#i just love imagining lia pushing them into that side room next to the bar

[leopardmuffinxo]

promise me you'll be safe. no unnecessary heroics. promise me i'll see you in Baldur's Gate. ♡

[numba99]

The Intern - Part 3

Part 1 Part 2

summary: You are an intern at MSG, strictly forbidden to become involved with any of the Rangers. However, this becomes difficult when you catch the eye of a certain player. Word count: 2.3k

warning: nothing really just like alcohol mentions I guess and no proof reading teehee

“Good morning,” A voice chirped, pulling you from your sleep. You let out a loan groan as Jess jumped on to your bed.

“I’m trying to sleep,” you grumbled, trying to pulled the blankets over your head. 

“You’ve slept long enough I need to know what happened last night,” Jess said, nudging your shoulder.

“I definitely have not slept long enough,” you replied.

“I got bagels,” Jess singsonged.

That got your attention. “Alright, I’m coming,” you sighed, kicking the covers off. Jess jumped up in excitement and you followed her out to the kitchen. Just as she promised, there was a bag of fresh bagels waiting for you.

“Bribery is a new low for you,” you said, digging through to find an everything one.

“But it worked,” Jess noted, “So some on, spill.”

“Well I am happy to report that Chris is in fact single,” You told her as you spread a layer of cream cheese over you bagel. 

“As delighted as I am by this news you know that’s not what I wanna hear about,” Jess replied, pointing the butter knife at you.

“There really isn’t much to tell,” you shrugged.

Jess rolled her eyes, “Every time you say there isn’t much to tell, a shit ton of things happened.”

You sighed and gave her the run down, even though you thought it was uneventful. At least it would satisfy her. “And then we shared an Uber home. See not much to tell,” you finished.

“You’re so naive its precious,” Jess replied, “He obviously likes you.”

“It doesn’t matter how he feels, it just can’t happen,” you replied, “And I appreciate him respecting that.”

“Okay fine I will give him that, it’s cool of him to not push it,” Jess nodded, “All the more reason you should bang him though. Sounds like a greta guy.” 

“You’re hopeless,” You laughed, shaking your head, “But he is a great guy, I really li-” You tried to stop yourself before you gave her ammo but it was too late.

“Oohhh you like him,” Jess grinned.

“Oh please,” you tossed a napkin at her, “You know what I meant.”

“Sure... sure,” Jess laughed.

____

The next few weeks you were riding a high. Being at MSG was significantly less stressful when you didn’t feel like you had to dodge one of the players. You were getting along great with guys and Lias never tried anything with you. You really appreciated him respecting your boundaries, and you were starting to develop a great friendship.

On top of that your workload was increasing, but in a good way. You got to be more hands on, and even write up a few posts on your own. It was really great to feel like Beth trusted you and thought you were doing well.

“Hey great game today Lias,” you said as he was packing up his things. The rangers had a come from behind win today, with Lias scoring the goal that put them over the edge.

“Thanks,” he smiled, “Definitely needed that. By the way, did Mika mention his Halloween party to you?”

“Um no I don’t think so.” You got told a lot of things from a lot of different people while you were here, but you were sure you would remember Mika mentioning his Halloween party.

“Guess I’m beating him to the punch, but he wanted to invite you. It’s this weekend at his place and you’re welcome to bring a friend. Costumes are a must though,” Lias told you.

“That sounds great I’d love to,” you replied, however it dawned on you this could be crossing a line and you wanted to check with Beth first. “I gotta make sure I have nothing else though, can I text you later to let you know for sure?” You didn’t wanna admit you had to ask your boss for permission.

“Yeah of course.” Lias took your phone and entered in his number. You chuckled to yourself as you were walking away realizing he made his contact name “Lias my favorite ranger Andersson.” It was sort of juvenile, but somehow from him it was charming. 

“Hey Beth can I ask you something?” you asked as you stepped into her office.

“Sure, what is it?” she asked, looking up from the papers on her desk.

“So I was sorta invited to a Halloween party at Mika’s but I didn’t know if I was allowed to go?” you explained shyly. It felt so stupid coming out of your mouth.

Beth laughed, “I'm not your mother, y/n, you don't have to ask me permission to go out.”

“I know, but I just didn’t want to cross a line or anything. I didn’t want you to think I was trying to get around the rules,” you told her.

“The rules are against romantic relationships. Believe me, I wasn’t an intern that long ago, I know it’s fun to get asked to do stuff with players. You work hard and should be able to enjoy the perks. If it’s a big group thing, I don’t see the problem with it,” Beth replied.

