#ask Camille about the strange dream she had...

[credince--writes]

Masterlist

Call of Duty

Jittersverse-

Jitters - AO3 - Completed. (Non Romantic Fem!OC AU) ~ Jitters is a PMC brought onto the support 141 operations, much to the distaste of the 141 group of PMC's.

An Act Of Arson - AO3 - Uncomplete, Hiatus. (Book 2 of Jitters) ~ The continuation of the Jittersverse.

A Promise - AO3 - Oneshot, Complete. (Ghoap Angst, Background) ~ After John's mother died, Simon asked him to make a promise.

Jitters (Remastered) - AO3 - Uncomplete, Hiatus. (Rewrite)

Keegan P. Russ-

Deep In Those Woods (Series) (Keegan Russ/Reader) (In Progress) - You find a strange man in the woods, no doubt running from the federation. He seems, well, in simple terms beat to shit. May your act of kindness not go unpunished.

Simon 'Ghost' Riley-

The Silent Library Treatment (Oneshot)- Sometimes, after a long deployment, Simon needs a refresher. Or: Simon Riley acts like a dumb virgin to get you to put on a show.

Better Off Dead - (Simon Riley/John MacTavish/Gary Sanderson/'Chic'(OC)) (In Progress) (Series) - It's been five years since Gary had come to terms with what he had left behind after crawling out of that pit. It just so happened it took an infestation of roaches to make it happen.

mor·tal·i·ty - (Simon Riley/John MacTavish/Camile Ford(OC)) (In Progress) (Series) - TF141 has been disbanded, and they have returned to civilian life, forming a PMC company focused on logistical consulting of the operations they once preformed. John MacTavish never truly recovered from the accident, and never let Simon back in to pick up the pieces that were left. Camile Ford had never been one to bend the whims of morals, never stepping to close to dance with the fire of her own mortality. But divinity calls her name, and she's never been one to ignore the higher powers calling her name.

John 'Soap' MacTavish-

Better Off Dead - (Simon Riley/John MacTavish/Gary Sanderson/'Geeter') (In Progress) (Series) - It's been five years since Gary had come to terms with what he had left behind after crawling out of that pit. It just so happened it took an infestation of roaches to make it happen.

mor·tal·i·ty - (Simon Riley/John MacTavish/Camile Ford(OC)) (In Progress) (Series) - TF141 has been disbanded, and they have returned to civilian life, forming a PMC company focused on logistical consulting of the operations they once preformed. John MacTavish never truly recovered from the accident, and never let Simon back in to pick up the pieces that were left. Camile Ford had never been one to bend the whims of morals, never stepping to close to dance with the fire of her own mortality. But divinity calls her name, and she's never been one to ignore the higher powers calling her name.

Gary 'Roach' Sanderson-

Better Off Dead - (Simon Riley/John MacTavish/Gary Sanderson/'Chic') (In Progress)(Series) - It's been five years since Gary had come to terms with what he had left behind after crawling out of that pit. It just so happened it took an infestation of roaches to make it happen.

John Price-

To Mend My Wounds (Series) (In Progress) - Lieutenant John Price is sent on a (not on paper, but just as much of an order as anything else) mandatory leave to visit an old friend of Captain Lund for some much-needed healing.

The Grocery Store (Oneshot) - Sometimes all it takes is soup and a grocery store to meet the love of your life.

Kyle 'Gaz' Garrick-

How To Murder Your Landlord (Pending)

König-

Shatz- Medic!Fem!Reader

Background Check (Oneshot) (Shatz) - 141 becomes suspicious of König, Soap & Ghost are sent to find out why he rushes off so often. They find out why.

Scary Dog (Oneshot) (Shatz) - You need a new printer. Sometimes you need to bring negotiation aids.

Shatz- (Collection) (Shatz) (Mixed Requests) - Collection of Tumblr Requests about my favorite tree himbo.

Miscommunication (Oneshot) (Shatz) - You've had a hard day. He accidentally takes it as you are mad at him. He tries, diligently, to fix the problem.

Hands (Series) (Shatz) - God, you dream about those hands.

One Would Think (Oneshot) (Shatz) - One would think the large man would have reservations about his strength, it is rare he is able to be soft. To be gentle.

[hekate1308]

Okay Show Me

Prompt: Okay show me

Fandom: Death in Paradise

Pairing: Camille/Richard

Richard had gotten rather used to Camille showing up at his shack to complain about the blind dates her mother had set up for her. Truth be told, he was always a little too happy that she had chosen to see him at the end of the night instead of – but not that this would lead to anything, so he usually just provided her with beer and a glass of wine and made what he hoped were sympathetic noises even if he had never been the best at comforting people.

It seemed like the man of the week (as he had secretly come to call them) had been so full of himself that Camille had scarcely gotten a word in. Now, this was a complaint Richard had heard when it came to himself, as well, but he liked to think that he was always careful to eventually hear people out, and he didn’t think Camille had ever had a problem when it came to speak out when he was talking, anyway.

“I’m just…” she sighed. “The truth is, I’m tired. Some of them are alright, but there’s no spark. So we just sit and talk and pretend we’re having a really good time, which we probably would have if this wasn’t a date, but of course it is, so there are all these expectations holding you back.”

That, at least, Richard could empathize with.

“It’s just – normally, I get the impression that we understand one another, that there’s just nothing, and that we should just have a nice evening. But instead – well – you tell them goodbye and then they expect that they’ll have a good ending for such a date, and honestly, I’m getting tired of explaining myself.”

Richard frowned, being rather unsure what Camille meant. In his admittedly limited experience, dates usually ended rather awkwardly, by him accompanying the lady to her door and wishing her good night. He had no idea what someone like Camille would consider a “good ending” unless – no, no, he knew she was French, but – he really hoped he wasn’t blushing. But no, he liked to consider her a friend (although sometimes – no, he most definitely wouldn’t go there) and she would know better than to make such allusions. She knew his limits. So, whatever she meant, it would be something that was – well, he supposed romantic and swashbuckling and all these kinds of things he simply wasn’t capable of even in his wildest dreams.

So, he supposed he would just have to ask.

“Okay, show me.” It was probably not the most succinct of questions, but he supposed it was enough.

But apparently not. She looked at him. “Sorry?”

“Okay, show me” he repeated, feeling rather impatient. Certainly, considering what they had been talking about, Camille had heard him before but was pretending not to just to annoy him, as she had often done before. “Show me how you would expect a date to end, then.”

“You mean a proper date?” He would probably have noticed something was off, only that her eyes were glittering in that very distracting way once more, and he could feel himself swallow heavily as he told his heart to calm down.

He nodded, being unable to answer in any other way.

And then, just like that, Camille Bordey kissed Richard Poole.

Yes. Camille. Kissed. Him.

And he had no idea what to do.

For a moment or two.

Then he found himself responding – if he had had the time to think about it he would have claimed that it would have been incredibly impolite not to do so, although naturally, at the moment, he was incapable of rational thought – and his arm wrapped around her and –

He didn’t know how much time had passed before she drew back, laughing softly at his expression. “That’s how a good date should end.”

“I – I – I see” he stuttered. “So –“

“So now you owe me a date” she said matter-of-factly.

“What?” he blinked.

“You already got the ending to a good date, so now you owe me one. That’s just logical.”

For the life of him, he couldn’t see how.

But she suddenly grew self-conscious – a very strange sight – and then quietly said, “You don’t have to, of course. I just thought… well, when you… reacted… I….”

“Camille, I would love to take you out on a date.” He had no idea how he had managed to say it out loud, but thankfully, he head.

“You would?”

“Yes. I just was not aware that was an option…”

She laughed. “Richard, we have been flirting for the past year at least.”

He was about to protest that they had very much not, which she prevented by kissing him again, therefore putting him back two dates already.

Not that he minded.

[eldoria-radio]

FILE 12

Good evening, dear listeners. Thank you for tuning in once again to “Whispers in the Aether”. I've been hearing that our listeners are.. Staying about the same, so.. Thank you for choosing to tune in every single time. We appreciate every last one of you. 

Now then! Let's get to what we got today. And oh wow, this one is juicy. For the first time in Whispers in the Aether history, we have an official guest here! No staff… covering for… other staff! Isn't that incredible? Following our story from a few weeks ago, tonight I am here with Azelea Morningstar. For her personal comfort I was asked to not question her. So instead, we will simply give her time to talk about anything. I'm sure either way it'll be more than worth it. Thank you for joining us tonight, miss Morningstar.

‘It's my pleasure. I have to stay with all the media reaching out to me about all this, a radio station reporting on rumors and weird crime cases was still the least pushy one. Before anything else, I'd like to clarify that I can't talk about what happened those 30 years I was gone. I know, that's probably what you're most interested in, but there's simply nothing I could talk about. That time is blank… for the most part. Bits and pieces, yes, but all is more like a dream. You know something happened, but you just can't recall it. It's quite a strange sensation.'

‘I could pretend to remember something, anything, really. But I do have a little bit of dignity left in my bones. I value honesty… Which is truthfully why I never think too much of shows like this. Still, I'm here, aren't I? Perhaps because a name or two rang a bell. And perhaps because what you've talked about does sound real. Perhaps it matches with some of those thoughts you just can't quite grasp.’

‘You're interested in Camille's letter, yes? I might have a hunch… Though even if I told you, I doubt any of you could grasp what this was about. And it'd be disrespectful to talk of the dead who wish to remain unnamed. Maybe you'll find out more on your own, but that is out of my hands. Fate works in mysterious ways… But I'll do my part in keeping their secret safe. That letter, no, that death… that situation, is between Camille and the one he called a sibling. That little bundle of wonder we could only ever dream of keeping in this world forever. Part of me believes this was inevitable.’

‘In the end, even the brightest flame burns out. Some people build up their own wishes, others reach for measures they don't understand to assure theirs get granted. So let me grant one of those wishes tonight. Let me at least attempt to set her free from that web she caught herself in. I can't talk about Camille, but I can talk about Talitha.’

‘Talitha was many things. She was a bright star in the distant darkness of the sky. She was a flame trying desperately to not burn out, she was a poet, a friend… she was a lover. Oh Talitha… she loved so much, so deeply. I suppose that's why it broke her when I disappeared.’

‘I don't remember much from my time in that limbo, but I do remember a faint glimpse of her face. Her gentle smile, her oh so deep eyes, now without any of that shine they once held. I knew something had happened. And I knew it was my fault to some degree. So before I talk any further… I'm not sure if you can hear me, where you are… But I am deeply sorry, Talitha. I hope you can find the rest you deserve. I hope you can find that paradise you always dreamed of.’

‘Yes, my Talitha was a dreamer. A poet who breathed life into words as if they were delicate birds she could release into the world. I suppose it was inevitable that she would crave more than this world could give her. Talitha always said that she wanted to make an impact, to be remembered long after the ink of her pen had dried. It was as if she knew her time was limited, her soul always seeking something just out of reach. I remember the day she told me about the contract—her pact with something she could never fully name. She believed it would grant her wish, that it would cement her legacy among the stars she so often wrote about.’

‘Yet, during her lifetime, the world remained deaf to her brilliance. Her words never reached the ears she longed to touch. It was as if the universe had conspired to keep her beauty hidden. I watched her fight that silence, watched her pour herself into her poetry with such fervor that it broke my heart. We spent countless nights together, lying under the stars. There was always something unspoken between us, a connection so deep that words would fail to capture it. I loved her. I loved her in a way that transcended friendship, but fear and circumstance kept those words trapped in my throat.’

‘And then I was taken away. Torn from the life we knew, from the unspoken love that lingered in every glance we shared. I never got to tell her. We never got to admit what was so painfully obvious to our hearts. I never loved again. Now, I find myself haunted by her memory. Her words echo in my mind, a bittersweet symphony of love and loss. Talitha, my dreamer, my poet, my love… gone. I'm sorry I couldn't save her. And though no apologies will return those years we lost, let me at least attempt to grant her wish. Her legacy, the impact she so desperately sought. In my heart, she lives on, remembered in the only way that truly matters. I just wish I could have told her. And I wish that through this, through you hearing her story, she will live on. She will be remembered through her poems, her presence… And the impact she left.’

‘May you drift off to sleep, see you don't need contracts to fulfill your wishes, for I will go through death and back to make sure you have what you need. Rest now, my love… And don't worry about a thing. I'll hold you again when we reunite, as we inevitably will.’

‘...’

‘Thank you for having me.’

Yes… yes of course. Thank you for sharing. This was.. Yes I don't think there's anything I can add to this… gods I need a tissue… 

Well, uhm.. Thank you for tuning in again. This was “Whispers in the Aether”... My name is Nishantha Silverbane… today with Miss Azalea Morningstar. You're listening to Eldoria Radio. 

[derangedrhythms]

Hello! I'd like to know if you know any poems or quotes about lack of fulfillment or feeling lost and listless, not knowing what you want. And perhaps music about it? I love the quotes you put on here :-)

Hello, it's lovely to hear that! Nothing musical came to mind, but if I think of anything I'll add it to the post and reblog it for you.

Denise Levertov — 'The Absence'

“…I feel apart from myself, split, a shadow…”

“Menacing gods. I feel outcast on a cold star…”

⁠— Sylvia Plath, from 'The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath’

"You see, I am always wanting / A little more than what I have,—or else / A little less. There's something wrong."

— Edna St. Vincent Millay, from 'Aria da Capo: A Play in One Act'

“I was giving myself the slip and walking through this world like a shadow.”

⁠— Jeanette Winterson, from 'Sexing the Cherry’

"What shall we do, my darling, when trial grows more and more, when the dim, lone light expires, and it’s dark, so very dark, and we wander, and know not where, and cannot get out of the forest ⁠—"

— Emily Dickinson, Letters of Emily Dickinson; Mrs A. P. Strong, 1850

"I feel a lack." 

— Sylvia Plath, Collected Poems; from ‘Three Women’

"There were ghosts in the room, and one, strangely and sadly, was the ghost of herself."

— Virginia Woolf, from 'Night and Day'

"Moving through the labyrinth / nothing else is handy — that's why / I am tearing tatters from myself, / to mark turns already taken, / to find the way back."

— Doris Kareva, Shape of Time; from ‘After the World’, tr. Tiina Aleman

"I feel like there’s something terrible and wonderful and amazing that’s just beyond my grasp. I have dreams about it. I do dream, by the way. It hovers over me at odd moments. And then it’s gone. I feel like I’m always on the brink of something that never arrives. I want to either have it or be free of it."

— Michael Cunningham, from 'Specimen Days'

"I told my Soul to sing / She said her Strings were snapt / Her Bow - to Atoms blown"

— Emily Dickinson, The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson; from 'The first Day's Night had come—'

"Dear life of my shadow: what do you want?"

— Alejandra Pizarnik, Extracting the Stone of Madness: Poems 1962-1972; Extracting the Stone of Madness; from ‘Extracting the Stone of Madness’, tr. Yvette Siegert

"There is always something missing that torments me."

— Camille Claudel, from a letter (1886) to Auguste Rodin

"Others have destinations, my train is aimless."

— Robert Lowell, Day by Day; from 'Ten Minutes'

"I am sometimes totally lost from the world."

— Anne Sexton, from ‘A Self-Portrait in Letters’: W. D. Snodgrass, May 1960

"I do not want revenge, I do not want expiation, / I only want to ask someone / how I was lost, / how I was lost"

— Margaret Atwood, You Are Happy; from ‘Owl Song’

[birdlungg]

Blood Bound: Chapter 3

After 3 consecutive days of wet dreams, your sleep schedule was pretty messed up. You found that you only had the dreams about your mystery man during the night, but naps were dream free. You had found yourself napping while home alone the last few days.

On day 4 of being cranky and bothered lol the time, you decided that it was finally time to do something about it. You told your mom you were going to be meeting some old friends at the club downtown, and she had graciously offered for you to take her car (but not without giving you a quick lecture about ‘staying safe’ on your night out) and you declined, knowing that you would be drinking. It would be safer to take a cab.

You’re wearing your best club outfit and leaning against the crowded bar, feeling the bass of the EDM music thumping in your chest. You get your drink from the bartender and are just taking a sip, when you get the strange feeling that you're being called to look up.

You glance into the mirror behind the bar, gazing through the haze and the light beams passing by the gyrating bodies on the dance floor. No one is paying attention to you at the moment. You’re sipping on your drink when someone appears next to you in the mirror. You startle, and turn towards the figure quickly.

The man before you is handsome, with sandy blonde hair, brown eyes and a striking jawline. He grins at you and extends his hand.

“Hi there, Gorgeous. I’m Seth, how’s it going?” He shouts over the music.

You smile back and shake his hand. “I’m Camille.”

“What’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?” He leans his side against the bar while still facing you and sends you a wink.

You sigh and roll your eyes, not even believing he just dropped that cliche on you. “Has that ever worked for you before?” You ask him, arching an eyebrow.

He laughs awkwardly, and changes the subject quickly. “You live around here?”

You look him over for a minute and decide that he seems harmless enough. Nodding, you slide your drink between both hands on the counter top to stay busy. “Yeah, I live nearby.

“Cool, Cool… You uh, wanna get out of here?”

Just as you’re about to decline and get away from this guy, someone bumps into you from behind. Your drink sloshes as you turn to the super drunk girl that’s slurring apologies at you as she hurries away with a group of friends. You laugh lightly and turn back to Seth, who freezes where he is. You give him a questioning look.

“You alright there?”

He nods quickly, and looks around rapidly. “Uh yeah, yeah, I’m good. Do you want another drink?” You give him a questioning look and rattle your glass.

“I’m still working on this one.” You start to raise the glass to your lips when an arm is placed around your shoulders.

“This guy bothering you?”

You look up quickly and see that it’s Jerry. He’s glaring Seth down and Seth looks like he’s about to shit himself.

“Jerry?” Your heart thumps rapidly in your chest as you look him over. He’s wearing his signature white tank top underneath a red plaid shirt and he looks both delicious and dangerous right now.

He’s still staring Seth down as he grabs your glass from you and sets it down on the bar. “You wanna tell her, or should I?”

Seth waits for a beat and then turns tail and runs, quickly disappearing through the throngs of dancing bodies.

You turn to Jerry, still tucked under his arm. “What just happened?”

He releases your shoulder and steps in front of you, trailing his hand as he goes. You find that surprisingly, you don’t mind his touch all that much.

“Saw that guy drop something in your drink.” He says, eyes full of comfort. You gasp and sag against the bar a bit. What would have happened if Jerry wasn’t there? How could you be so careless. You wrap your arms around yourself in a comforting fashion.

“Wow, I… Thank you. I can’t believe…”

He rubs his hand on your arm to comfort you. “Hey, you’re alright. Nothing happened.”

You nod as he talks, till trying to get your head wrapped around what just happened. “I’m so glad you were there.” You look him in the eyes now. ‘Thank you.”

He grins at you and steps even closer, breathing your air now. “Glad I could help. Do you wanna get out of here? I know a nice little 24 hour diner about 20 minutes away that serves great pancakes.”

You look at him for a moment, thinking it over. You don’t get the same gross feeling from Jerry that you got from Seth when he asked the same question. You decide you’re feeling spontaneous tonight and think, what the hell.

“Sure.” You grin at him. “Let’s get some pancakes.”

—————————————————————————————————————

30 minutes later, you’re sitting in a booth at the diner, opposite Jerry. You’re supposed to be looking at the menu but you can’t help but gaze at him over it. He looked good. Really good. You had seen the waitresses do a double take at him when you walked in, and the one that gave you your menus after you sat couldn’t stop stuttering and blushing.

He catches you staring and grins at you, making you avert your eyes quickly. He lays his menu down and rests an arm on the back of the booth, just looking at you. The waitress from before hurries over to get your orders. “You picked what you want yet?” Jerry asks.

You nod, still looking at the menu to avoid eye contact. “I’ll get the buttermilk pancakes with a side of hash browns and some water, please.”

Jerry doesn’t even look away from you to tell the waitress he wants just a black coffee.

She takes your menus and then is gone, and you have nothing to distract you from the gorgeous man in front of you.

It’s quiet for a moment, the sounds of clinking dishes and soft murmuring filling the air. You’re still avoiding looking directly at Jerry when he asks, “So, what do you study in school?”

You light up, looking at him for the first time since sitting down. You love talking about your major, and are very proud of it.

“I’m studying ancient civilizations and linguistics right now. I hope to someday be an archeologist.”

Jerry whistles under his breath. “Impressive. Beauty and brains.”

You flush, looking elsewhere once more, but smile to yourself. Deciding to come out of your shell a bit, you look at him once more and ask “So, where did you move from?”

—————————————————————————————————————

You and Jerry are still sitting there hours later talking and laughing with each other. He has a similar sense of humor to you and surprisingly has similar interests, even though he’s older than you.

You don’t want the night to end, but all good things do. You eventually make your way home, both taking one cab since you live so close together. Your house is dark as he walks you to your door. You stand there looking at each other for a moment. He had really helped you come out of your shell and you now had no problem making direct eye contact with him.

“I had a good time tonight. Maybe we can do it again?” You ask. You try not to sound too hopeful, as you don’t even know what tonight would be considered. “He grins at you and nods.

“It’s a date. I’ll text you soon.” You nod, and unlock the front door after grabbing your keys from your bag. You give him one last smile before stepping through.

Before you can fully take the step however, he grabs your arm and pulls you back to face him, and kisses you hard. You gasp, and he pushes your body against the door frame. His hands land on your waist as he kisses you, and yours end up on his shoulders after a moment. He kisses you long and hard and then pulls away, resting his forehead on yours and looking you right in the eyes.

He grins and steps away from you. “I’ll see you soon.” And then he’s walking toward his own house, leaving you panting and yearning at your front door. You watch as he disappears through his door and then step into your own house, closing and leaching the door. You rest your back against it, feeling like his lips are still on yours. You smile to yourself and bite your lip.

You’re very much looking forward to ‘soon’.

[fortisfiliae]

Promised Part 16 - Tom Riddle x reader

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Masterpost | Masterlist

Summary: In this story, Tom didn’t grow up as an orphan, but with his grandfather and uncle. Reader’s sister got very sick and the Gaunts offer their help. But not without asking for something in return.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that I don’t condone any of this in real life. (GIF is not mine)

Warnings: Arranged marriage, physical fights, mentions of  torture (brief), blood and violence, character death. Read with care!

Word count: 4k

Part 16 - 30th June 1945

The N.E.W.T.s had gone by so quickly, it felt like all the preparations, all those years in Hogwarts and all the worries they had brought you, had been of utmost exaggeration. Of course, they had been challenging, but what the Professors had said about them in advance, how hard and draining they would be, how nervous every student had been, made it even more curious afterwards. It had only taken a few days after all. Some days of your life, which would most likely be forgotten in a few years. Just like any other week. And all that fuss for that? Well, at least they were over.

