#by that time Elsie is so tired of Everything she's just going to fall asleep where she is

[i-lavabean]

There will be time to figure out what happened later after you finally rest

[fortisfilia]

Promised Part 14 - Tom Riddle x reader

Info: This is a rewrite of a story I've posted on my old account years ago. If it sounds familiar, that might be why :)

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

Warnings: Arranged marriage

Word count: 3.6k

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 13 | Part 15

Part 14 - Gaunt Manor

The weeks after Nagini had shed and you had added her skin into the antidote got more and more exhausting. The potion needed tending up to twelve times a day now and unfortunately, you didn’t own a time turner. Both Tom and you had not gotten a full night’s sleep in a while and it started to show. Every day that went by seemed to last for an eternity while the circles under your eyes carved deeper and deeper by the minute.

The curriculum had gotten more challenging, as the teachers were preparing their students for the N.E.W.T.s. Homework was harder and more time-consuming than in the years before and you had to study for hours afterwards as well. These things alone were enough to wear out most students from year seven. Because of that, thankfully no one got suspicious of how drained you looked. Except for Camille. She had started to ask a lot of uncomfortable questions whenever you had left to take care of the potion. She knew you too well. Sneaking out every two hours to go to the Come and Go Room on top of your studies and school work had drained you to the point where you must have looked like a walking corpse.

One day, when Professor Leveret dismissed you after an exceptionally long Astronomy lesson in the late evening, you had reached your breaking point and were on the brink of tears, pondering about failing every single subject at the end of the term. There was little to no energy left inside of you. So little, you couldn’t even bring yourself to cry, but merely stared into space with reddened eyes and parted lips. Tom brought you to his room that night and went to the Come and Go Room alone. And when you were in bed, you were too tired to fall asleep. You never knew that was even possible. But once you weren’t distracted anymore, your mind started to wander. It was impossible to keep up with everything at once. You would either fail your N.E.W.T.s or spoil the potion. The latter would be worse of course and for no price would you let your sister down, so you mentally prepared yourself to leave Hogwarts without graduating. Oh, there were the tears. Finally. They ran and flowed along with hollow sobs and wouldn’t stop now that they were coming. 

What if the Gaunts were so appalled by your failure that they would call the wedding off before you could cure Elsie? They could easily paint you as a disgrace for not completing school and make your sister pay for it. No matter how it would turn out, they would take it out on her. The plan had worked so well until now and yet you were still desperately trapped inside Marvolo’s web. 

Half an hour must have passed when Tom came back. The cushion beneath you was damp from the tears that had rolled down your cheeks and you held your breath to prevent another whimper from escaping your mouth. You hastily wiped your face and turned your back on him, trying to breathe slowly and act as if you were asleep. But he noticed, of course. And even his well-chosen words of comfort couldn’t ease your mind. You couldn’t let yourself fall into his touch and allow yourself to drift off to sleep because you knew that in two hours, the circle would start once again.

The next day, when you sat on Tom’s sofa together to study for Transfiguration, and you had just started reading the same paragraph for the third time since you just couldn’t concentrate, it just rolled off your tongue.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

Tom looked up from his book. “What, the twentieth chapter? I just-”

“No, not this,” you sighed and threw your book on the coffee table. “I mean everything. This whole situation. It’s too much.”

“Well,” he said and laid his book aside too. “It certainly is a challenging time. The N.E.W.T.s, the schoolwork and the antidote.”

Challenging was an understatement. “I just need a full night’s sleep, or two. And you do too. We need help, it’s inevitable.”

“Help?” he asked, brows raised. “What do you have in mind? Ask Hilt to look after the potion?” His expression changed once he had seen how you shifted. “No. Don’t tell me that’s what you were thinking.”

“I thought about asking Camille for help. She wouldn’t tell anyone and she’s always been great at Potions,” you explained. “And then I thought, Ben would ask her where she’s going all the time. He wouldn’t leave her alone anyway. So I considered telling them both.”

Tom looked like he had been petrified for a second, not moving a muscle. “But you’d have to tell him about the pact.”

“I know.”

“That’s what he was after since the beginning.”

“Yes. But I think we can trust him.”

“You think?” he asked. “Why, because he’s stopped Freda’s quill? That’s enough to gain your trust?”

“It’s not like we have a lot of options, Tom,” you replied, slowly but surely getting annoyed by his constant suspicions. “Camille wouldn’t be with him if he was a snitch.”

“We will just plan better. It won’t be easy, but we-”

“No. This is too much work for two people. Just look at us. We’re both barely keeping up. It won’t be long until we’re completely worn out. We need help.”

Tom’s brows were furrowed, still not convinced even if he understood. You stretched out your hand towards him and waited for him to hold it. “If we don’t ask for help we’re going to mess up. I’ll either fail my N.E.W.T.s or the antidote won’t be finished. No matter what happens, Elsie will pay for it. Please.”

Camille and Ben looked at Tom and you like you had both lost your minds when you took them to the seventh floor. They had asked so many questions on the way there, but you were far too tired to answer them all. Besides, they would just be able to see for themselves in a bit.

When you arrived, you said to them once more, “I’m going to show you something now. And it is unbelievably important that you understand this needs to stay between us. No one else must know.”

Camille and Ben nodded, both with serious and still confused looks o n their faces.

“And might I add,” Tom said as he looked directly at Ben. “That my memory charm is very powerful. If you can’t keep your mouth shut I’ll obliviate you and I might even make you forget that you have magic running through your veins.”

Ben nodded again. “Alright mate, I got it.”

The door to the Come and Go Room appeared and the two wore the same expression that you must have had when you had first seen it. 

“Come in,” you said as you opened the door.

The room was a bit tight with the four of you in there. You stirred the liquid inside the cauldron like you did each time while Ben and Camille looked around curiously. 

“A potions room?” Camille asked once the door had been closed. “Now, can you please tell us what’s going on?”

You looked at Tom, who stared back at you, lips pressed together and still unsure if what you were about to do was a good idea. But still, he nodded. He had every right to be suspicious, you had to admit now that you had brought them there. But Camille was to be trusted and frankly, you were far too tired to think of any consequences.

So you began to tell them everything from where it all had started, a day before the school year, at your house. Camille knew half of the story already, but once you told them about the Gaunts and that they were the ones who had cursed Elsie, she stood there wide-eyed, just like Ben.

“And this is why I wanted to ask you both for your help with the potion,” you said once you had told them every detail. “If you don’t mind of course. If you’re willing to help, everyone would just have to come here three times a day. That would make our lives a lot easier.”

They didn’t even need to look at each other and nodded right away.

“Of course,” Camille said. “It all makes sense now. Oh, you must be exhausted. Twelve times a day?”

“I can come more often if you want,” Ben chimed in. “I don’t have as much to do as you, my N.E.W.T.s are still a year away and I wouldn’t have bothered studying much this year anyway.”

“What a surprise,” Tom muttered, even though there was a hint of a smirk on his face.

“One more question,” Ben said. “What about the last ingredient? Banshee tears you said, right? Where are you going to get those?”

“Well. That’ll be the final obstacle.”

“My uncle owns a flask,” Tom explained. “He and my Grandfather will be out next week and we’ll go and try to get them. Our house-elves will be on high alert however, so it’s going to be risky.”

“So,” Ben said. “When are we going?” 

“We?” Camille and you asked simultaneously.

“You can’t sneak your way in anyway with the elves around, right?” he said. “Four people are a better distraction than two. I’m in.”

“You weren’t even invited in,” Tom said.

“I don’t care,” Ben shrugged. “I’m still in if you need me.”

Tom sighed as he walked in circles around the cauldron, his hand covering his mouth while he considered Ben’s offer. “As much as I hate to admit it,” he then said. “I think you might be right. A distraction could be of benefit.”

“See?” Ben chuckled. “The muggleborn isn’t that dumb after all.”

“Oh brush off the arrogance, Hilt. We don’t have the flask yet.”

“Boys, please. Let’s discuss that another time and let me show you how to tend to the potion.”

You spent the following week planning for Saturday, when the Gaunts would leave their manor to attend the honouring of the Order of Merlin. You had also gotten some most needed hours of sleep. Not only that but just knowing that Camille and Ben were taking some weight off your shoulders made it much easier to concentrate on school and homework as well. 

On Saturday evening, when you met at the school‘s fireplace connected to the Floo-Network, you went over your plan again.

“And don’t forget,” Tom said. “There are two house-elves. They’re loud, but not very bright. Much like some Gryffindors.”

Camille stifled a laugh and looked over to Ben.

“Mate,” Ben replied. “Can you stop bullying me? I’m helping you out here.”

“Sorry,” Tom answered and bit the inside of his cheek. “I was just joking.”

“Oh yes. Riddle’s first joke in eighteen years and of course I take the fall.”

“Guys,” you scolded. “Get it together. Do you remember everything?”

“Yes,” Camille replied. “We are Theresa Carrow and Connor Prewett, your new and very pureblooded friends. We’ll be distracting the house-elves while Tom and you look for the flask. Once you got it, Tom will obliviate them and we'll come right back here.”

“Alright then,” you said as you watched Tom disappearing inside the fireplace. “See you there.”

The green flames consumed you whole once you let the Floo Powder fall and transported you swiftly to Gaunt Manor, where you found yourself in a dark hallway, the reception hall, perhaps. 

Tom was there already and offered his hand for you to step out of the fireplace. Camille came next, followed right by Ben. Before you could say anything, you heard two raspy, high-pitched voices coming your way.

“Who is it?” one voice asked. “Master? Is it you?”

“Show yourselves,” the other voice croaked and the elf snapped her fingers, making all the candles around the room light up. It still was dim, but you could see them a bit better now. Both of them were wrinkly and old, their faces scrunched up in suspicion. They didn’t look like the elves at your home but were hunching and worn out, completely different to Tummy. The male elf, Scrook, missed a large piece of his left ear and the female one, Hokey, walked with a severe limp.

“Master Riddle,” Scrook said once he had detected him and bowed tediously. “What do we owe the honour? Master Gaunt didn’t tell us you would visit today.”

“He didn’t?” Tom asked. “He must have forgotten. I told him that I’d come by today. Isn’t he here?”

“No Master,” Hokey answered. “They just left thirty minutes ago. Should we inform them for you?”

“Not necessary. I just wanted to treat my friends to dinner, you see. May I introduce you to Miss Carrow, Mister Prewett, and my fiancée.”

“Oh, networking, yes,” Scrook said and bowed once again. “Welcome to Gaunt Manor.”

“Shall we prepare some food for you, Master?” Hokey asked.

“Certainly. Bring my guests to the sitting room, will you? I’ll join in a bit.”

“Of course, Master. Of course.”

The two elves escorted Camille and Ben to the back, bickering and wrangling like an old couple.

“Quick now,” Tom whispered to you and walked the opposite way, towards the basement. The whole mansion was cold and dark, mahogany bleakly spread across the floors and even on some walls. The marble staircase in the entrance hall might have looked impressive, but only added to the frigid aesthetic of the house.

“Allow me to ask, Mister Prewett,” Scrook said while Ben and Camille took a seat. “What magical family do you belong to? I’ve never heard your last name before.”