“Thank you, that makes me feel a lot better,” you said.

“Of course,” Beth said, “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, I trust you and I know you wouldn’t do anything to break that. Besides, the more the players like you, the better answers I get when you’re around. It’s a win win for me.”

“Glad I can help,” you laughed. With that, Beth told you you were free to go for the night.

You practically ran home, eager to tell Jess about it. “You’re kidding?” she squealed.

“Nope! You’re finally gonna meet Chris,” you told her.

“Oh thank god past Jess had the foresight to take off Halloween. This was all meant to be,” Jess gushed.

You smiled, sharing in excitement as you pulled out your phone to let Lias know you would be able to go. Within minutes he replied:

Can’t wait to see you

___

The day of the party you had butterflies in your stomach and you didn’t really know why... Well you knew why but you were going to ignore that. Instead, you put your energy into getting ready. You and Jess chose to be a devil and angel, you being the devil and her the angel. The costumes were basic, red dress for you and white for her with horns and a halo. It was the best it was going to get with such last minute plans. You did feel really hot in it, though, and really that’s all that matters.

“Oh wow we are both getting some tonight,” Jess said as you checked yourselves over one last time before heading out.

“No you are, I will be cheering you on from the corner,” you reminded her.

She grinned, “We’ll see about that.” She should be the one dressed as a devil.

The Uber to Mika’s place wasn’t too long and boy were your floored by his apartment. Of course you knew it would be nice, but wow, you couldn’t even begin to imagine what the rent on the thing was. It didn’t feel too crowded despite the amount of people present; a miracle for a New York City apartment party.

“Hey! Y/n, glad you could make it,” Mika greeted you with a hug. He was dressed as a soccer player.

“Okay now I don’t feel so bad about how basic my costume is,” you teased.

“You invite someone into your own home and this is how they treat you...” he feigned insult.

You laughed, then introduced Jess, who you could tell was already scanning the room for “her man.” You all chatted together for a little, but Mika eventually had to move on to greet other guests. He pointed you guys towards the bar, where you spotted Lias hanging out.

“Holy shit hes even cuter then the pictures,” Jess whispered in your ear as you approached. You hushed her with an elbow nudge to the ribs.

“Hey y/n, you look amazing,” Lias smiled, pulling you in for a hug. God his body felt so muscular, you thought. Definitely could have done without that realization. “The irony of you dressed as devil around a bunch of rangers players isn’t lost on me.”

“I hadn’t even thought of that,” you laughed, “And what are you supposed to be?” He was dressed in an all black outfit that fit his body very well. 

Lias leaned his head to the side, revealing “bite marks” drawn on. “A vampire.” 

“Ah so that’s why you've got red on the side of your mouth, I thought your drink just dribbled out of the side of your mouth,” You teased, to which Lias playfully rolled his eyes.

“Ahem,” Jess interjected. 

“Right,” you blushed, almost forgetting she had been there, “Lias this is my friend and roommate Jess. Jess, this is my work friend Lias.” You put a slight emphasis on the word friend, though you weren’t sure if that was more for her or you.

“Great to finally meet you, Lias. I’ve heard a lot about you,” Jess smiled.

“Really?” Lias smirked at you. You gave her a death stare; she was very pleased with herself.

“Yeah I guess I talk about work a little too much, she’s probably sick of it by now,” you tried to cover.

“What's going on here?” A voice asked. You turned around to find Chris entering the kitchen with a big smile on his face. You’ve never been happier to see him, knowing it would be the perfect Jess distraction. She played right into it, introducing herself as your friend. 

“Great to meet you,” Chris smiled.

“I’ve heard this place has a nice view, care to show me?” Jess asked. You marveled at her boldness.

“I would love to,” Chris replied, and he sounded like he really meant it. Jess wrapped her around him and followed him out with a knowing smile in your direction. 

“Wow,” Lias said, watching them leave.

“Yup,” you half laughed. That’s Jess for you.

“Well I hope everything you told her about is good, because if not I’m sure I’ll hear it,” Lias teased. Of course he hadn’t forgotten.

“Hmm I don’t know. May be safer to stay away from her or you’ll know how I really feel about you,” you shot back.

“And how’s that?” he asked, with a slight edge to his voice. It somehow didn’t seem like fun banter any more.

Before you could answer, someone bumped into you from behind, sending your drink sloshing out of the cup and on to Lias’ shirt. They muttered a drunk and giggly sorry before pushing past you.

“Shit I’m so sorry Lias,” You gasped. You tried to catch a glimpse of who ever did it, but you didn’t recognize them. 

