#i have another fitting today and our simple ceremony is going to be in a few days

[seiwas]

hope everyone has a lovely weekend!! 💗 sending all my love and hugs!!!

[sheiireen]

Chapter 5 'Blood Moon' is up:

Summary: Izuku Midoriya is an earl from a wealthy family. When his uncle decides to name Izuku as his successor under the condition of an arranged marriage, Izuku meets the butler named Katsuki Bakugou, who will serve under him from now on. Izuku wants to befriend the mysterious boy despite his attempts of evading the young earl. Little does he know that Katsuki harbors more secrets than Izuku could comprehend and that the world he knows is about to change forever.

“Rise and shine, princess.” Izuku woke up to the sound of the curtains being moved and a sudden bright light hitting his eyes. Katsuki stood in front of the big, bright window, wearing his tailcoat and hair slicked back - in other words, he looked ready for the day. Izuku slowly rose from his bed and checked his pocket watch when he realized he overslept.

“I talked to your uncle about the problems in the town while you were sleeping. I don't know when he will return, but he has left a letter with your schedule for the upcoming days.” He handed Izuku the letter. “You will be announced heir in three days. Until then, you have to complete these tasks.” The lengthy list Katsuki pulled out included a lot of tasks Izuku didn't want to do, so he threw himself back to his bed. “Let me sleep for five more minutes?”

Katsuki pulled the blanket away.

“Get your ass up. Is this how you want to make me acknowledge you?” He mimicked Izuku's tone from the day before. Izuku rose up promptly, making a fist. “I'm completely awake and ready for the day!” Katsuki snorted, shaking his head.

While Katsuki helped Izuku with his ribbons and accessories of his outfit for the day, he asked Katsuki about All Might's reaction to the news. “You should have woken me up, it's not fair that you talked to him by yourself.”

“You can talk to him once he's back. A tailor for your new suit will be here soon. Now hurry up and eat your breakfast, there is a lot of annoying stuff to do today.” Katsuki was clearly trying to change the topic, because there were many things Izuku wanted to discuss with All Might and for that, he needed information from Katsuki. Three days left. He would finally be adopted by his uncle. Would Izuku be assigned a new butler? Did Katsuki tell All Might about their fight? What did they agree on? The letter didn't mention any of the questions Izuku was dying to know the answers to – answers he wouldn't get from his butler. He probably let Izuku oversleep on purpose.

“Oh come on, don't sulk.” Katsuki rolled his eyes. “I just told him what we have observed. He will be here for your ceremony anyway, it's not like he will be gone for a while.”

♚♚♚

“Sir, I think a burgundy colored suit would be a nice option for you.” The tailor put a piece of fabric to Izuku's face. He took out another piece of fabric. “Hm...or maybe dark gray?”

“Whichever you think fits best, I trust your skills.” The man was delighted at the friendly tone Izuku replied with. “I will certainly create the best for you, Sir. What about accessories? I think this golden hair clip would look perfect in your hair.”

“I'd like to keep it simple, please.” Izuku glanced to Katsuki who was standing by the door every now and then to see if he'd give a nod of approval, but his face was so expressionless that it was hard to read. While the tailor noted down Izuku's measurements and pinned some fabrics together, Izuku slowly walked towards Katsuki.

“Do you want a new suit, too, Kacchan? I think a red jacket would suit you well.”

“I don't need one. What are you doing here? Go back to your couturier.” He angrily whispered back with a raised eyebrow. Noble etiquette could be tough, but the tailor was busy right now and Izuku didn't think he was doing anything rude by moving away from his spot. It's been almost an hour of picking outfits and fabrics and Izuku felt the tiredness of standing in one spot in his legs. “Can we go into the garden for a bit after we finish this?”

“You have a meeting with a jewelier right after.” The answer was not what Izuku hoped to hear. Wasn't Katsuki tired from standing around? “You can have a break, Kacchan. I can handle the next meeting alone.” He smiled.

“Do I look tired or something?” Katsuki muttered angrily. Izuku shook his head. If he said that he wanted Katsuki to relax around him he would probably misunderstand his intentions again, but he didn't have the chance to reply anyway because the courturier cleared his throat to signal that he was finished. “If my work is a bore, you may say that, Sir. I will try to be more entertaining next time.” Izuku held out his hands in defense. “No- I was just tired from last night and had to move around a bit. I'm sorry if I offended you! That was not my intention.”

The tailor's expression softened. “Well then. I will send my assistant with the finished suit tomorrow.” With a bow, the man left with a servant who accompanied him to the main gate. Once Katsuki closed the door, he said “told you so. They find offence in everything.”

Izuku sat down on a wing chair. “I really need to be careful my manners. What if he cancelled the order? We only have two days left.”

“Lucky for you, the dark circles around your eyes are so convincing that he had to believe you.”

Izuku looked for a mirror and checked for himself. He did look tired, but staying up was worth every second and he didn't regret it at all. Compared to him, Katsuki's face looked flawless.

“Aren't you tired from standing all the time?” Izuku asked.

“No.”

A knock on the door announced the arrival of the jewelier, who entered the room with several assistants carrying boxes. The assistants left after they set up everything. “Take your time, Sir. I hope our collections are to your liking.”

Izuku was told to pick a gift for his future fiancee. The jewelier was a travelling merchant famous around the countries for his distinct collection. Not many have the honor of getting an appointment with him, as he was also known for never visiting a city twice and he was particular about his customers, so Izuku was eager to see the goods from all around the world with his own eyes. The room was filled with not only earrings, rings, necklaces, but also unique armors for soldiers and weapons adorned with jewels and gold. The man bowed whenever he started to explain where he purchased some items of his collection. It was nice to listen to his stories, but Izuku found it strange to buy something for a person he had never met before. He didn't even know what she liked. Did she wear earrings? A necklace would probably be the safest option. While Izuku picked out three necklaces for a closer inspection, the merchant walked up to Katsuki and pulled him by his arms. “Why are you standing there? Take a look! A man with your looks certainly has a significant other? Our necklace collection is new, all the women love it. I'm sure you will find something that suits her!”

“What the- let me go.” The movement was so sudden and out of place that even Katsuki couldn't respond quickly. No noble would ever dare to casually talk to the butlers of the host, let alone touch them.

Izuku stood still for a moment before he reacted. Had his father been the host, the merchant would have surely be punished, but Izuku was not his father and the merchant was clearly not accustomed to their laws, so it wouldn't be fair to punish him. Katsuki was pushed next to him and while the merchant continued his stories about what romantic symbols each necklace stood for, Katsuki just stared at Izuku with an annoyed expression. Izuku shrugged with a sheepy smile and handed Katsuki the three necklaces. If the man didn't care for their customs and laws, Izuku might as well take advantage of it. “Which of these do you think is the best, Kacchan?”

“Hell would I know.”

Despite him saying that, he noticed how Katsuki analyzed the items in his hands. Izuku's mind went back to what the merchant said about Katsuki having a significant other. Was there someone he loved? It wouldn't be too strange, right? He wasn't bound to the mansion and he had many friends in town. Maybe his lover was a commoner? Or maybe one of the servants? Did he have a type?

Katsuki's face was focused on one necklace and he smiled slightly when he assumed Izuku wasn't looking. He imagined Katsuki gifting the necklace to a person and the thought made a knot tighten in his stomach.

“This one.” Katsuki glanced at Izuku and caught him staring right into his eyes, so Izuku quickly looked away. “Ah- okay.”

“Excellent choice! The leaves around the pendant symbolize eternal love, it's very popular among young couples right now. I'm sure your fiancee will treasure it.” The merchant said happily.

Izuku's face dropped when the man walked away to put the necklace in a box.

“You don't have to buy this one if you don't like it.” Katsuki must have caught Izuku's slight change in emotion.

“No that's not- I think it's beautiful. But...it feels strange to gift such a meaningful piece to someone I don't know.”

“Most people probably don't even think about the deeper meaning, don't sweat it.”

Izuku closed his eyes. “Now that I know the meaning I don't think I can choose it.”

“You're such a hopeless romantic. Must be the books you're always reading.” Izuku's cheeks felt warmer. “S- so what? Is that a bad thing?”

Izuku knew what he was getting into when he agreed to the arrangement. A political marriage was common among all noble families, but the romantic in him wished that he would fall in love with the person he'd spend the rest of his life with.

“Let's find something else, then.” Katsuki said. They looked at other jewelry pieces, casually picking up some every now and then. Izuku found a black plated necklace with a beautiful pendeant depicting a wolf – a symbol of strength, protection and loyalty. “I like this one.”

Katsuki's eyes squinted. ��...Are you blind? In what world would a noble girl wear a necklace for warriors?” Izuku laughed, lifting the necklace close to Katsuki's collarbone.

“It's not for her.” He caught Katsuki by surprise as he paused before he took the necklace and gave it a soft look. “I don't need it.”

Katsuki put the necklace away as Izuku lowered his head, a little disappointed at the reaction and Katsuki moved past Izuku to check some goods further away from him.

After checking other jewelry and hair accessories, Izuku arrived at the table with the weapons.

The collection was stunning. Izuku had never seen an arrangement of weapons that seemed to emit an enchanting aura, but despite their beauty, the atmosphere could only be described as melancholic. Who knows what stories were hiding in these objects? The swords had inscriptions on them and their scabbards were decorated with small flowers and symbols, same as the the ornate hilts of the daggers. Katsuki had a silver dagger in his hand and rotated it, probably trying to find the signature of the bladesmith.

“Were these ceremonial weapons?” Izuku swayed one sword slightly in front of him and tried to decipher the inscriptions, but the glyphs belonged to a foreign alphabet he had only encountered in stories about fantasy creatures. “This looks like a sword that I've read about in a novel about a witch. I tried to decipher the words, but I gave up once I realized they were made up.” He laughed.

Izuku noticed how Katsuki's shoulders tensed up, but it was subtle to the point that the merchant might not have noticed. The man cleared his throat before he replied.

“...I'm not quite sure, Sir. There are many legends surrounding their purposes. Some say that they were used for sacrificial rituals, others claim that these weapons were used to kill creatures that normal weapons could never touch.”

Katsuki traced one hand over the ornaments of the dagger in his hands. Two vines of wooden branches with small flower petals embraced a crimson gemstone, glowing with life despite its old origin. The flower petals formed clusters that adorned the dagger all the way down to its tip.

“Where did you get this from?” Katsuki asked the jewelier. His expression was pensive, the angry brow from before completely gone.

“I traded it with another merchant who found it among the ruins of an abandoned town. The area had no name, but I can show you the place on a map if you are interested.” Katsuki's gaze was still on the dagger before he slowly put it back. “There's no need.”

He walked back to the accessories, but Izuku wanted to have a closer look at the dagger that caught Katsuki's interest. Among all the weapons, this one was indeed the most beautiful one. The price tag showed that it cost a little less than a small mansion and Izuku assumed that this was why it has not been not sold yet despite its enchanting appearance. Izuku smiled to himself when he heard a knock on the door. A servant interrupted them, asking for Katsuki. He whispered something in Katsuki's ear, who gave Izuku a long stare.

Worry filled his body as Izuku made a move towards the two servants, but Katsuki bowed and left the room before Izuku reached the door. Once the door was closed, the merchant spoke first. “Well, have you picked something, Sir?” Izuku made his final decision on the goods he'd buy to end this meeting quickly. What he didn't expect was for the merchant to take out a piece of paper from a bag in the back of the room after wrapping up his purchase and hand it to Izuku.

“I advice you to never speak of the supernatural with other people. It's dangerous for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You knew that the glyphs belonged to an alphabet. They're not made up.”

Izuku needed a moment to process what he just heard and the implications behind it.

“...If you want to learn more about ancient life, you can go to the address on the paper. When you tell them I sent you, they will help you. Don't tell anyone what I just told you and hide the paper well. Let no one know what you know.” He had an earnest look in his eyes as he gave Izuku his advice.

“Okay.” Izuku hesitated before he answered.

He said his farewell to the merchant at the door and walked into the main hall. As big as the urge to investigate the mysterious address on the paper was, he had no time to focus on it. He found Katsuki right away. He was serving tea to someone seated behind a wing chair, the silhouette barely visible. The person turned around as Izuku was apporoaching and his stomach twisted at the sight of the person in front of him.

„Father...“

„Hello, son.“ His voice was stern. Although a smile formed his lips, Izuku noticed him analyzing Izuku's appearance with narrowed eyes.

„Sit down, let's have a talk.“

♚♚♚

When the servants called for Katsuki, he assumed they'd need help with something. That's why it was harder to hide his surprise when he heard that Duke Midoriya decided to pay a surprise visit. The man stood tall, with a strict demeanor looming around him. It was not enough to intimidate Katsuki, but he made sure to be careful with his behaviour in the presence of the uninvited guest. Sudden visits rarely meant noble intentions.

When Izuku noticed the guest, Katsuki felt a subtle change in his posture. He stood stiffer and when he sat down across from the other man, he played with his fingers under the table. Katsuki brought him tea while the two noblemen sat in awkward silence. Izuku was the first to speak.

„It's been a while, father. How have you been?“ He smiled politely, trying to change the tense atmosphere.

„Good. You seem to be doing well, too. I heard your negotiations with other families have been successful so far.“ He gave his son an acknowledging nod.

When Izuku picked up his cup to take a sip, the man observed his movements closely. „Your hand looks strange, is it alright?“ Izuku covered his right hand with his left one. He was wearing gloves, so his father didn't see the bandages and bruises around his fingers.

„Oh- yes, don't worry about it. I'm fine.“

„Take the gloves off.“

He hesitated, but obeyed. His father scoffed as he observed his bruised fingers. „What an ugly sight. You've added another unsightly scar to your body. Haven't I told you to be more careful? A nobleman has no need for scars.“ The man had a disgusting tone in his voice – seemingly calm and worried, but to Katsuki, there was a hint of pure disappointment. Katsuki had noticed before that Izuku had many scars on his arms, but he never asked him about them. Katsuki found scars fascinating. They told stories of human lives, each unique and admirable in their own way.

„How did you get it?“

Katsuki saw the sweat forming on Izuku's head. He was a bad liar, his eyes easily spoke the truth, so it was no surprise that his father didn't believe him when he said it was a small accident.

„I heard you went into town, is that true?“

„...Yes.“

„Didn't I tell you not to go somewhere by yourself?“ It sounded like a warning.

„I- I know, but I wanted to know more about this area, since I will be in charge soon.“

„You don't need to worry about the town of Musutafu, son. With the new agreement, we decided to give the town to a trusted friend of mine. Your uncle agreed to it.“ A look of confusion crossed Izuku's face. „You don't seem happy with the arrangement.“

„I'm not sure if it is reasonable to appoint the town to someone who does not live close. There is a lot of crime. And a harsh famine, did you know about that, father?“ Izuku's voice sounded soft.

„I have been informed.“ The man shrugged. „But there's nothing we can do.“ He poked his fork into a piece of cake and even from afar, Katsuki noticed Izuku's eyebrows drawing together.

„There is a way we can help. I found good resources from nobles who would surely be willing to lend a hand. We could offer them other goods for their own interest.“ His father kept looking at Izuku, who averted his gaze slowly.

„We have a lot, it wouldn't harm us.“ His voice faded when Izuku observed the rolling eyes from his father. „Izuku, don't be silly. What would be your benefit? Meeting all those people and forming new contracts – it would take up too much of your time. And for what? Some mere commoners who don't even know you?“ Izuku hesitated, then bit his lips.

„We are the ones collecting taxes. In return, we protect them. It's my duty to help them. I want to.“

The man shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose before he continued. „I thought I've taught you that kindness won't get you far. Do you want to ruin me?” He sighed. “Have you sent your requests out already?“ Izuku shook his head.

„Good. This will be a good lesson for you. I will let my friend know we are raising the taxes by five percent.“ Izuku stood up, his hands slamming the table. „What? Why?“

„Sit down.“

„Father, I just told you about the famine. You can't-“

„Ten percent.“ Izuku fell quiet and sat down.

His father sighed. “Izuku. I'm worried about you. I want to protect you, you know that, right? Do you want to be weak? Kindness will never get you anything. They will ask for more. They will use you. No one will thank you for being kind. You will only be seen as fragile. Look at what happened to your mother. Because she was weak, she-”

“Don't speak poorly of mother.” The sudden serious tone came as a surprise to the older man. He chuckled, but it had an eerie tone to it. Katsuki decided to interrupt them. He heard enough.

“Well, tea time seems to be over. I never told you why I came here, did I?” Izuku stared at his cup while the man explained that they wanted to host a ball here with debutantes. Izuku's future fiancee would be present and for the guests it would be a perfect story where they'd meet at the ball, dance together and fall in love rather than saying it was all arranged from the beginning. A cute fake story for the gossip of the court. It would benefit their family name. Their schedule was already full, but the man decided to add more things for Izuku to do. Katsuki held one of the cups firmer, clenching his teeth.

The man told Katsuki to stay by his side, much to Izuku's surprise. He wanted to speak, but when his father's gaze shifted from Katsuki to him, Izuku held his tongue, took a bundle of sheets and left the hall.

He didn't know why he said it. The words escaped his mouth before he could think. “It was my idea to go into town. As the head butler I determined that it would be good for him to know the main parts of this area.” The duke watched Katsuki for a long time.

“You're Katsuki from the Bakugou family, right? I'm looking for good servants who are well-trained in combat. How about you join me instead of staying at this boring mansion?” He smirked with a cold undertone.

“Not interested.” The man chuckled. “What a blunt way of speaking.” Katsuki put away some dishes. He could blow up anytime. Would it be worth it? Probably not. Did he have anything to lose? Maybe. Did he still want to punch this man's face? Fuck yes.

“I would pay you more than All Might. Think about it. I'd appreciate a good protector by my side. You seem capable. I watched your combat when you took the butler's test.” “My devotion is to All Might and the Toshinori family only. Someone who has knowledge on all noble families should surely know that.” Katsuki used a sharp tone. Fuck this man. What the hell was his goal? The way he was smirking was pissing him off.

“Does that include my son? What did he offer you for your loyalty?”

“Nothing.”

“You don't seem like a person who would follow just anyone. There clearly must be a benefit for you.” The man smiled coldly and looked out the window. “I won't force you to speak. My offer still stands, maybe you will reconsider it.”

Katsuki smirked. He was fed up with this man.

“Forget it. I can't stand the likes of you.” The man seemed amused. “Likes of me?”

“Hypocrites.” Manipulators. Assholes.

He laughed. Laughed. “That's too bad. But alright, I shall respect your choice. For now.” Why did that man speak as if he could force him to join his side? Whenever he stared at Katsuki, he felt as if he was searching for a weakness he could use against him. A piercing, uncomfortable gaze. But not too intimidating. Not powerful. Yet. The wedding would expand his position, but so would All Might's and Izuku's power. However, the Duke's hunger for power felt too different from Izuku's wish of becoming stronger. Katsuki knew that the main reason the duke didn't try to use his deceptive method on Katsuki was that he had a big influence on All Might's decisions. The duke's interest in benefitting himself held him back from making an enemy out of Katsuki, because it would only cost him. He was a strategic man, but Katsuki already blacklisted him in his mind and there was no going back.

“I will stay until the ceremony. I am looking forward to your service.”

♚♚♚

A soft tone lead Katsuki to a place he had almost forgotten. He followed a melody whispering a story of grief, melancholy and freedom. He entered the room as quietly as possible and watched Izuku's back as he continued to play his piece on the piano, absorbed by the music. It felt as though the music he was playing narrated a story Katsuki could picture right in front of him – a boy lost in a maze, searching for a place to escape. He kept running and running, until he fell down a black hole. But instead of dying, he found peace. Izuku stopped and rubbed his right hand softly.

“Does it hurt?”

Izuku jumped a bit and turned around. “K- Kacchan, what are you doing here?”

“The piece didn't sound like a melody you'd play at a ball.”

Izuku huffed. “I got tired of practicing dance melodies and took a break.”

“By playing another song? Do you want a permanent injury on your fingers?”

“It doesn't hurt anymore, I'm fine.” Liar. It was almost funny how in moments like these, Izuku could lie without batting an eye while in other moments, his eyes were an open book to his soul.

Katsuki was considering different approaches on addressing the issue, but each option seemed unfitting, so he remained silent. The air was filled with an awkward silence before Izuku moved his gaze from Katsuki and looked down at the piano keys.

“...He wasn't always like that. He has always been strict, but over the years, it got worse. After my mom died he stopped taking me outside and his methods of discipline became harsher.”

He crossed his arms around his chest. “...but it's his way of teaching me what he believes is right. It comes from a form of love. He wouldn't do it on purpose, right? He wouldn't hurt me intentionally, right?” He looked at Katsuki, desperately searching for approval. Katsuki nodded and looked down.

“He's my father.” Izuku was clearly trying to convince himself that there was another reason behind the cruel treatment.

“He's a bastard.” Katsuki noticed tears forming in Izuku's eyes. He sniffled quietly for a while before he continued. “I couldn't do anything. Because he found out I went into town, everyone has to suffer now. You were right with everything. I'm useless. ” A sense of anger and frustration grew within Katsuki. It was not anger towards the other man, or even the duke, but towards himself. It was a strange sensation he couldn't process. He had the urge to apologize, but something inside held him back.

“Then show that asshole what you're capable of and win the town back.” Izuku wiped away his tears and stared at Katsuki. “Don't underestimate the common folk, noble boy. They are stronger than you think. They'll manage for a while.”

Izuku nodded softly. “I'll try my best.” He seemed calmer now. He could tell that Izuku had more to say, by the way he bit his lips to stop himself.

Katsuki thought about where to start from here. Thinking of the new list of tasks, he had a brilliant idea. “You want me to teach you a killer move?” Izuku's eyes grew bigger. Katsuki couldn't tell if it was from the crying or excitement, but sparkles lit up his eyes.

“Yes!”

♚♚♚

On their way back to Izuku's room, they discussed their upcoming training plan and how to incorporate it with his other obligations. Katsuki noticed first that the door to Izuku's room was open. The soft light from the fireplace in the room was visible even from the distance in the corridor. They never leave the doors open, so he had a hunch on who might be inside. They found Duke Midoriya collecting Izuku's books and putting them in a box. “Father, what are you doing here?” Despite his surprise, Izuku spoke softly.

The man held out a dark green book, looking at Izuku. “I told you to get rid of these ridiculous heathen books.” The book was thrown into the box, which was already almost full with fantasy novels.

Izuku clenched his fists and walked up to the man. “I don't understand why you need to do this, father. There is no harm in-” The duke cut off Izuku with a loud tone, startling him

“I've told you a million times that I do not want you to read these stupid stories. You are the heir to our families. Get rid of your childish hobbies and grow up!” Izuku didn't move despite the tense air.

The duke gritted his teeth, his face close to Izuku, who didn't look away from his father's gaze even though he was smaller and stood with tense shoulders. The duke rolled his eyes, sighing. “If you don't throw them away, you leave me no choice. I will increase the taxes even more, is that what you want?” The room fell silent, the crackling fire the sole noise for a while. Izuku then looked at the box for a long while, before he spoke. „I will get rid of the books, but only if you withdraw your proposal for the tax increase.“ It wasn't a proposal, but a punishment, but Katsuki knew that Izuku wouldn't get far if he used the appropriate term. The duke raised an eyebrow, then scoffed. „You are offering a deal to me?“

„Yes, father.“ The man turned around, laughing. Then he looked at the book shelf in the room, at Katsuki, the box and back at Izuku.

„Alright. I will withdraw the increase. Burn the books, boy.“ He was referring to Katsuki. Izuku took one last look at the box before Katsuki picked it up and walked towards the fireplace. He felt the eyes of both Izuku and the duke on him as he put the books into the fire, one by one. The sound of the loud crackling of the pages filled the room as they watched the pages disintegrate in the fire. Katsuki caught glimpes of Izuku when he turned around, his green eyes absorbed by fire and reflecting its flames, flickering with an intensity Katsuki hasn't seen on him before. As someone who liked books, each book in the fire felt like a stabbing in Katsuki's heart. Throwing books away should be a crime.

Katsuki threw the last book into the fire and when he turned around, the duke was going through the bookshelf again. “There is one missing.”

Izuku bit his teeth. “Where is the book your mother gifted you for your birthday?”

Izuku was facing Katsuki, so the duke couldn't see his face as he continued to scan the shelf. “I don't know father. I thought it was in the box.”

“It was not. And it's not in the shelves either. It was the only black one with a lock, I would have known.” Katsuki saw Izuku carrying that particular book quite often, he sometimes wrote down notes in it. The duke clearly showed that it wasn't the books, but Izuku's memory of his mother, that he wanted to get rid of. What a cruel man. And he would not rest until he found that book, that was something Katsuki was certain of.

He could see that Izuku knew that, based on his posture and silent anger in his eyes.

“Unless you find that book, the deal is off.”

“We've burned all the other books already, was that all for nothing?” Izuku answered. “I don't remember where I put it.”

“Find it.” The man shifted his gaze from Izuku to Katsuki. When Izuku noticed that, he gritted his teeth. “It could be in the gardens or in the library.” Izuku quietly said to Katsuki with a blank face, no anger, no frown. Katsuki gave Izuku a slight bow and left.

He knew the book was in the library.

From the secret door in his room, Katsuki entered the vast chamber. He collected Izuku's notes and books he used the night before and walked all the way back, until he reached a small, old bookshelf. He moved it aside and put Izuku's belongings on a chair behind the shelf. Then, Katsuki lit a candle and scanned some books until he found a black one with the lock and brought it into Izuku's room.

