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k-evans-reads · 14 days ago

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The Spare

We do NOT give permission for our works to be reuploaded, translated, or reposted on any other site. Our work is our own.

Summary: When Princess Rosie unexpectedly is thrust into a political tour of the country, a working-class Air Force Captain is assigned to be her pilot. Although the princess is unhappy about the decision, she realizes she’s stepping into unknown territory when the unexpected happens

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By @k-evans-writes and @ourfinest-hour

Word Count: 5,194

Chris stretched his arms above his head and stepped out into the morning sun, yawning as his muscles relaxed. His chest rose and fell with the exhale, feeling the tension leave his body as he took in the first relaxed morning he’d had in months. Birds chirped overhead as he started down the paved pathway from the large estate they were calling home until they headed north the following day.

It’d been a chaotic…. Week? Has it really only been a week? The schedule made it feel so much longer than that, and he hadn’t been at the forefront, that was all reserved for Princess Rosie. He just stayed to the rear, wearing the most expensive and soft blazers and collared shirts he’d ever had while she handled the crowds with a maturity and poise that seemed well beyond her years. But the moment the car door shut behind her each day, as they headed from destination to destination, Chris watched as her shoulders slouched and her arms crossed over her front, her eyes distant as she stared at her feet. He’d glance in the rearview mirror at her every so often as the driver led them to their next destination, and yet her body language never changed. But without missing a beat, she straightened up as they made their final turns, her dazzling smile slipping back onto her lips as they reached their destination, her shoulders moving back as her perfect posture returned at the click of cameras and cheers from the crowds.

It reminded him of the way James had always sighed with relief as the curtains and door closed each night as he came back to their university flat, knowing there were now four walls between him and the outside world. He had told Chris that by walking out the door every day, he was obligated to have every set of eyes on him, every pair of ears lurking to eavesdrop, and any camera within the vicinity? It was assumed, for the worst, to be pointed at James, no matter the state of him or the hour. Chris had always been exhausted just by watching James shift his personas back and forth at will depending on the surroundings, but a pity had grown in him at seeing the way Princess Rosie shouldered the burden of the title in ways both similar and different to her older brother.

It seemed like a lonely place, to be clearly struggling with something and yet be pushed to do something that Chris could honestly say he’d never wish for in a thousand years. He couldn’t even imagine staying in this behind-the-scenes role for long, yet alone put up with a life like that for the rest of his days; never having privacy, always performing, always carrying the responsibility and duty, and giving up every last semblance of privacy he held. It seemed like his worst nightmare, and at times, he thought the princess would agree with him.

His feet had carried him through the winding grounds, the house growing farther and farther away until he reached the wide open yard, with a… frankly ridiculous pool and the tennis court, where he found not only the princess, but a perimeter of security on the outskirts, all looking quite relaxed given the nice weather and low-stakes.

And yet, despite the crowd that formed around the courts that morning, the princess was all alone in the court, hitting the green ball back and forth to herself against the smooth wall.

He gave a short wave to the men nearest to him as he passed them on his way to the fence, leaning against it as he watched her practice. “Wow, tough opponent huh?” He finally spoke, watching as she jumped a bit in surprise before turning her head to look at him, squinting in the sunlight.

She let the ball bounce past her, racket by her side as she stared at him. A slight smirk grew on Chris’ face as he watched the surprise on her face as she asked, “What?”

“Looks like you’ve got a tough opponent,” he repeated, gesturing to the empty court around her with a chuckle.

Rosie didn’t have a response to his words, instead her hand went into the pocket of her skirt, pulling out another ball and fiddling with it in her hand - in a slightly anxious way - as she looked over at Chris, then the guards, back to Chris, and over again.

But it was Chris’ turn to be surprised as Rosie finally answered him, “Well it’s not like I have anyone to play against.”

Chris schooled his expression quickly at the offer, something he knew maybe overstepped a bit, but her offer only pushed him. His feet carried him down the short steps of the lush court, a half smirk on his face. He found himself thankful that his original plan had pushed him to slip sneakers on his feet earlier, but quickly focused on the woman standing across the court from him. “Well, I’m here,” he told her, picking up a racket from the collection on the table before he got into position.

“Don’t you have a job to do?” She shot back with a smirk, but clearly she didn’t give a shit, as she began to bounce the ball, getting into position.

“Considering you’re not in a plane right now, I’m going to go with no,” he reminded her, knowing where his primary contribution on this tour lay.

Her head cocked as she kept her eyes on him, hand never moving while he stretched his legs a bit, grateful for the quick warm up she was giving him. “Aren’t you supposed to be on my security team too?” She asked, her voice amused.

He rolled his eyes, shaking his head as he dropped one leg and lifted the other. “Yeah it really seems like you’re in a lot of danger here on this tennis court with guards posted every twenty feet,” he muttered loudly enough for her to hear him, feeling that prickly and uncomfortable sensation of knowing there were no less than a dozen pairs of eyes on him at that moment, and yet he couldn’t do anything except focus on the woman across from him.

Her head cocked, eyes narrowing in the morning sunlight as she watched him stretch. Chris had begun to think he might’ve overstepped finally - made her uncomfortable - and had just prepared an apology when - for not the first time this morning - she said something he hadn’t expected. “Then I guess you better try to keep up,” she chuckled, a genuine smile on her face.

He spun the racket in his hand, shooting her a smirk from across the court to silently let her know that he was up for the challenge. The sound of the ball hitting the court echoed as Rosie bounced it a few times before tossing it up and hitting it with impressive force over to his side before he smacked it back over to her, starting off their game. The sun was shining down as they played, their laughter quickly bubbling out, making Chris realize it was the first time in a week since the tour had started that he heard Rosie laugh.

By all accounts, Chris knew he didn’t actually know Rosie. He had flown her multiple times this week, stood in with her giant team of security, and still only talked to her for a grand total of about three minutes. He had seen her so stoic the past week, often keeping to herself and always seemed a little bit… sad.

After being in the Air Force so long, Chris certainly understood duty and putting aside your own feelings for what had to be done. He knew there was a high level of that with being a member of the royal family but this past week, he had observed Rosie as almost completely opposite to who he thought she was. The princess was arguably one of the most photographed, written about, and famous people in the country. She’d become a favorite amongst the people for the way she appeared to be a lot more down to earth and in touch, and that coupled with her large range of expressions and less than stoic behavior made her relatable and truly a princess of the people.

That, coupled with the countless stories he’d heard over the years from James about the sister he loved so dearly, made Chris feel like he did know Rosie. He felt like he truly already did know her, making him notice just how opposite she appeared this week than what he thought was true about her. Chris had begun wondering which version of her really was the truth, but seeing her now, pointing her racket at him while she warned him the next ball was coming straight for him, he realized that what he’d seen this past week was that thick wall of duty that had to go before anything else.

The sun was growing higher in the sky as they played game after game, each one seeming to loosen Rosie up more which made Chris know his casual nature was being responded to well. He had seen this so often with James over the years and the struggle he had to be able to trust anyone and feel like he actually had a friend. Chris knew that had to be the same for Rosie, and even more so on this tour where she was surrounded by a staff of people and, from what he’d observed, not a single person who just cared about her, only the job that lay ahead and it certainly clicked in his head just why James had worked so hard to get Chris on this tour with her.

He thought about the trust that his best friend had in him, and the ever-loyal Chris was determined not to let him down and to make sure his sister was okay. But as he looked across the court, seeing Rosie give him a sideways smile as she asked him if he was going to serve the ball or just stand around all day, he knew deep down that it wasn’t just his loyalty to James that had made him want to come down and talk to Rosie.

Once Chris had hit a particularly fast shot whizzing by Rosie’s legs, scoring him a point to win, Rosie tossed her racket on top of the small half wall that she leaned against as she sipped her water bottle. After picking up the ball and stacking his racket with hers, Chris plopped down on the stairs she was standing by as he leaned back and rested his elbows behind him.

Although the sun was in his eyes, he could still make out the way Rosie was looking down at him from a few feet away and it made a feeling run through him that he hadn’t felt in a long time. As fast as it came, Chris tried to push it away while she came to sit down near him, slightly uncomfortably popping the top on her water before closing it again a few times. Chris wanted her to feel the same level of trust and comfort James felt with him and tried to strike up a conversation, asking, “So how many of these tours have you done before?”

“Too many,” was the quick response Rosie gave with a laugh before her eyes flickered back to her water bottle and muttered, “I try not to keep track or I get too depressed.”

Wanting to make light of her comment, Chris tipped his head so he could see her face and teased, “What? You don’t love giving speeches and sitting at stuffy dinners?”

“As fun as you make it sound, not really,” Rosie laughed as her body relaxed and she tossed her dark blonde hair over her shoulder. “I’m sure I’ll enjoy the tour as much as you will.”

Chris gave a faux offended look to her as he put a hand to his chest and rhetorically questioned, “What? I don’t give off the vibe that I know how to use more than one fork?”

“Remember that I’m well aware of how this works. I know you’re just doing a favor for James,” Rosie challenged him with a raise of her eyebrow, making it obvious she wasn’t one to let much of anything get by her.

“That might not be true. Maybe I just really wanted to come to play tennis with someone who’d be this easy to beat,” he easily shrugged with a playful smile.

“Easy to beat? I saw you running pretty hard for a few of my shots,” Rosie tried to remind him, tipping her water bottle at him accusingly.

With a snort, he just rolled his eyes before vaguely motioning to the nearby foliage, “Yeah because if I didn’t they would have gone into those fuckin’ bushes!”

“They would not! I’ve been playing tennis almost everyday for years now, I know how to line up my shots,” she argued back.

“Wow, well it sure doesn’t show,” he couldn’t resist teasing her as he schooled his expression.

“Oh and you’re such a tennis master?” Rosie retorted with a smile that was so effortlessly bewitching he thought it should be illegal.

But he didn’t let himself get tripped up by her easy charm and just stated, “Apparently more so than you,” unable to help but remind her that he had in fact beat her.

Chris watched the way Rosie’s steel blue eyes sparkled in amusement, her rosy lips parting as she was undoubtedly ready to make a quip back. Suddenly he saw her eyes flicker over his shoulder and as quickly as that sparkle on her face was there, it fell as she sat up a little straighter. Following her eyes, Chris turned his head and saw Thomas, the head of the princess’ security team, making his way down to where the pair were sitting.

Years of military training made Chris instantly stand up at attention, ready to leave so he could speak to Rosie but he was surprised when he bowed to the princess but then turned to him saying, “Captain Evans, we need you for a briefing for our departure tomorrow afternoon.”

“Of course, where’s the briefing?” Chris asked.

“In the front room in ten minutes,” Thomas simply stated before turning to walk a few feet away to wait for him.

Instantly focused on his job and the reason he was here, Chris looked at his watch and was internally making a plan for the flight tomorrow when his eyes were pulled away to see Rosie standing up. He watched the way she was pulling her hair up into a ponytail, only showing off more of her face that so enamored him. That stoic front had seemed to return, her posture immaculate and her mouth straight, completely the opposite of the playful side he’d seen for the past nearly two hours. Wanting so badly to see that side of her come out again, Chris met her eyes before motioning over his shoulder and leaned in to ask quietly, “What? Were you too tired of losing that you had to call Thomas in?”

“More like you’re about to get in trouble for not doing what you’re supposed to be doing,” Rosie shot back without missing a beat.

“Well I’ll let you in on a secret,” he leaned both his forearms on the corner of the half wall, leaning in closer to her as he whispered, “I don’t have a fucking clue what I’m doing.”

“On this tour or playing tennis?”

Chris admitted through a chuckle, knowing this was the truth, “Maybe a little bit of both,”

“I’d say it’s a little more true about the latter, Captain,” Rosie smiled, picking up the tennis ball and tossing it up a few times.

Chris barked out a laugh as he pushed himself off the wall, “Says the girl who just lost to me three times.”

“Or maybe I just let you win,” was the quick response Rosie teased him with.

At that moment, another voice broke in as Thomas reminded from a few feet off, “Captain Evans, we need to go.”

“He’ll be there in a minute,” Rosie snapped at the head of security, no doubt more about years of frustration rather than this one instance. Her gaze then fell back on him as she told him, “I want a rematch sometime.”

“Sounds like someone is a sore loser,” Chris smirked.

“Or I just want to prove to you that I let you win today.”

And with that, Rosie gave him one last stomach turning smile before flipping her ponytail over her shoulder as she turned to walk off the court, a few of security guards trailing behind her as she walked toward the large estate. Chris then went over to Thomas and walked in stride with him across the large perfectly manicured yard as Thomas gave him a harsh look that was coupled with a simple question, “What were you doing with the Princess?”

