#every time i do a I Hate RPO day i do have to answer this question

[tempestaurora]

So, I'm just curious as to why you hate RPO? I read it ages ago and liked it enough (but don't get me started on the film, that was a trainwreck of a shit bucket) anyways, you really seems to diskike the book, and I'm just wondering why...

film was purely average. i might watch it if it’s on but not like, out of choice, and i’ll still firmly hate wade watts, the most intolerable man on earth.

the reasons are many tbh, though i haven’t read the book in a while so i’m going from previous posts and this seething hate that still sits in my body. this isn’t all of it, really, but i think you get my point lmao:

the first chapter has a nerd trivia contest in which one guy messes up a comic book fact and literally lowered his head in shame while the audience cheered

making me read the words twinked out wannabe gunter uberdork

in ready player one he makes it clear he doesn’t think transgender women are women, and then in ready player two has aggressively backpeddled and yet is still a dumbass and wrote (and got past the editors) the phrase nonbinary sex

ernest cline wrote the cringiest fucking poem about porn. like this shit wouldn’t even get a grade in my degree. the teacher would tell him he did bad and to write a new poem.

incredibly info-dumpy

the 70s references are so overdone that it’s clear the author’s just jerking off to his own intelligence

actual interesting lore keeps getting ruined by the author’s shit narrative

the Masturbation Paragraphs

that time wade watts removed all the hair from his body for no valid reason whatsoever

he said it was so he could spend less time in the shower so he could game more but how does shaving off your eyebrows actually save you time in the shower and ALSO he says he showers everyday anyway so what was the fucking point of resembling an egg i hate this novel so much

samantha has absolutely no reason to be attracted to him in the slightest

samantha’s biggest problem was that she had a birthmark on her face so she believed she wasn’t beautiful

and that meant the moment someone (wade) called her hot, she melted into his arms because no one else has ever loved her and her birthmark

the movie’s trials were actually better than the book’s but that’s because different shit works for different mediums

conveniently having vital passcodes for 6 months without telling the reader (and without having the passcodes change)

lbr this was the author shitting himself and realising he needed a loophole to his problem and decided to get fucking lazy

continues his laziness into the sequel

at one point in rpt he describes a character just as a “young arnold schwarzenegger” and that’s it like fuck dude learn to WRITE

ernest cline and his novels (even his armada book got panned btw) are a direct response to white men trying to take science fiction for themselves - and succeeding! - ever since the 70s. the big bang theory is also a response to that. his book perhaps fit that culture in 2011 (despite being terrible), but considering his sequel follows the exact same themes in the year 2020, despite the 2015/16 hugo awards wars about white men controlling this genre, IT DOESN’T FIT. he hasn’t learned. he’s tried to aggressively show lgbtqia support because he got panned so hard for it last time, and it comes off forced and tacky and like he doesn’t actually care

it’s obviously a self insert novel power fantasy for ernest cline, and tbh, power fantasies are fine. just make it a fucking good one oh my god

[smolbeandrabbles]

Money, Honey - Nolan Sorrento x Reader (Ready Player One)

GIF CREDIT: X

@happyskywhale @wltz-bby​

Author’s Note: Thank you for requesting @babydoll97!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Thank you for also letting me write him the way I see him - that’s very sweet of you! Although I think I mixed in a fair amount of how I usually see him written, so hopefully he turns out okay for everyone! 😁

I’m also so sorry that it sat half finished for so long! 🙈

Also, for my favourite of all of Ben’s characters it sure has taken me a long time to get this ‘explicit’ with him... 🤔 Disclaimer: RPO Characters not mine / GIF not mine / lyrics not mine Premise: Nolan is supposed to be away on business, it doesn’t stay that way for long. Both of you need a little something-something... 

Words: 2761 Warnings: Sinday/Sunday Smut / Swearing 

--- Damn, I love the Jag, the jet, and the mansion (oh, yeah) And I enjoy the gifts and trips to the islands (oh, yeah) It's good to live expensive, you know it But my knees get weak, intensive... When you give me k-kisses (that's money, honey) When I'm your lover and your mistress (that's money, honey) When you touch me, it's so delicious (that's money, honey) Baby, when you tear me to pieces (that's money, honey) That's M-O-N-E-Y. So sexy, I... Damn, I'd love a boat by the beach on the West Coast (oh, yeah) And I'd enjoy some fine champagne while my girls toast (oh, yeah) It's good to live expensive, you know it But my knees get weak, intensive... You know I 'preciate the finer things But it's not what makes me happiest, baby (I can do without it, babe) Your tender loving's more than I can handle Never burn out this candle baby, baby ---

