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shiningstar-byulxx · 2 years ago

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Second Choice No More

Kim Gyuvin X Female Reader ft Shen Ricky / Shen Quanrui

Genre - Angst / Royal au / Bridgeton au

Requested - No

Word Count - 797

Synopsis - Y/n had enough of being the second option. She changed but Gyuvin cannot accept the new situation that has occurred. Y/n decides her own path and fate with or without Gyuvin.

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©shiningstar-byulxx

Disclaimer - Please do note that this is work of fiction, and it does not reflect on the members personalities or how they are in real life.

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𝐼𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐾𝑖𝑚'𝑠 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒

Two people can be heard from the young duke's study room, many maids were curious but knew not to over step the boundaries of the young duke and the lady conversation and went off to do their duties.

Y/n whose looking at Gyuvin who is looking out from his window and sighed then said with frustration emitted from her voice "Gyuvin, you cannot decide when you want to love me..."

Tears began to appear glistening from her shining eyes, but Y/n continued as she was replied with silence "You had all these years, and now I am tired of waiting for you... You could have escorted me to the ball, but you had refused my invitation and came with another!"

Letting out a breath and softly said "You cannot act like you love me now!..."

She sniffles "I have already decided to take the Crown Prince Ricky's hand in marriage, my parents has already approved of the marriage so does the majesties... the invitations of our wedding will be sent out soon and preparation has already begun."

With that Y/n stood up from the sofa and turns away from Gyuvin walking towards the door, but as she reaches for the door, Gyuivin grabs her wrist to stop her from leaving, but Y/n continues to look ahead refusing to look at Gyuvin.

Gyuvin who speaks with despair underlying in his voice "Y/n please rethink about it... about us! You know how much you mean to me!" But with a cold voice piercing through Gyuvin's ears Y/n replies, "Sorry does not work anymore Gyuvin, you have already made your choice and it was not me..." Y/n's voice breaks but continues "it was never me who is going to be your first choice... I cannot keep being your second choice when you were my first..."

Y/n turned around in which Gyuvin is faced with a tear-stained appearance from Y/n and she looked into his eyes and said "I am not going to be an option or a last-minute solution to your problems anymore... and frankly I believe I deserve worthy of love and Crown Prince Ricky has shown me his sincerity and love towards me..."

Y/n let out a breath "I fell in love with a man who truly cherishes me and loves me for the way I am. I am his first choice and his last love, and I tend to the same for him because I love him!"

Her eyes softens which showed Gyuvin she held deep love for her new lover.

Y/n takes her other hand and gently removes Gyuvin hand away from her wrist and said "Gyuvin, I am finally happy now so please do not make this any harder for me anymore" whilst giving him a weak smile and tears are flowing down her face.

Once again Y/n looks up towards Gyuvin with sincerity "Maybe in another life time, it could have been us but now let us be each other's first love who became strangers that were childhood friends".

This in turn made Y/n tears flow even more and Gyuvin tears rolls down his face.

Y/n quickly wipe her face with her handkerchief and proceeded to walk out through the doors of Gyuvin's studies to return home. But before leaving Y/n look back towards Gyuvin tear-stained face and curtsied whilst saying "It was a pleasure to meet you Young Duke Gyuvin" giving him a weak smile with glistening eyes.

Once again Y/n softly says, "goodbye Vinny" and walked out the door with Gyuvin's heart and love.

Gyuvin stood still with shock running through his body. He reminisces the late-night shenanigans they have been through, escaping from their studies and being each other's escorts to get their parents off their back about potential partners.

Remembering Y/n's smiling face whilst saying his name softly and lovingly in amides of the flower meadow where the escape from their strict classes.

Gyuvin just had realised that he really had lost his only love... He was too busy changing himself to fit his social circle with his friends that he forgot the person he was with since the beginning especially his first love, but now it is all in vain he lost his love who has already left him to be with someone who puts her first, unlike him who he had forgotten about her.

He always thought Y/n and him would always be with each other, but he never imagined she would ever leave him.

Hearing the trotting and plodding of the horses hooves and the carriage leaving the estate that is when he knew he has lost her.. he lost his first and last love... and it will be forever engrained in his mind for a long time, his tears cannot bring back his love.

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Hello everyone, I hope you have enjoyed this imagine. I haven't written in a long time so I hope this was alright, sorry if its not perfect, but its practically imperfect to me haha. But let me know if I had made a mistake.

I actually wanted to make this a series of how it came to this scene, but I don't know if anyone will be interested in other parts of this story could lead to haha. I had this idea since a while before boys planet and I thought it would go nicely with the '04 line.

©shiningstar-byulxx; all my work is made by me, please don't copy, translate, repost and steal my work!

You're more than welcome to like, comment and reblog, Thank you! I hope everyone will have a lovely day!

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lumosinlove · 2 years ago

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Beneath My Touch

Chapter Four

Leo/Logan/Finn Bridgerton AU

Read the rest on AO3

Logan waited in his small, secret library, facing out the window, until the door opened and Leo was guided through, along with the tea just behind him.

“Lord Knut, sir,” said the butler.

“Yes, thank you,” Logan said, then nodded at Maisie, who was carrying the tea. “Thank you.”

He and Logan watched each other as the servants set out the china and then left with a bow, shutting the door behind them. Logan took a step forward, letting out a breath. “Leo.”

