#i have lots that i took on my trip! but don't trust myself to not accidentally upload a photo of my face on here or something lolol

[blossoms-phan]

Omgggg you visited the place they shot pride and prejudice in!!! Please tell me everything about that I've always wanted to see it too 🥺

hello!! eek of course it was such a lovely experience, could not recommend enough for p&p lovers <3

so obviously there’s multiple filming locations (for 2005 film specifically) the ones i saw were chatsworth house and stourhead gardens. the gardens are a national trust exhibit, so it’s basically a huge, beautiful expanse of land with different historical buildings- the whole property is just magical to walk through! there was a little bit of a hike to get up to the “temple of apollo”, where the infamous proposal scene was filmed but the views are incredible- you can stand there, walk all around it and take photos and live your best lizzie bennet fantasy!! it was such a beautiful day when i visited, we were up there for a good hour just taking photos with only a handful of people passing through- my only regret is not taking more pictures honestly lol. one of my favourite parts was also the bridge:

the chatsworth house, or pemberley is also a must see! it has some of the outdoor grounds filming locations, as well as the painted hall, the sculpture gallery lizzie walks through, and a mr darcy bust i mean. what more could you want

[mikobeautifulheart]

JJK men when you flinch/think they would hit you.

TW: Assumed past abuse and the misleading idea that they would have hurt you (They wouldn't) AND UNEDITEDDDDD

aha kinda angst ig but kinda fluffy to?

INCLUDING: YUJI AND MEGUMIIIIII

~Yuji~

"Look I didn't know she liked me okay? Kugaraski just texted me to show up to the cafe, she didn't tell me anything."

"Really Yuji? But you knew her before didn't you? Could you not have seen this coming?"

Yuji pulls his hands down his face in frustration. He never thought going to a cafe would make him more annoyed.

"We talked once in High school okay? I didn't know she liked me."

"Its just, its not I don't trust you but she's been messaging me since yesterday about you, I DIDN'T EVEN GIVE HER MY NUMBER!" You said your voice over run with panic.

Yuji takes a deep sigh.

"OKAY, SO BLOCK HER." He yelled, his arm going up to scratch the back of his neck furiously when he noticed that you flinched and let a little gasp slip.

"Y/N-did you just...did you just flinch?" Yuji asked stunned you would ever think that.

He never knew about your previous relationships because you didn't like to talk about them or when ever someone brought your EX up you'd just change the subject or walk away.

"I...I don't know..." you whispered feeling something ripping you inside. You couldn't help it, it was just built into your system.

"I'm sorry Yuji...I just...I didn't see you for a second..." You paused.

He slowly took a step closer and you leaned backward.

"Y/N I would never-I wouldn't hurt you, I'm sorry I just got frustrated, I would never hurt you" He took another step a bit more confidently after seeing you didn't move back any further.

"Yuji i'm sorry" You broke down wiping the tears out of your eyes with his jacket sleeve, which you happened to be wearing.

He finaly reached you and closed the distance with an embrace, hidding your head into his chest.

"Did you really think I would hurt you?" Yuji said tears swelling in his eyes to.

"No, no no no, Yuji I know you would never hurt me because you love me, I just forgot what it was like to be loved by you. You Yuji, you" You burried your face deeper into his chest.

"I love you" he said wiping away his own tears

-Megumi-

You had just finished a mission and you were totally drained. All you wanted to do was go home and lay in Megumi's arms, you wanted it so much you could practically feel it on the whole trip home.

You fumbled with the keys before finally opening the door and walking in.

"I'm home" You mumbled to your self.

All the lights were out so you figured that Megumi was still away on a mission.

You peeled your clothes off and had a shower, crashing face first into your fluffy bed, it felt like heaven, the only thing missing was the angle.

Your phone buzzed beside you, it was Megumi.

"Hello?"

"I'm coming back now, don't talk to me when I'm back."

"What? Why-"

the phone beeped. He hung up on you. You rubbed your eyes in a daze, did you accidently hang up on him? You checked and no, he had just hung up on you.

An hour passes and you heard someone shake the door knob before a frustrated punch sound echoed through your dorm.

The door flung open in frustration, letting in a very agitated Megumi.

"Stupid cursed fingers and dammed curses I'll kill him myself I swear to god- " he muttered under his breath.

You could tell there was a lot of tension on his shoulders and that something bad happened today.

"Megumi? Do you want me to do anything or-"

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO TALK TO ME OVER THE DAMM PHONE WOMAN." He yelled angrily punching the wall next to him making your eyes widen.

Sighed and he walked over to you, making you step back stuck against a wall.

"No, Just UGH, LOOK Y/N Today I just-" Irritation ran through his body so much he didn't even notice that he had raised his arm to run his hand through his hair before he noticed you visibly flinching and whispering

"no" weakly, shutting your eyes tightly, your facial expression like you were going to brace yourself for something painful.

His breath hitched like he just came back to reality. He saw the tears swell in your eyes and he also saw the small cuts on your face. You had been through a lot to, the last thing you probably needed was Megumi being angrey.

"I-I'm so sorry Y/N" He said not even knowing what to do.

You were so tired and pushed to your limits that your body was even struggling to stand up right now. His face changed immediatly.

"I wasn't going to hit you- I swear, I just, 'was so frustrated at stuff and I- I'm sorry." he said taking a step back from you, watching you slowly slide down the wall looking at him.

It was like you were just waiting for it, like this was the end and you had accepted it.

"I, I don't- you weren't Megumi to me for a moment-" You said finally letting the tears go.

"I didn't think you would hit me but you looked like-him- for a moment..."

Megumi took a step slowly crouching Infront of you, holding both your hands.

"Y/N, listen to me. I'm so sorry but I want you to know I would never hurt you, and I never want to see you hurt, even if it meant that I would have to die, I never want to see you injured or scared of me, please forgive me." He said bringing your hands up to him mouth.

You silently nodded as Megumi helped you up and you both laid together in the bed, letting you cry it out.

THANK YOU FOR READING ♡

AUTHOURS NOTE: So I haven't uploaded in a while because...yeah. I have 2 more fics on the way, 1 Gojo angst and a different multi-character fic coming so stay tuned. (Reblogs welcomed if u were curious) Thanks for reading.

[goomyloid]

What was your process for making the Noelle amv, if you don't mind sharing?

hii! im not sure how eloquently or clearly ill be able to explain it but i definitely have some pictures you can look at!

(the video)

i actually got the idea while i was away on a trip with very limited wifi -- it wasn't Trust Me that i got an AMV idea for first, but instead it was one of 4syu's other songs, There's Nobody. for such a happy sounding song it really made me so sad, to the point where if i tried to sing it to myself id get choked up by the chorus LMAO. it was baddd

but basically i was rapidly trying to find both songs on spotify so i could listen to them offline, and it only took me a few loops of Trust Me and thinking about the original MV to make me go "ohhhh. how can i make this about noelle." And so i did .

i was thinking about doing a storyboard, but in the past, i've found that doing storyboards for animations/AMVs lowkey... kills my motivation altogether... SAD... but i saw the whole video so clearly in my head, and i didnt want to make the same mistake i made before... so i went right to doing quick sketches (while still on my trip...) just so i could get the ideas out of my head

i was torn on what to do with my style at the time, whether i wanted to make it more similar to the original video, or to her canon appearance, or to MY style and how i draw her. i think it kind of ended up as an amalgamation of all three...? at the very least, her light world color palette definitely was more bland and desaturated, like i purposefully wasn't trying to do anything special with her colors.

after that point, and getting maybe a few of the actual drawings done, my motivation crashed again, and i left it all to marinate for nearly a week. it was baking, guys, it wasn't abandoned, listen to me, why are you throwing tomatoes at me,

i had up to about the "I dreamed about that again" animation done and stopped, and it wasn't until i decided to sit down and start editing it anyway that i really got in my groove again. i got all my little assets into a workable state so i could really try to sit down and make the video come to life and all

the really fun part was honestly working on the desktop backgrounds. i really wanted to limit colorpicking from the original video as much as possible, but i decided that making look as similar as possible to the original could help with the contrast i wanted to add later.

i drew these two backgrounds first. i was hoping i could somehow fit the bunker into the second one, but decided to do something different anyway. the second one's ui didn't actually change until later in the editing process.

drawing THESE were fun especially, and im happy with how they came out. i think the dark world icons are really cute still. one thing i really did know i wanted to do from the beginning was to turn the soul/undertale icon into the deltarune one.

i was worried if the shift from the Windows Field Background to the dark world would be too sudden, like you would just blink and suddenly it was all different, but i think it ended up all right...?

the not so fun part was drawing all the different boxes, lmao. it go really tedious by the end, so i tried to reuse as many of the same ones as i could.

a lot of copy-pasting and tracing rectangles for sure.

i also had to make sure the animations didnt Suck. i brute forced those things and used every last braincell i had in order to make those pictures move bros

fun fact. ive never animated hair like this before. or in any complex manner really. i had to use sooo much brain here... heres how it started vs. how it ended up

had my animator gf hype me up thru the whole thing... i was having a great time based on the filenames alone

aaaand then ummmm i edited it. i learned after effects like 1 month ago. never touched it before. i learned it for internship purposes and then used my newfound powers for evil it seems

i split the whole thing up into multiple compositions of course, but i probably could have split things up more... im sorry for having 84 layers on comp 3 its not my fault

editing a video in 12 fps was a fun change though -- very easy for my brain to go frame-by-frame, and yet still some of the timing ended up being off... tis the goomy way

like i said before, i started editing when i barely had half the drawings done, but seeing it all start to be in motion really pushed me to finish it up. and i mean Really. like i finished the whole thing maybe 48 hours after i first started editing.

and...i think that's it? i do a lot of discord art streaming to friends lately but i kinda kept this one more under wraps compared to usual, i think i just wanted to surprise everyone... look guys i remembered how to make a video! and it's three minutes! waow

sorry if this is way more than you asked for LMAO

also, the AMV hit 5k views on youtube today! ive never had a video do well like that so quickly! thank you!!

[glittergelpensblog]

Tired (Cassian x Reader)

Request: cassian x pregnant reader???

Word Count: 655

Just a little Cassian fluff!

You yawned as you flipped another page of your book, slumping at your desk. You were working while you waited for Cassian to arrive home from a day visit to Windhaven, your eyes tired from studying and researching ancient magic, trying to help Rhysand find a way to defeat Koschei.

But the day had long past, and it was nearing Midnight. You briefly thought of studying on your couch, then disregarded it, knowing the cozy cushions and the warmth of the fireplace would lull you to sleep. You wanted to be awake when Cassian got home, itching to see your mate.

It had been a while since he had gotten home this late. When you had told your family that you were pregnant, Rhysand had cut a lot of Cassian's trips, sending Azriel instead. He knew what it was like to have a pregnant mate, the overprotectiveness and the constant need to be near them.

And overprotective Cassian was. You were rarely left alone, even while he was gone. You spent most days studying with Amren in the River House, or in the garden while Elain worked, sometimes you would even sprawl your books on the day bed in Feyre's studio while she painted.

While it could be suffocating sometimes, you never fought Cassian. You knew he was worried, especially with what happened to Feyre while she was pregnant with Nyx.

You took another sip of your tea, grabbing your pen as you scribbled some notes about the dark magic, shuddering at the illustrations on the page.

You were brought from your thoughts as you heard the creaking of the floorboards, looking up from your desk to see your mate, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

"Why are you up so late?"

You stood, adjusting your blanket on your shoulders as you made your way across the room. "I was waiting for you," you reached him, wrapping your arms around him, cocooning the both of you in the blanket.

Cassian smiled, warmth spreading across his chest from the bond as he gently rubbed circles into your lower back. "C'mon, lets get to bed," He murmured, placing a gentle kiss on the top your head.

"I'm not tired," You pulled away, frown on your face.

"Why don't I believe you?"

"I don't know, I'm actually kind of hurt," You teased, "My own mate doesn't trust me,"

Cassian laughed, grabbing your hand and guiding you towards your room. "You need rest, you've been working too much lately. I feel like you're stressing yourself."

"Maybe, but what else am I supposed to do? I can't sit aside and do nothing while Koschei is out there, doing Cauldron knows what."

"I know, I know," You were in the bedroom now, Cassian gently helping you climb into the bed. It was a tall bed, and getting into it was a slight struggle before, but with your bump, it had become a fight to do it by yourself.

You laid on your back as he snuggled against you, laying his head on your chest and rubbing his hand over your belly. "How is she?"

"She's been kicking all day," You two had decided that you were having a girl a few weeks after you had found out about the pregnancy, "And she's playing this fun little game where she jumps on my bladder. I almost pissed myself in a meeting with Rhys."

"Are you giving mommy a hard time already?" Cassian chuckled at your stomach.

"She's gonna be a little fighter, just like her dad."

"Hell yeah she will be, she'll be training with Daddy and Uncle Az all the time, she's gonna be a little baddass,"

You hummed in agreement, smiling as you closed your eyes in content. Cassian was going to be an amazing father, you could see it in the way he treats you, in the way he plays with Nyx. He was so gentle, so caring for you and your family.

You slowly drifted to sleep, breathing slowing down into sync with the circles Cassian was gently massaging into your abdomen.

" 'I'm not tired' my ass." Cassian mocked your sleeping form, conjuring the soft fae lights to dim.

______________________________________________________________

Tag list: @lizziesfirstwife @waytoomanyteenagefeels @starryhiraeth @knmendiola @bionic-donut @caosfanblr @lena-davina @starriestarlight @younxii @starsdoulikedem @lucyysthings @esposadomd @naturakaashi @carolinaflicker @missusbarnes-rogers @vlysseve @lollipop974 @whydohumansss @spaxxxi @graciereads @dumb-sailor-jay @jesssicapaniagua @we-were-beautiful @judig92 @littlemisslovestoread @toriluvsfics @nightless @cassiefromhell

I'm sorry, I don't know why it won't let me take some of you :(

[mjalti]

Mjalti, I wish you a lot of happiness 💖 please feel free to ignore if you have already answered some variation of this.

I have turned 19 and everybody in my life keeps telling me not to waste my precious moments now, I should maximise my potential, and do things that will make me happy to look back on decades from now. But when I ask them for advice on what exactly to focus on, everyone says "you'll probably figure it out" or "if I knew, I wouldn't be regretting my adolescence". I feel kind of scared, frustrated and lost!

All I have been doing now is studying and hanging out with my friends, I don't have much free time but I am trying to develop a few skills like whittling and playing piano. So there is nothing remarkable, and I am not thinking of romance right now. What would you advise I should push myself to do in this stage?

happy 19th, beautiful. �� And honestly, I totally get where you’re coming from. Everyone loves to dish out their "wisdom" about how you should be "maximizing" your life, but nobody really tells you how to do that. On top of that, most people's "wisdom" is some fucked up revenge fantasy that can't exist organically in the natural world. When people give you advice, they often aren't even "talking" to YOU; they're talking to their younger self. And you haven't made the choices that their younger self made, so you can't speak to the regret or trauma they're processing.

At every point in life; at 18, at 20, at 25, at 35, etc there is this immense pressure to have everything figured out. It can feel like you're expected to have everything figured out, and the pressure is heavy. you know this organically but just so im sure you hear it

NO ONE has it all figured out. Not me. Not them. But it depends on (1) who is being honest about the things they do not know, (2) who is willing to share the things they honestly do know, or have learned and (3) who is emotionally mature enough to help lead you through carrying the weight of the pressures around you .

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to "what should I focus on?" You’re exactly where you need to be — learning, growing, exploring, and just being. And here's the kicker: even when you're just "studying and hanging out with friends" right now, you're building your future self in ways you probably can’t see yet. Those little moments, those skills, those friendships — they all matter.

But if you’re feeling restless and want to push yourself in a direction, I’d say this: dive into things that make you curious. Not things you feel like you should do, but what you actually find exciting, even if it's small or "unremarkable" to others. Maybe it's a new hobby, like your piano and whittling, or maybe it's something deeper — travel, even short trips, different perspectives, or even challenging yourself to step outside your comfort zone in other ways (like learning a new language, or just speaking up more in spaces where you feel shy, going to a therapy session to explore the concept of inner work, etc anything!!). The key is to keep your heart open to what excites you and be patient with the process. My personal tidbit is to find someone famous/set that you admire. Read their books, find what paths they followed in life, what courses they took, what adventures spoke to them, and "try" it on yourself!!

And tbh... try your best to not get too caught up in romance or any other external "milestones." Trust me, you’re in a stage of becoming, not rushing toward something. Be kind to yourself, and let your journey unfold in its own time. You are allowed to figure things out, even slowly, without that pressure to be some perfect version of yourself.

You're on the right path and when you look back, those seemingly small moments will be the ones that shaped you. Keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep doing you because you are the only person that knows who that is and how to do that best. 💖

[666writingcafe]

Pride (Part One)

Everything should have gone according to plan. The House of Lords were going to use one of the businesses they sponsor--an ice cream shop--to hold a contest. Two of the lords in the Upper House rigged it so that MC would win the grand prize: a train trip for two to the Underworld. I would be their plus one so that I can ensure MC doesn't become trapped in the train or the Underworld, effectively foiling the Lords' devious plan and allowing MC to return to their rightful home.