It was just a normal Saturday night of missing the man you loved.  You were lying in bed, propped up on your elbows listening to your favourite playlist and scrolling through IOI news you’d seen 100 times. If for no other reason than you got to see his face, and occasionally if it was a video hear his voice. You groaned gently, wondering if it was okay to try and get off to news reels. Why, when you needed him so damn bad, did he have to be out of town? You sighed, wiggling your hips around and swinging your legs in the air in discontent. You pouted and continued your scrolling – also why did he always look so fine in these pictures!? Why did you have to scroll through some particularly delicious ones of fashion shoots in sharp suits – some of which with buttons undone a little lower than necessary – but also exactly what you needed right now. And the thirsty comments that followed them weren’t helping you one little bit either. Yet you had to agree with them, and you got to lie there with a smug smirk – seen as you were the person with the man they were all talking about. You groaned again running your hands over your face and through your hair with a sigh – as soon as he was home in a few days you weren’t going to be able to keep your hands off him. Or, maybe it would have passed by then. All you really knew was right now it was agony – and not even sweet agony. You were frustrated. You needed him. Desperately. ** Nolan had the same problem – he couldn’t stop thinking about you. Usually being away wasn’t so bad – but he’d had a hard day of answering a lot of tough questions. The kind where he’d get to go home afterwards and fall into your welcoming arms – that he’d at least have that thought in his head all day as relief. Not so today. And he couldn’t deal with it – so he’d driven all the way back to Columbus (even if it meant getting up insanely early to drive back; he still needed to be there tomorrow) just to see you. He was surprised that you weren’t running to him the moment he opened the door. Nolan tentatively called out your name, but gained no reply. Deciding instead he’d like to surprise you with his return, he followed the light trail up to your bedroom, smirking. Perfect! It was obvious why you’d not heard him as soon as he entered; with headphones and your attention on your phone, you were in your own little world. His smirk only broadened; slipping from his suit jacket and unfurling the knot of his tie before undoing a few buttons. Nolan Sorrento didn’t even give you fair warning before he grabbed both your ankles and dragged you down the bed towards him. You immediately gasped, it was sharp but not quite a shriek, adrenaline spiking in the situation as you were flipped from your front to your back – coming face to face with your partner. Your cheeks flushed – bright red. As if Nolan had heard every little dirty thought that had run through your head as you’d lain here without him. In reality, your prayers had just been answered, and you didn’t know who you were supposed to thank first. You removed your headphones and reached up to touch his face, as if you needed to check he was real. “Nolan! You’re home-!?” A great surprise, but he wasn’t meant to be, you knew that for certain. Not about to count your blessings twice on perhaps the whole thing being cancelled… He twisted to gently kiss your palm, “Baby, I couldn’t be without you…” Your smile was gentle, “Me either.” His eyes traced your body – you were wearing an old IOI t-shirt and sleep shorts, with the way he’d pulled you both had ridden up dangerously and Nolan bit his lip hard, groans rising in his chest. That was unbelievably sexy. With his body weight pressing down into you, you moaned gently, feeling how desperately he needed you. Nolan Sorrento was aching for you – if he’d really driven all this way to do to you what you been lying here wanting him to, it was either the craziest coincidence or the best case of stars just aligning. Nolan kept his weight on his knees, running his hands up your body; you responded immediately with tiny little groans, shivering under his fingertips as they glided over your hips. He put just enough pressure on your body to pull your shorts and underwear too. That sent you another set of shudders and you bit your lip; the friction against your clit exactly what you craved. “Nolan…” If he wasn’t already smirking before, he was now; “That’s my girl…” His hands ran higher, over your ribs. One stilled, but the other travelled; over your shirt – which was much more of a tease than going under it. Nolan’s fingers brushed your nipple, circling it, and you lurched into him. You very nearly cursed yourself for spending so long thinking about him and your eyes fluttered closed. “Nolan-!” He chuckled, re-pressing his weight into you and you groaned again, it was clear that both of you had it bad. And as his hands roamed you to a series of excited mewls, Nolan’s lips found your neck, your shoulders and then your ear, the nip was small but a shiver ran through you again. You were probably wet before he’d even come home, but now you just wanted to be one with him. And even just that small nip had you pushing up into his body again – that friction was exquisite. Nolan laughed, hot breath against your ear as his voice dripped lust; “Someone missed me…” “Nolan… God, baby please…” He smirked, “What were you doing sweetheart… without me, hmm?” Nolan’s hand travelled back down to your panties, running his index finger teasingly over them as your hips rose to meet the friction – mhm, he knew it now too. “Nolan, please!” “You want me, don’t you?” Yes. Yes you absolutely did, but he wasn’t going to get away with something like that, you pushed your knee up between his legs and his grip on you tightened. “As bad as you want me.” His kisses transferred to your lips with a smile and you tangled your hands in his hair; Nolan pushed your leg back down and apart but was wasting no time, pushing your shorts to one side he slid his thumb up to your clit. You gasped against his kiss, body quaking underneath his, before Nolan inserted two fingers – at first tentatively, but you were so wet and ready for him that your hips instinctively widened as you gripped him tighter. Pulling from your lips Nolan tsked you, his lazy smirk teasing you: “Oh, darling…” and you hated him for it, for how desperate he was implying you were. Of course the problem was tonight he would be right. He was slow and careful with you though, thumb brushing you in leisurely, gentle circles as he focused more on stretching you; you were still going crazy, because although Nolan was touching you it wasn’t enough. And whining for him did nothing more than make his smirk widen. Nolan Sorrento wanted nothing more than to be inside you, but he knew how much your pleasure mattered: determined to be patient and satisfy you. Your hips jerked upwards as he varied his pressure, pressing his thumb a little harder over your clit and this time you did curse. “Do you like that, hmm?” It didn’t help that you were also aware of how eagerly your body was clenching around his fingers, still moving inside you, “Oh, you do, don’t you?” His voice was dark and husky and you weren’t sure if that was just your affect on him that he couldn’t control, or Nolan was doing it on purpose. As his fingertips brushed what he was really looking for, your body gave another jolt up into his; and the friction of how hard he was against you had you calling his name as you moaned, once… twice… head tipped backwards as he touched your G-spot again. “Baby- Please-!” You were surprised you managed to be even that coherent. Nolan just chuckled; “Please what?” “Finish me… fuck me… I need you.” Need you. Not just want you. Need you. And you said it like you’d die without him. “My pleasure.” Nolan kissed you again, and you were already drunk on him. The feel of his body pinning you down, of his hands on you – within you, the way his scent surrounded you, the sound of his voice, his laugh, his breathing… the taste of his kiss – you were having a complete sensory overload. He didn’t withdraw his fingers from you; and his continued attention to that spot had you very nearly writhing beneath him. Shit, Nolan, please… just let me--! Just LET me-! And at the sound of his belt buckle and the zipper on his pants coming undone, you very nearly did. Nolan’s lips left yours at the same time that his fingers did – and you’d have been pissed, if he didn’t immediately push into you. He filled you completely, and you moaned at how wonderful he felt. One with you once more. Exactly where you wanted him. You locked your legs behind him – pulling him as deep as he could go. Nolan choked out a gasp; he wasn’t smirking anymore. Your hands framed his face for a moment, as he reigned his composure in enough to actually move, you were quiet, watching every emotion that crossed his face. You knew he was half way there already, so your sweet sigh coupled with letting yourself clench freely around him drew a full body shudder as Nolan dipped his head. “Fuck-” You very nearly laughed triumphantly at that; but the look in his eyes as he brought them back up to your face stole your breath instead. That intense dark blue was not to be messed with, rimmed with the same lust that dripped from his voice – you were prepared for this sex to be quick and dirty. You weren’t even sure you particularly cared, you just wanted him. Nolan withdrew from you enough for the loss of him to have you whining, and as your body moved beneath his, he pinned your wrists back. “Stay still for me.” His voice broke over his command, and you mewled again as he pushed back into you, a little slow and sloppy as Nolan tried to gain control of himself. Clearly your writhing was not helping the situation. Yet, to you, his pace was torturous – and you were beyond caring about how many times you moaned, or that his name tumbled from your lips – needy. He responded to you, mercifully and, letting you slide your hands to entwine with his, intensified his pace. But not in increments; Nolan wasn’t taking you higher and higher every second – but from relaxed and sweet to hard fucking near instantaneously. That only made you louder; squeezing your eyes tightly shut, you lost control of all your senses. Everything was screaming, you could hear his panting and your heart pounding, feel every single small point of contact where his skin brushed yours – and you were holding him so tight; nails digging into his hands you’d be unsurprised if he was left with 10 little indents. “No-lan-!” You couldn’t even say his name in a single breath, from the pitch in your vocals you were surprised you could speak at all. Having gained some semblance of control over his body; even if only for your sake, Nolan was having no trouble, “You like that, baby, huh?” You weren’t going to bother try to be coherent, a nod of your head would have to do – but how could he not know? Nolan could hear how he was making you feel for himself. All your lack of response invited was another delicious smirk and his pull of your body, to thrust into you a little harder at just the right angle. He felt so good, so damn good - all you wanted was for him to keep fucking you like this, endlessly – but it couldn’t be endless, even if you could dream of such things. It was what made you crave him so much. “No- No- No-” After the third attempt you gave in again. Close enough to a one-time nickname he hated, you weren’t even going to bother with that second syllable, barely manging the first between sharp pants. God, you were so ready… He must have known that too, and Nolan read every sign of your body, changing his rhythm just so slightly to match the way your body was quaking, keeping you comfortable. You were on that edge now, even when being tipped from it was the main goal it was about keeping there, for maintaining that pleasure for as long as possible. “That’s it…” Now his voice was shaking in pleasure too – you weren’t surprised, you were certainly being greedy with him what with the way you clenched around Nolan to keep him within you, “…Good girl.” Good girl? He’d never called you something like that before – where did that come from? The sudden shift in mood in Nolan somehow excited you more, and your body couldn’t maintain the high he was giving you. Your gasp was sharp; this time managing his full name before your ecstasy stole the air from you once more. That was enough for him; and his choked breath followed your climax, before he stilled. Nolan’s spine curved and his head bowed as he groaned, grip on your hands tightening as he finished within you. His heavy breathing matched yours, and the sound mixed, filling the stillness of your softly lit bedroom. Nolan growled softly as he withdrew from you – you whimpered quietly at the loss of his body so close to yours, as he afforded you both some breathing room for a minute. When Nolan finally raised his head to look at you, he was panting and sweaty, dark grey hair very nearly back to its natural colour. He looked like a mess – albeit a hot one – as he nestled into the sheets next you, drawing you nearer to him to hold you close in his arms, rubbing his hands comfortingly over your back and shoulders: “Oh, babe, I’m so sorry… I’m so sorry…” You shook your head, snuggling into his chest and holding him just as close, running your fingers through his hair as you hushed him. Speaking gently between kisses; “It’s okay… I needed it too…. Nolan it’s okay…” His kisses back were slow; all his energy spent. But the content sleepy look on his face was insanely cute and you got to bask in that for a moment. It wasn’t so often you saw him this relaxed; maybe he could unwind, for just five minutes – here in your arms. Until you suddenly thought on possible consequences of what had just happened, eyes wide: “Wait… did you-!?” Nolan’s eyebrows knitted and he frowned, before he caught on and his eyes too widened: “Fuck! Oh god, I’m so sorry-! Do you have…?!” It wasn’t like you hadn’t thought about children, it wasn’t like you didn’t want them with him, it’s not like it would just happen, but it was always a possibility. Still, you didn’t currently have any form of protection with you: “I could… get some.” “You don’t sound so sure you want to?” Nolan shifted as he propped himself up on his elbow, mysteriously curious about it – was that a small smile or was he more perplexed? “…Would it be such a bad thing?” You weren’t sure how else to voice such a question. Even if it deserved a little more gravitas. “…Do we want to take that chance, right now?” It wasn’t a no. “Do we NOT want to take that chance right now?” The look on his face as he took your hand in his told you Nolan had no answer for you, before he turned those perfect blue eyes back on you – brushing his lips to yours. “Okay, well let’s see.” He pulled you close again as he lay back in the sheets, you cuddled into him with a nod, closing your eyes and settling to the sound of his heartbeat, “One step at a time…” 

--- Thank you so much for requesting-! 🥰🥰🥰 Thank you for reading! 

[thearrangment-phff]

XLV. Kensington

August 2017

Archduchess Sophia Marie-Astrid Mathilde of Austria was born on 30 of August in Geneva, Switzerland. Isabella had been the first to arrive in Switzerland for the birth followed by Marie Astrid and Carl Christian. Alexander and Gabriella had visited for a couple of hours but Gabriella had to leave back to Belgium due to her pregnancy. Imre, Christoph, and Marie Christine couldn't see their newest little niece because of their own families taking up their time.

Isabella had left Switzerland afterward meeting up with Harry in the gardens of Kensington Palace when she landed. Harry had mentioned that he wanted to talk to her and Isabella was honestly scared as to what he was going to say. Despite being married for almost 3 months they did not have much time to sit down as talk as before the wedding.

Most days they would try and eat breakfast but rather than have the two of them talk to each other it was usually Princess Christine and Princess Charlotte who spoke. Then after breakfast, they would part ways either going to the different Palaces or go around London fulfilling their engagements. Isabella made it a goal for her to be busy at least 4 days of the week filled with a minimum of one engagement a day or two depending on what was to be done for the day. She tried to work as much as possible in fear that the British public would not like her.

Despite the efforts, Isabella was not always perceived the best. One second everyone hates her then the next everyone loves her. Most articles were about what she was wearing but some loved to point out that she needed to not be seen as much since she was the wife of the spare. The press loved to point out that she was working more than Kate and that shouldn't happen rather than point out Kate's lack of work ethic. Isabella had been told the world wouldn't like her because she is the wife of the spare and not the heir. 

Seen and not heard is how Princess Charlotte had put it. But Isabella would be able to change her schedule even with the press at her throats. It wasn't as if she could change anything major in her life because that was left in control of her parents and ladies-in-waiting.

"Where are we going now?"

"Marbella, Spain and I was hoping you would come with me to Scotland after. I'm going to meet with my cousins Ferdinand and Frederick."

"I don't think I can go to Scotland. I have some meetings in Norfolk and London. I'm barely able to go to Spain with you," replied Harry.

"Oh, okay, well I'll only be gone for 2 days. I needed to catch up with Ferdinand and it seemed like the perfect opportunity," explained Isabella.

"I wanted to talk to about something else."

