#i just love this almost smile cressida has here

[theceaselessidiot]

Eloise Bridgerton being an absolute mood:

and Cressida's reaction of 'this girl is so weird, but I'm into it??? Wait am I into this??'':

[honeybeefae]

Coronation Day (Eris Vanserra x Reader)

Eris Week Day Two: High Lord

Summary// The day of Eris's coronation is finally here and while everyone is getting ready you realize your mate is nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere you finally find him in the gardens and you see a side of him that he rarely ever shows.

(I’m sorry that these are so short but I hope you guys are still liking them! This fic was one of my favorites to write and I think it’s just the detail and imagery that really ties it in. I also love writing about vulnerable Eris so it has definitely been fun for me! <3 Thank you guys for reading!)

(I also had pictured what the dress, crown, and shoes looked like so here are the references but of course I want you all to picture what you like! It is you, after all :))

Your Dress / Crown / Shoes / Eris's Outfit (but gold instead of silver) / Garden Gates

(Also I listened to Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift while writing!)

@erisweek2023

WARNINGS: None

You look up at the grand clock as the seamstress puts the final touches on your gown, your stomach in knots as you look over yourself in the mirror. It was Eris’s coronation day and everything had to be perfect, including you. The gown was exquisite, the exact dress you would expect from a High Lord’s mate, and your hair and makeup enhanced your entire aura into royalty.

The gown was the color of golden leaves with large sleeves and beaded foliage around the top to pay homage to your court. It swept the floor and had a grand trail, almost like a wedding dress, while the crown that was atop your head matched perfectly to Eris’s. 

“There, my lady, you are perfect.” The seamstress beamed in the mirror as she stepped back, taking in the entire outfit as you matched her smile with your own. “I have never seen a more beautiful and deserving woman to be our Lady of Autumn than you.”

“You are too kind, Cressida.” You blush, stepping off the pedestal and testing out your specially made-heels. “All this beauty is truly owed to you. I was but a blank canvas to your brilliant mind.”

“Now it is you who is being too kind, my lady.” She bows while she gathers her things and walks towards the door. “I will see you at the coronation!”

“I’ll be the one on the throne!” You laugh, waving to her before turning to your handmaidens with a nervous sigh. They all gush over your outfit, their voices intermingling into a crescendo before you shush them. “Have you heard from Eris?”

“Well…about that…” Luci begins, her mouth twisting down as she looks to the others who immediately look to the ground.

“What? What is wrong?” 

“Nothing is wrong, my lady, it’s just-” Luci tries to explain before Nikolet steps forward, finally caving. 

“No one has seen him since this morning!” She confessed, her hands wringing together in front of her. “He was getting ready and when the seamstress came to check on everything he had vanished. They didn’t want to tell you since you were also in the middle of-”

“They didn’t want to tell me that my mate was missing…on his coronation day?!” You raise an eyebrow, trying to control your anger as the girls sheepishly nod. You pinch the bridge of your nose and take a deep breath, shaking your head. “I will go find him, just finish getting ready.”

“But my lady-” Luci tries to interject but you hold out a hand, silencing her. 

“He is my mate. Wherever he has run off to and why he has run off is nobody’s business but our own. Now please, get ready. I will see you all there.” You urge, shooing them, before picking up your skirts and walking out the door.

The castle is bustling with activity while you try to find him. People were running around making sure everything was in its place, that the flowers were set and the food was prepared. You try to look neutral as you pass everyone, barely acknowledging their bows and awes of beauty as you search everywhere. You weaved and waded through the crowds of fellow court members, peeking through the doors of rooms and studies until you stopped at the grand entrance doors.

Where on Earth could he be?

You bite your lip, looking side to side, before you catch a glimpse of sunlight coming in from the window above. As you turn to see its path, noting how it hits the painting of the garden so beautifully, you get an idea.

The pace of your steps picks up as you hold your skirts tightly and all but run through the kitchen, apologizing to the staff as you almost run into the cake. They shout out, wondering where you are off to in such a hurry, but you ignore them as you push through the back doors and glide down the outdoor steps.

Leaves rustle above you as the autumn air greets you like a lover, wrapping around your bare shoulders in a soft caress while your heels click against the cobblestone walkway. The trees grow thicker as you make your way to the very back of the estate, to your and Eris’s small garden of Eden.

Tall stone walls and oak trees guard it from prying eyes, secluding it for everyone except the two of you as you slow your pace and walk through the iron gate. Autumn leaves cover most of the pathway leading to the small bench at the back of the garden where you spot Eris with his head in his hands, the tree above rustling and whispering things you think only he can hear.

“Eris?” You say softly, smiling softly when he raises his head to look at you. He looks beautiful in his dark red suit, golden embellishments lining the wrists and collar, with a white shirt and dark pants to match. His hair was styled neatly, as always, but what stood out to you the most was his pained, troubled eyes. “Oh, Eris.”

“You look beautiful, Y/N,” He says, watching as you walk over to him and crouch in front of him. Your dress rustles against the ground but you don’t pay any attention, all of your focus is on him. “A true Lady of Autumn.”

“What’s wrong, love?” You ask, grasping his hands in yours. “Cold feet already?”

He gives you a small smile and your heart flips. “You could say that…though it is very hard for me to get cold.” Eris chuckles though his voice falls flat at the end as he looks down, frowning. “What if I can’t do this? What if I can’t lead an entire court?”

“You can do this. If anyone can, you can, Eris.” You squeeze his hands tightly, bending down until you catch his gaze. “I have never had as much confidence in anyone leading as I do with you. This court has been through so much and you are going to bring it back to life.”

“This court has been through so much because of my father,” He scowled, standing abruptly while you sighed and stood with him. He began to pace back and forth as he continued his rant. “My father almost ruined this court and I know what the people think of him…what they probably think of me. I am my father’s son and what if, what if I become him? What if that is my destiny?”

The air stood still as he stopped in his tracks, looking at you with fear and sadness and doubt and vulnerability. You had only seen him like this once before when your mating bond had snapped. He hated to show weakness, especially when it came to his family, and your heart broke at his confession.

“What if I am no better than my father? A monster’s prodigy?”

You walk to him slowly and cup his face, caressing his cheek with your thumb as you pull him towards you and wrap your arms around his neck. Eris immediately crumbles at your touch and pulls you as close as he can, burying his face in your neck as your hands run down his back soothingly. 

Something wet falls against your shoulder but you don’t draw attention to it nor to the shuddering of his shoulders. You just hold him as tight as you can while you whisper your truth into his ear.

“Eris Vanserra, I want you to listen to me.” You begin gently. “You are more than your father’s legacy. You are the creator of your own story, the holder of the pen, and right now is the first chapter of it. You have more kindness, bravery, and leadership in your pinky finger than your father ever had.”

His shoulder slowly came to a stop as you continued, pulling back so that you could press your forehead against his and look into his eyes. “My love, I wish you could see yourself as I see you. Because do you know what I see?” You ask, placing a finger under his chin when he tries to look away. “I see a man who is brilliant. A man who is loyal to his court and saved them from war. A man who may hide behind a mask but cares more than he cares to admit.”

“I see my mate, my handsome soon-to-be High Lord.” You smile, kissing his cheek. “The mere fact that you are afraid tells me, tells everyone, just how worthy you will be for this crown. You will do amazing things for this court, for all of Pyrthian. I have never had more confidence in anything in my life.”

“Y/N…” Eris trails off, lost for words, but you shush him with a finger to his lips. 

“And if you happen to falter just remember I will be right by your side ready to set you straight.” You grin, giggling when he nods in agreement. “But seriously, you are going to be a wonderful High Lord.”

Eris takes a deep breath and whispers, “Have I ever told you how lucky I am to have been given you?”

“You could do to remind me more often…” You trail off teasingly. “Perhaps tonight after your coronation?”

He smirked and tried to give you a kiss but you cheekily turn at the last second, letting his lips land on your cheek and smiling when he let out a huff of frustration. You grab his hand and begin to walk out of the garden, turning back to him and saying, “Now, now, High Lord, we mustn’t keep everyone waiting. Come, let’s start this journey together.”

The two of you walk back into the Forest House, smiling and laughing, while everyone looks on in confusion. You arrive quickly at the doors of the grand hall where you can hear everyone talking, wondering what was taking so long. The advisors look worn out as they get in their places, just glad that Eris has been found, while you turn to look at him adoringly. 

“Ready?” You ask.

Rays of sun shone through the windows again, catching him in just the right light to give him an ethereal glow that highlighted his amber eyes and cheekbones. “As long as you are by my side.”

“Always.” You promise, kissing him tenderly before pulling away as the doors open. “Let’s go get your crown.”

As the doors open the applause nearly deafens you, everyone cheering and smiling as the two of you walk into the room and down the aisle. At the end sits two thrones of equal size, both of your crowns sitting on the cushions as you walk hand in hand towards your destiny. 

[basilone]

Ooo maybe 25. Gentle with Brady? Would love to see some more of your writing on this blog again !!

Lovely anon, both yourself and @mercurygray had a similar thought... and I thought, well, why not combine the two? I hope y'all don't mind! 💙 It's been lovely to experiment more in the MotA-side of things writing-wise for sure. 😊

golden & gentle

He never liked hospitals much. John supposes most people don’t – too many tragedies – but it’s the antiseptic that gets to him most. He sniffs loudly. Brushes his tickling nose with his uninjured hand, then sniffs again. Lemmons uses something similar in the planes sometimes. Scrubs them clean. It’s got John sneezing so much that Curt keeps joking about him being allergic to the cockpit.

Kept joking.

He exhales past the suckerpunch that landed entirely too close to his gut. Supposes it’s a small mercy he didn’t say it out loud this time. The dead need to stay dead. Need to be buried somewhere in the past, in some unmarked memories, lest they become ghosts to the living. As far as hospitals go, they��re as near to ghosts as he can tread.

“Take a seat, Captain,” he hears somewhere to his left. “Will be just a minute.”

