#i WANT to pass. dear lord. but also. last time i was SO sure and i didnt...

[ahaura]

i need.to get ready 4 bed n shower but if i go to bed then wednesday is that much closer.and im a lil scared im going to fail for the 4th time.

[xxaraaq]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙑𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙚

masterlist

Synopsis | Alicent is a Godly woman who's morals stand high above everything else. She's given everything she's supposed to to the realm. She is so selfless, so fucking her husbands brother is the one thing she can keep to herself, right?

Word count | 1.5k

cw | Infidelity, spoken violence, corruption?

Authors note | Hi y'all. I know I haven't posted in literally the longest time ever but if I'm being honest I've been fighting with life it up until about a week ago it was beating my ass. Anyways, I'm back now, and I hope that this will make up for it, enjoy! Not edited.

She is a good queen.

That’s what she thinks to comfort herself whenever the regrets of her past set in.  She has done her duty to the realm, giving birth to formidable sons and a beautiful daughter. She did what she was supposed to do, she just happened to do it with the wrong man.

No one could blame her for her choices. Her husband, a now senile, miserable old man who had no romantic love for her, failed in his role as her source of comfort. Once Rhaenyra went off and fucked her uncle in a brothel, she felt as though she had no true friends, no real allies.

No one except you.

You were the youngest of you, Viserys, and Daemon. Meaning that you had no real responsibilities. You had close to if not no chance of inheriting the iron throne, and you accepted it. Instead of struggling futilely trying to climb your way up the line of succession, you sat back, kicked your feet up, and enjoyed the life of a royal, of a Targaryen.

With you and Alicent being so close in age, you only being four years her senior, she found it easier to converse and jest with you compared to her husband and virtually everyone else around her. You were light hearted, a companion she often sought the company of. And even though her fathers concern grew about the influence you have on her that grows with each passing day, she paid it no mind. After all, she was the queen, and no one could tell her no.

It was the day the ‘rumors’ spread about Rhaenyra that you swooped in. Exhausted, you were the first person she went to to deliver the news. 

“Your sister has ruined almost any chance she has at marrying a suitable lord.” Alicent huffs, pacing back and forth around the room. You chuckle, amused by the entire ordeal. “She is a princess, maiden or not, my brother will surely find a wealthy husband for my niece.” You say, trying to ease her nerves. It obviously doesn’t help, her looking at you like you have two heads. “This is nothing to joke about. Your niece might run your entire house into ruin with the horrid accusations circling about. Have you no care in what happens?” She yells, desperate to get you to understand her frustration in it all. “Accusations? Alicent, my closest friend, you are no fool. You and I both know she fucked my brother in a whorehouse. You can speak freely with me, I promise you that.” You stand from your chair, making your way towards her. You love your niece and brother, but you’re also not one to deny the truth.

A tear slips from her eye, the stress of it all pouring down on her. “Oh, my dear, don’t cry.” You cup her face in your rough hands. A chill runs down her spine, something she’s never felt before. The look you have in your eyes is not what she’s seen from you before. Your eyes are dark, a smirk on your face that means nothing but trouble.

“You are a good woman, I must say. A loyal wife, an obedient daughter, a great friend. You never fail to be there to fulfill the needs and wants from others around you. But what about your needs, hmm?” You ask, tone sultry with an emotion she can’t pinpoint. “I-I don’t understand what you mean.” She stutters, growing shy from your demeanor. “You know what I mean, Alicent. When’s the last time you’ve truly felt fulfilled? Rhaenyra is too busy chasing after Daemon like a lost pup to spend time with you. Your husband is still stuck on Aemma even though he’s the reason she passed on in the first place, God's rest her soul. And your father, as much as he may love you, sees you as nothing more than a tool. I am the only one who has genuine intentions for you. The only things I care about ensuring is your well-being and happiness. A life full of not knowing what it’s like to be pleasured and to bring pleasure is not one worth living.” 

She knows that you mean this deep down in your heart, and that makes her want to give in all the more. ‘We can’t, what if someone finds out?” She asks, fear covering her features. You scoff, rolling your eyes. “Who would be so impudent as to try and tell the King that his youngest brother is fucking his wife?” You say. 

She thinks for a second, then two, then three. “I’m… I’m not certain that having an affair would be for the best.” She says, backing away until she hits the edge of a table. “Let me show you what I could do for you, please? If you don’t like it, just say the word and I’ll never make an advance again, I promise this to you.” You almost plead, desperation laced through every word you speak. You have to have her, you’re sure you’ll die if you don’t.

Her silence fills the room, making your heart beat all the more harder. You almost dropped to your knees to thank the Gods for having you in their favor the moment she nodded her head yes. It was slow at first, a kiss on the neck, a light caress on her thigh, but then you stopped holding back, and you took her to that table in a matter of minutes. You held your hand to her mouth, trying to keep her as quiet as possible as you fucked into her tight cunt with a fervor you’ve never felt before. Everything about her drove you crazy as you corrupted her. The scent of her hair, the softness of her skin, the way she so futilely used her hand to try and push you from her as your thick cock plowed through her. 

Your secret relations kept on through the years, past the birth of Ageon and the rest of the children. The both of you knew that all four of them were yours, words not needed to be spoken to know that you were the one to sire the king's heirs and not the king himself.

As everyone grew, so did the tensions concerning the birth of your niece's sons. You had to laugh when you first saw Jace’s brown tufts of hair. How could she be so transparent about her infidelity? It was Rhaenyra’s actions that truly caused the hatred to stir within Alicent. You knew as well as everyone else that it was only a matter of time before things grew too large to keep a blind eye to it all.

The day that Aemond was maimed was one that nobody could ever forget. It was truly just a blurry haze of squeaky voices, deep insults, and the sound of a sheathed blade. The royal blood that covered the pavement that night would never be forgotten. You were the one that escorted the queen back to her room that night, providing an environment where her tongue could be as loose as need be. You shut the door, the creakiness that shows its age filling the silence. “That vile woman and her, her…” She couldn’t even get the words out, she was so furious. “Bastards? Say it Alicent, we all know it to be the truth.” You say, leaning against the stone wall. She groans, hand running over her face as she goes back to her habit of pacing the room. “The king is so shielded by the love he has for her, he can’t even see the vile things she has done.” She says, pupils so dilated with rage she can’t see straight. “Must I remind you that we are in the same boat as her, only that her’s has started to sink while ours stays afloat?” You say, quick to point out the sins she has also committed. The words catch in her throat, taken aback by your sudden correction. “Are you taking her side?” Her voice trembles with stress as she picks at her nail beds. “Do you not remember how I to this day sneak into you room through secrets passageways to fuck you to sleep every night? How I’ve filled your womb with so much seed I’ve impregnated you four times? Or have you forgotten how all our children are bastards as well?” You say, your voice sarcastically sweet as you grip her waist, pulling her backside flush to her chest. You lay kisses on her neck and shoulders, soothing her tenseness almost immediately. “What happened to our son is a tragedy that may never be avenged. But as he said, the reward for losing his eye was much greater than the pain he suffered.” You whisper in her ear.

She is a good queen, she thinks to herself. 

She is a good queen, even as she lets you fuck her up against the bed posts, mouth cover by your calloused hands once more to keep her muffled sounds of ecstasy hidden from the outside world

-Nene

[knight-of-flowerss]

cregan stark headcannons for crushing or a blurb pls ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hii!! I sadly haven’t watched season 2 yet so these are js going off fanon and stuff 😭

Also I’m sorry if this isn’t the best I haven’t wrote properly in a good few months 😭

HOTD Masterlist

CREGAN STARK HEAD CANONS || SFW ||

🃃 Cregan Stark is a stoic man. A Stark man. A full beard at such a young age (ik that in the show he don’t have a beard or summin but these are my head canons and he’s a Stark so-).

🃟 He’s the Winterfell darling basically. It was a running ‘joke’ that every girl wants him and every man wants to be him. And it was 100% true.

🃃 And this is how you ended up here. Staring at the young lord with adoration infecting your eyes.

🃟 Your young heart couldn’t contain the crush that had bubbled over. You had known of this man barely a few months and thanks to your brother, you saw him pretty much everyday.

🃃 Preparing for war wasn’t easy for anyone. But with Cregan’s dashing smile reassuring your family during this crisis, how could you not swoon?

🃟 His eyes, his hair, his beard, his smile. Everything about this man was perfect, you melted whenever you saw him.

🃃 Every time your mother was called into a meeting with Cregan, your brother and your step-father, you jumped at the opportunity to accompany her, claiming that “We’re family mother, we should stick by eachother.”.

🃟 Yes you just lied to your dear mother to get closer to your little crush, do you give a fuck? Fuck no. I mean have y’all seen the Starks? They’re literal sex gods.

🃃 In these meetings, you sat down near the vast table they often bickered at over battle tactics while you started in awe at them all, admiration of your mother, respect for your brother, intimidation of your step-father and desire for Cregan.

🃟 While sat in these meetings you’ll take sneaky glances over at Cregan and for a while, he didn’t even glance your way, give you a passing thought. But after a while you noticed his eyes… lingering.

🃃 One day you were walking around Dragonstone with Joffrey, admiring the sheer beauty of your home when all of a sudden, long dark locks catch your attention.

🃟 At first glance you thought it was Jace, he grew his hair out and really started to become your father more and more with each passing day.

🃃 You look down and see expensive furs trailing the floor as the cape the figure was wearing sweeped up any un-seen muck from the ground.

🃟 You trailed your eyes up and met with frosty-grey eyes peering back at you.

🃃 A sly smirk adorns his rough face, his eyes burning holes into yours.

🃟 Your cheeks flush as your lips part, plump and soft, your front teeth peeking through.

🃃 His large frame stalks towards you, boots beating on the stone floors, striding with a cunty confidence.

🃟 The seven had surely blessed this man. He was sent from the Maiden herself.

🃃 A shadow casts over you, the sun immediately cowering from your soft features. Your doe eyes peer up, looking past your dark decorated hair to trail up to his face.

🃟 After a lengthy few seconds of sexually charged silence, Joffrey speaks up.

🃃 “When are we going to the library sister?”

🃟 You blinked out of your trance. Your head moving towards your baby brother while your eyes stay on Cregan’s, but eventually your eyes drift away from him and set upon your brother.

🃃 “Uh- oh yes uhm, we’ll go now brother.”, your head moves to Cregan, “It’s nice to see you again Lord Stark, I hope it won’t be the last time we all see each other on this visit of yours.”

🃟 Cregan nods, once curved lips, that formed a smirk, fall into a flat line as he agrees, “Of course your grace, I’ll see you both in the hall for the feast.”

🃃 The next time you see the rugged man, it’s the feast in the hall a few hours later.

🃟 You were sat with Joffrey on your left and your other little brother Viserys. Your baby brother had smacked his food out of the maids hands so you offered to feed him something while she cleaned the very large mess.

🃃 Your hand dips the spoon into the oats to lift a hefty amount onto the cutlery, heading towards your huffy brothers opened mouth, little did you know his hand would fly up and smack the spoon into your face.

🃟 A shocked gasp left your mouth as you stared at Viserys, his face lighting up and giggling, you couldn’t help the soft smile that graced your oat-y features.

🃃 You quickly got up and went to clean up before anyone noticed and you didn’t want the attention on you due to your appearance.

🃟 But as you hurried through the doors to clean up, eyes followed your body across the hall. Cregan’s mouth curved into a smile and a small chuckle left his lips.

🃃 But, when you came back you saw something that angered you, more than any amount of oats poured on you could.

🃟 A young woman, a daughter of some Lord that was supporting your mother, was throwing herself all over Cregan.

🃃 And he was enjoying it.

🃟 ‘I shouldn’t be jealous,

you aren’t even mine.’

Tags: @thethreeeyed-raven @lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom

[theworldofotps]

Painting (Drabble)

Pairing: Lord Debling x Reader Word Count: 743 Description: Y/n is struggling with a painting when she recieves some much needed help.

So, I have never written fanfiction for Bridgerton before but after watching the first half of season 3 and meeting Lord Debling I couldn't help myself. I'm also very nervous to post this because it's a bit out of my comfort zone but I hope you enjoy anyway.

Dedicated to: @madhatterbri who encouraged me to write this, helped form the plot and is overall one of the best. I appreciate you so much thank you! (I haven't added my normal tag list since those are usually just for wrestling. If you'd like to be added to a tag list of anything I write besides wrestling let me know!) __________ Y/n let out a soft huff as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, staring at the canvas in front of her. She’d spent the last two hours trying to paint a bird from the book set on a stool in front of her. This was a painting she just didn’t want to mess up on but the more she stared at it the worse it seemed to look.