Leo just looked at him for a long moment. He looked just as handsome as Logan remembered in his light gray summer suit, almost the same color as the streak in his hair.

“If people thought we were engaged after a dance, and then…after we ran into the gardens together…” Leo said quietly into the silence, then removed a copy of Whistledown from inside his jacket. “God knows what they think now.”

Logan didn’t know how to reply, and so he poured the tea.

“I must confess, I…” Leo removed his hat, held it nervously in his hands. “I don’t understand what has happened. I mean, I do understand, but…”

“I know,” Logan said. “I’m not sure I quite do, either. How do you take it?”

“Milk and one sugar.”

“I take three,” Logan said, then sent a glance up at him. “I’m not sure why I told you that.”

“It’s Finn, isn’t it?” Leo asked quietly. “The boy from the garden.”

Logan paused, hand poised with the milk pitcher, then cleared his throat and poured. He dropped one sugar into Leo’s cup, and three into his own. He gestured Leo to the sofa, slid the cup to poise in front of it, but didn’t sit himself. He didn’t think he could manage stillness just then.

“Yes,” Logan said, and rubbed at the back of his neck. “It is.”

Leo nodded faintly, then somewhat shakily lowered himself into the chair.

“That’s a lot of sugar,” Leo said.

“Yes,” Logan said again. “Leo, I…” Logan sank onto the sofa beside him. “God, I’m—I'm so sorry. You put all of yourself towards me last night and I let you. All while I knew—”

“It’s all right,” Leo said quietly.

“No, it isn’t. I…The truth is, no part of me set out to enjoy myself last night.”

Leo looked up from where he was messing with the handle of his cup. Just trying to keep his hands busy it seemed. “Well…all right.”

“No,” Logan sighed. “No, I—God, how do I say this. I wasn’t just—but I did. I was happy last night. You made me laugh, and you can’t imagine how far I was from anything of that sort just a few hours earlier. Finn and I, we’d been thinking that we could never—it doesn’t matter now. You did make me laugh, and you were unbearably kind. Even when…”

Logan could barely piece together the scene by the fountain. One second, his lips on Finn’s, I love you so, so much.Then the next, Leo had been there.

Leo only smiled sadly. He took a sip of his tea, and then rose, smoothing his jacket. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t see you at the Starlight ball tonight.”

Logan stood, too, unsettled by the panic that brought to his chest. “Leo…”

“I think I’ll…” Leo wasn’t looking at him. “I’ll skip a few days of the Season. Go to the country.”

“But…” Logan couldn’t stand the thought that he had ruined it all for Leo. And he knew that Finn didn’t know Leo at all, but Logan knew Finn, and he thought Finn wouldn’t be able to stand it either. “The Starlight—it’s the beginning of the Season. It’s where people get talking, and where matches are made. All sorts. All sorts of matches.” What Logan even saying now, he didn’t know. he only knew he wanted Leo to stay, to not leave yet.

“A match for me is not a necessity,” Leo said. “And I’m afraid the original longing for one that I felt last night has…diminished.”

Logan put a hand to his own chest. “Leo.”

“Matches,” Leo said again, eyes back on Logan. Blue. So blue. He nodded, as if in realization. “A good match, I said last night, and you went so far away.”

Logan swallowed. “Yes. I know.”

“I hope Finn is yours,” Leo said. “Your match. And I hope you are his. I do know you make a good partner now, you know.” Another sad smile as he took a step towards the door. “Even if only in dance.”

“Leo…” Logan said, if only because he had no words to reply to Leo’s. He should stop saying his name, but it brought about this peaceful set to Leo’s mouth that Logan enjoyed. He took a step forward. “I’m sorry. For dragging you into this, for…”

“I saw you walk down that aisle to the Queen and I thought…” Leo smiled, realer this time, steeped in memory. “He is the most stunning thing. A little melancholy, maybe—and now I know why—but then you were kind, too, and sweet.”

Logan couldn’t deny the flush on his neck, or the disappointment he felt. Perhaps it was only that it would have been nice to have a friendly face, someone who knew what had happened. But that was wrong. That felt too sparse. Too superficial.

“I understand,” Logan forced himself to say. “But I…I do hope we meet again?”

“Of course,” Leo said, but Logan couldn’t tell if he meant it. He could only watch as Leo turned fully towards the door, striding across the room to take it by the handle—and pause. He stood there for a long moment, poised to leave. Logan watched his shoulders rise and fall, rise and fall, and then he turned—just a little. Just enough for Logan to catch a last glimpse of his profile.

“I’m sorry, too, Logan, but not because I met you. Only because I met you too late. And you didn’t drag me into anything,” Leo cracked the door. “I chose you. Remember?”

Every movement of the sun across the floor, every slight billow of the curtain by the window, turned into Finn’s potential arrival. Logan sat on the cushions by the window, a book open in his lap that he wasn’t reading. It was only that it was a favorite of Finn’s. He’d seen it in Finn’s hands, and he stared at the words as if, somehow, they would tell him what Finn was doing, and why he wasn’t coming to see him. He knew where Logan would be. Logan was never anywhere. His days were mindless things, and every time he wanted to do something about that, every time he wanted to change that, no one, not even his sisters, seemed to know what to say to him.

He had just surprised himself with the thought that Leo would know what to say to him, Leo who seemed to have every passion for life, when the door opened.

Logan’s head snapped up so fast that he knocked it on the wooden frame he was sitting against.