John makes the mistake of turning into the voice’s direction. There’s a familiar cadence to its lilt, though softer than his memories of it would normally allow. He spies dark hair pulled back beneath a nurse’s cap, dark eyes to match, and one hell of a familiar button nose. Takes a step back when he registers the dimple in her chin. Almost knocks the chair over in his haste to put more distance between himself and… and… and that woman.

That woman actually smiles, though, which gives him pause. “I see you’ve met Ida.” It’s not quite a question, and if it is it sounds like one she already knows the answer to. “My twin sister,” she clarifies, clearly registering his answering frown. “Cressida Dorrance-Jones, and she’ll never make you forget that name while you’re at her table?”

John snaps his fingers. “Her, yes,” he agrees, feeling a cold shiver course over his back at the mere mention of that particular interrogator. “Apologies, Lieutenant Dorrance-Jones, I didn’t realize she has a sister. Let alone a twin.”

“And that, Captain, is exactly why she and I don’t do the same job. You can drop the Dorrance part of the name with me, by the way. Plenty of those around here already, each more insufferable than the last, and I’m as far from the golden child status in my family as a girl’s ever gonna get. Take a seat, why don’t ya? Let me get a good look at that hand of yours.”

“It’s just a scrape,” he minimizes as he sinks down on the chair.

“With the way you lot work,” she says, clearly not quite believing him if the stash of supplies she dumps on the nearby table is anything to go by, “you would still call it a scrape if half your hand was in danger of falling off. No offense, sir.”

“None taken, Lieutenant Jones.” He knows for a fact that Cleven would be one of those fellows. Hell, the man would probably not see a hospital’s insides for himself at all if DeMarco wasn’t such an effective mother hen. “Plane’s damage was a little sharper than it looked, and I wasn’t wearing my gloves anymore.”

Her hand is warmer than his. Her touch far softer than her twin’s would have been. Gentle, even, with the way she presses down around the wound and retracts the moment it begins to sting. John hisses through his teeth when her little finger dances too close to the part that’s been coloring every shade of red and purple conceivable.

“You banged this up real good, Captain…?”

“Brady. John Brady.”

Her answering smile takes the sting out of her touch just a little. “Well, Captain Brady, you’ve got a sweet bruise here. Gonna be a bit of a rainbow there for a while. Scrape’s not too ugly, won’t need stitches,” she assesses with a well-practiced eye, “but you’re gonna need to keep it clean. You come see me before you fly, all right?”

“Sure?”

“I’ll bandage it up when you go up there. Get you a bigger glove, too.” She snorts. “Last time a fella had a scrape like this, he tried to worm his big hand into his little leather glove. I just about had kittens seein’ that, lemme tell ya!”

John winces. “That sounds ill-advised.”

“I know, right? Some fellas are just like that, sir.” A shrug. Another smile. “Can’t do much about that except yell at them, I suppose. I can tell you’re smarter than that, though. Bet you’re gonna be right as rain once we get this cleaned out.”

“And I can fly with this?” he checks, flexing his hand a little despite the pain. “You’re sure?”

“Seen worse. And you’re needed up there, ain’t ya?”

Until I, too, become a ghost to the living. “So people tell me,” he says, pushing all thoughts of a haunting back to his mind’s furthest recesses. He offers her a thin, wan smile of his own. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” she warns, wet cloth in hand. His nose almost twitches at the scent that’s wafting up at him. “This is gonna sting like a motherfucker, sir, ain’t no other way to say that.”

“Appreciate the warning, Lieutenant.”

“I try to be good about that, sir. Them fellas who come in with the frostbite always appreciate it, too. Least you ain’t got that, that’d be somethin’ different to treat…”

Lieutenant Jones, unlike her sister, is an anecdotal talker pulling stories out of her mouth the way a magician would pull a rabbit out of a hat. She hardly seems to expect answers to all of it, though she goes through the niceties spiel of where ya from I’m from Georgia ooooh New York state how fancy and exclaims real-not-feigned excitement about his college classes. John lets the chatter wash over him as he chews on the inside of his cheek to keep the pain in check.

“You’d do all right as an interrogator,” he allows, once she’s managed to pull half his family history to the forefront of the conversation. “I’d already forgotten I’d scraped my thumb on that bike two summers ago until you asked me about that scar just now!”

“I would,” she snorts, “but can you imagine Ida as a nurse? That’s what I thought”– she laughs to his answering shudder –“so I’m right where I should be. As, it seems, are you.”

He can only hope that’s true.

[veneerandvelvet]

I forgive you.

⚠️TW:mentions of sui*ide⚠️

It had been a few days since Vivian’s confrontation with her sister about her husband. She couldn’t get it out of her head. Why would Cressida do this to her? Was it to make her jealous? Vivian let the thoughts take over until a knock at the door interrupted them

“Sweetheart..you’ve been cooped up in here all day.” Vaughn was standing in the doorway. “The twins are worried about you” Vivian looked at her husband and smiled. “I know..I just cannot get over what my sister did to you..to try and ruin our relationship our family..why would she want to hurt us?”

“Jealousy hun..” Vaughn added. “She’s jealous and you know it. We both know it..she’s jealous of us and the twins” Vivian looked out of the window and sighed “but she’s still my sister..I love her dearly.” Vaughn walked over and hugged her from behind “yes, that may be the case..but she still has tried to destroy us over and over again..”

Vivian thought for a moment and it clicked she hasn’t heard from Cressida in a few days. Not an apology or anything. Maybe she was just too scared to see her sister again after the fight. Who knows but what Vivian did know is that she needed to go over there and demand she get an apology.

“Will you watch the twins? I’m going to my sister’s” Vivian broke free from Vaughns embrace and grabbed her coat. Vaughns eyes widened in surprise as she got ready to head off. “Woah woah woah Viv why are you going back over there after everything that happened..?” Vaughn asked. Vivian turned to him with a saddened yet serious expression.

“I need an apology from her..I’m going over there because I want to hear her say it. She has tried to destroyed my family multiple times. She hurt my babies, and tried to break us up. I will not have that” vaughn sighed “are you sure this is a good idea hun?” Vivian smiled and kissed her husband’s lips “I’ll be back. I promise”

Vivian arrived at Cressida’s home and got out. She walked up to the front door and went to knock when she heard a loud “thud” coming from inside she raised an eyebrow but knocked anyway. It had been a few minutes so she continued to knock and realized she wasn’t answering “cress?” Vivian began to panic a bit but kept her composure “cress I know you’re home. Your car is here open the door!” She demanded and nothing..

“Maybe I should call” Vivian took her phone out and dialed her number it rang a couple of times and went to voicemail and that’s when she began to panic. She reached for the doorknob and turned it. She heard it click so it was unlocked. She went inside and began looking for her sister “Cressida!” “Cressida where are you?” She walked upstairs to her sisters bedroom and saw it

Cressida lying on the floor unconscious with an empty pill bottle in her hand. Vivian panicked and ran to her sister’s side pulling out her phone to call 911 “no, no, no Cressida what have you done? What did you take?!” She held Cressida in her arms as she spoke to the dispatcher and saw a note lying on her nightstand. She got off of the phone with 911 and gently laid her sister down and stood up

She picked up the note and read it. “Viv, I am so so sorry for how I have treated you and your family. I have hurt your children and have almost ruined your relationship with your husband. I’m sorry that I treated you badly in the past. You’re my sister and I should love you, not despise you. I am so proud of you and I’m so sorry that I ruined your life. Tell my niece and nephew that I love them..and most importantly I love you. -Cressida”

Vivian held the note close to her chest as she fell to the ground sobbing. The paramedics got there and rushed in escorting Vivian out of the room and shut the door after what had felt like forever the paramedics had come out to break the news “we couldn’t save her..she’s gone, we’re so sorry” Vivian’s heart shattered at their words as she began to cry again. She opened up the note Cressida had left

She skimmed over the amount of times Cressida had written “I’m sorry” over and over again as they took her sister out in a body bag. She held the note close to her chest again and sobbed “it’s okay sissy..I forgive you..”

[curseofaphrodite]

as poets do

BENEDICT BRIDGERTON X READER | fem!pronouns, fluffy fluff!

summary: when the evening gets a bit too much, ben stumbles upon a stranger.

[note: ben has a panic attack, none of the dialogues are historically accurate, dedicated to my shitty ex who was also a poet, basically a whole lot of fluff]

Benedict Bridgerton secretly loved events. It wasn't as if he should be ashamed of it, and plus, not being the oldest son relieved him of pressures to find a wife anytime soon. It was safe to say he enjoyed balls.

The one he was currently attending was the only exception.

He usually had familiar faces scattered across the room, but as far as his eyes could see; he could only see lovers swaying to the music. The sight made him feel strangely lonely.

"Mister Bridgerton!" came a familiar cry from Cressida's mother; who was desperate to get her daughter into the Bridgerton family. He immediately abandoned his plan to drink the lemonade, and started looking for a quick escape.

It all happened so quickly.

As he turned to the main hall, he had hoped to get lost in the crowds so she wouldn't find him. That part worked surprisingly well. Everything that came after was a disaster.

He had underestimated just how many people were attending this ball, meaning he was literally lost in the crowd. The meaningless chatter, the laughs, the lack of space — they seemed to be attacking him. It was as if the lights got too bright and his breathing too shallow. He hadn't paid attention to his heart before, but now that was all he could focus on.

The thump, thump, thump of his heart, each threatening enough to be his last.

Shaking himself off the thoughts, he found his mother nearby.

"I think I'm going to leave early," he said casually as he could, only for Violet to squint her eyes suspiciously.

"You look pale. Are you okay?"

Thump, thump, thump.

"Splendid," he nodded. "This is just — overwhelming. Ridiculous as that sounds."

She smiled. "You don't need to explain. I'll ask for the carriage to be pulled up."

Just as she disappeared, he took a deep breath in again, trying to calm his nerves.

Thump, thump, thump.

You're okay. This is okay. Just too many people at once. This is fine.