"What exactly?" Asked Isabella.

"I wanted to know where you go almost every evening?"

"Jonathan can you come here for a second!?" Yelled Isabella.

Jonathan nodded and walked closer to the royal couple. Jonathan was the royal protection officer for Isabella. She had met him the day after the wedding and never left her side unless for serious private matters. Jonathan was beyond respectful to Isabella and within days had gained the respect of Isabella and her ladies-in-waiting. He rarely talked but just enough that Isabella considered him a great acquaintance.

"Yes, your imperial highness?"

"Could you please tell my husband where I go at 6pm almost every day?" Asked Isabella.

"Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church sir."

"And what do I do for those hours?"

"Pray ma'am. With Countess Gaelle by your side at all times," replied Jonathan.

"Thank Jonathan. You've been great these past couples of weeks," smiled Isabella. Jonathan nodded and retained his space between him and the royal couple like before, "He wouldn't lie to you."

"He would if he meant he was protecting you. RPO's do a lot more than saving you from kidnappers and murderers," replied Harry.

"He isn't wrong because I do go to church in the evenings."

"You don't believe in a God Isabella I know that!"

"I find solitude in praying. I am unhappy Harry and I find bliss in sitting there and praying as if someone is going to listen and fix my problems."

"Are you unhappy because of me?" Asked Harry.

"God no, you have been nothing but supportive and loving but I am the one who overthinks and ruins things. I want to be happy but there something in my mind that's preventing that."

"Please don't say 'it's me not you'," begged Harry.

"It's cliché so I won't but it's the closest to the truth. You know how I am and I tend to be overdramatic over pressure and ever since the wedding all I'm feeling is pressure. From my family, from the press, and from the people," babbled Isabella.

"You don't always have to please them."

"See that's the thing, I do. I do have to please them because I know without the public's support there would be no monarchy. I worry about that and it seems like you don't," argued Isabella.

"I do, just to a certain extent. I learned a very long time ago that you cannot please everyone in the world it will drive you mad and from the looks of it you already are."

"I've lived in exile Harry and I won't do it again."

"Is it really that or the fact that the press loves to pin you against Kate and you want to win?" Asked Harry.

"The fact that you just said that to me is appalling. More importantly, I find it hilarious that you would think there is even a competition between Kate and me. I have little control over my everyday life. I have more important things to worry about a simple parvenu," argued Isabella.

"You doing it again."

"Doing what Harry?"  

"Being the stuck-up royal. The ones who only want a title. I know the only reason you married me was because of my title and position. I only married you because of your title and family ties-"

Isabella immediately interrupted Harry, "Don't, don't stand there and say that. It was the first reason but not the only reason I agreed to marry you and you know that. It isn't even the biggest reason I married you. What we have is complicated and unlike anything else, so we can't keep measuring ourselves to other people!"

"I have to Isabella! I just have to because this whole arrangement is driving me mad."

"I know that! I know Harry because I feel the same way but please don't sit there and hate me," cried Isabella.

Harry took a look at Isabella and her tears and immediately didn't talk. He stared at her for a couple of seconds before looking down at his feet. The couple stood there for a couple minutes longer in silence and it hit them both that they had an argument in public on the grounds of Kensington.

"I could never hate you. I'm sorry," replied Harry.

Isabella wiped away her tears, "Sometimes it feels like you really do hate me and I know it's just the situation we are in. I know that things are hard and we just have to take things minute by minute."

"You keep on saying that. Month by month, week by week, day by day, now minute by minute? What happens when we reach milliseconds? What then Isabella?"

"I don't know. I don't have answers Harry and I wish I did. I wish I had answers to all your questions so we could move on. Don't you think I want to love you? Don’t you think I want to have a happy family with you? I want all of that and so much more Harry. I just want to love you but it's so difficult for me," admitted Isabella as the tears came by.

"Can we please start over? Once we go to Spain we'll be different. I'll be different. We can make things work Isabella."

"I might be pregnant. I went to Switzerland to get the embryos implanted so I might be pregnant as we speak if everything works out," confessed Isabella.

Harry didn't have any words. In the middle of their fight, Isabella confessing she may be pregnant had upset him. She used the unborn child in strategy if there was even a child in the first place. Whatever he was feeling had been washed away at the thought of a child of his own. Isabella stared at him waiting for him to continue walking or to say something.

Harry did what he thought would be the right thing, he reached his hands towards Isabella. Her eyes looked at his outreached hands and his eyes several times before placing her hands in his. Harry brought her into a tight hug that made Isabella responded by saying 'I am sorry' over and over again. Neither one knew what she was sorry about but the words just kept coming out until Isabella had stopped crying.  

The couple walked to Nottingham Cottage in a tight embrace followed by their RPO's who took more notice in their space between them and the royal couple. Though it was still midday, Harry put Isabella to bed and let her rest for as long as she needed. As Harry closed the door he was met with the eyes of Isabella's four ladies-in-waiting.

"What happened?" Asked Olympia.

"Isabella is resting. You all can go home Isabella and I won't need you for the rest of the day."

Princess Charlotte was about to say something before Princess Christine had interrupted her, "Okay, we shall be back in the morning Isabella has an engagement at a hospital very early."

The wedding ceremony of Princess Marie Gabrielle of Nassau and Antonius Wilms was a true Nassau-Bourbon-Parma wedding. Many of the guests at her wedding were the same ones that were at Harry and Isabella's wedding. Because of the marriage between second cousins in Isabella family, many Habsburgs had been invited to Princess Marie Gabrielle's wedding as well.

Harry got kisses on the cheek, hugs, handshakes and the occasional question of when they could expect a royal baby. Isabella and Harry took turns making up excuses before Princess Charlotte had gotten mad at them.

"You cannot keep saying such things. They will be expecting a baby and soon," scolded Princess Charlotte.

"Well it's no one's business," argued Harry.

"It is because Olga is already pregnant," replied Princess Christine.

"She is?"

"Only 2 months but she is certainly pregnant and everyone is hoping for a boy. She has left Spain and is currently living in St. Gallen Switzerland with her uncle Archduke Simeon and his wife Archduchess Maria," answered Princess Christine.

"Is she here? Is the Grand Duke here too?" Asked Isabella.

"She is here and in the company of her brothers and sisters. Grand Duke George is not here though he should be. He needs to get his know his own family. We gave him a dynastic wife so the least he could do is attend these family events."

Harry pulled Isabella to his side knowing that Grand Duchess Olga being pregnant was a big deal for Isabella. Grand Duchess Olga was the first of her generation to marry for the sake of having another generation of dynastic marriages, Isabella had been the second, and Harry wondered who would be next. Then he remembered his brother-in-law Alexander would be next.

"I want to see her," demanded Isabella.

"Is that a good idea Isabella?"

"She needs me. I'm one of the few who understand what she really going through perhaps she can confide in me. You should look for Alexander while I talk to Olga it will be good," smiled Isabella.

"I think I should go with you to talk to her and you should come with me when I talk to Alexander," urged Harry.

Isabella looked into his eyes for a couple of seconds before nodding, "Okay. We'll do that instead." Harry had kissed Isabella's temple after her response. 

Things really did change between them. There was much more talking through situations and emotions. Isabella and Harry spent their nights talking and the morning was now the two of them rather than it just being Isabella, him, and her ladies-in-waiting. Harry had dedicated Sunday nights to him and Isabella having a homemade dinner for the two of them at their cottage. He even decided that Isabella would not help him that day so it could be something he had done for her. Of course, in their compromise Harry made dinner and Isabella made dessert. It had only been a couple of days since their fight but things were looking brighter for the both of them.

Harry had found himself looking at Isabella's stomach when they were alone wondering if there was a child in there. When he wrapped his arm around her waist it didn't stop at her hip but his fingertips lightly grazed Isabella's stomach over and over again. It was a small gesture none picked up, not even Isabella.

"If you will excuse us we need to find Olga," smiled Harry.

The couple had found Olga talking with her three sisters and one of her sister-in-law's, all pregnant. They were all obviously at different stages of their pregnancies and Harry once again grazed his fingers on Isabella's stomach a couple of times.

"Belle! It's so good to see you!"

Isabella was pulled into a hug by multiple women all with growing baby bumps and smiles, "It's good to see you all again. It's been too long," smiled Isabella.

"It's been what? 3 months since the wedding?" Asked Princess Xenia Galitzine.

"3 months is simply too long without seeing family. I was hoping for some more weddings and christenings," joked Harry.

"Christenings will be coming believe me. You have 4 Galitzine princesses pregnant and Gabriella too. How are Christoph and Adelaide since the birth of their youngest daughter?" Asked Princess Maria Galitzine.

"Her name is Sophia and she is such a beautiful baby."

"Have you seen your newest niece Harry?"

"No, unfortunately, I couldn't go to Switzerland because of meetings but I freed some time to come here to Spain and then Isabella and I are going to Scotland."

"For Ferdinand?" Asked Olga as Isabella nodded at her, "Could you leave Belle and I alone for a couple of minutes?"

The rest of the women had nodded, said their goodbyes and walked away, "Harry is going to stay." Olga nodded at her waiting for the three of them to be alone, "How are you Olga?"

"Happy. The moment I found out I was pregnant I flew to St. Gallen," answered Olga.

"What about your husband?" Asked Harry.

"We barely talk. We barely even see each other. The moment he found out I was pregnant his mother said I fulfilled my duty and told me I could go where ever I want as long I stay healthy enough for the baby."

"That's good. You have freedom," smiled Isabella.

"Not all of our husbands belong to a reigning monarchy," snapped Olga.