The duke smiled. “Good.” Izuku gave Katsuki a long stare, with eyebrows gently furrowed. His glassy eyes followed Katsuki as he knelt down in front of the fireplace and threw the book into the flames.

“You managed to save the people from a tax rise. Be proud, son.” The duke gave Izuku a pat on his back and slowly walked out the room. From the hallway, he signalled Katsuki to follow him because he was still standing at the door to Izuku's room.

Izuku gently pushed Katsuki out. “You can leave, Kacchan. I don't need help with my garments.”

“I-”

“Please go.” Izuku shut the door.

♚♚♚

He was mad. How dare he close the door to his face? The strange feeling from before appeared in Katsuki's body, a feeling of frustration and rage. He felt a tightness in his chest because of the thoughts that were spiraling in his mind. He was trying to help Izuku and he rejected him? Who did he think he was? Despite the same questions repeatedly appearing in his head, trying to convince him that Izuku was the cause for his anger, deep down, Katsuki knew that the irritation he felt came from something else. Even if Katsuki tried to lie to himself, he knew that it was unfair to blame Izuku for his frustration. No, he was angry at himself. For assuming things before speaking. For his inability of admitting he was wrong. For being weak. He was angry because he was showing efforts to help, but Izuku didn't understand that. But how could he? He couldn't read Katsuki's mind.

That's why he marched up the stairs and passed the hallway, formed his hand into a fist and was ready to knock on the door he was thrown out from before. He was met with no response, so he tried again, with more force. “Open the door.” He couldn't hide his anger in his voice, which came out louder than intended. It was quiet for a while and then he heard a soft “...come in.”

He slapped the door open as fast as he could, making the door kiss the wall. Izuku looked at the wall, which probably had a small dent now. Katsuki's face was focused on the other man in the room, or rather, the mess he found. He was kneeling on the floor, his shirt half-done, with one hand stuck in the shirt and the ribbons on his back tangled with the tiny buttons that practically imprisoned him. His eyes were puffy with fresh tears. He looked pathetic, but in an endearing way.

Katsuki knelt down next to Izuku and started to untangle the mess. “How did you even end up this way?” After loosening the laces on the shirt, Izuku freed his hand and moved it towards his face to hide his eyes.

“I didn't want you to see me like this.”

“Noble attire is complex. I think they are doing it on purpose. To rob you of your freedom.” Izuku put away his hand from his face and gave Katsuki a questioning look. He was half-joking, half-serious, but Izuku seemed confused by what he said. “They make you dependant on people to dress you. No one needs that many laces and hooks on one shirt. And don't get me started on corsets.” Izuku nodded slightly. “I guess so.”

“Are you angry?”

Izuku didn't look angry at all, but he had every right to be.

“No.” He averted his eyes from Katsuki. “...Yes.” It was quiet for a while, before he continued.

“I don't understand. Why are my efforts never good enough to please him? Why did he destroy the only thing I enjoyed doing when he was gone for weeks- for months? He knew that the present was the only thing I had left of mother. Why did he order you to-” He formed fists and started to repeatedly pound Katsuki's chest, but it wasn't aggressive or strong. “I know you were only doing your job. I know that, but why did you listen to him? Didn't you say you'd do whatever you want? I though that you were-” Katsuki didn't stop him. “Why am I not good enough as master?”

Katsuki snickered in a delighted way. “Are you serious? Did you just insult me?” “Huh?” Izuku stopped the pounding to look up to him, confused and hurt.

“Do you really think I'd listen to a bastard like him?”

Katsuki stood up and took out the book from his tailcoat. It was a book with a black leather binding and a lock in the middle. “B-but, how? We watched it burn.”

“My secret is out. I'm a sorcerer.” It was fun seeing Izuku confused. He blinked twice, but his eyes looked serious, almost as if he believed Katsuki. He couldn't blame him. The book was a rare treasure, hidden for a long time and almost impossible to find. Now there was one copy less. Of course Katsuki didn't like to sacrifice his own treasure, but this was an exception. “I burnt mine.”

He handed Izuku the book. “It's better if you hide it well until he leaves.” Izuku held the book firm and in a fast movement, he put his arms around Katsuki's neck to hug him. Katsuki felt a sudden numbness in his body. It was a strange feeling he couldn't identify, but he didn't like it. “Thank you, Kacchan.” He pulled away from the embrace.

“I'm going to head to the library. If you want, I'll hide the book there. It's safer.” Izuku nodded.

Just as Katsuki was about to leave, Izuku stopped him by taking his hand. “Wait! I'm sorry for before.” Izuku didn't have to apologize, but after spending so much time with the other man, Katsuki figured out what he was scared of. Saying the proper words was too much of a challenge for Katsuki right now, so he decided to accept the apology to reassure Izuku that his fear was unfounded.

♚♚♚

Izuku was exhausted. Izuku collapsed in his bed and closed his eyes. The whole day was emotionally draining, but all the anger he had felt before left him completely after Katsuki visited his room. He still had to process that Katsuki owned a copy of the same rare book that Izuku loved so dearly. He hoped that one day, they could have a conversation about it. His mother brought it as a present from her journey to a neighbouring country when he was nine years old. They loved to make up stories and play as different mystical creatures and write down notes together. He smiled fondly at the memory.

Izuku reminisced about the first time he read about mystical creatures and found the beautiful symbols. His eyes snapped wide open. The glyphs! He quickly got up from his bed and checked his trouser pockets for the sheet with the address. He completely forgot that he had intended to go to the library today to find out where the mysterious address on the sheet was. Izuku sighed loudly. The entire knowledge he had preserved in the pages of all his books was lost. His plan was to go through the pages to find more hints or clues about what the merchant called ancient life. Now he'd have to start from the beginning. Izuku walked up to his window to stare at the forest, his usual routine whenever he had deep thoughts or wanted to daydream. A small part of him still was tempted to find out what was hidden in the dephts of the green sea. Maybe he could find a beautiful weapons like the ones the merchant was selling. He remembered a story in which magic weapons were always buried in enchanted forests.

The moon was casting a beautiful light at the trees. It was a peaceful quiet, until a soft noise interruped the silence. When Izuku looked for the source of it, he saw that it was the sound of keys locking the main entrance door. The moonlight illuminated the face of the person, making his features seem more ethereal than he already was. It was Katsuki. His eyes kept following his silhouette, until Izuku realized where he was headed.

Izuku was slow. He ran downstairs, but since the door was locked from the inside, he had to find another way out. He found a window and managed to climb out from there. Why did Katsuki go into the forest by himself? In the middle of the night. Was he out of his mind? Worry washed over Izuku's face as he ran towards the entrance of the deep green forest. The moonlight cast a soft silver glow on the trees and the eerie quiet was only interrupted by the wind softly rustling the leaves. He took a second to catch his breath, formed his hands into fists and with a determined gaze, he stepped into the dark woods.

It wasn't as dark as he assumed. Izuku could make out the paths leading to other branches. He even recognized Katsuki's footsteps and could follow them easily. Every now and then, Izuku heard a branch break, but he convinced himself that it was the wind. The trees seemed to watch his every move. Izuku reached a beautiful pond in a clearing and couldn't believe his eyes. The water was quiet, but the silver glow from the moon made it appear as if it was moving in all kinds of directions. It was mesmerizing.

A loud stamp brought Izuku back to reality. The ground shook with every stamp, but Izuku did not move from his spot, despite the sound coming closer. He felt a warm breath on his neck and a low, rumbling growl that made Izuku's body freeze instantly. He slowly turned around and was met with the sharp eyes of a beast unlike anything he had ever seen before. The jaw was lined with teeth, each as sharp as daggers. Some were tinted in red. It was fresh blood still dripping from its jaw. The beast let out an earth scattering roar before attacking. Izuku reacted fast enough to dodge the bite, but the next attack was too fast for him to move quickly. The beast threw Izuku aside with a motion of his jaw and made him hit a tree before he fell to the ground. Izuku was too slow to get up and before he could think, the black beast was towering over him, ready to strike again. He trapped Izuku with his claws and roared, then attacked to rip Izuku's head off. He shut his eyes before the impact, but a whistle made the creature stop instantly. They both looked to the source of the sound and the beast slowly closed his jaw and let go of Izuku to walk up to the person, each step creating a deep, resonating echo through the ground. There he stood, in the moonlight, petting the beast and whispering something in its ear with the sharpest, angriest eyes Izuku has ever seen on him as Katsuki stormed across the clearing and held Izuku up by his collar.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” His voice came out in a growl, low and menacing. His eyes resembled the eyes of the beast, glowing in an intense red. “You insane asshole. Are you out of your mind?” Izuku couldn't answer. He still had to catch his breath. He was shaking, but followed Katsuki as he stormed back to the entrance of the forest in complete silence. Izuku could feel the intense rage that surrounded Katsuki all the way back.

“Um, Kacchan. I- I don't know what to say. I'm sorry.” He wanted to ask Katsuki why he came here. Explain to him that he was worried, but nothing mattered right now. Katsuki would know his answer anyway.

Once they left the forest, Katsuki finally spoke. “If you have a death wish, do it somewhere else.” Izuku knew why he was angry. If Katsuki had been one second too late, Izuku would have been wolf's meal by now. It was reckless of him.

“You know that this forest is forbidden to enter. You know that no human ever came back alive.”

“I know! That's why I followed you. I was worried about you.” Izuku stared at the ground, while Katsuki scoffed. “I grew up here. I've been here my whole life. But-” He suddenly covered his face with his hand and stumbled. “Kacchan!” Izuku came closer.

“Are- are you injured?” Izuku was confused about the order of questions, but he checked his body. He felt fine, but he did find a severe cut on his elbow, bleeding heavily. Katsuki started to take in shallow breaths as he stumbled on the ground. His eyes looked terrified. “Kacchan, what happened?” Izuku ran up to him, but Katsuki almost screamed at him. “Don't come! Don't you dare come closer.” He was trying to sound menacing, but his voice cracked, struggling to form words. He held his chest and each breath sounded painful. His other hand covered his face, almost as if he was hiding something. Izuku pit his lips. How could he stay still when Katsuki was suffering so much? It pained Izuku to see him in that state. He was shaking and stammering, trying to repress his body from moving. Izuku couldn't watch this anymore. He came closer and held out his arm. “It's okay, Kacchan. You don't have to hold back.” Katsuki let out a pained growl as his eyes turned glowing red, his pupils narrowing into sharp slits, and lunged forward, throwing Izuku onto the ground with explosive speed.

The bite was painful. It felt like two needled penetrating his neck, but Izuku didn't care about that. The only thing he could think of was relief. He felt relieved to see that Katsuki's shaking stopped and his breath calmed down as he drank Izuku's blood. But mostly, he felt relief because finally, he was able to understand the other man more. It felt like a barrier had vanished between them. Izuku held his arms around Katsuki, trapping him in a hug. His body started to feel hotter and he held Katsuki firmer as his eyes started to blur. He couldn't tell how much time had passed, but when his grip weakened, Katsuki's suddenly moved, startling Izuku. His glowing eyes returned to their normal state and he blinked as he looked down at Izuku. He looked confused, his eyes looking at the bite marks on Izuku's neck and back at Izuku's face. It was as if he came back from a trance. He pushed himself away from Izuku, his eyes widened in terror as his body froze in place. “I-” His voice was shaking and Katsuki bit his lips. “If you tell anyone, I'll kill you.” His voice was trembling, but low. Despite his attempt at sounding threatening, Izuku noticed a hint of fear in his voice. He resembled a wounded animal that tried to push away his predator.

Izuku smiled. There was no going back now. “I won't.”

Izuku stood up. His legs were tingling, but he wanted to look into Katsuki's eyes when he continued. “I don't mind if you drink my blood, Kacchan.” He noticed how Katsuki's eyebrows furrowed. “Is that so?” He got up and held Izuku by his collar. “Then let me kill you now.” His anger was genuine, but Izuku didn't move, which made Katsuki angrier. “Why aren't you moving? What the hell is wrong with you?” He could see the frustration in Katsuki's eyes. He scoffed. “You really want to die?” “No.”

Katsuki bit his lips and hesitated. Whatever he wanted to say was lost in his thoughts. “I won't tell anyone. But I want you to promise to only drink my blood from now on.” “What the hell?” Katsuki was clearly confused. “Don't complain if you die. I drink a lot.”

“That's ok.”

Katsuki turned around to walk back to the mansion, so Izuku couldn't see his expression anymore when he continued. “And I know you won't kill me.”

“Oh yeah? What makes you so sure?”

“Because you're strong.”

[eashmo]

7 minutes in hell, or is it heaven? Part 23 Final

-bad boys bring heaven-

Warnings: none because i'm an asshole.

a/n: long chapter, sorry it took so long.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*1 year later*

*Billy pov* 

It was my fault that she… she….. I should have driven to the diner a different way, or I should have fought harder. There were so many things I should have done so that y/n didn't…. The past couldn’t be changed. my sanity slowly slipped. It had only been a year. I couldn’t sleep at all. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her. There was nothing I could do to stop it. 

“I love you forever, y/n,” I whispered as her casket was lowered into the ground. “And I’m sorry.” My eyes stayed trained on her grave for what seemed like an eternity until I felt a presence beside me. For a fraction of a second, I foolishly thought that she was standing there beside me with our baby. I fell to the ground, screaming at the sky.

“BILLY?, BILLY WAKE UP!” a voice shouted. Jolting awake, I looked around frantically, trying to catch my breath. 

“Billy, look at me.” 

“M-max?” I breathed stilling up from the couch.

“You were having a nightmare, I just woke up from one myself.” she breathes. I noticed she had been crying, sweaty, and breathing heavily as well.

“Wanna talk about it?” she asks.

“I-I watched them bury her.” I started to cry and pulled her into me. She gave a tight squeeze.  

“Do you think these nightmares will ever get easier?”  she asks. 

“I don't know kiddo” All of a sudden, a cry was heard from the bedroom and hush whispers.  

“Shh sweetheart, mamas got you.”  I heard as I moved to the door.

“I love you so much.” I sigh from the doorway, leaning on the door frame, taking in the beautiful scene, “I love you so much more. Did you have another nightmare?” y/n said with a smile which quickly dropped when she saw the redness in my eyes.

“Yeah, it was the same one, but I'm ok now.” I said as I wrapped my arms around her and Cora. y/n leans her head on my chest and sighs. 

“Are you ready for today?” y/n asks.

“Of course, I've been waiting for this since i met you”

*y/n pov*

I was going to marry Billy today. As I tried to calm my nerves, I heard the door creak open. It was Max.

”Hey sweetie,” I said.

“Hey,” she replied with a small smile. “What's wrong, sweetie?”

”Nothing is wrong, just a tad nervous, I don't know why because I'm sure you're just as nervous. i'm just happy that we are finally family, i wish you the best, and i love you…… and i'm rambling”

I smiled and chuckled. “Thank you, and I love you too, kiddo. I'm so happy that you're my maid of honor and sister in law because if you weren't, i would be going insane.”

She laughs. ”come on, let's get ready.'' I say I held on her hands. “I'm ready to be Mrs. Hargrove.” 

She had helped me into my dress, a long ivory skirt, beaded corset top with lace sleeves that fit my curves quite nicely, standing at the mirror for quite a long time admiring the way that she looked. It wasn’t anything extravagant it was simple but fairytale like,  i knew for sure that Billy would love the way it looked on her. He had once told me that I would still look beautiful down the alse dressed in sweats and an old tee. As much as that was tempting, it wasn’t appropriate attire for our wedding day.

We hadn’t seen each other since this morning. I wish I could be in his arms right now. I was anxious to see him dressed up in his nice tuxedo.imagining how handsome he would look at the end of the aisle, i wondered if he would get emotional during the ceremony or manage to keep it all bottled up. After all, I knew I would not be able to hold back my own tears the moment my eyes landed on him waiting for me at the altar.

“You look gorgeous,” Max said as she stood behind me “Billy won’t know how to act when he sees you.”

“Do you think he’s nervous?” i asked,

“Oh I know he is. He always has been when it ever came to you. ” she said with a small smile. 

I had never imagined that I would become a wife to someone, let alone be marrying hargrove. It seemed surreal, but I was happier than I had ever been in my entire life. He was the father of my child and now is going to be the perfect husband. 

“I’m just so happy that we’ve made it here, with all the shit we have been through”

“I’m willing to bet he’s thinking the same thing.”

“Do you think all of the guests have arrived yet?” I ask, switching the subject off of almost losing him and almost dying. 

“Mm, it’s getting close to the time the ceremony is supposed to start, so probably!” she said enthusiastically. 

I smiled and was about to say something else before we heard a knock at the door. Max decided that she would be the one to answer it, just in case. Billy came to ruin the tradition of not seeing me before I walked down the aisle.

“Steve” Max greeted him with a surprised tone in her voice before she moved to let him inside the room. “Is everything alright?”

“Oh, everything’s fine! I just came to make sure y/n wasn’t getting too nervous. Wow, you look so beautiful! Hargrobe is going to fall over when he sees you walking toward him. I couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. 

“Thank you, Stevie. How is he doing?” I asked him as he took a seat.

“Yeah, he’s nervous as hell. He even threatened to punch me like typical Hargrove. But he will be fine.” he laughed.

“So did you need something?” Max asked.

“Oh, no, I just wanted to come by and check on everything, and I wanted to brag to Billy that I got to see his future wife before he did.”

“Yep, you're asking for it.” I laughed. 

“Anyway, I think they’re almost ready for you. They were telling me to get down to the altar, but I told them I had to come to see you first. Your parents should be here any minute.” he says.

“You’d better get going, you’re supposed to be standing at the altar with Billy, and you’re gonna be late!” Max said he seemed to take notice of the urgency in her voice and left the room with a quick bye and wave wave. It wasn’t much longer before my father and mother arrived at the door. 

“Your absolutely beautiful, darling. Are you ready?” my father asked, a warm smile on his face.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so ready for anything,” I answered, and we all left the room to make our way toward the ceremony.

“The ceremony is about to begin,” I heard the priest say as my bridesmaids and groomsmen formed a line with me in the back. everyone in my party gave me a thumbs up.

*Billy pov*

I  stood on a raised platform, his step mom sat in front pew, and a few of my family members scattered about. Adjusting my suit as I looked out to the carpeted path of the church.

“You’re lucky that you found someone that loves you enough to marry you.” Steve chuckles at my state of nervousness.

“Are you saying that you didn’t think anyone would ever love me?” I asked, and he burst out laughing. 

“No, I mean some people let things like that pass them by without a second thought. It’s good that you have y/n and held on to her, that’s all," Steve clarified his statement, and I couldn't help but think that he might have been referencing someone from his past…Nancy. 

“I feel lucky to still have her despite everything” I said in response. and the bridal party started to file out. Nancy, Dustin, Robin, Lucas, Joyce, Will, Mike, and El helped little Cora, who was the flower girl. And Max As she got closer, she whispered to me “she's gorgeous by the way” as she said that the doors open to reveal y/n. I could see y/n in her ivory dress, bouquet of y/f/f in her hands. She was looking straight at me, smiling that beautiful smile that lit up any room that she had ever entered. Her e/c eyes were sparkling with what I could only assume were tears, and I couldn't help but smile at her as she and her parents slowly made their way down the aisle. All I could see was her and how beautiful she looked, and the fact that she was about to become my wife. I tried to keep my emotions at bay.

“Who is it that allows this woman to be married to this man?” the priest asked. Her father smiled at both of us.

“Her parents” he said, she hugged her father and mother tightly and I shook his hand before her father made his way to sit down in one of the empty seats in the crowd, and then it was finally time.

Taking her hands in mine as she turned to face me, tears streaming down her cheeks as she smiled so lovingly at me. i reached up with one hand to wipe away her tears, and she laughed a little, seemingly embarrassed at the fact that she was crying, to begin with.

“Thank you all for being here today to witness the marriage of one of this lovely couple. I have the privilege to be the one performing this ceremony, joining two people who are in love as these two are. Anyone who has been in a room with the two of them for any amount of time can feel how much they love each other. I understand the two of you have prepared your own vows, so we’ll start with William”

“Me?” I asked quietly, and y/n giggled.

“Do you want me to go Hargrove?” she says with a teasing smirk.

“Oh shut up nerd” I sighed, which earned a chuckle from her and the crowd that had come to witness our marriage. reaching into my tuxedo with one hand pulling out the piece of paper that laid within the breast pocket. Clearing my throat.

"Not many people can say they truly married the love of their life, but I can. when we met in highschool —I used to fantasize about this exact moment—and now  I finally get to say, 'I do.' This journey, this adventure that we're on, has already challenged us as a couple, to work through hardships and obstacles, and to become stronger in our communication, in our commitment and to our love. It has been the biggest growth I have ever had for myself by far as a partner. Our relationship is full of more love and support than I could ever ask for. I have never been more adored or felt more safe, and the trust that we have built, that we have worked so hard to protect, is invaluable. So thank you. I've heard it said: 'It is better to not make a vow than to make one and not be able to keep it.' Therefore, I know what this commitment means. I promise… to help shoulder our challenges and celebrate all of our little wins. To tell you every day how much I love you and appreciate all that you do. To continue to learn from you and to follow the examples of patience and respect that you continuously share. To continue to build upon the trust that we have and to be by your side fully and faithfully. To put you and Cora first and above all, always. To try my hardest, to step away from my stubbornness, and accept that I make mistakes and that I am (to my dismay), not always right.  Most importantly, today, in front of our closest friends and family, I take you as my wife. Because this is a great love story and we're getting married and I love you." A tear fell from my eyes.

She wiped away my tear that had fallen as she still had a smile on her face as she cried. Max handed her a tissue, and she dabbed her tears away. She took a piece of paper of her own from Max. 

 "The night we played 7 minutes in heaven was the best decision in my life I had ever made in my life because now I'm so proud that today I become your wife. I love you. I love the way you make me laugh. I love the feeling of being protected in your arms. I love that you protect your family and friends. I love that you're open to trying new things. Today, I want to make promises to you that I will always keep. I promise never to stop holding your hand. I promise to give you all the love and support. I promise to share my food with you, never go to bed angry, and always honor your passions. I promise to stand by your side while you face the world. Listen to you when you speak. I promise that when you can't look on the bright side, I will sit with you in the dark. I promise to grow alongside you but also to never grow up. I promise to love, respect, protect, and trust you, and give you the best of myself, for I know that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone. I choose you. I'll choose you over and over and over, without pause, without doubt, I'll keep choosing you. Today seems like it's the start of a new journey, but I already belong to you. Falling for you wasn't falling at all—it was walking into a house and knowing you're home. I love you."

“El do you mind bringing little miss Cora with the rings.” the priest asked, and she lifted Cora from her lap into her arms, carrying her, and rings over. Cora let out a squeal when she saw us. 

“Mama! dada!” she said. Everyone in the church laughed at her cuteness.

“Hey pumpkin.” y/n says with a wide grin. As El handed the rings to me. Me and y/n gave Cora a quick kiss on her cubby rosey cheeks, which she erupted in laughter. El took her back to her seat. 

“William, go ahead and put the ring on y/n finger,” the priest instructed, and I slipped the shining silver ring embedded with tiny diamonds onto her finger. She did the same with my ring, which was also silver to match hers, and slipped it onto my finger.

“With the exchange of these rings, William and Y/N make a promise to one another to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. They promise to take care of one another and to keep the promises that they’ve stated in their vows. if anyone that’s gathered here today has any objections as to why they shouldn’t be married.”  There were no objections from our friends or family.

“you may now go forth and fulfill your vows with the same love and devotion which now blossoms between you. You are now Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove. And now for your first kiss as a married couple, you may now kiss”  the priest said with a smile before he backed away from the two of them. 

she pulled me down with eagerness into a passionate kiss as I smiled into the kiss as I melted against her lips. She wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned into his kiss, picking her up slightly before we pulled away for air. When we turned back to face our family and friends, they were all on their feet cheering and clapping loudly as we made our way out of the church hand in hand.

*y/n pov*

“Wow, Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove, that really is something.” dustin says as he hugged me

“It’s going to take some getting used to,” I said with a smile as I held tightly to Billy's hand.

“It suits you,” Billy says, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

“Ugh, yall are adorable. You two are so perfect together that it makes me sick. Max teased.

“We’re married,” I whispered with a smile as I looked up at him.

“I - I love you so much” he answered, unable to find any other words. He was happy, so happy that he couldn’t even think straight. The last two times I saw him this happy was when I woke up from my 3 week coma and the birth of Cora.

“Listen, I know we put a lot of planning into this whole reception thing, and there’s cake and dancing and...whatever, but, don’t you wanna just go home?”

“Home? Everyone is expecting us…what about Cora? "I laughed. 

“Sorry I can't help it, you're so gorgeous in that dress and all I can think about is getting you out of it,” his voice lowered a few octaves as he pulled me closer to him.

“Patience husband, we have a whole week to ourselves.” I say with a smirk, breaking free from his grasp, I start running off toward the reception. looking back at him, giggling as he just stared at me for a moment. 

“You coming daddy” I chuckled as I saw his eyes darken. “You're asking for it princess” He growled as he shook his head and jogged after me to join in the festivities. 

(let me know if you want a honeymoon chapter)

previous chapter

masterlist

2023

Taglist: @goth-cowgirl-03

[archivehub]

Title: The Doctor's Plight Summary: Priyanka comes to grips with her daughter's choice of partner. Word Count: 492

Sorry this one's a bit late; I'll try and still have today's short out on time. I'm super proud of this one's title, though lmao. For Glow Week day 5, I used the prompt "Family."