Chris had learned throughout his short time working for the palace that there didn’t seem to be a single person who had a sense of humor about much of… well… anything. He knew of how harsh and cold so many of the staff members who were entrusted to uphold the image and safety of the royal family were thanks to the many laments that James had said over the years but even that hadn’t prepared him for just how icy it was. Thanks to his years of military service and experience as a captain, he knew to answer directly and plainly, answering with, “Playing tennis.”

“I could see that,” Thomas’ harsh tone cracked down as they neared the door to lead inside. Before they could open it, Thomas slowed to a stop and squared his shoulders in front of Chris, hands folded behind his back while firmly stating, “I know you are close with the prince but a member of the royal family's staff needs to have a divide between a relationship and a job.”

Knowing that any rebuttal of explaining that he just had wanted Rosie to feel like a human being rather than a bug under a microscope of guards around her, Chris just acknowledged the truth in the words, “… I understand.”

“We all need to know our place and it’s none of our place to be close to the Princess,” Thomas’ thick mustache flicked underneath his pointed nose while going on to question, “Why did you engage her?”

“She invited me to play with her,” Chris honestly answered, knowing that while Rosie hadn’t given an invitation as obvious as that, it was implied with her words and the lightheartedness and laughter that followed only backed up that it was what the princess had meant.

“Invited you?”

“Yeah,” he nodded.

Chris could see the shock in Thomas’ eyes, tipping him off that this must have been unusual, before he went on to chastise, “You must not accept those offers, your role is your role, we can get another pilot in minutes. The princess has a job to do, one much more important than playing tennis with the prince’s friend.”

The captain just nodded his chin before following Thomas into the briefing room in silence even though so many thoughts were running through his mind. He knew it wouldn’t have been any use to reply, but that last sentence Thomas had given him some insight into the feelings of the palace and the seemingly obvious resentment there was for Chris being on this tour due to his friendship with James.

Chris knew that it was unusual for a military captain to be the pilot for one of the most senior members of the royal family, most everyone on these tours having been longtime employees of the palace. It had just been a favor for his best friend and they all knew it, but Chris thought it was almost comical that moments like what had just happened were probably the exact reason James wanted him here. Over the years Chris couldn’t have cared less about James’ titles and heir to the throne, he was simply just his friend and because of that, James knew that in a hard time, his sister needed something a little less frigid that the iceberg of security and staff members rushing her from one thing to the next on the tour and watching every move she made with a critical eye.

At his core, Chris was a man of duty and loyalty, having long put aside many of his own wants and desires to take care of his mother, make good use of the scholarship he got to university and succeed and make the most out of his enlistment in the air force to be a good pilot and more recently an even better captain. His loyalty was to his country, which included the royal family, and he was the first one to take this tour and the princess’ safety seriously. But the other part of him, that purely authentic, playful, empathetic, and maybe even the tiniest bit mischievous side of him that remembered James was the one who wanted him. He had wanted someone personal, someone he trusted, here to make sure Rosie was alright and make it a little better on her and he would be damned if he didn’t make good on his word to do just that.

The minute the door closed behind Rosie, she toed off her high heels and left them by the wall, relief washing over her at finally being alone. She had spoken at three events just today, feeling like that was more of a workout than the two hours of tennis she had played yesterday against her pilot. The thought made her lips momentarily turn upward as she remembered being able to just laugh and feel… normal. Well, or as normal as she figured she could ever feel.

Ever since then she was back to the grind of meeting with the palace advisors for briefings, getting fitted for dresses, shaking countless hands and delivering three speeches in just the past twenty-four hours. Despite her exhaustion, Rosie still grabbed the telephone and sat in the window seat and dialed a number she knew by heart.

Once she could hear the receiver being picked up, Rosie grinned, “If it isn’t my long lost little sister.”

“Long lost? You’ve been the one who’s been too busy making headlines in the papers on your tour to talk to me,” Annie’s soft voice laughed through the other end.

Rosie leaned back in the seat, gazing out the window as she honestly said, “Well I’d much rather be where you are than here.”

“If you knew about the exam I have to take in my literature class on Friday, I think you’d change your tune,” her sister joked about the dread of her university tests.

“I’m not so sure about that.”

Trying to turn it on a positive note, Annie replied, “It seems like the tour is going well though. Mom called yesterday and was saying that everyone was pleased with it so far.”

If it hadn’t hurt so much, Rosie could have laughed from hearing that their mother had called her younger sister. Sometimes it felt like night and day with the differences their parents displayed to her siblings than to Rosie. James was the eldest and heir apparent, making him the one their parents, particularly their father, had poured into over the years. He had always been the golden child not only for his position in the family as future King, but for his upstanding behavior, always doing the right thing at the right time and seemingly never misstepping.

Annie, being a chunk younger, had always been the baby. She was the meek, kind hearted, and rosy child who their parents had always been softer on. Maybe it was because she had been shielded from so many things James and Rosie were thrust into, or maybe it was because of her tender nature, Annie had always been a lot more naive about most things, seeing the good in just about everything and that seemed to be a bridge between her and their parents, particularly their mother which showed up in moments like this when Annie casually mentioned their mother calling her meanwhile Rosie hadn’t heard from her since she had departed the palace over a week ago.

But between those two shining siblings was Rosie. The spare. And she certainly felt that in just about every way possible.

Where James stood tall and Annie was shielded, Rosie felt like she was just the odd one out. The past years that she had been in James’ place while he got to join the Air Force, Rosie had been forced to be on display for the whole country. Although nearly everyone in the country found a favorite royal in Rosie, someone they could relate to and admire for her untraditional ways and obvious care for the people, the palace felt quite differently. She had been constantly reminded of all her missteps, things she shouldn’t have said, or ways she had done wrong, so much so that on this tour she hadn’t been able to even walk into a room without thinking of the laundry list in her head of things she was supposed to do and what she might be doing wrong. It haunted her so much she felt nearly sick.

But as complicated as those feelings were at times, Rosie long ago had decided she never wanted any of that to get in the way of her relationship with either of her siblings. Both of them were pretty much the only people she could be closer to her real self with. She and James had relied on each other deeply through the years, truly having a friendship beyond siblings, and Annie was the little sister she loved deeply and wanted to shield from so many of the things she had been exposed to. Rosie knew that her life would forever be in the shadow of her older brother, being the one that didn’t quite measure up, but Annie had the chance to have something different and Rosie wanted to give that to her.

Realizing that she hadn’t answered her sister, Rosie shook herself out of her own thoughts and replied, “Yeah I’m trying. I’ve got a week down so only nine more to go.”

“Well it sounds terrible when you put it that way,” she heard her sister laugh into the phone, making Rosie’s own smile appear.

Sarcasm dripped from her words as Rosie comically responded with, “Sorry, how would you like me to say it? I get nine more glorious weeks of flying somewhere, going to event after event shaking hands and talking to people who wish James or our father were there instead of me before giving speeches nobody cares about just to fly somewhere else and do it all over again?”

“Rosie, don’t be too dramatic, it can’t be as bad as all that,” Annie’s tone softened before she tried to look on the bright side as she so often did, “Who knows, maybe there’ll be some man shaking your hand at one of those events that’ll catch your eye.”

“I doubt that,” Rosie couldn’t help but mutter, having a hard time seeing past the seemingly never ending list of duties she had to perform.

“I don’t, I’ve seen how gorgeous you look on the cover of all the newspapers this past week so I’m sure you’ve already caught the attention of quite a few people,” her younger sister sweetly said.

In the past, that comment would have made Rosie laugh. In her younger years she would have been a little more excited by the thought, enjoying to playfully flirt with some people here and there. But that had been nearly beaten out of her, the palace advisors constantly on her back about staying neutral and holding people more at an arm's length even though it went against her very nature.

A gentle sigh escaped Rosie’s lips, her finger twisting the cord of the phone around her finger while she gazed longingly outside, “I wish you were here with me.”

“I will be soon, I’m still coming to the military pinning ceremony before you head to the coast,” she tried to reassure her, giving Rosie a little bit of a light in the packed schedule that had her feeling like a puppet on a string.

“I can’t wait for that.”

There was a silence on the phone before the kind voice encouraged her, “I think you’re doing a great job Rosie.”

“Thanks Annie,” the eldest sister smiled at the words, knowing they were from Annie’s heart even if her naive younger sister didn’t have much of a clue just what this role entailed. Rosie was unable to hold back her emotions any longer, finally acknowledged, “These tours are just… exhausting. I feel like I just have to play a character the whole time and it’s just really lonely sometimes.”

“I know, but when you’re done you’ll get to have a real break.”

Rosie internally sighed, knowing she’d been promised that so many times, especially now. James coming back had been the end for her. Her chance to live some semblance of a real life. A chance to finally be herself. But that had quickly been ripped out from underneath her as it so often had before with the dangling promise of just one more thing that never ended, making Rosie only able to respond with, “I hope so.”

And she truly hoped that it was true. That after this she’d get a real break. Every leg of this tour seemed so daunting to her, nearly every minute being packed full and so many opportunities for her to screw up and misstep all while being completely alone. She just stared out the window while these thoughts nearly made her sick but her steel blue eyes caught sight of movement in the large green yard the window overlooked as a tall figure bounced around. Rosie was staring as she saw him wave a ball around in the air as one of the security dogs bounced around his feet before he took off running when the Air Force captain threw the ball with impressive force across the field.

Rosie laughed softly to herself when she heard his loud voice echoing as he called to the dog, jumping around with more excitement than the dog when he took the ball and waved it around again. While she saw him drop to his knees to rub the dog’s stomach, Chris glanced at the building before doing a double take when he caught sight of Rosie sitting in the window watching. She softly laughed when he just shot her a sideways smile with a wave and in that moment, Rosie realized she maybe was a little bit less alone than she thought.

A/N: We loved writing this! It came together so quickly and we couldn't wait to share it.

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chrisevanslovesposts · 2 months ago

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Andy think's his work buddy is flirting with you

"You look great." Colin told Y/n and she smiled.

"Thank you, you don't look to bad yourself." Y/n told him politely. She looked around trying to find Andy but he was talking business with another guy.

"Would you like a drink?" Colin asked her and she nodded her head and he reached out grabbing a champange floute off the passing caterer who held glasses of champagne.

"Thank you." She said taking a small sip of the drink and Colin nodded his head.

"Yea, so, I hear that Andy just closed that Johnson's business deal?" Colin asked.

"Yea, he did actually. And they're very much thankful of him." You nodded her head a proud smile on her your face.

"That's-" Colin gets cut off my Andy's deep voice.

"What's going on?" He asked making you turn to him.

"Andy, hey, bud-" Colin tried to speak but again, Andy cut him off.

"I thought I told you not to speak to her. And what are you doing wondering off." Andy turned to you.

"Andy." You stared at him in disblief.

"Andy, what are you talking about? What do you think's going on?" Colin asked confused.

"I know what's going on. Stay away from my wife." Andy told him before dragging you away.

"Andy. What has gotten into you." You asked but he just kept dragging you away from everyone, "Andy? Andrew Barber." You said as he pulled you past a wall so you were hidden from everyone.

"Don't Andrew Barber me. What were you doing? I told you to stay by my side. You know how these men can be."

"He was being nice, Andy, that's all."

"Yea, you say that, but next you know, you'll be in his bed ." He stared down at you, his dark eyes staring back at yours.

"Andy, what are you talking about, I would never do that!" You raised your voice slightly.

"I'm not saying you weren't forced." Andy shook his head as you stared at him disblief. Something finally dawned on you and a smile graced your face.

"Andy, are you jealous?" You asked him and his face turned a bright red.

"So what if I am? You're my wife. I allowed to be jealous."

#chris evans #chrisevans #andy barber #andy barber x reader #AndyBarber

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allthosepeopleilovetofangirlover · 9 months ago

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Currently in my Steve Rogers era🫶

GIFs of smiling Steve cuz he's a cute bean who's to be protected at all costs🩷🥹

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itsthestutterforme · 10 months ago

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Wanna Bet? 2/2 (Johnny Storm x model!reader)

Summary: What happens when your disapproving mother finds you in bed with Johnny after you forgot to pick her up from the airport?

Notes: GIF is not mine, all mistakes are my own, Johnny is wokeee, reader mother is condescending in this one, sexual themes (p in v penetration, overstimulation, use of vibrator), MINORS DNI

Your breathless moans were music to Johnny’s ears as he drilled into you, wrapping one of your legs around his abdomen for a deeper stretch.

He quickly learned what your body liked; deep, hard thrusts. Pressing the vibe to your clit, he rubbed fast circles on your throbbing core.

