#but formal events and job and such you HAVE to be punctual

[ellastone-olsen]

Fucked my way up to the top - Wanda Maximoff

DO NOT COPY ANY OF MY WORKS. MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY

Summary: You just got your first job in your life and suspiciously quickly became an assistant to the director of the company. Where's the catch?

Pairing: ceo!Wanda Maximoff × f!reader

Warnings: NSFW, dom!Wanda, sub!reader, age gap (W34 R21), mommy kink, strap on usage (W), blow job (R), pet names

DISCLAIMER: ENGLISH ISN'T MY FIRST LANGUAGE SORRY FOR GRAMMAR OR SPELLING MISTAKES

Word count: 1.2k

AN: inspired by lana del rey i really love that song

You just graduated from a college you didn't even want to go to. Wrong college, wrong specialty, but as a result, very much the right job. After one day you began to believe in fate and that this entire chain of events in your life was a blessing from above. After all if it weren’t for the strong nature of your parents who sent you to study, you would never have met Wanda.

At some point, you thought that you would never find a job in your specialty until you saw the ideal vacancy: the salary, the location of the office, the schedule, the educational requirements, everything suited you. There definitely had to be a catch somewhere. And it definitely was.

“No, put it in its place, I don’t need these papers and coffee right now. I have a meeting Y/N, why answer me i need coffee? Just think for once with your pretty little head.” That catch was your boss, Wanda Maximoff. That's what you thought at first.

You trotted behind her on the way to the conference room; in general, the very fact that the director of the company took you on as her personal assistant was already a great success. Some worked in one place for years and remained as an office clerk. And then Wanda Maximoff took you to bring her coffee, not the hardest job, especially for the money that you were paid.

When you entered the room, the hall was empty. One characteristic feature of your boss was excessive punctuality, you realized this in your first week of work. You took your place at the head of the table next to her when you felt manicured hands rest on your shoulders, stroking them. That was the second thing about Wanda Maximoff, she loved to touch you, a lot. Sometimes she would tuck a stray strand behind your ear, sometimes she would stroke your thigh; in general, such touches from her were nothing new. If you said you didn't enjoy it, you'd be lying. Wet dreams with her began to visit you in the third week of work.

And now, from her touch, you could feel your core throbbing. To your great regret, at that moment the conference room began to fill with people. As important and powerful as Wanda. To be honest, you didn’t understand that such a small employee like you was even doing here.

The meeting lasted about an hour and during this time you could feel with your whole being how tense your boss was. Everything was definitely not going the way she wanted; one of the men opposite was already starting to scream, unable to prove that he was right. The deal was on the verge of failure. “Okay gentlemen, I think that’s enough for today. We’ll continue tomorrow.” Wanda could not stand it and marked the end of this meeting.

When the hall was empty, the woman sat down in a chair with her legs spread, a sigh escaped her lips and one hand again lay on your thigh, squeezing it. "Fucking bastards." She muttered and your gaze caught the older woman's pants. She wore an expensive formal suit with a bulge imprinted on the trousers. Your eyes widened, your breath caught in your throat as you wondered what her purpose was..."See something you like?" You jumped at the question, scared that you had been caught. One of Wanda's hands strokes your thigh, moving up closer to your already dripping pussy while the other massages her fake cock through the fabric of her pants. You look at her expressionless face and nod in response to the question.

"On your knees". The chair moves back with a creak, giving you space. You stand in front of her to look into her eyes, darkened with lust, for a second and fall to your knees. Hands immediately reach for her trousers, sorting out the belt and pulling them off along with her underwear. A red strap jumps out in front of your face and you start to get nervous about the size. “I don’t think it will fit..”. You are interrupted by a grip in your hair. "Don't worry baby girl I'll make it fit now suck my cock."

She guides your head towards her length and you curl your tongue around the tip as if she can feel it. You raise your eyes and look at her, and then shut your mouth on her dick, feeling tears gathering in the corners of your eyes. Her palm cups your cheek and her thumb wipes away drops of moisture, “Oh my sweet girl wants to please her mommy so bad.” She helps you by guiding your head up and down her length, your panties are hopelessly ruined and you squirm, looking for some kind of relief. Wanda lifts her hips so that your nose touches her stomach and holds you like that for a few seconds. When your boss lets you go, your makeup is hopelessly ruined and you gasp for air.

"Such a good sweet girl. Do you want mommy to put her dick inside you? Do you want me to stretch you out and fuck you until you forget your name?" You are still kneeling in front of her and a pathetic whine comes out of your mouth, “Please mommy I really need you to fuck me.” Wanda likes your answer and growls, she pulls you to your feet and then bends you over the large office desk. Your cheek is pressed against the cold surface, the older woman has already hiked up your skirt to your waist and is stroking your throbbing pussy through the fabric of your cotton panties.“My, my, you’re already absolutely wet and I haven’t touched you yet. Do you like sucking mommy’s cock so much? Maybe next time should I fuck this beautiful, capable mouth mmm?" A sharp slap on your ass makes you gasp. "Yes yes please I will like it so much.”

Your underwear falls to your ankles and the tip of her cock teases your throbbing clit and then runs through the folds, collecting your arousal. Without warning, she fills you to the edge and started to pound at a slower pace than you would like. You gasp from the stretch "Mommy it's too big. Feel so full." Her pace increases, her hand finds your swollen clit and rubs it making you cry. "That's my good girl. Taking me so well. Come on baby mommy needs to de-stress after these bastards." Wanda leans over you and bites your neck as she continues to pound into you at a faster pace, your velvet walls starting to clench around her length. "Oh fuck Ms. Maximoff I'm close I gonna cum." Wanda’s cock hits that nice spot inside you so deliciously, pushing you inexorably to the edge. "Come on baby, cum for me. Show mommy how good she fucks you." Her fingers rub your sensitive bud faster and you see stars cumming all over her cock, crying out inaudible curses into the silence of the office. She continues to move, prolonging your orgasm until your breathing evens out.

She pulls out her faux cock and then a pair of strong arms turns you around so you're face to face so she can press her lips to yours in a leisurely kiss. Wanda walks back to sit back in her chair, holding you by the waist, pulling you behind her so that you sit on her lap. “I was not mistaken in choosing you as my assistant.”

[findetdeutschland]

Non-Verbal Messages

When you are learning a new language, it can be very easy to get wrapped up in only focusing on the verbal side of communication rather than the non-verbal aspects. In some cases, you may be able to get by without causing any harm. However, you can also make some questionable or even offensive gestures and not even be aware of the transgression. With non-verbal communication, there are multiple different parts to keep in mind. Those would be appearance (clothing/hygiene/skin tone), movements/gestures/personal space, posture, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, and paralanguage. There are many parts that all together reflect a person’s non-verbal communication. Some people may be more comfortable with full eye contact and close proximity when speaking with each other or could be seen as threatening or insulting to others. Knowing more about the country you are trying to visit is always beneficial and may save you face later on down the road. Sometimes, it may not be easy to fully understand all of the nuances when you are first arriving to a new location, but finding a source like a local or someone familiar with the culture is always going to be the most helpful source of information. Some obstacles that could arise from that is maybe you don’t know someone who could help you, or maybe you don’t have enough time to do your research before travelling. If that is the case, then maybe try to look up some YouTube videos or blogs that you can scan through before contacting a local. Also, explaining yourself of being unaware might also be in your best interest.

With Germany specifically, eye contact is increasingly important. If you are actively avoiding eye contact with a German, they will get the impression that you are untrustworthy, or you aren’t supporting the statements you are making. German people are a very direct, individualist society that has a high value of respect and honor, meaning that you want to not only be honest verbally but also look open and approachable non-verbally too. Another important part to remember is that some gestures in Germany mean different things in English. For example, a thumb’s up in the US may mean good job or you agree with something, but in Germany people generally start counting with their thumb so they will understand that as someone saying one. Or a highly offensive gesture of tapping your index finger against your forehead in the US could just mean to use your head or good thinking. Personal space is also something to keep in mind because German people value their own space. You generally want to have at least an arm’s length of space between strangers, coworkers, or your boss. If you have a closer relationship with another person, it may be more acceptable to stand closer to engage in more physical contact. But German people will definitely feel uncomfortable if you just assume they feel the same way about you in the relationship. Time is another important element when thinking about travelling or working in Germany, which is one of the most monochronic cultures in the world. Everything and everyone runs on a specific timeline, and nothing is ever late. Punctuality is one of the most important characteristics of business in Germany. If you are late, you might as well not come in, because it is a huge sign of disrespect if you were to arrive at the location late. This even goes into less formal events like with friends or family, because a person’s time is something to be respected. It’s important to understand these details, and I understand that you may be thinking that these aren’t really that big of a deal. However, that is not the case. If you want to be taken seriously in Germany, you have to understand their culture, and what they consider to be valuable/respectful.

[sparkleplace1]

Cultural Adaptation and Workplace Success: Working in Singapore

For individuals seeking Jobs in Singapore, cultural adaptation is a key factor in achieving workplace success. Singapore, known for its diverse and multicultural society, values harmony and respect in the workplace. Understanding and adapting to the local culture is essential for a positive professional experience. In this article, we will explore the importance of cultural adaptation in the context of Jobs in Singapore.

1. Embrace Singapore's Multicultural Society

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and traditions. Embracing this diversity is vital for success in Jobs in Singapore. Here's how to do it:

Respect for All: Show respect for colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, regardless of their ethnicity or religion.

Learn Local Languages: While English is widely spoken, making an effort to learn basic phrases in local languages like Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil can be appreciated by colleagues and clients.

Participate in Festivals: Joining in celebrations of cultural festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, demonstrates your respect for local customs and traditions.

2. Workplace Etiquette

Adhering to workplace etiquette in Singapore is essential for a harmonious work environment:

Punctuality: Be punctual for meetings and appointments, as this is highly valued in Singapore.

Dress Code: Dress professionally and conservatively in most workplaces, unless your industry allows for casual attire.

Respect for Hierarchy: Singaporean workplaces often have a hierarchical structure. Show respect for superiors and follow established protocols.

3. Effective Communication

Clear and effective communication is key to success in Jobs in Singapore:

Direct Communication: Singaporeans tend to value direct and straightforward communication. Be concise and to the point in your interactions.

Active Listening: Practice active listening during meetings and discussions to show your engagement and respect for others' opinions.

Email Etiquette: Use polite and formal language in professional emails, addressing recipients with their titles and surnames.

4. Networking and Building Relationships

Networking is a crucial aspect of professional life in Singapore:

Attend Networking Events: Attend industry events, conferences, and networking sessions to connect with professionals in your field.

Cultivate Relationships: Building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and business partners can open doors to career opportunities and collaborations.

Mentorship: Seek out mentorship opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights into the local business culture.

5. Work-Life Balance

Singaporeans value work-life balance. While the city is known for its fast-paced lifestyle, it's essential to find balance to maintain long-term workplace success.

Set Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout and maintain well-being.

Enjoy Local Activities: Explore Singapore's rich cultural and recreational offerings during your leisure time.

Cultural adaptation is not only a way to thrive in Jobs in Singapore but also a way to foster positive relationships and contribute to a harmonious and productive work environment. As you embark on your professional journey in Singapore, consider exploring job opportunities on AllJobSpo, a platform connecting job seekers with employers offering Jobs in Singapore. By embracing the local culture and customs, you can enhance your workplace success and build a fulfilling career in this vibrant city-state.

Effective Job Search Strategies: Leveraging Online Resources

[mexican-culture]

Blog Post #7

As we all know I have been studying the culture in Mexico. I currently work with multiple Hispanics. I do not work in a “white collar” job, but in the Agriculture profession. I think it goes without saying that it is not the most professional work place. However, the more research I do the more I find how “white collar” people operate in Mexico. According to Mexico- Business and Travel Etiquette “Mexican businesspeople in major cities place a great deal of importance on appearances, and in many settings generally dress more formally than in most U.S. cities. We recommend wearing professional attire when meeting with prospective business partners in Mexico and it is advisable to avoid overly casual clothes and athletic shoes when going out to business meals.

Being sensitive to typical business hours and mealtimes is extremely important. It is not uncommon for offices to open at 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. and for people to work until 8 p.m. or later. This means that during the week, many Mexicans follow a pattern of five meals, with desayuno consisting of fruit or a pastry between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. before going to work, a somewhat heavier almuerzo around 10:30 or 11:30 a.m., a heavy lunch called comida generally after 2 p.m., an evening snack called merienda, and/or a light dinner or cena after 8 p.m. Don’t try to schedule a meeting between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. unless you intend for it to be over lunch.

The business lunch is a key tool in Mexico. Use it to build relationships and discuss matters in greater leisure. Before beginning a business discussion, it is common to discuss family, recent events, or other social themes. Mexican businesspeople and government contacts may smoke and drink during business meals. Business lunches can span two hours or more and, again, usually do not begin until 2 or 3 p.m. Many restaurants do not open for lunch before 1:30 p.m. and most restaurants will not begin offering dinner before 7:30 p.m.

Patience is key when doing business in Mexico. Business meetings in Mexico will often take longer than they would in the United States. Mexican social etiquette often includes more small talk before business. Social custom makes it difficult to say no. Therefore, “yes” does not always mean yes. In conversation, Mexicans emphasize tactful and indirect phrasing, and may be more effusive than Americans with praise and emotional expressions. Email communication may be significantly more formal than it is in U.S. practice, and it is courteous to mirror this formality in your own correspondence. The mobile messaging application WhatsApp is popular for quick, informal communications. Do not be overly aggressive while negotiating. It is considered rude.

The concept of time is flexible in Mexico. Guests to social events (except in the case of cities in the North) can arrive up to an hour late. However, punctuality is the norm for most business and government appointments.

Business cards are used extensively. Come with a large supply. Mexican pesos are used throughout the country. It is not legal or common to pay with U.S. dollars (although in border areas and tourist areas dollars are sometimes accepted).”

As you read though this you find that they do business basically the same that we do in America. They like to build rapport and have small talk more than we do in America, but overall it is the same. Be on time or early, be police, build rapport, and use technology and business cards to get your name out there.

[shawnsprincesse]

Rear View (Harry Styles AU)

WARNING, this story contains:

Sex

Dirty talk

Choking

Bratty sub

TW AGE GAP

Melanie’s dads chauffeur picks Melanie up after a night out and after not getting lucky at the club she’s hoping he’ll give her a good time instead, the problem is he doesn’t want to lose his job and there’s a clear age gap between them.

Aka

Melanie masturbates in the car and Harry watches her in the rear view mirror before deciding to finally fuck her.

AN: I imagined this as long haired harry while writing it but you can imagine whatever you want. Also, I don’t specify his age so you can imagine whatever age you’re comfortable with when it comes to the age gap part.

I watched as the long black limousine pulled up to the curb, punctual as always. After a long night out with the girls I was tired, tipsy and ready to go home. It was a warm October night in Hollywood and the hills were crowded with people trying to get into the popular nightclubs along the streets. Lucky for me, I was able to get in wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted despite only being eighteen. My dad is a part of Hollywood’s elite, he’s worked with countless movie stars and I was basically raised on a movie set. This gives me tons of benefits when it comes to socializing, I’m always on the VIP list and I’m always invited to movie premieres and other big Hollywood events.

Being raised by industry parents definitely has it’s perks but there are always several downsides to it. My parents raised me to always be polite, always be on my best behavior and to never lash out on people not matter how I really feel. This is usually not a problem because I am over all a quite happy person but with social media and the endless amount of haters and trolls on line testing my patience I sometimes have a hard time biting my own tongue.

”I guess I’ll see you Monday at school?” Josh, some random boy I met at the club said as he watched the limo pull up next to me on the curb.

”I guess.” I shrugged not really interested in seeing him on Monday or ever again. ”Thank you for tonight, I had a great time.” I lied as I turned to give Josh a brief hug. It wasn’t that I had a bad time, I just expected to have a better time, if you know what I mean. It’s pretty obvious that I’m not going home with him and honestly what’s the point of going clubbing if you’re not gonna get fucked afterwards?

”You too. Text me when you get home.” Josh smiled. He’s a great guy and we’ve been talking for a while now but things just aren’t doing it for me. When he asked me if I wanted to go out clubbing I thought for sure that this was going to be the night where I’d get laid which is why I put on my sexiest black dress and got all dolled up for the night.

I don’t have a problem getting laid, guys basically line themselves up for me and I’m not the one to tell them no, for the most part I’m not picky. I lost my virginity when I was sixteen and I’ve probably slept with like fifteen to twenty guys since then so it’s not like I’m ugly or anything. I just don’t understand why Josh didn’t make a move tonight, I guess he’s too nice and is hoping to take things slow but I honestly don’t have time for that.

I’m not looking for a relationship, I’m only eighteen and when you’re eighteen you’re supposed to go out, get drunk and have fun, not settle down and get married. My mother had me when she was only twenty and look at her now, she’s basically just working for my dad, taking care of the house and occasionally drinks wine with her friends. I don’t want to settle down at twenty only to have boring book club meetings with wine when I’m forty-five. I wanna live life.

The limousine driver stepped out of the driver’s seat and walked around to open the door for me. ”How are you tonight, Miss Dorsey?” The driver spoke politely.

”Didn’t I tell you to call me Melanie, or Mel for short?” I teasingly asked as I stepped into the vehicle. 

”You did. I’m just trying to keep things formal.” My dad’s driver spoke politely. He was very well mannered despite his tossed up look. 

”Well, don’t.” I corrected him with a soft, reassuring smile. He’s too hot to be calling me Miss Dorsey anyway, it sounds like he’s talking to my grandma.

Harry is one of dads newest drivers. He’s got this disheveled look to him where his slacks aren’t perfectly ironed, his dress shirt is always unbuttoned at the top and his long luscious curls are just messily pushed to the back. If I had to guess I would say he’s in his mid to late twenties and for me he ticks all the boxes. He’s got a great jawline, nice plump lips and beautiful green eyes and honestly I don’t need to know much more about him in order to fuck him.

”Where to Miss- I mean Mel?” Harry quickly tried to correct himself. Harry hasn’t formally introduced himself to me, I just happen to know his name by his name tag. My dad hired this company that sells chauffeur services so we’re not always guaranteed to get the same driver and I’ve only ever met Harry twice before but let me tell you the moment I laid my eyes on him, I knew I wanted him inside me.

”The beach house.” I responded ever so politely like my mother had taught me. Daddy has a beach house in Malibu and most of the time it sits empty which is perfect for me when I need to spend some time alone or get laid. My dad works late hours and early mornings so he pretty much barely sees me come and go and my mother goes everywhere with him as his personal assistant so I’m pretty much free to do whatever I want and as an only child I rarely get punished for anything.

”Yes ma’am.” Harry nodded as he looked at me through the rear view mirror. 

I adjusted myself in the seat, pulling my short dress down to a comfortable position as I reached back to buckle my seatbelt. I could feel Harry’s eyes on me as I shifted slightly on top of the leather cushion, my legs tightly knit together in a lady-like manner. Of course I noticed his obvious staring but I pretended not too as the skirt ”accidentally” slipped back up over my thighs, revealing more and more of my bare skin. 

”Can I ask for your opinion?” I innocently spoke as I looked back at Harry.

”Sure.” He replied, he seemed about as clueless as a mouse in a mousetrap.

”What do you think about this dress? Daddy says it’s a bit too short but I don’t know. Do you agree?” I asked, forcing him to look at me and the little black dress once again.

Harry nervously scratched his neck as he struggled to figure out the right answer. He could either agree with me and admit that he found the inappropriate dress flattering on me or he could disagree with me and upset his boss’ daughter.

”Uhm-” He choked out nervously as he tried not to stare at me for too long.

”Daddy doesn’t think it’s appropriate since I’m only eighteen but I mean, I’m an adult. What do you think Harry?” I asked as I bit the corner of my lip, my voice soft and innocent as I slowly batted my lashes at him in a flirtatious manner.

He choked out a hmpf as he heard my sweet innocent voice spell out his name. I was already dead set on getting this man into my bed. Josh’s disappointment really settled it for me, I don’t need high school boys in my life, I need real grown men that knows what I want and aren’t afraid of giving it to me.

”Uhm I think-” Harry nervously choked out as he was unable to tear his gaze away from the revealing dress and the curves of my body. ”It uh, it’s great.” He managed to spit out an answer after taking a long look at the way the dress hugged my large breasts and wide hips.

”I knew it. See my daddy is so old fashioned, like at this point I’m a grown woman I should be allowed to wear what I want.” I spoke with innocence laced over my voice. At this point Harry probably thought I was just drunk and rambling when really it was just a part of the seduction.

”Mhmm.” Harry hummed in agreement as he tried his best to hide his not so subtle gaze into the rear view mirror.

”Also, I’m so sorry I had to call you this late…” I politely apologized as I continued to reel Harry in with my sweet seduction. ”I was out with this guy, Josh, right… and he asked me to go clubbing with him but he didn’t even have the decency to give me a ride home or anything.” I continued to mindlessly rant to give off the appearance that I was slightly more drunk than I really was, mostly because if my seduction didn’t work I could just blame everything on the alcohol and avoid completely embarrassment.

I’ve slept with older guys before but not guys that are this much older, they’ve usually just been a year or two older, college guys at best. So I’m kind of new to this whole, seducing older men technique and if it fails I’ll probably just stick to college guys because they’re the easiest target anyway.

”Of course, no worries.” Harry responded while flashing me a polite smile. 

I leaned forward in my seat, my elbows now resting on my knees as I sat behind Harry. I could inhale his scent and smell the sweet scent of his cologne as I breathed softly behind him.