“I, uh. I’m related to the Black family,” Ben said.

“The noble and most ancient house of Black,” Hokey crowed. “What an honour.”

The corridor to Morfin’s chamber was long, you had walked there for at least a minute, and it got even colder with every step you took. When you finally reached the door at the far end, Tom halted and you took a deep breath. He turned the doorknob, but the entry remained closed. 

“Locked,” he said. “Alohomora.”

The door stayed shut. Tom frowned. That would have been too easy.

“A different spell?” you asked. “Or is there a key somewhere?”

He shook his head. “No. It’s a charm.”

Merlin’s beard. What could it be? What could Morfin have done to lock the door? Something that only he or Marvolo would be able to use.

“What about Parseltongue?” you asked. “Does Morfin know it too?”

“Yes,” Tom answered and proceeded to speak unfamiliar words in the language. The doorknob clicked and sprung open by itself. “There we go.”

Meanwhile, in the sitting room, one of the elves got more and more interested in Ben and Camille’s backstory. “Can Scrook offer you a drink Miss? Sir?” he asked, while Hokey was busy in the kitchen. “Please, if you don’t mind, Mister Prewett. Would you tell me how exactly you’re related to Arcturus Black? Master Morfin is on good terms with him and I wonder why I’ve never heard of you before.”

When you entered Morfin’s chamber you were surprised by its size. It was almost as large as the entire Potions classroom in Hogwarts. Dead bats and shrunken heads were hanging down from the low ceiling here and there, along with strange feathers and strings that must have been some creature’s strands of hair. Despite its size, the room was crammed with bottles, finished potions and ingredients of all sorts. It wasn’t messy, not at all, but very chaotic for anyone unfamiliar. 

“Morfin arranges everything by type,” Tom said. “Liquids from living creatures must be in this corner then.”

You both started opening one drawer after another and looked for anything that could possibly be Banshee tears.

Ben and Camille still got cross-examined by Scrook. “Interesting, interesting. Mister Black is your great-uncle, you say. Have you met him lately?“

In the chamber, you had searched for over ten minutes already, and gone through hundreds of little flasks. The number of different liquids in this room must have been in the thousands. Slughorn’s stock was absurdly small compared to this. 

“Can’t we just use a summoning charm?” you sighed, going through your fifteenth drawer of vials filled with animal blood.

“No,” Tom said while closing a drawer. “The elves would notice it immediately.”

You shoved yet another drawer shut. “Bloody hell. What if it’s hidden?”

“That’s possible,” he mumbled, still scanning over all the flasks inside the cupboard.

“Wait,” you said. “What if we’re looking in the wrong place?”

“All liquids are here, as I said.”

“Yes, but I just remembered. Slughorn said this years ago. Banshee tears when stored, turn into tiny, pearly white crystals.”

Tom lifted his head to look at you.

“Where are the solids stored?” 

He pointed at the opposite corner of the room. “Over there.”

At the same time, Hokey brought appetisers into the sitting room. “Enjoy,” she grumbled, her tone not fitting her kind words.

“Thank you,” Ben said after he and Camille had taken some canapés from the tray.

Both elves froze, deeply offended. “Sir, you have not just thanked Hokey, have you?” Scrook asked.

“Of course not,” Camille answered, holding her head high. “What are you thinking? He thanked me for handing him a canapé.”

“I see,” Scrook said, eyes narrowed. “I’ll go and look for Master Riddle now. He’s taking awfully long, whatever he’s doing.”

“No!” Camille and Ben shouted which led the elf to turn back around.

“No,” Camille repeated, her voice a lot calmer. “I’d like to know more about this house. Can you tell us how long you have worked for the Gaunts?”

In the chamber, you went through the flasks and glass containers on the other side of the room, where the solid ingredients were stored, while Tom still roamed the liquids. And finally, between fairy wings and unicorn liver, lay a tiny flask of Banshee tears.

“Got it,” you called. “There it is.” 

Tom walked right over and checked out the flask too. “Very smart thinking.”

“Let’s go.”

Scrook had gotten disturbingly close to Ben. “I’ll gladly tell you all about this house, Miss,” he said, not taking his eyes off the boy. “When Mister Prewett reveals his real name.”

“My real name?” Ben asked. “What do you mean?”

“You’re not a pureblood, are you?” the elf hissed. “I can smell it.”

“Excuse you, elf! I must have misheard you,” Camille bellowed. She was a much better actress than Ben. “You surely didn’t mean to insult Mister Prewett in that way. Now apologise.”

Before they knew it, Scrook had gripped Ben’s hand and pulled it towards himself, sniffing at the inside of Ben’s underarm. “I knew it!” the elf yelled. “Mudblood! Hokey quick, alarm the Masters!”

Hokey came running in from the kitchen at the same time as Tom and you arrived in the sitting room. All three of you stood there in the archway and looked at Camille, Ben and Scrook in disbelief.

“Traitors!” Scrook screamed and accidentally knocked the tray of canapés off the table. “What have you done, Master Riddle? Bringing a mudblood into these halls.”

Ben had finally wrenched his arm away from the elf, holding on to it tightly while standing up straight, his chest heaving.

“The Masters must know,” Scrook whined and turned around. “We have to tell them immediately, Hokey.”

“Enough,” Camille said as she rose from her seat. “Stupefy!”

In an instant, Scrook fell to the floor without another word, completely unconscious. Hokey let out a yelp at the sight, turned around and ran toward the kitchen. 

“Quick, before she apparates,” you shouted.

“Stupefy,” Tom called with his wand pointed at Hokey. “We don’t have much time. The charm wears off on elves much quicker than on humans.”

Ben and Tom dragged the two elves to the entrance hall and dropped them next to the fireplace, while Camille cleaned up the mess on the floor, where the canapés had landed.

When you had gathered by the fireplace again, Scrook already opened his eyes, blinking slowly.

“Leave,” Tom urged and pointed his wand at the elves. “Obliviate.”

Camille went first and disappeared into the flames, followed by Ben and you.

Back in Hogwarts, when Tom stepped out of the fireplace, you finally felt like you were able to breathe again.

“We did it,” you said and fell into his arms. “I can’t believe we really did it.”

Tom held you for a moment, his arms wrapped tightly around your waist, then moved his head and looked at Ben when he let go. “What happened?”

Ben still hadn’t calmed down. He rubbed his hands on his trousers and shook his head. “I don’t know. They were shocked when I thanked them for serving us food. Then the elf said he could smell that I’m not a pureblood.”

“You thanked them?” Tom asked. “Elves don’t accept that.”

“How am I supposed to know that? I’ve never seen a house-elf before.”

“Forget about that now,” Camille interrupted. “Did you get them? The Banshee tears.”

“Yes,” you said and pulled them out of your pocket. “We got them.”

Masterpost | Masterlist | Part 15

Tags: @ariachaos @daardyrnitta

[fortisfiliae]

Promised Part 14 - Tom Riddle x reader

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

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

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

Warnings: Arranged marriage

Word count: 3.7k

Part 14 - Gaunt Manor

The weeks after Nagini had shed and you had added her skin into the antidote got more and more exhausting. The potion needed tending up to twelve times a day now and unfortunately, you didn’t own a time turner. Both Tom and you had not gotten a full night’s sleep in a while and it started to show. Every day that went by seemed to last for an eternity while the circles under your eyes carved deeper and deeper by the minute. 

The curriculum had gotten more challenging, as the teachers were preparing their students for the N.E.W.T.s. Homework was harder and more time consuming than in any other year before and you had to study for hours afterwards as well. These things alone were enough to wear out most students from year seven. Because of that, thankfully no one got suspicious of how drained you looked. Except for Camille. She had started to ask a lot of uncomfortable questions whenever you had left to take care of the potion. She knew you too well. Sneaking out every two hours to go to the Come and Go Room on top of your studies and school work had drained you to the point where you must have looked like a walking corpse.

One day, when Professor Leveret had dismissed you after an exceptionally long Astronomy lesson in the late evening, you had reached your breaking point and were on the brink of tears, pondering about failing every single subject at the end of the term. There was little to no energy left inside of you. So little, you couldn’t even bring yourself to cry, but merely stared into space with reddened eyes and parted lips. Tom brought you to his room that night and went to the Come and Go Room alone. And when you were in bed, you were too tired to fall asleep. How ironic. You never knew that was even possible. But once you weren’t distracted anymore, your mind started to wander. It was impossible to keep up with everything at once. You would either fail your N.E.W.T.s or spoil the potion. The latter would be worse of course and for no price would you let your sister down, so you mentally prepared yourself to either leave Hogwarts without graduating or repeat your entire seventh year. Oh, there were the tears. Finally. They ran and flowed along with hollow sobs and wouldn’t stop now that they were coming. 

What if the Gaunts were so appalled by your failure that they would call the wedding off before you could cure Elsie? They could easily paint you as a disgrace for not completing school and make your sister pay for it. No matter how it would turn out, they would take it out on her. The plan had worked so well until now and yet you were still desperately trapped inside Marvolo’s web. 

Half an hour must have passed when Tom came back. The cushion beneath you was damp from the tears that had rolled down your cheeks and you held your breath to prevent another whimper from escaping your mouth. You hastily wiped your face and turned your back on him, trying to breathe slowly and act as if you were asleep. But he noticed, of course. And even his well-chosen words of comfort couldn’t ease your mind. You couldn’t let yourself fall into his touch and allow yourself to drift off to sleep because you knew that in two hours, the circle would start once again.

The next day, when you sat on Tom’s sofa together to study for Transfiguration, and you had just started reading the same paragraph for the third time since you just couldn’t concentrate, it just rolled off your tongue.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

Tom looked up from his book. “What, the twentieth chapter? I just-”

“No, not this,” you sighed and threw your book on the coffee table. “I mean everything. This whole situation. It’s too much.”

“Well,” he said and laid his book aside too. “It certainly is a challenging time. The N.E.W.T.s, the schoolwork and the antidote.”

Challenging was an understatement.

“I just need a full night’s sleep, or two,” you mumbled. “And you do too. We need help, it’s inevitable.”

“Help?” he asked, brows raised. “What do you have in mind? Ask Hilt to look after the potion?”

His expression changed once he had seen how you shifted. “No. Don’t tell me that’s what you were thinking.”

“I thought about asking Camille for help. She wouldn’t tell anyone and she’s always been great at Potions,” you explained. “And then I thought, Ben would ask her where she’s going all the time. He wouldn’t leave her alone anyway. So I considered telling them both.”

Tom looked like he had been petrified for a second, not moving a muscle. “But you’d have to tell him about the pact.”

“I know.”

“That’s what he was after since the beginning.”

“Yes. But I think we can trust him.”

“You think?” he asked. “Why, because he’s stopped Freda’s quill? That’s enough to gain your trust?”

“It’s not like we have a lot of options, Tom,” you replied, slowly but surely getting annoyed by his constant suspicions. “Camille wouldn’t be with him if he was a snitch.”