“It’s all good, it’s not your fault,” Lias replied very calmly for someone who had held a drink on their shirt.

“Let me help you get cleaned up at least,” you said. Lias nodded, and you followed him down a hallway to the back of the apartment. You slid into a bedroom, shutting the door behind you. It was quieter here, though you could still hear the soft thudding of the music through the walls.

“Mika doesn’t mind you borrowing his clothes?” You asked as you watched Lias fling open the closet.

“This is my room actually,” Lias replied, digging through his clothes, “I actually stay here with him.

“Oh,” you replied, suddenly feeling nervous. It shouldn’t make a difference, but knowing it was his bedroom and not Mika’s just felt different. It felt wrong. Lias didn’t seem to notice, he was pulling off his shirt without a care in the world. Sure, you’ve seen him shirtless countless times - the players got changed in front of the media all the time - but it just being you and him felt almost intimate.

When Lias caught your eye he froze, and the energy in the room shifted. You just knew that he was feeling what you were. “I can leave so you can change,” you said quickly.

“You don’t have to,” Lias replied, stepping towards you.

“I- uh- I don't know it probably should,” you stammered, reaching for the knob. Lias’ hand grabbed yours, your eyes locking.

“I don’t want you to,” his voice was just above a whisper. You barely heard if over your heart pounding in your ears. The next thing you knew his hands were cupping your face, pulling you in for a kiss. You melted into him, wrapping your arms around his neck to hold him close to you.

It was like everything else disappeared. All you could think about was how good Lias’ lips felt against yours, how strong the muscles of his back felt against your fingertips. His hand slid down your body, playing at the hem of your dress and suddenly a voice entered your head.

“I trust you and I know you wouldn’t do anything to break that.”

Suddenly you were snapped back to reality. You jumped away from Lias with a gasp. Shit, you thought, I’ve fucked up big time.

“Are you okay? Did I h-”

“I have to go,” you spat out, turning away and practically tripping over yourself to get out the door.

“Shit, wait y/n,” Lias called after you, but you ignored it. You weaved through the partygoers, scanning the room for Jess. You spotted her in the corner, making out with Chris. For a fleeting moment you forgot what just happened and was just happy for her. Unfortunately, it didn’t last and you needed to get out ASAP.

“I’m so sorry Jess, we gotta go,” you broke them up. She shot you an annoyed look, but Jess knew you Long enough to know when something was up. She nodded, realizing you needed her and told Chris she’d call him later. 

And with that, you got yourself out, but not without creating a giant mess.

[crushimaginesandsuch]

#13-These Four Years

Request: OMGG could u make a dad!Calum where he had a girl with the reader at 19 and now the little girl is 4, and when they go to tuck her in after he came back from tour and had a day of fun they just realize that their lives would never have been the same without their angel. So there's like flashbacks of when (Y/N) told Cal she was expecting, to the struggles of him being on tour while having a little girl on the other side of the world, the stress of being so young and expecting a child.

Okay I’m in love with this request... like just imagine your crush and your daughter and aGH. But that’s all I’ll say on THAT 😂 just a note-if you have fandom specific requests I still take those! Some things will be generalized (names, specific plot point from tv shows) but character’s status (celebrity, occupation ya know) and the request setting, etc. won’t change. :) request away!!

People always talked about how hard it must be to be a celebrity. How little privacy you had, how you couldn’t lead a normal life. But not once in the 17 years leading up to meeting C/N had I heard how excruciatingly painful it was to date one, however. Let alone raise a child with the man you love halfway across the world.

I sighed as I spread the blanket across my lap. Lia was in her room, choosing the book she wanted me to read to her tonight. The moment of silence was wonderful, but brief.

“Good Night book!” My daughter giggled as she climbed onto the couch next to me. I smiled at her, pulling her into my side.

As I began to read, I let my mind wander. It had been six months since we’d seen C/N last. Sure—we’d FaceTimed a few times a week, and every day Lia and I called him, but it was hard on both of us.

Management had refused to fly C/N out twice a month or for special occasions and parties, and Lia and I hated flying. It was just too much to handle, so we remained content with video chats and texting, lucky for the contact we had.

When your daughter’s father and the love of your life is in an internationally-adored band, you have to take what you can get.

Tonight, however, was one of those nights I felt like screaming for help. Between my job, caring for Lia, and taking care of the house, exhaustion had overcome my body. Emotionally and physically—I was drained.

“Mommy, what’s wrong?” Lia frowned, staring at me.

“Hm?” I blinked, turning to her.

“You stopped reading.”

I sighed, with a shake of my head, apologized and began the book again.