”Josh really wasn’t gonna do it for me anyway…” I continued to speak, now in a low seductive voice as I was right behind Harry in his seat. ”I think I need a real man to satisfy me.” I whispered right behind Harry’s head rest. I’m sure he could feel my heavy breath against his neck at this point and it was almost like I could taste his skin and see the little neck hairs rise as he realized what I was doing.

His initial reaction was to nervously cough as he kept his eyes on the road, for a second he pretended like he didn’t hear me although I’m pretty sure he heard me loud and clear.

”It’s so hard to find a real man these days…” I continued to rant in my low seductive voice, playing it off like I was a little too drunk when in reality I was dead serious and knew exactly what I was doing. ”All these high school boys don’t know how to treat a woman right, you know?” I continued to drunkenly swoon into Harry’s ear to the point where he could no longer act like he didn’t hear me. ”I bet you know how to treat a woman right…” I continued to speak lowly. ”Bet you know just the right way to satisfy me…” I sing-sang drunkenly as I leaned forward as close to Harry’s ear as I possible could with the headrest separating us.

”Miss Dorsey!” Harry tried to interrupt me with another loud cough.

”Oh c’mon.” I dismissed his nervous cough. ”I know you want to.” I cooed teasingly as I looked at him through the rear view mirror, his green eyes nervously shifting across the empty road as he tried his best to ignore my advances.

”I think you’ve had a little bit too much to drink Miss Dorsey.” Harry politely and professionally declined.

”I see the way you look at me.” I ignored his exclamation as I continued to whisper sweetly into his ear with my seductive voice. 

”I can’t. Your dad would fire me.” Harry choked out, quietly admitting that he wanted to and the only thing stopping him was my dad. ”I’d lose my job!”

”Daddy doesn’t have to know.” I whispered softly into his ear. ”It’ll be our little secret.” I cooed ever so sweetly as I breathed heavily against Harry’s neck.

”No, no, no, no.” Harry called out loudly as if he’d snapped back into his senses and before I could know it, the little seductive games were over. ”You’re just drunk.” Harry called out dismissively as he leaned forward and pressed the little button that activated the separating privacy wall between us.

Suddenly I was left alone in the backseat, I let out a sigh as I leaned back into my seat and crossed my arms in disappointment. Damn, this night’s going so well, I thought to myself as I looked out at the dark night. Malibu is like a thirty minute drive from the hills and now I’m stuck in a car with a man that doesn’t want to fuck me and I’m mostly likely just gonna have to go to bed once I get home, what a successful night.

I might as well kick off my shoes, I thought to myself as I shrugged out of the tight leather hells. I already had blisters on the back of my foot and the top of my pinky toe. I looked down at my painted toe nails and shrugged as I put them up in the air to restore my blood flow. My feet and legs were aching from the heels being worn all night and the blisters were already red and bruised, matching the color of my nails.

I felt my skirt ride up my thighs and butt as I adjusted in my seat. My feet were now placed on the back of the privacy wall as I somewhat laid down in the backseat. My pussy was aching for attention and since this night was such a disaster I figured I would have to take matters into my own hands at this point.

I let one of my hands slide down between my legs, hoping that the simple touch would somehow soothe my pussy’s aching need for attention but it wasn’t good enough. It had been screaming for attention all night and with twenty minutes left of the drive, I wasn’t sure if I could wait until we got home.

My hand rubbed against the thin fabric of my panties over and over again in a soothing manner hoping that the burning ache between my legs would calm down just enough for me to make it home. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh as I continued to rub my hand over my clothed pussy. I thought about what a disappointing night it had been a how I’d rather have a real proper cock in me than having to down this on my own later tonight. Without dwelling too much on the fact that neither Josh or Harry wanted to fuck me, I thought about how good it was going to feel to finally get home and be able to properly touch my pussy and maybe I’d take a long nice shower and play with the shower head or find a nice pillow to grind my pussy against, anything that would soothe the aching need between my legs.

”Fuck.” I moaned quietly as I thought about making myself come. I realized that I don’t need a guy to come, I could just fuck myself with whatever object was available to me whether it be my own hands, a hot shower head or a firm pillow, maybe having to take care of things myself wasn’t the worst thing that could happen in the world.

As I continued to rub myself through my panties my mind wandered away from the endless possibilities of self-pleasuring to actually having a cock inside me. I wonder what Harry would be like in bed, he’s so much older than me and probably more experienced. He’s probably got a real good cock and knows how to use it properly unlike the boys at my school.

”Fuck!” I moaned again at the thought of Harry’s cock entering my wet, needy little teen pussy. I bet men his age fantasize about fucking young teens like me all the time, after all there’s a reason for teen 18+ being the top category on Pornhub.

”Everything okay, miss?” Harry asked and my eyes shot open as I was interrupted by his voice. The private wall was slowly pushed back down and I didn’t have enough time to hide what was actually going on behind the curtains as Harry looked at me through the rear view mirror.

”Mhmm.” I moaned deciding to not even bother hiding what I was doing since he already thought I was too drunk to function at this point.

Instead of hiding my rubbing motions, I continued to move my hand between my legs. The privacy wall was now down and I had to place my feet back on the ground, causing me to shift further in my seat. I spread my legs wide enough to give Harry a clear view of what I was doing as his eyes kept lingering on the rear view mirror.

My fingers pushed the thin cotton fabric of my panties to the side to expose the delicate parts between my legs. I trailed my fingertips gently against my moist slit as I refused to look away form Harry’s eyes in the rear view mirror. He was watching me and I knew it. If he wasn’t gonna fuck me, the least I could do was put on a good show to show him what he’s missing out on.

I bit the corner of my lip as I played with my wet pussy. My fingers danced across the soft, warm skin as I leaned back in my seat. Heavy breaths exited my mouth and filled the air as I gently rubbed my clit in circles, soothing the aching needs within me.

”Fuck…” I moaned once again as I finally, after some light teasing, slid one of my fingers inside me. 

Harry watched through the rear view mirror as I kept touching and teasing myself in the backseat. He tried to ignore my heavy breathing and pretended like he was too busy focusing on the road. Feeling bold and brave, I pushed another finger into my tight aching pussy, my hips grinding slowly against the leather seat as my own digits filled me up.

”Don’t you wanna fuck this tight little pussy, Harry?” I moaned as I began to move my fingers inside me. I could see Harry’s green orbs shift around the rear view mirror as I began to fuck myself in the back seat. The sound of my slick fingers slipping in and out of my sopping wet pussy echoed through the large car as I leaned back, spreading my knees further apart to give Harry and even better view. ”I know you want to feel how tight my little teen pussy feels wrapped around your big cock.” I continued to moan as I looked at Harry through the mirror. 

My fingers slid into my pussy with ease, I’d been needy for something inside me all night and now that I finally got it, I wasn’t gonna stop any time soon. Harry could either enjoy the show or ignore it. Regardless, I was dead set on making myself come.

”Oh fuck, it feels so good.” I moaned as I pushed another finger into my mouth to playfully suck on it while Harry’s eyes nervously shifted between the road and the rear view mirror. ”I could really use a big fucking cock to stretch me out properly.” I continued to talk dirty as I looked straight into the rear view mirror while sucking on my finger.

The sucking on a finger trick usually does wonders because guys can’t help but to imagine it being their own cock and it drives them crazy, for me it works all the time. Harry stayed silent as he watched me devour my own finger with my mouth, my tongue licking at it as if it was a big juicy popsicle. He pressed his lips into a thin line as I continued to moan for him in the backseat.

”I bet you’ve got a nice, big cock for me to suck on.” I moaned as I continued to make playful sucking noises around my finger. 

”Melanie-” Harry tried to object, the sigh in his voice indicating his frustration as he forced my name to spill out of his gritted teeth.

”I won’t tell daddy a thing, I promise.” I moaned as I pressed another finger into my mouth. With two fingers thrusting into my pussy and two fingers playfully grinding into my mouth I closed my eyes and continued to touch and devour myself the way my body deserved to be devoured. ”I know you’re thinking about it, please, just let me have your cock.” I pleaded softly as I continued to suck on my fingers, my mind imagining that they were actually Harry’s cock.

”I can’t lose my job over this!” Harry huffed in frustration, rejecting my request and all of my advances even though I knew that deep down inside he wanted me.

”C’mon, I won’t tell anyone.” I pleaded innocently. ”I’m so fucking wet and needy, please, I just need a cock in me.” I pleaded like the sweet innocent girl I’d been before. 

”Uhm- just-” Harry frustrated tried to somehow save himself from this situation but there was nowhere for him to go. He was trapped in the car with me for another fifteen minutes and I sure was determined to make them a living hell for him.

”Please Harry-” I whined softly as I continued to play with my pussy for him at full view. His green orbs focusing more on the rear view mirror than the road at this point. ”I bet all those other boys can’t give it to me like you can.” I moaned as I looked at him through the mirror. 

I could hear him swallow hard, the gulp being the only audible noise inside the car except for the sound of my wet pussy.

Harry didn’t respond. He kept quiet and I was really impressed by his self-control. Older men tend to have more self-control compared to high school boys so I really shouldn’t be surprised. I didn’t need Harry to respond to keep the show going though. 

I continued to finger myself all the way home, edging myself to tease myself properly in front of Harry but also to prolong the pleasure my body was finally experiencing. I hadn’t masturbated with anyone else before and the thrill of having someone watching me definitely was quite the turn on. I could see why people do live cam shows and shit like that because knowing that someone is watching you touch yourself definitely adds some spice to the situation. 

When the car finally came to a stop Harry jumped out as if nothing had happened and I let out a sigh as I realized the fun was almost over. The door next to me opened up but I refused to remove my fingers from my dripping pussy, it felt too good and I was too worked up to just stop in the middle of it all.

”You sure you don’t wanna fuck me?” I asked, hoping that he would finally give in to my temptations and rail me in the backseat.

Harry stood by the door in silence, his hand holding a firm grip on the edge of the door as he waited for me to step out, but instead I just shifted in my seat as I flailed my legs out of the door opening and spread them wide for him to watch my fingers slide deeper into my wet little hole. 

”My pussy feels so tight and warm around my fingers.” I whispered as I spread my pussy lips apart so he could watch me fuck myself for him. I was dripping all the way onto the leather seat and I could feel my thighs clench in anticipation as I kept edging myself, my fingers moving in long, slow strokes to keep my pussy satisfied by not overwhelmed. ”If you’re not gonna fuck me, can I at least see your dick?” I tried to bargain as if this was some kind of negotiation. ”I could just come from the sight of it.” I moaned as I bit the corner of my lip.

”Get out.” Harry spoke through gritted teeth, his voice filled with frustration rather than anger and I could tell he was losing his self-control at this point.

”But I’m so close.” I whined in protest as I used my other hand to rub over my clit. Both my hands worked hard to get myself off and I didn’t wanna stop until I had a proper orgasm. ”Maybe if I could just have a little peak, that would make me come.” I batted my lashes at him innocently, hoping that it would drive him mad enough to give into my needs.

”Melanie-” Harry’s voice was stern and determined as he tapped his fingers against the door in frustration.

”Mmm you sound so hot when you say my name like that.” I continued to ignore Harry’s requests. ”I like it.” I moaned in return as I stubbornly continued my little masturbation show for Harry. ”Say it again!” I panted heavily as I looked up into Harry’s green eyes. He gritted his teeth against each other as he pressed his mouth into a thin line while I was testing his patience. He looked so hot all riled up and angry like this.

”Get out of the car, Melanie.” Harry spoke again with a firm voice as he clenched his fist around the door. He looked like he was about to pry it open even further, breaking it off it’s handles as he pressed his clenched fist around the edge of it.

”Wow, you sound just like my daddy.” I moaned tauntingly. ”So serious.” 

”Get! Out!” Harry tried once more as I continued to test his patience the way I used to test my daddy’s patience when I was a little girl.

”Make me, Daddy.” I moaned as I slid my fingers up to my mouth to suck my own pussy juices off of them. It was once again time for the finger trick. I batted my innocent lashes at Harry as I sucked my fingers off with soft moans escaping my lips at the same time. I refused to break eye contact as I pretended like my fingers were his sweet cock. My tongue devoured the taste of my own pussy as I swirled it on top of my fingers and all over their creases.

Harry was just about to pull me out of the car when I let out a soft giggle. His strong wrist grabbed a tight hold of my arm as he tried to yank me out of the vehicle but I refused to give in that easily. I did my best to resist but he was too strong and suddenly I was pulled to my bare feet and stood on the concrete outside my parents Malibu home.

”So rough, I like it.” I cooed teasingly as Harry held me firmly by my arm. I used my free hand to touch Harry all over his body, my hand squeezing his tight shoulders and running it’s way all the way down his torso and in between his legs. He released a sharp gasp as I squeezed his cock between my small, delicate fingers and I released another soft giggle as his green eyes widened in surprise at my forwardness.

”Listen, you’re gonna go inside and we’re never gonna speak of this again!” Harry ordered me firmly.

”You can’t tell me what to do, you’re not my daddy.” I fought back as I tried to withdraw my arm from his tight grip. 

”I don’t care, you’re gonna do as I say.” Harry’s firm voice sent chills down my spine.

”And if I don’t?” I questioned him like the stubborn little girl I am. It became very apparent that Harry didn’t have an answer for that and a cheeky grin appeared on my lips as I realized that. ”What if I tell daddy?” I sing-sang tauntingly as I stared back at Harry.

”Tell him what?” Harry asked confused. ”That you inappropriately came onto me, one of his employees?”

”What if I lie?” I grinned, I wouldn’t lie to get anyone in trouble, I just wanted to see his reaction. ”Don’t act like you didn’t like it…” I whispered seductively. ”I know you liked watching me play with myself otherwise your cock wouldn’t be so fucking hard right now.” I whispered the words into Harry’s ears as my small, delicate hand squeezed tightly around the clear bulge in his pants. ”Now, you either give me what I want or I’ll tell daddy what a bad employee you are.” I moaned as I rubbed my hand over Harry’s thick bulge. Some would find this strategy manipulative and wrong but I don’t think you can call it manipulation when you know the other person really wants it as well, I’d call it encouragement.

”You’re such a needy little girl, aren’t you?” Harry said as he squeezed my arm tighter and pushed me roughly up against the car. 

”Mhmm.” I choked out a moan as the back of my body hit the car with force. My eyes stared into Harry’s wild green eyes as I watched him finally give into his desires. His free hand pushed itself between my legs and directly against my bare pussy. He rubbed his whole hand against my slit and I let out a soft moan as I felt myself crumble weak at my knees by his single touch.

”Is this what you wanted?” Harry asked as he moved his hand firmly between my legs, coating his palm in my juices as he pushed me up against the car. His other hand moved up my arm, over my chest where he squeezed my breasts tightly and up over my collarbones to my neck. He placed his hand over my neck as his thumb gently caressed my skin and I released a heavy breathe, intimidated and turned on by his rough touch at the same time.

”Yes!” I whimpered as Harry grabbed a hold of my neck. I rolled my head back as I felt two of his fingers slide into my wet core. His hand continued to caress my neck in a soft, tender manner as he slid his fingers slowly in and out of me.

Suddenly as he picked up his pace, his fingers pumped into my with rough motions and the soft grip around my neck transformed into a proper chokehold.

”Speak up!” Harry ordered as he repeated his question. ”Is this what your needy little pussy wanted?” 

”Yes!” I choked out loudly between his rough thrusts. ”Fuck yes.” I whimpered loudly as he put me in place using his rough hands. This is exactly what I wanted, a man who could fucking put me in my place and fuck me senseless at the same time.

”You’re such a needy little brat huh? So fucking spoiled and used to getting everything you want all the time huh?” Harry spoke in a low, dominant voice through his gritted teeth as he held me in place by my neck.

”Mhmm. Daddy always gives me everything I want” I hummed in agreement. ”Are you gonna give me what I want Harry?” I moaned as I used my free hand to caress his hard cock through his slacks. I could feel how big he was through the thick fabric and my mouth was already watering at the thought of having him inside me.

”Are you gonna be a good girl?” Harry asked in return as he continued to finger fuck me with his palm rubbing gently against my sore clit.

”Yes.” I mewled softly. ”I’ll be good, I promise.” I moaned as I looked deep into his mesmerizing green eyes and bit the corner of my lip. ”Please, I need your cock.” I moaned as I rubbed my hand firmly over his thick, long shaft.

”There we go again, always so needy Melanie.” Harry tskd at me, shaming me for being the desperate little whore I was.

He grabbed me by my hips and tossed me back into the backseat of the car, wasting no time he swiftly undid his pants and pulled his boxers down to his ankles before climbing on top of me. 

”Spread your legs!” Harry ordered firmly. He pushed the small skirt of my little black dress up to my stomach and pulled my panties completely off of me before aligning himself by my entrance.

”Got such a pretty little pussy.” Harry mumbled as he rubbed his cock against my wet slit.

I let out a soft gasp as I watched him hover over me, his large body completely over maneuvering my small frame. 

”Please!” I whimpered as I felt Harry’s thick shaft coat itself in my juices, the tip of his swollen hard cock rubbing against my clit, making me writhe in frustration on top of the leather seat.

Harry grabbed a hold of my thick thighs, he yanked my body further down to the edge of the seat as he himself stood up in the doorway. He grabbed both my legs and pushed himself inside me, his large cock filling me up inch by inch as I laid on top of the car seat.

”Oh fuck!” I moaned as I felt his cock stretch me out properly. His big, thick shaft, pushing all the way inside my tight little cunt. ”It’s so big.” I whimpered as I felt my walls hug his entire length inside me.

”Fuck, that’s a wet pussy.” Harry groaned as he looked down between my legs, watching his entire cock disappear inside my tight hole.

”Yeah.” I moaned as I looked up at him with doe eyes. ”I want you to fuck my tight little teen pussy until I come all over your cock.” I moaned as I reached down to rub my clit to relieve some of the aching pain his massive cock was giving me.

Harry wasted no time. He was quick to move inside me and my pussy quickly got used to having him inside me. He thrusted into me with long, grinding strokes as he stood by the door opening. His hands caressed my legs and squeezed my thighs as he rocked into my body where I laid on top of the black leather seat, my tits jiggling and my butt rubbing against the seat.

”Holy fuck.” I moaned as I continued to rub my hand over my clit, my body already aching for a release since I’d been edging myself on the entire car ride home. ”You feel so fucking good.” I moaned loudly as I let my eyes roll back into my head. ”You fuck my tight little pussy so good.” I groaned as I felt his cock push deep into me.

Harry let out a series of loud grunts and groans as he grabbed a hold of my ankles and pulled my feet up onto his shoulders. His cock kept drilling into me as I laid in front of him completely at his mercy. He knew exactly what I wanted and he was giving it to me raw.

”Have you ever fucked a pussy this tight before?” I swooned as I felt his cock twitch inside me. I could feel every inch of him pushing my walls back and filling me up to the brim. I’d never felt so full before in my entire life. ”Fuck, your cock feels so good stretching me out like this.” I moaned as I looked down, my eyes watching his cock burying itself inside my aching pussy. It was a beautiful sight to watch his hips collide with my body.

Harry held onto my legs as he continued to thrust into me, he grabbed my hips and pulled me even closer to the edge, allowing him to get deeper inside me as I continued to moan out loud in pure bliss. 

”More!” I whimpered loudly. ”I need more.” I moaned at the top of my lungs as Harry continued to slam into me. 

”Such a needy little brat.” Harry mumbled as he grabbed my legs and pushed them off his shoulders. He pushed them back and forced me to grab a hold of my own knees as he pressed his hands back against the back of my thighs. At this point he was folding me up like a lawn chair but I couldn’t care less as long as I got to feel his big cock inside me.

He scoot me back on the seat to give my back some support before he hovered me missionary style. I whimpered out loud as I felt how deep his cock could enter me with this position. I mewled and purred like a sweet kitten as I felt his cock enter me with long, rough strokes while he topped me.

”Oh fuck!” I stuttered in complete awe at how deep he was inside me. I’d never been fucked like this before and holy shit it felt so fucking good I never wanted it to stop. ”Just like that, fuck me right there.” I moaned as Harry’s continued with his long strokes, his large cock accidentally leaving my hole empty a few times as he pulled back too much.

”I keep slipping out because you’re so fucking wet.” Harry groaned as his hot mouth hovered over my face, his eyes looking down at me as I laid with my bare body beneath him.

”Mmm, my pussy’s been this wet all night, just aching for a cock like yours.” I moaned as I looked up at Harry. He flashed me a cheeky grin as he continued to pound into me with long rough strokes, his hips colliding hard with the back of my thighs and the sound of our bodies colliding echoing through the whole limo. 

”Happy now?” Harry grinned teasingly as he looked down at the mess between my legs. He watched as his thick cock buried itself in my dripping wet mess of a hole, his eyes shifting slightly as he finally noticed how fiercely and desperately I was rubbing my own clit to make myself come.

”Mhmmm.” I moaned a long, dragged out moan as I too watched his cock completely devour me and my aching pussy. Harry was quick to replace my hand with his own and I let out a loud sigh as I felt his large fingers press against my sensitive nub. ”Fuck, you really know what you’re doing.” I moaned as Harry swirled his fingers over my clit in perfect sync with his long, hard thrusts.

”Yeah, did you expect me not to?” Harry asked, his eyebrow arched slightly at me in a cocky manner.

I mean, boys my age barely know there is a clit.

”No.” I replied quietly as I watched him skillfully manipulate my clit with his fingers.

”Do I look like the kind of guy that doesn’t know what he’s doing?” Harry continued teasingly as he looked down at me with a skeptical look on his face.

”No.” I once again replied shyly. 

”You shy all of a sudden?” Harry asked with a grin on his lips. ”You were talking all that big girl talk before and now you’re shy?” He tskd at me as he flickered his fingers around my clit, making me gasp out loud.

”No, it’s just-” I choked out as I felt his fingers violently assault my clit in the best way possible, sending multiple shivers down my spine.