The first time of trouble was that MC was accompanied to the ice cream shop by six of the brothers. Apparently, the contest had started a day earlier than I was led to believe. But it wasn't that big of a deal. All MC had to do was to tell them that they already had a plus one in mind, leading them to believe that it was Solomon. I mean, after the whole flood situation, the two of them certainly have a lot to discuss about the status of their relationship, which requires an extended period of uninterrupted private time.

But then fucking Lucifer had to butt his stupid butt in and insist that the second ticket would be his. I get that the demon puberty thing would strike him eventually, but did it have to be now?! I have just enough political power to protect MC from harm, but both them and Lucifer?! Forget it. He might as well have signed their death sentence.

After relaying the rather vicious argument the two of them had over the train tickets, MC asked me over the phone if I wouldn't mind buying my own.

"Are you sure you want him to join us?" I reply, causing them to sigh.

"I don't think I have much of a choice. Lucifer and I...we share a connection that I don't have with the others. Out of all the brothers' transformations, I figured his would affect me the most due to that connection."

"You know you acquiescing to him is going to feed his ego, right?" Another sigh.

"I know. But if I continue fighting him on this, then we're going to end up destroying something. As it is, the House was starting to shake at the height of our argument, and there's cracks on the walls that weren't there previously." A brief pause. "At least if you're there on the train with us, you can control the severity of our bickering."

"I suppose that's true. I do expect to be compensated accordingly for my services. Just listening to you recount your argument is making my head throb. I'd hate to imagine what it would feel like when I'm smack dab in the middle of it."

"A shopping spree for your brother?" Another pause. "Diavolo told me what happened to him at his school, and I wanted to help lift his spirits. Of course, I can get you something too--"