“Good night bed, good night stars. Good night chair and good night” —

“Bed time already?”

My heart stopped, and slowly I turned around. There, in the doorway, stood C/N. He looked groggy, tired from a long trip, but a light smile played across his face.

“Daddy!” Lia screamed, jumping from the couch and into his arms.

“My beauty! Look at you, you got so big!” He whispered into the top of her head. He held her up, wrapping his arms around her small body.

Tears sprung to my eyes and I didn’t bother to wipe them away before rushing to hold my family.

C/N met my eyes and he was smiling so wide. I mirrored his grin and shut my eyes, burying my head in his shoulder.

We held each other for so long, but when Lia let out a low yawn, we separated.

“Guess it is bed time, huh beautiful?” He smoothed back her hair.

“No, I’m not tired.” She whined. With a wink, C/N tossed me a smile.

“Well, I am, baby. So maybe we should all go to bed?” I asked, rubbing her back. I yawned wide to really sell it.

Lia rubbed her eyes slowly. “Okay, Mommy.”

Within a matter of minutes, our girl was passed out in her bed and we had moved to our own room. I lay on C/N’s chest, hands wrapped tight around his waist.

He was rubbing my back under my shirt. His lips moved against my ear and though I couldn’t hear him, I could feel him mouthing words against my ear.

“I love you,” I whispered into his chest. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Me too, love.” He pressed a slow kiss to my lips. Like a ghost, his lips moved over mine with a concentrated pressure. He loved me—that kiss told me everything I’d ever needed to know.

It quickly became more heated, and the gentleness faded into urgency. Mad and desperate. As if he might die if he wasn’t touching me. His hands moved from my back to my waist pulling us as close as possible.

We hadn’t been like this in so long... with burning desire I pushed back, matching his strength.

His lips moved down my jaw, to my neck, to my shoulder, to my collarbone and—

A loud yawn rippled through my body, pulling me apart from him. Oh god. Here we were—finally alone with C/N and able to love him, and I was too overworked to do so.

“Tired, babe?” He raised an eyebrow, chuckling.

I frowned and pressed my face into his chest. “I’m so sorry, I just”—

“Hey, hey,” he lifted my chin up to meet his eyes. He smiled lightly, “there’s no need to apologize. You have a right to be tired. You’re working, raising Lia without me...” His smile fell into a frown as he sat there, thinking.

“What’s wrong?” I whisper as his eyes narrow. He looked in pain, as if he felt guilty.

“I’m not here for her. I’ve never been here for her.”

I could almost cry at the way his face scrunched together. He ran a hand through his hair, and my heart broke for him.

I had felt so horrible when I missed Lia’s first steps while my mom was watching her. I was tired, done with watching a young kid. I’d asked my mom to watch her—just for a night—and I’m missed her first independent steps...

But C/N had missed more than just her first steps or her first word. He missed getting to live with her and watch her personality grow. He missed her first day of preschool. God, he even missed the first time we got to see her...

I’d been sick for weeks. C/N had just left for another tour and I assumed it was my reaction to missing him. He’d only been home for a month before a press tour launched, boasting the band’s new documentary. Needless to say, we did it like rabbits for the short time he was here.

I was proud of him, but sad to see him go. And that was why I was so sick. I missed him. There was no other possibility.

But as I stood in the convenience store aisle, just paces away from the pregnancy tests, I wondered if maybe there could be another reality...

Superstar C/N’s girlfriend couldn’t be seen in public buying such things, however, so I settled with my bar of chocolate and cheesy romance novel.

Later that night, though, when my best friend stopped by with my pizza and tests, I’d learn life without C/N was about to get much, much worse.

A week later, I found myself at a free clinic, watching as our baby shifted inside of me on a monitor.

I’d cried for joy confirming I was in fact carrying his baby, but as I realized what this meant for us—I couldn’t help but let a few solemn tears go. He couldn’t be there for the bulk of my pregnancy, nor most of our child’s life.

And what if he wanted me to end the pregnancy? Watching the tiny figure move on the screen, I knew I couldn’t do that.

“Sh, sh.” I traced his jaw with a light finger. “Don’t say that.”

“No, Y/N.” He sat up, gently pushing me off of him. “I’m supposed to be her father. Instead I’m... I’m like some uncle that comes into town, gives her a gift, then takes off again.” C/N ran a hand through his hair. “God, and-and then I leave you to raise her on your own.” He met my eyes for just a second before dropping them back to his lap.