”It’s just what?” Harry continued to taunt me as he watched me come undone beneath his warm touch.

”You’re making me feel so good.” I whined in defeat as I watched his cock bury itself inside me. I wasn’t gonna lie my legs were starting to ache but he was fucking me too good for me to give a fuck.

”Right…” Harry rolled his eyes at me. ”You gonna be a good girl and show me what big girls do with their big mouths?” Harry asked as he removed his fingers from my clit and placed them against my bottom lip. I nodded obediently as I parted my lips for him to slide his fingers inside my wet mouth.

He pressed his fingertips against my tongue as I tasted the sweet taste of myself. His cock continued to pump me good, making my legs and everything between my legs ache while I worked my magic around Harry’s fingers, my mouth treating them as if it was his cock.

He let out a soft groan as he watched my tongue play with his digits, his eyes focusing on my plump lips as I brushed them all over his soft, warm skin. I released several loud moans against his fingers as I felt his cock hit my g-spot at the perfect angle. I’d never tried this position before but it was now becoming one of my favorites.

”You like that?” I whispered as I playfully wiggled my tongue between Harry’s two fingers, my mouth creating enough saliva for me to dribble all over the palm of his hand if he wanted me to.

”Yeah.” Harry groaned as he felt my tight pussy clench around him. ”Your pussy feels so good.” Harry moaned as he continued to fuck me deeply.

”Don’t you wish you’d given in sooner?” I moaned teasingly as I looked at Harry. This could’ve been all yours from the moment we met.” I admitted as I looked up into his eyes.

”Your dad would kill me-” Harry argued as he looked down at me. 

”Let’s make sure he doesn’t find out.” I whispered back.

”Especially since you’re eighteen.” Harry added.

”But that’s what makes it exciting for you.” I argued back. ”Fucking the boss’ eighteen year old daughter is what’s got your cock so fucking hard right now isn’t it? Me being your bratty little slut and showing my pussy off for you while you’re still on duty is what got you this fucking horny, isn’t it?” I whispered as I buried my hands in Harry’s long curls, pulling and tugging at them as he made me feel so damn good with his body. ”Admit it!” I ordered as I looked up into Harry’s eyes.

”Fine.” Harry groaned quietly as he looked down at me. ”It does make things hotter.” He admitted quietly as he stared down at me.

”Don’t worry, I’m not gonna tell daddy anything. I’m a good girl, remember?” I whispered teasingly as I arched my eyebrow at Harry. ”You can fuck this tight, young pussy anytime you want.” I cooed teasingly as I pulled at his hair.

”Oh God!” Harry cussed under his breath as he looked at me.

”What?” I asked teasingly. ”Isn’t that what you want Harry? My parents still think I’m a virgin so I’m not gonna tell them we fucked.” I tried to reassure Harry that if this kept going, it would be our little secret. ”I bet you wish I was still a virgin too.” I smirked as I looked up at him with my doe eyes. ”Bet you wish you were the first one to fuck my innocent little virgin cunt.” I continued to rant as I watched Harry struggle to hold back his moans. I could tell that he was thinking about it, that he wanted so badly to fuck my innocent little virgin pussy but it was way too late for that and everyone knows that, except maybe my father who still thinks I’m as pure as a white sheet.

”Fuck-” Harry groaned as he felt my pussy clench tightly around him. My legs shivering as my pussy pulsated around his thick cock. ”You’re gonna have to stop talking or this will be over all too soon.” Harry growled as he felt my walls clench harder and harder with every thrust.

”Make me.” I whispered teasingly as I grabbed his wrist and guided his hand back to my neck where it had rested before.

Harry took that as a clear signal for him to put his hand back around my neck and add pressure. He added just enough pressure to where he managed to hold me firmly in place and I was able to grasp for air, my mouth mewling and whimpering in delight but no actual words were able to come out.

Harry continued to drill into me with full force and it didn’t take long for the pulsating waves of pleasure inside my pussy to spread all over my body. I forcefully let out a loud whimper despite Harry’s choke hold as he made me come long and hard around his cock.

”Fuck me!” I cussed loudly as waves of pleasure ripped through my body. ”Fuck, it feels so good.”

”Holy fuck!” Harry grunted loudly as he pushed deep into my pussy, feeling my walls hug him tightly with every stroke of his cock. He slammed into me balls deep before pulling all the way out and then pushing back in again. He purposely pulled all the way out, leaving me empty handed, breathless and whimpering like a needy brat.

”Jesus fucking Christ.” Harry groaned as he continued to pump his cock deep inside me over and over again until finally when he swiftly pulled out and didn’t push back in again. Instead, he grabbed a hold of his cock and used his hand to stroke it as quickly as he possibly could while shooting his hot load all over my sore pussy. I watched as the come landed perfectly on my wet pussy and my hand instinctively reached down to rub the results of his orgasm all over my pussy. Harry let out a loud groan as he continued to milk his cock on every last drop of come, covering my glistening skin in all of it as I used both of my hands so spread it all over my warm body.

MASTERLIST

[imagineddworld]

FBI training (Part 1)

Pairing: Stiles Stilinski x Reader

Summary: The reader is the child of the two most skilled FBI agents of the States. At the FBI training she is paired up with a very determent young man who always finds a way to trouble her. 

Author’s note: I tried to make it as genderneutral as possible. But at some point there is a small implication that the reader could be female and their roommate could be male. But further than that, there is no specifications of gender. 

This is going to be a multiple part fic. The first part already took me way too long to write. So I apologize in advance if the next parts will take long to write too. I will try to finish them as quickly as I can.

Words: 3k (3084) 

On the most important day of your life, running late was not one of the things you had planned for. But seen how impulsive your roommate could be, it wasn’t out of the ordinary for them to mess up your schedule. They had stolen all your alarm clocks at night for some stupid experiment. Yes, you owned multiple. Normally you used your phone as an alarm. But after a couple mishaps caused by your roommate, you couldn’t put all your trust entirely on electronic devises. So you had bought an old-fashioned alarm clock that still ran on batteries, just in case something were to happen to your phone. But even that clock had been ruined many times. So from that moment on you always had some spare clocks hidden in your room, just in case. 

That they had found all your spare clocks wasn’t too surprising, seen that they weren’t hidden very well. What did shock you was that they hadn’t woken you up by their wild scavenger hunt. You were a light sleeper, even the smallest of noises could shake you out of your deep rest. That’s why you wore earbuds to bed, including that particular night. They often didn’t muffle the sounds enough, surely not during an experiment. Your roommate tend to forget about their surroundings as they start one, getting lost in their passion. You had awoken countless of times to the sound of falling objects, happy laughter, mumbles of rambling thoughts, excited jumping, soft sobbing and frequently a loud whine or groan. By now it was a normal occurrence. But of course, on that night the earbuds had done their job, cancelling out all the noise from the nightly events. 

The evening before, everything had gone smoothly. Too smoothly. You were supposed to suspect something, but your intuition had failed you due to the overwhelming amounts of emotions that threw you out of balance. There always had to be a bump in the road. Nothing ever went entirely good.  You had excitedly packed your backpack, leaving out a book to read before you went to bed. Next you picked out your outfit for the morning, neatly placing it on top of your wooden desk. Making that decision the day before took away a part of the unwanted stress to your already overflowing anxiety-filled body. Not that picking an outfit for the FBI Academy would be hard. They had a strict dress code. Everyone had to wear a white button up, tie being an optional choice. What you wore as bottoms also was a free choice, but they had to be formal and needed to show off professionalism.

Before you had changed into a big T-shirt and some sleeping shorts, you checked over your backpack and outfit; making sure you hadn’t forgotten anything. After double checking 3 times, you continued your night ‘routine’. (Your days never looked the same, so you couldn’t really call it a routine.) You washed your face and brushed your teeth, bidding your roommate goodnight as you passed by their room. Once in your room again, you placed your phone on the nightstand, making sure it’s charging for the night. Next you grabbed your earbuds, securing them in your ears before climbing into bed. While you sank into the pile of soft pillows, a mixture of emotions overwhelmed you. Excitement and anxiety had boiled up in your body throughout the whole week. But only now did they leave a tight, crushing feeling in your chest. None the less, sleep soon overtook your senses, greeting you with a peaceful night full of dreams.

As soon as your eyes closed, your luck decided to no longer be on your side. A default in your roommate’s experiment had caused a huge black-out in your building. The electricity had been out all night, resulting in your phone being dead as you awoke the next morning. Usually you could have trusted on your spare alarms, but those were also destroyed in the process of the experiment. That left you with no alarms to wake up to , therefore ending up being late.

What actually had woken you up was the harsh light shining through your thin drapes. It immediately triggered a huge wave of panic to drown, stealing all the air from your longes. Your eyes shot to the analogue clock that hung on your wall, cursing loudly as you read the time. You quickly jumped out of bed, stumbling through your room in a hurried state. At a rapid speed you pulled your clothes on, washed your face, brushed your teeth, tamed your wild bed-hair and desperately tried to make yourself look presentable in the little time you had. You ran back to your room to grab your backpack and the book you were supposed to read last night. Next you made your way over to the small kitchen, taking an apple from the fruit bowl. As you stuffed it into your backpack, you placed your book onto the table. While doing so, your eyes caught sight of your roommate sleeping with their head onto the cold surface. They were surrounded by your broken alarm clocks, pieces scattered everywhere. You couldn’t resist the urge to hit them against the head with your book. Not too hard of course, but hard enough to make any impact. They jumped awake, nearly falling off their chair. ‘Next time wake me up’, you said referring to their failed experiment, ‘Surely when you steal all my alarm clocks.’ You continued rushing to the front door, shoving your book in your backpack as well. They mumbled a small apology. ‘Usually you wake up way before your alarm’, their voice was groggy and quiet. While putting on your shoes you shouted your reply: ‘Not when I haven’t slept less than 6 hours in the past 5 days.’ Another apology followed, but you payed no mind to it. You shut the door behind you with a rather loud thud. You deeply breathed in and out before starting your run towards campus. The interaction hadn’t been in a mean manner or a sign of anyone being upset at the other. It was just your panicked, anxiety filled state being in need to rush, while they had their brain still filled with the morning fog. 

The reason why you barely had closed your eyes in the past 5 days, was because you were helping your parents who had stumbled upon a cruel twist in their rather difficult case. You couldn’t stand to just watch them suffer, so you pulled a few all-nighters with them until you solved most of the hard parts. The feeling of being able to solve such a thing, made it all worth it. None the less, it still had left you exhausted and drained. 

---

To your surprise you had made it in time. You had ran your way to campus, underestimating how far the distance actually was. You tried to catch your breath as you quickly checked your watch. You had 8 minutes till your class started. It was a little late for your liking, knowing how important punctuality is to them, but it would do. You lightly jogged through the halls as you looked at the map of the building that was supposed to guide you through the maze like structure. Even if you had been there plenty of times before in your life, it still was a confusing structure that didn’t want to stick in your head. 

Your mind was too occupied with other things, completely forgetting about your surroundings. So, it was only logical for you to run into a person. The impact of bumping into their harsh chest made you stumble back the slightest bit, but you were able to quickly steady yourself like nothing had happened. Before you could look at the damage you had done, a high pitched voice cracked out a long ‘noo’. In front of you stood a tall, raven-haired man with warm brown eyes. He was looking at the huge coffee stain on his white button while holding his empty coffee cup in his other hand. In the mean while you had gotten distracted by his beauty. You noticed small birthmarks littering his pale skin, resembling little constellations being spread out in the night sky. 

The string of curse words leaving his lips pulled you out of your fazed out state. You had accidentally been checking out this exceptionally beautiful man, who hopefully hadn’t noticed anything of it. It would be highly inappropriate and quite uncomfortable. Luckily for you his eyes were still on the huge coffee stain. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry’, you stammered out, immediately moving into action. You swung you backpack to the front, rumbling through your stuff in order to find the spare shirt you had stolen from your roommate. They didn’t mind. You were clumsy by nature and had to lend their clothes on plenty occasions. Neither was it your first time to ever ruin someone’s clothes, so you always tried to be prepared for moments like this. 

The man continued to angrily mumble to himself, clearly stressing out. He failed to notice the shirt you had offered to him, until you spoke up. ‘Here’, you offered him a polite smile as his head shot up at a fast pace. You were met with a confused look being plastered over his face. Assuming what his next statement would be, you answered before he could open his mouth. ‘It’s a men’s medium.’ As his facial expression didn’t change, you huffed out an annoyed sigh. He seemed to have trouble connecting the dots. He just had to accept the shirt, that’s all. You couldn’t lose any more time, surely not by a stupid encounter. ‘Take it or go in with a huge stain, it’s your choice’, you stated with annoyance clearly noticeable in your voice, while trying to continue your kind demeanor. You dropped the shirt into his hands. ‘If I were you I would change quickly’, you said over your shoulder before turning the corner that lead you to your final destination. 

You had made it just in time. The classroom already filled with students. You quickly sat down at one of the tables that still had an empty spot.  On your left sat a nice looking girl with her hair tied up in a tight ponytail. She offered you a kind smile that faded into a mean scowl only seconds later. Would she have recognized you? Did she knew who you were?

You were the child of two of the most skilled FBI agents of the States. They were top of their field and greatly respected by most people. Seen you family (who all worked in similar fields) were so well known, it was only logical that you also would gain the attention from outsiders. But that also caused them to make wrong assumptions about you. They were often too stubborn to see the truth or didn’t even want to take the chance to get to know you. They just thought you were an arrogant, ego-centric, selfish child who was spoiled to dead and never had to work a day in their life. They thought you were in dire need to constantly get all the attention. They expected you to think highly about yourself while looking down on others, therefore also expecting you to be condescending towards them.  Your parents had tried to prepare you for this. Not everyone is going to like you or take their time to get to know you before voicing their opinions about you. In this field, and similar fields, professional jealousy was very common. It made people act in vile ways. You feared this was going to happen in your training. 

 You sat in your chair with a scared heart while anxiously tapping your pencil against the desk. The supervisor was reading names of a list, but your mind drowned his voice out due to your excessive worrying. It all went smoothly, until he tumbled over a particular hard name. ‘Mie-Mic...’, the poor man looked questionably at his paper, desperate to pronounce the name correctly. As on cue the boy from earlier came to stand into the doorframe. His stained shirt was replaced by yours, fitting him just a tad bit too tightly. It showed off his muscular body even more. ‘Miecsyslaw Stilinski, sir... But most people call me Stiles.’ His voice was lower this time, but still clearly with with raging anxiety. Hearing his name roll of his tongue so smoothly made an alarm go off in your head. It sounded oddly familiar. Surely the nickname ‘Stiles’ had triggered a vague memory to resurface in your head. You just couldn’t figure out any of the details. It was like an itch you couldn’t scratch. 

The supervisor looked sternly at the new boy with an unimpressed look on his face. His eyes examined him, clearly judging his appearance. ‘Ah, I see. Well, next time be on time .. and dress appropriately. You don’t need to try showing off your pretentious muscles, it doesn’t suit you.’ That comment made you feel even more guilty. It was your fault he was late and had to dress in a too tight shirt. He apologized with his eyes faintly focusing on something behind the supervisor, before they quickly went to you in order to shoot you a nasty glare. You returned an apologetic smile that didn’t help much with the current situation. He continued to hold eye contact with you until the man’s voice filled the room again. ‘Now take a seat will you’, the annoyance was clear as day. His eyes left yours for a split second as he came to action, stumbling his way towards the empty chair that just happened to be to your right. As he passed by, still holding intense eye contact with you, his faint but sweet cologne filled your nose. A scent that later on would distractingly infiltrate your nose, no matter how much you tried to focus on something else. 

You were pulled out of your trance again when an excited voice filled your ears. ‘(Y/N)(Y/L/N), what a surprise to see you here. What could we possibly teach you? You already know everything and are following your parents footsteps flawlessly.’ Your cheeks reddened at his praising comment. The other students immediately glared at you, envying how sweet he acted towards you. Towards the others he had been cold and distant, whereas now he was talking highly about you. A big difference that everyone easily noticed. The room immediately was filled with a strong uncomfortable tension that reeked of jealousy.

The main reason for his kind demeanor towards you was because you already knew each other. Your parents often visited the Academy, helping with the development of new tasks or other improvements. Other times he visited you at home. He had seen you grow into the person you are today. His bond with you could be considered as a familiar one, or at least close to. So that explained. his fondness of you. The other reason for his praising was the status of your parents. It would be a shame on him and the Academy to talk down on or disrespect your family or you in any way. Besides the great help they provided for the Academy, they also were one of their sponsors.  You just hoped that they wouldn’t use this to your advantage by treating you differently and more highly. You wanted to be given a fair chance. If they were going to train you without fairly criticizing you out of fear of disrespecting your family’s name, then this whole thing would be a waste of time. 

‘Well, everyone is equal to the law. It’s one of the requirements we all need to go through to become an FBI agent. No matter how experienced or inexperienced we are, we all deserve to be treated equally’, you said timidly, trying not to sound overly confident or condescending towards others. You gave the supervisor a timid but kind smile while trying to avoid the burning glares. You didn’t want to go any deeper into the subject. 

Seen that you were a child of the two top FBI agents of the states, meant that you had been trained to follow their footsteps from a very young age. As a baby you were given a lot of puzzles and stimulants to train your senses. At the age of 3 the tasks started to be more difficult and challenging. At your 5 the training started to become serious. When you were 12 you already were allowed to help with smaller cases. At 16 you were actively helping them with all types of cases. Both your parents had gone through the same training, seen that their fathers also had been top FBI agents. At this point the training had become some sort of tradition in your family. Most of the people in your family had underwent similar trainings, as they all worked in similar fields. They varied from FBI agents, cops, sherifs, detectives to medical helpers such as nurses, doctors, firemen,...

The supervisor laughed at your comment. ‘I’m sure you’ll graduate without any trouble. It’ll be an easy game for you. Even in your sleep you’ll still be top of the class.’ Again, you shoot him an awkward but polite smile, being uncomfortable by the amount of praising he has done. It was overwhelming and placing you in a hard position. ‘That depends on how hard you make the tasks’, your timid voice became even more quiet as the mean glares had intensified. ‘Always so humble. Just like your parents.’ With that statement he ended his long praising session.

As he continued his speech of the importance of this training, you let out a deep sigh. You had turned impossibly bright, your face burning from embarrassment. Without intending to, he had put you as a target for everyone to hate on. He made you seem like the enemy that everyone had to fear. He had thrown tons of gasoline on the burning fire of jealousy. Your future colleagues saw you as the one thing that would stand in their way of becoming a FBI agent, something that would withhold them from their dream. If there wasn’t going to be rough play already, there sure would be now. This was going to be a rougher year than you had anticipated. You were already dreading the next day to come. 

-To be continued-

[mooniefics]

AFTER CONTEMPLATING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES:

reiner braun 🤪 + “please?? just pretend we’re dating. it’s only for today, i promise!”

this is literally the cutest moonie, i'm proud of you for hitting 250!! ilysm 💖✨💕

oh my gosh i’m so sorry this took me so long,, thank u so much for the request n the congratulations mar !! very happy that my first work for this event can be for my love, our one n only reiner ♡(｡- ω -)

in all your years of knowing reiner, you couldn’t say that you’d ever once heard him sounding so frantic.

“please?? just pretend we’re dating. it’s only for today, i promise!”

those were the exact words he’d used over the phone, imploring for you to come to the official marley high ten-year reunion and pose as his girlfriend. despite how you assured him that you were certain no one would judge him for being single, he seemed adamant that it would be the exact opposite. and after a few apologies for your laughter at his predicament and a brief negotiation over his payment of getting you your favorite drink from the cafe near your workplace for the next few weeks, it was a done deal.

though you admittedly felt a twinge of anxiety upon entering the venue of chattering adults, dressed in the best semi-formal outfit you had in your closet, you could see that he was the more obviously nervous one between the two of you.

“just relax, rei.” you murmured, slipping your hand in his and giggling at the way his arm tensed, “these are your high school friends! i’m sure they’ll be surprised enough that you managed to find a nice girl like me all by yourself—“ he huffed disapprovingly, earning another small laugh, “—and only ask about your work or something.”

you barely finished your brief attempt at a pep talk when a loud voice came from somewhere by the food table. “is that you, braun?!”

reiner’s jaw shifted, a sign you’d come to learn meant him holding back a wince, turning to see a man with slicked back hair and a broad grin on his face approaching. based on his heavy-lidded gaze, paired with the red solo cup tipping dangerously horizontal in his grasp, you assumed he was quite tipsy already.

“considering how late you are, i wasn’t sure you’d even show,” he chuckled, still having to peer up at reiner despite still being taller than you, “but the more i thought about it, the more i remembered you never were the punctual type anyways.”

“great to see you too, porco..” reiner replied half-heartedly, palm already getting clammy in your grasp.

you glanced momentarily between them, deciding to come to your friend’s rescue by clearing your throat, drawing the teasing attention away from him. “actually, he was late because of me.” you flashed a smile, leaning into reiner’s side. “just wanted to look my best since i knew i was gonna be meeting his old friends.”

“holy shit..” porco muttered after a moment of silence, hazel eyes blowing wide as he stared at you like you’d disappear if he blinked even once, only breaking his gaze to turn over his shoulder and call out, “piecky, c’mere! i think reiner’s actually got a fuckin’ girlfriend!!”

you barely stifled a laugh at reiner’s low sigh of discomfort, pointedly ignoring how the people around glanced at porco’s shout. “did you seriously used to hang around with that guy?”

“no..” he grumbled back, “he hung around the people i hung around with and always gave me shit for no reason.”