"Don't worry about it. I accept your offer."

~~~

Famous last words.

It started before we even boarded the train. Lucifer took one look at MC's suitcase and told them that they "needn't worry about bringing it" because he'd "already packed everything for them".

"I even included two outfits that are appropriate attire for tonight's dinner," he continues, ignoring MC's seething. "I prefer the blue one, but I think the color of the other outfit is closer to what you usually like to wear."

"I think I'm more than capable of dressing myself, Lucifer."

"For casual events, perhaps. But this is a train that Devildom nobles often use to go on holidays, since it's known for providing a luxury experience to its customers. Trust me; the clothes I've prepared for you are perfect for this occasion."

"Speaking as a Devildom noble, I think your attendant has dressed appropriately for similar occasions," I chime in. "They've certainly never looked under-dressed, so if they feel like their clothes would work, then I trust their judgement." I don't know whose facial expression is scarier: MC's smug one or Lucifer's irritated one. Or is it the fact that, despite the different expressions, they look eerily similar? Of course, that could be that mental connection that MC mentioned at work somehow.

Things are relatively calm as we board the train, and there are no further mishaps until dinner. I place my order with little issue, but the moment MC goes to open their mouth, Lucifer states,

"We'll both have this dinner here, with the bicorn tenderloin roti as our main course. We'll take our appetizer garnished with blood sauce. Also, a bottle of Talouse vintage 666 Demonus, and two glasses if you would." I don't have to look at MC to know they're wanting to reach across the table and strangle Lucifer. Thankfully, our waiter catches the change in MC's mood and preemptively allows them more time to look over the menu while he leaves to submit mine and Lucifer's orders.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" I hiss at Lucifer.

"Making sure mistakes aren't made," he replies nonchalantly. "What I've chosen will appeal to MC."

"And what makes you so sure about that?"

"I know them, inside and out. So, there's no need to worry. I have everything under control." I take a deep breath, trying my best to keep my voice level. I will not be making a scene in this dining car.

"Listen, Lucifer, perhaps this part of etiquette has slipped through the cracks of what you've been taught, but unless someone makes it explicitly clear that they're okay with it, you never order food for another adult person. It takes away their dignity and tells them that you don't value their opinion."

"Is that how you really feel about me, Lucifer?" MC chimes in. "Do you not think that I'm capable of making my own decisions?" If looks could kill, both Lucifer and MC would be dead right about now, because they're staring daggers into each other's eyes. Unfortunately for us, that's when the waiter returns to check in on MC.

"Are we still deciding what to get?" he asks. MC forces a smile on their face as they reply,

"I do, actually." As they place their order, Lucifer mutters under his breath that they won't like their food for various reasons, whether it's that it'd be too spicy or too tough to chew. The waiter notices this and waves his hand in Lucifer's direction. The next time he opens his mouth to speak, no sound comes out.

"A little spell I've learned," the waiter explains. "You have no idea the amount of people that behave like that. I'll lift it once your friend here has finished ordering." The smug look on MC's face returns as they place the rest of their order, and I quietly tell the waiter to bring me a bottle of Demonus.

This is going to be a long train ride.

Taglist: @lost-in-time-wanderer, @fuzztacular, @dianedancer18, @sweetbrier2908, @flare-love, @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf, @thunderlightning351, @l3v1chan, @anxious-chick, @5mary5, @expressionless-fr, @tenkobitch, @budbuddnbuddy

[clemblog]

Caine’s Lesson - Part 8

•

A few days had passed, Gummigoo having spent said days slowly chipping away at a pistol for Poms! It was sleek and a lot smaller than what he was used to, perfectly weighted to the sizing of Poms hands! He grinned as he gave it a final check over.

"Nice one Gummi, another perfect piece, just like Pa taught you!" He hummed happily to himself, leaning to pick up a paint brush from his tool kit to write Poms name on it. That way anyone would know from a first glance that it was hers.

He took a few moments to careful write 'Pommy' in curly writing to go along with the rest of the style of the weapon.

Now, all he had to do was go pester his Ma and see if she had any spare holsters lying around!

"Maaaaaa?"

"Yes Gummigoo?"

"Ya got any old holsters lying around?"

"I'm not sure, we might! If you come stir this pot of soup for me, I can take a look!"

Gummigoo hummed at this, walking into the kitchen. He handed over the pistol to his Ma as he took the ladle from her.

"Ooh! What a beauty, my boy." She cooed, softly as she looked it over. "I'm sure we have a perfect holster for your friend Poms."

"Thanks Ma." Chuckled Gummigoo, stirring the soup his Ma was working on. If he had to guess it was most likely a gummy fish based stew.

A few moments later Ma walked back into the room, holding a ruby red leather holster in her hand.

"Oh! Ma, are you sure?" Spoke Gummigoo, eyes widening slightly.

"You know I don't shoot anymore Gum, besides I trust Poms. She seems like a fine young lady." Nodded Ma, gently placing the holstered pistol in his hands. "Now shoo! Out my kitchen, I got meals to cook."

Pomni was just relaxing in the barn, it was hot day today, so she didn't exactly feel like being out in the sun. She looked up when Gummigoo entered the barn, hands behind his back.

"O-Oh! Hey Gummigoo, what's that?"

"It's a surprise, for you Pommy~" He grinned. "Made it myself."

Pomni's eyes widened slightly as she looked over the item, taking it slowly from his hands.

"W-Wow- Gummigoo- I don't know what to say-" She eeked, slowly.

"How about whether or not you'll be joining me and the lads on our trip tomorrow~?"

"O-Oh absolutely!"

"Snazzy, I'll get Max and Chad to get you a ride before tomorrow-"

"Wait- Gummigoo, do you mean a horse-"

•

"So, Ragatha, you feeling any better?" Hummed Zooble, curiously.

"A little!" Smiled Ragatha, sheepishly. "I'm not really thinking of Pomni so much anymore- I'm still worried about her- But it's not like taking over my life- Like I’m still worried but I can do other things-“

“We got it Rags, don’t worry.” Mused Zooble.

“Y-Yeah! It’s nice to hear you’re feeling better.” Nodded Gangle in agreement. She was still drawing, but was now drawing things for herself or what she wanted to make or plan out. Apparently it was a break, but Ragatha didn’t really see that as a break in her honest opinion- Gangle was happy though, so she left it be!

It just meant she could start to theorise on what to make Gangle as a present!!

Truth be told, with everyone sat talking together, Caine having been absent from the circus for a week now. Jax was feeling rather… lonely. Even [————-] got lonely- But that was the downside of being, well an [—-]. Nobody stuck around much in situations like this.

So, he’d decided to get even more familiar with the circus, see if their where anymore secrets to find! They might be useful! You never know- You can never do enough slinking around!

He’d been walking around for a few minutes when he found a door he’d never seen before, it looked old and untouched. Except for the disturbed dust on the floor, indicating the door could in fact open.

“Hello door! You don’t mind if I-“ He hummed, opening it and stepping inside.

What Jax wasn’t expecting to find was Caine, however.

“Uh- Caine, buddy? I didn’t realise this was how I got to you-“

“JAX!” Exclaimed Caine with a large grin. “You made it just in time to go on your next adventure!”

“Oh an adventure? Finally~ Let me go get the others-“

“Nono, theirs no time! Off you go!”

Jax found himself being engulfed by a portal before he could get another word on.

“CAINE- HANG ON A [—————] SECOND-“

“I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR SOLO ADVENTURE JAX! PERFECTLY CURATED BY YOURS TRULY- NOW I MUST GO HYDRATE, YOU’VE GOTTA GO DO THAT MULTIPLE TIMES Y’KNOW-“

•

“Uh… Max- Chad- I don’t really know how to ride a horse-“

“Don’t worry! It’s easy as riding a bike!”

“Exactly!”

“Uhm… Okay-“

“You’ve got this!”

Max then proceeded to slap the butt of the horse, causing it to charge off with Pomni sat in the saddle.

“OH GOD- MAX- CHAD! HELP ME- STOP STOP STOP- SORRY- SORRY- HORSIE- PLEASE- SLOW DOWN- I DON’T KNOW HOW TO STEER YOU- IVE NEVER DRIVEN A HORSE BEFORE- UH- GUMMIGOO?! LOU?! MA?! ANYONE? MAXXXXX I DONT KNOW HOW TO STOP- CHAD PLEASE- PLEASEEEEEE- YOU GUYS ARE. THE. WORST. GUMMIGOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”

That’s to say Gummigoo wouldn’t be leaving Pomni alone with Max and Chad again anytime soon. He took over Pomni’s riding lessons, and after a few laps of the field, Pomni was feeling a lot more confident with her new mare! She decided on naming her jingles. She was a very sweet blue and pink coloured gummy horse. The sweet girl was anxious just like her but she could run fast! Pomni had no doubt that the horse could help her travel and keep up with the trio of bandits on their next adventures!

This was nice, building up a home, some skills and a form of transportation. It helped make her feel more human.

Part 9

[the-sonic-crew]

I’m in my teens and I’m realizing I’m fucked up im kinda clinging and have adhd unmediated and my relationship ship with my mom is rocky to say the best

I’m the eldest and so I was sort of the test baby to parents who had no clue what they were doing and stresssed from one of them being disabled and having seizures and keeping us a flout so I was kinda like the problem child or the scapegoat if you will, I was the book smart kid but also the first to break rule and inherited both of my parent’s stubbornness which lead to getting into screaming matches with my parents but at the same time being terrified of being “mean” and getting attached way to quickly and my father loves to guilt trip me and my sisters for no reason

Idk my life just kinda sucks

I was suicidal at 10 but got over I think

Some advice would be appreciated:)

I know exactly how you feel anon. And I know that it's hard to believe but you don't have to be perfect. I know how it feels being the burden, but it's really not your fault. You're not the one who needs to get better, it's your parents.

It took me way too long to realize that myself.

I also think talking to someone will help a lot. Can be anyone, a friend, a teacher, a phycologist/ therapist would be also great but if you don't have access to it, it's okay. Try to focus on things that make you happy when you feel like it's too much. And you can also take a break from things that exhaust you, trust me, you deserve it.

Take care, stay strong and know it's not your fault.

[destiny-in-the-universe]

Cars 2 Rewrite

Gooood timezone, my lovelies!

This is your host, Cecil, speaking! Now- some of you have been asking about my Cars universe, especially when it comes to the second movie so I will explain! Though keep in mind - not everything's getting covered here due to a mix of spoilers, and well, I want to make this a long-term thing; gauge who might stick around pfft. I like receiving attention on my posts, so I know I'm not talking to a wall hahah but anyway; this is going to start off with the plot!

The characters are human, not cars.

Rewritten Plot

Following Lightning's wins in the Piston Cup series, things have greatly settled. Lightning McQueen is returning to his home in Radiator Springs - after having finished a race back in the LA Motor Speedway - and he's looking for a little TLC. Though it seems fate has other plans as his best friend and potential crush - I mean, companion, of course - somehow ropes him into accepting the World Grand Prix races across Europe. In an unexpected turn of events, Lightning and Mater found themself caught within a tangled game of lies. Now, they're playing spy... but things are about to get a whole lot harder. In ways they didn't see coming.

While this rewrite doesn't currently seem like much, this was a project created by me and my partner, so!

Read below the cut for further information!

Important Characters (Note: This will only include four characters and some are purposely being redacted in order to maintain the suspense)

Lightning McQueen

Lightning's role plays out a little differently within this piece, to say the least. The World Grand Prix seems like a dream come true, and he gets to spend it all with his team and his totally just a best friend, Mater. Now having a proper family, he feels as if he'll be able to do anything and win against Francesco Bernoulli, but this trip is going to be like no other. Following an incident witnessed by himself and Mater, Lightning is being thrown into the world of spies.

Benjamin "Tow" Mater

Mater is Lightning's best friend and confidante. Getting invited by Lightning to the World Grand Prix will certainly be an exciting adventure, and if sparks happen to fly between them - well, that's their own business, thank you very much! His eagerness is sure to make this a fun time, and he'll never leave his crush's - buddy - side no matter what! ... even if it means accidentally being thought to be a spy.

Finn McMissile

Finn McMissile... the best agent CHROME has ever seen. Being brought into a case about a dangerous camera which is not all it appears to be, but of course he and his trusted agent Shiftwell; not to mention the American spy's decision to help them in all of this. Though an unexpected case of mistaken identity leads to them bringing the wrong people into this... and really, what's the worst that could happen?

Holley Shiftwell

Holley's only supposed to be a techie. She's not a field agent by any means, but when she's paired with Finn McMissile during a mission - and now they've got the American with them but things aren't entirely as they seem. The weapon remains out there, and it might cost people their lives...

Changes within the Rewrite

Doc Hudson is alive during this! I couldn't bring myself to kill him and I thought his appearance in the World Grand Prix would make the storyline a lot more interesting

Lightning does willingly invite Mater to the competition. It felt so odd in the canon when he didn't and that just wasn't going to fly in this version

Lightning/Sally will not be part of the fic. I am deeply sorry if you enjoy this, but I took things a different route when the idea was first created

Spoilers? Lightning witnesses the death of the true American spy; of course, Mater is also a part of this

Lightning is more of an active participant because my partner and I said so. I can't explain more than this... but you will find out! Don't worry about a thing

Headcanons

Lightning has ADHD! He just does. I can see him getting the bout of zoomies at random hours and he's always forgetting something before leaving for a race

He's also trans. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk

Mater is autistic. He's so neurodivergent. It makes me stim to be honest

Doc fired Harv after the first movie. They would've clashed so hard if they'd been forced to work together

Lightning used to love spy movies when he was young and it's part of the reason he decides to get involved

Mater has experience with fighting. He's going to knock someone lights out, and that's all you're getting for now

Doc and Finn have something going on. Unofficially, lmao

Sally is a lesbian. There's another unrelated idea I made where she gets together with Holley

Doc definitely has (metaphorical) adoption papers for Lightning

Lightning has driven the Hornet, but always under Doc's supervison

Doc used to own livestock guardian dogs and now he doesn't have any pets, but I think he'll get another one soon because why not

More is going to come later! I have so much to share about this universe, but right now this is what you're getting pfft I hope you enjoy though!

[tia-amorosa]

Episode 22: A trip, many emotions and unexpected news. (Loonger Part)

Three days later. it's Saturday morning, 8:09 am. Few things have changed, but there have been some successes. The transporter is now sufficiently stabilized to be able to extract spirits and souls from distant paraphysical planes. However, the localization of Bella was not yet successful. But hopefully that will change soon.

On this Saturday, breakfast is eaten in silence. But then… “Have you heard, a fairground has opened today. They're organizing water balloon fights and hot dog eating contests… Anyone fancy coming along?"/ ‘hm, I'm too old for that’/ ”are you sure? Well, I wouldn't want to miss it”.

„Sorry, but I don't know if I feel like it, Pascal.. my head is preoccupied with your Transport-Machine and my mother. I don't know, maybe I should give up after all…"/ ”You and give up? Oh Cassy… We're so close, even if it doesn't seem like it. My gut tells me that we'll succeed soon, trust me"/ ”hh… All right, but at some point I'll probably give myself an ultimatum”. Of course, Pascal understood that Cassandra's patience was strained the longer it took. But in his experience, the best results come when you “wait aggressively”. Cassandra was persuaded to take a trip to the fairground after all.

Later. Once they arrived at the fairground, everyone immediately looked for something to do. Friedbert didn't really want to take part in the eating contest, his stomach was still full from breakfast. But then he found the right distraction. “Oh… Erin?…”. She's the younger sister of one ofhis work colleague. So far, they haven't had the opportunity to talk a bit more. But there have always been glances back and forth, smiles, butterflies in the stomach. The young blonde lady turned around and when she saw Friedbert, she approached him with a smile, “Hello Friedbert, nice to see you”/ “Yes, and you're back again… How was your trip to Aurora Skies?"/,,It was nice… Well, and a bit sad, you know…“/”mhm, my condolences again"/,,never mind. My brother told me you have a visitor?"/ ‘yes, a colleague, she's staying with us temporarily’.

Erin was a little curious and asked him how long she would be staying and why she was there at all. He then explained to her in short format about her mother and that they were going to try to find her spirit and bring it back… “I understand. I hope for her sake that this endeavor turns out well for her. Hn, did you miss me?”. The change of subject came in handy for Friedbert. Of course, he had been thinking about her a lot recently. Well, he hadn't had a crush like that for a long time. And Erin was glad to be back..

Lazlo has get an ice cream in the meantime. “It looks like Erin's back in town. Well, I tried to end up with her once, but she only ever had eyes for Friedbert… It's probably just the way it should be with me… Stay alone for all eternity…"/ ‘Hey, can I sit with you?’. Cassandra's voice reached his ear… “um, fine by me”.

She sat down on the bench with him, which was another big challenge for him. “So the ice cream flavors they have here are all really interesting, but nothing beats rainbow ice cream, mmh, really delicious…“/”mhm… I know it's none of my business, but… why has your fiancé never called you on his own initiative in the last few days?"/ ‘Well, he has a mind of his own…and he's a doctor.’.

"Well, even a doctor can take five minutes to call his girlfriend, right?"/ "Sure... You're right on many points, Lazlo..."/ "But things seem to be different between you two, I know..."/ "Yes..."/ It almost drove him crazy that she didn't talk, but he didn't want to unfairly drag everything out of her. Instead, he just smiled and looked over at her for a moment. "Would you like to play some water games?".

While on one side there were big emotions, on the other side the water balloons were flying. "Hey, I bet you won't hit me once"/"I wouldn't say such big things if I were you, Lazlo..."/ "hahaha, just wait, I'll get you really wet." It was a carefree moment and Cassandra had to smile a little. For a few minutes you forgot all the negative thoughts that were lurking in the back of their minds.

Not only the adults, but also Tycho were on the trip. And he had a lot of fun too. Not just with the toys that are provided here for the younger ones. "Hello, little one, are you OK?"/"Yes, I'm OK, Uncle Polli, and you?"/"Oh, I'm fine. Do you already know the big space monster? I only discovered this today, do you want to see it?"/ "Yes, show me"/ "Wait, where was it again… Oh yes, here… waaah"… basically Tycho knows that Polli is his biological father. But he was born and raised by Pascal and so in his eyes he is also his father. Well… There are strange circumstances in Strangetown.

Half the town was at the festival that day. As was Jenny, the sister of the three brothers. She had found out a few days ago that Friedbert had applied to the youth welfare office for guardianship of Alecia. "So, can you take her in?"/ "We don't know yet. They're sending someone over soon to look at our living situation. After all, the girl shouldn't want for anything." It was a hotly debated topic in the family and Pascal in particular was excited and hoped that they would get approval.

The water fight was over. And Cassandra had to admit that she had had a lot of fun. Her mood wasn't the best that morning. Lazlo also clearly liked her good mood better. And so after the game he made her a nice suggestion. "I'll be on the roof later tonight, the Perseids are supposed to be clearly visible today" / "They're... a certain group of meteorites, aren't they?" / "Right... And when they burn up in the atmosphere... it looks pretty nice." She smiled a little embarrassedly, it seemed to her as if he wanted to ask her out on a date. But of course that wasn't it. "O.k., I'd like to see them..."

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

Later that evening. After they had eaten dinner together, a spontaneous visitor came by. Ajay was a good friend of Pascal's and needed help with a paper that he had to present to a lot of people soon. He told them the latest rumor from the town: "Nervous and Lola are supposed to be parents, did you know that?"/ "What?? She hasn't told us anything about that, no!"/ "Well, now you know. Do you think they'll be able to raise a child? I mean… because of his past…"