C/N had always had a habit of getting caught in his thoughts. The problem with that? It was only when he was hurt or guilty. I knew he was drowning in lies right now—about how he wasn’t enough, how he was somehow hurting our daughter. That he was selfish—not ready for this. He narrowed his eyes as he focused on the pattern of our comforter, whispering silent words to himself.

“Baby, look at me.” He didn’t move his gaze. His lips, however, had stalled to a rest. “C/N look at me.”

This time, he followed. His eyes were watery and his voice trembled as he whispered a soft apology.

“Don’t apologize.” I grabbed his hand in mine and stroked small circles in his palm. His tension faded, but I knew he needed more. “Do you know how much that little girl loves you? How much I love you?”

C/N shook his head. “That’s not the”—

“No, it is the point. Baby, we love you. So, so much. And it hurts to see you think you’re not doing enough for us. You provide for us, you make the time for us out of your busy schedule, you beg your managers to come home and surprise us for God’s sake!” I chuckled a little but he dropped his eyes again. With a sigh, I continued. “Do you remember when I told you about Lia? What you told me?”

It was two days after I’d visited the doctor, and I paced around my bed. On top lay my phone. The phone I was about to use to tell C/N about our child. The child we hadn’t planned. The child he might not want.

Piece of cake, right?

With a sigh, I fell back against the pillows and tried to massage away the migraine pressing against my skull. To the chagrin of my splitting head, my phone rang. And to add insult to injury, C/N was the one calling.

“Hello?” I mumbled into the phone.

“Y/N, hey!” My boyfriend answered. I could hear the smile in his voice, and it was enough to lift my spirits. Until I remembered how somber the conversation was about to turn.

I shifted to sit up against my headboard. “Why’d you call?”

Pause. “I missed you... is that all right? I know it’s kinda late over there, but we’ve been non-stop recently. I’m sorry, if it’s”—

“No, no you’re fine.” I cleared my throat and desperately tried to prepare myself for what was to come. “Look, C/N we need to talk.”

“Okay, babe. Anything.”

His voice had changed so drastically from when I’d picked up, and I wanted to do anything to change his mood. But I had to tell him about the baby. Whether it made him happy or not.

“I’ve been sick recently, and”—

“You’re sick? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

I suppressed a pleased smile at how much he cared. “Well, I thought it was just a stomach bug, but it’s something more than that”—

C/N interrupted me again. “Babe, do you need me to come home? Because I’ll pull some strings, whatever it takes, Okay?”

“Will you please let me speak?” I chuckled.

“Sorry.”

“Thank you,” I sighed, “C/N, I’m pregnant.”

There was no sound coming through the line, and I’d thought he had hung up. My breathing grew heavier as I pulled the phone from my ear. I couldn’t believe he would do this to me.

“You’re pregnant?”

I pulled my phone back to my ear, frantic. “Yes,” I breathed out.

“Oh my god angel, that’s amazing!”

It took a moment for me to process what I’d just heard. “What?”

“We’re gonna be parents.”

Again I could practically see C/N’s wide smile. Almost feel him hugging me.

Tears budded my eyes but I didn’t bother wiping them away. For the first time since I’d seen the sonogram, I was crying because I was happy. “Yeah. We’re gonna be parents.”

“You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.”

I laughed. “Me too.”

We sat for a while, just laughing and crying. Of all the ways this could have turned out, I had tried to avoid dreaming of C/N being happy and excited for the baby. But now I knew how stupid that was.

He and I loved each other. We’d already made plans for our future, when he would take a break from the band and focus on building our life together.

This baby was just a little early, but nothing could keep us from loving it.

“Y/N?” C/N asked towards the end of the call.

I yawned. “Yeah?”

“I have a promise for you.”

He’d sombered up—not sad or angry or frustrated, but he spoke with more precise words. Whatever he was about to say, he did not take lightly. “I promise to love you and our child—and all future children—as much as one person can. No matter where I am or what’s going on, I’ll make time for my family. If I’m on tour, I will quite literally take a break from a concert to read a bedtime story to our baby.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s a little extreme, babe.”

But C/N didn’t chuckle. “Not for my family, it isn’t.”

C/N nodded. “I remember that night.” A faint smile spread across his face. “The boys were so happy after I told them.”

“You promised me that you would do anything for us. And guess what, you have.” I brushed a stray tear from his cheek. He leaned into my touch for just a second, but then pulled back with a sigh.

“No, I haven’t. God, it was a struggle just to get management to let me come for a weekend.”

“But you still came, C/N. That’s the point. You’re doing everything you can to balance your dream and your family. I could never ask for more.”