"You should come live in London. You could be close by."

"The townhouse Isabella's ladies-in-waiting live in has an extra room since our wedding. It's close to Nottingham that you could visit Isabella and me," suggested Harry.

"Live in London? I don't know."

"Princess Charlotte would love you and they would help you throughout the entire pregnancy and so would I," added Isabella.

"I don't know if I can do that," worried Olga.

"It doesn't have to be London. I can set you up in Austria or France. Alois gifted me a castle and I would be happy to let you live there until you have the child if you want."

"Thank you for the offers Isabella, but I'll be staying with my uncle and aunt until after I have the baby. It's the right thing," smiled Olga.

"Will you at least try and visit me in London or I could go to Switzerland. I haven't seen in almost 4 months. The last time I saw you, you were crying on your wedding night."

"I should apologize for that night. The things I said were highly inappropriate and rude."

"It's fine Olga. I understand what you were going through that night."

"I should go find my family again. The ceremony is about to start so I'll see you at the reception? It was nice seeing you again Harry."

Once Olga left Isabella and Harry went around greeting the other guests before the ceremony. He engaged in conversation with many royals. As much as he would say it didn't matter that Isabella's family had titles, he loved it. He loved that every family event had people who knew what he was going through. Of course, the press loved the British royal family more than the rest, the Luxembourg royals understood pressure.  

Since the wedding, many of Isabella's family had been thrust into the public eye more so. Articles and pictures were posted at least once a week about her brothers and sisters along with her cousins from both sides of the family. Despite Archduchess being a title without a kingdom some of Isabella's family were still Belgian nobles. Marie Christine, Isabella's elder sister, married a Count de Limburg-Stirum. Harry had recently found out the title was in the Dutch nobility making Isabella's three nephews Dutch nobles by birth. Gabriella, Isabella's younger sister, was having a child with Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma whose family was similar to Isabella's. He was 6th in line to inherit his grandfather's Danish title making him a son of a Danish noblewoman. They had legitimate titles, though most people in the press didn't know.

During the reception, Harry and Isabella had been seated with her parents and siblings and the table to Harry’s right was with many of the Luxembourg royals. He was beginning to name the different houses and titles from one another, which was a good thing.

His arms were around Isabella’s shoulder as Alexander and Imre kept on talking, “So Harry, how does it feel to be married?” asked Imre.

“Interesting,” smirked Harry.

“Oh come on we all know how horrible Belle can be! You have to give us more than that,” laughed Alexander.

“When can we expect another little niece or nephew? asked Marie Christine.

“I want another niece!” yelled Alexander.

“Another boy would be lovely Belle. We have too many girls in this family anyhow,” smiled Gabriella.

“I agreed with Alexander. Another boy would be fine,” added Adelaide.

“How about we ask when Alexander is going to marry than when I’m going to have a child,” laughed Isabella.

“What happened with Eleonore?” asked Harry.

“A mere thought that never got past that believe me.”

“Well you’re the last of us so go on and get a move on with that! I want another wedding in his family,” smiled Isabella. The rest of the table laughed and agreed to Isabella’s statement.

[vaeliris]

Mid-year Freakout Tag

I’m 14 days late but I hope this still works. I’m reading quite a bit this year so I’m super excited to answer these questions! Let’s hop into it.

Best Book You Have Read Yet in 2018

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare! At first I was ashamed of saying so because I was such an anti when it came to CC. I finally read Lady Midnight and I’m so glad. Clare has improved so much over the years so it’s exciting to see what Lord of Shadows has in store for me.

Honorable mentions because this was so so hard to choose:

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Furyborn by Claire Legrand

AND FINALLY

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

I enjoyed all of these novels very much, but Lady Midnight took the cake! I was blown away by it!

Best Sequel I Have Read So Far

I haven’t read any sequels...To be fair 2018 was all about starting series so valid excuse??? Let’s just skip over this question before I get attacked for not reading sequels 😂.

New Release You Haven’t Read Yet But Want To

Do you mean: every single 2018 release?

There’s an entire list to this but let’s make it snappy, shall we?

Lifel1k3 by Jay Kristoff

From Twinkle, With Love By Sandhya Menon

Bring me their hearts by Sara Wolf

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

And a million more I could list but these are the ones I either 1) already have or 2) need to buy and read! This isn’t a definite list, but ones that I have off the top of my head.

Most Anticipated Release For The Second Half Of The Year

Do I really have to say? Fine, I’ll say it for those who don’t know! QUEEN OF AIR AND DARKNESS BY CASSANDRA CLARE BECAUSE IT WILL KILL ME AND I AM OKAY WITH IT.

Also Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer because BLACK MARKET MAGIC. The cover is...unsavory but I know the insides will make up for it. P.S publishers pls send ARC, I’m dyin over here.

Biggest Disappointment

*looks at camera* The monster that is Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson. I get angry every single time I think about it and my blood pressure doesn’t need that so let’s just move on mkay?

Biggest Surprise

And I Darken by Kiersten White. This is a surprise because of how much I hated it. NO ONE TOLD ME IT’S A BOOK ABOUT A CHILDHOOD AND THAT IT WAS BORING. I gave it 2 stars because I’m a nice person but never again. NEVER AGAIN. Also ACOTAR wasn’t that bad so there’s that.

Favourite New Author (Debut or New To You)

Obvi Cassandra Clare. I’ve mention her books or her in this post how many times again? Oh yeah a million....Personally I find that favorite authors(like Leigh Bardugo or CC) can be hard to come by because I am such a picky reader but maybe 2018 will change that?

Newest Fictional Crush

Julian is hot and I stan this Shadowhunter queen. Also Adrian from Renegades by Marissa Myer was adorable. Meanwhile Levi from Ace of Shades was a pretty bad Kaz impersonator but I guess I’m not too mad so he’s in there too. He’s not even new but Kaz from Six of Crows and Harry Potter are good characters and I would die for them.

Newest Favourite Character

*insert gif of me shrugging* yeah….no. It’s gonna take a lot for me to have a new favorite. Inej Ghafa is my boo and I’m sorry, but NO ONE CAN TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME. Ew I sound Tamlin in any ACOTAR book.

Book That Made You Cry Crooked Kingdom ending, nuff said.

Book That Made You Happy

Crazy Rich Asians is hilarious and everyone needs to read it! Seriously, I can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series and see the movie.

Speaking of movies: Favourite Book to Film Adaptation

Let’s just RPO because it’s the only I have seen. I’m hype for many others to come out though!

Favorite Post You Have Done This Year

THIS POST IS NOW CANCELLED. THIS IS ME-NOT-DOING ANY-ORIGINAL-CONTENT ERASURE. I DEMAND RESPECT. I’m kidding, I’m kidding. I haven’t posted original content in a while but I do enjoy my WIP page (shameless self promo,amirite ladies?) so check that out!

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year

THE FURYBORN COVER IS JUST GOALS OH MY GOD. IT’S SIMPLE(THAN MOST FANTASY COVERS) AND IS JUST WOW. 10/10 would drool over cover again

What Book Do You Need to Read by the End of the Year

Not Even Bones, Six of Crows(again), Strange the Dreamer series, and a million other books that await on my tumblr.

I hope you guys enjoyed this 14 day late post! Feel free to call me out! I tag @time-to-write-and-suffer @thesaltrepository and @memorants to do this challenge! You guys probably don’t know me but I enjoy your content so valid excuse???

Goodreads:stardustreader

[techcrunchappcom]

New Post has been published on https://techcrunchapp.com/franklin-not-passing-the-blame-news-sports-jobs/

Franklin not passing the blame | News, Sports, Jobs

Following are the highlights of James Franklin’s Tuesday press conference:

Saturday’s game: at Nebraska, Noon (FS1)

MAIN STORYLINE

A clearly frustrated James Franklin refused to point the blame in any one area but consistently expressed that the Nittany Lions need to play better as a whole, explicitly citing a need to win the turnover battle and create more explosive plays than their opponent, something that the team struggled to do against Maryland.

“Ultimately we are responsible for what we put out there on the field and everything that comes with that,” Franklin said. “It’s not one thing. It’s all of those things. If it was one thing and I could put my finger on it, it would be an easy solution and you wouldn’t see this pop up in college football across the country or in the NFL if they were easy solutions. It’s complicated and it’s layered.”

FAIR QUESTION

A recurring theme of was Franklin’s mention of questions he fielded being “fair questions.”

Franklin continuously mentioned that he will “lead with love” and will not “point the blame” and he walks a “fine line” in answering questions honestly without being divisive for his team.

“You can’t come in and pat the program on the back when you’re successful and not discuss it when times are challenging,” Franklin said of the team’s culture. “I know that our approach hasn’t changed. I’m going to lead with love through the good times and the bad times. I’m being tested right now and we’re being tested. Leadership 101 is consistency.”

SPARKING THE RUN

One of the more glaring areas that needs improvement is Penn State’s continued lack of a consistent running game outside of quarterback Sean Clifford.

While Franklin didn’t specify a need to limit the quarterback’s carries, he believes the numbers are a byproduct of the amount of times that Clifford has been pressured.

“I think that the number is a little bit skewed because a lot of those runs are scrambles or pressures so it has worked out like that, but at the end of the day, the numbers are the numbers,” Franklin said. “I think with Kirk (Ciarrocca) it starts with the run game. Once you get the run game going, then the RPO and the play-action pass all come off of that, and that’s where you create the explosive plays and get into manageable third-down situations.”

Franklin reiterated that he did not make excuses, but losing Journey Brown and Noah Cain continues to be a factor.