-

You were currently trying to remove yourself from the presence of the very annoying Lord Farwell, and seeing a man gripping the edge of a table (looking as if hanging by the last thread of consciousness) — you were almost relieved to use it as an excuse.

"I see someone I know," you lied, walking away before he could follow.

"I'm okay, I'm fine." You recognized the person as one of the Bridgerton brothers. He seemed to be talking to himself.

"Hey," you started slowly. He flinched at the sound, but didn't look at who it was. "Do you want some air?"

"Oh god, are people looking?" he asked, his eyes still squeezed shut.

"Not yet," you said gently, tugging on his sleeve. "C'mon, I'll show you to an empty room. I'll call the apothecary if need to."

"I'm fine." He snapped his eyes open, only for him to slap his palms across his forehead. The world was spinning; going round and round and around—

You forcefully pulled his hand, leading the way. The ball was thrown by one of your best friends' family, so you knew your way around the mansion.

"I'm okay," he said as you closed the door once inside the empty room. "You know what everyone would say if they see—"

"I came here to help, not charm you. Pipe down and tell me what's wrong."

He was startled. Normally, strangers aren't this forward with him. It was one of the privileges of being a Bridgerton.

"I was just overwhelmed," he said, repeating what he had told his mother. "I feel a little better now."

"Good." You went over to the jug of water, pouring it into a glass and handing it out. "Drink this to be sure."

"Thank you," he whispered, eagerly accepting the cup. He felt just as dizzy as before, but at least the world was still. He sat down on the bed and clutched a pillow. You smiled without meaning to.

"I'm fine," he said for the hundredth time, but not to himself. He was trying to convince you. "Truly, I am. Maybe it was the effect of being in ballrooms again after a long time. Maybe."

"Oh, you've been travelling then?"

"No, I was busy at the art school," his eyes gleamed. It was evident the academy held proud moments for him.

"You're an artist?"

"And a poet."

You scowled.

"People are extremely bored or impressed by now, but why do you look angry?" he asked.

"Poets are put on a pedestal," you said bitterly, though you sounded apologetic too. "They're supposed to be romantic, kind, gentle, but the one I knew screwed me over."

Benedict raised an eyebrow at your straightforward words; before letting out a loud laugh.

"Oh no the funny part is how he wrote poems about it later," you added, rolling your eyes. "As if that justifies anything."

"I'm sorry about that," he sounded sincere, which made you feel guilty.

"I didn't mean poets were—"

"I know you didn't. Miss...?"

"Y/N."

"Pleasure to meet you. I haven't heard of a Y/N family before so I assume you'll do me the honor of introducing me?"

You laughed. "Y/N is my first name. Please don't call me Miss L/N though, I prefer my friends to use Y/N instead."

"We're friends?" he asked, smug.

"I declare so," you said firmly. "Now, if you're sure you're alright, I'll leave you be. I'm sure you have important matters to attend to, though I advise rest is a more suitable option."

"Rest does sound nice," he said, looking longingly at the soft bed he was sitting on.

"Good night then." You turned to leave and he was suddenly alert.

"No! You're not disappearing before the midnight like Cinderella, are you?" he spoke up, almost desperately. "At least promise me we could go to the gallery tomorrow."

"Gallery?" you scoffed.

"We are friends, aren't we? Isn't it only appropriate I show you some of the greatest artworks I've seen to change your stance on art?"

"You're sweet."

He groaned. "There's a but, isn't there?"

"Yes," you laughed. "You're sweet but I'm not available tomorrow. I have to organize a meeting in Rosewell Lane, somewhere I'm sure you don't want to be seen."

Rosewell Lane was particularly famous for its political scandals, the most popular being women's rights. While the theme itself was controversial, influential families stayed clear in fear of tainting their reputation.

"You're involved in politics?" Benedict asked, wide-eyed.

"Surprised?"

"Strangely — no. I bet you'll get along with one of my sisters."

"Eloise Bridgerton," you echoed. "I know her. She comes to my meetings."

"She does?!" Now he was properly surprised. "All of them? How does she even evade mother's eyes?"

"Same way she evaded yours, I'm assuming."

His mouth fell open in the most fake-offended way. "Now, I happen to be very smart. When she disappeared at night every month, I just figured she was a werewolf."

You laughed for the tenth time that night, making your cheeks almost hurt. He seemed proud, the gleam in his eyes not quite washed off.

"Do you have room in your dance card for one more person?" he asked impulsively.

You hesitated. "I thought you wanted to rest."

"What I need is someone to catch me if I fall on my face tonight."

"I'm no help there. I dance more terribly than you."

"Let me be the judge of that," he said, standing up and reaching his hand out. You took it without hesitation. He felt butterflies at the touch alone.

"I just remembered," he said with a smirk, "I'm not available tomorrow either! Apparently, I have a meeting to attend to."

You frowned. "No, no. If you're seen there, you and I will both be crucified."

"Don't worry, I'll wear a hat. Or maybe draw a mustache on my face."

Stifling a laugh, you made sure no one saw the two of you getting out of the room alone, then immediately rolled your eyes upon seeing the obsessive looks women were throwing toward him.

"I'm still going to be the death of you," you noted, smiling politely at the passing gentlemen who looked as if they wanted to talk to you. You pretended to be immersed in your conversation with Benedict instead, which wasn't hard to do.

"Frankly Y/N, I don't know a better way to die," he took a deep breath in. "Yes, that was poetic. Yes, I'm a poet. Yes, you're going to have to deal with it forever."

Before you could reply, Violet Bridgerton walked towards the scene. You immediately let go of his hand. His face fell at the loss of warmth.

"The carriage is here—" Violet began.

"I think I'm going to stay just a little while longer," Benedict said apologetically. "And mother, meet Y/N L/N."

"Oh!"

"Nice to meet you, Lady Bridgerton." You smiled warmly, then turned to him. "Going home before midnight? There's a carriage waiting? Who's Cinderella now?"

"Would you prefer if I told you my shoe size now? Or would that rob you of the pleasure of trying to hunt me down?"

"You flatter yourself too much, and speaking of, I'll be right back." You pointed towards the nearest table. "My mother seems to be searching for me."

As soon as you had disappeared, Violet squealed excitedly.

"What?" Benedict asked, wide-eyed and innocent.

"She's a good person," she said urgently. "And you look so smitten. Maybe you'll get a wedding before your brother."

"I don't!" he whined. "Please do not embarrass me in front of her. I do a good job of it myself."

"Stop with that! She looks just as smitten with you too."

"She does?" he asked hopefully, watching you across the room.

"Who does?" Daphne appeared with Eloise by her side.

"Benedict is in love with Y/N L/N," Violet whispered.

"Mother! I just met—"

"Funny how she seems interested," Eloise said promptly. "Though I suppose she could balance out the stupidity in you."

"That's mean! And untrue! I'll have you know I—"

"Benedict, don't listen to her," Daphne's words were kinder. "I'm happy you found your match."

"Why's no one listening to me?" he hissed sharply. "I just met her! I JUST—"

"Does this mean you're going to write more poems?" Eloise asked. "Don't think I haven't seen how you steal my ink!"

"I don't steal your ink! Penelope is the only one allowed in your room!"

"Why would Penelope steal my ink?"

"I've come bearing lemonade!" you announced, handing out two to the Bridgerton sisters. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything? I can come back later—"

"You're not getting away that easily, you still owe me a dance," Benedict said, taking your hand in his again. "May I?"

"You may," you bowed, both of you bursting into giggles before meeting up in the dance floor.

Are you sure you're not trying to charm me? You've been doing a good job of it so far. He thought, feeling giddier than he had in a while.

His family watched him earnestly. Violet was proud, Daphne happy, and Eloise bored.

"I need to buy more ink then," Eloise said, sighing.

——————

[disasterofastory]

Disaster of the season Part 2 (Colin B. x Reader)

Disaster of the season Part 2 /Final Colin Birdgerton x Reader Warnings: none

Four times when you embarrass yourself in front of the ton and one time when Colin decides you are the one for him.

III.

Despite your promise to not show yourself again in this season, you find yourself at a Ball in a new, pastel-colored dress. After your last disaster, your mother had to console your sorrow for days to make you leave the bed, and in the end, they had to call over Eloise to chase you out of your room.

The only reason you come is Prince Friedrich.  Of course, not because you want something from the young Prince, but because if he is here, no one will talk about you.

People look at your way as you walk in beside your parents, but they don’t give you more attention.

“You see?” Your mother asks you with a victorious smile. “I told you.”

“Great, mother,” you sigh at her childish behavior but can’t help and smile at her.

“Go and have fun.”

You gulp at the thought. Oh, yeah. Fun. Because you've had so much fun in this season already.

You grab a glass of juice to busy yourself with something while you walk around the ballroom.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Colin says your name to grab your attention from your thoughts.

“Mr. Bridgerton,” you smile at the young man stopping in front of you.

“How are you?” He asks. “When I didn’t see you, I was worried you got sick.”

“I’m fine,” you reassure him. “I just needed a push to leave the house.”

“And the push was my sister, I assume?”

“Who else?”

“I’m glad she was successful. She is here somewhere with Penelope.”

“I will find them eventually,” you answer with a nod. You are sure you will hear the brown-haired girl's dissatisfaction soon enough. 

“Would you like to join me for a walk until then?” Colin asks you, offering his arm.

“Thank you,” you smile at him gratefully, accepting his gesture.

The night goes uneventfully. You don’t fall out of the window or bleed out in front of everyone. It’s a success.

Until now.

You can see Cressida’s swoon from the front row. Everybody gasps worriedly around you as the young woman falls into the Prince’s arms. Soon you can hear Daphne’s voice behind you, then it happens. She giggles at the girl’s obviousness, and you can’t help but laugh too.

Loudly. Clearly.

You gasp at your own reaction, trying to hide your uncontrollable giggles, which burst out of you in waves. People start to glance at you, confused.