“That’s the thing, Y/N. You two are my dream.” And C/N pressed a light kiss to my lips before pulling away. “But let’s just sleep now, okay? I’ll make a call tomorrow morning. Maybe I can work something better out.”

And with another kiss, we fell asleep together.

[opheliagardinier]

jamboree

I’m sorry for having disappeared recently. I think some of you know that I’m in the process of moving back to the US so things are hectic right now and writing hasn’t been my priority. I also couldn’t post it because of what happened with the last fic.

Speaking of the US happy 4th of July! I forgot it was today, haha but I hope everyone that celebrates it is having a good and SAFE day!

Anywho- I’ll probably be posting the ball fics with Wyatt and Vivienne tomorrow if I can get them written. But like I said haha packing.

Thank you Brianna @benjaminschreave for the RP!

I’ll post a dress edit later! Basically it looks similar to the dress in the cover.

word count:2847

I was positioned in front of the floor length mirror in my room, with all three of my maids fussing over me.

“How about this way?” Louisa asked, pulling my hair up to show me what it would look like in a bun. “Or we can leave it down?”

I nodded. Keeping my hairstyle simple seemed like the best idea. Putting it up would have distracted I thought,

I don’t know what exactly I’d been expecting when I’d told Astrid I wanted to make a statement with my ball outfit but she had gone above and beyond and had more than delivered. The dress was bolder than I could have imagined.

“Suck in,” Astrid instructed.

I did as I was told as I felt her pull at the small zipper on the back of my dress. At first, it felt tight, but when I exhaled I was able to settle into the gown a bit more.

My fingertips brushed against the corset of the dress as I did my best to not focus too much on the upper portion of the gown. I was used to the desire to be bold but tonight was different. Tonight I felt almost naked wearing something that normally would have given me confidence.

Before leaving Astrid pulled a little bit of my hair to the side and fastened it in place with some pins. She told me she just couldn’t let me leave looking like nothing had been done to my hair.

When I entered the ball I wasn’t sure what to do first. Not all of the girls had arrived yet, and anyone else who I knew was otherwise occupied.

After grabbing a glass of water from the bar I made my way around the room and talked to various other guests, none of whom really held my attention that well. But all the same, I still tried to be sociable.

At some point, I caught sight of Ben who was speaking with an older couple. When they had finished their conversation I politely said goodbye to who I’d been speaking with and then snuck up behind him.

“Hey there, birthday boy,” I said, covering his eyes.

I felt his cheeks scrunch up beneath my hands as he smiled.

“Trying to do the job the mask couldn’t?” He asked.

I pulled my hands back and grinned at him.

“I think I'm a bit better than a mask, don't you?”

He turned to face me. For a split second, I wanted to laugh at his mask because it was strange to see him that way but I didn’t. And I wasn’t one to laugh anyway considering that I had a mask on as well and it was definitely over the top.

“It’s possible.” He gave me a smile after giving me a quick once-over. “You look very nice tonight, Lia.”

Why thank you, Jam.” I chuckled, feeling my cheeks heat up just a little as I blushed. “You don't look so bad yourself considering you're an old man now.”

“You’re older than me,” Ben told me, with a flat expression.

I tilted my head in amusement. At least he isn’t focusing on this darn dress… But I almost wanted him to.

“You know, I think the first rule of being a gentleman is that you don't bring up a lady's age.”

“Simply clarifying that I am in no way old.” He stated. “And neither are you.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes at his comment. After a little look around I leaned up to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Old or not I believe congratulations and- gifts are in order.” I smiled up at him as I rubbed the lipstick off of his cheek with one of my thumbs.

“I hope it’s not dentures as a sign of my old age.” His brows raised with expectancy.

I shook my head. Dentures would have been a funny gift and I almost wished I’d thought of it. But I had to say I did like what I’d picked out for him.

“Unfortunately it's harder than you think to get those on such short notice. So I got you the next best thing.”

“And where would this next best gift be?” He asked.

“It's waiting for you outside,” I told him. “But first I'd like to ask if I can steal you for a dance.”

His lips pursed as he pretended to think about it.

“But am I really in the mood to be stolen? That’s the real question.”

I’d always wondered if the Ben I’d been getting to know would be the same person around others that he was when we were alone. I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but I was glad that he seemed to not change too much.

“I guess I'll just have to go ask someone else to dance- maybe Prince Aran perhaps?” I sighed.

“And deny the birthday prince his dance? Outrageous.” Ben took my hand as he flashed me a smile and whisked me away onto the dance floor.

“Drama queen.” I rolled my eyes.

I place one of my hands on his shoulders while the other went the gently hold the back of his neck.