Cassandra followed the conversation and was naturally curious. "What's wrong with him?"/ "Well... he had a pretty bad childhood, his mother never really cared about him. They even say here that she had an affair with the Grim Reaper, that's how the boy came into being. "Excuse me... What?"/ "I know, that's really weird, I don't believe it either. She probably just met a tramp back then. In any case, the boy was quite behaviorally disturbed, had psychological problems that his mother couldn't deal with, and so he turned to the youth welfare office. Later he moved in with Erin and her brother. He got better there over time, they accompanied him to therapy sessions and even did some with him themselves. Now he's an adult and can manage very well on his own. But wow, a child... That's going to be interesting"

The conversation about Nervous, whose real name was actually Nyon, continued for a while until Pascal changed the subject again. „I'll go back to the computer and check whether the sensors on the main computer in the lab are working correctly. "/ "O.k. Thank you anyway for this interesting story. Things are really different here."/ "hn, I know. Please excuse me. You're probably going to go to sleep soon, so…"/ "No, no, I wanted to… look at the stars today." Cassandra said this with a slightly restrained smile. "O.k., sleep well later then." She nodded, stood up and retreated to her bedroom for the next two hours with many thoughts.

@greenplumbboblover , @solorisimsSolo , @plumbobgothica ⭐

NOTE: At the time, I hadn't really looked into the background stories of the Sims 2 characters. It was through SimsWiki and other platforms that I first understood the many complex relationships. The name Erin is the German version of Circe (Beaker) and in the German version her brother Loki is called "Klausi". And I didn't want to include them in the story as evil people who conduct experiments on a poor boy. The two siblings can also be found in the world of Aurora Skies. There they are still children and live with their parents Björn and Gundrun Becker. I played with this family a long time ago. ^^

[stressedspidergirlsfitnessblog]

2025

Guess I should reintroduce myself and talk a little bit about my goals. It's been a pretty rough 2 years for me, and I imagine 2025 is not going to be any easier. However, let's start with some basics.

I started running in 2017 with Zombies Run (I still use and love it, it is my favorite thing) and kept going and making gains and losing weight and getting healthier & stronger until somewhere around 2021/22. I switched from a more minimal shoe to a more supportive one (Hoka) and sprained my ankle so bad I ended up needing surgery. (I was also doing yoga semi-consistently before all this, starting with Adriene's Breathe 30 days of yoga, and had kept up off and on almost monthly for however many years until the injury.)

Had surgery, had 0 support really during recovery and lost insane amounts of weight from being unable to stand up to cook and healing took longer and was much more painful than it should be because I was on my own recovering from a surgery where I was supposed to keep my leg up and not move around. :/

Recovered, started gently easing myself back into running, feeling really good, making some progress until heel pain. Tried to stay off it for a bit, then tried to run it off, ended up unable to even stand up the agony was so bad, crawling around type stuff. -Fractured my heel. No one warned me that the bones would lose their density and strength and would be not safe to trust. They said to go easy running and I was. Under 3 miles, not daily, not pushing, doing a run walk run style thing. But the bones were no good. That was another 6 months off, or more sometimes since it still hurts. :/ But not like before and I don't feel it all the time.

Then! I started getting back on track and a delivery truck speeding down our street clipped us as we were backing out of our driveway and it aggravated my shoulder, neck, and back quite a bit. Thankfully a shot to the shoulder and some PT helped and it's back to the usual pain levels and usual misery.

However, my lower back is still just. Incredibly stiff, painful, and frustrating, and even a few days of consistent work brings no relief. I'm used to there being ups and downs with chronic pain recovery, but generally not to feel like I've made 0 improvement at any point, or just made it worse. Apparently there is nothing wrong, and the injury was real, but now my brain is just sending pain signals because it can't let go. -I have heard this many times before, and every time it's turned out there's actual damage. So I am nervous about what's going on with my back, but with insurance the way it is and the fact that quitting my job means I have none, I have no way to get help right now. Other than to just keep gently stretching and exercising and hoping that there's nothing wrong and the one televisit person is right and it's basically all in my head.

In happier news, this past year, my boyfriend proposed and 'evolved' into my fiance. We are getting married next Oct. :) We bought a house closer to his work (he was driving over 100 miles round trip when he had to go in office.) and I gave up my career of 7 years in hopes of being able to find a new job in the same field close to our home. I have some part time jobs lined up, and some remote work for my old job is on the way, but no idea when I'll get paid or how much.

We are still unpacking our home, and still working on buying what we need to make it a home. We got 0 engagement or housewarming gifts other than from our realtor and my mother... so with my job situation in the air and my old house still not sold, there's a lot in flux. We're financially okay but if anyone randomly wants to send us a gift for our wedding or the house, I have zelle. And we don't use amazon so there's no registry really. We are working towards budgeting for a couch and dining room table. And then some kitchen stuff. We have to be careful until I'm not trying to pay 2 mortgages and not having a 'real' job.

Anyway, our dogs are settling in, our cats are shockingly all friends and many of them play together.

So, the tdlr part of this I guess is:

I have gained so much weight I am so miserable and uncomfortable all the time, my body continues to concern me with pain in my knee, and my back, and I am doing my best. I want to lose about 20lbs but nothing I'm doing has seen me even lose 1lb, and I've made some lifestyle changes and upped my exercise quite a bit so I'm extremely discouraged. But I'm going to keep doing what I can to at least keep my heart and lungs healthy and hope I can fit into my old clothes again soon.

I am going to try and be accountable old school fitblr style here for 2025, including posting a Jan 1st weigh in and all that kind of stuff. Fuck anyone and everyone who voted Trump, thanks for making next year even harder financially for all of us, and much much scarier. Hoping to see some old fitblr buddies still posting, still tagging, and hoping we can all see growth and gains together.

I'll try and post some goals and plans soon, feel free to reblog, or tag me in posts you'd like me to reblog. <3

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 10K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 13.) Breaking Point.

It had been a few weeks since Lord Tariq Sauvageon's televised press conference. While he offered a somewhat sincere apology for his deception, he gave his support to Lord and Lady Gallagher. Citing that he couldn't in good faith trust the current Monarchs to lead the kingdom forward. Many in the kingdom couldn't believe he had been alive for years or that he had a brother living in his place. And they questioned his integrity and intentions after his meeting with Princess Naya went left and she hit him with a suit for his infidelity. 

Meanwhile, Their Majesties had other matters to attend to. Including the return of The International Art and Food Festival and The Sovereign Unity Ball, which they were hosting for the upcoming visit of the Drakovian Royal Family. 

"So a ball and a festival all within a week and a half of each other. Are you sure about this?" Shanelle asked her husband over breakfast with their children. 

"Totally sure. We haven't hosted the International Art and Food Festival since before Khari was born." Marquise replied. 

"Yeah. Daddy said there will be a lot of artists there, and face painting and lots of food and music." Khari spoke up. 

"Face paint sissy?" Kylo asks. 

"Yes, my love. There will be a lot for you three to do next weekend. They'll even have my favorite charity art auction and show. And to make it even better, we'll make it a big family trip." Marquise replied. 

"Whole family doe (go) Daddy?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes, my boy. It'll give us a chance to have lots of fun. And we'll even get to meet your new cousin." Marquise replied. 

"We'll get to meet baby Noah Daddy?" Khari asked. 

"Yup! And! We'll be staying at a new bed and breakfast that just opened up," he replied. 

"Ooooh!" the children said in unison. 

Marquise smiled at his children before addressing his wife. 

"It'll be a good time and it has been a while since we visited Castelsarreillan. And admittedly I want to see where Kiara stands on this challenge issue." 

"You don't think she'll turn on us like last time, do you?" Shanelle asked. 

"No. I think she learned her lesson about turning against us but it doesn't hurt to be sure."

"Fair point. But what about the ball?" Shanelle asked. 

"With Lydea being crowned the new Queen, I'm hoping she'll be a tad more receptive to helping Kasnia in the war than her mother would've been," he replied. 

"What makes you think she'd be open to helping?" 

Marquise took a thoughtful sip of his coffee. 

"Because she's actually more pragmatic and diplomatic than many give her credit for. Even us. Also, this impending war would be just as bad for them as it would be for everyone else. And well, King Desaad hates them almost as much as he hates us. I also have it on good authority that he reached out to Her Majesty with a proposition to join him in invading Kasnia."

"He did?" Shanelle asked. 

"Yes, and Lydea all but told him to go fuck himself. He was hoping she'd look past the fact that her father and Richard had become friends over the years. He and Audrey attended Maksim's retirement gala." 

"So you're thinking you can sway her into helping Kasnia?" Shanelle asked. 

"You never know what you can and can't do until you try," Marquise replied.

"True. Well, let's finish breakfast so we can get little Miss Thing over here off to school. And I'll get the boys ready for their doctor's appointment Shanelle said to her husband. 

"Remember: no shots Mommy!" Khari warned. 

Marquise snorted as Shanelle rolled her eyes. 

"Finish your breakfast my love so you can get ready for school." Marquise said to Khari before asking Shanelle, "What time is the twins' appointment?" 

"10:30 AM. We'll have to head into Nadia's office. Her office called and said they were swamped today so she won't be able to make it here to the palace," Shanelle replied. 

Marquise looked at his watch. 

"Okay. I have a meeting with the generals right now but I should be done before their appointment." 

Shanelle nodded. 

After getting Khari off to school, Marquise headed to his meeting, while Shanelle took the boys to get them ready for their doctor's appointment. Soon Their Majesties and the twins were off to the pediatrician's office at the children's hospital. With their teddy bears in their arms, the boys walked into the office with their parents. Stopping to say hi to everyone they walked past. 

Once inside the exam room, the boys went around trying to inspect everything they could see. 

"Hello everyone! It's good to see you all this morning." Nadia said in greeting to them.

"Nadi!" the boys said as they ran to her. 

"Hello, my little ones! It's so good to see you both." she said as she hugged the boys, "Oh! Big hugs! Very big hugs from my boys!" 

She then smiled at her niece and nephew. 

"And how are Mama and Daddy?" she asks. 

"So far so good," Marquise replied. 

"Uh-huh. What's this I hear about Dr. Andersen having to increase your blood pressure medication?" Nadia asked him. 

"He told you?" he replied.

"Of course, he told me. You forget I am not just the heirs' pediatrician, I am the head member of the palace physician staff."

Marquise shook his head with a small smile. 

"I'm fine Nadia."

"No, you're not, nephew. Dr. Andersen didn't increase your blood pressure medication on a whim. Now, I know what I'm about to ask you to do is nearly impossible for a man in your position but, I need you to stop stressing out so much."

"Easier said than done, Nadia."

"Indeed it is my King. Especially with this so-called challenge, you both have to deal with. But I know you can relax, nephew. You must."

"Are you prescribing rest for the king doctor?" he asked in a lighthearted tone. 

"I am indeed. And you will follow that prescription. Won't you?" Nadia replied.

Marquise snorted.  

"By your command, Your Grace." 

Nadia shook her head with a soft smile before turning to Shanelle. 

"And how are Mama and Baby doing?" she asked. 

"I'm doing okay," Shanelle replied with a hand on her baby bump.

"Any nausea or morning sickness?" 

"No. Well not as much as I had with the boys."

"To be fair Your Majesty, you were pregnant with twins the last time."

"True."

"Have you kept up with your prenatals?" 

"Yes ma'am. I took my morning ones earlier. And I will take my evening ones tonight."

"Good very good. Now while I will be checking in with Reyna about you and the baby's progress periodically, you'll be sure to let me know if anything is wrong won't you?" Nadia asks. 

"Of course. I'll be sure to keep you in the loop." Shanelle replied. 

Nadia nodded. 

"And now, for my little ones. Are you boys ready?" Nadia asked the twins. 

"Uh huh!" Zyon replied.

"Yeah yeah yeah!" Kylo replied. 

"Very good, my little ones. Now let's get started." 

The boy's checkup went smoothly. Even when they had to get their shots, Nadia made sure they were comfortable the whole time.

"Okay, my little ones. I know you don't like this part, so let's sing a song to make the time go by."

"Song Nadi?" Kylo asked. 

"Yes, my dear. Now repeat after me, I know that shots can be scary but they help me grow big and healthy. Now Kylo, you're first, can you sing it with me?" She asked Kylo. 

He put on his thoughtful face and then nodded. 

"I know that shots can be scary but they help me grow big and healthy." They sang together as she administered his shot, "Very good Kylo! You did a great job. You were very brave."

"Brave? Yike (like) knight?" Kylo asked. 

"Yes, my dear. Just like the knights of old. Now I have Transformers bandaids. Do you want Autobots or Decepticons?" she replied. 

"Opmus (Optimus) Prime," Kylo said to her. 

She put the bandaid over the spot. 

"There. Much better. Now Zyon, are you ready?" She asked. 

After squeezing his teddy bear nervously, he shook his head no. 

"No! Don't yike (like) shots! Scary!" He said. 

Kylo grabbed his brother's hand. 

"Not scary! Promise!" Kylo said to his brother. 

"Not scary brudder (brother)?" Zyon asked. 

"Nope nope nope! Dotta (gotta) be brave. Yike (like) knights." Kylo replied. 

Zyon thought for a second. 

"Otay (okay) I be brave." Zyon said to his brother, "otay Nadi. I ready."

"Okay my sweet," she said to Zyon, "Now sing it with me, I know that shots can be scary but they help me grow big and healthy."

He sang with her as she gave him his shot.

"Well done my dear! You were also very brave," she said to Zyon, "Now do you want Autobots or Decepticons?"

"Decepicons (Decepticons)," Zyon said to her. 

"And there, all done. Thank you both for being very brave today. Now do you two want a sticker or a lollipop?" She asked the twins. 

"Sticker!" Zyon replied. 

"Lollipop!" Kylo replied. 

Shanelle leaned over to whisper to her husband. 

"I think we just found the twins' villain origin story."

Marquise snickered. 

"And now that we're all done I have a few recommendations for you," Nadia said to the parents. 

"Which are?" Marquise asked. 

"I would like to schedule an appointment with a child behavioral development specialist. It's nothing alarming but I do want to be able to track their behavioral and mental development." Nadia replied. 

Shanelle nodded slowly. 

"I promise you both, it's totally safe and it could rule out any defects in their development, such as autism." 

"Alright. You go ahead and schedule it and let us know."

"Of course my King. To make it a little easier I will be there with the therapist and I'll have them meet the twins at the palace."

Nadia gave Shanelle a reassuring smile. 

"I promise you, my dear. They will be safe. The therapist I have in mind is great with children. They will be as gentle with them as possible. Of that I assure you."

Shanelle nodded. 

"Okay. I trust you."

Nadia nodded. 

"The other recommendation is to get them in with a child optometrist. Out of precaution, I'd like to have their eyes checked. I noticed a little dilation in Kylo's pupils so I want to have them checked just in case."

"Do you think he'll need glasses?" Shanelle asks. 

"Hard to say at this point but if he does, I can say he won't be the first Prince to wear glasses. Sebastian wore them as did his grandfather King Leonidis when he was Prince, and my father Lawrence did as well." Nadia replied. 

"So does my dad and I wear them as well on occasion," Shanelle added.

"So I'll go ahead and schedule that appointment as well. I'll contact you both once it's scheduled."

"Alright. Thank you, Nadia." Marquise said to her. 

"Of course. It's always a pleasure to care for my little ones. I'll see you both soon for the Princess's checkup. And hopefully, then it'll be at the palace."

"We don't mind coming to your office Nadia. You know this." Marquise said to her. 

"I know. Now remember what I told you, nephew. You need to relax more."

"Yes ma'am. I will try."

Nadia shook her head with a smile. 

"I will see you all soon," Nadia said to them before leaving the exam room. 

After leaving Nadia's office and stopping for lunch at their favorite bistro in the city center, Their Majesties and the twins arrived back at the palace. After a quick kiss to his wife who took the twins with her, His Majesty headed to his office. When he got there he was greeted by an unhappy-looking Lord Gallagher. 

"Well, it's about time you got here! I've been waiting here for hours while you and your wife were out lollygagging around." he sneered at Marquise. 

Marquise looked at his watch. 

"Are you going to explain yourself or just stand there?!" Lord Gallagher asked impatiently. 

"If you must know my Lord, I'm waiting for you to shut up and get out of my way," Marquise replied. 

Lord Gallagher looked at Marquise indignantly.

"How dare you speak to me in that matter!" 

"As the King of this kingdom, I can and will speak to you however I damn well please," Marquise hissed at him, "Now if you will excuse me, I have actual business to attend to. And oh! One more thing, not that this needs to be said but, no formal request from you, no audience with me. Now do have a day you deserve, my Lord." 

Marquise then walked past Lord Gallagher and entered his office, locking the door behind him. After taking several deep breaths he walked toward his desk. Once at his desk, Marquise opened his laptop and started a video call with King Balthazar of Kasnia.

"Richard! It's so good to see you again," he said in greeting.

"Hello, Marquise! It's good to see you as well!" Richard replied. 

"I know I shouldn't ask this but how are you doing?" Marquise asked. 

"I am...remembering to breathe and not yell and throw things every five seconds," Richard replied. 

"I can imagine. How is Aunt Audrey?" he asked. 

"She is holding us all together. But I worry this is taking a toll on her as much as it is on me." Richard replied.

"I can understand. I am sorry that you both are in this position in the first place."

Richard waved him off. 

"It's not your fault, my boy. If anyone is to blame it's that god-awful ignoramus, Demetrius," King Richard hissed, "I've known of his arrogance and greed for years but even I didn't think he'd stoop this low. Then again, he ousted his cousin from the throne so I guess it's pretty much on-brand for him." 

"Indeed. And I do apologize for not being able to do more for you and your people at the moment."

"I am thankful for what you have done. The artillery package you sent has helped. I've never seen so many weapons! And the tanks you sent! I might have to sneak into your armory again."

Marquise snorted. 

"Didn't you do that when my mother was alive?" Marquise asked. 

Richard rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

"So I took a few weapons. So what? Your father certainly wasn't going to do anything with them and your mother didn't seem to mind too much." Richard replied. 

"And you think now I'm just going to let you walk into one of my armories and take what you want?" Marquise asks. 

"You are your mother's child, Your Majesty," Richard replied with a snicker. 

Marquise snorted. 

"It's good to see you laughing, Richard."

"All thanks to you. I really do appreciate all you've done to assist my kingdom. Again the artillery package has helped us in this fight and your being willing to open your borders to my people who have fled, brings me so much relief. I thank you for everything you've done."

"Of course Richard. It is my honor to help you all. When our Defense Council is ready, I hope that we'll finally be able to send troops."

"I wait for that day. Well, I won't take up too much of your time, my boy."

"Alright. We'll speak again soon."

Richard nodded before ending the video call. Just then there was a knock at the door. 

"Come in!" Marquise said to the door. 

Margo walked in.

"There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you," she said to him as she entered the room. 

"I was just speaking with King Richard."

"Richard? That's wonderful. How is he doing?" Margo asked. 

"As good as can be expected. He was very appreciative of the artillery package we sent over." Marquise replied. 

"Good. And how are you doing, my King?" Margo asked. 

"I'm okay. We had the boys' checkup today." Marquise replied. 

"How did it go?" she asked. 

"Good. They got shots today so I'm not too sure that the Princess will approve," he replied, "Nadia also wants them to see a child behavioral specialist and an optometrist. She wants the boys to have their eyes checked." he replied. 