“wow, rei, feeling a little feisty tonight, are we?”

he scoffed as you reached up to poke at his cheek, able to see the pink flush that had settled over his sharp features despite the dim lighting, dodging your inquiry while he looked ahead. “he’s coming back.”

putting on the smile you’d practiced so many times right back on, you caught sight of a cheerful dark-haired woman sidling over to your small group. “reiner?! you seriously got even taller? who’s this?”

you both exchanged names, offering a hand for her to shake which she eagerly took, turning to reiner for affirmation of your identity, to which he said, “yeah, she's my.. girlfriend...”

“how long have the two of you been together?”

“a couple months—”

“—almost a year.”

you quickly laughed off the sudden nerves of giving conflicting answers, turning back to reiner’s friends and recovering with, “we’re not super big on keeping track of dates. you know how time flies when you love someone.” you turned up to reiner, lips perking into a doting smile, “right?”

his cheeks flushed an even darker red, a sheepish smile brightening his expression. “right.”

“looks like you’re the only single one, pock.” pieck teased, laughing when the man rolled his eyes and huffed.

“you’re still with zeke?” reiner asked, prompting her to extend her left hand, waggling her fingers to show off the large diamond ring on her finger.

“yep, engaged for two years now!”

“apparently still too good to come to anything she invites him to.” porco grumbled in response.

“i already told you he’s on a business trip,” she frowned, taking his cup from his hand and taking a generous sip from it, “i’m sure he would’ve come if he hadn’t had somewhere else to be.”

“whatever you say..” he sighed, letting her finish his drink despite his apparent annoyance.

thankfully, your small slip up had been ignored, allowing both you and reiner to relax when the two finally turned their attention back to you. the night progressed much less turbulently than you’d previously anticipated, reiner allowing you to handle any questions directed at your relationship, not saying anything when you frequently slipped in little white lies to make everything seem more convincing. it didn’t stray terribly far from the truth, you were entirely honest about the way you’d met and the things that had made you “fall in love with him”. 

you took a strange amount of joy in posing as his significant other, just as he gave equally genuine reactions when you wrapped his arm around your shoulder or ate something from his plate of food, flustered and smiling all throughout. for a few brief moments, you almost forgot that he was meant to be pretending too. he’d seemed more than happy to see that you were getting along well with all his old friends.

you learned more about reiner in the hour that you’d been milling around the room with him than you probably ever had in the confines of the job environment that you’d met him in—intrigued to hear that he’d been the captain of the football team, feuded with the neighboring high-school’s while being head over heels for the captain of their cheer team, held the title of champion arm-wrestler for all four years he attended marley—little details that you made you would’ve never known had you never agreed to come. the unintentionally intimidating, humble, easy-to-fluster human resources manager that you’d befriended apparently used to be a total jock, always getting himself into trouble. 

and, based on how many times you’d been congratulated on managing to stick by his side for longer than a few months, you could only assume that you hadn’t even scratched the surface of discovering the entirety of reiner’s character.

eventually, your small group of four that’d you started out the night with had reconvened, tipsy from constantly sipping on spiked punch, an excited exclamation from pieck made all of you turn. “look! the photo booth finally opened up!!”

she was already rushing away for the corner of the venue before anyone could say a word, everyone following suit with a laugh as she stuffed a five dollar bill into the pay slot.

“uhh, pieck, i think this thing was only meant for two people.. max.” porco said after drawing open the curtain, earning a frown from her.

“but i want us all to take a picture together!” she slid into the booth despite the observation, turning to you, “c’mon, i’m sure we could all squeeze in if you sat on reiner’s lap.”

you felt your face flush, knowing there was no way to work around her request without raising some kind of suspicion and ruining the act you’d both somehow maintained for the entire night. “sounds like a plan..!”

you could feel how tense reiner was behind you as you got settled on his thighs, hesitating to rest his hands on either side of you while pieck and porco struggled to work the screen before them. you were starting to regret not asking if this was okay with him before agreeing, but you were sure he would’ve found some way out of the situation if he was truly uncomfortable. he only seemed to be preoccupied with the thought of making you uncomfortable, something which made a flicker of affection warm your chest.

“alright! we’ve got four pictures,” pieck announced, “starting... now! and make the first a normal one!”

the first three pictures were the standard photo booth antics—one with all of you smiling normally, one with all of you making the most ridiculous face you could think of in five seconds, and one of all of you arguing over what the third photo should’ve been.

“do something cute for the last one to make up for the messed up one!” pieck demanded through her laughter, pointing urgently at the countdown on the screen, “hurry up an’ kiss or something!!”

you turned back to look at reiner, wide golden eyes gazing down at you, obviously unprepared for the steadily escalating circumstance that was only being intensified by the chanting of “kiss, kiss, kiss!” coming from the woman who’d paid for the photos in the first place. and although you knew you had no obligation to do what she asked just because she had been so kind to you despite only meeting you tonight, or because the timer was winding down towards zero all too quickly, you still found yourself reaching out a hand to settle just under his jaw, heart racing impossibly fast when you realized he was already leaning down to meet you halfway.

his lips were still sweet with whatever juice had been mixed with alcohol, skin warm and blushing from your proximity, the hand that had been resting in your lap wandering to lace your fingers with his. the exchange didn't last nearly long enough, the click of the camera drawing you back to the cramped reality, pieck's cheers through giggles and porco's disgusted scoff for you two to get a room.

"i better be invited to your wedding!" pieck joked, reaching across you to draw open the curtains in a silent sign for you to pry yourself away from reiner.

"likewise." you replied with a smile, almost giddy with excitement as you clambered out of the photo booth.

though reiner's expression just barely passed as casual, his cheeks were burning red, even the tips of his ears flushed as the four of you waiting for the machine to dispense your photos. the function was winding down fast, and as soon as your drawn-out goodbyes were finally finished, you and reiner left, hand-in-hand, much to talk over but neither of you willing to speak until you'd reached the privacy of his car.

you turned to him, smiling in the dim glow on the lights of his dash, laughing softly at his sheepish expression, "i know you said we'd only pretend for a day but.. you think i could request a little extension?"

[calpalirwin]

Diplomatic Affairs

Summary: Being Queen as a figure-head position is almost a walk in the park. If one can look past having dinner with the newly elected officials of government, some of whom happen to be ex-boyfriends.

A/N: Part 2 to The Suitors

Word Count: 2.6k

And away, and away we go!

__

5 Years Later

“Ma’am, the King is requesting your presence,” Michael said, his head peering through the doorway.

You straightened your necklace, before smoothing your hands down the skirt of your dress, giving yourself one last lookover in the mirror. “Where is he?”

“Office, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Michael,” you smiled as you moved past him. “How long until the guests arrive?”

Michael checked his watch. “A half hour.”

“Perfect.” 

While it would have been customary for Michael to accompany you down to the offices, and announce your arrival to the King, Michael knew you preferred the less formal approaches when the circumstances permitted. You rapped your knuckles once against the door, waiting for the call of “Come in,” before pushing your way into the room.

The King had his back to you, staring out the window. His suit jacket lay neatly across the back of his chair, and the sleeves of his button down were rolled midway up his forearms. It was his preferred way of wearing his suit when he could, and you couldn’t disagree with the choice. “You sent for me?” you prompted when he still didn’t turn his attention from the window.

He turned then, a warm smile on his face. “Yes, I-” he paused to clear his throat, his cheeks coloring. “You look amazing, darling.”

“Looking pretty sharp yourself, Cal,” you returned the compliment as you each crossed the room to each other, meeting in the middle.

“No,” he said with a shake of his head, his tone a low rasp you knew well. “You look like we’re bound to get in trouble if we’re alone much longer.”

You sighed, titling your head to the side as his lips found your neck. “Michael did say something about there being a spare half hour.”

“The things I have in mind will require much longer,” Calum said, before straightening up and clearing his throat.

You sighed again, this time in discontent. “Well, I suspect we’ll find time to finish that particular business later?” you asked, your fingers grazing where his mouth had just been, wishing it was still there.

“Earliest convenience, promise,” he winked.

“And what’s this particular meeting about then?”

“Right. Yes. Uh, it’s the guest list.” He went around to his desk, shuffling through papers, his fingers trailing down one of them.

“What about it?” you asked, moving to stand by his side, looking at whatever held his interest.

“It's dinner with members of Parliament.”

“I’m aware. What of it?”

“None of these names look familiar to you?”

You glanced down at the list. Prime Minister Lord James. Secretary of Commerce Duke Charles. And Secretary of Defense Lord Sebastian. “Oh, it’ll be lovely to see James and Charles again! I’m glad their elections went in their favor.”

“Yes, the more amiable of your ex-boyfriends. And then there’s…” Calum let his sentence trail off, and you could easily guess the words of disdain for the newest Secretary of Defense.

“Our favorite person,” you deadpanned. “Pleasant.”

“False. Collectively, our favorite person happens to be the Prince. Individually, you’re my favorite person.”

“I would certainly hope your wife and son would top the list of your favorite people,” you laughed.

“Speaking of our son, where is he?”

“Either with the nanny, or running security ragged. Most likely both.”

“We should go rescue them, huh?”

“We definitely should.”

“Oh, look! There’s Mommy and Daddy!” Kaykay, the nanny, breathed in relief as you and Calum came out to the garden in search of your son.

“There is a god,” Ashton, the head of security, joked, clasping his hands together and thanking the sky, making both you and Calum laugh as Noah ran straight for you and Calum with a shriek of “Mommy! Daddy!”

“Well, don’t you look handsome!” you cooed at the boy as Calum lifted him up in his arms. “Just like Daddy.”

“All clean!” the three year old beamed.

“Yes, you did stay clean for dinner. Great job, bud,” Calum told him, and you each mouthed thanks to Ashton and Kaykay knowing they had more to do with keeping Noah clean than Noah did.

“Want to play,” Noah said sadly.

“All day tomorrow,” Calum said.

“With you?!”

“Yes, bud. All day tomorrow. Me, you, and Mommy.”

“Pwomise?”

“Promise,” you smiled sweetly at him. Then, “Are you ready to meet your guests?”

“Weady!”

Perhaps it wasn’t the standard to have a three year old sit in on a stuffy dinner, congratulating the newly elected officials in government. But with how busy you and Calum could become, you both liked to include Noah in your affairs whenever possible. And the idea of subjecting the young boy to a dinner without his parents wasn’t an idea that you found all that appealing, having remembered growing up with about as many dinners with members of staff as your own parents. A childhood you didn’t want to subject your son to if you could help it. And, as the Queen, you could.

As luck would have it, as you all made your way inside, you spotted Michael rushing your way. “First guest is here, ma’am.”

“So it begins,” you said, putting on a smile. And begin it did, because when the door opened to let in the first guest, Lord Sebastian was on the other side. Punctual bastard…

~~~

“Is there a spare bedroom or…?” Calum let the sentence hang in the air between the two of you.

“There are several. But when I asked you to stay over, I meant with me in my room if that’s alright.”

“It’s more than alright with me. I don’t want there to be any insinuation. There’s already going to be a scandal with the Little Lord as is.”

“As far as I’m concerned, Lord Sebastian had a lapse in judgment, and then you escorted me home. That’s my side of the story anyway. What say you?”

“I say you’re already thinking like a queen.”

Quietly, the two of you made your way into the castle and towards your room. “Can you, erm…” You twirled your index finger in a circle.

“Yeah, of course,” Calum nodded, closing his eyes and facing away from you. “Just say when.”

Quickly, you changed for bed and got yourself situated under the covers. “Okay, you can look now.”

“And I suppose now it’s my turn to ask you to close your eyes?”

You covered your eyes with your hands, peeking out at him through your fingers. “Cheeky thing, you are,” he laughed, stripping out of his clothes and lying them neatly on a chair. “Is this what I have to look forward to in the future? You peeking at me through your fingers?”

“Well, there are separate bedrooms for the King and Queen, so you could have your own privacy if you wish.”

“Mmm, now where’s the fun in that?” he asked, and you felt the bed dip as he got in next to you.

“A remaining product of when the castle was built, unfortunately. Although, they were kind enough to make them adjoining rooms. In recent years, not much use has been made of the Queen’s room, as one can imagine why.”

“Well, when I’m King, my first order of business is to have that wall taken down. A remodel for the modern age.”

“If you’re King,” you corrected in a teasing tone. “Don’t consider yourself safe simply because you’re the only one I’m seeing now.”

He chuckled softly. “If I’m King,” he said, “it’ll be the greatest title I ever hold to my name. Not because it's the title of King, mind you. But because it means you’re my Queen.”

“Keep talking like that, and that day may come sooner than you think.”

“What you call talking, I call making plans.”

“In that case, I can talk all night.”

Calum chuckled again, drawing you close to him. “As much as I would love that, we’ve had an eventful night, and no doubt have an eventful morning ahead of us. Try and get some rest, okay?”

“Okay,” you nodded, settling into the pillows and Calum, feeling the exhaustion set in. “G’night.”

“G’night, darling.”

You weren’t sure how long you had been asleep, nor if you had even fallen asleep at all before you were startling awake. Adrenaline pounded through your veins as you oriented yourself, realizing you weren’t in fact still stuck with Sebastian in a horrible nightmare. However, your relief at waking from the dream was short-lived when you calmed down enough to be aware of an extra body in your bed. You froze in terror, not daring to make a sound, while also contemplating screaming at the top of your lungs.

The body next to you stirred, and you scurried from bed, breathing heavily, both ready to confront whoever was with you, and run for your life if necessary. “Darling?” Calum’s voice rasped heavily with sleep. “You alright?”

Your body went weak with relief, and you put out your hands to catch yourself on the bed before shakily crawling back in. “That… Was terrifying.”

“Mmm, what happened?” he asked, trying to rouse himself awake.

“Nightmare coupled with forgetting you were here.”

Calum stiffened. “That bastard… You sure you’re alright?”

“Better than I was a few moments ago,” you answered honestly.

“I know the nightmares will probably persist for a while, but know that future King or not, I’m never going to let him get close enough to you for him to even think of laying a hand on you ever again.”

“Between you and the new security detail I’ll no doubt be assigned by my father once he learns what happened, not only will I be the most protected heir in history, but having any sort of nightmare will feel incredibly foolish. In fact, it already feels foolish. I know I’m safe.”

“It’s not foolish. However you have to process this event is however you have to process it. And I’ll be here to help you through it as long as you let me.”

~~~

“Your Majesties,” Lord Sebastian greeted with a bow.

“Your Lordship,” you and Calum each returned, you with a small curtsy, and Calum with a bow of his own.

“Your Royal Highness,” Lord Sebastian then bowed to the Prince.

“Your Wordship,” Noah replied, with his own little bow.

“Raising him well, I see,” Sebastian commented offhandedly.

“Never too young to learn how to behave Princely,” you smiled sweetly.

The blue sea stormed over briefly at the dig, then Sebastian cleared his throat. “Yes, well.”

“What my wife meant to say was congratulations on your election. We wish you success in your new position,” Calum stepped in.

“Yes, of course,” you nodded.

“Thank you,” Sebastian said, turning his attention to Calum. “And I suppose I should offer you the same congratulations on your successes since we last saw each other. A wedding, a coronation, and a son. Quite the list of accomplishments.”

“Congratulations carry the notion that I won something, Your Lordship. I assure you that my accomplishments, as you call them, are the natural progression of living my life. A natural progression I’m sure would have befallen anyone else in my position.”

“Yes, quite. Although, some would consider marrying into the most royal of families a win of the highest regard.”

“Some lesser minded folk, I’m certain.”

“Ah, yes. A reluctant king, how could I have forgotten.”

Calum’s jaw ticked slightly, and for a moment, the three of you were five years younger on a London street, Calum and Sebastian one insult away from pummeling each other. “Reluctancy suggests that there was hesitance, of which I assure you there was none on my part whenever it came to the Queen. In fact, if memory serves, it was you who was the hesitant one. Now remind me, what were your hesitancies with becoming King again? An archaic notion of gender norms, was it not? Pity. However, I suppose your position with the military, and now your newest rank brings you great joy. Not a lot of women to outrank you in your current status I assume. Yes, a great joy indeed for you, isn’t it?”

“Are you suggesting I have a problem with women in positions in power?”

“No, of course not. It’s not a suggestion at all. One needs to barely glance your direction to come to that conclusion for oneself.”

Sebastian’s eyes darkened again, and his mouth twisted to continue trading insults with Calum, but Michael came in to announce the arrival of more guests at the same time Luke came from the kitchens to announce dinner was ready.

“Foot hurt?” Noah asked with concern as you all made your way into the dining room, pointing a little finger at the way Lord Sebastian’s right foot slightly dragged.

“Residual effect of a training exercise gone awry a few years back. Likes to flare up from time to time is all,” Sebastian explained, more for your and Calum’s benefit than Noah’s.

“How terrible,” Calum deadpanned.

“Otay?” Noah checked.

“Yes, Lord Sebastian’s foot is fine, sweet one,” you told your son.

~~~

“Well, are we right in assuming that Lord Sebastian would put out a statement about how the Princess attacked him?” your mother asked, after you and Calum had relayed the story the following morning.

“Attacked him?! Oh, please…” you scoffed.

“If Lord Sebastian puts out a statement, that could very well be the story he leads with, at the very least. At most, he puts forth a statement that he was attacked both by you and Calum,” your father put in.

“So, what are our options because that’s exactly what he’ll do,” Calum asked.

“Lord Sebastian is the military one, yes?”

“Yes,” you nodded.

“Hmm. I can work with that.”

“And the Princess’ wrist and her nightmares?” Calum pressed.

“It’s a small bruise, Cal. Nothing that won’t fade in a week’s time, or that a little makeup can’t cover,” you assured him.

“And the nightmares?” he continued to press anyway.

“I suspect the nightmares will subside in their own time. But there will be a new security detail assigned to you,” your father directed at you.

~~~

“Well, that was…” you started as you and Calum got ready for bed, but faltered on what words you wanted to use.

“Dreadfully boring?” Calum supplied.

“So dreadfully boring. Men and their politics are always the same. Grandiose are the plans they promise to the people for advancement or change. All for it to die on the Parliament floor. If any change is made at all, it’s only to secure a re-election, and it’s subtle and underhanded in just the right way that nothing actually becomes of it. A complete mockery of what it’s supposed to be.”

“Usually, I’d be in agreement with you. That the original intention of the government was to do what the crown neglected to do. But, as the crown, we now have the power to make sure the government is responsible to the people it governs. After all, isn’t that the function of a constitutional monarchy? For the crown and the government to hold each other accountable?”

“In an ideal system, yes. However, for that to work, it would require us to play nicely with a certain Lord Sebastian, and I quite despise the man.”

“Yes, that will prove to be an obstacle. But he’s one man in comparison to the rest of the government. Surely we can institute change without needing him on our side.”

“I suppose you’re right. But, all that business can wait until later, as we have plans with the Prince tomorrow.”

“That we do. And if I remember correctly, we also have unfinished business ourselves that needed attending to.”

“Mmm,” you hummed, carding your fingers through the curls at the nape of his neck. “And, remind me. What business was that precisely?”

“I think this might help jog your memory,” he rasped, before his lips attacked the sweet spot just above your collarbone. Then, his hands were guiding you to jump in his arms, where you carried you to the bed, giggles and then sighs echoing off the walls, as his mouth trailed a path lower and lower on your body.

__

Tag List

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[darthlorddiamond]

It's Never Enough

This is my first request for @originalposter-96, and to be honest I don't know what I did to the original message (it disappeared from my inbox), so I hope you like it.

Summary: Reader is the daughter of General Domaric Quinn, they do not have a good relationship, on one occasion when he visits the Starkiller to see her, he ends up humiliating her and Kylo Ren comes to confront the General and then comfort the reader.

Words: 3,213

Reading Time: 13 min

Category: Fluff, Angst

Warnings: Humiliation

Check my Masterlist for more.

__________________

It's Never Enough

A year and a half ago I was transferred to Starkiller Base, right after finishing my training at the Academy. When I began my work here, I was an officer like any other, I was under the command of Captain Phasma and my job was to support her to monitor the progress of the troops in their training; After six months of working with her, I was promoted to lieutenant and became part of the General Pride team.

To tell the truth, I thought that things on board would be much more difficult than I thought it would be, although I must admit that I´m very sure that the good treatment I receive from my peers and other officers is due to my father, the General Domaric Quinn.

Let's talk a little about my father. He´s a man ... A bit strict about everything about me, so when I found out that I would work under the command of General Pride I was not the least bit surprised, as he and my father are good friends he would know immediately everything I do, this was one more way of showing his control over me and when to say control of me, I mean TOTAL control: from how I look, to how I interact with other people; nothing goes unnoticed for him and the slightest mistake I make, according to his perspective, I know that a great rebuke will come.

My father has always been like that with me, more than a father, for me he is a foreman, who seeks to control and oppress my life every second and that no matter what I do it will never be enough for him, I´m simply not the son he so much desired and as a woman, I will never be good enough to meet his expectations.

Fortunately, my father and I are assigned to different places, so the contact we have had has been brief for the last year and in its entirety has been through brief and frivolous messages, which has allowed me to feel a bit of freedom and give me a break. I know maybe it's wrong of me to admit it, but not having him around is a complete relief.

Within months of working with the General Pride, I began to maintain contact with Commander Ren. Essentially, my work with him involves specific tasks, like carrying out the Pride reports he needs, or informing him of the progress of our troops, never anything beyond that. I must admit that, at the beginning, I had a hard time communicating with him, first, talking to his mask made me feel that I was talking to an inanimate being, and second, I cannot lie, he´s a very tall man and he imposed a lot on me.

After several visits, we began to make small talk, the usual "How's your day going?", "How´s the job?". For this instant, I still didn´t know the face behind that gloomy mask, however, I was deeply emotional to know that I would see him through the day. That's right, I was falling in love with the most feared man in the entire First Order, certainly something very stupid of me.