“King.” Ben corrected, as he put his hands on my waist.

“Prince.” I countered, raising my eyebrows at him.

You aren’t the king yet, Jammy Jam… and hopefully you won’t be for a long time. It wasn’t that I didn’t think he would make a good king- I just didn’t think he was ready. Ben deserved to spend the next few years getting to finish growing up and starting his life without all the pressures that came with the crown his father wore.

“Touché.” He laughed.

“Just keeping you in line.” I teased, giving him a wink.

“An excellent Selected in my book.”

“Excellent?” I smirked at him. “That's a big upgrade from ‘meh’.”

As we swayed to the music I commented about how he seemed like he was in a good mood and he filled me in about his day. It seemed like he’d had a good time with his family- off-key singing in all.

We continued dancing, discussing birthday wishes, and joking. I was hoping he would let me in and tell me what he’d been hoping for, but no such luck. But things seemed like they were always that way with Ben.

Ben, of course, asked me if my birthday wishes had come true, but I returned the vague answers he’d given me. Eventually, he broke me and I told him that I had gotten my wishes, which had been a little bit of peace… and a chance.

“Chance for what?” He asked me, with his brows knitting together.

“That's for me to know.” I gave him a sweet smile as reached up to tap his nose.

His nose wrinkled in response.

“And for me to find out?”

“If you're good I might just tell you.”

“Aren't I good already? He asked.

I told him that I thought being a little too good could make you bad. He asked how with that chuckle of his I loved hearing.

“It adds some mystery. And makes me wonder what you're hiding.” I smirked. “I already told you mine- but have you told me yours?”

“I don't have very many secrets.” Ben shook his head. “Nothing as bad as you're probably imagining.”

“If it isn't so bad then tell me?”

I gave him a soft smile. The more time went on the more I felt like he was holding back, and I could just never understand it. Ben knew almost every dangerous or risky detail of my life… and yet… I couldn’t name one bad thing he’d ever done.

You’re overreacting. He’s probably right… No… stand your ground… sharing is a two-way street.

“I... don't really know what you want to hear.” 

He stopped dancing, causing me to look up at him in surprise.

“Hey, it's okay. I can stop.” I told him in a soft tone, rubbing his arm. “ know we said no secrets but if you aren't comfortable you don't owe me anything.”

I cringed at my own words. I was right… he didn’t owe me anything and I foolishly kept forgetting that. There were nearly a dozen girls here. I wasn’t any more special to him than the rest of them.

“No, it's not that I'm uncomfortable. I just…” He glanced away for a moment then looked back at me as he tried to force a smile. “Why don't we go get that gift you mentioned?”

“Jam.” I murmured, looking at him in confusion as I quietly nodded.

I let out a sigh as I pulled my hand off of his shoulder and instinctually went to rub my arm. I said a hushed apology as I followed his gaze to the balcony doors.

“Don't be sorry. You don't have to be.”

Ben put one of his hands on the small of my back as he guided me towards the doors. I went without saying anything, glancing back towards the room as we went out onto the terrace. He tugged his mask off and rubbed his eyes for a moment as we got outside. I decided to leave mine on, not feeling like letting him clearly see the less than joyful look on my face.

I reached into one of the many potted plants that lined the balcony and pulled out the small box that I’d wrapped earlier in the day.

“I'm sorry if... that was weird. I didn't mean for it to be.” Ben tucked his mask into his pocket, before looking at the box with a little smile that wasn’t quite all there.

I began to say something back, but instead of finishing I just shook my head and held out the box. He eyed me for a moment before taking it with a much more genuine look of happiness.

“Are you sure there's no dentures inside this?”

I let out an unexpected laugh but told him I was sure. Dentures wouldn’t have been such a bad idea. I almost wished I had thought of it.

He began by taking off the bow then tore off the paper and lifted the lid. After pushing aside the tissue paper he reached in and pulled out the chains inside, dangling them before me.

“Are these... necklaces?” He gave me a confused look.

To be fair the pearls on the chain could give anyone the wrong impression.

“Actually it's a chain for your glasses, so you don't lose them, grandma.” I gave him an amused look, having eased up a bit.

“You bought me chains for my glasses?” He laughed, giving the gift a once over. “That's amazing”

“You like them?” I nodded.

Astrid had just about told me off when I’d revealed what my birthday gift was for Ben. She didn’t find it as funny as I- or Ben- had.

“I love them. They'll probably never leave my room, but they're great.” He let out another laugh, then leaned down to give me a quick kiss. “Thank you.”

I reached up behind my head and pulled at the bow that held my mask in place.