“Go out,” Daphne whispers to you, seeing your problem. She tries to suppress her own giggles with better success than you.

Colin grabs your arm gently, pulling you out of the crowd. Tears burn your eyes as you start to cry from laughter. You can feel Cressida’s burning glare at the nape of your neck when your eyes meet with the Prince’s before you get lost among the people with Colin on your heels.

The smaller room with huge paintings is empty and calm. The tons' chatting gets quiet as Colin shuts the door, and you let out the laugh you tried to hide from everybody.

He smiles at your uncontrollable cheerfulness, watching you laughing to your heart content.

“I can’t go anywhere with you,” he says jokingly when you start to calm down.

“I’m sorry,” you chuckle, pulling down your gloves to wipe off your tears and the ruined mascara.

“Wait, let me…” He steps in front of you without a second thought. His touch is warm on your heated skin as he makes sure you are presentable again.

He still has some boyish features despite his age. 

“Thank you,” you smile at him, stepping back before somebody catches you.

“We should go back,” he says. “Go first, I’m sure Eloise has things to say.”

He looks after you as you smooth down your dress and adjust your hair. You still try to suppress your grin as you wave at him as a goodbye, disappearing behind the door. A small smile is constant on his face, looking around the empty room, watching but not really seeing the paintings on the dark painted walls.

A life with you would be adventurous and fun.

IV.

The weeks go by, and the ton slowly forgets your mistakes. Visitors come to your house with flowers and small presents to woo you with poetry and promises.

And you hate it.

Neither of them is the one you want. A few of them seem worthy and kind, while the others are just boring and too pompous. At the end of the day, your face hurts from the forced smiles, but your younger siblings enjoy immensely the chocolates and other sweets you get. Your father seems dissatisfied with your suitors, and he doesn’t waste time to let them know behind his usual polite demeanor.

“You will find the one, I’m sure of it,” he says to you comfortingly.

But that is the problem. You found him years ago.

With a sigh, you nod to reassure him, patting his hand on your knee.

Your jealousy for Daphne seems ridiculous now. Of course, for the ton, it's good that you have so many suitors, but for you, it just gets boring and tiring. The Bridgerton girl refused the Prince of Prussia to marry with the Duke while you sit in the drawing-room for days with men who don’t interest you in the slightest.

You get out of the carriage with your mother behind you in front of the Bridgertons’ imposing house. The wisterias bloom above the freshly cleaned windows, and bees buzz around from flowers to flowers as you walk to the entrance. The butler greets you with a polite smile and escorts you to the drawing-room where the Bridgerton women are already occupied with Lady Danbury.

They welcome you with joy as your mother joins them for a cup of tea while Eloise pulls you over to the loveseat to tell you everything about Lady Whistledown. The young girl seems enthusiastic and too obsessed with the mysterious woman. You smile and listen to her words with nods and hums as you steal a small piece of chocolate from the box on her lap.

"I still can't believe that you accused Mrs. Wilson,” you laugh, and Eloise hits your arm as an answer, but before she can continue with her theories, Colin and Anthony appear in the room with a respectful bow to their mother’s company and cheeky smiles to your way.

“Lady Whistledown?” Anthony asks with a tired sigh, sitting down on the sofa next to his sister.

“Who else?” Colin answers before you, sitting down next to you with a cookie in his mouth. His eyes shine as your gazes meet for a moment while Eloise begins her monologue about women and their derogatory role in society.

“But you will debut in the next season, won't you?” You ask her.

“If it’s up to me, then no,” she answers stubbornly.

“If it comforts you, I will be there too,” you sigh tiredly, leaning back on the backrest. You grab the pillow behind you to hug it on your lap.

“You don’t have suitors?” Colin asks, surprised, turning to you more in his seat.

“I have,” you reply. “They are just…” you grimace with a shrug instead of ending the sentence.

“They are not worthy enough?” Anthony asks, knowing the feeling. After Daphne, he knows the feeling well enough.

“You can say that,” you nod.

“I’m sure you will find somebody,” he reassures you with a gentle smile.

What you don’t see is the cheeky smile he sends to his little brother’s way. The boy’s face gets hot from his brother’s unwanted attention.

“Come on, my daughter,” your mother says out of the blue. “We still have to see the modiste.”

“Have fun,” Eloise says, and you hit her arm softly for her mockery.

What you don't notice is the little teacup between her fingers that falls out of her hand because of your playful slap. Eloise gasps, trying to grab the porcelain, but it's too late. The pleasantly warm tea pours onto your thigh, soaking your dress.

Colin looks at the ruined dress, then up to your mortified expression. His chest starts to hurt seeing your series of bad luck. You really need somebody who can protect you before a piano falls on you from nowhere.

“Poor girl,” Lady Danbury sighs, seeing the tea-stained dress. “It’s definitely not your season.”

V.

The dress you choose for the ball is light-colored with darker lace decorations. The white gloves on your arms are long enough to reach your elbows, and your hair tied up in curly locks with a silky ribbon.

You suppress the disappointment because of the season and your misfortune with love so you can enjoy the last ball of the season. You didn’t see Daphne since the Cressida swooning fiasco, and you hope you can have a few words with her before they go back to Clyvedon.

The garden they decorated for the ball is elegant and flowery.  Large chandeliers hang over the dancefloor, and the painting about the married couple attracts the eyes of the guests.

You stand at the edge of the black and white floor, watching the dancing couples. The music is loud but pleasant, and the chats around you mix with the songs. Your gaze wanders to Daphne, and despite that, she is beautiful as always something seems off with her. The young girl’s face is almost sad as she looks over at her husband.

“Miss Y/L/N,” Colin greets you with a small smile and a bow. “Can I have this dance?” He asks, offering his hand to you.

“It would be my pleasure,” you answer, accepting his proposal.

He leads you to the dancefloor when the orchestra starts to play a new song. His touch is warm on your waist, and his grip is gentle on your hand as you begin to move with him.

“How are you?” He asks you quietly.

“Well, I didn’t do anything horrible yet,” you reply and smile at him when he starts to laugh.

“Then I guess I have to look out for you,” he hums.

“I think I’m too helpless for that,” you sigh, playing with him.

The few minutes you spend in Colin’s arms are amazing. You even forget every disastrous thing that happened to you during the season. Of course, you didn’t find the love you wanted, but you still have time.

“Oh, god,” Colin says suddenly, looking up at the gloomy sky.

Raindrops fall on your shoulder, soaking your hair and dress. You follow the Bridgerton boy’s eyes up to the clouds until you feel him pull you out of the rain. You let him lead you, trying to step over a fresh puddle on the polished floor.

Without success.

The floor slips out under your legs, but your hands are still in Colin’s grip. A small shriek leaves your mouth as you fall on your knees, yanking the boy with you to the floor. He falls on his bottom with a grunt, and you can’t help yourself but laugh at his surprised face. He looks over at you, standing up in his wet clothes to help you up.

Your dress is darker than before, and your wet locks are stuck to your temple and neck.

“I can’t believe this,” he says when you are protected from the rain.

From the corner of your eyes, you can see Daphne laughing on the dance floor with Simon not far from her, but your focus is on the man in front of you.

“I’m so sorry,” you say to him. Your voice is joyful and remorseful at the same time.

Colin stares at you for what feels like long minutes. His face seems content and happy, and you can’t look away despite everyone else watches Daphne and Simon.

“Marry me,” he says after a while. He is so quiet you barely hear his words, and when you do, you can’t believe your ears.

“What?” You gasp.

“I want you to be my wife,” he says more loudly. “I can make you happy and… safe,” His last word is cheeky, but he is still serious as he searches your face for an answer. “I know you for years, and I know our life would be everything but boring and unhappy.”

He watches your soaked form, your smeared mascara, and your messy hair, and his chest tightens. Or just his feelings get bigger. He can’t decide. The only thing he knows is the desire in him to be with you all the time.

“So what do you say? Will you marry me?” He urges you for an answer breathlessly.

“Yes. A million times, yes.”

[onlymexsarah]

Can we please get more Prince Friedrich? Maybe meeting his family

Prince Friedrich | The sweet taste of sin

I had few informations so I let my fantasy take the control. I hope you like it, otherwise write me and I’ll do something else for you���

MAIN MASTERLIST

Summary: Kinda the Sequel of “Prince Friedrich | Jealousy” Prince Louis Charles and Duchess Frederica of Prussia come at the end of the season to see their son and meet y/n Bridgerton, the lady who had taken the heart of the Prince, but there is more…

Pairing: Prince Friedrich x Bridgerton!reader

A/N: so I made some researches about our lovely prince Friedrich and I found out that he never become a king because he was the cousin of the actual King, and now everything makes sense to me. Also, I’ve learned that the Prince’s and Duchess’ marriage wasn’t a happy one, because they didn’t love each other :( Prince Luois Charles should be dead, he died three years after Friedrich birth, but it would be too much complicated so we are going to pretend that we sucks in history and none of us knew it, alright? ;D

warnings: my english :)

PREQUEL 1 - PREQUEL 2

Here we are, the end of another scandalous London season.

Surely, it has not been boring for everyone. We had found out the diamond of the season, and found out that sometime a pearl can take the most requested heart.

The Duke and Duchess of Hastings are organizing evrything for the last ball of the season, how many scandals it will bring to us?

There are rumors about a separation between the two; was their love just a flame that with the first rain had been turned off?

Well, what we know is that the Duchess’ sister, Miss Y/n, is still enjoying her newborn love with her Charming Prince, and I am more then happy for them.

It seems that Duchess Frederica and Prince Louis Charles of Prussia are coming to visit our lovely Queen Charlotte and their son, Prince Friedrich, is this the only reason? Lady Y/n Bridgerton had been seen quite nervous in these days, fear to meet your future father and mother in law, dear?

What I know far now is that the Prince hasn’t proposed yet, and this could bring doubts in the mind of a young Lady in love. Instead of walking between the streets of the city, the Prince had invited her to see the Palace’s garden more often, but don’t be surprise if you find yourself in front of them; it must be remember that Lady Bridgerton is still one of us, she can’t stay away from her normality too much.