The short is also beneath the cut:

From the very moment she had first met him, Priyanka had never been too keen on Steven. Who was this strange, bubbly boy, and why did he feel so… entitled to touch and hug her dear Connie? And why did her daughter seem to reciprocate the actions?

As a responsible mother would, she tried to nip the growing friendship in the bud before it could blossom into something… well, more than a simple friendship. She would constantly cut their calls short, fabricate excuses to prevent them from seeing one another; she even tried setting Connie up with a more proper friend, the son of one of her and Doug’s college buddies.

Needless to say, Priyanka’s plans failed absolutely miserably—beyond miserably, even. Steven and Connie were dating by the time they entered their late teens; they were engaged only five years later; and, before she knew it, a freaking baby was on the way, prior to her daughter’s college graduation nonetheless!

All she could do was drink. How had things panned out so unexpectedly? Where had she gone so wrong? Most importantly, how would she explain this all to the extended family before the upcoming wedding!?

Doug had been her rock in these difficult times. He would constantly reassure her and encourage her to think positively. Before long, she found herself looking forward to the upcoming milestones in her daughter’s life, no matter who she met them with.

After catching wind of the bride’s premarital pregnancy, much of the extended Maheswaran family declined their wedding invites. This, Priyanka reasoned, was likely for the best; the last thing her daughter needed on such an important day was the heckling of a bunch of strangers.

The wedding went swimmingly: everyone important showed up, the ceremony had been flawless, the catering was to die for; and, to Priyanka’s immense delight, the bar was fully stocked. After a few glasses of liquid courage, the woman approached Steven, chin raised high. She had intended on confronting the man about his intentions with Connie going forward, but she ended up sobbing on his shoulder instead. The prior months had been tough on her; they  made her realize something important: she couldn’t keep pretending the man wasn’t a perfect fit for her daughter.

Priyanka’s first grandchild, Grace Maheswaran-Universe, was born with her help just a few months later. She was the most beautiful baby the woman had ever laid her eyes upon—which was saying something, given she helped deliver infants on a semi-daily basis.

She and Doug would volunteer to babysit the newborn at every opportunity they possibly could. More often than not, however, Greg Universe or the Crystal Gems had already called first dibs.

Still, with the little time she shared with her granddaughter, Priyanka would spoil her absolutely rotten. Her second, third, and fourth grandchildren appreciated the same treatment, no matter how often they toppled her furniture, sent shields soaring through her windows, or granted her produce sentience.

[la-jolie-mln-posts]

The Mother Of The Bride Steps Out

What are you wearing?

My friend has one daughter. The wedding last summer was a young, fun event with lots of dancing and joy, due in part to a two-year pandemic delay. When I asked her what she was wearing, she said, “I’m  going to have two dresses; one for the wedding and dinner, and another for dancing.”

Believe it or not, that’s not unusual these days. In fact, her daughter also had two dresses. The wedding dress was a beautiful, ball gown style. The exquisite fabric was all the embellishment needed. Then when the dancing got started, the bride changed into a beaded, one-shoulder long dress with a slit up the side. And mom went from a warm white fitted dress with simple lines to a black dress that was knee-length in the front and long in the back. It was a fun fashion night.

A lot of brides and their moms are on the same page.   

According to Inside Weddings, “If you’re looking to wear a classic, conservative wedding dress for your church ceremony, but you want a sexy, revealing gown for your reception, you can do both. Changing after the ‘I do’s’, and before the wedding toasts has become a popular trend because brides want to honor their religious beliefs, and feel like themselves on their big day.” This holds true for mothers of the bride too.

Rules of the road for mothers of the bride

Take your cue from your daughter. She and the groom set the tone for the event.  As to your dress choice, mother’s should follow the bride’s lead regarding style, colors, and formality.

When you shop for your dress, bring the bride-to-be with you. It’s always more fun to have a side-kick who will give you an honest critique. I have to say, as the mother of three daughters (all below college age), when they say “Nah” or shake their heads ‘No’ to something  I tried on, I usually don’t buy it. Remember, you don’t want to be at odds on wedding attire.

Start your dress search at least 3 months before the big day in order to accommodate any alterations.

Keep it glam: Most wedding parties today have hair and make-up artists at the venue, so everyone – including the moms – can coordinate. It’s also fun!

We have mother-of-the-bride dresses for galore!

Shop La Jolie MLN’s online Wedding Boutique or our retail location in Elmhurst. We’re bursting at the seams with dresses.  Here are a few looks to consider:

Our Nox Tea Length Cowl Cocktail Dress is perfect for an afternoon or evening wedding. For church, pair it with a dressy shawl or a sparkly little jacket.

For a more covered-up look, try our LaDivine Dress that flows beautifully from the bodice to the ankle and comes in peach or blue.

If you have the body to carry it off, our Nair Black Sequin Maxi Dress is the ideal mix of vampy and modest. The sequined over skirt falls from a V-neck top that reveals the shoulders, and the underskirt is a mini skirt, perfect for the mom who can dance.

Another favorite the Jovani 22576 Asymmetrical Neckline Fuchsia and Red Dress.  It’s a statement dress that’s elegant and sophisticated.

Jumpsuits are becoming very popular as well.  Check out Jovani 08439 Royal Blue Halter Neck Sequin Jumpsuit. This jumpsuit is sophisticated and comfortable style for the big day.

That’s just a taste of what you’ll find in our vast collection. If you’re like my friend who went for two dresses, we can accommodate you.

For new moms of the brides and grooms, La Jolie MLN offers a fun and elegant array of dresses at a range of affordable prices. Find your dream dress – or dresses if you want two looks -can be found here.

Shop Our Mother of the Bride Collection

[silhouetteofacedar]

Pearl, Ch. 4: Sea Legs on 7th

Previous Chapter - AO3 - MSR, rated E

It’s only a ten minute walk from the bureau to the courthouse, but Mulder is starting to regret not insisting they drive.

Scully’s having a rough day, if her sallow face and pursed lips are any indication. She’s uncomfortably quiet.

“You alright?” Mulder asks, hovering over her as they walk.

“M’fine,” she answers, because that’s all she ever says. “Just queasy today.”

“Let me know if you need to sit down for a minute,” he says, and she bristles.

“We have an appointment to make, Mulder,” she reminds him. “We’re almost there anyway.”

Mulder’s stomach is unsteady too; not from chemotherapy, but from nerves. They’re applying for their marriage license today.

It’s happening, it’s all happening, and all he can do is shorten his steps to match Scully’s pace as they walk. She senses this and starts walking faster in response. Scully has an incredible talent for pushing Mulder away in the smallest ways possible, telegraphing with her body that she doesn’t need his help or his pity or his accommodation.

And yet they’re heading to the DC Marriage Bureau. Funny, that.

Scully’s face is clammy by the time they enter the Moultrie Courthouse.

“Hey,” Mulder says softly, drawing her aside, “Scully, you don’t look too good.”

“Thanks,” she says stiffly, digging around in her purse and pressing a tissue to her lips.

“I mean… I-I think you should go home. We can do this another time.”

She shakes her head carefully, taking a deep breath. “We’d have to walk back to the office either way, Mulder. I’ll be fine. Do you have any gum or a mint, by the way? Something I can suck on. It… it helps with the nausea sometimes.”

Mulder rummages through his jacket pocket. “Just sunflower seeds,” he admits, “And… a nickel.”

Scully holds out a hand, and he places a few seeds into her palm.

“Thank you,” she says tightly, placing the seeds in her mouth.

In sickness and in health, Mulder thinks, giving her shoulder a squeeze. Her body feels rigid beneath his hand.

They file their license request without incident or fanfare, and Scully’s stride is clipped as they head back to the office.

Halfway up 7th Street, she stops walking abruptly and steadies herself with a hand against the rough brick of a building.

“Don’t ask me if I’m fine,” she whispers before he can say anything. “Just give me a moment.”

She takes a few slow, deep breaths. “Okay,” she says huskily.

“Shall we walk? If you need to lean on me, you can,” Mulder says gently.

“Despite how I feel right now, the world isn’t actually tilting sideways,” she replies. “I can walk on my own.”

He feels like a kicked puppy trailing after her, but dammit, she’s sick and being stubborn and his heart is turning to pulp beneath her low-heeled pumps and their names are next to each other on a piece of paper a quarter mile behind.

And Dana Scully, doctor and scientist and meticulous planner, manages make it all the way into the little basement bathroom before being sick.

Sometimes Mulder waits outside the restroom for her, to hand her a cup of water and make sure she’s alright; but today she’s spiky and tense and radiating that she doesn’t want him near. So he waits in their office, loitering by the filing cabinet, flicking through folders and pretending not to worry about her.

She walks into the room a few minutes later, and Mulder takes one look at her face before dropping the act.

“Scully,” he sighs. “Please. Go home.”

She looks up at him with watery eyes. “It’s just the chemo,” she rasps.

“Dana,” Mulder says, crossing the room and clasping her shoulders. “You need to rest. I can manage alone for the afternoon, I promise. You finished your report, our license application is in, things are stable.” He changes tack, infusing his words with forced levity. “Go sleep it off, have some tea, watch shitty TV. Play hooky for me, okay?”

She’s silent, then he feels her deflate under his palms. “Fine, I’ll go,” she says hoarsely. She clears her throat. “But I’m going make arrangements with an officiant when I get home, because-”

She abandons her sentence, and Mulder drops his hands to his sides. Because time is ticking, he thinks. He can read it on her wan, pinched face.

“I’ll stop in at a jewelry store on my way home, get us some rings,” he offers, wandering behind his desk and nudging his chair awkwardly with a knee.

Scully ducks her chin in an abridged nod. “I doubt we’ll have much need to wear them outside the ceremony, so they don’t have to be anything special. Plain bands are fine.”

Mulder nods. “I’m on it. What’s, uh, what's your ring size?”

She looks up at him, blinking. “I- I don’t know,” she admits. “I’ve never had occasion to find out.”

Mulder purses his lips in thought before leaning down and opening one of his desk draws. He digs through a clutter of office supplies before finding a ball of string. “C’mere,” he says, beckoning her over. “Give me your hand.”

She holds her left hand out, and he loops the end of the string around her ring finger, pinching the cord where it overlaps.

“Do me a favor and cut it right there,” he says.

She grabs a pair of scissors out of the pencil cup on the desk and snips the string, leaving him with a short piece the circumference of her finger.

“Good enough?” he asks.

“It’ll have to do,” she replies.

Mulder hadn’t put ‘shopping for wedding bands’ on his bingo card for 1997, and he’s admittedly out of his depth. The guy behind the counter at the little jewelry store on Prince Street in Alexandria isn’t helping his confidence.

“You want a wedding band?” he says, sizing Mulder up with a once-over. His eyes pause on Mulder’s tie for an uncomfortable two seconds too long, and his nostril flare with what could be disgust.

“Yeah, uh, one for me and one for my partner- fiancé,” Mulder stumbles, correcting himself unnecessarily. “Nothing flashy.”

Picking out his own ring is as easy as pointing at a plain gold band and slipping it on his finger. It fits well enough, and the jeweler packs it away into a tiny box.

Mulder feels somewhat ridiculous handing a jeweler a tiny piece of string and saying ‘this is how big my fiancé’s finger is’. The look the man gives him doesn’t ease the feeling.

“I can’t guarantee correct sizing with this,” the jeweler cautions, gingerly holding the string between two pinched fingers as though it’s a live, writhing worm.

Mulder shrugs. “I’m, uh, sorry, but that’s all I have to go on.”

The jeweler huffily wraps the string around a ring-sizing mandrel, and Mulder thinks he catches the man rolling his eyes. What a dick.

“Alright, so according to this highly sophisticated piece of string, she’s a size six,” the jeweler says flatly. “That’s the average size we carry for women. We can resize most ring styles for you later if it’s the wrong fit.”

“Right, thanks,” Mulder mumbles, scanning the glass case for a suitable ring.

His eyes wander over to slightly higher-end territory, and he immediately sees It.

It’s a simple ring, a thin gold band with a single pearl bracketed by a trio of tiny diamonds on each side.

He has a sudden vision of Scully tucking her hair behind one ear, wearing those delicate pearl stud earrings he secretly loves, and he feels a slosh behind his kneecaps at the image.

Fuck it. She deserves something pretty.

“I’d like that one,” Mulder says, pointing to the pearl ring in the case.

“That’s a promise ring,” the jeweler informs him. “A bit subdued for an engagement.”

“We’re a subdued couple,” Mulder replies, pulling out his wallet.

We.

Scully gave him no budget; and besides, this was his gift for her. That’s how tradition goes, right? Man buys woman ring. And from the sour look on the jeweler’s face, this ring isn’t even that expensive.

The man snaps the little velvet ring box shut and puts it into a crisp bag with the other box. “Will that be all?” he drones.

Mulder holds out his debit card. “I’ve done enough damage for one day.”

[kookicrumbs]

╰ pink love

pairing: jungwon x fem!reader genre: fluff word count: 2985 warnings; like one super minor curse word (hell)! just some cutesy stuff for ya today! summary: jungwon and y/n go on a build-a-bear date! a/n: i really wanted to do something sweet beacuse i love fluff a whole lot, so please enjoy c:

“Are we there yet?” I pout, tugging on Jungwon’s sweater. I attempt to sway him with my best puppy eyes, but he continues walking, pulling me along with him.

“This honestly reminds me of a movie,” He laughs out, “Since when did asking a million times get us there faster?”

I’m not actually that annoyed, but it’s fun to tease him. “What if this is all a movie? Ya think we can break the fourth wall?”

“I don’t know, I’d consider us powerful enough to. If this is a movie, I’m obviously the main character. Since you’re my girlfriend, you can be my sidekick!”

“Ohh, ha, ha, ha. If I’m the sidekick, pigs can fly.”

He puts on a shocked expression, pointing up into the air. “Did I just hear an oink all the way up there?”

“Shut up!” We giggle, shoving each other with our shoulders. Our footsteps match each other as we pad through the open-air mall. Warm sunlight drifts down, encasing us in a soft bubble of relaxation.

“Hey look, I think that’s it!” Jungwon tightens his grip on my hand and we take off towards the familiar shop. As we run, the eyes of other passerbys follow us, but I don’t take the time to feel embarrassed; life’s too short for that.

My legs are shorter than his, so I nearly trip several times. The universe is totally watching out for me today though, because we manage to arrive at the store’s entrance without suffering from a single scratch or bruise.

The Build-A-Bear logo passes overhead as we make our way inside. We are still glued together, buzzing from the excitement of our date. We’re going to make bears for each other! With any other guy I might have found it cheesy, but when Jungwon suggested we do it, my heart fluttered in a strange way.

“Hello! Welcome to Build-A-Bear Workshop! My name is Kiana,” A sunny looking lady welcomes us with a large smile on her face. The cute bobble headband perched on her hair seems to wave at us as well. “Will you two be needing any help today?”

Jungwon throws one arm over my shoulder and presses me tight to his side. His dimples peek out playfully as he responds. “I think we’re okay right now, we’re gonna make some bears for each other. This is my girlfriend!” He looks so proud as our eyes meet, and my stomach twists. Even though we’ve been dating for one and a half years now, whenever he looks at me like that, it feels like the day I first met him.

We’d been at the movie theatre, not together, but coincidentally there on the same day. Jungwon was sitting in the seat in front of me with a couple of his friends, while I was there with my own. His buddies were being idiots and throwing popcorn and other snacks at each other, when a whole bucket came flying at me. Being my easily scared self, I screamed and jumped backwards, simultaneously kicking my legs out and up. It took a few seconds to realize that my feet hadn’t collided with Jungwon’s seat, but instead his head.

I’d been absolutely mortified, and my friends’ muffled laughter didn’t help with that. I’d expected a huge tantrum from him, considering his friends seemed the type to start a huge fight over it, but his reaction was the complete opposite. In fact, he was apologetic and blamed it all on the buffoon who launched the snack at me.

I immediately caught feelings when he laughed and complimented my kick; apparently he knew taekwondo, and he thought I’d be good at it. He got that from a poorly done, unaimed kick to his own skull. To this day, I think I knocked something out of place there, but what can ya do.

Regardless, we ended up exchanging numbers, which is something that confused the hell out my friends and I. A month later, we started going out. I’ve dated some questionable people, so getting the chance to be with someone like Jungwon is a dream come true for me. Another plus, I finally get to check “Build A Bear date” off of my date idea list!

“You guys look adorable together!” Kiana gushed. My cheeks heat up, but not in an awkward way. “We have all our plushes over there. You can take a look and pick one, and then we’ll get that all filled up for you.”

“Thank you!” Jungwon and I say at the same time before strutting towards the plushies.

“We should split up so our bears, or whatever we pick for each other, stays a surprise! Okay?” I’m already looking at each option, and I begin to wonder how I’m ever going to pick just one.

“Since it looks like the queen has already laid claim to this particular piece of territory, I’ll go browse the accessories so I can get your plush decked out in a gorgeous outfit.” He winks and makes his way to the rows of plushie-sized clothing.

The variety of options is amazing. There’s the classic bears, but there’s also other cute things, like lobsters, giraffes, and seals. I’m a sucker for the classics, so I want to pick out a bear for Jungwon.

Two specific bears are in a fight for my love. One is a simple vanilla color with rainbow sprinkle accents, and the other is a pink bear with heart shaped ruffles. Oh god, do I just… buy both? No, that’s be stupid. Eeny meeny miney moe, a classic just like the bear.

I’m not disappointed when my finger lands on the pink bear, meaning I made the right choice and won’t have to switch to the vanilla bear out of a previously hidden lust for it. Awesome.

I peek my head around the aisle and still see Jungwon sorting through racks of outfits. In the time I’d spent picking a plush for him, he grabbed a basket and began filling it with stuff I couldn’t make out. Comfortable with the fact that he isn’t looking, I sneak over to the filling station, the pink bear clutched tightly in my hands.

“Hi! I’d love to get this guy filled, please!” The man working at this station has a name tag that reads, “Jordan”, and he looks equally nice as Kiana.

“Good choice,” He leads me to a filling spot. “Are they for you or for someone else?”

My chuckle causes the worker to smile. I reply while he gathers a few items. “My boyfriend and I came here for a cute date, so it’s for him! This one is super cute so I had to get it for him.”

“Aww, I’ll have to write that down. I'm sure my partner would find it a great idea too!” Jordan sweeps his arm across in a grand gesture, showcasing the variety of hearts and other button-looking objects that sit before him.

“Would you be interested in adding a sound to your bear? You can pick from any of these or you can record your own.”

I pick quickly, sure of what I want to do. “Mm, I’d like to do a recording, if possible. Make it extra special, right?”

“Of course, let me grab that for you and you can record your message!” He gets the heart and let’s me know what to do. Once again making sure Jungwon is not nearby, I record my message and hand it back to Jordan. He puts it in the bear, a small smile playing on his lips. Did he hear me?

“Alright, perfect. Any scents or are you ready to stuff?”

I choose a sweet raspberry scent and get the bear stuffed. It’s fun to push the pedal and see the stuffed animal become plumper, until I finally fill them all the way up. Hugging it feels like hugging a cloud.

I thank Jordan and hide the bear behind my back as I go to the dressing area. Jungwon seems to have moved on, as I spot him at the plushie picking station. I wonder what he’ll get me. Knowing him, it’s going to be adorable.

His eyes meet mine and I suppress a squeal, making sure the bear is out of sight. My strange salute makes him smile and he turns back to picking a plush for me, but not before making sure I won’t look while he gets one.

“So, what would you wear…” I whisper to the pink bear. He seems fashionable and needs something that fits his personality.

Each outfit makes me want to curl up and scream. They’re all so cute and tiny, and I can’t help but want to grab a whole bunch. I create outfits in my head, imagining each on the plushie. Letting the bear try them on seems like a step too far. Instead, I pick up a white button down shirt, pressed pants, little shoes, and a pair of heart shaped sunglasses from my pile and get to dressing.

Putting everything on the pink bear proves to be a struggle. “Come on… tuck in your tummy!” The bear’s legs don’t want to squeeze into the pants I picked. Looks like Build-A-Bear needs more size options. After a somewhat graphic commotion involving lots of pulling, pushing, and whispered yelling, he is finally clothed.

“Jungwon better like what I picked because I don’t think that’s ever coming off.” I brush off my shirt and hope that no one was watching my heated argument with an inanimate object.

I swiftly finish up the washing part of the process, which consisted of pressured air being blown at my plush. I enjoyed seeing the bear’s fur waving around luxuriously. It really fit his vibe. I end up having to consult an employee about what to do next since my amnesiac brain likes to forget simple things: it’s naming time.

After I scan the pink bear’s tag, a naming screen is brought up. I’m given suggestions like Mr. Cuddles, Tiny, and Snuggles, but I choose to make his own name. What do I name you?

Maybe Love? Too plain. Bear? Way too basic. Pink? Pinky? I clearly don’t get around to naming things very often. If it hadn’t been for my siblings, I would have named our dog Cat.

I rack my brain for anything. At this point, the next thing that pops into my head is gonna be his name. No turning back. And my brain provides. Sir Loves-a-lot is inexplicably forged in the depths of my mind, and it shall be the name of this honorable bear.

I imagine a knighting ceremony for Sir Loves-a-lot and enter his name into the computer. It goes through and I get a printed certificate with his name on it. I’m extremely excited to give him to Jungwon and see his reaction.

Jungwon seems to be finishing up at the washing station, so I pay and wait near the entrance of Build-A-Bear. I swing around my finished bear, which is tucked neatly into a bag so Jungwon can’t see it yet. Our date is soon to reach its peak: when we get to see our finished products.

“Hey! Look what I have!” Jungwon skips over to me in a playful manner. His joy envelops me as he gets nearer. His eyes are alight with what looks to be the same thing I’m currently feeling. Is it love?

I show off my bag, my competitive side instantly coming out. “I’ve got yours right here too! If you want to see it… you’ll have to catch me!”

Adrenaline shoots through me as I take off running, Jungwon quickly shifting into a quick runner. My laughs impair my speed as I hiccup and yell, Jungwon’s voice matching my own. We both giggle like idiots while our shoes run thin on the hard ground and our bags crinkle with the whip of the wind.

“Got you!” Jungwon takes care not to throw me onto the ground, instead grabbing my shirt and pulling me to his chest. He lets out an umph as I knock into him full force, still reeling from the sudden shift in direction.

“Jungwon!” A shriek of laughter explodes out of me as we tumble to the concrete with a soft thump. No one is around as we breath off our fit of giggles, still in a heap.

“Looks like my bear made it.” He lifts up his unscatched bag. “Can I say the same of yours?”

A strike of fear hits me, but quickly dissolves when I see my bag looks fine. “I am pleased to report that Combat Bear Number 2 has survived.”

“Combat Bear Number 2? Don’t tell me that’s his name. What a mouthful!” He puts a hand to his chest and sighs dramatically.

“Don’t be stupid, I named him Sir— wait! Don’t try and cheat!” I softly whack him on the shoulder, earning a look of faux-sadness.

“Ouch. But you named him Sir… something. What a noble name! Of course, nothing but the best can come from you.” He holds out the Build-A-Bear bag. “But I’m actually dying to exchange these, so swap?”

“If that isn’t the most relatable thing ever.” I hand him my bag and he gives me his. “You can open mine first!”

“Ooh, don’t mind if I do.” He eagerly opens the bag and pulls out the tissue-paper wrapped bear. The material easily comes off and he holds it up. His eyes seem to glow with delight.

“Oh my gosh.” Jungwon swipes at Sir Loves-a-lot’s fur, fascinated by the heart-shaped ruffles. “He’s so cute! His clothes are... so tight,” His face betrays his confusion, and I snicker as he speaks, “but he looks hella fashionable! I really hope mine will live up to these standards.” He seems to get nervous so I hold his hands to try and calm him down.

“What do you think I named him?”

His mouth shapes into an “O” and he pulls out the certificate. His previously timid face transforms immediately as he reads it.

“Sir Loves-a-lot? Why?! So cheesy but so good!” He crumples onto himself, his head coming to a rest between his knees. I’m overjoyed by his reaction and I press forward to hug his side.

“I love him so much. I’ll cherish him forever.” He looks at me pointedly, almost like he’s trying to tell me something. He switches course though, gesturing to the bag that lies at my feet. “Now open yours!”

I cross my legs to get more comfortable, and I open the bag, wondering what he made for me. My heart dances when I see what he chose. It’s a blue bear with stars in her fur and white wings protruding from her back. I didn’t even see it when I was picking my bear for him.

“Woah…” I hold her up, noticing a soft scent coming from her fur. When I lift the bear up to my nose, I can detect citrus. “Jungwon, you made her smell like lemons! I love lemon… and—and look how pretty! All the stars, and the color… she’s perfect.”

I look at the certificate, all bright and new, and see her name: Mrs. Lovey. Mrs., not Ms.

Jungwon looks at me innocently. “What do you think, am I making my point clear? The future is never far away and I—”

I can’t help but turn away as I feel a prickle in my eyes. Never will I ever cry on a date.

“Awww! Don’t cry, you’ll make me cry!” Jungwon leaps towards me, catching me off-guard. I end up falling backwards with a yelp, but he throws his hand under my head and catches me before I can slam into the concrete.

We stare at each other for what seems like hours but is in actuality only seconds. The silence is loud, but Jungwon slices right through it when he whispers to me, “Is this a kdrama?”