Tom, Camille and you had passed most classes with the highest grades. Freda had gotten some outstanding grades as well and even Avery and Lestrange had qualified, if only barely. The final evening in the Great Hall was filled with a strange kind of melancholy for the students of year seven. You had done it, all of you. Seven years in Hogwarts, school of witchcraft and wizardry. It was like your first year had only gone by moments ago, you could practically still feel the sorting hat sitting on top of your head. But alas, all good things come to an end.

Final points were given to all of the houses and, to most people’s surprise, Hufflepuff won the cup. Everyone knew headmaster Dippet favoured Slytherin and Tom and Freda had surely given their own house a few extra points here and there, but Avery and Lestrange’s robbery from Slughorn had cost Slytherin too many points to recover from. All Hufflepuffs were overwhelmed with joy and Ben even ran over from the Gryffindor table to kiss Camille on the cheek while she celebrated.

Walking through the halls one last time was strange, you couldn’t fathom that you would leave the castle ultimately. It really had grown to be everyone’s second home and it would always remain so in your heart. Sadly, there wasn’t a lot of time for grief, as the antidote for Mors Grano was finally ready and waited to be filled into a flask to be used the following day. Tomorrow, June 30th would be your wedding day. A day you had dreaded but still couldn’t wait for. A day that was about to change everything.

And there you were. In an old chapel north of Ramsbury, a small muggle town, where no one knew who you were. The Gaunts had chosen the place themselves and had only told your family where to go the day of, most likely to make sure you couldn’t plan to mess with them. 

The chapel was dull, as was everything else there. No guests, not even a priest or a registrar to wed the two of you. Marvolo had told you that he was to do it himself. The place was so small, it wouldn’t have even fit a lot of guests, but you still wished that at least Camille could have been there to witness. And so, with a heavy heart, you stood in the tiny side room, where Mother’s wedding dress waited to be put on, while Elsie, your parents and the Gaunts waited in the chapel.

“Alright?” Tom asked as he fixed his tie in front of the mirror. 

You watched him as you went over towards the dress, your fingers brushing over the silk skirt. He looked great in his tailored black suit, white shirt and dark green tie, there was no way of denying it. Freda Morris would have been just as green with envy if she had seen him, but yet, not everything was about looks. 

“I’m alright,” you said and took another look at the dress. “I have to change now. Put this thing on.”

“I’ll give you some privacy in a minute,” he mentioned as he walked over to the desk where some things were gathered. He had put a large box there when you had arrived. “I brought someone with me.”

He pulled the top off from the box and you peaked in. “Nagini! Marvolo allowed for you to take her here?”

“He doesn’t know,” Tom shrugged. “And it would be better if it stayed that way.”

“I see,” you said as you held your hand inside the box for the snake to smell you. “Well at least I know one of my friends is here.” 

Tom wore an unreadable expression when he closed the box again, his lips thin as he nodded slightly. “Do you have the antidote with you?”

“Yes,” you answered and pulled it out from your pocket. The flask was the size of your palm, small and translucent. The potion inside shone through the glass like a silver and lilac gloss. “It’s right here.”

“Alright then,” he said. “Give it to your sister as soon as you can. I’ll wait outside with the others.”

When he closed the door behind himself you heard Marvolo nagging about what was taking so long, urging for you to hurry. The bastard made everything about himself again, even on your wedding day, which should have been the happiest day of your life. You pulled the dress off the hook vigorously, put it on and changed it here and there with your wand to make it fit better. When you went over to the mirror to look at yourself, it felt like staring at a stranger’s reflection. The dress was beautiful, but you didn’t look even close to what a happy bride should look like. Your hair and makeup had been done in a hurry, nothing was as perfect as it could have been. No traditions, no extended family or friends, not even a banquet. You didn’t know what you had expected - it was clear from the beginning that the wedding wouldn’t be anything like you had dreamed of since you were little - but it was certainly not this. Not as marginal, not as a means to an end.

Three hard knocks on the door pulled you out of your thoughts. “Are you done yet?” Marvolo’s muffled voice called. “Hurry up!”

Desperation turned into annoyance and your eyebrows furrowed even deeper. What did he want now? “I need a minute,” you answered as you opened the door only an inch. “Elsie, Mum, can you help me with my dress?”

Marvolo mumbled a few incomprehensible words while the two walked in. To hell with him, he could wait for five more minutes before he would get what he wanted. And you should get what you wanted too. Right now.

Mother looked you up and down with a smile. “You look beautiful, darling. What do you need help with?”

“Come,” you told them quietly and took Elsie by the hand, leading her to the other end of the tiny room, so that the Gaunts wouldn’t hear you. “I have to tell you something.”

The two looked at each other and then back at you, waiting for you to explain.

“I found something out a while back. Tom told me, he showed me. The curse that hit you, Elsie, it wasn’t sent by someone who wanted to attack Father. It wasn’t meant for Father at all.”

Elsie’s eyes grew wide and Mother laid her hand on your sister‘s shoulder. “What do you mean? Why would you tell us that minutes before your wedding?” Mother asked.

“Let me explain,” you went on. “Tom showed me that it was the Gaunts who sent the curse. That’s why they found a cure so quickly. And why they didn’t heal her completely.”

Mother gasped faintly, her hand wandered up to her own chest. “You mean…”

“Yes. They chose Elsie specifically so that you and Father would agree to their pact.”

“I… I can’t believe it,” Mother mumbled.

“They made me sick?” Elsie asked, her eyes as big and round as marbles. “On purpose?”

You nodded.

“But why haven’t you told us sooner?” Mother asked. “We could have-”

“I did as much as I could without attracting too much attention. Tom and I, we both assumed that the Gaunts wouldn’t even lift Elsie’s curse after the wedding. And even if they did, I wouldn’t trust them enough to let you drink anything that they would give to her again. So we brewed the antidote ourselves.”

You pulled out the flask and held it up in the air. Mother took it and inspected it for a moment. “You brewed that?”

“Yes. Elsie, take it right now. You will be healed completely then and the Gaunts won’t notice anything.”

“Are you sure it’s safe?” Mother asked. “And what then? What are you going to do?”

“Yes, I’m sure it’s safe. And then,” you looked at the door to the chapel and heaved a sigh. “Then I’ll get married. Stick to the plan.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Mother said as she handed Elsie the flask.

“Would you rather have her drink something that Morfin brewed up? If he would give her anything at all.”

“You’re right,” she said and shook her head.

“Quick Elsie,” you urged her. “Drink up and we’ll be ready to go.”

Elsie nodded as she pulled the cork off the flask, then put her lips around the opening and took a small gulp. She scrunched up her face into a grimace. “Tastes gross.”

“Sorry, princess. They don’t make recipes for strawberry flavoured antidotes yet. Now drink it.”

Elsie exhaled sharply, then threw her head back and let the liquid pour into her mouth. One swig, two. She had it down almost completely when suddenly the door flew open.

“Excuse me ladies, what is taking you so long?” Marvolo asked, standing in the door frame, with Morfin, Father and Tom behind him. Marvolo stared at Elsie, who was just gulping down the last drops from the flask. “What is that? What did you give her?”

The three of you froze, staring back at Marvolo and the other men. Shit.

“Just her vitamins,” you lied. “To make sure she’s well for the ceremony.”

“No, no,” Marvolo huffed as he walked in. “Give me that.” He took the flask from Elsie’s hand and brought it up to his nose. “Morfin, come here.”

Morfin entered the room as well, took a look at the empty flask and smelled it. Father and Tom took several steps in too, filling up the room almost completely. 

“Stop,” Marvolo ordered and held his hand up to Father and Tom. “I didn’t tell you to come in.” The two halted and remained standing by the door. “Now, son. What is it?”

Morfin inspected the remaining liquid inside the flask, shaking it to see the single droplets hanging inside the vial. One side of his mouth pulled up into a ghastly smirk before he spoke through gritted teeth: “Mors Grano antidote.”

Marvolo brought his hand up to his neck, fumbling on the chain that hung there. That must have been where he carried their own flask with the unfinished antidote. It was still there, which visibly confused him. He remained calm, wouldn’t dare to show that he didn’t know how you had done it, his eyes dark and full of anger.

“You little bitch,” he spat. “Morfin, take the child.”

Morfin did as he was told, quicker than any of you could have reacted and pulled Elsie to the middle of the room by the hand, then stepped behind her, one hand around her neck, his wand in his other one, pointed right at Elsie’s head.

Mother cried out when she saw what had happened to her daughter and turned to walk over to her, while Father ran towards Morfin and Elsie as well.

“Stupefy!” Marvolo called, his wand directed at Father, who fell to the ground immediately. “I told you not to step in. No one’s making a move now unless I tell them to.”

Mother fell to her knees, looking at Father unconscious on the ground and Marvolo gaped at her in disgust. “Take your husband. And shut your mouth, or you’ll be lying there with him.”

She pressed her lips shut and crawled over to Father, slowly dragged him to the corner of the room behind you, where she held his head between her hands. Silent tears ran down Elsie’s cheeks, who was still captured between Morfin’s hand and his wand. You had managed to pull out your own wand during the turmoil and looked over at Tom in the doorframe, who had done the same.

Marvolo had noticed the looks you had exchanged and heaved a bitter laugh. “You two, eh? Partners in crime. And what do you think you’re doing there, girl? With your wand out. Do you really think you can defeat me with your schoolbook magic?”

You gripped your wand tighter to prevent your hand from shaking, swallowed down thickly and frowned. There were a million things you wanted to say, thousands of curse words you could have called him, but Morfin still had Elsie between his fingers. “Don’t you underestimate me, Marvolo.”

He clicked his tongue, let his head fall back and laughed wholeheartedly. “Oh, juveniles. Graduated a day ago and think they’ll conquer the world. Well, I got some bad news for you then. But first, you’re going to tell me how you’ve found out about Mors Grano. And how you got a hold of an antidote that isn’t ours.”

You didn’t answer and only looked at Elsie, who breathed rapidly, her hands holding on to Morfin’s grip around her neck.

“I see,” Marvolo sighed and turned his head towards the door. “Tom, would you give us the honour then? Come, stand next to your fiancée.”

Tom walked over silently and placed himself next to you, his hand gripping yours.

“Oh look at that,” Marvolo feigned. “Tragically in love. Now, Tom, explain.”

Tom didn’t answer, only held your hand a bit tighter and you could feel something cold inside of it, something metallic, perhaps.

“No?” Marvolo asked. “You don’t want to tell us? Well, then we’ll have to motivate you. Morfin, go ahead.”

Morfin grinned but didn’t point his wand at Elsie anymore. Instead, he pointed it right at you. “Crucio!”

The pain that rushed through you was unbearable from the moment it had started. You fell to your knees and opened your mouth to scream, but couldn’t even hear yourself or anyone else anymore. A million knives must have pierced your body at once, and they scraped off your skin with rusty blades inch by inch, while your head hammered and stung as if a lightning bolt had struck right into it. Your vision had left you from the pain, everything around you had gone white and you only heard scraps of conversation between the all-consuming buzz that rumbled between your ears. Tom was begging them to stop, you assumed, but couldn’t concentrate on his words anymore, as the pain threatened to crack your skull.

Then, as quickly as it had started, it ended. You opened your eyes slowly, blinked a couple of times when your perception came back and felt a small hand on your cheek. Elsie kneeled above you, next to Tom.

“What happened?” you asked, your voice hoarse, while you sat up groggily.

Marvolo was still standing in his spot, looking down at Morfin, who lay on the ground, holding his leg with both hands. And attached to his thigh, was Nagini, pressing her fangs into him through his trousers.

“Nagini,” you whispered and as soon as you had said her name, the snake let go of Morfin and retracted.

“She crawled out of her box when he hit you with the curse,” Tom said quietly. “And bit him before they could have noticed.”

Tom helped to get you on your feet again and even though your knees were still weak from the Cruciatus Curse, you stood in front of Elsie, to shield her from the Gaunts.

Morfin winced in pain and still held his leg. Nagini’s venom spread quickly, Morfin’s thigh was twitching on its own.

“Father,” Morfin whined. “I need treatment. Help me get home.”

Marvolo looked down at his son, lips parted with an expression of sheer revulsion on his face. “Do you think I have time to take care of your little injuries right now? Suck it up.”

“But… But Father, I can’t feel my leg anymore,” Morfin panted. “I might die when the venom reaches my heart.”

Marvolo sighed and bumped his foot against Morfin’s hurt leg, to which his son screamed. “Then leave.”

Morfin nodded, it must have taken all of his remaining strength not to pass out, and closed his eyes before he apparated, leaving only a few drops of blood on the floor behind.

“Now back to you,” Marvolo said and looked at Tom as if nothing more than a minor inconvenience had just occurred. “Don’t you dare lie to me. You know I can kill everyone in this room within a second.”

Tom still didn’t answer and placed himself in front of Elsie and you, which made Marvolo laugh again.

“Oh, boy. You’d sacrifice yourself? For this family and not your own? I know I’ve raised you differently. You’re a disgrace.”

“You want me to tell you everything?” Tom asked. “Then let me come closer, so I can share all of my secrets.”

Marvolo remained unimpressed at the thought, there was no spell he couldn’t counter. So he rolled his eyes and shrugged. “Come as close as you want, son. But keep your wand up, where I can see it.”

And so Tom went. One step, two, three, four, until he was face to face with his grandfather. Marvolo still eyed Tom’s wand, gripping his own tightly. And then, Tom moved his other hand abruptly, jerking it toward Marvolo’s abdomen once. You couldn’t see from where you stood and only noticed when Marvolo looked down himself and opened his mouth.

“Imperio,” Tom said quietly while Marvolo fell to his knees.

Now that you could see what he had done, you put your hands in front of Elsie’s eyes, holding them closed. Marvolo was bleeding from his stomach and Tom held a bloody knife in his wandless hand.

“I’m just making sure you can’t apparate,” Tom said coldly. “Like uncle did. The coward. I want to see how you die.”

Marvolo looked up at Tom, opened his mouth but didn’t say anything, tears edging on the corners of his eyes. 

“No. You don’t get to talk now,” Tom went on. “Never again. You’re going to listen. And I’m even going to tell you what you wanted to hear. I found a way to tell her what you have done to Elsie. I stole Morfin’s book, and we brewed the antidote ourselves. Oh yes, before I forget, we also stole some Banshee tears from Morfin, while you were out. Scrook and Hokey were very helpful. I even learned some new things this year. Some of them from a muggle-born, can you believe? It got me thinking, you purebloods are so concentrated on magic, you wouldn’t even realise when I’d come up to you with a knife in my hand. And I was right. You didn’t. You see, you called me a bastard so often and reminded me that my father was a muggle. So I thought I’d remind you myself how much of a half-blood I am. Isn’t it awful dying the muggle way? So slowly, so weak.”

Marvolo laid to the side, impacted by the Imperius Curse and opened his mouth, coughing up blood, his eyes half-closed.

“And now, here we are,” Tom whispered. “You did this all to yourself. Good night, Grandfather.”

It took a while until you all had calmed yourselves. Father had woken up some minutes after Marvolo had closed his eyes completely and you had brought Elsie into the chapel, so she wouldn’t have to see the body. Tom, your parents and you hadn’t decided yet what to do with Marvolo. You had thought about leaving him there, or to apparate him to Gaunt manor, where the elves or Morfin could take care of it. If Morfin himself was still alive. 

Mother joined you in the chapel and you took the chance to get some fresh air outside. Only out in the open you noticed that you were still wearing the white dress. What scorn of fate it was to watch someone die on your wedding day. The door opened again behind you and Tom walked out. He had managed to remain composed better than anyone else there, even though he was the one who had killed somebody.

He walked up to you, looking at the ground and only lifted his head when he stood right in front of you. A warm breeze brushed over your skin as the sun was setting. “Are you okay?” he asked.

You nodded. Physically you were. Your mental state was debatable. “I think I am.”

Tom dipped his head once too and loosened his tie. “Are you scared of me after what you’ve seen?” 

You looked him in the eyes, tilting your head slightly. His pupils were extended, brows sitting calmly above. “No,” you answered. “I would have done the same if I had to.”

He bit his lip and nodded, hands inside his pockets before he took them out, held you by your waist and kissed you. All the tension and stress seemed to leave your body for a moment, your shoulders finally relaxing and you wished you could hold on to him like this for an hour. Tom stayed close for a moment, pressed his forehead against yours and sighed. “So,” he said as he took a step back. “The pact is done with. Elsie is cured. You don’t have to marry me anymore.”

A surprised gasp fell from your lips. You hadn’t even thought about that yet. He was right. “I guess I don’t.”

Tom pushed the tip of his shoe through the gravel on the ground, drawing patterns. “But I wanted to know,” he said. “Would you have gone through with it if this had turned out differently? Would you have married me and stayed?”

There was a moment of silence when you thought about it. What answer could anyone give to such a question? You liked him, yes, you would even dare to say you were in love with him. But would you have really married him this quickly if you could have decided yourself?

“Would you?” you asked, to which he smirked. The wind tousled his hair, just like when you had sat with him at the bench back in the Hogwarts’ courtyard. “Why don’t you ask me? Properly I mean.”

Tom’s smirk vanished and he looked at you seriously. He took both of your hands in his, inspecting you closely. He opened his mouth but shut it again to clear his throat. Then he asked: “Do you want to marry me?”

A smile formed on your face, one that he didn’t mirror, as long as you wouldn’t answer him. “No,” you said. 

Tom’s expression didn’t change, but when you looked closely, you noticed that the size of his pupils had decreased, his brows now hanging in confusion. He still held your hands but you could feel him trembling.

“Not yet,” you added, your smile still in place. “Not like this and certainly not today. Not on Marvolo’s terms. Not without my friends and not before we really get to know each other and both decide, on our own, that we want to do it.”

You leaned forward, kissed him once and said: “So, ask me again in a year or two?”

And then, the rarest sight of them all, Tom Riddle smiling genuinely, was given to you. He looked so handsome wearing it and with the orange light from the setting sun on his face when he let your hands go and pulled you in.

“I promise I will.”

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Masterpost | Masterlist

That was it, the grande finale :3 I truly hope you liked it! There’s still one more part to come, the epilogue, which will hopefully please the majority of you. I see it as a little cherry on top. Please consider leaving a comment and tell me what you think so far :) They motivate me so much to keep writing! Thank you for reading!

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[arminbitchlover]

the moon is beautiful, isn't it? (1)

pairing: connie springer x gn! reader

content warnings: mention of vomit, blood, angst, & death

summary: chapter 138 spoilers / you and connie have been in love for years, falling for each other at the exact same moments. one night, connie tries to hint his feelings towards you on top of utgard's castle, but you don't catch it, so connie shrugs it off. a few years later, during the rumbling, connie decides that it's finally time to admit how he feels.

song recommendations : the swans by: camille saint-saëns, gymnopédie no. 1 by: erik satie, nocturne no. 2 in e flat op.9 no. 2 by: frédéric chopin, and mia and sebastian's theme by: justin hurwitz

word count 4.1k

DO NOT POST/SHARE ANY PART OF MY WORK ON TIKTOK

This is the end.

You lay on the stone floor atop Utgard castle, gazing at the stars while reminiscing on all the memories you made with your friends.

Everything is becoming too much for you; nobody knows how titans are infiltrating the walls if there's no breach, you still have no idea where Eren, Mikasa, and Armin are, and now you're left with no ODM gear to fight in case titans were to take over your refuge.

You feel completely utterly useless.

"It was a good run," You mutter to yourself, feeling the lump in your throat get stronger.

You're not ready to give it all up, your life as a scout was just about to begin. You've met so many people that mean so much to you, especially him.

You won't ever forget when you first met him; Sasha introduced him as her bestfriend and you instantly fell in love with everything about him; his eyes, his voice, his laugh, and his sense of humor, just everything about him is absolutely perfect.

You continue your search for constellations amongst the stars, trying to distract your mind from the harsh reality.

"Hey." You hear a voice come from the door and you turn to have your eyes meet with golden brown orbs.

It's him.

"Connie." You sit up, moving your legs close to your chest with your jacket spread across them.

You feel your face start to heat up as he gets closer to you. You could never understand why he has such an effect on you, he could do the slightest thing and your heart will always skip a beat.

"Mind if I sit?" He walks towards you, one of his hands scratching the back of his neck.

"Be my guest." You gesture on the empty spot next to you, feeling your heartbeat start to quicken as you immediately catch his scent while he settles in next to you.

You glance down and see that your hands are only an inch maybe centimeters apart; god, how bad you wanted to hold it to make you feel better. You look back up, worried that he may have seen but notice that his gaze is fixated on the stars.

"Beautiful, right?" You move your focus back to the night sky.

Almost as beautiful as him.

"Sure beats this shithole," He chuckles.

"Yeah, it sure does..." You trail off, looking back down to the floor while fidgeting with your fingers.

Silence thickens between the two of you, but not the awkward kind when nobody knows what to say, rather the kind that just wants to savor each other's presence. You enjoy it, worried that if you were to say something you might burst into tears from panic, anger, confusion, and sadness.

“...Christa told me you were up here.” He turns to you, sharing a sympathetic look.

“Yeah, I- um told her I would spend some time here for a bit before sleeping.” You take in a deep breath and rub the back of your neck.

You didn't dare overload Connie with your feelings. It wasn't because you thought he would shove them under the rug or tell you to suck it up, but you were fully aware what he was going through as well.

“We’re going to be okay, you know.” He reads you like a book, seeing through your calm demeanor and knowing you were just a ball of anxiety ready to burst at any moment.

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"We're going to be okay, you know." Connie laughs, helping you undo your ODM gear.

"Ugh, I wish! This training will be the death of me, I swear." You giggle and place your gear on the table.

You love the way he makes you smile. Even when your body is on the verge of extreme fatigue and exhaustion, he somehow always made you feel a bit better about the whole situation.

"If it makes you feel any better, we're finally having a hot dinner." He places his gear next to yours and you both walk to the dining room.

"As great as that does sound, I just need to get this gunk and sweat off of me." You feel disgusted with yourself, thinking about the number of hours you spent outdoors in the heat.

"Yeah that too, you smell like a Titan just threw up on you," He playfully jokes, already speeding up his pace as he knows what's about to come next.

"Asshole!" You laugh and chase him down the hall.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

It was strange, you could be on opposite sides of the world, but he always knows if something was bothering you, like an invisible tether always kept the two of you in sync.

“You don't know that, Connie.” Your eyes start to get glossy, looking back up to try and hold back your tears.

You can't understand why everything in your life has to end up so shitty. For once you just want to save lives and be the hero that everyone needed after the Shiganshina incident, but you can't even do that.

“Y/n.” He scoots closer to you, gently pulling your head to his chest as he lightly traces your back.

You hold your breath and become stiff as you hear Connie’s heartbeat. Fuck, you'll never get used to this, no matter how many times it happens. Having him comfort you when everything was going wrong and assuring you not to worry and that it was all going to work out, made you forget all your problems for a moment.