“Sorry, it’s just me,” Noelle said. “You are jumpy.”

“Can’t imagine why,” Logan said, and looked back down at the book.

Noelle came in and shut the door behind her, dress rustling, hair loose down her back. “The maids are saying that Knut was here.”

“The maids should mind their own business.”

“What did he want?”

“And so should you.”

Noelle sat on the cushion by his feet. “Logan. Come on.”

Logan sighed and closed the book, rubbing his palm over the worn cover.

“I know—” Noelle began carefully, and when he looked up at her, she was tracing the pattern on the window seat’s cushion. “Logan…I know that the idea of Finn being there at the ball tonight, requesting the dance through Whistledown no less, or I suppose I should say his alter-persona. I know that is exciting. But I implore you to think of what he offers you.”

“I love Finn, Noelle,” Logan said. “I love him entirely. That is what he offers me.”

“I love that you are happy,” Noelle said, but it was almost pleading, rather than pleased. “But what will you do, move into your bedroom together?” Noelle shook her head. “You think that he will be invited to the places we are invited? Logan, I’m not even sure some of our staff will agree to wait on him. It will be seen as a snub. He will be miserable in this world and I’m worried that then you will be, too.”

“Maybe I don’t want him in this world,” Logan said. “Maybe I want to find a world of our own.”

Noelle laughed, but not unkindly. “That sounds just grand when you say it like a poet, but that world of your own is not a little bubble of love, it’s a world you have never—no, Logan, don’t get up, look at me.”

Logan clutched the book to his chest and settled back against the cushions. He felt like a pouting child doing it.

Noelle put a hand on his knee. “Finn is…beneath your touch.”

Logan pushed her hand away. “You don’t even know him. You can’t say that, you can’t say he’s not good enough.”

“I don’t mean him, I mean the way he was raised. It’s not good enough for you not because it’s bad but because it will be hard for you to understand. It will be as hard for the people there to accept you as it would be for the people here to accept him. Finn’s is a world you have never stepped even a toe in. Even a little finger. You don’t know what it’s like to be without all of,” she gestured to the greater room. “This. You will have absolutely no idea how to conduct yourself in it.”

“I don’t know how to conduct myself in this world!” Logan said. “Noelle…” He made a frustrated noise and rubbed at his eyes, then looked out the window. He could see the gardeners below, smoothing the hedges, keeping up the summer blossoms. What did they go home to? He had seen the cottages of the tenants around the ground. No, they weren’t the Greencloake Manor he lived in, but they were beautiful nonetheless. Why did Noelle think it would be so bad? Because he would have to learn to boil his own eggs? Maybe he could learn that. Maybe he wanted to, if Finn would teach him. If he had Finn’s help.

“I’m asking…” Noelle said softly. “Did—did Leo Knut offer you something just now?”

Logan looked at her. “What, you mean his hand?”

“Yes, Lo. I mean marriage, because you two—last night you two—”

“He saw me and Finn.”

Noelle sucked in a breath, her fingers digging into the cushion. “What does…what does that mean.”

“Finn, he was at the ball last night,” Logan said. “I saw him, waiting for me out the window and I found him in the gardens.”

“He shouldn’t have.”

“Let me speak,” Logan said, a bit more harshly than he had meant to, and he covered her hand with his own to try and make up for it. “Yesterday afternoon, Finn all but told me what you are telling me now. That we have no chance. That I must marry because that’s the world I was born into. The youngest child, with a fine inheritance, but nothing very promising other than that.”

“Oh, Lo, you are promising—”

“But he came to see me, and we told each other that we loved each other,” Logan didn’t know why he had dropped his voice to a whisper, but it felt suited to the words. Sacred.

“And he said nothing of Whistledown?” Noelle asked.

“He—he said that he might have something, a plan, that may allow us to be together.”

Noelle frowned. “How does…”

“Though it might not work.”

Noelle blinked. “He thinks—he thinks Whistledown raises his station, doesn’t he?”

Logan had been thinking on it. “I believe so.”

Noelle let out a scoff. “Logan. You’re a Lord.”

“He’s not a servant anymore.”

“So, he’s a writer? Where exactly does that place him in our society?”

“I don’t give a damn.”

“Logan. What kind of life will you two have?”

Logan stood, done with the conversation. “I am happy with him. That’s what kind of life we will have, and I am going to the ball tonight, and we will have our first dance, and it will be in the middle of a crowded room, and everyone is going to stare, and whisper, and gossip because that’s what they’re best at, but I will still be happy. Because I am in his arms, and he loves me, and that is more of a life than I have ever thought I could dream of.”

Logan didn’t wait for his sister’s response. He didn’t put the book down. He kept it close to his chest as he tore out of the room and slammed the door.

Finn wasn’t here. Logan kept close to his family—not exactly speaking to any of them—as the glimmering ballroom moved around him, but Finn wasn’t here. Families were still being announced, Logan supposed—Lord and Lady Tremblay of Greencloake Manor and their children, Lady Tremblay, Lady Tremblay, Lady Tremblay, and Lord Tremblay.

But he’d hoped that he and Finn could talk, even before the first dance. What was he going to be wearing? How would they say Finn’s name? Would they say it at all, or would Finn sneak in somehow. Logan felt the same adrenaline as their secret meetings, ready always for Finn to appear, to wrap him up in his arms. Got you. How was your day? But it wasn’t secret. None of it was secret or hidden. People had begun to stare at him the moment he walked in. Even some people that he considered friends had seen him and then turned away, mouths hidden behind hands. Some eyes were amused, some were scornful.