Margo nodded. 

"I know you didn't have to tell me but thank you for telling me anyway."

"Of course Mama. You are their grandmother on top of being their defender. It is vital that you are up to date with their health. Khari has an appointment with her in a few weeks. Right now, we're preparing for the International Art and Food Festival."

"The International Art and Food Festival? I didn't know you were starting that again."

"Yes. After the success of The Five Kingdoms Festival, I thought it'd be a good time to host it. I will be meeting with the committee later to go over the final details and categories."

Margo nodded. 

"You know your uncle helped to bring the festival to Cordonia."

"No, I didn't know that."

"Oh yes. He and Duke Theron spearheaded the effort shortly after George and I joined the palace staff."

"I knew he loved to attend but I didn't know that he helped bring it to the kingdom."

"Mmmhmm. Your father used to say that Sebastian hounded him about it for weeks until he finally caved."

Marquise chuckled. 

"From what I know about him, that sounds like something he would do."

"And it didn't help your father's cause that Sebastian had the support of your mother in this endeavor as well. It was right after they got married." 

"Now that sounds like something my mother would do. He always whined about her not always agreeing with him."

Margo smiled at him wistfully. 

"What is that smile for?" he asked. 

"Pride," she replied. 

"Isn't that one of the seven sins?" he asked teasingly. 

"A mother's pride for and of her children is never sinful," she replied.

"I hope you remember that when I finally turn into a psychotic axe murderer." 

Margo snorted. 

"Tease me all you like. I will always be proud of you. Even then."

Marquise shook his head with a smirk. 

"That is why I love you."

"Indeed it is. Well, I have taken up enough of your time, my King."

"Nonsense."

"I shall go check on Her Majesty and the twins. I shall see you later, sire."

Marquise chuckled. 

"Very well Madam. I will see you later. Thank you for spending time with me."

With one last smile, Margo left and Marquise got ready for his next meeting. Margo made her way to Shanelle's office where the boys were playing in a corner. 

"Gammy!" the boys said to her. 

"There's my two turtle doves." Margo said to the boys as ran into her arms, "I will never get tired of hugs from you two."

When looked over to Shanelle, she had her head down on her desk. 

"Your Majesty? Are you alright?" she asked Shanelle. 

When Shanelle looked up, she had an uneasy look on her face. 

"No. I think what I had for lunch is not agreeing with this baby," she replied with a groan.

"Oh dear."

"What wong (wrong) Gammy?" Kylo asked. 

"Mommy doesn't feel good my dear," Margo replied.

"Oh no!" Kylo said. 

"Uh oh!" Zyon said. 

Margo smiled at the twins before looking at Shanelle. 

"Here, why don't you go lay down and leave the little ones to me?" Margo asked. 

"Are you sure?" Shanelle replied. 

"Yes, my dear. Leave the boys to me. You go lay down." Margo replies.

Shanelle nodded. 

"Thank you. Really. I was fine earlier when we were at their appointment. But! Morning Sickness strikes anyway." 

"I totally understand my dear. I'll have the kitchen bring you some apple tea to settle your stomach. Off with you now."

Shanelle smiled softly. 

"Yes ma'am."

"Bye, Mommy!" Zyon said to her. 

"See you yater (later)!" Kylo said to her. 

"See you later babies." 

With a hug and kiss to each of her boys, Shanelle went on to lie down. 

"Now my little ones, let's go check on our garden," Margo said to the twins. 

"Darden (garden)?" Zyon asks. 

"Yes, my love. We have to water our flowers and check on our carrots. They should be ready to harvest." Margo replied. 

"Yeah! Doe (go) outside! Amon (come on) Gammy! Let's doe (go)!" Kylo said. 

Margo followed the boys outside to their garden. After watching them water their flowers and then run around playing for a while, she and the twins then went to pick Khari up from school. When she saw her granddaughter, she couldn't help the flutter of her heart.

"Hi Grammy! Hi boys!" Khari said to her. 

"Sissy!" the boys said in unison. 

After giving the boys each a hug, she wrapped Margo in a loving hug.

"Hello, my sweet. How was school today?" she asked. 

"It was good. Mommy and Daddy aren't coming?" Khari replies. 

"No. Your mother wasn't feeling good and your father had back-to-back meetings. So here we are."

Khari giggled. 

"That's okay. You're just as good as them, Grammy."

"Shall we go?" Margo asks. 

"Yeah. Can we stop for a snack?" Khari replied. 

"Snack!" the boys cheered. 

Margo bowed her head with a smile. 

"Of course my dear. Let's go get a snack."

Later that evening after putting their children to bed, Marquise checked on his wife. 

"How are you feeling?" he asked her. 

"While I understand why your mother swore by it during her pregnancy, I think I've had enough apple tea to last me a lifetime," she replied. 

Marquise chuckled. 

"I know. But as long as you're feeling better, I'm happy." 

"How were your meetings?" she asked. 

"Productive. Everything is ready to go for the start of the festival next Friday." he replied, "I even spoke with Duke Theron."

"And how did that go?" she asked. 

"He is excited for the festival to begin. He even tried to talk me into hosting the International Auto Expo," he replied. 

"One thing at a time, please. And what about the ball? Is everything ready?" she asked. 

"Yes. I sent word to Her Majesty and she replied that the Royal Family will be in attendance," he replied. 

"Will all of them be attending?" she asked. 

Marquise snorted. 

"Unfortunately yes. All of them will be there. Including Kasper the kleptomaniac." he replied. 

Shanelle's face soured. 

"But I have it on very good authority that he will be under the close watch of his sister's guards and ours."

Shanelle sighed. 

"The last thing we need is her kleptomaniac little brother getting his hands anywhere near anything valuable. But as long as he's under the guard's watchful eyes, I think I will be okay."

He kissed the back of her left hand. 

"You needn't worry, my love."

"In the meantime, my King, we have a festival to get ready for."

"Indeed we do." 

That following Thursday, The Royal Family travelled to Castelsarreillan. While looking out the window, His Majesty looked out to see an open field, when inspiration struck. 

"Diego! Pull over! Now!" Marquise told their driver. 

"What?" Shanelle said to him. 

"Huh?" Khari asked.

"What doing Daddy?" Kylo asks. 

"What wong (wrong)?" Zyon asked. 

Once their limo pulled over to the side of the road, Marquise got out. 

"What are you doing?" Shanelle asked him. 

"You'll find out in a second. But first everybody out! Come on boys! Come on Khari! Out of the car!" Marquise replied. 

Shanelle watched Khari unbuckle herself and her brothers and they got out of the car. After a second Shanelle got out after them. When Shanelle got out she watched her husband signal the rest of the motorcade to pull over. 

"What has gotten into you?!" Shanelle asked Marquise. 

"This." he replied before turning to their daughter, "tag! You're it!" 

"Hey!" 

"Can't catch me!" he said as he took running. 

"Come back here Daddy!" Khari said as she and her brothers took off after him.

Shanelle was shocked. 

"Oh! My! God! My husband has lost his mind." she said to herself. 

She watched as her children tried to catch their father. 

"I'm gonna get you, Daddy!" Khari said to him as she and her brothers ran after him.

"You gotta catch me first!" he called out to them.

Shanelle couldn't believe what she was seeing. The children had him surrounded with Khari finally tackling her father to the ground. 

"Ha! Got you!" she said to him. 

"Yes, you did. That means...I'm it!" 

"Uh oh!"

"This is the part where you start running."

"RUN BOYS RUN!" Khari told the others. 

Marquise watched the children go in different directions before running after them. Margo sidled up to Shanelle. 

"My son has gone insane. This is your chance to have him committed so you and my granddaughter can rule," she whispered. 

Shanelle cackled.

"The genius of my mother-in-law strikes again." 

"Mommy! Help!" Khari called out to her mother. 

"Excuse me whilst I go save the children from the big bad gone mad King." 

Shanelle kicked off her shoes and then joined in on the fun. Soon Marquise had mostly everyone traveling with him running around laughing and rolling around in the field. The fun came to an end when everyone was out of breath and laughing. 

"What has gotten into you?" Shanelle asked her husband who was still out of breath but laughing. 

"Many years ago, we were traveling with my father to a state dinner that Duke Theron's father was hosting. And my father had his nose deep into his notes." Marquise replied. 

"I remember that. According to your mother at the time, your father was trying to impress a visiting Duke and his family." Margo added. 

Marquise nodded. 

"Yes. That's right. Anyway, as we rode along, my mother looked out the window and saw a field. She had the driver pull over to the side of the road, dragged us all out of the car, and then said to my father in no uncertain terms 'Tag your it.' and took off running. Leo and I looked at dad and ran after my mother. And before we all knew it, my father was chasing after all of us. She got everyone who was traveling with us to play with us." he replied. 

Marquise shook his head with a smile. 

"You all should have seen it. Nobles and children alike just running around laughing. It was one of the few times in my life that I remember my father genuinely smiling and laughing and just having a good time. It was one of the only times that I remember when he didn't have a care in the world. So when I saw this field I felt inspired,"

Khari wrapped her dad's arm around herself. 

"I like that memory, Daddy," Khari said to him. 

"I do too." Shanelle agreed. 

"Famy (family) hug!" the twins piped up. 

Marquise gathered his family in his arms for a big hug.

"Alright, I think we've had enough fun for now. We have to get to Castelsarreillan before it gets dark." Shanelle said to everyone. 

"Okay. Come on everyone." Marquise said. 

Soon the Royal Family was once again on their way to Castelsarreillan. When they arrived at the bed and breakfast, they were greeted by a small welcome reception. After getting the children situated in their rooms, Marquise joined his wife out on the terrace of the bed and breakfast. 

"And how are you feeling, my love?" he asked her as he sat down. 

"I'm okay. This bed and breakfast is beautiful. How did you find it?" she replied. 

"The owner's granddaughter and I went to school together, and they reached out and I just couldn't say no. As much as I love staying at the Theron estate, I wanted to stay somewhere more family-friendly. And as much as he tries, Duke Theron's estate isn't exactly childproof."

"This is true. I think he'd have a heart attack if the kids ran around and then accidentally broke something."

Marquise snorted. 

"Speaking of the Theron Family, will all of them be at the festival tomorrow?" she asked. 

"Mmmhmm. Joelle, Penelope, and Ezekiel will be hosting the charity art auction and His Grace is on the selection panel this year. They'll be determining what other countries join this year. And before you ask, Kiara will be there as well." he replied. 

"And you're sure she will be on our side?" she asks. 

"I am indeed. While I do know that Lord and Lady Gallagher have reached out to her, I don't think they've been able to convince her to join their cause," he replied. 

"Well we'll find out Saturday won't we?" 

"We sure will. In the meantime, I am excited for tomorrow." 

"I know. We get to meet our nephew. I can't wait to hold him." 

"Take it as practice for our little one."

Shanelle smiled at her husband. 

The next morning they were joined by the rest of their family. And were introduced to their newest nephew Noah. 

"Eeeeee! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" Shanelle squealed as the baby was placed in her arms, "Ohhhh my goodness! You're so tiny and so handsome." 

She looked at Jenna with a smirk. 

"You oughta be ashamed of yourself."

Jenna scoffed. 

"You're one to talk. You gave me a niece and two nephews. And I gave you a niece and two nephews. So we're even."

"For now." 

"Jen Jen! You're here!" Khari said to her aunt. 

"Hey, my sweet girl! And my two gumdrops! Oh, I've missed you three so much!" She said to Khari and the twins, "Here come meet your cousin." 

The boys toddled over to their mother and peered at the baby in her arms. 

"What's dat (that) mommy?" Zyon asks. 

"This is Noah. Your new cousin." Shanelle replied. 

Kylo looked at the baby curiously. 

"That's alien Mommy!" Kylo said to her. 

Shanelle snorted as she shook her head. 

"He's not an alien. He's a baby. This is what a baby looks like." she explained to the boys. 

"Not me! Nope nope nope!" Kylo said in protest. 

Marquise snickered. 

"Yes, you. And your brother. And your big sister. And your cousins. All of you looked like this. I would know. Thank you very much." 

"Mommy, can I hold him?" Khari asks. 

"Sure come sit down," Shanelle replied. 

Khari sat next to her mother before she passed the baby to her. This made the twins even more curious. 

"What doing sissy?" Zyon asks. 

"Holding the baby. See?" she replied, "You hold the baby in your arms like this. It helps support them." 

The boys were enamored with what they saw. 

"I try sissy?" Zyon asks. 

Khari nodded before looking at her aunt Jenna.

"Is it okay Jen Jen?" she asks. 

"Yes, darling. They can hold him with you," she replied.

Khari nodded then turned to her brothers. 

"Okay Zyon, come sit down next to me," she said to her little brother. 

Zyon toddled over and sat down next to Khari.

"What I do now sissy?" Zyon asks. 

"Here," she said as she placed the baby in his arms, "you hold him in your arms like this."

Shanelle helped him hold the baby. 

"Like this mommy?" Zyon asks. 

"Yup. Just like that." Shanelle replied. 

"I do it! Yay!" Zyon cheered. 

"Inside voice sweetie. You don't want to scare the baby." Shanelle said to him.

"Oh! I sorry. I use my inside voice now."

Zyon gently rocked the baby in his arms. 

"Brodder (brother) you try now," he said to Kylo.

Kylo looked at Jenna. 

"I try now Jen Jen?" he asked. 

"Of course sweetie. Go try," she replied. 

"Otay (okay) I ready now," he said as he sat down in his mother's lap. 

Shanelle helped him hold the baby close. He smiled at the baby. 

"Helyo (hello) baby. My name Kylo," he said to the cooing baby. 

After spending most of the day with their family, Their Majesties met with the organizers of the International Art and Food Festival to finalize the plans for opening day. 

The next day was the start of the International Art and Food Festival. The grounds of the Pavilion at Lake Regent were filled with all sorts of artisans selling their wares. Food vendors galore. A petting zoo, lots of music, and a charity art auction.

Marquise walked around the festival with the boys. Showing them the art of funnel cake. 

"What's that Daddy?" Zyon asked. 

"They're making my favorite: funnel cake," he replied.

"Funnel cake?" Kylo asked. 

"Here let Daddy show you," he replied before picking the boys up to show them. 

"See? It's like the churros you boys like."

"Yike (like) churro?" Kylo asks. 

"See? They fry the dough then they put powdered sugar and one other topping of your choice. Sometimes they put strawberries on top or sometimes they put my favorite, chocolate on top." he replies. 

"Yike (like) chocate (chocolate)! Have some Daddy?" Kylo asks. 

"Of course my love," he replied. 

After speaking to the proprietor, Marquise walked away with three funnel cakes covered in powdered sugar and chocolate. While Khari and her mother got gelato. 

"Okay, kiddo, what kind do you want?" Shanelle asks. 

"Chocolate! What kind are you getting?" Khari replied. 

"My favorite kind, Hazelnut." 

As the couple walked around with their children, Shanelle couldn't shake the feeling they were being watched. And after scanning the crowd, she was right. They were being watched by Lord and Lady Gallagher while they were seemingly speaking with Lady Kiara. And Marquise noticed.

"Ignore them," he whispered to his wife. 

"I'm trying. But seeing them so cozy with Kiara is starting to worry me," she whispered back. 

"No need to worry."

"You said that yesterday."

"Exactly. So trust me."

It brought Marquise so much joy to see his people out and about and enjoying themselves. The art auction was a hit. With millions being raised for St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Elena Charroux Cancer Foundation. He made sure a few pieces that were bought would hang on palace walls. 

When it was time for the closing of the first day, many looked to the King for the closing remarks. 

"I want to thank everyone for attending and participating in the opening festivities of the International Art and Food Festival. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to host again. The food has been amazing. My wife had to not so kindly ban me from the pop-up that is serving my favorite chicken tagine."

"You would've eaten them out of house and home. I was doing them a favor." Shanelle piped up. 

The crowd laughed. 

"Anyway! Today's opening festivities were the most successful we've ever had. Seeing all of you enjoying yourselves, selling your artwork, playing music, and dancing everywhere, it's all a reminder of why we are one the most successful kingdoms in the world."

He looked out at the crowd where Lord and Lady Gallagher were looking smugly back at him and to where Lady Kiara was standing with her family. 

"Now I do believe that our hostess, Lady Kiara Theron has a few words she'd like to say," he said to the crowd. 

Kiara made her way to the stage and cleared her throat before addressing the crowd. 

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I also want to thank you and Her Majesty for the opportunity to host this great Cordonian event. It is an honor and privilege that my family and I are very grateful for. I also want to thank the selection committee. It is an honor to host you all this year. And lastly to everyone here, thank you. You all have made this year our most successful year to date. I could not ask for a better opening day."

The crowd applauded. 

"Now before you leave, Your Majesty, I do have something else I want to address while I have you here. As everyone else may know you have been challenged for the throne by Lord and Lady Gallagher. I want to be upfront with you and everyone here and say that my family and I spoke with them."

Marquise nodded. 

"As one of the Great Houses of Cordonia, House Theron is known for its steadfast and unwavering loyalty, commitment, and wisdom. Our house sigil is a mighty owl after all. And while Lord and Lady Gallagher gave us a very generous offer for our support, after discussing it with my family, we have decided that it is in the best interests of our family and our duchy to...continue supporting the crown. Your Majesties, House Theron, and all of Castelsarreillan remain committed to you both in this challenge."

Shanelle breathed a sigh of relief, while Marquise bowed to Kiara. 

"Thank you, my lady. It means everything to me that one of Cordonia's Great Houses will support the crown in this endeavor. You and your family will always have our gratitude."

The crowd gave Lady Kiara and Marquise a standing ovation as they stepped off the stage. Marquise looked over to Lord and Lady Gallagher who were both fuming and winked. 

The next day the family returned to the palace, where Shanelle and Marquise discussed gaining the support of House Theron. 

"Okay as much as I hate to admit it, you were right," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"O ye of no faith, of course I was right."

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly. 

"How did you know House Theron would side with us?" she asked. 

"I have been speaking with Duke Hakim for weeks. And after Mama reminded me that Sebastian helped to bring the festival to Cordonia with him, I might've played on his sympathies." he replied, "it also gave me an idea."

"What?" she asked. 

"We don't really need many of the noble houses on our side if we can convince the Great Houses to side with us," he replied. 

"Okay, so what are you thinking?" 

Marquise thought for a second. 

"How do you feel about hosting a Queen's Tea?" 

Shanelle snorted. 

"You want me to host another one after the last one I hosted?" 

"Good point. Well, hopefully at least this time you won't be fighting anyone. And you'll have the kids and me to back you up."

"You'll be attending?" 

"If you'll have me. Also, it'll be a good way to get Madeleine on our side. She does enjoy a good afternoon tea."

Shanelle nodded. 

"Okay, I'll meet with my duchy staff and get the ball rolling on that end."

"Alright. In the meantime, we have a ball to prepare for." 

"Yay..." 

The next week went by in a flurry. As the palace staff prepared for the Sovereign Unity Ball. While the palace prepared itself, Their Majesties hosted Queen Lydea and her family for a small lunch and signing of a declaration that signaled both kingdoms would send as much aid as possible to Kasnia in its war with Sulovaria. 

After welcoming the Royal Family of Drakovia to Cordonia, both families as well as members of the Defense Council and their families all sat down and dinner was served. As dessert was being served, the princess had to go to the bathroom. 

"Daddy, I have to go to the bathroom. Can I be excused?" she asked her father. 

"Of course my love," he replied before turning to his mother who had just returned from putting the twins to bed, "I know you just got back but, do you mind taking her to the restroom?"

"Yes my King." she replied before speaking to Khari, "Come along my darling."

Margo took Khari's hand and led her to the bathroom. While Margo waited for Khari to finish her business, she didn't notice that she was being watched or that there were no guards patrolling the hall. 

"Grammy! Help!" Khari called out from the bathroom. 

"Yes, my darling. What's wrong?" she asked as she entered the bathroom and saw Khari on the floor.

"My hair is stuck in my dress!" she replied. 

"Oh goodness! How did that happen?" she asked. 

