now returning to society,” she teased, crossing over to him. With a captivating softness, she brushed a flurry of white flakes from his hair. Gilbert’s eyes watched her face with tenderness.  She was so close that he could smell the vanilla on her hands. Seeming to notice the boldness of her action, Anne gave a friendly sweep of her hands across his shoulders and then patted it firmly. “Ah, there’s the Gilbert Blythe I know. Next time wear a hat!” 

“It’s only a short walk across the field,” he argued.

“The field and the orchard,” she corrected.

Gilbert rolled his eyes, though he was smiling. 

“Aren’t you going to ask why I’m here?” 

Anne moved back to the table and began to roll out her dough until it was as smooth as ice. 

“Do you ever need a reason to visit?” She peeled off a tiny bit of the dough and held it out to him. “Try this.” 

Gilbert smelled the sweetness of the biscuit dough seconds before he tossed it into his mouth, but it wasn’t enough to prepare him for how divine it tasted. His expression must’ve betrayed his thoughts immediately because Anne smiled in victory and began to press a circle shaped cutter into the dough. 

“You’ve outdone yourself, Anne. What are you baking for?” 

With a gasp, Anne slammed her hand down the table. The various bottles and containers of flavorings and flours rattled at the impact, but thankfully, nothing capsized onto the floor. 

“I nearly forgot! These biscuits were going to accompany me as my persuasive gift when I went to invite you and your family to Christmas dinner. I was going to leave as soon as they were out of the oven so they’d still be hot.” She paused, realizing she’d confessed her surprise plan. “I’d still like to make a formal invitation, if you don’t mind.” 

“I do mind, in fact,” Gilbert countered. Anne dropped her shoulders incredulously. “I’m afraid I’m here to make the same exact formal invitation, only I hope you will still accept even with my lack of baked goods.” 

“Gilbert Blythe, you mean you came here to-” 

“-to invite  you and your parents to Christmas dinner at our house, yes. You were kind enough to invite Bash and I last year. It’s only right that we return the invitation.” 

For a moment, Anne hesitated. She’d had been planning the Christmas dinner decorations for over a week, collecting the necessary stray ribbon and pinecones in her room. Anne felt it was far more comfortable to play hostess to your loved ones than be the guest, however perhaps that was merely her proclivity to hospitality rearing its head. 

But then she remembered the sweet laughter of baby Delphine and the fact that it likely had been many years since Mary had the chance to host a Christmas dinner for a full sized family. 

“Well?” Gilbert asked. Anne crossed her arms across her chest and pursed her lips.

“I tentatively accept on a few conditions,” she stated firmly. Gilbert cocked a brow but nodded for her to continue. “My first is that Matthew and Marilla must agree.”

“That’s a given.” 

“My next is that Mary absolutely let us bring a dish or two.”

“Alri-” Anne cut him off.

“ And I’d like to help Mary cook and decorate,” she concluded. Then remembering her manners, quickly added, “Only if it isn’t an imposition on her. I think it would be so lovely to spend time with her that way, especially since she’ll need an extra pair of hands to cook and take care of Delphine.” 

“You act like Bash and I don’t know how to take care of the baby,” Gilbert bristled, though not genuinely offended. Anne couldn’t help but smile warmly as she slid her tray of sugar cookies into the oven. 

“Oh, I’d never. Between the three of you and my family, that little girl will grow up with more love than she’ll know what to do with.” 

An unreadable expression crossed Anne’s face, but Gilbert noticed it before she could hide it completely. Maybe she was remembering the childhood of another little girl who never knew such an abundance. A sigh slipped through his lips. Things were different for Anne now, but if he could go back and provide all the love she’d been lacking, he’d do it in a heartbeat.

Lost in his thoughts, Gilbert did not notice Anne dip her finger into the flour and walk up to him. With a dramatic flourish, she tapped his nose with the powdery substance.

“Do you accept my conditions or not, Mr. Blythe?” she asked playfully. Any hints of her past haunting her were gone now, but the ache in his chest that urged him to merely love her was still overwhelming. Gilbert rubbed his sleeve across his nose and smirked at her.

“I accept your conditions and offer one last offering of my own.” 