“We will just plan better. It won’t be easy, but we-”

“No. This is too much work for two people. Just look at us. We’re both barely keeping up. It won’t be long until we’re completely worn out. We need help.”

Tom’s brows were furrowed, still not convinced even if he understood. You stretched out your hand towards him and waited for him to hold it.

“If we don’t ask for help we’re going to mess up. I’ll either fail my N.E.W.T.s or the antidote won’t be finished. No matter what happens, Elsie will pay for it. Please.”

Camille and Ben looked at Tom and you like you had both lost your minds when you took them to the seventh floor. They had asked so many questions on the way there, but you were far too tired to answer them all. Besides, they would just be able to see for themselves in a bit.

When you had arrived, you said to them once more: “I’m going to show you something now. And it is unbelievably important that you understand this needs to stay between us. No one else must know.”

Camille and Ben nodded, both with serious and still confused looks on their faces.

“And might I add,” Tom said as he looked directly at Ben. “That my memory charm is very powerful. If you can’t keep your mouth shut I’ll obliviate you and I might even make you forget that you have magic running through your veins.”

Ben nodded again. “Alright mate, I got it.”

The door to the Come and Go Room appeared and the two wore the same expression that you must have had when you had first seen it. 

“Come in,” you said as you opened the door.

The room was a bit tight with the four of you in there. You stirred the liquid inside the cauldron like you did each time while Ben and Camille looked around curiously. 

“A potions room?” Camille asked once the door had been closed. “Now, can you please tell us what’s going on?”

You looked at Tom, who stared back at you, lips pressed together and still unsure if what you were about to do was a good idea. But still, he nodded. He had every right to be suspicious, you had to admit now that you had brought them there. But Camille was to be trusted and frankly, you were far too tired to think of any consequences.

So you began to tell them everything from where it all had started, a day before the school year, at your house. Camille knew half of the story already, but once you told them about the Gaunts and that they were the ones who had cursed Elsie, she stood there wide-eyed, just like Ben.

“And this is why I wanted to ask you both for your help with the potion,” you said once you had told them every detail. “If you don’t mind of course. If you’re willing to help, everyone would just have to come here three times a day. That would make our lives a lot easier.”

They didn’t even need to look at each other and nodded right away.

“Of course,” Camille said. “It all makes sense now. Oh, you must be exhausted. Twelve times a day?”

“I can come more often if you want,” Ben chimed in. “I don’t have as much to do as you, my N.E.W.T.s are still a year away and I wouldn’t have bothered studying much this year anyway.”

“What a surprise,” Tom muttered, even though there was a hint of a smirk on his face.

“One more question,” Ben said. “What about the last ingredient? Banshee tears you said, right? Where are you going to get those?”

“Well. That’ll be the final obstacle.”

“My uncle owns a flask,” Tom explained. “He and my Grandfather will be out next week and we’ll go and try to get them. Our house-elves will be on high alert however, so it’s going to be risky.”

“So,” Ben said. “When are we going?” 

“We?” Camille and you asked simultaneously.

“You can’t sneak your way in anyway with the elves around, right?” he said. “Four people are a better distraction than two. I’m in.”

“You weren’t even invited in,” Tom said.

“I don’t care,” Ben shrugged. “I’m still in if you need me.”

Tom sighed as he walked in circles around the cauldron, his hand covering his mouth while he considered Ben’s offer. “As much as I hate to admit it,” he then said. “I think you might be right. A distraction could be of benefit.”

“See?” Ben chuckled. “The muggleborn isn’t that dumb after all.”

“Oh brush off the arrogance, Hilt. We don’t have the flask yet.”

“Boys, please. Let’s discuss that another time and let me show you how to tend to the potion.”

You spent the following week planning for Saturday, when the Gaunts would leave their manor to attend the honouring of the Order of Merlin. You had also gotten some most needed hours of sleep. Not only that but just knowing that Camille and Ben were taking some weight off your shoulders made it much easier to concentrate on school and homework as well. 

On Saturday evening, when you met at the fireplace connected to the Floo-Network, you went over your plan again.

“And don’t forget,” Tom said. “There are two house-elves. They’re loud, but not very bright. Much like Gryffindors.”

Camille stifled a laugh and looked over to Ben.

“Mate,” Ben replied. “Can you stop bullying me? I’m helping you out here.”

“Sorry,” Tom answered and bit the inside of his cheek. “I was just joking.”

“Oh yes. Riddle’s first joke in eighteen years and of course I take the fall.”

“Guys,” you scolded. “Get it together. Do you remember everything?”

“Yes,” Camille replied. “We are Theresa Carrow and Connor Prewett, your new and very pureblooded friends. We’ll be distracting the house-elves while Tom and you look for the flask. Once you got it, Tom will obliviate them and we'll come right back here.”

“Alright then,” you said as you watched Tom disappearing inside the fireplace. “See you there.”

The green flames consumed you whole once you let the Floo Powder fall and transported you swiftly to Gaunt manor, where you found yourself in a dark hallway, the reception hall, perhaps. 

Tom was there already and offered his hand for you to step out of the fireplace. Camille came next, followed right by Ben. Before you could say anything, you heard two raspy, high-pitched voices coming your way.

“Who is it?” one voice asked. “Master? Is it you?”

“Show yourselves,” the other voice croaked and the elf snapped her fingers, making all the candles around the room light up. It still was dim, but you could see them a bit better now. Both of them were wrinkly and old, their faces scrunched up in suspicion. They didn’t look like the elves at your home at all but were hunching and worn out, completely different to Tummy. The male elf, Scrook, missed a large piece of his left ear and the female one, Hokey, walked with a severe limp.

“Master Riddle,” Scrook said once he had detected him and bowed tediously. “What do we owe the honour? Master Gaunt didn’t tell us you would visit today.”

“He didn’t?” Tom asked. “He must have forgotten. I told him that I’d come by today. Isn’t he here?”

“No Master,” Hokey answered. “They just left thirty minutes ago. Should we inform them for you?”

“Not necessary. I just wanted to treat my friends to dinner, you see. May I introduce you to Miss Carrow, Mister Prewett, and my fiancée.”

“Oh, networking, yes,” Scrook said and bowed once again. “Welcome to Gaunt manor.”

“Shall we prepare some food for you, Master?” Hokey asked.

“Certainly. Bring my guests to the sitting room, will you? I’ll join in a bit.”

“Of course, Master. Of course.”

The two elves escorted Camille and Ben to the back, bickering and wrangling like an old couple.

“Quick now,” Tom whispered to you and walked the opposite way, towards the basement. The whole mansion was cold and dark, mahogany bleakly spread across the floors and even on some walls. The marble staircase in the entrance hall might have looked impressive, but only added to the frigid aesthetic of the house.

“Allow me to ask, Mister Prewett,” Scrook said while Ben and Camille took a seat. “What magical family do you belong to? I’ve never heard your last name before.”

“I, uh. I’m related to the Black family,” Ben said.

“The noble and most ancient house of Black,” Hokey crowed. “What an honour.”

The corridor to Morfin’s chamber was long, you had walked there for at least a minute, and it got even colder with every step you took. When you finally reached the door at the far end, Tom halted and you took a deep breath. Tom turned the doorknob, but the entry remained closed. 

“Locked,” he said. “Alohomora.”

The door stayed shut. Tom frowned. That would have been too easy.

“A different spell?” you asked. “Or is there a key somewhere?”

He shook his head. “No. It’s a charm.”

Merlin’s beard. What could it be? You thought about what Morfin could have done to lock the door. Something that only he or Marvolo would be able to use.

“What about Parseltongue?” you asked. “Does Morfin know it too?”

“Yes,” Tom answered and proceeded to speak unfamiliar words in the language. The doorknob clicked and sprung open by itself. “There we go.”

Meanwhile, in the sitting room, one of the elves got more and more interested in Ben and Camille’s backstory. “Can Scrook offer you a drink Miss? Sir?” he asked, while Hokey was busy in the kitchen. “Please, if you don’t mind, Mister Prewett. Would you tell me how exactly you’re related to Arcturus Black? Master Morfin is on good terms with him and I wonder why I’ve never heard of you before.”

When you entered Morfin’s chamber you were surprised by its size. It was almost as large as the entire Potions classroom in Hogwarts. Dead bats and shrunken heads were hanging down from the low ceiling here and there, along with strange feathers and strings that must have been some creature’s strands of hair. Despite its size, the room was crammed with bottles, finished potions and ingredients of all sorts. It wasn’t messy, not at all, but very chaotic for anyone unfamiliar. 

“Morfin arranges everything by type,” Tom said. “Liquids from living creatures must be in this corner then.”

You both started opening the drawers and looked for anything that could possibly be Banshee tears.

Ben and Camille still got cross-examined by Scrook. “Interesting, interesting. Mister Black is your great-uncle, you say. Have you met him lately?“

In the chamber, you had searched for over ten minutes already, and gone through hundreds of little flasks. The number of different liquids in this room must have been in the thousands. Slughorn’s stock was absurdly small compared to this. 

“Can’t we just use a summoning charm?” you sighed, going through your fifteenth drawer of vials filled with animal blood.

“No,” Tom said while closing a drawer. “The elves would notice it immediately.”

You shoved yet another drawer shut. “Bloody hell. What if it’s hidden?”

“That’s possible,” he mumbled, still scanning over all the flasks inside the cupboard.

“Wait,” you said. “What if we’re looking in the wrong place?”

“All liquids are here, as I said.”

“Yes, but I just remembered. Slughorn said this years ago. Banshee tears when stored, turn into tiny, pearly white crystals.”

Tom lifted his head to look at you.

“Where are the solids stored?” 

He pointed at the opposite corner of the room. “Over there.”

At the same time, Hokey brought appetizers into the sitting room. “Enjoy,” she grumbled, her tone not fitting her kind words at all.

“Thank you,” Ben said after he and Camille had taken some canapés from the tray.

Both elves froze in shock, deeply offended. “Sir, you have not just thanked Hokey, have you?” Scrook asked.

“Of course not,” Camille stated, holding her head high. “What are you thinking? He thanked me for handing him a canapé.”

“I see,” Scrook said, eyes narrowed. “I’ll go and look for Master Riddle now. He’s taking awfully long, whatever he’s doing.”

“No!” Camille and Ben shouted which lead the elf to turn back around.

“No,” Camille repeated, her voice a lot calmer. “I’d like to know more about this house. Can you tell us how long you have worked for the Gaunts?”

In the chamber, you went through the flasks and glass containers on the other side of the room, where the solid ingredients were stored, while Tom still roamed the liquids. And finally, between fairy wings and unicorn liver, lay a tiny flask of Banshee tears.

“Got it,” you called. “There it is.” 

Tom walked right over and checked out the flask too. “Good girl, very smart thinking.”

You lightly pushed him with your elbow for what he had just called you and smiled. “Let’s go.”

Scrook had gotten disturbingly close to Ben. “I’ll gladly tell you all about this house, Miss,” he said, not taking his eyes off the boy. “When Mister Prewett reveals his real name.”

“My real name?” Ben asked. “What do you mean?”

“You’re not a pureblood, are you?” the elf hissed. “I can smell it.”