“And… off!” I sit up, hugging my bear closer to me. I’m overwhelmed by Jungwon’s confession. He wants us to really stay together. As in, I’d be his “one”.

“Is—is that what you want too? It’s okay if not, I’ll understand if you wouldn’t be ready, even in the months it would take to get there, unless sooner is better, and I—” He rambles, more emotional than I am, before I put a finger to his lips.

“Yeah, it’s what I want too. I think we should go with your plan, um, wait a little longer since we’re so young and I don’t want to scare my parents.” That earns a laugh out of us both. “But the answer to “would I want it?” is definitely yes!”

Jungwon hugs me tightly, squealing in my ear. I squeal right back, suddenly lighter than ever.

“Dude, I want to say something. Yep, here I go. I— I love you!” Jungwon yells out to me, loud enough to wake up everyone half-way across the world. My heart expands when he says it. I want to scream it back and kiss him under the blue sky, but he continues speaking.

“Okay, look, even though I would have totally respected you for saying you wouldn’t want what I want, I’m feeling so relieved right now. Like whooh! I could jump off a plane! Ride the biggest wave! Sir Loves-a-lot here would come with me, wouldn’t you?” He high fives his bear.

I’m confused when his eyebrow raises. “Did you put a sound in him? Why didn’t you tell me?” Truthfully, I’d forgotten too. However, I smirk as I remember what I recorded.

“Press it.” I urge him to push on the bear’s paw, and he does, putting it near his ear so he can hear it better. The clear sound of my voice comes through, bringing waves of pink, soft love to both Jungwon and I.

“I really, really love you.”

[i-drink-and-i-write-fics]

The Wolf & The Hound

Chapter 4: Blessed Name Day

Summary: Ever since your conversation with Sansa, Sandor has disappeared. Was she right?

Notes: First update on the new blog!

The next two weeks were so crazy preparing for Sansa’s coronation that you barely noticed that Sandor wasn’t around as much as before. It crossed your mind as you lied down in bed at the end of the night, but you were so exhausted from the day that you fell asleep before your mind could begin to panic. 

But it was felt, on a subconscious level. Your protective shadow was not there and it left you cold. Maybe Sansa was wrong. Maybe it wasn’t you that he wanted to court, but he told Sansa that to hide his true motives. 

The morning of the ceremony, you were up long before dawn and dressed so you could race to Sansa’s room to help her. As Brienne was the only woman of the Queen’s Guard she met you at the door and entered a step behind.

“Good morning, my lady. Are you ready to begin your day?” You curtsied shortly after you entered the room, Sansa standing next to the window to look out over the courtyard. 

“Good morning, ___. Yes, please. We have a long day ahead of us. Ser Brienne? While ____ tends to me, can you please have the kitchen bring up breakfast for all of us?”

“Yes, my lady,” Brienne bowed and left the room.

While Brienne was gone, you went to work filling Sansa’s bath with hot water, bathing and dressing her, and finally brushing her hair as Brienne returned with a member of the kitchen staff carrying a huge tray of food. Sansa wanted to wear her hair unbound as she wanted all the attention on her new crown and gown. So you gently curled the ends.

You then helped her dress in her dark grey dress that had many representations of the North. From the red leaves of the Weirwood Trees to a sleeve made of crow feathers to the metallic bodice that was a mirror of Weirwood branches. One sleeved looked like fish scales to represent her mother while the collar looked like a dire wolf for her father. She was beautiful.

If she was nervous, Sansa never let on. Holding her head high as you busied yourself getting her ready for the ceremony. You then stepped back so Brienne could escort her to the Great Hall. Normally, you would follow Sansa everywhere, but you wanted to quickly get her room ready so it was more fit for a queen.

You raced to change the sheets on the bed, clean her bathroom, douse the fire and clean out the ashes before creating a fresh fire. The floors were swept and cleaned and windows opened to air out the room. The last thing you did was dash down to the kitchen to make a small bundle of cinnamon and rosemary and ran back to place it in the fireplace to burn, so her room would smell welcoming when she returned.

Then you went to your room to bathe and change into clean clothes before you raced to the Great Hall. The room was packed with representatives of the remaining Northern Houses, her brother, Bran Stark, as well as Sansa’s uncle, Edmure Tulley from Riverrun, and Robin Arryn of the Eyrie. You tucked yourself into a back corner where you could easily see the dais. The normal high table had been removed and replaced with a new Throne of the North, with dire wolves on each end on the back. 

Sansa entered the room and was trailed behind by her new Queen’s Guard. You hadn’t had a chance to admire the new armor this morning. The current five members wore black armor with a grey dire wolf head on the chest plate and grey capes trailing behind them. Sandor looked amazing in the new armor. He had even trimmed his beard to appear less scruffy for his new queen. And like the other guards, he kept his eyes ahead as he escorted Sansa to her new throne.

Once there, the maester placed the new crown upon her head as he announced the new Queen of the North. It was a simple band, molded to look like the Stark pattern with two dire wolves meeting at the front. 

The moment the crown touched her head, the North chanted: “The Queen of the North!”

You could not be more proud of the young woman you had helped raise. She looked every bit the queen that she had planned to be when she was a little girl and promised to that monster, Joffrey.

That night, all of Winterfell filled with loud voices, music, and the distant howling of wolves as everyone celebrated their new queen. You took a moment here and there to drink a glass of ale or wine, but mostly you tried to busy yourself so you wouldn’t focus on the fact that Sandor and Sansa were talking once again.

Yes, Sansa told you that Sandor really wanted you. But seeing them together made it so hard to believe those words. Especially when Sandor had yet to confirm them.

So that night you went to bed early to save your heart.

The next morning you were up early again and off to Sansa’s room, where you got a surprise from Arya in the hall.

“And where are you going?”

You furrowed your eyebrows. “To Queen’s Sansa’s room? I have to get her grace ready for the day.”

“Absolutely not! We know you’ve been lying to the staff about when your name day is, but you forgot we grew up with you. You have today off while the feast is prepared. Now head back to your room, a bath is being drawn and food is being brought up.”

Your jaw dropped in shock. “But Ser, I’m just a handmaid.”

Arya wouldn’t hear it. “You kept by my sister’s side, especially in King’s Landing when I couldn’t. You are family. Now go.”

Confused, but slowly growing happy at the sisters’ insistence of taking care of you, you went back to your room to enjoy a quiet morning. A brand new dress was awaiting you on the bed, no doubt a gift from Sansa and you couldn’t wait to change into it. You took your time, enjoying the warm bath, the good food, and then sitting in front of the fireplace in your room in a towel as you gently dried your hair, using your fingers to break up any tangles. 

After you finally put on the new dress, you left your room to walk the grounds. Fresh snow had fallen during the night and your footsteps were muted as you made your way to the Gods’ Wood. For once, Bran was not parked in front of the giant weirwood tree and so you took a seat at the stone by the trunk. 

You were quietly praying to the Old Gods when a deep voice interrupted your thoughts. 

“Forgive me, Little Wolf. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

Your heart leaped in your chest at his voice. A voice you had not heard in weeks. Raising your head, a small smile graced your face as you answered. “No. I was merely speaking with the Old Gods. Thanking them for another year and for watching over me so I was able to return home safely.”

Sandor frowned at your words and you wondered what his relationship with religion was. He was from the South, but he never seemed the type to visit the Great Sept while in King’s Landing. 

“You believe in all that?” He slowly approached you.

“I don’t know,” you looked down at your hands as he stopped at your feet. “I did when I was a child, but much of that changed when I traveled South. But I know I cannot turn my back on them completely.”

“And why is that?” Sandor questioned.

“I believe they kept me alive. No one taught me to fight like Arya, no one taught me how to scheme my way to safety like Queen Sansa, and no one was by my side to fight for me. And yet, I not only survived King’s Landing but getting home as well.”

Sandor crouched until he was in your line of sight. Snow was drifting down from the deep red weirwood leaves, dotting hit hair and beard giving him a soft look to his tough face. 

“I believe you are not giving yourself enough credit, Little Wolf. I saw with my own eyes how you can take down a man when cornered.”

Your face grew warm at his praise. “Thank you. But I hope to never have to do that again.”

He cleared his throat and shifted on his feet. “You won’t. Not while I’m here.”

“You promise?”

A small smile graced his lips. “I promise, Little Wolf. I will never leave your side until you command it.”

You let out a shaky breath. “That’s unrealistic. You’re Sansa’s guard.”

“Aye, I am. But you are her handmaid and where she is, you are. I will protect both of you.”

“Thank you, Sandor. That means a great deal to me.”

“Does it?” Doubt crept into his eyes. “Most might be scared off by the idea of my following them around.”

“Aye. There was a time you frightened me as well. But that was before I truly got to know you.” You held a hand up to stop him from interrupting. “Now, that is not to say I don’t know your past. I am well aware of you who were. But any fool can clearly see you are no longer the man who left King’s Landing during the battle against Stannis.”

“I’ve tried. After my fight with Brienne, I was saved by a Septon. He taught me a few things. And before you comment - I can see your curiosity - he was once like me. So he would be the only religious fucker I’d listen to.”

You gave a small laugh. “Yes, that makes sense.”

His face grew serious. “There is something I’ve wanted to speak with you about. Something that has been on my mind for a while. But with the coronation, I haven’t had the time.”

“Well, you’re here now and I have the whole day to myself.”

“Aye, I know. Sansa told me where I could find you.” He ran a hand over his beard, trying to find his next words. “Little Wolf, I know who I am. I’ve done horrible things, things no one should be proud of. I’m no knight and I’m not a rich man. But I’m trying to change so I don’t- so I won’t be someone so frightening. You are a beautiful, quick-witted woman who can survive, even if she may not believe so. Any man would be lucky to court you.”

You took a shaky breath as he forced himself to meet your eyes.

“Would you...allow me to court you?”

The God’s Wood became still at his words and you tried to comprehend what he had asked you. Did Sandor really ask to court you?

“You...want to court me?”

Sandor tried to hide his face falling, mistaking your words for a no. “I know that may not seem something I would do, but I wanted to do right by you and our queen.”

You reached over and took his hand. “Sandor, I would love to court you.”

While his face did not betray any emotions - as was standard for this stoic man - but he reached up with his other hand and cupped your cheek. You placed your free hand over his as you felt yourself smile. Sansa was right! He really did want to court you.

He shifted on his feet and leaned in, the question in his eyes. And the answer was on your lips as you leaned in the remainder of the way to close the gap. It was the first sign of affection Sandor had ever given and he felt no place was more appropriate for a Northern girl than under a weirwood tree. So you would know how serious he was about you.

His large hand moved from your cheek to the back of your head to hold you closer to him and you moved both of your hands around his neck. Sandor pulled away after a few moments and you could feel how warm your face was, despite winter flowing all around. 

“We should get you back inside, Little Wolf. The Queen will have the feast ready soon.”

“You’re right, we shouldn’t keep Her Grace waiting.”

He climbed to his feet and held out a hand to help you up. Then after tucking your hand into the crook of his arm, he lead you out of the God’s Wood and back to Winterfell. You could tell he felt a bit awkward at the formality of courting so you squeezed his arm.

“Sandor, I know you are worried about doing things right for me - for us - with our courting. But perhaps instead of doing what others would expect, we do what truly would work for us?”

“What do you mean?”

“I know you are trying to change yourself, but we both know you are not a romantic man. There will be no vase of Winter Roses awaiting me in my chamber. So instead, let us move forward as us. You will show your affection your own way. And I will do the same.”

You looked up at him and could see the smirk forming. “Aye, that sounds like that path may suit us better.”

Inside the Great Hall, many of the lords and ladies who had traveled for Sansa’s coronation were there and the feast was already set up. All that was missing was you.

Sansa looked up from talking to Arya, a smile growing on her face. “There you are! We were afraid we would have to begin without you two.”

Arya snorted. “Looks like the old shit got some words to share.”

Sandor growled. “No one asked you.”

Sansa smirked. “Are we celebrating two things today?”

Your face grew warm. “Yes, Your Grace. Sandor has asked to court me.”

Arya rolled her eyes. “About damn time. You haven’t kept your eyes off her since we found her in the woods.”

“Shut your mouth, you little shit.”

“Whatever. Let’s get the drinks going.”

“Good idea, Arya.” Sansa turned back to you. “If you wish to announce your courtship tonight, just say the word. Otherwise, the kitchen has made your favorite tonight. Blessed Name Day, ____.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

Sansa stepped forward to give you a quick hug before she continued around the room to speak with the other lords. Sandor took this cue to lead you to a table where he poured you a glass of wine. Plates of food were brought over and Sandor took a seat across from you.

“So what will you do?”

A smile graced your face as you picked up your fork. “Tonight, I will just enjoy the food and wine. And perhaps, a few moments alone with you. Tomorrow, we can worry about expressing our news.”

“Moments alone?” He raised an eyebrow. 

“If you feel up for it later.”

“Anything for you, Little Wolf.”

Tagging Crew:

Everything

@marvelfansworld​

@that-chick212​

GoT

@harper-emory-writes​

The Wolf & The Hound

@imagine-the-fanfics​

@imagine-the-fanfics-main​

[wildlittlefoxsworld]

Marry me and you never have to be alone

That is my first Harry Potter fanfiction on my blog. Of course, the fanfiction has a reader-insert.

Pairing: Harry Potter x female!reader

Words: 1.8k

Harry Potter Masterlist

***

The sun was slowly rising over the Burrow, but it was still dawn and grey light shined through the curtains. You turned your head towards the window and opened it to let the fresh morning air in your room. A light breeze puffed the long white dress up you wore. You liked the dress; it had a little lace on the neckline and thin straps over your shoulders. You hoped that Harry would like it. You knew it wasn’t a fancy dress, but you for you it was perfect. You didn’t have much time to plan anything, because you decided last night that you want to commit yourself to Harry.

You were more worried about your hair, you didn’t really know what do with it, so Hermione suggested to wear a flower crown. She swung her wand and little white roses bloomed in your hair with green leaves.

“You are truly beautiful. Harry will be speechless,” Hermione complimented you.

“You look like a fairy,” Luna added and showed you her typical dreamy smile.

“Alright, I will look if Ron and Harry are ready. And you… take deep breaths and we meet in ten minutes in the garden under the big tree.”

Hermione left you alone and Luna followed quietly. You looked at yourself in the mirror again and you ran hands over the cotton material of the dress. You smiled at yourself calmly, but on the inside you felt excited and nervous. You were only seventeen years old, two months older than Harry. Some would say that you were both too young, that it was too rushed. You knew this, you knew that many reasons spoke to stop it all right now and just live and enjoy your life, but you didn’t know how much time you had left.

 “I like the summer. It’s my favorite season, you know,” you said smiling and closed your eyes to enjoy the last ray of sunlight.

“I know, you tell me every year since we know each other,” Harry responded and caressed the back of your hand with his thumb.

“It’s so peaceful. I wish it could be always like this. It feels like that I don’t need to worry. I wish we could have a normal summer until the school begins. It would be our last year. Can you imagine it? Next year at this time we will have graduated and you will start to become an auror.”

“I love the way that you’re always to optimistic, but I have a bad feeling of the future. Voldemort won’t rest, you experienced last night and it will only get worse. We have to fight him, Y/N,” Harry averred. He was determined to succeed in defeating the Dark Lord.

“I know that we have to fight and I will be at your side, but I hope that we will have someday a normal life, Harry. I dream of you and me. Old, with wrinkly faces and grey hair, sitting on our veranda and watching our grand children play in the garden.”

Harry looked astonished at you. You inclined your head and quirked an eyebrow questioningly.

“You’re serious about it?” he asked still surprised.

“Of course, I’m serious. I might be seventeen, but I know what I want. I love you, Harry, more than anything and I want a future with you.”

“I love you too. It’s just… I thought that I was lucky that I have you now. Well, you aren’t bound to me and I don’t know what the future will hold. There weren’t many people in my life who loved me.”

You turned to face Harry directly and embraced him in your arms.

“I’m not going anywhere, Harry. You stuck with me now,” you chuckled, but your voice had still a serious tone. Harry hugged you back tightly and buried his face in the crook of your neck.

You were lost in your thoughts for a few moments and slowly an idea formed in your head how you could prove Harry that you were serious about your love.

“Marry me,” you whispered in his ear and Harry’s body tensed for a moment. He loosened your hug and looked at you very confused.

“You want to marry me?”

“Yes,” you answered and sounded very convincing.

“But… why? When? I don’t understand… that’s so sudden,” Harry stuttered and shrugged helplessly his shoulders.

“I know, I know. Maybe it’s stupid, but I want just to be with you. We don’t what tomorrow will bring, but I know that there is a war coming. We will fight and no one knows if we lose or win. How many from our families and friends will survive. I don’t know if we’ll survive. And if die, I will die as your wife. I don’t want to spend another day apart from you.”

You felt a tear running down your cheek and Harry brushed it away with his fingers.

“Don’t cry. Please, I can’t stand seeing your cry. I understand now and if this is your deepest wish, then I will make it come true.”

“You’re sure? I don’t want to force you, I know it completely rushed and dumb, but I love you and I don’t care what other people will think or say as long as we are happy. Do want you to marry me?”

Harry took your face in both of his hands and gave you a chaste kiss on your lips.

“Yes, honey. But shouldn’t I ask you this question?”

You just laughed and kissed him again.

 The first day of August would be your wedding date. Sadly the same date as Bill and Fleur, because their wedding would be at the afternoon. But you didn’t tell anyone, beside your best friends Hermione, Ginny, Ron and your maternal cousin Luna. You knew that Fleur would have been offended and Molly Weasley would have been crossed about your decision to marry on the same day as Bill and Fleur. You really didn’t want to ruin their day, so you would marry in a little ceremony at this morning.

Everyone in the house was already awake, but the guests didn’t come yet and Molly and the other women were busy to prepare Fleur for her wedding and the men were helping the groom’s father building the tent behind the house.

You tiptoed down the wooden stairs and made sure that no one saw you leaving the house through the back door. Hermione, Ginny and Luna waited for you a few meters away and Hermione waved with her hand to signal you that must made haste before the men in the garden would notice you.

You exhaled slowly when you were out of their sight and Luna took giggling your hand, because Hermione was ushering you to walk further along the outskirts of the nearby forest.

You saw Harry already standing under the big tree where you always used to sit when you both spend your time in the Burrow. There you decided last night to make this big step in your relationship.

Harry was wearing a simple white button down, it didn’t fit him so well, and grey trousers, but he looked as handsome as always.

You hold tight to Luna’s hand when you approached Harry. He stared at you with his mouth light ajar and you chuckled slightly at this view.

“Hey,” you whispered when you stopped a few feet away from him.

Ron poked Harry into the rips with his elbow to wake him out of his trance.

“Hi, Y/N, you look good… no, you look stunning, gorgeous, divine,” he stumbled out the compliments and saw him blushing, because he felt silly that he began to stutter.

“You look awesome yourself,” you replied with a bright smile.

 A man cleared his throat who stood with you under the big tree. The man would wed Fleur and Bill later and Hermione could convince him to wed the both of you in the morning. She didn’t want to reveal how she convinced him and you didn’t care, but you were truly grateful to have a friend like her.

“Who give the bride to the groom?” The man spoke with a low baritone and you looked helplessly at Hermione and Luna. You didn’t think about all the part of a wedding to be honest, but like always Hermione had a plan and whispered something in Luna’s ear, and your cousin nodded at her words.

“As Y/N’s cousin, I will give her to the groom,” Luna announced in her clear voice and guided you over to Harry to lay your hand in his. She smiled encouraging and you formed a thank you with your lips.

You gave your fully attention to Harry and he took both of your hands. You squeezed his shortly and Harry gave you a lovingly smile. His green eyes sparkled with joy and happiness and you thought your heart might explode with love for him.

“Today we come together to celebrate the union between Harry and Y/N. You may say your vows now,” the man summoned you and Harry took a moment to grab a piece of paper that Ron handed him.

“This morning, I woke up excited because today is the day I marry my best friend. Yesterday I didn’t know that this would happen, but I am grateful that my life became more spontaneous with you. I promise to continue our relationship joyfully with laughter, compassion, humor, and love throughout our life together.”

His words were meant honest and the little smile at his lips never faded. At the end you both had tears in your eyes and you heard Ron blowing his nose.

“Okay, I think it’s my turn. Harry, I knew shortly after we met that we would partner not just for a time, but for life. You take my breath away every time I see you, and I still get butterflies in your presence. I promise to love you in this life and beyond as we walk side-by-side as life partners. My heart will be always yours. I love you now and forever.”

You both laughed, because you couldn’t stop the happy tears and Harry leaned forward to press his lips to yours for a few seconds.

The man continued the ceremony and after you both clearly declared the words ‘I do’, you were presented as Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter to your friends. Hermione, Luna, Ginny and Ron cheered and applauded as Harry and you walked a few steps away from them.

“We did it,” you said with a giggle and Harry turned towards you.

“Yeah, we did it. I still can’t believe it. You must know that Hermione helped me with the vows,” Harry confessed and you laughed at his words.

“She did a perfect job. But you’re right, it feels unreal, but it’s true. We are a married couple now.”

“Do we tell the others?”

“Not today,” you answered shaking your head.

“But maybe next week?” Harry suggested.

“My dad will definitely kill us.”

“I can handle your dad. Can you handle Mrs. Weasley?”

“Yeah, I think Mrs. Weasley is more terrifying.”

You both laughed again and Harry pulled you tightly to his chest.

“I can handle everything that will come as long as I have you by my side.”

[may-day-voice]

Prom Night Lights | The End

Hitoshi Shinsou Timeline | 172732014

please do not repost, but you have permission to reblog :)

• Watch/ Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e30rfoavDdA

• Read on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/1123031111-hitoshi-shinsou-pro-hero-au-172732014-prom-night

They say that milestones are worth celebrating - your first steps, your first words, your first classroom filled with bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kids. And then there are the firsts that hurt you - your first experience with fear, with doubt, with shame and hate. They are what make up the building blocks of life. But now, this was the first of many firsts to follow - school graduation from one of the most prestigious academies in Musatafu.

And your hands were sweaty.

“Hey, we’re going to be fine,” assured a whisper beside you, finding that smile on Midoriya’s face.

“Yeah, yeah of course. We’ll be fine,” you agreed, chuckling nervously, hoping that alone assured your anxiousness.

“You could give Bakugou a run for his money,” whispered Kaminari beside you with a grin.

“Not funny.”

“I mean, come on, you’re sweating bullets and we haven’t been called to the stage.”

You pouted at Kaminari while you clenched your fists, keeping track with every breath you took. It was a simple walk, shaking hands, accepting your paper then off you went. Classes have been practicing and rehearsing days before, and yet you felt the nerves brew in your gut. The words that echoed from the microphone became a drone and a buzz in your head, paying more attention to the voices that crept in instead - the panicked thoughts of your classmates around you from every course. It was loud, cacophonous until you honed your mind into somewhere familiar when the applause rippled through the seats.

“We’ll be fine,” uttered a calm voice, your eyes turning towards him.

You only wished you shared this with one other person who sat down the aisle in the graduating hall. Searching amongst the chairs, you eyed a mop of purple hair, his tired eyes staring back at yours through the applause. You swore you saw a smirk on his face through the crowd before your class was called to attention.

You felt proud to stand alongside Hitoshi Shinsou, a fellow classmate of Class 3-A while each of you turned to make the trek to the stage, ready for the world.

——

The ceremony took longer than many of the students expected - almost three hours at best while you made your way to Heights Alliance. Walking through the school and watching the younger freshman go about their day reminded you of your growth, learning to hone your Quirk and become not only a better Hero, but a better person. Despite Aizawa’s strict regimen, some of the time, you thanked him inwardly for being not only your homeroom teacher, but a role model and someone to aspire to.

Still, graduation was a coming-of-age. You wondered if you deserved it. There had been some thoughts about your acceptance into the Hero course, how you got through by the skin of your teeth, and then your conversations with Shinsou growing with him during the years here at UA. Although he earned his right to be in the Hero course, let alone in 3-A, there was always that conversation about how either of your Quirks would help society, especially after what had happened in the War that felt like a lifetime ago.

A sad smile pulled at your lips with the thought weighing heavily. You had put in some applications for agencies, but still considered your fit into their agendas. After all, who needed a mind reader?

“Well, if it isn’t the runt of Class 3-A,” called a brutish voice from afar. You eyed the student, not recognizing him until you spotted the buttons on his shoulder.

“Hey, we’re talking to you,” called out another next to him.

With a quick glance of your eye, you discovered they were General Studies students, but not ones you recognized from Shinsou’s former class. Perhaps they were from other classes, you thought, while you quickened your pace. You cursed yourself inwardly about walking alone to Heights Alliance, even though it wasn’t too far from the major school grounds. You kicked yourself harder wondering why you declined an invitation by your classmates to hang around the auditorium. You had thought getting to your dorm earlier would help your nerves for tonight.

Otherwise, your nerves were just nerves.

You couldn’t help feeling that unnerving feeling that crawled on your back, knowing those students decided to track behind you. Until-

This is too easy. So much for being a smart Hero.

It wasn’t the first time you’ve heard insults before. You grew up with that kind of treatment, and only felt acceptance here at this academy. Some of the time at least. You wondered while you made a turn away from Heights Alliance and decided to round the school grounds instead. What did they want?

You only continued to walk through the school grounds until, by happenstance, you found yourself on the PE grounds, empty of people. You shook your head knowing that was a mistake to leave populated areas, however, making your tracks back to the auditorium might yield better results should you find your classmates.