"No regrets though, right?" He lightens up the mood with an inside joke.

"No regrets." You smile and feel yourself melt into his embrace.

You love the way he makes you feel, whether you're upset, sad, frustrated, or maybe just hungry, he always finds a way to make your day not so shitty.

“Why are you doing this?” You ask while you bury your head into his chest, feeling like this is too good to be true.

You feel his chest stop moving and his arm stay still. Silence once again takes over and lingers in the air.

"I mean, after what you found out about your family, I-" He cuts you off.

“I… just really care about you.” And he isn’t lying, he cares about you more than you could imagine.

What you didn't know was that he has been in love with you ever since the day Sasha introduced you as a member of her training squad. He adores everything about you: your voice, your lips, the way your eyes lit up when you ramble about things you're passionate about, and your wits, just everything about you is absolutely perfect.

It didn't take him long to realize he had fallen head over heels for you months ago, but he couldn't tell you. There's no possible way in his eyes for everything to work out if he tells you. He knows the risks of everyone’s lives when it comes to being a scout. He can't bear the thought of becoming more attached to you than he already is and know that he might not have you the next day.

“I care about you too.” You hide your wide grin, relishing this moment for as long as you could.

“Y-You do?” Connie chokes, causing you to pull away and make eye contact.

“Of course I do, why wouldn't I?” You immediately inhale a sharp breath, scared that you may have said something wrong.

‘I need to do it now.’ Connie’s thoughts start to cloud his mind. ‘If this is it, I need her to know.’

“I just… I don't know. Forget it.” He opens up his arm again, inviting you back into his chest.

You brush it off, not wanting to ruin what you already have, and lean back into him. You start copying his breathing, finding comfort that you never thought you would never find again.

You close your eyes for bit, trying your best to memorize everything in the moment. The material of his shirt, his warm skin against yours, the light breeze that hits your face, everything.

“The uh- the moon is beautiful, isn't it?” He quietly stammers, and you immediately feel his heartbeat begin to pound and so does yours.

It can't be.

You know exactly what that means, but does he? Was he just saying that because the full moon that illuminates the hills genuinely looks beautiful? He has to be, right? This night was already beginning to feel like a dream, there’s no way he means what you want it to.

“Yeah, I guess.” You wince as you hear the words fall from your mouth.

You sit in silence yet again, but this time filled with unwanted tension. While your head is spinning with a million thoughts, Connie can't help but feel anger with himself. Why couldn't he just come out and say it? Did you not know what he meant or did you really just reject him?

"It's getting a bit cold, so I'm gonna head inside. You coming?" You put on your jacket, avoiding eye contact to hide the tears that were on the verge of falling down your face.

"Nah, I'm going to um- stay up here a bit." He clears his throat and kees his gaze fixated to the moon.

"Oh alright, well goodnight, Connie." You weakly smile and walk away.

"Goodnight, y/n." He whispers, not loud enough for you to hear.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

chapter 138 spoilers

"Y/n, we need to go get Armin, now." Mikasa snaps you out of your thoughts.

"But Connie? He has to be near here somewhere, I-I just know it." Panic sinks in as you scan through the battle of the titan shifters to find your lover.

"Y/N SNAP OUT OF IT!" You slightly jump and turn to her, her face becoming flushed with red.

"Sh- Sorry, right, Armin." You shake your head, covering Mikasa as she makes her way towards the pig-type titan.

It's been 4 years ever since that night on Utgard's castle and you remember every second of it. A day never went by when you didn't think back to that moment and wonder what could've been if you had said something different, but you couldn't and you hate yourself for that.

Nothing changed between the two of you, if anything you feel a lot closer than before. You or Connie never address that night, as if it never happened, and you were somewhat fine with that. It hurts that your gut feeling of him not having feelings for you was accurate, but that's okay, because you would always still have him by your side even if it was just a close friendship.

"Y/N!" You look behind you and see him coming at you at full speed.

"CONNIE!" You feel a bit of weight being lifted off your shoulders, seeing only one visible injury.

He joins you side by side to defend Mikasa, noticing the number of titan shifters making their way towards you was too much for you to handle.

"Are you okay?" Connie defends you as you briskly check the state of your weapons.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

"Are you okay?" Connie rushes to your side, inspecting the cut on your cheek.

"Yeah, I just have to be more careful with the branches." You wince as you feel his finger graze your injury.

"Well, we're definitely not racing anymore." He looks into your eyes and smiles.

"You're just saying that cause you know I'm better with ODM gear." You giggle and get back up, brushing off the dirt that caught on your equipment.

"You wish!" He blasts off, not giving you a chance to ready up again.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

"MIKASA HURRY!" Your anxiety starts rushing through you, ignoring Connie's question as you notice your blades were on the verge of giving out.

You see her make a quick glance towards you before zooming towards the titan that trapped Armin and quickly slices his jaw open. Before you know it, you see Connie soar in your peripheral vision to the tongue that entangled Armin and slice him free.

"ANNIE!" Connie screams out, making his way back to you and wrapping his arm around your waist.

You feel the tiny butterflies you always get when he's near you and admire his perfections for a second.

"I'm getting us out of here," He assures you as he looks into your eyes, instantly melting all the worry and panic that stirred up inside you.

"O-Okay." You whisper, the wind harshly hitting your face as Connie moves both of you to the top of Eren's titan, getting Falco's attention.

While Falco flies his way towards you, you gaze upon everything that is going on around you. You start feeling overwhelmed again, too much was going on at once. You see Jean and Pieck trying to make their way towards the Founding Titan's head but get trampled by shifters, Annie holding Armin as he recovers, and Levi and Gabi shooting their gun at every titan.

"What is- is happening?" Your voice cracks and you hang your head low with your eyes shut.

"We should've fucking known ever since Eren decided to infiltrate Marley, but it's okay. We're okay." He gives you a weak smile and a slight squeeze on your waist for reassurance.

Falco reaches the both of you and board his back with Levi and Gabi.

"Are you guys okay?" You can slightly hear the concern in Levi's monotone voice.

"Yeah, we're fine," Connie answers, completely disregarding the gash that was dripping blood on his forehead.

"We need to help Jean and Pieck." You chime in, watching them struggle their way to the neck.

"No, we-" Levi cuts himself off when he hears his name being called out by a familiar male voice.

The five of you see a blonde man with only half a body attached to one of the Founding Titan's ribs.

Zeke.

While you see his lips moving, you can't make out what he's saying. He begins waving around his arms, successfully capturing Levi's attention, but in a blink of an eye, he's dead.

Levi decapitated him.

You hear a slight gasp come from Gabi's mouth and immediately see tears start to swell up. You quickly pull her into a hug, rubbing her back as you try to soothe her.

"It's okay, Gabi. We're okay." You whisper in her ear, slightly rocking back and forth.

While you didn't know or care for Zeke much, you know how much Gabi saw him as another father, an uncle.

"I-I need my- my parents." She hiccups into your chest.

You can't imagine what's going through her mind. All of her plans to become a warrior and making her family proud was all gone. You remember what that felt like, thinking throughout your whole life that titans were your enemy and Eren would be the solution for it all, but you couldn't have been more wrong.

"I promise, I'll get them to you." You bury her head into your chest and stay still, forgetting where you are for a second.

You and Gabi share a weird relationship, especially after everything that happened with Sasha, but you were somewhat like the older sibling she never had. You nurture her when things become too overwhelming or when she was worried someone would kill Falco for her doing. It was strange for you at first, caring for someone who you thought was the enemy, but was really just a twelve year old girl who was taught the wrong things, all to be treated as a 'good Eldian'.

"The- The rumbling stopped." You turn to Connie and furrow your eyebrows.

"Wha-"

"He's right, look." Gabi points to the titans that were completely still in place, but the titan shifters were still moving in battle.

Bizarre.

"JEAN! PIECK! GO!" Levi's yell snaps you out of your thoughts, watching him fly back to Falco's titan.

You feel your heart start to pound and chest begin to tighten. This is the moment that would define the rest of your life. If Jean and Pieck weren't successful, then there's nothing left for you. Everything you and the scouts worked for would be done, ruined, over.

"God, let Jean be okay." You hear Connie mumble under his breath.

"He will." You instinctively grab his hand and give him a slight nod.

He nods back and you both turn back and watch Jean soar to the head with the TNT box. You feel him squeeze your hand, becoming more anxious as seconds passed.

"STUPID LITTLE SUICIDAL BLOCKHEAD," Jean screams at the top of his lungs, before setting off the bomb that decapitated the Founding Titan's head.

You keep your eyes on Jean, making sure that nothing is seriously wrong and to your relief, he's unharmed.

"JEAN," Connie cries out, tears streaming down his face from alleviation.

He immediately pulls you in for a hug, causing your face to start heating up. While this wasn't the first time you and Connie hugged, it always makes you feel like it's your first all over again. You wrap your arms around him, savoring this moment for what thankfully feels like an eternity. You feel his body heat radiate against yours, warming you up from the cold winds that coat you.

In the corner of your eye, you see Reiner struggling with the cord that connects with the Founding Titan's head. Wrapping his arms and slamming it to the base of the ribcage, holding it down for as long as possible.

"Shit, it's going back for the head. ARMIN, NOW," Levi commands, stirring Falco to Jean and Pieck.

God you hate what's about to come next. The loud noise, the bright light, the endless destruction that's always created, and the lost lives were things you loathe to witness.

"JEAN! PIECK! ARMIN'S GOING TO BLOW THESE BONES TO PIECES! WE NEED TO GET AWAY QUICK!" Connie reaches his hand out, pulling both of them onto Falco's back as Annie and Mikasa make their way as well.

"But Reiner-" Pieck cuts Jean off.

"The Armored Titan should be able to withstand the Colossal Titan's explosion. And most of all, Reiner's prepared for the consequences."

Her words feel like a stab in the chest to everyone listening. Even though Reiner was a traitor in the beginning of this mess, it doesn't take away the great memories you made with everyone and the thought of maybe losing him too was a lot to take in.

"She's right, Jean. We need to go." You put a hand on his shoulder, trying to give him some type of support as you hope that your words help you too.

"Y-Yeah, of course." He slightly shakes his head as Falco flies away.

While you're hundreds of feet in the air, all of your eyes are glued to the titan shifters, watching Armin's explosion destroy everything in its way, including the monsters that fought you and your friends. Although the sight wasn't pleasant in the slightest, you can't help but notice the pit that you had in your stomach was gone.

"Is this it?" You weakly smile, feelings of ease and nervousness begin to overpower everything else.

You haven't felt this much hope in years. The deaths of your fallen comrades weren't in vain; it meant something now.

"See, I told you we would be okay, y/n." He wrapped his arms around your shoulders, leaning his head against yours.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

"See, I told you we would be okay, y/n." Connie grins as you put on your new Survey Corps jacket.

"Geez, I never thought I would ever see the day." You admire yourself, not knowing that Connie's doing the same thing.

You feel nothing but excitement when the leather hits your skin. All the hours, blood, sweat, and tears you put into your training was all worth it. You can finally be the hero you've always wanted to be.

"Well, here we are." He lightly pats your back and chuckles.

"Yeah, here we are." You hand him his new jacket and admire how great he looks as a new scout.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

"You're always right," You giggle, snaking your arms around his waist and holding him a bit too tightly.

You both bask in each other's presence, enjoying the thought of planning out your new future. As you close your eyes and enjoy the breeze, Connie can't help but adore how perfect you look in his arms. Every time you share a moment like this, he can't help but get flashbacks from that night. He knows how badly he messed up, he should've just straightforwardly said what he always wants to confess to you but he couldn't and he hates himself for that.

He can't recall what number this was for all the times both of your lives were at risk. The times he would forget what his mission was and sought out for you if he lost sight of you. It always takes him back to the same thought, 'You have to tell them before the day comes that you can't.' It's an ongoing battle with his mind and he always comes back to the same conclusion, 'I can't get more attached, not if there's a possibility I could lose them tomorrow.'

But no, this time he feels different, he senses that something's different about this. He suddenly feels queasiness and pulls away from you. 'No, no more hiding it.'

"Is everything okay, Connie?" You feel his body tense up as you give him a concerned look.

"No, it's not, y/n, I've been needing to tell you something, for a while now actually." He scratches the back of his neck and avoids making eye contact.

"What's wrong..?" You trail off, having your mind go a million miles per hour.

"Nothing- Nothing terrible but, y/n-"

"MY PARENTS," Gabi yells out, pointing at the crowd below you.

You and Connie snap out of your conversation, leaning over to the side and see a group of people staring up at Falco.

He lands his titan and Gabi immediately flees into the arms of her parents, Pieck doing the same with her father. You can't help but feel a bit of happiness after all of this, Jean stopped the rumbling, Armin killed off Eren, and all the people you love are safe from this never-ending war.

"We did the right thing, didn't we? I mean with what we did to Eren." You change your focus back to Connie.

"Of course we did, look at the amount of lives we saved, y/n. So, no regrets, right?" He playfully collides his shoulder with yours.

"No regrets." You smile and make your way towards Jean.

Your heart always skips a beat when he says that, you think of it as your own little thing that only you two share. Every time you feel like everything in your life is going wrong, he always reminds you that even if things were to go to shit it would be okay because you have no regrets.

"Can't believe I did that," Jean mumbles, still in a state of shock.

"You did what you had to, Jean." You console him as Connie chimes in.

"Don't bring yourself down, Eren brought this among himself."

You can never forgive Eren for what did over the years. It was apparent from the beginning, but you were to naive and filled with hope to see it. Now, this is different, you lost some of the most important people in your life for his doing. There's no going back from that.

"Y-Yeah, you're right." He brings the two of you in for a group hug, leaving a space in the middle for Sasha.

"She would be proud of us, you know?" You feel a tear run down your cheek as you speak.

Fuck, you miss her so much. All the fun and stupid memories you made with her flash through your mind. All the way back to your first moments meeting her, Connie holding her back from eating all the meat during dinner; to your final moments together, cheering for a successful raid on Liberio.

"She is." Connie corrects you, a smile forms across his face.

"Yeah, she is." Jean starts tearing up, grateful for another day to be alive.

"REINER," Gabi screams, causing the three of you to interrupt your moment and go by the ledge and see something you never thought you would.

You see the centipede that Jean exploded continue to move as if nothing ever affected it. Luckily, Reiner and Armin's titans look unharmed, but you immediately feel the pit in your stomach start to come back.

"See Gabi, he's fine, ever-" Connie gets cut off by another extreme explosion.

You feel nauseous as you see what emerges.

"He-He's alive?" Your voice trembles, all the hope and happiness you just shared obliviates in a second.

Eren's titan.

"No way." Connie gasps, his body starts to shake with fear.

"What do we do now?" Mikasa's voice cracks, wanting everything to come to an end.

You can't believe it. Every fucking time you think that everything will finally work out for you, something always changes. You always end up losing someone, witnessing things that no one should ever be forced to see, and always feel empty in the end.

"We can't let Eren come into contact with the shining thing! Who knows what'll happen!" Gabi tries to pull everyone's focus back into the war and luckily, it works.

"She's right, we have to kill that thing, no matter what." Connie's voice becoming slightly deeper at the end of his sentence.

"Don't you get it? How can we kill a thing that survived Armin's explosion? We need to go for Eren." Levi's command lingers in the air.

"There has to be another way. AGH!" Mikasa starts gasping for air as she starts tightly gripping her head.

Before you could go by Mikasa's side, you notice smoke coming from afar. You don't think much of it, just assuming it was debris from the explosion, but no.

You scan everyone's faces, instantly seeing some of your comrades faces turn into pure terror. This couldn't be what they think it is. This isn't how it's supposed it, how it's supposed to end. It has to be some kind of machine malfunction that's just giving out tons of smoke. It has to be something else than the thing you fear most.

"Isn't this smoke the same thing they did.. at Ragako?" Connie's face becomes overwhelmed with horror and anguish.

"N-No..." You fall to your knees and bury your hands to your face, not being able to come to terms with what's going to happen next.

This is the end.

"Hey, Hey, look at me." Connie's voice never sounding so calm before.

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

"Hey, Hey, look at me."  Connie wraps his arms around you as tears cascade down your cheeks and soak his shirt.

"Wh- Why her?" You hiccup, feeling your chest begin to tighten and your head spin from hours of crying.

Your best friend's dead.

You can't hug her anymore, tell her any scouts gossip, or scold her when she stole your food. You can't go to her room in the middle of the night and have her comfort you when your nightmares felt too real. She's gone, forever.

"I wish I had an answer for you... shit-" He starts breaking down right in front of you, both of you begin to cry in each other's arms.

You hate this, fucking hate this. You've dealt with the deaths of your squad members and scouts but nothing like the way you feel right now.

You need to escape, you need to get rid of these awful feelings that were eating you up inside, but no matter how much you may want to escape this shithole with the only person you love, you can't.

"B-But we still have each other, right?" Connie's voice trembles, his grip becoming tighter, thinking if he lets go he'll somehow lose you too.

"Always."

༛༛ ༛ ༛༺༻༛ ༛ ༛༛

He grabs your chin and leaves your faces just inches apart. All of the yelling and cries drown out as you solely focus on your soulmate.

"No regrets, right?" He wipes your tears away with his thumb.

"No regrets." You barely let a whisper, savoring his embrace one last time.

You feel a hand touch your shoulder and you look up to see Jean, seemingly relaxed.

"So this is how it ends for us." Connie brings Jean into your hug.

"Guess so," Jean replies, acting as if this wasn't the end.

"You know I blame both of you for all this, making me end up with the job of saving humanity." You joke, making the most of your final moment with your best friends.

"Yeah yeah, and take that to your grave." Jean chuckles as he slightly squeezes Connie's shoulder.

Connie glances Jean a confused look, seemingly not aware of the next few seconds. Immediately his eyes widen, finally accepting that this was it for you and him, and he never got to tell you.

"Y/n, there's something I need to tell b-before this is all over. Something I-I should've told you years ago." He speeds up his words, slightly stumbling.

"Yes?" Your heart drops to your stomach and you can't help but wonder if he was going to tell you what you've been waiting for since the day you met him.

"Y/n I-"

a/n : yes, i took some direct quotes from 138 & yes, i switched up dialogue between characters and actions from the book to make more sense with the reader.

[nemain-og-mactire]

Since I hate myself I guess, here's this; basically, I've been doing a lot of Némain complying to LoL/Arcane lore while also neglecting the lore for WolfWalkers, which is the movie she's based on as a WolfWalker. So, while I type this, I just hope WW lore won't affect LoL lore in this fic. Such is the task when creating crossover ocs- trying to keep two lores in balance. @transgirl-artemis for you ♥️

Piltover's WolfWalker.

Némain looked over to Fiadh, who was staying over at their house, probably in hopes to grow closer to her biological child. “So... Have you had any wolf dreams?” The auburn haired woman asked, leaning closer as she could over a table. Némain frowned. “Not for years. Had it beaten out of me when I was... Well, it's fine.” She shook her head.

“You know you've got connection to the arcane, right?” Fiadh asked lowly, as mentioning anything about the arcane was considered taboo. The strange question made Némain lean backwards, puzzled and shaking her head. “No. No. I have no connection to the arcane. It's dangerous.” She stood, shaking. “This conversation is over.”

Fiadh stood too. “Némain, please listen to me. The arcane is about as dangerous as your blade legs. If you're fine with those,” she pointed at the legs. “So what's wrong with having a thing of magic? You're a WolfWalker, like me.”

“No. No, absolutely not. And these, must I remind you, are because I lost mine!” Némain felt hurt that her supposed mother said that. Camille entered the kitchen, noticed the ice and, turning to Fiadh, told her to leave.

That night, Némain couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about Fiadh's words, and was terrified that the "wolf dream" would just be her mind pretending it's real. Finally, she fell asleep.

In her dreams, a giant red brown furred wolf with the same eyes as her approached her. It looked sad. Her dream self blinked, as it was in first person, as if she was watching it approach. Then, she saw her own face when she opened her eyes in the dream.

And she awoke.

The first thing she noticed was the scents. Everything smelled stronger, she could see these scents. Everything also seemed smaller, and she looked down.

And yelped.

She was a wolf.

And her body was before her, fast asleep and peaceful.

Némain fell off her bed, and she heard Camille walk towards the sound of the loud thump. “Némain? Are you alright?” She heard her mother ask, feeling the vibrations of the movement that came towards her room. “No, no, no.” When she spoke, all Camille would have heard were barks and whines, which made Camille enter Némain's room faster. Leg raised to strike, Camille saw the direwolf standing in Némain's bedroom, on the floor. She lunged forth, but the massive wolf somehow managed to dodge and run out of the door, whining the whole time. Camille gave chase around the house, always behind but never close enough to actually slash the wolf. Némain managed to get back to her bed, tapping her paw on her hand. “How do I reverse this?” She whined. Camille appeared at the door, her eyes glowing as she calculated the best way to kill the wolf without hurting Némain. Golden light emitted from Némain's hand and paw, the wolf's body becoming a golden light, the light entering Némain's body just as she jolted up in bed, gasping. Camille stood down, confused. “Némain? What... What was that? I do not understand.” Not even the cyborg understood.

Gasping, Némain whispered, “I'm a WolfWalker...” Némain told Camille what Fiadh told her, of the wolf dream. “And this is an arcane thing?” Camille asked. Neither knew, as arcane was, still, taboo. “What if this happens again? What am I supposed to do? Touch grass?” Némain began freaking out.

“I'm not sending you out of Piltover just to touch grass. We'll find grass here so you can ground yourself.” Camille cracked a smile as Némain gave her a weird look. “Did you just... Make a joke? You? Queen of having a stick up your arse? You, who tells others to "not be funny, be useful"? You?! Make an actual joke?”

“It appears that your horrible sense of humour finally rubbed off on me.” Camille shook her head, moving forward to her daughter. “What am I to do with you?”

“Not throw me to sleep outside now that I'm a literal large wolf?”

Camille looked disappointed at her.

“So, have you had a wolf dream yet?” Fiadh asked, almost looking smugly. Némain didn't give a reaction.

“Yes.”

“And?”

Camille and Némain looked to each other. “I told Warwick that I keep the Wolves at bay. Rest assure that I will look after Némain.” Camille replied.

“I am not wearing a leash.” Némain tapped at the counter.

“So what is Warwick?” Fiadh asked but Camille shook her head. “According to him, a weapon. Boo hoo. He's a danger to Piltover.”

Némain stared at her mother. “So am I, yet you keep me.”

Fiadh and Camille look at their kid.

[lovelystarlings]

Chapter Four - The Feast

——————————————————————————

——————————————————————————

Albus Dumbledore had gotten to his feet. He was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there. The happiness of it all sent a rush of pleasantness through the girl who began to applaud with the rest of Hogwarts as he began his speech.

"Welcome," he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" The four houses began to cheer an clap as the headmaster sat back down in his chair, food covering every inch of the table he sat at too, all the staff immediately digging in, the clashes of cutlery echoing through the great hall.