Your mouth fell open, twisting in his grip as another orgasm washed over you.

He smirks when your body spasms roughly, your legs closing around his hand. “Johnny,” you whine, pushing his hand away.

“Come on, sweetheart. I know you have one more for me.” He coos, clicking the vibe on a higher setting.

“I already gave you four,” you said between gasps.

He shushes you until his lips connected with yours, silencing your moans when he thrusted into your harder.

Your body felt boneless underneath him in contrast to your overstimulating clit. Your left leg that Johnny held was starting to cramp, causing you to cry out.

“Please! Too much,” you groan, sweat trails down your cheek and settled to your glistening chest.

Johnny listens, clicking off the vibe and tosses it somewhere on the bed. He presses on your clit with his thumb, relentlessly pounding into you.

His pace falters when you clenched around his harder and harder as your orgasm took over your body.

A loud wail leaves your lips and Johnny moans into your mouth, pulling out of you to blow his load on your stomach.

While the two of you catch your breath your breath, your eyes fluttered closed. “I hate you,” you said groggily.

“I missed you too,” Johnny gripped your chin and pressed a warm kiss to your lips.

You felt him pull away but didn’t care enough to open your eyes and figure out why.

“How are you moving right now? I can’t feel my legs right now.” You groan, tempted to stretch out your muscles but you’re sure that will only cause you more pain.

“Okay, I really hate you.”

“Not sure. The cosmic storm did more than just give me powers, it altered my sex drive and my sleeping schedule. I’m practically an insomniac.” He says casually.

You opened your eyes when you heard his footsteps recede back into the room. He smirks at you, breaking off some paper towels from the roll he has in his hands.

He walks over to your side of the bed. Wiping the remnants of his cum from your stomach before wiping away your spend leaking down your thighs.

“I know you say hate, but I kinda think you mean the other thing.” He starts. “If I had the energy to hit you right now, I would.”

“Awe,” he coos, reaching between your thighs and squeezing your clit harshly. Your raspy moan echoed throughout the empty house and Johnny gives you a proud smirk.

“It’s a good thing you’re all fucked out then huh?” He says with fake sympathy. “Asshole,” “What was that?”

His hand touches the swell of your thigh and you quickly sat up to grab his hand, your sore stomach muscles immediately telling you to lay back down.

“Fuck, I’m sorry. Can you please take me to the shower?” Without a second thought, he scoops you in his arms and strolls into the bathroom.

Your mother groans in annoyance when your phone sent her to voicemail yet again. It was the tenth time she had called you and you didn’t respond.

You were supposed to pick her up from the airport when she came to visit you. She was eager to see your new apartment since you’ve moved to New York a year ago.

She had to say that she was surprised by how well you were doing for yourself.

However that feeling on minor elation fled when she came to the conclusion that she was being stood up by her own daughter.

Meanwhile, you were asleep on Johnny’s chest for what was supposed to be a power nap.

Which quickly turned into just regular sleep. You fell asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow after your shower.

You didn’t give yourself the chance to put on some clothes. Nor did you remember to change the bed sheets.

Johnny huffed at the sight before him and took matters into his own hands. He tugged on some shorts over your legs and his motocross shirt over your frame.

Setting you on the love seat you had in the room, he pulled off the sweat drenched sheets and set them to wash before putting the spare bed sheets over the mattress.

He stopped his movements as he made a realization.

Looking at himself in the mirror, he says, “Damn. She domesticated my ass.” He shook his head in disbelief, his hands resting on his hips as he peered down at you.

He smooths your hair out of your face before picking you up and set you back in bed before climbing in with you.

He was awake for a while but your soft snores were starting to get to him. Sleep took over him and he pulled you close to his chest, his chin resting on your curly head of hair.

And you slept particularly hard this time because you didn’t hear the alarm you set to pick your mom up.

Nor did you hear her missed calls. You were curled up on Johnny’s chest, your body subconsciously absorbing every ounce of heat his body had to offer.

It was the winter season after all.

Your mother let herself into your apartment using the keypad, calling your name as she enters. She’s met with a quiet, empty house.

So she thinks.

Her ears perk at the sound of snoring and followed the sound to her bedroom. Her face heats at the sight before her.

She got stood up over a boy.

Now she was fuming. “Y/N Y/M/N Y/L/N,” she said, punctuated each word angrily.

You were still sound asleep. “Y/N,” she repeats, clapping her hands. The bass in her voice made Johnny shoot up in bed, fist clenched until he realized what was going on.

His eyes widen as he made eye contact with your mom. His cheeks burned cherry red when he made the conclusion that he was still naked under the sheets.

He couldn’t go anywhere if he wanted to.

Despite being launched from Johnny’s chest to his lap, you were still sound asleep. “Baby, you need to wake up. It’s your mom.” Johnny say, lifting your face from his lap.

“Hm?” “It’s your mom,” you hummed when he caresses the apple of your cheek.

“Y/N,” you tense at the sound of your mother’s voice. Your eyes snap open, meeting your mom’s burning gaze.

“No, no, no. What time is it?” You sat up on your knees, reaching for your phone on the nightstand but your mom stops you.

“Don’t bother. I’ll gladly tell you. It’s 4:57 p.m.” 4:57 p.m. ? Her flight came in at 12:15 p.m.

Holy shit. To say you were in trouble would be an understatement.

“Mom,” you start, climbing over Johnny to get off the bed. “Who is this, hm? Your boyfriend?” She says, glaring at Johnny.

“N-no, can we please talk in the living room.” You said softly, rubbing the side of your arm anxiously.

“No. I want him to hear every bit of this.” “Mom, please. He’s not.. he’s naked.” She scoffs, looking between you and Johnny.

“Of course he is,” you dropped your head, grimacing at the disappointment dripping from her words.

She left the room and you trailed after her cautiously before closing the door.

“Shit,” Johnny springs out of the bed and pulls out one of the drawers he kept some spare clothes in.

“I am so disappointed in you, Y/N.” You avoid her gaze and stared at the floor, embarrassment. burned your cheeks.

“I lost track of time. I’m sorry.” “What if that had been an important meeting, Y/N? What if that was a summit- or whatever you call it?”

“A fashion show,” you correct. “What if it was a fashion show? One no call, no show is all it takes to ruin your reputation. Then you can’t afford this apartment and you’ll be on the streets. This is why I had a no dating rule when you were younger. They are a distraction.” She lectures, pointing to your bedroom where Johnny was.

Johnny was fully clothed and listening to the conversation through the door. He couldn’t believe your mother was talking to you like this.

He couldn’t believe the fact that you weren’t standing up for yourself even more.

He’s seen you tear men to shreds for bumping into you without saying excuse me. Why weren’t you saying anything?

“New York City isn’t meant for us, Y/N. It taints good people and spits them back out half the person they used to be.” She adds.

“I.. don’t know what to say,”

“You don’t know what to say? You uproot your entire life to move here. Drop out of medical school to follow some feeble dream of becoming a model. And what do you have to show for it? This apartment? What else?” She prods, her booming voice bouncing off of every surface.

“That boy toy in your room? You must have dropped your self respect when you dropped out of medical school.” She adds.

“Okay that’s enough,” Johnny says, swinging the door open and down the stairs where the two of you were.

“Excuse me?” Your mother starts.

“You have some nerve getting in between-“ “No, you have some nerve. Insulting your daughter in her own home. I’ve never heard anyone talk to their child like that.” Johnny interjects.

He notices your head still bowed, fresh tears streaming down your cheek and down your neck. He pulls you behind him and acts as a barrier between the two of you.

“Not like I expect you to understand. But this family holds its women to a higher standard than most. And most of all, we hold them accountable.” Your mother hisses.

“Your daughter is a grown woman who can do whatever she pleases. Your daughter is beautiful and incredibly talented. She’s capable of making choices- brilliant choices if I might add. And the fact that she made a mistake doesn’t take away from everything she’s built for herself here.”

“It’s not enough,”

“For you, maybe. But it’s not your life. It’s hers. It takes a special kind of person to make a living here at all. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about hard it is to make a name for yourself as a person of color. Let alone a woman of color, but despite the odds, your daughter did it. And instead of being proud of her, you are berating her.”

“I’m going to have to ask you to leave. This is between me and my daughter,” your mother states, narrowing her eyes at him and crossing her arms.

“Mothers don’t talk to their daughters like that. And if you came here with that intention, then maybe you should reconsidering visiting her in the future. Respectfully, you should leave.”

She scoffs in disbelief. “Y/N, you’re going to let him talk to me like that?” Your mother asks you.

Truthfully, you didn’t hear much of the conversation. You tuned things out as soon as your mother started shouting at you.

Tears blurred your vision as you ran into the bedroom, closing the door behind you.

Johnny was tempted to follow you but he had to make sure everything was safe first.

When he notices your mother’s hesitance, he suggests, “If you truly love her. You will give her the space she needs. It’s her choice if she wants to talk to you.”

She sighs in defeat and walks to her luggage sh left in the foyer.

Johnny opens the door for her and she pauses for a moment to say, “Clearly, you’re not just a boy toy. So what are you?”

“I’m her boyfriend.” Johnny’s chest couldn’t help but swell with pride at the confession.

He knew he was yours the second he turned down an invite to compete in a motocross championship because he knew there would be crowds of women lining up to talk with him.

With that, your mom walks out of the house and Johnny locks the door behind her.

“Sweetheart?” Johnny calls out, running up the stairs two at a time so he could get to you.

He opens the door to you crying on the edge of the bed. “Baby,” he says sympathetically.

“I’m sorry you have to see me like this. You can leave if you want,” you croak, wiping some tears away with the back of your hand.

“Are you okay?” he sits down next to you, your shoulder pressed to his.

“N-no one’s ever stood up for me like that before.” You said between sniffles.

“It’s what I’m here for, baby.” You rest your head against his shoulder and he pressed a lingering kiss to your temple.

“Careful there, Torch. It almost looks like you have feelings for me.” You said with a smile once your breathing got back to normal.

He kneels in front of you, wiping more of your tears with the pad of his thumb before taking your face into his hands.

“Baby, I’m so whipped for you. It’d be a crime not to ask you to be my girl.” You nodded your head in his hands. “I need you to say it,”

“I’ll be your girlfriend, Torch.” “It’s babe now,” he corrects before pecking your lips. “You’re such a sap,” you giggle against his lips.

#black!reader #johnny storm x black!reader #johnny storm x reader #chrisevans

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imyourbratzdoll · 2 years ago

Text

Warnings and Reminders - Please do not plagiarise, copy, repost/republish, adapt, or translate any of my work on any social media platforms, apps, or third-party sites. The only platforms I post my work on are: Tumblr and Wattpad. I do not own any character of any franchise (Marvel etc.) All my works are fiction and may be dark or triggering content: READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓:

♡ 𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒇𝒇 ➳ 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒕 ❥ 𝒔𝒎𝒖𝒕 ❦ 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌

೫˚🖤❀ *ૢ🥀೫˚🌑

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ➳♡

summary - chris messes up while trying to be flirty, and the reader ends up saving him from a fan

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡❥

summary - chris is extremely horny, and his girlfriend isn’t exactly helping his problem

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞-𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡❥ 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 2 ♡❥➳

summary - chris has a crush and finally decides to make a move

summary - chris doesn’t like when other males give his girl attention, so he takes his jealousy out on her.

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - chris loves to mess with his short girlfriend

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡ - 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 2 ♡

summary - chris and his girlfriend adopted a puppy from the puppy interview and can’t wait for dodger to meet him

summary - chris and the reader have deja vu, but this time with a baby.

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬’𝐬 44𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - chris is married to a fantastic woman and gets the best present he’s ever received from her son.

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐤-𝐩𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - we see how chris and his wife are

𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡➳

summary - chris is dating sebastian’s older sister, and a fight breaks out

𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - chris’s daughter is getting into acting, and he and his wife couldn’t be happier.

𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - going to the dentist is scary, but it’s less scary when chris is with us.

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐬 ♡

summary - chris spends halloween with his girl and dodger, watching horror movies, eating snacks and giving candy to kids.

𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡➳

summary - chris’s daughter suffers the same attacks he does, the day she meets more than enough people is the day she has a panic attack.

𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡➳

summary - chris has been distant lately, he comes home and snaps, causing the reader to leave, ending up at his mother's, do you think it will all work out for them?

𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐞 ♡ - 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 ♡

summary - you fall asleep during a scene, and chris falls for you more.

𝐝𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 ❥

summary - (insert character/person) receives a blowjob from his good girl.

𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - chris has been stressed lately with work and comes home to a nice surprise.

𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - the reader gets hurt, and her boyfriend, chris, is worried, causing him to freak out.

𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ❦➳

summary - chris was never a good boyfriend to the reader, and when she finally escapes the man she thought she fell in love with, she begins to regret it as a monster like chris will never rest.

warning - trigger warning - miscarriage

𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - chris and his wife play a prank on their kids, and their reactions shock them.

𝐭𝐡𝐢��𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - chris reads thirst tweets from his fans, and one, in particular, surprises him.

𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ❥♡

summary - chris becomes extremely horny while you two are at a party, turns out teasing him wasn’t the best solution.

𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡

summary - the weirdest conversation these two could possibly have.

𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ♡❦

summary - all he wanted was you, and he’d do anything to get what he wanted.

𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐤 ❥♡

summary - the reader treats her man for being named the sexiest man alive

೫˚🖤❀ *ૢ🥀೫˚🌑

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meredith-harper81 · 1 year ago

Text

I’ve Always Loved You💔

He Broke Us ...💔

Chapter 2

Paring : Chris Evans x Lana Parker

Word Count: 3.5k

‼️More Chapters are uploaded on Wattpad.. link in my bio :)‼️

Lana Pov

Aria is babbling some baby nonsense while standing next to my legs as I'm locking up my front door. We are headed to the park to have a late lunch today. All of a sudden I have a feeling like someone is watching me, and I turn around and grab my chest, trying to calm my breathing as if it's just Steven.

"Steven, you scared me; don't ever do that again," I say, grabbing my chest and looking down towards Aria.

"Mommy is scward. Swtevn bad.." Aria babbles, and I can't help but smile. I take her little hand in mine, and my other hand grabs the picnic basket.

"Steven is bad, Aria," I say, picking her up and placing her on my hip, shooting Steven a wink.

"So Lana, you guys are headed to the park, I assume?" he says as he fiddles with his keys.

"Yes, we are; would you like to come along, Steven?" I asked him, already knowing his answer, and trusting my gut, I packed some extra sandwiches.

"Are you kidding me? I would love to," he says as he backs up to let us pass by.

Great, we will meet you there," I say, taking Aria's hand and waving back to Steven as he waves back.

I walk down the stairs of my apartment complex and walk towards my car. I put Aria in her car seat and kiss her little hands, and she giggles. I place our picnic basket next to her and walk around to the driver's side.

"Ready baby?" I ask her as I put my seat belt on and turn the AC on.

"Yeah, mommy," she says.

I smile and turn some music on. I play some Disney songs and pull out, driving towards the park.

Steven was our neighbor in the apartment complex I live in; he moved in when Aria was about seven months old and has been trying to take me out on a date since. I don't think I'm ready to date again, but he is good company and cares for Aria, and I like to think Aria likes him, so I friend-zoned him, but that doesn't stop him from trying.

Once we arrive at the park, I help Aria out of her car seat, he grabs her Mickey Mouse, and I grab the basket. While we wait for Steven, I apply some sunscreen to her arms and her adorable chubby face. After we see Steven pull in, we walk towards one of the play structures and sit down as we watch Aria play. After Aria is done playing on the playground and swings, we walk over to a shaded area.

This is a big park and has three sides. A huge dog park, a kid's park, and a hill where you could have a picnic and hang out with your families.

Okay, my sweet girl, here is your jelly sandwich, crackers, and apple juice," I say as I hand her some napkins and tuck them on under the overalls she's wearing, and we start eating. Steven and I fall back into a conversation about my next book release.

I'm a children's book writer (for the Lucky Dog series), and I stopped writing after having Aria, but recently something inspired me to start writing again. I'm almost finished and waiting to hear from my publishing company. I'm excited to start publishing again. It was the one thing that could shut me out of the real world and help me focus on having a little me time while Aria would nap.

Steven, could you please watch her as I throw away this trash? I say, getting up after we finished eating and Aria insisted on walking around to look at the little flowers around the park.

"Sure thing," he says, grabbing Aria and throwing her up in the sky as she giggles. I pick up everything and place it in the trash bag I brought with me.

"Okay, thank you; I'll be right back," I say, walking away from them. I'm walking towards our car, where I saw some trash cans earlier.

Surprisingly, today the park isn't too crowded, and there are only maybe five families out, which is shocking. I throw away my trash and walk back toward where I left them.

I walk over to Steven, who is sitting on a bench while he is talking on the phone, but I can't see Aria anywhere. I run towards him.

"Steven! Where is Aria? "I'm panicking, looking behind and around him, but I can't see her anywhere.

"Oh, yeah, she was right here looking at the flowers, I swear. I am so sorry," he says as he puts the phone down. He gets up and looks for her, calling her name.

"MOVE!" I yell at him as my blood is boiling and I'm getting scared. Maybe she was taken or ran towards the oncoming traffic... I ran back to where we had lunch.

My heart is panicking, and I'm about ready to cry when I can't see her anywhere.

"ARIA!!! ARIA!!!" I yelled, running around trying to find her.

Where are you, damn it. Aria? Please come back.

I run across the park while Steven runs to the other one, and I'm running around when I hear her giggling... I run faster, and I see her near a tree, under a dog, and a man kneeling near her.

"ARIA, OH MY GOD, ARIA!!!! I yell, running towards them, and I see the dog get up and be pulled again. I run closer, and the man on the ground gets up, and I freeze in the spot.

"NOO! It can't be. Chris! What is he doing here? Why is he here?" I mumble to myself.

I lock eyes with him, and he has the same look as me. I see Dodger, and he runs towards me, almost knocking me down. I push my emotions aside and run over to Aria to pick her up.

"Mommy lowk doggy," she says. I pick her up from Dodger as he licks my leg.

Aria is babbling, and I see her jeans are a little ripped, so I'm guessing she fell down.

I look back at Chris, and he was about to say something when Steven runs up and stands next to us, and before Chris can say anything, I speak up and stop him from saying anything.

"Thank you. Have a nice day, Mr.," I say and walk off with Steven.

"Bye bye, doggy. Mawa Iowe doggy," Aria says as I kiss her cheeks, walking off, not daring to look back.

I walk off, and the tears are falling down fast. Steven seems to notice, and he tries to take Aria from me, and I just hold her tighter. I walk over to my car and unlock it.

I buckle Aria in her car seat as she is babbling about Dodger and trying to tell Steven, and I kiss her head while handing her a cardboard book, and Mickey and I shut the door.

"I'm so sorry, Lana," Steven tries to say something, but I wipe my tears and tell him I will see him soon and talk later. I get in the car and drive off, pushing the emotions aside for Aria. I cannot break down right now.

...

I'm rocking Aria in her bedroom, putting her down for bed after I've given her a shower and cleaned up her cut, and my thoughts are all over the place.

What if he knows and is here to take her away from me?

Why is he back now?

Has he moved on?

After two years, why is he back?

"Mawa..." I hear Aria say, tucking on my shirt, taking me out of my thoughts as I rock her.

"Yes, baby..." I whisper.

"Twat was daddy, with doggie in pawk? Aria asks me, and my eyes are holding on to the tears, not allowing them to escape just yet.

"Yes, yes, baby.. daddy was in the park.. he is back from work.." I say this as I put her in her crib or toddler bed.

"When he comes to live with us..." Aria whispers as her eyes get heavy and her breathing slows down as she falls into a slumber.

I kiss her forehead, turn on the sound machine, grab the baby monitor, and walk out, leaving the door a little open.

...

I walk into the kitchen and grab some water and Tylenol, then walk into the living room and place the baby monitor on the coffee table.

After taking two Tylenols, I chug the water and break down in the living room. Why was he back in Boston, and why didn't Lisa say anything this afternoon when she came by?

I will not let him take my baby away. After all, he did. And the fact that the Dodgers recognized Aria breaks my heart. He always knew before I could even find out.

I met Chris when I used to volunteer at Miles Elementary School's clubs program. My first book series was coming out, and I would come out to the children's library and read my books to the after-school kids in clubs, where Chris walked into my life and stole my heart and made me feel like the luckiest woman alive until he fucked up and threw it all away, while taking my heart with him.

Flashback (2017)

"Carly, which one is he in again? I ask my sister.

"Chris is in room 2b next to the library; just walk in and you will see him." Okay, thanks. I think I can figure it out. Bye, Carly.

"Again, thank you, Chris," she says, and I can hear Stella and Ethan arguing about something in the background.

"Any time," I say, hanging up and getting out of my car.

I hang up the phone and walk into the school office. Carly had an appointment with the big kids, and I need to pick up Miles from after-school clubs. The lady in front has me sign in to a log sheet. She hands me a sticker to put on, and I back up and bump into someone. I hear a thump, and I look down, and I see all her things on the floor. "Oh my," she says in the sweetest voice.

"I'm so sorry," I say and help her up, picking up her folder and book. I get a good look at her, and she is just drop-dead gorgeous.

"It's okay," she says. Before I can say anything, she walks over behind the counter, grabs a patch, and walks by.

I shake my head and walk towards the door of the office to walk onto campus. I look for the library. I spot it on the other side of me, and I run over, and I see most parents inside lined up along the glass wall looking at other children. I walk into the room and see all the kids on the floor waiting quietly. Just then she walks in with a book and introduces herself as Miss. Parker. She starts to read her book, and I can't help but actually listen to the whole children's book.

After she finishes, I can't help but start clapping, breaking the silence, and all eyes are on me as if I needed that. I smile and fidget with my baseball cap and thank God for Miles as he and the other kids start to clap, breaking the awkward silence, and I just smile and kick my feet.

Miles is clapping on the floor with his kindergarten buddies, up to me with his copy of the book.

"Uncle Chwis," he says, catching everyone's attention yet again, and Miss. Parker smiles.

Everyone soon leaves the room as the kids go to grab their belongings from the gym, and I'm left alone with Miss. Parker.

"So Uncle Chwis, you crash all of Miles's afternoon clubs; am I just the lucky one today?" she says mockingly while she grabs her things and walks up to me.

Uh, no, actually, your voice is just so soothing, and I loved your book...and well, um, this is my first time crashing anything," I say, reaching behind my neck and rubbing my hair, and she just laughs.

"Well, thank you, and I'm honored," she says.

"Um, hi, my name is Chris," I say, reaching for her hands, which she takes and are so soft and smooth as she shakes my hand.

"Miss. Parker, nice to meet you, Chris," she says, smiling, and lets go of my hand.

"So, Miss. Parker, do you have a name?" I say I'm trying to shoot my shot, and I smile back at her, and I can see her cheeks brighten as she blushes.

"I do, Captain America, but you're going to have to excuse me; someone there is calling me. See you around," she says as she leaves me stunned, so she knows who I am. I walk out behind her, and Miles runs up to me, and I grab his backpack, leaning it over my shoulder. I grab his hand, and we walk out towards the parking lot over to my car. As we reach the car, I open his door, place his backpack down, and help him in. I see he is holding a copy of The Lucky Dog. I snatched it from him.

"Hey, twats mine," he says as I grab his little hand, shoo it away, and run my fingers through his hair.

"I know I'm just looking after it." I say, and I buckle Miles in and flip to the back of the book.

Ahhh "Alana Parker".

... A few days later

Chris ended up picking Miles up the next Monday in hopes of seeing Lana again, and to his luck, she was there in the library. He smiled and entered and sat through the whole reading again, and this time he tried to be more subtle than last week.

After Lana was done and the kids went to grab their belongings, Chris took the chance and walked over to Lana.

"So, Miss. Parker, or should I say Alana," you have a beautiful name? I'm walking up to her.

"Ahhh yes, Chris. Thank you. My grandparents named me," she says, and he hands me a signed copy of her book.

"So you don't come every Monday and can read at home now?" she snickers while handing me a brand-new copy of her book.

I smile and take it.

Chris ends up asking Lana on a date, and by the second date, he falls in love with her, and he falls hard.

End of Flashback

...

Lana pov

I cannot believe he is back. It's all a big shock to me.

Chris and I hit off pretty quickly after our first and second dates. Five months into dating, I moved in with Chris and put my apartment or home out to lease for someone. A year later, he had to go back to work to promote the last Avengers, and I stayed back in Boston to finish my last book for series one of The Lucky Dog.

We couldn't live without each other and would always call when we weren't working. After 6 months, he came back after the premiere of Endgame. I met his family and friends, and he met my grandparents, and I loved my life.

In late 2017, after just dating for a couple of months, Chris proposed, and I said yes. We told everyone the news in February 2018 that Chris was taking a break from acting, and we agreed to get married in 2019. We had a date and everything. Everyone was so happy for us.