Logan surprised himself again with a thought of Leo, and how he wished that he were here. He understood. He hadn’t mocked him. Logan would do anything to be standing with someone who could make him laugh right now.

The announcer beat his staff twice against the floor, signaling another family’s arrival, but Logan was tired of snapping his head up to look, to see if it was Finn. He’d been doing that all night. He just stared down into his cup of wine, which he’d barely touched. Everything tasted sour.

“Lord and Lady Knut of Sweetgrass Manor, and their son, Lord Knut.”

Logan turned fast, sure that he’d heard wrong. But there was Leo, standing at the top of the stairs with his parents, elegant and handsome in a light blue-gray set of tails, white tie, and—God, pearl pins nestled into his blond curls that caught the candles’ glow like he himself was the starlight of the ball. His eyes found Logan as he descended the stairs, and he smiled slightly. He ignored the whispers, too—these ones no doubt about his sheer radiance—and inclined his head to the hosts of the ball before striding right over to Logan, that same soft smile on his face.

“My Lord,” Leo said quietly when he reached Logan. The chatter around them was frantic now—Lord Knut and Lord Tremblay—But Whistledown?—And when will he arrive?

Leo bowed slightly, aware of Logan’s family near by, and then shifted to stand politely at Logan’s shoulder. In an even softer voice, meant just for the two of them, he said in Logan’s ear, “I thought you might require a friend by your side tonight, after all. At least until you-know-who arrives.”

Logan looked up at him. He still felt slack with surprise, off-kilter by Leo’s appearance. “You didn’t—you didn’t have to do that.”

Leo kept his blue eyes on the ballroom. “I know.”

Logan stepped in front of him, insistent on drawing that blue gaze. “Leo.”

Finally, Leo looked at him. Logan had the strongest urge to reach up and touch one of the tiny pearls in his hair.

“Thank you,” Logan said.

And then, with two more taps of his staff, out called a name that sent Logan’s heart knocking against his ribs even harder.

“Mr. Finn O’Hara, of—” the man’s voice broke, and stuttered. “Of Whistledown Cottage.”

The ballroom hushed into silence. Logan watched Leo’s eyes move to the staircase behind him first, the blue of them focusing in on the boy who was, of course, standing at the top of them. We will see each other tomorrow.

“Speaking of,” Leo said quietly, and nodded forward. “Look. He looks quite fine.”

Slowly, Logan turned.

And there, at the top of the stairs, was Finn. Logan had to blink twice to fully recognize him. Gone was the roughspun shirt, the work boots, all replaced by a fine summer suit—dark green. It made his auburn hair look smooth and rich, his pale skin flush. The statement was clear enough. Green was the Tremblay’s color. That, and the cottage name, and the determined, confident look on his face—Logan’s stomach was in knots, heart pounding, Finn, this entire time, Finn—

“That is Whistledown?” whispered voices from all around him. “Whistledown.” Logan barely heard.

“Go,” Leo said in his ear, and pressed a hand to his back. “Go, Logan.”

He vaguely registered himself walking towards the foot of the staircase as Finn descended it. He shouldered through the other bodies in the room, and then realized they were parting for him. He could hardly believe that it was really Finn who he was seeing. Not some phantom. Not some trick. Finn, so changed that Logan could hardly take it all in. Whistledown. All of the times Logan had read to Finn aloud from it—his own words—praising them, laughing at them, wondering how on Earth this author had come to power.

Only, then Finn was standing right in front of him, up close, and Logan realized he was entirely wrong. Those brown eyes were the same, warm and searching for Logan’s reaction, his thoughts. Logan could see Finn’s chest rise and fall with a breath, and then he bowed the deep, well-practiced one that Logan had taught him. When he rose to meet Logan’s eyes again, he looked less confident, as if the foreign gesture had unsettled him.

“My Lord,” Finn said, and it was a jolt to hear him speak. His voice was familiar, too, bringing the reality of this, all of this, crashing into Logan even harder.

“Lo,” Finn whispered, and held out his hand.

Logan didn’t think he could have spoken even if he wanted to. He couldn’t imagine why Finn looked so afraid all of a sudden, as if he actually thought there was any world in which Logan would refuse him. He didn’t think he’d be able to say that just then, and so he only placed his palm into Finn’s. Finn’s fingers were warm as they tightened around his own.

The room seemed to unfreeze then. The promise of the start of the dancing was too enticing to refuse, and other couples gathered around them. Logan looked for Leo but didn’t see that he had joined, too. Go. Go, Logan.

Those beside him and Finn on the floor stared openly, and Logan, too, finally got a little self-conscious. He squeezed Finn’s hand and relaxed a little when he felt Finn squeeze his palm in return. The green coat was smooth and well-made beneath Logan’s palm when he reached up to hold Finn’s shoulder, but Logan far preferred the rough skin of Finn’s hand.

“Are you all right?” Logan whispered, lips barely moving to avoid the listeners.

“Only if you are,” Finn breathed.