"Is he a bit bonkers?" Harry asked, the ginger next to him-Camille had learnt his name was Percy and that he was Ron, Fred and George's elder brother-pulling a face of disgust at his words.

"Bonkers?" said Percy. "He's a genius! Best wizard in the world! But he is a bit bonkers yes. Are you not very hungry, Camille?" He spoke, looking at the plate in front of her, of which contained just a few roast potatoes and a measly slice of roast chicken, all of which was covered in gravy. Hermione shot the girl a worried glance from her seat, she spotted how small and frail the girl seemed, her wrists resembling sticks and circles surrounding her deep brown eyes.

"I do hope they start right away," Hermione spoke, stealing Percy's attention away from Camille's eating habits, "there's so much to learn, I'm particularly interested in Transfiguration, you know, turning something into something else, of course, it's supposed to be very difficult-"

"It's not as hard as it seems," Camille said softly, remembering what Madame Maxine had taught her during their private lesson's, "You just have to put your mind into it."

"You'll be starting small, just matches into needles and that sort of thing - " Percy spoke, leaning close to the two, as if he was telling them some sort of important secret. The conversation was cut short however, as Harry hissed harshly and clapped his hand to the scar on his forehead, drawing Percy's attention back to him.

"What is it?" The prefect asked.

"Who's that teacher talking to Professor Quirrell?" He asked, hands pushing his jet-black hair to cover his aching forehead.

"Know Quirrell already do you? Well, that's Professor Snape. He teaches Potions, but he doesn't want to - everyone knows he's after Quirrell's job. Knows an awful lot about the Dark Arts, Snape. It's no wonder considering who he used to work for, but you didn't hear that from me."

At last, the great desserts disappeared from the table to the relief of Camille, who at one point was afraid a tower of profiteroles was going to fall on her head. Heads turned once again to the front of the hall and Dumbledore rose, stepping forward to make another speech; one which Camille hoped she would understand this time. The hall silenced immediately.

"Ahern -- just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you."

"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins, who had their heads close together and whispered furiously, smirks painting their identical faces.

"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch. And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Camille turned her head to Hermione, not sure whether he was being sarcastic or she should really fear her life. She was tempted to take Fred and George and find out.

"And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"

The Gryffindor first years followed Percy through the chattering crowds, out of the Great Hall, and up the marble staircase. Camille was too sleepy even to be surprised that the people in the portraits along the corridors whispered and pointed as they passed, or that twice Percy led them through doorways hidden behind sliding panels and hanging tapestries. She leant her head on Hermione's shoulder, kitten like yawns leaving her mouth as the trail went on. They climbed more staircases, yawning and dragging their feet, and Camille had just about had enough when they came to a sudden halt.

A bundle of walking sticks was floating in mid-air ahead of them, and as Percy took a step toward them, they started throwing themselves at him, Camille flinching for him.

"Peeves," Percy whispered to the first years. "A poltergeist." That grasped Camille's attention, she had never come across a poltergeist before, but she had watched plenty of muggle films about them and was dreadfully curious. Percy raised his voice, "Peeves -- show yourself!"

A loud, vulgar noise answered, coming from behind the bundle of walking sticks.

"Do you want me to go to the Bloody Baron?" Percy spoke in a threatening voice.

There was a pop, and a little man with wicked, dark eyes and a wide mouth appeared, floating cross- legged in the air, clutching the walking sticks. "Oooooooh!" he said, with an evil cackle as he circled the group. "Ickle Bickle Firsties! What fun!"

Camille jumped back as the poltergeist suddenly jumped forwards into the group of children before zooming off around a corner.

"You want to watch out for Peeves," said Percy, as they set off again.

"The Bloody Baron's the only one who can control him, he won't even listen to us prefects. Here we are."

At the very end of the corridor hung a portrait of a very fat woman in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" she said. "Caput Draconis," said Percy, and the portrait swung forward to reveal a round hole in the wall. They all scrambled through it and found themselves in the Gryffindor common room, a cosy, round room full of squashy armchairs, tables, and a bulletin board where school notices, ads and lost posters were posted. It was decorated in several shades of red, which Camille assumed were associated with the house.

There were many windows that looked out onto the grounds of the school, and a large fireplace covered one wall. The mantle of the fireplace was adorned with a beautiful portrait of a lion. The walls were decorated with scarlet tapestries that depicted witches and wizards, but also a variety animals. There were also bookcases located in the room, filled with various novels that Hermione seemed to have a watchful eye on.

Percy directed the girls through one door to their dormitory and the boys through another. At the top of a spiral staircase - they were obviously in one of the towers - they found their beds at last: five four-posters hung with deep red, velvet curtains. Their trunks had already been brought up. Camille quickly familiarised herself with the girls she was to share a room with for her further years at Hogwarts. Hermione, to her relief, a girl called Lavender Brown who had the most amazingly tame curly hair Camille had ever seen and a dark skinned girl called Parvati Patil, who had been extremely welcoming to Camille, the two instantly initiating a conversation about Camille's favourite thing; dresses. Too tired to talk much, the four girls pulled on their pyjamas and fell instantly into their beds, Lavender and Parvati taking the two closest to the bathroom and Hermione and Camille being left with the two nearest the staircase.

"Hey Hermione?" Camille whispered through the darkness, hearing Parvati and lavender's snores, knowing instantly knowing they were asleep.

"Hm?" Hermione mumbled sleepily, obviously close to falling completely.

"We're safe here, right?" The French girl asked, her voice cracking ever so slightly.

"Of course, why wouldn't we be?" Hermione spoke clearly this time, looking at Camille through the darkness, worry shining in her eyes.

"No reason."

That night Camille dreamt strange things. Strange men with strange faces fighting off strange creatures with strange voices.

Harry Potter had dreamt a similar dream. 

[rootiebaga]

nobody asked, i know, but heres my departments thus far! (with nicknames, of course)

note! i do use mods, one of them being the ultimate fashion corp mod from reddit, a mod that lets you keep your employees after you reset a run, and some other useful ones

also its under the cut because uh- long

control team! (aka the OGS! (because control team is the first department people unlock when starting a run))

morty (former employee)

-may the brave fool rest, gone, but not forgotten.

rootieee (captain)

-its, its my self insert what do i have to sa

paul

-the most boring in the facility (and the most sane one in the department,)

-just wants to do his job correctly.

-not much to say about him, really

maxim (morty’s replacement after he died, rest in piece morty, you were a brave hero, yet a little dumb after trying to fight a green dawn in the early runs i had)

-morty’s big bro, a little sad that morty died but he didn’t know all that much in the facility,

-takes his job too seriously

-usually chills in the main room alot,

shao

-an absolutely innocent baby, even if they some horrifying abnormalities, they would still think of them as cute

-just, likes being here, many friends for them!

-they also like hugs!

igoree (rip)

-the sleepy employee has come back! wowie

-still sleepy and also hungry,

-the one who doesn’t work all that much

-..”how did she.. die? did she just want to? what in the world happened there? is it because of that behaviour adjustment thing?”

“just forget about it and keep working,”

“but, paul im curious-”

“quiet.”

eden

-woooooo returning!

-one of the calmest people in the department

-probably wouldn’t even be phased by the effect [CENSORED] gives her if we had it

“hey uh, eden? i got something to tell you..”

“go on shao,”

“didn’t... something happen to you? h-how are you even-”

“hey hey, dont worry about that! just, make sure you stay safe, alright?”

information team! (aka the threeks! (named by tom, who is dead, an idiot, and couldn’t count))

tom (dead)

-an idiot

-okay moving on

ryn

-the only one with aleph gear, seriously (edit (draft edition): hes the first one with aleph gear after i got nothing there’s gear, the second being daniel)

-chill once you get to know him,

-likes protecting others with his gear, since, you know

mason

-usually anxious, he doesn’t mean to be though!

-”alright calm down.. never mind this is not the time to calm dOW-”

-probably likes ryn??

eugene

-a little bit crazy, yet kind nonetheless! 

-hi

-just wants some friends, unfortunately not many people are willing to befriend her due to her kinda crazy nature

-basically someone who cares for everyone in the facility, y e e

(also whats known as a “bow kinnie” to the control team captain) /j

emma

-looks really kind until you try to talk to her, shes an asshole is what im trying to say

-likes to bite things with the sharp teeth she has, because why not

-absolute chaos

ray

-i dont know why she exists, shes just there

safety team! (aka the wind wielders (named by isabel, cause he likes flutes))

isabel

-brother of gregory

-the second innocent bean,,

-likes playing the flute whenever hes done for the day

-i accidentally gave him crumbling armour’s gift

gregory

-brother of isabel

-prefers acting over playing instruments,

-a bit more serious,

neville (prefers nelville)

-an absolutely tired employee, they just like waiting till everyone is done for the day to go home

-they’d be at home if they weren’t forced by their friend to work here

-hates everything right now

ramirez

-the joyful friend

-wanted to work here because of the people here, so many unique faces!

-likes all things unique, she usually loves trying different things that look nothing alike from the things she tried before

khanna

-the mute employee in the facility, uses notes to communicate

-another sane one, yet still kinda nervous

-a bean

training team! (aka “nobody here is fine” (named for the fact that almost everyone is very nervous, and then we got firenze))

hana

-the one thats sad most of the time

-really helpful for when it comes to working on abnormalities!

-gregory has a crush on them (why would you say tha)

sobin

-before you think of him as edgy, hes not all that edgy personality wise, he just likes the aesthetic

-hes just a really chill and friendly dude

-yes, he can see more with the e.g.o outfit hes wearing, it is pretty strange to him though

firenze

-the narcissist, he really thinks hes the king of this department

-hes wrong its actually hana thats the captain of this department

-nobody likes him

daniel

-actually used to be a clerk! the face was a little different then before but hey, thats fine

-the third pure bean

-hes a really good friend to have!

susan

-what can i say about her?

-well i mean

-shes susan

central command team! (aka where is everyone? (due to there being not many agents here))

geminiano

-the most sane one in the facility (while being the dead inside captain)

-really good when it comes to tech

-”oh sh** did anyone check on mika?”

charlotte

-the bald employee, doesn’t mind being bald, that just means she can take care of the “your bald” abnormality

-”ignore the second mouth i got on my armour, please”

-plays vibe games on roblox

mika

-absolutely. chill

-doesn’t know where he’s going most of the time

-the one that works on child of galaxy everytime

gimtteol

-really bad sight, she doesn’t mind it

-kalm

-nobody can spell her name right

arang (prefers ayang)

-you thought sobin was the edgelord huh? think again

-easily annoyed.

-also was a clerk before

john

-the newbie!

-hes trying okay?

-hes still a little nervous but thats fine!

disciplinary team! (aka f**k (also nicknamed “why do we have red” due to me choosing little red riding hooded mercenary every run where theres disciplinary))

ara

-angy

-another person that takes their job way too seriously but doesn’t mean to

-not really that rude sometimes, but most of the time she can be a bit of an asshole, probably because of something that happened in the past, nobody wants to talk about it though

-lesbian

camille

-has a slightly torn snake tongue, it makes them not able to speak, they mostly make noises like growling,

-nobody knows why their like this, they just are, but dont be afraid to talk to them if you need anything! they usually write what their trying to say

-the expert, especially at finding things, even if they cant speak

tim

-another returning employee! wooooo

-still dead inside, but feeling a little bit better!

-might be the oldest out of everyone

welfare team! (aka “sleep tight” (nobody knows why its called that)

space

-very calm, most of the time doesn’t mind anything, but still does get a little nervous at times

-nobody knows why her eyes are always closed, (ara specified that her eyes look like a galaxy that can only be opened for a couple of seconds because if she opens them for more than a few seconds they’ll start to glitch, when others see it happening, it looks like the galaxy is becoming more like an image other than a real galaxy, parts of the galaxy become misplaced and reverted back to their original place quickly repeatedly (kinda like the select thing in paint, usually in the shape of the rectangular selection though) and parts of the galaxy turn into static and back very quickly and repeatedly. we she sees it happening her vision becomes the same as how other people see the galaxy when it starts glitching, randomly shifting from original place to different place, or from static back to normal, some ominous, glitchy sounds have been heard when this is happening aswell, (i thought of this because of a small dream(?) i had when i was in a certain state of almost about to fall asleep, maybe i was napping i dont really know, it was a strange dream, i dont remember much of it which is expected, i think it was something about discord and some sort of strange thing that had a little timer on it, and after it was done the thing it was in started glitching, the background it was in and even the button that used to be the timer was glitching, i heard some sounds that were glitching a little (it looked like those screens you see when someone’s streaming something on there,) and then i woke up, yeah kinda weird,)

-like eugene, cares for everyone! especially ara, since space herself is the one who helps ara through tough times

courtney

-gets bored alot, just wants to work on the difficult abnormalities

-really snarky

johnson

-a smartass

-yet still a little friendly if they trust you

-i’ll upgrade them soon dont worry (i have upgraded them/him dont worry)

,

woop!

i’ll probably update this soon, but in the meantime have this, sorry for being dead lately, on both this and my sideblog

[camillemontespan]

ten years from now [AU. drake walker x camille montespan] [part twenty one: a drake & camille summer]

Master List

@ibldw-main​​​  @pug-bitch​​​​  @jovialyouthmusic​​​​ @katedrakeohd​​​​ @rainbowsinthestorm​​​​ @emichelle​​​​ @dcbbw​​​​ @sirbeepsalot​​​​ @notoriouscs​​​​ @burnsoslow​​​​ @marshmallowsaremyfavorite​​​​ @gardeningourmet​​​​ @pedudley​​​​ @marshmallowsandfire​​​​ @princessleac1​​​​  @kingliam2019​​​ @drakeandkatherine​

Big thanks to @princessleac1​ for being my sounding board for this chapter!!

No warnings - though I hope I wasn’t too stereotypical when it came to French stuff! @pug-bitch​ I hope you don’t mind that I used your Bastille Day celebrations as inspiration. I should have asked first now I think about it - so as an apology, I dedicate this chapter to you, my beautiful French friend x 

***************************************************************

Camille woke up to the loveliest moment. At first, she thought it was a dream, a beautiful, golden dream, but as her vision adjusted, she could see this was real life. 

Drake was curled up around her and kissing her cheek softly. 

'My girl's awake, yaaay..' he murmured happily, kissing the corner of her mouth. 

Camille giggled and rolled over to face him properly. 

He looked so happy. Exhausted from their late night but happy nonetheless. His eyes were crinkled up in the corners from his smile that lit up his face like a sunbeam. He was so handsome. 

Camille reached up to place her hand on his cheek. 'Hey you,' she whispered, leaning up to kiss him softly. 

Drake groaned against her mouth. His hands ran along her sides, feeling her warm skin. He inhaled the scent of her shampoo, unable to believe that he was now allowed to do this. 

The night before had been a revelation for both of them. They had reunited properly on the jetty by the lake, their place. As Drake had kissed her desperately and made love to her with all the love he could muster, he had kept having to remind himself that this was real. She wanted him. She loved him. 

He was never going to let her go again. 

Drake and Camille were becoming a little more enthusiastic with their kissing when Gisele called from downstairs: 'Bonjour mon cheri's! Do you both want coffee?' 

Camille pulled away, turning bright red. 'Oh god, she knows you're here!' she hissed. 'Oh god.. She's going to be so embarrassing!' 

Drake chuckled, pulling her into him so he could nuzzle her neck. 'I don't care,' he whispered. 

'Coffee?' Gisele called again, her voice slightly teasing. 

'Be down in a second!' Camille shouted. 

'No rush!' Gisele shouted back. 'I know how fun a little morning wake up call can be!' 

Drake broke down laughing. Camille curled up on the foetal position, wanting the bed to swallow her up. 

*********************

Drake and Camille traipsed downstairs soon after that. Gisele was walking on her crutches, slowly but she was improving with every day. 

'Let me help with the coffee, grandma!' Camille said, rushing to take the kettle out of her hands. Gisele rolled her eyes but smiled, happy to be fussed over. 

Drake stood awkwardly by the door, now realising how weird this situation was. Gisele eyed him, smiling mischievously. 'Drake, you're allowed to sit down,' she said. 

Drake turned pink and quickly sat down at the kitchen table. He smiled as he felt Camille ruffle his hair, reassuring him. 

'So, our Bastille Day celebrations!' Gisele said, sitting down opposite Drake. 'I know you don't like champagne so I'll get you some whiskey.' 

Drake blinked. 'Oh.. You don't have to do that, Gisele! I'm just grateful for the invitation-'

'Pfft, I want you to enjoy yourself,' Gisele interrupted. 'We shall have champagne, whiskey and crepes! Ooh and macarons!' 

Camille set the coffee cups on the table and settled down beside Drake. She took his hand and held it on the table. Gisele looked at their hands and smiled. Drake blushed, turning more red when Gisele gave him a wink. 

************************

Drake left the Montespan's after breakfast. Camille had walked him to the door, her pinkie finger entwined with his as they chatted easily. 

He had kissed her goodbye. 'I'll see you soon,' he murmured. 

'Looking forward to it,' Camille whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck so that she could hold him tight. 

Drake didn't want to let her go. 

But he had and now, he was back at the ranch, high from adrenaline and joy. 

'So where did you go last night?' Savannah asked as he entered the kitchen. She was sat at the table with Bartie in her lap, trying to get him to eat mushy banana. 

Drake rolled his eyes. 'Out.' 

Savannah fixed him with a long steady look. 'You look like you had a late night and you smell of coffee and coconut shampoo. Hmm, who uses coconut shampoo like its the last bottle she will ever have? Hmm, someone with a French name..' 

Drake chuckled and sat down, wrinkling his nose at the mushy banana.

'Fine, we slept together,' he admitted. 'I think.. I think we're back together.' 

Savannah's eyes widened. 'What? WHAT?!' 

Bartie giggled at his mother's surprise. 

Drake sighed. 'Are you gonna judge me as usual?' 

'Mommmmm..' Savannah called out, her eyes remaining on Drake. 

'Shh, Sav!' Drake hissed. 'Don't gossip!' 

'Yes honey?' Bianca asked, poking her head around the door. She saw Drake and blew him a kiss. 

'Guess where Drake was last night,' Savannah said. 'And guess who he is now in a relationship with.' 

Bianca's mouth fell open. 'Camille?' she asked, her voice rising. 'Oh baby, please tell me its Camille!' 

'Well, duh,' Savannah said. 'Who else is gonna want to date my brother?' 

'Thanks Sav,', Drake said dryly. 'You're so nice to me.' 

'Oh my god!!' Bianca shrieked, rushing into the room to throw her arms around Drake. She proceeded to kiss his head all over. 'My baby boy finally has the girl of his dreams! I never thought I'd see the day!' 

'Mom..' Drake groaned, trying his best to escape her embrace. But Bianca held on tight, kissing his cheeks and squealing as she did so. 

Savannah smirked, enjoying seeing her brother be subjected to motherly affection. 

'So is she staying in Texas?' Bianca asked, finally calming down. 

Drake nodded. 'She is going to start making plans.' 

'And what will you do?' Bianca said, her voice hopeful. 'Move in together? Not that I don't love having you living with me, baby, it would just be so gorgeous to see you set up your own home!'

Drake chuckled. 'Baby steps mom.' 

********************

Gisele was very excited to celebrate Bastille Day. She had filled the fridge with bottles of champagne, making sure she had whiskey for Drake. Camille bought ingredients to make crepes and had even ordered macarons from Laduree as a surprise for her grandmother. 

Drake was nervous but excited, a strange combination for him. He wasn't sure what to expect - he knew that the Montespan's had celebrated Bastille Day for years but he hadn't ever come along. 

He arrived at their house at lunchtime, armed with a bottle of champagne for Gisele and a baguette with a box of camambert. He wasn't sure if he was being too stereotypical with the Frenchness but he hoped Gisele would appreciate it. 

Boy, she did. 

'MON CHERI, YOU ARE SO SWEET!' she squealed as he handed her his gifts. Drake let her kiss him all over. What was up with mothers always wanting to kiss him? 

The kitchen table had been set up with everything they needed. On the laptop was a live feed of the Eiffel Tower and the crowds of Parisians who were waiting for the fireworks to explode. 

'A votre sante!' they all chorused, clinking their glasses together. Drake had decided to drink champagne. He wanted to get into the spirit of things. 

Camille snuggled up into Drake's arms as they watched the laptop screen. Gisele couldn't stop smiling, she was so patriotic when it came to her home country. 

She had been born in the town of Versailles and she had lived in France until she was eight years old. Her parents decided to move to America, eager to chase the American dream, and so, reluctantly, Gisele adjusted to American life. But really, her life didn't properly start until she had met Franklin. 

'Look, it's starting!' Camille cried, clapping her hands. 

Indeed, the fireworks were now being set off above the Eiffel Tower. The crowds screamed and cheered as the tower shone down on the Parisians. 

'This is incredible,' Drake whispered, unable to take his eyes off the screen. 'I've never been out of the US.. God, this is gorgeous.' 

Camille squeezed his hand and pressed a kiss to his cheek. 'Maybe we can go together sometime?' she suggested. 

Drake smiled. 'I'd love that.' 

Gisele watched the screen with her hands clasped to her heart. Tears were filling her eyes as she watched the fireworks explode in the night sky, golden sparks raining down on the Eiffel Tower, illuminating the City of Lights. 

Camille leaned over to wrap her arms around her grandmother. 'We'll go together soon, I promise,' she whispered in her ear. 'Me and you, a girls trip. We can go to Angelina and drink African hot chocolate and visit Chanel. How does that sound?' 

Gisele wiped her eyes and gave her granddaughter a wobbly smile. 'Magnifique,' she said softly, resting her head on Camille's shoulder. 

*************************

Drake and Camille spent every day together after that. Their days repeated one after the other, the two of them adopting a routine without meaning to.

After Camille set Gisele up with breakfast, Drake would pick her up in his truck and take them both to the diner in town. They would order coffee and pancakes, sometimes talking without taking a breath, sometimes happy to just read the paper while holding hands over the table. 

They would then head back to the ranch and take Lone Star out for a ride. Afterwards, they set up camp by Clover's grave under the apple tree and drank beer, basking in the sunshine and each other. 

Twilight would arrive and Drake and Camille would wander to the jetty. They would snuggle up together and watch as the lake began to reflect the stars and the emerging moon.

When it was late, Camille would either stay over at the ranch or he would take her home, promising he would see her in the morning. 

It was the start of their endless summer. Their Texas summer. Their Drake and Camille summer. 

************************

Camille paced the living room, looking up at the cornices, inspecting every surface. The estate agent waited by the door, watching her with bated breath, hoping that Camille would take this apartment. 

One month after becoming official, Drake and Camille had decided to view properties together. They had taken the leap and committed themselves to a plan. They were going to live together. 

Today, Drake was running late, so Camille had been shown the apartment first. 