That night it was one of Chris's friends, Tara's birthday, and I wasn't feeling to go, so Chris went to celebrate and I stayed home with Dodger. I hadn't been feeling well for two weeks at the time, and I had placed an Amazon order for some pregnancy tests that just happened to be delivered the same night.

I remember wasting no time and taking a test, and when it came back as pregnant, I jumped up and down. I was with Dodger when I found out, and he was nudging my leg when I found out he was barking along. He had been extra clingy and lying on my tummy the whole week, so that explained that.

I was in our bedroom at the time when I heard the front door open, and I hid the test in my back pocket. I wanted to surprise Chris in a cute way, but that went out the window when I heard his footsteps, and I wanted to tell him right away that he was about to become a dad. We would often daydream about having a little family of our own, and I couldn't believe it was happening.

As soon as Chris walked in the room, he was super drunk—more drunk than I've ever seen him—and he was so angry that night.

Flashback (2019)

"Dodger looks like Daddy is back. Let's surprise him with your little brother or sister. I coo to Dodger, and Dodger barks back. I get up from the ottoman in front of our bed.

I can hear Chris come up the stairs, and out of nowhere I hear glass breaking.

I run out of the room, and I see Chris standing on the stairs, pulling the picture frames of us from the walls and dropping them on the floor, breaking them.

Chris, what are you doing? I say as he stops and looks my way, He looks mad; he is super drunk and can barely walk in a straight line. He walks past me into the room, and I follow behind him as Dodger is behind me whining.

Chris walks over to the bed and falls down, and Dodger runs up to him. I'm still standing by the door, shocked at Chris's behavior. I've seen and been around him when he was drunk in the past, but he's always super cuddly and soft. I've never seen him this annoyed or angry. Dodger gets on the bed and starts to bark and lick his face, which leads Chris to jump up and take Dodger and walk him towards the door and push him outside, and he looks at the door and looks my way.

"Chris, you're scaring me? I say as he walks over.

"SHUT UP!" He yells and I jump. He's never screamed at me.

"Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris... do you ever shut up, Lana? You're so annoying and ugh," he spits out, walking towards me and taking my hand in his.

"Baby.. I-,"

"Don't call me that," he spits out.

I don't have the words for what's happening, and Dodger is barking outside the door.

Chris cages me in, takes my left hand, pulls my ring off, and waves it around in my face.

"You're the mistake, Lana," he slurs.

"GET OUT! I don't want you here," he says as he throws the ring somewhere in the room.

"Get out before you ruin my life." He screams and pushes me out of the room, locking it behind him, and I hear him throwing stuff around.

End of Flashback

I remember him pushing me out, and I stayed out all night long, crying for Chris to open the door, but he didn't. The next morning I woke up on the couch and looked around. It was quiet, and the time was 6:30 in the morning. I went to the gym to check on Chris, and when I didn't see him, I ran upstairs and into the bedroom, and to my surprise, he wasn't there. I thought he and Dodger went on a morning run until I went to use the bathroom and most of Chris's things were gone and so was Dodger, but there was a note on the bed.

Lana Parker

I can't do this; you are in the way between me and my career. I need to go back to LA and try to save my career after Captain America and land some films, and you are in the way. I realized I do not want the same things as you right now, so please leave and never contact me or my family again.

Chris Evans.

I cried and cried that day and remembered I was pregnant with his baby—our baby—baby Aria.

I left Chris's family alone, emptied out his house, and moved back into my old apartment. I ended up blocking everyone I knew of his I went to the doctor when my morning sickness started kicking in, and I found out I was at least 14 weeks pregnant. I was only 5 months old when my grandparents passed away. My only family left wasMy parents were both killed in a car accident, and my grandparents raised me. They were both very successful and had a lot of money left for me and my baby. Grandma eventually found out I was pregnant, and I lied to them and said Chris was away filming. I still regret not telling them the truth; it sometimes haunts me in my sleep. I sold some land they owned in Europe, and I and Aria are good for a lifetime.

When I was nine months pregnant, Lisa ran into me at the supermarket and found out I was pregnant with Chris's baby, and eventually, all the Evans found out. Now Lisa comes over every Friday for lunch or breakfast, and Aria meets her aunts and uncles for holidays, but now that Chris is back, I don't know anymore.

I gather myself off the floor and walk towards my bedroom and into the bathroom. I wash my face and get in the shower.

"You will not let him win Aria," I tell myself in the mirror as I dry my hair.

I walk into my bedroom, place the baby monitor on the nightstand, get into bed, and think of ways to explain to Aria now that her father is back and she's seen him.

#andy barber #chris jamal evans #chris evans x reader #christopher evans #chris evans #steve rogers #chrisevans #chris evans smut #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans characters #chris evans fic #chris evans fandom #evansedit #chris evans x y/n #chris evans x female reader #chris evans imagine #chris evans x you #chris evans fluff #chris evans angst

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rubywrites-4 · 7 months ago

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Such a backstabber🔪🩸

warning: violence, inappropriate language and more ⚠️

Johnny Storm had never been the type to settle down. He was a former playboy, known for his charm and charisma, but all of that changed when he met Y/n. She was different from anyone he had ever met before, and he knew from the moment he laid eyes on her that she was the one for him. They had been dating for a while now, and Johnny was convinced that Y/n was the love of his life. He had even started planning on proposing to her, wanting to spend the rest of his days by her side. But little did he know, his playboy ways were far from behind him.

Y/n had a close friend who she had known since she joined the Fantastic Four team, and unbeknownst to her, this friend had caught Johnny’s eye. Despite his feelings for Y/n, Johnny couldn’t resist the temptation of his friend, and soon enough, he was having an affair behind Y/n’s back. As the day of the pre-wedding party arrived, everyone was in high spirits. Johnny’s side chick was there, mingling with the other guests, and everything seemed perfect. But then, chaos erupted.

Bombs went off, sending guests running in every direction. Johnny was frantically searching for Y/n when he finally spotted her, standing with blood on her white wedding dress, tears streaming down her face. His heart shattered as he realized the extent of his betrayal.

Rushing to her side, Johnny hugged Y/n tightly, vowing in his heart to be loyal to her from that moment on. But just as he was about to profess his love, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. Looking down, he saw a knife protruding from his abdomen, and when he looked up, he saw Y/n standing before him, a devilish smile on her face. “you thought I really do love you huh Storm?” She laughed at Johnny and continue pushing the knife deeper into his stomach

Suddenly Doctor Doom made his appearance while clapping his hand saying “bravo sweetheart” & kissed Y/n on the lips “mhm I missed you baby” Y/n moaned in the kiss and Doctor Doom replied “ I missed you more my baby” while kissing her back more deeper.

Johnny, Sue and everyone looked at Y/n in disbelief and was confuse of what’s going on and then a flashback played where Y/n is actually spy sent by Doom and also his girlfriend as well. Y/n acted as that innocent and sweet girl charisma and won everyone’s heart including Johnny’s and they both started to get to know each other and decided to date. Each and every time Johnny insisted sex, she would drug Johnny and goes to find evidence on the documents Johnny has secretly kept hidden while he’s unconscious and the next day she make him believe that they had sex and he passed out in tiredness. One final day she had found the important details and evidence of the Fantastic Four Team.

Flashback comes back to the reality where Y/n looks at her friend that she acted fake friendly and said“ I don’t have anything against you but no one shall have a friend like you who steal what’s belong to others so you know what you deserve bitch? ” Y/n winked & reloaded the gun to shoot her friend on the chest and forehead. Johnny didn’t even blink his eyes because of the shock and the fear he had for you at the moment

Evil smile presented on Y/n face and then she looked over Sue and smirked “ you would come after me for doing this to you” Y/n sighed and shot sue on the shoulder and apologized “I’m sorry Sue! You’re nice but I have to” luckily the shot didn’t affect Sue badly

Johnny scream and struggled to get out of the grasps Doom’s people had on him. Tears, fears and the pain do betrayal presented on his face and he asked Y/n with pleading eyes “ Y/n you bitch! Such a backstabber!! how could you do this to me ?” Y/n looked at him and laughed “ah little boy you don’t get to say that. You literally had a side chick and did things so you don’t get to talk about betrayal” y/n smiled sarcastically and told “lucky me I didn’t love or date a manwhore like you for real”

Y/n shot Johnny on both legs and he screamed in pain. Doom took his girlfriend’s hand “let’s go baby. I missed you so much” y/n smiled and pulled him for a kiss. Doom smirked and said “ah not here princess… let’s go to our home”. Both of them walked away holding hands and Y/n turned around to see Johnny fighting for his life while tears streaming down his eyes, Y/n smiled devilishly and showed her middle finger “this is how you do it mothafucker” then blow Johnny a kiss before walking away.

#chrisevans #chris evans x reader #captain america x reader #steve rogers x reader #andy barber x reader #chris evans #dark andy barber #frank woods #lloyd hansen x reader #johnny storm x reader #johnny storm #Spotify

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jessyballet · 1 year ago

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Chris evans for GQ magazine

#chrisevans #chris evans #chris evans x reader #gq #gq magazine #photoshoot

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chrisevansonly · 2 years ago

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Helping Hand

Dad!Chris Evans x Wife!Reader

Summary: Chris really loves to workout in your home gym, especially since the pandemic and virus season, he loved the idea of having his own workout space all to himself. Funny enough when you can’t find your three year old daughter Arlie, check the gym, and you might find her attached to her dad’s hip

Warnings: non, straight pure fluffy dad Chris, sassy Arlie

A/N: Baby Arlie is back to making an appearance!! I adore this pairing so much it rots my teeth, I think I’m going to divide my masterlist and add a Dad!Chris/ Dad + Arlie Section, let me know what you think, this one may be a little shorter, hopefully not horrible lmao but happy reading!!

Word Count: 846

Little Arlie girl was the epitome of her father’s shadow, following him around whenever and wherever she could, especially now that she was walking more and handling stairs better. That wasn’t to say you and Chris didn’t still watch her like a hawk in case she needed a hand or fell, but she was getting more and more independent every day. It was often days like today when Chris was off in your home gym completing his daily workout, whether it was legs, chest or arms, Arlie always found a way to weasel her little self into the gym to be with her daddy. So when you called her name for snack time and didn’t get a response, you made your way into the den where you’d left her last only to find her colouring book open and water bottle where she left it on the coffee table.

“That little bug…”

You couldn’t help but laugh quietly knowing just how good of an escape artist she was, so you tidied her markers up and walked your way down the hall and to the steps leading into the basement. When you opened the door, you could hear her giggles and little squeals as she and Chris worked through their weight session together

“I stronger than you daddy!”

The sight at the bottom of the stairs bringing a smile to your face, she had her set of dumbbells, which weighed virtually nothing in her hands, while Chris was on his back, two green and yellow weights on his chest to keep him to the floor

“I think you certainly are dove, I think I need some help!”

Arlie put her weights down and placed her tiny hands on her hips in a superman like pose and sighed

“I help you on one ‘dition daddy.”

You laughed at her shortened version of the word condition, because it was just the cutest thing in the world listening to her learning and practicing new words. At the sound of your laugh Arlie looked to you and clapped

“Hi mommy!!”

Chris smiled too, practically identical to your little girl

“Yeah, hi mommy”

“Hi you two, what’s going on down here?”

Arlie cocked her hip to the side, the sass with her was off the charts, Chris never failing to let you know it comes from you

“I doing the lifties thing with daddy, an’ he not strong ‘nough to hold my colour sticks”

Colour sticks, what she called her dumbbells, despite you attempting to teach her the word, it would forever be known as colour sticks to you and your husband

“Oh, I see, so are you gonna help him bug?”

“Mhm, I got one ‘dition first mommy”

You chuckled sitting down with the two of them on the floor, watching her as she began waving her arms around

“What’s that baby?”

“Well, I wanna watch cartoon and have two cookies!”

Chris pretended to think about it for a few moments, closing his eyes before letting out a dramatic sigh and holding his hand out to Arlie

“Okay Arlie girl, you got yourself a deal.”

“Deal daddy!”

She wrapped her much smaller hands around his larger one and shook with all her toddler strength before grabbing the dumbbells off his chest. Chris immediately took her in his arms and sat up covering her face in kisses while the room filled with the sounds of her laughter and now yours mixed in together. Moments like these making you take a mental snapshot watching the two people you loved most experiencing life together

“Alright my little gym crazies, how about we go upstairs for some snacks?”

After a collective cheer of yesses, the three of you made your way upstairs where Arlie got comfy in her chair at the island, and you and Chris stood in front of her, smiles on both of your faces as she munched away on some apples and peanut butter, her current favourite obsession

“Hey daddy?”

