#first she said Blue Prince which you probably knew

[muffinlance]

Hi ! prompt idea : What if Zuko was armed during the first episode and was stranded with the water tribe while the avatar left with Katara and Sokka, Iroh on his trail for white lotus reasons.

Oh we are going to have us some FUN with "stranded with the water tribe", say no more.

---

Zuko was dripping, and steaming, and staring down two dozen women and their gaggle of small children, plus that old not-the-Avatar crone from earlier. They were all cowering away from him. Which was--

Good. It was good. If they were cowering, then they hadn’t noticed how steam was not flames. He wasn’t sure he could make flames, not after the arctic water he’d landed in, with that last sight of the Avatar glowing; not after surfacing under the ice pack, after swimming, after kicking slamming breaking through and his ship was gone and there was only ocean all around and

and he’d made it back to this pathetic little camp of the Southern Water Tribe, because that was the only place he knew for sure would have shelter, and he wasn’t going to die just because they were all staring at him, even if felt like he would.

Even if the old not-the-Avatar woman could probably take him, right now. But she didn’t know that.

Zuko pulled himself up, taller than her by at least a few inches, and blew steam from his nose.

“I am commandeering one of your huts,” he said. And added, because Uncle said even a prince should be gracious: “You may choose which one.”

---

She choose her own.

...The only one without children that flames might scar, or younger women to catch a soldier’s interests.

Zuko sat by her fire and determinedly started struggling out of his wet clothes and she was still in here with him--

Zuko pulled one of her animal pelts over himself, and finished fighting off his clothes. When he stuck his head back out, cheeks still reddened from what was obviously the cold, she dropped a parka on his head.

“Dry clothes, Your Highness,” she said.

The parka was much bigger than he was. He fell asleep hoping that the camp’s men were on a long, long hunting trip.

---

He woke up again. Kanna tucked her favorite ulu knife away, newly sharpened, and stopped contemplating the alternative.

---

“I am commandeering a ship,” he said.

The crone led him across the village, all twenty paces of it, to a row of canoes.

“Take whichever one you want,” she said. “Will you need help getting it to the water?”

Zuko looked at the canoes. Looked at the ocean. Watched a leopard seal, easily the size of the largest canoe, dozing just past the ice his own ship had broken through the day before. It was frozen again, a great icy arrow pointing from the waves to the village, snow already starting to cover it over.

Beyond was blue sky and gray ocean and white ice, floating in blocks like stepping stones, like boulders, like cliffsides.

There wasn’t even a hint of gray steel, or smoke. Or any land, besides what they were standing on.

He looked down at the canoes again. Somehow, they seemed even smaller.

“I, uh,” Zuko cleared his throat. “I’ll require supplies. Before I go.”

---

They... did not have supplies. Not extra ones. This didn’t stop them from trying to give him supplies, food and blankets and anything else he could think to ask for. But each blanket was a pelt hunted by someone’s grandfather, had been inked with images and stories by someone’s mother, was the favorite of someone’s husband or brother or uncle or cousin--

They couldn’t go to the nearest market to replace things, here.

And when they talked about food, about what they could spare, they kept sneaking glances to their children, who were sneaking glances at Zuko from the huts, sticking their heads just over the snowy ledges like their fur-trimmed hoods would hide them. Their mothers and aunts shooed them away, and they crept back, like barnacle-crabs. Zuko glared, and they disappeared.

“When are your men coming back?” he asked. “They’re hunting, aren’t they?”

Oh. So that was what they looked like, when they weren’t trying to hide their hate.

---

Zuko wrapped himself up in the same blanket that night. It was printed inside with fine lines and images, telling a story he didn’t know. He wondered whose favorite it was.

---

Kanna wondered how quickly he’d wake—if he’d wake—if she built the fire up with wet driftwood and tundra grass, if she had one of the younger girls boost up a child to plug the air hole, if she let the smoke draw its own blanket down over this fire child.

---

It was hard to know when to wake up, because the sun never set. So everyone was up before him, and they all had spears and clubs and—and nets, and trap lines, and snow googles with their single slat to protect the eyes from snow blindness. Zuko had seen those once, at the Ember Island Museum of Ethnography, where they’d gone when it was too rainy for anything more exciting.

Oh. They were going hunting.

“Give me that,” Zuko said, and took a spear.

The women looked at him. One of them adjusted her googles.

“I can hunt,” he scowled.

He did not, in fact, know how to hunt.

---

“Give me that,” the Fire Prince said, and Kanna almost, almost gave him her ulu. Humans, like most animals, had an artery in their legs that would bleed them quick enough.

She kept skinning the rabbit-mink one of the women had snared.

“I can help,” he said, with less grace than most of their toddlers. Likely with the skinning skills of a toddler, too. She wasn’t going to let their unwanted visitor ruin a perfectly good pelt.

“Chop the meat,” she said, and gave him a different knife. “It’s dinner.”

“...This is really sharp,” he said a moment later, looking at the knife with some surprise.

“Is it,” said Kanna.

---

Things the Fire Prince was convinced he could do: hunt (until he realized he couldn’t tell the tracks of a rabbit-mink from a leopard-rabbit apart); spear fish (at least he could dry himself); pack snow for an igloo (frustrated princes ran hot); ice fish (the prince was a problem that kept coming close to solving itself).

Things the Fire Prince could actually do: mince meat, increasingly finely; gather berries and herbs, once he stopped trying to crush them; dig roots, under toddler supervision; mend nets, after the intermediary step of learning to braid hair loopies.

“Can’t I take him ice fishing again?” asked one of the women, as she watched Prince Zuko put as much apparent concentration into braiding her daughter’s hair as his people had into exterminating hers.

“Wait,” said another woman, sitting up straight. “Wait wait wait. I just had an idea.”

---

Three words: Infinite. Hot. Water.

---

Summer was coming to an end. The sun actually set, now, and the night was getting longer, and colder. The salmon-otter nets were mended and ready. The smoking racks were still full of cod-lemmings. The children were all a little older, the women all a little more used to doing both halves of their tribes’ chores; a little more used to not watching the horizon, waiting for help to come.

The Fire Prince was staring at the canoes again.

“Are you actually going to try leaving in one of those?” Kanna asked.

“...No.”

“Come on, then; someone needs to watch the kids while the women are hunting.”

She didn’t leave him alone with them, of course. But she could have.

---

Elsewhere, the war continued.

The moon turned red, for a moment none could sleep through; they did not learn why.

The comet came and went, leaving their castaway prince laying on the beach, his breath fogging up into the night sky above him, as the energy crashed from his system as quickly as it had come. Above, lights began to dance in the sky; Zuko pulled his hood up, so none of those spirits—children, dead too soon—got any ideas about kicking his head off to be their ball.

The war had ended. The world didn’t feel any different; no one in the south would know until spring came again.

---

Suffice it to say, Sokka and Katara were not prepared for this particular homecoming.

[pboogerswbb]

SO IT GOES - PLAYLIST & SYNOPSIS

A/N: an introduction to my next series, which will start coming out in a couple weeks once i finish too lost in you, get hyped girlies!!! this story will not be as angsty as the last one (i mean we'll see in the end) and will have more fluff, paige will be a lovergirl basically. let me know if you wanna be tagged in part 1

Synopsis: Born and raised London girl Izara had it all, a well paying PR job, a charming townhouse in Zone 2, her charismatic fiancé Jasper putting food on the table for her. With a wedding to plan and parents expecting grandchildren any moment, the always planning ahead, type A, sensible Zari does the first unsensible thing of her life - she leaves everything behind for a job as a social media producer for the Dallas Wings. Zari and the other newcomer, the basketball prodigy Paige Bueckers find comfort in each other trying to adapt to life in their new hometown. While Zari teaches Paige about classic literature, cooking and the art of slowing down, the blonde makes it her duty to teach the chronic "good girl" how to break some rules and live for every moment instead of wallowing in the past or the future. In the meantime their connection grows too intense to ignore, but the ever worrying Zari fears the closeness Paige craves, sworn to not get involved with anyone till the scars of her past have healed.

PLAYLIST

Taylor Swift - So It Goes… “I'm yours to keep and I'm yours to lose, You know I'm not a bad girl, But I do bad things with you, so it goes” Taylor Swift - champagne problems “”She would’ve made such a lovely bride, what a shame she’s fucked in the head” they said” Sonder - What You Heard “Girl, you wouldn't have to worry 'bout a damn thing, If I was up in it, shit, I bet a pound that I'd put it down, Make you forget that you was ever with him” The Weeknd - Acquainted  “You got me puttin' time in, time in, Nobody got me feeling this way, You probably think I'm lying, lying, I'm used to bitches comin' right 'way” Taylor Swift - So Long, London “I'm just getting color back into my face, I'm just mad as hell cause I loved this place, For so long, London, Had a good run, A moment of warm sun, But I'm not the one” Phoebe Bridgers - Graceland Too “Said she knows she lived through it to get to this moment, Ate a sleeve of saltines on my floor, and I knew then, I would do anything you want me to, I would do anything for you” Olivia Rodrigo - so american “And he laughs at all my jokes, And he says I'm so American. Oh, God, it's just not fair of him, To make me feel this much” Taylor Swift - Cruel Summer “And I snuck in through the garden gate, Every night that summer, just to seal my fate, And I screamed, "For whatever it's worth, I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?"” Halsey - Drive “It's so simple but we can't stay, Overanalyze again, would it really kill you if we kissed?” Taylor Swift - Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince “It's you and me, there's nothing like this, Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince, We're so sad, we paint the town blue, Voted most likely to run away with you” Floetry - Say Yes “All you got to do is say yes, Don't deny what you feel, let me undress you, babe, Open up your mind and just rest, I'm about to let you know, you make me so” The Neighbourhood - Flawless “Your only flaw, you are flawless, But I just can't wait for love to destroy us” Lil Wayne - Love Me “She wake up, eat this dick, Call that breakfast in bed, 69, 96, I feel her heartbeat, I chest to chest with this bitch, Now turn around, face down, I'm arrestin' this bitch” Miguel - Adorn “Baby, these fists will always protect ya, lady, And this mind, will never neglect you” Catfish and The Bottlemen - Heathrow “Love her from the get-go, Pick her up from Heathrow, Whenever she needs me, Watch her on the West End, Pepper up her best friends, Whenever she needs me” Arctic Monkeys - No.1 Party Anthem “The look of love, the rush of blood, The "She's with me" is the Gallic shrug”

[midnight1nk]

EPISODE CONCEPT #4

What if... SMG3 had the courage to confess his feelings for the real SMG4?

[more below cut]

For context, this is part two of my Episode Concept #3 [link], which many have asked for! @starcrossed-prince this is for you! (this is somehow longer than #3, holy shit.) Now, without further ado…

I promise.

He could never forget the feeling of tangible pixels leaving his arms. What once skin and clothes turned into mere 0’s and 1’s.

Those eyes, the ones he was willing to sink in its depths for hours, they cried. Of apology, of bittersweet farewell. He promised a lot of things, and one was to never let Four cry.

But it was never your Four.

At the time, a thousand thoughts passed through his mind. That this was simply a nightmare, or he had gotten too drunk. Or he ate a Wonder Flower by accident. Somehow, some way, this can’t be happening. He wanted to deny it all, but he knew. Why deny the truth when he fading away in your arms?

Goodbye, Three…

“SMG3?”

Three jumped at the mention of his name, turning to Tari who looked back at him with concern.

Tari: “Oh, sorry. Just wanted to know if you’re okay. You’ve been staring at Lil’ Spot for a while.”

He blinked at her, and then looked down at the gray-feathered duckling nestle in his cupped hands. Ah, yeah, he was.

SMG3: “I was just daydreaming, that’s all.” [*looks around, recalling where he was*] “It really is a nice place. It’s not far from the Showgrounds, right?” Tari, smiles: “Yep, I always like to come down here, it helps me clear my head. Plus, I get to hang around with the duckies!” SMG3: [*nods and with a finger, he soothes the duckling’s head*] “You were right before, I could use the fresh air.” “Eh, Tari, a little help here?”

Three looked across the way to see a couple of yellow ducklings climbing all over SMG4, who was standing by the edge of the lake. All over on his arms, his shoulders, under his blue cap. As Tari ran over to help, Four trying to not let any of them fall while giggling, tickled by their fluffy feathers.

Three began to smile, and perhaps he could let his heart feel that missing warmth.

Have courage.

But the cautious part of him didn't let him. He should've known better, he apologized to his heart.

Not yet.

Four and Tari came back with the tamed ducklings lined up in their arms.

SMG4: “If I spent a little more time with these little guys, they're gonna think I’m their mom.” SMG3, hums: “You always did have a thing for being the center of the universe.” SMG4: “Hey, it's not like I do it on purpose.”

And yet, you managed to become mine. But Three kept that thought to himself.

Tari: “It's getting late, and I told Meggy I was making dinner tonight. I should probably get them back to their mother.” SMG4, handing the ducklings from his arms to hers: “Yeah, we should head home, SMG3.”

Three said goodbye to Lil' Spot before handing the duckling to Tari, who promptly went to drop them off and returned. While Four was distracted, folding up the picnic blanket, Three leaned towards Tari while keeping an eye on Four.

SMG3, whispered: “Tari, could you please do a simulation check?”

Tari looked at him, her concern reflecting once again. He has asked that everyday. Any chance he was with her, it was the same. The first few times, she tried assuring him, telling him, “It's okay, SMG3. There's no need, you’re safe now.”

But it never seemed to calm his nerves. As much as she wanted to protest, she knew that it wasn't an unreasonable exaggeration. Whatever the simulation did to him must've been really horrible for him not to tell anyone what happened. To think he was back.

Tari nodded and programmed a command on the floating screen projecting by her arm. A window popped up saying, No detection of simulation.

Tari: “All clear.” SMG3, letting out a sigh of relief: “Thanks. I owe you one.” Tari, letting out a small smile: “No worries, we’re your friends after all. Though, I wouldn't mind having one of your cookies again once you’re healed.” SMG3: [*chuckle*] “That I can do.” SMG4, swinging the backpack over his shoulder: “Alright, ready to go?”

SMG3 nods. After saying goodbye to Tari, SMG4 pushed SMG3’s wheelchair on the path towards the Showgrounds.

It’s been over a month since Three was freed from the simulation. The Crew wasted no time bringing him to the hospital. The rest, well, it seemed like a blur. To Three at least. The doctors and nurses, what they said, he never caught it. He was lucky that his friends were there to remember for him. Three wasn’t exactly sure what to feel. Should he grieve? Should he be grateful that the Crew found him and his son?

What he did know was the promise that he kept.

The Crew was naturally relieved to see he was in good hands, but anyone could tell that they were exhausted from the stress of the search. So, while Three was going through recovery, they took turns watching over him. The rest, who didn't have the shift, took the chance to rest.

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

One night, Tari and Saiko were walking down the quiet hospital hall, Saiko holding a gift bag and Tari a duffle bag with colorful patches all over it.

Tari: “Do you think SMG3 will like the card?” Saiko: “He’s a big softie on the inside, of course he will. Let's just hope we can pry SMG4 away from him.” Tari: “You can't exactly blame SMG4. I mean, don't you remember? He didn't sleep for days, or even eat. He was worried sick.” Saiko: “But he needs rest too, not just us. SMG3 is rescued, he should let us take care of it, if he wasn't so stubborn.” Tari: “Well, that nurse did say SMG3 would be better soon. Maybe we convince SMG4 this time.”

They reached to Three's room, but they found an unexpected sight when they opened the door:

Four fell asleep on the chair beside the bed, his head resting on Three’s lap like a pillow. A sleeping Three had a hand gently on Four’s hair with all the tenderness and quiet reassurance in the world. What was free, their hands were intertwined. It was certainly a rare sight, and they seemed so at peace with each other.

Tari and Saiko shared a glance, a gentle smile.

Tari: “Aw, that's so cute.” [*snaps a picture for the group chat*] Saiko: “C’mon, let’s them be.”

Saiko tiptoed into the room and left the gift bag on the nearby table. Peering at them one last time, she gently closes the door. They could always come back tomorrow.

There, what awaited in the gift bag, were reminders of home. A bomb from his cafe, a mini-plush of Eggdog, a record of jazz music. A homemade card, one side filled with heartwarming messages and the other a drawing of all the Crew with the Castle in the background, one of the best works Melony has ever done.

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

SMG4: “I bet I can drink a thousand cans of Monster Energy.” SMG3: “Nah uh! You’re lucky I can’t drink that stuff yet because I would’ve totally beaten you!” SMG4: “Oh, really? Well, I can’t wait to see you try.”

The two laughed as they reached the Castle. Eggdog greeted them at the door, happy to see his dads (And yes, I know what I said, shh) after Three's physical therapy session and jumped into his dad’s arms for a quick hug. Beeg4 slowly followed his brother, only letting out a pufferfish noise as a small “hello”. He isn’t usually the affectionate type. Four went to get Three’s customized cane leaned against the wall, and helped Three get to his feet. (The cane was a gift from the Crew but Bob was the one who added neat little secrets for Three to use. Though, Bob wants it to be off the record that it isn’t because he’s gone soft or anything.)

Ever since Four proposed the idea for Three to stay at the Castle, this has become second nature for them. They switched out the wheelchair with the cane at home so Three would be more comfortable walking around. Plus, he would usually hold Four’s arm to lean on. After his physical therapy appointments, Four would cook up dinner for the whole family. Or see if there’s any leftovers or takeout on special occasions. Three recently got the approval to eat solid food again, and Three couldn't be more glad. He was honestly getting sick of the same old soups day after day. Well, even if they tasted good. And they all sit at their usual seats at the table, not that they assigned seats or anything. It felt natural.

And today was pizza night.

SMG3: “Y’know…” SMG4, setting the pizza down: “No.” SMG3: “Oh, c’mon. You haven’t even tried it, you big baby.” SMG4: “And I already know that your ‘Ultimate Pizza’ is a disgrace to culinary art. To your tastebuds. Who the hell puts baked beans on pizza?” SMG3: “Well, Eggdog likes it.” Eggdog, helping set the plates: [*happy bark*] SMG4: “Oh, so now you’re bringing the kids into this? C’mon, Beeg, help me out here.” [Beeg doesn’t respond] [*acts dramatically, like someone stabbed him in the heart*] “I’ve been betrayed. Pleh.” SMG3, shakes head amusingly: “Shut up and eat, idiot.” SMG4: “Yeah, well, you’re stuck with me.” [*taunting*] “Forever.” SMG3: “Oh no, whatever should I… do.”

He… said this before, hasn’t he?

SMG4, mouth full of pizza: “Uh, SMG3, you’re good?” SMG3: “Yeah yeah, I’m fine.” [*eats his slice somberly, looking away*]

Four kept his gaze on Three. He wanted Three to tell him what was in his mind. He wanted to reach out and hold his hand. Comfort him. They have been there for each other at the worst of times. At each other’s worst.

There were two things they shared with absolute certainty: (1) they’re both stubborn, and (2) they would put up a brave face for the people around them.

Four did, when he discovered Three and Eggdog missing from the cafe. He would put on a determined smile, telling the rest of the Crew that they would rescue Three. But he supposed they could see right through him. That he was crumbling. Three was the one who saved him when he went insane and was possessed by the demonic keyboard. How could he not be frustrated at the fact that he couldn’t do the same?