It was small. Yes, it was in the centre of town so the location was great but Camille couldn't help but feel that the space was too small for two people. 

The kitchen was narrow. There was no space for both of them to cook which made Camille's heart sink as she really wanted a kitchen where she and Drake could enjoy cooking dinner together. 

'At this price, it's a steal,' the estate agent said, trying to be persuasive. She could see her commission leaving her clutches from the disappointed look on Camille's face. 'Great location and you get some sunlight.' 

Camille bit her lip, casting a glance around the room. 'Hmm..' 

She couldn't see a future here. This place wasn't making her stomach flip. 

But then her stomach flipped. 

Camille stopped walking and stood very still. The estate agent frowned. 'Miss Montespan, are you alright?' 

Camille's stomach flipped violently. Realisation dawned on her. She was going to be sick in an apartment she didn't want. 

Clapping her hands over her mouth, Camille raced to the tiny bathroom and flung herself down to her knees over the toilet. She vomited. 

When she was done, Camille stood up awkwardly. She flushed the toilet and closed the door, wishing the ground could swallow her up. 

The estate agent gave her a sympathetic smile. 'Are you okay?' 

Camille exhaled, trying to push down the thoughts that were flooding her mind. 'I'm fine,' she said. 'But I don't think we'll take this apartment. Drake can look if he wants to but it will probably be a no.' 

She rushed out of the room and out of the front door, needing air. 

'Woah, Camille!' Drake cried as she bumped into him. He took her by the arms and looked down at her face, concern flooding his features. 

'Baby, are you okay? You look very pale.' 

Camille couldn't stop her heart from hammering. She hadn't been sick for years. How embarrassing. As Drake kept asking her what was wrong, Camille couldn't answer. 

Her period hadn't arrived yet. But maybe she was just late, it happened. She had been sick because.. Well, apartment hunting was stressful. 

But the doubt had began to grow and she started to feel like it was more than just apartment stress. 

Drake was looking at her with his eyebrows furrowed, his hands holding her arms tight. 'Camille, talk to me,' he murmured. 'You look so unwell, what happened? Are you feeling okay? Do you need something to eat?' 

Camille thought back over the past couple of months. 

Her depo-provera shot. 

She had last had it injected three months ago when she had been with Liam. But with all the recent upheaval in her life, she hadn't been back to the doctor to have the shot topped up. 

It ran out after three months. 

Last month was the time when she should have had it done again. But she hadn't. She had been too busy sleeping with Drake and drinking whiskey. 

Her mouth went dry. 

'Camille?' 

She looked up at Drake, who was now looking down at her, terrified. 

'I've been sick,' she finally told him, her voice shaking. 'In the apartment, I've just been sick.' 

Drake pulled her in close, pressing a kiss on her head. 'Oh baby,' he whispered. 'Let's get you home then. You need toast -' 

'I need a pregnancy test,' Camille interrupted. 

Drake let go of her, stepping back as if he had been shot. His eyes were widening as he studied her face, trying to think of a way to react without making things worse. 

'Say something, Drake,' she whispered, her voice trembling. 'Please.' 

Drake exhaled. Closing his eyes, he thought about what his dad would say to him right now.

Be a man. Stand up for her. Hold her. Make her feel alright. Tell her it's gonna be alright, son. 

Drake opened his eyes and gently wrapped his arms around her. 'It's gonna be alright,' he murmured. 'Let's get you a test and we'll do it together, okay? You've got me.'

Camille swallowed and gripped onto his shirt tightly, not wanting to let him go. 

'Be brave,' he whispered in her ear. 'It's gonna be alright. Might be nothing. Let's not jump to conclusions. Baby steps.' 

Camille looked up at him now and smiled weakly. 

'Baby steps,' she repeated. 

[opera-simplified]

Opera Simplified #1: Don Carlo(s)

Don Carlos (Don Carlo)

Opera Simplified #1

The Basics:

Music: Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto: Joseph Méry and Camille du Locle

Premiere: March 11, 1867; Salle le Peletier (Opéra national de Paris); Paris, France

Based on: Friedrich Schiller’s 1787 play Don Carlos, Infant von Spainen (Don Carlos, Infante of Spain)

Setting: Various locations in France and Spain; the late 1550s-early 1560s.

Characters:

Don Carlos (Don Carlo), Infante of Spain- tenor

Élisabeth de Valois (Elisabetta di Valois), Princess of France and Carlos’ fiancée- soprano

Philippe II (Filippo II), King of Spain and Carlos’ father- bass

Rodrigue (Rodrigo), Marquis de Posa- baritone

Princess Éboli, a Spanish noblewoman- mezzo-soprano

The Grand Inquisitor, head of the Spanish Inquisition- bass

A Monk- bass

Count Lerma, a Spanish nobleman- tenor

Thibault (Tebaldo), Élisabeth’s page- soprano

A celestial voice- soprano

Countess d’Aremberg, a lady-in-waiting to Élisabeth- silent

A royal herald- tenor

Note: This Opera Simplified will use the Italian names (which appear in the parentheses above), as this opera is performed much more often in Italian than French, even though the opera was originally written in French as a French grand opéra.

Requested by: @monotonous-minutia. (Also, thank you for reading over this!)

The Opera:

Act I:

Late winter of 1559, in the forest outside the Fontainebleau palace in southwestern France. A group of French woodcutters, their families, and other poor people are sitting around trying to keep warm.

**The People: WINTER SUCKS IT’S SO DARN COLD LIFE SUCKS 

A Woodcutter: Don’t worry! When peace comes, everything will be better!

The People: YEAH BUT WHEN WILL THIS STUPID WAR EVER END***

*Hunting horns sound in the distance.*

HEY THE ROYAL COURT IS COMING THROUGH WE HOPE THEY HAVE HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS AND STUFF

The Hunters: C’mon, let’s go get the deer before they run off too far away for us to get them!

*Elisabetta di Valois enters with Tebaldo and a group of servants.*

The People: OH MY GOD IT’S PRINCESS ELISABETTA SHE’S SO NICE MAYBE SHE CAN HELP US

Elisabetta: Friends, how can I help you today?

The Women: Nothing for us, but do you see her?

*They indicate one of their own.*

She lost her husband, her two sons are off at war, she has nothing and no one…

Elisabetta: Say no more. Here, take this gold chain…

*She takes off a gold chain and hands it to the woman.*

Everyone, keep heart! A Spanish envoy is coming to talk about a peace treaty, and I’m confident that this war will end soon and France will see bright days again.****

The People: YAAAAAAY WE LOVE YOU ELISABETTA MAY GOD BLESS YOU

*She greets everyone and then leaves with her retinue. As they leave, Don Carlo shows up and hides among the trees.*

The Hunters: C’mon, let’s go get the deer before they run off too far away for us to get them!

The People: Once we have peace, everything will be okay again…

*They gradually leave. Once they’re gone, Carlo comes out of his hiding place.*

Carlo: Wow, Fontainebleau really is a huge forest…but it was here I saw Elisabetta for the first time just now…AND I’M IN LOVE! This was so worth leaving Spain in disguise and having Dad get very mad at me!

*Horns and footsteps sound in the distance.*

Oh, wow, the court’s still here even though it’s getting kinda late…

Tebaldo (from offstage): HEY PEOPLE COME HERE WE KINDA NEED HELP

Carlo: Who’s there?

*Tebaldo enters with Elisabetta.*

whaaaaaaaaaaat it’s Elisabetta again YAAAAAAAAAY

Tebaldo: I CAN’T FIND THE WAY BACK I’M SO SORRY ELISABETTA IT’S GETTING DARK AND COLD LET ME HELP YOU

Elisabetta: Thanks, I am kinda tired…

Carlo: Hello!

*He bows before Elisabetta.*

Tebaldo: uhhhhhhhhhhh who are you

Carlo: A stranger, a Spaniard, and I won’t say anything more.

Elisabetta: Oh, so you’re with Count Lerma, that Spanish ambassador?

Carlo: ...yeah. I’ll help you if you need.

Tebaldo: HEY ELISABETTA I CAN SEE THE PALACE FROM HERE LEMME RUN AND GET SOME PEOPLE TO BRING YOU BACK

wait actually I can’t just leave you alone with this strange guy what if he tries to hurt you or do something to you

Elisabetta: IT’S OKAY I TRUST SPANISH HONOR BECAUSE I KNOW THE SPANISH ARE REALLY BIG ON HONOR AND STUFF WHICH WILL TOTALLY NEVER BE A PROBLEM FOR ME SO THIS GUY AND I SHOULD BE OKAY DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME

*Tebaldo bows and leaves. Carlo himself suddenly kneels before Elisabetta.*

What are you doing?

*Carlo lights a small pile of branches on fire to create some warmth for himself and Elisabetta.*

Carlo: Well, we’re all stuck outside, especially considering there’s a war going on right now, so we might as well light some fires, and have light, and stay warm, and maybe even have peace and love…

Elisabetta: Speaking of which, do you think they’ll sign the treaty tonight?

Carlo: Of course! And then they’ll announce your marriage to Don Carlo of Spain—

Elisabetta: Let’s talk about him! Here’s the thing: I’m leaving my home, my whole life up until now behind forever to marry this guy because my father and God want me to, and tbh I’m a little afraid. Like what if I get homesick? Or if he doesn’t love me?

Carlo: I know this much: he wants to serve you forever and he already loves you.

Elisabetta: Whoo, good, I was worried. That makes me feel a lot better about going to Spain.

Carlo: You have no reason to worry; he really, really loves you.

Elisabetta: Why do I feel so weird about you saying this?

…Wait. Who are you?

Carlo: A messenger to the man himself.

*He hands her a small box.*

He asked me to give you this portrait of himself.

Elisabetta: *examining the box* I feel like I shouldn’t open this…but I really want to see him!

*She opens the box and looks at the portrait, then at Carlo, and then back and forth for a bit until she realizes. *

OH MY GOD YOU’RE DON CARLO?!?!?!?!

Carlo: *fainting at her feet* I am… and I really do love you!

Elisabetta and Carlo: YAAAAAY WE’RE IN LOVE AND GOD WANTS US HAPPY SO WE’RE GONNA GET MARRIED EVENTUALLY

*A cannon shot. The faraway palace lights up.*

Elisabetta: That was…

Carlo: IT’S THE CANNON THE PEACE TREATY HAS BEEN SIGNED *****

Elisabetta and Carlo: OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THAT’S AWESOME PEACE WILL BE SO GREAT AND THE WORLD WILL BE REBORN ALSO WE MADE A VOW HERE FOR FOREVER AND WE’LL OFFICIALLY BE MAKING VOWS SOON IN FRONT OF EVERYONE AND GOD WOOHOO

*Tebaldo, several other pages and valets, Count Lerma, the Countess d’Aremberg, and a bunch of other people show up. Tebaldo approaches Elisabetta, bows, and kisses the hem of her dress.*

Tebaldo: My sweet Elisabetta pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease take me with you when you go to Spain because I may or may not have a crush on you and really you’re just so awesome

Elisabetta: Of course! You can get up now, you don’t have to be so formal.

Tebaldo: Okay, cool. Now for the news. I salute you, Elisabetta, future Queen of Spain—

Elisabetta: Thanks. I appreciate that.

Tebaldo: —and wife of King Filippo II.

Elisabetta: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAIT A SEC I’m supposed to be marrying Don Carlo those were the terms of the peace treaty we already talked about this

Tebaldo: uh that changed you’re marrying Filippo now

Carlo: WAIT WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Elisabetta: WHAT THE— wait I can’t finish that statement 

well that’s it we’re done for my life is officially ruined but I’ll try to stick it out and keep my head up and fight fate anyway

Carlo: THAT’S IT WE’RE DONE FOR MY LIFE IS OFFICIALLY RUINED AND I’LL JUST HAVE TO BE DEPRESSED FOREVER NOW

Everyone Else: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY SPAIN’S GONNA HAVE AN AWESOME NEW QUEEN AND PEACE IS GONNA BE SO LIT

Elisabetta and Carlo: well our amazing lovely golden dream just got ripped to shreds and now all we have is sorrow

Count Lerma: My lady, your father wants you to marry Filippo as the price to end this war. However, Filippo wants the choice to be yours and yours alone. So, are you going to say yes to the dress? ******

The Women: PLEASE SAY YES HAVE MER—

Count Lerma: Shut up. It’s her choice.

Elisabetta: You say it’s my choice, but what choice do I have? If I say “no”, then the war will go on, and more innocent lives will be destroyed…

Count Lerma: Your answer?

Elisabetta: ...Yes.

The People: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY GOD BLESS YOU ELISABETTA

Elisabetta and Carlo: this is horrible I feel like I’m dying

Everyone Else: WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH ELISABETTA YAAAAAAAAY HONOR AND GLORY TO OUR NEW QUEEN 

*Count Lerma leads Elisabetta to a litter and helps her get in. Everyone falls in line behind the litter and heads to the palace, merrily singing all the while.*

Carlo: MY LIFE IS OVER AND I WANT TO FREAKING DIE

Notes

Act II:

Scene 1:

An unspecified amount of time later, at a cloister in the monastery of San Yuste, with the tomb of Emperor Charles V. It is dawn. The monks are chanting, as one prays before the tomb.

Monks: Charles V is nothing but ashes, and his soul now trembles before God…

A Monk: CHARLES THOUGHT HE WAS SO COOL AND THAT HE COULD RULE EVERYTHING BUT IN HIS PRIDE HE FORGOT ABOUT GOD AND WAS THUS STRUCK DOWN SO LET THAT BE A LESSON TO Y’ALL

God, presumably from somewhere: ooooooooooooor it could mean that he was human and he died like every human does. just a thought. **

The Monk: WHAT WAS THAT ALSO GOD HAVE MERCY ON HIM

*Day dawns, all the monks leave, and Carlo enters, looking like he’s had...a very rough time of it.*

Carlo: I’VE BEEN HAVING SUCH A ROUGH TIME OF IT AND I CAME HERE TO FIND PEACE BUT IT’S NOT EXACTLY WORKING OUT

The Monk: We may try to find peace here, but even then suffering is always with us because we can only find peace in heaven…

Carlo: WAIT THAT SOUNDED LIKE MY GRANDPA AND HE LOOKED LIKE MY GRANDPA BUT MY GRANDPA’S DEAD I MUST BE REALLY LOSING IT

The Monk: We can only find peace in heaven…

*He leaves.*

Carlo: ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh why do I have so many problems

*Rodrigo, Marquis di Posa, Carlo’s…”best friend” according to most people, enters.* ***

Rodrigo: CARLO IT’S YOU I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU IN SO LONG

Carlo: OMG IT’S YOU RODRIGO LEMME HUG YOU

Rodrigo: I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M SEEING YOU AGAIN

Carlo: HEAVEN HAS SENT YOU TO ME

Rodrigo: MY BELOVED PRINCE

Carlo: MY CONSOLING ANGEL

Rodrigo: ALL THE HUGS okay look also the Flemish people need someone to save them and you should do it but wait are you OKAY CARLO YOU LOOK LIKE YOU’RE HAVING A ROUGH TIME OF IT SHARE YOUR PAIN WITH ME ****

Carlo: MY SAVIOR MY BROTHER LET ME CRY ON YOU

Rodrigo: POUR OUT YOUR TORMENT AND OPEN UP TO ME

Carlo: ...You really sure you want to know?

Rodrigo: Always.

Carlo: Very well. I love...and it’s a sinful love...Elisabetta!

Rodrigo: YOU’RE IN LOVE WITH YOUR STEPMOM?! (and you weren’t talking about me?!)

Carlo: nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Rodrigo are you abandoning me too???

Rodrigo: no no no it’s okay I still love you and since you’re suffering it’s my sole job to help you seriously I STILL LOVE YOU also has the King found out yet

Carlo: Surprisingly, no.

Rodrigo: Good. Then ask him to let you control Flanders. Kill two birds with one stone: help the Flemish and stop thinking about your stepmom.

Carlo: Will do.

*A bell tolls in the distance.*

Rodrigo: Hey, uh, the King and Queen will be here in just a little bit.

Carlo: ELISABETTA AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Rodrigo: CARLO PLEASE CALM DOWN but seriously stay by me and let me strengthen you and let God too because you have big things to do and I am fully confident in you

Carlo and Rodrigo: GOD YOU GAVE US HOPE AND LOVE SO GIVE US THE DRIVE TO FIGHT FOR FREEDOM ALSO WE VOW TO LIVE AND DIE TOGETHER AND WE’LL BE UNITED FOREVER

Rodrigo: Hey Carlo, don’t look now but—

*Filippo and Elisabetta enter with a bunch of monks.*

Carlo: AHHHHHHHHHH IT’S ELISABETTA I CAN’T EVEN SEE HER WITHOUT FREAKING OUT

Rodrigo: —they’re here. Have courage!

*Filippo and Elisabetta kneel at the tomb and then proceed offstage with the monks. While that is going on:*

Monks: Charles V is nothing but ashes, and his soul now trembles before God…

Carlo: I’ve lost her and she’s my dad’s wife now noooooooooooooooooooooooooo why does life have to suck so much

Rodrigo: hey hey stay by me your heart will be stronger that way

The Monk: GOD FORGIVE HIM

Carlo and Rodrigo: WE’LL LIVE AND DIE TOGETHER AND OUR LAST BREATH WILL BE A CRY FOR LIBERTY

*They embrace and then leave the monastery.*

Notes

Scene 2:

Later the same day, in a garden outside the monastery. Several ladies of the court and Tebaldo are hanging out and enjoying the day.

Ladies of the Court: it’s very hot out because duh it’s Spain and it’s hot but luckily there are a bunch of trees and some nice wind here

Tebaldo: IT’S SO PRETTY OUT HERE AND I LOVE IT

Ladies and Tebaldo: yaaaaaaaaaaay hanging out outside is fun

*Princess Éboli enters.*

Éboli: hey everyone since we can’t go inside the monastery and we have to wait out here for a long time would you all like to sing with me?

Ladies: YES YES YES ANYTHING FOR YOU ÉBOLI

Éboli: Cool! Hey, Tebaldo, since you’re so awesome at the mandolin why don’t you pull it out and play that one song about the veil?

Ladies and Tebaldo: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

Éboli: SO this one time there was a Moorish king who was hanging out in a garden one night and he saw a pretty veiled woman and was like “hey baby you should be my new wife because I’m tired of my current one” lalalalala

Éboli, Tebaldo, and the Ladies: let’s weave some veils so we can find love at night lalalalala

Éboli: and THEN the king was like “oh hey you should take off your veil and let me see who you are and then we can be SUCH a great power couple” and then she did and IT WAS THE QUEEN AND HE WAS SO HUMILIATED AND IT WAS THE BEST THING EVER lalalalala

Éboli, Tebaldo, and the Ladies: the moral of the story is that wearing a veil at night is conducive to love so let’s all weave some veils lalalalala **

*Elisabetta enters from the monastery.*

Everyone: Your Majesty!

Éboli: She always seems so sad…

Elisabetta: I wish I could be as happy as all of them were…

Tebaldo: HEY THE MARQUIS DI POSA IS COMING HERE

Everyone Else: yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

*Rodrigo enters and goes over to Elisabetta.*

Rodrigo: Your Majesty, when I was in Paris, your mother gave me this letter for you.

*He hands her the letter along with a note.*

see that note please read that note because it’s very important and I’m asking you in the name of God so PLEASE read it okay I think I need to distract Éboli now so byyyyyyyyyyyyyye

Éboli: so what’s new in France, you cute thing?

Rodrigo: Everyone’s talking about this super-awesome jousting tournament. They say the King of France will be there! ***

Elisabetta: Should I read it? Should I not read it? Would reading it be infidelity? I mean, God knows I would never willfully commit adultery...fine. Read it.

“If you ever loved me, please trust the man who brought this note. -Carlo” that’s it?

Éboli: soooooooooooooooooooo are all the French ladies as pretty as everyone says they are?

Rodrigo: I think you’re lowkey flirting with me and I’m not sure how to handle it so I’m just gonna say that you’re one of the most beautiful and gracious ladies I’ve ever met and the ladies of France would do well to be as lovely as you

Elisabetta: Okay, Rodrigo, I’m pleased with you so I’ll give you one favor card to use at any time.

Rodrigo: Can I use it now on behalf of someone else?

Elisabetta: ...sure, I guess, you little self-sacrificer. 

Éboli: Oh come on, why are you using it for someone else if you’re so worthy?

Elisabetta and Éboli: Who’s it for?

Rodrigo: Look: we all love Carlo, right?

Éboli: ...in what sense?

Rodrigo: You know what I mean. ;)

Éboli: CALLED IT so you’re the Gay Best Friend

Rodrigo: yeah. What’s it matter?

Éboli: I may or may not have had a bet going on it. ****

Rodrigo: ANYWAY we all love Carlo and he’s suffering and if he had a private meeting with you that would REALLY HELP

Éboli: y’know, one day I saw him while I was with Elisabetta and he started freaking out when he saw us so that OBVIOUSLY means he loves me but he keeps trying to hide it and idk why

Elisabetta: I feel like I’m gonna diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie

Rodrigo: PLEASE HELP CARLO

Elisabetta: Very well. Everyone out. Send Carlo in.

*Everyone else leaves and Carlo enters.*

Carlo: I need to ask my Queen for one thing. Please intercede with the King on my behalf and get him to allow me to go to Flanders because I cannot stand it here.

Elisabetta: I can arrange that, my son.

Carlo: nooooooooooooooooooooo don’t call me that because it reminds me that we were happy for one day and then everything shattered

At least you could say SOMETHING but noooooooooooooooooooooo you’re like cold dead marble

Elisabetta: look buddy I’m just following my duty and honor 

Carlo: just LISTENING to your voice makes me happy

Elisabetta: Carlo, I would love to be beside you more than anything…

Carlo: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY YOU STILL CARE ABOUT ME ISABELLA I WOULD DIE AT YOUR FEET *****

*He faints.*

Elisabetta: HEAVEN HELP HIM BECAUSE OTHERWISE HE’S GONNA DIE IN MY ARMS

Carlo (delirious): ELISABETTA EVERYTHING IS BECOMING BEAUTIFUL AGAIN IT’S YOU MY LOVE

Elisabetta: OMG HE’S DYING

Carlo: WHY DO I HAVE TO COME BACK TO REALITY

Elisabetta: CARLO CAN YOU HEAR ME CARLO

Carlo: EVEN IF GOD HIMSELF WERE TO STRIKE ME DOWN I LOVE YOU AND I’VE FORGOTTEN EVERYTHING ELSE

Elisabetta: FINE THEN GO KILL YOUR FATHER AND THEN YOU CAN MARRY ME WHILE COVERED IN HIS BLOOD

Carlo: WHAT NO I MUST BE CURSED

*He flees.*

Elisabetta: ...thank God.