“Is everything alright m’lady?”

“Yes Ruth, just having a bit of difficulty getting these colors to work and blend the way that I wish them too.”

“Please let me know when you are ready, and I shall draw the bath for you.”

“Thank you, Ruth.”

Watching the maid leave, Y/n turns back towards her painting and examines the book once more. Adjusting the apron she wore over her dress to keep from ruining it, she dipped into her paints again. More time passed and her frustrations only grew as the colors started running and made the bird look like a mess.

Dropping the paintbrush in the pot of water she hung her head in defeat, deciding to just start all over again. Not having heard the door open she nearly jumped, feeling a pair of arms wrapping around her before a chuckle sounded in her ear.

“Sorry to startle you love I thought you heard me enter.”

“That’s alright my lord I just was focusing on something else.”

Alfred glanced around to be sure they were alone before pressing a soft kiss to her neck.

“Tell me what’s the matter.”

“I’m trying to paint this bird and all of my colors keep running I’ve spent hours on it but alas to no avail.”

Remaining silently as his eyes drifted over the canvas in front of them, since they had began courting he was trying to take interest in her hobbies. When he found out she had a love for painting much like his mother, it was one he quickly did his best to learn all he could about it.

“Allow me to offer my assistance to you.”

Grabbing her hand gently together they picked up the brush, the sparks of electricity she felt as they moved together dipping into her paint pallet. She could barely concentrate at the feel of him pressed against her back. When the brush touched the canvas, she let out a soft laugh.

“What is it brining you such joy my dear?”

“Your beard tickles my cheek.”

Y/n spoke softly as his own smile grew to match hers the two talking in soft whispers as he helped her fix the once ruined picture.

“What do you think?”

“It looks so much better thank you for your help now we both must sign it.”

She said pointing to the feather quill and pot of ink sat on the desk a few feet away from them, Alfred reached over grabbing the quill. Signing the name Debling then placing the quill in her hand so she could sign her last name.

Placing it back in the ink pot Y/n slowly turned to face him their eyes meeting hers lighting up as his softened.

“Miss. Y/n  I know this may come forth as a bit forward but may I kiss you?”

He asked a slight nervous quiver to his voice if you listened close enough she remained silently causing him to clear in throat. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel pressured into anything. After a moment her smile grew as she leaned closer to him their lips brushing in the softest touch before a knock on the door sent them apart. Composing themselves she turned to see Ruth entering one more.

“Excuse me miss but your mother is looking for you.”

“Thank you, Ruth please tell her, that I will be right there.”

Ruth nodded, leaving them alone again y/n sighing softly she turned back to Alfred who gently touched her cheek.

“I must be going as it is rather late, I shall call upon you tomorrow afternoon would that be alright?”

“Yes, I would enjoy that very much my lord.”

The pair left the room and y/n saw him to the front entrance, his fingers once more touching her cheek in a bid farewell. Watching him leave she sighed her arms wrapping around herself, the thought of his arms around her caused her face to heat up. Turning, she went off in search of her mother.

[temis-de-leon]

Opposites attract - 500 F.C.

Characters: Barbatos x male!reader

Main Masterlist

500 followers masterlist

Requested by: anon

CW: tall, muscular, bearded MC, because there aren't enough of those. Possessive Barbatos because he simps for his boyfriend. OOC, maybe? I don't think so, but you'll be the judge of that. Also, manhandling

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Barbatos barely had any time to hear the stomping down the halls before the door opened with a bang and a couple of muscular arms hugged his body from behind with breath-taking force. He wheezed and grabbed the hands supporting his waist, but could only feel MC’s bearded face rubbing against his neck with excited giggles.

The whisk slowly sank in the batter and Barbatos sighed in defeat, finally indulging in the warmth behind him and whishing a certain prince wouldn’t barge in and burst the intimate bubble around them. Although his boyfriend smelt like sweat, which led him to believe he’d just been at the gym with Beelzebub, there was nothing in the three realms that would make him wish he weren’t where he was at the moment.

He knew there was a soft red hue across his cheeks and the unsteady beating of his heart filled his ears, surely loud enough for MC to hear as well. A few seconds passed before he was finally placed on the ground, but neither of them moved, swaying instead where they stood to the rhythm of silent music, the humming of the refrigerator and the wall clock’s ticking.

While Barbatos knew Lord Diavolo didn’t control the needs of his most demanding subjects, he couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit angry at him; disappointed even. It was childish and he was better than that, but he knew he had good reason to be bitter.

The heavy load of his work and the brothers’ incessant need of MC’s attention had left them little to no time for themselves, forcing them to cancel their very limited dates and reducing their daily messages to simple “good morning” and “good night” texts, and, while Barbatos knew sometimes sacrifices were necessary, MC didn’t seem to have the same mind-set.

Not like he wasn’t thankful for that.

They had agreed to visit an artisanal market downtown, a short timed event limited to scarce ingredients native to the Devildom which Barbatos had been extremely excited to use in various meals. Unfortunately, days went by without them having any time to go and left him sure he had lost the opportunity altogether.

It came to mind that, perhaps, MC’s intentions weren’t just to pay a quick visit and his suspicions proved to be correct when the deep comforting voice behind him spoke against his nape.

“What do you say we run away really quick and forget about everyone for a while?”

Barbatos chuckled before turning around, instantly causing MC’s smile. A big grin that made his eyes sparkle.

“While I would love to accept your proposal, I’m afraid I still have work to do”

He sighed, expecting disappointment from the cheery man, but that didn’t happen. Instead, he watched as MC walked to the freezer, grabbed a human beer bottle and opened it with the edge of the counter while smiling at Barbatos’s reprimanding gaze.

“You do know there’s a bottle opener in one of the cabinets, right, my dear?”

“And do you know today’s the last day the market’s going to be here?” he retaliated placing the bottle on his neck and sighing in relief at the coldness. Barbatos tried to seem unfazed about it “They’ll wrap up everything tonight and leave tomorrow morning”

“Tomorrow? Did they post the information somewhere?”

“No, honey, I just went with Lucifer yesterday to buy a couple of things for lunch. I asked one of the vendors”

“You went with Lucifer?”

MC nodded, ignorant to Barbatos’s cutting tone. There was a hint of possessiveness in their relationship that he wasn’t too happy to admit, but, at least, somehow, MC found it amusing. He was thankful for that and for being able to ignore it most of the time, but it was there after all.

And it made him want to have a nice chat with the eldest brother.

“Did you enjoy it?” he asked in the end, swallowing the bitterness.

MC shrugged his shoulders, having one last sip of beer before leaving the bottle on the counter and opening his arms in invitation. Barbatos rushed, embarrassed for a second at how quick and deep he’d fallen for the human.

His skin was warm, although not as much as before, and his arms were bulky enough to shield Barbatos from the outside world. He didn’t need it, never did and never asked for it, but he would be found dead before ever rejecting the gesture.

“I would’ve loved to go with you instead. That’s why I came here, to kidnap you”

That made him laugh and turn around, returning to the bowl of batter to rescue the long forgotten whisk. It was drenched in the mixture of sugar, eggs and flour and he knew by MC’s famished face that, if he didn’t wash it quickly, his beloved human would end up having an indigestion.

“You hang out with Beelzebub too much, MC”

“I wouldn’t if you came with me to the market” he answered with an exaggerated childish voice. “Gimme that, I’ll help you clean it faster”

“Absolutely not”

“Why not?”

“You’ll get sick!”

“No, I’m better than that”

“MC”

“Barbie”

They stared at each other, both of them trying to look serious with poorly kept smiles on their faces. MC crossed his arms, his biceps looking bigger than ever, and again Barbatos tried not to look too much.

“Come to the market with me”

“I have to finish baking for the Young Master…”

“Freeze the batter” he shrugged again “Can’t you do that?”

“Well, yes…”

“Then it’s decided”

Then, before Barbatos could react, MC grabbed the bowl and placed it in the freezer, next to the beer bottles the butler had ordered just for him days ago. He stayed still, too surprised to respond, and could only watch in mild disgust and fascination as MC licked the whisk clean before leaving it in the sink. He opened his mouth, not sure what to say, but his boyfriend acted faster again, bending down to hug his legs and throw him over the shoulder.

“MC...!”

“Let’s go, honey!” he interrupted him with joyfulness. “You’re making one hell of a dinner tonight!”

Barbatos knew he could easily get rid of MC’s grip and go back to the kitchen and his duties, but he’d be lying if he said he wanted to do that.

He hoped and wished Lord Diavolo wouldn’t need his presence for the next four to six hours, but, if he knew the prince as well as he knew he did, then he must’ve already known not to disturb him for the rest of the evening.

.

.

[thewriterthatghostedyou]

The Dragon and the Wolf

Chapter 1

Dark! Aemond x Stark! Reader and Jacaerys x Stark! reader

Do I already have like 50 WIPs and am I really writing another story? Yes. Yes I am. But the idea of this has been in my head for a few days so here we go lol. And yes this is yet another Aemond x reader story because y’all we Aemond Stans are getting feddddd with season 2. Also another dark fic because yes I have issues. I may also try something new because I enjoy medieval fashion so I may include pictures of the reader’s outfits below. If you aren’t interested in this part you can ignore it, this just gives me an excuse to look at pretty dresses ;)

Divider by @zaldritzosrose

You had heard all the stories about King’s landing but none of them compared to the real thing.

You smiled widely and slid yourself towards the window of the carriage to take in the hot air. It was never this warm back at Winterfell and you made a promise to yourself to enjoy the southern sun while you were here.

“And if you look to your left, dear sister, you’ll see yet another pompous lordling flaunting about.”

You playfully rolled your eyes at your older brother. He had ridden his own horse the majority of the way but as it was your first time in King’s Landing he wanted to show you the sights himself.

“He does seem to bear an odd resemblance to a bird.” You joined in eyeing the man before retreating back into the carriage.

Your older brother laughed and shook his head with a small smile. You hadn’t seen him smile as much since the death of your sister in law, so you cherished the ones you got, as few as they were. “We should be arriving any moment now.” Cregan’s smile dropped back into his usual pensive expression. “Are you sure you are ready?”

To anyone who didn’t know Cregan Stark, he would seem like he was calmly assessing your future time at court, but you knew better. He was scared. Scared he’d lose you like he lost the Lady Arra Norrey. Like you both had lost your mother.

“You have your duty to the family and I have mine, brother.” You placed a calming hand on his as the carriage jerked to a quick stop. “Perhaps I will find a husband close to home.”

Cregan furrowed his brows but said nothing as the door opened. You could tell he wasn’t convinced, seeing as how you just turned one and eight. Too young to marry in his eyes, but having all the eligible lords in the realm gathered in one spot to celebrate the potentially last name day of the King was too good of an opportunity to pass up. It allowed you some choice in your future husband.

Cregan was the first to leave the carriage, ducking his large frame under the doorway and gallantly offering you his hand.

You took in a deep breath before taking it and exiting after him. As you crossed the threshold of the carriage you were met with chaos. Lords and ladies of all classes were clambering out of their carriages and were rushing to prepare for the upcoming tourney.

Many of them were lodged in nearby manors; however, as one of the great houses you and your brother had the honor of being guests in the Red Keep.

“Lord Stark, Lady Stark.” A young man clad in the red uniform of the Red Keep steward gave you both a curt bow. “I am to show you to your rooms to prepare for the petition.”

“What petition?” Your brother offered you his arm as the two of you followed the servant.

“My apologies my lord, I thought you were informed. As one of the heads of a great house you are invited to attend Vaemond Velaryon’s petition to the seat of Driftmark.”

Your brother scoffed slightly at that. “Not even an hour into the capital and there is already scheming. Lord Corlys made his opinion on that matter clear and that should be upheld.”

“I didn’t even know that the Sea Snake was dead.” You commented as you all ventured into what appeared to be a training yard.

“He isn’t, my lady.” The servant replied slowing as you neared a crowd. “He was injured in battle. I was told the maesters do not think highly of his chances.” He lowered his voice at the last sentence and you realized why as you approached the Velaryon boys.

“My lord, my lady, may I introduce the Princes Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon.”

The princes looked exactly like you had heard in Ravens from the South. Their brown hair standing out from the signature Targaryen white and their eyes a similar color instead of the usual violet.

“Lord Stark,” The older Prince gave your brother a curt nod before doing the same to you. “Lady Stark.”

“My princes.” You curtsied and were very grateful for the days that your septa had drilled you relentlessly on proper form. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is ours.” Prince Jacaerys said with an easy smile. “I hope the journey south was not too tiresome.”