“We have to be more physical at the point of attack. We’ve got to break more tackles,” Franklin said. “The funny thing is, those two things are complementary. If you get more push, you will create more big runs. A running back that breaks three or four tackles and creates an explosive play or a touchdown, that also motivates the offensive line. It’s a complementary deal there.”

PLANS FOR LEVIS

After a rough outing for Clifford in which he completed 27-of-57 passes (47.4 percent), including a pair of interceptions and had a fumble that led to a Maryland touchdown, Franklin doubled down on his confidence as the starting QB.

“I feel like Sean has earned that,” he said. “He is our starter and I am not a guy that yanks guys and has quarterbacks looking over their shoulder. I think that is something that has served us and has served me well in the past 10 years. Having played the position, I don’t think that breeds confidence. When (backup) Will (Levis) is the guy, he is going to want the same treatment that Sean has earned.”

Franklin did express a need to get Levis involved.

“I do think mixing Will in, having used him in some packages (in the past) has taken some hits off of Sean,” Franklin said. “Mixing him in to protect Sean and keep him healthy while also giving Will some experience, I think that’s the right thing to do. We could have mixed that in last week as well. We probably need to be doing that every game and moving forward.”

FAMILY MATTERSS

Franklin opened up about how not having his family with him through the season has been challenging. Franklin’s wife, Fumi, and two daughters are living at the family’s home in Florida.

Franklin’s youngest daughter, Addison, has sickle cell anemia, and Franklin said his family will most likely be away until a vaccine for COVID-19 is established.

“I have not done a great job of managing my family being gone,” he said. “They are my fuel. I go home, they are able to pour into me and I have not done a great job of that. At the end of the day, I have to. I have to manage those things. I have to come to work.”

PAINFUL LESSONS

Overall, Franklin spoke about the lessons that can be learned amidst an 0-3 start.

“I clearly understand the wins and losses, but I also understand that we are using the game of football to teach life lessons,” Franklin said. “You learn a lot more — I hate to say this — but you learn a lot more about yourself during adversity. You learn a lot more about your team and individuals through adversity.”

(Compiled by William Whisler of the Lewistown Sentinel. Whisler can be reached at wwhisler@lewistownsentinel.com.)

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[itsworn]

Corvette’s Founding Fathers: Pt 2 Ed Cole, the Corvette’s Godfather

The Corvette is arguably the greatest enigma in Detroit history. Every car line has to carry its own sales weight. In 1957, 6,339 Corvettes were sold. That same year, Ford sold 21,380 Thunderbirds. Corvette sales didn’t surpass that figure until 1963 when 21,513 Corvettes sold. How did the Corvette survive?

It was the wild west days when William Durant founded General Motors on September 16, 1908. By 1910, Durant had lost control of General Motors to a bankers trust. In 1912, Durant started Chevrolet, secretly bought back controlling shares of General Motors and reorganized in 1916 as General Motors Corporation, only to lose control again in 1918.

Successful industrialist Alfred P. Sloan became vice president of GM in 1918, then president 1923, and brought order and structure to the chaotic company. Sloan created autonomous operating divisions, centralized policies, planning, annual model changes, platform engineering and emphasized styling. Sloan hired Harley Earl specifically to style GM cars. Eventually, GM owned 43 percent of all car sales. By 1955, GM sold over 5 million vehicles and was the first corporation to post a $1 billion profit.

Ed Cole was born on September 17, 1909, and grew up on his family’s dairy farm. As a kid, Cole designed, built and sold radio sets and when he was old enough, the natural mechanic started working at an auto parts supply store and building hot rods. For a time, Ed thought he wanted to be a lawyer, but that “car thing” got in the way.

In 1926, GM bought the Flint Institute of Technology and renamed it General Motors Institute, focusing on creating industry and business leaders through a co-op program, teaching all aspects of automobile manufacturing. Cole enrolled in 1930 and was so bright that by 1933, without finishing his GMI education, he was hired by Cadillac’s engineering department. During World War II, Cole became the chief design engineer on GM’s light tanks and combat vehicles program. In 1946, Cole was promoted to chief engineer at Cadillac and was the lead engineer on the groundbreaking 1949 Cadillac 331 OHV high-compression, high-revving engine. Ed Cole was the “go-to” guy in GM engineering, with great things ahead of him.

There was a tremendous economic boom after WW II thanks to pent up consumer demand after the long depression and war, but by the early 1950s a slowdown was in the making. A month after the Corvette made its debut at the New York Motorama; Harlow H. Curtice became the President of GM and understood that to make money, you have to spend money. In February 1954, Curtice announced a $1 billion plant and facilities expansion plan. Ford announced their own $1 billion capital expenditure and Chrysler committed $500 million for expansion. Curtice doubled down with another billion and a third triage of a billion in 1956. Time magazine voted Curtice Man of the Year for 1956. Curtice said, “General Motors must always lead.” GM was the largest corporation in the world and Ed Cole’s star was rising.

With the success of the Cadillac 331 engine, Cole was in a prime position. In 1952, Chevrolet general manager Tom Keating promoted Cole to Chevrolet’s chief engineer. Cole’s major assignment was the replacement for the 23-year-old Chevy six-cylinder (Stovebolt). A V-8 project was in the works, but Cole hated it and started from scratch, instructing his team that the engine should be compact, lightweight and powerful. By the fall of 1954, the new 265 V-8 was ready for 1955 Chevrolet cars, including the Corvette. No one dreamed the basic design would still be produced over 60 years later. The next step in Cole’s career was Chevrolet General Manager in 1956.

In 1952-’53, a 43-year-old Russian engineer named Zora Arkus-Duntov was seeking employment and sent letters to Studebaker, Chrysler, Lincoln-Mercury, Ford, and General Motors explaining his background in engineering and racing. Duntov was told that he’d find better opportunities with smaller companies because big car companies make bread-and-butter vehicles, and don’t have much need for his skills. Duntov wrote two letters directly to Chevrolet Engineering Chief Ed Cole. In November 1952, Cole personally responded with, “if you are ever in Detroit, let me know.” Duntov wasn’t happy. His reply, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

As providence would have it, Duntov went to the GM Motorama at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and fell in love with Harley Earl’s EX-122 Corvette concept car. Years later Duntov said, “I thought it was the most beautiful car I had ever seen.” Just before the event, Maurice Olley, Ed Cole’s chassis and suspension man, was given Duntov’s first letter to respond to. On January 5, 1953, Olley wrote to Duntov, “If you are still available, and would consider employment with Chevrolet Engineering, we can arrange an interview.” After numerous letters and an interview in March with Cole and Olley, Duntov was offered a job as an assistant staff engineer, with a salary of $14,000. On May 1, 1953, Duntov was “let in the door” and things would never be the same.

Ed Cole’s motto was, “Kick the hell out of the establishment.” Cole also hired Frank Winchell and three-time Indy 500 winner and engineer Mauri Rose. Duntov and Rose hit it off great. Their boss, Maurice Olley, was quite the Englishman who did not like outbursts of enthusiasm, such as whistling. Rose could be abrasive and Duntov was outgoing and gregarious. It didn’t take long for Duntov and Olley to start chaffing. The GM blue/gray suit world was very different from Zora’s European continental culture. The culture clash was shocking to Duntov.

Olley did not like Zora’s “Let’s try this.” style of engineering. He wanted calculations. Soon, Olley suggested Duntov might consider employment somewhere else. The final straw came when Duntov told Olley he was off to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to drive for Allard. Olley said, “No!” so Duntov went over his head to Cole, who wasn’t much happier. Cole explained that Olley was retiring soon and Duntov was in a good position to fill his place. When Duntov explained that the Allards used Cadillac engines and engineers for assistance, Cole grudgingly agreed to let him go, but Duntov’s junket would be without pay. Duntov was so put off he bought a one-way ticket, intending to not return and send for his wife, Elfi, later. I’m sure that Ed Cole’s colleagues were telling him, “Ed, he’s all yours.” Duntov would be both an “angel and devil” for Cole for the rest of his career at GM.

Although Cole was a corporate man, in his heart he was a car guy, and knew that the new 265 Chevy engine would be hot. Cole decided that two 1956 Chevy 210s should run the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with Duntov as part of the team and driver. The project was very successful with the cars breaking records. At the celebration party, Duntov proclaimed, “We ought to introduce the 1957 Corvette in a spectacular manor … let’s show how fast the car will go.” Cole said, “Sure. How fast?” Duntov answered, “150-miles-per-hour.” Cole responded, “Yeah, we should do that.” Duntov, being from another culture, thought Cole was serious.

Back at work, Duntov told his team, “Ed Cole said we should make a 150-mph Corvette.” So, the team set about the task. After some impressive performances with a heavily-modified mule 1954 Corvette with a 265 engine using a Duntov cam and aero tricks of the day, a team of three Corvettes went to the 1956 Daytona Beach Speed Trials. With John Fitch, Betty Skelton and Duntov driving, records were broken and the publicity was great. Cole was so thrilled he proposed a three-car team to race at Sebring. Shockingly, Duntov told Cole that he wasn’t interesting in racing street cars, so Cole put racer and engineer John Fitch in charge of the four-car Sebring effort. Duntov couldn’t resist a racing experience and joined the group of Chevrolet engineers. The Corvette took two class wins and Chevrolet ran their famous Real McCoy ads.

Later in 1956, Duntov heard that Harley Earl wanted to take a D-Type Jaguar, make a new Corvette body, and drop in a Corvette engine. This might have been a ploy, but Duntov said, “No way.” Thus began the Corvette SS racer project. Despite an embarrassing Sebring debut, Duntov was confident he could get the car ready for a three-car team for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, GM chose to enforce the 1957 AMA racing ban. Not even Ed Cole could help.