*Tebaldo runs in.*

Tebaldo: ELISABETTA WE’RE ABOUT TO HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM THE KING IS HERE I DON’T WANT ANYTHING BAD TO HAPPEN TO YOU BUT—

*Filippo enters with Rodrigo, Éboli, and a bunch of other court people.*

Filippo: THERE IS A RULE THAT SAYS AT LEAST ONE LADY-IN-WAITING MUST BE WITH THE QUEEN AT ALL TIMES BECAUSE I SAID SO SO WHO BROKE THE RULES

*The Countess d’Aremberg steps forward.*

 You are going back to France tomorrow.

People of the Court: THAT’S A HUGE INSULT TO THE QUEEN

Elisabetta: Hey, listen to me. I know you’re getting banished but please don’t start crying on me, okay? You’re still with me in my heart and I still love you and you getting banished doesn’t change that one. bit. When you go back, my heart will go with you too.

*She gives her a ring.*

I’m not proposing, but this is still a token of how much I love and admire you. Take it, and whatever you do, do NOT tell anyone about how badly they’re treating me here. I wouldn’t want them to worry about me.

Filippo: Humph. What an actress.

Rodrigo and the Court People: SHE’S SO WONDERFUL

*Everyone starts to leave except Filippo, but as Rodrigo is about to go:*

Filippo: You, Rodrigo, stay.

*Rodrigo doubles back.*

Why have you never asked to see me? You’re a loyal man and I’d be more than happy to see you if you asked.

Rodrigo: Well, no offense, but I’m not much into following others’ caprice and what could I possibly need? I’m perfectly fine as is.

Filippo: A bold one, I see! I can forgive that...but not always. Anyway, you’re a soldier, and an outstanding one, I’ve heard. Don’t you want to fight?

Rodrigo: When Spain needs a fighter, I will fight.

Filippo: I know. So the big question is: what can I do for you?

Rodrigo: For me? Nothing. For others…

Filippo: wait wait wait. “For others?” what kind of self-sacrificer are you?

Rodrigo: If you’re not too angry, I’ll tell you.

Filippo: Very well. Speak freely.

Rodrigo: I just came back from Flanders, and you know as well as I that Flanders is a beautiful place. Well, it was. Now it’s horrible. I MEAN ORPHANS ARE WANDERING THE STREETS AND CHILDREN ARE BEING KILLED AND EVERYTHING’S ON FIRE AND THE RIVERS ARE RUNNING RED WITH BLOOD and thank GOD I’m able to tell you about all this because who else will?

Filippo: Look, blood is the price for peace! We can’t have the Flemish trying to rebel with their newfangled delusions of independence and their Protestantism and whatever the kids are all into nowadays. This will all lead to a brighter future.

Rodrigo: ...You really think that will work?

Filippo: It already works in Spain! Everyone here is faithful to God and to me, and they’re doing just fine. I’m offering the same terms to Flanders and it’s not my fault they’re not accepting the peace.

Rodrigo: A HORRIBLE PEACE THE PEACE OF THE TOMB

*Music: DUUUUUUUUUUUUUN-DUNNN-DUNNN-DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN-DUUUUUUUUUUN. Closeup on Filippo at this point optional.* ******

My King, may history never say of you: “He was a Nero!”

*And then Rodrigo really goes off.*

So this is the peace you want to give the world? A peace where soldiers and priests are pitiless murderers? A peace where so many people are dying that everyone curses you? Look, you have the power to redeem it all and become the best king ever: all you have to do is give them freedom. GIVE THEM FREEDOM

Filippo: Oh...you strange dreamer. You’re young and idealistic, you have no idea. If you did, you would change your mind. Don’t worry, though, I will not hold this against you; I’ll simply forget everything you said. But beware the Grand Inquisitor. He will not be so forgiving.

Rodrigo: But—

Filippo: You still have not asked me for anything? Let me ask you for something: I want to have you by my side, which may entail...several different things.

Rodrigo: With all due respect, my answer remains the same: I’m fine as is.

Filippo: NO YOU’RE TOO PROUD AND YOU’VE SEEN MY VULNERABILITY AND MY ANGUISH BECAUSE MY SON IS A DISAPPOINTMENT AND I’M PRETTY SURE MY WIFE AND HIM ARE HAVING AN INCESTUOUS AFFAIR *******

Rodrigo: WHAT NO THEY WOULD NEVER ESPECIALLY NOT CARLO HE IS PURE

Filippo: I need you to find out what’s going on. Effective immediately, I grant you free access to the Queen at all times. I’m placing my heart in your hands.

Rodrigo: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what’s happening what about Carlo WAIT I COULD USE THIS TO MAYBE CHANGE HIS MIND ABOUT FLANDERS

Filippo: I hope that you can help me find peace…I’ve been looking for a man for a long time, and now I found him in you...

Rodrigo: THIS IS MY CHANCE THERE IS HOPE

Filippo: It’s worth saying one more time: Beware the Grand Inquisitor!

*He extends his hand to Rodrigo, who kneels and kisses it.*

Rodrigo: My King!

Notes

Act III:

Scene 1:

The gardens of the royal palace in Madrid, shortly before midnight. There is a party going on in the distance.

Partygoers: WOOHOO WE LOVE PARTIES WE WANNA PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG AND MAKE DAY NEVER COME WOOHOO

*Elisabetta and Éboli walk in together.*

Elisabetta: I mean, I love parties as much as the next person, but I’m just super worn-out and I kinda want to go pray instead.

Éboli: but parties are fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun and everyone’s gonna be theeeeeeeeeeere

Elisabetta: And they’re expecting me, but I don’t want to go. Here, take all these accessories, take that veil, put it all on, and...perfect! They’ll never know it’s you instead of me. Have fun okay bye now

*She goes back into the palace.*

Éboli: ooh, playing queen for a night will be fun! WAIT while I’m wearing this veil I should get Carlo to come meet me in the gardens and ask him if he likes me this plan is FOOLPROOF

*She writes a note and gives it to a passing page.*

THIS WILL BE THE BEST NIGHT EVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER **

*She leaves.*

*At this point, the party continues with a ballet about the legend of La Peregrina as entertainment for the party guests.* ***

*Carlo enters, holding Éboli’s note— but the note is unsigned.*

Carlo: “Meet me at midnight in the royal garden under the laurels near the fountain.” Okay, I may not be the smartest person in the world, but it’s midnight, and I’m in the right place, so… ELISABETTA AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I GET TO SEE HER AGAIN I AM SO HAPPY

*Éboli enters in the disguise she got from Elisabetta. Carlo immediately mistakes her for Elisabetta.*

IT’S YOU I’M SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

Éboli: so he DOES LOVE ME THIS IS THE BEST NIGHT EVER

Carlo: LET’S FORGET EVERYTHING I LOVE YOU

*Éboli unveils herself.*

wait WHAT oh God no it’s not the Queen!

Éboli: ...are you okay? wait...do you not trust me? look you can trust me I know people are trying to plot against you

Carlo: I KNOW THAT THAT’S NOT THE PROBLEM HERE

Éboli: y’know, I heard your dad and Rodrigo talking about you

Carlo: you WHAT my dad with RODRIGO

Éboli: I CAN SAVE YOU I LOVE YOU

Carlo: Look, you are very nice and I’m thankful for your help but I’m afraid this is all just a strange dream—

Éboli: A DREAM?!?!?!?!?! Wait, so you didn’t know this was me, so you’re not actually in love with me, which means—

OH MY GOD YOU’RE IN LOVE WITH THE QUEEN WHAT THE FUCK

Carlo: god DAMN it PLEASE HAVE MERCY

*Rodrigo runs in because...he happened to be taking a walk or something I guess.*

Rodrigo: HEY STOP IT HE’S CRAZY Carlo I’m saying that for your own good I know you’re probably not actually crazy

Éboli: I KNOW EVERYTHING SO HE’S SCREWED

Rodrigo: what do you MEAN

Éboli: Let me put it this way: I know all his cards. I also know all your cards: you are the king’s favorite. However, neither of you know mine. 

Rodrigo: but what do you MEAN by all this

Éboli: Nothing, just that Carlo’s fate is now entirely in my hands.

Rodrigo: WHY DID YOU COME HERE

Éboli: I’M NOT TELLING

Rodrigo: BUT CARLO IS INNOCENT AND SO GOD WILL DEFEND HIM AND SMITE THE LIVING HELL OUT OF YOU

Éboli: FINE SMITE AWAY but may I remind you that hell hath no fury like a woman scorned

Carlo: I’M SO STUPID I’VE RUINED ELISABETTA’S LIFE and also possibly my own but it was a huge mess anyway so yeah ONLY GOD CAN BE MY JUDGE NOW

Éboli: OH I SEE HOW IT IS ELISABETTA WANTED TO ACT ALL HOLY AND STUFF TO HIDE THE FACT THAT SHE’S HAVING AN AFFAIR 

Rodrigo: YOU HAVE CROSSED A LINE AND I WILL KILL YOU FOR IT

Carlo: RODRIGO DON’T

Rodrigo: I THOUGHT I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONE TELLING YOU DON’T

Carlo: RODRIGO DON’T

Éboli: I’M WAITING FOR YOU TO KILL ME

Rodrigo: HOW ABOUT NOPE

Éboli: WHY NOT

Rodrigo: because I’m going to leave all this up to God because that’s my only hope at this point

Éboli: I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE AND THE EARTH WILL SWALLOW YOU UP ALIVE CARLO

Rodrigo: IF YOU TELL THEN GOD HIMSELF WILL SMITE YOU

Carlo: SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING

Éboli: THIS IS THE WORST DAY EVER

*She leaves.*

Rodrigo: hey Carlo if you have any important papers about Flanders on you give them to me I need them for something

Carlo: ...to you? to the confidant of the King?

Rodrigo: you really suspect me? ME? your boyfriend?

Carlo: NO I LOVE YOU AND YOU ARE MY ONLY HOPE HOW COULD I HAVE EVER DOUBTED YOU HERE TAKE THEM ALL

*He gives his papers to Rodrigo.*

Rodrigo: MY DEAR CARLO THANK YOU SO MUCH 

Carlo: I ABANDON MYSELF TO YOU

*They fall into each other’s arms.*

Scene 2:

The following day, in the square before the Church of Our Lady of Atocha in Madrid. Preparations are being made for an auto-da-fé. Guards are trying to hold the people back as bells ring everywhere.****

People: WHAT A DAY WHAT A DAY FOR AN AUTO-DA-FÉ WHAT A SUNNY SUMMER SKY WHAT A DAY WHAT A DAY FOR AN AUTO-DA-FÉ IT’S A LOVELY DAY FOR DRINKING AND FOR WATCHING PEO— wait never mind that’s the wrong auto-da-fé song start over *****

TODAY IS AWESOME BECAUSE WE GET TO CELEBRATE FILIPPO WHO IS THE GREATEST KING EVER AND WE ALL LOVE HIM AND THE WORLD TREMBLES BEFORE HIM AND ALSO WE LOVE GETTING TO BURN PEOPLE

*A bunch of monks lead those condemned by the Inquisition as heretics across the square.*

Monks: TODAY IS THE FATAL DAY WHERE THE HERETICS WILL DIE ACCORDING TO GOD’S JUST WILL but God will maaaaaaaaaaaybe forgive them if they repent of their heresy

People: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

*An extremely long royal procession, including Elisabetta and Rodrigo, crosses the square towards the church.*

Royal Herald: OPEN UP CHURCH DOORS WE WANT TO SEE THE KING

People: WHAT HE SAID

*The doors open and Filippo leaves the church.*

Filippo: I PROMISED AS YOUR KING TO KILL ALL THE HERETICS AND I INTEND TO DO SO BECAUSE I’M NOT LIKE SOME LEADERS WHO FAIL TO KEEP THEIR PROMISES AND ARE SOFT ON CRIME

People: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

*Carlo leads in six Flemish deputies, who kneel before the King.*

Elisabetta: OH SHOOT HE’S HERE

Rodrigo: uhhhhhhhhh what is he doing

Filippo: ...who are these people?

Carlo: They are representatives of Flanders and Brabant. ******

Flemish Deputies: Your Majesty, we may be suffering immensely, but we’re still here and we’re still a concern, so if you have ever received mercy, then please pass it along to us because all the Flemish people are suffering and maybe you could save us with God’s help!

Filippo: YOU ARE TRAITOROUS TO YOUR GOD AND KING SO NO GUARDS TAKE THEM AWAY

Monks: YEAH THEY HAVE NO FAITH IN GOD AND THEY DESERVE WHAT’S COMING TO THEM

Everyone Else: please be merciful and spare them have pity they’re suffering and dying

Carlo: DAD IT’S TIME THAT I LEARNED TO RULE BECAUSE I’M JUST SITTING AROUND HERE AND DOING NOTHING USEFUL SO IF I’M SUPPOSED TO RULE THE WHOLE SPANISH EMPIRE SOMEDAY THEN I MIGHT AS WELL HAVE SOME PRACTICE SO GIVE ME BRABANT AND FLANDERS

Filippo: ...do you think I’m so dumb as to actually do that?! YOU’RE JUST GOING TO LEAD THE FLEMISH REBELLION AND TRY TO KILL ME WITH THE SWORD I GIVE YOU

Carlo: ONLY GOD KNOWS WHETHER THAT’S ACTUALLY GOING TO HAPPEN

Elisabetta and Rodrigo: uh oh he’s done for

Carlo: I SWEAR BEFORE GOD THAT I WILL SAVE THE FLEMISH PEOPLE

*He draws his sword on Filippo.*

Everyone Else: WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL HE’S LOST HIS MIND

Filippo: DISARM HIM

*Awkward silence.*

I SAID SOMEONE DISARM HIM

Carlo: WHO WILL DARE DISARM ME

*Crickets.*

Filippo: IS NO ONE GOING TO DISARM HIM

*He takes the Captain of the Guard’s sword.*

FINE MEXICAN STANDOFF THEN

*Crickets.*

FOR THE LAST TIME SOMEONE DISARM HIM

Rodrigo: for God’s sake CARLO GIVE ME YOUR SWORD (I’m trying to save your life here)

Carlo: You? Rodrigo?

*He gives Rodrigo his sword. Rodrigo in turn gives it to Filippo.*

Everyone Else: ...oh shit. That was the twist of the year.

Filippo: Marquis, I now promote you to Duke!

*He dubs Rodrigo.*

NOW LET’S GO CELEBRATE

*Everyone goes to their places to watch the burning of the heretics.*

People: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY EVERYONE LOVES FILIPPO except those Flemish people who are about to get burned but we don’t talk about them YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

Monks: TIME TO GO BURN SOME HERETICS

A Celestial Voice: You poor souls, come, come to heaven and find peace with God! *******

Deputies: GOD WHY AREN’T YOU DOING SOME SORT OF MIRACLE TO STOP THIS THEY CLAIM THEY’RE DOING THIS IN YOUR NAME

*The pyre is lit.*

The Voice: Though you have been condemned as heretics on earth, come and be forgiven!

Deputies: THESE FLAMES DO NOT COME FROM GOD

Filippo, Monks, and People: GLORY TO GOD ********

*The flames rise.*

Notes

Act IV:

Scene 1:

Shortly before dawn the following day, in Filippo II’s study. Filippo is alone, lost in thought. 

Filippo: She never loved me...never has, never will...I still remember seeing her when she arrived, and she took one look at me and my white hair and her face fell...no, she does not love me!

HEY CELLO COULD YOU SHUT UP FOR A SEC I’M ALREADY HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING AS IS

Solo Cellist In The Pit: but this is my big momeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeent

Filippo: NO IT’S MINE AND I CAN’T SLEEP SO SHUT UP

*The cellist obliges and Filippo looks around.*

Where am I? wait...I’ve been up all night, it’s almost morning, the candles have almost burned out, just like my days slowly dwindling...dear God, I can’t sleep…

When my life has reached its evening, I’ll sleep forever, in my tomb, in the Escorial, I’ll sleep forever...alone… **

If only I could read human hearts like God could, that would give me peace, but if I sleep, then I could be betrayed and not know it and I could lose everything!

No, she has never loved me, she does not love me, she never will love me!

*Count Lerma and two Dominican friars lead in the Grand Inquisitor.*

Count Lerma: THE GRAND INQUISITOR IS HERE

Filippo: ...Dammit.

Grand Inquisitor: Am I before the King?

Filippo: Yes, thanks for coming, Father. I have a major problem: Carlo is rebelling against me.

Grand Inquisitor: So what are you gonna do about it?

Filippo: I don’t know; part of me just wants to let him go but part of me wants to…

Grand Inquisitor: Wants to…?

Filippo: Question: If I ordered Carlo’s execution, would you absolve me?

Grand Inquisitor: Yes.

Filippo; BUT I’M A CHRISTIAN HOW CAN I ORDER THE DEATH OF MY OWN CHILD EVEN FOR MY EMPIRE’S SAKE

Grand Inquisitor: ...You forgetting about Jesus?

Filippo: BUT THAT WAS ALMOST 1600 YEARS AGO

Grand Inquisitor: THAT DOESN’T MATTER

Filippo: BUT EVEN THOUGH WE’RE NOT ON GREAT TERMS AS A DAD I STILL LOVE MY SON CAN I JUST DENY THAT

Grand Inquisitor: Everything falls silent before faith.

Filippo: Very well.

Grand Inquisitor: Any other questions?

Filippo: No.

Grand Inquisitor: I’ll talk, then. Long story short: if you thought Carlo was bad, then you’ll be even more appalled to discover that a man, a close companion of yours, one you trusted, is ruining you and our country. And I have foolishly allowed it!

Filippo: But but but I’ve found a man!

Grand Inquisitor: What do you need a man for? No man is your equal!

Filippo: SHUT UP PRIEST ***

Grand Inquisitor: You’re trying to break apart the whole Catholic world! Normally, I’d condemn you for it, but I will relent on one condition: give us the Marquis di Posa.

Filippo: NEVER

Grand Inquisitor: FINE THEN I’LL HAND YOU OVER TO THE INQUISITION

Filippo: SHUT UP

Grand Inquisitor: WHY AM I EVEN HERE

Filippo: FINE DO WHAT YOU WANT but seriously I just want us to have peace please forget all this

Grand Inquisitor: Perhaps…

*He is led out.*

Filippo: So the throne must always give way to the altar!

*Elisabetta runs in, frantic.*

Elisabetta: JUSTICE I DEMAND JUSTICE AND I HAVE FULL FAITH IN YOU TO GIVE IT everyone here is treating me horribly and to TOP IT ALL OFF THE BOX WHERE I KEEP MY JEWELS AND OTHER PRECIOUS ITEMS HAS BEEN STOLEN

Filippo: Your jewelry box? You mean...this box?

*He reveals a box sitting on his table.*

Elisabetta: oh GOD no

Filippo: Open it.

Elisabetta: No.

Filippo: FINE THEN I WILL

*He breaks it open.*

Elisabetta: death in 3...2…

Filippo: YOU KEEP CARLO’S PICTURE IN HERE DO YOU HEAR WHAT I’M SAYING

Elisabetta: Loud and clear.

Filippo: You keep it...with your precious items?

Elisabetta: Yes.

Filippo: You DARE TO ADMIT THIS?!

Elisabetta: Yes! What do I have to hide? He was once my fiancé, and he gave me his portrait then, so what? Now I’m your wife, and I’m loyal to you. And you dare to insult and doubt me! Me! A princess of France, now the queen of Spain, me!

Filippo: HOW DARE YOU TO SPEAK TO ME SO BOLDLY YOU THINK I’M WEAK AND THAT YOU CAN DEFY ME BUT I’LL SHOW YOU AND EVERYBODY ELSE

Elisabetta: What did I do?

Filippo: If you have betrayed me, I swear to holy God above, I WILL HAVE BLOOD

Elisabetta: I pity you.

Filippo: Ha! Pity...FROM AN ADULTEROUS WIFE

*Elisabetta screams and faints.*

SOMEONE HELP THE QUEEN

*Rodrigo and Éboli immediately run in.* ****

Éboli: OH GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE

Rodrigo: You rule half the world. Are you the only person you cannot control?

Filippo: I shouldn’t have suspected her I fucked up and I’m very ashamed of myself now thanks whatever demon made me think this

Éboli: I RUINED HER LIFE I CAUSED THIS HORRIBLE THING I BETRAYED HER I FEEL AWFUL

Filippo: Looks like she was loyal all this time…

Rodrigo: Now I need to take action because someone needs to; a man needs to die for Spain to be saved, and so that man will be me.

Elisabetta (waking up): ...where am I? Everyone’s abandoned me...Mama, I just want to see you again...I’m a stranger here and all my hope in this world is gone… *****

Éboli: IF I CAN’T FIND FORGIVENESS ON EARTH OR IN HEAVEN FOR WHAT I’VE DONE I’LL JUST DIE BECAUSE WHAT I DID TO HER WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE

*Filippo and Rodrigo leave. Éboli throws herself at Elisabetta’s feet.*

FORGIVE ME ELISABETTA I DID SOMETHING HORRIBLE

Elisabetta: Why are you...what did you do?

Éboli: I FEEL HORRIBLE YOU ARE SUCH A GOOD PERSON AND I DID SOMETHING AWFUL TO YOU BECAUSE I GUESS I’M JUST A HORRIBLE PERSON 

...I was the one who took the box and gave it to Filippo.

Elisabetta: You?

Éboli: YES ME I ACCUSED YOU BECAUSE I WAS SO PISSED OFF THAT CARLO LOVED YOU INSTEAD OF ME BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE CARLO BUT HE REJECTED ME

Elisabetta: You love him? It’s okay. Get up, you don’t need to beg for forgiveness at my feet.

Éboli: No...it gets much worse.

Elisabetta: What do you mean?

Éboli: PLEASE FORGIVE ME

okay so the thing is, I ruined everything even more because I accused you of committing adultery, but the truth is...I had an affair...with the King.

*Elisabetta (understandably) reels at this, but suppresses that and turns back to Éboli.*

Elisabetta: I gave you a crucifix once. Give it back.

*Éboli does so.*

You have twenty-four hours to choose between a convent and exile. Either way, I want you out of my court so I will never see you again. Be happy. Farewell.

*She leaves.*

Éboli: NO I’M NEVER GOING TO SEE HER AGAIN I MAJORLY FUCKED UP

MY BEAUTY YOU ARE SUCH A FATAL AND CRUEL GIFT FROM HEAVEN AND THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF ALL MY PROBLEMS SO I CURSE YOU BECAUSE NOW ALL I CAN DO IS SUFFER AND I’LL NEVER BE ABLE TO FIX THIS

Elisabetta, my queen, I ruined you because I was so selfish and I’ll regret this for the rest of my life so I’ll just go into a convent and hide all my pain and suffering…

*She sees Carlo’s death warrant on the desk.*

OH GOD CARLO’S GOING TO BE EXECUTED TOMORROW NO NO NO wait WAIT A SECOND I HAVE ONE DAY LEFT HERE THERE IS HOPE THANK GOD I CAN AT THE VERY LEAST SAVE HIM BECAUSE I STILL LOVE HIM AND I HAVE ONE BLESSED DAY AND I WILL USE THAT DAY TO SAVE HIM

*She runs out.*

Notes

Scene 2:

Later the same day, in a nearby prison where Carlo is being held. He is sitting with his head in his hands. Rodrigo enters and talks briefly to the guards, who all leave.