“I missed you,” Logan said, and then the music struck up. Finn took the lead perfectly, guiding Logan where he wanted with the slightest pressure. It wasn’t until they had turned a few steps that Logan realized, with a warm bloom of something in his chest, that they were doing the very thing they had dreamed of. Dancing, right there in the middle of the crowd. The awe of it all invaded his senses, and he didn’t even have to try to remember any steps. He wasn’t even sure the crowd existed anymore, only Finn’s face, still worried seeming, gazing down at him.

He didn’t care what his family might be doing, watching them. He didn’t care that they were surrounded by frowns and puzzlement and scandalized old-timers disappointed that Whistledown was not one of the fine ladies among them, not someone they could pamper and win over for their own status. Finn was here, and Logan wasn’t exactly sure what that meant for either of them, but he did know he could no longer take the unease in Finn’s expression. Logan needed Finn to stop watching him as if he might be angry. Maybe he was something other than perfectly delighted that Finn had been hiding something like this, but Logan could sort that out later.

The dance brought them apart briefly—Logan hated that bit. Finn had, too, when they had practiced, just the two of them. God, why, if I chose to dance with you, have I got to touch all these other people? Logan had laughed hard at that, but now he agreed. He kept his eyes on Finn’s the whole time, even when he had to spin a woman around, and then on the back of his red hair when Finn, too, was forced to turn.

Finn couldn’t be doing it all alone, could he? Looking back on it now, Logan was sure that he himself had fed some of what Finn had written about. He’d thought he was merely agreeing with Whistledown, not seeing his own opinions written down. Finn had given him a voice, he’d given them both of voice, when neither of them were expected to have one. Their circumstances were nothing alike. Finn came from a poor family. He had no voice because no one cared to listen. Logan came from, well, this. And he had no voice because no one cared to listen. It was a relief when they came back together, for both of them. Finn let out a shaky breath as he took Logan against him again, closer than was usually respectable.

Once, months ago, they had altered this particular dance. Together, while practicing and having fun. On a summer night in the forest by the country manor, candlelight and blankets thrown down, the air warm and alive with crickets. A bottle of whiskey to share and food Finn had snuck away from the kitchens. Finn had said what if it went like this instead? Then I’ll never have to let you go, and the dance had suddenly become their own.

Now, If Logan couldn’t tell Finn that he wasn’t angry, he’d show him.

The next part of the dance was supposed to be another step back, and then a turn. But that’s not what they had done. So, now, in the crowded, shocked ballroom, when Finn took the traditional step back, Logan stepped right up to him, as close as they had been in the woods. It made them stand out from the other couples, as did Finn’s frozen, surprised expression.

“You remember,” Logan said.

Finn stared at him for a long moment, and then a slow, bright smile crept over his face. He nodded. While the other dancers barely touched palms, Finn took Logan’s hands and spun him, Logan’s back to him, but their arms crossed closely across Logan’s chest, like a wrapped up embrace. They stepped together, once, twice, and it brought Finn’s mouth right by Logan’s ear.

“I never wanted to hide from you,” Finn said softly.

“I…” Logan said, and tilted his head to look up at him. “I know that.”

“I thought you might be angry,” Finn said and turned him back around in time to join the other dancers in their synchronized steps.

“I’m not. You could have told me.” While the others turned and brushed palms again in a slow circle, they did the same, only with their fingers laced together.

“I didn’t want you to think I was only using you for information,” Finn said, and pulled Logan back in, before leading him back a step, then to the side, the room spinning around them. “I still don’t want you to think that.”

“Why did you do it at all?” Logan asked. “Whistledown.”

“Us,” Finn said. “Our talks. It began with me writing some of it down. I wanted to remember what you said—you are a great speaker, Logan, when you decide to be.”

“I’m not.”

“When you are comfortable with who is listening to you, you are. And I’ll always listen.”

Logan tried to find it in him to wish they were both away from it all, the flickering candles and the eyes and the murmuring chatter. But he couldn’t. He wanted this. Him and Finn, talking as they always had, right in front of them all. The music, anyhow, was coming to an end, the dance coming to a close.

“And then I realized you were forever for me,” Finn said as Logan raised his hands to loop around his neck, as their own dance went. “But I knew we couldn’t have that, not with how I was. So I knew I needed to raise my rank, just a little. Just a few steps up.” They didn’t bow, while applause raised around them, but Finn blinked, as if he’d forgotten the others. “Funny, right? Abiding to the system, even while picking it apart.”

Logan shook his head. “How did I not see it before?”

“What?” Finn asked.

“You talk how you write,” Logan said, then reached up to run a gentle thumb over the high of Finn’s cheeks. “So, it’s you that doesn’t like my rakish ways.”

“Well, Whistledown hasn’t noticed those in quite some time now,” Finn smiled. “Could Lord Tremblay have taken a lover?”

“Oh, he has. And he doesn’t plan on straying.”

“Well, then.” Finn pressed their foreheads together. “Looks like someone lucky gets you all to himself.”

Logan put a hand to Finn’s cheek, and laughed. Part of him wanted to cry—only, not in front of all these people—a smaller thought passed through part of him, too. Where is Leo?

“Well,” Logan said softly to Finn, and dropped his palm from his cheek to his hand, hoping he agreed that it was time to go. “You have me.”