Anne nodded, eagerly awaiting whatever he had in store. She was too busy staring into his forest hued eyes that she didn’t flinch when he took a step closer. With the stealth of a storybook hero, Gilbert reached behind her into a small pile of flour and swiped it across her cheek. The white streak made it that much more endearing when she beamed up at him, but her smile turned heavy when his fingers lingered on her skin. For half a second, she felt his fingers move ever-so-slightly against her cheek to hold it, then-

“Why! Gilbert Blythe is here!” 

Anne and Gilbert jolted back a few steps, the latter wiping excess flour onto the sleeve of his coat with heated cheeks. Marilla took no notice of the tension she’d walked into, or if she did, she was kind enough to spare Anne any indication.

“Gilbert invited us to Christmas dinner with his family. Isn’t that positively grand?” Anne said, enthusiasm barely masking her distress. Surprise lit up Marilla’s countenance. 

“That’s awful kind of you, we’d be delighted!” Marilla said. 

“Wonderful! Bash and Mary will be thrilled to hear it,” Gilbert replied. He pulled his scarf from the hook and began to wrap himself back up, as neat as a Christmas package. “I ought to be heading back. I promised Mary I’d collect a few things for her in town so she can get a headstart. Anne, I’ll speak with her about you assisting her with the cooking.” 

Anne’s face was still the same color as her hair, but she nodded with a tight smile. He was halfway out the door when he turned back, sending her a look so intense with adoration that she shivered down to the soles of her feet.

“Until then,” he said softly. Then he was off back into the flurry of Avonlea snowfall, a figure of warmth amongst the blanketed crystal field. 

~*~

December 1907.

Initially, Gilbert thought it might be interesting to see what it was like to have the house entirely to himself, but all he felt was a dull loneliness in the background of his mind. Without work or Anne to distract him, he found himself keenly aware of a thousand oddities he’d never noticed before. There was a spot on his collar that was oddly itchy. A weird stain looked like a shadow of a spider above the kitchen stove. The tiny apron tied around his waist, which he borrowed from his ever-generous wife, constricted him like a snake skin, but was resolved to keep flour off of his pants and waistcoat.

Gilbert peered down at the countertop before him, analyzing the sticky dough he had just mixed together. Anne’s never looked quite like that. Maybe if he kneaded it more, it would take a more familiar shape? Clapping his floury hands together resolutely, a tiny cloud of flour exploded into his face. He coughed, wiping his cheeks with the back of his hand and began to fold the dough over on itself. 

That was how Anne found him ten minutes later, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, kneading biscuit dough with all of his manly strength. Under his breath, he sang a song that was too quiet for her to hear. Icing sugar was smeared across his cheek and his forehead, making Anne bite her lip. 

When the door closed behind her, his gaze shot up to hers. In all of her glory, Anne S. C. Blythe stared upon her husband with appreciative eyes, a bundle of firewood in her arms and dirt on the knees of her trousers. The sight of her broad shouldered and confident made Gilbert swallow, but his face was contorted in confliction. 

“Welcome home, my love,” he said, with controlled evenness.

“Thank you, darling,” she replied sweetly, wiping her snowy feet on the doormat. She made no move to rid herself of the logs tucked in her bicep. Gilbert’s brows knit together at the sight. “Charlottetown was positively rife with christmas spirit! Usually those townspeople are so dreadfully-”

Anne paused, noticing the somewhat pained look on her husband’s face. 

“Alright, out with it, Gilbert Blythe,” she ordered. Gilbert set down his dough and tried to look nonchalant, but only succeeded in appearing hesitant. Slowly he began to explain himself. 

“As your doctor, I logically know without a doubt that you are more than capable of lifting a few fire logs without any sort of danger to your health,” he began.

“Uh huh,” Anne drawled, amused. It wasn’t often Gilbert was so bunched up.

“And you know I respect your desire for us to do equal parts of all the work in the house, and return that desire.   I recognize that you specifically asked not to be coddled.” 

“But…?” 

Gilbert’s resolve melted away as he unburdened himself.

“But as your doting husband - who, by the way, loves you more than anything and anyone - it positively kills me to see you doing heavy lifting. What are husbands for if not to wait on you hand and foot so that you don’t need to lift a finger?” he exasperated.