"I think I twirled around a little too much then fell. And my crown and bracelet flew off. Help!" Khari replies. 

Margo shook her head with a chuckle. 

"Are you hurt?" 

"No, I'm just stuck." 

"Oh, good grief. Okay now hold still so I can help." 

Margo worked Khari's hair free of her dress. 

"And now that we have your hair free of your dress, let me find your crown and bracelet."

"I'll help."

The pair worked together to find Khari's crown and her charm bracelet. 

"Now let's put your bracelet back on," Margo said to Khari, "and now for your crown. There. All better now."

Khari looked in the mirror and smiled. 

"Grammy you're the bestest!" Khari said as she quickly hugged her grandmother, "Thank you for helping me."

"You're welcome my sweet. Now let's get you back to the ballroom because they're serving our favorite dessert."

"Oooh! Let's go!" 

As they left the bathroom, they were stopped by Prince Kaspar Thorne.

"Good evening to you both," he said to Khari and Margo. 

Margo placed herself between him and Khari. 

"Good evening, Your Highness. Can I help you?" she asked. 

"I wanted to introduce myself to the Princess if that's okay," he replies. 

"Grammy, who is that?" Khari asked Margo. 

"My Princess, this is Prince Kaspar Thorne. He is a member of the Drakovian Royal Family," Margo replied. 

"What do you want?" Khari asked him. 

"As I said, I wish only to introduce myself to you," he replied, "that is a beautiful bracelet you have on Your Highness."

Khari placed her left hand over her bracelet. Margo and Khari had confused looks on their faces before turning around to see Prince Kaspar's sibling Emika behind them. 

"What is the meaning of this?" Margo asked Kaspar.

Margo never got an answer, instead she was rushed and knocked down from behind by Emika as Prince Kaspar grabbed Khari's arm.

"Let me go!" Khari yelled. 

Kaspar was able to snatch Khari's bracelet off her wrist and grab her crown. 

"I got them!" Kaspar said to his sibling. 

"Good! Let's go!" Emika said to him. 

As he tried to run in the opposite direction, Margo was able to trip him up. 

"Let go of me!" he said as kicked her in the stomach. 

That's when Khari picked up her grandmother's cane. 

"You leave my Grammy alone!" she yelled as she swung the cane. She was able to hit him twice before he finally got away only to collide with his sibling.

The commotion reached the attention of the grand ballroom. That's when Khari's scream rang out. 

"DADDY!" she screamed. 

Shanelle dropped the glass in her hand and Marquise choked as his heart dropped. 

"GUARDS! FIND MY DAUGHTER NOW!" he commanded. 

He helped Shanelle to her feet. 

"Let's go!", he said to her.

As the couple and the guards ran out of the ballroom, many in the dining room were talking fiercely. 

Marquise and Shanelle followed their daughter's voice. 

"Daddy!" she called out, "Daddy help!" 

"Khari! Where are you?" he called out to her before commanding the guards, "Guards! Lock down the palace! Now!" 

When they found Khari she was holding her grandmother's cane looking shaken. 

"Are you alright?" he asked her.

"Are you hurt?" her mother asked. 

"No. But Grammy is! They hurt her." she replied, "we gotta help her! Come on Daddy! Come on Mommy!" 

"Where is she?" he asked. 

"In there." she pointed to the bathroom, "she's hurt! They hurt her!" Marquise's heart seized at Khari's words.

"Stay here with her," he said to Shanelle before going to his mother's side. 

"Find Sir Bannon! Now!" Shanelle said to the closest guard to her. 

"Yes. At once Your Majesty." the guard replied. 

"Mama! No!" he said before racing to her side. He helped her sit up as she clutched her side, "Are you hurt?"

"Only my pride, my love," she replied with a pained wince.

"Here let me help you up. Can you stand?" he asked. 

"Yes I can stand," she replied. 

He slowly helped her up. Allowing her to lean against him to steady herself. 

"Grammy! Are you okay?" Khari asked. 

"Yes, my darling. I'm alright." she replied with a wince. 

"Margo, what happened?" Shanelle asks. 

"What happened?! Those two Drakovian mongrels attacked us! That's what happened!" Margo replied. 

She took a deep breath. 

"I apologize, my Queen. I forgot myself for a moment. I had no right to speak to you in that manner." 

"Don't worry about it."

Margo inhaled then exhaled.

"We were ambushed and attacked. Plain and simple," she said to Shanelle. 

"And you said it was two Drakovians?" Shanelle asks. 

"Yes. The two twins of the Royal Family," Margo replied. 

Marquise let out an explosive breath. 

"Come here. Both of you." he said to his daughter and mother before wrapping them in a protective hug, "I am so sorry this happened. This is my fault. I should've had guards go with the two of you. I failed you both."

Margo shook her head no. 

"It's not your fault my love. They attacked us. And I did my duty as the Princess's defender and tried to defend her."

Khari nodded. 

"And I protected my Grammy!" Khari added.

Shanelle looked around but didn't see any patrolling guards. 

"Where are the guards that are supposed to patrol this hallway?" Shanelle asked. 

"I don't know, I didn't notice there weren't any around. My apologies, my Queen. I should've been more aware of our surroundings." Margo replied. 

Khari looked around.

"My bracelet!" she gasped. 

"What about it?" Shanelle asked. 

"It's gone! They took it!" Khari replied. 

"She's right. That's why they attacked us. They were after her bracelet." Margo added. 

"They stole my bracelet! They stole it!" 

Marquise and Shanelle looked at each other. 

"Let's get you two out of here," Marquise said to them.

They walked out of the bathroom to a hallway full of guests and paparazzi. 

"Your Majesty, I demand you explain your daughter attacking my siblings," Lydea said to Marquise. 

When Marquise saw Kaspar, he saw red. 

"Guards! Seize the Prince and his twin sibling!" Marquise commanded. 

At His Majesty's command, the guards surrounded the twins.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Lydea asked. 

"You're about to find out," he replied, "Search them!"

"Absolutely not! If your guards take one more step I will consider this an act of war!" Lydea said to Marquise before a guard spoke up, "My King!"

The guard held up Khari's bracelet and her crown leaving Lydea stunned. 

"What is that?" she asked. 

"That Your Majesty...is my daughter's charm bracelet and crown..." Marquise replied, "that your brother stole from her." 

"You can't be serious."

Marquise looked at her. 

"Your brother is a thieving kleptomaniac. So can you really be shocked?" he asked, before turning to the guard, "bring me my daughter's bracelet and crown."

The guard handed Marquise Khari's bracelet and crown. When she looked at her bracelet, her face fell. 

"It's broken. They broke it." she said as she looked at it. 

"Don't worry, my love."

"But they broke it, Daddy! The clasp is broken! It's ruined!"

Marquise tapped his lips.

"It will be alright precious. It will be fixed as good as new." he said to his daughter. 

"How can you be sure Daddy?" she asks.

"Because Her Majesty will be the one to pay to have it fixed," he replied. 

"Excuse me?! I will be doing what?!" Lydea asked. 

"As I just said, you will be the one to have my daughter's bracelet fixed. Because if you don't I will consider your brother attacking my daughter and mother as an act of war. Declaration be damned." Marquise replied. 

Lydea let out an explosive breath as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Fine..."

She then turned her fury on her siblings. 

"You two are so dead." she sneered at them. 

The twins looked at each other. 

"But! We didn't do this alone!" Kaspar said to his sister. 

"What are you talking about?" Lydea asks. 

"We never do anything without a plan Lydea," Emika replies. 

"Plan? What plan?" Shanelle asked. 

"We had help from the inside," Kaspar replied, "a member of your court has been supplying me with info on your family and the palace."

That sent many into a fierce chatter. 

"What?!" Lydea asked her brother. 

"For the last three weeks I've been in communication with a member of the Cordonian Court. They helped me plan this whole thing," Kaspar replied. 

"He's right. I verified that they are a member of the court." Emika added. 

Shanelle looked at her husband. 

"Who?" she asked. 

Kaspar pointed to a primly dressed man in the crowd. He pointed to Lady Makenna's older brother Lord Oliver Laurent. 

"You have got to be fucking kidding me!" Shanelle seethed. 

"That's a lie! My brother would never!" Lady Makenna immediately objected. 

"And yet I believe him," Marquise said.

"You would believe a Drakovian over a member of your own court?" Makenna asked. 

"Considering how much of a pain in the ass your house has been as of late, yes I would." He replied before turning back to Kaspar, "If what you two say is true, what proof do you have to support your claims?" 

Emika produced their phone as well as Kaspar's phone. 

"Here. You can check our texts and calls." 

Just as Marquise began going through Kaspar's phone, Margo's son Bannon came running up. 

"Your Majesty! The guards came to get me. What has happened?" he asked before looking at his mother, "Mother? What happened? Are you alright?"

"I am now my love," she replied. 

"What happened?" he asked. 

Shanelle told him everything that happened. 

"Oh my God! Mama! I am so sorry you and the Princess were attacked." he said to her before turning to Marquise, "who is responsible for this?"

"They are," he replies, nodding to Kaspar and his sibling, "they attacked Mama and my daughter. Stealing my daughter's crown and charm bracelet." 

Bannon started to step toward the twins before Marquise stopped him. 

"But Your Majesty!"

"I understand your anger brother. You are right in your anger. Our mother was attacked. But I need you to tend to our mother and my daughter."  

Bannon took a deep resigned breath and nodded. 

"Yes sire."

Marquise laid a hand on Bannon's shoulder. 

"I promise you, brother. Justice will be served swiftly. I will be sure to defend my daughter's and our mother's honor." 

"Alright. I trust your judgment my King. I will stand by your side. Even if all I want to do is strangle that imbecile!" 

Bannon looked around. 

"Mama, where is your cane?" He asked. 

"Right here uncle Bannon," Khari replied, "I think I bent it when I used it to protect her."

Bannon nodded with a proud smile. 

"May I?" he asked. 

Khari handed the bent cane to him. Bannon bowed to her before kissing her on her forehead.

"I am so proud of you, my Princess. Thank you for doing what you could to protect your grandmother."

Khari gave him a small smile before looking at her grandmother. 

"I'm sorry, Grammy. I didn't mean to bend it."

"My little warrior. Thank you for defending me. Even though it's my job to defend you.”

"We defend each other, Grammy."

"Indeed we do, my love. And do not worry about my cane Princess, your father will just buy me a new one with all the bells and whistles on it won't you?”

Khari nodded and Marquise just shook his head. 

"Bannon, I need you to take Mama and my daughter back to the residence and call Dr. Wembley so he can check her over. Please." Marquise said to him. 

"By your command, my Liege." 

Bannon offered an arm each to Margo and Khari and led them down the hall to the residence. Marquise took a deep breath before scanning through Kaspar and Emika's text messages. He saw something very interesting and Shanelle noticed. 

"What is it?" she asked him. 

"This," Marquise replied as he dialed a number.

Soon a loud buzzing was heard. It was a phone ringing. Everyone looked around. It was Lord Oliver Laurent's phone ringing. Everyone turned their attention to Lord Laurent. 

"You might want to answer that," Marquise said to him. 

Lord Laurent swallowed the large lump in his throat. 

"Oliver! What did you do?!" Lady Makenna asked her brother. 

"I-I-I-I–" he started to say before Marquise cut him off, "he committed treason of the highest offense. Didn't you?"

"No! Your Majesty! I assure you I didn't know they would attack the Princess! I thought they would make their way to the vault." he blurted out. 

"You did what?!" Shanelle asked. 

"The plan was for them to steal from the vault. And in exchange they would convince Queen Lydea for her favor for my family in this challenge," he replied. 

"Then why did you text them that you would distract the guards patrolling the hall outside of the bathroom for them?" Marquise asked. 

Lord Oliver couldn't speak. 

"Give these back to the twins," he instructed as he handed the phones back to a guard. 

Marquise set his jaw, put on a pair of black gloves before slowly stalking towards Lord Laurent causing him to back away. 

"Your Majesty, please! I meant no harm." he said as he backed up to a column. 

Marquise stopped in front of him, inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly, before grabbing his face smashing Lord Laurent's head back against the column. 

"Oliver!" Lady Makenna gasped. 

After watching him crumple to the ground, he turned to the guard closest to him.

"Drag him to the dungeons!" he hissed. 

"At once Your Majesty!" the guard replied. 

Everyone watched as the guards took Lord Laurent away. Marquise then turned around and marched towards Lady Makenna and grabbed her arm. 

"How dare you! Let me go!" she yelled at him. 

The look in Marquise's eyes scared her. 

"That is the second member of your very prestigious house to commit an act of treason! If you plan on winning this challenge then I suggest you get the members of your house in order! Otherwise, you will force me to eradicate your entire family! Do I make myself clear Kenna?!" he sneered. 

Lady Makenna swallowed. 

"Crystal," she replied. 

"Good."

He let her arm go and walked toward Prince Kaspar. He grabbed him by the neck, pinned him against a column behind him, and squeezed. 

"If you ever step foot in my kingdom again, not only will I consider it an act of war, but you meet the same fate as your father's uncle. A VERY public beheading." he sneered at a choking Kaspar. 

"Stop it! You'll kill him!" Lydea said to him. 

"That's the idea," Shanelle piped up.

Marquise let the Prince fall to the ground, gasping for air. He turned around and looked at Lydea with a smirk. 

"Sorry. I got a little overzealous."

Lydea scoffed. 

"I'll say. Besides, no one gets to kill him but me. Got it?" she asked. 

"Understood Your Majesty," he replied. 

"Good. While it has been good to see you and your wife, I think it is time my family and I took our leave."

Marquise nodded. 

"Very well. We'll speak again soon?" he asked. 

"How about next week?" she replied. 

"Perfect. I'll put it on my calendar."

Shanelle blinked at Lydea. 

"You're not mad?" she asked. 

"My brother and his twin are idiots. This gives me all the reasons I need to torture them both when we get home." Lydea replied. 

Shanelle snorted. 

"I knew I liked you." 

Lydea nodded. 

"Likewise, Your Majesty." 

Later that night after all the commotion of the evening, Marquise couldn't sleep. His anger couldn't let him rest. He couldn't get the images of his daughter and mother in trouble out of his head. So he got up, left his bedroom, and walked down the hall to Margo's room. He had to check on her. He had to make sure she was okay. He quietly watched her sleep from her doorway before going to check on Khari. 

She was safe but in his mind, he almost lost her. Again. Hearing her screaming for help and that feeling of helplessness will forever haunt him. 

After standing in Khari's doorway and watching her sleep, His Majesty quietly closed the door. He then walked down the hall to his office. Once inside he headed straight to the liquor cabinet, grabbed his favorite Bourbon, and poured himself a drink. After he sat down at his desk and took a sip, there was a knock at the door. It was Shanelle.

"What are you doing awake?" he asked her.

"You kinda woke me up when you got up," she replied before sitting down on the edge of the bookshelf behind him. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up."

"It's okay. Why are you up?" she asked. 

Marquise downed his drink before pouring another. 

"I couldn't sleep so I went for a walk down the hall. And while I walked I went to check on Khari and Mama," he replied, "I had to make sure they were okay." 

"Babe..."

He sighed as he swirled the whiskey in his glass. 

"My facade is starting to crack."

"What do you mean?" she asked. 

He gave her a look. 

"I was afraid you'd say that." 

He shook his head. 

"I shouldn't have lost my temper," he said with a heavy sigh.

"No you definitely should have."

"Shanelle..."

Shanelle shook her head no. 

"Don't you Shanelle me! Our daughter and your mother were ambushed and attacked. You had every right to feel angry. On top of the fact that another member of the illustrious House Gallagher was caught committing treason."

Marquise let out a breath.

"You know...no matter how much I try to hide or downplay it, I can't outrun the fact that the blood of one Constantine Rys still runs through my veins."

"I know it does. But that doesn't mean you're anything like him." 

"I am exactly like him whether I want to admit it or not," he said with a scoff before downing his second drink.

"No, you are not! You are a devoted father and son. Two pillars of your heart and life were in danger. You can't be blamed for how you react." 

Marquise poured another drink before turning around to face her. 

"What kind of message am I sending?" he asked. 

"You are more than just the King of a kingdom or the face of a great Monarchy. As I said before, you are a devoted father and son. There is nothing you wouldn't do for your family. You do everything you can to protect and defend us. But not even you can't predict every single thing or protect us from every danger lurking around the corner or in the shadows. What matters the most is that you never stop trying." she replied. 

Marquise swallowed. 

"I think it's my PTSD. But the thought of Khari being in danger...I felt paralyzed. I felt helpless. Even though she's fine physically and she's safe and sound asleep in her bed...I still feel like I failed. It is my job to always keep her, the boys, and our newest baby safe."

"For the record, it's our job to keep our children safe. Yours and mine. And what I'm saying to you is that sometimes you can't do everything. You're not Clark Kent. You don't wear red and blue tights and fly around with a super-sized red S on your chest."

Marquise snorted. 

"You saying I'm not Superman?" he asked. 

"You're more like John Stewart," she replied. 

He chuckled. 

"The Green Lantern? Not bad."

"Babe it's my job as your wife to remind you that while you're great at many things you are still just a man. You can't do everything." 

"Doesn't mean I won't try to." 

Marquise shook his head with a small smile before placing a hand on her belly. 

"Thank you for talking me off a ledge."

"Always. Now last drink. No more drowning yourself in pity and bourbon." 

"I am not drowning myself in pity."

"Still the last drink."

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly before taking his final drink and standing up. 

"What would I be without you?" he asked as he wrapped his arms around her. 

"A raging alcoholic," she replied. 

Marquise snorted. 

"The only reason I'm gonna let that slide is because I love you."

"I love you too handsome. Now come on, let's go get some sleep." 

"Okay. I'm right behind you."

"Nope. I'm behind you. I need to make sure you actually leave this office." 

Marquise rolled his eyes before putting his liquor back in the cabinet and walking out with Shanelle. 

As they walked down the hall, an attendant came running up to them.

"Your Majesties! You must come quick!" she said in a rush.

"What is it?" Marquise asked. 

"It is Princess Naya, My King. I think she may be in trouble," she replied.

Marquise shared a look with Shanelle before they followed the attendant. When they got to the sitting area Naya was there looking upset. 

"Naya, what's wrong? Why do you look like that?" Marquise asked. 

"I need your help! Please!" she said with tears streaming down her face. 

"What is it Naya? What happened?" Shanelle asked.

"They took her! They took my baby!" 

"Who?" Marquise asked. 

"Edward! Please! You have to help me!" she said before breaking down into tears. 

"Okay come sit down," Shanelle said to her.

Shanelle led her to the couch closest to them. 

"Now tell us what happened," Marquise said to her. 

Naya took a shaky breath before she began to speak.

"He took Bernadette! Edward came into my home and took my daughter from me! I couldn't stop him." 

"In the middle of the night?" Shanelle asks. 

"Yes. About an hour ago. We were both asleep. Tarlov tried to stop them but even he couldn't stop them. I don't understand. I don't understand how he was able to do this." Naya replied. 

"I do. But I need to gather more information. I will get to the bottom of this." Marquise said to her. 

Naya nodded her head slowly. 

"In the meantime, you can stay here at the palace. At least until your daughter is returned to you." Shanelle said to her. 

"Thank you both." 

Shanelle turned to the attendant who alerted them. 

"Have a room prepared for the Princess please," she instructed. 

"At once, Your Majesty," she said with a bow.

"Now Naya you go with her. Everything will be alright." Shanelle said softly to Naya. 

Naya nodded before going with the attendant. Shanelle let out a breath. 

"I can't believe Edward would do this."

"I can. He's trying to send us a message."

"What's the message?" she asked. 

"That this war for our kingdom is far from being over," he replied, "that he and Genevieve will be willing to do anything to force us out. Even if it means going after innocent people." 

Shanelle nodded. 

"So what will be our message to them?" she asks. 

"Our message is simple, we are going to thoroughly enjoy crushing them into dust," he replied. 

Shanelle nodded. 

"Well that's a good enough reason for me." 

Marquise stood up offering a hand to his wife. 

"Come on. Let's go get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us." 

The pair then headed down the hall towards their bedroom.

[depressedbagpipe]

Ka-Chaow (Charles Leclerc x female!reader)

Chapter two