I ask myself what the Royal Family will think about that...will they accept her or they will take the Prince away to return in Prussia and found themself a wife for him?

When it will happen, I’ll be the first to find out. But no need to worry our future Princess, you will charm the Duchess and the Prince as you had charmed Prince Friedrich.

“‘Normality’? Now being normal it’s bad’“ you said offended looking the paper in your hands.

“I am sure she meant nothing bad, my dear.” said your mother sweetly sit in front of you. You were drinking tea at the park all together, your family and Friedrich. He insisted to spend time with them to know all your brothers and sisters, and you couldn’t be more than happy. There were times when Hyacinth and Gregory weren’t polite and quiet as all of you, but he didn’t mind instead he started to play with them or just listen what they had to say.

“There is nothing to worry about, Y/n. In this months I learned to ignore Lady Whistledown’s words if they are not nice things toward someone.” Friedrich said resting his hand on yours that was on the table. You smiled to thank him turning to focuse on the paper resting now on the table in front of you.

“Lady Whistledown had written only good things about you two, sister. I think she likes you, together.” Colin said standing behind your mother chair looking the children in the park.

“Yes, I know...” your voice was a whisper and yu weren’t sure if he had heard you, but you couldn’t move away your eyes from Lady Whistledown’s words. Will Friedrich’s parents accept me? I am not a princess, how can they like me?

Since you knew about their arrival the doubts started to hunt you day and night. The dram of thr last night kept repeting in your mind; you had arrived at the Palace to meet Friedrich, but in the Great Hall you had seen him and Cressida getting married telling the guards to take you away. You knew she would be a better princess then you; she had the behave and the submission that you had never had. You couldn’t deny thet they would be a perfect couple together, but yet he had chosen you and the fear that he might see the mistake he had done when you’ll meet his parents scared you.

The Prince saw a shadow crossing your face while everyone started talking again. You were in your own world with the eyes focused on nowhere and an empty smile on your face.

“I would like to take Miss Y/n for a walk, if you agree Miss Bridgerton.” said Friedrich kindly. Hearing your name woke you up from your trance looking him first and then your mother.

“Of course you can, Prince Friedrich. Y/n is not the one who likes stay sit for a long time.” she said happy. He had always made sure to have her approvation for everything you did together; he valued her thoughts as much as Anthony’s.

“You are right, mother. I find the walks very healthy, indeed.” you took Friedrichìs hand that was kindly offered by him to help you to stand up. Intertwining your right arm with his, you started to walk hearing the footsteps of his guards behind you. They never left him evem when you had lunch at your house, but you didn’t mind, it was for his own safety and you didn’t want anything to happen to him.

After a while, when your family was out of hearing, he took an orange lily at his right and raised it in front of your face. “A flower for your thoughs.”

You took the beautiful flower in your hand with the first true smile of the day. “Thank you, my Prince. I am sorry if I’ve been revelead to not be a good company today; just...”

“Thoughs.” he finished your sentence understanding. It had already happened sometime that the two of you finished each other’s phrases; it was lovely for the other people and funny for you. “They might be about what Lady Whistledown wrote? When you call me ‘my Prince’ means that something if wrong.”

You brought the flower at your nose to smell its perfume. “Well, I like how it sounds, my Prince.” you smiled amused seeing him lowering his head and laughing. “But it’s not just that. Lady Whistledown had been in our life since months now, I’m used at her words...” you took a breath looking around. “Your father and mother are coming... They might expect that the one who took the Prince’s interest is at least a princess as well, but they are going to see that I am just...me.”

“I stop you here, dear.” he stopped in the middle of the little bridge of the park bringing you in front of him. “They don’t expect nothing if not what my letters said about you, and you know who they are going to see?” he took the flower from your hands breaking the stem and slowly putting the lily in your hair over your ear. His hands made you feel butterfly in your stomach; you didn’t know what your body desired, but you were sure that the little few times he had touched you weren’t enough. “They’ll see that the woman who took my heart is the most clever, beautiful and wonderful woman in the world. Because this, my dear Y/n...” he brought your hands to his mouth kissing them sweetly making you blush with a shy smile on your face. “is who you are.”

“I do not know what I did to deserve your heart, Friedrich, but you took mine long time ago, and I know there are no safest hands that could hold it.” you both stepped closer at the same time finding yourself with only few inches between your bodies. Your chest were almost touching, his breath a little above your lips and your hands still in his big ones. His big blue eyes didn’t leave yours, looking for few seconds your sweet smile.

“I promise you that I will take care of it as you are taking care of mine.” after a while still looking in each other’s eyes, you started to walk again laughing and joking and at the end of the day you felt more relaxed.

You slept all night, and when in the morning Mary, your waitress, came to wake you up you had almost forgotten Lady Whistledown’s words and you were ready to see Friedrich and apologies for the behave you had the day before. You were worry for nothing, even when Mary dressed you and styled your hair who you saw in the mirror was a Lady who looked like a swan in her dress.

When you entered in the living room all the eyes were on you; your brothers stood up quickly while your mother hid something behind the pillow of the couch. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes sister.” “Nothing wrong.” “You look nice in that dress.” they said almost at the same time nervously.

“You are odd.” you said shaking your head and walking toward your mother. “What is happening?”

“I have to tell you something, my dear. Sit down, here.” you sit on the couch beside your mother still confused by the reaction of everyone. “You see, we had found out a thing...you don’t have to-”

“The Duchess and the Prince are here in London!” yelled Hyacinth excited. Your breath froze, the air seemed to be stone because you coudln’t move and all your eyes could focus on was your mother in front of you who now was yelling at your little sister.

“Mama, tell me they are not the Duchess and the Prince of Prussia.” she looked at you sorry trying to find the right words to calm you. “Brothers! Tell me they are not.”

Benedict and Colin ran away from the room closing the door behind them and blocking Anthony with you. He turned around with a nervous smile on his face studying your body language. Impossible. You have grown up hiding your true feelings, with a smile on your face and ready to nod whenever you didn't share the same ideas of your interlocutor because you were a woman, and you had to appear polite not smart. But in a family like yours you couldn’t care less, indeed Anthony could see the bright light of the fear in your eyes.

“Yes, dear sister, the Duchess and Prince of Prussia are arrived tonight. Lady Whistledown talked about it in her morning paper.” he said walking toward the couch that was in front of the one you and your mother were sitting on.

“S-so they’re here.” you looked your mother terrified. “Friedrich said that they would have spent the first few days at the palace or around the city, so I don’t need to worry for now.”

The door opened and one of your manservant enterd in hurry. “Lord Bridgerton, Lady Bridgerton, Miss Bridgerton...” he bowed to all of you. “Prince Louis Charles and Duchess Frederica of Prussia have requested your presence tonight to dine with them at the Palace.” your eyes got wider froze on your seat unable to say something. “And...Duchess Frederica had requested your presence personally, Miss Bridgerton. She wish to know you better and...talk.”

His and your mother’s eyes were fixed on you while Anthony looked in your direction with the corner of his eyes trying to not laugh at your terrified face. “Tell them we will be there.”

The manservant bowed and walked away closing the door behind him. That day all the housemaids, waitress and waiters had the orders to help Anthony, Lady Violet and you in any ways possible to male sure that you would be ready for the dinner with the Royal family. No one questioned your absence around the house, they were all to busy to notice it.

You were in your room, sit on your bed looking the wall opposite of you with Mary beside the mirror waiting for your orders. Nothing was worse than think that all your time with Friedrich, all your laughs and your conversations could be swept away just with a worng word, awkward movement or with the wrog dress.

The fear of losing Friedrich was more painful than you expected. It wasn’t because he was a Prince, no you couldn’t care less about his title when there were just the two of you together. You liked his company, his humor and you had a thing for his voice; sometime happened that he told you thing in german making you loose your mind. You felt save around him, and it wasn’t because the guards always with him, but you knew that he would never let something happen to you; he would protect you with his own body if neccessary. And then, there was the physical part; you liked his eyes, his curly blonde hair, you liked his being taller and muscular than you, you liked when his big hands took yours or when he would put his hand on your wait during a dance. He made you feel strange feelings in your body, feelings you could not tell anyone about.

You..you loved him? What was love? Love was the one that shared your father and mother; love was the feeling that kept together your family; love was Simon who married your sister to not let her fall in a scandal; maybe love was Colin who would refuse to dance with any ladies to dance with Penelope... you were sure that love was the smile on your mother’s face at the wedding of Daphne and Simon.

Was love the flower in your hair? Was love the book on your bedside table that had a sweet note from Friedrich? Was love the fact that he forbide to you and your family to bow when you meet? Was love the shivers you felt on your back everytime you were extremely close to him? Or when he spoke in your ear?

You weren’t sure if what you felt was love, maybe the love arrived after the marriage, or maybe after the first child, but something strong must precede it, right? The same strong feeling you felt inside your chest all the time you thought about him. If it was love, if there were a thiny little chance that what you felt was the true love that mother used to talk about then you had to fight and keep it. No Prince, no Duchess and no Queen could take it away until you said so.

You stood up walking in front of the wardrobe opening it and then turned around to look at Mary whose eyes were already on you. “Mary, I want to look like a princess, tonight.”

“I promise you, Miss Bridgerton, you will be the most beautiful Princess that the world had ever seen.” she said smiling and starting to search the right dress among the ones that your mother made you buy from the modist.

“I’m fine with just the England and Prussia.” you smirked slyly.

Hours passed and finally you were ready to take the carriage with your brother and your mother. Benedict spoke to you before your departure, complimeting your beauty and reassuring you that everything would be fine.

He was right, you were beautiful. Your dress, long and bright blue Bridgerton had gems on the top and the bottom was simple but elegant. You didn’t want to wear to much jewerly, they weren’t your type, so instead you decide to wear a necklace choker with a small diamond in it. Your long arms were free and around your shoulder was a shawl of a colour little more lighter than your dress.