“It was long of course, but we are honored to receive an invitation to the king’s name day festivities.” Your brother spoke as the four of you strode further into the courtyard with the steward trailing closely behind.

It seemed as if the younger prince was about to speak, seemingly the more shy of the two, but was interrupted by the clashing of metal and cheers.

Curious to what was occurring, your small group wandered over to see the signature White of Targaryen hair battling a Dornish man in a suit of armor. Your eyes widened as the knight swung a flail at the person you assumed to be a prince. The younger man, without missing a beat, blocked it with a swing of his shield before advancing with a sword in his hand. The younger Velaryon winced as the shield was thrown to the ground with a dull thud.

The two men seemed to dance around the other, sending blow after blow before the Prince finally turned around revealing an eye patch covering a scarred eye.

The Velaryon boys looked at each other uneasily at the sight of his face before turning to watch the duel again. You said nothing remembering back to when your uncle had told you about the loss of Prince Aemond’s eye. Lucerys looked especially uncomfortable as the One Eyed Prince finished the duel with an easy swing of his sword.

As the surrounding crowd applauded, Prince Aemond lowered his sword from the man’s throat with an unphased expression.

“Well done my Prince.” The knight said, breathing heavily and dropping his flail to the dirt floor. “You’ll be winning tourneys in no time.” You gave Cregan a quick glance, knowing that he was fighting in the upcoming tourney himself.

Your brother looked at the Prince, no doubt storing away what he perceived his weaknesses in battle to be for later. Your father had always told him it was better to use your enemy’s weaknesses against them instead of playing into their strengths.

“I don’t give a shit about tourneys.” Prince Aemond responded coolly and you found yourself scoffing quietly. If he did not intend to fight for sport then what exactly had he been training for?

“Nephews…” His one eye flicked over to your group as he continued. “Have you come to train?”

The two Velaryons looked at each other again but remained in a shocked silence.

You felt Prince Aemond’s eye on you and your brother as he waited for a response that seemed like it would never come as a nearby guard yelled for the gates to open.

The courtyard fell deathly silent as Vaemond Velaryon entered the Keep, flanked by guards and Velaryon banners.

Prince Aemond huffed out a laugh at the younger Velaryon’s discomfort before bowing his head to you. “You must be the Starks.”

“We are, my prince.” Cregan spoke for you, “This is my sister, the lady Y/n Stark.”

“Ah.” The young man said, reaching his hand for yours, which you gave to him politely, before placing a chaste kiss on your knuckles. You gave him a polite smile which he returned to you. “I see the tales of the Beauty of the North were not exaggerated.”

“Thank you, my prince.” You didn’t know what else to say under his critical eye. “We are honored to attend your father’s name day celebration.”

“Yes I suppose that will be entertaining, although I find myself more excited for a different occasion.” He gave another smirk at Vaemond’s back as the older man walked away.

Although living in the North you and your brother were not uninformed. And although everyone knew that the Velaryon boys were bastards, you knew that if any spoke on it a worse fate would be in store for the unlucky orator. One that would most definitely meet Vaemond Velaryon if he pressed any further. You; however, did not want to get mixed into the Keep’s dramatics.

“I am personally eager to attend the tourney.” You changed the subject, and looked at the two Velaryons whispering softly together. Though they may be bastards, they were honorable men by all accounts that you had heard. “Will you be competing, my prince?”

When you looked back at Aemond his face wore an annoyed expression as he glared at the two princes. “Perhaps I will.” He muttered softly. Releasing your hand that you had not realized he still held. “I hope we meet again soon, Lady Stark.” He nodded to you politely before returning the courtesy to Cregan and walking over to the knight he fought with earlier.

“As entertaining as this has been, my sister and I must prepare for the petition on the morrow.” Cregan spoke, looping your arm in his.

“Of course.” Prince Jacaerys gave the two of you a smile. “Your steward will show you the rest of the way. I fear we may not be good company for the time being.”

Cregan gave a curt nod to the Prince before the steward reappeared at your side. “We thank you for your hospitality, my princes.”

“It is our pleasure.” Jacaerys spoke as he repeated the earlier kiss to your knuckles his uncle had done. “May we meet again soon.”

You blushed at the touch of his lips on your hand, not noticing the Targaryen scowling at your interaction with his nephew. Your brother, who had spotted the look, thanked the two again before leading you away.

“I don’t like this.” He said under his breath as the two of you entered the Red Keep.

“Prince Jacaerys seems like a good man.” You responded quietly. “He is very handsome.” You felt butterflies think in your stomach as you thought back to the Prince.

“That he is.” Cregan muttered. “But he has many enemies, sister. The Targaryens are on the brink of a civil war and I would not have you getting in the middle of it. Even now we are already attracting unwanted attention from them.”

He sighed heavily as the steward stopped in front of two doors and explained that this was where you were staying before leaving with a quick bow.

“Do you truly think that a war will happen? The King has made his wishes on his succession very clear, to go against it would be treason.”

“Lord Corlys made his wishes for succession clear, and yet here we stand.” Cregan sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. At times like this he did not look like the twenty and one years he was but much older and worn.

You nodded slowly, understanding his words but not wishing for the inevitable to happen soon. “I will stay away from Prince Jacaerys.”

“Prince Aemond too.” Your eyebrow shot up at the Targaryen’s name. “I do not like the way he was looking at you, sister. Avoid them all. We will do our duty, do what is right, but that does not mean we must thrust ourselves into the middle of this.” Cregan held your shoulder and looked at you with concern written in his face. “I cannot lose another family member.”

“You will not.” You gripped his hand tightly. “I will find a husband. And with your guidance he shall be a good and kind man but you will never lose me, brother.” You knew you could not promise him you would survive childbirth or the war that was inevitable but this small mercy you could do. No matter how much the thought of Prince Jacaerys made you smile.

To think that you even had a chance with a Prince was a foolhardy idea anyways. Or at least that is what you told yourself as you prepared for dinner.

Divider by @saradika-graphics

Riding Outfit

Taglist 🏷️

@dixie-elocin

@shari-berri

@ka1afbr

@sepherinaspoppies

Please let me know if you want to be added!

[ghostofthemost141]

Custer

Pairing: Ghost x GN! Reader, no use of (Y/N), First POV

Word Count: 908

About: After an accomplished mission, Ghost is intrigued by the music he can hear you blasting in your earbuds.

Themes: None really, just a little drabble of Ghost and reader interacting.

Notes: The song featured in this short is Custer by Slipnot. Highly recommend it if heavy metal is your style! Nickname for this one is Puppy. Enjoy!

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

“Mission well done, everyone.” Price announced, gazing over all of us. 

Irreverence is my disease

It's secondhand, but you know me

The son of a bitch is on his knees

The last man standing gets no pity

We were currently heading back to our base and while everyone else was talking, I was destroying my hearing with my music. Couple of months ago, I joined Task Force 141, sworn in by Captain Price and so far I have enjoyed my stay here. Some missions are hard as fuck, take months and months to accomplish, while some others, like todays, only take a day or two to do and while I do love what I do, I also love being at our base. I keep to myself for the most part, whether I be walking outside or in my bunk reading a book while listening to music. It’s not that the guys don’t like me, I mean hell, they also invite me to play a game of pool or poker with them, most of the time I turn it down because I just want to do my own thing. You can’t really afford to make close friendships or even relationships in this line of work, you never know when something may happen to one of ‘hem. Soap can be an ass sometimes but he is cool and very outgoing. Gaz is the nicest of the lot, but can sometimes be too nice for his own good. Price is the definition of an old grumpy man, and can definitely act like one for sure, but he very much would take a bullet for one of us. Now Ghost, who happens to be sittin’ right next to me in this crowded vehicle, I haven’t figured out yet. He will mumble a hi if I am passing by or make a comment here and there, but he seems to be like me, likes to keep to himself. He is the closest with Soap by far, but even then I don’t really see them hanging around base as much as you think they would since they are close. 

You try so hard to be difficult

You want to win the war?

Know what you're fighting for

Hell yeah, it’s my favorite part. I began bumping my leg to the beat of the music as well as tapping my knee as if I was an old, country man in the West. 

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuc-

I swear I felt someone nudge my shoulder, but I didn’t pay any mind to it as I immersed myself into my music. 

-k fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fuck fuck me up

Cut cut cut me up and fuck fu-

Okay someone is definitely tapping me on the shoulder. This better be good. I pulled my earbuds out in a huff. 

“You grumpy, Puppy?” A gravelly voice asked me. 

Ghost. I sneered at him a little bit for the nickname. For some reason, the task force came up with the nickname puppy for me. The reason for it? Well that I will never know they just started calling me that one day, around the time I first started. 

“Nope.”

“Seems like ‘t.” He remarked. 

“What is it to ya?” I asked. 

“You’re gonna damage ‘our hearing listening to that bloody music that damn loud.” He commented, his big blue eyes piercing into mine. 

“Oh so you’re the one that made me put my music away?” 

“Never told you to do that.” 

Dear lord, this man. As attractive he may be, he can be a real ass sometimes. 

“What song was it?” 

Ghost? The most grumpy British man to ever exist asking me about what I was listening to? I might as well be honored. 

“Custer by Slipknot.” I answer. 

“Slipknot? What kind of band is that?” Ghost asked. 

Is this really Ghost or did he bump his head during a mission or somethin’? 

“They are a heavy metal band that started in the mid 90’s. Custer is one of their most popular songs but it is one of my favorites.” I added. 

I could tell Ghost was processing what I said because he nodded his head in response and didn’t say a word back. So it’s up to me aye? 

“What kind of music do you listen to?” I asked him. 

“Hm. Some rock, some alternative, some reggae.” Ghost listed. 

“Reggae? Really?” I questioned, not expecting that answer. 

“Hey, don’t diss Bob Marley till you try ‘im.” Ghost remarked. 

“I’ll give him a try, L.T.” I said, shoving his shoulder with mine. 

I could see he rolled his eyes in response, but in a sarcastic way. 

“And I’ll Slipkno’ a try.” 

“SlipknoT.” 

“Don’t test me puppy.” Ghost growled a little, making me laugh, in which he eventually let out a chuckle. 

Ghost is definitely not as bad as everyone seems like he is, he just needs the right person to break down his walls. 

END

[thewisaaaaad]

Hey, i know its been a while, and uh. I have no real reason for that I'm just lazy.

and also kingdom hearts has taken over my life again lmao.

so naturally, i smushed my two hyperfixations together into a delicous, angsty combo platter!

So here goes!

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

Lamb did not want any of this. They did not want the crown. They did not want to be death.

they did not want to kill Narinder.

They had wanted to rest, and their lord had been more than happy to grant them it.

Yet here they were, building a tomb to their God, burying the body of the One Who Waits, who waits no more.

Lamb had tried the resurrection ritual, of course. But, seeing as the crown was the reason he was dead to begin with, the lamb was unable to bring him back.

stupid crown. Why did it have to choose them? A perfectly good bearer was right there!

Whats done is done, no matter how everyone involved despised it. All Lamb could do now was make sure he wasn't forgotten.

... At least he recognized what happened, and forgave them before the final blow.

Lamb wouldn't have to live with being a traitor, too.

His last words still echoed in the unwilling usurpers head.

"Ah, I see... how your hand trembles, yet remains glued to the blade... It was not you who betrays me. How funny...

Know that I forgive your weakness, my Lamb. You will make a wonderful Death."

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

Years pass, and still Lamb champions Narinder's teachings. They work hard, making sure that the land is swept clean of the old faith, the newly resurrected bishops being surprisingly supportive of the new death.

Strangely, Visitor, the odd being who appeared in the temple ruins, seemed weirdly on edge recently. It had promised a gift for the lamb, beyond what had already been given, yet it seemed... skittish, when pressed on when they would earn it.

No matter, unless it decided to involve the Lamb eventually. There was nothing they could do to but wait and gather power.

then, lamb got an interesting prayer directed at them.

It was made in their name. A name long forgotten, and the only one who knew it was...

"Narinder?" Lamb whispered hopefully. They had learned to speak through their effigies, much as the bishops had when they were in purgatory. Maybe, just maybe...

The prayer continued. It was distant, quiet, yet full of faith. It was nearly drowned out by all the other prayers directed at them from all over the lands of the Old Faith, but the use of Lambs secret name helped them hold on to it. As did the direction the prayer came from.

up.

"...I do not know if this will reach you, my dear vessal, but..."

Lamb sat up at their desk, staring at the ceiling. Their heart thudded loudly in their chest, eyes blurring a little from the tears.

It was him.