Biting into his pepperoni slice, Four thought to himself, if only there was a way to take away all the pain Three was feeling right now. If only Three would let go of the front he has and let him show his pain in front of Four. To let Four be his safe space.

There isn’t much he can do, other than to let Three come to him on his own terms. When he is ready.

After finishing up dinner and washing the dishes, they all went to Four’s room. Eggdog and Begg decided to play Jenga, Three sat on the bed scrolling through his phone, and Four went back to editing videos since there was a lot of catching up to do. The record player was playing jazz music, the LP cover was signed “To SMG3”. Three bobbed his head while Four hummed the notes, admittedly it was a great disc that they could both enjoy. After a while, Three reminded Four to take a break from the screen, to which Four immediately complied and sat next to Three.

SMG4: “How’s your legs?”

SMG3: “Tired. But not as bad as last time. Could you pass the pills?”

SMG4, grabbing the bottle and handing it to Three: “Well, you are getting better in today's therapy session. Just wait a bit more.”

When SMG3 grabbed his medication, they briefly touched. It normally wouldn’t mean anything, but there was a tingle. Of curiosity, of warmth. The two lightly blushed, which they quickly brushed it off. They sat in silence as Three swallowed the pills.

SMG3: [*held his jaw by the hand*] “Do you know what I miss the most?” [*looks at Four, who nods as a sign for him to go on*] “Dancing.”

Three didn’t lie, it was one of the things he loved to do. That, and one other reason...

After some thought, Four stood up from the bed. Three didn’t even notice until Four stood before him. Four cleared his throat, a tint of pink on his cheeks, and held out his hand.

SMG4: “Wanna dance?” SMG3: [*puzzled, looking at the hand to Four and back*] “SMG4, I think we should get you some glasses.” SMG4: [*amusingly rolling his eyes*] “’It doesn’t have to be perfect.’ Isn’t that what you always told me?” SMG3: [*starstruck at the remembrance of this memory, lightly chuckled*] “And you dare to use my own words against me.”

Four helped Three up to his feet, his arms being his only support instead of the cane or wheelchair. At first, it was naturally awkward, being that Three is still recovering. Their dancing, if you would even call it that, was more of them shuffling their feet around the floor. They didn’t care.

Fly me to the moon Let me play among the stars

Slowly, they melted in each other’s embrace. Oh, how easily it was to be lost in the other’s eyes, pools of ruby and sapphire. Secretly, they wished they could be like this forever.

Let me see what spring is like On Jupiter and Mars

In the back of Three’s mind, alarm bells were ringing loudly. It isn’t real. He just wants to be friends. Somehow, Three ignored it all the moment Four gave him a smile.

In other words, hold my hand In other words, darling, kiss me

What Three didn’t know, Four was lost in his own mind. The romanticist that he is, he’s freaking out in the inside like a high school girl. It felt like a scene in the romcom movies he watches. But it was real. Three taught him how to give second chances. Perhaps there was a chance now.

Fill my heart with song Let me sing forevermore

Three ran his fingers on Four’s sleeve. It’s real. He’s real.

You are all I long for All I worship and adore

His shooting star, his sweet prince.

In other words, please be true

His hope.

In other words, I love you

As the song ends, the two came to a stop, but they didn’t part. Once again, they were lost in each other’s world.

SMG3: “…We’ve stopped.”

SMG4: “We did? Then, why is a room still spinning?”

Being so close to the other man, the tension was high. Have courage.

Even then, it wasn’t enough. He’s not your Four. Three cleared his throat, looking away before any temptation got hold of him.

SMG3: “I’m… pretty tired, SMG4.” SMG4: “Oh, yeah. Sorry.” [*reaching to hand Three his cane, hiding his disappointment*] SMG3: “Thanks anyway.” [*walks out the door, preparing to go to bed*]

SMG4 stayed where he stood, his heart skipped a beat. It felt like a dream. He danced with his… Well, ‘friend’ was never the right word for him to label Three. Partner? Maybe.

Crush. Yeah… that sounds about right. Ever since Four was saved by Three, he never looked at their relationship the same way. “Just friends” was the stability for the longest time. The “safe” term. And yet, it was selfish to wish for something more. So much so that Four had dreams of a domestic life with Three. Holding hands, to lean to his touch. To…

Four shook his head. Three didn’t seem ready, or even interested. It was just part of his imagination and nothing more.

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

The concrete halls were dark, cold by the touch. All was silent except for the dripping coming from an overhead pipe leak. Light shined through, daring the shadows to confrontation.

They didn’t think they’d be back, but here they were.

Mario, Meggy, and Saiko walked down the abandoned building, remembering their way to a specific room.

Meggy: “We’re getting close, guys. Keep your eyes peeled.” Saiko: “I seriously don’t see the point of us coming back here. Whoever did this is long gone.” Meggy: “Tari was telling me how SMG3 was, and… Look, whoever did this really messed him up. But they must’ve had some big plan for them to involve SMG3 in something. We gotta figure out what it was.” Saiko: “If you think it’s gonna help, fine. Like I said, I’m only here as backup.”

Finding the right door, they entered what was once the simulation room. The group split up and searched for any clues.

Saiko: “Looks like they didn’t come back here.” [*examines the monitor and finds a file of plans in creating the simulation*] Meggy: [*picks up the simulation machinery*] “It’s completely busted. Find anything, Red?” Mario: “No.” [*trips over a hidden box, spilling its contents*] “Ow, my ass.” Meggy: “Are you alright?” Mario: [*rubbing his head*] “Yeah.” [*looks at what he tripped over*] “Hey, I found SMG3’s clothes!” Saiko: “Clothes?”

Indeed, there was a pair of black overalls, a dark blue long-sleeve, and a familiar cap. Meggy picked up the cap, spinning it in her hands. Seeing the “M” emblem, she recognized it immediately. SMG3 wore this getup before the redesigns, and she knew why the “M” was attached.

Meggy: “The Youtube remote. They were trying to make SMG3 into a villain again.”

Mario and Saiko exchanged a glance, seeing the situation at hand. To force Three into a villain again…

Saiko: “You guys get out of here.” Mario and Meggy: “What?” Saiko: “The simulation machinery may be destroyed but it doesn’t mean another one can’t be built.” [*presents the file to them*] “That person’s going to come back and get their things, maybe continue with their plan. They already hurt one of us, it can’t happen again. You guys get out of here, I’ll take care of it.”

Mario and Meggy looked at each other before giving a nod. Saiko was right, the culprit always comes back at the scene of the crime after all. The two left, leaving Saiko alone in the room. She picked up a lighter and lit the file blueprints, watching these plans of cruelty burn to a crisp. She was lucky to buy one of Three’s bombs just for a moment like this. She lit up and ran out, letting the explosive destroy it all. The clothes, the plans. The building itself. Every single bit to a crisp.

No one messes with the Crew. No one.

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

“Three?”

SMG3 opens his eyes, widening as he recognizes his surroundings. The white void.

SMG3: [*heavy breathing*] “No, no, no.”

He turned his heel, ready to run, when he was stunned to see…

SMG3: “…SMG4?” SMG4: “God, you really are pathetic.”

Three is left stunned.

SMG4: “I mean, did you really think I had feelings for you? I’m only taking care of you because I feel bad.” [*walks over to Three*] SMG3: “I thought—” SMG4: “Oh, you thought? Please, get a grip on what’s real here.” [*harshly grabbed onto Three’s arm*] Villains don’t get happy endings.” SMG3: “Four, you’re hurting me. Stop it. Just stop!”

Suddenly, Four went limp, starting to fall over.

SMG3: “Four!” [*catching him*]

Three turns Four over to see his face half of it was pixelated, fading away.

SMG4?: “You… couldn’t keep your promise.” SMG3: “No… I… I’m trying. I really am.” Digital SMG4: “I got a chance to live, to experience love of all things.” [*his voice quickly distorting*] “And you ruined it all.” SMG3: “No, it’s not true. It’s not!” Digital Four: “Why, Three? Why did you have to be so cruel?”

In that moment, Four faded away, its code in the wind.

SMG3: “No, no no!”

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

SMG3: ”NO!”

Three jolted up from the bed. A hand clutching at his shirt, he felt like he couldn’t breathe. Four, who slept right next to his partner, also woke up.

SMG4: “SMG3. Three. It’s okay, that dream isn’t real. It’s not real.” [*his hands gently cradled Three’s face*] “Easy, easy, easy.”

Three finally came to his senses, grounded by Four’s reassurance. His heavy breathing settled until his panic was no more.

SMG4: [*his thumb caresses the other’s cheek*] “See? It’s okay. I’m here. I’m here.”

From the calmness and comfort of his hands, Three leaned into his touch. What he dreamed of, that wasn’t his Four. They stayed like this, the air becoming heavy. Until Three reached to grab Four’s hand from his cheek, but he didn’t shoo the other man away.

SMG4: “Three…” SMG3: “I can’t. Sorry…”

SMG4 sighed, once again unable to reach him. But there still had to be a way to help Three.

SMG4: “Hey, do you think you can sleep again?” SMG3: [*shakes his head*] “No.” SMG4: [*gets up from bed and grabs Three’s shoes*] “C’mon, I wanna show you something.”

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

Three had no idea where Four was taking him, but here they were: walking through the woods still in their pajamas, in hoodies, and shoes. They weren’t in a rush but Four was seemingly eager to show him this mystery. He looked at Four without the other noticing.

Me, the Crew, everything, it's an exact copy of the real thing.

The Four in the digital world was a mere copy. But even a copy could never show him what he was about to see:

Beyond the woods, there was a field of white flowers. Open to the beautiful stars above. The two sat down and looked at the view.

SMG4: “Whenever I get a nightmare, I always come here. I just happened to stumble upon this place by accident. But it somehow clears my head. Especially after… the ‘perfect’ incident.” [*small chuckle*] “I guess there are some things we can't get over.”

Three looks at him, hanging on to every word.

SMG4: “I care a lot about you, SMG3. More than you could ever realize. But it hurts to see when you’re trying to keep it all together. I know that feeling all too well. I can’t force you to tell me what happened in the simulation, but know that whatever happens, I’ll be here for you.”

Their hands got closer together. Their pinkies touched, they noticed but didn’t show.

SMG3: “I don’t know if you should. All the people I care about don’t stay for long. I’m unlikable, SMG4. I’m a villain and always will be.” SMG4: [*shakes head*] “You’ve changed. Besides, I like you. All of you.” [*their pinkies intertwined*] SMG3: “Four…” SMG4: “No, I’m not going to change my mind. I won’t leave you. Whatever you wish me to be, I will be it. A friend, a partner. Someone you can talk to. Anything.”

The air felt heavy once again, and everything became a blur. The silent wind passed through their hair. Have courage.

SMG3: [*gulping*] “…Then, let me ask: are you real?”

A free hand from Four held the other’s face.

SMG4: [*briefly looking at Three’s lips*] “As real as you want me to be.”

Whatever stopped him several times before, Four cut those ties loose. He leaned forward, his eyes slowly closing. He was patient and ready to see if Three would reject him. But Three didn’t and let Four close the gap.

A soft kiss, it was brief. It was tender. It was real.

Three kissed back, letting the other know he reciprocated. They parted for a moment, waiting for the other to make a move.

SMG3: “Then, be true for me.”

They went for a second kiss, this time with passion and longing. This. This cleared every doubt they had before. Their insecurities, whatever held them down. Three wrapped his arms around Four’s neck while other did the same, around Three’s back. If this was a dream, screw it, let them dream. This time, nothing was going to take it away from them.

A single tear rolled down Three's cheek. It's been a while, hasn't it?

SMG3, talking in between kisses: “I love you, Four. I always have.” SMG4, doing the same: “I love you too, Three. I wanted you for so long.” SMG3, parting from kiss: [*laugh*] “Oh? Did you now?” SMG4, turning bright red: “Uh.. c’mon, dude, don’t ruin the moment. It’s not my fault you’re attractive.” SMG3, mischievously leaning to Four: “Really?” SMG4: “Shit.”

Three nuzzled into Four’s neck, kissing all over and leaving Four laughing at how ticklish it was.

SMG4, bursting in laughter: “Three, s-stop!” SMG3, whispered: “Glad to know I wasn’t the only one who thought the same.”

Oh, how wonderful was it to listen to the sounds Four makes.

His shooting star, his sweet prince.

His Four.

After a while, the two catch their breath. They leaned onto each other, held hands, and looked back at the stars.

SMG4: “I promise I’ll be true for you.” [*gave Three's hand a squeeze*] SMG3: [*hums, returning the gesture*] “Well then, I’ll do the same for you.”

Three held many promises, one was to never let Four cry. Now, there was another: to be his truest self.

[alicentofhightower]

the dragon and the crab

pairing: aegon targaryen x fem!celtigar!reader

synopsis: boys seem to catch your eye more, as of late. you wonder if that’s the reason why you’re helping this drunken fool of a prince.

includes: drunk aegon, he’s actually not that bad here. so sorry if this is ooc this is my first time writing a oneshot for him!

WC: 1.5k

a/n: this was written with ty tennant’s aegon in mind because it’s set during laena velaryon’s funeral, but you can envision tgc’s aegon too i don’t really care. i did not proofread this so im sorry for any mistakes, i literally just wrote this on my phone in bed because i miss aegon and im bored. i might write a part 2 idk

-

The first time Aegon sees you, he cannot help but wonder why you take such a liking to Helaena.

Laena Velaryon’s funeral had been an uneventful one. A bore, to be honest, but his mother would smack him if he’d ever voiced that thought aloud. He’d never known the noblewoman well. Honestly, his mind was more preoccupied with the looming thought of his upcoming wedding.

It was tradition for Targaryens to be married to relative. They’d practiced it for hundreds of years, long before the doom of Old Valyria. His mother had always seemed so intent on practicing the customs of her Andal forbears, and Aegon wished she’d been the same for his marriage.

Deep down, he knew why Helaena would be his wife. It was to keep her close to Alicent. If she’d been wed to some fat lord in the Riverlands, or a foolish one from the Reach, it would make no difference; there was no real confirmation that she’d ever be kept safe. His mother would not have another Aemma be made of her only daughter.

“We have nothing in common,” Aegon complained, constantly having to brush his silver waves away from his face. The wind from the beach was relentless.

He stood off to the side next to Aemond, away from where you yourself sat next to the Princess. She seemed to speak in riddles, with the way she mumbled of ‘spools of green and black’, but you did not mind. You could tell she was of a sweet nature.

Helaena handed you another shell to hold, her fingertips tracing the texture of it. “She’s our sister,” interjected Aemond.

Everything about Aegon was improper. The way he could not seem to let go of his cup of wine for even a minute, the way his eyes wandered towards the skittish maids, even down to his posture; hunched and lazy. “You marry her, then,” The elder prince said, his fingers loose around his chalice. If he wasn’t careful, he’d probably drop it, make a fool of himself as he always had.

“I would perform my duty. If mother had only betrothed us.” Aemond did not speak out of genuine desire for his sister, only his yearning to be the firstborn son. To be given the duties of his unwilling brother.

“If only,” He scoffed.

His blue eyes traveled to where you were, listening closely to every word of his weird soon-to-be wife. Aegon did not pay much attention to his Old Valyrian lessons, much less his history, but even he could recognize which house you were from by the dress you wore; ivory and scarlet, the colors of House Celtigar.

Your house was a Valyrian one itself, though far less proud than the one of his own or the Velaryons. You wore a veil of mourning to honor the late Lady Laena, but he could see the earrings you adorned beneath it; crabs, closely resembling your sigil.

You could not hear what the young princes spoke of, but your eyes had averted over to them occasionally, though most of your attention was paid to Aegon. His face was scrunched together as he studied you, trying to figure out why you’d ever willingly be in the company of Helaena. Mayhaps you were just as off-putting as she was.

Blooming into womanhood, you could not help but take notice of boys your age; Aegon himself was quite handsome, though lustful and foolish, and your mother had personally warned you to stay away from him on the way to Driftmark. It only made you want to talk to him more.

Soon enough, Aegon made his way over to another servant, grabbing the pitcher on the platter she held and pouring himself more Arbor gold… away from where you were. You wondered if that’d be the last you saw of him.

-

It wasn’t.

Sleep had escaped you. Taking a stroll outside was far more appealing than tossing and turning in your bed, so you’d wrapped your robe around your nightgown and snuck out of your chambers.

You almost gasped when you saw him. There he was, at the end of the stairs, drunk and hiccuping with his eyes closed. He sat against the stone of the railing, head drooping and hands still grasping his goblet tightly.

“My Prince?”

No response.

Descending down the steps, you poked his hunched shoulder. He did not even start. It took a harsh shake of his forearm to wake him, and Aegon threw his head back when he did, smacking it against the marble behind him.

Aegon’s pale hand flew to cradle the back of his skull. He hissed, features squeezing together as he let out a sharp breath. It reeked of wine, and he appeared to be startled that he hadn’t been smacked yet. “Grandsire?” He asked, eyes still scrunched shut.

“No,” You said softly. “It’s just me, my Prince.”

His eyelids shot open. It took a moment for him to recognize you. “Why are you out here? Shouldn’t you be abed?”

Gods, maybe your lady mother was right about avoiding him. He’d already begun to irritate you, and you’d been speaking to him for less than a minute. “Shouldn’t you?”

His head lolled to the side, falling to rest on his shoulder. “What will you do? Tattle on me to my mother? I’ve already been scolded today,” He grumbled, his words slightly slurred.

Really, you should just leave this fool of a prince alone, act like this never happened, and climb back into bed. You won’t. It’s normal for men of his age to indulge in their vices, but some part of you tells you that this is wrong; that he shouldn’t be out here in the cold night, slumped into a mess of his own limbs. You feel bad.

Boldly, you reach forward again, grasping his wrist. “Come on,” You say to Aegon, your tone softer. “I’ll help you back to your chambers.”

“I’m too tired.”

He yelps when you yank him up, stumbling forward, his hands scrambling to grab your shoulders to keep him upright. “You should not treat a Prince so roughly.” Despite his words, Aegon allows you to wrap an arm about his shoulders, guiding him forward.

His eyes are wide as he looks down at you, seemingly trying to figure out why you’d pour this much time into someone you don’t even know. There’s a flush becoming all the more apparent on his face, and unbeknownst to you, it’s not because of the wine.

You’re sure there will be a scandal made out of this. An unmarried young noble-lady taking King Viserys’s firstborn son, drunk, back to his chambers during the hour of the owl? Certainly the maids will begin to whisper false tales of your relationship with the Prince, and your father will reprimand you on the ship back to Claw Isle. He might have you married even sooner to dispel them. You cannot find it in yourself to care.

“This way,” You whisper, walking towards where the innermost hall is, where the royal chambers are. Aegon’s steps are uneven and irregular. If you’d not been holding him, he’d probably have fallen twice already.

He’s even more beautiful under the torchlight. Soft cheekbones and plush lips, he’s the very image of his mother, though he certainly does not act like it. Your lips almost part at the feeling of his nose nudging against your cheek, though you attempt to ignore it.

He’s drunk, you tell yourself. Pay no mind to him.

The knights on patrol raise their brows at the sight of you when you make your way past them. An awkward position you’re in. Both his and your arm are wrapped around the other’s shoulders, and his knees are bent so he can be at the level of your face. He’s not even looking forward to where you’re trying to go, his eyes analyzing the look on your face.

He was so talkative when you woke him. You wonder why he’s gone quiet, but reason it to be that he’s exhausted. “What’s your name, again?” He sputters.