Chris finished chewing one a slice of the apple you’d also given him before answering her

“Yeah baby?”

“Don’t ‘fink I forgot about our deal.”

Your hand quickly covered your mouth as you began laughing, Chris losing it beside you as well

“O-Okay dove I won’t...”

Chris could barely get that sentence out without laughing and the two of you managed to calm down after a couple minutes, Arlie looking between her mom and dad with a stone-faced expression, clearly not finding any of this funny

“Arlie baby you are going to be a force to be reckoned with when you get older”

“Just like you mommy!”

You laughed shaking your head at her before Chris chimed in beside you quickly to agree with his little girl

“Yep, just like mommy”

Chris leaned over to press a kiss to your cheek before wrapping an arm around you and bringing you to him. That moment in the kitchen becoming another mental snapshot you’d hope to keep with you forever, your sassy Arlie girl never failing to make each day as interesting as the last.

#chrisevans #chrisevansxreader #chris evans imagine #chris evans fic #chris evans x fluff #chris evans x wife!reader #chris evans x you #chris evans x female reader #dad! chris evans #chris evans x arlie mae #chris evans x reader #chris x reader #rueswrites

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sarahrogersevans · 1 year ago

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Cute request where Mary and little three years old cousin molly (frank and reader's kid) puts makeup on frank while he is asleep. Reader was cooking up some dinner

Little Troublemakers- Frank Adler xreader fan fic request

Summary: Mary and her cousin draws on Frank’s face while he’s asleep on the couch and Y/N is busy in the kitchen cooking dinner

Warnings: fluff, angst, kids being silly

-Frank’s POV-

I just got back to the house from working on my boat and I felt really tired and I heard Y/N cooking in the kitchen and I saw her by the stove and I went over to say hi and I walked up behind her wrapping my arms around her and I kissed her cheek and her neck and said “mmm hi baby, watcha cooking babe? It smells good.” She smiled at me and said “meatloaf and Mac and cheese for the kids.” I dipped my finger in the sauce and said “yum, so good Y/N, I’m gonna go take a nap ok?” She hugged me and said “alright honey I’ll let you know when dinner’s ready.”

I went to go lay on the couch and a bit later while I was sleeping I thought I heard giggling and I thought I felt something on my face but I was probably just dreaming so I went back to sleep fully. Mary said “hehe here molly draw the mustache and I’ll get the rest.” Molly nodded her head and said “here this good?” Mary nodded and said “ha! That looks great! He’s gonna love it.”

-Y/N’s POV-

I had just finished cooking dinner and I set the table for us and put everything on the table and I went to find Frank to wake him and I giggled seeing he had a drawing on his face and I saw the girls come out and I said “girls you are trouble makers drawing on your uncles face though.. it does looks really funny..” I noticed Frank was waking up and they quickly sat at the table and I went to hug him and I said “babe.. dinner is ready.” Frank noticed I was trying not to laugh and said “what? What is it Y/N?..” I looked down and he grabbed a mirror and said “oh, well that’s peachy.. Mary? Did you draw on my face while I was sleeping?” Mary burst into laughter and said “it looks great doesn’t it?” He laughed a bit and said “yes it does you’re a natural artist you silly girl but how many times have I told you to not draw on my face?” Mary nodded and said “five times Frank.. I’m sorry, I’ll help you clean it.” Frank shook his head and went to go hug Mary and said “no it’s alright thank you for apologizing Mary no harm done it’ll come off and Molly you drew the other parts hmm?” She smiled shyly and said “yes uncle I did .. sorry.” Frank smiled and said “no it’s ok you did really good you should draw more.”

I love how Frank encouraged Molly he is so good with kids this is why I love Frank so much.

We ate dinner and then I had the girls help me clean up and then I got the girls to bed early so Frank and I could have some time alone for the evening and Frank came out from washing his face and he sat down by me kissing my cheek and said “are the girls asleep?” I nodded my head and laid on his chest hugging him and said “yep both are in bed for the night. He cuddled me close to him and said “those girls drive me nuts but I love how they try to make us laugh no matter how tough things have been lately, I’m doing my best for our family.”

I kissed him and caressed his cheek gently and I said “I know Frank they love you and I do too, I love you do much and we’re proud of you and the girls are doing well in school.” Frank smiles at me and plays with my hair and we napped together for a bit and then checked on the girls before going to bed for the night hoping they’d be alright until morning, Frank and I love our family so much they are both very energetic trouble makers but we love them regardless.

Hi darling! Sorry it’s kinda short 😅 but I hope you enjoy it xx🤍

Taglist:

@lokiandbuckysdoll

@jessybarnes

@sunshine-on-my-mind

@nana1000night

#frank adler x y/n #frank adler #frank adler x reader #gifted #chris evans #chris evans character #frank adler x you #fanfics #fluff #chrisevans #chris evans characters #frankadlerxreader

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k-evans-reads · 26 days ago

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The Spare

We do NOT give permission for our works to be reuploaded, translated, or reposted on any other site. Our work is our own.

Chapter 1 l Main Masterlist | The Spare Masterlist

By @k-evans-writes and @ourfinest-hour

Word Count: 7,725

Chapter 2

Four Years Earlier

The sound of loud voices booming and laughter still followed Chris as he shook his head to himself, rolling his eyes as he walked further into the hangar, headed toward his fighter jet. He didn’t understand how one visit from a member of the royal family could cause such an uproar on the air force base, especially when the crowned prince was in their unit and most had gone through university with James as well. Sure he had seen the way other people treated James, knowing that one day he would be their king, but the further they had gotten knit together as a unit, the less it had mattered to all the guys. Chris figured because of that it wouldn’t be as shocking when another member of the royal family made an appearance on base, but the chaos that seemed to ensue the minute the princess had stepped out of the shiny black car was something that Chris just couldn’t seem to understand.

Well… that wasn’t completely true.

Having been born and raised in Ellington, Chris had been well aware of the royal family. He was constantly reading, hearing and seeing so much about them, although he had been too busy as a teenager working to help support himself and his mother to pay much attention. It wasn’t until he received a scholarship for university that he had met James, the future king of Ellington. He saw the way everyone treated him, varying between fawning over his every moment to completely avoiding him so they didn’t run the risk of saying or doing the wrong thing.

Maybe it was because of their first meeting when he laughed at James for missing the easiest layup on the basketball court, but from the moment Chris met him, the two had just connected. To Chris, he was just James, one of his best friends. And to James, Chris was what felt like his first real friend. The only guy who didn’t care who he was or what his position was but was simply just his friend.

They were constantly together throughout university and somehow ended up in the same unit once joining the royal Air Force afterward, something Chris knew was probably some special strings that were pulled but he didn’t care. He had come to see over the years that even though being a royal might have seemed glamorous, he’d seen the reality of how isolating and burdensome it was, and if he could be there for James, he was happy to be that.

With Chris being virtually the only person that James trusted implicitly, he heard a much more honest and unguarded version of James’ life as opposed to the highlight reel that was on the cover of newspapers. He knew of all the hard things like the strained relationship James had with his father, the virtually non-existent one he had with his mother, how insane his boarding school experience and schooling was, the immense pressure he had growing up, how he felt disconnected from his youngest sister Annie with her being so much younger and him already gone away to school. But he also knew that the saving grace of his growing up years and even now, was his sister Rosie.

By this point Chris had reached his cubby in the base, taking his time as he changed into his olive green flight suit and boots, preparing to go on a test flight but found himself smiling as he thought about the way James had talked about Rosie over the years. Chris couldn’t even count the amount of times their classmates or now even guys in their unit made comments to James about getting them an introduction to Princess Rosalie. She was arguably the most popular person in the country amongst most people, bringing a relatability and normalcy to the royal family who often felt out of touch with most of reality.

It was fairly often that one of her comical faces revealing everything she was thinking was photographed and put on the front page of the paper, or reports of her sparkling personality was talked about in contrast to the stoic and demure ways of most nobility. She felt more attainable, more in-touch with what was going on in the country and that made everyone look forward to seeing her more in the press in the coming years now that James would be serving in the Air Force.

It hadn’t gone unnoticed to Chris that James had always clammed up anytime someone mentioned his sister and that it was a long time before he even talked to Chris about her. James was fiercely protective of his sister and loved her so deeply. They were each other’s person, the only ones they could really trust and rely on, but once James started telling Chris more about her, he understood why. He had never even met her and Chris could feel a softness in his heart toward her just from hearing about her for so many years now. It was no wonder to him why James loved her so much, but when he saw her for the first time in person today, stepping out of that car, it also was no wonder to him why she caused such an uproar amongst the Air Force unit because as beautiful as those pictures of her were on the newspaper, they didn’t hold a candle to her in person.

As much as he would have liked to meet the girl he’d been hearing about for years, his dedication to his duty and annoyance at the way his unit turned into a bunch of ogling school boys at the sight of the princess made him need to get away. Chris had worked his ass off to get through university on his scholarship and was committed in every sense of the word to the Air Force, wanting to serve his country well and he wasn’t going to let himself be distracted by the loud chaos that was ensuing outside the hangar, instead focusing on making his way over to his jet to prep for his test run.

He hadn’t quite made it when the sound of a door opening echoed in the virtually empty hangar and a voice he’d only heard in a more restrained and proper tone on the television before echoed as she laughed, “It looks like coming to visit you is more dangerous than I thought.”

“I think you’re right, that was fuckin’ insane out there,” James laughed back, and Chris could practically see the look on James’s face from behind, the crinkle of his eyes, the smirk on his lips. “I don’t know that i’ve seen those guys go that ape over a girl before.”

The footsteps stopped just on the opposite side of the plane, blocking Chris from their view as the laughs continued to echo. “No I was more meaning the fact that your commander stands way too close to me and spits while he’s talking,” the princess snickered.

With a quick wipe of his hands on a rag, Chris poked his head out from behind the plane. He shot a kind smile to the princess before his eyes returned to James.“Try sitting in the front row at his briefings,” he chuckled, a smirk growing across his lips.

“Hey! I was wondering where the hell you went!” James greeted Chris, shaking off the hand Chris offered to him. “Chris, I want you to meet my sister, Rosie.”

Chris saw the way that Rosie visibly shifted, her posture tightening and her undoubtedly years of training kicking in as she put a beautiful but seemingly surface-level smile on her face as she put her hand out to greet him. Chris bowed to her but before he could take her hand, he saw James nudge her side, making her stumble slightly in her precarious heels as James told her, “Rosie, this is Chris, my best friend who I told you about. You don’t have to be formal with him.”

It was as if all those years - undoubtedly - media and publicity training slipped and it seemed as though the real Princess Rosie came out. A familiar look crossed her face, one that mimicked James’, as she mischievously arched a single brow and told him, “Oh yeah, I’ve heard about you…”

A strange feeling settled in Chris at those words, but he let the humor lead as he shook his head, admitting, “That could be dangerous.”

But his worries melted away at a simple shrug of Rosie’s shoulder as she conceded with a playful smile, “Maybe.”

Now, even all these years later, Chris could still vividly remember that smile. Sure he’d seen hundreds of photos of Rosie smiling in the papers but that smile he saw that day was different. It was one he still couldn’t forget even now as he walked up the steps to the grandiose palace, two immaculate guards opening the doors for him as he walked inside.

It felt weird to him to be entering in the place he’d seen in his history books in school on just a normal Monday. Although he’d been so close to James for years now, he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around that his best friend would one day be his King. The Air Force had been a level playing field for them all, but stepping in the palace just to meet his friend was the most surreal feeling he’d ever experienced.

Before he had a chance to dwell on it too much, he felt a hand clap on his back as James appeared next to him, smiling wide as he greeted him, “I’m glad you could come today.”

Chris suppressed an eye roll at those words, knowing there was no choice on his end - or anyone's end, really - once the royal family got involved in affairs. “Don’t even act like you didn’t pull rank and get me out of a briefing I was supposed to be in,” he muttered, only half serious. “I knew the second that they told me I suddenly wasn’t needed in it, I knew something was up.”

Chris’ words didn’t seem to affect the charming royal much. “Hey, being the prince does have its perks every now and then,” James admitted teasingly, before he turned serious. “Did you have a good time at the ceremony last night?”

He huffed out a soft chuckle, his lips curling into a wry smirk. “You know I hate that shit,” he reminded James. The odd…. Well, he didn’t know whether it was a blessing or a curse, the extended invitations and offers of accompanying James to events, whether to charity visits that always warmed his heart within seconds, taking in the countless sporting events from the royal Box with beers in hand and the sun on their skin, or sitting through an admittedly painful dinner of tucked elbows, stick-straight posture, the pricks and pinches of safety pins on his hastily-altered suits. It was all just a bit much at times.