#o'knutzy #Beneath My Touch lumosinlove #Bridgeton au #finn/leo/logan #Logan/Leo/finn #finno #lelo #finn o'hara #Leo knut #Logan tremblay

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elysianightsss · 2 months ago

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I BURN FOR YOU | PART ONE

Simon’s heavy footsteps echo in your ears, the floor boards of the church creaking as he walked. At least he was courteous enough to help you into the carriage, you thought as you grabbed onto his large glove covered outstretched hand letting him guide you inside before getting in himself and sitting on the plump cushion seating opposite you.

The footman closed the door just as your families came out to throw flower petals and wave you off. The sight of them so happy made you more glum than this whole day had.

“Well that was a dreadfully boring ceremony.” Simon quipped, leaning his head back as the carriage started moving. Your gaze did not move from your parents, their smiles made you grimace.

“It’s rather sad that I couldn’t be entertained at my own wedding. Wouldn’t you agree wife?” The man across from you had almost snarled out the word wife.

You simply roll your eyes at him, something he does not take kindly to.

“If I had been in the country when this was all being arranged, I could’ve stopped this from ever happening in the first place. I wouldn’t be shackled down in this ridiculous sham of a marriage!” He snaps, the scar on his chin that goes right through his lips and stops at his Cupids bow, moves with each word he spits your way, fire in his eyes as he does so.

“Trust me the feelings mutual.” You scoff, snapping back at him.

“Oh, I’m well aware wife. I could tell as much as soon as I lifted your veil and saw the scowl on your face.” He chuckles with no humour, it’s dark and unnerving causing you to shift in your seat. “How fortunate I am to have such a beautiful bride” The sarcasm drips from his lips in a way that makes your blood boil but you manage to bite your tongue even if he seems unable to.

“Even when he’s dead, my bastard father still finds ways to meddle in my life. Arranging a marriage behind my back, of all things.” The leather of his gloves squeak when his fists tighten in anger.

“Well, it’s no matter. As long as we pretend for the next three months, we shall be free to live our lives separately once the London Season ends, per our families’ agreement. It should not be too difficult to accomplish such a task, will it wife?” Simon raises an eyebrow but yet somehow manages to keep the scowl on his face.

“No. Husband.” You say through gritted teeth.

He is thankfully silent for the next half an hour, and again he does help you out of the carriage when you arrive outside the manor that is now your home. You gaze up at the structure with awe, it was much bigger than your old home though your father was a Baron and Simon was a Duke.

“I’m leaving the grand tour of the estate to the housekeeper. Oh and do try to remember where everything is, I won’t be walking you to your bedroom each night, wife.” He says briskly as he walks passed you and ascends the stairs.

He pauses, snapping his fingers like he’s forgotten something before shooting over his shoulder at you, “Sleep well, dear wife. I do so look forward to seeing what excitement our marriage brings. I’ll see you bright and early for breakfast tomorrow!” He hollers back at you and so swiftly disappears inside.

“Not on your life.” You mumble to yourself, scoffing at his audacity. “What an insensitive, intolerable arse.” You sigh sitting down on the steps of your new home. You gaze out at the beautiful gardens. The night sky full of stars and a chill had set in, a sign that winter wasn’t far away.

“Excuse me Your Grace.” Looking up from where you had been admiring the patch of red tulips off to your right, you met eyes with a welcome smile.

“I am Johnny, the housekeeper. I run the house and keep all the staff in check. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Duchess.” You smile softly at him and with his help you stand from where you were on the cold steps.

“The pleasure is mine Johnny. I didn’t think there would be a kind soul here given the master of the house but it appears I am mistaken.” Johnny coughs to cover up his laugh but his smile remains.

“Allow me to escort you to your room, Your Grace, you must be exhausted after the day you’ve had.” His Scottish accent soothed you as he held his arm out for you to take. Hooking your arm with his, you let Johnny guide you inside the manor. The decor and architecture was pleasant on the eyes and by the looks of it very expensive.

Johnny leads you up the grand staircase and into the west wing where he pushed open a cream coloured door to reveal your bedroom. The room was large and painted a dark blue, the four poster bed was the biggest bed you’d ever seen in your life. The fireplace opposite the bed was lit, the wood burning nicely and crackling away creating a lovely atmosphere.

Further in just after the bed were two reading chairs facing the large window, you gaze out of it seeing the very same garden you were looking at before. Except the red tulips were right below you and from here you could see the large pond and the stables.

“Through there are your belongings.” Johnny said, pointing to the door just to the right of the bed, behind you. You had quite forgotten he was there but managed not to show how you flinched at his voice.

You nodded, “I can dress myself for bed, please do not disturb the maids. I wish to sleep now.” You communicated trying to sound as soft as you could.

“Of course Your Grace, I bid you goodnight.” Johnny bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him leaving you all alone. You’re just glad it wasn’t dark in your room. Getting changed out of your layered wedding dress and into your nightdress was a task and a half but you feel accomplished as you crawled into the large bed and snuggled down for sleep.

You are woken up bright and early just as your husband had said. Your maids got you bathed, dressed, and downstairs for breakfast in record time.

Your husband was already inside the dining room, a newspaper in his hand and a cup of tea in the other. He acknowledged you with a good morning but you only nodded back to him and sat down in your seat at the other end of the long, seats fourteen, table. Opposite one another, yet so far away.

A layer of awkwardness settled upon the moment with cutlery scratching against plates, and glasses clinking with the table being the only thing that was heard. Even the servents glanced at each other nervously, the atmosphere tense.

Simon couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to you. You hadn’t said a word this morning, you had a sharp scowl on your face, even the way you buttered your toast was harsh.