With a patient sigh, Anne dropped the logs next to the stove and came to stand by her husband’s side, arms wrapping comfortably around his neck. Gilbert’s hands immediately cradled the bump on her stomach, rubbing the tiny spot where a growing baby could just barely be noticed. A print of his strong hands was left on the soft fabric of her dress in white flour, sending a chuckle through Anne’s throat. 

“Oh Gilbert Blythe, you have no idea how much I appreciate that you care for me to such extremes,” she murmured, pressing her lips to the spot on his cheek where the icing sugar was smeared. “I’d be lying if I pretended to be completely unaware that my, as you say, heavy lifting would bother you. But I’m just so anxious to get everything ready in time for when our families arrive, that when I saw the logs at the side of the house, I figured I’d knock one more thing off our to-do list.” 

“That’s what I’m here for!” Gilbert argued gently. “I’m baking your favorite cookies from Mary’s recipe, I cut down that tree you said you liked, set it up in the living room, and brought down the candles and ornaments. I’ve even started decorating the house.” 

With a hand running through his hair, Anne scanned over the house. Gilbert’s heart lifted in relief when an impressed smile filled her face. There were candelabras in the windows with sprigs of winter flowers underneath them and a garland of pine was placed on the mantle. Gilbert had channeled Anne’s artistic soul as he adorned it with pinecones, ribbon, and holly. 

“I left the table centerpiece and the wreath untouched so you could decorate them. I know how you love it so,” he explained. “I thought we could do the tree together, just like last year.” 

Anne held his face lovingly, nuzzling his nose with with hers before planting a soft kiss on his lips. The second she pulled back, something caught her eye. Above the fireplace,  Gilbert had hung not two, but three stockings - two adult sized, and one tiny one. Stepping away, she neared the stocking with a growing lump in her throat. With the stocking completely in sight, she noticed one word embroidered across the red fabric with an unskilled hand: Jem. 

“Gilbert…” she muttered with a bittersweet heart. “You don’t even know if the baby will be a boy, yet.” 

Anne relaxed when she felt her husband’s strong arms wrap around her waist, his  lips in her hair. 

“That’s why I put Jem instead of James. Even if the baby is a girl, she’ll still be our little gem. Joyce’s stocking is on the tree, up near the star.” 

Anne’s throat was too thick to say anything. She held Gilbert’s arms close to her and leaned her head back on his chest. It would be her first Christmas since she’d lost her first baby, but her and Gilbert had decided it wasn’t going to be a sad time. They’d make sure it was bright, peaceful, hopeful. That was why had invited the Lacroixs and the Cuthberts to their home this Christmas - to bring family near, to prove that they were alright. 

“I’m sorry I worried you,” Anne said quietly, spinning in his arms until there was hardly any room between their lips. “Since you’ve respected my wishes, I’ll respect yours and resolve to be slightly more relaxed.”  

Gilbert pressed his lips to the spot underneath her ear that made her shiver, and nodded against her skin. When he pulled back, he glanced at the clock. 

“Our families will be here in a few hours. Will you please help me salvage the gingerbread cookies? I fear I missed a step.”  

With a burst of laughter, Anne caressed Gilbert’s cheek. How wonderfully dependable he was, this husband of hers. She couldn’t remember what Christmas looked like without him by her side, and cherished the future of many, many more holidays spent together. In a few hours, they’d reveal the impending arrival of their family’s newest addition, but for now, Anne was quite content to bake biscuits with the man she loved and smear icing sugar along his lips for her to kiss. 

[dreamcatcherfication]

The Queens of London Part 4 - My Shadow’s the Only One That Walks Beside Me

I wrote this at 1 AM and it really shows. Anyway, I have no idea what’s happening anymore but I tried my best! This chapter feels very filler-y at parts, but I do like where everything is going, so you’ll have to stick around and “Suddenly Seymour”! *gets hit by flying book* Okay, I see how it is. Anyways, I hope you enjoy! Sorry for any spelling/grammatical errors, I’ve gotten so little sleep that I can hear colors.

Writing Masterpost

If you want to send a request or a prompt, my inbox is always open! I publish a story at 8:00 AM PST everyday, so I’m always in need of new ideas (now featuring random asks). If you want to be tagged in my works, just let me know and I’ll be sure to tag you!