When the door of the throne room opened in fron of you the nervouness made you almost faint. Sit on the thrones were Queen Charlotte and a beautiful woman you suspected to be the Duchess; Friedrich was standing beside the Queen and his father beside his mother.

“Your Majesties: Lady Viole Bridgerton, her son Lord Anthony Bridgerton and her daughter, Miss Y/n Bridgerton.” the guard announced you. You three walked toward the throne smiling even thought you didn’t know who to look at, so you watched the Queen and the Duchess until the end and then, before bowing, you looked at your Prince who was already looking at you and both of you smiled at each other.

Staying bowed in front of the Queen felt like the day you’ve got present to her along with Daphne, but this time Prince Friedrich was there and coming to your side he offered you a hand. You took it and stood up smiling at him. Even thought you charmed him with everything you did, he didn’t want to see you bow in front of him; it seemed like everytime you did it a wall grew up between you two.

“Your Majesties, it’s a honor to all of us to meet you.” said your brother raising up beside you with your mother.

The Duchess stood up and with her husband walked toward you. You couldn’t read their expression at all. The Duchess was a beautiful woman with long blonde curly hair and the Prince was as tall as his son with white hair and a kind face.

You smiled trying to relase your nerves, they both seemed kind and Friedrich spoke about them a lot so yoi kinda knew that they weren’t difficult people, but still their looks made you feel a bit uncomfortable.

“Friedrich didn’t give justice at your beauty, sweetheart.” the Duchess said smiling allowing you to leave a breath of relief.

“You are too kind, Your Grace.” you smiled shyly. You didn't know what to say or what to do, should you say a compliment as well?  

"It's a pleasure meet you, Miss Bridgerton. My son talked a lot about you, all good thing of course.” said his father smiling and kissing your hand.

“I’m flattered, Your Grace. I hope Prince Friedrich didn’t lie too much.” they laughed and invited you and your family into the dining room. You and Friedrich walked together behind your brother and his father and in front of your mothers while the Queen led you through the halls.

“Prince Friedrich?” he asked looking at you with a eyebrow raised offering his arm to walk closer.

“They are the Duchess and Prince of Prussia, I cannot call their son by his first name. It’s inappropriate!” you said amused intertwining your arms together, enjoying that little touch.

“Are you nervous?” he asked kindly giving a quick look behind; your mothers were speaking together whispering and looking at the two of you.

“Why should I? There is my brother, and there is you at my side. I have everything I need right now.” you miled seeing his face light up.

“Then I promise you I will never leave your side until you order me so.” he took your chair like a gentleman helping you to sit and then he sat beside you.

“I think you will have to keep your promise for a long time, Friedrich.” you gave him a sweet smile before looking the others at the table.

The Duchess was sit in front of you beside your mother, you were between Friedrich and your brother while the Queen and the Prince were at the two heads of the table. You offered a smile to everyone noticing that the Duchess’ smile never left her face while you spoke.

They made you questions, what you liked to do, where you met Friedrich and the Prince asked you to tell them about your travel with Colin leaving you surprise by such kindness and curiosity. Friedrich took every chance to speak with you and your mother, wanting to make both feel comfortable, but the Duchess commited herself in a lot of conversation with you.

Once the dinner was ended you hoped that you and Friedrich could have time to walk away like usual, but the Duchess surprised you again.

“Miss Bridgerton, can I have the honor to walk with you a little?” she asked making your eyes grew wider. Friedrich tried to say something but his mother sushed him. “Don’t worry Friedrich, I only want to know her without you men around. Come sweetheart, you can show me the garden.”

You gave a smile to Friedrich trying to reassure more yourself than him. You walked with the Duchess out of the dining room with two guards behind you. “Your Grace...just know that the honor is mine...” you said shyly trying to break that silent.

“Please we are alone, call me Frederica now. My husband is the one who follows the rules.” she took your arm kindly, but you could feel that it was different from when was Friedrich the one who took it.

“I am not sure if I can do it, Duchess.” your sincerity made her laugh.

“Friedrich told me that. You are really a sweetheart, aren’t you?”

“I hope so, You Gra-F...Frederica.” you got out into the garden. The moon was full illuminating all the flowers and the fountains.

“You learn fast! Come, sit down with me. Here, good.” you sat confused starting to wonder the real reason of that walk. “Now, I wished to speak with you alone for a long time.” you nodded to let her keep going. “My son is a charming man, and many women fell for him even before knowing his title. Hi’s handsome, I’m aware of that, but still his heart is kind and big and it’s my duty as a mother to make sure that it will not break for the wrong person. So, I can trust you and leaving his heart in your hands?”

“Of course you can, Your Grace. I have no desire to make Friedrich unhappy or even break his heart. I would never, never do such thing. ” your heart was beating faster and faster afraid that one wrong word and the Duchess would walk away forbidding you to see her son again.

“Good! You can come back to my son then, I’m sure he is worried for you. I’ll stay here to enjoy this beautiful night.” she said relaxed looking the sky. You watched her astonished...did she really believed you? Didn’t she need a speech or a proof?

She seemed so in peace with herself, like that was the happiest moment in her life. You could run away, you could return to your Prince and spend time with him. It was what your body wanted, indeed your legs made you stooding up and walking away. Few steps and your consciouness made you stop, you couldn’t leave her there with just those words.

“Your Grace...” she looked at you like she was already expecting it. “My father died when I was little...I don’t have many memories with him, he was a busy man, but I knew he loved all of us.” she smiled sweetly taking your hand to make you sit again. “I grew up with the stories of my mother about how much they loved each other. It was my favorite tale when I was little and my biggest dream now...you see, I don’t know what is love, I don’t know how to recognise it, but I promised to myself that I would have married for love, the same love that my father felt for my mother and vice versa, the same love that keep my mother waking up every morning alone in the same bed she once shared with the love of her life.” the Queen had tears in her eyes with a hand in front of her mouth. “In your son I found a friend, I found someone with who I can share interests and hobbies. He makes me feel above the moon, and I hope I do the same at him...I don’t know if this is love, but I assure you that nothing will change my feelings for him and could God never forgive me if I will break his heart.”

She hugged you, strongly and warm as your mother was used to do. It didn’t feel strange that the Duchess of Prussia was hugging you, it felt like a second mother. “My marriage was not for love, but I made sure that Friedrich knew the meaning of it. My biggest desire is that a day he would have what I didn’t, and I think I can trust you, dear Y/n.” she smiled wiping away the few tears she had on her cheeks. “Go, we have made my son waiting enough.” you returned inside laughing with the Duchess leaving all of the people inside the living room speechless. “Oh, hi honey. I’m sorry if we did late, you two will make up for the lost time in these days. Now it’s late, should we going to sleep?”

“I agree, Your Grace. Come Y/n, it’s quite a long journey.” said your mother standing up from the couch looking for Anthony who was speaking with the Prince.

“At this time the street are dangerous, Lady Bridgerton. Are you sure you don’t need some guard with you?” asked Queen Charlotte concerned.

“Thank you, Your Highness, but I have to refuse your offer.” Anthony said bowing and taking his hat.

“Such nosense! The Palace has hundreds rooms at least, you could stay here for the night.” Prince Louis suggested looking Anthony for his approval.

“It’s too much, Price Louis. We don’t want to disturb Your Highness even more.” he said polite looking the Queen.

You and Friedrich shared a confused look, what if you would spend the night there? You could see him in the morning and maybe he would walk you at home to stay together longer.

“In some way or another Lady Bridgerton we are destined to be family...” the Queen said looking at you and Friedrich quickly making you both blush. “So I don’t see any problem to let you sleep here for a night. Prince Friedrich wuold never forgive me if something happens to you.”

With astonishment in the face of all of you Bridgerton, the waitress showed you the rooms where you would stay. All the three of you got separeted at some point and you had no idea where were the rooms of your brother and your mother; you didn’t even know where you were.

Your room was huge, full of paintings and books. There was a canopy bed in front of you, the blankets were white, pure as a flower that must be took yet; just like you.

You let your hair free from all the haripins, the long waves caressed your back while you let the dress fell down. You took the corset away, breathing again like you had been drowing; you would sleep in your petticoat that was of the colour of your dress.

Once the curtains were closed, you were ready to go to sleep when you heard someone knocking at your door. Sure that it was your brother or your mother you went to open it before gasping in surprise. Friedrich was in front of you, not in his usual uniform, but with a simple beige shirt and black pants.

“Y-your Gr...I mean Friedrich. I didn’t expect you to come here.” you were afraid; afraid of how easyly seemed in that moment to fall and commit a sin without being seen, and you couldn’t let it happen.

“I know, I am sorry to disturb you. I wanted to make sure if you were ok...I don’t know what you and my mother talked about...” he said smiling. You let out a breath; of course he wasn’t there to tempt you, his intentions were true and it wasn’t his fault if you felt such strange feelings inside you. He wasn’t aware of the battle your body was having with your mind.

“You are so kind, Friedrich. I am more than fine, your mother is really the sweetest person I’ve ever met.” you offered him a smile. “I thank you for your though, but it would be not appropriate if some one see us here alone...”

“I-I know and it was not my intention to insult you in any way coming here. It felt strange being in the same place but not being together...I missed you, Y/n.” you felt your heart melt at his words making you close the door behind you so that you were in the desert hall together.

You took his hand bringing it to your cheek. You close your eyes for few moments enjoying his warm against your skin. “I missed you too, Friedrich, but I had to assure your mother with some business.”

You smiled to each other while he came closer to you with a step. You had never imagined that being at the same distance as when you dance would be different if you two were alone. There was no reason to stop, there was no reason to compose yourself if no one would be able to see you, and you were scared that there was nothing to hold your body to take what it craved so much.

He kissed your hair letting your forehead restin on each other. You noticed that his breath had got heavier just as yours and you had to close your eyes to focus on the situation and not on his lips so close to yours.