“Excuse you, elf!” Camille bellowed. She was a much better actress than Ben. “You surely didn’t mean to insult Mister Prewett in that way. I must have misheard you. Now apologise.”

Before they knew it, Scrook had gripped Ben’s hand and pulled it towards his own face, sniffing at the inside of Ben’s underarm. “I knew it!” the elf yelled. “Mudblood! Hokey quick, alarm the Masters!”

Hokey came running in from the kitchen at the same time as Tom and you arrived in the sitting room. All three of you stood there in the archway and looked at Camille, Ben and Scrook in disbelief.

“Traitors!” Scrook screamed and accidentally knocked the tray of canapés off the table. “What have you done, Master Riddle? Bringing a mudblood into these halls.”

Ben had finally wrenched his arm away from the elf, holding on to it tightly while standing up straight, his chest heaving.

“The Masters must know,” Scrook whined and turned around. “We have to tell them immediately, Hokey.”

“Enough,” Camille said as she rose from her seat. “Stupefy!”

In an instant, Scrook fell to the floor without another word, completely unconscious. Hokey let out a yelp at the sight, turned around and ran toward the kitchen. 

“Quick, before she apparates,” you shouted.

“Stupefy,” Tom called with his wand pointed at Hokey. “We don’t have much time. The charm wears off on elves much quicker than on humans.”

Ben and Tom dragged the two elves to the entrance hall and dropped them next to the fireplace, while Camille cleaned up the mess on the floor, where the canapés had landed.

When you had gathered by the fireplace again, Scrook already opened his eyes, blinking slowly.

“Leave,” Tom urged and pointed his wand at the elves. “Obliviate.”

Camille went first and disappeared into the flames, followed by Ben and you.

Back in Hogwarts, when Tom stepped out of the fireplace, you finally felt like you were able to breathe again.

“We did it,” you said and fell into his arms. “I can’t believe we really did it.”

Tom held you for a moment, his arms wrapped tightly around your waist, then moved his head and looked at Ben when he let go. “What happened?”

Ben still hadn’t calmed down. He rubbed his hands on his trousers repeatedly and shook his head. “I don’t know. They were shocked when I thanked them for serving us food. Then the elf said he could smell that I’m not a pureblood.”

“You thanked them?” Tom asked. “Elves don’t accept that.”

“How am I supposed to know that? I’ve never seen a house-elf before.”

“Forget about that now,” Camille interrupted. “Did you get them? The Banshee tears.”

“Yes,” you said and pulled them out of your pocket. “We got them.”

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

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[clubdolan]

Military Brat -- G.D.

idk it was an idea and i couldn’t think of an ending but i wanted to get it typed up

Grayson stretched his neck out and looked at his alarm clock; 3:23 a.m. 

And no one was sleeping next to him.

“Bub, come on.. back to bed, you’ll wake up if he calls..” He grabbed her hand, trying to pull her from the couch. She sat in her pajamas, his clothes, phone in hand, zoned out at the television in front of her.

“Els, c’mon..” He tugged, forgetting the whole reason he was awake was to go to the bathroom. 

“He said yesterday or today, at his lunch time... which is eleven to one which is two to four in the morning here.” She gripped harder onto her phone, checking the screen for the thousandth time that night. “Thirty minutes.”

Grayson sighed, letting go of her hand, “Give me a minute.”

A few minutes later he was back with a bottle of water and a blanket from his bed. “Come on, lay down.”

“I can’t fall asleep.” Elsa groaned, checking her phone again. He pulled her back to his chest and the blanket over her lap, “Gray, I can’t.”

“I’ll stay awake, I’ll hold your phone, you need to go to sleep.” He pulled her head onto his chest and tried to grab her phone but she wouldn’t budge. He didn’t fight it, he just wrapped his hand around hers and pulled her tighter.

Elsa sat up quick, looking at her phone. “I missed it, I probably--

“It’s been fifteen minutes.” He rubbed her back, “I will wake you up if anything pops up on your phone, I promise.”

She leaned forward, her face in her hands, “He’s not gunna call.”

“He’s going to call, he still has ten or fifteen minutes.” 

Elsa held in her sobs, trying to hide her tears from him but he already knew she was crying. Her dad was an Army Major stationed in Germany and she hadn’t spoke to him in two months and hadn’t seen him for almost a year. Her mother had passed away from cancer two years ago and she followed her dreams and moved to LA to continue dancing, which led her to him.

She was a back-up dancer in music videos, at concerts, awards shows and more. Her Instagram had gained a following which led to modeling and sponsorships and now she was considered an ‘influencer’.

She kept her family life off of the internet. All that anyone knew was that her mom had passed from cancer. Of course Grayson knew every detail, every story she told him good or bad, every memory she could remember with her dad and mom in Germany when she was younger, at their first US house in Virginia, their second US house in Texas. He felt like he knew her whole family but in reality, he had never met them.

He continued rubbing her back until she turned around and dug her face into the blanket in his lap, crying harder. “Els, c’mon bub.” He pushed her hair from her face, “I know this has been planned for weeks, he hasn’t forgot. Maybe a meeting has gone too long and he’s taking a late lunch?”

“I don’t know.. I just wish I could text him.. or email him. Or he would let me know somehow.. I just wait and wait--

She went silent as her phone vibrated, a little tune playing from it, DAD going across the screen.

“Oh my god, hi dad.” She cried out, now tears of happiness were flowing. 

“Hi Elsie-bug, sorry it’s so late, a meeting went a little long...” Grayson heard a muffled voice and left her on the couch, pushing the blanket around her shoulders. “Fill me in on everything, I’ve got a while.”

Grayson fell back asleep, hearing her little laugh every now and then & as he woke back up at six, he was still alone in bed. 

Elsa sat on the couch, sun peeking through the windows, smiling down at her phone as she typed away. “Morning, Gray!” She spoke up, giving him a smile. “My dad has an email I can send things to right now, so I’m pretty much blowing up his inbox while he’s working, I don’t know when it’ll be shut down.”

“Breakfast?”

“Please.” She groaned, thinking of how empty her stomach was. With her head still down she followed Grayson into the kitchen, “Remember when we went to Universal and got stuck on The Mummy ride?” She laughed, attaching the picture to an email and typing a caption. “I just want to send him my whole camera roll.”

“Please don’t send him your whole camera roll or he will not let you date me.”

“He probably wouldn’t even let me have a phone.” They both laughed, “He doesn’t know if he will be able to come home in the next two months. It could be six months before he’s back.”

“That sucks, but at least you can email him now, keep in contact more often. Tell him how great I am before I eventually meet him someday.” He sat a bowl of oatmeal in front of her, “I will eventually meet him, right?”

“Of course.” She finally put her phone down and sat on the counter to eat breakfast. Grayson walked back and forth making a protein shake for him and a smoothie for her; both chocolate peanut butter.

“I’m going to go workout--

“I’m going to sleep.”

“You’re making me work out alone?” He groaned, “But.. fine.”

“Bring your sweaty, little body back to bed when you’re done.”

“I can’t believe you just called me little.” He walked towards her, standing between her legs. “My sweaty, little body.”

“Sweaty... little... body...” She poked at his chest, “The smallest I’ve ever seen. You say you drink protein? Do you even have leg day?” Grayson laughed as she pulled his shirt off of him, “You call that a six-pack?”

“It’s practically an eight pack” he leaned forward, pinning her between the coffee machine and himself. 

Elsa grabbed his arms, her nails scraping along the back, “Your arms are so small, do you work out or just sit on the floor in there? These are pitiful. I ca--”

“You can talk shit about my arms all you want but I know you can get off by just thinking about them, so I’d shut up if I were you.” He mumbled against her mouth, leaving a quick kiss before going to their gym.

Elsa kicked off her shorts and shirt, putting on the shirt she had just taken off Grayson as she buried herself in the sheets exactly where he had laid the night before.

@ElsaOwens: 6:45am = Perfect bed time.

---reply: No I wasn’t partying, I didn’t just get home, I finally got to talk to my dad after two months of waiting. #armybratproblems 

She didn’t even remember putting her phone down before she was woken up by a weight dropping down on her whole body. Without thinking she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the side of his head, “I’m still sleeping.”

“Do you want me to order you lunch with mine? Sushi.”

“My usual please.” She kissed the side of his head again before unwrapping her arms, expecting him to get up. 

“I’m tired.”

“Take a nap.” She tapped the top of his head, beginning to play with his hair.

“I want under the blanket.” He whined, standing up on his knees to push the whole blanket back before he dove back on top of her, shoving his head into her chest.

“You’re ... damp.”

“It’s my sweaty, little body.” He mimicked her, “Cardio and upper-body today.”

“Fuck-yeah upper body.” She rubbed her hands around on his stomach. 

“Ohh, fuck yeah upper body.” He made fun of her, pushing his shirt up her body, “Your naked.”

“I’m naked.” She giggled, watching him lay his head back down on her chest.

“I’m happy you got to talk to your dad today.” It was a cute moment, really it was. Elsa watched his eye lashes flutter close and she knew he really meant it. Her whole attitude had done a flip in the best way possible.

“You can’t get all touchy with me and then mention my dad.” Her finger trailed up and down his arm, leaving goosebumps along the way. “That’s like me teasing you and then mentioning Eth--

“Don’t fucking say his name.”

“---than.” She finished, pausing her finger. “Ruins it, doesn’t it?”

“I’ll still fuck the living day lights out of you. I don’t give a shit about my brother.” He mumbled into collar bone, “I hope he hears every second of it.”

“He left before you woke up. Surfing with Kyle or something?” She flinched as Gray bit into her skin, “Ugh, fuck, Gray.”

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

Grayson’s voice felt shaky and he wasn’t even talking. His phone screen was dark and he waited impatiently for it to light up, he didn’t have much time, Elsa would be home in almost an hour.

A foreign number popped up and with a shaky hand he slid the bar over and answered it, “Hello?”

“So you’re Grayson? The one my daughter won’t shut up about?” A man laughed on the other line, “It’s nice to... somewhat, meet you.”

“You too, sir.” Grayson had tried to prepare but he didn’t want Elsa to know her dad was calling him. He had snuck her phone, copied the address and sent a short email to him. Days later he was on the phone, soon talking to her dad like they were old friends.

“I’m exhausted.”

“You’ve been on the phone for thirty minutes, what’s that exhausting?” Ethan asked from the other couch, pulling his ear buds out.

“It was Elsa’s dad and I’m trying to plan a surprise for her to see him.” He sighed, “Well I think I just did plan a surprise for her to see him......” 

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

They came up with a fake video idea so them filming with Kyle didn’t seem suspicious. Elsa tagged along as they ran a few places just wasting time until her dad had landed.

“Els.”

“I’m not in this video, I’m not doing it...... what?” She asked, holding her own Target bag in hand walking to Ethan’s Jeep.

Grayson took the bag from her and put it in the car, “We just have to run and get Ricky at the airport, Kyle forget he said he’d pick him up.”

“Okay?” She looked at him funny, as if they needed her permission to go somewhere. “I’m literally just here to be here. I have no plans.”