Prompts | More Prompts | The Trifecta of Prompts | Random Asks

Trigger Warnings: Vague allusions to abuse

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Everyone was sat at their meeting table, silently watching each other. There was a (laminated) plan set out in front of each chair for every queen and lady, the only empty seat being Anne’s. Clearly, some of the queens and ladies like Aragon and Joan were eager to start, but no one made any move without Boleyn. The silence was practically deafening for Kat who swore she could hear something ringing.

Soon enough, the door opened slowly and Anne shuffled in. She shot a glance at Kat but turned her gaze away and sat in her seat. “Can we start now?” Aragon asked in exasperation.

“Yeah, sorry,” Anne replied, her voice slightly heavier than normal. She didn’t quite look nervous, per se, but rather like she knew something she wished she didn’t. Cathy shot a questioning glance at Anne, but kept her mouth shut. Kat couldn’t help but observe all of this, an uncomfortable hole settling in her stomach.

“Alright,” Jane started, smiling warmly at her companions. “Henry’s party is in two nights time, and we need to be prepared. Anna, I believe you have something for us.”

Snapping her fingers, Anna stood up. “Right you are, Jane Suddenly Seymour,” she joked. Bessie stood up as well, lifting a large bag she had set under the table. “Outfits made by yours truly,” Anna presented, helping Bessie lift the first dress. “Miss Aragon, would you like to see your dress,” Cleves continued her over dramatic flair.

Rolling her eyes, Aragon stood up and moved over to the other two women. Unfurling the dress, Kat couldn’t help but gasp at its beauty. It was long and sweeping, the ends ruffled in all the right places to create shimmering waves. There were sparkles around the chest portion, accentuating Aragon’s dark skin against it. As for the whole of the dress, it was a radiant gold, regal and unapologetic, perfect for the queen who would wear it. The bottom half of the dress was silky and trembled at the slightest wind. Holding the dress against her body, Aragon admired Cleves’s work. “You’ve outdone yourself again, Anna,” she praised, leaving the room to go change and try the dress on. Even if she trusted Anna, the designer always encouraged them to try the dresses on and make sure they fit well.

“Just wait until you see the rest,” Anna smirked.

As Aragon changed, Bessie pulled out the second dress. “Anne, I believe this one’s for you,” she said, delicately placing the dress on the table. If Aragon’s had been radiant, this one was entrancing. It was a dark green, so thick that just looking at the dress made Kat’s chest clench. This dress was a little shorter and more revealing (important to the part Anne would be playing) but no less astounding than Aragon’s. There were jewels tacked along the breast line, making the dress even more elegant. A leather band wrapped around the waist, holding the dress together. 

“Wow,” Kat murmured, absolutely transfixed.

“Going off Kat’s reaction, I think I can safely say this dress is going to capture plenty of attention,” Cleves raised an eyebrow at Anne. Kat blushed and looked down, embarrassed at being called out.

“Wouldn’t want it any other way,” Anne replied cheekily. Aragon came back into the room, twirling in her dress. There were various compliments among the women, including a wolf whistle from Anne. “Looking good Catalina,” she teased.

“Stuff it, Anne,” Aragon pretended to be annoyed. “Go change into your dress,” she ordered.

“As her majesty wishes,” Anne bowed out of the room, with her dress, off to try it on.

“I suppose I’m next,” Jane spoke up. She and the other ladies had been quiet throughout the ordeal, simply watching on in silent interest.

“Indeed,” Anna affirmed, reaching into the bag. Her next item was simpler, but when Jane laid eyes on it, she couldn’t help but immediately fall in love. It was a white dress with black outlines around the edges, accenting the curves and highlighting a wavy pattern. There were faint glitters on the dress, making it shine, but there was nothing inherently distracting about it like Anne’s. It was straightforward and beautiful, just as Jane would’ve asked.

For some reason, seeing the dress brought up a nostalgic feeling in Jane’s chest. She pushed it down and grasped the dress, thanking Anna politely. She left the room quicker than the others, moving past Anne as she reentered the room. “Wow,” Kat said again, seeing Anne in the dress. 