He nods rapidly when you tell him it, as if he’ll remember it on the morrow.

Finally, you make it to his room; even the doors to it are grand and tall, befitting one of his status. Yours are farther away from his, in the corridors practically across the keep. It’ll be a long walk back.

You find you don’t know what to say. “…Well, good night, my Prince,” You say softly, letting go of him to let him stand by himself. He wobbles.

Aegon turns to leave, but whips his head around before his pale hand can grasp the handle of the door, his eyes darting around the features of your face. He wants to remember you, it seems.

“You won’t stay?” He can barely pronounce the words correctly, let alone stand up, choosing to lean on the door behind him to keep his balance. Somehow, it’s both endearing and pathetic.

Your cheeks flush at the mere idea of following him into his bedchamber. What was he thinking?

“No, my Prince. It’s best I leave you be.”

Aegon nods solemnly at that, tongue running over his slightly chapped lips. He bows his head in thought, then raises it again, a peculiar glint in his eye that you cannot decipher.

“….’s Aegon. Just Aegon,” He says, quiet, like it’s a secret only the two of you know.

“Good night, Aegon.”

[gay-dorito-dust]

Whoa you like Nuada too? I can’t pass this up! Can you please write Nuada with a reader who is cheerful individual? I like grumpy x sunshine ships 😆 I feel he wouldn’t know how to go about it and more confused when he falls for reader (Gender neutral pls)

Of course I like Nuada anon! How could I not?! I’d be ashamed of myself if I didn’t.🦦 also this is long as shit. I got carried away…no I won’t apologise.

Nuada first heard of you whilst being held captive at the BRPD through Nuala, whom had met you earlier that day through your mutual love of literature. And according to his sister you were a bright, bubbly, happy and warm individual who made her feel welcomed and included the moment she came to the Bureau; even going so far as to gift her with a poetry book with a cerulean blue cover.

It was actually a personal possession of yours but due to never haven gotten to read it, you had decided that it would serve Nuala far better than it ever did you. Nuala naturally refused to accept it but, you were persistent that she’d have it as you would rather have it be well loved and read than sitting on a cold, lonely shelf collecting dust.

‘They’re such a delight to talk to brother.’ Nuala began, clutching the poetry book with the cerulean cover close to her chest as though it were a priceless treasure, which to her it very much was.

‘They’re human dear sister, this persona they’ve put on is probably a trick, an illusions of sorts to lure you into a false sense of security.’ Nuada warns, not as trusting towards humanity as Nuala was. Giving? Warm? Welcoming? These were traits that the elven prince would’ve never associated with humans. Ever. It just sounded too far fetched to think that such a kindhearted and selfless person could ever have existed. Nuada only knew humanity for their glutinous greed, so such simple acts of kindness as gifting someone a poetry book, would do very little to change his perspective on the entirety of mankind.

Nuala frowns. ‘You haven’t even met them and yet you refuse to give them a fair chance. I understand your grievances towards humans but all I ask of you, dear brother, is that you learn to trust one, even if that one happens to be y/n.’ Nuala pleaded with Nuada, holding out on a spark of hope that with your influence, Nuada’s heart will no longer be veiled in shadows. Nuala truly believed that if anyone could come close to doing just that, it would be you, she just knew it.

Nuada merely scoffs at the notion his sister has in you being the one to unveil his heart of the pain and suffering. While he may have once bended to his twins every plea, this was one he could not find himself willingly doing so and the look upon Nuala’s face told him that she was very much made aware of that fact and wordlessly left.

Nuada wouldn’t get to experience you in your entirety until the BRPD decided that Nuada was trusted to head out on missions as your partner, they too also had some inclination that your bright and sweet persona would not only run off on Nuada but also soften his resolve against all of humanity; an request that would take a lot out of you.

‘You must be Prince Nuada. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name I’ve heard so much about.’ You said, barely able to contain your excitement at finally being given a partner. Sure the stories you’ve heard about the elven prince were…less then enlightening, framing him as an angry and vengeful being incapable of change, but the ones you’ve heard from Nuala however painted Nuada as a somewhat tragic figure.

‘I can’t remember the last time I saw my brother smile, if he even smiled at all.’ Nuala would say as a saddened look came across her face before she looked over at you when you abruptly grabbed her hand, face set in serious determination.

‘I’ll try and get him to smile more for you.’ You said.

‘It’s an impossible feat.’ Nuala counters but you weren’t having any of it.

‘Then I’ll just keep trying until I do, no matter how long that may take.’ You replied, staying strong to your conviction.

‘Why. Why would you go out of your way to do something for someone you barely even know?’ Nuala asked, feeling your strength, determination, heart and more theough just holding your hand alone. It was overwhelming of hoe bright you were that Nuala swore she would soon be blinded by your light alone, however it was because of your power of will that gave her hope, hope that you’ll might just do what she had long since believed to be impossible.

You merely smiled and relied with, ‘because even the strongest of us deserve to smile and like you said, you don’t remember the last time that you’ve seen your brother smile. So leave that to me and I promise to have Nuada smiling soon.’

And you always meant your promises. Always. What you wasn’t expecting was how handsome Nuada actually was. No one had bothered to tell you prior that your partner was a true beauty. A beauty with a piercing set of golden eyes and desirably soft, silky hair that fell past his shoulders in a platinum blonde waterfall. He held an air about him that made you both nervous and excited, however you had to quickly remind yourself that he wasn’t going to warm up to you nearly as quickly as you’d hoped.

Nuada on the other hand was immediately blindsided by your personality. It was so vibrant, colourful and filled to the brim with radiant life that he was certain that he looked rather dull and lifeless in comparison. It also looked as though his sister was right about many things in regard to your character, however that didn’t warrant Nuada to immediately start trusting you like she had wished for, after all you were still a human at the end of the day.

‘I’m-‘

‘Y/n. I’m aware.’ Nuada cuts you off abruptly before you could properly introduce yourself.

You made a face. ‘How-‘

‘My sister speaks highly of you,’ you began to smile at that but Nuada wasn’t finished, ‘but I have yet to witness what’s so special about you.’ You merely shrugged and answered with your entire chest. ‘You will soon enough. I promised your sister to get you to smile after all.’ Nuada’s brows raised at this but before he could get you to elaborate on that further, it was already time to head out for your first mission as a partnership.

Your first mission had turned out to be an avid success that it would only stand to reason to keep sending you and Nuada out as a team. You worked extremely well together and your fighting styles complement each others, while also concealing any weak spots that the other may have almost seamlessly. You and Nuada both complement missions in quick and swift succession. That was out in the field however, the way you acted towards Nuada afterwards made him feel a weird warmth within his chest.

You would often note of how Nuada fell a good distance behind everyone else after group missions, and so you would then fall to the back of the group also -not wanting him to be alone- before naturally falling into step with him, all the while still adhering to giving him his own personal space. You didn’t force a conversation with him like he expected you to, but instead allowed a calming silence to befall the pair of you as you headed home; Which was something he was oddly grateful to you for as he wasn’t that much of a conversationalist after battle.

However he couldn’t help but wonder why you were putting in so much effort into him. He hated your kind and yet you’ve treated him with nothing but respect and kindness. You didn’t push his boundaries, you didn’t overstay your welcome but even long after you left his side, Nauda could still feel your lingering warmth within every breeze that passed him by. Nuada just didn’t get why you were so hellbent on your promise to his sister, was it truly that important for you to help fulfil Nuala’s wish? And if so, what was it that she had said at the time for you that solidified your need to see it through film the end?

While Nuada had to admit, it was quite admirable that you kept to your word but some days he couldn’t help but question whether if that was your sole reason for sticking so close to him. Whether or not he’d ever confront you about it was his to debate upon later, but as for now he decided against it; His pride would never allow him to indulge in such thoughts and ideations that weren’t remotely relevant to hating humans.

Nuada had also noticed that after being your partner for a while, he had developed a need to protect you from all harm. At first he thought that if you died on a mission, the fault would fall onto him and he would be put back into confinement until further notice, but he soon learned that wasn’t actually the case; Far from it actually that he soon found himself sitting across from his sister to discuss about it.

‘Sounds like you have grown fond of y/n, brother.’ Nuala had said, smiling as she relishes in the times that Nuada obviously expressed interest in you without knowing it, but luckily that’s when the link they share makes situations like these a whole lot more simpler to navigate.

‘I merely find them more tolerable than others.’ Nuada defends, crossing his arms over his chest, still heavily in denial that anything he felt for you could possibly go beyond the realms of being cordial with one another. Yet that didn’t explain the sting in his chest whenever you were as joyful and excitable with anyone who wasn’t him, almost as though he wanted you to only beam that bright for him and him only.

‘Then why do you feel at peace with them near? Has their light finally unveiled your heart?’ Nuala asked and this time Nuada stayed silent for a longer period of time as he was beginning to realise that yes, you did infect have unveiled his heart from the shadows he cast over it. What scared him however was how you had done it. You constantly showed him patience during the times where he needed it, showed him understanding when he talked about his feelings, something he hadn’t done as much before meeting you; you even showed him solidarity for the times where he needed someone to stand by his side.

You had changed Nuada’s way of life in small but meaningful ways that there came a day where he starts to hate the fact that he had come this far without the gentle guidance of your voice for him to follow unto a better path. However despite acknowledging that you play a pivotal part in his current life, doesn’t mean that made Nuada’s understanding of his feelings any clearer than they were when he first discovered them.

‘They make me feel things I’d never thought I’d feel again Nuala.’ He began, knowing that whatever he said to his sister would be kept solely between them. ‘I’ve been lost admits my need for revenge that even the fluttering in my chest, or the warmth that reaches my cheeks feels foreign to me now.’ He adds, taking the time to remember the first time he felt something towards you that wasn’t explicit hatred for being human. ‘It feels as though I’m experiencing them for the first time and I can’t help but become addicted of sorts, that whenever they smile at me-‘

‘You hope that they smile at you like that forever.’ Nuala interrupts her brother softly, already quite well acquainted either that feeling from the times she felt Nuada’s emotions through the link.

‘Yes.’ Nuada said in an almost whisper. ‘I wish to be the reason y/n smiles as much as they are mine.’ Nuala couldn’t help but express her happiness for this new stage of Nuada’s life, all she wanted was for her brother to be happy and she was made even happier at the fact that it was you who made him the happiest he’s ever felt in a long time.

‘We shall get through this together brother.’ Nuala reassured, feeling her brothers’ still prevalent confusion, making Nuada look back at her, ‘then soon everything else will fall into place. You just have to put faith in the hope that y/n will be there to catch you when you fall.’

Nuada was still confused about everything but with hi sisters help, he hopes to surely get a clearer understanding of what he was currently feeling before confronting you about it.

[definedareasofuncertainty]

WIP Wednesday: dragon au

The one in which Klaus and Caroline hate each other, but their dragons are mated, so they are now forever tied to each other ✨

-

“Well, this isn’t ideal,” she said, because someone had to say something.

And it didn’t look as though it was going to be him, with the way he was sitting there, his eyes closed. Even after he was the one to pull her into this empty classroom, claiming that they needed to talk.

Klaus opened his icy blue eyes then, fixing them on her as she leaned against the wall, arms crossed in front of her body. “Oh, really? I hadn’t noticed.”

She huffed. “You know, I knew you were an asshole, but I wasn’t aware you were so fucking dramatic. Nothing has to change. You keep to yourself, I keep to myself. Caerulus and Astéria deal with their marriage bond or whatever on their own. There, done.”

He gave her a saccharine smile. “Right. And when I graduate next year and you’re still a student, and suddenly the two mated dragons don’t live together anymore, is that still done? Or even worse: when you graduate as well — if you get that far — and the royal family is forced to foster a Forbes under our roof, is that resolved?”

Caroline pushed from the wall, a growl escaping her throat as she reached for one of her daggers. The way he spoke of her family – as if they were less than. As if he had any right to–

Klaus rose from his seat, and she felt her blood begin to boil in anticipation. It wouldn’t be the first time they had gotten violent.

“Nothing has to change?” He challenged. “This has to change.” He gestured between them. “Running you through with my sword would be a lovely way to solve all of my problems, sweetheart, but I can’t. Hurting you would hurt Caerulus and, in turn, that would hurt Astéria.”

“Which would in turn hurt you,” she concluded.

“Yes,” he said. “So let go of that fucking dagger, will you? This is not resolved, Caroline. Nothing about this is simple. You may have bonded the most powerful dragon in your year, but that will only make you a bigger target. The ones who envy you will try to prove that you can be defeated. And the ones who hate your family…” Something dangerous glowed in his eyes. “They will kill you to make sure we do not have another deserter leading a dragon away from our realm.”

She gripped her dagger again. “My father was not–”

“And now I,” he continued as though she hadn’t spoken, “will have to make sure you don’t get killed. You are still weaker and have less training than the others.”

“I defeated you in combat, remember?”

Oh, how glorious it had been to dig her dagger deep in between his ribs. It had taken them dragon magic and six days to heal the precious prince.

Klaus bared his teeth at her. “Only because you poisoned me first.”

She shrugged. Playing fair was not a requirement in this school. And she would not lose to him again. Humiliation still painted her cheeks red at the memory of his dagger in her abdomen, and her dislocated shoulder throbbing in pain as she passed out on her very first challenge this year.

Caroline sighed. “Aren’t they supposed to be wise? How the fuck did they think trapping us together was a good idea?”

He scoffed. “I asked Astéria that.”

“Yeah, how did that go?”

“Fruitless. She told me not to question a dragon’s choice.”

She fought the urge to roll her eyes, if only because she had a feeling Caerulus would know and would not appreciate it.

“Well, then. What do you have in mind?” she asked, the words passing through her teeth as though it pained her to say them. Because it definitely did. She had never, ever wanted to ask Klaus Miakelson’s opinion on anything.

He looked at her as if he was assessing her; and whatever he found, he seemed to think she was coming up short. Gods, she wanted to fucking punch him.

“Every morning, an hour before your chores, you will meet with me.”

Her glare could probably burn through iron, but he seemed unfazed. “Why?”

“So that I can train you.”

[sotwk]

Cinder Girl (Fíli x unnamed OC)

Summary: The Crown Prince of Erebor faces the dilemma of losing his heart to a lovely yet humble palace servant.

Word count: 2.4 k

Content: Fluffy, tropey romance and comfort, Durins Live AU, post-BotFA, class division, love confession, Pining Prince Fíli

Rating: General (no warnings apply)

To Read on AO3: Link

Dedication and Inspiration: Thank you to the Anon who inspired this concept long ago by sending me this message! <3

Also for my friend, @guardianofrivendell, a true Fíli aficionado with an incredible repertoire of fics of our beloved Dwarf Prince. You probably don't remember, but this fic fulfills the "Love Confessions" request you made from my Valentine Event in 2023! Better late than never? Welcome back! <3

Cinder Girl 

The Reclaimed Kingdom of Erebor

Third Age 2945

What to do, what to do? The proper thing, of course. The decision should be that simple, and it usually was so for Fíli.  

Except now. Except when it came to her. 

The young dwarf lord tugged on the beaded braid of his mustache and leaned forward in the cushioned bench on which he sat. He made a motion to stand, only to plop back down again with a frustrated grunt. He had been dithering that way for the last ten minutes, at least. 

And he had spent twice as long sitting there, only half ashamed of allowing himself to enjoy the sight that surprised him when he returned to his chambers following a day-long council meeting. 

I am just looking, is all, Fíli reminded himself, desperate to excuse his poor manners. He knew the right thing to do would be to gently wake her, assure her that she was in no trouble, and allow her to discreetly exit the room she should never have been caught in. 

Surely this was a sign. A gift from Mahal himself, to force his stubborn, weak arse into action. Yet there he was again, he who was hailed as the Lion of Erebor, one of the bravest warriors in the kingdom, just sitting there stupidly, staring as he always did, because he could never find neither strength nor courage to do anything else in the presence of this dwarrowdam that stole the very breath from his lungs. 

Even as she lay there on the lush fur rug by the fireplace, in a cozy warmth that likely had lulled her to sleep, her presence paralyzed him. She was that very rare gem, found only once in a generation, exquisite in itself without need for cutting or polishing, or settings of gold, or other fine stones to accompany it. 

"Beyond beautiful," Fíli thought, and his chest filled with both longing and wonderment of how utterly she had ensnared him with so little effort, with such little awareness of the effect she caused.

She had dazzled Fíli the moment she cast her first smile and first spoke his name, and from then on the prince was blind to all others. When she laughed, Fíli finally understood why his brother Kíli constantly acted the fool just to earn that sweet sound from his own lady’s lips.

And so Fíli neglected to mention the titles that accompanied his name, and as a result he was able to enjoy hours of conversations with the newcomer from the Blue Mountains, basking in her uninhibited laughter and open stories and playful touches.

But the ruse would not last even a month. When she finally discovered that the new “friend” who had welcomed her to Erebor was actually King Thorin’s heir, next-in-line to the throne of Durin, an invisible wall rose between them. She never laughed in the same way around him again. She remained friendly and kind, yes, but every action toward him was suddenly restrained by prim courtesy. Their once animated conversations were dampened by measured, cautious responses. Even her beautiful smile was dimmed by a strange sadness, as though the knowledge of his royal identity disappointed her. 

"Please, you don't have to…" he said, when he once tried to stop her from bowing to him as they passed each other in the hall. 

"It is only proper, my lord," she murmured, keeping her lovely eyes lowered to her feet, only doubling Fíli's frustrations. "I bid you a good day, Prince Fíli."

And she hurried away with her cleaning pail in tow, before Fíli could offer to help, before he could muster up the nerve to invite her to dinner, which was why he had come down to the servants’ hall in the first place. All he had succeeded in doing was send the tongues of the palace domestic staff wagging. 

Eventually Fíli's despair grew heavy enough that he sought Balin's counsel, daring not to broach the topic with the one person who could completely relieve him of his fear: that no future was possible between the Heir of Durin and a dwarf not only from a different clan, but without rank or advantages. 

Balin remained silent while Fíli laid out his entire predicament--during the prince’s impassioned speech, and a long while after. Too long, so much that the thoughtful calm Fíli usually admired in his sagacious old cousin only set his teeth on edge.

“I must say this is troubling news to hear indeed,” Balin finally spoke, tugging thoughtfully at his beard.

“Troubling?!” Fíli exclaimed. “How could you already deem it as such when you have not yet met her? What matters her lack of status when she is the sweetest and gentlest soul to ever bless me with her company?! That is, until she decided she could no longer tolerate my presence,” he amended glumly. 

“Calm yourself, boy.” Balin chuckled between sips of his ale. “You have only ever raved this passionately about very few things before, and never about a bonnie lass. For a moment I thought I might actually be speaking to Kíli.”

“That isn't close to either the comfort or counsel I was hoping for, Balin.”

“Harrumph. That is because I have neither of those things for you, lad! What you need is to be slapped back into your senses!” Balin shook a stout finger at the dwarf-prince. “Have you so little knowledge or faith in your Uncle that you could not bring this matter straight to him?”

Fíli drew back, eyebrows lifted in bewilderment. “I thought he would scoff at the frivolity of it, before declaring my desire for her as unsuitable.”

“Because the girl is common?” Balin snorted when Fíli nodded. “It would wound Thorin so deeply to hear this, that I shall not even bother repeating your words to him.” He reached across the dinner table to grip Fíli’s arm. “Your Uncle risked his life, risked everything to take back this Mountain for you, my boy. To give you the future that he felt you deserved. Do you think that future is all about gold?”