The best Cole could do was to put Duntov and Rose in charge of a new “Off Road” parts program. Duntov handled the engineering and Rose worked with racers to field test the parts. This was the beginning of the Duntov Racer Kit series of options for Corvette customers. Cole’s idea birthed legends, including: 1957 RPO 684, 1963 RPO Z06, 1967 RPO L88, 1970 RPO ZR1, and many more. Ed Cole went on to become group vice president in 1961, executive vice president in 1965, and GM’s president in 1967. Vette

K. Scott Teeters has been a contributing artist and writer with Vette magazine since 1976 when the magazine was titled Vette Quarterly. Scott’s Corvette art can be seen at www.illustratedcorvetteseries.com. His muscle car and nostalgia drag racing art can be found at www.precision-illustration.com.

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[thearrangment-phff]

XV. Exile

December 2016

Christmas was spent Sandringham for Harry and Luxembourg for Isabella. Harry spent every Christmas at Sandringham with his family, while Isabella usually went from country to country on Christmas. Last year everyone was in Belgium. This year for Christmas, Isabella’s grandfather Jean asked for his family to spent it at Fischbach Castle in Luxembourg.  

The last time Isabella stepped foot in that castle was when she was with Harry. She remembered every detail of that weekend including her grandfather’s smile as he told her what a good match Harry was. Her grandfather told Harry goodbye with a nod, a handshake, and a promise to give him more accounts of World War Two from his own point of view when they meet again.

The day of Christmas Harry was pulled away from the rest of the family by his father. Charles and Harry had begun the design of Isabella’s engagement ring the day after he returned from Luxembourg two weeks ago. Charles and Ed explained to him that Harry would have to propose by January in order to have a June wedding. Harry was clueless at to what Isabella would want in an engagement ring, of course, she didn’t even know he was already planning to propose.  

Marie Astrid advised the best she could, but there was little help. Charles and Philip helped greatly. Since Philip helped design his wife’s engagement ring, Charles felt that he should help. Philip was reluctant to help seeing how his grandson was going to propose to a girl he had never met. Charles persuaded Philip to help and so he did.

Eventually, Harry, Charles, and Philip designed the perfect diamond engagement ring for Isabella. It was a slight mix between Marie Astrid, Josephine Charlotte, and Astrid’s engagement rings. Finding pictures of Astrid’s engagement ring was tough, but Charles was able to pull it off. Harry had gone to pick up the ring the day before Christmas Eve, and thankfully the royal jewelers put the ring on the rush so it was done on time.

Now Harry stood in a small room with his father and an engagement ring between his fingers, “I want to thank you for agreeing to this. I was hoping by now the relationship would be more serious, but being friends at this point is better than anything.”

“When will I be going to see her?” Asked Harry not bothering to remove his gaze from the engagement ring.

“Morning of Boxing day you will fly to Luxembourg. We have been advised that Isabella is with her mother’s family at Fischbach Castle. We have spoken to the secretary of the Grand Ducal Family and they were made aware that you will spend a couple of days with them but will not tell her of your plans,” explained Charles.

Harry nodded and looked at his father, “Will I be going alone?”

“Would you like someone else to go with you?” Asked Charles.

“I was thinking you could come with me. Will and Kate won’t come and I know Camilla will spend boxing day with her kids. Will you come with me to Luxembourg?”

“I can arrange something. Is that all?”

“Do you think Bea and Eugenie would come to Luxembourg as well? I just want some family there, you understand right?”

“I do understand. Why don’t you ask your cousins if they would like to come and then I’ll make some phone calls to see what we can do on short notice.”

“Thank you,” Harry let a couple of seconds of silence go between them, “I know why you chose her and I understand that this arrangement is becoming more than anyone could hope, but I was wondering if there was ever another girl. Was there ever another choice?”

Charles couldn’t answer his son so he replied to Harry the best he could, “Do you know how many non-Catholic princesses there are in Europe?”

“No,” answered Harry.

“Not many. Protestant princess are mostly in Germany. Besides the fact World War One happened a hundred of years ago, a German marrying into the British royal family would not sit well with the public. Do you know why?”

“Because of World War One. We changed our name during the war so we wouldn’t end up like the Romanovs,” replied Harry earning a nod from his father.

“Partly. There is over 500 German Countess from ages 19-35 all over Europe. With only a small title to their name and few to no connections, I wasn’t going to choose one. My first option was an Aristocratic girl like your mother. She was loved and perhaps another daughter of a duke or earl could fill the gap your mother left behind. Want to know why I didn’t choose one of them?”

“Politics.”

“And, partly. We can’t be associated with one political party, something some in this family and I are guilty of. Though the daughter of Scottish Duke was our main goal, none had lasted the course. I didn’t want any foreign nobility for fear of our public image. If you marry a foreign princess the public will believe us to be this older image of us. The image of royals marrying royals is not something we need right now,” explained Charles.

“But Isabella has a title and a bloodline that traces back as far as ours,” questioned Harry.

“Do you happen to know how many Catholic princesses there are in the world?” Asked Charles.

“No idea pa.”

“Over 500 titled girls with the address of Her Royal or Serene Highness and that includes the almost 100 Archduchesses of Austria and Austria-Este. I didn’t bother to count the Countess, Baronesses, Ladies, and so forth in different European nobility. You marrying a Catholic would appease the Catholics of this country. But I didn’t want you to marry someone from a dissolved monarchy. There were too many complications.”

“Then why her?” Pressed Harry.

“I went over profiles of over 300 girls from different countries and found none that I thought would suit you. It was late, there were papers up to my knees, and I had given up. I saw a picture of a blonde girl and my first thought was she looked like all your former partners. Once I found out who she was I simply chose her,” clarified Charles.

“You chose her for her looks? That’s it?”

“Her looks stood out to me because of the similarity, but once I looked at her profile again I found that she wasn’t a match to what we were looking for but it was worth a try. Isabella cared deeply for refugees and worked for the United Nations. She went to an American Ivy League University and graduated Cum Laude. She came from a good family, who’s the only scandal was her cousin Prince Louis of Luxembourg having a child out of wedlock about 10 years ago.”

“Pa I’ve had more scandals than her,” interrupted Harry.

“Yes, but she hasn’t had dozens of men and women shove cameras in her face since the moment she was born. Isabella may have a title and ties but she did not have a similar life to you. Besides your brother, no one could understand the life you’ve had, and even then, you and your brother are different.”

“She’s told me a bit about her family. Her grandfather Jean told me stories about fighting in World War Two and living in exile. She told me about her great-grandfather King Leopold and I guess part of me couldn’t help but feel… bad? I don’t know pa. I’m afraid. Afraid of something. Does that make sense?” Wondered Harry.

“You’re afraid to get too close? Is that it?” Asked Charles.

“Yes and no. There’s this small voice in the back of my head telling me that I’m just not good enough for her somehow. I forget sometimes that she’s titled but she told me her full titles when I was in Luxembourg and I couldn’t help but feel small compared to her. I know the Austrian-Hungarian empire doesn’t exist but still. Pa, you should have been at her birthday celebrations, titled people everywhere. And all related to her somehow. I don’t have that, at least not on her level.”

“Okay, your insecure about Isabella’s standing. This is where you can improve on that. When you marry you become a Duke of Sussex or Clarence. Isabella will most likely remain an Archduchess and she will be addressed as one should the government allow it and the media’s reception of her. You cannot avoid that, but you can use her title to your advantage. Use her family ties to your advantage.��

“Should the government allow it? What does that mean?” asked Harry.

“Isabella is in a unique position. Not only is she a Roman Catholic she comes from a dissolved monarchy. Should the government call for it, Isabella will forgo her titles and citizenship like your grandfather to marry you. Except we have not just come out of a war and Isabella has strong ties to several other functioning monarchies. She is neither an Austrian or Hungarian citizen so there is no alliance with another monarch allowing her to swear her fealty to your grandmother. She has Dual Citizenship in Belgium and Switzerland and could also gain a British one as well since there are no laws against that.”

“I haven’t even thought about that. I haven’t even thought about the press,” mumbled Harry.

“They point out the fact that you go for aristocratic blonde women, some like Isabella, but more hate her. Though I don’t know if the hate comes from their love for you or the fact that Isabella is titled. There are few to no pictures of her because of Swiss photography laws.”

“That’s why she won’t come to London, isn’t it? Because she’s safer to Geneva. When we were in Luxembourg I saw her. She wasn’t used to the cameras and no one knew I was supposed to be there. I can’t even imagine how she would react in London,” acknowledged Harry.

“When she does come to London she will need RPO’s. That’s why I wanted you to meet in Geneva. Safer, smaller, and quieter. But do not forget to use this situation to your advantage. When you are married her family will also become yours,” replied Charles.

“That seems a bit… much? Is that the appropriate word? Maybe dirty would be better used? I know that point in marrying Isabella was to bring other royal houses on our side, but I don’t think I can do that,” protested Harry.

“From what I hear you already have. The secretaries of the former Grand Duke and a future one have contacted the Royal Palace to attend the Invictus Game next year. The Hereditary Grand Duke has even agreed to become a Patron of the Invictus Games. It might not seem like a big deal but it is,” argued Charles.

“They both went to Sandhurst and it was easy to get along with them. I had things in common with them. But what if I don’t have that with the rest of Isabella’s family?”

“You have no problem talking to strangers when you do on engagements Harry. Besides princes of Luxembourg, Nassau, and Liechtenstein go to Sandhurst. It’s a family tradition so you will have no trouble with them.”