“I'm glad, I wasn't sure you would.” I tugged my mask off.

“A grandma needs her tools.” Ben put the chains back into the box.

“And grandchildren.” I laughed.

“I'd need children first.” He joked.

“Slow down there, at least buy me a drink first.” I chuckled.

Thinking about it he sort of already had. That first night after we’d met and he’d caught me in the wine cellar he’d shared a bottle with me.

“Don't worry, that's many years coming.” Ben rolled his eyes, giving me a smile. “No matter who this ends with.”

I let out an overdramatic sigh- choosing to ignore his last comment.

“Thank goodness, I was so worried.” I winked at him.

“Good to know where we stand,” He said in a dry tone, making sure to add a chuckle.

I curiously asked if he wanted children before I could think about it. But to my surprise, he nodded and said he did, and that it was expected of him. I told him that I mattered what he wanted, which he agreed with, but assured me that his only reasoning wasn’t the expectation that came along with being the heir.

“Do you want kids?” He asked, after watching me for a moment.

“I think so,” I answered, looking up at him in surprise but still managing to nod. Unfortunately, a frown also crept in. “I just never really thought it was an option for me. But if I could I'd be happy.”

“Why did you never think it was an option?” Ben inquired.

“It would be risky for them I always thought…” I shifted my gaze from Ben towards the garden sprawled out beneath the balcony. “And Alex never wanted them, so I haven't really thought about it too much the past few years.” “Regardless of Alex, did you want them?”

“I did,” I answered, surprised by how confident I sounded.

I was pretty sure I’d had the world’s best mother and that I could never live up to that. Part of me thought it would be unfair to any children I might have.

“Then I think that’s settled. Mostly, at least.”

Ben gave me a small smile and told me he hadn’t been expecting to talk about children that evening. It was fair to say the feeling was mutual. The night was young and it already seemed like it had been a roller coaster.

“Really.” I scrunched up my nose as I gave him a smile. “Because that was the whole reason I dragged you out here.”

“A very coercive woman.” He gave a pointed look as he tugged my hand to lead me back towards the doors.

“I didn't threaten you though.” I laughed, relaxing more as I held his hand back. “You came out here to spend time with your favourite bird.”

“Did I? Thanks for refreshing my memory.” Ben looked down at me in amusement.

“Anytime.” I smiled up at him. “I've got to make sure my favourite grandma doesn't forget things- which can be hard in your old age.”

We joked more about his future dentures and I told him that if he asked nicely I might even put them in the glass for him. He seemed horrified at the thought, telling me it was gross and that he’d never ask anyone to do that for him.

“When someone cares about you then you shouldn't have to ask.” I snorted.

“My point is, I wouldn't even expect it.” He smiled.

“Well I'm pretty sure I've told you before- expect the unexpected.”

He told me he’d make it a priority as we stopped just short of the ballroom doors, still out of sight from everyone. Ben leaned forward and kissed my forehead, which sent a small shock down along my spine.

“Thank you again, for the gift”

“You're welcome, grandma.” I smiled up at him, looking back towards the ballroom for a moment. “Even if you missed the mark.”

I leaned up and kissed his cheek then took a step back.

“Next time I won't.” Ben chuckled, as he went to take his mask out of his pocket.

“Let's hope not.” I watched him slip his mask back on, then remembered my own and lifted it up to my face. “Help me?”

I turned around and Ben tied the ribbons for me, perfectly securing my mask back in place.

“That shouldn't fall off for the rest of the night.” He told me.

“Good.” I turned back to him. “Can't have anyone knowing who I am.”

I ran my fingertips over my mask as I made sure it was where it should be, then I thanked him.

“Enjoy some cake for me?”

Ben took a step in the direction of the doors, as I gave him a curious look.

“You're not having any?” I asked, also moving towards the doors.

That feeling of not getting the full story began to creep in again…

Stop it.

With a sigh, he told me that he wouldn’t be having any just yet. I must have looked dumbfounded because he laughed at me and promised that he’d get a piece at the end of the night.

“I'm going to be really upset if I find out you didn't get any cake.” I threw him a pointed look. “Especially when I'm expecting that it's chocolate.”

“It shouldn't disappoint there.” He grinned. “I heard it's delicious.”

“I'll just have to go find out, won't I?”

I gave him one last smile- that hopefully didn’t look as forced as it felt- as I reached forward and pulled the door open for him. He flashed me a smile and told me to enjoy it as he went through. “I'll do my best.” I nodded, rubbing my arm.

“See you later, Lia.”

“Bye, Jam,” I mumbled as I watched him walk away.