Winking at the table, Anne twirled, catching everyone’s attention. “This is the best thing you’ve made yet, Anna,” she praised while smoothing the dress.

Shrugging off the praise, Anna and Bessie pulled out the next two articles of clothing. “Now, for our last two queens,” she looked at Cathy and Kat respectively, “you need utmost mobility while also appearing formal and wearing your best. Cathy, if you’re to observe properly, you can’t be wearing a distracting dress that hinders you. Solution? Suits.” 

Revealing the suit, Cleves grinned proudly at her creation. A dark blue blazer, rich in color but plain otherwise surrounded the outfit. The color was eye-catching and blended perfectly with Parr’s skin tone. The shirt was a white button up with black stripes running up it, thin but strongly supporting the outfit. The pants were also blue, high waisted over the shirt itself. Sat on the table it was stunning, and Kat couldn’t wait to see the journalist actually donning the outfit.

When Cathy didn’t get up, everyone stared at her. “Aren’t you gonna… try it on?” Bessie nervously prompted.

Hiding her awkwardness behind a laugh, Cathy shook her head. “No, I - uh - I’d rather do that by myself if that’s alright.”

“No problem at all,” Cleves waved her off. “Let me know if there’s any problems with it. Kat,” she called unexpectedly.

Jumping in her seat, Kat quickly put on her persona. “Hmm?” She voiced, hiding her excitement. “My turn? Go ahead,” Kat made it seem like she was holding back a yawn.

The women all shot her confused looks, surprised by her nonchalance that had come completely out of left field. Maria and Maggie shared a confused look, but they said nothing. “Alright,” Cleves frowned, attempting to dispel the sudden tension. “Now, we weren’t sure what color would work, but Bessie had the great idea of this hot pink that I think you’re going to love.”

Sure enough, Kat had to stifle her astonishment at the suit. Like Cathy’s, it was covered by a hot pink blazer with black flower patterns scattered on it. The white shirt beneath it was plain, but the suspenders attached to them gave off a 1920s vibe that Kat adored. The pants were also pink, the same shade as the blazer, although there were no patterns on it. To top it off, there was a black choker sat on top of the outfit. “You like it?” Bessie asked, her eyes slightly twinkling. She had worked on this outfit specifically with Anna, and she was extremely proud of how it had turned out. 

“You did a good job,” Kat coughed out, making sure to keep her compliments vague.

“It’s absolutely stunning,” Jane said softly from the doorway, her dress stealing the spotlight. Everyone turned around to gaze at her, their eyes wide. For something so simple, Jane stood out among all of them. The dress had a life of its own, practically giving off an air of emotion to whoever set eyes on it.

Pushing Kat’s suit forward, Cleves urged, “Now that Jane’s back, you can try your suit on, Kat.”

“Uh,” panicking, Kat replied, “could I do what Cathy did?” At the awkward looks she received, Kat clarified, “Try it on at home?”

“Sure,” Anna continued, unbothered. “Bessie and I guessed on your measurements, so make sure to tell us tomorrow if something doesn’t fit right.”

“What about you, Anna?” Joan asked, speaking up for the first time that night. “Unlike us ladies, you’re going to the party. Don’t you need an outfit?”

“Of course, I have my suit already prepared. It’s a surprise for you all.”

“Why would you need a suit if you’re not going to be sneaking around,” Maggie snorted as she put her feet up on the table. 

Clicking her tongue, Anna leaned towards Maggie. “Because I just look that good in a suit.”

“Okay!” Aragon cut in. “How about we finish this meeting so we can all get home. Thank you for the clothes Anna and Bessie, they’re wonderful.” The fashion team nodded and sat down, listening to Aragon take control. “Now, let’s move on to politics.”

Walking home at one in the morning was not something Kat enjoyed, but she didn’t have a driver’s license, much less a car, so she was stuck. Trekking home with the suit, Kat couldn’t help but feel dirty. This suit in her hands was the most expensive thing she had ever held. Kat hadn’t grown up poor, sure, but she was never given things. And being kicked out of the house at a young age didn’t help her either.