Words: 3902 Warnings: google-translated italian, more mentions of alcohol, poor writing, me not knowing how the ferrari factory works A/N: alright so this has been long overdue so i apologize for that. also, i haven't been to maranello so everything i mention is basically from google maps. everything about the publishing industry i got from a random blog so just to be safe, don't trust anything i say about it ♥️ A/N (II): italics are phone calls, bold and italics are messages, just bold is the location, and (parenthesis) the translation for the Italian ;) Taglist: @heavengirls111, @roseamongthorns13, @mishaandthebrits, @charlesswife, @silscintilla

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Chapter two

Maranello, December 2nd, 2022

‘Wait, wait, wait, so then you’re attending the races?’

‘Yep.’

‘And you’re getting double passes if you ask for them?’

‘Affirmative.’

‘And you know you’re my favorite daughter?’

‘I’m your only daughter.’

‘Still.’

‘I’ll take you to Monaco.’

‘Dio, ti amo.’ (God, I love you)

‘Of course, you do,’ I giggled at my dad.

‘And how’s the trip so far?’

‘It’s… fine, I guess,’ I cringed, looking out the window.

The only sight I could catch from my balcony was the Ferrari factory in the distance, and the hotel’s parking lot on the other side. The views I had caught from the car ride from Bologna’s airport had been beautiful, but we hadn’t had any time to stop to look around.

‘Just fine?’ my dad wondered.

‘It’s not a holiday, papà, I’m technically working,’ I said with a sigh. 

I walked back and dropped on my bed, staring at the fancy ceiling of my hotel room. Although the flight to Bologna had been short, the lunch with Maurizio Arrivabene had been exhausting. Too many bottles of wine and too little discussion about the job, besides the promise of all the paddock access we wanted, as well as the finest wine bottles per Mr. Williamson’s request.

‘Still, you’re going to the track tomorrow, right?’ my dad asked again.

I moved my phone to my other ear, gently rubbing the sore nub after almost an hour of my dad’s nonstop gushing.

‘Yeah.’

‘What time?’

‘We get there at 11 am, I think. I don’t know if the tour will be before or after the meeting with the execs, though,’ I bit my lip, checking the time on my wristwatch.

‘Mio dio, everything is so early here compared to home,’ my dad groaned, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. (My God)

‘Well, not my fault you moved to London for love,’ I answered back.

‘Now you have to move to Italy in return so that we can complete the circle.’

‘Dad!’ I laughed loudly, despite my hand covering my mouth. It was a bit early in the evening, but I knew several guests at the hotel would not appreciate my yelling. ‘Alright, I’ll take you up on that.’

‘You better, chicken pie.’

‘Anyways, I think I’m gonna go. I’m actually exhausted.’

‘Too many emotions today?’

‘Yeah, and I gotta be up early for tomorrow.’

‘Wasn’t the meeting at 11 am?’

I frowned. ‘Yeah. But I still need to finish editing a couple of manuscripts. Do you happen to know anything about the types and uses of the cross symbol in Ethiopian religion?’

My dad took a couple of seconds to answer. ‘... No?’

‘Yeah, me either. Gotta learn a bunch of stuff for tomorrow.’

‘Well, call me when you know something.’

‘Will do,’ I laughed softly. ‘Buona notte, papà. Ti amo.’ (Goodnight, Dad, I love you.)

‘Ti amo di più, Principessa,’ with that, our conversation ended. (I love you more, princess.)

I stayed sprawled on my bed after throwing my phone on the comforter, closing my eyes for a few seconds. I knew I still had to unpack some clothes for tomorrow, recharge my laptop and work on the manuscripts, order dinner, make sure Mr. Williamson got the entire schedule right for the rest of the trip, eat dinner, and get a decent amount of sleep for the following day’s events. Despite my nerves, exhaustion was getting the best of me, and as soon as I felt myself drifting off, I willed my eyelids to open and my legs to move, standing up with a groan at my tired muscles. 

A couple of hours later I was already in bed, my fingers expertly typing away while my eyes begged me to finally close them and sleep. My laptop felt hot on my legs even over the sheets, but I couldn’t stop. Deadlines were approaching, and even though I willingly signed up for the trip, I still found the huge workload that still needed to be done frankly overwhelming, especially since I was working double during Mr. Williamson’s secret and unauthorized gap year. With a sigh, I kept typing until my eyes closed on their own accord. 

I didn’t even know at what time I fell asleep. It only felt like a few minutes until my phone was blasting the alarm as loud as possible. I carelessly reached for it with my eyes closed, hoping my fingers would find it early enough to turn the horrible sound off, but I only managed to slightly push the laptop away. Opening my eyes in a panic, I sighed in relief when I found no crack on the screen, the object still on my bed and not broken on the floor, but the alarm kept going, and not only that, but the hotel phone on my bedside table was also now ringing loudly.

Despite feeling like crying at that very moment, for not only was I not a morning person, but the extreme trauma of waking up mixed with the incessant noise coming from both sides of my bed was enough to almost send me into cardiac arrest. Grabbing my phone and quickly pressing the orange alert, I answered the call.

‘Hello?’ I asked, a yawn escaping my lips as I waited for the answer.

‘Good morning, Miss, this is Francesco speaking, from the front desk. Yesterday you asked us to please wake you up at 7 am,’ the worker spoke in perfect English.

I frowned, not remembering at all having done that, but then again, I didn’t remember most of the evening once I tried to recall how I fell asleep.

‘Oh, grazie, Francesco,’ I replied with another yawn. (Thank you.)

‘Would you like to have your complimentary breakfast sent to your room?’

I paused, enjoying the sound of that. ‘Sure, why not. What were the options, then?’

And that’s how I found myself having breakfast on the balcony, overlooking the blue horizon thanks to the lack of tall buildings around the hotel. I certainly missed the sky back in my London apartment, and it almost felt weird to have the sun shining so brightly on me so late in the year, but nonetheless, it brought some color to my cheeks as I feasted on the delicious biscuits I was offered. I allowed myself to calm down and enjoy the food, forgetting about my job and the likely still sleeping Mr. Williamson on the other side of the wall. As I waited for the breakfast to be brought, I had already taken a shower and gotten ready for the day and was simply enjoying the rather quiet life that the hotel’s location could offer. I did miss the people and the nightlife, but I already got a lot of it in London. 

Taking slow sips of my coffee, I finally got my phone out. I took a couple of pictures to send my mom, knowing she would be calling me in no time to check up on me and make sure I hadn’t caught a bug while I slept. Switching to Instagram, Alec’s face was the first thing that showed up. He had posted a video singing a new song, but I couldn’t will myself to listen to it just yet. His music was what brought us together in the first place, and for weeks I hadn’t been able to listen to his voice again. It was just too painful. 

‘Did you listen to his new song?’ I quickly texted Angela.

‘You won’t like it, though,’ she quickly responded.

I bit my lip. ‘Is it about me?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Is it bad?’ my fingers trembled slightly as I typed, suddenly feeling nervous.

‘I mean, it’s not good.’

‘You’re so helpful,’ I groaned, shivering slightly all of a sudden. 

A cloud had passed directly over the sun, taking the warmth with it. I stood up and walked back inside.

‘Text me when you listen to it. But wait until you’re back in London.’

‘Why?’

‘Don’t let it ruin your trip.’

‘Alright,’ I sighed and ended the conversation.

I shook my arms slightly, trying to find some physical way to let go of those thoughts, and swiftly got my laptop and sat down on the small desk by the window, and typed away my anxiety. 

I wasn’t a big fan of editing manuscripts, especially those about subjects I completely abhorred, but in the grand scheme of things, it somehow helped to leave my mind completely blank, making the time pass by even faster.

Before I knew it, it was 9:45 am. Another alarm went off, and with a final sigh, I saved my progress, put on some shoes, and left my room, only to go to the next door and promptly open the door with Mr. Williamson’s extra card. 

The sight did not surprise me in the slightest. He was still fast asleep on his bed, with the covers half-dangling from the sides and the mini bar half-empty. The room was completely dark save for the light coming from the open door.

I had to take a big deep breath before closing the door behind me and walking decisively towards the blinds, opening them wide, as well as his own balcony’s door, not even caring that the cold and wind could potentially make him sick. I was beyond the point of caring about his health when he clearly didn’t care about his.

‘Rise and shine, Stephen,’ I clapped loudly.

Mr. Williamson woke up with a start, groaning loudly.

‘It’s too early,’ he mumbled, flipping on the bed and pulling the covers over his head.

‘Hell, no,’ I said, grabbing the sheets and pulling them off from his body completely. ‘You’ve got an hour before the car arrives, so chop chop!’ I said as I opened his suitcase and started taking his belongings out, looking for some decent clothes. 

The night before coming to Italy, I had forced him to send me a picture of his luggage, knowing that, if it were up to him, he would show up in Crocs and Bermudas. It wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had a meeting with him dressed like that.

Thankfully, Mr. Williamson listened to me and sat down in bed, still half-asleep, but at least I could work with that. I threw him his toilet bag.

‘Take a shower, God, you stink,’ I complained, grabbing him from one of his arms and pulling him up. 

I slightly pushed him in the direction of the bathroom, and he followed without another word. 

‘If you don’t come out in ten minutes, I’m getting in. And I’ll bring my phone!’ I warned him, hoping the warning would be enough for me not to see him naked. 

‘Jesus, you sound like my wife,’ he mumbled just before closing the door behind him. 

I looked around his room, and opted for taking the remaining alcohol from the mini bar with me, just to be safe. Even though the bottles were tiny, I didn’t trust my boss to somehow get wasted. I wasn’t about to risk my job and my career, especially in a foreign country. Out of habit, I checked my emails again, hoping to see Rosanna’s name somewhere with a publishing vacancy, but as usual, no new emails had been sent since that morning. 

My feet moved by themselves across Mr. Williamson’s room, putting his clothes on the bed, and even going as far as to call some room service for him. I was hoping the sleep and the shower would sober him up because I was anxious as hell about the meeting.

Not only was I a huge sports car fan, but the fact that we had been invited by Piero Ferrari himself to visit the factory, which I could now see from my room, and talk to all those developers who worked there with the same passion my father and I had, was completely mind-blowing. And I didn’t want anything to screw it up.

—

‘So that’s our proposal. Ink’n’Paper and Scuderia Ferrari, together, writing about the history and fame of our car. And we want you, Stephen, to write it,’ Benedetto Vigna finished his speech with a looming voice, staring directly at my boss with a light smirk.

Ferrari’s own CEO had welcomed us into the factory, walking us through the many impressive facilities, and showing us every detail of the place. To say I was awestruck would be an understatement. The museum was absolutely incredible, and the curators had even allowed me to take dozens of videos to send to my dad, which I knew was probably screaming and crying at the sight of them. 

The meeting had started an hour later under the pretext of getting down to business as soon as possible and with the promise of trying the Driving Simulator after lunch.

‘Well, certainly, I can’t say that I didn’t see this coming,’ Mr. Williamson replied, taking his glasses off. ‘And how were you thinking about doing this, Benedetto?’

‘We had a couple of ideas in mind, but I think it’ll be easier right now if you stay in Monaco with the team.’

‘Monaco?’ I blurted. ‘Sorry,’ I apologized in embarrassment, but thankfully Mr. Vigna didn’t seem to care.

‘It’s alright. No, we’re opening a new office in Monaco for the new season, and given that it’s certainly closer to Maranello than London, we think that the writing would be faster.’

‘What deadlines are we talking about here, then?’ Mr. Williamson asked.

Not an ounce of alcohol was in his system, at least that I knew of, and he was magically back to being the professional editor I had known him to be what felt like an eternity ago.

Mr. Vigna looked at his colleagues, all of them nodding amongst themselves. ‘Hopefully, we could have it by the winter break. You know, from a marketing point of view, every Ferrari fan out there would be definitely getting it for Christmas.’

Mr. Williamson took a sip of his espresso, carefully considering his options. Then, he looked at me. ‘What do you think?’

I widened my eyes. ‘Me?’

He nodded. ‘Yeah, you. You also work here, I want to know what you think.’

Any thought left my mind as soon as he said those words. Despite being used to taking over his meetings due to his many inebriated states, I was feeling rather intimidated by the situation. And, unlike Mr. Williamson, I had never published anything before.

‘Well, uh, technically December is a bit of a dead zone in the publishing industry.’

I spoke with a low voice, feeling anxious about debunking Mr. Vigna’s theory.

‘Is that so?’ he asked, but his tone was more curious than annoyed. 

That only encouraged me further. ‘Yeah. It’s usually September when we get all the workload. December kinds of get those less-interesting manuscripts from the bottom of the submissions box, and many workers just leave on vacation. We usually just… publish more volumes of the already best-selling ones, because those are the ones that get sold. The marketing would have to be insane if we want this book to make figures on Christmas.’

My comment was met with utter silence. I stared at all the people in the room, silently hoping for someone to talk because the embarrassment was already too high.

Mr. Williamson gratefully came to my aid, as weird as it sounded.

‘She’s right,’ he said, taking one final sip. ‘Either we push the deadline forward to September, or we spend a couple of millions on the marketing.’

Mr. Vigna seemed to consider our words after that. ‘Right, I certainly didn’t know that. Won’t September be too much of a short time for you?’ he looked back at Mr. Williamson, who quickly shook his head.

‘I don’t see why it’d be a problem. As long as we start as early as possible and are provided with all the materials we need…’ he looked up in deep thought.

‘And what do you need?’ one of the women at the other end of the desk spoke, pen already in hand, waiting to write anything down.

‘Certainly, we need access to any source of information about Ferrari. Whether is it the cars, the history, even the drivers, literally anything with the word “Ferrari” in it,’ he spoke. ‘Now, I got a tight schedule when writing biographies, and I need at least two months just to do the research. After that, the writing comes smoothly.’

‘Don’t forget the editing…’ I whispered loud enough for him to hear.

He waved me off. ‘It will take some time, though. You know I’m not that much of a Formula 1 enthusiast. I much rather prefer cricket,’ he said, standing up from his chair and buttoning his shirt.

With his clean suit and combed hair, he looked unrecognizable from the man I had found in his bed that morning. He looked put-together for the first time in months, and it brought me back to the first meetings of my internship, where everything he did was graceful and calculated. I felt oddly safe for the first time in months, knowing that, no matter how the meeting went, I had Mr. Williamson to guide us through the rubble and exit the building with an even straighter back and untouched dignity. I so wished every day at work felt the same.

‘But my assistant over here is, in fact, a remarkable connoisseur of the sport. What did you call it? Tifosi?’ he quickly looked at me, looking for confirmation. ‘She’s half Italian, in fact. I might have to delegate some of the work to her.’

I widened my eyes even more, his words leaving a huge pit in my stomach. My head felt suddenly numb, and my pulse increased as I recited his intentions.

‘In that case, Stephen, if you trust her to do the job, so do we. Obviously, if she agrees.’

I felt more eyes on me, and I gulped. I nodded slowly. ‘Yeah, I do.’

Benedetto Vigna smiled and brought his palms together. ‘Great! I’m sure you’ll be fine in Monaco,’ he stood up from his chair, signaling everybody to do the same. 

Mr. Williamson offered me his arm, given I was still in shock at Mr. Vigna’s words. Everybody started filing out.

‘Wait, what?’ I asked no one in particular.

‘I guess you’re going to Monaco,’ Mr. Williamson said as he lightly pushed me out of the room, pretty much in the same way I had done that morning to get him in the shower.

‘But… what about work?’

He frowned at me. ‘This is work.’

I didn’t have time to reply, for Mr. Vigna’s loud voice reverberated around the hall.

‘Now, I believed I promised you lunch and a Fiorano tour. Oh, and the Driving Simulator, too.’

—

Despite being a huge Formula 1 fan, I had never been to a race track. The only person I really wanted to attend a race with was my dad, and he was always a bit too busy, and the tickets were always a bit too expensive. Not coming from a large income family had definitely shut a few dreams down, hence why I had immediately started crying at the sight of the Fiorano track, where Ferrari tested their cars. Even though it was empty, the sheer sight of the huge lane was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Thankfully, the sun was shining down on us, and my eyes were hidden by my sunglasses, but I knew my face would soon become a bit too red for other people to notice.

Lunch had been fine, yet I was still thinking about Mr. Vigna’s words. Not only was I part of the project, but I had also been tasked with recollecting all information about the red Scuderia and its cars and history, all of it while I lived by myself in Monaco. I was dreading the conversation with my parents, knowing my mom would definitely not approve, as well as the high chances of me getting homesick as soon as I arrived at the small principality. 

But then again, maybe getting some time away from my life in London would do me good. Away from work, and Mr. Williamson, and Alec. I didn’t want to be the type of person that fled the country when they broke up with their partner, but I also knew that distance was my biggest ally at the time. I wasn’t completely sure how Mr. Williamson was gonna manage on his own while I lived elsewhere, but the thought of a quiet life for a few months in the quaint country was becoming more appealing by the second. 

I completely tuned out Mr. Vigna’s speech about the dimensions and characteristics of the track (not that I needed them, my father had made sure from a young age that I knew my blood was Ferrari red and Tifosi my middle name, although it certainly never was and it got us a very weird meeting with my elementary school headmaster after having written Tifosi as my middle name on several exams). If I had been paying more attention, I certainly would’ve noticed two familiar figures dressed in red polos walking toward us.

‘Charles! Carlos! Che bello che sei venuto!’ Mr. Vigna signaled the two men forward, and they quickly introduced themselves. (How nice that you came!)

‘¡Hola! Sono Carlos,’ Carlos Sainz Jr. extended his hand towards Mr. Williamson. (Hi! I’m Carlos.)

‘Nice to meet you,’ replied my boss, shaking his hand.

‘Hi,’ I smiled at him, trying to contain the excitement.

‘Hello,’ he gave me two kisses on both cheeks, and I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped my lips. 

‘Sorry, I’m a big fan,’ my face felt even warmer, but I still didn’t take my sunglasses off, the big black crystals at least hiding part of my cheeks.

Carlos laughed. ‘It’s alright, usually everyone that comes to Fiorano is,’ he winked, and moved aside.

I would be lying if I said I didn’t have favorites. I would also be lying if I said Charles Leclerc wasn’t one of them.

The slightly taller man stood right in front of me, smiling brightly. His head blocked the sun, allowing me to look at him in more detail as the rays fell around him, giving him an even bigger heavenly glow.

‘Ciao, I’m Charles,’ he too pressed two soft kisses on my cheeks, and I swear my heart stopped for a second when he came closer. (Hi.)

I took off my glasses and quickly introduced myself, hoping I didn’t sound like a lunatic gushing over her biggest celebrity crush standing right in front of her.

‘Ragazzi, l'intervistatore vi sta aspettando,’ a shorter woman came up behind the two drivers with a stressed look on her face. (Guys, the interviewer’s waiting for you.)

I frowned slightly, having the meeting cut short, but in hindsight, my heart was beating loudly in my ribcage out of nerves, and I didn’t want to make an even bigger fool of myself by standing there completely starstruck. 

They sadly left our group with a warm goodbye, and the rest of the day passed in a blur. 

Next thing I knew, I was on my bed, staring at the ceiling, failing to fall asleep due to the image of a pair of green eyes glistening in the sun embedded in my mind.

Next chapter

General taglist: @angiewhoohooo, @azaleaniath, @mishaandthebrits, @celestialcharles

[bean-bean2000]

The Hacker - Part 15 - Ending

Pairings: Bucky x Reader

Status: Completed

Warnings: fluff!, adorable bucky, happy ending

Please let me know if i missed any warnings and I will add them.

Series masterlist

———————————————————————————-----------------

After the fake mission, you and Bucky have been inseparable and the dynamic in the team has been phenomenal. Once you returned, Tony was furious that he was left out of this entire master plan, but he was happy you and Bucky finally woke up and realized what was in front of him. However, he took this as his opportunity to annoy the living hell out of Bucky any time he would show his soft side in front of the others. This usually ended with Bucky throwing something at Tony while he runs away giggling like a teenager.