"Narinder!" Lamb cried, leaping from their chair, sending it clattering to the floor. The prayer stopped suddenly, but the faith that flowed from it spiked, letting the lamb cling to it, follow it back to its source. With just a little more power...

"Lambert?" Narinder breathed. They could see him now, through the... Idol? Charm? Whatever representation of them that he held in his hand.

"Its really you. You're..." Lamb couldn't think of what to say. They just stared deep into those piercing red eyes that they thought they would never see again, relished the feeling of sitting in his palm, as they had once done after successful crusades. He stared back, his surprise slowly settling into a gentle, relieved smile. The sun behind him cast his face into brilliant relief, and the desert walls behind him complemented his eyes.

"My Lamb, my dear Ramses..." He sighed. "I fear I do not have much time to talk, and I mean to send warning." His face hardened, glancing away for a moment to collect his thoughts. "I need you to check on my body, if it is still there."

Lamb blinked. "...Um, excuse me?" they let out a bleating laugh. "Aren't you using it right n- Wait I buried it... In the tomb..." Lambs incredulity cooled rapidly, as they began to process what him speaking to them- alive, no less- meant.

"Actually, no." Narinder corrected, sending Ramses back into confusion. "This body is something called a 'replicant', and it drew in my soul after I was slain. I can only imagine that it was because it lay at the heart of an ancient battlefield." He coughed, glancing to the side with a grimace. "I have recently encountered... Nobodys- monsters formed from the soulless bodies of those with strong wills."

At that point, the gears in lamb's head clicked into place. "You want me to make sure that your body- your REAL body- isn't roaming around." Ramses said, the gravity of the situation settling on them.

Narinder nodded, a smirk appearing on his lips. "Yes. I do not know if it will resemble me or not, or if one has even formed- nevertheless, I would have you check for me. I was, after all, quite willful."

Ramses slowly opened their own eyes, and turned from the desk, the crown settling on their head as the Lamb prepared for battle. "Of course, my lord. I will deal with this immidiately, and then come for-"

"Ah. Right." Narinder's voice popped back into their mind, the connection not yet severed-draining as it was. "I would not have you come for me. Instead, I will try to find my way home."

Ramses, of course, stopped dead in their tracks. "How? Actually- where are you?"

"Somewhere far away, my lamb." he soothed. "But do not fear. Just take care of your own world, and we will speak again soon. I promise."

The phrase 'your own world' gave them pause, but their master had never led them astray before. "Alright. Is there anything I need to know before I possibly encounter an alien monster?"

"Magic works best on them, as i cannot guarantee that even weapons forged by Kudaai can permanently destroy them, let alone harm them efficiently. Use extreme caution, my dear vessel."

"Got it." Ramses said. "... I'll talk to you soon, Nari." they finished.

A short silence followed as the Lamb walked to the now pointless tomb, making them worry they had overstepped with the nickname.

"...And I to you, my love."

The whispered prayer once again halted Ramses entirely, their face flushing red as Narinder finished the prayer with that gentle admission.

After a moment, they shook their head, resuming their march toward his grave.

They HAD to talk to him soon.

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

from the forest, a silent shape watched a small woolly figure storm out of the empty crypt, rage burning in their eyes.

It said nothing, silently gliding into the trees.

why did they stir something foreign within it?

It should kill them. That will stop it.

[theholmwoodfoundation]

LETTERS First Letter from Lord Godalming to Dr Seward. This transcribed version belongs to the Foundation Archives.

Monday 24th February 1896 My Dear Jack,  I hope this letter finds you well. I know there is an immediacy to the telegram, but I also know you have grown fond of letters, so I thought I would put my thoughts to the pen. Everything is well in Whitby. Mina’s little boy grows more like her and his father by the day. Marianne and Charlotte have grown incredibly fond of him. Julianna’s illness has escalated as we feared, but Mina watches over her and has promised that her children will be cared for, that she needn’t worry for them when the time comes. We miss you greatly. Mina and I look forward to your return to Whitby. It is a bittersweet place in which to find oneself, and at times it almost feels as if these last six years never passed, and you and I are once more engaged in rival affections for our dear poor Lucy. Perhaps there is a solace in that. But as I am sure you would tell me: one must not dwell too hard on the past, when there is work to be done in the present! I can show you the current plans for our Containment Facility when you visit. I fully believe Mina is prepared to build it herself, by hand, if construction does not happen quickly enough.  I want to hear everything about how life is going in London. I hope my rooms are to your liking, and that you have everything you need. Your friend,  Arthur

Response Letter from Dr Seward to Lord Godalming This transcribed version belongs to the Foundation Archives.

Tuesday 25th February 1896 Dear Art,  I very much enjoyed your letter. I don’t believe I have read something so long– and dare I say, flowery– from you, since the invention of the telegram.  I am sorry to hear about Juliana, but if I know you, I know that you will do everything in your power to ensure she is well cared for.  I am glad to hear young Jonathan Quincey is well, too. Every day I find myself honoured to be his Godfather, even though I still believe you would have been the better choice. But who am I to question Mrs. Harker's wisdom in these things?  The Limb Project is coming along at pace. We have a team set up to watch the body, and ensure every test is recorded in the utmost detail. We have also brought on some specialists to assist who are good friends of the Van Helsings. I suspect this whole business will need to be built on trust, and I trust these young people to support the cause as deeply as any of us.  I believe Lucy would have been proud of what we have achieved. At every step I tell myself our work is for her, for Quincey and Jonathan Harker. Their hands guide our own.  When I visit Whitby in the Summer, I will be sure to explain all the scientific reports to you, and hear of these great plans you and Mina have concocted. Are you looking to visit London again before the Summer? I look forward to seeing you if you do. Inform me in good time and I shall ensure the maid has prepared your rooms correctly. Your dear friend,  Jack

[ruhorih4ra]

Holaa! 🐏 I have finally finished editing the 8 part of this, it's quite long (compared to the others), so it probaby has more grammar mistakes since I kind of hate editing (YES I KNOW I ALREADY SAID THAT BEFORE BUT I REALLY REALLY HATE IT).

So, having said that: would you still read this Fanfic if I keep with the angst instead of moving on to the comfort were a worm?

👉🏻👈🏻 🪱

Flashbacks are written indented (this time heheh).

Also, this was not suppose to be a replaced!Au I fucking swear over all my forgotten wips, don't blame the fic, blame my writer skills JAJSJAJ so, no, Mc is not replaced. This trope is more like a ✨ misundertanding Replaced!Au ✨

Happy ending of course, I don't want to cry.

Finally, this part takes place after the little fight with Lucifer (part 6), we get to see what they did and thought.

Get out of my way 🌈

The Seven Lords of hell were hopeless, who would believe that being ageless hadn’t taught them a single damn thing about facing their emotions? It seems the safest option is to bury your feelings deep down until they come out like a grown-up angry demon.

Everyone in the house of lamentation heard your fight with Lucifer, it wouldn't be a surprise if all the shouting made its way to the castle as well.

Belphegor had remained with his face buried in the soft cow-print pillow, listening to every word with a calm he was far from feeling. When your voice broke, his fragile comfort broke too, he didn't try to lay his head again. He knew rest wouldn’t come soon.

Beelzebub was exercising, lifting weights. It wasn't unusual to hear Lucifer’s scolding, quite the opposite he dares to say. What was unfitting was hearing you scream with such anger and sadness. It brought him to a halt. As worried as he’d felt, he remained still with his arms holding the heavy weight.

While the silence filled the room and your voice faded, he felt the barbell was too much to bear, though he wasn't sure if it was the bar or the ominous silence that engulfed him.

Asmodeus absolutely hates being disturbed while painting his nails. Almost always ruins his ever perfect manicure, this time was no different. He was ready to complain to whoever was making such a fuss until he heard you. What do you mean by “forgotten about you” ? They would never do that! They love you more than their own sins! He's always pampering you with gifts and attention!

Just yesterday he had thought you would look great in the red suit he saw at the mall, he hadn't bought it tho. But what about those dramatic black shoes he saw at your favorite store! He frowned, slowly realizing he hadn't bought anything for you in quite some time. But you would never resent him for something material.

He bit his nails trying to remember the last time you both spend a full day together. Asmodeus averted his reflection in the mirror, how terrible it would be to see the truth in his own eyes.

Leviathan couldn't stop looking at the 'GAME OVER' screen in front of him. You called them a “Bunch of liars” that's not true! They love you, he loves you. You're his second player, his Henry. He looked at your empty place and wondered why you weren’t with him, why were you fighting Lucifer instead?

“My honorable Lord of Shadow, would you honor me?” You passed the controller to him, silently begging with your eyes, more than 1 hour stuck at the same level.

“Nu-uh. I must deny your request, my dear friend Henry” He said as he easily dodged an empty bottle of water. “Help me pass the level, you ass.” “I can't. This is for your own good.” But you didn’t miss the hint of doubt in his eyes.

“Pleaseee??” Leviathan tried, he really did. It's not his fault but muscle memory doing its job. “Thank you, Levi. You're the best!”

How did he even manage to win the game in less than 5 minutes?! Why are you laying your head on his shoulder?! He's going to collapse at any moment now.

“You'll always help me, right? With you, I'll never lose any game.”

He blushed just remembering. Still, your words echoed in his mind “Bunch of liars.” and the big and awful words remained on T.V.

'GAME OVER'

Will you give him another life? A second chance to win you over? Did he just lose in the stupidest way ever?

Satan arrived at HoL, accompanied by Sc. He couldn't shake the pain that had settled inside him back in the library. “I feel so abandoned.” He's surprised by his own stupidity.

How could he have treated you like that? Invalidating your feelings, it was more than simply jealousy, much more than that. You felt lonely, excluded, abandoned.

“Shut up, Satan.” “You need to rest, you are human.” You pretended to ignore him as you continued reading. “Really? I hadn't noticed. I thought I was an angel.” He chuckled and took the book from your hands.

“You are. My one and only guardian angel.” “Demons don't have guardian angels. Give me back my book.” You were tired but Satan's words were engraved on your heart. He had told you how lonely he had been feeling lately. “SHH.”

He big spoon you. Your head resting on his chest. He started reading for you. “Thanks for being here, Mc.” You shook your head, already halfway into dreamland.

“No, Satan. Thanks for letting me be here.”

“They were reading... 'How to get ride of annoying demons' heh, they want to get rid of us.” The mere thought of letting you go hurt him to the core, steals all his wrath and morphed it into pain. “Satan, don't worry. I'm sure everything's going to be alright.”

“I’d read them the instructions for getting rid of our pacts if they just let me hold them close again.” He ran a hand through his hair for the thousandth time.

“Forget it, I would read them every torture method they could use on us. Every curse, each damned echantation to hurt us.” His breathing became erratic as he fought the urge of tearing off his own hair.

“Calm down, Satan! Breathe!” Sc was nervous, she was unaware of how much of your time together she had taken. Now, she felt helpless watching the mess she had unintentionally done.

“What if they decide to leave us?! No, what if they decide to leave me?!” Satan didn’t notice his state, his demon form out. His eyes gleamed dangerously and his fangs showing.

“They won't! We'll talk, this is just a big misunderstanding, okay?” The black-haired lady was honestly terrified, how you manage to calm down seven demons was beyond her comprehension.

She was begging whoever could listen to her, that you would find in yourself the kindness to forgive these idiot demons who know nothing of emotions.

While Sc was outside, confronting a panicked Satan, Mammon was still glued to the same spot where you’d left him. As if your previous order had been for him rather than for Lucifer.

He could barely remember your words, the only thing that occupied his mind was your pained face. Your eyebrows arched to show sorrow, your eyes filled with tears. The way your mouth twisted into a broken smile as you fought back tears.

The saddest smile he had ever seen on you. But the worst of all was the shock, the shock in your eyes.

From his perspective, you looked surprised and frightened in equal measure. Did you realized something? “Mammon, it's okay, alright? Stop crying.” He narrowed his eyes, he saw Lucifer’s worried face apparently calling him but instead of his voice he heard yours.

“They don't mean it, they love you. I love you.” You held his head in your hands, giving him pecks first on his forehead and then all over his face.

“Please, say something.” Mammon had gone quiet after a slightly more violent than usual fight with his brothers, he had run to his room followed by you. His face was blank and you knew that was a bad sign.

“A scumbag and an idiot who can't do shit. A shitty big brother.” He repeated the words and you felt a lump in your throat. “That's stupid. You're none of those things” You wiped the single tear that had slipped down Mammon's cheek.

“You're so smart, very handsome.” You caressed his hair while continuing to praise him. “You are my first! The one who helped me more than anyone.”