Having this suit made for her felt wrong, she didn’t deserve it. She had lied her way into this group and was being rewarded for it. Kat knew she wanted to help, but it didn’t make the process any easier. She was used to being alone on the streets. Before she had been able to earn barely enough for rent, Kat had lived on these streets. All by herself.

There was a strange limbo between comfort and fear as she stood alone at a streetlight. Kat was used to this, the silence of the night disrupted only by her breathing. Yet she knew of the things that lurked around the corners that weren’t her shadow. For a second, Kat contemplated staying out in the dark and never returning home. 

Before she could travel further down that path, Kat arrived at her apartment. Going into the building and making her way to the door, Kat fumbled with her keys. Getting the door open was harder than usual, the lock seemingly jammed for some reason. Regardless, she got the door open and made her way inside. Running a hand through her hair, Kat flipped on a light and squeaked in surprise, coming face to face with Anne Boleyn in her kitchen.

“Hey Brandon. You and I are gonna have a little chat,” Anne spoke coldly. “Couch. Now.”

Sitting on the couch, Kat stared at her hands, too afraid to look in Anne’s eyes. She had been caught, hadn’t she? Terrible thoughts kept running through her mind on what Anne might do, but Kat refused to voice any of them. “I thought you looked familiar to me,” Anne monologued while pacing in front of Kat. “I was just really curious as to why I know your face. But you know,” she shot a glance at the teen, “curiosity killed the Kat.”

Shivering, Kat opened her mouth, but closed it. “I thought if I stole your wallet, I’d be able to learn something about you. And oh boy did I learn something.” Making a full stop, Anne stared straight through Kat’s persona. “No drivers license or ID, no nothing. Just a few stray pounds and some lint. A laundry card with an address to some,” she gestured around the apartment, “disgusting slum house. No offense,” she quickly corrected herself, not wanting to be too aggressive. Kat shrugged. She couldn’t fault Anne for thinking her home was disgusting if she felt the same way. 

“But most intriguing of all,” Anne continued, “was the autographed card of Thomas Wolsey, one of the heads of Gemini Records. Now, anyone who has done business with Darkrider Records knows of the war those two labels are neck deep in. It’s not something they publish on the news, but if you truly were affiliated with Darkrider Records, you wouldn’t be seen within an inch of anything related to Gemini.” Gulping, Kat knew how deeply she had dug herself into a hole. “So tell me Kat, who are you?”

Taking a few quick breaths, Kat started to talk. She didn’t lift her head to face Anne and her voice was small. “My name is Katherine Howard. I’m a street musician and I have no idea how I got your letter.”

Narrowing her eyes, Anne leaned in closer to Kat. The teen expected to be slapped for deceiving Anne, or receive some kind of retaliation. Instead, Anne gasped and backed away, a look of recognition in her eyes. “Kat? Kat Howard?”

“Yeah?” Kat mumbled in confusion.

“Your father is Edmund Howard, right?” Still confused, Kat nodded, not wanting to upset Anne. “Oh my God, I know why I recognize you.”

“Why?” Kat probed, needing answers for Anne’s sudden change in behavior.

“Because you’re my cousin.”

Silence. And then Kat stood up. “I’m your what?”

“Your cousin!” Anne exclaimed. She moved closer to Kat and started inspecting her face. “I mean, you’re a lot less chubbier than I remember, but you would’ve been, what? Four at the time? You look so different.”

Backing away from Anne, Kat wrinkled her nose. “You’ve gotta have me confused with someone else. I’m not related to any Boleyns.”

“Uh, clearly you are,” Anne rolled her eyes, pointing to herself. “Your aunt is my mom. You won’t remember me, we only met like, once.”

Still, Kat was unconvinced. “Why wouldn’t my father tell me about you?”

Anne frowned and lost a bit of enthusiasm. “Everyone in the family knows Edmund as the deadbeat. His wife died and he totally pulled away from everyone. No one’s talked to him since the funeral.” Kat cringed, remembering her mother disappearing one day. And how everything had changed after that. “Although I’m not one to talk, seeing as I’m the black sheep of our family,” Anne added.

Scoffing, Kat looked at the floor. “You’re the black sheep? Have you seen where I’m living?”

Awkwardly clicking her tongue, Anne once again observed the place. “Yeah, not the best living space.”

“Can’t afford anything else,” Kat grumbled.