One day, I didn't know what I was thinking, I went to leave one of Pryde's reports, and I waited on my feet for him to finish reading it so that he could give me instructions to follow. Once he finished reading, he returned my data pad along with his observations, in theory, that was the signal for me to leave his office, but no, I was frozen in place looking at him as a silly schoolgirl, an event that Ren noticed and he didn't let pass.

"Is there anything else I can help with, Lieutenant Quinn?" The mechanical voice only made me feel more nervous. My hands held tightly to my data pad, I could feel my blouse starting to cool off with the sweat from my back and my knees trembled slightly "Commander Ren, I was wondering ..." How stupid! Am I going to do it? I was sweating like never in my life! "I was wondering if you would like to join me for dinner!" For a moment I thought I would vomit because my nerves "Excuse me?" Ren replied getting up from his chair. I'm dead, at what point did I think it would be a good idea, "Sorry sir! It was complete recklessness on my part!" I didn't know where to hide my head, I could feel how my face was completely red with embarrassment "Indeed, lieutenant, it's reckless" my knees trembled much more as Ren approached me "Please, I apologize, I will inform General Pride that replace my obligations so that someone else will give you the reports" I was really about to vomit on my nerves "I don´t want anyone else to come and leave me the reports..." Ren was already at less than an arm away from me, if my blouse was already a little wet from fear it was now completely soaked and I could swear that my data pad was already broken from how tightly I was holding it, I was 100% sure that Ren was going to kill me, which is why his next sentence left me completely frozen in my place "But yes, I would love to accompany you to dinner."

It's been several weeks since our first dinner in my room. Now I know perfectly each of the fine details of his face, the depth of his eyes, the gravity of his voice. What started as how many nights sharing our food, turned into small touches of our fingers, hidden caresses, a lost hand to my waist, until we reached our first kiss. Surely my life at Starkiller Base now had an ulterior motive to merely serve the First Order.

"General Quinn has informed me that he will report to Starkiller Base tomorrow to review your performance, lieutenant..." Pride dropped the bomb early in the day and immediately my stomach became small. "So I ask you to report directly to the meeting room no. 2 on the Command Bridge to receive him. You will not need to stop by my office before" and without saying more, I left his office and went immediately to Ren's quarters. Now more than ever I need to talk to someone about it, I felt with so much helplessness, so many nerves, without a doubt I was going to get sick of my stomach and I don´t want to spend more time on the command bridge that day, besides, I had to prepare myself mentally to receive my father.

"What are you doing here so early?" He gives up his gaze towards me a little without getting up from his place "Pride has just informed me that my father will come tomorrow to evaluate my performance" I went to the small kitchen that´s inside his room to pour me a glass of water "What's that supposed to be wrong?" he answered me as he got up from his place walking towards where I was "Everything´s wrong with that Kylo..." I suspire deeply and continued with a terrible feeling in my stomach "Domaric Quinn is a monster with me..." I whispered as I returned to serve me another glass of water, I could feel my tongue arid of just saying his name" What do you mean?" Kylo stood behind me and crossed his arms around my waist, resting his chest on my back "Since I was a child he has tried to dominate my life in every aspect, nothing I do is enough for him..." I left the glass on the sink and hold the edge with both hands "I know perfectly well that tomorrow will be the same, he will do or say something to humiliate me..." I could feel Kylo's breathing on my neck, and although this usually made me want to throw myself into his arms, my physical annoyance at knowing my father was on the way was stronger.

Kylo began to kiss the nape of my neck, passing to my neck while pressing more strongly my body towards him. Momentarily, he has placed his lips on my ear and lightly bit my lobe "Come to bed..." I immediately understood what he wanted, but I didn´t feel like accompanying him, I felt physically bad, so I broke his hug and turned to see him "I'm so sorry darling, but it will have to be another time" I escape from his arms, he just growled from deep in his throat, and I went to the door, just turned my head to see him, he was standing at the entrance of the kitchen, leaning on the frame with his arms crossed, his face denoted annoyance but also confusion. This was the first time that I had rejected something that came from him, it certainly made me feel bad, but at that moment I had more altered my nerves because my father's visit than anything Kylo could think of. I would apologize later. I opened the door and headed for my room.

The next morning I woke up a few hours before the appointment with my father to make sure that all the details about my uniform and my appearance were perfect, once ready I left the room and went to the Command Bridge, where I located the meeting room no. 2 and enter. It was still half an hour before the appointment, but I prefer to arrive earlier and wait for him than he arrives first and make a fuss about my punctuality.

The minutes passed and my anxiety grew and grew. I started to feel a few beads of sweat form on my forehead, my stomach growled and I couldn't stop moving one of my legs. I heard a small noise outside the door and immediately stood up, straightening my entire uniform quickly, making sure I don't have a hair out of place, and wait to stand on one side of the table as straight as possible. Within seconds, the door opened and my father entered the room. "Good morning, General Quinn" I raised one of my hands to give him a formal greeting "Good morning, Lieutenant. Took a seat.” The door closed behind him, I took a seat in one of the chairs on the side of the table while he sat himself exactly in front of me.

For several minutes he said nothing, just took out his data pad and began to check it, when he finished, he placed it on the table and crossed his hands over it. "I must say, lieutenant, I´m very impressed with the reports that everyone has given me about you..." Wow, I wasn't expecting it "General Pride has informed me that you have been extremely punctual with your tasks and assignments..." I was starting to get more nervous about the fact that he would be behaving so kindly "Your collaborators have also given good references about your conduct on the command bridge..." Is he doing nice? "I can't expect less from you..." Something in my stomach was telling me something was wrong "Your mother at home is very proud of you, she doesn´t let it boast that her daughter is a lieutenant of the Starkiller Base, however..." He let out a long and deep sigh "I don´t entirely agree with her..." I already knew that something was wrong here, my father is never satisfied with anything "I have reported that in the last few weeks your behavior has been... How to call it? Something... Something erratic..." at any moment, he doesn't take long to highlight an error "For erratic what do you mean, General?" I was trying to show a little assertiveness which turned out to be a big mistake "First of all lieutenant, you wouldn´t speak unless I ask you a direct question!" he yelled and crashed his palms on the table, I just nodded my head "As I said, I have reported that the last few weeks you had been prowling the corridors of the Starkiller Base late at night and I demand at this moment an explanation of what you do outside your room at non-business hours" my blood ran cold, I swallowed so deeply that I could feel my throat swell "I'm talking to you lieutenant!" he yelled again.

My hands were sweating, cold sweat registering my forehead, my leg began to tremble again, what was I supposed to say? "I already knew..." he started walking towards me "I already knew and I told your mother..." his pace was slow, like a hunter stalking his prey "Since you went to the Academy I already knew that you were holding something between your hands..." he stood next to me, I didn't dare to turn to see him, my gaze was still fixed on his empty chair and he slowly leaned towards my ear "Or did you bring it and keep it between your legs?".

Abruptly his hand grips my hair tightly and he pulls my head back. "Honey, I don't want to hurt you, but you must understand that I didn't educate you to be a whore..." his grip on my hair became more abrupt and I just shook my head "So what are you doing outside your room!?" he started yelling in my face "If you have nothing to hide then you would have answered already!" his face was completely red "You're nothing but a damn bitch!" With a strong tug on my hair, he quickly threw myself to the floor near the front door, the impact was so strong that I momentarily lost my breath "You're nothing..." started walking towards me "More than a..." Steps were firm "Damn..." once in front of me he stopped "And dirty whore..." I opened my eyes completely and looked up to see him, I felt my tears running down my cheeks, my whole body trembled.

Slowly, my father brought his hands to the buckle of his belt and unzipped it "Ah darling..." his voice was so serious and solemn that it made all the hairs on my body stand on end "I swear I didn't want to get to this..." with slow but precise movements he withdrew his belt "But you have to learn in one way or another..." he stretch it between his hands, making the leather thunder "I can only tell you that..." turning his head slightly he leaned his body towards me "This going to hurt me more than you..." the panic completely took over me, I closed my eyes tight and froze in my place while he raised his hand to release his first blow, but it never came.

After a few seconds, I opened my eyes. I couldn't believe what was happening. Kylo was standing next to my father, holding his arm, they were both silently exchanging glances. I swear I was going to pass out, my head hurts, my stomach, legs and arms ached. Everything was wrong with me, everything.

"Could you explain to me what is going on here, General Quinn?" Immediately I could see how the color of my father's face completely disappeared "Commander Ren..." he swallowed deeply "I received information about a misconduct from the lieutenant..." releasing his hand from Kylo's grasp, he took one of his hands to accommodate his hair and then he smoothed his uniform "I´m in the duty to correct said error, Sir" and with his perfect position he turned to Kylo "I'm afraid I don't understand what are you saying, General..." Kylo approached me and extended a hand to get me off the floor "The lieutenant has been an element of utmost importance in my communication with the command bridge..." once standing I could feel my legs still trembling "I couldn´t say anything wrong regarding the lieutenant's behavior or performance..." "Commander!" my father tried to interrupt Kylo's speech but he swallowed his words when Kylo turned to see him "On the other hand General, I considered that the only improper act that is happening here is your actions..." Kylo started walking towards my father, who advanced back to try to avoid any contact with him "In fact, from now on the lieutenant will report directly to me, and only to me..." my father touched his back to the wall and Kylo covered him with his whole body "And you wouldn´t have any kind of contact with her if you doesn't go through me first..." I see how sweat ran in my father's face incessantly "Is it clear to you, General?" with a somewhat shaky voice, my father tried to regain his composition "Yes Sir.", Kylo stepped slightly to the side, giving my father a sense that it was time to leave the room, something that he caught immediately, taking his pad data from the table and walking past me without turning to see me when he came out of the room.

I burst into tears completely as soon as the door closed behind him and immediately Kylo rushed over to hold me in his arms, I buried my face in his chest and held his robes with my hands, he felt like how I was shaking, so he held me tighter, completely enveloping me with his body. Little by little I was catching my breath, my sobs were less frequent, I leaned my ear against his chest and I could hear his heartbeat, which helped me to recover my nerves. I could feel Kylo sporadically placing kisses on my head and resting his forehead on it, so the warmth of his breath also comforted me.

"You know perfectly well that nothing he said is true..." Kylo began to whisper in my head "You are an extraordinary woman..." he took one of the hands that held my body against my head and began to caress me "You are affectionate, kind and quite disciplined with your work..." my heart began to fill with a very pleasant warmth "For me, you are perfect" I raised my face to see him, he had a slight marked smile on his face, that smile that no matter how heavy the day always made me feel better "Do you think so?" and Kylo just nodded while holding my face with both hands.

His thumbs caressed my cheeks and wiped in his wake the few tears that still ran down my face, I could feel how a small smile was also drawn on my lips. I was very impressed by how he had such strong power to transform something so traumatic for me, as it was to see my father, into something so intimate and warm. 

In a single movement, Kylo brought his lips to mine, like a soft caress, it was full of affection, my whole body suddenly forgot the terror and the nerves that I suffered and simply got in tune with the caress of his lips. After a few seconds he separated his face from mine and fixed his gaze on mine "Let's go to our room..." he whispered "Ours?" I raised one of my eyebrows and looked at him with a bit of disbelief "Yes, OUR room."

[youngbugandtonystank]

Can you compare and contrast the difference between Pepper Potts and Jane Foster?

Hi!

Yes, of course! I love these asks!

Pepper Potts:

Personal assistant.

Business partner.

CEO.

Before meeting Tony, Pepper was Tony Stark's personal assistant, she would:

Take care of Tony’s daily management and schedule. Bring Tony food in the middle of meetings lmao I still can’t get over they did this in IM2, etc.

Perform any task that was given to her. Occasionally, she was tasked by Tony to take his partners out of the door when he slept with someone meaning she was someone trusted. 

Route and distribute paperwork in accordance with the company procedures.

While Stark industries used to have a weapons manufacturing division, she used to give the weapon's specifics to the officials of the US Military.

Then Tony closed the weapons manufacturing division of Stark International:

After Obadiah, Tony made her his new business partner, she was taking Stane’s place. And then, Tony was dying from developed terminal complications from the Arc Reactor's palladium core and decided to promote Pepper as the new CEO. 

She used to work for/with:

Aldrich Killian. (Early jobs).

Stark Industries. (Finance department first and then Tony’s assistant).

Her professional journey is about her becoming a capable, qualified expert businesswoman using her credibility and competence as a business specialist and leader. She’s very straightforward and honest. She’s not perfect and she knows that, she doesn’t look for perfection, only to get things done.

Education:

She has a degree in business administration. 

As a CEO, she:

Runs the business side of the company making vast profits.

Oversees the projects/foundations/grants offered by the company.

Promotes the company’s new central focus and division of modern tech/clean energy.

Runs Stark Industries’ major events. 

Faults:

She admits that she and Stark Industries used to sell weapons and is very compassionate with people struggling with the same faults:

Pepper Potts: You gave your research to a think tank.

Maya Hansen: Yeah, but Killian built that think tank on military contracts. 

Pepper Potts: That's exactly what we used to do. So, don't judge yourself.

Personality:

She’s very well educated, formal and professional as demonstrated in Iron Man 2: Public Identity, she refused to call James Rhodes; Tony’s best friend, with the nickname ‘Rhodey' like everyone else until Tony told her it was ok to do it.  She’s also punctual, reliable, independent and intelligent.

Jane Foster:

Astronomer/Scientist/Cosmologist.

World's leading astrophysicists/world's most foremost astronomer.

Creator of the Foster Theory.  

One of the premiere experts on Asgard.

After graduating Jane used to:

Investigate astronomical anomalies with her team.

Monitor astronomical anomalies in her research base.

Build her own equipment to work on research.

Jane is one of the most important astrophysicists in the world, she studied the existence of Einstein-Rosen Bridges, then developed a revolutionary theory on wormholes called the Foster Theory, gave lectures around the world about her experiences and work, and was considered a serious candidate for the Nobel Prize. 

She built most of her equipment herself. Her work on the Convergence made her one of the world's leading astronomers. Her discoveries in the field of astrophysics inspired many and allowed her to give lectures around the world about interspace and dimensional travel. 

She used to work for/with:

Erik Selvig (Expert partner, colleague, and friend).

S.H.I.E.L.D. (Partnership/Expert adviser).

Tromso’s research base.

University of London And Culver.

Jane Foster's Research Base.

Education:

Graduated as an Astronomer at Culver University.

Master scientist.

Faults:

Jane can be very impulsive and driven to the point of not listening to her own business partner and friend so she can make new discoveries and advance in her career as an expert scientist. 

Jane Foster to Phil Coulson: "I'm on the verge of understanding something extraordinary, and everything I know about this phenomenon is either in this lab or in this book, and you can't just take this away!"

Personality:

Jane is a strong determined woman. She’s a genius and firmly believes in her own idealism. She’s impulsive, quirky and feisty. She’s an independent spirit.

I’m sorry, I have to share this because up to this day, I still can’t get over this scene:

Since Thor’s story is continuing in the MCU, she’s going to become Mighty Thor:

Images not mine.

I like both of them, I think they both work in very different areas and I respect both of their fields as they exceed as the expert women they are.

Thanx!♥

[msjr0119]

Cordonian Wags

Part 1- Welcome to the team

In a world full of Professional footballers and their demanding wives- can their football team nicknamed the ‘Cordonian Apples’ succeed? An American female physiotherapist joins the club. Will this cause issues with the footballers wives?

*This series is based on The Royal Romance characters who belong to Pixelberry - AU Plot switch*

Read the introduction here

Disclaimer: Quite a bit of swear words and a lot of dialogue- Sorry 😐

Tags: @annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @whenyourheartskipsabeat @nz1091 @jovialyouthmusic @yukinagato2012

******

Riley hadn’t had the chance to unpack yet- due to the invitation to the pre season party. Her main priority was to prepare the paperwork for the players to fill out for her knowledge. When she had been offered the job- she checked out accommodation to rent in Cordonia. Most places only offered a years contract- she accepted this, knowing that she would have to pay the remaining months once the season had finished.

If the Cordonian Wags were anything like the British ones- they would all be trying to out stage each other at these type events. Causing trouble. Fighting for attention. Riley was the odd one out at any event- technically she was classed as a ‘wag’ but in her mind she was just the physio. Pulling out a simple little black dress with matching black heels, she looked like she was going to a funeral rather than a party. Keeping her make up to a minimal and her natural brown curls loosely fall effortlessly down her back- the simple look. This was the first time Riley had been out for a while. She avoided leaving the house having the British press stalk her every movement.

Let’s get this over and done with.

*****

Savannah had persuaded Bertrand to allow Drake to get ready at their house and attend with them. Drake refused at first - his number one characteristic was his stubbornness. Your sister will blame me all night if you don’t come with us- and you know how angry she can become. Please. Drake eventually agreed after the ‘peer pressure’ from his brother in law. He hated receiving the sympathy vote from everyone even if it was self infliction for him not ending his relationship with Kiara. Whilst waiting for the sitter to arrive, the trio began to pre-drink.

“Darling, I spoke to Riley before. She seems really nice. And ambitious. I was hoping to become friends with her- she seems so much nicer than the other women here - apart from Hana. I believe she and Hana would get on very well.”

“Who the fuck is Riley?” Drake demanded frowning at his sister.

“Erm. No one, Drake. Well obviously she is someone. You’ll be formally introduced to her later.”

Bertrand responded, he knew how his wife’s mind ticked, she wound her brother up constantly. Deep down she wanted her brother to be happy in a relationship, so believed she was testing the water. Bertrand knew exactly what her intentions for this random conversation were.

Savannah secretly laughed, she knew she was frustrating Drake. He hated secrets being kept from him. Handing him a whiskey- she was going to continue rising his blood pressure with the frustration and curiosity. Sibling love at its best.

“Did you know she’s getting divorced? So she’s technically single?”

“Savannah, let’s not talk about her personal life. She’s not here to look for love. Keep her away from Leo Rhys for gods sake.”

The sitter was late, much to Bertrand’s annoyance- he liked everyone to be punctual. When it came to meeting people he would request that people meet him an hour earlier than needed, to ensure that there was extra time for situations such as this. The doorbell rang, Bertrand immediately shot up- it was one of two people- the babysitter or Riley. He had invited Riley to attend with them as she didn’t know anyone else.

“Good evening Riley.” Bertrand pulled her in for a welcoming hug, as she handed him a bottle of wine as a thank you for supporting her already.

“Thank you for the invitation. Your home is absolutely stunning”

Bertrand guided her into the large open spaced lounge, offering her a glass of champagne which she accepted politely. The Walker siblings were sat talking, before both abruptly turning mute.

“Hi Riley, it’s so nice to see you again. I didn’t know you was coming?” Savannah slowly stood up and gave Riley a friendly squeeze. Riley wasn’t sure if she was an overly touchy- feely person or if she was just a genuinely friendly person with a heart of gold.

“I... I’m sorry if I’ve interrupted....Mr Beaumont suggested it.... As i don’t know anyone but you guys and Mr Rhys.”

“Don’t need to apologise. I’m happy that you’re here. Saves me from being bored shitless with these two misery’s..I want to get to know you better- we can be friends? This is my brother Drake by the way.”

Savannah gave her brother dagger eyes after observing her brother’s lack of politeness. Scowling at the woman stood nervously in front of them he rolled his eyes back not really willing to take much notice of the newbie-great another gold digger he thought. Riley bit her lip due to the awkward silence. Drake Walker’s stereotypical nickname was known as the ‘grumpy stubborn one’.

“Nice to see you in the flesh Walker. I look forward to working with you all.” Riley gulped the champagne back in one go- impatiently waiting for a non existent response. He hadn’t looked at her- uh he’s such an ignorant arsehole.

‘I look forward to working with you all’ - Drake suddenly was knocked out of his trance, trying to figure out who she could be after that sentence. Fixating his gaze on her, his eyes locked on hers- he couldn’t help but admire her beauty. No I’m with Kiara- stop gawping at her. Shaking his head, taking a deep breath, he stood up and shook Riley’s hand- feeling a bolt of lightening spread throughout his body, he now had butterflies in his stomach. They both let go of each other before fixing their gaze towards the marble floor. Savannah and Bertrand noticed the interaction and gave each other that knowing look.

“So, how are you enjoying your first day? Drake, Riley is the teams new physio- when Connie introduces her act surprised!”

Bertrand begged his brother in law- he knew it was the chairman’s responsibility to introduce the newest member of the team to everyone.

“It’s different.. it’s nice to not be stalked by the paparazzi..”

“Isn’t that what the job title includes for a Wag?” Savannah sarcastically said, whilst winking.

She’s a wag... she’s a physio.... Drake’s mind was working overtime- if she’s a footballers wife, where is he? Why is she here? Surely she doesn’t need to work and can fend off her husbands paycheck like other wives.

“I was never a ‘wag’ Savannah. I hate them. I was the odd one out. Biggest mistake of my life has been marrying a footballer- no offence Drake.”

“Um.. none taken... you’re married to a footballer... you’re a physio.... anything else you need to confess?”

“Excuse me? Mr Rhys knows all about my background, my estranged husband. There’s nothing more to tell. It’s none of your business Walker. My business is to make sure that none of you dumbasses injure yourselves too much!”

“You’re going to be trouble, I can already tell!” Drake snapped, whilst gulping another whiskey.

“What is your issue?” Riley snapped back- she didn’t like his attitude. What a wanker.

“You are.. look no offence. But this place is vicious. Full of secrets. If I was you I’d get back on a plane to America pronto!”

Riley felt anger build through her body. She had never met someone that was such a jerk on their first meeting. She shrugged her shoulders and blanked him- as far as she was aware the miserable man was non existent. This is going to be a long nine months.