“Lucifer saved your life. I couldn't do it, not that time or any other time.” Now his face was an actual waterfall of tears. “You saved me first. I wouldn't have survived the Devildom without a friend. You were the first to offer me your friendship. You're the Great Mammon, remember?”

Because of his tears he saw you with blurry eyes, and for a moment he was speechless. Your eyes were mesmerizing, as if someone had taken a ray of celestial light and shoved it inside them.

The words escaped without him being able to stop them. “You're gorgeous.” You blushed as soon as you heard him and quickly averted his eyes as a small smile appeared on your face. “I said that out loud? No way! It's not true! Y-you heard me wrong! I said that YOU ARE GORGEOUS! wait no-” You roar with laughter like a half-dead seal, but in Mammon’s ears it sounded heavenly and soon he joined.

“I wouldn't trade you for anything, Mammon.”

“I wouldn't trade them for anything, I wouldn't.” Mammon was crying in Lucifer's arms, clinging to him like a lost child. “I swear, Lucifer. Please do something.”

Lucifer felt useless, a complete fool. Why did he ask you such a stupid question? Was it born out of worry and anxiety? You were right, anything could have happen to you.

That's exactly what he fears the most, something or somebody hurt you and he hadn't been there to protect you. He was watching a movie instead, even when he saw you leave he hadn't tried to stop you, why?

He would have preferred you to throw a tantrum, fake everything, whatever to avoid admitting how he had failed you. How he had failed you again.

You were absolutely right, he is arrogant and stupid.

“Don't cry, Mammon. We will talk with them, they'll understand.” Mammon separated from Lucifer’s embrace, shaking his head. “They don't trust us anymore.” Lucifer remembered how you had closed your eyes when he was trying to caress you. The sudden fear in your eyes, the trembling of your legs.

He would never hurt you. Except that he has hurt you plenty of times before. Maybe his father was right all along, he wasn't meant to care and protect, only to kill and destroy.

“Who’s a good demon, hm? Who is it? You! You are a good demon!!” You pat Lucifer's head, smiling so much it almost hurts.

He'd only shared a bottle of wine that he had bought in the human world a long time ago. Who would have thought that you would end up like this? Happily giggling like a toddler.

Lucifer was ashamed and, much to his surprise, amused. “You're bolder than usual, my love.” You sat on his lap and cupped his face, he closed his eyes and leaned into your touch.

“My morning star, so good, what a good demon you are.” His eyes shone when he met yours, he recognized pure love through your gaze, deep and sincere. “I'm not a good demon, Mc. There are not good demons.”

He felt your forehead on his.

“I'm looking at one right now.” He smiled and thought to himself. “If they think so, maybe I can try.”

He's going to try. Lucifer swallowed, his throat still sore. “We'll try, we'll do better.”

Part. 9 ಠ⁠‿⁠ಠ

Thank youuu so much for reading!(⁠っ⁠˘⁠з⁠(⁠˘⁠⌣⁠˘⁠ ⁠)♡♡

Taglist: @yuumaofc @kodasstar @asmolover1234 @gallantys @prefesro @urminebutidontwantyou @dearangels

[ofstarsandvibranium]

Unexpectedly Yours: Part 5

Fandom: Ted Lasso (Regency AU)

Pairing: Roy Kent x F!Reader

Summary: Lord Roy Kent still has yet to marry. He hates the notion that marriage is a way to ensure your status in society. You have delayed your debut to society for years because of the same idea. So what happens when two people who hate the idea of marriage are constantly drawn to each other?

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

You didn't want to speak to anyone the next morning after the dinner. You didn't want to see anyone. You were annoyed and slightly embarrassed with how you behaved last night.

You decided you'd stay in your room for the entire day. Cece had tried to get you to come out and play with her but you expressed that you weren't feeling well. Did you feel bad for lying to your cousin? Yes, but you really just needed to wallow in your room by yourself.

________________

"Lady Clara is here to see you, Miss." Jane announces as she peeks her head into your room.

You sigh, "Did you tell her that I'm feeling unwell?"

"Yes and she's very insistent that she sees you."

You groan as you sit up in your bed, "You may send her up, I guess."

Minutes go by and the door opens. Clara walks in, "Good day, Y/N."

You give a stiff nod, "Clara."

She clears her throat, "I came by to apologize. I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable last night. It was never my intention. My brother has always told me how stubborn I can be. I just-I love him so much. He deserves to be happy. However, I understand that while you and my brother are amicable that doesn't mean you are to be with each other. I apologize greatly for practically forcing you to be together. I am ashamed to say that I'm no better than the rest of society," her head hands low in shame.

"I accept your apology, Clara. Thank you. I admire your love and concern for your brother. He's...a good man. He does deserve love in his life. I'm-I'm just not sure that's me."

Clara nods in understanding, "Yes, well, I'll leave you to rest. I hope you feel better soon," she gives a bow and sees herself out.

As soon as the door closes, you groan and fall back against your pillows.

______________

Roy watches as Cece and Phoebe run around the garden. He's glad that his niece found a friend after moving here. Things haven't been easy for the young girl, and Roy's always done his best to make sure she lives a loving and happy life.

He hears his sister before he sees her. She's walking down the path that leads to where he's sitting, a bench underneath a tree on the property.

"Where did you go off to?" he asks, eyes still on the young girls playing.

"I went to apologize to Y/N," Roy grunts and Clara continues, "I won't meddle anymore. I'm sorry that I've made things uncomfortable for you both."

He nods to his sister, "Thank you. She-She already feels so much pressure on her from her mother, society, she doesn't need more."

"I know, but, Roy...please be honest with me, do you care for her?"

Roy's jaw clenches and he looks away from Clara. He sighs, "I do, but, again, it's complicated. She's so...aggravating, smart mouthed, opinionated. But she's also sweet, she cares deeply for her friends and family. I can't help but be drawn to her."

Clara softly smiles at her brother, she places a hand on his shoulder, "I know I said I won't meddle, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to win her affections. I do think there may be something promising between you two and I don't mean in a business transaction way."

"Clara?"

"Hm?"

"Did you love Andrew?" Clara sits and thinks about her husband, who's passed, "I wouldn't say love, but I cared for him as a friend. He was definitely the best out of the other men that have asked to court me. He was kind, understanding. He's also the reason I have Phoebe. I may not have loved him in a romantic way, but I do hold him dear."

"Do you think you could've fallen in love with him over time?"

She shrugs, "Maybe."

Clara and Roy both look on to Cece and Phoebe who are rolling in the grass. Their laughter echoing throughout the property.

_____________________________

In the late afternoon, you eventually grew tired of your self-isolation. So you called upon Keeley and Jamie to join you for tea.

In the sitting room, the three of you are lounging, sipping from your cups.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever," Keeley states as she takes a bite from a biscuit.

"It's been a few days, Keels," Jamie says with a snort.

She waves him off, "Too long. Tell me, what have you been up to?"

You sigh, setting your cup down, "My family and I had dinner with the Kents last night."

"Oh! I heard about that!" you look at her with a cocked brow, "Your mother told mine. Honestly, I'm a little upset you didn't tell me!"

"How was it? Was Lord Grumps his usual grumpy self?" Jamie asks with a smirk.

"We hardly interacted. He seemed quite miserable actually. Then his niece asked when Roy and I would get married." Keeley and Jamie give you a questioning look and you respond, "Because we played princess and dragons with them. They were the dragons, I was the princess, and Roy was the knight who saved me. The princess and the knight always get married in the stories they've read. Anyway, I told her that what we did was make believe and she got upset. She ran upstairs. Roy followed. Clara and my father made a comment that Roy and I should be together and I-I just got so annoyed and upset. I left the dinner."

"Y/N, why are you so against you and Lord Kent being together?" Jamie asks, genuinely.

"I-He-We're just so different. He's so uptight and grumpy all the time! He's probably only smiled five times in his life! Besides, Jamie, isn't he always rude to you?"

"He's rude to everyone, ain't he?" Jamie responds with a shrug.

You point to him, "That's another thing. He's rude!"

Keeley's interjects, "I think that's just him trying to protect himself from anyone getting too close and potentially hurting him." You and Jamie look at her confused, "What? It makes sense! I heard he was previously engaged to this woman name Georgina Afton. They were super in love, at least it seemed that way. Then Georgina caught the eye of a duke and she broke off the engagement. People say Roy was completely heartbroken."

"So...he's just scared of getting hurt?" you ask in clarification.

"Probably."

"Yeah, I suppose that makes sense," Jamie says, "Wow, love. You never seize to amaze me," he says looking at Keeley like she hung up all the stars in the sky.

"Aw, thanks, love!" she leans in and pecks his lips.

The sight makes you smile. You always hoped to find a love like theirs. It was rocky at first, but Keeley and Jamie...they just make sense to you. They fit each other well and you dream of finding someone who fits you.

Is that someone Roy Kent? You're still not sure.

He frustrates you and makes you doubt yourself sometimes, but he also challenges you. He's caring and adores his family. He's quick witted and snarky, but also funny.

Hmmm...you really had to think about this.

Besides, there were other men that could potentially catch your eye. Maybe...maybe you should start taking finding a suitor more seriously...

[unholywriter]

Percy smooches maybe???

That’s a given. 😩😩

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III Fem x Reader

Warnings: Light smut.

The castle of Whitestone had a sort of pause to it, like after the years of tragedy and torture it finally could be at rest. But you know who wasn’t at rest? The new found love of your life, and Lord to Whitestone itself. Percy De Rolo. He’d always be in the room where his workstation resides, creating new inventions. Upgrading his Bad News and the second version of the Pepper Box. He also began to experiment with electricity, and connect his inventions he powered with residuum. Although he still didn’t like the idea of magic, he had to admit, it packs quite a punch intertwined.

It was a late evening when you walked the halls bringing a small plate with some hot, delicious food sizzling fresh from the kitchen. And although the workers tried to stop his Lady from cooking, those who stayed after the Birarwoods were dealt with. Those who decided to stay behind and serve the last two remaining De Rolo’s. You told them you didn’t mind, for all you wanted was to make your lover some food and make sure he eats because Gods know he doesn’t make sure he ate himself while he’s in tinkering mode.

As you approached his workshop and opened the door, you peered in and could see Percy delicately splicing together some wires on a glove. It was a less bulky version to the one he took to the Fey realm during the Conclave era a year and a half ago.

“How much shock value will you give your new found enemies in the future with this one?” You asked softly, and not a jump came from Percy. He had heard you come in, and it wasn’t like you were sneaking up on him. Although, he knows your footstep’s by heart so it’ll be hard to do that even if you were trying.

“At least enough to the point it won’t shock those I want to eliminate and me this time.” He looked over his shoulder with a small smile, you looked down and gave him a small peck on his oh so soft lips you could literally never stop to kiss until your own lips bleed.

“Good, because if you pass out again when we’re in the middle of a shit-show thinking testing your new toys out in the field is a good idea, I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.” You set his plate down and scoot his nearly half eaten lunch to the side.

“There are plenty of things you can do to and for me, and I’d thank you for it.” He looks back to his glove and continues to finish up the wiring.

You rose an eyebrow now, a small smirk tugging your lips. “Oh is that so darling? Do tell me all that runs around that wonderful, fascinating brain of yours.”

Sitting down on the table now, you continue to watch as he works. The way he’s focused, the little tip of his tongue that peeks out. But he doesn’t forget you’re there. “For instance you could make sure I’m well fed which you do, even though I nearly forget it’s there at times. You could check up on me, and take my glasses off when I’m passed out at my work bench which you do because you tell me I work myself to death. You could sit in my lap, and let me hold you while I rest my eyes from a sheer headache before I head back into a frenzy of ingenuity. You could-“

“That’s not what I mea-“

“You could kiss me till I can’t breathe and I’d take you back right now into our bedroom so I can get a good nights sleep like you’ve been asking me to get since I set up my workshop completely these past months.” He turned to you, looking you dead in your eyes now. “What do you say my sweet, dear darling of mine?”

A soft smile pulled from ear to ear, and you closed your eyes meeting your lips with his. His hands that work his pieces so well into place slid up your back and shoulders to find its home at the back of your neck and nearly where he grasped at your ass pulling you into his lap. You folided instantly, melting into his touch. Melting into the way his lips glided against yours, your tongues and body mending together like two perfect puzzle pieces never meant to be apart, grinding both your hips in perfect rhythm together.