The gravel crunched under their feet as they rounded a bend in the path, following the carefully and overly lush landscaping through the gardens as a few members of the security team lingered about. Their presence was not lost on Chris as he felt their eyes on the pair every so often, keeping a respectable distance from them. James’ sarcastic laugh seemed appropriate as he pointed out, “Try being royal, it’s shit like that every day of the week.”

Chris raised a brow, his lips curling again, this time in genuine amusement. He’d always felt for James, knowing how desperately his friend wished to disappear in a way Chris and their peers always could. “If you’re trying to make me envy you, it’s not working,” he teased him playfully, keeping the tone light as birds chirped, flying above them.

“I am wondering though if now I have to only refer to you as Captain?” James asked, his shoulder bumping into Chris’ as he shoved his hands into his pockets, a playful twinkle in his eyes at his friend’s suddenly unamused expression.

“Only if I have to refer to you as prince now,” he retorted dryly.

His friend’s jaw dropped nearly instantly, causing a smile to grow on Chris’ face. James moved a hand, shoving a laughing Chris. “That’s a low blow.”

He shrugged, turning his head over his shoulder momentarily to catch a peek at the lake behind them before they turned to head back inside the large, ornate doors. “Well, ask a stupid question,” he answered, quickly thanking the guard as the doors were pulled open and they stepped back inside.

The doors closing echoed momentarily until the only sound was their soft footsteps on the pristine floors, reverberating off the walls of the estate.

James turned serious and his hand reached out, resting on Chris’ shoulder, making them come to a stop in the middle of the entrance hall. “Seriously Chris, I’m proud of you. Nobody is going to make a better captain than you,” he congratulated.

Chris gave a soft smile, nearly uncomfortable with the honest praise. “Let’s hope so,” he sheepishly answered, grateful for the trust James placed in him. “I still haven’t gotten my first posting yet so we’ll see where things go after this. I know there were some things on hold until this ceremony happened.”

There was a look on James’ face that Chris couldn’t quite read, but he figured out why when James began, “Funny you mention that because that’s part of the reason I asked you to come today. There’s something I wanted to talk to you about…”

“I don’t know that I like the sound of that,” was Chris’ admission with a raised eyebrow, looking quizzically at his best friend who had become more like a brother to him over the past years.

“You probably won’t,” he saw James’ eyes crinkle up as he loudly laughed, Chris joining in with a chuckle of his own before his pace slowed as they ventured down the lengthy hallway Chris swore was longer than most of the Air Force hangars he’d been in. He shoved his hands in his pockets while turning to glance at James, his face more stoic as he started, “I know that you know about a little bit of what’s happened with my father.”

He just nodded before James motioned toward an open room, directing him to go in which Chris did, admitting on his way by, “Well, I’d still have you in my unit if it weren’t for that.”

There was a silence that hung in the air as James closed the door behind them, the sound echoing in the ornate room. Chris awkwardly stood, his hands fidgeting in his pockets with discomfort. He’d been with James nearly every day for years on end now, knowing him so well, better than just about anybody, but somehow this just felt different. He was standing here in the fucking royal palace and his best friend was the heir to the throne of the entire country. Here he wasn’t just his best friend James. Here he was the crowned prince.

Chris waited until James sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs, seeing him motion to the empty one before he sat himself, listening while James started explaining, “Things are actually a little worse than we thought. He needs a few months to recover which means I’m going to be here taking over for him more to give him space to rest and I’m sure you’ve seen in the papers that now Rosie is going to be taking my place on the tour.”

Over their years of friendship, he’d heard his fair share about James’ beloved sister and that coupled with what he’d read in the papers it wasn’t hard for him to imagine her reaction and couldn’t help but chuckle sarcastically, “I’m sure she’s thrilled about that.”

“You can imagine,” James just shot him a look through his own laugh, knowing just how accurate his satirical comment was. He ran a hand through his perfectly swooped over hair, his gaze falling to the carpet before admitting, “Honestly, I think Rosie has been struggling these past few years while I’ve been gone more than I realized. I stayed in the Air Force longer because I loved it and it’s what I wanted to do and honestly, I don’t think I really looked at how much it put on her.”

Not quite following him, Chris’ brows furrowed as he asked, “So are you trying to get her out of doing the tour?”

“No, I can’t really do that. I need her to do the tour because we just don’t really have a choice but the reality is that there’s a lot of pressure being put on Rosie in some different ways.” He vaguely motioned with his hand.

Chris knew there was a lot about royal life he didn’t understand and never would. Growing up with a single mother and an after school job to help buy groceries felt like night and day to how James no doubt grew up. With just a glance around the huge room with oil paintings on the wall, ornate furniture, and guards stationed right outside it was obvious how different their lives had been. But Chris had come to see just how burdensome James’ life was in a way he couldn’t imagine and couldn’t seem to understand what he alluded to with Rosie and point blank asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“There’s just a lot riding on this tour. There’s a lot of pressure on her for being a little more stable, being viewed differently, and it’s no secret about all the unrest there is along the coast which brings a pretty real level of a security threat that kind of scares me,” James admitted honestly to the person he knew he could trust more than anything. “It would make me feel a lot better if I knew there was someone there looking out for Rosie and making sure she’s alright and so I’m wondering if you’d be willing to be her pilot and on the security team for her during this tour.”

Hearing this struck a pang of fear in him, feeling like every bit of this was out of place for him. He was an Air Force captain, not someone who was prepared to do any of this. He rubbed a hand along his short beard, muttering, “Shit, I don’t know about this. I’m not trained for that and I’m not sure I’m the most qualified to be doing that for the Princess of Ellington.”

“It’s not like you’d be alone, there’s going to be the most highly trained people in the country and you’d go through a training before the tour. Also, because of what you’d be doing, it’d be double the salary you’re making now," he tried to convince him but with just the mention of a pay bump, Chris instantly felt more intrigued. For years he’d been sending most of his paychecks to his mother to help take care of her and lift some weight off her shoulders, but he knew a bump in pay would not only help him get ahead on some things of his own but fix up some of the things his mother’s home had been needing. Chris was busy making a mental list of all he could do with that when James added, “This isn’t something you have to say yes to, it’s not an order from the prince, it’s just a favor for a friend.”

With a laugh and a wave of his hand, Chris rolled his eyes playfully, “You had to fucking go there, pulling the friend card!”

“Well I know the prince asking you to do it wouldn’t be enough to pull you away from active duty,” James said through a laugh, knowing it was completely true but also that Chris was just about as loyal as they came and that he could rely on him for just about anything.

“I am going to be a little pissed at you for that," he emphasized playfully with a point of his finger.

A smirk gave away James’ feelings before he asked, “Does that mean you’re going to say yes?”

“Only because it’ll keep me busy enough that I won’t have to watch my best friend turning into a spoiled ass now that’s back to being a prince,” Chris snorted.

That response got a good laugh out of his best friend before a genuine smile crossed his lips and he admitted, “Seriously, thank you Chris. This means a lot to me.”

Unable to keep the teasing smile from his lips, he joked with a nudge to James’ knee, “Remember that when you sign my check.”

And with just that one conversation, Chris got swept into a whirlwind he wasn’t quite prepared for over the course of the next month. Being pulled from the Air Force had been tough enough, but having to sit through meeting after meeting about all of his responsibilities, safety protocols, and royal decorum and he felt like he couldn’t quite keep his head straight. There was no part of him that wanted to be doing this. Everything in him yearned for his unit and to be up in his fighter jet, following the duty for his country, but he knew that this duty was just as important.

Thinking back to when they’d first met, Chris wished he could tell his younger, scared, and intimidated self just how much James would quickly become like a brother more than anything to him over the years. Sure, he had been there for James, and he’d helped give James a sense of normalcy amongst prying eyes and intense attention, but the prince had been there for him just as much. Growing up with a single mother and tight finances had been difficult and without anyone else to rely on, Chris had felt the full weight of that. He had grown up well before his time, having to worry and bear the responsibility of more than his age normally would demand, and a way he knew James struggled to fully understand. Because of this, he knew there was a bit of an emotional wall that he’d put up, trying to always push away his vulnerable emotions to do what needed to be done, but James had been the first friend he could really be open with.

His best friend had proved to be such a loyal friend through and through, always being there to support him and able to pull out his real feelings in a way Chris didn’t even completely understand. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for James, and if it meant doing this, he decided he’d be able to handle it for a couple months. With his days being so packed full and being hours away from where he grew up, he hadn’t been able to see his mother for weeks but with only a few days before he set off on the tour, he carved out a time to drive toward the familiar terrain.

Chris recognized the sound of the rhythmic bumping of the car tires over the many potholes on the street as he slowed down to park in front of the old building. He climbed out and locked the car before starting to walk toward the building but seemed to linger on the sidewalk for a moment, his blue eyes just taking in the sight in front of him.

He knew the house he had grown up in wasn’t much to look at, sandwiched in the cramped neighborhood and right on the street. He knew how many times he had fixed the leaking faucet, had to install new windows a couple winters ago when the frames had rotted on the old ones, and how you could feel the vibrations of the cars driving by when you laid in bed. The house wasn’t pretty. Or new. Or spacious. But this house would always hold a special place in his heart thanks to the woman that lived inside.

Growing up with a single mother hadn’t always been the easiest life, remembering the many times as a teenager he’d close that black iron gate behind him late at night after working a job after school to help buy them groceries or make rent. He certainly had never gone without food or a roof over his head but things weren’t easy for them and he had seen just how tirelessly his loving mother worked to make sure he was taken care of. He remembered her saving up to buy a sewing machine, making it easier for her to be able to make their own clothes and fix any holes or tears that happened to existing ones, allowing them to get every bit of use out of everything they had. She was often up late clipping coupons or baking pies to sell to help bring in some extra money, all while still giving Chris all the love and nurturing in the world.

Chris leaned against that gate, just gazing at the house and remembering when he had gotten a scholarship to university and that deep drive and determination he had to make sure not one bit of it was wasted. That grit proved to be useful when his mother started developing some sharp pain in her back and knees, preventing her from keeping up the grueling work she had been doing and Chris stepped in to take care of her, sending most of his check from the Royal Air Force home to care for her, only keeping enough for himself to rent a tiny apartment and whatever else he needed for basic necessities.

There hadn’t been one moment of hesitation for him, wanting to do anything he could for the woman he loved more than anything and could still to this day put him in his place in the way only she could. She had always been there cheering him on, encouraging him, and loving him wholeheartedly with that same smile she had on her face now as she opened the teal door.

Her silvery gray hair was falling around her kind face, that sweet smile on her lips as she held her arms open, “Well don’t just stand there looking at the dead landscaping, come over and give me a hug!”

“Hey Ma," he smiled, walking over to wrap his arms around her short frame, feeling warm from the inside out as he genuinely said, “It’s so good to see you.”

“It’s always a good day when I get to see you," she said with a hand rubbing his back before ushering him into the warm house, motioning around the kitchen as she started looking through cabinets, “What can I get you, honey? Coffee? Some cake?”

Chris was watching her through an inquisitive eye, seeing something she hadn’t admitted and spoke up, “Ma, you need to sit down. I can see you’re still favoring that knee.” She turned around, tucking her gray hair behind her ear before averting his gaze as she turned her back to dish him up a piece of what she knew to be his favorite cake as he questioned, “I thought you said it was getting better?”

“It is, just slowly," she shrugged, pouring him a glass of milk and without even looking up, shot back at him,“Don’t give me that look, Christopher.”

But Chris just laughed from where he sat at the worn wooden table and tossed his hands in the air, “I will if you keep refusing to take care of yourself!”

Margaret put down the piece of cake that he knew she made just for him, down on the table before patting his shoulder as she sat down in her own chair, “You just worry about me too much.”

“I’m afraid of what other shit you’re going to be feeding me while I’m away on this tour. Before I know it I’m probably going to find out you’re out dancing every night while I’m away,” he teased her easily before taking a bite of the cake he loved so much.

“Don’t you worry about me, I’ll keep on resting my knee like the doctor said,” she waved him off, being just as stubborn as he knew he could be before changing the subject, “Are you officially done with all your training for the tour?”

A deep sigh escaped Chris as he leaned back in the creaky chair. “Yeah I finished yesterday, although I don’t feel like it’s enough,” he admitted, his voice sounding befuddled even to himself. His hand twitched on the worn table, well-loved with everything from rings from glasses to paint from his youth and a frown on Chris’ face as his eyes bore into streaks of red paint. “I mean, I’m not the head of security, I’m mostly just the princess’ pilot and then will be the one escorting her to events but she’ll have a whole security team.”