But no one was in sight.

Your eyes darted around, having walked under the bleachers before you decided to turn, coming face to face with both students, their tall frames towering over you before they trapped you within their arms, leaning against the metallic skeleton of the bleachers.

“Hey congratulations,” one cooed with a grin, his arm trapping you from escape. “Never thought someone like you would survive.”

Not a word. Not one word, you thought. Eyes on them, only on them.

“Oh wait, you can hear our thoughts,” he commented, his head hovering over yours while you kept your eye on him. “Want to know mine?”

It was hard to ignore while you continued to rake through your mind, your head only filled with the words he thought. You took a few glances around to still find nobody in sight, your vision soon blocked by their bodies trapping you in the bleachers.

“Hey, why don’t you pick on someone your own size?” Crowed a familiar voice from behind them.

“Shinsou?” You called out, spotting his form between them, backlit by the sun that began its descent in the sky. It caught the students’ attention, their eyes turning menacingly towards Shinsou with disdain.

“Two against one isn’t fair,” he continued, eyeing the both of them as if his stare drilled into theirs. Your heart leapt from your chest at the sight, but you heard not a word from the students that cornered you. All they did was stare before one ordered the other silently to approach Shinsou.

You heard their intent loud and clear in your mind, their surface thoughts still hard to ignore before out of your control, you tried to run. Your arm was grabbed violently, holding you back at the bleachers while you watched the scene unfold, forced to watch the first punch fly into Shinsou’s face. It was deathly silent except for the sound of every bone-crushing fist that connected with Shinsou, and yet he did not fight back. He took the blows, one at a time.

“Wait, stop!” you cried, pulling at your arms that held you back.

“Oh look it talks,” snarked the student that held you hostage, tugging you and gripping his hands tightly on your skin. “Out of everyone here, this guy gets special treatment. Someone with a Quirk like his getting into the Hero program, what a joke. You two were made for each other.”

The punches grew wilder and harder, pummeling into Shinsou’s chest and face. And yet, he still did not retaliate. He stood his ground, his face pained with every strike before a giant blow winded his gut, forcing him to his knees.

“Stop it! Let him go!” you yelled, still pulling at the hands that gripped you tightly.

“Aw come on, I don’t think your boyfriend appreciates you shouting like that,” taunted the student before you while he shook his hands beside him, stretching his fingers from the assault.

Shinsou breathed through his teeth, grabbing hold of his gut with a nauseating feeling that travelled in waves through his body. His vision blurred from the pain, staring up at his assailant - this General Studies student - a former fellow if anything.

“That all you got?” he taunted, earning another punch.

“Hitoshi!” You yelled, the voices growing louder with their laughter and their taunts. It wasn’t fair. You had your share of childish behavior. You thought graduation was beyond this, but with every strike to Shinsou, it stung. This wasn’t meant to be.

Until the voices stopped.

A snap echoed in the air before both students were wrapped tightly in bindings, constricted in the cloth that froze them in place. You felt your arms release from their hands before running to Shinsou, leaning to aid him in his now beaten and battered body.

“And I was having such a good day today,” retorted a cool yet aggravated voice.

Especially aggravated.

Following the trails of his Binding Cloth, you found Aizawa standing by the pathways, his eyes glowing red while keeping the other students constricted within his grasp. You pulled Shinsou onto his feet, draping his arm around your shoulder for leverage before you turned to Aizawa, his eyes unmoving while he continued to stare.

“Take him to Recovery Girl,” he ordered. “Don’t mind me.”

Without another word, you slowly made your way to the Nurse’s Office, keeping Shinsou on his feet and leaving Aizawa behind.

——

“Ow.”

Shinsou sat on one of a few stretchers in the Nurse's Office, now bandaged after being tended to by Recovery Girl. It was still hilarious to see how she worked her magic, seeing that Shinsou was almost pummeled into submission earlier, but with only the bandages to help heal a few smaller injuries, he waited while Recovery Girl spoke with you by the doors.

“Now dear, he’ll be fine,” she reassured with a smile. “Good thing too, or else he’d be hurting like crazy tonight.”

You smiled knowing Shinsou was taken care of, but glanced at him, spotting the bandages that covered part of his body while he scratched at a few.

“Go easy on him. He should be fine for the celebration, but he’ll need to stay here before then,” advised Recovery Girl before she left you by the door, walking slowly with her cane in hand.

You smiled after the Pro-Hero, briefly wondering how much you’d miss her after leaving for Pro-Hero life before you entered the room, stomping towards Shinsou then punching him in his shoulder.

“Ow!” exclaimed Shinsou, his eyes turning to you confused.

“You’re an idiot, you know that?” you barked with a cross look.

“Funny coming from the one who calls for a study buddy most nights.”

“I could’ve handled that on my own.”

“Certainly looked like it.”

You grumbled in frustration, earning another punch in his shoulder to relieve your anger somehow.

“Ow!” He exclaimed again.

“I was actually scared,” you explained, angry, relieved, and frightened despite feeling all of these at once. “You tried to help, but look at you.”

“Yeah, well, no Quirks on campus, remember? And Aizawa would’ve killed the both of us if we did.”

“Yeah that’s for sure.”

You succumbed to that fact, knowingly realizing the folly of actions that transpired. And yet, you were relieved that Aizawa let you both go. Although, thinking more on that, it was more so the fact that Shinsou was injured that you were able to leave. The guilt started to build, tiny but still significant. It was odd how events could cascade into something so large-

Boyfriend, huh?

“What?” You asked.

“What?” Replied Shinsou in turn.

“Nothing!”

You glanced away, realizing you just read his head. That wasn’t intentional. You didn’t mean to. Nerves, it was nerves.

“Thanks,” you slowly spoke, catching Shinsou’s ear. “Recovery Girl said you need to stay here until tonight, so, if you want, I could pick up anything you need.”

“To be honest, I was thinking of not going,” admitted Shinsou, surprising you a little.

“Why? You’ve worked so hard to be here. You deserve a celebration like everyone else.”

He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, uncaring about the situation before you pouted, punching him again.

“Ow! Haven’t I been a punching bag long enough?” He exclaimed in surprise.

“This isn’t like your birthdays,” you retorted, his eyes surprised at your fervent pressure. “You worked your ass off to be here, in the Hero program, with us. Sure, you haven’t made some close friends, but you are deserving and you’ve earned everything tonight. I will not accept your apathetic response as worthy enough to warrant an excuse to-“

“Would you like to come with me?”

You stopped, staring at Shinsou with your lips slightly agape. No amount of mind-reading expected that.

“I was going to ask after the ceremony, then those idiots started following you,” he explained. “And seeing what’s happened now, I didn’t want to drag you down.”

Silence filled the room while you felt the beat of your heart echo in your ears. You could feel the blood burn inside with a flush of embarrassment. Just what were you doing?

“I kissed you once, and this shocks you?” Asked Shinsou with a quizzical brow.

“You stole that from me!” You retorted, finally snapping you out of your stupor.

Shinsou only laughed at your response, earning one from you as well, the giggles echoing in the mostly empty room of empty stretchers.

An hour or two had passed before you stepped outside, watching the sun still in the sky while you made your way to Class 3-A’s dorms. Shinsou had graciously given you the key to his dorm to collect his suit, which he explained was actually picked out by Kaminari of all people. You chuckled wondering how that encounter must have happened while you readied yourself in your formal wear earlier than most on your floor before heading to the topmost floor for Shinsou’s. Quickly taking what he had listed was his outfit, you carried the dress suit on your shoulders while rushing out of the dorms, only to-

“Oh sorry!” Blurted someone by the front doors of your dormitories after knocking into them accidentally.

“No, you’re good!” You called back, paying no mind to who it was before dashing on the pathways in your dress shoes towards the school grounds.

You've never seen the grounds empty of students after the day was done. It was almost eerie in its presence before your steps echoed in the empty halls, reaching the Nurse’s Office in due time. You excitedly entered the doors with a grin, finding Shinsou standing by the windows while he stared at the changing colours of the sky. He turned to find you a little flush from the light jog, yet he stood with arms crossed, eyeing you from head-to-toe.

“I could’ve walked,” he commented dryly.

“Certainly looks like it,” you teased with a smile, eyeing his bandages.

“All right, enough teasing Kitten.” Shinsou outstretched his hand to receive his suit from you, which you handed happily. He proceeded to unwrap the bandages from his person, removing each piece before he revealed his toned torso. You watched while his thumbs tucked into the rim of his pants, halting before his violet gaze glanced at you quizzically.

“Um, would you mind?” He asked.

It took a moment for you to realize-

“Oh sorry,” you whispered before you turned your back on him, your eyes no longer staring at him undressing. You smiled at yourself with the image of Shinsou’s torso clear in your mind. Thankfully there was no bruising, but his build was hard to ignore. All his days training off hours really paid off, especially after taking a beating from earlier today.

Shinsou slipped into his dress suit for the graduation prom, still perplexed for such a large outing before his eye stared at your back. He soaked in the sight of you while you swayed on your shoes every now and then. His time in UA was paved with his stubbornness and his own merit, yet staring at you, growing with him and sharing your lives with each other also brought a warm smile. He fixed his tie around his collar, ensuring it sat well with the suit before he approached you from behind, guiding his hand upon your shoulder with a gentle squeeze. He stopped to watch you turn to him, taking in the sight even more now that you stood beside him.

“Shall we?” He asked with that smile still present.

You returned that smile filled with joy before feeling his hand direct you out from the Nurse’s Office and into the evening ahead.

——

The prom was lit with fairy lights, much like the paths that led to Gym Gamma that lined the trees. You smiled at how magical it looked, for lack of a better word, but compared to the events of today, it eased your mind to see your fellow graduating class celebrating the night away. Shinsou was more than happy to sit throughout the prom night, observing and watching everyone across the dance floor while you sat beside him. There hadn’t been a label on this friendship you shared, on this growing trust you’ve built with the former General Studies student. Heck, he was right when he mentioned that one kiss he took when you were stuck in a closet, no thanks to Kaminari and Ashido.

And then you heard his thoughts, by accident you were sure or at least tried to convince yourself when you heard what he thought. Boyfriend? Maybe. His intentions were clear from the start. You evaluated where you stood, glancing at him while he still continued to watch, his head slightly bobbing to the music playing all around.

“Let’s move in together,” you remarked before you watched his surprised reaction.

“What?” He whispered, confused.

“That’s the goal. Let’s find a place and move in together.”

“I haven’t even heard from any agencies yet, and you want to make nesting plans? Aren’t we too young-“

“Humour me,” you interrupted, turning yourself to face him while the lights decorated in dapples along the curve of his cheeks.

Shinsou stared into your eyes, painted with intention and purpose, waiting for an answer to such a ludicrous question. Out of the blue no less. He soon turned to you, making himself comfortable while his hands held onto yours, shared between each other’s laps.

“An apartment, overlooking part of the city with nice windows so it’ll let natural light inside,” he described with some thought.

“But not too high,” you added. “Is Toka an outdoor cat?”

“I found her outside.”

“Okay, something on the fifth floor?” You continued, still humoring the idea in your mind. “That’s gotta be high enough for a view.”

“Only with an elevator,” added Shinsou with a smirk. “I refuse anything with just flights of stairs.”

You chuckled at the mere thought of Shinsou having to run up and down stairs for a fifth floor apartment, yet in turn it gave him a smirk to see you smile and laugh. He chuckled until pain rippled through his sides, clutching onto his torso while you continued to giggle despite your own concern about his well being. Closing in on Shinsou only made his eyes glint against the lights of the auditorium, seeing his violets almost glow within the dim dance lights. You stared into their pools as if you could drown in them, in the way he stared back at you.

“Is it all right if I called you Hitoshi?” You asked, momentarily catching him unaware of the sudden request.

“I thought you’d never ask,” he chuckled, almost sultry while you still stared into his eyes, your noses so close to one another’s. “You didn’t have a problem earlier when my face was getting smashed in.”

“Shut up,” you teased with a light smack on his shoulder. He cried a little from the smack, but the pain was short-lived before he closed the gap in-between, his lips on yours with a delicate touch.

“Thank you Kitten,” he whispered with a smile, his hands clasping on yours gently.

“Thank you Hitoshi.”

Life is made up of many firsts, some that would test the age of time. And you hoped to cherish the memories that would also follow after, for as long as your mind would keep them.

[word-scribbless]

Oh Baby part 5

(As a teacher who took many child development courses, I know I made Amelia talk more than a normal one year old but I’m taking some creative liberties haha 😂. Just assume she’s a baby genius!)

Series masterlist

—————

It was the night before Amelia’s first birthday, and the day they would sign the paperwork for Gibbs to officially adopt her. Gibbs and Y/N stood over their daughters crib, leaning against each other, after tucking her in.

“You ready to legally become this little girls daddy tomorrow?” Y/N said as she leaned over Amelia’s crib to stroke the sleeping girl’s cheek.

“Been ready” he smiled and kissed Y/N’s head.

“She’ll officially be Amelia Gibbs!” She whispered as they walk from the nursery to their room, hand in hand.

“You ever think about being a Gibbs too?” He asked as they sat down on the edge of their bed.

Y/N froze slightly and turned to him.

“All the time” she answered truthfully, reaching to touch his face. “but” she continued and looked at him a little sad.

“J you know that with or with out an us, you’ll still be Amelia’s dad right?” She asked him. She knew he loved her, but never wanted to force him to take another step with her because he felt like he had to or because of Amelia.

“Do ya not wanna marry me?” He asked.

“No! I do!” She corrected quickly and he smiled lightly. “God of course I do! Being your wife would mean so much to me! But I don’t want you to feel like you have to marry me because I’m legally Amelia’s mom.”

“That’s not the reason I brought it up” he stated matter of factly and cupped her face.

“You said you’d never get married again” she reminded.

“Then I fell in love with you.” He said with a smirk. He knew she was just trying to make sure he was comfortable moving forward, and he loved her for that.

“J” she smiled. He loved that she never questioned his love for her, she took him for his word and he would never lie to her because of that.

“I bought this a week before you told me about Amelia.” He said, pulling out a beautiful simple engagement ring from his night stand.

“You- you had this ring all that time!” She gasped and ran a finger gently over the band while the other hand cupped his hands. He nodded and smiled at her reaction.

“You bought a ring and I dumped you!” She said and looked so hurt at the idea that she hurt him like that. He quickly shook his head, moving a hand to her cheek to sooth her worried look.

“When I found out why, I knew I loved you even more. I know I’m not great at marriages” he chuckled “but, with you and Amelia i don’t want to run. I want us.” He smiled and reached into the drawer again.

“Bought these the week after we got back together.” He said pulling out 2 wedding bands that had all 3 of their initials carved on the inside.

“I love you!” She said through tears “and I love how sweet you are, but I’ll keep it a secret.” She smiled. She loved how loving and gentle he was, and that only her and Amelia got to see it.

“I love you!” He answered as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her.

“Did you just ask me to marry you?” She asked against his lips.

“Not yet” he laughed

“You gonna?” She asked and he smirked at her before nodding and taking the engagement ring from the box.

Gibbs took her hand and kissed her ring finger.

“Y/N y/l/n I love you, I love our family. You and Amelia make me a better man” he got choked up and she wiped a tear from his cheek. “I don’t ever want it any other way. So, will you do me the honor of being a Gibbs too? Will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes of course!” She said as he slid the ring in her finger and kissed her.she wrapped him in a hug and tucked her head into his neck. “That was so well worded for a functional mute.” She giggled into his neck and heard him huff a laugh before she kissed the skin there.

“You should keep these out too!” She said sitting back up and taking the wedding bands from him.

He raised an eye brow to ask why.

“tomorrow! I- I want to get married tomorrow!”

She said grabbing something from her drawer.

“Wasn’t sure if I was going to bring it up or not but... I looked into what we need to do to make us official tomorrow too.”

“Tomorrow?”

She nodded with a shy smile and took his hand.

“We can wait but” she started and he stopped her saying.

“No! Tomorrow is good.”

“I wasn’t expecting the rings or the proposal but, I want this and I don’t want to wait!” She smiled and kissed her.

“Me either! I’ll keep these with Amelia’s ring for now.” He said and turned back to his bed side table.

“What?” She asked.

“Made her one too”

“You! You did?”

“Yeah it’s wooden, figured she could wear it as a necklace once it doesn’t fit anymore and right now just for pictures but.”

“I love you!” She said cutting him off with a kiss.

“I love you! Ready to be a Gibbs tomorrow?” He asked, kissing her back.

“I’m ready right now! But I’ll settle for tomorrow!” She said pulling him down into the bed with her.

They next morning Y/N woke up to Amelia’s calls for them both and the bed gently shifting as he got up to get her.

“Guess our little girl is excited for her big day!” She said, moving to follow her soon to be husband.

“Come on mrs gibbs let’s go see our girl” He said as he reached his hand out for her.

“I love the sound of that!”

They walked into Amelias room to her clapping, excited to see them there.

“Well hi there our big one year old!” Gibbs cooed as he scooped Amelia from her crib.

“You’re a whole year old today! And officially becoming a Gibbs!” Y/N smiled, what a big day for you bug!” She said and Amelia giggled moved in gibbs arms to hold her mom’s.

“Thank you y/N. Gibbs smiled and kissed Amelia’s head and then Y/N’s. He may not have said for what, but she knew.

“You’ve always been her daddy Jethro! Thank you for wanting this.” She answered and tucked into his side.

After eating breakfast they walked back to Amelia’s room to get ready for the day.

“What do you say Ami! Ready to become Gibbses!” She said tickling her side

Amelia let out a happy squeal and babbled yeah yeah yeah!”

“Me too little one!”

Gibbs smiled as Y/N scooped Amelia from his arms and started to change her diaper. He went to get the little dress they’d picked out and the bow head band.

“Let’s get you ready little miss!” He smiled as he moved to put the dress over her head. “Mommy and Daddy are getting married today so let’s let momma go get all fancy too huh?” He said to the little girl, causing Y/N to smile and move to let Gibbs finish getting their daughter ready.

She stopped right before she pulled her dress on and panicky rushed back to Gibbs.

“A witness!”

“I think mommy’s going coocoo Miss meali” he laughed.

“No Jethro! I didn’t get a witness to be there so we can get married!”

“I’ve got it covered!” He said scooping up a fully dressed Amelia. And spinning her around.

“Our 1 year old doesn’t could as a witness Jay!”

He smirked “I’m aware.”

“So you asked someone?”

He nodded

She huffed “okay I see you nodding but I’m actually gonna need words for this one!”

“Ducky is meeting us at noon.”

“Ahh you think of everything! I love you! And you!” She said kissing them both.

“We love you too! No go get ready!” He chuckled and pushed her back to their room.

At the court house the three of them were all smiles as Amelia and then Y/N became official Gibbs girls. Amelia clung to her Poppa the whole time they were going through the adoption process. When everything was official Y/N and Jethro locked eyes, both brimming with happy tears. They laughed as Amelia noticed her daddy’s tears and wiped them with her little hands before saying “Poppa!” To make him smile. Then looking at Y/N and repeating the process.

“We aren’t sad baby! We are so happy to be a family.” Y/N smiled as Gibbs kissed Amelia’s cheek and said “not sad tears princess, they’re I Love You tears.”

She giggle as he tickled her belly and she cooed “uv ouuuu!” To her parents.

Shortly after, ducky arrived and they prepared for the next big event of the day. Gibbs held Amelia in one arm and Y/N’s hand with the other.

The ceremony was short and sweet and very Gibbs like with no fuss. He promised himself that after everything was said and done he’d plan any kind of party or ceremony she’d want , but he loved that just their little family and a close friend was here for this one.

“Jethro, y/n said before she slid his ring on his hand. “thank you, for choosing and loving me and Amelia every single day, and letting us choose and love you. You two are my everything and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She smiled through tears as she slid on his ring.

Jethro cleared his throat and took her hand. “Not much for words, but I’d write a book for you girls. I love you both so much and always will.” He said and Y/N wiped a tear from his cheek and took Amelia so he could get her ring from Ducky and slide it on her finger.

After they were officially husband and wife,

Ducky hugged them all and said “well Gibbs family, I will see you soon. Are you going to tell the team about this?” He said pointing to their rings.

“Let’s test their skill.” Gibbs joked

“My bet is Tony notices first.” Y/N laughed and ducky shook his head

“I say abs” Gibbs countered and looked at Amelia.

“What do you think meali who will notice mommy and daddy’s rings first?” He asked her with a laugh.

“IVA!” She squealed her version of Ziva’s name and ducky laughed.

“I think she’s on to something, I’ll see you three this evening.”

“Hey Duck” Gibbs said jogging after him while Y/N stood talking and giggling with Amelia.

“Thank you for doing this. Glad you were here.” He continued.

“Oh my dear boy” Ducky said patting his back. “Thank you for letting me be here. You take care of them.” He said nodding towards the girls.

“Always” Gibbs smiled.

A few hours later Y/N and Andi had the whole house decorated and ready for Amelia’s birthday party, while Josh and Gibbs entertained the girls in the back yard.

“So you really did it, tied the knot huh?” Josh asked Gibbs as they held the girls hands while they kick balls around the yard.

“Yup” Gibbs answered with a smile.

“Andi said Y/N wasn’t so sure you’d be up for marriage again. Said she didn’t mind either way, but I know that she is thrilled to be your wife.”

“Pretty thrilled to have her as my wife.” He smirked and Josh smiled.

“Poppa!” Amelia squealed from the grass, he kneeled down and scooped her up.

“What’s up little girl?”

She smile and nuzzled her face against his.

“Someone else is thrilled to be your family too.”

Josh smiled and scooped up Riley.

Gibbs just smiled and kissed Amelia’s head.

“I’m a lucky man Josh.” He stated and went to go find his wife.

“Hey!” She said as he found her in the kitchen and pulled her into a family hug.

“Momma!” Amelia giggled and kissed her face.

“What are you two doing?” She smiled and leaned back into her husband.

“Just missed ya!” He said , she smiled and caught his lips with hers before they heard the doorbell ring.

They walked to get it together, wanting Amelia to greet her first guests. She clapped as they opened the door to the whole team. Abby scooped her up out of Gibbs arms (after making sure Gibbs kissed her first so she wouldn’t scream) and carried her off to play.

Gibbs was sitting with ducky and McGee when Tony walked over.

“Boss, for a man who said he wanted to stay single... you got pretty lucky.”

“I sure did DiNozzo.”

He laughed before he heard Ziva yell “NO WAY!” From the kitchen.

He turned around to see Ziva holding y/N’s hand and staring at her rings.

“So very lucky!” Tony said earning a smile from Gibbs. Then he proceeded to make a comment about having 5 wives that quickly earned him a Gibbs slap.

“Guess Amelia won the bet” Y/N said laughing

“What do you mean?”

“We took bets on who would notice first and meals picked you!” She said to Ziva.

“My girl!” Ziva said scooping her up.

“Who said me?” McGee asked, and practically outed when they all looked guilty.

“Sorry Mcoblivious.” Tony laughed and Amelia pouted at him and turned to time.

“We lug ou -I’m -im!” She smiled as she reached for him,

The Gibbs family enjoyed their day with their little found family. Amelia loved her cake and playing with the bows from her presents.

Finally they sat with the last present. It was from Gibbs and y/n was just as out of the loop as everyone else about it. Amelia (with Y/N’s help unwrapped a beautiful jewlrey box.

“Did you make this?” Y/n asked Gibbs with tears in her eyes.

“I did” he nodded.

The box looked exactly like the one Y/N’s grandmother had given her when she was a baby.

“Jethro this is so perfect!”

“Gonna share with the class?” Tony butted in.

“Sorry” y/n laughed “um when I was growing up my grandmother gave me a jewelry box like this and when I turned 18 she gave me our family heirloom locket to go with it.” she touched the locket on her neck. “The jewlrey box was ruined in a flood and this.” She sniffed “this is one Jethro made for Amelia! She can put her ring in there” she said to Gibbs, “and the locket when she turns 18.” She smiled so widely as she watched their daughter run her hand along the carved box.

��Who are you and what have you done with our boss” Tony said to Gibbs and was met by a glare from both Gibbs and his daughter.

“Of all the things she could learn from you she gets the glare!?” Y/N laughed and hugged them both.

What a perfect first official day as a family.

———————-

Next chapter

@drakelover78 @mac99martin @kittenlittle24 @viper-official @ilovemark1951 @theofficialzivadavid @averyhotchner @andreasworlsboring101 @diesinspanishbcimhispanic @hopscotchandlemon @gibbsandpridegirl

[kjack89]

An Agreement Between Gentlemen (Chapter 6/?)

Continuation of the E/R Bridgerton AU, regency-era fake-marriage with all the shenanigans, and what comes after the wedding? Why, the honeymoon, of course. This got long, so I had to cut it, and, uh...sorry not sorry in advance for where it ends ;) (Chapter 1 tumblr | AO3, chapter 2 tumblr | AO3, chapter 3 tumblr | AO3, chapter 4 tumblr | AO3, chapter 5 tumblr | AO3)

Weddings, though usually happy affairs for the couple and families involved, always bring with them a certain amount of disappointment. Disappointment for suitors who find themselves spurned; disappointment for distant relatives hoping to inherit; and disappointment, perhaps most of all, for you, dear readers, as they usually signal the end of a scandal. 