“It’s different with them. They’re her family, not strangers. Some of them don’t even like me and they really don’t try and hide it pa. They may respect granny and you, but not Will and I,” began Harry but was cut off by his father.

“That is why we must get other royal families on our side. When things get tough we have to rely on our royal counterparts. Can you honestly believe in 100 years half of these monarchies will still exist? Jordan and Spain are facing a backlash in their own countries. Where do you think their royal families will go when their country abandoned them? King Constantine of Greece came to London because of his strong ties to our family. Emperor Charles of Austria went to Portugal because his mother in law was a Portuguese Infanta. Kaiser Wilhelm fled into exile in the Netherlands. Where do you think you will do if this monarchy was abolished?”

Harry thought about it. He didn’t have family out of England and he was going to answer Africa but he remembered he would be married to Isabella, “Africa, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, or France.”

“And where do you think the rest of us will go?” Asked Charles.

“France… maybe Switzerland?”

“Isabella has Swiss and Belgian citizenship. Should we go into exile you will most likely go to Belgium. Isabella is a Princess in the Belgian nobility so the Princes of Ligne or Merode would more than likely open you and Isabella with open arms. Her grandmother Archduchess Yolande was born a Princess of Ligne and the current Prince is her nephew. Isabella is also godmother to the King of Belgium’s youngest daughter. Should you choose Luxembourg you would most likely be at Fischbach castle where Isabella’s grandparents lived most of their lives after Jean’s abdication or Berg Castle. I’m sure Henri or his son Guillaume would grant you a title or King Philippe would take that honor first if you don’t live in exile in his country. Geneva is another option because most of Isabella’s family live, like Prince Felix of Luxembourg who may one day become Grand Duke of Luxembourg should his elder brother never had children, currently live there as well. Isabella’s godfather the Regent of Liechtenstein would no doubt welcome Isabella will open arms as well,” explained Charles.

“This was the goal all along wasn’t it? Find a woman that has the best connections and marry her off to me. You and Will have the option to marry women you’ve known for years but I am forced to marry someone that I haven’t even known one year?”

“You weren’t always angry with this arrangement. Please don’t start now. This marriage will benefit us all. Are you going to back out now? If so tell me now or we will all go through with this arrangement.”

There was a hesitation from Harry. He could end this all with a couple of words. It was all on the tip of his tongue, but somehow there was something stopping him. With his mouth open, he remembered Isabella and the memories of these last few months. In a swift moment, Harry walked away from his father with a nod and Charles got his answer.

[thearrangment-phff]

XII. Sabelle

December 2016

After Isabella's birthday celebrations, Harry did not have time to see her. He worked almost every day of November doing one thing or another. Halfway through November, he was sent on a tour. The tour consisted of several stops, including Barbados, Guyana, and St. Kitts. He didn't have time to fly to Geneva to spend a weekend with her and part of him was glad. Despite him being okay in the eyes of Isabella's family, he wasn't oblivious to the fact not everyone liked him.

The first 4 days of December were the last of his tour and then he was to fly to London and begin work on the 6 of December again. He thought about going to Geneva before going to London since he hadn't seen Isabella is almost a month. Within seconds he decided to see her despite the fact that he would be exhausted and the visit would be short. Harry was going to call her but he decided that he wanted it to be a surprise, something Ed had objected to.

When he did call he was greeted by Isabella's voice and another new nickname. Harry then said that he would come to Geneva for a day before going back to London. Isabella objected to the idea before later explaining that she was going to be in Luxembourg for the weekend. Harry had asked why and he was told that there was a Remembrance Concert in Luxembourg for Isabella's grandmother Princess Josephine-Charlotte of Belgium who was later The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg by marriage.  

Isabella had planned to go for weeks and didn't think Harry would be with her when it happened. When Harry was in London she never heard from him. When he wasn’t in Geneva it was like she didn’t exist in his world. No phone calls or texts. Isabella simply welcomed him with open arms when he showed up at her doorstep unannounced. She didn’t think Harry would leave London when she was supposed to be with family, hell, if it wasn’t for the press she wouldn’t even know that he’d left London for something. Isabella wasn't even originally supposed to go seeing how it was more of an official visit by the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg and the children of Josephine-Charlotte. Nonetheless, Harry asked if he could go and Isabella agreed. Since her mother would be with her uncles Henri, Jean, and Guillaume for the night she would have been left alone anyhow.  

Harry and Isabella were to stay at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City for the night, but Isabella's grandfather Jean had asked if they could stay at Fischbach Castle. Jean wanted to get to know Harry seeing how he's had limited interactions with the British Royal Family. Isabella had agreed and brought Harry from the airport to the castle. When he started asking questions, Isabella found she could only answer a few. The castle was a favorite of the Grand Ducal Family, but she had only been there a few times in her life. Her mother, Marie Astrid, had grown up in the castle for some time, and her grandparents, Jean and Josephine-Charlotte, had spent a great deal of their time there as well.  

As they walked out of the airport Harry and Isabella were greeted by a few photographers. She had little exposure to the world that Harry had grown up in.Isabella wasn’t use to the photographers and their cries for her to look in their direction. In Switzerland, no one can take pictures of you without consent. Since it was illegal, Isabella was allowed to get away with a lot more there than walking the streets of London. Harry didn't like the photographers trying to get in her face although he was used to it. His RPO's began to make way for the two to get to the car.  

Harry's arm wrapped around Isabella's waist pulling her as close as possible to him. Isabella, in turn, did the same thing and buried her face in his chest as the flashes got closer to her face. Harry's first thought was that this was somehow illegal and Luxembourg had to have some type of laws to protect them both from photographers. When the car came to view his arms went higher on Isabella's back and his strides became longer.  

The only time he let go of her was when she got into the car and when Isabella moved over to let Harry get in as well her first instinct was to grab his hand. Harry looked at her surprised by the action, "I know you aren't used to that. I'm afraid it will be like that all the time."

"You're right. I'm not. But thank you for going into overprotective mode when it happened," smiled Isabella.

"Overprotective mode?" Asked Harry as he used one hand to unbuttoned his jacket and make himself comfortable.

"I must say you have an unobservant tightening grip. The moment you saw those cameras your brought me to your side. Can't say I'm complaining though. You also have very large hands; do you know that?" Asked Isabella in a teasing manner he moved his hand in her grip.  

"I sense a compliment."

"Oh, if I could think of one I would tell you, but I'm afraid that I'm too tired to tease you anymore," spoke Isabella as Harry smiled at her.

“Are you tired? You look like you could faint any second,” asked Harry.

Isabella let out a slight yawn, "I think I'll get a nap in before lunch. My grandfather will love to meet you."

“You know I’ve met so much of your family, but you haven’t met mine. Outside of my father, you are simply a mystery,” started Harry.

“I was sick last time. I thought everyone told you,” interrupted Isabella.

“They did. It’s just I always come to Geneva and you never come to London, that’s all,” argued Harry.

“Do you about photography laws in Geneva?” asked Isabella making Harry think she was trying to change the subject.

“I wasn’t even talking about that.”

“Well answer the question then,” barked Isabella.

There was hesitation from Harry before answering, “No I don’t.”

“In Switzerland, it is illegal to take photos of anyone without their consent. Even if it’s one with a bunch of blurred faces in the background, it is still illegal. Your father wanted you to come to Geneva for us to get to know each other with privacy. Can you guarantee the same thing in London?” explained Isabella in anger.

Once again Harry was in silence before he answered, “I’m sorry,” Isabella was angry at him not to say anything else. It was as if he blamed her for the whole thing, "So, your grandfather was The Grand Duke of Luxembourg? That seems exciting," spoke Harry not knowing how to avoid silence.

Isabella had wanted to not talk to him for the remainder of the car ride, but even with a few minutes of silence, she knew there was no avoiding Harry in this small car, "I guess, though not as exciting as being the Queen of England. I never really saw him as a child, but when I turned 8 he abdicated. Then my uncle Henri took over. Mama had taken on more duties to Luxembourg and we often visited."

"It would be less work for a Grand Duke. Tinier population and country means less press in a way."

"I could see that. Did you know when my mother was born she didn't have succession rights to the Grand Ducal Throne of Luxembourg? Luxembourg is weird when it comes to women considering the fact that my great-grandmother Charlotte was The Grand Duchess and her husband was her consort," explained Isabella.

"I did not know that," smiled Harry, "... In all honesty, I don't know much about your family."

"I don't know about your family either. Well, I do know that my grandmother Josephine-Charlotte was born from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Sort of. My four times great-grandfather was Leopold I of the Belgians, the uncle of your ancestor Queen Victoria."

"So, we're related? That's a little weird in all honesty."

"We both have titles. We were bound to be related somehow. Though not so much because I am a descendant of a majority of the Catholic monarchies. And if my history lessons serve me any good Henry VIII broke from the Catholic church because he wanted to divorce from Catherine of Aragon and Catholics in your family are a big no-no."

"What do you have a degree in history?" Asked Harry with a small laugh.

"Sort of. A minor in European History for your information. Getting back to my point, since the Protestant Reformation your country doesn't marry Catholics," added Isabella.

"Happen to know who the last Catholic to marry into my family?"

"I don't know. I never cared for your family too much," answered Isabella.

"You wound me, Isabella. What happened to all those compliments you use to give me?"

"Oh! That reminds me, you can't call me Isabella."

Harry gave her a confused look, "But that's your name? What am I supposed to call you?"