******

Liam and Olivia were almost ready to attend the party. They had chosen to go in matching outfits. Well, Olivia had suggested it- Liam didn’t have a choice in the matter. She wore the trousers in the relationship after all.

“Liv, hurry up! We are going to be late!”

Liam had been ready for a while- the scotch was running smoothly down his throat every time he drank some more. His wife was taking forever to get ready. Typical footballers wife. At times, he wished he was single- looking out for ‘me, myself and I’. Olivia was a nightmare - at times he regretted marrying her, all she did was moan. She was jealous of his brother being the captain of the team, she hated the fact that Constantine favoured Leo over Liam. Frustrated that her husband couldn’t grow some bollocks and stand up to his father.

“Okay! Okay! You’re such an arse. Never rush a woman getting ready, Li. Do we even have to go? Your father is just going to be praising golden bollocks all night!”

“Yes Liv! We all have to attend!” Liam snapped as he was frustrated at his wife’s questions. She knew the answer to her idiotic question.

“Kiara isn’t... I could be doing anything better than socialise with those people!” Folding her arms, she frowned at her husband spitting her dummy out.

“That’s Kiara.... they aren’t married so get away with it.”

Olivia rolled her eyes back, the only positive thing about these events was the unlimited free bar and winding Madeleine up.

****

Leo had ignored his wife ever since he had returned home from training. Quickly he got dressed up into one of his many designer tuxedos. Styling his hair to perfection- he loved himself too much. Leo Rhys you sexy mother fucker - he said to himself checking himself out in the mirror, placing a condom in his pocket- just in case. Hitting the bottle- he was eager to get to the party just to escape from his wife’s constant lectures that were like a vinyl on loop. Same shit, different day. Finally she made an appearance- her eyes narrowed at him like always, as if her facial expression was superglued to that same resting bitch expression .

“Oh darling you look amazing.” She said sarcastically rolling her eyes back.

“Baby I’d say the same about you. But... You have something on the end of your nose. You don’t look flattering at all...”

“It’s just a bit of powder. I dread to think what’s on the end of your dick! After all, you stick it in all sorts of places!”

“The answer to your question.... a bell is at the end of it!”

Leo slammed his tumbler of the brown liquid on the table, before heading outside to the waiting car. Madeleine slowly caught up- Leo held the door open for her before slamming it shut with an almighty force.

****

Zeke and Penelope hated these types of events- mainly because they had to leave their daughters behind. They felt guilty if they returned home drunk. Everyone had told them to let their hair down every once in a while. This couple were the most responsible out of them all- mainly due to their family which they were grateful for.

“Girls, be good for Amber. And look after the poodles for your Mom. Promise? I love you both.”

“Yes, daddy.” Emma and Emily said in unison.

“Love you little darlings. See you in morning.” Penelope said whilst still hesitating about leaving them.

The two girls jumped into their parents arms giving them the tightest bear hug. Tip toeing out of the front door- the parents looked back at their adorable daughters before leaving. Sorrow in their eyes as Emma and Emily waved slowly at them. The couple promised each other to leave early and too not drink too much.

****

Maxwell and Hana arrived separately, keeping their relationship under pretentious again. They had seen how majority of their friends relationships had crumbled. Knowing the minute they became official the press would hound them.

Maxwell entered the room, and immediately hit the dance floor. Spotting Hana he couldn’t resist spending time with her- all their friends had an inkling regarding their relationship. What’s the harm in dancing with a ‘friend’? You look beautiful Miss Lee, dance with me?

Hana nodded providing a seductive smile. After a while they both stumbled over to the bar- where Drake was sat drowning his sorrows.

“Hey buddy. What’s up?”

“My life. That’s what’s up Max. My girlfriend can’t even be arsed showing up. Why haven’t I got the guts to dump her and throw her out of MY house? She keeps walking all over me. I just allow it. I say ‘love you’, she ignores it. I might just go home.”

“Well... we all advised you to end it but we also understand how hard it must be when you love someone. You’ll move on buddy. I’ll take you home once Constantine has done his speech okay?”

‘You’ll move on....’ ha I wish Max.

“Thanks Max. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”

“No probs. Whiskey?”

Drake nodded, he was glad his friend knew him inside and out. Maxwell pat him on the shoulder, giving him a whiskey before persuading Drake to join him and Hana having shots.

*****

The group of friends all stood the corner, impatiently waiting for the chairman to arrive. Both Savannah and Leo, were intoxicated- Bertrand had tried to conceal his wife’s behaviour up- but she just became louder and louder. Leo was just Leo. The usual drunk.

“Looks like your father has traded Regina in for a younger model.” Olivia whispered to Liam and Leo. Leo quickly looked over. As did the other men. Chinese whispers began spreading throughout the room - ‘who is she?’ was the common question that was unanswered. Drake just rolled his eyes- for some reason he hated her. He couldn’t comprehend why? Leo straightened his tie, checking his hair in a nearby mirror and headed straight over to his father and Riley.

“Why, hello there gorgeous. I haven’t seen you around here before.” Showing an exasperated expression, she wondered how long it would take for the local playboy to attempt to make a move.

“Leo, so nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.” You’re a wanker, you’re a cheat, you’re a mess. You are a girls worse nightmare. Her mind talked sense- she wasn’t going to say her thoughts out loud risking her job before she’s even started it.

Leo pulled her into his embrace, she played along with his flirting to begin with, teasing him. Caressing his cheek, whispering in his ear- unknown to a drunk Leo he didn’t understand the sarcasm in her voice. You love yourself don’t you. Why wouldn’t you? You are quite handsome. I bet the women love you.... Riley felt his jeans tighten as he held her, making her skin crawl- she shuddered at the thought. Not giving a shit, he swiftly moved closer and kissed her on the neck- before she pushed him away. Everyone joined the trio, needing to rescue the mystery woman from the womaniser. She held the record for being the only woman that they had ever witnessed turn down Leo Rhys.

“Touch me again Mr Rhys- and you’ll be wishing that one of them break your legs on the pitch instead of me. And I won’t help you recover.”

“You’re a fiesty one. Come on babe. You’re gorgeous. And so am I. You know you wanted to kiss me back. I’ll take you on date sometime... Miss?” Riley didn’t know whether to punch that smirk off his face or just scowl at the disgusting man stood in front of her.

“It’s Mrs... Mrs Riley López your new physio.”

She winked at Constantine- technically she was still married so could stil use the marriage card. Constantine shook his head - disappointed in his son’s behaviour. Thanking the lord that this girl could protect herself. Clearing his throat, he grabbed the microphone, ready to make his announcement.

“Everyone, I’m assuming you have many questions regarding who this woman standing by my side is. Gentlemen this is Riley Brooks, your new physio. Miss Brooks has some paperwork for you all to complete before you attend training tomorrow. Please make her feel welcome, and of course- everyone enjoy the party!” Constantine kept his speech sort- he didn’t want to elaborate on anything- so walked away from the crowd with his wife Regina.

“So MISS Brooks.... you’re not a Mrs... About that date...” Leo thought he had a second chance- smirking at her flashing his pearly whites.

“Fuck you Leo. I’m getting a divorce. And I’m not interested in married men- especially not interested in footballers.”

“Fuck you... oh I do want you to do that.”

“N. O. Spells NO! Goodnight Mr Rhys.”

Riley walked over to the bar, taking a few shots back in a flash. Leo reminded her of her husband. She hadn’t been introduced to his wife as of yet- but she already felt empathy towards her. Swallowing the last shot, she was spooked as someone tapped her on the shoulder.

“Miss Brooks, I do apologise on behalf of my brother for his appalling attitude.” Liam the other Rhys brother- he’s not like Leo. As far as I’m aware.

“No worries Liam, I can handle men like him.”

“How do you know who I am?”

“Bertrand explained to me earlier on who was who before I was spying on you all at training. Leo- the playboy, Drake- The grump and stubborn one, Maxwell- the hyper one, Zeke - the family man and you Liam. You’re the nice brother. The loyalist of them all. The other players didn’t really get awarded with a nickname. I just assume Mr Beaumont is closer to you guys.”

“Heh. Bertrand has got us to a T... my brother wasn’t lying when he called you gorgeous. I think we can all agree on that. Myself and Drake saw you before with Savannah, and I actually called you that too. Great minds and all that.... I hope you settle in and enjoy your time here. Erm, there’s gossip spreading about your marriage- if you ever need anyone to talk to about it, I’ll always be here.” Gently holding her hand as he said this, she could tell by the sparkle of his eyes and his smile that his words were genuine.

“Thank you, But i would rather not talk about it. I’m here to do my job. Hoping that you all make it easy for me and have no injuries this season.”

“I can’t promise that none of us won’t get any injuries. If I don’t see you later on, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Liam kissed Riley on the cheek, a slight blush showed up on her face. She was thankful for the dark lightening hoping no one would see it. His soft touch was still lingering even after he had left.

*****

Savannah introduced Riley to Max, Hana, Zeke and Penelope. She felt that these people were the only normality in the room. Looking over her shoulder she overheard a red head and blonde sniping insults to each other, whilst staring at her with looks that could kill. Typical footballers wives, she thought as she quietly laughed to herself at the irony. Riley would feel intimidated in the past with these actions but now she honestly couldn’t care less- she knew these type of women.

“Ah just ignore them, they are always like that.” Hana stated as she shook her head, in response to the entertainment happening in the background.

“I gathered. Let’s hope the Rhys brothers don’t become injured - I couldn’t cope with associating with women like that.”

“No I don’t blame you. Myself and Hana are having a party tomorrow - I call them ‘Beaumont bashes’. You’re welcome to come Riley. I know we are all going to be the best of friends.” Max grinning like a Cheshire Cat- he loved making new friends.

“Sure. It’ll be nice to get to know normal people.”

“Sorry Max- we won’t be able to attend. The girls have a riding competition. And we want to spend time with them to celebrate afterwards.” Zeke said with sorrow in his eyes. He loved a Beaumont bash but his family always came first.

“Ah man. Okay.” Maxwell pretended to cry, over dramatically wiping his tears away. But he understood that Zekes and Penelope’s children were their priority.

“Oh. I love riding. I haven’t been able to do it since I moved to England. I used to do it on a regular basis back in the states. I can only imagine how proud you are of your children Zeke and Penny.”

“We are Riley. We are so proud. You will have to come for a ride one day. I’m more of a dog person- I have two poodles. We are an animal loving family.”

“Thank you for the invite. I will be honoured to come one day.” Penelope and Zeke smiled at her pulling her in for a group hug.

They were all sociably talking, getting to know Riley. After a while she excused herself, explaining she needed a bit of air- as the room had become slightly stuffy.

*****

Walking out on the veranda, the cool air as well as the alcohol hit Riley suddenly. The moonlit sky was beautiful- stars scattered evenly.

Feeling much cooler, she turned around not looking where she was going as she bumped straight into someone. He caught her and held her tight- their eyes fixated on each other. The two of them ended up covered in a fusion of alcohol.

Before Riley could escape, he grabbed her wrist pulling her closer to him. There was a tingling sensation spreading throughout his stomach. Standing frozen, she could hear his heartbeat rapidly increase, every second he held her. Slowly he lent down, before crashing his lips onto hers whilst inhaling her fruity fragrance. The short kiss- made him feel intoxicated, she was going to be his newest drug- one he couldn’t wait to taste again. Riley looked at him with sorrow in her eyes as she pushed him away with an almighty force. Immediately she ran away as fast as she could. Not looking back, she was hoping to just be able to sneak out of the party without anyone noticing her. She was uncontrollably shaking, regretting that she didn’t do anything to prevent the interaction that had just occurred.

[kosmosian-quills]

Bad to Worse

A very poorly written thing because I’m tired and tried to finish this for today. It also is probably not going to get used in the final version, but I wanted it written anyway.

Anyway, meet Tomasz! I have @cirianne to thank for the creation of this kind boy. I’M SORRY I HAD TO GET THIS OUT OF ME OK.

WIP: Angel

POV: Tomasz

Date: Monday, May 4th 2026

If exam preparations have taught me one thing, it’s that I really should listen to past me when they say go to bed on time, because it is now 8:52am, and I am going to be late for class if I don’t hurry up.

I look a mess, I know, I’m wearing yesterday’s jeans, a t shirt I found on the top of my clean clothes pile, and my backpack is slung over my shoulder as I hurried to grab it on my way out of the halls. I hadn’t even had the chance to grab anything real for breakfast yet. Urgh, I can’t be like this. Not when I have an exam tomorrow. I should be better than this.

It’s fine, calm down. I think I’ve still got that chocolate bar in my bag from yesterday. That’ll do until I can grab something else later.

The journey from halls to my lecture hall isn’t that far, about a 10 minute walk at most, but if I run like I am now, I can probably be there for just about 9am. I hope.

I had been awake until almost 4am this morning, so I’m running on nothing but will power at the moment. I’ve been so carefully diligent with my work this year, I don’t know why I thought studying at 3am was a good idea. I know that it isn’t an option tonight, not when one of my final exams is tomorrow morning. 9am sharp!

I make it into the lecture hall with barely a minute to spare, and find my seat with my friends, already seated and waiting.

“Running late, Tomasz?” Heidi smirked as I practically threw my bag down beside my seat, panting like a dog.

“I am not late, thank you very much,” I replied. “Class hasn’t started yet, has it?”

“Close enough,” Bruno nodded in the direction of the door, tapping his pen against his notebook, where the Professor was just coming into the room. “What did you do, sleep in?”

“Maybe, maybe not. I’m here, and that is what matters,” I pulled out my laptop, turning it on and tapping it impatiently. I really need an upgrade for this, but it’s all I can afford at the moment. It does its job well enough, just when I am a little more punctual.

I settle into the rhythm of the lecture quickly enough, sat with the friends I’ve come to know and learn with for the past seven months.

The time does pass ridiculously quickly during these formal-informal study sessions in preparation for our exams, but even I was surprised that Heidi actually looked at her phone when it buzzed.

Heidi was a student from southern Germany, somewhere bordering Austria I think. She’s a lovely girl, even if she is easily distracted. I can’t fault her though, she does well in classes and tests.

Bruno is quite the opposite. He is normally the one telling us to stop slacking and get studying. He’s technically German, but his family lived over in Kosmos for a few years when he was younger. I have to say, it’s very comforting to have someone from home here, even though he and his family left a few years ago.

She passes her phone aside to me, whispering aside “Look, Tomasz. You’ve still got family over there, right?”

The screen was a breaking news report, something that had happened in the last ten minutes.

Terrorist attack in Kosmosian capital.

I took it from her, skimming through the article. An explosion rocked the main street in the capital city as the citizens partake in their independence day festivities… there are dozens of confirmed casualties and at least 7 deaths…

Explosion. Casualties. Deaths!

Oh, no!

Terrorist attacks in my country are virtually unheard of. I don’t think there has been one, ever! At least, in my lifetime. What is going on there? I had totally forgotten that today was the Flower Festival, especially since my attempts at staying up until the early hours of this morning, but that’s a despicable strategy in order to ensure a lot of victims. Everyone is out in the streets today, it’s tradition for many of them.

“Not… in the capital, thankfully. But that’s awful.” I whispered, being careful not to distract the other students here.

That’s not entirely true though. I don’t have family there, true.

“I’ve got a friend there, in the capital.”

“Maybe you should give them a call?”

“She won’t have her phone, she’s not allowed it during the day,” I tell her as I pull out my phone, scrolling through my instant messages to find her contact. Słoneczka, I have her noted as, the picture is of her smiling back at me, taken the day she left Obokplaży before she started her shiny new job.

“Not allowed? Why wouldn’t she be allowed her phone?” Bruno joined in.

“She works for the Royal family. It’s kind of, a rule. She’ll see it later, I’m sure.” I told them as I started typing my message. Hey, Słoneczka. I saw the news, I hope everything’s okay over there. Stay safe.

I feel awful that I don’t try and call her, but I know it’s useless to even try. She just won’t be able to answer the call, so there’s no point. I hope she’ll see my message later, though. Maybe she’ll be allowed her phone to call her parents when things have calmed down, and she’ll see my message then.

“Oh yeah, I remember you saying. She’ll be fine. They’ve got tonnes of security, though, right?”

“Yeah, yeah…” I murmured, waiting for the confirmation that the message had been successfully delivered. It had.

I sent a message to my parents too, even though they’re home in Obokplazy, so I know they’ll be safe, but I wanted to be sure. It’s a terrible thing to happen.

“Tomasz, if you need to go, just go,” Heidi whispered to me, obviously aware that I hadn’t been paying attention for the last few minutes.

“No, I’m fine, I’ll be fine.” I said dismissively, putting my phone away and finally getting back to my lecture.

--- 

Date: Monday, May 4th 2026

By the time our morning break arrived, it seemed more frightful news reared its ugly head.

Something had happened at the castle, it seemed, due to the sudden arrival of the military and the total communication breakdown. One of the most unifying days in our calendar and it’s chaos over there, it seems. The last update was over an hour ago, and we had heard no more.

All I can think about it Matylda, over there in that castle. Whatever’s going on, she’s in the thick of it. I find myself staring at the message I sent her – still unread, and I just wish she would answer me. The rational part of my brain knows that if something is going on inside the castle, her last priority will be returning to her bedroom to fetch her phone and answer a half-hearted text from me, sent when I wasn’t aware that this had happened. I am also aware that even if she had her phone, the chances of her calling me are slim. I know what she’s like, she’ll call her parents first. In fact, should I call them? Should I just let them know that I am thinking about her? Ask them to let me know if they hear anything from her?

No, I shouldn’t. It would be rude and presumptuous of me. She’ll let me know in her own time, I’m sure. Besides, what Bruno said earlier is true. They’ve got the best security they could possibly have against any potential threat. She will be fine.

I still can’t shake the feeling, though, that something catastrophic has happened there. The radio silence is not helping either.

And of course this is happening around exam time.

There was one other Kosmosian national beside myself in our class, and she was shaken by the news, but her family live in Wgórach, so they’re safe from all the chaos. I’m thankful all the same that my family aren’t involved in any way.

Hey Słoneczka – I begin typing again – I hope you read this soon, and that everything is okay where you are.

I send the message before I even process what I wrote, and I am aware that the message I sent is probably… not the best way to end that.

I mean, I know it’s not. But I hope you and everyone else is alright. Let me know when you can.

The messages are still left unread, marked “Delivered”. It seems like an insult, mocking me, that I don’t know any more. Damn it, I’m worried about her. I haven’t seen her in almost a year, and I hope that the events over there haven’t taken her away from me. Of course I’ve spoken with her, and had conversations with her, but it’s not the same.

I don’t want to say there was something special in that kiss she gave me, because I am probably thinking too much into it, but there was something. The way she had stood on her tiptoes just to reach my cheek, and how scared she looked afterwards. I remember being stunned by her action, and could do no more to make her feel better than to return the kiss.

It was wonderful to share that with her. I just hope she’s okay.

---

Date: Monday, May 4th 2026

By the time 4pm rolls around – a whole 6 hours since the first reports of a terrorist attack – things have gone from bad, to very bad.

The headline this time is simple.

Kosmosian monarchy overthrown.

---

Date: Tuesday, May 5th 2026

I tried to focus on my exam, I truly did, but I knew it was a lost cause all the same. I was too distracted from the task at hand. I had hoped that my endless studying would prove an effective enough way to keep me occupied until things had calmed down, but it’s not working. It’s a plague eating at me, and I can’t help but worry about the implications.

Heidi thinks I shouldn’t even try the exam, not when all this is going on, but I wanted to give it a try anyway, hoping that the distraction is enough.

But it’s not, it’s really not.

Things were bad, over there. I promised myself that I wouldn’t read any news articles until after my exam, but that was a fruitless endeavour from the start. Someone who had read the news this morning said that the only airport in the entire country had been closed. No flights in or out. Same with the ports, no boats leaving the country anymore. Total radio silence too.

What is going on? It’s been totally closed off.

I really shouldn’t have tried to do this exam. I can’t think clearly. My mind is filled with these painful thoughts. I previously, naively, stupidly thought that my family would be okay because they aren’t in the capital, but now I am not so sure. Total isolation, and I haven’t heard a thing from them. Not even since yesterday.

The worst part of this is the implications for me now. I am a student here, yet still a Kosmosian national. I am expected to return home for the summer after term has ended, but that seems unlikely. That headline last night made sure to strike that fear into me, well and truly. How am I supposed to get home if they’ve closed the borders? Will I be allowed to stay here? Just what can I do from here, when my country is in turmoil just across the sea? Barely a two hour flight from here?

What about my parents? My friends? Matylda? I have no idea if they’re even alive. Matylda was there, she must still be in the castle, at best. She could be dead right now, if that takeover was as violent as the article sounded –

Stop it. Don’t think like that. She’s fine.

But it’s still sickening to think about. I can’t be here, but if I miss this exam I doubt I will have the student visa to allow me to stay. I have to at least try. Heidi and Bruno seem certain that I could have missed this exam with zero repercussions because of what’s happening, the turmoil, but as I said to them – I want distracting whilst everything calms down.

I don’t think that will be happening.

I should probably just admit to the professor what a terrible piece of work this essay is becoming. We’re barely an hour into this exam and it feels like I have been here for almost a day. My head is throbbing, and I can’t focus anymore on this.

I somehow managed to make it to the end of the exam, not that I am proud of the little I did write, but when I turned my phone back on, what I saw made me physically ill.

Someone had livestreamed what was going on, and a news reporter had picked it up. Just two hours ago, whilst I was still in that hall, was the live, public execution of the King.

The news station couldn’t show the actual regicide, of course, but it was more than enough for me to be sure of one thing.

Matylda is probably as dead as he is.