Soft and sweet touch, his hands tangling into the mess of your hair. Your hands falling to the locks of his silver white, and down the crevice of his shoulder blades to pull him even more closer. You didn’t want to stop, and neither did he. You could die never allowing oxygen find it’s way back into either one of your lungs as long as it meant one second more. Pants, and soft little moans left both your lips as you traded turns nibbling and biting the soft skin at each other necks and shoulders. His hands found the bareness of your own shoulders, at which he was sliding the cloth strap down and exposing your chest so he can suckle and leave his love bites all over your body. It was anywhere he can find on your skin as an empty canvas. For the love of the gods you felt like you’d snap right then and there. How sensitive and nearly unbearable this friction was, fuck-

“Percy~” Left your mouth breathlessly. He moaned against your skin in response. “Bedroom. Now.”

“Fine, fine darling.” He kissed you long and hard yet again. “Let me eat the beautiful dinner you made so I can at least have the fuel to properly take care of you.” He pushed a strain of hair behind your ear. “And fair warning, you won’t be able to make any appearance hereafter for quite some time.”

[y-rhywbeth2]

So, BG1 and BG2 Spoilers ahead:

Flicking through the original games again to check on certain lore points and also stopped on Sarevok's dialogues to make sure I'm not hallucinating, but nope.

Sarevok misremembers his past and his attitude towards Bhaal has changed. If he's supposed to be the same guy, then hey, Larian, you could've, I don't know... explored what the hell happened?? It would even be relevant to the themes of Bhaal's cult, indoctination, loss of will/identity and his shitty parenting?

I mean, I can kind of see where the whole "Durge, do what I failed to do so that Bhaal may live again through you" stuff came from, though I feel like they missed the mark a smidgeon (Sarevok seems a little too devoted to Daddy in BG3 from what I remember - he was not originally. Sarevok has no respect for Bhaal (dude's got twice the daddy issues of the typical Bhaalspawn), he's only interested in his power.):

Sarvok: "You are indeed family. No other could have lived to oppose me in person. Of course, it will not matter in the end. Ultimately I will prevail, and a new era will be born unto the realms." Charname: "You are mad! What do you hope to gain by resurrecting a dead god?" Sarevok: "Father Bhaal is dead, but the slaughter I will orchestrate will prove me to be the most worthy successor. It will raise his power from the ashes. The streets will run red with blood when my work is finished!" Charname: "Successor? Deities are not known for sharing their power willingly!" Sarevok: "Fool! I do not wish to RESTORE his power - merely to RAISE it! With the divine blood that flows through these veins, I shall assume control over that which he so foolishly lost! I shall BECOME Bhaal. THAT... is the only acceptable outcome. [...] Face me! Face the new LORD OF MURDER!"

Sarevok: "Fuck Bhaal, he didn't deserve his job, so I'm taking it."

As for the bitching about being resurrected against his will, oh he's so annoyed. How could his cruel sibling do this to him against his will???

UM, LARIAN???

Sarevok: "So. You have finally arrived. I have been waiting for you." Charname: "Sarevok?! Didn't I kill you for the last time in Hell?" Sarevok: "You did indeed... although that was no fault of mine. [...] I have done nothing but attempt to reform myself since."

Sarevok: "Regardless, I spotted [this pocket plane] forming and guessed at its purpose. So I came here and waited, kniwing that eventually you would come... and that then we could discuss my... deal." Charname: "What kind of deal? What could *you* want?" Sarevok: "What do you think I want, dear [sibling]? I wish to exist... I wish to be alive again. You can do that. The smallest fraction of your soul, my [sibling]... given freely, with the taint of our dead father within it. That would recreate my flesh, restore my mortality... Sarevok would live again!" Charname: "I killed you once before... what makes you think I would want to return you to life?" Sarevok: "I do not come to the table empty-handed, [charname]. You think me a fool? [...] I can help you. And that has its price."

Charname: "Forget it. I don't trust you." Sarevok: "As you wish. By all means, stroll about and examine what you will of your domain. Time passes and events move with them. I'm sure it will not take long even for you to realise the truth"

Basically, he holds you hostage in this tiny dimension and won't let you progress with the game until you share your soul with him and resurrect him.

Charname: "...I will restore you." Sarevok: "So I have cheated death! Thank you, dear [sibling]... no gift could please me more." ... Sarevok: "I live! Flesh and blood and bone! I am ALIVE! Ha ha ha ha ha! I swore I would scratch and crawl my way back into the world of the living... and I have done it! "Though my sword and armour have not appeared. No matter. Without the Bhaal essence to channel their powers, they are of little use. I shall make do without them, as I once did. Thank you, [charname]. I am pleased."

Oh, he totally didn't want to escape! See how mad about it he is! See how happy he was in the afterlife??

*muttering*

(Sarevok bitches about this in his journal and Solath manifests over his shoulder and whacks him over the head with her staff because excuse you?? After all that nagging??)

[child-of-of-the-sunshine]

Sky Above Oklahoma

Chapter 2

Warning: Javi being an asshole, tornados, almost dying, passing out, angst

No one could figure out Kate's last name all night it was bugging everyone including Tyler, Tessa knew who she was but wasn’t going to say shit  “Kate Carter.” Dexter said he remembered her from the news a few years back “I remember her from the news a few years her and her storm chasing team got in an EF5 she was the only survivor besides Javi.” Dexter said, Tessa felt a pang in her chest knowing that a Javi could have died that day too. Tessa looked at her brother “Go make sure she’s okay.” Tessa said smiling at her brother “You sure you handle these guys?” Tyler questioned her “Yes now go.” She said shoving him “Okay we still got tornadoes to chase.” Tessa said, clapping her hands together 

Tessa was watching the radar when she what looked like a good one starting near Enid “Let’s go guys.” She said, everyone got into the SUV Boone was driving listening to Tessa give directions to the storm “Hand me my camera.” Tessa said opening the SUV door, she got pictures of the touchdown and Lily got a video of it “Ty would love this.” Boone yelled, “He would.” Tessa said smiling, she then thought back to her fight with Javi and shook her head, she was enjoying herself right now no need to worry about a fight “Come on guys.” Tessa said getting back in the SUV. This was the energy the crew loved about Tessa she always got super excited when it came to storms, they ran into Storm Par a couple of times, but Tessa wouldn’t go to Javi's motel room, she stayed out with the wrangler going over footage from the storms, also looking at stats, from some data she could get “You guys here anything from Tyler?” She asked, “No we would think he would call you.” Boone said in a harsh tone “Ooh.” Dani laughed shaking her head “Why you mad at me?” Tessa looked at him “You encouraged him to go after her.” Boone gestured to nowhere “He’s been making eyes at her since they met.” Tessa said a little loudly “You’ve been making eyes at Storm Par.” Boone said gesturing towards the Storm Par truck “Me how is this about me?” She questioned him “Let’s everyone chill.” Lily said, “No I want to hear how this is about me?” Tessa questioned looking at Boone “There is no action.” Boone grumbled, “How is that my fault?” She questioned him, the crew that Boone and Tessa fought like siblings sometimes but this was a whole new level 

Storm Par pulled into the motel and Javi could see Boone and Tessa arguing it made him chuckle, he could hear that it was turning into a yelling match, he and his team had just gotten back from chasing near Enid, and saw Tyler and Kate, he watched a little before heading up to his hotel room. He heard stories from her parents about how she and Boone fought more like siblings than she and Tyler, he found it somewhat amusing “You know what fuck it, Boone!” He heard her yell, he knew she was pissed “Looks like the wrangler can’t keep it together without him.” Scott laughed, Javi knew that was far from the truth, he knew most of them from Tessa telling stories 

It had been a couple of days and no one had heard from Tyler but Boone's phone was ringing “Boone get your damn phone.” Tessa said, sighing the tension was still thick between the two  “No it’s Tyler and he abandoned me.” Boone said, crossing his arms “Dear lord.” Tessa said shaking her head “So what was the fight about with Storm Par?” Boone asked her, he was probing trying to get her mad “Nothing.” She said she didn’t want to tell Boone, she knew there was a storm too she saw the hook on the radar when she got to Tyler’s truck that night, she watched three people die, but saved a mom and daughter, she looked at Javi’s hoodie she still had, she ran her hand over the army letters “You okay?” Lily asked her “Yeah.” She said nodding her head, she watched her phone light with a notification from Javi ‘I’m sorry’ was what she read she didn’t respond leaving him on open, she looked at her photo’s saw some of her and Javi looking happy, some down in Miami at the beach others were taken at her family ranch. She missed him but she was still pissed at him

🌪️------------------------🌪️

Lily's phone started ringing, she answered it and started talking mentioning it was Tyler “Where do you need us?” Lily asked him, “Okay.” Lily said, the phone call ended and everyone loaded up in the SUV or caravan, “Did Tyler say why?” Tessa asked “No only said they needed us for something.” Lily shrugs 

They all met at a trailer place “Look who finally made it.” Dani said as Tyler and Kate walked up “Ben you stuck around.” Tyler said walking up to him “Turns out there's more to this story than I thought.” Ben said shaking Tyler’s hand “We got a new ending for you.” Tyler said, “Look who it is city girl.” Dexter said, “What’s up, Kate?” Lily asked her, “Finally decided to leave all those squares.” Dexter chuckled “All missed a big one.” Lily said showing Kate the footage they got “Hey can you rig that drone to collect data?” Kate asked Lily “Yeah I can do that.” Lily nodded “Hey buddy. How do I make it up to you?” Tyler said putting his arm around Boone “Man you abandoned me I don’t have anything going to make up for it.” Boone said not looking at Tyler “How about we launch some new rockets.” Tyler said patting Boone's shoulder, “You said rockets?” Boone questioned, finally looking at Tyler, the group walked around the trailer lot as Dani told the salesman what they needed, once they got their 40 ft aluminum trailer they headed off. Tessa rode in the truck “You should talk to him.” Kate said noticing the notifications from Javi on Tessa’s phone “I’m not ready to.” She said looking at Kate, “You know he’s crazy about you.” Kate said smiling at her 

Boone went around with the camera asking everyone what they were doing “Tessa what are we about to do?” Boone asked her “Make it rain.” Tessa giggled doing a little dance and almost falling off the truck “Good to see those too made up.” Dani laughed “Those two were fighting?” Tyler questioned her 

Tessa watched as Kate watched the storm forming, she smiled knowing Kate was in her element, she heard the stories of how good Kate was choosing storms, from Javi. The storm they saw was beautiful, but Tessa had an uneasy feeling in her stomach as she got into the about this one, she messaged Javi for the first time in almost a week, but he didn’t respond, they all watched the tornado “okay ground speeds at 22, intercept it is northeast. Look for Siloam Road.” Kate said to Tyler “Siloam Road.” Tyler said back, Tessa heard Kate gasp and Tyler chuckled she looked up and saw the storm par vehicles “Hey these storm buttheads are cutting us off, man.” Boone yelled into the radio “All right let’s not get distracted.” Tyler said into the CB “Let's get these babies in the air.” He said “Shit.” Tessa said watching it get rain-wrapped, she had the radar on the laptop. She watched as the Doppler went dark “Shit.” she mumbled “Doppler went dark.” Kate said looking at Tyler “It's the same for me.” Tessa said from the backseat “That’s probably a dead cell zone.” Tyler said as Kate picked up the radio “Lily are you above us?” Kate asked her “It's getting completely rainwrapped. I can’t see a thing.” Lily said back “Yeah I just lost my drone.” Lily said, “We’re blind we don’t know where this thing is.” Tessa said stating the obvious “Hey we lost visual.” Boone said, “Ty I don't like this.” Tessa said, Tessa watched her boyfriend's truck drive in the storm, and her heart sank as she watched Javi's truck come sliding  as the tornado was in front of them “Javi!” Kate yelled at the windshield, Tessa heart dropped as she watched the truck flip on its side “Tyler we gotta do something.” Kate said “Hey! On your left, guys!” Boone shouted over the radio “It’s hitting something big.” Tessa drowned out all the noises and thought about Javi, their fight that was the last time they talked “Oh my god!” Kate said sounding scared “Oh my god. Oh my god.” Tyler said throwing the truck in reverse “Tyler?” Tessa questioned, “Wait, wait, wait, we can’t just leave them.” Kate said “We’re not gonna leave them. But we gotta move!” Tyler shouted over the storm, Tessa’s eyes stayed on the storm par truck, and it got righted by something, she watched as the truck drove towards them “Go go.” Kate said they all followed Javi’s truck “Hold on, hold on, hold on.” Tyler said moving the truck “Is everybody okay?” Tyler asked, chores of yeahs could be heard, they all headed for El Reno to help people get to a safe place 