Balin smiled and slapped Fíli gently on his slack-jawed face. “It is about choice, and freedom. The freedom to chase whatever dreams you wish. Go and speak to Thorin. It appears there is much he needs to clarify about his expectations of you as the realm’s prince and his heir.” 

Fíli had genuinely intended to heed Balin’s advice to discuss things with his uncle. But after failing to quickly gain an audience with the chronically busy king, he let his nerves conquer him yet again, as he put off pursuing that conversation. And so day after day passed with him stuck in the plight of his own making… leading at last to that evening, when the source of his agony literally lay right before him inside his own chambers, demanding to be dealt with.

The more time passed with him just sitting and staring at the sleeping chambermaid, the longer each minute seemed to stretch, and the more ridiculous Fili felt in his inertness. 

Just when his frustration came to its peak, and he felt unable to tolerate himself any longer, the prince rose quietly and stepped towards the figure on the fur rug. 

A pounding knock barely gave him any warning before his chamber door swung wide open and Kili barreled inside. “Did you not say you were starving, brother? What is taking you so--??”

Kili stopped short, his wide-eyed stare darting between Fili and the lady that had stumbled to her feet, disheveled and disoriented. It was impossible to tell who looked more mortified by his arrival. 

“Have I… am I interrupting something?”

“I am so very sorry, milords!” the maiden blurted out. “I didn't mean to, I---I am so--!” Her ashen face suddenly colored by the violence of her embarrassment, she grabbed her cleaning pail from the hearth. The contents rattled inside the metal bucket, so badly did her hands shake as she gave a hasty curtsy to the royal princes.

“N-no, no wait, please… h-hold on for just a moment--” Fili began, when his tongue finally came unstuck from the roof of his mouth, but it was too late. She rushed across the room and straight out the open door without ever lifting her gaze off the ground. 

“Brother, I am sorry, I didn't know--”

Fili brushed aside the apology and scrambled past Kili to fly out into the hallway. Panic had broken through his earlier paralysis and suddenly he could not move fast enough, his body acting beyond the constraints of his judgment. 

He called after her; the sound of her name and his footsteps chased her down the empty corridor. But to Fili's dismay she did not stop or even slow down, and just as she was about to turn a corner and descend the stairs leading from the palace wing, a desperate shout escaped containment, partially strangled in the tightness of his throat, but still too loud to be ignored. 

“I love you, all right?! I love you!!”

The frantic clatter of the metal pail ceased, and all Fili could hear against the ensuing silence was the roar of his pulse beneath his ears. In several strides, he closed the distance to come before the maiden. She stayed rooted to the spot and motionless, apart from the heaving of her bosom as she chased her breath. 

“This was not how I wanted you to find out.” The calm in his own voice surprised Fili, as did the confidence that drove his words. “But I also do not wish to take it back. Hiding from the truth has gained me nothing but pain.”

“I appreciate your candor, milord, and I regret your pain.” She continued to address him, but her eyes remained firmly lowered towards her hands, white-knuckled in their grip around the pail handle. “But what am I to do with these fine words you offer? How can a peasant be worthy to receive the affections of a prince?”

“Worthy?” Fíli repeated in distaste. “What causes you to believe that you must be worthy to--?”

“You are the future King of Erebor.” She spoke loudly over him, as though she had not heard him at all, or was determined not to. “The blood of Durin the Deathless runs in you! I am just a nobody from a Broadbeam village in the Blue Mountains--” 

“I was born in such a village, same as my father!” Fíli cut her off with matching fervor. “And you are certainly not ‘just a nobody’ to me.”

Something in his words finally reached her, for at last she raised her bowed head ever so slightly, just enough for her gaze to meet his, and the tears that shimmered in her eyes wiped away the last of his hesitation.

“We are not different, ghivashel. Not in any way that matters.”

Her smile that bloomed at that word, one that proclaimed her more precious than any treasure in Erebor, revived a light in him that had gone out in the long weeks of her absence. 

When Fíli reached out to relieve her of the cleaning pail, she did not resist. Grasping her wrist, he rested her open hand upon his. He swept his thumb back and forth all across her palm, over the red scrapes and dirt-streaked calluses that made her all the more beautiful and admirable in his eyes.

“Not long ago, I spent each waking day with my face smeared in soot, my arms and hands burnt from the blaze of forge fires, aching to the bone after hours of back-breaking labor.”

He pushed up his tunic sleeve to show her: the patches of discolored skin from old burns, the countless scars that littered the entire length of his arm, almost to his elbow. 

“But I would always go to bed happy, and proud of my honest living, of the smith that I was.” He shook his head and corrected himself. “The smith that I am. Whatever titles and additional duties I may now carry as a consequence of my inheritance, I am still that same soot-covered dwarf.”

He sealed her hand between his two and lightly kissed the fingertips that peeked out from the cage of his palms.

“All I ask is for a chance to show you that,” he said softly. “With the hope that you might come to love what you see in me. For I have already, absolutely, fallen in love with everything I see in you.”

Her silence filled the entire length of the passageway, all the way up to the high ceilings. Under the crushing weight of its persistence, Fíli’s hope started to falter. But as the fear of his failure to convince her started to creep in, his grip all the more tightened around her hand. He couldn't let go. He did not know how he could ever let her go.

“From the first day we met,” she finally spoke. “I already loved everything I saw in you…Fíli of the Blue Mountains.” She tipped her chin up and squared her shoulders, face set with resolution alongside her gentle smile. “I think that love can bring me the courage I need to let the other side of you, Prince Fíli of Erebor, into my heart as well.” 

Fíli’s entire being swelled with such relief and unbridled joy he thought he might catch flame. His arms found themselves around her waist, drawing her close to his desire to demonstrate the feelings he had restrained for too long.

Alas, a sudden and deafening crash rang through the hall to cut off Fíli’s eager quest.  “Sorry, sorry!” yelped a guilty voice in the shadows.

Fíli groaned, then chuckled, and settled for another chase kiss upon his lady’s hand. 

“Would you care to have dinner with my brother and I?” he asked her, nodding in the direction of the ruckus as Kíli struggled to straighten up the decorative suit of armor he had knocked over. “An unrepentant snoop he may be, but I can assure you he is otherwise harmless and actually quite pleasant company.”

“It sounds like a wonderful start to getting to know the rest of you,” she said, eyes bright from their shared laughter, free of even a speck of her earlier doubts. “Because I very much would like to know everything, Fíli. To discover and delight in every wonderful bit of you.”

“And you shall have that,” Fíli vowed, brushing his thumb over the curve of her cheek, over an ashy mark of the fireplace cinders that had brought her back to him. “You already do have me, but I shall also endeavor to give the whole world to make you happy.”

“You are already the whole world,” she declared, and rose on her toes to do what he could not, sealing their confessions with a sound kiss.

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[slytherinshua]

THE ONLY ONE

genre. fluff. warnings. kissing. takes place after the events of the s2 finale, but there's not really many spoilers. pairing. husband!go won x wife!reader. wc. 1.1k. request. no. a/n. finally writing for the loml in aos, prince go won <3 i'm surprised it's taken me this long cause damn 😭 i've been meaning to write a fic for him forever, especially since @blue-jisungs and i both go crazy over him teehee. if the self indulgence of this fic isn't clear from the way i write the kisses, idk what will make it clearer cause i absolutely would do anything for this man ‼️ i'm as delulu as you can get

“How did you know that I was the one for you?” You asked curiously. It was a dreary day— a perfect one to stay indoors and laze around with your husband; which is exactly what you were doing. You rested your head on his shoulder, hugging his waist as he read a spell book. But he wasn’t really paying attention to the words anymore. The book was a lot less interesting than you, or the questions that your brain prompted you to ask. 

It had already been a year since you were married to Go Won. Your wedding anniversary was just around the corner, and as the king of the country; Won made sure that only the most luxurious of parties would be planned as a celebration. 

“I believe there were many factors to that, my love.” He hummed in thought and you hugged him just a little tighter. “Of course, you know that Jin Buyeon recommended you to me. I probably would not have met you if it weren’t for her. Have I ever told you that I used to test you?” He turned slightly to look at you, a cute grin on his face.

You laughed in disbelief, “Really? I assume I passed those tests since I’m here with you now?”

He agreed, “Of course you passed them all. There were only 3, and they were all quite simple. Firstly, I needed to make sure you were more reasonable than I was. Secondly, you needed to make my heart flutter. And finally, my turtle needed to like you.”

You giggled at the last one. You remembered clearly how shocked and thrilled Won was when he first introduced you to his pet turtle. It had also been one of the moments where you realized you truly loved him. He was a simple man, but he cared deeply for his people and his country. His turtle was probably the most precious thing he owned, and he still cared for it to this day.

It had practically ran to you (as fast as a turtle really could run) when you had first met. As funny as it sounded, that was all Won needed to know you were the right woman to marry. Apart from your attractive wit and breathtaking beauty— you had a good soul; and that Go Won knew from his turtle.

“I guess I should thank him for bringing us together then, hm? He should get his own spot at our anniversary banquet.” You mumbled mindlessly, lazy smiles present on both your faces.

“If that’s what you wish, then I shall see it done.” Won replied happily, shooting a grin towards the fancy water dish that his turtle was kept in.

Truly, Buyeon had not lied when she said it possessed good energy. It never seemed to stop giving Go Won good luck. It had separated him from Jin Mu, brought him closer to Jang Uk, and found him a wife all within just 2 years. 

“Did I ever tell you that I love you?” You asked, smiling against his skin, your face buried in the crook of his neck. He smelled sweet, but it wasn’t any less regal than you would expect from a king. It suited him perfectly. He embodied everything sweet and lovely and playful. From his bright eyes to his slight dimple when he smiled; your husband only knew how to love you with his entire being. He couldn’t love you with anything less even if he tried.

“Daily, darling.” He whispered, too caught up in the feeling of your warm breath hitting his neck. Your lips hovered over the skin as if you were still thinking about whether to kiss it or not. But when you finally let your lips fall to meet his soft skin, he found himself smiling, leaning into you in hopes of being closer.

“It’s comfortable like this. I want to stay here all day.” You told him. You would never get tired of this feeling— this pleasant buzzing in your chest that felt so right. Only Won could ever summon the feeling, and you found yourself often thinking about how perfect it was. You would love him for the rest of your life, and even when you died, he would still be the only man you kept in your heart.

“I don’t have anywhere to be. It would be impossible for me to leave even if I did when you’re holding me so tightly.” He said the last sentence in a teasing whisper which caused colour to rush to your cheeks. He wasn’t wrong, and though you could hardly be asked to stop, you at least loosened your grip around his waist. You would hug him for the entire day if you could. 

Go Won could tell by the way you shrunk your head down to rest on his back instead of by his neck that you had gotten flustered. You were always one to shamelessly flirt with him until the second he commented on it or flirted back. Your cheeks would grow hot and you would shy away from any affection that he attempted to give you. He thought it was adorable.

“Don’t get all shy on me now. What happened to the neck kisses you were giving me a minute ago?” He teased. Your arms were loose enough now that he could easily turn around to face you— something he had been wanting to do for a while.

You hid in your hands, too embarrassed to show him your face. He cooed at you, gently grasping your hands to move them down. He cupped your cheeks in his warm palms, only worsening your problem. He gave you a smile; a bright one that showed off his dimple and made his eyes sparkle with the love they held for you.

“Don’t look at me like that…” You mumbled quietly.

“Like what?” 

“Like… I hung the stars in the sky or something. You look… so in love.” 

“I am so in love, and I won’t stop looking at you.” Came his only response. It was a heart-fluttering one, one that you could only expect from your husband. He had always been expertly charming.

He leaned down to kiss you, almost as if completing his statement. And if you ever forgot how much he truly loved you, you were reminded of it every time his lips found yours. Whether it be short pecks or these longer kisses, his love was always displayed in both. When you kissed Go Won, it was as if you got entirely lost in the feeling of him. The rest of the world did not matter when his lips were on yours— it was just you and him, so very in love with each other.

↳ k-drama taglist: @yeonjuns-redhair,, @wolfmoonmusic,, @edensgardenn,, @cosmicwintr

[multific]

Your Name Day

Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Summary: Your name day was approaching and Aemond was yet to find the perfect gift for you.

He knew you deserved something special as this will be your first name day since you were wed to him.

Aemond wanted to prove himself to you, that he could be a caring and loving husband.

Even if your marriage was due to political reasons, both of you learned to respect and love the other.

And what better way to prove his love than a nice and meaningful gift?

Aemond thought of everything, even asked his mother and his sister for ideas. His mother said a gown, a gown to represent her House and possibly jewellery. But it was not good enough for Aemond.

And he probably shouldn't have asked his sister since her reply was something about spiders, and you hated spiders.

So, Aemond was clueless.

While a gown and jewellery was for sure not a bad idea, it was too generic, he wanted something more personal.

And so, he came up with an idea.

First, he excused himself from you for a couple days, saying he will be travelling for a political matter leaving you for a couple days.

Secretly, he went to your birthplace.

He thought a pretty flower which you can grow in your own garden would be a perfect idea. It was meaningful and nostalgic as you had to leave your home when you were wed to him.

Prince Aemond looked everywhere for a nice flower but found none. 

Why was it this hard? 

All he wanted to prove that he could be a capable and loving husband. He let out a sigh as he walked back to Vhagar, going through town, he passed the market when he saw a lady. Something about her intrigued the Prince as he walked over.

He noticed she had a kitten in her basket.

"Sir, would you be interested? My cat had a litter and I cannot afford to care for them, I am giving them away for free, she is the last one, 16 week old healthy little girl, Sir." The cat looked really nice, gorgeous white fur, blue eyes. "She is a Birman cat, Sir. Perhaps your wife would like her?" the old lady asked as Aemond looked at her. She took this as a sign. "They are good companions, lap cats as I call them, they are calm and good with children. Protective for their size, they do not wander and follow their owner everywhere, kind companions." the lady explained as Aemond looked back at the cat. The blue eyes of it captured him once more.

"How much?" is all Aemond asked.

"Oh, Sir, for free, all I wish is for her to have a good loving home." she smiled at the Prince. 

"I'll take her, but not without payment."

Aemond even got the basket from the lady, she nearly cried when Aemond insisted on giving her payment. And he paid a good amount, well, good amount for her, barely anything for him.

And with the perfect gift, Aemond was heading home.

By the time he got back it was your name day. He found his home decorated in flowers of your choice as the castle was getting ready for the occasion. 

He found you in your shared chambers alone.

"My Love." you turned to him with a smile, making a face at the basket he was holding.

"What-"

"I wish you a very happy name day, My Love. This is my gift for you but first I must give you a kiss, I have missed you." you smiled as he leaned down to kiss you.

"Can I look?" you asked, like a child asking for permission. Aemond put the basket down and opened it, you watched as a small creature emerged. "Aemond, where..." as you trailed off Aemond worried. Did you not like cats? You usually loved animals. Did he get the wrong gift? "She is gorgeous." you said as you picked her up, smiling at the kitten as it made small noises. "Where did you get her?"

"A lady was giving them away, she said hers had a litter. Apparently she is a Birman cat, she said they are good lap cats, whatever that might be. Do you like her?"

"Like? Oh, My Prince this is such a gorgeous gift, she is beautiful." you placed the cat down, letting her explore her new home. "I do not know what to name her."

"I’m sure you will think of something, My Love." he smiled as you went to hug him.

"How will I ever compete with this gift when your name day comes?" you asked as you watched your kitten explore. 

"I already have you, what more can I ask for?"

"Cazimir." you suddenly said and Aemond looked at you with surprise. "I will name her Cazimir, Cazi for short."

"I like that, sounds royal, fits her."

"It means Destroyer of Peace as I believe she will cause some problems for us but it all will be worth it. And as for your gift, I'll be sure to find something other than myself." you laughed as he leaned in to kiss you once more.

You smiled but you already had a good idea. 

Your husband had a dark ball for his eye, and you just knew a nice sapphire would be more fitting for a prince like him. 

Now, you just needed to find someone to make it.

As for your name day. Everything was perfect as it was expected.

Dinner was simple yet royal, you didn't ask for anything grand and so it was to your liking.

You even had cake.

And when you retrieved back to your room, Cazi was sleeping in her little basket, the tiny little kitten looked too comfortable to care that Aemond's lips found your neck and shoulders as you both moved to the bed.

Best name day ever.

A/N: Not Aemond doing last minutes shopping...

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~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

             DO NOT REPOST OR TRANSLATE ANY OF MY WORKS

[vdoesstuff]

Fic #9 (Zosan)

(An au in which by writing on your arm, you can communicate to your soulmate)

————————————————————————

Sanji always liked writing to his soulmate.

She was a fun person. It made him happy whenever they talked.

Right now, Sanji was sitting in the corner of the dungeon cell, pen in hand, writing to whoever his soulmate was.

He had been telling his soulmate about his current… situation.

The heavy iron mask pushed against Sanji’s face as if to remind him, “Hey, I’m here too!”

“Wait. You mean you’re in a dungeon right now with an iron mask on? That’s terrible.” Sanji looked down at the writing on his arm. It was a new feeling, having someone care about him.

“What’s your name?” She wrote.

“I would never tell even the girl of my dreams.” Sanji wrote. In truth, he didn’t want her to know that he was the prince of Germa. He worried it would change the way she thought about him.

Sanji expected a reply, but… it seemed like whoever it was on the other end hesitated. “But, I’m not a girl?” Sanji was confused. That means, she is a he? He thought. And my soulmate is a guy? But that doesn’t make any sense. Sanji didn’t like the feeling he felt.

So he didn’t write back.

For ten years.

———————

Sanji stepped aboard the Going Merry. Nami had been rescued from Arlong. All was well. He was finally fitting in, and making friends. He was…

happy.

Zoro was suspicious. The way this man talked, the way he held himself, his energy…

it reminded him of his soulmate, from all those years ago.

His soulmate, who had stopped writing after learning that his soulmate was gay.

His soulmate, who had been through so much, being so strong, but couldn’t handle the emotions he felt.

Zoro decided to test it out. He pulled out a pen, and wrote in his arm for the first time in ten years.

“Hey. I know we stopped talking. But I think I know who you are now. If I’m right, I’m the one with the green hair and three earrings.”

——————

Sanji could feel the familiar tingling on his arm. It couldn’t be, after all these years? He hesitantly raised his arm, pulled back his sleeve, and there it was.

Written in that familiar blue black ink.

His soulmate was Zoro.

Sanji didn’t know how to respond. So naturally, he panicked.

How could this be real?

After all these years?

How did he know?

What should he do?

He decided to go to the rest of the crew. He had felt a bond with them right away, he knew they would know what to do.

“Dumbass.” Nami glared at him. “You’re telling me that just because your soulmate turned out to be a guy, you stopped talking to him for ten years?”

“That’s about right.” Sanji stared off into the distance.

“I mean. He can’t possibly be THAT bad.” Nami flicked her hair over her shoulder. “I mean, my soulmate turned out to be a girl with blue hair and a giant duck. I haven’t met her yet, but she seems pretty ok.” She shrugged. “Just go talk to him. He can’t possibly be THAT bad.”

“Yeah!” Luffy exclaimed. “I don’t think I have a soulmate, because every time I try to write, no one ever writes back.” He smiled. “So I’m gonna help you find yours!”