He cleared his throat caressing your cheek with his thumb. “A proper gentleman would leave, wishing you a good night and telling you he would wait the morning to come so he could see you again.”

“And a true Lady would thank you for your words and praying to the morning to come faster so that the hours spent alone wouldn’t be too much.” you whispered taking big breath. You felt something tickling inside your stomach, your legs shaking and shivers were emanated from his other hand that now was gently rested on your hip.

“Can...can you hear someone approacing? Listen carefully.” both of you staied silent trying to control your breaths so that you could hear better.

No noise arrived at your ears, only the whisper of the night that brought sinful suggest. You shaked your head slowly, not wanting to break the silent that was hugging you, hiding your bodies from the people out there.

He opened his mouths few times, trying to say something but the words died in his throat. He was distracted by so many things...your skin under his hand, the blush on your cheeks... he was drunk of your parfume and your breath on his lips was like a magnet to him; a magnet too strong for his own soul.

He brought his lips on yours, slowly and kindly, leading you on the street of the pleasure. Your body was completely under his control; your hands went to caress his hair while his hand that was on your cheek lowered slowly on your neck. His thumb kept moving on your skin while the hand went on the back of your neck, knowing that you would not be the first to break the kiss, but keeping your body hypnotized by his touch.

He kept his movement slow even when the kiss got deeper. You were sure he knew what he was doing, because when you felt your legs shaking even more he made your back rest on the door closed behind you.

Your body knew what to do, your lips moved with his like it was something you had done every day, and oh god you wished you could. Now that you had tasted him, now that you were feeling his lips on yours and his hands touching your body like he never did, you wanted more. You were sure that you couldn’t have enough of him from that day on, because once you know the sweet taste of a sin, you can’t stop.

[blackknightgargiemoviephile]

How To Train Your Dragon Saga

In the beginning, I was never really interested in watching the movie and never even bothered to watch the trailer, since we thought it was one of those cliche failure movies (and Dreamworks hasn't really had a very good track record of good animated movies at the time), but after being bombarded with tons of Toothcup fanfics and fanarts and after very high recommendations by my friend Jello13 from dA, I finally got down to watching the movie. Boy, was I glad I took my friend's recommendation to watch this movie, and the subsequent sequels after that, because after 3, 4 friggin' times, I still fucking LOVE this movie!!!

Here's my findings of the saga:

Apparently this movie was based on a children's novel written by Cressida Cowell which focuses on the 2nd book in a 10-volume book franchise. There are certain deviations between the real Hiccup and Toothless and the storyline as a whole, but after reading the summary of the original story, I think I like the movie version better. In fact even the writer said so in her blog that she likes the deviation as the movie captured the core essence of her story and it was amazing to see her story to be interpreted this way.

The storyline and the pacing is very good, and the sarcastic humour and slight optimism of Hiccup despite people thinking he's anything BUT a Viking is very intriguing. I love his catchphrases like "I'm way too muscular for their tastes. They wouldn't know what to do with all...this" and "Thank you for summing that up" and his famous line "You just gestured to ALL of me!" is just some of the LOL-worthy lines the talented Jay Baruchel who voices Hiccup does.

I was totally shocked to find out that Gerard Butler plays the role of Stoick, Hiccup's old man! I have never expect him, who is known for his brawniness and action-packed persona, made famous in the movie 300, would actually play a voice-over for a cartoon character. After finding out, spotting his voice and hearing the familiarity was much, much easier.

And of course, the creme de la creme of the entire movie: TOOTHLESS!! He is just so, so, so, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo uber cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute~~~~!!!!! When I read about him in fanfics and caught glimpses of him through fanarts, I was thinking, "Hey, this dragon is quite cute." Now amplify that feeling by a gajillion times more. That's how I feel about Toothless. He started off a little vicious with his snake-like slit for eyes, trying to act strong and tough like the dragon he was, but the moment he let his guard down a little, he got these pair of big doe eyes that is just so MOE and SQUEE-worthy. And of course I finally learn how he got his namesake: with retractable teeth that he can materialize at will

My most favourite scene of the entire movie would be this scene where Toothless finally was at peace with Hiccup and allowed him to touch him. The way Toothless tried to copy his drawing, and then growled whenever Hiccup stepped on his drawing, then Hiccup moved to avoid the lines in tune with the music until finally they were so close they were allowed to touch was just so AWW-worthy. And the music score was perfect too, especially the title of that score: Forbidden Friendship. Isn't that just sweet?

The part where Hiccup and Toothless slowly develop that bond while trying to get Toothless back on his flight feet again was also very interesting as they slowly worked together and forget each other's differences to reach a common goal, while at the same time trying to learn about each other, and Hiccup using that knowledge to good use (the eel and the scratching of the neck part was really epic), making him the life of the team, much to his crush, Astrid's chagrin.

I also love the part where Hiccup tries to convince everyone during the final exam of killing a dragon that dragons are not what they think they are, and tried to pacify the Monstrous Nightmare only to be interrupted by Stoick and having Toothless coming to the rescue (damsel in distress much, Hiccup? XD) and revealed their relationship. It felt really sad and my heart just broke when Hiccup shouted Toothless for him not to kill Stoick and Toothless looked at him with his doe eyes, then Hiccup tries in vain to stop everyone from hurting Toothless, and that argument which led to his disowning, and earning back his role as a son by proving his worth and Toothless' reputation, though a cost of his leg. I was wondering where would be the scene where he looses his leg, since I read that he had a prosthetic in fanfics, but turns out it happened in the near end of the movie, and literally mirrored Toothless' missing left tail fin.

Ending is a bit cliche where he gets the girl, he is lauded as a war hero and gained the respect of everyone including his father, the dragons made peace with humans and all that, but still it was a very heartwarming cliche scene. One that leaves a smile on your face and a sigh of contentment in your heart.

Speaking of Astrid, not really sure it's because of that yaoi in me, but I never really saw Astrid as a suitable pairing for Hiccup. I know, I'm not usually one for bestiality, but seriously, can't you just FEEL the love between Hiccup and Toothless to the point where you can consider them as lovers? Toothcup (Toothless/Hiccup) pairings are in the rage right now since the movie has been uber popularize, and you cannot deny that sort of relationship exist, right?

This one, personally I feel, is almost as par as the first one. Not better, not worse, but more or less par. Hiccup and Astrid are still together, but the Toothcup shipper in me just don't feel like they match somehow. Moreso, suddenly out of the blue, Snotlout and Fishlegs were heads over heels with Ruffnut, which I ABSOLUTELY have NO CHEMISTRY feel whatsoever! Even after I've watched their TV series that led to the second movie, I STILL don't get the vibe or the chemistry between those three people. It's like "Wait, what?" moment.

Although that moment when Ruffnut was just totally thirsty for Eret was absolutely hilarious though. I couldn't help laughing and cringing at the same time.

When the moment Hiccup's mom Valka showed up, I was not expecting her to be so... skinny. Stoick said that he made helmets out of Hiccup's mom's breast plate, and it seemed pretty big, but looking at her, she didn't look like someone who was close to being a big bosom woman, but what is continuity anyways? LOL Though Hiccup definitely has inherited her knack for dragons. Guess it's in the blood after all.

I teared up a little when Stoick died, and I felt so bad that their bromance was threatened by this, but thankfully Hiccup still loves Toothless and is willing to forgive him and try to bring him back to his side. Goes to show how deep their bond is, and Toothless ended up becoming the Alpha Dragon was one of the most epic moments in the whole movie.

It also kinda interesting that Hiccup has somehow became pretty hot in this movie. Was pretty surprised at how he transformed from the awkward tiny little runt of a boy to a strapping man LOL

Plot feels similar to the 2nd one, but the ending was so so SO bittersweet. A fitting ending, but sweet yet painful for me to watch.

My heart broke at the scene wen Hiccup was complaining about Toothless being in love n said "Am I not enough?" and I was like internally screaming "YES! U ARE ENOUGH!! U TWO ARE ENOUGH!! FUCK THAT LIGHT FURY!!"

Throughout the courtship scene btwn Toothless and the Light Fury i was like internally screaming "NO, SHE'S A TRAP! SHE'S A FUCKING TRAP! HICCUP, WHY ARE YOU OKAY WITH THIS?! I'M NOT HAPPY WITH THIS! I AM NOT OKAY WITH THIS!!"

I cried like a fucking baby, especially at the end of the movie. It was like I knew it was happening, that they were gonna break up, but I was in denial, then when Toothless hugged Hiccup goodbye, I lost it, waterworks all over. In fact, waterworks all the way to the end at their final reunion ugly-cried like a fucking baby.

It did ended perfectly; perfectly bittersweet and perfectly heartbreaking and I was like "This is it. It's official. It's over. My Toothcup ship has fucking sank!!"

Fuck you, DreamWorks, you have killed my bromance!! Gahh!! I hate and love this movie at the same time!

Overall rating:

HTTYD: 9/10

HTTYD2: 7.5/10

HTTYD: 9/10

[stxrrywildflower]

can’t help falling in love (two)

pairing - george weasley x reader

summary - you invite george to be your date to your sisters wedding

warnings - mentions of family/home issues

word count - 1.9k

series masterlist

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

traveling by the floo was always a surprise.

you’ve only ever used the system twice in the past; both times being to get from your home to the weasley’s. you almost always ended up there during the different breaks scattered throughout the year.

it only took a few seconds for you to reach your desired destination, the floo usually worked okay with minimal issues.

you stepped out of the fireplace first, feet hitting the living room hard as you stumbled slightly.

george made his way out right after you. his lanky body made it a little more difficult for him to get out of the sizeably smaller fireplace than the one back at school.

“blimey love, you okay?”

“i’m here on one piece so i guess so,” you answered. “you?”

“same,” george replied.

it took a few moments for you and george to adjust to your surroundings before you could actually take in everything.

you were alone in your living room, no one occupying any of the various chairs or couches. the rest of the house was quiet as well. a wave of confusion washed over you. where was your entire family?