But Margaret’s eyes never left her son’s face, her brow raising sharply. Her voice, however, was kind and curious as always as she mused, “That seems unusual that the pilot would be doing that.”

He shrugged helplessly. “I think it is, but I think it’s more James wanting someone he trusts with his sister,” he agreed, then added, “He made it sound like she’s maybe having a hard time with all of this so I think it’s maybe his way of making it easier or something like that. It’s obviously not really my first choice but I’ll do anything for James.”

“And I know he appreciates it,” she agreed honestly, and the twinkle in her eyes made Chris think about the many times Chris had caught rides from James and his security back home from university. He remembered the way the sleek cars would draw curious eyes on the streets, but no one ever spared a second glance when they saw Prince James dart out of the car to always give Margaret a hug before heading off to the palace.

“He probably just wants to earn points with you for getting me off of active duty,” Chris chuckled with a smirk.

“James already knows he’s my adopted son, he doesn’t have to earn any more points,” Margaret told him amusedly before she sat up a bit in her chair, her face twitching momentarily as her knee shifted below the table. “Although I do like him getting you off of active duty. You know how much I hate that.”

Chris' lips twitched, curling into an instinctive smile as her overprotectiveness shone through. He knew she struggled with his choice to enlist after university - being the only family the other had, the only one that looked out for the other - but it’d always made sense for him. It was a safe career path, one that provided a lot of opportunity to see places he’d otherwise never get to see, one that was all but guaranteed to keep him and also pay for the remainder of the university tuition fees that his scholarships didn’t cover. And James being there too? He couldn’t say that wasn’t a factor, getting to spend a few more years with his brother at his side before he inevitably became King, but it helped.

However, he knew his Ma disagreed, fretting about everything from his safety abroad to on the very planes that the royal family even approved of for their heir. But those fears were admittedly easy to shake off as his heads hit the clouds, leaving his worries behind back in his bedroom by the phone each day after he hung up his calls with her. “Well I don’t know that being on the security team for the princess of the country is a whole lot safer,” he pointed out quietly.

But Margaret simply chose to ignore the issue, something they’d both grown to do, instead asking, “Have you met Princess Rosalie yet? Is she just as beautiful in person as she is in the papers?”

He couldn’t help the loud laugh that burst out of him at those words, taken aback. “Ma!” He admonished, but he couldn’t stop the laughter that continued to echo throughout the tiny room.

“I’m just asking,” she shrugged, her eyes twinkling as she listened to him.

He shook his head, eyes dropping back down to the splattered paint on the table. His hand moved and he began scratching it lightly with his nail, despite knowing it was no use. At this point, it’d been on the table for at least twenty-five years, it wasn’t going anywhere unless the table did as well. “Well I only met her like four years ago for a few minutes. Later this afternoon I’m going back to the palace to see James and he said he wanted to introduce me to Rosie.”

But the look in Margaret’s eyes became a mix of surprise, amusement, and something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on at his admission, and he found himself looking away from her gaze as she asked, “Oh so you haven’t even really met her and it’s already Rosie now?”

“I’m starting to think it’s a good thing I’m leaving for two months if you’re going to be stirring up trouble like that,” he chuckled, shaking his head as he gave up on removing the paint.

Margaret grew quiet for a few moments, eyes shining as she watched her only son. Chris' heart panged at the way she quickly moved her hand to disguise the few tears that escaped her eyes. “I’m so happy for you but I sure am going to miss you,” she told him, her voice soft and quiet. “I just love you so much.”

A soft sigh escaped Chris’ lips as he thought about the reality of the situation and vulnerably admitted, “I know, I love you too Ma and I’m going to miss you. This isn’t even really what I want to be doing but it’s a favor for James and I’m going to be making double my salary so that’s hard to say no to.”

“Well it’ll only be a couple months and then you can go back to the Air Force," she nodded, trying to brighten his spirits as well as reminding herself of when she’d see him next.

A genuine smile crossed his lips as he told her, “I’m already looking forward to that.”

Rosie stared at the books in front of her for several long moments before she reached both hands out, quickly pulling a few off the overstuffed and well-used bookshelf. Despite the longing desire to do nothing but sit in the plush armchair next to the grand bay window, Rosie begrudgingly and precariously packed the books in the bag sitting on her bed. She missed the short knock and creak of the door opening and closing in her haste to pack, knowing how much preparation there was still to do over the next several hours. Final fittings, final itinerary plans, and final interviews with a few Ellington-based outlets for pre-planned articles to come out throughout tour, showing “the strength and resilience of the royal family, even in the trying times they were in” she thought, reminding herself of the Communications Secretary, Edward Henry’s, words.

Her eyes nearly rolled out of her head at that memory when a soft “Ahem,” broke her train of thought, making her jump slightly as she turned to find her mother standing by the door to her bedroom. After a quick, routine curtsy to the Queen, her mother made her way to the sun-drenched arm chair, sitting perfectly on the overstuffed, well-loved chair, facing Rosie with an arched brow.

“Are you packing?” She asked her eldest daughter, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Rosie nodded, turning her back to her mother and she grabbed the last of the prepared items off her nightstand, delicately placing them in the bag. “Yeah, I’m almost done,” she informed her.

Her mother was quiet for a moment and as Rosie snuck a glance over her shoulder to Genevieve, she saw the mix of amusement and curiosity on her face. “You didn’t have Claire do it for you?” She questioned.

She simply shrugged. “She got all my basics but since I’ll be gone for two months I wanted to make sure I had some of the things I wanted,” she explained, and it was true - Claire had packed more clothes than Rosie had time to wear on tour, for everything from galas with dignitaries to visiting local youth sports programs to the very slight downtime she may have during her days. But it didn’t mean she wouldn’t want her favorite pair of slippers, hair brush, hair masks, or even her comfiest shirt to sleep in - the well-worn one she’d gotten early on at university.

A silence hung in the room for several moments as Rosie left the bag on her bed, knowing either Claire or one of the other aides would close up the bag when they fetched it later. She turned to her mother, arms crossed over her chest, both of them unsure what to say. The conversation didn’t feel strained, however, her relationship with her mother was well beyond the point of being uncomfortable after a lifetime of this. Of feeling that they never quite fit together the way her university friends seemed to with their mothers, having had a lifetime of caregiving to connect.

Instead, Rosie had never felt connected to her in any warm and fuzzy way. She and Annie had been kept at an arm’s distance from both of their parents through their childhood, and James had only been closer to prepare him for his future. Otherwise, the children were pawned off to nannies, teachers, and - eventually - to their respective boarding schools, with only the occasional letters or calls home.

“It’ll be nice and warm on the coast when you go. All of those beaches are so beautiful,” the Queen pointed out, and Rosie furrowed her brows a bit at those words but quickly schooled her expression.

“I’ve seen the schedule and I don’t think I'll hardly have time to breathe let alone go to the beach.”

Genevieve’s face faltered for a moment, her posture falling before straightening. “I’m sorry Rosalie…” she trailed off, her voice meek. “I’m mostly sorry you have to go on this tour at all.”

But Rosie shook her head, pushing herself forwards from where she’d been leaning on the footboard of her bed. “It’s fine,” she deflected, running a hand through her long hair, pausing momentarily before pointing out, “Dad and James overrule everyone, but that’s nothing new.”

Her mother’s frown deepened but a short knock at the door interrupted them. Rosie looked at her mother, watching as she called for them to enter. But to her surprise, the Palace staffer was there not for her mother, but for herself, informing her that Prince James was waiting for her down in the garden.

With an awkward goodbye to her mother, she left the room, the staffer trailing behind her along with a member of the security team as she made her way down various stairways, through historic hallways. As she made her way out to the gardens of the Palace, she found her brother waiting for her on a bench in front of dancing fountains, sitting in the sun.

They chatted briefly - James telling Rosie about his upcoming meetings with the Prime Minister, what he’d heard about the latest elections globally, and even that Annie’s university field hockey team had won their latest game.

It was simply passive small talk, serving only to try to break the ice and quell the tension between the siblings as they started to walk the gravel pathways through the garden, as James finally asked her, “Do you remember when you met Chris before? A few years ago?”

“Should I?” She asked, hardly able to remember much beyond the memorable meetings or the regular contacts she had outside of the Palace - those she spoke to often at her favorite charities, the nurses she regularly saw during visits to the hospital, and some of the more lively members of the public she’d met.

A sideways grin appeared on James’ face as he told her, “Not really, he’s only been my best friend for the past eight years.”

She gave him a sideways glare, thankful she’d worn flats as she stepped through the gravel. “Is that the real reason you want him on this tour? So you can spy on me?” She asked, her voice unamused.

“Maybe,” he said, his voice serious for a moment until she elbowed his side, making him laugh and hold his hands up placatingly before telling her, “I’m kidding, I want him there because I trust him more than anyone and I think he’ll make it easier for you.”

She dropped her eyes to the gravel, staring at the rocks with every passing step as her voice quietly admitted, “I don’t know that there’s a lot that’ll make it better.”

“Trust me, Chris will,” James promised her, and a familiar, comforting grin appeared on his face as he continued, “We roomed together all four years at uni, did all of our basic training together and were in the same unit so trust me when I say that once you guys warm up to each other, you’ll love him, he’s great.”

Although James kept talking about some memories over the years with Chris, Rosie couldn’t seem to concentrate on his words and found her mind wandering. She knew that James was just trying to help but she just felt like there wouldn’t be anything that would make this tour easier, and in fact having to get used to someone new seemed harder for her.

She tried to follow along as James laughed and recalled various adventures and misadventures the pair had gotten into over the years, but it did nothing to quell her growing anxieties as they slowly made their way from the gardens back towards the Palace, where a tall, lean figure came out of the doors and made their way over to them.

Having met literally thousands of people over the years Rosie had become very intuitive at reading people. It was easy for her to spy the nervousness in the tense and rigid appearance of his body. She glanced at his hands that were fidgeting inside his pockets, pulling them out before shoving them back in again as he walked closer to the siblings.

As his tall frame came to stop in front of her, she felt a little bit relaxed at the kindness that was evident in his eyes while his low voice greeted her with a bow, “Princess Rosalie, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

When he stood back up, she saw the polite smile across his lips. It was obvious that the smile was a little tense and didn’t quite reach his eyes, keeping it from being fully genuine but even still, Rosie couldn’t help but feel just how effortlessly charming it was and suddenly she found herself searching her brain for just how she could have forgotten having met him.

She reached out her perfectly manicured hand to take his, shaking it with the many layers of manners she had learned over the years and replied, “Nice to see you as well. Thank you for joining the tour.”

“It’s an honor," his blue eyes arched kindly while their hands disconnected.

“I’m glad you both are going to be together,” James couldn’t help but chime in before reaching over to give Chris a hearty pat on the back as he informed her, “Rosie, this guy is the best pilot I’ve ever seen. I swear he spends more time pouring over his plane than he does anything else.”

Rosie intently watched while the captain’s eyebrow rose, a jovial smirk dancing across his lips while he retorted, “Can you blame me when you’re the one I had to hang out with?”

“Hey you shouldn’t be making fun of me, I got you a pretty good gig for the next two months,” James argued with his hands held in defense.

Hearing his words made all of the feelings that were so near the surface come bubbling over as she muttered quietly, “I’m not so sure you did.”

It didn’t seem as if either of the men heard her, or if they did, both chose to ignore her as she was so often used to before Chris nodded politely at her and said, “I’m looking forward to being in your service, princess.”

With a surface smile, she easily replied, “Thank you, Captain. We’re honored to have you.”

After Rosie politely shook his hand and Chris bowed, she excused herself to head back into the palace to attend to the laundry list of things that were still left to do as the sound of the two men’s laughter echoed behind her. It was obvious to her that James had connected deeply to Chris and she honestly was so happy that they had. Rosie wanted James to have someone that he trusted and was so close to, knowing in their life how nearly impossible that felt, but at the same time she just wished that James could understand that was the exact reason that she didn’t want Chris.

At this time Rosie was supposed to have a break from the duties she had been thrown into the past four years in James’ absence. She finally was going to be able to step back but that was long gone now. The past few weeks she had come to accept it and knew she didn’t have a choice, but she had hoped that she would be able to bring more of the staff she felt comfortable with, someone to make her feel like she had a friend when she so often felt utterly and completely alone. But she knew that what James or her father said went no matter what. The best she could do was just hope these next two months would go by as quickly as possible.

A/N: Thank you for your patience as we tried to write some more before posting! We are so so excited to share this story and hope you are enjoying it as well.

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