“And why would you help me? We just met, like, a week ago.”

“Because we’re crew!” This made Sanji smile. He hadn’t had anyone care about him like this since…

back then. Writing to his soulmate. He decided he probably should write back.

“And just who do you think I am?” Sanji wrote.

“I know exactly who you are, shitty cook.” Oh god. He was right. He DID know who he was. He walked up to Zoro, face red. He could hear Luffy and Nami giggling in the background, watching them. Evidently, Zoro had noticed them too.

“Come on. Let’s go inside.”

Zoro leaned against the kitchen counter. “So.”

“So indeed.” Sanji said. “You’re my soulmate.”

“Guess so.” Zoro smiled.

“Is it true?” He asked.

“Is what true?”

“Did he really…lock you up?”

“Yes.” Sanji hesitated. Tears formed in his eyes. “Why do you wanna know?”

“Because I cared about you.” Zoro’s eyes looked full of concern. “When you stopped answering…” he hesitated. “I thought he had killed you.” Sanji was taken aback. He didn’t know he had worried him so much.

He cried.

He felt all the pain from back then, and new pain from now.

Zoro looked like he didn’t know what to do. Hesitantly, he approached, and…

hugged Sanji.

It startled him. He didn’t expect it. Especially not from someone he had met a week ago. But it felt good. He felt safe, for the first time in a while. Sanji hugged him back.

“What about you?”

“What about me?” Zoro asked.

“Is it true? About your friend?” Zoro hesitated.

“Yeah.”

“I’m so sorry.” Sanji embraced Zoro harder. Tears rolled down Zoro’s cheeks.

And they both stayed like that for a while, crying in each others arms, until at some point, Sanji lost his mind.

He didn’t know what he was thinking, or why. It just felt right. He leaned up, and kissed Zoro.

————————————————————————

thx so much @tired-dragon22 for the idea! Totally citing you in this it was a great idea!

WHOOOOOO ALRIGHT MUFUKRS WE DID IT POST #200, FIC #9!!! WE MADE IT Y’ALL

Hey guys so like I know this kinda contradicts other fics a lil bit but this one is unrelated to my other shit but just roll with it ok 💖

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

it’s curious that *this* (the Nigeria tour) is the incident that, seemingly, has made them finally understand they’ve crossed the line.

We obviously don’t know what happens behind the closed doors of the government, but it seems to me that some action was taken.

But looking at what we do know, I think H&M (especially Meghan) got a telling-off in Nigeria the likes of which they have never gotten AND were publicly made an example of in a way they never have before.

There’s two pieces that fit together: Meghan saying she got told to “wear more colour” and suddenly throwing together an outfit mid-tour with a gifted item plus the exact order in which the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, made her comments:

1) American celebrities push immoral nakedness (too on the nose not to include Meghan)

2) Meghan came looking for Africa (i.e., came searching for, came to learn from, etc.)

3) Africans have good morals and style and we should continue to embody that and teach them (i.e., include Meghan in seeing and being taught that)

Nigeria is not the UK, Canada or the US. Dressing inappropriately in Nigeria is not just a misstep and being disrespectful is seen very differently and much more seriously than some in the West conceptualise. I think when Meghan got told “to wear more colour”, she also got a massive telling off in a manner that she never got as a spoilt child or by the BRF. Meghan’s pivot to a cover-up style after being asked is uncharacteristic for her, she’s NEVER pivoted or listened when steered in the right direction.

The Senator’s comments do not read to me as the straight-up rebuke other’s are seeing. To me it reads like Meghan already got “taught” the lesson that Sen. Tinubu is trying to teach and now she’s been made the public example. (Not saying “immodest” is bad at all, just going with the Senator’s words.)

Overall, Meghan met the African slipper - if you know, you know!

Meghan was absolutely told off about her clothes in Nigeria. There was an event she was late to (by at least an hour, probably more but I can’t remember) and when she arrived, she made “jokes” that she was inspired by everyone wearing so much color that now she was wearing color.

I took that whole incident to mean that Meghan blew the group off to go shopping but now I’m wondering if maybe she was being petty and was late to piss off whoever confronted her about the wardrobe. The yellow gown she wore (which is also from the pregnancy announcement, per Misan Harriman) kinda throws me for a loop - if she knew she was supposed to wear color, then was it lucky she had that dress or did someone pull an Angela Kelly and pack a second wardrobe of modest (or “modest”) colorful clothes to give her when there were complaints?

The “Angela Kelly” move: The palace was planning a trip for The Queen and Prince Philip to go to Vatican City/Rome, they would be meeting the pope, and the advisors asked Angela to make The Queen a navy or dark blue dress for it. Angela instead advised that The Queen needed a black dress to meet the pope, the advisors pooh-poohed it and said “black is for mourning, give her a navy dress.” Angela made the navy outfit as they told her to, but she also made an identical black outfit for The Queen and brought it with her in her own luggage. They get to the Vatican, they’re briefed about black for the pope, there’s a freakout that The Queen only has navy, and Angela reveals the black outfit and saves the day.

It’s one of the stories she tells in The Other Side of the Coin. If anyone is interested:

[fantasy-on-parchment]

Make It Up to You (Pt. 2)

Evangeline x Jacks

FAIR WARNING this fic was started before the release of ballad, so it does not line up with the plot!! But also, no spoilers that I know of...

Warning: angst, smut, happy ending duh

Summary: After the miscommunication at her childhood home, Evangeline does her best to steer clear of Jacks. However, the fate has much different ideas in mind.

unedited bc id rather write more than go back an edit, sue me <3

Love ya's!!

She would not cry again. She would not cry again. She...

Evangeline repeated the mantra in her head over and over as she finally approached her room. Sliding open the wooden door, she quickly slammed it shut behind her and pushed to lock. She wouldn't allow herself to be alone for long, fates knew Wolf Hall would need her attention as soon as possible. Which, for once, was most likely a good thing. If she sat alone in her room for too long, she'd begin thinking too hard about everything that was said.

"--he probably didn't love you in the first place!"

With a groan, Evangeline twisted to pull the cape off her back. She threw all thoughts of the prince of hearts out the window. She didn't need to think about him. Him and his blue eyes, his crooked smirk, his veined hands... they wouldn't get her anywhere.

She threw the cape into her wardrobe and the satchel on the bed before proceeding into the ensuite bathroom to wash the tear tracks on her cheeks and apply enough blush that the splotchy color of her face would look purposeful.

Princesses weren't supposed to cry. Not over their exes, and certainly not over unattainable god-like creatures such as Jacks. So, she finished in the bathroom, changed into a silky, golden evening gown that stopped just above the floor, and exited her chambers.

He hadn't followed her, which was honestly surprising. She expected him to have more to say, to mock her tears maybe. But when she got to the castle stairs after the return, she turned to see he had not yet followed her. And he wasn't waiting at her door now either.

Good. She forced herself to think, good.

"Princess Evangeline!"

"Your highness!"

"Mi'lady!"

Suddenly she was swarmed by nobles, postmen, and even servants. In the middle of the decent sized crowd, she couldn't make out the faces pushing to get towards her. Different letters and offers were pushed into her hands as she was also pushed around the circle. She huffed at the annoyance of it all, she had only been gone a little over 6 hours and this is what she returned to?

"Excuse me?!"

She pushed her way out of the swarm of voices and brushed herself off when they all turned to her with alarmed expressions.

She went to speak again when a different voice entered the mix.

"Now that is no way to greet our future queen, is it?" The drawl came from beside her, and she turned to see blue eyes and that insufferable smirk.

As if she thought she could catch a break today.

The corridor was quiet for a moment as the crowd looked between each other and them, and then, as if nothing had happened, they charged forward once again with their questions and letters.

Evangeline felt Jacks shift to grab her, and as her breath caught in her throat, she did the only thing she thought to do at the moment.

She dived straight into the bustling crowd. Ducking down, she gathered her skirt to herself and moved quickly around the bodies who still moved in the opposite direction as if not noticing her escape attempt.

"Little Fox!" The bustling of the crowd did nothing to drown out his heavy footsteps, they were all she heard as she bolted down the corridor.

Should've stayed in her rooms, no one had to know she was back in the castle yet. But it was almost dinner, and the nobles were used to her dining with them. In the Prince's absence, going over events and decision-making this way comforted the civilians.

"Little Fox, stop this instant!"

She took a sharp turn, and pulled herself into an alcove where he wouldn't find her. The alcoves of the castle were covered by curtains, and she pulled that across the opening and waited for his footsteps to pass.

She took deep breaths and waited a minute, soothing out her bodice and fluffing her skirts. She couldn't hear him anymore, and pray tell he couldn't make out her labored breaths.

She stepped out of the alcove, quickly going back in the direction she came.

Or she would, if it weren't for a hand pulling her back.

tsk, tsk, Little Fox

Once she processed being back behind the curtain, she quickly wrenched her arm out of grasp and turned towards Jacks.

"How did you see me?" She demanded.

His smirk was all wolf, and she hated it. Damn it, she hated every bit of it.

"You're easy to find, when you want to be."

"But I do not want to be! So kindly leave!" She gave all the authority she could to her voice, but the look on his face didn't even falter.

But then he was pushing her against the dark wall of the alcove, absolutely out of to any passerbyers. He leaned down to her ear to whisper, "Oh I beg to differ, love."

"You don't know anything." She countered, but it was meek while she was pressed to his chest, surrounded by the scent of apples and pine.

He hummed against her throat, his breath traveling down her neck and ghosting over her breasts. It took everything in her not to gasp.

"Well, I think I know one thing..."

"And what is that?"

"I owe you an apology."

Oh.

Oh...

Evangeline certainly hadn't expected that. If anything, she expected him to snark at her again. But not want to... apologize?

"Jacks...?" She softly laid her hands on his shoulders and pushed back until he met her eyes. They still held the heat that she imagined hers did, but behind it was something melancholy, almost regretful.

He seemed to breathe deeply before saying, "I am sorry, Evangeline."

"Oh..."

"I do not always think about how my tone might be taken, as I'm sure you know. And... as we've established in the past, I am a jealous fate, a possessive fate at times... and when I saw you upset over him I just-" He cut himself off.

The alcove was quiet as she watched him, not wanting to interrupt what was obviously a difficult situation for him.

"-I meant what I said, Eva-"

"I-" She started.

"No. Don't get angry with me yet." He stepped closer again, allowing their chests to press flush together and her back to press against the wall. "While I'm sure Luc loved you in the way he knew how, he did not know how to love you in the way you deserve. And you do deserve love, Little Fox."

Evangeline knew she was naive at times, but she simply couldn't help the way her heart swelled at his validation.

But she squared her shoulders anyways, "That does not permit the way you spoke to me."

"I know, I do. I am sorry for not seeing past my own desires."

Her brow furrowed as she looked up to him, her nose close enough to brush his. "Your... desires?"

His smirk returned at that; she had obviously zeroed in on the part of his sentence that he hoped she would. His hands lifted to her waist, pushing her back further to the wall as he leaned back and roved his eyes over her. This apology was getting more and more confusing.

His eyes returned to hers, the heat back in place as he studied her. She felt herself blush, red covering her cheeks down to the tops of her breasts. He leaned back down to her ear.

"Do you want me to leave, Little Fox?"

She tried to inhale, but the air was thick, and her lungs simply would not take much air. "I... I need to go to dinner."

He laughed lowly, "That's not what I asked, so answer my question please?" He leaned closer, his lips down her neck to her collarbone.

She held back a gasp, trying to compose herself before her mouth spoke for her: "No."

"No?"

"Please, no."

Another chuckle, "Good... because just because I apologize, Little Fox, doesn't mean I'm done with you."

He leaned back, stepping away until her entire being craved his touch. He looked over her.

"Where did he touch you?"

"What?" She was breathless already, oh my it was embarrassing.

His smile was viscous because he knew, "Tell me, Evangeline Fox, where did your little vampire boy touch you?"

She actually almost laughed at his possessiveness, "Jacks--"

But he stepped closer, grabbing her hand. "Here?" He placed his lips against her hand in the whisper of a kiss. It was sweet, almost loving.

But then his lips were under her ear, "Here?" He licked, and nipped slightly as he worked his way across her neck until she moaned out.

He chuckled, "Did he ever find the spot that makes you sing, hmm? Right here?" He bit down again.

She went to say no, but it came out in a whimper as she pushed against him.

He pulled back again, his thumb brushing her lip. "Obviously here... but we know I can't kiss you-"

"Bite me." She jumped, too quick to give him the opportunity.

But he leaned forward, "So eager," he praised before his teeth sank against her bottom lip. He whimpered again, moaning his name as he pulled away.

"So tell me, where else?" He held his hand out, giving her the control to show him.

With a shuddered breath, she took his hand, moving it over her neck again and letting him give a gentle squeeze before she gathered her courage and moved his hand down to the tops of her breasts. She watched his face as she did, watching as his eyes battled between rage and lust. She was grateful for her skirts, for once, for the way he couldn't see her rub her thighs together. She usually hated his anger, but the rage he had at the thought of another man touching her... suddenly her panties felt tight and... wet.

"... Just the top?" He asked through his teeth. She bit her lip, only knowing how to shake her head.

Jacks growled, gripping her waist and turning her roughly so he could shove her against the wall. She almost shrieked before she felt his hands at the small of her back, he was careful to not tear the lace, but he roughly pulled the laces apart until the bodice hung loose at her waist before turning her back around.

Eva pulled at the sleeves as Jacks stepped back and watched the dress fall to the floor of the alcove until she stood in her slip and flats.

"What if we're caught?"

He didn't stop looking at how the slip hugged her curves to say: "I can control what people do, love, don't worry about it." And then he was stepping forward to grip the hem of her slip.

"But-" She didn't have time before the slip was pulled over her head and his hands landed on her chest.

He cursed as he leaned down to nip across the swell of her breasts. Her head fell back against the wall, but she hated not doing anything. So she reached forward and began unbuttoning his shirt. When she began to struggle, she got frustrated and ripped the buttons apart until his was standing shirtless. She moaned again as her hands landed on his hot skin, just has his lips closed over her breast.

Evangeline gasped, "He-he never..."

"Of course, he wasn't creative enough." Jacks grunted.

Before she could say anything else, his hand slid down her stomach to her panties. He wasted no time running his fingers over the fabric, "Here?"

No, she'd never been touched there. She'd heard from fellow girls that certain feelings derive from that area, but she had never been courageous enough to explore.

"No... no one." She whispered.

He smiled against her stomach as he knelt onto his knees. "Good, I'd have to kill anyone who had."

The words alone felt like she might shatter. It was a feeling she didn't understand. His fingers skimmed her skin up to her hips, lightly gripping the sides of her panties as he looked up to her. She'd never get over it, the way he looked on his knees. His hair was disheveled from where she had gripped it as he sucked on her skin. The look in his eyes neared on begging as he asked, "Do you trust me to show you?"

She didn't know, but she couldn't help but nod, "Please, Jacks."

That was all he needed before his grip tightened and her panties her ripped from her skin. She squealed as he dropped them.

"I need those!"

He chuckled, "No, Eva, I promise you do not." But then his eyes moved to between her thighs, and the groan he let out was so tortured that the knot inside her stomach strung tight. "I always knew you'd have a pretty cunt, Little Fox."

With his words, he lifted a finger until it reached her center, running through her folds and picking up something slick.

"And oh, my fates," his forehead landed to rest on her naval, "You're so wet for me, aren't you, pretty girl?"

"Yes..." She breathed out, still unsure.

He looked up at her, but only as his thumb pressed hard against the nerves between her thighs. He watched as her jaw dropped, and her eyes widened with surprise. Oh, my fates indeed. Jacks continued to push that thumb in lazy circles over that spot as her hips shuttered.

She thought she'd felt it all, but that was before his thumb pulled away and was replaced by his ring finger nudging against her opening. It pushed forward with equal sting and equal pleasure. Eva's head fell back before Jacks demanded: "Look at me."

She obeyed, suddenly willing to do anything he asks. "Good girl, good little fox." He praised as he brought that finger in and out, over and over. "I've just got to taste you, you know that?"

"W-what?" wouldn't it taste... awful?

He returned his attention down, smirking despite her question as he used her other hand to push her legs further apart. As he leaned forward, her hand shot out to grip his hair and stop him.

Before she could blink, her hand was pulled away and pinned to the wall as her side. His eyes held heat as he looked up from her, "Do not stop me from pleasuring you, Evangeline. Do not stop me from erasing the very memory of that boy."

She paused, thinking, before relaxing and shifting her legs open wider. As unsure as she was, she also found herself liking the idea of submitting to what he wanted to do to her.

Happy now, Jacks let go of her hand to steady himself as he leaned forward. Before she knew it, he what nudging her center, and suddenly his tongue was in the spot his thumb had been and-- oh.

"Oh, Jacks, please!" Her hands returned to his hair, but only to push him closer. Her hips rolled in a way she'd never felt as his tongue flicked and his teeth grazed while his finger found that spot.

She felt him hum against her, "Such a perfect cunt, princess. You're going to fall apart for me, okay? Fall apart on my face." He practically moaned the words, but they still held all the authority.

And she couldn't take it, one more lick and suddenly she was shattering against him and he was gripping her, his tongue taking everything she had. He didn't stop until the shaking became light tremors, and he went to stand up.

She felt awkward suddenly, "Um, well..."

"Oh we're not done." He scoffed, hands finding his pants as he cornered her again.

"We're... we're not?"

"Not unless you want to be." He shook his head, undoing the buttons of his trousers as she watched. She knew the male anatomy, knew that size and width always differed like height. But she still wasn't prepared for the outline indenting his pants. Still, she reached out simply because she needed to do something.

Grabbing the top of his pants and underwear, she took a deep breath and shoved until they fell below his knees, and he stepped out of them and his boots. There they stood, nothing on. She tried not to look but she couldn't help it. If he'd touched her down there, maybe she could...

She reached out before he knew, her hand wrapping around what she could fit and naturally pumping up and down. It was the first time she'd heard Jacks gasp, and he caught himself with his arms on either side of her head.

"My fates, Little Fox, that feels so good." She smiled at the praise, liking that she was doing something right.

"Can I... also use my tongue?" She was curious.

He let out a breathless moan, "Yes, yes you can. But... not tonight. Tonight, you're mine."

She didn't know what he meant as she dropped her hand just for him to seize both of her wrists in one of his hands. He positioned them above her head and left them there so he could grip her waist. She loved his touch, so demanding, so adamant.

He lifted her against the wall, "Wrap your legs around my waist, princess."

She did as told, and watched as one hand returned to her wrists, and another grabbed his dick. She was entranced as he rubbed the head of it against those nerves once again. And suddenly she was back to square one, writhing and rolling her hips.

"Good... good little fox." He cooed. And then he pushed lower, to that same hole his finger had been.

"No.'' He paused immediately, "How... how will you fit?"

He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers, not a kiss, but brushed. "I've got you ready, my love, let me take care of you."

He waited for further protest before pushing forward. It stung, but less than she thought it might. More so, she felt full. She felt him stretching her as he groaned against her neck. She watched where they connected, as he only went in a little, before pulling back and pushing in further and further. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but her mouth opened in a moan.

"Please, please, more." She cried.

She felt him tense, before he pulled out and suddenly slammed into the hilt. She screamed, praying no one was near.

"Oh my, Jacks, please."

"You like that?" She asked against her ear, "You're taking all of me so well, Eva, and you like it? You hated me mere hours ago but look at you so obediently obeying me."