Over an hour later they pulled into the airport parking lot and got out of the car, “Can’t he just walk--

“No we’re going in to get him, it’s a foreign flight and he’s got like three bags and we want to embarrass him with a sign.” He held his hand out and she grabbed onto it, pushing her sunglasses back to hold her messy ponytail in place. 

It took everything in him not to shake as they walked towards the airport. He knew Ethan and Kyle were behind them, filming, knowing exactly what was going on.

They all stood at the foreign arrivals gate, Ethan handed a rolled up poster to Elsa and had her hold it up to ‘see if it would fit in frame’. With a lousy smirk she held it up, watching him and Grayson keep backing up until it was all in frame. 

“Perfect! Now read the sign!” Grayson yelled, pointing down. 

Elsa was ready to read something dumb about Ricky, see an edited photo of him or some practical joke pulled on her but her eyes teared up as she read out loud, “I’ve waited a year to see my dad and I have no idea he’s right behind me.”

Her body froze and she dropped the sign and turned around. Her dad stood before her, Army fatigues and a bouquet of flowers.

The next few minutes was a whirl-wind. She hugged her dad for as long as possible, she cried the most she had in months, she didn’t even remember they were in airport or in public or that she was being filmed until her dad sat her down and said they could probably, “get going now.”

As she wiped her face off she saw Grayson standing next to her dad’s bags, holding her purse she had dropped on the floor with a little smirk on his face. “No way... no... you didn’t...”

“Nice to finally meet you, Grayson. In person.” Her dad stuck his hand out and Grayson shook it.

“In person.. so... wait, what?”

“I’ve talked to him a few times.. on the phone..” He acted cocky for keeping the secret. “Ethan and Kyle went to get the Jeep and your car is almost here. You’ve got dinner reservations with your dad.”

Elsa turned to look at her dad, back to Grayson then back to her dad, “All his idea.” Her dad said, looking at Grayson. 

“I can’t believe you.” She hugged him, starting to cry again. “I wanna be mad at you for not telling me but I can’t.”

He squeezed her tight, he felt her cry again, he felt her heart beating fast and could tell it meant everything to her. “He had a week off so we figured something out, you’ve got things all week to do with him.”

“With us, you’re coming with us, right Grayson?” Her dad spoke up.

Elsa nodded her head quickly, “Yes, he is. If he can. Can you?”

“I have a meeting one day but I can probably work the others out.” Elsa squeezed his arm and dug her head into his shoulder, “But dinner tonight is just you two. It’s already paid for. It’s your favorite place.”

They walked to the black SUV waiting outside and talked about the upcoming week, “It’s like two worlds colliding..” Elsa explained, “A good colliding.”

She kept her goodbye with Grayson short and sweet, her dad had never seen her with a boyfriend, let alone one she had been with for a while or one that went to this amount of planning to surprise her.

Grayson went to shake his hand but her dad hugged him, “Thank you, Grayson. For taking care of her.”

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

At midnight Elsa came running into Ethan and Grayson’s house as if someone was chasing her. “Where’s--

“He’s working out.” Ethan mumbled through a bite of food. 

She dropped her bag, shoes and whatever she could before rounding the corner and bursting into their workout room. Music was blaring and Grayson was laying on the ground, eyes squinted close as she silently counted sit-ups.

He almost started throwing punches when a body was on top of him, grabbing his face and straddling his chest. “I can’t fucking believe you.”

“Holy shit, bub. I almost hit you.” He sighed in relief, relaxing his muscles as they fell to the floor. “I’m glad you were surprised, I thought you would have figured it out by now.”

“I had zero idea.”

“Good.” He laughed, “Why are you here so late? You have to be up early tomorrow to get--

“I couldn’t sleep.” 

“I didn’t want to sleep.”

“I just.”

“I wanted to come say thank you.” Her thumb brushed along his stubbly chin, “So, thank you.”

Grayson’s hands slid up her back and he pulled her down to meet him better, “You’re so very welcome.” 

Their lips pulled apart and she couldn’t stop looking at him. The love of her life, had taken his own time, his own money, to give her the best gift of all time. “I still can’t believe--

“Believe it.” He laughed, “None of this is fake.” 

Grayson groaned into her mouth as she kissed him again, sliding her body down his. “I know Ethan’s coming in here to run so please let’s go to my room or literally anywhere else but here.” He quickly said, sitting up with her on his lap. 

She didn’t answer, she kept kissing him and he kept kissing back. “You’re going to be mad....” He tried to talk, “If Ethan walks in here.”

“I don’t even care if my dad asks why I arrive to breakfast with you tomorrow or if I’m wearing your shirt as a dress, I’m staying here tonight.”

idk how to end this bye

[shyvioletcat]

"Exhausted parents kiss" for rowaelin cause I love them and you ❤️ congratulations on 400 followers

Ok don’t say nice things to me today because I might cry. I love you too!

~~~~~

Can you come help me?

Aelin sent off the text and waited. Then she heard soft footsteps coming from down the hall and stopping just outside the nursery door. Slowly the door pushed open and Rowan appeared.

He looked terrible. His hair was sticking out at every angle, he’d been wearing that shirt for about 36 hours straight and there were dark circles under his eyes.

Aelin doubted she looked much better.

She was seated in the nursing chair, her week old daughter in her arms. Little Elsie fallen asleep while feeding and Aelin was too tired to try and manoeuvre herself and the baby out of the chair.

Rowan gave a small, heartbreakingly soft smile as he took in the sight and Aelin couldn’t help the way it made her hear flip.

Rowan had taken to fatherhood like a bird to the sky. He did everything, most of the time without Aelin even asking or mentioning it. Changing nappies, bathing, burping, cleaning up vomit, he did it all.

It just made Aelin fall in love with him all over again.

He walked over and gently scooped up the newborn and nestled her in the crook of one of his arms. Then Rowan held his other hand out to help Aelin get up from the chair. Half her mind wanted to bat away his hand for his fussing. But Aelin was sore and exhausted so she took it, using both Rowan’s hand and the momentum from the rocking chair to get herself up.

Aelin stumbled a step, but Rowan was there to catch her, pulling her to his side.

Aelin gave him a grateful smile.

“You’re amazing, Aelin,” Rowan whispered.

Aelin’s throat tightened at Rowan’s words and tried to stop the tears from gathering in her eyes. Rowan just smoothed back her hair, tucking the loose strands of her unclean and messy bun behind her ear.

Then he kissed her, and she kissed him, a moment of quiet loving intimacy in the chaos that had become their lives.

As Aelin drew back she felt a tear run down her cheek.

Rowan wiped it away with the pad of his thumb and said, “Let’s go to bed.”

Aelin nodded and led the way to their bedroom. While Rowan placed Elsie in the bassinet at the end of the bed Aelin slipped under the covers. By the time Rowan joined her she was already half asleep, as he pressed a final kiss to her forehead Aelin was out completely.

~~~~~

Tags: @fucking-winchester-trash @literary-licorice @galyxsy @tangledraysofsunshine @highqueenofelfhame @3am-reading @soup-that-is-too-hawt @aelinfire-bringer @nalgenewhore @highladyofthesith @http-itsrebecca @sleep-and-books @average-girl-at-best @alifletcher2012

Celebrating 400 followers kiss prompts here

[worldofmuses]

💘 thorfinn and glenda ofc

where they first met and howThey probably met in school but the first notable meeting was in a record shop, both hoping for the same one. (Which Thorfinn only really wanted to be difficult)

how long their ‘flirting’ phase was before feelings got involvedMonths? We haven’t reached it yet but it will definitely be a looot of months, maybe even a year before they ever admit anything.

who fell for who first ( if applicable )I would say it was pretty much the same but Glenda definitely realised it first.

where their first date was and what it was likeUhhh this is a tough. I feel like they just went from friends with benefits to boyfriend/girlfriend, without any in between. I don’t know if they’d have any sort of official sort of first date. Maybe they’d have one for show, where he brought her to some event to sort of show her off. Or maybe the first holiday he takes her on.

who asks who out and how ( with a sign? spelled out on a cake? just a simple ‘will you go out with me’? )Again sort of doesn’t happen. But, it will be Thorfinn who does the official, ‘lets be together’ talk, because he’s the one who originally shuts it down.

who proposes firstGlenda! But Thorfinn does it back, a bit more romantically, just seconds later.

if they keep / kept their relationship secret or let everyone know right awayLolllll definitely a secret

where the proposal happens and how ( kiss cam at a baseball game? on a hillside surrounded by ducks? at a disney park? )Naked in bed, v tired from sex and v happy in each other’s arms. Glenda suggests they get married and Thorfinn is quick to agree and give a proposal of her own, that probably makes her cry.

if they adopt any pets togetherI don’t think so? I honestly don’t think it even kind of crosses their mind because they have very busy lives and a pet wouldn’t even really be fully nurtured.

who’s more dominantLol Thorfinn

where their first kiss was and what it was likeIn her bed!! On a brand new mattress that they had just bought her so they decided to test out. It was... unexpected. And very much desired. They had done many (many) things up to that point but had never kissed, so finally giving in and doing so was quite honestly a kiss like no other. (At least for Thorfinnn)

if they have any matching couples stuff ( mugs? sweaters? pillowcases? )Idk I was going to say no but Glenda probably loves that shit so she probably buys it without him knowing.

how into pda they areNot at all surprisingly.

who holds the umbrella when it rainsOmg Thorfinn, 100%. Could you imagine him trying to fit under if Glenda held it? He’s be doubled over

where their usual ‘date spot’ is ( if applicable )Whoever’s bed is closest

who’s more protectiveIt’s kind of pretty equal??? Thorfinn is a bit more consistently vocal about it, but honestly Glenda has a protective nature to rival his, it just comes out more sparingly.

how long it is before they sleep together ( can be as in ‘had sex’ or as in ‘shared a bed’ )It was not long at all, and would have been sooner if it could have been

if they argue about anythingJokingly? Constantly. They argue every ten seconds without fail but it’s never serious. Serious arguments are a lot more rare. Right now that’s just because they’re very surface level acquaintances, but even as they grow closer that won’t change. They’re very good at talking things through and listening to the other when they’re mad, rather than getting mad in return. Even if Glenda angry cries out of frustration, Thorfinn quickly learns better methods to deal with it then getting mad back at her.

who leaves more marks ( lipstick, hickeys, scratchmarks etc. )Glenda?? I feel like he probably leave a looot of hickeys, but if you’re adding everything else into the list she probably wins.

who steals whose clothes and how oftenGlenda and always. Thorfinn couldn’t fit in anything Glenda owns.

how they cuddle ( spooning? facing each other? )Honestly probably facing each other a lot? Especially when they’re officially together. There’s def some spooning too though.

what their favourite nonsexual activity isDoes travelling count? 

how long they stay mad at each otherLike 3 minutes max

what their usual coffee / tea orders areThorfinn’s is probably black and Glenda’s has sugar because they are Stereotypical but honestly I don’t know for sure

if they ever have any children togetherThey dooo. Three girls; Elsie, Isadora and Aurelia. and maybe a boy later who knows everyone pretend you didn’t see this

if they have any special pet names for each otherPlease don’t ask, it’s a touchy subject for them both

if they ever split up and / or get back togetherSooorta? Before they’re officially together they have a ‘let’s never sleep together again’ sort of thing, (spoiler: they fail) before the get together properly.