[too-attached-to-fiction]

Undefined

Masterlist here

Wordcount: ~2000 (slipped away from me whoops)

~~~

It had been a year since the revolution. A year since the country had dipped its toes into another civil war.

And three months since you met Connor and the other members of Jericho.

The anniversary of the sinking was coming up. You’d memorized the dates without trying to, holding onto whatever information the others gave you.

You had talent for reading people. That’s how you met Markus. He knew that you knew more than you let on.

Without a second thought, you texted Connor. He wouldn’t be busy today.

CONNOR

3:48

To: Connor

you up for an adventure?

3:50

Connor

I will be at your house in 10 minutes.

You grinned, cleaning up your mess from lunch. You rarely did that, much less at home. Still, you needed energy for today.

After shooting a text to your brother to ask to see him tonight for an early dinner, you set your phone down on the counter.

You and Connor had hung out enough to be comfortable, but awkwardness always seemed to hang in the air when you did. You weren’t sure if he was a friend or if you thought of him otherwise.

And if you did...

Boy, you were in trouble.

You grabbed your satchel, checking to make sure you had everything. Connor was anything if not punctual.

The doorbell rang out, interrupting your frenzy. You grabbed your phone and keys before answering it.

You stepped out of the door like an embarrassed teenager trying to hurry off on their date before your parents could go into protective mode. You gave Connor a smile, looking at him up and down before settling your eyes back on his face.

Today he wore jeans and a light coat, a crisp white button up untucked. You’d tried getting him away from the cyber life uniform, but to no avail. He didn’t do a terrible job, but he looked too formal for what the two of you were going to be doing today.

You locked the door quickly and lead the way to the car, an old compact that you’d had since you moved to Detroit.

“Where are we going today?” Connor asked, and you grinned back at him.

“It’s a surprise.” You winked, slipping inside the vehicle and plugging the keys into the ignition.

According to Connor, you and his partner, Hank, shared similar music tastes. He’d also clarified that you were on the softer end of the spectrum.

The two of you buckled in and you set the music to your adventure playlist. You reversed as Gwen Stefani’s voice rang out.

You loved the fall, and you loved driving down the winding roads toward home.

The half hour lasted longer than you thought, but you didn’t mind. You sang along to everything, not noticing Connor’s looks of adoration that he shot every so often.

Finally, you pulled up to the old mill. Just as you expected, there was a small crowd of people already there. Hay stacks were scattered around the uneven property, and pumpkins seemed to appear everywhere you looked.

This was a yearly tradition for you, but you’d never brought someone before. “Connor, welcome to Bloomfield Hills.” You announced with a grin, stepping out of the car. You tucked your keys into your satchel, slamming the door shut. The two of you met in front of the car and you interlaced your fingers with his as you tugged him forward.

“This is the Franklin Cider Mill.” You slowed down, turning around so you were walking backwards. “Founded in the 19th century, this place is iconic for two things: apple cider and cinnamon donuts. Best ones in the world.”

Soon enough, the two of you were standing at the counter. Oliver, an android who had been working here for the past couple of years, greeted you with a smile.

“(Y/N), your first visit is extremely late this season.” Oliver said. “What will it be?”

“Two apple ciders and two boxes of donuts please.” You ordered. As you pulled out your wallet, you realized something seemed off about Oliver. When you looked up, his LED was missing.

“Oliver, did you deviate?” You asked quietly, and he nodded. “But you stayed here.”

“I liked it here. The other androids freed me, and the owner gives me hours and pays us fairly.” Oliver smiled, placing the boxes and cups on the counter. “That’ll be $16.42.”

You handed over your card, and then spotted your business card in your wallet. Pulling it out, you handed it to him as he gave you back your credit card.

“Let me know when you’re in Detroit, I have a feeling you’ll like a couple of my friends.” You said. “Thank you, Oliver.”

You handed Connor the cups with a grin and grabbed the boxes. “Follow me.”

The two of you ended up sitting on a haystack, sipping on hot apple cider and watching families go by.

“Connor, do you think you’d want a family?” You asked curiously. As a psychologist, you’d helped the others learn about emotions, but other than that, Connor was pretty shy.

After a pause, he spoke. His words were always calculated and precise. “I think if my partner wanted children, I’d be happy to do that with them.”

You nodded, biting into a donut. “Are you able to copulate?” The question slipped off your tongue but you kept eye contact, determined to not make the conversation awkward.

“Physiologically, I believe so. However, I haven’t experienced attraction that would make me want to.” Even though his response was calm, his cheeks were tinted a light blue.

You grinned at this. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

“Are you saying I’m aesthetically pleasing to the eye?”

“No... kinda.” You laughed. “I’m saying that your personality and behavior is cute.”

You sipped your cider again before holding out a donut to him. “Here, try it.”

Hesitantly he took it, taking a bite before staring at it in awe. “This is... tasty.”

You laughed again, doubling over at his awed response. “They’re good, aren’t they?”

Your phone beeped.

4:52

From: Jack

sounds good, Maggie says you can come whenever. We were just going to order pizza. Alex is excited to see you.

You sent your brother a thumbs up and looked over at Connor, who was studying you.

“(Y/N), why did you bring me here?” It was his turn to ask questions.

You shrugged. “I wanted to spend time with you, I guess.” You said lamely, closing the donut box. “We haven’t gotten to hang out much one on one.”

He nodded.

“Is it okay if we have dinner with my brother’s family tonight?” You asked, searching his eyes as if he’d give anything away with them. He didn’t, of course.

“Will they accept me?” He replied with his own question. You smiled, interlacing your fingers with his the way you had earlier.

“My brother’s an engineer, he’d be fascinated. And Maggie will make sure he won’t say anything idiotic.” You promised.

15 minutes later, you were on Jack’s doorstep, a large jug of apple cider in Connor’s right hand. You bounced on your toes, waiting for Jack to swing open the door.

“Hey!” Jack greeted, nearly tackling you with his hug. “I haven’t seen you in forever.”

“Jack, you saw me last week.” You protested. “Must we do this every time?”

“Can’t change up the tradition after all these years.” He flashed you a grin as he pulled away.

Jack was younger than you, by two years to be exact. He was always the loud one, and you and your friends often compared him to a golden retriever. Even with a little bit of age, he was still lean and tall, with a full head of straight hair.

“Oh, Jack, this is Connor.” You introduced quickly. Connor’s LED whirred and your brother caught it, looking at the two of you.

“Nice to meet you man. So you’re (Y/N)’s friend? Boyfriend? Undefined?”

Jack switched his gaze over to you, and you could feel heat rising to your cheeks. “He’s my...he’s...” you didn’t know how to say it. Eventually you gave into Jack’s twinkling eyes the way you always did. “He’s my undefined.”

“(Y/N)!” You could hear Alex screaming as he nearly crashed into his father from behind.

“Alex!” You said, bending down to give your nephew a hug.

Alex peered up at Connor, and for a moment you lost your breath. Alex had seen androids but never this close...

Frankly, you were scared of his reaction. Scared of what he would say. But you stood your ground anyways.

“Papa, do you work with him?” Alex finally asked, and you let out the breath you had been holding in.

“No, but (Y/N) does. They change the world.” Jack explained to the six year old, crouching down and pointing at Connor.

“Like superheroes?” Alex’s eyes filled with wonder.

“Yeah.” His father rasped out. He quickly stood up again, waving you in. “Now come on, it’s freezing out.”

Maggie greeted you the minute you stepped into the kitchen, looking Connor up and down after you hugged your hellos. Jack ushered Connor off to the living room after grabbing two beers off the counter.

“He’s a looker.” Maggie mumbled. “He yours?” She looked through the doorway to the room.

“Undefined.” You’d played this game with Maggie before. She knew not to push things.

She spotted his LED. “An android.” She looked at you. “You’re kind with the deviants. He’s one of them?” You nodded slightly.

“If they’re designed to be like humans... be careful. They don’t know the capacities of their emotions. I’m sure you know that.” Maggie didn’t need to be a therapist to know these things. As a doctor, she needed to know the basics of psychology in order to help her patients.

Dinner was just as eventful, but as it got closer to eight, you knew you needed to cut it short.

“We should get going.” You gave Jack a tired smile. “I’ll be by next week for my cider and donuts.” You promised him, leading Connor out the door.

As soon as you were back on the highway, Connor turned down the music.

“What do you mean by undefined?” He asked, and you let out a sigh.

“I’m not sure what we are.”

“We are friends.” Connor said it so simply, your heart already starting to shatter as you processed his words.

After a long pause, Connor spoke again. “(Y/N), tell me about attraction.”

“Well, attraction almost always starts out physically. Animals want - no, need - mates. Humans are no different. They see something they like, they’re attracted. Their heart pumps a lot around them or their behavior changes when the one is in close proximity. Our pupils dilate when we see the person we are attracted to.” You rattled off, the speech in your head going faster than your mouth.

“(Y/N), I believe I’m feeling attraction for you.” Connor said, and you found yourself driving off onto the highway shoulder before slamming the brakes.

You looked at him with wide eyes. “Connor,” you started, “there’s no way-“

“You asked me earlier if I wanted a family, and I said I would if my partner wanted it. Seeing you with your nephew made me realize that I wanted to be a part of your life that had more than the occasional meal.” He cut you off. “I know what I want. I know that I want to wake up every morning next to you. Deviancy has helped me figure out that what I want are also missions that need to be accomplished. It has also helped me understand the futility of life, and when I first got into this car this evening, I knew that you might be taken with a single bullet. I’ve thought about this for a while, and if you agree, I’d like to be your significant other.”

His words were rushed and yet calm, slow, precise. “Will you let me be more than undefined?”

It was silent for a moment, cars silently whirring past yours.

You looked down at your lap, smoothing out your jeans as you vocalized your thoughts.

“I would like that.” You finally met his eyes. “If you were more than undefined.”

[thedevillord-writes]

Pandora - Tension

"Tension is the cornerstone of any good story"

-Eric Nylund

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

Watching the way her brows furrowed and the way she was biting her bottom lip while her eyes were trained on the tie she was doing for him, Eisuke could not help the irritation growing in him. Whenever there was a formal event that required a tie, it was always Haruka who stood before him and it was always Haruka who would do his tie. The irritation in him stemmed from the fact that Haruka had been avoiding him and she even sent in Yumi instead. Unable to stand watching her clumsy hands, Eisuke grabbed Yumi by the wrists and glared down at her.

"Where is Haruka?"

"She's outside..."

"Tell her to come in."

"But Haruka-san said I should do this. Since she's going on leave soon, I shouldn't be reliant on her."

In a week, the woman who had been by his side the whole time was leaving for six months. He had been repeatedly reminded by all those around him that she would not be around for much longer. And although Eisuke knew deep in his heart that Haruka would return, there was a small part of him that was afraid she would not. What if she liked her life better when he was not in it? What if she met someone and decided that they were the better option?

With a sigh of frustration, Eisuke let her go and left the room with a half done tie. Sitting in the living room, focused on the tablet in her hand, was Haruka in a dark blue gown. Eisuke had to admit, Ota always had the best eyes for fashion and he seemed to do his best works with Haruka. Several times he commissioned the artist to make dresses for Haruka and the results were always stunning. Even Ota once said that he had endless muse for her. Her look was completed with the simple hairstyle and make-up: hair curled lightly and swept to one side with light make-up highlighting her features. Catching himself staring, Eisuke tore his eyes away from her and cleared his throat.

"Mr. Ichinomiya."

Since their little moment in his bedroom, Haruka had been avoiding him. Under the pretense of training, Haruka would push Yumi to go to meeting with Eisuke instead. Any files that needed his signature, it was Yumi who brought them to him. Even his morning coffee, although brewed by Haruka, was brought to him by Yumi. The talk she had with Yosuke did not clear her feelings, it only complicated them. She used to be able to see Eisuke as just her boss but there was now a grey area and her mind was too crowded. Avoiding him seemed to be the only solution she could come up with, but even then, Eisuke was all she could think of.

As much as she wanted to skip tonight, the charity event was hosted by a long time client and she had Yumi to train to handle social situations on such a large scale. It was only for one night and she could keep the professionalism on for just this one night. She had to. Her eyes landed on the loose tie with an unfinished knot and her body moved subconsciously. It became a habit of hers, to fix a tie that was not perfectly done. Bordering obsessive, really. It just did not feel right to leave a loose tie.

Looking down at the familiar sight, Eisuke's attention was directed elsewhere when his eyes caught sight of the necklace she was wearing. Since the first event he took her to, everything Haruka wore was bought by him. His initial intention was so that she would not embarrass him wearing something inappropriate but over the years, it turned into a hobby almost. It was amusing to watch her try on the dresses one after the other. Then, it was just the satisfying feel that he was chasing after when he would find the perfect dress for her. Which was why the necklace she had on now stood out to him. He did not buy her the necklace.

"Is this new?" Eisuke asked, lifting the pendant to get a closer look. Just from one look, he could tell it was from the renowned brand that every woman would die to own just a small piece of jewelry from. An ordinary man would have to pay a limb and a half just to buy a bracelet that would break off any second. Haruka was never one to chase after brands. Or anything expensive, really. She liked looking at pretty things but that was more than enough for her, as she once said.

"Yes, it is," she replied, taking a step back when she was done with the tie.

"A gift?"

"A birthday gift. From a friend," she smiled. "Yumi, are you ready? Mr. Kanagawa is very particular about punctuality."

If she was being honest, Yumi did not want to attend the event. She would rather spend the night doing the same old channel surfing with her boyfriend than to attend the event of the month where she could be meeting celebrities and other people whom she would only see in magazines and/or on screen. Things had been tough enough as it was, but in the past week or so, it became even more awkward for her. She understood that Haruka was training her but whenever there was a chance, the older woman would avoid seeing their boss. Yumi tried to do her job but Eisuke was not making it easy on her either, since he was taking out his frustrations on her (and everyone else but they had the choice of staying away). Yumi thought it would be better to have Haruka around, so Eisuke would not be in a foul mood.

She was wrong.

So wrong.

Anything that Haruka wanted to convey to Eisuke, Yumi was her messenger. But the man would refuse to listen unless she was there to speak in person. Stuck in the middle, Yumi had no idea how to resolve the situation. Even as they were getting in the car, Haruka took the passenger seat and urged Yumi to take her usual place at the back seat instead.

"I'd like for you to pay extra attention tonight, Yumi," Haruka said, looking at her through the rear view mirror from her passenger seat. "Mr. Kanagawa is a long time client and valued business partner. This annual charity dinner is one of the largest events and there will be no mistake tolerable. This will be the last event I'm attending with you, please try to learn everything."

"Last event? But you have another week before you go on leave, don't you? There's another event next Wednesday."

"I've decided to take my leave a week early. If that's okay with you, Mr. Ichinomiya."

"Do whatever you like."

~.~

Despite the awkward and tense car ride, neither Haruka nor Eisuke let it show that they were affected. As soon as they got out, they had smiles plastered on for the cameras. Haruka was naturally standing by Eisuke with her arm loosely wrapped around his. They were stealing attention from the moment they stepped onto the red carpet, even taking cameras away from big name celebrities. If she did not know better, Yumi would have thought they were a couple. The best looking one on scene. In just a moment, they were suddenly surrounded by the paparazzi though neither of them were flustered.

"Miss Matsuoka, is that a Kisaki Ota original you're wearing? Did you buy her the dress, Mr. Ichinomiya?"

"Kisaki Ota is a close friend," Eisuke answered politely. "He was more than happy to design a dress for Haruka."

This was nothing new to either of them. Since the day Haruka started working, everywhere they went, they were constantly bombarded with questions regarding their relationship. No matter how much they denied, they were continuously chased. Only when the tabloids had come to realise that they were not getting anything from them did they ease up a little. Still, it did not stop the paparazzi from trying to snap a photo that might suggest their relationship was anything but that of an employer and employee. Times like this charity event seemed to be their favourite.

Today, however, it seemed as if they were no longer interested in them.

"Miss Matsuoka, the necklace you're wearing is a limited edition, is it not? There is only one to be sold in the Asian region and it was bought by a businessman for his wife. My sources say that the one you're wearing was specially ordered and personalised, making it even more valuable than the others from the same line."

"I don't know my jewelry like you do," Haruka smiled. "It's a gift from a friend, that's all I know."

"What friend, Miss Matsuoka? This line was marketed as the one true gift for your one true love. And considering that yours is specially made and personalised, do you think we would believe that it was your friend? Or is it uncomfortable for you to talk about another love when you're with Mr. Ichinomiya?"

"That's enough questions."

With his hand firmly on her waist, Eisuke tugged Haruka close before walking away from the crowd of cameras and headed into the venue. He knew there was something more to that necklace. It did not feel right seeing it on her neck and he was proven right. She had been referring to the person as a friend and Eisuke knew there was no way she would tell anyone who it was though he knew.

Sagara Yosuke

Before he had the chance to talk to her, however, Eisuke was pulled away by the host of the event, Mr. Kanagawa. The man was an old partner of Akira's and had been kind enough to help Eisuke through his career too. He was one of the few people with whom Eisuke did not mind having a conversation at parties and events though today, despite being the host, Eisuke was loathing him just a little.

Putting a hand on Yumi's arm, Haruka stopped the younger woman from following. Having been through this for eight years, she became quite adept at knowing when the men wanted to be alone. Though, she appreciated the fact that Mr. Kanagawa came when he did. After avoiding him for the past few days, she wanted to be away from him for the rest of the night. Albeit for different reasons to her avoidance previously.

Touching the pendant on her neck, she could not shake away what the paparazzi said before. She knew Yosuke was never one to gift ordinary gifts. The most ordinary gift was the gift box he left at her apartment door but even then, it was filled with luxuries that Haruka wanted yet would never get for herself. Those presents, however, she could return. When he sent over the necklace along with the usual bouquet of peonies and a card, she wanted to send it back like she did with all other presents from him. The only reason why she kept it was because Yosuke argued that it was a birthday gift and it would have been rude of her to reject. Now she knew, that even if she insisted, returning the necklace would have been impossible considering the personalisation.

"Never knew you could look so good in blue." Startled, Haruka swung her hand back though it was caught by Yosuke effortlessly before he placed a kiss on the back of her hand. She pulled her hand away and took a step back to put distance between them subconsciously but Yosuke caught her by the elbow, pulling her closer with a smile. "Is that how your Mr. Ichinomiya taught you to greet a guest?"

"I'm a guest here too."

"Really? Considering the relationship between Ichinomiya Group and Kanagawa Corporations, I'd say that you and your boss are more like extended hosts."

Yumi could not help but stare.

There were a lot of rumours surrounding the upper class society; that they all lived in mansions, they would spend their afternoons with a high tea, and they were all ridiculously good looking. Back in her school days, there was a rich guy in her class. He lived in a slightly bigger house than the rest of them and had one nanny. His looks, however, was rather common. He was Yumi's only concept of rich people, until she met Eisuke and the others who lived in the penthouse. They were as ridiculously handsome as all the movies depicted and they lived an extravagant drama filled life. This man in front of her was on the same level of ridiculous good looks. He wore a simple suit, yet he was radiating charisma like the sun. If he was to stand next to Eisuke, they would be what every boy band wanted to be but never could.

Haruka, on the other hand, was living a life much like the main character in almost every teenage drama or romantic comedy films. She was an ordinary girl looking for an ordinary life only to be whisked away into the chaotic world of rich handsome men. Just watching Haruka was enough to satisfy Yumi's needs of mindless drama consumption.

"I knew this would suit you," Yosuke smiled, touching the pendant on her neck. "Does Ichinomiya Eisuke like it?"

"Why would he?"

"No particular reason. I just thought he would have something to say about it."

"Well, sorry to disappoint but he had nothing to say about it."

Haruka attracting men to her would not be something new to Eisuke. Whenever his secretary was left alone, the men would start to swarm in like bees to honey. The braver ones would even try their luck with Eisuke right beside her. She never paid them any attention, however. She would politely turn them down or engage in light conversations with a business smile. Eventually, when they would learn that they were getting nowhere with her, the men would move on. Not the man beside her now, however.

He started noticing the young man next to Haruka about ten minutes ago. He was standing uncomfortably close to her but Haruka was not making any attempts of putting distance between them, like she would with any other man. He seemed to be irritating her, much like Baba would, though instead of her usual polite smile and nod while tolerating Baba's buffoonery she had various expressions to convey her annoyance. He had never seen those expressions before.

Around him, Haruka was always professional. No matter how unreasonable he would be (yes, Eisuke knew he could be from time to time), she would always have a smile on her face and tell him yes. Even when she disagreed with him, she would never let irritation show on his face. He never even heard a single complaint from her. Not even when Baba was being highly inappropriate at times. Ota often commented on how robotic she was though Eisuke never minded. Not until now, at least. Watching the way she would freely express herself, he could not help but feel...jealous.

"Eisuke?"

"Sorry, Mr. Kanagawa."

"It's alright, I was young once too. I still get distracted by pretty ladies," Mr. Kanagawa chuckled, giving Eisuke a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Especially one as pretty as her," he said, pointing to Haruka before looking to Eisuke. "Now son, I know it's always been more business between us but let me tell you something. Don't believe in that bullshit of, if she's happy you're happy. If you are certain that you could make her happy, why let another man do it?"

With one last pat on the shoulder, Mr. Kanagawa gave Eisuke a gentle push and a nod before returning to entertain his guests. The man was right; if he was certain that he could make Haruka the happiest person on Earth, why should he let another man do it? Making his way across the hall, Eisuke ignored every single person who tried to stop him until he was standing in front of Haruka and Yosuke.

"Let's go, Haruka."