"Yes, yes, please." In and out, in and out, she couldn't stop watching. She'd never felt this way before, never felt so safe and so on edge.

"Let go with me, c'mon baby." He pushed harder, faster. Over and over until they both shuttered and fell apart together. She wanted to kiss him, and the way his forehead landed on hers when he let go told her how badly he longed too as well.

"Oh my fates," She breathed as he let her legs fall to the floor. Jacks chuckled before picking up her slip.

"We're doing to get you dressed, then you're coming back to my rooms to clean up, okay?"

She simply nodded, too dazed, too in love.

[vivwritesfics]

Fake It Till You Make It

Chapter Two - The Monaco Grand Prix

The Princess of Monaco is wild and out of control. She needs to stop being in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons. Charles Leclerc has had a spot of bad press since his very public break up. He needs some good PR. What better way to fix their problems than to pair them up?

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Series Masterlist

Party Princess's wreckages

At the approach of the Monaco Grand Prix, we take a look back at the Princess's car collection.

As many of our readers know, Princess Y/N has owned a multitude of cars. But, unlike her brother, she does not have an extensive and impressive car collections. Actually, she doesn't have a car collection at all.

The party princess was bought the first car in her collection at fifteen, before getting her licence. The BMW M4 was expected to stay in storage until Princess Y/N had a full licence.

Most of us probably had a Fiat 500 or our big brothers old car as our first car. But a Fiat 500 or hand me down car isn't appropriate for the party princess. The purchase of the white BMW M4 shouldn't have come as a surprise to anybody.

Nobody expected to see the pictures of the totalled car. In true part princess fashion, she took her brand new car out for a joyride. That joyride lasted a total of five minutes. Princess Y/N, luckily, climbed out of the car unscathed.

This trend of wrecking new cars continued on for Princess Y/N until the royal family refused to buy her any cars. We say the ruin of the beautiful Porsche 911, the destruction of the Ferrari 308 GTS, and the wreckage of the 1963 Volkswagen Beetle deluxe. This totals to €347,865 worth of damage.

If you would like to see the Princess's destroyed vehicles, fully restored in perfect condition, you can visit them in the Prince of Monaco's car collection.

Of all the things the article could have written about, why did it have to be her fuck ups? Couldn't they have talked about her years giving trophies on the podium? Couldn't they have mentioned her friendship with Fernando Alonso?

No, they had to go into her embarrassing moments. The Beetle and the Ferrari weren't even her fault. Sure, she maybe shouldn't have let her boyfriend at the time drive the cars and crash into those walls or trees.

The article didn't even mention the driver that backed into her Porsche. She was sat in traffic when that asshole backed up out of the blue.

The only one that was properly her fault was the BMW. At fifteen she went for a joyride before she really knew how to drive. The car didn't make it back with her.

"The media has nicknamed you the party princess," Henri spat. He stopped reading the article and locked his phone. "Are you not embarrassed? Does this not make you want to calm things down?"

She didn't answer him. She kept her head against the window of the car and stared out of the window. "Fine, be childish."

The car pulled up outside of the paddock entrance and the doors were pulled open for the prince and princess. Y/N climbed out of the car in just the way she had been taught, in a way that kept her skirts covering her.

The prince and princess walked into the paddock together. They smiled and waved for the cameras as they snapped pictures of them. It was far too warm for the suit Henri was wearing, but he looked proper and put together (which was the most important thing).

The party princess was wearing something a little more appropriate for the weather. Her white, floral patterned skirt was loose around her legs, falling to her feet and her top was nothing more than a plain vest. Sunglasses covered her eyes, for once not hiding a hangover.

She followed her brother to the garages. "I'm heading to Ferrari," he said, splitting off from her. Henri might have been the biggest Charles Leclerc fan, but they were still friends. For the few Grand Prix he attended a year, he spent it in the Ferrari garage, routing for his friend.

The princess headed off to the Aston Martin garage. The year before she had been running into the Alpine garage. Whichever team she favoured was the team Fernando Alonso was driving for.

She'd met Fernando when she was just ten years old. Her brother gave Jenson button his trophy and she hesitantly walked up to Fernando to give him his. Fernando had crouched to her height to thank her and take the trophy from her hands. That was the day she fell in love with Formula One. That was the day he became her favourite driver.

"Nando!" She called as she walked through the Aston Martin garage.

The Spaniard turned around upon hearing his name. His eyes lit up and he opened his arms, pulling her against him. "Hello, your highness," he said, grin on his face. "Are you excited for the race?"

"Oh, always," she answered as they walked through the garage. "I'm hoping I can give you another trophy this year."

She hadn't managed to make it to the qualifying that year. No, she was too busy getting lectured by her father (this was before the article running through the times she totalled her cars was published, mind you). She hadn't looked up where Fernando was on the grid this year.

"I'll try my very best for you," Fernando said.

As she and Fernando talked, Henri walked into the Ferrari garage. He didn't run straight to Charles, like his sister did with Fernando. Instead, he greeted people and posed for some pictures. He had a quick conversation with Fred Vasseur and talked to Carlos Sainz, wishing him good luck with the race, before going off to find Charles.

"Prince Henri," Charles Leclerc called, spotting him first.

"Charles." Henri held out his hand and Charles shook. They might have been friends, but they kept things proper. "How have you been?"

Charles's smile became tight. His answer was quick and not entirely positive. "Anyway, how are you? How is the party princess?"

Immediately, Henri's smile dropped from his face. "You heard about that?" He asked and Charles nodded. "She's going to give me grey hairs, I swear," Henri said and shook his head. "Every news article that comes out, it's something negative. I can't imagine what it's doing to her."

Charles understood, probably more than Henri realised. Since his recent breakup and his ex girlfriend's public blasting of him, the media hadn't been too kind. Nothing compared to the party princess, though.

But Charles didn't bring it up to Henri. There was no need, he was worrying about his own media problems.

Henri and Charles continued talking up until Charles was needed on track. Y/N had long since left Fernando to prepare himself and was currently talking to a star struck Tom Holland about his role as Spider-Man.

But soon it was the start of the Grand Prix. Y/N found her brother and stood with him, watching from the Ferrari garage as the cars zoomed around the track. Now that she had seen the article, she couldn't help but identify the places on the track that she had previously crashed her cars. A horrible, indescribable feeling filled her.

Fernando did end up on the podium, alongside Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon. Henri gave one ecstatic Esteban his trophy and watched his joyous celebration. "Félicitations, Esteban," the princess said to him. His cheeks were pink as he stood back in position.

Y/N couldn't hide her smile as she walked up and gave Fernando his trophy. "I tried my very best for you, princess," Fernando said, pulling her into a hug. It lasted mere seconds before he was celebrating in front of the crowd.

Max Verstappen was given his trophy and the champagne was sprayed. As every year, the Monaco Grand Prix was an incredible event. But the Prince and Princess couldn't help but wish the Monegasque driver was on the podium, their national anthem playing.

***

After the Grand Prix, the princess was taken back to her apartment. She kicked off her shoes, got changed into her pyjamas and threw herself down onto her sofa.

She ignored her phone, and the social media no doubt critiquing her every move for the day, and fell asleep.

Prince Henri was back at the castle. He scrolled through his phone as the chef placed his food in front of him, looking for anything official posted about the royal family's presence at the Grand Prix. There was one article detailing his sister and her relationship with Fernando Alonso, but it was nothing negative.

Henri was pleasantly surprised. Normally at least one news outlet or tabloid was saying something negative about the princess. But not this time. And there it was, an article about her outfit and how inappropriate but unsurprising it was for her 'to be wearing THAT'.

He kept scrolling. Soon his articles were less about the royal family, with general news from the Grand Prix appearing. Stories about Red Bull's dominance, about the celebrities seen at the Grand Prix, about the two DNF's in the race.

But then he got to the stories about Charles. They weren't about his race. No, they detailed the sordid details of his last relationship.

Oh, so Charles Leclerc was in need of some good PR, just like Princess Y/N. Henri opened his messages and sent Charles a text. He threw his phone onto the table in front of him and waited.

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[darsynia]

Happy Val | Steve Rogers/Reader Fluff

Summary: You work at 'Bean Charge,' a coffee shop run by a man who everyone jokes might just be the real Thor. It's a great place to work, and part of what makes it that way are the customers-- and for you, one of those customers in particular. You look forward to when he comes in, but the handsome lawyer named Steve is probably just being polite to his local barista, right? Belated Valentine's Oneshot

Warnings | Pairing: Fluffy fluff | Lawer!Steve Rogers/Barista!Reader

Square filled: Coffee Shop AU for @avengersbingo

Length: 2,536

Tags: @ronearoundblindly @munstysmind @tiny-anne @themaradaniels @starryeyes2000 @deepbatched

Happy Val

It’s all a little ‘While You Were Sleeping’ to you, this absurd crush you have on the handsome lawyer that periodically shows up at the coffee shop.

Part of the problem is that you’re shy. Excruciatingly shy, which is usually not a problem at work, because the bombastic shop owner Thor loves to take orders during your morning shifts. Everyone jokes that he’s the real Thor, with his golden hair and muscles, and Thor plays it up. ‘Bean Charge’ has a resident black cat named Loki, lightning themed decor and drinks, and Thor’s crowning glory, a food section named, what else? Meal Near.

Thor’s a really great boss, really protective. The last place he’d worked had some regulars that harassed the staff so badly that he’s given all of you the choice of using aliases on your nametags. That means you work with ‘Lady Sif,’ ‘Fandral,’ ‘Heimdall,’ and ‘Frigga’ as the typical morning crew. Your own nametag reads ‘Valkyrie,’ but everyone calls you ‘Val.’ The previous Valkyrie drops by sometimes (for fun, she calls herself Brunhilde, if anyone asks) to tell the rest of you about her job working as personal security for some uber rich CEO.

For some reason, Thor always disappears into the back when she shows up, and it was during one of those times that you first met Steve. You fill in as the order-taker when Thor’s not around, so there you were, looking up at the most handsome man you’d ever laid eyes on. He’d been wearing a silver-gray suit with a blue shirt that perfectly matched his eyes, and most of all, he seemed to exude an aura of kindness you found really attractive.

“What can I get for you?”

“I like to ask the barista what the shop specialty is, when I try a new place,” he’d said, smiling kindly at you.

“Right now we’re featuring Caramelstruck, an iced caramel latte with lightning bolts of caramel on the sides of the cup,” you had said, noting with your typical intuition that it might be a bit too fancy for his tastes. “A simpler option to try would be our Red Valkyrie, a warm red velvet latte. It goes very well with the white chocolate hoofprint cookies.”

“That sounds great; I have a little time before my client shows up.” As he’d handed you his card, Steve had said, “Is that your favorite?”

You’d frozen in confusion, and Steve (he still hasn’t told you his last name countless visits later, and you’re pretty sure that’s because he knows you’d use it out of deference, if you knew what it was) had just nodded toward your nametag.

“Oh,” you’d said vacantly as you handed his card back (you go back over this moment in your mind on bad days and worse nights). “Right.”

“I’ll guess that it isn’t, then,” he’d said, offering you a respectful nod before heading away from the counter. No one was in line behind him, so you’d tidied up the register area and surreptitiously watched him pick up his drink and go sit at a two top. At least none of your coworkers had noticed you forget how to be a person in the face of male beauty?

Except for Loki, but the cat always meowed his snark at the lot of you. It was part of his princely charm.

The next time Steve came in was more than a month later. The shop was pretty busy, and you’d been the one making his order. He’d opted for a very simple drink, but because Thor was in one of his moods, you were supposed to ask if each person wanted shaved white chocolate on their drinks in honor of a really early snow. You’d held the cup up and called out a name, and there he was, Steve in the suit (blue this time, oh my god).

You’d blurted out, “Do you want shaved?”

Steve had looked at you.

You had looked at Steve, knowing any attempt you’d make at fixing things would go badly.

“I’d say something like, ‘only if you have a steady hand,’ but something tells me that might make the moment more awkward,” he had said.

“Shaved chocolate,” you’d whispered, and he had smiled.

“I’d love some. Thank you.”

Ever since, Steve makes eye contact with you when he gets in line, and you dearly wish you knew whether that means he thinks his particular presence makes you stupid, or what. He’s always really kind about it, though, and the ribbing that your coworkers had started up back in November has died down to a disgruntled rumble. 

You don’t understand why they’re so grumpy. Everyone has ‘their’ customers, the ones happy to see them in particular, and it never really means anything. In the six months since Steve first came into the shop, you’d made ‘kindred spirit’ connections with 2 other customers! Sure, you spend more time thinking about Steve than you do about Hal the Flat White Connoisseur, but who wouldn’t?

It’s Valentine’s Day, and you hope you’ll see Ruby, the retiree. You’d persuaded Thor to get Ruby Chocolate, a pink variation that you’re offering to shave into people’s coffees. ‘Can I shave some you into your coffee?’ is going to be simply delightful.

You have five minutes left on your shift when you look up and catch sight of Steve walking in. As usual, he’s got a briefcase, but unusually, he’s also carrying a long, thin canvas bag with something boxy in it. When he looks for you, the two of you make eye contact right away-- but this time, after his smile, he looks uncomfortable for some reason. You wonder what’s up, but you have a job to finish up doing, so you refocus.

You get the ‘Steve’ cup started and see that it’s the Red Valkyrie, one of the more popular drinks during your shift, given the day.

“Shaved chocolate in your cup?” you offer Steve, and he nods, his attention taken up by something or someone behind you. You feel a little twinge of disappointment-- if your coworkers are going to tease you about this man, the least they could do is not distract him when he shows up!

You maintain your pleasant expression, though, and when you hand him his cup, Steve takes it with a little finger swipe against your hand. You freeze still, unable to avoid enjoying the little frisson of excitement.

“I can clock you out, Val, if you have plans this fine evening!” Thor booms behind you. Steve takes his drink and steps away, and you whirl around, eyes wide.

“Did you have to announce-- I mean, I don’t, I don’t have plans, but--”

“That is welcome news, I think,” Thor says gently, nodding over your shoulder. When you look, Steve is settling down at a table by the window, laying out his odd package in behind his coffee cup. He takes a sip; the sweet smile crossing his face gives you mixed feelings. By all rights he ought to be meeting a young woman here, or if he isn’t, that smile should belong to that young woman, a recollection of their time together-- but you dearly wish you could prompt him to look like that.

“Val?”

You startle again, realizing that Heimdall is trying to take over your station, and you’re in the way.

“Sorry, sorry,” you mumble, stepping back and untying your apron.

“I foresee you forgetting this whole incident in short order,” he teases you. Heimdall has really leaned into the archetype, he’s always prophesying and joking about what he Sees.

“Right, because I’ll be jostling with my fellow man as I mount the multiperson chariot,” you shoot back before heading into the back. You don’t mind taking the bus, but some days it’s more stressful than not. Holidays tend to be like that. People are rushing to be somewhere by a certain time, and they can always somehow sense that there’s not much fight in you. Since starting at this job, you’ve felt a lot more empowered to stand up for yourself, though. Working at a place that exhorts you to ‘be in charge’ of your own life, with a boss that treats you like a valued partner probably has a lot to do with it.

Thor would argue that it’s also about the ‘lightning energy of caffeine,’ but he’s definitely touched by the Aesir, or something.

You freshen up a little bit in the mirror before you leave the back. You’d worn a cute outfit today, mostly to declaw the nosy comments of some of the patrons, who'd wanted to know if you have a date later. Frigga had warned you yesterday: if you’re in regular clothes, they’ll lament about your prospects, but if you’re already dressed up, they just assume the best.

Steve’s still at his table when you walk out, but now there’s a long, ribboned box in the place where the canvas bag had been. You smile warmly at him on your way to the door, and to your surprise, he calls out to you and gets up to come over.

“Will you sit with me a minute?”

“I--” You’re speechless.

“Please?”

His smile is so charming that you nod shyly. Steve pulls out a chair for you (!), and once you’re seated, he rubs at his beard and looks down at the table.

“I wanted to thank you for being a smiling, welcoming face when I come in. I have to admit I’ve looked forward to seeing you, whether or not that’s appropriate,” he says quietly.

“That’s one of the things we try to do, actually-- give people the sense that they’re stopping by to get coffee from people they trust, friends, even,” you tell him.

For some reason, that doesn’t hit the way you expected. Steve winces a little, then nods. When he looks at your face again, though, he seems to realize he’s concerned you.

“That’s a good thing, don’t get me wrong. I meant me, I’m inappropriate.”

The warm look on his face is doing things to your insides, and it does not help that your coworkers at the counter are doing their level best to watch you without looking like they are.

“I can’t imagine what that would even look like,” you say, attempting to reassure Steve. You can and have, many times, and your blood heats up just remembering some of them.

“It looks a little like this,” Steve tells you, and he reaches over and removes the lid from the long rectangular box. Inside the box are red long-stem roses, a whole lot of them. You gasp, and he says, “I got you twelve roses. Five for each month I should have asked you out, and seven more for the time I’m hoping to pick you up for dinner tomorrow.”

You’d been reaching out a tentative hand toward the flowers, but as soon as he says ‘should have asked you out,’ they’re forgotten as you stare at the sheepish smile on his handsome face. 

“Really?” you whisper, stunned. You’re standing on the precipice of joy, but it’s hard to let yourself drop without being absolutely sure.

“Really. I wanted to thank you, by the way. I work with some people who have been really beaten down by an unjust system, the kind of system full of people who look and sound like me. As you can imagine, it’s hard for them to relax and be honest at the law office.” Steve traces a droplet of coffee on the table, his jaw clenching. It’s easy to think that he’s picturing some of that injustice, and just witnessing this opens your heart even more towards him. “I’ve started to bring new clients here instead, for that first meeting. It’s done a world of good for that level of trust, and part of that is the atmosphere you and your coworkers have created.”

“Yes,” you say, the word breathy but somehow still too loud. You close your eyes tightly and try not to spontaneously combust from everything that’s happening right now. “Yes to the date, yes to you being the person I was hoping you were. And yes, I just said that out loud!”

You open your eyes to see Steve smiling, joyful, just like you are.

“That has to be the best first conversation I’ve had at this table since I started bringing clients here.” The two of you laugh, and it’s easy, despite the pressure you feel to get every part of this right. “Do you mind if I ask for your number? I assume you’d rather meet me or have me pick you up for dinner, instead of giving the peanut gallery more to rib you about.”

“Yes, good idea,” you say, digging your phone out and opening it up to contacts in as calm a manner as you can manage. “You realize this means you’ll have to tell me your last name, finally? I have my theories about why you kept that back.”

He actually rubs his neck in chagrin, at this. “You caught me. I’ll text you with it later--”

“Steve!” you interrupt, frustrated. “It’s about respect!”

The warmth in his eyes intensifies, at this. “I get it. I have a bit of a reputation-- nothing bad, I promise. Name recognition, that’s all.” Your eyes widen at this, but you nod. Before you can say anything else, his watch beeps, and so does his phone. Steve holds it up. “Duty calls.”

“I’ll look forward to hearing from you, truly,” you say, standing up. That’s when you remember the roses, and you’re struck by their beauty in the box for a long minute, during which Steve just watches you. You catch his scrutiny from the corner of your eye, and let out a little embarrassed laugh. “Sorry, these are simply stunning. Thank you again.”

“You seem like exactly the person I was hoping you’d be too,” Steve says, standing up. “This meeting will be a few hours, I’ll make sure to send you a message by seven tonight.”