what their shared living space is like ( messy? clean? what kind of decor? )Clean because Thorfinn won’t have it any other way, but much more Glenda’s style. Sort of elegant and stylish but with splashes of colour and unique items to make it their home and not just anyone’s.

what their first christmas / hanukkah / etc as a couple was likeFirst one as a couple I’d imagine was spent apart honestly? Unless maybe they’re engaged by then and they spend Christmas is one of their parents houses

what their names are in each other’s phonesG Spot and Zaddy TNot that either knows it

if they have any ‘couple traditions’ ( buying a new mug for their collection every year? baking every friday evening? )Having sex every time they go somewhere new probably. Date nights preferably once a week, at least once every fortnight. Going to one new place every year. When she has a podcast episode she’s really excited about they listen to it together after it’s officially released.

who falls asleep first and who wakes up firstProbably both Thorfinn

who’s the big spoon / little spoonThorfinn is the big spoon and Glenda is the little spoon always

who hogs the bathroomThorfinn

who kills the spiders / takes them outsideThorfinn kills people, I don’t think he’ll have any problem with spiders.

send me 💘 + A SHIP and i’ll tell you—

[trvelyans-archive]

RUNS IN BEFORE ANYONE ELSE...... LET ME DATE ELSIE

logan… rest assured you’re the only one who cares about elsie anymore because she’s Sooo 2018 (jk i… love her)

pros

STRONG!!! SO STRONK!!! even though she’s just barely over five feet she can probably pick you up. super strong arms and strong, thick legs. could pick a fight a bear and win

iron cast stomach… she can stomach ANYTHING (besides sweet foods) so give her any dish no matter what’s in it and she’ll eat it and totally appreciate it. 

is used to sharing living space with people, so she will always find a way to make the both of you comfortable when you’re sharing a bed or bedroll or cot. if there’s no pillow to use she will offer her arm and it will be Good… and it’ll never fall asleep or get uncomfortable for her so go ahead and ask

will let you have the whole blanket if you want it. she gets hot easily from Constantly Moving Around and she thrives when it’s colder

on that note, she is absolutely not squeamish about ANYTHING related to bodies… like acne or infections or wounds or body hair or stretch marks like ANYTHING anyone could worry about she doesn’t care abt because she’s had her fair share of everything and will never find it gross or find you lesser because of it

not a selfish lover in the slightest, will want it to be equal or give you more than she gets. she feels… not awkward when she’s getting a lot of attention, but a little out of place. isn’t used to worship at all and it’s so cute to watch her have NO idea what to do when you’re really gentle with her

on that note, though, she will NEVER be little spoon… you’d have to strap her down if you want to be big spoon. she likes jetpacking people, it makes her feel much more safe than being little spoon. and she’s good at spooning as well, will totally curve entirely around you’re body until you’re practically the same person

she’ll always stand or sit or walk very close to you to make sure she can always touch you if she wants to. 

you are a part of the family forever, even if things are rocky she would give her life for you and entirely sacrifice her well being to make sure you’re in good shape

has a really really big heart and will never be jealous ever unless she thinks whoever you’re talking to poses a threat… you’ll never have to worry about her being suspicious of you spending time with other people. trusts you a lot because she trusts in her instinct to put herself in the company of good people

cons

the downside to that is she will not be open about many things until she’s sure you’re in it for the long run and there’s no immediate danger… definitely not the type of person for a casual fling (i say as she romanced zevran in canon, but that’s a different story okay!)

terrible hygiene. absolutely the worst. not that she smells particularly bad either -if you have no issue with always smelling like sweat - but if she’s genuinely covered in dirt or soot or blood she will feel no issue not wiping it off. 

takes terrible care of her hair. if you want to comb through it with your fingers when you’re making out then i would advise you Literally comb through it first because it’s probably entirely tangles

will always open the windows :( she can’t be in a building without good airflow or she’ll feel like she’s going to be kidnapped. once she left the alienage and got out of the stuffy, cramped houses, and cramps streets, she can’t step foot or sleep in a building without wide, open windows. (i.e. the circle where she Hyperventilates for the entire time she’s in there) doesn’t care if you’re cold, she just can’t sleep with closed windows

will 100% scare you by climbing someplace high and literally jumping on you, especially if she just woke up or she’s deliriously tired. you will definitely fall in a pile on the ground and something will definitely break or get injured

on a related note, bad at taking care of injuries. will definitely let things fester or get out of hand because she doesn’t want to admit she got hurt. 

if you wound her pride she will be very angry and definitely give you the cold shoulder…. she had a bad relationship with her dad growing up and never learned how to communicate very well when there are obvious issues and will remember mean things you say to her for a long time

either doesn’t cry at all or ugly cries for hours and hours and hours…. she never learned how to properly function emotionally either

sometimes feels aimless if she doesn’t have An Immediate Duty To See To… she can get depressed really easily and if she can she will definitely get in to trouble just because it’s something to do

a very forceful kisser and she has very present teeth which might be a deal breaker for some people…. she has a snaggletooth and it will Always be there and you will Feel it

doesn’t laugh a lot… no one will ever really know if she thought a joke was funny or thought it was dumb because she rolls her eyes either way

oh my god i miss her so much

[marshmallowsims]

All of the Emoji's for my 3 fav beans 💚💚💚

AAAAA, thank you my lime!

☕ RELAXED 

Having a very active one year old makes relaxing a rarity. But the most relaxed she feels is with a warm cup of tea, a fuzzy blanket, a book open on her lap and birdie sleeping next to her. She feels calm and happy in moments like that. And more recently she feels incredibly relaxed whenever she’s with Reed.

♒️ IRRITATED

Mostly just bitches about every tiny thing when she’s irritated. She has very little patience when she’s irritated too and don’t make a joke around her cause she will snap.

💘 LUSTING

She’s not subtle when she’s lusting for someone, she flirts and teases and when she’s tired of flirting she’d straight up say what she wants. She’s almost always lusting for someone.

🌦 LONGING

Quite and sad and just in her own head, she longs for a lot of things and not just people so she does feeling longing quite often. And it is amongst the main reasons why shes sad often.

☘ HOPEFUL

Tends to crush any feel of ‘hopefulness’ as soon as she starts to feel it. She fears too much that she’ll be disappointed but even so she can’t help it and she feels hopeful more often than not… it generally gets crushed very fast. She smiles a bit more when she is hopeful though and how she behaves is different. 

🍃 CONFUSED

She gets very frustrated with herself when she’s confused because she is quite a perfectionist and often feels like she shouldn’t be confused. She’s not one to ask or make it easier for herself to understand so she just deals with being confused and shakes it off. 

🎡 AMUSED

Usually laughs quite a bit. Depending what it is she found funny, though with people she is a bit more reserved and those laughs are a little softer. 

🌞 HAPPY

She bakes a lot when she’s happy. Is just overall in a good mood, she’s rather hyper and enthusiastic when she’s happy too. Also very affectionate.

⚡️ ANGRY

She doesn’t get angry easily or really at all, she goes right to sad when shes angry. But often her hurt is disguised as anger, she usually turns it on herself and does something self destructive or she takes it out on whoever is closest to her / whoever hurt her. 

💧 SAD

Her usual state. She cries a bit. Gets really into her own head and distance and avoids people. Often she just really wants a hug but she doesn’t know how to express that so she just closes herself off and sometimes gets snappy when asked whats wrong.

💕 IN LOVE

Well it takes a very long time for her to express her feelings towards someone. Or to really admit to herself what they are. But when she’s in love she wants to take care of them, like cooking, doing their laundry, running them a bath, giving them a massage etc… Its just her way of showing affection in a deeper way than just kissing/physical things.

❌ JEALOUS

She gets jealous pretty easily, over stupid things too. She lovessss attention so when its not on her, there is quite a bit of jealousy. Though, she won’t say it, she’d instead be really petty and go out of her way to prove that she is better.

💔 HEARTBOKEN

Cries a lot. Then gets made at herself for crying. Shes a mess when she loses someone she cares about and she goes to a very dark place in her mind too. She’s not good at coping with sudden ‘loss’ like that. 

🏝 LONELY

Also something she feels very often because she doesn’t let herself get close enough to people to ‘not’ be lonely. She’s also alone quite often and she feels lonely especially when birdie falls asleep. She’ll usually try and text someone or just amuse herself with cartoons till she passes out. 

🌙 EXHAUSTED

She is always tired or nearing the point of exhaustion, she works two jobs and has a very active one year old so its pretty self explanatory as to why. She’s good at staying awake once she’s had a few cups of coffee though more recently she’s not been able to do that so she’s been very sluggish. Dozing off when she shouldn’t. Quite slow on hearing what someone has said to her.  

👻 AFRAID

Freezes. She literally doesn’t react at all and just goes as still as possible. Only once she’s calmed down then will she breakdown. 

👐 SURPRISED

Would probably be shocked first before feeling surprised. She’s not used to surprises, nor do they happen often. But if its good she’d become instantly happy.

☕ RELAXED

He feels most relaxed when he’s on the ice by himself. Whenever he’s feeling tense or the day has been too much he’ll just go to whichever ice rink is nearest (and open) and spend hours just skating. 

♒️ IRRITATED

Frowns a lot. Wouldn’t laugh at all when someone tries to make a joke with him. And he’s replies get very short/clipped. He usually needs to be left alone for a bit till he calms down. Though he makes it known that he needs a bit of space and that he’s not in the best mood.

💘 LUSTING

This is actually something he doesn’t feel often. He’ll form crushes and attractions to people but sexual attractions don’t get brought on till way later in the relationship. And even then it takes him a while before he’d actually make any advances.  

🌦 LONGING

His very in his own head so there aren’t much emotions he expresses outwardly. He does long for people and past times sometimes, he tries to distract himself with other thoughts then or will again go to the ice rink / try and sleep it off.

☘ HOPEFUL

He’s always hopeful. He doesn’t actually think negatively on many things so that probably makes him more hopeful than all his friends combined 

🍃 CONFUSED

More frowning. He’d usually ask to try and clear up any confusion. Or try and figure it out on his own.

🎡 AMUSED

He has a really loud laugh which can be heard whenever something amusing happens. Whether in person or in a show. He laughs a lot.

🌞 HAPPY

All smiles all the time. Really good company. Very affectionate. 

⚡️ ANGRY

Not outwardly angry. He frowns big time then (hello forehead wrinkled) but he tries his best to keep his anger under control. It does take a lot to make him angry in the first place and he does do a good job at managing it. Though if its really bad he’ll sometimes snap at someone or shout. Though as soon as that happens he immediately removes himself from whatever is happening and he’ll go on a really long drive. 

💧 SAD

He is actually sad quite often though he keeps it very far down so that nobody notices. When he’s feeling really sad he’ll try and hangout with Reed or would go to the bar to be around people. Though if he can’t do that then he cries till he’s feeling better and then naps.