Rodrigo: Carlo, it’s me.

Carlo: Thanks for coming to visit Carlo in prison.

Rodrigo: Stop referring to yourself in the third person, my dear Carlo.

Carlo: I’m useless for saving Flanders. I’m useless for EVERYTHING.

Rodrigo: NO YOU’RE NOT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH LET ME EMBRACE YOU I HAVE SAVED YOU

Carlo: How?

Rodrigo: I need to say farewell. Carlo, as much as it hurts to say this, and it’s a lot, we can never see each other again here below because my days have come to an end but I hope that we can see each other again and love each other when we are both with God...

Why are you crying? I’m happy to die for you!

Carlo: Why do you keep talking about death?

Rodrigo: WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME look the thing is I cleared your name and now they all think that I’m the one leading the rebellion

Carlo: Ha! Who’d ever believe that?

Rodrigo: Well, they have twenty of your papers found in my possession— **

Carlo: wait THAT’S WHY YOU ASKED ME FOR THE PAPERS?!?!?! Goddammit I AM SO STUPID

Rodrigo: shhhhhhhhh anyway that was more than enough proof and now there’s a price on my head

*A man in clerical garb and an assassin walk in (and no, this is not the start of a bar joke) and point out Rodrigo to each other.*

Carlo: I’LL TELL FILIPPO EVERYTHING HE’LL HAVE TO LET YOU GO

Rodrigo: No! It’s all up to you now; you must save Flanders and give it new life, and I must die for you.

*The assassin shoots Rodrigo at that moment.*

Carlo: OH MY GOD IT’S DEATH but...for whom? ***

Rodrigo: ...for me. The King’s revenge is swift. Listen.

Tomorrow, Elisabetta will be waiting for you at San Yuste. She knows everything and she will help you get out...I’m getting weak, Carlo, give me your hand!

I will die, but I’m happy because I’ve been able to save you and perhaps even by doing that save Spain! I’m so happy...but don’t forget me, Carlo, do not forget me! You were destined to reign and I to die for you!

No...no...the ground is giving way...I’m dying...Carlo...give me your hand...save Flanders...I love you, Carlo!...farewell...ah…

*He dies. Carlo collapses on his body as Filippo enters with his retinue.*

Filippo: HEY CARLO HERE’S YOUR SWORD BACK BECAUSE I GUESS YOU’RE NOT THE TRAITOR AFTER ALL

Carlo: STAY AWAY GOD HAS COVERED YOUR FOREHEAD WITH THIS INNOCENT MAN’S BLOOD

Filippo: MY SON—

Carlo: I’M NOT YOUR SON ANYMORE CHOOSE ONE FROM THESE MURDERERS BECAUSE YOU MURDERED THIS MAN WHO LOVED ME AND SACRIFICED HIS LIFE FOR ME IN SPITE OF EVERYTHING AND WE HAD ETERNAL UNBREAKABLE BONDS BETWEEN US AND MY KINGDOM IS WITH HIM

****Filippo: I might as well die because I killed the one good man God created in this world...me! I killed him! I loved him, he revealed a new world to me, and I threw him into the tomb! 

Courtiers: Why should we go on living? 

Carlo: MY LOVE SUPPORT ME AND LET ME BE THE HERO YOU ALWAYS WANTED ME TO BE AND LET ME HAVE SOME HELP FROM GOD OR AT LEAST PUT ME NEXT TO YOU IN THE TOMB ****

*The prison’s alarm bell sounds.*

People (outside): GET ‘EM WE WILL STRIKE ANYONE WHO OPPOSES US DOWN INCLUDING THE KING

Count Lerma: THE PEOPLE ARE RIOTING THEY WANT THE INFANTE

Filippo: OPEN THE PRISON GATES

Courtiers: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING

Filippo: did I STUTTER

*The crowd pours in.*

People: WE WANT THE INFANTE AND IF YOU DON’T GIVE IN WE’LL KILL YOU

*Éboli runs in, disguised as a page.*

Éboli: CARLO GO NOW

*Carlo escapes as Elisabetta enters.*

LOOK ELISABETTA I STARTED THIS WHOLE RIOT TO SAVE CARLO BECAUSE I LOVE HIM anyway I’m going to a convent now farewell forever

Elisabetta: oh my GOD WHAT IS HAPPENING

Filippo: YOU ALL WANT THE INFANTE YOU CAN HAVE HIM

*The Grand Inquisitor enters.* 

Grand Inquisitor: SACRILEGE ABSOLUTE SACRILEGE

The People: oh SHIT

Grand Inquisitor: BOW DOWN BEFORE THE KING WHOM GOD PROTECTS

*Everyone else kneels.*

People: Dear Lord, forgive us…

Filippo and the Grand Inquisitor: GLORY TO GOD

Lerma, the Courtiers, and the People: Long live the King!

*Éboli collapses at Elisabetta’s feet. Elisabetta holds out her hands to her in a sign of forgiveness.* *****

Notes

Act V:

The following night, back before the tomb of Charles V at the monastery of San Yuste. Elisabetta enters, kneels at the tomb, and begins to pray.*

Elisabetta: I don’t know if you can hear me up there, Charles, but you knew the utter meaninglessness of all the vanities of the world and now you sleep so peacefully...so if souls still weep in heaven, then weep for me and bring my tears to God…

Oh boy, Carlo’s coming here...he must leave and I must watch over him from afar like I told Rodrigo I would...he must go find his glorious destiny while I can only wait to die…

France! My beautiful home...and Fontainebleau, the one place in the world where I was happy, where God heard my eternal vow of love, and that eternity lasted only a day…as for Spain, if Carlo should ever pass through these gardens again, may he hear songs of our love…

Farewell dreams, farewell hopes and illusions, farewell lost love, farewell youth, my heart only has one desire now: the peace of death!

Charles, if you’re still listening after all this, bring my tears to God!

*Carlo enters.*

Carlo: IT’S YOU

Elisabetta: I ask one thing of you: forget me and live.

Carlo: I want to be strong, but love…

Elisabetta: Think about Rodrigo! He didn’t just sacrifice himself for ideas, he sacrificed himself for Flanders and more importantly, for you!

Carlo: When I get to Flanders, I want to build a monument to him!

Elisabetta: Heaven will smile upon him!

Carlo: It once smiled upon me too and then vanished! But no more of that: I see all the horrors in Flanders he once talked about, and I see the people reaching out to me, begging me to help them...and I will help them!

Elisabetta: Yes, you will be a hero! Go, go save them with all my love and support behind you!

Carlo: You know, before today, nothing could have pulled me away from you, but now honor has triumphed and I feel so much stronger in my mind and my heart! Even though I may hold you, I still want to go to Flanders, and I will, and I will save the Flemish!

You’re crying?

Elisabetta: Just because I admire you and you are a hero. But you see, we will see each other again in a better world, and there we’ll finally be able to love each other and be happy as God wanted us to but we never got to…

Carlo: We’ll be happy as God wanted us to…

Elisabetta: But for now, we must say farewell.

Carlo: Farewell, Mother!

Elisabetta: Farewell, my son!

Carlo and Elisabetta: Farewell forever!

*Filippo suddenly enters with his retinue and the Grand Inquisitor and grabs Elisabetta’s arm.*

Filippo: YES FAREWELL FOREVER YOU’VE REALLY GONE AND DONE IT AND NOW I WANT A DOUBLE SACRIFICE AND I WILL DO MY DUTY

Grand Inquisitor: SO WILL THE INQUISITION

Elisabetta: OH GOD NO

Carlo: GOD WILL AVENGE ME AND SHATTER THIS TRIBUNAL OF BLOOD

*Suddenly, the tomb opens and the Monk reemerges.*

The Monk: We may try to find peace here but even then suffering is always with us because we can only find peace in heaven…

Grand Inquisitor: WAIT THAT’S CHARLES V’S VOICE

Filippo: OH GOD IT’S MY FATHER

Elisabetta: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*The Monk drags Carlo into the tomb.* **

Notes

The End

I hope you enjoyed this! PLEASE leave any and all suggestions in the comments, my messages, and/or my inbox! Thank you!

[ofeva]

⌠ REINA HARDESTY, 21, CISFEMALE, SHE/HER ⌡ welcome back to gallagher academy, EVANGELINE ASTOR! according to their records, they’re a THIRD year, specializing in MEDICAL TRAINING + COVERT OPERATIONS; and they DID NOT go to a spy prep high school. when i see them walking around in the halls, i usually see a flash of (lace bralettes under pressed collared shirts, the sound of mozart’s piano sonata no. 11 echoing from another room, reading at candlelight with a bottle of merlot, holding your breath underwater until your lungs burst). when it’s the (taurus)’s birthday on 5/12/99, they always request their EGG CUSTARD TART from the school’s chefs. looks like they’re well on their way to graduation. ⌿ kati, 23, she/her, est ⍀ @gallagherintro

STATS / PINTEREST / CONNECTIONS / CLASSES

INSPIRATION.

camille preaker – sharp objects

ophelia – hamlet

marla singer – fight club

mia wallace – pulp fiction

celeste wright – big little lies

hester argyll – ordeal by innocence

melisandre – game of thrones

BACKGROUND + CLICK FOR BIO.

tbh i wrote these bullets and the bio is better if you have time for it. but if not: 

so, james and elizabeth weren’t supposed to have children...they tried and they just couldn’t do it ! at an older age, they wound up adopting evangeline, their heir and saving grace. eva doesn’t know anything about her birth parents, she was adopted as a baby.

james and elizabeth were very strict about eva’s upbringing and she was a lonely child. she didn’t understand why they didn’t want her playing with other children, why they got so upset when she did typical child things like coming home covered in dirt and climbing trees. 

she was a very imaginative child and therefore made up her own friends, playing in the woods as she pictures elves, fairies, and goblins, telling herself stories and creating her own adventures. it helped ease the loneliness, but she was always a little...strange. the other children called her names. she never really outgrew it. 

when eva stumbles home one night with bloody knees, patched up by the nanny, she can hear her parents whisper: "maybe this was a mistake. we weren't ready." 

eva has a wild imagination and likes to talk about how her room is haunted sometimes, always making up stories about ghosts and things she hears in the woods. the sort of thing a normal parent would dismiss, but her mother seems visibly nervous. 

on eva’s twelfth birthday, it all makes sense: eva is not their first child. james and elizabeth managed to have one child before her, named isabella. she was sickly from the day she was born, and now eva understands why your james and elizabeth are so concerned about cleanliness, why she can't go play with the other kids. isabella never turned twelve. eva’s been walking the halls of the astor estate like the ghost of a girl she never knew existed, she never had a fucking chance.

she goes to school in the city and she attempts to persevere, to be the daughter that james and elizabeth want. her grades are immaculate, she shows strokes of genius and she devours books faster than most people can get through a chapter. james and elizabeth think it might be easier if they send eva to prep school, away from their home. they say that she’s just too smart, but evangeline knows the truth deep down ; they don’t want her there.

she goes to a rich, private school in new england and easily sticks out like a sore thumb. so, she learns to assimilate, emulating characters from her favorite stories, trying to bend herself into someone else that people might like. eva has a hard time being herself.

assimilation, covert operations, these are not the only skills she gains as she tries to fit in with your peers. a study she does for her science project about the effects of teenage vaping is published in an academic journal. it's funny because eva loves nicotine herself. she knows better than anyone what that shit does to her lungs, but she’s too in love with the aesthetic tbh. she just doesn’t care.

welcome to the breaking point ! as it’s been mentioned, eva doesn’t really fit in with the cool crowd and high schoolers can be vicious. there’s a group of mean girls she often clashes with. eva likes to sneak out at night with a bottle of merlot and a flashlight and read, but one night some girls follow her. they start pushing her around and she pushes back just a little too hard, and lucy prescott tumbles down the side of a hill.

oh, lucy prescott is fine.

she’s just a bitch about her broken leg and busted elbow and her dad is a big donor, so eva gets fucking expelled and loses her scholarship. no college is gonna accept her now. she doesn’t know how to tell her parents, fearful of being a disappointment.

in the airport, she’s given strange letter. apparently, her parents don’t know anything...someone’s covered the incident up and she’s been accepted into a college that she didn’t even apply for. a school for espionage with a straightforward track to mi6. eva’s parents are so proud, they start bragging about her...but it’s too little too late. the bitterness that's grown inside of her heart is there because they only care about her successes, and she knows they’d never support her in her failures and fuck ups. they don’t see her for who she really is and they don’t care.

she gets on pretty well in school, but it quickly becomes clear that she’s most interested in people. what makes them tick, what makes their heart beat, how the blood courses through their veins. so, she transfers to gallagher academy because it offers a medical training program that her spy school in london doesn’t. at least...that’s the story. 

WARNING...ACCESSING TOP SECRET INFORMATION...

yeah, that spy school isn’t just any spy school. it’s fucking CALEDONIA. eva easily gets obsessed with things and her latest is the world of espionage. what’s special about caledonia? the students there have nothing to lose. caledonia is all eva has left, and it’s all that she knows to be loyal to. 

mr. stewart noticed her when no one else did. he tells her that he's been watching her for a long time, that she’s so much more than her family's prowess or the expectations she could never live up to. it makes her feel valuable, worth something. he is the parent she’s always wanted.

she’s no longer competing against a ghost of a sister that no longer exists. no, her competition is tangible, real, and so much more annoying: his name is cole conner. 

so, meet eva’s new obsession. as her years at caledonia progress together, he’s one step ahead of her at every turn. it’s true that she spends late nights studying, but it’s not just medical journals. it’s everything. it’s how to be the best at everything. 

when cole is sent on the gallagher mission, eva is not even surprised. of course he would, he's the favorite. but months go by with no word, it almost seems like he's doing nothing at all, and rumors turn in the mill. in short: he sucks. so, mr. stewart asks eva to start in the fall and work alongside cole. she’ll be a transfer student, repeating a year to catch up on medical credits that her old school lacked, and she’ll also take on the second specialization of covert ops, to keep an eye on cole, of course.

PERSONALITY.

CREATIVE. eva is very much lost in her mind sometimes, but she’s always full of new ideas, new thoughts, and has an uncanny ability to keep herself occupied. she’s hardly ever bored and as much as she likes to read, she also likes to write, keeping notebooks full of random scribblings mostly, but the occasional poem or short story will come to fruition. 

RESILIENT. she’s been through a lot and continues to take it. the home where she grew up could leave anyone battered down and discouraged, but every time someone else wins, eva gets back up and continues to fight. whether it’s against her parents, against the world, or against, well, cole, she’ll bite back at what stands in her way despite the fact that obstacles keep coming up over and over again. she does not give up.

INTELLIGENT. eva is just really smart! how else can you say it? she has a voracious appetite for learning, for getting her hands on as much of the world as she can, and she is genuinely clever and calculating, the the point where she hasn’t been able to fit in with her peers growing up. that’s why schools that specialize in teaching gifted people, like gallagher, are the best fit for her. she can find her people. 

HEDONISTIC. however, the one thing about her is that she is not exactly disciplined, and it’s probably what sets her behind her rivals; she’s hopelessly self-indulgent, engaging in activities that make her happy over what she’s being told to do. that’s why she has a weakness for good wine, for staying up way too late, for reading an entire book in a day because she can’t hold back. 

OBSESSIVE. eva is so prone to obsession! she can’t stop herself when she fixates on something and yes, this can be a strength when she is trying to learn or accomplish her goals, but it’s a bit much. she puts all of herself into everything and she can’t just casually like something by half – either she’s so bored by it or she is all in. – “i never really learned how to like something. i always let it consume me.” 

IDEALISTIC. always unrealistically aiming for a perfection she can’t achieve, she holds herself and others to impossible standards. she does this in relationships too, which is probably why she finds herself falling in love with fictions at times, sometimes lacking the perception to separate her dreams and her realities. she’s a dangerous enemy but a powerful ally because of this. she doesn’t fear going after what she wants. i actually have no idea if she’s ever been in love or if she’s just emulating the idea of love that she reads about in literature. 

HEADCANONS.

eva’s reasons for doing things: 1) spite. or 2) the aesthetic. eva is so fucking about the aesthetic, it’s literally why she smokes cigarettes or wears skirts on a windy day, she can’t stop herself. catch her in the forest, drinking a bottle of wine and reading her book by CANDLELIGHT when she could just sit inside by a lamp but no, she has to look fucking feral at all times.

does not really have a sleep schedule. she’ll just sleep when she’s tired, kind of just collapses when she feels like she should. time isn’t real, she likes the nighttime, sleeps whenever.

loves used bookstores and will probably bribe fourth years to bring her back books that are worn and loved when they go into roseville. just likes the feeling of worn down paper, slightly smudged ink, and the annotations of a stranger.

her favorite weather is rain and thunderstorms! for the aesthetic a bit, she will be melancholy for the sake of it, sitting by the window with a cup of tea, just thinking, journaling, writing poems about a lost lover and how she misses being tangled up in bedsheets, forgetting her own name. so dramatic.

used to be on a swim team as a kid and zoom zooms in the water, she’s not very fast on land but she’s a fucking shark !!! 

grew up with piano lessons and can play the piano. sometimes writes her own music but it’s mostly for herself, will write songs about the people that she cares for. she’s talented!

her parents were much older when they adopted her and due to the secluded nature of her upbringing, most of her interests are older movies, older classic novels, older music...the stuff from the house she grew up in, she has old-fashioned taste. 

does not really understand or use social media :/ tiktok terrifies her, doesn’t like the idea of the government having her info so. she is not really on any social networking, but she can be reached via text of course! does like emojis! 

do i have to say it........obviously she’s bisexual......please forthe love of god if she doesn’t kiss a girl in the woods while she’s here i will lose my damn mind. 

WANTED CONNECTIONS.

FELLOW BOOK LOVERS? someone who’s into reading like she is, perhaps she will join the book club but they stay up late and discuss poems together and they just love to talk about media! maybe someone who’s a little more hip to contemporary things and can expose eva to some different genres, or get her to read some cheesy ridiculous romances or YA that she never would’ve touched otherwise. or they’re snobs like her. i’m just thinking rly hard about this pin. 

MESSY EX PLS. hmm oh my god give me someone for eva to obsess over, please? not even in a positive way, but i’d love someone from her past; they could’ve met a) in america while she went to school there, b) her summers in london, c) any of her summer travels, maybe a summer romance...literally i’m down to work with anywhere in the world, but this would be someone that knows TOO MUCH about her and therefore she has to avoid them due to her role as a double agent, but she probably really wants to talk to them. they probably ended on bad terms without much closure but honestly, she can’t talk to them. terrified they’ll catch her in a lie, they just know her too damn well. 

SOMEONE WHO IS SUSPICIOUS OF HER. they think she’s a bit odd, and while eva is good....there’s good spies at gallagher too and they just get a bad vibe from her. ask her a lot of questions, think she’s strange, and after the brotherhood bullshit last year, they’re wary of a new transfer student. eva is determined to give your character the runaround. 

CRUSH. obviously eva is prone to obsession anyways, so let me have your dreamy, interesting muse that she can idealize in her head and write some poems about, maybe they vibe and talk about books and they have the same fave book and so she’s like instant heart eyes but obv. can’t and won’t do anything about it ever <3 she will act like this. i can see maybe this person being a legacy or someone eva needs to learn more about n she just becomes obsessed with them on a personal level too. 

KINDRED SPIRITS. best friends but like they click INSTANTLY ah ! literally it’s like they’re soul mates, they have shared interests and they can spend all night talking. this is someone that eva is also tempted to reveal all of herself to but she can’t. she doesn’t feel bad about lying but she does to this person because they click on such an intimate level that it feels like they’ve known one another forever. terribly sad betrayal to come later <3 homies but make it dark academia tbh. also a vibe. also this.

SECRET FWB. obviously because of her job she prob shouldn’t be getting distracted or involved with anyone, but! sometimes a girl has needs. they probably sneak around a lot and they don’t really understand eva’s need for keeping things so secret? but she’s trying to keep the other agents like cecilia, cole, & allister from knowing that she’s being self-indulgent. 

OPPOSITES ATTRACT FRIENDSHIP. give me your sunshine girls, your sparkly pink princesses, your muses that are always laughing...eva is attracted to her light and wants to be around her all the time, finds her adorable and compelling! they’re very different in energy but they find each other fascinating and eva finds her energy just so infectious, this girl makes eva feel optimistic about life and she adores her. would protect this girl with her life. 

FLIRTATIONSHIP. this. probably like a flirtationship where they don’t take each other seriously or where she flirts with your muse a lot because she finds it funny and your muse continually puts down her advances but it’s all like jokes and amusing. 

PEOPLE FROM HER PAST. not a ton of these obviously, but i wouldn’t mind one or two people that kind of make her squirm. maybe the angst of old friends that lost touch would be really fun? i’m a sucker for ex-friend things and then we can build them back up or ruminate in the awkwardness, whatever the vibe turns out to be. 

PEN PAL. obviously eva was a lonely child so she found ways to make her own fun or...make her own friends. whether through an exchange program at school or something she found on the internet, these two have been writing letters for years. i feel like she stuck with it because she was such a lonely person whereas most people lose touch or you’re a kid so you forget about it. they probably graduated to text message over the years. 

CARETAKER? idk someone who is like an older sibling figure to evangeline. she’s obviously never had that in her life, but someone who...sees that she’s struggling and wants to look after her? develops a soft spot for her? she’s like their weird daughter/younger sister/whatever and we love that. like that quote....ur such a soft and messy thing, no one knows how to take care of you...but this person does <3 holding her hair when she’s had too much wine, giving her tissues when her fave character in a book dies, etc.

GENERAL SPY STUFF. obviously eva is trying to get the best of cole and learn about her classmates so we’ll get to that. but also, eva is really interested in characters that cole is close to/cole cares about ... she shall be asking them lots of things and reporting back to mr. stewart, thanks.

also down to plot dynamics among classmates, roommates, and things relating to caledonia or whatever else, we can always just vibe with it. 

[chaoswillfallrpg]

FLORENCE JONES is TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD and the HEAD POTIONEER and MAKE-UP ARTIST at MADAM PIMPERNELLES BEAUTIFYING POTIONS in DIAGON ALLEY. She looks remarkably like ERINN WESTBROOKE and considers herself NEUTRAL. She is currently OPEN.