It is thus with a somewhat heavy heart that this Author reports that the wedding between the Marquess of Enjolras and Adélaïde Grantaire has occurred without complication and with seemingly little fanfare. They were wed in a small, private ceremony with two of Mr. Grantaire’s household attendants as witnesses. And, assumedly, Mr. Grantaire himself, though interestingly, this Author has it on good authority that his is not one of the signatures on the marriage certificate as an official witness. An unusual move, to be sure, but nothing about this particular wedding can be otherwise described as usual.

In any case, friends and family alike await the Marquess’ return to the city, though no one seems to have any idea when that event may occur. The Earl of Courfeyrac was overheard lamenting to Viscount Prouvaire that none of their friends were invited or even informed of the wedding before reading it in this very column. Even more unusual than not standing as witness to one’s sister’s wedding may indeed be not informing one’s closest friends of one’s pending nuptials, especially when said nuptials are surrounded by scandal.

Perhaps this illustrates why the Marquess has not yet returned – between his mother and his friends, he is certain to have quite a bit of explaining to do. LADY WHISTLEDOWN’S SOCIETY PAPERS, 7 MAY 1831 

Dinner following the wedding was an understated affair, nothing like the grand feast that Enjolras was certain his mother would have planned had this been a real wedding. And while he and Grantaire carried on their conversation as if nothing much had happened that day, he couldn’t help but feel that something between them had shifted, something he could not quite find the name to but which left him feeling unmoored.

As the evening drew to a close and both men finished their after-dinner drinks (a rather hefty glass of whiskey for Grantaire, a roughly thimbleful amount of cognac for Enjolras, and only grudgingly because they were ‘celebrating’), Enjolras felt like he needed to say something, though he wasn’t entirely sure how to broach the topic.

As usual, he picked the worst possible way.

“What you said earlier,” he started as they headed upstairs from the library, and Grantaire paused, tilting his head slightly as he glanced at Enjolras, clearly waiting for an explanation of what Enjolras could possibly be referring to, and Enjolras flushed slightly before elaborating, “about the wedding night.”

Grantaire straightened, his expression evening out. “A joke, of course,” he assured Enjolras, before adding, with just a hint of a smirk, “After all, I’m not a lord, so I’m not entitled to Primae Noctis.”

Enjolras rolled his eyes. “That so-called right is apocryphal at best,” he huffed, irritation spiking at the thought of any member of the nobility claiming some kind of right to rape a subject. “Besides which, wouldn’t it only entitle you to sleep with your sister?”

Again, possibly the worst way to continue the conversation, but Grantaire just winked at him. “That’s what you think.”

Despite himself, Enjolras blushed and looked away before clearing his throat. “Rights to the wedding night notwithstanding, I don’t believe I said it earlier today, so thank you. For...everything.”

He hoped he wouldn’t need to elaborate, not because he was incapable of enumerating the great many ways Grantaire had been of service to him in recent days but because he suspected Grantaire was in a mood to turn anything he said into a joke.

To his surprise, Grantaire did not joke in response, instead frowning slightly as he paused at the top of the stairs where they were set to part to attend to their individual bedchambers. “There is no need to thank me,” he told Enjolras. “I would do the same for any of our friends.”

“Would you?” Enjolras asked, more rhetorically than anything, because he suspected they both knew that the answer was contrary to Grantaire’s words. “I asked you once, before, why you were doing this. You did not answer me then, but I thought, given everything that has happened today, you might answer me now.”

Grantaire sighed. “Enjolras—” he started, but Enjolras just shook his head.

“Why did you do all this?”

“Because…” Grantaire trailed off, something unreadable crossing his face, and before Enjolras could so much as blink, he had closed the space between them, reaching up to cup Enjolras’s cheek with one hand, the other closing around Enjolras’s cravat.

And then he kissed him.

This was not the simple pressing of lips together of before, the fumbling move Enjolras had made at the wedding. This was like a fire that seemed to sear through Enjolras from the moment their lips touched, an electricity that sparked an absolute awareness of how Grantaire’s body pressed against his, and above all else, an overwhelming and inexplicable desire to pull Grantaire even closer, to rid themselves of the fabric that were the final barriers between them, or to—

But before Enjolras could react or respond in kind, Grantaire pulled away, looking horrified. “I am sorry, my lord,” he gasped, and there was no trace of his usual joking in his use of the title. “I should not have – forgive me.”

And without another word, he disappeared into his bedchamber, leaving Enjolras standing alone in the hallway, more confused than ever.

----------

Enjolras did not generally consider himself a vain man, but there were a number of things about himself that he took pride in, one of which was his intellect. There was not usually a puzzle that he encountered which he could not decipher, or, at the very least, develop a treatise on the tools needed so that the masses could decipher the puzzle.

But Grantaire was an enigma. Had always been, from the moment they had met, Enjolras a serious boy barely on the verge of manhood, Grantaire a seldom-serious man who, as Enjolras had recently learned, had left boyhood behind long before their meeting. Where Enjolras could understand each of his friends’ motivations, the driving forces that had led them to their group, he had never understood why Grantaire joined them and a cause in which he harbored no belief, and even less why he had stayed over the years.

And yet despite their numerous arguments, the shouting matches that caused the walls to shake or even just the bickering that peppered most of their conversations, he had never once made Grantaire leave.

He understood his reasons for that least of all.

Of course, his kiss with Grantaire, and Grantaire’s reaction to it, might beat it out for things he didn’t understand. Either of his kisses with Grantaire, he realized, since he had also kissed him during the wedding ceremony, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever understand his reasoning for doing that either.

Enjolras stared up at his ceiling, having woken far too early after a fitful sleep the night before. He did not like having a puzzle he could not solve on his hands, especially when he was stuck in said puzzle’s house, far from anything that might put them on some semblance of equal footing.

The longer he stared at the ceiling, the more it became clear to him that if he was going to figure this out, it required a change of scenery for both him and Grantaire, a chance to start anew, so to speak, and see what new developments would emerge. 

And there was only one way he could think of to do so.

“I was thinking of leaving,” Enjolras announced at the breakfast table when he had finally deemed the hour late enough for him to arise. He had been strangely gladdened to see that Grantaire also looked tired, as if he too had not slept well the previous night.

Not that the thought of Grantaire not sleeping well should gladden him, but it was at least a small sign that he was not alone in being affected by the events of the previous day.

Grantaire went very still at Enjolras’s words. “Oh?” he asked, in what to Enjolras seemed a deliberately casual sort of way.

Enjolras nodded. “Yes. Madame Hucheloup reminded me that it's customary for newly married couple to take a honeymoon trip, even if just for a few days, and as I am not ready to return yet to the city, this seems an easy excuse to explain my absence in a way that does not draw suspicion like my staying here would.’

Grantaire nodded as well, avoiding Enjolras’s eyes. “Where will you go?” he asked.

“I own a cottage in the north,” Enjolras told him. “I thought I might stay there for a bit.”

Grantaire frowned slightly. “Would not your servants wonder why you are there without your wife?”

Enjolras shook his head. “It's not family property, it's a cottage I bought in my own right. As such, there are no servants, and it's remote enough that I'm not sure anyone with twenty miles has any idea who I am or would care enough to report it to someone who does.” He wasn’t sure why, but he felt the need to add, for Grantaire’s benefit, “I go up there when I need to work, mostly, or just need to get away from the bowing and scraping and whatever else.”

“Well. That sounds lovely, and I'm certain you will have a good time.”

Enjolras waited a beat before adding, his turn to be deliberately casual, “I thought you might accompany me.”

Grantaire’s eyes widened before he busied himself with a scone. “Would that not be as obvious as you staying here?”

Enjolras shrugged. “I think Madame Hucheloup can manage some convincing tales in the village of you staying here while I journey north with your sister,” he said, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth.

“But why?”

Grantaire sounded torn between confusion and curiosity, and Enjolras shrugged again. “You don’t like being here,” he said simply.

“How—”

Enjolras should have realized that Grantaire would be surprised by that observation. He had a reputation, deserved or otherwise, of not paying attention to personal details of his friends, and he flushed slightly. “The way you spoke of your sister, and your father. This place holds no good memories.”

Grantaire’s eyes met his. “It holds a few. And more as of recent.”

“A few, then. But a great many bad ones, I’d wager.” Grantaire did not deny it and Enjolras hesitated before adding, “And I would not leave you alone with that.”

Grantaire nodded slowly, and for one heart-pounding moment, Enjolras thought he might refuse. But then he managed a small, wan smile. “In that case, I shall be glad to join you.”

Enjolras smiled as well, certain that he was one step closer to finding the answers he sought.

----------

It was a long ride up north to Enjolras’s cottage, but where the ride from the city to Grantaire’s estate had been punctuated by their usual conversation, there was none of that today. Silence hung between them instead, as Enjolras thought of a thousand conversation topics and cast them all aside, not wanting to say the wrong thing.

But eventually, the silence grew too much for him to bear, and he blurted, with a forced cheerfulness, “Lovely weather we’ve been having.”

Grantaire stared at him. “The weather,” he said, incredulity lacing both words. “You’re talking to me about the weather.”

“Well, it was that or comment on the jostling of the carriage, I suppose,” Enjolras muttered, feeling himself flush.

“And here I would assume that the jostling of the carriage is nothing compared to the struggle of the people that you champion so regularly,” Grantaire said archly, and Enjolras frowned.

“Are you trying to start this sojourn with a fight?” he asked

Grantaire just raised an eyebrow. “Trying? I do not recall ever needing to exert much energy to get you in an argumentative mood.”

Enjolras’s frown deepened. “Perhaps not, but…”

“But what?”

“But nothing,” Enjolras muttered, not wanting to tell him that he thought things might be different between them now. Different how was the real question, and that was the answer he was endeavoring to find. Of course, maybe nothing was different – maybe Enjolras was reading far too much into one stupid moment and they would return to the city and everything would fall back into place as it always had been.

He hated that he felt almost disappointed at that prospect.

“Tell me about this cottage we’re going to,” Grantaire said abruptly, and Enjolras blinked at him. “It’s only fair, you interrogated me about my home when we were en route there.”

“I’d hardly call it an interrogation,” Enjolras scoffed.

Grantaire’s expression didn’t change. “Maybe not, but the point still stands.”

Enjolras supposed it did. “It belonged to a distant relative of my mother’s,” he said. “A great-aunt, I think, though I only ever knew her as Auntie. It’s a couple of hours by horseback from the northernmost Enjolras family holdings. I was sent there as a child one summer for some fresh air.”

“Fresh air being assumedly in short supply at the Enjolras manor,” Grantaire remarked dryly.

Enjolras barked a laugh. “Truth be told, my parents just wanted me out of the way.” He sighed and shook his head. “My mother had discovered she was carrying another child, and I suppose my father didn’t want me underfoot.”

Grantaire blinked. “I did not realize you had a sibling.”

“I didn’t. My mother miscarried.”

Something tightened in Grantaire’s expression. “I am sorry.”

Enjolras jerked a nod. “Thank you,” he said quietly. “It’s not the same as losing a sibling, of course, but it was still a loss. A loss of possibility, really, of what could have been…” He trailed off and shook his head, his tone turning wistful. “But for one glorious summer, it was just me, in a cottage with no servants, no lessons, no expectations about how I should behave or speak as a future marquess. It was the best summer of my life.”

He shook his head once more to clear it of the memories that rose to the forefront of his mind. “When my mother’s great-aunt died, there were no close relatives to inherit, so the estate was going to pass to some even more distant relation, but I offered to purchase it instead. I used a small inheritance I received when my maternal grandfather died so that it couldn’t be lumped in with the Enjolras holdings. And it’s been mine ever since.”

“It’s not much of course,” he added, and he wasn’t sure why he felt the need to assure Grantaire of that, or to warn him. “Four bedrooms, I think, though one I don’t think I’ve been into in ten years, and another is used for storage. There’s a woman in the village nearby whom I retain to clean it every few weeks.” He paused before adding, suddenly feeling almost tongue-tied, “You’re the first person I’ve ever brought to stay.”

Grantaire looked surprised by that. “Truly? Not even Combeferre or Courfeyrac?”

Enjolras shook his head. “No.”

“I am...touched, I suppose.” Grantaire made a dry noise that might have been an attempt at a chuckle. “Hopefully I’ll not taint your memories of the place.”

“I’m certain you won’t.”

“You say that now, and yet…” Grantaire trailed off, looking almost troubled. “Dare I ask why you’re allowing me to intrude on what until now has been something of a sanctuary for you?”

Enjolras frowned. “I told you, I did not wish to leave you alone—”

“Yes, and it’s a noble gesture, but you know as well as I that I could have returned to the city, or gone any number of places.”

Enjolras made a face. “I do know that you are far more popular than I, yes.” Grantaire laughed and Enjolras managed a small smile before continuing, “I suppose I was looking for us both to get a small dose of reality before we returned to the city.”

Grantaire’s smile disappeared. “Reality,” he murmured, something almost dull in his voice. “Of course.”

“As much as I would love to continue living in this little fiction we’ve spun—” Grantaire did not laugh and Enjolras frowned, wondering if he had somehow said the wrong thing. “Anyway,” he muttered, “that’s why.”

They continued the journey in relative silence after that, and when Enjolras finally spotted the familiar grey stonework out the carriage window, he had never been so relieved. “We’re here,” he announced, rather unnecessarily, as the carriage drew to a halt.

Grantaire stepped out of the carriage and turned automatically to offer Enjolras his hand to help him down. “I can see why you come up here to think,” he said, surveying the rambling moors that extended in any given direction. “No distractions.” He gave Enjolras a mischievous smile. “Are you certain you want me here to ruin all that?”

Enjolras arched an eyebrow and looked pointedly after the carriage, which had already left. “Bit late to change my mind, don’t you think?”

Grantaire’s smile faded. “I suppose so,” he murmured, bending to pick up what luggage they had brought and ignoring Enjolras’s protestations that he was perfectly capable of carrying the luggage himself.

Once inside, both men stood a little awkwardly just past the entryway. Enjolras cleared his throat, casting about for a neutral topic. “Shall I make us some tea?” he asked, falling back on manners when all else had failed him.

Grantaire just shrugged. “Don’t feel obligated.”

“I do believe it’s considered good manners when hosting one’s brother-in-law, no matter how fictional the bond,” Enjolras said, aiming for a joke. “Or one’s bride, I suppose, depending on how one wished to look at it.”

But Grantaire didn’t look amused. “None for me, thanks.”

“Right,” Enjolras said, his heart sinking. “How about a tour, then?”

Grantaire shrugged again, but this time seemed inclined to actually go along with it, which was good, as it gave Enjolras at least a little more to drone on about as they made their way through the cottage. Of course, the cottage was only so big, so the tour itself was a brief affair, though Enjolras was somewhat relieved that Grantaire seemed to regain at least some of his good humor as they went. 

“So what do you think?” Enjolras asked as they finished the tour in the library.

“It’s not what I was expecting,” Grantaire admitted.

Enjolras glanced sideways at him. “Dare I ask what you were expecting?” he asked, equal parts wary and curious.

“Oh, the usual,” Grantaire said loftily, waving a hand as he plopped down on a sofa. “Threadbare curtains, a straw mattress to sleep on, no decorations…”

“You expected me to live like a monk?”

“Well, the vow of poverty seemed apt,” Grantaire mused before smirking at Enjolras. “Though I suppose were that the case, you would have abdicated your title and its associated lands, properties and incomes long ago.”

Enjolras knew Grantaire well enough to know when he was picking a fight, and he knew this was one of those times, even if he had no inkling of why Grantaire was choosing now to quarrel. Either way, he really did not wish to spend their first night in the north fighting, so he forced himself not to rise to the occasion. “Yes, well, as I am neither monk nor saint, I suppose I can indulge in a few comforts now and then,” he said instead before changing the subject. “I’m going to go down to the village before it gets too late to stock up on some food for our stay. Do you wish to accompany me?”

“No, I think I’ll stay here, see about perhaps getting some painting set up,” Grantaire said, but without much enthusiasm, and Enjolras frowned, unsure why Grantaire’s mood seemed so all over the place.

“Right,” he said. “Well. I’ll be back soon.”

“Pick up some whiskey while you’re down there, would you?” Grantaire asked, in a way that Enjolras couldn’t tell if it was a joke or not.

“And raise suspicions that I’ve suddenly returned as a drunk?” he said, aiming for a joke of his own. “We must keep up appearances, after all.”

But Grantaire just seemed to further deflate at that. “Right,” he said dully. “Appearances, and fiction, and all that.”

Enjolras had no idea what to even say to that, so he took his leave instead, hoping that by the time he returned, Grantaire might find himself in a better mood.

His trip to the village was a brief one, and he brought back enough food supplies for their supper and to break their fast in the morning, with more to be delivered the following day. When he returned, he was pleased to see that Grantaire had lit the fireplace in the kitchen, the library and both bedrooms, though he appeared to have abandoned his quest to paint, as he was instead absorbed in some ancient tome he had found in the library. Their evening was spent in relative but comfortable quiet as Enjolras read through some parliamentary briefings and Grantaire continued perusing the book, as similar an evening as many they had spent together over the years when their meetings had finished and it was just the two of them left in the backroom of the Musain.

But all too soon, Grantaire put the book down and stood. “I am going to call it an early night,” he told Enjolras. “I will see you on the morrow.”

“Of course,” Enjolras said, a little surprised as he looked over at the mantel clock. “Well, I was thinking perhaps we might take a walk tomorrow? Explore nearby and such?”

Grantaire glanced at the window. “It looks like it’s going to rain,” he said flatly, and before Enjolras could respond, he added, “Have a good night.”

All in all, Enjolras reflected when he too went to bed a few hours later, it was not at all what he had expected, and he was beginning to think this was a bad idea.

Still, he rose the next morning determined to make the best of it, only to quickly discover that Grantaire had risen with the opposite attitude, picking at his food over breakfast and staring out at the rain lashing against the window.

His mood only seemed to worsen as the day went on, and as Enjolras busied himself with some accounting work for one of his estates that was well overdue, Grantaire took to pacing impatiently. This would not ordinarily bother Enjolras, who had a tendency to get absorbed in his work, but the cottage was only so big and Grantaire’s pacing could perhaps be better categorized as stomping about.

On his fifth lap past Enjolras’s desk, Enjolras gritted his teeth and tried very hard not to stab his paper with his pen. “I would offer you some entertainment, if I had any to offer,” he said as politely as one could through clenched teeth.

Grantaire snorted derisively. “I am not a child,” he snapped. “I do not need to be entertained.”

Ordinarily, Enjolras would have shot back that Grantaire could have fooled him, as he was certainly acting childish, but he held his tongue, not wanting to cause an argument on only their second day. “Very well,” he said instead, continuing his tone of politeness. “I’ll leave you to your own amusement, then.”

“God, how can there be no alcohol in this entire building?” Grantaire burst. “Not even a single bottle of cooking sherry.”

Enjolras frowned. “Well, seeing as how I very rarely partake…”

“Yes, but surely one as well-bred as you knows to keep refreshments on hand for guests,” Grantaire said sourly.

Comments on Enjolras’s breeding were the fastest way to get under Enjolras’s skin, and he took a moment to stop from snapping. “Certainly, and I’m sure you would enjoy the wine cellar at any of my family’s estates,” he said finally, almost murderously polite. “But since I never imagined entertaining guests here—”

“Torture seems more accurate,” Grantaire muttered, flopping down on the sofa. “And your imagination needs some work.”

“Yes, well, I never dreamed that I would find myself entangled in such an elaborate fiction that would have me bringing you of all people here,” Enjolras snapped, dropping the façade of civility. “Or perhaps the real fiction was imagining that you and I might have an enjoyable time without the aid of alcohol!”

Grantaire cursed and stood. “Well forgive me, my lord,” he snapped, crossing to the door and yanking it open, that neither the real nor the fictional version of myself is not up to your standards.”

“Where in the bloody hell are you going?” Enjolras asked incredulously, half-shouting to be heard over the roar of the storm from the open door.

“Anywhere but here!” Grantaire shouted back, slamming the door after him.

Enjolras cursed as well and rushed to the door, opening it to shout after him. “Grantaire!” he shouted, but the man ignored him, stomping away through the mud. “Grantaire!” Again, there was no answer, and Enjolras lost what remained of his temper. “Fine!” he shouted. “Then I hope you drown out there!:

He slammed the door closed and stormed back to his desk. But he was too incensed to continue working and he didn’t bother sitting down, just crushing the piece of paper he’d been writing on into a ball.

What had he honestly expected? When had Grantaire ever risen to Enjolras’s expectations, and why had he assumed he would start now?

Because the man had kissed him, once? And then immediately fled?

Enjolras had clearly been deluding himself into thinking there was anything more between them when Grantaire could not go an hour without trying to stir up animosity. 

Not that he cared. Not that he did not spend the next twenty minutes pretending he did not glance at the door every time the house creaked, expecting or hoping Grantaire had returned. Not that he began to worry, when the clock chimed the hour. Not that he regretted whatever it was he had said or done that had made Grantaire leave.

What had he expected?

Something, anything, to show him that he was not imagining it, that what there was between them was real. Something, anything, to show that Grantaire might feel even just a little bit of what he did.

Something, anything, to prove that Grantaire cared.

And when had Grantaire ever cared about anything?

His fuming might well have sustained him for the entire night, but as one hour crept toward two and Grantaire had still not returned, Enjolras’s anger was rapidly replaced with worry. He had not been joking when he had told Grantaire that there was no one within twenty miles besides the village, and Grantaire could easily have gotten lost, or hurt, or, as Enjolras had shouted at him, drowned in the deluge still downpouring outside.

Enjolras was not entirely sure how he could live with himself were any of the latter options the case.

Resolved, he grabbed a coat from the front closet and went outside, squinting against the rain as he surveyed the horizon for any sign of Grantaire. There was none, but there were footprints, at least, half-filled with puddles of water from where Grantaire had assumedly sloshed through the mud as he had stormed away.

His trail was easy enough to follow, but every step away from the cottage filled Enjolras with trepidation. If anything had happened to Grantaire— If any harm had come to him—

The trail came to an abrupt stop at a large puddle of water that was growing rapidly, and Enjolras heart sank. Any sign of Grantaire would be washed away, surely, or else—

“What in the devil are you doing out here?”

Grantaire had to shout to be heard, especially as a crack of thunder boomed across the moor, but Enjolras had never been so glad to hear his voice, hoarse and tired as it was. He turned to find Grantaire huddled in the lee of a large tree nearby, clearly trying to wait out the worst of the storm and, judging by the mud that stained his trousers and the fact that every inch of him was soaked through, failing miserably.

He looked awful, but to Enjolras, he had never looked more perfect.

“Oh thank God,” Enjolras breathed, crossing to him in three long strides and pulling him into an embrace. “I thought you had gotten hurt, or lost, or—”

Grantaire pushed him away. “Yes, well, now you can see that I’m alright, so you can go—”

“Alright?” Enjolras interrupted, incredulous. “You’re soaked through to the bone! If you stay out here much longer, you’re liable to catch your death.”

“It honestly might be preferable at this rate,” Grantaire muttered.

Enjolras scowled. “If this is how you’re going to be, I’ve half a mind to leave you here and let you drown.”

“Good,” Grantaire shot back. “At least you’d be showing some hint of your old self!”

Enjolras stared at him. “What in the hell are you talking about?” he demanded. “I’ve been nothing but courteous to you this entire trip, while you’ve tried to start a fight at every turn!”

“Of course I have,” Grantaire snapped. “Because fighting is what we do! It’s who we are! And I’ve been trying to prove to myself that nothing has changed, that you’re still you and I’m still me.” Enjolras just stared blankly at him, squinting against the rain, and Grantaire sighed, running a hand across his face which Enjolras was certain accomplished absolutely nothing to clear it of the rain. “But things have changed, and it’s what I never wanted to happen but what I always feared would, if I were ever to be stupid enough to…” He trailed off. “And I can’t stand you being polite to me, it’s driving me absolutely mad, and if it continues for much longer, it may very well kill me before this rain gets a chance to.”

If anything, Enjolras was even more lost than before. “What are you talking about?” he repeated, more a plea than anything, begging for some kind of rational explanation.

Grantaire just shook his head and returned his question with one of his own. “How?” he demanded. “How do you not know?”

If this was a puzzle, Enjolras had grown incredibly tired of trying to figure it out. “Because I’m extraordinarily stupid, apparently?”

Grantaire glared at him, though when he spoke again, the bitterness in her voice seemed directed more at himself than anything. “You really must be, because I’ve been the most obvious idiot of all time.”

Enjolras didn’t know why he bothered asking for a third time, but he couldn’t stop himself. “What do you mean?”

“I mean—” Grantaire threw his hands up in the air in frustration. “I mean, I’m in love with you, you fool!”

Enjolras gaped at him. “You – what?”