"Mr. Ichinomiya? What do you mean go? The banquet hasn't started yet."

"I said, we're going."

"But Haruka's having fun," Yosuke interjected, a playful smirk plastered on his face. "Perhaps you could leave and I'll bring her home tonight."

Despite it being a first meeting, everything about Yosuke was vexing. The way he spoke, the way he smiled, even the way he looked at them. It was as if he was enjoying a movie while being a part of it. Eisuke knew that his words were meant to be provoking, and he knew he should not get caught in the trap but he was not thinking straight. Haruka was at stake.

Looking to Haruka, he was trying to read her mind through her eyes. Did she want to stay for the sake of the banquet? Or did she truly want to stay and be with Yosuke? He could not tell. It frustrated Eisuke further, that he could not tell what she was thinking. It used to be that they could tell exactly what the other had on mind with just one look but looking at her now, he could not tell at all.

"Come with me."

"Yumi if you could please get the driver to bring the car around and escort Mr. Ichinomiya."

"What about you, Haruka-san?"

"I'm staying." The look in her eyes was adamant. She was not coming with him. "It'd be rude of us to leave before the banquet even starts. I'll explain to Mr. Kanagawa that Mr. Ichinomiya is not feeling well."

"Do whatever you like."

[hungarianrhapsodyof1986]

I am Number 39 (Hardzzello fic based on an AU I made)

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Before the Citadel came into being, there was a war so great it tore apart each nation with the uncontrollable power of fear and pride. Countries big and small in size engaged in conflicts against one another; innocent souls of men, women and children claimed all too early as the violence that spread like a disease consumed the entire world. Thousands died everyday, and it seemed there would be no end to this war; a war greater and more dire than the first two... until the Forefathers came with their promise of a paradise for those who wished it.

Tired of the fighting and the unbearable pain, the people of the Old Earth accepted the Forefathers’ offer of Utopia. In exchange however of that great blessing, microchips were embedded in the people’s bodies - through a simple and noninvasive manoeuvre, really - and they, as promised, took away the pain of... everything. The remaining few; imbeciles, as I like to call them, refused and were forced to stay outside the Citadel. They now remain in Outside; nothing but an absolute wreckage of the world that used to be.

All that happened 263 years ago.

Now, we have a fully organised community with people (now known as Residents) who live in proper houses, have jobs just suited for them, Partners that match them perfectly and enough nutritious food and drink. Not forgetting, of course, the Academy where everyone has the opportunity to be educated formally.

Seriously, who wouldn’t want that?

The Youth can grow to become Scientists who make scientific breakthroughs that further improve the state of the Citadel. They can become Matchmakers in charge of Matching two Residents together. They can also become Agriculturists trained in the art of agriculture. Deliverers who deliver Morning and Evening Meals to their Assigned Residency, too. Or they could become Builders who build new Residencies. Manufacturers who craft devices and microchips, Nurses who care for the Newborns or -

“For the Job Assignment of Sentinel we have...” call the mighty members of the Sovranty in unison.

Yes, Sentinels.

Sentinels are the ones Assigned to protect Residents from threats to the community such as Abductors from Outside. Ever since the beginning of the Citadel, the Outsiders have been finding ways to take away what has been built by our Forefathers. Out of spite or out of jealousy, I don’t know, but what matters is that our Sentinels are there to protect us from those threats.

There are two types of Sentinels: Inner and Active. Inner Sentinels guard the Citadel from inside, doing their best to capture Abductors. Active Sentinels are sent to Outside where they discover the plans of the Outsiders and prevent attacks from occurring in the Citadel.

“Number 35, Inner. Number 24, Inner. Number 16, Active. Number 28, Inner. Number 30, Inner... and Number 39...”

I perk up when Number 39 is called, because that’s me.

I’m Number 39.

“Active Sentinel.”

Me, Number 39, Active Sentinel. It’s... amusing, actually. I know I did well during my Placement Examination, but I never expected this. I am but seven years old, and I know it’ll be many years before I’m finally sent to Outside, but the training will be a new experience.

I hardly blink as I stare ahead, everyone in the Atrium clapping their hands together in polite applause.

***

***20 years later, Year 283, the Citadel***

The bright rays of the morning sun is filtering through my white curtains as I wake up and check my bedside alarm clock. Printed digitally on its screen is ‘6.00 am’.

As punctual as always.

Sitting up in bed, I wait for -

Ding dong!

Never mind.

I pad my feet on the white-tiled floor for a moment before rushing to the lavatory to wash my face and tidy my hair. When I arrive, I splash some cold water onto my face then wipe it with a towel. After that, I look closely at myself in the mirror, grabbing a comb from atop the white sink and tidying my hair, styled in an undercut. I then study every feature, attempt to smile and to frown, furrow my brows, marvelling at how expressive my pale green eyes turn out to be. Perhaps that’s one reason why I was Assigned the Job Active Sentinel.

I didn’t honestly expect much when I was first called to be a Sentinel. I didn’t expect anything at all, actually. All I cared about was that I do my Job and I do it well. That’s what the Sovranty expects of us, and I believe that’s exactly what we were born to do. Serve the Sovranty. After all, they did save our lives from the harsh world of Outside.

Turns out, the training was more arduous than told to be. I, along with Number 16, was taught to be perceptive, to know how to act when appropriate. We were taught to express what they at the Training Centre called ‘emotions’. Emotions. What a waste of time. We were taught how to laugh and how to cry. To scream and to cower in fear. We were taught to analyse another’s emotions and sympathise with them. It was a drag, but that was what I needed to do.

For the sake of the Citadel.

Once I’ve made sure I look presentable, I proceed down the stairs carefully, holding the metal railing tightly in order to avoid slipping. The walls are hardly decorated; in fact, they’re as good as plain. The white of the concrete makes the whole place look almost blinding to the eyes, but that’s the standard set by the Sovranty, and it’s a standard the Builders must meet. The plainness of everything doesn’t bother me. All I really care about is that I have a home to live in just like the rest of the Residents in the Citadel. I doubt I’ll even have one where I’m going.

The pictures shown of Outside in my history holo-books and holo-pads depict a land of wreckages; bits of metal, concrete, and glass strewn about in an empty wasteland. It’s quite hard to believe it’s actually habitable there, but the Outsiders have found a way to survive, unfortunately, and that’s what’s important here.

The Outsiders are threats; constantly sneaking into the Citadel despite the efforts made by both the Inner and Active Sentinels to prevent them from doing so. They abduct our people, and who knows what happens to those they successfully do. They never come back.

Once I reach the bottom of the stairs, I open the door and see my Deliverer standing right before me; Number 23. I recognise Number 23 from my days in the Academy. I watched as he performed in the Placement Examination. The man was horrible at agriculture, crafting, physical activity and sciences, but he was pretty proficient in direction. It was only right he’d become a Deliverer.

I barely know him since we talk only little, but sometimes a small chat would be livening.

“Greetings, 39,” 23 tells me as he salutes. “Final day today?”

“Yeah. I’ll be going to Outside tomorrow,” I reply. “What’s today’s Morning Meal?”

“Cereal. I don’t know how it tastes, really, but I’ll find out soon enough.” He sets down his now-empty bag.

Trying to hold out the conversation a little longer, I ask “anything of interest happening today?”

“The only thing I know’s the public executing of Outsider Number 436. You’ll be watching it, of course. An alarm’s set for the event. First time watching?” 23 replies.

“Yeah.”

“Strange.”

“True.”

“Third time for me. It’s quite an... intriguing experience. I won’t talk to you about it just for the sake of not spoiling the entire thing, but all I could say is you wouldn’t want to miss it.” He checks his watch, huffing. “Anyway, don’t wanna be late. Gotta go.”

I nod. “Won’t be seeing you again, 23.”

With a final salute, 23 slings his bag on his shoulders and heads to his bicycle. I don’t know to whom he will be Assigned to deliver next after I’m gone, but the Sovranty will no doubt have a plan for him. The Sovranty cares for their Residents, arranging everything from our Daily Meals to mangaging the entire Citadel, and all it asks in return is effieciency and loyalty. It’s not much to ask for, so we must be thankful.

Bringing the metal box to the dining table, my bare feet remain cold as they step on the frigid tile. Implanted on the wall facing the street are large windows that allow me to glance outside and see the Residencies - they all look the same - across mine. I will remember the sight of plain houses when I see the wreckage of Outside and maybe even long for it again, but this is my Job. This was what I was created to do.

When I sit down after grabbing my utensils, the alarm atop my television sounds. The execution 23 was talking about must be starting now. I wish to see the fruit of my Job, see what happens when I achieve, so I decide to watch.

“Television, on.”

In a flash the television comes to life. I’ve used it once before; it was nothing but a try at it. I remember tapping on the screen and searching for both a button and a remote but finding none. Then came the brilliant idea to consult my holo-pad. Apparently, all I needed to do was say ‘television on’. I merely shrugged off the matter afterwards.

What, or rather who, appears on the television is nobody I recognise. It was earlier in the week when O436 - who is dressed as one of us - was caught in the act of an Abduction. No one knows whether O436 was acting alone, and while I think it’s about time the Sovranty put an end to that problem, I believe they have a plan, as they always do.

O436’s complexion comprises of a stubbed nose, dark brown eyes, pale skin and blond hair. O436 is a male, and he wears an expression I identify as indignation. What I don’t understand is why he believes he has a reason to be indignant. He’s the one committing the crime here. Whatever he will say or do, he deserves the punishment he’s to receive. However, if the Sovranty’s merciful enough to give leniency to him and offer a chance to be part of the Community, then let it be so.

The members of the Sovranty start speaking in unison.

“Were you alone in committing this offence against the Residents of the Citadel?” they ask.

“If you think I’m going to answer that, you’re gravely mistaken,” O436 replies. The audacity, I think, stopping mid-chew.

I continue to eat, although I register how I nearly drop my spoon onto the table due to how much my focus is being driven into the spectacle happening before me. “You must answer, otherwise no mercy shall be given,” the Sovranty says meanwhile.

“I don’t need your mercy,” O436 spits out, nostrils flaring as his face grows a brighter red. “You keep these poor people confined in this - this hellhole, and all you care about is progress when what should matter are their lives! You only want power when you have enough, and now you’re torturing these poor people for your benefit! I don’t need your mercy, and if you’re gonna kill me, that’s alright. I did my job, and I did it for the sake of what’s right.”

The Sovranty remains quiet for a short while before one woman speaks up from the row, saying “is that all you shall say, O436?”

“The name’s Devotion,” O436 says. “But all I wish to say now is goodbye... to my wife, Joy, and my son, Joseph.”

“Very well,” says the woman once more. “Bring in Doctor 54.”

An elderly man wearing a full white attire emerges from the doorway. The Sovranty’s centre is connected to one of the Hospitals in the Citadel for the members of the Sovranty’s easy access to healthcare lest one of them need it. Elder Doctors are in charge of caring for the Sovranty’s members; they have been in the industry for years by then and are specialists, so they offer only the best services. He walks in front of the row of seats where the members of the Sovranty are seated then takes a bow.

The Sovranty nods in acknowledgment of his greeting.

After the men and women of the Sovranty recognise him, 54 walks to the centre of the Atrium, bringing along with him a white suitcase. It’s a mystery to me; what’s inside the suitcase, but I’ll find out soon enough. After all, 54’s already made his way to O436’s side.

54 opens the suitcase and therefore reveals a small syringe and a set of phials. The phials are filled with a strange, clear liquid, and I realise what the Doctor’s intent is: he’s going to administer into O436 a lethal poison.

54 opens one of the phials and dips the needle into it, pushing the plunger. The barrel is filled with poison, and 54 recaps the phial and returns it into the suitcase.

O436 makes yet another show of bravery by staring at Death right in the face: as the needle of the poison-filled syringe is inserted into the skin of his arm, he looks at it intently, never blinking. Whatever belief the Outsiders have, it seems almost cult-like; the way they would sacrifice their lives for a belief that isn’t even remotely true.

O436 says nothing to calm him; in fact, he looks pretty serene now. It’s almost as if he isn’t about to die.

Nothing seems to be happening for a matter of minutes until suddenly O436 starts scratching at where the needle was inserted into him, the skin of his arm growing red with his efforts. The redness then spreads to the rest of his skin; to his face, his hands, wherever visible. There’s no doubt it has also spread to his legs and his arms, and even his bare feet have turned red.

After a while, O436 loses consciousness, his head dropping, his chin touching his chest. He would have collapsed were it not for the restraints that clasp his hands to the chair’s arms and legs to the chair’s, well... legs.

“Has he perished?” asks one man from the Sovranty.

54 places his stethoscope to the O436’s chest, to the left of his head where his heart lies. 54 says nothing; just raises a hand, implying that no, O436 is still breathing.

A minute or two passes, then 54 puts down his hand.

O436 is dead.

Everyone in the Atrium claps their hands together, then the television is switched off, indicating the end of the event.

I hardly bat an eye.

If I do my job well, there will be more to execute and less Outsiders to trouble us, so as I finish my cereal, I prepare myself for my Sending Out tomorrow; an unimposing ceremony but a great one nonetheless, readying myself for what’s to come.

***

“You are about to be Sent Out,” Head Sentinel 74 - a middle-aged man with whitened hair on the sides of his scalp and beard - says. “Remember, you’re not doing this for glory nor for the esteem of the Residents, but rather for their safety and the Sovranty’s.”

“Yes, sir,” I reply.

“You’re not being Sent Out to become one of them and if you ever betray us, we have the right to execute you. Understood?”

“Understood, sir.”

It’s now the day, but it feels like any other. I had no time for a Morning Meal, for I was expected to be at the Training Centre before the sun rose. The alarm came in handy. I woke up at 3 o’clock.

I wore my shoes and took my bike and cycled on through the dimly lit streets of the Citadel, the white of my clothes glaring under the streetlights. My Residence was built to be near the Training Centre for my convenience, so the journey wasn’t long. I arrived after 5 minutes.

I spent most of my day yesterday at the built-in gymnasium in my Residence, training. There wasn’t much to do, truthfully, and it was better I use my time for something productive than laze around. That wasn’t what I was trained to do. I was trained to strain myself; go past my limits for service to the Sovranty and the Residents of the Citadel. I was trained to maim, to kill, to prevent Abductions. I was trained to sacrifice my freedom, my everything for the sake of the greater good.

When I arrived at the Training Centre, the Head Sentinel was at the gates. I greeted him with a salute as is proper before parking my bicycle where it belongs. It will be disposed of; thrown to Outside, but I can’t bring myself to care. I was then brought to the gates of the Citadel; large barriers of a thick, unbreakable glass, and that’s when I first caught sight of Outside.

As pictures had shown me earlier on during my Training, Outside was nothing but a land of wreckages and death. Giant remains of tanks and buildings protruded from the ground, and although it seems empty, I know the City where the Outsiders life must be way farther beyond the borders of the Citadel. I still don’t see how anyone can survive this environment, however.

“The Outsiders’ City is farther north from here. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to provide you with transportation past the borders of the Citadel for fear of detection, but I promise you the journey won’t be long. Now, come. If you’re to appear as if you’ve escaped this place, you need to look roughed up.”

Head Sentinel 74 smears mud on my face, hands, shoes, clothes and hair, messing it up. I look positively haggard afterwards, but that’s all part of the job. It’s dirty work, figuratively and literally, and it’s my mission in life.

“You be careful,” Head Sentinel 74 tells me. “We don’t wanna hear you’ve been caught few months into the job.” He hands me a transmitter. “This is for when we contact you, or when you need to contact us.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When we contact you, it will buzz. Best you go somewhere private so nobody notices you.”

“Yes, sir,” I say, keeping the transmitter in my pocket. It’s no bigger than my palm and can fit in anywhere easily.

“The others have gone and we presume they’ve been killed by the Leaders. They’re savages, and we don’t know how they handle things there, so do your best not to get caught. We’re all counting on you, Sentinel 39. The fate of the Residents and the Sovranty rests in your hands.”

“Understood, sir,” I say, saluting.

“Now, let’s move while the day’s still young.”

We board a hovercraft and rapidly move away from the gates noiselessly. I sit down and buckle up as Head Sentinel 74 stands near the front, gripping the handle and steering us away from the Citadel. I’ll never be seeing it again, but I feel nothing. I’ve been trained in the art of imitating emotions, but I never felt them.

The sun is still down, and there’s nothing to be seen save for the path illuminated by the lights of the hovercraft. The land is parched and cracked, nothing able to grow from the dead soil. However, as we travel further away, the soil appears richer, spots of grass growing from the ground. I remain vigilant all throughout the trip, just in case there are Outsiders lurking about, suspecting.

Soon, I see a yellow, glowing light in the distance. That must be the Outsiders’ City Centre.

“Is that truly...?” I ask.

“Your intuition has not failed you yet, Sentinel 39. Indeed, that’s the City Centre. It’s much like our District 1, but... primitive. If you gain the favour of at least one of the Leaders, you’ll be able to live there. I suggest that you do. From what I’ve heard, the outer parts of the City are nasty places. Just nasty.” He sniffs. “Anyway, this is where we say goodbye.”

I unbuckle my seatbelt and salute. “It was an honour training with you, sir,” I say.

Head Sentinel 74 merely nods. Then he tells me to go, turning the hovercraft around and zooming away from where I stand.

That’s when I start running.

It’ll be soon when I’ll need to get my act together; to fool the Outsiders into thinking I have escaped the Citadel, but for now... it’s time to keep going.

For the Sovranty.

***

“Help!” I cry out as I near the Outskirts of the City. More mud smears my white shoes (which are now battered due to the long run) as I run upon grass and soil. I sound absolutely terrified, and I can see from the corners of my eyes how lights are lit and people are awakened by my shouting. I mind them not as I proceed to the City Centre, hoping to get the attention of one of the Leaders there.

As I rush across muddy roads, more people are roused from their slumber, and I see children and elders alike, looking at me with horror plain on their faces. “Help!” I continue to shout, and I can hear murmurs from the crowd that begins to follow me as I carry on to the centre.

“Someone help that poor man,” I hear a woman say.

The lights grow brighter as I near the Centre, and suddenly I bump into someone, ultimately stopping my run. The person falls down when I do, but they rise quickly as I pretend to be dazed.

“Hey, are you alright?” the person asks. Male. Fairly young.

“Where am I? Where the hell am I?” I ask, the panic a part of my act.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay,” the man tells me. “You’re Outside now. You’re saved. Now let me help you up.”

He grabs my arm gently and pulls me up as carefully as he can. “Who are you?” he asks me quietly. I’m aware of the spectacle I’ve created as well as the huge crowd of people gathered around us, but all I care about’s the man who helped me up. Is he a Leader?

“I - I - I don’t know,” I reply.

“You’re from the Citadel?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh. What was your Number, then?”

“39.”

The man pauses in his steps, and he looks at me. His hazel eyes seem to gleam with something even I can’t put a name to, but it lasts all but a while. I just notice then how I’m an inch taller than him, but I decide that information is useless.

“Well, we can’t have that here,” the man says, smiling. “You’re now Ben. And now that you’ve got a name, it’s time to introduce myself. My name’s Joseph, but you can call me Joe. Another name of mine’s Love, and that’s ‘cause I’m a Leader of this place. You’ll love it here, I’ll promise you that, but first, it’s time to get you cleaned up. Come with me.”

As I’m brought to who-knows-where, I formulate a plan to befriend this ‘Joe’. Maybe he’ll be my key to knowing every plan they’ve made. Maybe he’ll be the one to bring me victory.

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

So, that’s the end of the first part! What are your thoughts so far? Confused about this AU? Don’t worry! I’ve made a post about it! Just check it out on my page if you need a reference. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading the first part, and if you have any title suggestions (‘cause I can’t decide djeoendodk), just tell me! Till the next part!

[jobfairing]

7 step job fair strategy that actually gets you interviews

A career fair is a recruiting event in which employers and recruiters meet with potential employees and where job seekers find more about job openings at potential employers. 

The whole point of a career fair is to connect job seekers and recruiters! 

One might want to visit a job expo for students for various reasons, the primary being “a personal touch”. Once you visit a career fair, you get a real-time experience of the corporate world out there!

1.Scope out the guest list

Don’t just roll up to the fair without doing some legwork first. Talk to your career centre to find out what companies will be there. Often, this information is posted somewhere on the website! 

2.Target your efforts

Fix the number of employers and the ones whom you might want to specifically target! Do your Research and Development on each of the target organizations. Prepare a customized list of possible questions each organization may ask you and the answers you will be giving to them! 

3.Loosen up

It’s just a job fair! You have nothing to worry about! Loosen up. Strike a balance between casual and formal. Talk to everyone around, job seekers and recruiters! This will take you further! This will help you establish a comfortable ground for yourself and everyone around! It will help make you come across as a candidate every company there is willing to hire! 

4.Get there early

First things first – you need to show up early. Being punctual as a student only enforces the idea that you will be a great employee that shows up on time. This also gives you time to review your notes and the companies you are interested in.  Also, the recruiters are fresh and the crowds smaller at the opening hour. 

5.Come prepared

Well, obviously! You have got to do your homework! Don’t just walk into a career fair! Research on the companies participating, the variety of jobs that are being offered, the area you are willing to work in, etc! Do your homework and make sure you walk into a career fair knowing what you are doing and where you are going! 

6.Don’t just kill time

You are at a career fair to open windows of opportunity for your career! Try to utilize as much time as you can! Even in a 5-minute breather, you may want to strike up a conversation with a person standing alone, who knows who they are! 

7.Are your collaterals ready? 

Your business cards, resumes, cover letters, ID proofs, salary statements, notepads, stationery etc must be organized and kept handy in your bag! You will be carrying a professional bag now, won’t you? So, keep your collaterals ready and you are good to go! 

So, there you have it! The 7 step job fair strategy that actually gets you interviews. 

If you are looking for upcoming job fairs in the USA or are inclined towards knowing about the best recent career events in the USA, we would recommend you to visit this wonderful website that we came across - jobfairing.com! A revolutionary website that lists career fairs from around the nation!