“You’re awfully quiet.” He tested the waters, but again you said nothing. Only responding with a nod. “Last night you spoke to me. Or is it that you prefer to mutter things to yourself? What was it you called me again? An insensitive, intolerable arse” he laughed, it was small but held such amusement.

“I must admit, I have never heard such crass language leave a proper young lady’s mouth before.” That makes you pause as you’re about to cut into a sausage, he’d heard you bad mouthing him.

Your cheeks warm with slight embarrassment but Your glare is enough to get him to change the subject, “You’ve hardly eaten your breakfast. Is the food not to your liking? Do I need to have the chef prepare another meal for you?’ At this you shake your head no but that only frustrates Simon even more. “Then might I ask if there is something troubling you?” He tries, eyes holding a curiosity that makes you want to curl in on yourself and hide.

“No” You state.

And that’s it. That’s how it continues for the next two weeks of your marriage. Where other newlyweds would be rolling around together in bed in newly wed bliss. You are avoiding your husband and barely speaking to him during meal times something he is more than happy to point out.

Simon snaps one evening after asking you once more if something is the matter, to which you responded, “What’s it to you?” He most certainly does not take kindly to your attitude.

“Well forgive me if my curiosity is somewhat piqued. You are quite talented at making yourself scarce, so I apologize if my inquiry as to what my wife is thinking is a step over your boundaries!” He slams his knife and fork down on the wooden table.

There is a pause where it seems like the whole world is silent. You stare at your husband, watching closely as he tries to calm down from his outburst. Once he takes his fourth deep breath you decide to speak.

“Do you even care?”

Simon lets out a cold laugh at your question, “Out.” He commands to the servents, they make themselves scarce, the doors shutting behind them.

“Whether I ‘even care’ or not is irrelevant. Like it or not, we are husband and wife. And for the next three months, we must at least look like it.”

“Why should that matter here?” You roll your eyes placing your knife and fork down, though much more gently than Simon did.

“You are truly ignorant if you think we don’t have to pretend even within the confines of this estate. Servants have eyes. And ears. And we have little control over what they choose to share with those outside of this household. I have no doubt word of the state of our marriage has already reached London and spread throughout the Ton.” Simon stands, his chair scratching against the floor as he does. His heavy footsteps make the floorboards creak and it reminds you of your wedding day.

“This is truly disastrous.” Simon says bitterly as he pours himself a drink of amber liquid from one of the many crystal bottles on the side table.

“I’m not exactly having the best time of my life here with you either.” You sit back in your chair, folding your arms over your chest. Defensive and detached.

“Oh I’m well aware, you don’t exactly hide your distaste for me well, and I would be lying if I said the feelings were not the slightest bit mutual. But it would be wise to at least learn to tolerate each other’s presence.” He barks irritatedly swirling the amber liquid around in his glass before knocking it back. The glass is finished in one big gulp, it leads him to pour another before returning to his seat.

“Now with all that settled, I would very much appreciate it if you could cooperate with me in our little endeavor, dear wife.” Simon does what you think is a smile but you’re unsure. It looks more like a vicious dog baring its teeth to you in warning before it bites.

A few moments of silence between the two of you. You didn’t want this. A loveless marriage with a man who had absolutely zero interest in you. At least he wasn’t beating you though, or worse. Your brain pushes those thoughts aside and pushes you to think about what could have been instead.

It makes your heart ache and your eyes well up with tears. The last thing you want to do is cry in front of Simon. You abruptly push your chair back and storm out of the room, slamming the door behind you as you leave.

You’re panting by the time you get to your room, the tears pouring down your face as you heave. You’re on your knees before you know it, sobbing into your hands. The world moves on around you while you cry and pray for a different life. That this is all a dream and you’ll wake up soon in your old house with your old life before your parents decided to give you to this man.

You manage to pull yourself onto your bed where you cry yourself to sleep.

The rain was coming down hard now you noticed, a simple contrast compared to how it drizzled when you had woken up. Well, more like forced awake. The nightmare still fresh in your mind, a life you’d never have, your husband with other women. A loveless marriage and a baron home.

Your nose was blocked and your eyes puffy and sore from your melt down earlier. You washed your face and changed into your white nightgown and dark red robe before lighting a candle and making your way to the library.

The library, you could live and die happily in here. It was full of all your favourites and you always left the room with a smile on your face. A hard contrast to how you had left your bedroom earlier this evening.

You were so immersed in reading when Belle begins to fall in love with the beast that you didn’t even hear the library door slowly creak open.

To be continued…

Taglist | @watyousayin @corvusmorte @callmecurious97

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mjmikaelson · 4 months ago

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#POLIN

POLIN MODERN AU—SPIDER-MAN

Penelope Featherington-Watson

•secretly writes for the Daily Bugle, her goal: unmasked Spider-Man

Colin Bridgerton-Parker

•photographer of the Daily Bugle

(masked vigilant of NY)

new reacting fic—coming soon!

#ao3 fanfic #ao3 #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #Penelope Featherington x Colin Bridgeton #modern polin #polin bridgerton #polin #bridgerton au #bridgerton: season 3 #bridgerton fanfiction #polin fanfiction #spiderman #tasm peter parker #peter parker 3 #multiverse au

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sea-owl · 2 years ago

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I request a governess polin au, hell we can add kathony too.