"First, let me explain. Despite being prideful that I am a descendant of Emperors, Kings, and Queens, I was also shameful. I wasn't even 10 when I read upon Queen Isabella of Castile. My mother said she named me mostly after her and her granddaughter Isabella of Portugal. I looked them up and hated that Queen Isabella funded Christopher Columbus. It was a snowball effect. I read about the new world, then I learned about the genocide and racism over the next 600 years. I was ashamed. A name I was once so prideful of, I now despised."

Isabella took a small break making Harry think about her words, "I hated the name, Isabella. I hated the name Habsburg. I hated myself before even knowing who I was. I insisted that no one call me Isabella. That's where Belle came in. Bella was sounding too close to my full name and I hated it. Wenzel still calls me that and it makes my blood boils. I just want you to have something of your own. I want you to have a nickname."

Harry thought about it for a couple of seconds, "What about Izzy?" Asked Harry watching Isabella scrunch up her nose and shake her head. Harry smiled at her actions, "Okay I can think of another one."

"I don't want it to be cheesy either!" Argued Isabella.

"… What about Sabelle?"

Isabella opened her mouth to argue with Harry, but she tilted her head, "Maybe. We'll see if that one sticks. Just don't forget it."

"You like that one?"

"Well, no one else in my family calls me that so it's all yours. Besides we've known each other for months, but have been dating for years, that fact that you still called me Isabella in front of friends and family probably raised eyebrows."

Harry nodded at her words. Silence fell upon him before he turned his head and saw her looking out the window, "Are we sleeping in the same bed?"

"Most likely. We have appearances to keep after all," stated Isabella.

"What are the plans. I'm leaving tomorrow after all."

"Get there. Spend some time with my grandfather, go to the concert, come back to the castle. Spend the night and in the morning, you leave for London, and I leave back to Geneva. Simple," responded Isabella with a small smile.

"Is there anything I should know about your grandfather?" Asked Harry.

"He values respect and is very old-fashioned. He older than your grandmother the Queen. How old is your grandfather?"

"95," answered Harry.

"Then our grandfathers are the same age. Like I said earlier, he values respect. He'll ask you to call him sir and all these old etiquette bullshit then once he likes you, you'll know."

Harry once again nodded at her words, "Okay."

"I can see the property already. I hope you're ready," said Isabella.

Next Chapter

[thearrangment-phff]

VIII. Red Prince

October 2016

Isabella waited patiently for Harry to arrive by making pizza. When there was a knock on the door Isabella jumped up by the slight noise. She led herself to the door letting in Harry’s RPO’s to search the apartment.

“Why hello you dashing red prince,” smiled Isabella.

Harry laughed as he stepped forward and gave Isabella a hug, “Is that new? I don’t think I’ve heard you say that before.”

“Oh I’ve said it before. You just weren’t so observant when I said it,” replied Isabella after returning the hug.

They both waited by the door of Isabella’s apartment before getting a nod from Harry’s RPO’s then leaving. Harry followed Isabella to the kitchen finding the three different pizzas for them.

“Did you make these?”

“I did. There’s also a chicken alfredo one in the oven. It’ll be less than five minutes until it’s done if you don’t mind,” answered Isabella.

“No, that’s fine. I just can’t believe you made these,” smiled Harry.

“I am a woman of many talents. Once we’re married you can even taste my triple chocolate cookies and cake,” teased Isabella with a small laugh.

“You hate chocolate,” pointed out Harry.

“But you love it so I can make an exception,” replied Isabella with a small nod, “Besides, it’s not a big deal. I make it for my brothers whenever they come and see me.”

“What else can you make?” Asked Harry.

“What else do you like?”  

“I like ice cream.”

“How about tomorrow I can try making homemade chocolate ice cream? No promises if it’ll be good since I’ve never attempted it before” Asked Isabella.

Harry smiled and nodded at her suggestion, “You spoil me.”

“Well, you are going to be my husband in a year or so. I have to spoil you in the beginning. You act like I should hate you,” acknowledged Isabella.

Harry hesitated, “You should.”

“First, I don’t. Second, if I’m going to hate anyone it’s going to be our fathers. Third, I don’t hate them either. Despite this crazy arrangement we have going on, even you have to see that you aren’t a bad guy so I have no reason to hate you. If anything, you should hate me,” explained Isabella.

“I don’t hate you. You’re sweet,” stated Harry.

Isabella smiled, “Why thank you, you’re nice.”

“You really want to make this whole this work and I’ll agree because of you, okay?”

She nodded at him, “Well thank you for trying. We should get some food before we continue talking.”

Harry agreed and served both him and Isabella while she brought out wine for them. That was one moment where Harry could really see them working. He could see the relationship being a nice one, but he didn’t see it being a real one. He didn’t think there could be any romantic real feelings between them and Isabella felt the same way.

Isabella thought of it as a friendship rather than any romantic relationship and for good reason. She fell in love once and got her heart broken years ago and she wasn’t able to recover from that.

During dinner Isabella asked questions, Harry answered, and vice versa. It was a pleasant conversation until Harry mentioned photos of the two of them in Liechtenstein.

“I’m sorry. That was an invasion of privacy and I’ll talk to my godfather about that,” proposed Isabella.

“None were sold to the press if you were wondering,” implored Harry.

“That’s good.”

“Pa also mentioned that our relationship needs to be more physical,” added Harry.

“What do you mean by physical?” Asked Isabella. Harry didn’t reply so Isabella spoke again to clarify, “Like he wants us to be touchier with each other?”

Harry laughed involuntarily, “I think so.”

“Can’t say I have a problem making out with a man who looks like walking sex,” laughed Isabella.

“Compliments and good food? How hasn’t someone married you already?”

“Good heart and a nice smile? How hasn’t someone locked you in their basement?”

He liked this. Harry liked Isabella, “So you’ll agree to be more…”

“Make out? Totally down for that,” laughed Isabella, “Didn’t I warn you that I was an affectionate person when we first met?”

“You did. Though to be fair I didn’t know you very well back then,” claimed Harry.

“And you think you know me now?” Asked Isabella.

“More than I did before. You’re really an open book.”

“Okay. So, say if I suggest we cuddle during our movie, you’ll be okay with that.”

“Sure,” replied Harry.

“And if I suggest we start sharing a bed in the future, you’d be okay with that?” Asked Isabella and Harry didn’t respond, “I think we’ll stick to the cuddling for tonight. Yes?”

Harry smiled at her, “You’re funny sometimes.”

“I’m 100% serious! We need to be affectionate in public and that starts in privacy,” explained Isabella.

“Can I ask a couple of things before?” Asked Harry before Isabella nodded at him, “How affectionate were you with your last boyfriend?”

Isabella looked down and exhaled making Harry think he shouldn’t have asked anything, but then she looked up and at him once again, “Like a normal couple I guess. Kissing, holding hands, and all of that. He wasn’t exactly a boyfriend. I mean the last guy I was with.”

“I’m sorry. If you don’t want to talk about it – I shouldn’t have asked really.”

“No! It’s fine, really. It’s just that him and I, we weren’t a normal couple. I never even told my family we were together,” confessed Isabella.

“It was that bad? Whenever I stand next to a woman the press believes I’m dating her or cheating on my then girlfriend with her.”

“Did you ever cheat on one of them?” Asked Isabella.

“No. You’ll have to get used to those assumptions once the press knows about us,” mentioned Harry.

“Since we aren’t in love by the time we marry. If either of us suggests having affairs-”

“I won’t have one,” interrupted Harry.

“You’re a man. You have needs that I won’t provide. You’ll be stuck with me for years. You do realize that, right?” Pointed out, Isabella.

“And I won’t bring another woman in our marriage. I saw how the press tore apart my parents. I also saw how bad it made my family look. I’m not bringing another person in this arrangement and I ask you not to either,” requested Harry.

“Of course, I won’t. Besides, there won’t be a reason for me to look at another man if I’m married to you. Won’t help that I’ll be pregnant with your children most of the time anyway.”

Just like that Isabella tried to turn the conversation to a happy one. Harry smiled at her last comment before standing up, “What do you say we watch that movie now?”

“Do we get to cuddle?” Laughed Isabella.

“Sure.”

“Wow, I picked a good time to watch a horror movie, didn’t I?”

“I’m starting to think you knew I’d say yes,” smiled Harry.

At first, Isabella stayed slightly away from him. Their legs brushed up against each other every couple of minutes. There had yet to be a jump scare moment so Harry placed his arm around Isabella, resting on the couch, and not touching her. He waited for the moment she would get closer to him.

Isabella waited for a moment where she would jump into his arms. Harry repeated in his head that it wasn’t going to happen even if he slightly wanted it to. More than halfway through the movie Isabella jumped and got up from the couch.

“Nope. We are done. I refuse to continue watching this,” announced Isabella as she paused the movie.

Harry had chuckled at her before nodding, “We can just go to sleep. No need to finish the movie you choose by the way.”

“Oh shut up. I didn’t think I would be this scared okay?” replied Isabella with her hands on her hips, “I’m going to bed and probably not sleep because I’ll imagine a killer clown in my closet for the next couple of days. You okay to sleep already? You can finish watching the movie or something.”

“No I think I’ll go to sleep as well,” answered Harry after he lightly shook his head.

Isabella nodded and Harry began to go to sleep on the couch but was woken up by Isabella. Harry looked around to find it was 4 in the morning.

“Isabella? Is something wrong?”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t sleep,” apologized Isabella as Harry sat upright.

Harry looked at her blonde mess of hair and bright pink pajamas as she walked closer to him. He didn’t expect her to slip into the bed with him and grabbed his arm putting it around her. Harry had leaned back and Isabella had laid her head on his chest. Never did he think he would end up like this with Isabella.

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