“Street musician doesn’t pay too well.” Turning her attention back to her newfound cousin, Anne still needed answers. “How did you get that letter?”

Shrugging, Kat wound her arms tightly around her chest. “Some lady dropped it in my guitar case yesterday. It had my name on it, so I thought it was for me. I went to the meeting and you all started calling me Katherine Brandon and… I panicked.”

“Understandable,” Anne muttered, thinking about the implications of the letter landing with Kat. “And so the plot thickens,” she whispered to herself. Anne decided not to push on that front, instead bringing up another topic. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I need to,” Kat fired back. “I’m never going to do anything worthwhile in my life. This is my one shot.”

If it had been anyone else, they probably wouldn’t have encouraged Kat, but this was Anne Boleyn, known for her chaos. “Then let’s do it.”

Of all things Kat had been expecting, that wasn’t it. “You’re just going to help me?”

“Hell yeah,” Anne agreed. “I already want to take down Henry, and you’re already in on everything, so why stop now? If you’re willing to do this, then I’m gonna help you.”

A short grin grew on Kat’s face. “You won’t tell anyone I’m not really Katherine Brandon?”

“Anything for my baby cousin.”

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

@annabanana2401

@boleynhowards

@radcowboyalmondtree

@babeebobo

[skam-the-valley]

Even though she was annoyed that Miguel had just ditched her for Demetri and Johnny in a way it gave her some time to cool down a little. She was still on edge about the whole Yasmine thing but at the same time, she could stop being a crazy person and possibly be in the same room as Miguel without attacking him about it now. 

She wasn’t exactly sure what had come over her earlier but it just seemed like she was totally on edge this weekend.

The meat sauce started to bubble so she gave it a stir, turning the burner down to its lowest setting so that it would keep warm for the time being. The noodles were almost ready and she had the colander waiting in the sink to be able to drain the water off. The garlic toast was in the oven and almost ready and she had to admit it looked like it was going to be a pretty good meal.

She had turned to grab the salad out of the fridge when she heard the boys enter the cabin. She was surprised at how just the sound of Miguel’s voice had her annoyed again but she would at least try to be civil. Besides, it wasn’t like they could really have a serious talk about this when his friends were around, one of which he hadn’t even asked her about inviting. She wondered if he realized that it was her family cabin and not just some rental.

“Smells amazing!” She heard Miguel call, “I’m starving.”

Sam didn’t bother to reply, she just turned off the burner and began to drain the pasta. She noticed Johnny entering the kitchen and he smiled as he looked around.

“Wow, you’ve really outdone yourself this time Sam, what can I do?”

At least Johnny was being a respectful guest.

“Get the other two to set the table, can you start taking the food that’s ready over?” She asked, happy to see him get right to it.

It only took a couple of minutes before they were all seated at the table ready to eat.

“Thanks again Sam,” Miguel smiled widely as he lifted his plate, holding it out for her to dish it up.

Sam locked eyes with him, giving him a smile and then began to dish her own plate up.

“What is your problem?” Miguel asked as she placed her own plate back down on the table now that it had been dished up.

“My problem?” Samantha balked, “I’m not the one who brought my friends on a couples weekend, one of which you didn’t even ask to bring! And then there are the texts from Yasmine so really Miguel, what is my problem?”

Miguel dropped his plate on the table, annoyed. “I told you that was because of school work!”

Samantha’s eyes flashed with anger as she held out her hand, “Fine then. Show me the texts.”

“I’m not showing you my messages. Why can’t you just trust me?”

They glared at each other as the other two boys sat in awkward silence. Finally Sam looked away, standing from the table she stalked off to the bedroom.

“Hey man, maybe you should go after her?” Johnny asked as the boys watched her leave.

Miguel shook his head as he began to dish out some pasta for himself, “It’s better to just let her cool off for now.”

Sam closed the bedroom door behind her and crawled into bed, pulling the comforter closely around her as tears started to burn down her cheeks. She didn’t want to be this person but at the same time she didn’t know how to ignore the growing pit in her stomach telling her something wasn’t right.

Her phone chimed and she looked down at it, noticing the notification pop up.

Lea-Anne Brown accepted your friend request.

--

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