🌪️------------------------🌪️

All the storm shelters were full, so they got everyone into the movie theater that wasn’t built for this type of storm. It wasn’t going to happen the storm would hit it, and they wouldn’t stand a chance against it. Tessa saw Kate, looking out the door, she ran to Kate, passed her brother, Javi, and Boone, and followed her to the truck she opened the back driver's side door and got in at the same time as Kate “Go back.” Kate said, looking at Tessa as she climbed over the seat  “It’s too late.” Tessa said back getting into the passenger seat and buckling up.  Kate shook her head knowing it was too late for Tessa to run back, the youngest Ownes would be safer in the truck, than running back towards the theater with the tornado coming at them. Kate started the truck and drove towards the tornado, the wind wiped around the truck shaking it as Kate drove, and debris hit it. Once they got close enough  Kate lowered the anchors, shot the rockets into the storm causing it to precipitate out more, Kate flipped the switch near the barrel button and and waited to press the Kate's barrel button, she hit it but nothing happened, Kate kept hitting it over and over getting frustrated “Come on.” Tessa said looking back at the barrels “I’m sorry.” Kate said pressing the button again this time it worked they both looked up it was starting to cave in on itself “WE DID IT!” Tessa yelled, but the celebration was short-lived as something ripped off the trailer the only other thing keeping the truck anchored to the ground, the truck was ripped from the ground and flipped causing the windows to shatter, and Tessa to hit her head on the door, Tessa saw all of her brother's stuff flying in the truck, she closed her eyes and waited but when she opened them up again her head hurt like bitch, she was dizzy, and felt like passing out “Shit.” She mumbled, before closing her eyes, she reopened she knew she had to fight and stay awake 

Back in the theater, things were getting ripped out of the open hole, “Tyler!” Lily screamed as the tornado tried to take her “Don’t let go, don’t go.” Lily pleaded with Tyler, who was holding her and his left ankle around one of the theater seats, but as soon as Lily went up in the air she was back on the theater floor, people looked around and checked on people around them “You okay?” Boone asked Lily, the group watched Tyler move towards the hole “Where’s Tes?” Boone asked he could now look around and he saw no sign of the dirty blonde 

Tyler looked around but didn’t see her, everyone thought the worse had happened to her, she didn’t make or got sucked out without them noticing, and she didn’t scream either when happened, was she ever in the theater to begin with, did she make it to another shelter that wasn’t full, all this ran through Tyler's  mind as he stepped out of what used to be a theater  

“Kate?” Tessa mumbled hearing movement “I’m good.” Kate said crawling out of the truck “Is everyone okay?” Kate asked getting help sitting up from Tyler and Javi “Did it help?” “you did it Kate.” Tyler said moving her hair “Kate it worked.” Javi said, “Wait Tessa?” Kate questioned them, Boone looked in the truck and saw Tessa “Tes.” He said, “I’m good.” She said mumbled, she was out of it, Boone dragged her out of the truck, “I got Tessa but she's out of it.” Boone said it alerted Tyler to his little sister, Tyler went over to his little sister “Tes?” He questioned “Yeah?” She mumbled, “Hey Tessa, look at me.” He said, holding her head up “Tes.” Tyler said, Tessa hummed in response to her brother “Come on Tessa.” Tyler said sternly, Tyler knew his little sister had some head injuries herself, she had been in two-car accidents in high school, Javi had made his way over to her “Hey Tessa, can you keep those pretty green eyes open?” Javi questioned softly “Someone go find a paramedic.” Tyler said, Boone ran off along with Dani, to go find one “Hey Tessa, tell me a rodeo story?” Javi questioned her “Yeah.” Tyler agreed “I punched a girl in the nose.” she mumbled “Yeah.” Javi smiled, tears forming in his eyes “No she's over hear.” They heard Boone say, along with footsteps, “I need you guys to move.” One paramedic said, as the paramedics got there her eyes closed “We should get her to the hospital.” The other paramedic shouted, the team watched as they put her on a backboard “T you should call your parents.” Dani said, putting a hand on Tyler’s shoulder  

Uh oh things aren't looking good

Also, let me know if you want be tagged in this or any other twisters stuff

[ventisettestars]

DannyMay Day 10: Bones [ao3]

This is a continuation of my Fantasy AU. [part 1] [part 2]

Summary: Changes felt down to Danny’s bone as he spends time in Fae Realm.

Warning: Some light body horror and blood. Also I barely edited this, tho I did give it a once over. So sorry for typos and the like.

WC: 1,997

Kulning: herding call. A domestic Scandinavian music form, often used to call livestock (cows, goats, etc.) down from high mountain pastures where they have been grazing during the day. -Wikipedia

------

His realm. That was what the fae lady had said. “Welcome to your realm, my Lord.” 

“Lord?” Danny was a prince. It was almost reflexive to correct when mistitled. 

The fae misunderstood what he was confused about and powered on through. “Yes.You’re a Lord of Night. New leader of the Winter Wild Hunt. I’m here to help you with that transition. Poor Dear, you’re so human yet.”

“Um, yeah. Cause I am. A human. Always have been.” 

“Oh, not for the last few weeks you haven't. Your heart is a Fae heart, just stuck in some human flesh. You must have noticed.” She looked sad for him. 

Danny swallowed as he had noticed a few things. He blamed stress from his fight that he wasn’t sure was dreamed or not. But he hadn’t been noticing the chill in the morning. And the way food began to taste like ash. The way his skin felt too tight along his back. The-

“So, if- What happens now?”

She beamed. “First let's get you something to eat. You must be starving.” 

“I'm sure your food is the best around but- Isn’t Fae food cursed for humans to eat. Like a trap?” 

“Oh deary. Only for humans. You’ll be fine. I wouldn’t feed you anything that'd cause you harm. Come come.” She hurried, and Danny not knowing what else to do, followed. 

“And see, the thing about humans eating food here is very misunderstood. It doesn’t trap humans, but makes all human food taste like ash. So they'll want to come back and never leave.” The fae lady stopped to turn back for a moment. “We and humans have very different senses, you see. Taste being the easiest to lean into. Our drinks can do it too. Water here is so fresh, particularly in your region because it runs from the purest of snow, chilled with the sunless sky. Why, it’ll even mess with some of the summertime fae.”

Taking things one step at time, the lady continues talking about food in the realms. She also tells him he can call her the Lunch Lady. Names are, after all, so valuable. The only ones immune to being controlled by names are the Lords and Ladies of the Night, And the Kings and Queens of Day. Something about their connection runs so deeply in the realm that they are gifted a name they aren’t even aware of. Only the Mother knows of them, and she need not speak them to use them, nor would the Mother wish for anyone to learn them. So all other names become just titles and aliases. Though Danny figures he wouldn’t be giving his name to anyone here even if the Lunch Lady says it's safe. He would need to think of a new one. 

They arrived at a grand dining hall, and it shocked Danny how much it resembled a warden’s mess hall. 

“Why, does it look like a prison?” 

“Your predecessor committed a great crime and was in self appointed imprisonment. The realm mirrored his state, as it will shift to match yours as time passed. Why, the bars are practically all gone at this point. Being replaced with proper doors.”  

She sat Danny down, and began to prepare a dish for him. “Some of those around are buzzing with excitement since it’s our understanding you were a human princeling, so soon our land shall be grand, befitting your needs.” 

Danny looked at the food before him, and it was the best smelling food he’d smelt in weeks. Taking a bite didn’t disappoint. He inhaled the food, drinking from the water the glass that showed up. 

“There is more where that came from. Here, try this. It’s probably your first time having it, seeing as its a fowl that can only be caught in the land of summer.” 

Danny looked confused at the little avian thing that was roasted and placed before him. Trusting her, he took a wing, and bit into it. The meat was tender, not a bit of resistance, it was heaven. He took bite after bite, then bit into the bone. It almost startled him as it didn’t give much resistance like he’d thought it would. Then he noticed it wasn’t the bones that were delicate, it was his teeth had changed. 

In place of the teeth he'd known for 14 years, well probaby only 3 since he'd lost the last of his baby teeth, were sharp, wolflike teeth. It wasn't just his canines, but the surrounding teeth as well. Reformed to fit a predator.

He shuddered as he bit down again. It was delicious, and felt soothing. Calming an itch he didn't know he had. And he didn't seem to bite himself, his body was already used to them. Why fight it? 

Looking at the Lunch Lady, Danny figured he had many more changes ahead of him. 

-----

Time didn't exactly pass. Not as he was used too. It was always the apex of a solar eclipse. Which he thought was odd but it was explained to him that his kingdom was that of the daytime night. The moment the moon over powers the sun and the nocturnal creature wake during the day. 

It's why he was a lord of night. Why he was of the Sluagh Sidhe Court. 

He was assured it was normal. Each of the rulers' kingdoms rested in a single time, when they were each at the peak of their powers.

Powers that Danny was starting to grow into. After a few sleeps it started with his appearance only. Hair going white, skin blue, ears longer. Once his eyes flooded to the pitch black of night from the corners, filled with stars, did he start to feel like a true fae. 

The moment the sky reached his iris was when the magic inside burst. It was tapping into the source of his power, connecting to the phase of the moon when he heard the song. 

It rang through his bones down to the merrow. Calling him in a language he'd never known, but understood he was to follow it. Nothing else mattered but the kulning song.

It led him through his lands, his connection to them keeping him from losing his way. Later even the thought of getting lost in his tundra would be absurd. But right now. Now his only focus was the song. 

It led him through another's territory. He didn't feel unwelcome, but he knew next time he would need to be invited in. 

He was almost there, his bones ached insisting he wasn't moving fast enough. His shoulders twitched in places that shouldn't have been able too. 

Every bit of his foreign body insisted flying would be faster than the pace he was running, even if he'd never been able to run this fast or this long before in his human life. He longed to fly. 

Running into a forest, through an entrance only accessible when She wished it, he was close. Then to the clearing, where he came to a stop as the call stopped.

Around him in a near perfect U where 7 other fae, and Her. 

His bones, his magic, his soul yearned, screamed in silence through his blood. Mother. 

She was who the other fae revered as a Goddess of the Realm. The being who will die each winter by his hands, to be reborn in the hands of the spring queen. 

She was the only one on this plan that could command him, and he would gladly listen. 

“My youngest Lord. Dearest Lordling.” She spoke in several, no, all the languages at once. She reached out to him. “Let me get a good look at you.” It was once her hand neared him that he realized how small he was to her. He was able to climb into her hand and she held him with ease. It was also when he noticed the other fae were actually airborne. How he wanted to join.

She smiled. “Say my name, and you shall join them, Lordling.” 

Words left his mouth. A name, Her name. It wasn’t a language he’d known, but he knew what it meant. 

His Mother brought him to her face, and with a gentle kiss to his forehead, pain ripped from his back. It started with bones, then muscles and tendons, skin and feathers. Silver liquid dripped down from his outfit and feathers as the pain subsided. Danny looked at his hands that got some of the runoff from his wings growing out, absently wondering before he realized it was his blood. He bled silver. 

He looked back up to her. “I, ah sorry I got blood on you…” He didn’t know if it was in proper form to speak to her, but he figured, if he could talk to his mother the Queen of Amity, then he could also talk to his mother the Goddess of the Realms. 

She laughed. “Worry not. I knew it would be the case. It’s part of the process. Tell me, what is it you wish to be called and address your siblings.” 

Danny stood in her hand, all had left Mother’s side and flew in a line to get a better view. Danny spread his wings, but didn’t take off flying. His body told him it was too soon, much as he longed. 

“I am Phantom.” The words he needed flowed easily, aware of the titles that mattered from his few lessons. “A Sluagh Sidhe Lord of Night, Master of the Winter Wild Hunt. And Heir Prince of the Human Realm’s Amity Kingdom.”

One of the fae flinched at that last title. It was enough for Phantom to notice. He looked familiar. Before Phantom could dwell on it, his Mother addressed from behind. 

“For all the joy of this occasion, there is a grave matter to address. You have inherited all your predecessor’s boons, and thus, you must also bear his crimes, though not his punishment. Know that this pains me.”

The white ashes that created Phantom floated from his chest. They wove into chains, passing into her hands, then emerging green and wrapping around his legs. Pulling taught then snapping. 

“These chains bind to bone. Always to be present as a reminder. None shall pass judgment and claim their words as mine. Lest they be imprisoned until one strong enough sends them to their ends. Now. Join your siblings.”

Phantom didn’t need to be told twice before spreading his wings and taking to the air. 

----

“And that's it for the tour. I've shown you all the places safe for humans.” Phantom grinned, the tour covered some of his favorite rooms. One being the observatory and another being a game room. Both were additions he added as his predecessor was more occupied with playing warden of the realms laws then enjoying anything. 

“Dude, that was like 6 rooms and a few halls.” Tucker had been taking detailed notes in his spellbook. 