So let's say that in this au, Kate never went to London and Penelope never had London debut. To help with the family finances Kate set out to become a nurse/governess (I am aware they are two different positions, but just roll with me.) After discovering Lord Featheringtons debts Portia only had enough money to debut one more daughter. After debating she decided to place her bets on Felicity. Neither ever met the Bridgertons.

Somehow Penelope ended up as a sort of apprentice/partner to Kate and the two found a good job within the house of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings. With two of them they are able to take care of the children, Auggie, and Amelia, when they are younger and later teach them as well as any other children the Duke and Duchess may have.

The two get along well with their employers and they have each other so the loneliness that usually comes with their kind of position isn't as bad.

Then comes 1816 aka the year without summer. Things were wet and cold, some of the ton had decided to forgo that season and stay in their country homes. One of those families was the Bassets, who decided to invite the family to Clyvedon for the rest of the season, with possibly taking some time to go to Aubrey Hall.

Of course Kate and Penelope are also at Clyvedon, helping take care of the young lord and ladies.

"Oh Kate, Penelope," Daphne greeted as she walked into the nursery. "You two can take a break for a little while. Just bring the children down to the drawing room, my family will be here soon and I'm sure they'll want to see the babies."

"Yes your grace," Kate and Penelope bowed.

"Thank you-," Daphne cut herself off with a yawn. "Oh forgive me on that."

"It is alright your grace," Kate said.

Daphne fought another yawn as she walked out of the nursery.

Kate and Penelope looked at each other before letting out soft giggles.

"I suppose we'll have another little one soon enough," Kate said as she held onto Auggie's leading strings in one hand and held Belinda in another.

"Good for us, it keeps us employed longer," Penelope joked. She gently bounces Caroline, while her other hand holds Amelia's leading strings. "Looks like you won't be the baby for long young miss."

Kate grinned. "That it does."

The two lead the children down to the family drawing room where Simon was waiting. After that they were temporarily free for probably most of the afternoon if this was like the other visits from the duchess' family. Not that Kate and Penelope haven't really had any more than brief glimpses at the infamous Bridgertons.

After that Kate went to take a walk while Penelope went down to the kitchen for some leftovers cook left since she missed breakfast.

Enter Anthony and Colin.

Anthony had ridden separate from his family as he had to make a stop on the way for business. Unfortunately this also meant that Anthony had gotten caught in the rain on his way. Colin had gotten back just in time for them to leave and had not yet had a chance to change out of his traveling clothes nor a chance to really eat anything. Suffice to say they did not really look like sons of a high bred family.

Kate just happened to be passing by when Anthony rode up to Clyvedon.

Kate had to stop herself from raising an eyebrow at the soaked man who was foolish to ride out into the rain. If she had to guess he may have been one of the tenets. Just as they always did during the first day of guest arriving, the duke and duchess gave strict orders that they are not to be disturbed.

"Excuse me," the man said. "You could you direct me to where Simon and Daphne are?"

Kate was taken aback. She has never heard of a tenet being so informal. "I'm sorry sir, but their graces are not seeing to any business today. The duchess' family had arrived today."

The tenet looked annoyed. "I assure you they are expecting me."

"Sir," Kare sighed, then yelled when he pushed past her. "Sir!"

That's when Kate heard the bell designated for the nurses and governesses. Well fine, she'll just let her employers handle the tenet.

Meanwhile Colin had sneaked down to the kitchen. He was a growing boy after all, and he hadn't eaten all day.

He was surprised to see a cute red down there happily eating an eclair.

"Is there anymore?" Colin asked her.

Penelope jumped, just barely catching the custard that fell. Turning towards Colin she did in fact raise an eyebrow. She has not seen this man before. Penelope could place almost all the servants at Clyvedon by face and she has seen this one. Plus his clothing does not look like anything any of the servants would be wearing. Nor is he looking at her food like anyone else she has met before.

"I'm sorry sir, but this was the only one Cook had set aside. The rest are being served to her grace's family," Penelope said.

The man's eyes lit up at the mere mention of more food. "Really? Oh must show me where they are!"

What was this man? Some kind of interloper? Penelope would rather not show him where the duke and duchess are, but blast. It looks like she might not have a choice. That was the bell to summon her and Kate. Well hopefully if he does follow the duke will take care of it.

Kate and Penelope met at the entrance of the drawing room both of them looking at their partner with a questioning look at the strange man following.

Before Kate or Penelope could stop them the tenet and the interloper both walk into the drawing room.

"Anthony!"

"Colin!"

Oh fuck, Kate and Penelope knew those names. Those were the names of the duchess' brothers, the Viscount Bridgerton and the third Bridgerton. And now among the rest of their siblings Kate and Penelope could see the resemblance.

#anthony and colin: pretty lady😍😍#daphne: QUIT TRYING TO SEDUCE MY STAFF #so in general a governess was a daughter to a middle or upper class family that generally fell on hard times #it was not an enviable position since they were basically outcasts among the staff #generally born too high and too educated for the rest of the staff but also not on equal level to their employers #the one they more than likely worked the most with was the nanny since they both were responsible for the raising and education of the kids #I would've done the saphne kids older but i thought 1816 would fit better due to how cold it was that year and indoor bound others would be #bridgerton #kathony #polin #governess au #kate sharma #kate sheffield #penelope featherington #anthony bridgeton #colin brigerton

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