💕 IN LOVE

He gives everything of himself to them. Goes out of his way to make them smile and to be sure they have a good day. He adores cuddling and small displays of affection (hand holding, kissing their cheek) when they’re alone. He turns into a really puppy too and would do anything they asked of him. Also views them as the best person alive.

❌ JEALOUS

He get morehurt than jealous. He often feels like he’s second best so when it comes tofeelings of jealousy he has this very toxic though system on how he just, won’tbe able to be like them /ever/ and then he gets really sad.

💔 HEARTBOKEN

Oh he criesfor sure. He feels a whole mix of emotions. Above ^ being the not good enoughfor anyone and how he should get used to it thoughts are really loud then. Andhis really sad for a while. And takes a really long time to move on.

🏝 LONELY

He onlyreally gets lonely when he’s bored and everyone is busy. During those times heheavily contemplates getting a dog/cat and he does often browse the web for anyanimals available for adoption but he then realises he doesn’t have the timefor a four legged friend so he’ll go nap or read or go to reed, or head to hisbar, just to be around someone.

🌙 EXHAUSTED

He getsemotionally exhausted more often than actually exhausted. He’s just quite andgives short answers or doesn’t really listen/register whats going on aroundhim. Though usually its that kind of emotion exhaustion that takes days to wearoff. So he sleeps a lot during the time.

👻 AFRAID

Triesto put up a strong front. There are actually a lot of situations that make himfeel afraid, even if its just a short bit, and as soon as that happens he callsReed. Even if its 4am. And he talks to Reed till he feels okay + a little more.

👐 SURPRISED 

If it’s agood surprised he’d just hug everyone who was involved. If it’s a ‘bad’surprise then he’d need sometime alone for things to settle in.

☕ RELAXED

Makes a lotof jokes. Its obvious that he’s relaxed. In that he basically becomes a cat tooand doesn’t worry about showing affection. He feels the most relaxed whenplaying guitar/singing or when he’s with Elsie.

♒️ IRRITATED

Thinkseverything everyone says is stupid. Very short patience. He loudly shuts doorsclosed behind him. Also gives sarcastic responses to everything.

💘 LUSTING

He’s notshy about approaching people. Would flirt a little and knows exactly how tosmile to make them attracted to him. Would then suggest they go to his place ifthey don’t ask first.

🌦 LONGING

He’s alwayslonging for someone. Keeps it very internalised and appears normal in-front ofpeople. Though alone he can’t sleep and ends up drinking more than he should.

☘ HOPEFUL

Gets reallyenergetic. Pretty positive attitude towards everything. Though he does get alittle nervous too (depending what he’s hopeful over)

🍃 CONFUSED

Basically,would deny that he’s confused and say something off topic and completelyridiculous to disguise that.

🎡 AMUSED

He makesreally dumb jokes when he’s feeling amused over something. He finds Elsie beingmad at him amusing so he kinda tries to joke till she can’t help but laugh.

🌞 HAPPY

Very hyperand positive and soooo much energy. He bounces all over the place. He talkseveryone's ears off and wants to do everything at once. He’ll also cook everyonefood and be bringing out snacks.

⚡️ ANGRY

He stormsout most of the time. He’d very rarely ever raise his voice or physically fightsomeone but he will occasionally punch a brick wall once he’s far away fromwhat’s made him angry.

💧 SAD

Spends alot of time isolating himself in his studio. Either drawing or playing songs.Usually sad songs. Most of his best songs were written while he was sad.

💕 IN LOVE

Very cuddlyand affectionate. Would want to show them off to everyone as well as doanything to make them smile and feel good. He’d also open up very easily andthey’d know more about him than anyone else.

❌ JEALOUS

He’d bevery rude for what would appear to be for no reason but really he just won’tadmit to them or himself that he’s jealous.

💔 HEARTBOKEN

Same as sadexcept he’d also start doing stupid things to try and ‘forget’ so like reboundsand too much alcohol.

🏝 LONELY

He feels lonelyall the time really. He doesn’t have much friends and the ones he does have hejust doesn’t want to bug them or admit that he’s feeling lonely. So he justisolates and pours his soul into his music.

🌙 EXHAUSTED

Basically,turns into a cat and can just fall asleep anywhere at anytime. He mumbles anddoesn’t make sense and starts laughing at normal objects.

👻 AFRAID

He getsafraid during storms pretty often so he puts his music up really loud and triesas hard as he can to calm himself down and to focus on the sounds.

👐 SURPRISED 

Would smilebig and get a ton of energy out of nowhere. He’d also then bug them and ask howthey managed to get the surprise right.

[miss-jane-marplelover]

A change in life - Chapter 3 (It's also on Fanfiction.net and Archive of our own) Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and Mrs. Hughes wounds were healing nicely, the ones in her heart slower than the ones in her skin. Mr. Green had been arrested the next day of the incident, and they were waiting for the trial that would send him to jail forever. Mr. Carson had notice she wasn’t eat in the mornings, and that the basket that was next to her bed was being washed every day, and he was afraid she might have caught an infection. Dr. Clarkson used to come once or twice a week now to check on her and Charles was waiting for today’s visit to talk with him. He was pacing along the corridor when he heard heave footsteps coming up the stairs. He turned to see Dr. Clarkson and Anna at the end of the corridor walking in his direction. -Thank you very much Mrs. Bates, you may return to your duties. - She nodded and run downstairs. – Dr. Clarkson, before you see Mrs. Hughes, I would like to talk with you. She’s hasn’t been having her breakfast for a few weeks now, she has been getting gill in the mornings and she’s very tired.  -Mr. Carson, you know what all those symptoms mean, don’t you? -An infection no? -Could be, but there’s a bigger chance of her being… being with child Mr. Carson. -With child? That’s impossible, her childbearing years passed long ago. -Let me examine her before jumping into conclusions. He nodded and let him enter the room. He focused his eyes on the doorknob and swallowed his feelings, thinking about what Dr. Clarkson had just said about a child made his blood boil. His sweet Elsie couldn’t be expecting a child that belonged to a disgusting human being who had tried to kill her. He just couldn’t bear the idea of her having to spend the next nine of months or less carrying a child she might never be able to love. After several minutes the door opened and Dr. Clarkson came out closing his bag. -How is she Doctor? -Her wounds are much better; she should try and walk a bit around her room. But don’t let her overdo it. -And does she have an infection… or… well? -I’m afraid, Mr. Carson that she is with child. I’m sorry. -Did… did you tell her? -I had to. She was shocked, so I think you better go inside and talk with her. If there are any problems call me. -Thank you Dr. Clarkson. -No need to thank me, it’s my job. Carson… Charles, she means a lot to you, so please, stay with her, by her side. She will need help, so don’t be like other men that leave their wives or girlfriends after being raped and in consequence getting pregnant. It’s not her fault; she was trying to protect someone she loves. -I will never leave her Dr. Clarkson, never. -You are a good mean Mr. Carson. I’m glad she has you. He squeezed Charles’ upper arm and walked down the corridor. Mr. Carson opened knocked and opened the door. -I’ve talked with the Doctor. – He walked to her bed and sat in his usual chair, next to her. -What did he tell you? Is it going to be a murderer or a rapist? -Don’t say that Elsie. I’m as shocked as you are, but it’s not the child’s fault. I was worried it might be an infection that could kill you. -This is not better than an infection, is it? I’m going to become a mother out of wedlock, to a child whose father tried to kill me and raped me... I’ve been wondering if I should have stayed in Scotland. -Please Elsie, don’t say that. -It’s the bloody truth Charles! This is what I feel, and I can’t run away from it, and neither can you. -No, we can’t, but we can make the best out of it. -What do you mean? -We will have this child, and I will be its father. -But what if the baby is born before we are married? Who will restore your honor? -Nobody will restore it, because I don’t need it. I don’t care what they will say about me. -I wish this baby were yours Charles. I really mean it. -I know Elise, but we can’t change how life works. -I hate it. Why did this have to happen to me? I’m old, this shouldn’t have happened! I shouldn’t be pregnant! I had made up my mind about children! -Elsie, I think you should rest. -Rest?! This – she pointed at her belly. – is not going to change by resting Charles! -You are right. Nothing is going to change. -Oh, don’t patronize me Charles- She looked at him with an angry look on her face. -Alright! – Charles stood up and closed the door with such force that it was heard in the library. - What do you want me to say?! Do you want me to tell you that it’s true and you should’ve never left Scotland?! That you should have stayed in your bloody farm in Argyll being hit and raped by a possible disgusting husband like Mr. Burns?! Tell me, do you?! -Don’t talk about Mr. Burns like that; he would have never done that. -Be realistic Elsie; he would have done it. You can’t run away from the truth. -Don’t talk to me about that and like that! -Then about what do you want me to talk?! About your loveless heart?! About how stupid I was of falling in love with you?! What an idiot I was for giving my heart to you. – He was red and breathing heavily, looking at Elsie, who stared at him with a shocked expression on her face. -Leave… Mr. Carson. – Her throat was tight and she could feel tears forming in her eyes. -I haven’t finished. -Yes you have. Leave at once or I call for Mr. Barrow. – She turned her head and looked out the window. -Fine. I’m leaving. But let me tell you this: we are too different, and a marriage would never work. The wedding’s off. He was angry, so angry he opened the door and slammed it close once he was out. He heard her crying, but he didn’t care, or did he? He felt his heart breaking slightly. He lifted his head and found her Ladyship looking at him. -Carson, is everything alright? I heard you yelling and… -My Lady, there has been a change of plans. Everything has gone wrong. -I don’t what you mean Carson. -She’s with child. -Oh my God! What are you going to do? -You mean what is she going to do? I have nothing to do with that, so I will return to my duties, if you don’t mind My Lady. -Carson? -We are not going to get married, so the child will be her problem. Now if you will excuse me My Lady. He walked downstairs feeling stupid, empty, angry and sad. Deep inside he knew he would regret everything he said in a few minutes. Anna found Lady Cora standing in the corridor with a shocked expression on her face. -Is something wrong My Lady? -Mrs. Hughes is pregnant and Mr. Carson just cancelled the wedding. -Oh my God! She must be scared to Death. -I don’t doubt it. Mrs. Bates, better go downstairs. I will have a little chat with Mrs. Hughes. She nodded running downstairs. Lady Cora knocked and opened the door. -Mrs. Hughes, may I come in? -Of course- She dried her eyes with the corner of her sheets. Lady Cora walked to her bed. – Anything I can help you with My Lady? -No. I understand you and Mr. Carson had a fight. Was it because he found out you are pregnant. -No My Lady. He was worried I might have an infection, so he told Dr. Clarkson. We wanted to take care of me and my child, but I behaved like a stupid woman. -I’m sure it wasn’t just you. -We both said things we shouldn’t have. And everything is over. -I’m sure this is just a fight. If Lord Grantham and I had finished everything because of a fight we would have never gotten married. -But the wedding’s off My Lady. -Give him time. He will come back to you in no time, and you will see that everything is okay. -What if he doesn’t come back? -He will. Men always come back after some time of thinking. No need to worry. No rest, don’t forget there are two of you now. Elsie nodded, resting her head against her pillow and closing her eyes. Once she was sure Elsie was asleep she left the room, closing the door quietly. She walked downstairs looking for her husband or Mr. Carson, whoever she found first. She entered the library and found both, one standing next to the door and the other one sitting comfortably on the couch. -Carson, may I talk with you for a minute? -Of course My Lady. -Carson, she’s very dear to you, isn’t she? -She is nothing to me but a pain My Lady. -Perhaps a pain in your heart? -What do you mean My Lady? -Carson, she loves you, but she’s scared, she has been raped and she just found out she’s with child. I know you are both tired, but you can’t finish everything because of an argument. She needs you, and if you think that she’s trying to back away from you, she’s not doing it on purpose. She has a cauldron of feelings right now inside her, but she knows she loves you. And she needs you. -Perhaps you are right My Lady. I said a few things in the heat of the moment that I shouldn’t have. -Just let her adjust to the little one. Okay? -Of course My Lady. -And one more thing. -Yes My Lady? -You are getting married next week. -So soon? -I’m sure neither of you want that baby to be born out of wedlock, do you? -Of course not. We talked about that. -Then it’s settled. -I’ll tell her -She’s resting so please don’t wake her up. Charles nodded and quickly left the room. He felt stupid and he was sure she felt the same way. He walked to her room, opened the door and walked inside closing the door. He sat in his chair watching her. She looked beautiful in her sleep; her cheeks were a beautiful shade of pink, her auburn curls were spread all over her pillow and a small smile on her lips. He kissed her cheek. -I’m sorry. It was the last thing he said before lying next to her on the bed. He was so in love with this woman. His woman. * * * No one knew where the butler was, not a single clue. Everyone was looking for him, but he was nowhere to be found. They were afraid he had left Downton and Mrs. Hughes. Mrs. Patmore and Daisy were looking for him in the attic, but found nothing, so against their better judgment they decided to tell Mrs. Hughes. They both knew it would break heart, but it was the right thing to do. -You keep quiet girl, let me tell her. She knocked lightly and opened the door to find Elsie lying in bed with Mr. Carson’s arms around her body and her head resting against his chest. They were both sleeping. -I think we found him, Daisy. -Should we go downstairs and tell her Ladyship? -Yes. Tell her just what we saw. They closed the door and run to the library. Everyone turned to look at them. -Any news Mrs. Patmore? -We found him My Lady. -Where? Where on Earth is he? -In Mrs. Hughes room -What were they doing? -Sleeping, holding each other. -Didn’t I tell Robert that they would make up? – Lady Cora moved closer to Lord Grantham and kissed his cheek. -Should we wake them up My Lady? -No Daisy. Let them sleep. * * * Mrs. Hughes heard the door close and opened her eyes to find Charles sleeping soundly next to her. -Charles. – She called him quietly, but he didn’t react to her words.