[peoplecallmelucifer]

Every story ever written

“Attention passengers“ A pleasant voice echoed trough the hallways “We will be arriving to Nithra 5 in half an hour. Please prepare to disembark“ John Was excited and nervous. He was a part of the group representing Earth at the art festival of the Galactic Assembly. Considering it was Earths first Time sending representatives and hew as the one giving the speech his nervousness was justified. AS they disembarked the cruise ship they were greeted by a tall and slender “It’s my pleasure to extend the greetings in behalf of the Galactic assembly. I am Nithra Suenn and was assigned as your guide during your stay“

John  stood on his toes so he would be able to look Suenn in the eyes. “ Oh, thank you. I’m Jonathan grace, you can call me John, This here is Antonio Morena..” “Toni for short” the man replied “...And this is Maria Petova“ “I’m Just short” Maria replied baiting a chuckle out of their Guide May I ask something before we start though“ Sam said “Of course“ Suenn replied “Could you tell us where the envoys of the other two newcomer are.“ “Of course. If you wish I could notify their guides and see if they would be willing to arrange a meeting later today“ “That’d be lovely“ “Now If you would follow me to your quarters. I presume you would want some rest before we start the tour“ “Lead the way miss Nithra“ Sam said with a smile AS the trio followed their guide they took in the sights of the Spacedock, during the 10 minutes shuttle ride to the planet surface Toni and John were debating their upcoming speech while Maria quietly hummed a lullaby as she stared out of the window. “Miss Maria“ Suen said as she noticed the humming “oh, yes Suenn?“ “May I inquire about the melody you were... singing“ “Oh that, I was humming a lullaby I usually sing for my daughter. This is the longest I’ve been separated from her so I’m a bit Melancholic“ “Oh,  quite understandable. We Tlii also have a strong  bond with our family ... I’m nearly 40 and I still call my parents daily.“ The rest of the ride was marked by present small talk. When they landed The Group was given an hour to rest before they head out towards the “Palace of Art” The most famous gallery in the Explored part of the galaxy. “So folks“ John said “First impressions“ “Bit too formal for my taste but not bad. The Guide is cute too“ Maria replied “I’m hungry“ Toni replied “Well go grab something from the hotels restaurant. Suenn Said all the costs will be covered“ John said as Tonis eyes widened “So ... Free all you can eat buffet?“ “Yes“ “And we are staying here for a week“ “Yes“ “...Good bye my summer body“

“You’re a pig“ Maria said as Toni was closing the doors A few minutes later Suenn knocked on the doors “hello again. I have contacted the guides of the other two newcomers and their envoys said they would gladly meet you but they also requested we arrive fifteen minutes early so that you can have a proper meeting“ “Thank you very much Suenn. Tell them we agree“ Maria said Suenn nodded and left “Why do you wanna meet them anyway“ Maria asked John “Well they are new here, we are new here, none of  us actually knows what’s going on. It might be easier for all of us if we feel confused together“ “Fair point“ The human delegacy arrived 10 minutes earlier than agreed, mostly because of Johns insistence. “Why were you so adamant on arriving early Mister John “ “Well... I was too anxious for waiting in the hotel“ “And waiting here is... not causing anxiety?“ “No, because here I’m sure I won’t miss anything important“ “I can not say I fully comprehend that logic but if it lessens your anxiety I see no problem with waiting here.“ “Can I ask you something Suenn?“ “Of course?“ “I noticed your First name was the identical to the name of the planet. Is that Just a coincidence or something else?“ “It’s actually Tradition. Tlii name their children after  their Birthplace and a name chosen by their parents. I was born on this planet so My Birth Name is Nithra while my Given name is Suenn.“ “Huh. Interesting.“ After a few more  minutes of casual discussions the two delegations arrived. The D’Dret Delegacy consisted of twelve members all sporting their environment suits. “Greeting fellow children“ the leader of the delegation said as he reached out his hand

“Children?” Antonio asked quietly“ “The D’Dret word for artist is the same as their word for child“ Suenn replied “Kinda fits right“ John shook the delegates hand “It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m JonathanGrace, leader of our delegation. You can call me John “ “I am afraid my name is quite impossible for the translator to handle so feel free to call me Otra, considering that’s the Star system I hail from“ From the other vehicle disembarked a delegation of twenty Beings of Yellow christening appearance. a leader of the group stepped forth and greeted the gathered “In behalf of Veq Hive I speak the words of greeting” the translator read “In be half of Humanity I accept the gritting and send my own“ John said and bowed, Otra mimicking his actions saying “ I do the same on behalf of D’Dret autonomy“ The Veq leader let out a low pitch pleasant click returning the bow “This one is called Ruea“ “My name Is Jonathan Grace“ “Call me Otra, shall we head inside“ “Certainly“ Ruea and John replied While there were no delegates yet there was a descent amount of visitors to the Gallery and the three delegations as well as their guides drew a number of looks. This seemed to make Johnnervous again, but also even more excited than ever. His companions seemed to share this attitude along with the D’Dret delegates. The Veq did not experience emotions, or at lest not in the way  Humans did. They didn’t know fear,Happiness or anger, but could be inquisitive,curious and mistrusting or frustrated. Although the latter was extremely rare and fairly mild. “How come Humans only sent 3 creators“ Ruea asked “Well Humanity is aware of its reputation. Lots of people in the assembly consider us borderline insane due to our contradictory nature. SO our Academy decided that the best course of action here would be to send a small delegation and not draw much attention on ourselves.“ “A reasonable approach Otra said“ “Yeah, but us three decided we have something else in plan for our speech“ “You would... defy your superior?“ Rue said in intrigued Disbelief “to a Veq that causes great pain.“ “Well If i am not wrong, you are biochemically connected, so acts of defiance are extremely rare since your communication is almost instant and complete” John said impressing Ruea “In our case that is not so. We are very Individual even though we are social beings, and sometimes people in authority refuse to listen to suggestions because they see themselves above others. In that case we become defiant“ “You are a weird people“ Said Otra with a little pause “but than again I’m the one in the EV suit“ The lengthy conversation about differences in cultures and approaches to art between all the members of the 3 delegations attracted a crowd of intrigued listeners even Suenn and the other guides were intrigued and occasionally asked a question or two.

After A an hour Suenn spoke up “Excuse me delegates, but the Ceremony is about to start. Would you please follow your respective guide to your seat“ “Oh certainly.“ John said “Ladi Ruea, Otra It has been a pleasure. Hopefully we can continue this discussion sometimes soon“

Suenn Lead her delegation to a circular room with many levels. filled to the brim with delegations from thousand of species. Humans were somewhere around the middle,Maria Noticed the Veq being almost at the bottom and one of their delegates apparently noticed her waving and looked curiously at her. she than put her opened palms on her troth imitating a traditional greeting they taught her. John noticed Otras suit about two levels above them sat juxtaposed to them and covered one eye with his hand greeting his new friend with their greeting to which Otra replied with a peace sign. “hello and welcome everyone to the annually art festival of the Galactic Assembly.” said a small alien “He looks like a plushy” Toni whispered and baited another chuckle out of Suenn. ” This year the assembly welcomed three new species The Pedantic Veq hive, The crafty D’Dret autonomy and ... Diverse Alliance of human worlds. As is tradition the newcomers will hold their speeches first. Starting with the Humans.“ John stood up “I think you for this opportunity but before I hold my speech I must ask, on behalf of our new friends of the Authonomy  and the Hive. would you allow them to speak before us, as they asked me if I would be willing to swap places with them“ “Well... no one ever turned down the offer of being first to speak before, A kind gesture indeed. I don’t see why not. Verry well. Who of you wants to speak first“ “The Authonomy children will gladly hear out our comrades of the Hive before we speak ourselves“ ”I thank our new friends for granting this request of mine.” Lady Ruea replied as she slowly walked to the podium. Suenn turned to John “What you just did was unprecedented. May I inquire why have you done this“ “As we were about to go our separate ways lady Ruea noticed that her translator was running out of battery and her spare was left in their hotel. considering she didn’t want to miss any of our speeches so she asked if I would let her talk first so she can switch her power cell after her speech. and considering I’m nervous as hell right now I decided to give myself a bit more time to relax and see other speeches before I step down there“ “Coward“ Maria teased him “and proud of it“ he replied

The speech of Ruea was simple it briefly described the way her people think and the way they approach art, or as they call it creation. How they prefer writing in strict form but are also constantly looking for new forms to write. how their statues are  trying to be symmetrical in every way and yet innovative. After her Otra came down doing the same talking about how Their culture sees artists as people who never lost their child imagination how every new creation is a new unexplored wonder, just like every next step is a new experience for a toddler. Than came John’s turn. He was still a bit nervous but he kept his cool. “As you know. lady Ruea asked me if I would do her a favour and let her speak first. I let my new friend Otra speak second because I was too nervous to do it myself“ a few chuckles were heard among the crowd “AS you know Humans have a reputation and  I was given a ready speech by the people who sent me here to read and stay out of trouble so that I can alleviate that reputation. But than again That’d be to deny human nature.“ Nick said as he ripped a sheet of paper with a written speech “Oh boy here we go“ Toni commented “What is he doing“ Suenn asked “Being true to himself ... and being a jackass“ maria replied “Our leaders only allowed us artists one speech, and a small delegation. I can live with that. But if they want me to speak I will speak however I see fit. And yes I will get in trouble for this if you were wondering“ A few more chuckles and murmurs started among the crowd “I am know that whatever stylistic figures, whatever topic I can think of, someone else in this room will think of as well. The  Ka’ran are called the masters of Romance and yet some of their poets wrote works of horror I find exquisite.  The Hevar are proud of their odes and marching songs and yet I find their lullabies to be incredibly soothing. So I don’t see a point in pretending that you are going to find something new in our works.“

This statement caused shock, intrigue and utter confusion. Are humans really so self destructive they would sabotage their own nation for an act of defiance? But the whispers and murmurs didn’t bother John

“In our statues, in our poetry, in our novels or paining ... all the motives we use I have seen with one quick stroll trough this gallery. So on this day I claim every story ever told has already been told. we just mixed up the words a bit differently.

A silence fell upon the room

I am looking forward, my fellow delegates, to read how you layed out the words we use.“

*Tink* a sound of two crystals hitting each other was heard from the lower levels *tink* as John walked off the podium and the Veq delegacy tried to imitate human clapping with their christaline limbs. *tink,tink,tink* Soon the D’Dred joined in, followed by the Ka’ran and Hevra that John Mentioned. after a few seconds most of the delegates gave a hearty applause.

“Well...“ the  alien small alien from before stepped back on the podium. “... I guess that a lot of rumours about the humans are true. They certainly are unpredictable and reckless... But If more of them are like their delegation I can only imagine how their artwork looks like. I suggest we take a half hour break before we continue“ The rest of the festival passed in a breeze. with the human delegation being followed by numerous new fans wherever they went. after a week and the conclusion of the festival several species decided to take the “scenic rout home“ as Humans said. and stopped on Cyrenca prime, Nueva Galizza, Earth and other human worlds, buying novels, visiting art museums and observing statues... Jonathan Grace was financially penalized for his “insubordination”, but considering he refused to return to earth, proffering to travel the Worlds of the assembly in search of new ideas to write about, that debt was never prayed. _ _

If you managed to get this far congrats, and thanks for reading.

I wrote this because I’ve noticed a lot of stories under these tags ... even the 2 I wrote are always going towards military and conflict situations. SO I turned it around to something I like much more

[got-to-love-a-badboy]

Special guest

Previous chapter ^^^

Jack Grealish x Female reader

Chapter 3 - unexpected

Today was the day of the wedding, Ellie and Jessica were getting ready in their hotel room, Jamie was with Kalvin and the rest of the groomsmen in another.

The music was playing and the Prosecco was flowing whilst Jessica did Ellie's hair.

She decided on simple beach waves as her dress was quite vibrant, she chose a short red polka dot dress with a ruffle and tail at the side accompanied by some simple nude sandals with clear heels.

Before long Ellie's hair was done and she began on her makeup, she always took a lot of time and effort on her make up, wanting it to be perfect, she began with her foundation, adding just a little colour to her face as she had a beautiful natural tan, next she focused on her brows, these needed to be perfect, she had natural eyebrows but she liked to add a little more colour, finally she finished with some Smokey eyes, adding a lots of bronze tones and finishing off with her eye liner and lashes.

Liked by @Jessyshaw132. @Jackgrealish and 250 others.

@elllowe25 - wedding ready ❤️ 🍷

@jessyshaw132 - sexy mama!

@jamiee3 - scrub up well smelly.

@elllowe25 - ah thanks Lamie 😂

@jackgrealish - hey, ❤️

@elllowe25 - hey you...😍

@jessyshaw132- WTF!!!^^^

Ellie was outside the wedding venue having a full blown panic attack, "this is what Kalvin meant, 'il show him' he meant me!! And now he's commented and I just replied like I'm not a shy nervous wreck and he's going to speak to me and il fall flat on my face and choke and..." she rambled on but Jessica had heard enough, "no stop now!, you are Ellie fucking Lowe ok, your a hot piece of ass and Jack will be punching above his weight even talking to you!, just go in and enjoy your day, drink wine and dance with your stunning bestie, and if he comes and talks to you BREATHE!! He may be Jack Grealish but he is just a boy at the end of the day, you got this babe! Now come on your driving me insane, I need Prosecco", and with that Jessica dragged Ellie into the venue, which was a modern hall with lots of huge windows letting in natural light, everything was painted white with beautiful marble floors, it was just perfect.

Ellie and Jessica sat near the back of the room during the ceremony, Ellie chose the seats so she could see Jack from a distance but hopefully he couldn't see her, needless to say her plan failed and he saw her straight away from the front of the room, sending her a cheeky wink, she thought her heart would explode.

After the ceremony they made their way into the grand hall for the reception where they had an amazing sit down meal, again Jack and Ellie were sharing secret glances every few minutes, before long everybody began roaming the room, going to the open bar, dancing and socialising with other guests.

Ellie and Jessica took this chance to take the standard 100 selfies to find the best one before Jessica uploaded it.

Like by Jamiee3, Ellowe25 and 340 others.

@Jessyshaw132 - selfie with the bestie who I bet ditches my in the next hour 😂🥰

@Ellowe25 - Jess!! 🤦🏻‍♀️ god it's a good job I love you

@Jackgrealish less than an hour

@Jamiee3 - at least you won't be alone Jess, your boyfriend is here incase you forgot 👋

@ellowe25- 😂😂😂

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

"No he didn't!!" Jessica shouts as she shows Ellie Jack's reply to her Instagram post, Ellie's eyes shoot open wide, "what do I do!", she was really beginning to panic now, "just go to the bar get a drink and breathe! You keep forgetting to breathe!, It's fine, he is just a guy!, a hot one but a guy", Ellie nodded at her friends answer, she supposed she was right.

Ellie headed to the bar and ordered a vodka and cranberry juice and waited patiently for the bar tender to make it, "so here you are", she knew that accent anywhere, she took a deep breath before turning around to see a very handsome Jack Grealish looking at her, he looked her up and down licking his lips before smiling at her, suddenly she felt a bit calmer, "in the flesh" she said as she looked him up and down in return, the two of them just looked at each other for a moment until the bar tender passed Ellie her drink, "thank you" she told him as she grabbed her drink.

Ellie turned back to jack who was now leaning against the bar, "you look amazing Ellie", he told her, Ellie bit her lip trying to hide her excitement, "thank you, you too", Ellie had a thought, she just had to know if what she heard Kalvin say was what she though, "how did you find me, like this morning on Instagram?", Jack smiled at her curiosity, "our mutual friend Kalvin", Ellie shook her head, "I knew it! That little snake", which caused the pair laughed.

Jack leaned forward and brushed her hair from her face, "This wasn't random babe, he would always talk to me about Ashleigh and their relationship when we was together at the Euros, and I always say to him that I wished I had a relationship like that, I told him my type and what I liked, he always told me, 'you will find her man, she will come when you least expect it', and not to be too forward but, she has, I stopped going on dates about 4 month ago, I just got bored of the lack of connection and n physical attraction, I knew they only wanted me for the fame, then last week I was texting Kal and he said someone was coming to the wedding who sounded like my dream woman, a friend of his cousin who was know for been beautiful, funny, cheeky and down to earth, had her own independent way in life, and here you are, when I least expected it at one of my best friends weddings.", Ellie stood with her mouth open for what felt like forever until she came too, "wow, that was something else Grealish", Jack laughed at her, Ellie looked over to her table and couldn't see Jessica anywhere, "she's dancing with her partner I assume?", jack said pointing over to the dance floor, there she was dancing with Jamie.

Ellie turned back to Jack who's hand was out, "will you join me?", he asked, Ellie thought for a second before taking his hand, "I'd love to", Jack entwined their fingers together as he lead her to the dancefloor, Ellie looked down at their hands that fit just perfectly in each other's, she smiled from ear to ear, this couldn't be real! Surely!.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

[passionate-reply]

Great Albums is kicking off Pride Month with a special feature on one of the weirdest and wildest queer artists of the New Wave era: the one and only Klaus Nomi! Combining glam, synth-pop, and opera, of all things, Nomi’s tragically short career is nothing short of mystifying. Check out the video or read the full transcript, below the break!

Welcome to Passionate Reply, and welcome to Great Albums! In this installment, I’ll be looking at the self-titled debut album of one of the most unique, incomparable, and unforgettable artists in music history: the one and only Klaus Nomi. What is it that makes Nomi so noteworthy? Perhaps the most obvious thing is his background as a classically trained opera singer. While a lot of pop vocalists have some degree of classical training, it’s rare to find one who worked so hard to bring ultra-mannered, literally operatic lead vocals into an otherwise pop context.

The other thing I should mention is that Nomi’s voice part was the “countertenor,” giving his vocals an even more unusual dimension. Countertenors are men who sing in a high range usually covered by women, and even in the operatic tradition, they weren’t necessarily all that common, particularly since the rise of opera coincided with that of the infamous castrati--male singers who were castrated to preserve their prepubescent voices. The combination of partially electronic, New Wave compositions with these bizarre, but ultimately “traditional” vocals results in something that sounds simply otherworldly.

Music: “Total Eclipse”

“Total Eclipse” is probably Nomi’s best known track, due in part to being featured in the seminal concert film Urgh! A Music War, which sought to capture the diversity of the early 80s New Wave scene. Like a lot of classic songs of this era, it tackles the subject of nuclear annihilation, albeit with a nearly depraved, gleeful tone, that makes it feel like more of a party. For the verses, Nomi adopts a sort of rhythmic speak-singing, which was much more par for the course for “New Wave” music, only to shockingly explode into a powerful operatic rendition of the refrain. It reminds me a bit of how, in musical theatre, tension builds through spoken dialogue, before characters are so emotional they feel compelled to burst into song--or, of course, how recitative blossoms into arias in opera. In the context of this particular track, it’s easy to interpret it as an embodiment of how “cold wars” can suddenly burst into flame. While “Total Eclipse” was a new composition, written specifically for Nomi by Kristian Hoffman, this album also features several covers of past hits, such as “You Don’t Own Me.”

Music: “You Don’t Own Me”

Nomi’s covers of the Midcentury pop ditties “Lightning Strikes” and “You Don’t Own Me” repeat the structure of “Total Eclipse,” showing that this signature pattern of increasing tension leading to increasingly mannered vocals is just as effective when retroactively applied to pre-existing compositions. What’s also significant about “You Don’t Own Me” is that it was originally written for a woman, Lesley Gore, and its defiant assertion of self-confidence has long been associated with women’s liberation. Being openly gay, Nomi sees fit to leave the lyric “play with other boys” just as it is, and could be interpreted to be deliberately emphasizing that last word, intentionally queering his rendition of the song. Nomi’s ability to sing in a traditionally female voice range, combined with his eccentric, gender-bending personal aesthetic, makes the interrogation of traditional concepts of gender an integral part of his art. Some of the other covers on the album are even older than the Midcentury, coming from the golden age of opera, such as “The Cold Song.”

Music: “The Cold Song”

Also known by its opening lyrics, “What power art thou?”, “The Cold Song” is a rare operatic aria that was actually designed for the countertenor voice part. It was written by the English composer William Purcell, a noted fan of countertenors who lived outside the influence of the Italian castrati, for his 1691 opera King Arthur. Well, King Arthur is actually what’s sometimes called a “semi-opera”: not all characters sing, and those who do often tend to be supernatural entities. “The Cold Song” is sung by a winter spirit called the Cold Genius, when reluctantly awakened from icy slumber by Cupid. His lines are sung so as to stutter, as he shivers from the freezing cold of his surrounds. Unlike the pop covers on the album, the arias are actually played pretty straight, almost as if they serve as evidence of Nomi’s actual chops doing traditional opera the old-fashioned way. “The Cold Song” is certainly a great fit for Nomi’s unique stage persona, which presented him as a fey or elfin non-human visitor from some mythical Otherworld, or perhaps an extraterrestrial from outer space. This theme is addressed most directly by the one track on this album composed entirely by Nomi himself: “Keys of Life.”

Music: “Keys of Life”

“Keys of Life” is the album’s opening track, and perhaps serves as Nomi’s personal introduction to the people of our realm--a sort of musical “we come in peace” message. Its lyrics seem to portray Nomi as a benevolent visitor, but one with a dire warning for mankind: we need to get our act together soon, for our actions now are of great import, as we humans “hold the keys of life.” Perhaps Nomi’s mission is to prevent climate catastrophe on Earth, or, given the context of “Total Eclipse,” a nuclear apocalypse. With its warbling synthesiser backdrop, and Nomi singing fully in the operatic style throughout, “Keys of Life” is arguably the most experimental piece to be had on the album, and putting it as the very first track certainly pulls no punches.

It is, of course, difficult to fully address the significance of Nomi’s persona without getting into his visual identity. The cover of Nomi’s self-titled debut features his most iconic outfit: an oversized plastic tuxedo, with hugely exaggerated shoulders, and a pointed hairstyle with a bit of Streamline Moderne flair. I mentioned earlier that Nomi’s work seems concerned with gender, and in that context, I’ve often interpreted this look as a sort of caricature of masculinity, parodying men’s formalwear and calling attention to Nomi’s receding hairline. There is certainly something absurd about a high-pitched, perhaps feminine-coded voice emerging from a ludicrously masculine sort of character. The use of thin, shiny, reflective plastic, and the aforementioned Midcentury feel of the hairstyle, make me also consider interpreting it as less of a parody, and more of an alien’s bad attempt at adopting the appearance of an “ordinary,” upstanding, conservative human male in attire, using space-age materials to cobble it together.

The oversized, geometric appearance of Nomi’s garb reminds me of the great Dada poet, Hugo Ball, founder of the legendary Cabaret Voltaire. Ball was the inventor of what he called “sound poetry,” and enacted lively readings of poetry that consisted of entirely nonsensical words. He did this while wearing a strange, cylindrical-shaped cardboard suit, said to restrict his movements so much that Ball needed to be ceremoniously carried off stage when he was finished reciting. Given their shared German heritage and cabaret avant-gardism, I can’t help but wonder if Ball’s striking costume was something of an influence on Nomi here.

This album is, of course, self-titled, but that, too, is an artistic choice that can be analyzed. The artist was born Klaus Sperber, but adopted the stage name “Nomi” for his creative endeavours. In the context of the track “The Nomi Song,” the name is often used punningly in comparison with the English phrase “know me.” Nomi’s choice of stage name is almost a dare or a challenge, a request for us to attempt to know and understand this seemingly inscrutable being before us. As with many other portrayals of queerness as alien or otherworldly, the messaging here seems to be that Nomi may seem different at first, but his intent is ultimately benign, should mere mortals like ourselves be kind enough to give him a chance.

Nomi’s follow-up to this debut album was 1982’s Simple Man, an album which is much more similar to its predecessor than different. It has a wider variety of contributing musicians and different instruments employed, but it’s got a similar overall feel, and mix of tracks. You’ll find more covers, like “Falling In Love Again” and even “Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead,” more original compositions, like the Hoffman-penned sequel to “Total Eclipse,” entitled “After the Fall,” and even some more arias, like this stunning rendition of another work of Purcell’s. Referred to here as simply “Death,” it comes from Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, and is sung by the titular Carthaginian queen, Dido, as she prepares to commit suicide. Also called “Dido’s Lament” or “Thy hand, Belinda,” its darkly descending melody is as captivatingly ominous today as it was when it was written, over three centuries ago.

Music: “Death”

Sadly, Nomi became gravely ill at around this time, and his own untimely death was just around the corner. He died of complications of AIDS in 1983, at the age of just 44, leaving behind an unfinished opera of his own creation, Za Bakdaz, which would go unreleased until 2008. That, and a posthumous live album released in 1986, would be the only other works under Nomi’s name. As with all artists who die tragically young, we will always be left wondering what else Klaus Nomi might’ve accomplished in the ensuing decades. I find it hard to imagine a timeline in which this sound ever became particularly mainstream, but anything else Nomi came up with would have undoubtedly been fascinating.

My favourite track on Nomi’s debut is “The Twist.” Yes, this is indeed Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” another one of those Midcentury covers that Nomi was so fond of. But compared to the rest of Nomi’s covers, this one is much more of a deconstruction, perhaps even a “piss take,” featuring a sparse instrumentation, centered around a lethargic bass guitar, and the overall pace is slowed to a crawl. Add in Nomi’s piercing vocals and some nearly demonic, chittering laughter, and you’ve got a track that turns a fun, light-hearted dance craze into a surreal nightmare. As difficult as it is to be the strangest track on an album like this, I have to give that honour to “The Twist.” That’s all for today--thanks for watching!

Music: “The Twist”

[frostsinth]

Burdened by the Stars - Pt. 4

Part 1 | 2 | 3 - MasterList

Picking up a bit of motivation for this story again. Yay! And sorry, the boys can’t seem to get it into their heads that this one is not their story. I’ll try to keep their visitation to a minimum.

But regardless, here’s more of the sass and himbo duo! If you like my work, consider supporting me by buying me a coffee from the link in my MasterList above. I have lots of other inane ramblings there too if you are interested. DM me for commissions, shoot me asks with thoughts/comments!

All the best, and Enjoy!