He offers you a respectful nod and walks out. You’re left with the twelve most beautiful roses you���ve ever seen, a heart full of possibilities, and an obnoxiously nosy group of coworkers who rush over as soon as Steve’s suited figure turns the street corner and walks out of view.

Steve is as good as his word-- he sends you a message with a few upscale restaurant options (complete with links to their websites, which you feel is a pro move, but not a player one). He signs his name ‘Steve Rogers,’ which definitely sounds familiar.

Even though you know he’s expecting you to do it, you still feel a little icky googling his name. You know some people go as far as scanning years of social media and ordering up criminal backgrounds on their dates, and you were never that person. The search pops up-- and there are pages of results. And yes, you’ve heard of him.

Steve Rogers is one of the country’s preeminent humanitarian lawyers. He’s just got done arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court. And you have a date with him tomorrow.

[itonashi]

FOR YOU

pairing: chigiri hyoma x fem!reader

warning: royal!au, fluff, romantic (idk)

note: sen req me this and yes. idk how to do dance idk... anyway i read some historical manhwa and that's that i guess.. im using like my manhwa knowledge to write this.

the newest rising star lady among the young nobles, [first name] [last name]. she's considered a one in a million genius. usually it's the men who will be sent to academy. the rarity of women in the academy is low. the majority is mostly men.

as men is supposed to be the head of the family. they need education, but who said that women can't be a heir too?

[first name] [last name] the only child and the heir of [last name] family. the pride and joy. [last name] family is known for their multi-talented. an all-rounder, simple as that.

every year, the academy will host an event showing off their best students; hosting an event especially for them to be known. the academy is keeping everything inside private from the public so this is the only time they would reveal to the world on who is their best students.

the event will be lasting for three days. the last day as predicted is always the time for them to have fun. they're required to go to the ballroom night with a partner but going there alone is okay.

"[first name], who will you be choosing to go to the blue lock event this year?" every year, students will be curious on who [first name] will take to go to the event with her. it has been years she's going to the event alone. maybe this year she will choose someone.

"it's a secret." putting a finger across her lips.[first name] already have her eyes set on someone and wish that the guy would be the one to ask her out. his speed amazed her, it was as if he have become one with the wind. a beautiful eyes and hair, he's what she desire.

he was a new student, just one year younger than her and yet in the first day of the academy — he already made a big impression on [first name], but he doesn't know about it. through gossips, [first name] heard many things about him. some say he could be a princess in disguise because of his feminine features — the best yet, is that this man might be a superpower user. which is a rare sight in the world.

only 10% people in the world have it. if people knew among them that there is a superpower user. one might be jealous and kill them. so that's why, those superpower user have to keep secret.

if you think that [first name] is one of those lucky 10%, no she's not. she's just like any other human.

"did you hear? you and that guy have a fanclub! probably better than the prince." one of your friends giggle. you asked her to lower the voice so passerby won't hear what she just said about the prince. it will be devastating if she was charge for insulting the royal members.

skimming through the pages of your book, suddenly your friend tap your arm rapidly. you look to see why; it was love at first sight really, ah no well you have already been smitten by that guy now. let's just say we're reenacting it. you are sure that your eyes is widen and pupils dilated right now.

putting a hand over the lower part of you face, you hide your blushing face. suddenly someone shake you hard "earth to lady [first name]! are you okay?" your friend flick her fingers again and again to get you out of your head. "don't tell me... you have a crush on him!" she grin, your other friend agree with her.

"just keep your voice down, ana." you replied. you aren't denying it all as you are quite sure of your feelings. would it be weird for a lady to ask the man to dance? the blue lock event is just two months away. you cannot let this chances go. ana and cecilia (the other friend) , eyed you suspiciously but shrugged what you just said off.

you bid your friend goodbye and make your way to the dorm. when suddenly you hear a meow and a voice. "were you really that hungry?" a soft man voice could be heard and it was soothing to your ears. you walk towards the voice, and see the scene you weren't expecting to see in your life.

chigiri hyoma! i think he's the only one here...

"looks like the cat is fond of you." you spoke up. the red-haired man slightly jump by your sudden presence. he look into your direction, while you make your way towards him. he's looking at my direction!! you may look like a calm person on the outside but certainly you're not on the inside.

"not really..." he chuckled and softened his eyes "when i first encountered this little guy, he scratched me and hissed at me." he added. you may be crazy right now but when he soften his eyes he look so cute to you. you tried to keep your composure, keyword 'tried'. "a-ah.. is that so? pardo have always been wary of new people..." you stammered, looking at the black cat.

curse me for stammering there!

"pardo...?" he mumbled under his breath with curiosity. does this cat have a owner and is it her? he wondered. "pardo is a name given by the students. so it basically means this cat is the unofficial pet for the academy. the professor doesn't mind at all about this one cat wandering here." you shook off your thoughts and beamed at his curiosity on where did the pardo name come from.

"i see..." he raised his eyebrows and look back at the cat, eating the treat he had given the cat. the slight end of his lips perked up. why is he so pretty... there's really no turning back from not liking him. maybe this is the time for you to get to know him for a month and ask him out to be your partner for the ball a few days before the event.

"why are you standing up, lady [first name]? you should go and take a seat here." he pointed to the bench that's empty beside him while he stood up from there. "well then, excuse me." you sat on the bench, fixing up your skirt.

"i wouldn't be a gentleman, if i let you a lovely lady to only stand there while i sit here." he reasoned with you when you ask him to sit too. your body stiffened at the 'lovely lady' and could feel the warmth coming in but you kept the composure and smile at him. "thank you, chigiri." you thanked him, putting a hand on your chest.

"you knew my name?"

"were you uncomfortable? i knew it because of the gossip that was around. the nobles wouldn't really shut up about it..." you worried if you make a mistake there but he doesn't seemed surprised about the gossip and only shake his head indicating he wasn't uncomfortable at all.

"well, do you know my name?"

"of course, who wouldn't know the rising star in the academy? one would say lady [first name] [last name] is also the rising star in the empire ever since your debutante ball." he stated, making you more flustered than ever. you humbly denied the empire one even if you're the duke's daughter, you wouldn't think that you're the rising star in the empire when there is the prince.

"welcome back, lady [first name]." your roommate greeted you as soon as you enter the dorm room. "you're late than usual. today is not the day you study at the library, right?" she added, you nod your head and explained that you were playing with pardo which is half of the truth and leave out the fact you met with chigiri hyoma for the first time formally.

you finish showering and put on your pyjamas, sitting on the side of your bed. kira, your roommate called out to you. "yes? do you need anything, kira?" you replied "why do you never request for your own room without any roommate? im sure the academy will give you the special treatment." kira rambled on how you could be getting the luxurious life in the academy but you're not using your authority right. "i would've done that, you knowwww..." kira sighed, burying her face into the pillow.

"all the students here is equal, kira. you're amazing yourself as you're a commoner that managed to get into the academy. even nobles that studies here may or may not get here into illegal meaning..." you explain, almost pissed off.

"im sorry for the sudden rambling just now. i was just thinking on how you're a noble and not disgusted by the fact me, your roommate is a commoner." kira express her apologies towards you, hugging her pillow tight while looking at you. you smiled and just simply accept it. you bid your goodnight and goes to sleep. kira does the same thing and goes to sleep.

now that you have finally become acquaintance with chigiri hyoma, whenever he passes by you would greet him and he will greet you back. cecilia nudged you and ask "since when did you two know each other? if i recalled you were still shy to even speak to that guy." she tease you with a grin but it soon turned into a neutral face when you look infront of you.

"your highness, good morning." you and cecilia greet the prince and bow. "[first name], do you have anyone in mind this year...?" the prince ask you with his neutral voice. you hate to admit it but you have known the prince since you two were children. one of you two is bound to like the other person. the prince like you ever since that time but you don't. this may be the final chapter, the prince will go up to you like this.

"with the utmost apologies, your highness... i already have my eyes set on someone." you stated while looking straight into the prince's eyes. he stiffen and wanted to open his mouth but couldn't. cecilia was stun by what you said and felt the awkward tension going on. you were lucky that there was no passerby and took cecilia hand walking away from the prince.

the prince clench his fist and grimace. if people knew about this it would spread like wildfire.

"uhhh... the prince wouldn't do anything to you, right..?" cecilia whisper when you two arrived at a place where there's a lot of student. "he wouldn't." you nonchalantly said.

"i gotta go. im sorry, cecilia." you run away from your spot and saw pardo — laying around doing nothing. you approach the cat and sit beside it, the cat notice you and sit on your lap.

how did it happened? how did you managed to bag the fastest student in the academy? either way, you're happy with the results — about you asking out chigiri hyoma for the last day of the blue lock, it spread like wildfire. it was the talk of the academy.

left and right, students will question on how and why you did it. how long? are you and chigiri a couple? their curiosity exceeded your expectations. they even went out their way to interview ana, cecilia and kira for the answer.

"[first name], are you excited for the first of blue lock event?" ana is ecstatic for the blue lock event that she even stated she didn't got a single sleep last night. "since when are you excited for this, ana?" you said while reading through your book. ana start to ramble about how she's only excited for the last day to see you and him dancing in the middle of the ballroom taking the spotlight off the prince.

"that's..."

"my lady, don't tell me you're not excited..." ana pout while crossing her arms. she will only call you my lady when she want a reaction out of you. cecilia snicker at ana acting mode.

"i am excited."

three days later...

"i cannot believe it. it's time!" ana hug you tightly, beaming about the fact that this day is the day for the last day of the blue lock event. the time for the students to relax and interact with other nobles. the time when even the emperor himself may make an appearance.

"did you already have a dress for the night?"

"i do. don't worry." you nod and put a hand on ana shoulder "you should worry about your cookies instead." the smell of burning flew into ana's sense of smell and she rush to get the cookies out while you just mind your own business looking at her being a mess.

you walk away from the scene, walking along the hallways of the palace that was made for the blue lock event only. you notice a red head lingering infront of your personal room. you fasten your step and he hear footsteps, he look towards the direction and see you. the moment he saw you, his lips raised and make a smile that's truly so beautiful to you.

"what's wrong, chigiri?"

"i just wanted to see you."

this is very bad for you health. definitely. you take his hand and enter your room. he jump at the sudden contact but didn't resist you. "then, let's just hang out in my room." you beam at him, and he just couldn't stop smiling in your presence.

night time...

"and here comes, the heir of [last name], [first name] [last name] with her partner, chigiri hyoma!"

the servant announced your arrival with chigiri hyoma. you mouth at chigiri hyoma 'be confident' and he nod. the nobles gasps that you finally have a partner for the event.

"the duke's daughter finally have a partner?"

"oh my, this is a surprise."

"isn't this an interesting moment?"

"this will shake the duke."

father, im sorry. i think i won't be single at the age of 25...

time passes in the ballroom. the only thing you did before the dancing was talking and laughing with chigiri. you didn't pay a mind to other surroundings when you are with him. some might say chigiri is lucky for having you at the tip of his fingers.

a melodious sounds started, and that means the dancing have started. people start getting with their partner and ask them for a dance.

he hold out a hand infront of you "shall we? my lady." his voice that's pleasant to the ears. you accept his offer and hold his hand "we shall."

"do you actually know how to dance, my lady?" he put a hand around your waist and start to sway left and right, getting accustomed to the melodies that's playing by instrument. "im a noble. of course i know." you slightly smirk.

"don't you think the music is getting faster now?" chigiri twirl you around and you gotta admit he really got the move to sway you over. the two of you move with the flow of the music as you felt yourself drifting to his world where you guys hearts connected as one. the melodious music of the piano and violin filled the air, giving the glamorous ballroom a romantic glow.

chigiri is the one leading this dance at this point and you follow only him to take you away, to save you, to lead you. to be the only one for you.

taglist: @seneon

[dweakbinnie]

The Royal Game - chapter four

Hyunjin is a prince. Felix is a prince forced to be raised as a princess by his mother's wish for a daughter.

At a ball, the two meet, and Hyunjin falls in love at first sight. Hearing about their encounter, Felix's mother forces him to try and win over the Prince's approval. What will happen when Hyunjin finds out Felix's secret? Will their wedding go ahead?

Genre; romance, royalty au, fluff & angst, slow burn

Warnings; forced feminisation, gender identity issues, sexuality issues, narcissism Warnings; forced feminisation, gender identity issues, sexuality issues, narcissism

Chapter.List

Gloxinia symbolises instant attraction, love at first sight, and affection. This chapter is about the ball where Hyunjin and Felix meet. And as you can probably guess from the flower, someone is going to fall in love at first sight.

Word Count: 5.4K

Walking down the winding marble steps, Hyunjin spotted his cousin heading towards him, a wide smile on her face, and a half-full glass of white wine in hand. “Cousin,” he said with open arms, giving her a quick hug, seeing the women around staring and waiting for their turn to approach.

“I’ve already done a bit of mingling. I think there are quite a few women here that you will be interested in.” Yeji moved to stand on Hyunjin’s left side. She wore an elegant, deep-blue ball gown where the bodice tied up behind her neck, and her hair flowed over her shoulders.

They both scanned over the crowd, aware that the night would be a long one.

Hyunjin took another sip of his wine. “And who may those women be? I know Princess Seo Soojin is someone mother wants me to entertain, and I’d like to meet her too.”

“I haven’t spoken with Princess Soojin yet, I wanted to wait until you arrived. Saying that I don’t think I’ve seen Lord Dweahi yet, either.”

Hyunjin chuckled, “That may be for the best at the moment. It’ll be better if he’s coming late, I don’t want him getting too dunk early into the night. Is the man that potentially caught your heart here?”

“No,” Yeji sighed, there was a sadness to it. “The people invited here are for you, not me. Though, it’s not like I don’t have friends here. I’m a lot more social than you.” She gave Hyunjin a slight nudge with her elbow, winking.

“Hey, I have plenty of friends, thank you very much.” Hyunjin nudged back, chuckling.

Yeji shrugged. “Yet, you don’t have a potential wife. If I weren’t your cousin, I believe they—”

“Prince Hwang Hyunjin, Princess Hwang Yeji, Your Royal Highnesses.” Yeji was cut off by one of the women daring enough to approach first. She curtsied in her light blue gown which the cousins retuned. “I am Lady Kim Minjeong. I come from the Winter Court.” A dimple on her left cheek showed as she smiled.

“It’s lovely to meet you Lady Kim Minjeong. Thank you for travelling all the way from the North of Starean.” Hyunjin extended his arm, the Lady took his hand as he kissed the back of hers. A blush was apparent across her cheeks.

“I’m the one who is grateful for being invited to such an event. This castle is magnificent. You are also more handsome than any of the pictures I have seen.” Her words seem genuine as she looked around with wonderous eyes.

Hyunjin smiled at her flattery, she was the first woman he’d greeted and knew some of their words were to simply be on his good side. He laughed, “that may be because all the current pictures of me are two years old.”

“You may not know but,” Lady Minjeong kept talking, “my family is well involved with the Winter Court’s military. Especially in the Aurora region—that is where we are from.  My brother is an officer.” That caught Hyunjin’s attention which she would’ve known.

“Really?” He said, his pitch raising slightly along with his eyebrow.

The Lady happily nodded. “Yes. Though, I even have a little experience myself, but it’s mostly with horse riding. I have two horses back at home that I very much enjoy to ride whenever I can.”

“You said you’re from the Aurora region?” Yeji added.

“Yes.” Lady Minjeong replied, turning to face the Princess.

“You must have some wonderful mountain terrain to ride along then?” The Winter Court was known for its harsher weather conditions and vast mountain ranges.

Lady Minjeong spoke with her hands. “On good days in the Summer, it is fun to ride up high and enjoy a picnic. One can see for miles, and it is absolutely breathtaking.” The smile of her face was pure, Hyunjin could see her reliving those memories.

“That does sound delightful,” Hyunjin said, noticing other women circling around at a distance, wanting to approach. “I would love to have a dance with you later tonight, and possibly talk some more?”

“Of course, thank you again for allowing me here tonight.” Lady Minjeong caught what Hyunjin was hinting at and stepped aside, curtsying as he walked past.

From the corner of his eyes, Hyunjin watched the blushing Lady scurry back to her mother who embraced her.

“Auntie didn’t say anyone from the Winter Court interested her, however, Lady Minjeong seems to have a genuine interest in the military. She may make a good wife for you.” Yeji waited until they were out of earshot before speaking.

Hyunjin hummed, agreeing. “She is very beautiful too. I’ll see how it goes while we are dancing.”

“Beautiful, huh?” Yeji smirked, cocking a brow.

“Yes, Yeji, I am capable of finding women beautiful. They are the gender I’m attracted to.” Hyunjin shook his head at his cousin’s remark. “Anyway, I’ve got many more women to meet so I shouldn’t make a final choice yet. I can see mother and auntie up above, watching.”

Yeji swirls the wine in her glass. “We should probably go talk to one of the women she’d picked out.” She didn’t need to look up to know they were there; it was obvious from the other guests glaces.

“Do you know where Princess Seo Soojin is? I’d like to meet her sooner than later. Also, I’m sure it’ll please mother if I don’t keep the Princess waiting.” Hyunjin took a sip of his wine, looking over the rim at the crowd around—the crowd that appeared for him.

“I think I saw her near the banquet table earlier. We should walk around more. We need to show off your charming looks if someone’s going to marry you.”

Princess Seo Soojin was stood with a full glass of wine in her golden-gloved hands. Her dress shimmered with each sway from the gold sequin fabric it was made of.

“Princess Seo Soojin.” Hyunjin said on approach, bowing with a smile once he was in front of her.

The Princess’s cheeks flushed. “Your Royal Highness.” She curtsied back.

“Thank you for coming here tonight,” Hyunjin nodded his head towards the other women who stood with her, “if I may, can I talk to you alone for a bit?”

“Yes,” the Princess replied in an instant. Her hand already slipping around Hyunjin’s extended elbow.

Yeji stayed to talk with the other women while Hyunjin led Princess Seo Soojin to the side of the ballroom.

Standing by a window, he took in her full beauty. “I must say, you look phenomenal,” Hyunjin said, feeling the smile on his face. When they were walking he noticed that the gold in both their outfits complimented each other.

The Princess curtsied again. “Thank you, though, you are the more head-turning one. I am delighted to be someone you’ve asked to speak with in private,” she chuckled.

Seeing Princess Soojin in person, Hyunjin immediately wanted to get to know her more. He never really questioned his mother’s opinions, but when it came to talking about marriage, he was cautious if her opinions were influenced by politics. However, with Princess Soojin stood in front of him, he hoped that they had similar interests because he knew he could live happily with her by his side.

“I hear you like to sword fight?” He asked.

“Yes,” she hummed, placing her drink down on the nearby vase table. “My cousin is close to your age and when I would visit and saw him playing around, I wanted to, too.”

“However,” Princess Soojin interrupted before Hyunjin could ask his next question. Her tone changing as if she could sense were their conversation was going, “you should know that my feelings for you are no longer the same.” Hyunjin looked at her, curious. She turned away to look out the window. “While you have been away I have found someone else. I take it your mother doesn’t know yet, as I noticed the glance she gave you when you walked over to me.”

“I see,” Hyunjin said, unsure of what he should say. Out of the three women his mother told him about, Princess Seo Soojin was the one he liked the most.