→ OVERVIEW:

A witch with unshakable confidence, Florence Jones has always known she was entitled to the best that life had to offer her and wasn’t afraid to go out and take it with both hands. The youngest child of Muggle fashion model ELODIE DURAND and famed Auror ADRIAN JONES, Florence and her older sister LUCILLE have been famous since the day they were born and have lived their lives on their cover of magazines. With Lucille’s birth announced in a six page spread in French Vogue, her older sister was a tough act to follow but Florence has never felt on the backfoot, even by the eldest Jones sister. Following her sister in style by accompanying her mother on the cover of WItch Weekly. This would set the tone for the rest of Florence’s life, she was unapologetically herself and wore her individuality on her sleeve. Her family name held weight in the wizarding world as a notable and well loved family of sorcerers who fought to protect Wizarding Britain and had produced a long line of brilliant members of the magical community. Whilst the Jones name seemed to sit heavily on her sister, Florence never felt the need to consider anyone else other than herself and lived her life according to her own happiness. 

Growing up in Fulham, Florence and her sister became close to the Dupont family, comprised of a British socialite and a wizard with two daughters. NATASHA DUPONT was several years older than Florence and Lucille, whilst ANASTASIA DUPONT was the same age as Florence. Raised alongside one another, Florence and Anastasia quickly became best friends and forged a cult following at their school. George Heriot’s Private School in London was Florence’s first taste of truly being adored, asserting herself amongst her year group as a voice of authority and giggling with Anastasia as they manipulated others to their every beck and call. Florence was content to stay in the Muggle world if that was what fate decided for her. She enjoyed the power she commanded over her peers and relished in her ability to be able to do it all without needing to flick a wand. But with Jones blood in her veins Florence was born a witch and an argument with another girl in her class about a boy they both had feelings for resulted in Lola Charles croaking and jumping like a frog argument, causing Anastasia to burst out laughing and a scolding from her parents and sister to keep her temper under control. 

Being friends with Anastasia since the pair were dressed in tiny designer baby booties, Florence was used to being friends with big personalities. Florence liked to be the most important person in the room and whilst Anastasia did also, they found attention in different ways which kept them from fighting. When Florence met CAMILLE ROWLE, GENEVIVE AVERY and ANDRESSA PARKINSON on the train to Hogwarts she knew this school would be different from her last one. Camille Rowle in particular was very much like Florence,. Always the centre of attention and the loudest person in the room. Camille would become one of her best friends or her worst enemy, but thankfully it was the former rather than the latter. Sorted into Hufflepuff, Florence breathed a sigh of relief. Sorted away from the other girls, she had room to forge her own following and quickly got to work finding a similar group to govern. LAUREL LINWOOD was someone she met earlier on at school and easily one of the most beautiful witches in their year group. A Muggle-Born part-veela, any sort of innate grace she had was backed up with a sharp tongue and a low tolerance for other people’s sharp edges which made her a perfect friend for Florence. 

STAR DAVENPORT became her Hufflepuff best friend. A quirky party lover who bathed in glitter and liked getting into trouble, they were the breath of fresh air Florence didn’t know she needed. Star and Laurel suited Florence as best friends because they were different to her other friends, they were fun loving and happy enough to go with the flow and be pulled into whatever scheme Florence cooked for them. Whilst other students at Hogwarts longed to work at the Ministry, Florence had her own dream. She wanted to brew her own line of exclusive cosmetics. Growing up with a model for a mother, Florence was used to Chanel and Dior and while magical cosmetics existed she found the luxury market hadn’t quite been cornered. Alongside Star the two would attend potions club and spend their time making the most amazing products that made your hair dazzle and potions that gave your skin a dewy glow. After learning to brew love potions in their sixth year the two began a business selling love potions to their fellow classmates and figuring out who their perfect match is to use their bew on. Though they had the best intentions at heart, a lot of their schemes often ended badly with Florence, Star and Laurel spending a lot of time in detention. 

Florence’s mission has always been to inject love and beauty into the world which is something that has followed her into her adulthood. In love with the idea of love she patiently awaits Valentine's Day each year and where she once decorated the halls of Hogwarts School, she dresses the little shop she works at in Diagon Alley. Both her mother and sister told her that working at Madam Pimpernelles Beautifying Potions was beneath her and although Florence has enough money in the vault to mean she’d never have to work again, it is ESTELLE PIMPERNELLE’s brain she’s after rather than the money. Florence loves her job, though she knows it’s something she wants to do forever. Although Florence has become Madam Pimpernelle’s protégé outside of her work she has been working as a freelance make-up artist, making over the rich and famous for parties and events with her own brand beaty products. Still intent on starting her own line, it seems she is not the only person with that dream. ORLAITH MACMILLAN was once Florence’s protégé and the little sister she never had. The pair remained close though Florence can admit it’s been strange adjusting to Orlaith being all grown up and moving in on her turf rather than being her understudy. 

With her life perfectly in place living in a plush townhouse in Kensington with her best friends and her work life going well, Florence has tried to focus on her own happiness. Florence truly believed she’d never fall in love. The Jones family have always tended to sacrifice work over a functioning lovelife unless the exact right person came along. With her career goals, her perfectionist ways and need to be adored Florence truly didn’t think anyone was up to the task. Then she met ELEZAR SMITH and her outlook completely changed. Elezar was everything her sister Lucille had looked for in a man, but to her suprise he had asked Florence to dance at The Yule Ball last year instead of Lucille. The pair have been dating for almost a year now, leaving Florence to fall very much in love with him. But with someone like Elezar her happiness with him was always destined to be fleeting. As an eligible bachelor in the wizarding world, Elezar has caught the eye of many young witches, including a close friend of Florence’s. Unbeknownst to Florence, Elezar and CECELIA ABBOTT have been growing close since the death of Celia��s friend. Florence truly feels like Elezar could be the one but like any member of her family, Florence is not to be trifled with and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. 

→ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Blood Status → Half-Blood

Pronouns → She/Her

Identification → Cis Female 

Sexuality  → Up To Roleplayer

Relationship Status → In a relationship with Elezar Smith 

Previous Education →  Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Hufflepuff)

Societies → Pura Sorores 

Family → Adrian Jones (father), Elodie Jones (mother), Lucille Jones (sister), Balthasar Jones (uncle), Alicia Avery-Jones (aunt), Hestia Jones (cousin), Gwenog Jones (cousin)

Connections  → Elezar Smith (boyfriend), Anastasia DuPont (best friend/housemate), Camille Rowle (best friend/housemate), Genevieve Avery (best friend), Andressa Parkinson (best friend), Star Davenport (best friend), Laurel Linwood (close friend), Cecelia Abbot (close friend/unknown adversary), Estelle Pimpernelle (boss/mentor), Gilderoy Lockhart (friend/client), Rita Skeeter (friend/client), Daisy Hookum (friend/client), Glenda Chittock (friend/client) 

Future Information → Wife of Elezar Smith, Mother of Zacharias Smith

FLORENCE JONES IS A LEVEL 6 WITCH.

[lunarxdaydream]

🌸 ( Ryusei - Mayu ( When she was still in the hospital ;A; ) )

symbol starters || accepting

🌸 to receive flowers from my muse.

     “Don’t worry, dad. I’ll be sure to check in as soon as I go home.” Leave it to her parents and brother to call at the promised time on the dot. Not that she minded but ... if only the same could be said about Ryusei. A small sigh falls free as the phone withdraws from her ear; eyes searching the notification center upon a single swipe down. Messages from her friends. Incoming e-mails about club events and assignments. Third-part applications notifying of new updates and such ... but nothing from him. Not a call. Not a single message. Nothing but absolute silence since their last conversation before her symptoms had worsened. 

     “... Maybe Camille was wrong ...” At the moment, Ryusei had been worried but it was possible he was uspet with her negligence. Or perhaps his schedule had changed and he simply didn’t have the time or energy to speak with her. After all, it wasn’t strange for there to be some radio silence between couples. Why should they be any different? -- Digits curl against the device at the thought of his silence. A sense of nausea twisting inside her chest. The weight of loneliness suddenly multiplying as insecurities arise in her mind. 

     Was this ... too much for him? Had Mayu been asking far too much of Ryusei to simply wait for her? Maybe this entire situation showed that things ... couldn’t be as they were. After all, a man like him ... he deserved to have someone at his side rather than a screen. Maybe ... he realized how ridiculous this whole thing had been and didn’t know how to break it to her ... 

     Knees curl up against her chest; chin resting upon them as she gazed up at the television screen of her room. The continuous beeping of the heart monitor fading into the distance as thoughts slowly began to consume the college student. The tightness in her chest suffocating the air in her lungs as tears pricked at the corner of  her sight. She might have completely fallen into that unseen pit if not for the interruption of a nurse ... or so she believed.

     “I’m not hungry so please just --” Words are caught in her throat as attention diverts from the television. Where one of the many nurses might have stood in a colorful scrub, there is only a single man. His hair an unmistakable shade. Those ruby orbs incomparable and inimitable. For a moment, Mayu thought herself to be dreaming before her left arm lowers and the prick of the needle allowing the IV to flow confirms otherwise. There, at the threshold of her hospital room stood the one person she yearned to see above all else. To hear above everyone ...

     “R-Ryusei ...” Tears that rose from painful thoughts now fall in inexplicable relief. Her lips unable to help but curl in a smile as a breath of comfort falls. And the moment he stepped closer, enough to touch his hand, she simply found herself compelled to embrace him. His warmth. His scent. The sense of protection he silently bestowed with a single hold. Even the kiss he plants against her forehead as he withdrew causes her guard to fall apart. 

     “W-What are you doing here?” For once, she couldn’t care less of how easily her emotions took over. A hand wipes away at a tear only for another to fall. Her shoulders shaking from the overwhelming sensation at finally seeing him after all this time. Days. Weeks. Months have passed since she could hold him and now -- “... Are those ... for me?”, she chokes out a small giggle. The sight of blossoming roses, red as his eyes, neatly held in a bouquet with bits of baby’s breath and white lilies. As much as she adored the flowers, it hardly compared to the gift of his presence. Once more, she is lost to his embrace. Face burying into the fabric of his shirt where his familiar scent and warmth envelope. Her sole place of comfort ...

|| @vacuitas ||

[elejahfanfic]

The Vampire Files/3

Fanfiction

Part 3

AU crossover story with tvd characters

Elena  Gilbert and Nick Amaro

are FBI agents, investigating paranormal activity and all different strange cases involving demons, witchcraft, vampires.

There will be other tvd/to characters in it, as well as characters from other fandoms -

ft. Joel Goran from Saving Hope

warning: smutty, 18+

ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ✩‧˚

_gifs are not mine *

tags_ @miguelsbrat​

thanks so much for reading. I hope you like it. xoxo

✽-( ˘▽˘ ❁)/✽

Days after

Whitmore

Bonnie Bennett finished with her report, sending a copy over to the FBI. Elena's remark about the amulet and mentioning the name of the monster that was out there killing women, who were not random women, but fellow witches, rattled her. This was not just an Agent, Bonnie thought.

****

FBI Headquarters

Washington, DC

Was Elena just an Agent? Nick wondered. He now took his tablet and opened the Elena’s PhD-'Vampires and Folklore'. Such a simple title to a very extensive read.

He read, 'Throughout history, these beings have resided alongside man. Myths and folktales from all points of the globe speak of beings that feed on the living. From the Japanese Kasha to the Irish Dearg-Du and the Tlaciques of the Mexican Nahautl Indians and the Arabic Algul they exist.

... In closing, the interesting thing to note is that although the creatures of mythology largely contradict the popular view of vampires, they do exist. They exist at all corners of the world and in nearly every culture known to man. Although they exist as superstition and folklore, they persist in appearing in the dark shadows of humanity.’

Nick put the tablet down. This definitely gave him a further insight in his new partner. To Elena this world was very real. They were not catching ordinary criminals.

Although he didn' believe in demons, vampires, curses or any of the superstitions, he had to admit all was very intriguing. She clearly resented the fact that he was assigned to be her new partner. Their effort to bond over pie and coffee didn't go all too well, but it was a step forward in admitting they had a job to do and that was enough. He poured himself a glass of Bourbon.

Flashback

"I guess they assigned you there because she needed someone who is cool-headed," Camille said to him as they talked earlier on the phone,"maybe they are testing you-"

"Or- they are testing me, all right! And the cool-headed thing- you are too generous- I shot the deputy."

"And you were cleared. He happened to be in the line of fire. Shall I come over?" Camille reminded him.

"No. I have tones to read. Familiarize myself with the demon files she has given me as homework."

"Have fun." Camille said hanging up.

He had no desire to read anymore so he took his car keys and got out of the office.

*********

Elena waited for a man in the Rock Creek Cemetery

"Do you have it?" she said as he finally got to the .meeting point

"Here" Klaus passed her a little box.

"When is the Initiation ritual?"- Elena asked.

"March 23rd- full moon" the attorney said.

"Right" Elena said.

"You think this is connected to Jackson's murder?" Klaus said.

"Yes," Elena said putting the box in her bag,"and it had nothing to do with the investigation we were on. The witches wanted him dead. And they will cover it up."

"Why do you what you do then?"

"Why are you?" she posed a counter question.

"Maybe there is no real answer." Klaus said.

"Maybe to brings some order in all disorder?!" Elena said and without any goodbyes she walked away.

Klaus took his phone and dialed a number.

******* At Rebekah's house, that evening

Rebekah and Caroline sat down for supper.

"No answer" Caroline said trying to get hold of Elena again.

"Have some more wine," Rebekah offered,"She told me she will come"

And not long after, Elena rang the doorbell. And so the three friends sat down for meal, to chat and unwind. All of them had several crappy months behind them. And this little get-together was to give one another wind beneath the wings.

"Joel has accepted to work at Jeffersonian" Rebekah said looking at Elena. Namely, Joel was her ex-boyfriend.

"Good for him" Caroline said taking a sip of the cocktail, her eyes also swaying at Elena. Caroline noticed that yet again she was there physically, but mentally she was somewhere else.

"So, how is he really?" Caroline asked Elena.

"How is who really?" Elena looked at her friend somewhat absent-minded.

"Your new partner. Come on- spill!" Rebekah said impatient to hear what Elena had to say about Nick.

"Ok. He is different, that's for sure. He is very text-book. We have a job to do. Catch the twisted criminals!"- Elena said in a sarcastic under-tone.

"This doesn't sound like you're a match made in heaven" Caroline then said.

"We don't have to be. We just need to be focused on the one thing and apply team-work," Elena said,"ok- now what is this thing with you and Stefan?"

"Didn't you say you are never going back there?" Rebekah now looked at Caroline.

" I know I said - and it was just sex" Caroline said following a deep sigh.

"Why are you doing this to yourself?" Rebekah didn't understand why she could not draw the line once and for all. "He is never going to give you more- he said so- he is in love with this -whoever she is"

"Don't I know that" Caroline said taking a sip of the drink again.

"Love- who wants it- so overrated anyway," Elena said thinking of Joel.

Rebekah now gave her a look that would kill. "You're not helping!"

"Come on- seriously. Look at us. When do we have time for love? And then if maybe we find the guy- it all just goes to blows" Elena suddenly stood up.

"Where are you going?" Rebekah said surprised she was acting like nothing mattered at all to her.

"I don't know. I just can't sit here and -everything inside of me feels like a ticking bomb- and I can't talk about it with you cos of the investigation." Elena said quite agitated.

"Is it that bad?" Caroline now stood up as well.

"It is that bad," Elena confirmed," I might get suspended or even worse- lose my job."

"It is only a job!" Rebekah then said,"and a wretched one. Dealing with such difficult cases all these years no wonder you are breaking."

"I am not breaking! I am good at what I do. I love this job. I- sorry guys- but I have to go-" Elena took her coat and went out.

Rebekah and Caroline stayed behind speechless for a moment.

"I have never seen her like this. She is always so -" Caroline said not knowing how to label Elena’s behaviour.

Rebekah finished her sentence, "Messy."

Messy, maybe was right, but much deeper, Elena felt like her other life was consuming her entirely. And she was on the brink of spilling it all out to them. I am not the person you think I am. I, Elena Gilbert am a demon hunter. My family. My mother was a demon hunter. My grandmother. My life....my life is not my own. Elena's head throbbed with a horrific sensation that she might fold.

And why was she on the breaking point right now and not before?

Flashback

A couple of months ago

In Alabama

Jackson came to the designated place Elena had gave him directions to. She hopped into the SUV and they took off for Washington.

"So, you found it?" Jackson asked.

"Yes." Elena unfolded the cloth and showed him the dagger.

"Are you sure this is the demon soul dagger we are looking for?!" the Agent asked.

"Positive," Elena answered,"you know that my dreams are not just peachy dreams of walking down the beach."

"What about the curse?"

"That is something I still need to figure out."

"The lawyers released the shaman." Jackson said.

"Well, with this, they will lock him up forever and throw away the key."

With the thoughts of that night, Elena drove to her apartment building. As she got into the garage, she got her phone out.                  

"Nick?" she said as he answered the call,"can you come down to "George's?- yeah- see you-"

She got out of her SUV and walked into the bar she would frequently hang out. Nick arrived some fifteen minutes later.

"Hey" he said as he sat down next to her on the bar.

"Hey-" Elena said back.

He played it cool, but he was amazed that she called him out so out of the blue, and it had nothing to do with a case.

The bartender asked him what he wanted- and he saw Elena drinking beer, so he ordered the same.

"So, after hours, beer?!" he joked a little.

"Hate the stuff, but sometimes, I need its bitter taste to make the sweet taste better." Elena said.

"Right" Nick uttered. More weirdness, he thought. Head she summoned him to share something or just to hang out? Whatever it was, he was ok with whatever. They can just drink beer and she could just be silent. Or they could play a game of billiards, which he suggested.

"Yeah, haven't played like in forever, but I have to warn you- I used to kick ass at the Academy" Elena said.

"Well, I did the same."

They ordered a couple of more beers.

Nick, as well as her were playing as if it was some kind of competition. And he won. Twice. Just barely, but still he won.

"I am really out of practice" Elena said putting the cue stick aside.

"You really hate to lose?!" Nick remarked.

"Well, yeah. But I am not a sore loser. Really, I am not." she walked over to the bar asking for another beer.

"Ok, so - are we going to talk about it now or tomorrow?" he said wanting to know why she had actually called him out.

"I don't feel like talking. Can we just hang and drink beer?"

"Of course we can." Nick said.

"I need someone who will be there and not ask me questions," she now looked at her partner curling a sour smile on taking a silent breath," I ran away from my best friends tonight. People, who care. I don't know why at one moment- I just could not stay there with them.And they have always helped me go through anything. It's just that I want to spare them from dumping my pain on them. They already have enough of their own shit making their lives miserable."

"But- isn't that what friends are for? Tell them any shit?" Nick said.

"Yeah- you're right. And it's true. But, ahm- I just didn't want to suck them into my darkness." Elena tried to reason about her decision to abandon the party.

"But a partner can suck up anything?!"

Elena gave him another serious look, which confirmed what he had said.

"You are also in the darkness with me," she said to him,"sitting in the shadows"

Nick was quiet. The way she said it was like she reached down his soul reading it like a book.

"Don't mind me. Just get so morbid at times. Tomorrow, the sun will be up again and I will be ready for anything, partner," the brunette then said,"I’m gonna head home.”

"Me, too” Nick said getting up.

"See you tomorrow," Elena said,"thank you. And I want a rematch!"

"Anytime, partner," Nick said,"see you tomorrow."

Jumping into her car, she drove off to the University Hospital. She was too weary, and home was the last place she wanted to be.

“Hey, Sophie” Elena said as she walked in the special ICU where the coma patients were held.

“I so need you to wake up - things are not good,” Elena muttered to the witch inhaling deeply,“I need you. They killed Jackson. But to kill it, I need the angel blood. And even when I find it, I can’t do it without you. There is one good news. I have found the Salem witch.”

Elena now went to tell her friend and curator of the Smithsonian museum a little bit about her new partner, as well as her current state of mind. Some half an hour later, she made her way to the car, stumbling at her ex, the dashing doctor, Joel Goran at the elevator.

“Working late” he said.

“I - went to see Sophie.” Elena said.

“Ah” Joel uttered adjusting his backpack, keeping to his side of the elevator.

“I hear that you are going over to the Smithsonian? Had enough of being a rock star surgeon?”

“No - my hand is - I can’t do surgeries anymore. My hand still has tremors and - yeah. So, I’m going to join the Bones team.” Joel replied.

“Right - sorry about your hand” Elena said.

“I’m sorry about your - partner.” Joel said sympathetically.

“Thanks” Elena nodded a little.

And then there was the look. The one that spoke more than words. The one that blurred all the lines.

Half an hour later, in Joel’s apartment, the blurred lines became even more blurry.

Elena pushed him back on the bed and straddled his hips and sank down on his cock, taking him as deep as he would go.

His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her down, with a hoarse groan.

She melted against him, taking him inch by inch until, at last, she had accepted all of him.

“You feel so good,” he whispered, looking up at her through heavy eyelids., 2so good.” His fingers traced paths up and down her spine, coaxing soft moans from her. Lifting her hips and grinding downward, gyrating to stimulate her nub. She used him for her pleasure, ignoring his needs. She just wanted to get off, and he didn’t seem to mind. She took him faster, rotating slightly with each downward stroke. His hips rose off the bed to meet her strokes. He bit his lip, his head tossed back.Watching his expression was almost better than the waves of pleasure coursing through her own body. He could feel her trembling, and the way she arched back, he knew she was nearly ready to crash. He now flicked over her nub with her thumb, making her orgasm spiral out with a shuddering cry. She fell down on him, breathing against his mouth, “I so needed this.”

She pulled away from him off him and rolled her onto her back in the center of the bed, taking a small breather.

Elena was not a selfish kind, and she now pulled him to her, streaming her hands down his abs, wrapping her hands around his cock. She sat up, ready to take him int his mouth, but Joel stopped her. “I want to feel you - I need to be inside you “

She had not objections. Kissing her, he pushed her soflty back onto the mattres, he climbed on top of her and slid inside her. Her eyes drifted closed. Her back arched, rubbing her belly against his. He grunted under his breath, latching his lips onto hers as he pushed in slowly. The brunette closed her eyes and concentrated on the perfect rhythm of his long and deep strokes.

His quiet gasps in her ear sent her lust spiraling out of control yet again. Her hands moved down his back, digging into his flesh as she bucked her hips against him. His strokes shifted, becoming faster and harder. She felt like heaven and he lost himself now completely. Wrapped up in her warmth, he quivered and shook against her.

His gasps grew shaky and punctuated. Moaning softly his name, she soon brought him over, and he shuddered violently, groaning hoarsely against her shoulder, holding tight, till his spasms stilled.

Pulling out, he collapsed beside her, eyes closed, breathing hard. “This was - so amazing. I missed this -”

“It was.” Elena said getting up from the bed.

“Where are you going? Come back.” Joel sat up.

“I can’t stay” Elena said and disappeared into the bathroom.

Joel crashed back on the bed, taking a deep breath.

_to be continued