After a brief assessment away from the dizzying presence of the half-orc, I realized there was very little chance of the Royal quarters actually having what I needed. Nikostratus was the tallest and broadest in the family, and even he did not come very close to matching Erramun in height. Besides, I couldn’t imagine my neat and tidy older brother wouldn’t notice his clothing going missing. But the laundering rooms were near the bottom level of the castle, closer to the city than the towers. There was no telling if once I arrived I would be able to find some appropriate clothing with any ease, considering that laundry from every part of the castle was often washed in mixed tubs. There was also no way for me to know whose clothes would be on rotation for wash today, nor in what state, batch, or bin they might be in if I did find them. Which made a visit to the laundering rooms, while more anonymous and definitely more diverse, absolutely impractical for my devices. However, the guards quarters were not quite so far; only a few levels down and adjacent to the training cliffs. There, I knew, I would be most likely to find the belongings of perhaps the one resident in the entire goblin castle that might have a few items close enough to Erramun’s size.

It was an easy enough trip, though I tried to make it as hastily as possible. No guarantees of what that fool would get up to if I left him to his own devices for too long. I also wasn’t entirely sure he had been completely honest when he had said he could manage the bath. Considering his wooziness since I had met him in the forest, I worried he might just pass out in the water and drown. Not that my being there would be much help, I reasoned. I certainly wasn’t strong enough to haul a half-drowned half orc from the water should he require it. I was also more than a little perturbed with the recollection of the taut green skin running over his shoulders and muscular back. My mind supplied ample fodder for what might be waiting a little further down than my eye had succeeded in wandering during our prior parting. And the thoughts brought a hot flush to my cheeks. I quickly forced myself to focus on the task at hand.

Thankfully, the barracks were also mostly quiet. The majority of the guard would be on their daily patrols, or perhaps in the dining commons catching a meal beforehand. Any left here would be from night shift, so would most likely be resting in their bunks. I had been here often enough, and knew the layout by heart (as I knew most of the castle). I headed towards the largest of the chambers, near the back, where the General kept his private quarters. Retired General, he would say, should you care to ask him. Though considering he still managed to keep busy enough maintaining the guards and patrols, perhaps that was not the optimal word. His title was more ceremonial now than necessity, as he had the guard running like a perfectly well oiled machine, and more often than not you could find him with a drink in hand, laughing alongside the nobles in the sitting rooms of the castle. Still, I was glad General Damjan had maintained some personal quarters in the castle rather than permanently retiring outside its walls. It meant I might actually have a chance of finding a set of clothes that would fit my behemoth charge. I was also fortunate that although Damjan kept his private quarters locked, I knew exactly where the old soldier kept his key. 

Damjan was, in a sense, like a grandfather to me. He had been a major part of Grier’s life after his father’s passing, and when Nikostratus had moved to the castle he had taken my brother under his wing as well. So it fell to reason that he had me spoiled rotten by the time I was 11; teaching me all the best goblinese curses, and a few fighting moves that were certainly not proper for a Princess to know. The old half-goblin was also a sound source for advice, and had an ample stock of wisdom to share with anyone willing to listen. Therefore, I had been to visit him in his office and chambers more than a few dozen times over the years. Which meant I knew his rooms nearly as well as mine and Niko’s. Allowing me to steal in and out with as simple a shirt and pair of trousers as I could find and relock his door all within a matter of minutes. I was assuaged of the little stab of guilt I felt by the fact that if Damjan had been around to ask, he certainly would have been more than indulgent of my request. I simply just didn’t have the time right now to look for the old General to tell him I had another half-orc stashed upstairs in my private chambers. I made a silent promise to the universe that I would make him a plate of his favorite pastries to make up for it.

It had barely been half an hour since I had left Erramun when I skittered down an upper hallway back towards the towers. Still, despite having managed to avoid the entirety of the current inhabitants of the castle and with prize in hand, I was anxious to be back. I was so distracted by the thought of what the half orc would be doing alone in my bed chambers that I moved automatically and inattentively. Causing me to almost run head first into a goblin as we both rounded the same corner from opposite directions.

“Ah, little bird!” He exclaimed delightedly as we recovered ourselves.

I nearly squeaked in surprise, quickly hiding the bundle of clothes behind my back as Grier fixed me with his classic toothy smile. The goblin King seemed un-bothered by our near collision, though I had to work quickly to throw a cover over my guilty expression. I saw his scarlet eyes flick over me curiously at my movement, and one slender brow cocked up. I knew I would have to work fast to evade suspicion and make my escape. My brother-in-law was perpetually curious, and keenly observant. Prolonging our interaction would only heighten the chances that I would have to build a lie I wasn’t prepared to forge.

“Sorry, Grier, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” I told him quickly, starting to slide around his side. Careful to face him as I did with my back and hands squarely out of his line of sight. “But I’m sure you’re very busy, so I won’t keep you!”

He spun slowly on heel to match my movement. “No trouble at all, little bird,” He replied, and I saw the suspicion already growing quickly on his face as his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, “Nikostratus has been looking for you, you know.”

“Oh, he’s always looking for me,” I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, shrugging my shoulders, “Mostly because the majority of that time he spends lost in the halls. Or searching a place he already checked having turned himself around and gone back on his own feet.”

Grier laughed at that, placing his hands on his hips. “Yes, the man is completely hopeless I fear.” He followed me a step down the hall as I started to retreat backwards. “But none-the-less… you seem to be making a particular point of avoiding him this time around.”

“I am just busy,” I started to assure him, “I-”

“Morgana, you know you have been avoiding us both since you first got here nearly a week ago.” He interrupted, his voice becoming uncharacteristically serious. “I am not sure what we did… or what you’re hiding… but please keep in mind you have the same air of secrecy about you as when you rescued that bear cub from the forest when you were 15.” He shifted his hands to cross his arms over his chest. His thin lips twitching in amusement. “It was halfway through the kitchen pantry before you finally came clean… I do hope you’ve learned your lesson since then?”

I gave a nervous, forced laugh. “I haven’t smuggled in any wild animals, I promise.” Which was technically true.

He gave an unconvinced ‘hmmm’ at that. “But you do know you can talk to us, yes?” He asked quickly, even as I opened my mouth to continue, “About anything that may be bothering you.” His head tilted slightly to one side. “... Nikostratus is worried about you.”

I felt a little tongue of anger flare up in me at that. “I’m not a child anymore.” I scoffed, my brow furrowing slightly. “I don’t need nor want my brother hovering over me like some agitated mother hen!”

Grier considered that as well, and I started to take a few steps backwards down the hall. Eager to make my escape. Shaking my head in frustration and thinking that was the end of it. My brother-in-law was not usually the confrontational sort with me. He was good at gathering information, at poking holes in my defenses; but I tended to think he preferred to be my confidant rather than my guardian. We had developed a rather close relationship since he had married my brother, mostly revolving around how best to manage my tight lipped, straight backed sibling. It had been a rocky start for the two of them, and I had exclusive inside knowledge of how best to break through Niko’s stony exterior. In later years, he had more often than not come to my defense when my brothers had sought to disperse punishments, or withhold liberties. He understood my wild spirit better than either of them, and that it caused my siblings and I to butt heads frequently. Not to say he wasn’t carefully responsible around me. He had taken me as his ward as much as Niko had back our mother had passed when I was born. But he usually left any actual scolding to my brothers.

Which was why I nearly stumbled in surprise when he persisted in the face of my irritation. Rather than letting it pass as he usually would.

“Well, that may be the case, little bird,” He said, even as I continued to inch away from him, “But regardless, you know your brother will always worry about you. And-” He continued before I could interject “- Even if you are upset with him, that is no reason to avoid your commitments. Most prominent being the promise you made to your nieces and nephews.”

That made me falter, and my retreat stilled. “... I didn’t mean-”

“You promised you would go with them to the gardens.” He pressed, not allowing me breath for excuses. The goblin raised one bejeweled hand, silencing any protests I might have had. “I understand if you would like your space from myself and Nikostratus, and I will speak to him about allowing you some. However, I would ask that you do not allow your current disdain to rub off on the children, as they have done nothing to raise your ire, and do not deserve your neglect.”

I winced now, guiltily. “I forgot I…” I hesitated, and half expected Grier to fill the lull, as he often did. But the goblin merely raised his brow at me again, and I shuffled in my shame. “... Of course. I’m sorry. I will be sure to collect them from their lessons today…” I couldn’t help a guilty glance over my shoulder, as if I would be able to see the clothes scrunched up behind my back. “... I just need to drop something off in my rooms first, then I promise I’ll go straight to see them.”

“I appreciate that.” He replied, nodding slightly. “I know you likely didn’t intend for them to get swept up in… whatever this is.” He crossed his arms again. “Still, I hope you and your brother reconcile soon.” His toothy grin returned. “I miss our little bird.”

I laughed softly, dropping my gaze to the floor. “I don’t think we’re fighting, per say...” I hesitated briefly, “...but I’ll… keep that in mind.”

“And I’ll keep in mind that being stubborn and hot tempered runs in the family.” He mused, his voice still light-hearted. “And will try to muster what patience I can to wait this out.”

I almost laughed again, but settled for a respectful dip of my head. I longed to inch away, back down the hall in the direction of my rooms. But waited as long as I could stand under the goblin King’s scrutiny to avoid any more suspicion. Grier did consider me one last time, then sighed and gave his own little nod. Turning to head off himself. No sooner had he started than I spun and darted down the hall. Pulling my bundle of clothes around to shield them from his view as I did. I wondered only briefly what he would make of that, but didn’t bother to linger on it long.

I took the steps to the tower two at a time, my heart pounding in my ears by the time I reached the top. Thankfully, no one else was around at that moment, and I made it back to my rooms unmolested.

I leaned back against my closed door with a brief sigh of relief. I hoped Grier wouldn’t go looking for Niko yet. I knew he would be inclined to tell my brother about our interaction; the two shared just about everything with one another. Still I hoped he might wait until much later in the day. To give me a chance to properly wrap things up here before one of the pair came looking for me again. I didn’t linger long against the wood, my eyes already darting about the small sitting room. But it seemed my strange company was nowhere to be seen. I had been away for far too long for him to be bathing still, I reasoned. Unless perhaps he was a particularly lazy orc, or was enjoying the hot, fresh water a bit too much. Not that I could picture such a thing, though I reminded myself I didn’t know him all that well after all. I gathered up the salve and bandages from before in my bundle, listening for any sounds I might hear. I noticed the door to the bathing rooms appeared to be as I had left it, and hesitantly made my way over. I quickly chided myself, straightening up and squaring my shoulders. These were my rooms. I shouldn’t have to sneak about shyly.

I did however allow him the courtesy of rapping my knuckles lightly against the sliding door.

“Hey, you still alive in there?” I called lightly.

When there was no response, my heart leapt, and I attempted to force down the sudden anxiety trapping itself in my throat. I cracked my knuckles against the door again, then slowly slid it open. More than a little leery of seeming something I didn’t want to see. Or admitting to myself that maybe it was something I did. The memory of our last parting surfaced unbidden to my thoughts, and I stubbornly pushed it away.

The bathing room beyond was empty. The waters rippled and gently gurgled with the natural flow of the water, but otherwise it was still. I might have been able to convince myself that the entire day had been a figment of my overactive imagination had it not been for the pile of soiled towels by the edge of the pool. I groaned internally, bustling in and peeking into the corners as if the behemoth man could have somehow managed to hide behind the potted plants. At least there didn’t appear to be a trail of blood anywhere. I prayed to whomever was listening that the dolt hadn’t deigned to leave the chambers.

“Where are you, you idiot?” I grumbled, tucking my bundle under one arm and heading to the door at the opposite end.

“In here.” Came the reply, and I nearly shook with relief.

He must have keener hearing than I thought. Or he had been listening for my return. The door to my bedroom was slightly cracked, and I shouldered it the rest of the way open, then spun to close it behind me. Using the motion as an excuse to steady myself as the sound of his deep voice seemed to have rattled me strangely.

“I do hope you aren’t-” I started as I turned, then promptly squealed loudly in surprise, dumping the clothes, bandages, and salve unceremoniously to the floor as both hands shot up to cover my eyes.

“Eh?” I heard the shuffle of his feet across the bare stone floor as he must have continued his own turn to face me. “Is something the matter?”

“WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES??” I nearly shrieked.

Though I kept my palms firmly clasped over my eyes, the previous momentary glimpse of the half-orc’s assured nudity was currently seared deep into my mind’s eye. The fine toned abdomen. The taut green buttocks, with a dimple above the top of each cheek in the small of his back. He must have washed his hair, for the long mohawk of growth had spilled over his skin like polished ebony in soft looking tendrils. Leading my eyes over his broad green shoulders. And when he had started to turn… the soft ‘v’ shape at the top of his hips leading down to…

The sight (and now, memory of the sight) left my mouth decidedly dry and my lips refusing to work properly. I felt an unfamiliar twitch in my fingers as the urge to pull them apart and sneak another peek rushed through me. There was no way! No way any man should be that… I swallowed hard, shaking my head with my hands pressed so tightly to my face it almost hurt.

“You said they were filthy, and inappropriate.” He reminded me matter-of-factly, and I could almost hear the shrug of those big shoulders. Big, broad, muscular shoulders-

“That doesn’t mean you should walk around NAKED!” I snapped, finally starting to come to my senses. I shifted my hands so that one covered both eyes, and crouched down in an attempt to blindly find what I had discarded in my panic.

“What was I to wear?” He replied. “Your drying cloths are tiny. I needed three just to-”

“I don’t care!” I managed to find the clothes by groping about with my free hand, and stood. Tossing them towards the sound of his voice and hearing a disgruntled huff as they hit him. “Just put those on, quickly, before my breakfast makes a reappearance.”

Erramun gave an angry grumble, but I heard the shake and shuffle of cloth as he did. “I didn’t know human stomachs were so sensitive.” His voice became muffled briefly as I assumed he pulled the shift over his head. “I always thought my mother was being dramatic when she scolded me for forgetting to dress.”

“If your mother imparted any other wisdom to you regarding humans, I suggest now is the time you take it to heart.” I replied sourly. Careful to keep my palms firmly fastened over my eyes. Though the heat of my cheeks nearly burned me.

I was so focused on not looking, I didn’t hear the soft scrape of his bare feet again as he moved forward. I jumped about a foot in the air as his hands suddenly came around my wrists. Gently pulling them free from my face. Leaving me suddenly face to face with a soft silk and cotton shirt, its untied collar just hinting at the toned chest I had been privy to moments before. I tried to ignore that memory, and fought through a sudden haze at the realization that his fingers were almost as gentle and soft as they were strong. And how close he currently stood to me. My heart skipped and I felt my breath catch in my throat as my head craned back to look up at him. He gave me a lopsided grin that had my knees feeling a little weak, and I felt him gently turn my hands in his. Until the backs of my hands rested in his palms and he could run his thumbs over the pads of my fingers.

“I am sorry, Gana,” He told me gently, “I did not mean to startle you so.”

 For a second, I couldn’t find the air in my lungs to speak. I struggled for a moment, and saw those bright emerald green eyes of his flick about my face. Thoughtfully, perhaps… almost appreciatively. And the way he was studying my features suggested he had been meaning to do just that for some time now. Up close, with seemingly time to spare to linger on each inch. I felt the flames beneath each cheek rekindle, but was strangely frozen for another few staggered beats of my heart. Finally, I yanked my hands from his, quickly shaking my head again to dispel the moment. Stubbornly denying it had ever existed.

“Is the apology her wisdom or yours?” I quipped, pleased to find my sarcasm still had a sharp bite to it despite the swirling quality of my thoughts.

My heart nearly faltered again at his answering smile. “A little bit of both, I suppose.”

I scoffed, trying to clear my head as I waved my hand at him dismissively. “Then perhaps there is some hope for you after all…” I took a step back, eager to put some space between us and hopefully regain a little more of my senses. “What are you even doing back here?” I put my hands on my hips. “I don’t suppose your mother ever told you it is incredibly rude to snoop around a lady’s chambers?”

“Hmm. She may have raised that point once or twice.” He grinned again, turning to follow my progression as I stalked around him angrily. I crouched down briefly to gather up the remainders of my bundle from the floor. “But you took longer than expected… And I was curious.” His head cocked to the side as he slowly followed me to the center of the room by the bed. “Are these the Princess’ rooms?”

I nearly dropped the jar and bandages again, spinning on him with the vial of healing salve in hand. “What makes you say that??”

He nodded to the corner. “The jewels and such.” I followed his gaze to my vanity table, where I had left some never used jewelry as thoughtlessly as one might discard soiled clothes on a chair. “I do not think even human servants tend to have such things.”

“I never said I was a servant.” I reminded him sourly, then jerked my chin. “Sit.”

“You haven’t said much of anything.” He shot back, but did as he was told and settled onto the chest at the foot of the bed.

“Eventually you may just conclude that that is entirely by design.” I said, opening the jar as he rolled his shirt up on one side. I pretended not to notice the tautness of his flesh or the shape of his abdomen as I slowly spread some of the salve on his wound. It seemed to have mostly stopped bleeding, which was good. “You may even come to remember that I am looking to get you out of here as quickly as I can. And the sooner that is the better.”

“Do I really disgust you so?” He asked, sounding bitter.

My eyes darted up to his face in surprise. And I got stuck in the quality of those emerald greens for a moment longer than I would ever admit. I adjusted my tongue in my mouth, forcing my eyes away from his finally and reaching for the pile of bandages I had brought.

“... You don’t disgust me.” I admitted quietly.

He snorted, wincing slightly as I began to carefully apply first a clean square bandage, then the longer ones wrapped about him to hold it in place. It brought me uncomfortably close to him. I couldn’t help but take in a breath next to his skin, and found the smell of him made my nostrils quiver. I was just surprised to find he didn’t stink anymore, I assured myself silently. That was all. I had come to expect him to smell like dirt and blood, not this strangely pleasant smell he currently had. It meant nothing that I noticed it.

“You don’t seem to like me all that much.” He replied. “I am not sure what else it would be.”

I straightened, having secured the end of the bandage in place, and crossed my arms over my chest. “Oh, obviously I must hate you then. That must be why, and it has nothing at all to do with the reason why you are even here in the first place.” I scoffed.

“Eh?”

My eyes rolled, and I was grateful for it as I didn’t have to watch him roll his shirt back down over his stomach again. The way his shoulders shifted and moved beneath the fabric wasn’t at all fair.

“You came here insistent that you would be marrying the Princess. Am I supposed to welcome you with open arms?” I placed my hands back on my hips and scowled at him. “Perhaps you assume that since you plan to marry her, that means you should be treated as a Prince?”

That warranted me a loud guffaw, and my eyes widened slightly in surprise. His crooked grin had my heart skipping, and I scoffed again in an attempt to dislodge it from my throat. The big orc stood, swaying for half a moment and forcing me back a step as he reached out to steady himself on the post beam of the bed. I eyed him warily, not too fond of the idea of being crushed by his bulk should he lose his balance and completely topple over. He managed to keep his feet however, and half staggered over to a full length mirror.

The clothes fit him surprisingly well, though it seemed that General Damjan was a bit narrower and lankier than he was. The sleeves of his cream colored shirt bunched up at his wrists, but you couldn’t tell since the collar of the shirt was filled with soft ruffles and the style was of a looser fit. It draped lazily over his shoulders, clinging to his upper arms and chest as he moved, with a straight cut that had him looking even taller than before. His trousers, a dark brown, disappeared beneath the long hanging tails of the shirt, but hugged his thighs snuggly. The outside seam of each leg had a dash of lighter thread, accenting the length of his limbs, as well as their shape. I had to take a moment to adjust my gaze from those firm, muscular thighs of his before his emerald eyes noticed me ogling him from behind.

“I look… foolish…” He grumbled.

I crossed my arms. “Good, you finally reflect your natural state then.” He snorted, turning this way and that and playing with the fabrics. I rolled my eyes again. “The shirt is supposed to be tucked into the pants. You look like you just rolled out of bed.”

He glanced at me in the mirror, then back at his shirt. “... How?? These pants are too tight. There is no space!”

That had me laughing, despite myself. Certainly the goblins had an interesting sense of fashion, preferring aesthetics over functionality and comfort. Though I supposed the same could be said for some of the human court styles. Neither had put much thought into moving around. And based upon his previous attire, pants were not something the young orc was used to. My laugh petered out when I saw his lopsided grin waiting for me in the mirror. His whole face seemed a little brighter for it. I shook my head, unable to hide a lingering smile, and moved over to the bed.

“Alright, enough of that. I have someplace to be. And you should get some rest.” I told him as I adjusted the thick blankets and pillows. Peeling back a corner for him.

“You’re leaving again?”

My eyes darted up to him, surprised to hear the tang of remorse in his words. I slapped the blankets a few times for good measure. Letting out an impatient sigh.

“Yes, it may come as a shock to you, but I actually do have regular responsibilities outside of cleaning up errant wandering idiots.” I teased, straightening and taking a step back to allow him access to the bed. “Plus I have to see to your mare still.”

“... So I can stay?”

I groaned, pushing my wild hair back out of my face. Trying to ignore the odd pitter patter of my heart at the question. I gave him a once over, as if chewing on the thought. Certainly it was not because I was making excuses to prolong his company. That of course I found the half-orc taxing. There shouldn’t be any question that I wanted him out of my life as soon as possible.

“I can’t very well send you off until I know you aren’t going to pass out in a ditch somewhere.” I told him. Making an effort to sound as though I was at least mildly chaffed with the idea. “So yes, you oaf. You can stay.” I bit my lip, shuffling. “... For now.”

Erramun slowly walked over, sitting on the edge of the mattress. His eyes looked over the room again. I shuffled my skirts and turned to gather up a few things to manage the clutter a bit better. Suddenly very aware of the fact that I had a strange man in my personal chambers. At best it was highly improper. At worst, it was downright dangerous. Afterall, I had only known Erramun a few days, and yet let myself be locked up in my bedroom alone with him. If Niko found out, he might just have a stroke on the spot. Though he might remain upright long enough to run my visitor through with his sword first.

“Won’t the Princess be cross that you are using her chambers to wash an orc?” He mused, tilting his head to one side.

“Half-orc, you mean?” I teased, glad my back was to him so he didn’t see my mouth twitch in amusement. “And I don’t think she’ll mind much.”

“She lets you use these rooms for yourself,” He reasoned, and I saw his nose twitch out the corner of my eye, “The bed smells like you.”

I nearly tripped over my own feet. Tossing an armful of my things into a chest and closing it. I glanced at him briefly as I grabbed a small empty basket and put the remainder of the dressings and the jar of salve in it.

“Stop smelling me. It’s rude.”

He grinned. “I will try to breathe through my mouth then. Or would that be rude too?”

“I’m not sure you’re capable of being anything else.” I returned airly, looking around and considering my handiwork for a moment. “Except perhaps a fool.”

Erramun chuckled, a sound that came from somewhere deep in his chest. I glance at him out the corner of my eye. “I hope the Princess will not think so.”

“Don’t count on it.”

“You are close with her then?”

I groaned. Well, it had been nearly a few minutes since the last mention of the Princess that time. “Honestly, do you ever think of anything else?” I grumbled. “Must be dull, revolving your life around marrying a girl you’ve never met.”

“You say it like I have a choice.” He grumbled right back.

I turned to him once more, the morose tone of his voice giving me pause. It seemed in stark contrast to the teasing lightness from before. The half-orc had his head bowed, his over defined brow scrunched. The long tendrils of his damp hair trailed around his face. I considered this for only a brief moment, returning my hands to my hips.

“Don’t you?” He didn’t look up at me at my words. I felt a tick of irritation at that. “You are an orc, half or otherwise. You are not beholden to the whims of a court, or the expectations of your people. You do not have the same responsibility to put the welfare of others above your own freedom and happiness.” I glanced off to the side, my eyes drifting longingly to the window. “You can wander under the open skies, should you so choose. You can see far off lands, go on adventures, take risks-”

“If I want to be selfish, and ignore the suffering of my people.” He interrupted, his voice heated. “Perhaps everyone here is magically accepting, but at the border, being over six foot and having green skin is enough to get you harassed. If not worse.”

“And marrying a Princess will solve that?” I shot back, equally hot.

“It will ease tensions.” He argued. “It will prove that we are not savages. That we can make alliances-”

I threw up my hands exasperatedly. “Even if I had a year, I still wouldn’t have enough time to point out all the flaws in your reasoning. And right now, I have to go collect my nieces and nephews.” I moved over to swipe a clean cloak from one of the hooks by the armoire. “You stew in your own idiocy, or, preferably, sleep. So that perhaps I can have you out of my hair before it starts to turn grey.” I spun on him, leveling one stern finger at his face. “And don’t even think about leaving this room.”

Erramun raised one brow at me, his thick lips pursing together around his tusks. Then his head tilted to the side, and that lopsided grin returned. It made my determination falter briefly, almost so much that I nearly took a step back in light of it.

“You are quite fierce, Gana.” He mused. “If the Princess is anything like you, I will be lucky.”

That had a sound heat rising to my cheeks, but I shook my head. Scoffing loudly. “You are a fool and a half.” I grumbled, turning my back on him so he couldn’t see the strange crash of emotions that fought their way across my face. “Single minded and absolutely incorrigible.”

He snorted, sounding amused. “Something else then. If I sleep in your bed, where will you sleep?” 

His words had me freezing in the doorway to the foyer. I tried to ignore the rapid speed of my pulse, swallowing heavily and shaking my head. Based upon the tone of his voice, I knew that stupid lopsided smile was still on his face. I replaced the heat of embarrassment at his implication with that of anger.

“Preferably just about anywhere else.” I snapped, then stormed out to the hall. Being sure to lock the door behind me.

UPDATE: Part Five HERE