Princess Seo Soojin retrieved her glass to take a sip. “I’ll admit that you have grown to become more handsome than I imagined, in your time away, but my heart is already set on another man.” There was a glimpse of sadness in her eye, but Hyunjin was unsure if that was towards him, or herself for choosing another man.

Hyunjin gave her a slow nod. “I wish you luck with this man.” He had approached her mostly out of formality, however, hearing that she has someone else, he was a little disappointed.

“And I wish you luck in finding yourself a wife,” Princess Soojin replied, relieved.

The two stood by the window for a little longer, a silence between them in acknowledgement. Hopefully, to Hyunjin’s mother, it would look like they were having an in-depth conversation.

“May I still have a dance with you?” Hyunjin asked, hearing the trumpets be played, announcing the first sets of dances to begin. He was originally hoping to have more time to talk with other woman.

Princess Soojin lifted her hand, “you may,” she smiled.

Hyunjin led her to the dance floor, seeing his mother’s approving glance from above. “Even though there will not be a marriage between us, would a friendship be sufficient? My cousin wants me to make more friends, and well, as you like to fight, I thought I’d ask.”

Princess Soojin covered her mouth as she softly giggled. She placed her empty glass on a passing steward’s tray. “A friendship would be lovely, You Royal Highness. Let’s wish that your wife-to-be understands that our future relationship is purely platonic.”

“Wonderful,” Hyunjin smiled, getting in line with the others who made their way to the centre of the dance. From the corner of his eye, he caught Yeji stood to the side. When their eyes met, she gave him a wink and Hyunjin shook his head, knowing that after the dance he’d have to tell her it was a failed mission. In his two years away, half of the women who approached him on his debut had gone on to find other men. He didn’t blame them; two years is a long time to wait.

The band started and Hyunjin moved like a well-trained oil machine. All his time practising and in the military has made him able to step with such fluidity that it made him an excellent dancer. There are cheers all around from the watching crowd. Hyunjin couldn’t help but smile whenever Princess Seo Soojin stepped closer, and their hands would connect. He questioned if he should have chosen a wife before going to the military. He questioned what his life would have been like if he’d met her before.

“That was marvellous,” Princess Soojin sang with what breath she had left.

“Thank you, I can say the same about you,” Hyunjin replied, bowing.

Princess Soojin blushed, smirking. “I look forward to our friendship.”

“As so I.” Hyunjin kissed the back of her gloved hand. “Until next time,” he said, making his exit from the dance floor.

“So?” Princess Yeji tilted her head, curious about how Hyunjin and Princess Soojin’s time together went.

Hyunjin replied with a sharp laugh, “she has another man.”

Yeji gave a short-lived frown, “I thought she was interested in you?”

“She was,” Hyunjin nodded a thank you to a steward handing out more wine, “two years ago. Time has changed. Though I’ll admit I’m drawn to her, but it’s not meant to be.”

“Too bad,” Yeji shrugged. “There are still plenty of women here interested in you.”

Stepping away from the Lady who’d been hammering him with questions for the past ten minutes, Hyunjin looked around at the crowed and noticed a familiarise face. “Is that Lady Hwang Eunbi?” He gestured towards the woman who’d came forwards at his debut.

Yeji followed his line of sight and gasped. “It is. Yes, yes,” she repeated while pushing Hyunjin towards the Lady, “go talk to her. She’s so pretty, too.”

Hyunjin chuckled while side-eyeing his cousins. “It seems as if you’re using me as an excuse to talk to her.” Though Yeji was right, she was very pretty—part of why he could recognise her.

“Partially,” Yeji replied, giggling like little girl. “You do need a wife, and looks like her parents are here too.” She added.

“Duke Hwang Kwang-Hee, what a pleasure it is to see you here.” Hyunjin greeted, receiving a firm handshake from the Duke—who was one of the officers Hyunjin had while in the military. “You too, Duchess Hwang Tiffany and Lady Hwang Eunbi.” The Duchess and Lady smiled while curtsying.

“Pince Hyunjin,” Duke Kang Kwang-Hee laughed, it hadn’t been long since he’d last seen Hyunjin. “How has the luxurious life back home been treating you?” The Duke seemed to have already had a few drinks as his usually more serious expression was jollier.

“I’d forgotten how comfy my bed was. Made it hard to get up the first few days I was back.” Hyunjin joked along.

The Duke clapped Hyunjin on the back. “Atta boy.”

“I never realised Lady Hwang Eunbi was your daughter.” Hyunjin was surprised that his mother hadn’t told him.

The Duke smiled at his daughter. “Have you two met before?”

“I came to his debut ball, father. You where away at the time.” Lady Hwang Eunbi replied, her eyes locked on Hyunjin. It was obvious that she was still interested in him.

“Is that so?” The Duke hummed, noticing the shy smile on his daughters face. “Well then,” clearing his throat he took a step back, “me and my wife will give you some time.”

Lady Hwang Eunbi was wearing an amber dress with matching amber jewelled earrings and necklace. “Prince Hwang Hyunjin, Princess Hwang Yeji.” The Lady curtsied again.

“You look stunning, I love how you’ve added elements that show off your Court.” Yeji tuned in.

“Thank you, and you are too.” Lady Eunbi seemed nervous which was unsurprising.

Hyunjin nodded at Yeji and his cousin took the que to go somewhere else. “How have the past few years treated you?” Hyunjin started once his cousin was out of earshot.

“Good, thank you. Though, I bet they haven’t been as eventful as yours.” Lady Eunbi’s shoulder relaxed as the conversation took a casual approach.

Hyunjin gave a low chuckle in response, “I believe you may be right.”

“What’s it like?” Hyunjin tilted his head, unsure what she meant. “The military in general? I know, my father and brother are part of the military, but it’s never been something that’s interested me.”

For a period of time in the military, Duke Hwang Eunbi was his officer, and the Duke would talk about his son, Lord Hwang Jungwoo. However, Hyunjin and the Lord never met as the Lord was away on business in the Winter Court.

“Well,” Hyunjin hummed, thinking of what to respond with, “many days blend together, because you will follow a strict schedule for extended periods of time. It was mostly just lots of various forms of practicing.”

“And the travelling?” Lady Eunbi added, her eye seeming to gleam with excitement.

Hyunjin laughed. “It sounds more interesting than it actually was. We only had one weekend while away to explore the nearby area so not much was seen other than our camps. The experience was fun, I got to try a few regional delicacies.” He could tell from the Lady’s expression that she wanted him to continue. “In the Aurora region of the Winter Court, I tried this fruit called a cloudberry. They have an interesting taste of being both sweet and sour. Interestingly, in the Winter Court military, they are often used to help with swelling. See, I’d fallen off my horse once in training and had bit on a bump on my arm, and that’s when I was handed the fruit.”

Hyunjin stopped himself when he noticed he’d started to ramble. He was meant to be finding a wife, not talking about the medicinal priorities of some berries that grew on the other side of the Starean Isle.

“That’s very interesting,” Lady Eunbi acknowledged. “Me and my mother don’t often leave the Summer Court unless it’s to go events like today’s. Even then, nothing like cloudberries is served.”

“That is true.” Hyunjin realised his smile was starting to feel more forced than genuine. The conversation with Lady Hwang Eunbi wasn’t going strong, and he’d started to feel an awkwardness between them. At least his mother could see that he’d attempted to talk to the Lady. Hyunjin couldn’t deny that Lady Eunbi was beautiful, but part of him was telling him that it wasn’t to be

A steward walked past passing out a fresh tray of wine and Hyunjin took that opportunity to go find his cousin again. “Perhaps we will talk again later, Lady Hwang Eunbi.” Hyunjin bowed before taking a glass from the steward.

“It’ll be a pleasure,” Lady Eunbi replied, though her voice showed she knew it wasn’t going to happen.

“So?” Yeji said when Hyunjin popped back at her side.

“She nice but…” Hyunjin’s face scrunched as he thought of a nice way to put what he wanted to say.

“Boring?” Yeji’s friend commented.

“Jisu,” Yeji gasped.

Lady Choi Jisu shrugged, seeing nothing wrong with what she said.

“What do you mean by boring?” Hyunjin questioned.

Lady Jisu sighed, “look, all I’m going to say is that I know Yeji—and if you two are anything alike—then Lady Hwang Eunbi will be too boring for you. Know don’t take that as me trying to advance on you because, no offence, but I already have someone.”

“Then why would my mother try to pair me with her?”

“Maybe because she’s single.” Lady Jisu shrugged.

Hyunjin hummed, before almost drinking the whole contents of his glass. His eyes flickered to a window where outside the sun was gone and the stars were out. “I’m going to get some fresh air. Make sure I’m not disturbed for a while.”

“Awe, is someone a little heartbroken?” Yeji joked.

Hyunjin scoffed, flapping his cloak to air himself. “No, I’m just warm in here.”

“Don’t take too long. Your mother won’t like seeing you disappear. Another dance will be soon so you should find another partner.”

“Of course,” Hyunjin waved goodbye as he made his way to a secluded balcony in the corner of the ball.

He greeted the guard with a nod. “Make sure I’m sure not to be disturbed, please.”

“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” the guard replied, standing tall.

Hyunjin opened one of the large, thick, chestnut oak doors and slipped through into the fresh air. With the door closed behind him, the crowd outside quietened and he felt like he could think clearly again. It was similar to before he had to enter the ball.

Closing his eyes with his back against the door, he could feel his heartbeat calming when he suddenly heard a rustling noise, and his eyes flew open. A woman stood in front of him, her back to him as she rested her elbows on the balcony’s stone banister. He realised he’d asked to be kept alone, but the woman was here before him, and it would’ve been rude to ask her to leave when it seemed she too wanted to leave the ball for a moment of peace.

Unsure as to what to do, Hyunjin carefully stepped towards her and cleared his throat. The woman jumped, spinning around in a split second.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the woman stammered as she spoke, her wide eyes flying around. “I’ll go back in now.”

The woman began to make her way towards the ball, her hands patting down the skirt of her dress as she walked when Hyunjin outstretched his arm in front of her. “It’s okay, you were here before me,” he gestured with his other hand back towards the banister, “you may stay.”

Seeing the woman not move and keeping her head down, Hyunjin dropped his arm and moved next to where she had been stood. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything to you. I just came to see the stars.” Looking up, the sky was clear and the breeze gentle enough on his skin to not make him shiver.

Hyunjin heard no movement other than the brushing of leaves on the trees below. He could tell the woman had not left, probably conflicted about what to do. “I noticed you have an accent. You’re not from the Summer Court?” In an attempt to calm the woman’s nerves, Hyunjin decided to ask a simple question—hopeful to start a casual conversation.

A few moments went by until the woman replied, “no, I’m from the Spring Court.”

Hyunjin’s smile couldn’t be seen since their backs were to each other. “The Spring Court is beautiful. I visited the capital for a week during my military service. We had a training competition with the Court’s military. What region are you from?”

Silence.

Hyunjin turned around to find the woman in the same position, not moving an inch. He was about to say something else when the woman spoke first: “Flora.”

Hyunjin frowned slightly at the short answers. He wasn’t sure if he preferred that the woman wasn’t latching on to him, or if he preferred if she did. “Oh, um… you may leave if I’m disturbing you—or I can leave. Sorry, it’s just that I’d prefer it if you were next to me while I spoke. I promise I won’t touch you.” Hyunjin wanted to punch himself for making it sound like he was an idiot, or someone that would try to take advantage of a woman.

The woman moved slowly, her dress barely shifting from the small steps she was taking. Hyunjin watched as the woman returned to where she was before. The top of her skirt shimmered as she walked and that’s when Hyunjin took in the woman’s beauty. He’d seen many women so far through the night, yet he couldn’t recognise her.

The woman gently placed and crossed her forearms on top of the banister. “I’m sorry,” she said, quietly.

“You have nothing to apologise for.” Hyunjin turned his head straight, staring out over the vast garden. He could see where he and his cousin sat the other day to discuss what was going to happen tonight. His throat was itching to say something, anything, but he also enjoyed the silence.

“Why did you join the military?” The woman asked, initiating another conversation. Unaware that she was relaxing a tense muscle in the back of Hyunjin’s neck.

So many people had asked him the same thing and every time he said he wanted his mandatory service done so he could devote his time to his wife and people. Even though, after marriage, he wished to return to the military. Yet, outside the ball, with a woman he’d never met before, Hyunjin didn’t feel like lying anymore. Sighing, Hyunjin felt his chest deflate. “I don’t think I want a wife.”

The woman’s head shot up to him, her eyes widened in surprise. Hyunjin scoffed, shaking his head while staying calm. “No, I’m not gay. I just…” Hyunjin spun around to lean against the banister, and he waved his arms towards the doors leading back to the ball—to the room full of people wanting to marry him. Before he could stop it, the words were already spilling out of his mouth. All the thoughts and feelings he’d had over the past years were shared with someone he’d never see again. “This,” he exclaimed, dragging a hand down his face, “this is not how I want to do it. I don’t want forced interactions with women who only want me for my status. Sometimes, it’s not even the women, their families force it upon the girls and the girls only agree because of my looks. I’m not boasting about my looks, I take pride and care in myself. I got lucky when it came to my genes.

“What I mean is that none of this is my choice. I’m here because of what I was born into. I wished I could have a choice in something and even choose the person I’m meant to be with for the rest of my life. The choice I do have is based on women my mother has already agreed on.” Hyunjin looked up at the sky, he didn’t want to see the expression on the woman’s face. He slightly hoped that she felt the same, but Hyunjin knew nothing about her, other than she was most likely a Lady from the Capital of the Spring Court. Someone his mother probably cared little about.

“I—er—please forget what you heard. I said more than I was meant to. I just don’t like how people automatically assume I’m attracted to men because I’m not already married.”

“You’re different to what I expected.” The woman said, glancing at Hyunjin. She looked at him in a way that she also wasn’t meant to say what she did. The words spilled out like the stars across the sky.

Hyunjin turned his head to meet her eyes, they were soft and welcoming. He didn’t want to look away. There was something about her that drew him in. He came out to look at the stars, yet they seemed so much more beautiful reflecting in her eyes. Her face was only half-lit from the light escaping out the ball’s tall windows. Hyunjin’s eyes fluttered for a second to her sharp, full lips.

“What did you expect of me?” Hyunjin wondered if he shared too much of his heart with the poor woman, and now she wouldn’t like him. Hyunjin wasn’t even sure if the women liked him because of how shy she seemed.

“Brute.” Her lips stayed is a slight pout after she said it.

It was the only word that came out of her mouth and Hyunjin wanted to laugh. He instantly understood where the woman got her views from. However, the idea to himself was hilarious. Hyunjin enjoyed fighting, but that was only a portion of his real self. Most was kept away from the public, and even those close to him. Status was very important to anyone born with royal blood.

“What do you think of me now?” He asked, leaning closer.

The woman hummed, one hand fiddling with the hem of her other hand’s glove.

The balcony’s doors opened to a man with a sword at his hip stepping through. Hyunjin thought for a second he came to attack, and his back quickly straightened. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up with the rush of a cool breeze.

The man bowed upon realising Hyunjin was there. “Your Royal Highness,” he said, before turning to the woman at Hyunjin’s side. “Princess, it’s time to go. Your mother wants you back now.”

“Of course. Thank you for getting me a few moments alone.” The woman stepped quickly towards the man, her dress swaying. She turned back to Hyunjin and gave a smile that made his face feel warm. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Prince Hwang Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin was too stunned to reply, he should’ve noticed her tiara. It was obvious that the woman was no lady, she was a princess.

As much as people thought otherwise, Hyunjin has been interested in women, but the woman’s smile had him bewitched. She was already gone before he could ask her for her name—who she really was. All Hyunjin knew was that she was a Princess from the Flora region of the Spring Court. But he thought there was no way that the Princess his mother told him about would be stood outside on her own, especially alone. Though, her behaviour once that man appeared changed, Hyunjin could also feel the air around her shift, as if the barrier around her suddenly got stronger.

With long strides, Hyunjin headed back to the ball in search of the woman and his cousin who may know more. Looking around, his cousin was the easiest—and loudest—to find. She was standing, talking with their good friend Dweahi, who must’ve arrived while he was outside.

“Dweahi,” Hyunjin smiled, patting the man on the shoulder as he came up from behind.

“What took you so long? Your mother has been scowling at me.” Yeji glared at Hyunjin as he nodded to where his mother stood, looking down at everyone.

“I was talking with someone.”

“A woman?” Dweahi instantly asked.

“Yes.” Hyunjin wanted to say more, but he wasn’t sure who she was. He hadn’t thought to ask until it was too late. Dweahi and Yeji stared at him, he could tell they were waiting for him to elaborate. “I don’t know who she is.”

Yeji’s eyebrows raised. “What did you mean? Did she not come up to you like ‘Oh hello, I’m so-and-so and I really like you’.” Yeji used a mocking voice as she impersonated what she presumed the woman would be like—how some of the women tonight had been.

“Yeah, what she said.” Dweahi pointed with his thumb to Yeji. “Did she not tell you anything? Are you sure you didn’t imagine her? Are you sure she isn’t a servant that sneaked in?”

“What, no.” Hyunjin shook his head at the statement. “I couldn’t see clearly out there, but… she did say she was from the Spring Court’s capital, Flora after I had asked. Plus, a guard came to collect her, because her mother wanted her back.”

“She’s from the capital? Did the guard address her in any way?” Yeji questioned further.

“Yes, though he only called her Princess.”

Yeji slapped Hyunjin on the shoulder before he could say more. “You idiot, that was Princess Felicia. You know, the one your mother was surprised was coming here since she barely leaves her castle or even her room, apparently.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Hyunjin waved. “You mean that I just spoke with THE Spring Court’s Princess.”

“How couldn’t you tell? Didn’t she look sickly?” Dweahi interrupted.

“No, she looked healthy.”

Yeji sighed, “Your mother isn’t going to like this.”

“Why not?” Dweahi added.

“I don’t know much, but when I was talking with her yesterday, it didn’t sound like she was fond of Princess Felicia’s mother. From that, I’m unsure what her opinion of the Princess will be.”

Hyunjin was shocked, and unsure what to do next. He wasn’t sure how to tell his mother that he wished to meet the Princess again. And that he just spoke freely about some private feelings with the Princess—feelings he hadn’t even talked with his cousin about.

There was still much of the night left and many more women to meet, yet Hyunjin couldn’t get her smile out of his head. Maybe if he could find the Princess and her mother, maybe his mother watching from above might approve for at least one meeting.

However, as the drinks and dances continued, there was no sight or words of the mystery Princess Felicia. Hyunjin was left, collapsed on his bed as his head spun from all the wine, still picturing the calmness he felt with the Princess’s presence. Wondering if in all the books he read when the characters fell in love at first sight, was what he was feeling? He should have noticed from the tiara that she was more than a Lady. Only once she had left, did Hyunjin regret not looking at her more, the drinks weren’t helping him remember and his eyelids were growing heavy. Hyunjin stretched a hand in front of his face, imagining what her hand would feel like in his. Her hands looked small, delicate—just like her. Always being around loud, bold women, he never thought he might like the docile type. Though, with all the wine he’d consumed, it started to mess with his thoughts, and he started to believe that the Princess was actually scared of him.

 Hyunjin didn’t find out what the Princess’s new thought of him and that left a sour taste in his mouth. Though that could have been the wine

Author Note; thanl you for making is this far. I know this chapter is very long, but Hyunjin and Felix finally met--even it if was for a brief period of time.

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