One day Steve announces that a new recruit of SHIELD members will be training at the compound. Each avenger was assigned one to train. As Steve is pairing everyone he suddenly calls your name and you turn around quizzically

"Me? What am I going to train them to do? I'm cyber nerd I don't fight."

Steve chuckles "He isn't a fighter either. You're training a new recruit for a new cyber team that Fury is creating to reinforce the cybersecurity of SHIELD. So, your job is to improve his skills and teach his your techniques."

"Oh... I um, sure? Why does SHIELD need a team? I can do it myself for the compound and SHIELD...."

"It's a lot of work, and SHIELD is very vast and complicated, no matter how talented you are, you won't be able to handle it yourself. Plus, we want you here because we trust you the most to protect this compound and the most confidential information that we hold regarding HYDRA."

"Fine... but if he annoys me, I will hack into everything he owns and use it as blackmail forever. I like my peace and he will not disturb it." you tell Steve firmly.

He scoffs and quirks a smile while Bucky chuckles and says under his breath "that's my girl", which makes you blush and walk back to your office.

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

The next day the new recruits arrive. Steve introduces you to each other.

"Hi I'm Jake. Nice to meet you! I've so much about you, I'm very excited and grateful for this opportunity to work with you and learn from you!" he says very cheerily, smiling ear to ear and shaking your hand enthousiastically.

You smile awkwardly "yeah... haha.... um let me show you to the general IT office and you can show me what you know." you say while yanking your hand out of his grasp.

Bucky watches you from the corner, his new recruit is yapping away and he couldn't care less because Jake hasn't let go of your hand yet.

What's up with this guy? I don't like him.

Bucky is scowling and staring right at Jake. You turn around, feeling Bucky's gaze on you when you see him staring Jake down menacingly.

He locks eyes with you and you give him a look as to say "back off! hes just a new recruit that's an IT nerd... chill!"

Bucky scoffs and turns away, walking with his recruit to the training gym.

Sam nudges him as they walk side by side "what's with that Jake guy? You were staring him down badly..." Sam whispers to him.

Bucky says nothing but grunts in response.

Sam's eyes light up "OH MY GOD! ARE YOU JEALOUS?!" he whisper yells as Bucky elbows him in the ribs.

"No! I just don't like how he looks at her. He wouldn't let go of her hand before, she had to yank it out."

Sam shrugs "I don't know man, he's probably just some awkward computer nerd. You're literally a super soldier, don't sweat it." he says while chuckling.

Bucky grunts again as they enter the gym and go their separate ways.

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

You're in the IT room, evaluating what Jake knows and how experienced his skill set is with computers. Sitting side by side, you're shwoing him a software you created to simulate a hack.

"Alright so, hack into this software without tripping off any triggers and do it under 5 minutes."

Jake smirks at you "Oh I can do better than that sweetheart. I'm a very talented man."

You brows furrow in confusion and you cringe at his creepy tone.

What the fuck did he just call me? Why is he acting like a dirtbag all of a sudden...?

You decide to ignore it and focus on evaluating his skills. He starts the simulation and 2 minutes in you feel his knee touch yours. You change position in your seat and move away when suddenly you feel his foot laying on yours.

You fidget in your seat, getting uncomfortable.

"So um, where are you at?" you ask to get your mind off of the creepy feeling you're getting.

He chuckles "Am I making you nervous, honey?"

You stare at him in disgust "what? dude, just do the simulation. This is strictly professional, and I highly suggest you back off right now."

You're getting increasingly more frustrated and creeped out while he laughs at your statement.

He turns towards you and leans in closer. You try leaning away but feel your back hit the wall behind you. He corned you.

He starts closing the gap between you two, caaging you in between his arms.

"Am I making you nervous now too? I love seeing your eyes go wide, lips parting, heart racing... and I;m not even touching you... yet.." he says as he leans in to kiss you.

You scream and push him back as hard as you can, dodging his kiss. He grunts in annoyance and pins your arms against you.

"You wanna do this the hard way? Fine. We will." he threatens you as you see his eyes darken.

You're pushing against him but he's stronger than you are.

"Stop. I said no. Back off right now." you yell at him.

He laughs at you again "Or what? Hmmm?" he mocks you.

Suddenly, you remember what Bucky had trained you to do if you were ever caught in a similar situation by an enemy.

You smirk and your stare him directly in the eyes, no longer scared but empowered.

"Or this asshole!" you yell as you quickly lift your knees to your chest and kick him backwards with all your strength.

Jake flies backwards in his office chair and you sprint out of the room. You hear Jake cursing at you, chasing you down the hall.

You make a sprint for the gym when you spot Bucky and yell his name in panic.

He immediately turns around and run towards you.

"What? What's wrong?" he asks you worried.

Before you can answer, Jake appears in the hall. Bucky immediately makes the connection and his jaw clicks. He grinds his teeth in anger and ball his hands into fists.

"Hey man, listen, she came onto me, I swear. She's just a stupid whor-"

Jake is cut short when Bucky punches him in the face. He goes flying backwards onto the floor. He holds his jaw in pain. Before he can even try to defend himself, Steve picks him up and throws him to the security guards.

"Deal with him. Black list him. I want him gone." Steve orders them firmly.

They nod as they drag him away. Jake is screaming in protest but is silenced by the elevator doors closing.

"Are you okay?" Bucky asks you, looking you over for any injuries.

Yeah, I'm fine. He tried to kiss me and he pinned me against the wall but I remembered what you taught me and I kicked him back and ran away." you explain to him.

His eyes gleam with pride "That's my girl! I'm so proud of you! But i'm so sorry I wasn't there to protect you... I knew something was wrong with him I should've trust my gut -" Bucky starts rambling.

You cut him off with a kiss "Shhh, slow down. it's okay. You taught me well. I can take care of myself but I will always need you by my side." you tell him as he pulls you into a bear hug.

The rest of the day, Bucky keeps you close to him. You lean your head on his shoulder in reassurance and thanks.

"No more recruits." Bucky says to Steve as he walks past him.

"Oh come on Buck! You know I had no clue!" Steve starts defending himself.

The two super soldiers start arguing as you laugh and walk towards Natasha.

You both shake your heads and say in unison"Men." as you roll your eyes.

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

A few days later and Tony's birthday is coming up. He set up an entire party, with hundreds of people, 3 bands, a DJ, multiple types of entertainment such as dancers and gymnasts.

You've never attended a birthday party, let alone even celebrated your own. You had no idea what to wear or how to dress for an event this grand. The party is tonight and you're going through your closet, pulling everything out and realizing you have no clothes fit for this event. All you have are sweatpants, leggings, oversized shirts and pyjamas. You never go out nor had a reason to go out.

You groan loudly in frustration.

You hear a knock at your door and find Natasha smiling.

"You doing okay there cyber?" she asks.

"I can't do this. I have nothing to wear for the party. I don't exactly go out. I don't think its appropriate nor will Pepper will be happy if I show up in leggings and an oversized t-shirt...."

"Follow me, you can borrow one of my outfits." She turns around and beckons you to follow.

You enter her room and she's laying out some outfits for you on her bed.

"These are all really tight... and too small i think... I don't have a body like yours Nat... I'm really flattered and thankful but I don't know if i'm comfortable wearing a tight bodycon dress...." you tell her, your voice quiet and faltering. You're embarrassed.

"Girl you are DELUSIONAL if you think you don't have a nice body. As if we all don't see the way Bucky ogles at you half the time" she teases.

"Stop filling my head with nonesense.. I honestly don't know how he could like me with a scar like this across my face...." you whisper.

"I'm not messing with you! Stop selling yourself short! You're gorgeous, you're crazy smart, you're so witty, you're so kind and caring, you need to love that body and mind of yours more! The scar on your face is nothing to hide. It shows your strength, your resilience and your loyalty. You should wear that scar with pride, not shame. If anybody understands that, it would be Bucky."

You blush at her compliments. Natasha grabs a dress from her closet, turns you toward the mirror and places it over your clothes.

"What do you think? I think you'll look so hot, it's your signature colours, with a punk spike to it."

You gasp “Where did you get this? This isn’t like any of your other outfits….”

Natasha giggles “I may or may not have guessed that you would need a dress tonight and I maybe used Tony’s card to buy you a dress… maybe…” She pushes you towards the bathroom.

You giggle excitedly and agree to try it on. As you come out of the bathroom and stare at yourself in the mirror you gasp.

It's a black A-line dress with a neckline that emphasizes your chest perfectly followed by long black lace sleeves. A corset cinches your waist and hugs your curves in all the right places, with purple accents across it. The dress ends above the knee with purple lace adorning the ends.

You feel the most beautiful you have every felt. You haven't felt this pretty in a long time.

Natasha stares at you, beaming with pride. She knows you look hot and you know it. You can't deny it.

She squeals with excitement and tells you there's a few missing accessories. She hands you black tights and a pair of gorgeous black platform heels. They're comfortable enough for you to walk in properly and pretty enough to be appropriate for the event.

The sleeves and tights cover any potential scars that would normally be visible. Your heart swells with appreciation as you know that Natasha did that on purpose. Somehow she can always sense how someone feels and what to do to make them comfortable.

Before you can change your mind or doubt yourself she drags you to her vanity and starts applying on some makeup. She guides you through what she's doing so you're comfortable and only uses the products that you agree to. She puts on some lightweight foundation, a bit of blush and concealer as your base. She does a light smokey eye with some mascara and eyeliner to accentuate the colour and shape of your eyes. You stare at the harsh scar across your face, a permanent memory of what you've survived and surpassed. Natasha purposely chose makeup that didn't hide your scar, nor accentuate it. She made it so that you know it's there and wants you to see it and be proud of it. She's right, you won't be hiding it, not today.

Natasha takes your hair down from its bun, brushes it through and curls it with her iron. She places your hair in a style that accentuates your features and the outfit.

You look back at yourself in disbelief. You turn to Natasha and thank her for her help. She then gets ready herself and you're both on your way to the party, arms linked.

You enter the party and immediately lock eyes with Bucky. Natasha notices and walks away from you with a wink.

He approaches you, eyeing you up and down shamelessly.

"Wow, you look absolutely stunning, doll. You are by far the most beautiful woman here." He smirks at you, eyes glistening with affection.

You blush and look down at the floor. Your heart is racing and you don't know what to say. You've never given yourself the opportunity to open up to someone as much as you have with Bucky.

Bucky grabs your chin lightly and tilts your face to look up at him.

"Let's go outside for some privacy." He takes your hand and leads you to the private backyard.

As you walk outside, you see a gorgeous gondola that was installed, shielding you from the natural elements.

Bucky sighs as you both sit down next to each other, your thighs brushing.

He turns to you, his eyes welling up with tears.

"Cyber...doll, I - I've wanted to talk to you about what happened with Pierce and The Reaper for a while now. I feel like I have to get this off my chest. I know that it was extremely traumatic for you, and you've opened up about it so much to me. It means the world to me that you trust me that much. I thought I lost you. I couldn't sleep for the entire week, even worse while you were recovering in the med bay. It made me realize my true feelings for you. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

He sighs and grabs your hands, staring into your eyes.

"I'm falling in love with you. I have been for a while now. I'm happier when I'm with you, I feel like I can be myself, unconditionally around you and you make me feel complete."

You gasp as your eyes also start to well with tears.

"Losing you that week really made me realize how I can't live without you. I need you. So, my final question is: "Will you do me the honour of being my girlfriend?" he finishes his speech with a blush across his cheeks.

He looks up at you, waiting for any answer, verbal or not.

"Took you long enough! Yes, Bucky, I would love to." you laugh.

He chuckles as he grabs your cheek in his hand, softly brushing the tears away.

"Can I kiss you, now?"

"Do you really have to ask?" you answer sarcastically as you grab his face and kiss him.

A hand wraps around your waist and another holds your cheek as your hands tangle in his hair.

The kiss is deep and passionate with all unspoken words and emotions being poured out in physical affection.

You both pull away and smile at each other.

I finally get to have my happy ending, after all.

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And that's a wrap! Please let me know what you think! <3 I hope you all enjoyed this crazy ride!

Tag list:

@unaxv

@winterslove1917

@kandis-mom

@cjand10

@ordelixx

@abbyyourlocalmilf

@scott-loki-barnes

@rosecentury

@blackhawkfanatic

@hennessy0274

@leniram1890

@yourfavpagelurker

@collegesleezy

@matchat3a

[sunshine-in-a-bottle]

hello :D if you are taking asks for the ship bingo card you reblogged ca. two days ago: c!awesamdream, c!awesamdrunz, c!drunz and/or c!awesampunz

Hello :oDDD Sorry this took a hot minute. I reblog like 250 posts a day and therefore had to track it down like a goof.

Awesamdream^ I debated coloring the crack square here too, because by god is crackshipping fun with these guys, but I also write a lot of not-crack for them??? or Not-Quite-Crack. Listen I really like making them funny and fluffy and not being very angsty-torture-y about them, which. Gestures to Canon. Is ironic. And silly. I don't like taking myself too seriously with them because then it stops being fun for me. A lengthy scene about torture just doesn't delight me the same way Sam tripping over himself trying to catch Dream (and Failing) would.

He did horrible things, maybe he needs to fall into a pit trap and experience gay yearning and then he'll feel better.

Awesamdrunz^ Every moment they aren't kissing I Suffer. Who allowed these fuckers into my home. Why are they the funniest pairing and also the dumbest and also somehow burgeoning on healthy. This is Sif's fault. I feel like gnawing on the table. I need them to have the most feelings to ever feel and be super emotional and then I need them to be a comedy skit where no one is getting out with their sanity intact. There's something wrong with them. There's something wrong with me. I need to Yell and Scream and Bite.

Drunz^ What the fuck is wrong with them (delighted.) They are just!!!! Just!!!!! I'm rapidly losing braincells thinking about them. You can Do Things with them. Its about Loyalty And What That Means, Its About Worship Its About Personal Devotion Its About Misanthropy And Its Pitfalls Its About Icarus If He Tried To Fuck The Sun. Its about friendship and its about queer people. Its also about Punz. I like Punz. I really like Punz. I think they deserve to be mentally ill about their relationship with Humanity forever and I deserve to study them like a bug while they do it. Also they should be kissing Dream. Why aren't they kissing Dream.

Sampunz^ Way Back When, before I was into awesamdrunz, I didn't like the idea of rotating this pairing because My Focus Is On cDream and cDream Shipping. Where Is cDream. Then after being boiled like a frog for several days and/or weeks during The Awesamdrunz I mildly lost my mind about them. Did you know that Sam deserves to be shoved into a wall by his angry short boyfriend and kissed within an inch of his life. Did you know. Punz has a hard time trusting anyone, trusts Sam absolutely none, but over the course of the relationship Sam continues to improve and become a better person and they slow burn into a deep intimacy-because Sam needs Punz to tell him he's doing a good job and Punz needs to feel safe and secure and a properly developed Sam is absolutely willing to give that to them. In This Essay I Will-

[notesfromthepalace]

The Exclusive 2 for 2

Hello Sissy Poohs!

I know I need to be better about blogging but chilllllllle, between becoming a full time student, being a hot puppy mom, trophy girlfriend (just playing, but for real, I look good), and a better gym babe, not only am I tired, I'm actually super busy.

But as I said about two weeks ago, your favorite Sissy Pooh is back from being on Holiday in Miami.

Side note: after going to Miami, outside of a family trip, Miami is beautiful and we will be making multiple trips yearly.

While we were in Miami (or Fort Lauderdale), we went to a restaurant in Las Olas beach on our first double together.

I believe I have mentioned that I am Haitian and my boyfriend is Ghanian. One of his closest friends in South Beach is also Ghanian and dating a Haitian woman as well. What are the odds, right?

So we went to this Japanese styled restaurant, and when I say ambiance. The restaurant is called Takato, please check it out ladies.

What we enjoyed about it, as two former club goers (before we met each other) was the music, the low lights, open bar - it gave lounge vibe without all of the hookah and rift raft. Very classy, very exclusive, very expensive.

And it wasn't awkward at all. We all talked as a group, then the men left to go speak on the balcony while me and the other woman sat at the table and talked. I believe they started dating before we did, but my man and I moved in with one another much sooner.

We talked about expectations and speaking with our families because the Haitian parents don't like that. But it was an enjoyable experience.

The first question she asked me was how did I tell my family without it being a huge ordeal. I told her "Hold your horses, sissy pooh. This is not a familial matter, rather a parental matter".

In Haitian culture, your business is everyone's business. So I have learned to remove myself from conversations, group chats, video calls, etc, because the only person I really owe in an explanation to when it comes to my whereabouts is my mother. Don't get me wrong, my mother and I have come a long way when it comes to how I choose to share the more personal and intimate details of my life, but I think we are at a point where she respects it now. So I told her, I talked to my mom separately to let her know that she and my dad raised a very smart daughter and they did a good job (you have to gas them up in the beginning before dropping the bomb) and that we have plans to get engaged and married (which we have both conveyed to both of the parental entities on both sides of this relationship), and this is what works for us. My mother took it rather well, like I know she doe not agree with it, but I also know she would rather know where I am than be kept in the dark.

Her other concern was just the expectations. And I told her that this is the only man I have lived with and it's not difficult, it's just different. But this is where grace and patience comes in.

Overall, I liked homegirl, and that will not be our last double date as a couple. We also exchanged instagrams as well.

Back to the evening at hand: the restaurant, the food, the music, me, was marvelous. The conversations between both couples was great and it was nice to meet a young woman who is also in a serious relationship on the precipice of an engagement and marriage. I know I bring that up a lot, but something that I didn't realize with prioritizing my love life and heading towards a forever over a dating roster, as a young woman, it can be lonely too.

Sometimes I hold back on what I talk about with my girlfriends because I am the only one in this era that I am in, not because I don't trust them, but I don't want to sound like I am bragging or that I am not considerate of their situations. But I would like to talk about relationship stuff with girlies, not my deep business, but gift ideas, home ideas, trip ideas, double dates, etc.

Then we went to a rooftop bar where my man and I realized, we don't like places that are too spicy with too many people. We're on that out of sight out of mind, exclusive places. But overall it was a great night.

On our last day, we went to the airport and went to, I believe it was the sky lounge, due to us both having AMEX Platinum cards. It was nice, quiet, and comfortable. I refrained from taking my phone out to record content because something else I have realized, the more exclusive the area, the more ridiculous you look bringing your phone out to take pictures and videos. People purchase memberships into certain places for the exclusivity and to not see that. The sight of the calmness humbled me very quickly. So I enjoyed my brunch and coffee while he enjoyed brunch and his Old Fashioned.

Miami was fun, having an Amex is fun, my life is fun, But God is greater and the reason why my life is fun.

More of my adventures coming soon Sissy Poohs.

With Love,

Sarah Chanel