“Yeah. Safe. For. Humans. Once you learn the rules I can show you more. Till then, I’m keeping it to just those rooms.” A small floating light wisped next to Phantom, jingling something, then floated off. “Well, it looks like it's human’s bedtime. I’ll walk you to the gate, then I’ve got a meeting with the Summer Lady and-.”

Sam interrupted, grabbing Phantom’s arm to stop him in his tracks. “Can we come? You have to let us come.”

“I mean.” He thought for a moment. “Sure, but it's underwater. I can spell you protections, but if anything goes wrong and you swallow some water, it can’t be undone. Fae water will be the only thing you would be able to drink after.”

“It'd be worth it. Plus you’d hook us up with the fae water, right?” At the lack of response from Phantom, Tucker looked nervous. “Right?”

With a deep sigh. “Of course I would. It's really not worth it. But okay. Let's get you both ready. I’m going to have to go over some things on the way.”

             Notes:        

Sooo some fun behind-the-scenes stuff. Originally The Mother was going to have a name, but then I found out the name I was going to use was basically a British Man's OC, so felt rude to use in context. So now she is just The Mother, Goddess of the Realm. Basically, take sentient ghost zone core and get the Mother.

Secondly, you see that art. >:3 I got so many plans for them all.

And last, I plan on putting all the Fantasy AU stuff in it's own fic in june, but no idea what to call it. I was sort of thinking "Tir na nog" buuut not sure. I'm open to suggestions.

[a-square-minus-one]

Just a little chapter from my Bridgerton fic that I think you could enjoy as a stand-alone ^^ This is based on my thought that Edmund met Penelope before he died.

By eight years old Penelope Featherington had already snuck in through the servant’s entrance of the Bridgerton house at least once a week for two years. At first, Edmund Bridgerton or Violet Bridgerton would be expeditious in returning her to her house across the street but upon finding that Portia Featherington usually left Penelope to her own devices, with only the Featherington staff for company, the Bridgertons began allowing Penelope to linger. As long as she returned home safely, it didn’t really matter the time she came back.

Penelope was a sweet girl and a good influence on Eloise who was growing more chaotic with age. To be honest, Violet breathed a sigh of relief whenever Penelope visited, knowing that the girls would stick to reading in the drawing room and she wouldn’t have to follow her second daughter like a hawk for at least a few hours. With Penelope around, there was no fear that Eloise would burn Colin’s clothes because he spilled juice on her at breakfast or do something equally vengeful and dangerous.

Today when Penelope walks in, she smiles with all her cheeks, squishing her big eyes into little slits and Violet Bridgerton can not help the warm burst of affection that spreads through her limbs. She squeezes Edmund’s hand tightly because Penelope is not her daughter and as much as Violet wants to, it would be rather improper to squish the little girl into a tight hug. The girl is just simply the epitome of sunshine- all short, chubby limbs and bright yellow dresses and to put it simply, Violet loves her like she was her own. Edmund knows this of course, which is why he lets his wife squish his hand between her fingertips.

“Little Miss Featherington,” Edmund greets, tilting his head. Edmund quite likes Penelope too, Violet thinks, as he calls the Cowper’s daughter “Miss Cowper,” and never adds “Little,” to it like he does with Penelope.

“Hello Lord and Lady Bridgerton,” she says, and her cheeks turn an adorable shade of pink. She’s so cute Violet has to put a hand on her chest.

“Penelope dear, how are-” Violet begins, but like a tornado, Eloise practically spins in front of her friend and insists on all her attention.

“Come Pen! Papa bought us new books!” Eloise exclaims. While Violet is sure that her husband did intend for the books to be shared amongst the girls, her heart grows at the way Eloise automatically assumes, without being prompted, that whatever toys and entertainment belong to her also belong to her best friend Penelope.

“Did you, now, Edmund? Is this on top of the seven new books you bought them last week?” Violet says, smiling at her husband as he tucks his chin into his chest. She chuckles a little. “They are quite spoiled by you, you know.”

“I only wish for them to be on surer intellectual footing when it does come time for them to enter society. I will not allow them to throw themselves at the feet of the first fool who courts them.”

Violet thinks to remind Edmund that he actually has no power in Penelope’s entrance into society but, well, Violet is suddenly overwhelmed by the knowledge that she would just as quickly prevent Penelope from marrying a fool as she would prevent Eloise.

“Thankfully we have many long-” Violet pauses as Eloise nearly knocks over a vase trying to show Penelope some trick or another. Violet closes her eyes tightly. “Long, long, years before that comes to pass.”

“Then explain to me why Portia Featherington acts like she’s running out of time.” Edmund mumbles under his breath and Violet smacks his chest, hiding her giggle with her hand. Yes, in fact, Portia was already trying to set up matches between her daughters and the Bridgerton boys.

“Show empathy, dear. You know very well marriage is at the center of a woman’s worth in the eyes of society. It is the unfortunate reality of their lives. The Featherington girls cannot live with their father forever.”

“And hopefully they will not,” Edmund mumbles and Violet sobers a little, knowing only enough of Archibald’s personality as she could glean from the few unpleasant encounters she had with him when she had entered society.

“I am deeply grateful for the new books, Lord Bridgerton. Mama gave me some money for new books on my birthday but she hasn’t been able to bring me to the bookstore,” Penelope says, squeezing two of the fairytale books to her chest as if she could absorb them through her skin. Violet resists the urge to hold both of the girl’s chubby cheeks in her palms.

“Your birthday? Dearest, when did your birthday pass?” Violet asks. Penelope shuffles on her feet a little.

“Actually…well…it’s today,” Penelope mumbles and Eloise gasps, running up to Penelope and grabbing her hand tightly, practically bouncing on her feet.

“Today?!” Eloise asks, smiling with all her teeth.“Pen, why did you not tell me? I would have gotten you a gift.”

“Oh that’s-”Penelope starts, shaking her head.

“It is your birthday today?” Edmund asks, and Violet knows he’s feeling the same anger she feels bubbling in her stomach right now.

“Yes,” Penelope says, her smile dimming as she senses the anger in Edmund’s voice.

“Surely your mother is waiting for you at home?” Edmund asks and Violet has to put a hand over his.

“Edmund dear-” she mumbles in warning.

“Actually, Mama had to do something in town with Prudence and Phillipa,” Penelope says. Edmund’s hand balls into a fist beneath her hand.

“So you were home by yourself?” he asks. Penelope nods, then suddenly her face splits into a grin that cracks right through Violet’s heart.

“But now I get to spend time with all of you. It’s a wish come true!”

“Oh Penelope, we are so happy to spend your birthday with you. What an honor,” Violet says, her eyes stinging.

Penelope blushes and then is finally pulled away by an eager Eloise.

“That witch,” Edmund says under his breath when the girls are far enough away.

“Hush now dear, she will hear you. That little girl is much too perceptive,” Violet mumbles.

“I can’t believe she would leave her daughter-” Edmund stops as Penelope looks back at them.

“I know dear. I know. Let me call down to the cook, I’m sure we can whip together, at the very least, a cake for the girl-”

“And a hat!” Edmund interrupts.

“A birthday hat!”

“Yes!”

“A marvelous idea!”

“I’ll get the gems!”

“I’ll get the ribbons!”

“It will be the best birthday hat ever!”

“Yes! Yes! We will make it with the girls!”

“Girls, get Daphne upstairs, we are going to start a little project…” Edmund begins.

…………………………………

Hours later, much later than Edmund has ever allowed Penelope to stay, with so much cake and cream in their stomachs that they could burst, the three young girls and the viscount and viscountess, stand in front of Bridgerton house, not quite prepared to bring Penelope back home. Daphne, though not quite as close to Penelope as Eloise, is twirling one of Penelope’s red curls in her fingers. Edmund smiles, as Penelope protectively clutches her hat close to her head. It’s some of his finest work, the foam filled with as many doodles as he could fit. Edmund rubs up and down Violet’s arms as she shivers. It is a particularly windy day. The tails of his waist coat keep wrapping and unwrapping themselves from around his knees.

The sky is beautiful, as it had rained earlier. It was a bright pink and orange with streaks of purple in it. His wife is laughing at something the girls said but he has shut off his ears so that he can let this memory settle into his bones. Families could bring so much joy, it was something he couldn’t have even imagined when he was a child.

It is Colin Bridgerton, who first gallops through Edmund’s reverie, returning from the trip the three Bridgerton boys left for this morning into the next town over. Edmund is prepared to scold his third son for riding so far in front of his older brothers when he sees, by the look on Anthony’s face, that it would be redundant. Instead, Edmund settles on a displeased, fatherly look. That is, until he sees the yellow ribbon trailing off of Penelope’s birthday hat just above his head. Seems like she has lost her grip on the thing and it is now twirling, rather elegantly in the wind.

“My hat!” Penelope explains, and Edmund rushes forward to grab her shoulders so that she doesn’t run after the hat and into the path of the quickly galloping horse. He’s so busy trying to prevent the young girl from hurting herself that he isn’t quick enough to stop the hat from smacking Colin in the middle of his face. Time stops as Colin’s hands instinctively go up to remove the hat from his face but with no hand on the reins, he falls backward. Edmund hears Violet gasp. He exhales. Colin falls into the muddy ground beneath him.

There’s a pause before all of the Bridgertons rush forward.

“Colin! We told you not to race in front of us!” Anthony yells, half angry, half panicked. He jumps off of his horse, quickly looking at Edmund, surely to see if Edmund would be cross with him for allowing his younger brother to get hurt. However, Edmund has no time to reassure his eldest as he is looking over Colin for any wounds, cradling his third son’s head in his palms.

“Are you okay boy? Did you hurt yourself? Edmund asks frantically.

“Oh I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry. I just lost my grip and the wind-” Edmund distantly hears Penelope’s voice, finding himself once again, thanking the heavens for picking such a good partner as he hears Violet reassuring the young girl while he focuses his attention on his son. Edmund is running his hands down Colin’s arms, checking for broken limbs when, to his surprise. Colin starts laughing.

“Well, that wasn’t very well done of me, was it?” Colin asks, using a very gentle voice as he looks past Edmund at Penelope who is nearly in tears. The birthday girl sniffles, her eyes glossy.

“It was my fault. I’m so sorry-” Penelope says, and Edmund hates the way her voice trembles, as if they’d scold her for such a clear accident.

“It was no trouble! Really! I am fine,” Colin says, looking at the hat in his hands. “Say! This is a birthday hat!” Colin says, then looks at his father for confirmation. Edmund nods at him, with a small smile.

“Miss…”

“Featherington,” Penelope finishes, her voice, tremulous but significantly less scared.

“Miss Featherington! Why, you’re Eloise’s friend!” Colin exclaims, jumping to his feet as if he hadn’t just fallen off his horses. Edmund is amused by the way he brushes imaginary dirt off of Penelope’s hat even though he has held it dutifully in his hands for the entirety of his fall.

Penelope doesn’t say anything and Edmund watches as her big eyes bounce around Colin’s face, her cheeks immediately turning pink. She fiddles with her hair a little. Edmund looks at Violet, who is already looking at him, mirroring his amused look.

“Is it your birthday?” Colin asks. Penelope nods.

“Sorry for causing you such a fright,” Colin says, and hands Penelope her hat. Penelope takes a second too long to reach for the hat. “I know how I can make it up to you!”

Edmund looks at his boy, wondering what he’s up to. Colin pulls a small parcel from his pocket.

“I got this piece of fudge from town today,” Colin says, then quickly turns to his father to ask permission for what he’s about to do. Edmund’s heart explodes at the determined look in his boy’s eyes. He places a hand on Colin’s head, so filled with pride he almost feels his body ascend to the sky. Colin smiles brightly at him, returning his attention to Penelope. “You can have it. Everyone deserves a treat on their birthday!”

Violet looks at Edmund, tears in her eyes, surely a symptom of being so early into her pregnancy. Penelope hesitates, wedging her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Go on then Penelope,” Violet says, encouraging Penelope with a couple of pats between the little girl’s shoulder blades.

“Thank you,” Penelope says softly as she gently and cautiously takes the parcel from Colin’s hands, as if he’d snatch it away at any minute.

………………………………….

Edmund Bridgerton would hate her, Penelope thinks. If he were still alive, he would hate her. Or maybe he hates her now, if feelings like hatred were allowed beyond the gates of heaven, where she is sure the late viscount resides.

She twirls the birthday hat in her hand once, then twice, before putting it in the box she keeps Colin’s letters in and pushing it under her bed. She stores all the love she’s received in her life in here.

In an eleven inch by eleven inch box under her bed.