[miss-jane-marplelover]

A change in life - Chapter 7 (part 2) (it's also in Fanfiction.net and Archive of our own) -My back doesn’t hurt that much like this. Could someone give me a back rub? -Mrs. Crawley will you do it? I’m going to prepare this room for the birth, but something tells me we are still in for a few more hours. -Where the hell is Charles?! – Elsie was breathing heavily as she felt a new pain coming. -Probably he’s about to get here. It’s been an hour since we called. -How long has it been since my water broke? -Two to three hours. -That long?! -You’ve been busy. – Mrs. Crawley had jumped on the bed and was rubbing her back downwards, never upwards. Elsie closed her eyes and rocked her hips lightly. She felt calm, with everyone here, helping her. She began to nod off.  -Is she falling asleep? – Dr. Clarkson whispered as he rolled his sleeves up. -I think so. We better don’t wake her, she needs the sleep. -You bet she needs it; she’s been up since six. -Probably the pains will wake her up, but she will nod off between contractions. Elsie felt Baby’s head moving, and her or him kicking, but she was tired and she wanted to sleep. She didn’t stop rocking her hips; it helped her to cope with the pain in her hips. The urge to push was less now, and she liked that.  -Mary, could you go downstairs and open the door? – Lady Cora had a wet cloth in her hand, and was placing it on Elsie’s neck and upper back. -Of course.  -Tell Carson to keep quiet, she finally fell asleep. -Fluffy pillows. She smiled and walked quietly downstairs. She opened the door and waited. They should be in Downton by now, and it made her wonder if Elsie was thinking the same as she was. That she was giving birth to Mr. Green’s babies. She didn’t want to think that, she wanted to really believe that they were Mr. Carson’s, but she couldn’t. Someone running made her forget about all that and look up. Charles had his hat in his hand, and was running to the door. -Lady Mary, where is she? -Carson, keep your voice down, she’s upstairs sleeping. -Sleeping? -Yes. She was in pain, now she’s in all fours in your bed with pillows everywhere. She’s feeling comfortable and she needs to sleep.  We run upstairs, followed by Lady Mary, who had closed the door before that. Elsie was in the middle of a contraction, with her eyes closed, trying to breathe through it. Lady Cora had one of her hands in hers, and it was being squeezed; Mrs. Crawley was encouraging her, telling her that it would be over soon. -Carson, how wonderful. -How is she My Lady? -Well, in pain, but okay. She’s coping.  -How long has it been? -Four hours now. But I believe she started having contractions at six, that’s why she got up. -Yes. I started having pains at six, but I thought it would pass. Elsie opened her eyes and focused on Charles. He had taken his jacket off and had kneeled I front of her. -Why didn’t you tell me? -I don’t know! – She felt the pain coming, and going pretty high.  Then Mrs. Crawley and her felt more water coming out of her. -Dr. Clarkson, I think she’s ready. -Do you want to move Mrs. Hughes? She nodded. They helped her off the bed, and moved four chairs. Lady Mary and Lady Cora sat in two of them, and helped Elsie sit on their thighs. Dr. Clarkson moved the other two chairs to face them, and sat on them, placing Elsie’s legs on each side of his body. -Well, I can see a bit of Baby’s head, I think that with three or four pushes he or she will crown. So give me a good push when the contraction comes. She closed her eyes, took a couple of deep breathes and waited. The pain came, building and soon reached its height. Elsie squeezed Lady Mary’s and Lady Cora’s hands, using them both as support as she pushed. She felt Baby’s head coming out. -Good. I saw the top of Baby’s head. Give me another one.  -Charles you are dead!!- She screamed that as she pushed and the top of Baby’s head came out. -Very good, now pant. Don’t push. Your body needs to get used to this before we continue. Elsie rested her head on Lady Cora’s shoulder, panting and fighting the urge to push. Pushing was good, she felt okay when she pushed. She wanted to do it again. The pain eased when she was pushing. -Mrs. Hughes, back to work. Give me a good push. I think that two more should do it. Baby’s crowning. She nodded, took a very deep breath and pushed, turning hands white and her face turning red. Baby’s head came out a little bit more. When the contraction ended she rested her head against Lady Mary’s shoulder. -Mrs. Crawley, are the towels ready? Dr. Clarkson didn’t tell her not push, so she pushed with the next contraction. She felt as if a big melon had left her body, and she smiled and breathed in relief. Dr. Clarkson had his hands on Baby’s head, supporting it. He cleaned its nose and mouth and cleaning it a bit with a towel. Baby started crying, a pitch sharp cry. Elsie listened to the marvelous sound, and forgot about the pain. -Mrs. Hughes, give me a few more good pushes to get Baby out. She nodded, smiling, and pushed. Baby’s shoulders came out fairly quickly, and soon Baby was lying in a warm towel. -Mr. and Mrs. Carson, congratulations, you have a healthy baby daughter. -A girl. Elsie laughed and cried as Mr. Carson lifted her for Elsie to see. She thought it was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. Dr. Clarkson placed her on Elsie’s chest and covered her with a towel. Charles walked to her and looked at his daughter. She had stopped crying, and with her big blue eyes she was looking at her father.  -We have a daughter Elsie. She’s beautiful. – He kissed her lightly on the lips. -Would you like to cut the cord daddy? Charles looked at Dr. Clarkson and nodded. He cut it sharply and quickly and all of a sudden Jane Elizabeth Carson was free from her mother’s body.  -Elsie, give our daughter to Mrs. Crawley so she can wash her, and we can welcome her brother or sister. -I’m sore.  -Don’t worry. Baby two won’t take long. Normally in four or five pushes the twin brother or sister comes out. Elsie rested for long twenty minutes before the pains began again, but this time she didn’t feel a horrible sharp pain. This one was less aggressive; it was more like a pressure, as if Elsie needed to go to the loo pretty badly.  -Baby’s head is here. We can start pushing. It was easier this time; with two pushes Baby’s head was out, and with another one it was out, crying on Dr. Clarkson’s hands. -Congratulations, you have a healthy son. Elsie rested against Lady Cora’s body, crying of relief and smiling. Mr. Crawley came with Jane in her arms and handed her to Elsie as Dr. Clarkson wrapped the little guy on a towel and handed him to her. Both babies rested on her chest, quiet, looking around. Richard had Elsie’s hair, as well as Jane. They looked so much like her. Dr. Clarkson took the placenta out without any problem and after checking that it was complete he looked up at them. -Why don’t you wash and while you are doing that Mrs. Crawley can show you husband how to wash and dress your little ones.  A bit reluctantly she let Charles and Mrs. Crawley take the babies, and with Dr. Clarkson’s help they helped her get to the bathroom and shower. Once she was dry and dressed they helped her back to the bed. She rested on a couple of pillows and waited for Charles to hand her the little ones. -Here we go. Little Richard and little Jane. Clean and dressed. Elsie was tired, but she couldn’t take her eyes from them. They were both so beautiful with their blue eyes, freckles, auburn hair, little round noses and rosy cheeks. They were perfect copies of her, and she thanked God for that. -Look at them Charles. -Perfect examples of the Scottish blood. -You should try to breastfeed them. Let Jane nurse from one and Richard from the other one.  Elsie opened the front of her nightgown and took Jane. She placed her lips near her nipple and waited. Soon enough she latched and started sucking happily. The same went for Richard, but it took him a bit longer to latch. Once that was done Charles went for the crib and placed next to their bed. -I think we are done here. We will go back to Downton now; we will come and visit once you have rested. -We are leaving too. There’s nothing else here for us to do. -Thank you. Thank you so much. I you hadn’t been there with me I don’t know if I would have done this. -I’m very glad we were able to help; now we will go. Lady Mary and Lady Cora smiled at them and left the room, and Dr. Clarkson and Mrs. Crawley followed them after a few minutes of tidying up. Silence fell over them, but they didn’t mind, they just watched their little beans. -I’m sorry I wasn’t here. -You were Charles. You saw them come into the world. You were here when I needed you, and I love you for that. -I love much more. You’ve endured all this pain to bring these two little beans into the world. -And thanks to God they look like me. -Forget about him. He was hanged this morning, so he’s gone. -He was hanged? -Yes. I didn’t want to tell you, but know everything’s over. He’s dead and gone. -Good. Could you make them burp? I’m so tired. -Get some sleep honey; I will take care of them. We will.