“what’s this?” george asked. your bags had been abandoned on the floor the second george had noticed the various muggle trinkets and machinery around the room.

“that’s a television georgie, we watch programs on it. i can show you later if you want,” you offered. george beamed at your response, already jumping up to look at the next item.

of course he still didn’t notice the very apparent lack of people.

but it was still pretty sweet to see him so excited over the things you grew up with. it was no secret arthur was into muggle tech but seeing the interest spark in george was something special.

“merlin, is this baby you?” george held up one of the framed photos that normally sat on the bookshelf. you snatched it away from him in an instant. “yeah no you aren’t seeing that,” you answered. george held his smile to himself. “i’m sure your mum will show me some later.”

commotion was clearly heard from the outside of your home just as you set the photo back down.

“come on, i think my family’s in the backyard,” you informed george. “but uh just be warned, they can be a bit much, my sister especially.”

george nodded. “i’ll be nice but if they say anything rude, i’ll slip them a puking pastille fred and i made.”

you smiled at that. “thanks georgie.”

“so, are you ready to head out? or do you want to see some more things in here?”

george took note right away of your stalling. there was a strong guarantee that the second he gave his answer, no matter yes or no, you would retaliate with something else   

“do you have a bathroom i can use really quick?” george figured that it would be most beneficial for you to go out alone before he was introduced, especially due to his affiliation as your date.

“yeah i can take you there now,” you spoke before adding a “someone’s got a weak bladder.” he rolled his eyes at your joke.

george followed you around the house like a lost puppy. he didn’t know where to go or the layout of the home and certainly didn’t want to leave your side. you promised him a tour later once everything calmed down.

“bathroom’s right here. meet me outside when your finished.”

you then maneuvered your way down the hallway until you reached the door leading to the outside.

“hello,” you spoke as you stepped out, already fiddling with your hands out of pure nervousness.

“y/n!” your family had exclaimed once they saw you.

you stepped out onto the deck alone, shifting slightly uncomfortably under all of their gazes.

your mum and dad were the first ones up. you accepted their only slightly awkward hugs before leaning back against the railing once more. your grandfather was next, his expression a lot more excited. he was always a lot more comfortable with the magic thing, he had married another witch after all.

“cressida, greet your sister,” your mum had spoken to your sister  

“of course she’s in her school uniform. couldn’t even change for the occasion could you?” your sister spat without warning.

“good to see you too cress,” you mumbled as you looked down at your attire. since you and george had come directly from school, you still had to use your uniforms when taking the floo. as much as you wanted to say her sudden words were a shock, they really weren’t.

“where’s grammy?” you questioned.

“out at the store,” your grandfather answered. “she’ll be back soon i’m sure. i know she’s buzzing to see you.”

a smile passed over your face at that just as the entire group outside went quiet once more. you were not about to start a conversation nor did anyone else make the first initiatation.

“so y/n,” your dad started. “how’s school going?”

“oh no dad i don’t think we should talk about-” you were cut off by the door opening. you let out a breath. ‘saved by the bell’ you thought to yourself.

george stepped out on the deck, greeting you with a warm smile before making his way over to where you stood. his hand snakes around you to rest on the railing.

“everyone, this is george,” you introduced, motioning for him to step forward. “george this is my mum, dad, grandfather, and then cressida or the bride-to-be.”

george shook each of their hands respectfully. you were already quirking your eyebrow at his sudden manners. usually by now someone had some prank played on them, especially when george met new people.

“so this is the boy you brought home. i’m so glad to meet my daughters boyfriend,” your mom beamed. “we don’t know a lot about her life at school but i’m glad to finally be meeting you. how long have you two been together?”

you paled. not once did you think your family would assume the two of you were together. you didn’t even prep or have time to make up a story.

george smirked at your near panicked expression. “since the beginning of this year. so that’s what, seven months? but we’ve been friends since first year,” he answered cooley.

you faked a yawn, wanting to get out of the conversation before your mum could come up with questions george couldn’t answer off the top of his head.

“oh dear, you two must be exhausted from your trip. you two are upstairs in your old bedroom. everything’s already ready with your bedsheets and setup. feel free to take a nap before dinner tonight.”

“thank you mrs. y/l/n,” george thanked before turning to you. “ready to go love?”

you nodded, “yeah let’s go.”

the two of you headed back inside. george stopped back in the living room to pick up your bags before meeting you again. he followed you up the stairs and down the hall towards you room which, thankfully, was away from the other rooms on the floor giving you at least a little bit of privacy.

“i hope you don’t mind sharing a bed,” you spoke as you twisted the doorknob.

“you’re joking,” george groaned when he saw the room. “how are we supposed to fit?”

“george come on, it’s fine. this bed is barely bigger than a twin, i’m sure we can squeeze. it’s not the first time we’ve shared anyway.”

“not the first time?”

you took your bag out of george’s hands and placed it in the corner. normally you wouldn’t unpack for such a short weekend but you abe clothes that needed to be hung up to prevent wrinkles.

“don’t you remember the burrow last break?” you questioned. “you and fred almost blew up your room and then molly kicked you out so your room could air out. take a guess where you ended up.”

george grinned at the memory. “ah yeah i remember that. we did make some really good whiz-bangs though. and hey, we only shared because you were sleeping in percy’s old room and he has a bigger bed. when was the second time?”

“after hogsmeade,” you answered. “you thought it would be so funny to push me into the snow only to realize way too late that it was a half-frozen puddle and i got soaked.”

“and then you sat in between fred and i by the fire to warm up,” george finished the story. “yeah that was funny.”

you rolled your eyes. “maybe you should unpack instead of dwelling on my suffering.”

“alright sounds good, girlfriend,” george made sure to add extra emphasis on the final word.

“don’t think you’re off the hook for what you did.”

“and what is that exactly?”

you let out a huff, throwing the shirt you were folding down. it was beyond annoying that george was completely going around the situation.

“george, what were you thinking? i didn’t even think my family would conclude that we were together. why would you say we were dating? seriously, in what world would that be a good idea to tell them that. merlin, everything’s already going wrong.”

“love it’s fine, trust me.”

“it really isn’t,” you groaned, moving your hands up to run through your hair.

“why is this such a problem to you? babes, you invited me to be your date.”

of course george was already starting on the pet names. “don’t you think this is a little weird? i mean what if there’s mistletoe?” you questioned.

george broke out in a short fit of laughter. you frowned, visibly upset at your friends approach to the situation.

“it’s the middle of april. i doubt there’s going to be any mistletoe. besides, we only have to play the part for less then three days. we won’t do anything that makes each other uncomfortable, okay?”

you nodded. you had to admit, george’s words did bring you some comfort. “alright fine, but don’t expect anything from me.”

“well what about cuddling? i mean we are sharing a bed after all.”

you threw a shirt at him. “we’ll talk later weasley. i still need to explain how a muggle wedding works.”

you and george unpacked in sync while you went over everything he would need to know for the weekend.

he seemed to get everything with minimal questions. george seemed especially excited about the wedding reception.

“wait so i need a suit?”

“yeah but i already have you covered. my dad has something that’s your size,” you explained. “what about your dress?” george asked.

“oh don’t worry about that, it’s a surprise,” you beamed. “cress and i aren’t close enough for me to be in her bridal party so i can pretty much wear what i want.”

george nodded. “sounds good. what’s the plan for today and tomorrow again?”

“we have dinner at eight with my entire family tonight. my sisters fiancé jasper will be there too. he’s a lot nicer than her and actually understands, to an extent, me being a witch,” you spoke. “and then we have to be at the wedding venue by four tomorrow and the reception starts at nine.”

“is your grandmother going to be at dinner tonight? i haven’t seen her in awhile.”

you hummed. “oh yeah she’ll be thrilled to see you. don’t be surprised if she mixes you up with fred though.”

george shrugged, a slight frown on his face. “eh it’s fine. it happens all the time.”

a genuine yawn escaped your lips after he finished his thought. “tired?” george inquired. “i didn’t really sleep well last night, too stressed,” you revealed.

“why don’t you lay down and rest for a bit. i have something to work on in the meantime,” george offered. you raised your eyebrows. “and what is that?”

“just a new prank. i don’t want to give too much away but it’s going to be really good.”

you shrugged. “okay, just don’t blow up my room please,” you added. you shrugged off your robes, folding them up to place in your suitcase as you grabbed a pair of more casual clothes.

“i’ll be right back, i’m going to get changed.”

you returned a moment later, tossing the rest of your uniform in your suitcase. “comfy?” george asked, motioning down to your new attire. “very,” you answered as you headed over to the bed.

george leaned down to press his lips to your temple after you got under the covers. “sleep well love.”

your cheeks flushed at the platonic gesture. “thank you.”

george waited a few minutes before he looked at you again, feeling an overwhelming sense of protectiveness as you slept. you were his best friend. it wasn’t strange to feel like that...right?

⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢

tagging: @goldenxreid @wilburxpancakes @blakeprentiss @criminaly-supernatural @blakes-dictionxry @mrs-dr-reid @weasleytwinsfav

[talkfastromance4]

3.) 11 Minutes--Ashton Irwin ‘Lovers in a Song’ series

a/n: So while each ‘chapter’ is titled after a song it’s more of the mood and a few choice lyrics that really made the story. This story changed a lot as I wrote it but in the end it all flows really nicely together. I’m so excited to share this with you! Each part is 3,000 with the exception of the last part. Please don’t hesitate to send me messages, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Word count: 3k

warnings: a sexy phone call, the use of ‘Daddy’ multiple times, sexy play with wine, hints of infidelity but NOT in the way you think I promise, uhh I think that’s it?

Masterlist

LIAS masterlist

***

3 Years Ago

It’s been a year since Ashton and Cressida have seen each other at The Golden Lion. Ever since they returned from Europe three years ago they agreed to only see each other once a year on the anniversary of their first meeting and spend a long weekend together.

For a little over a year and a half, the forbidden couple have been publicly linked to other people. Ashton has been tied to Lucinda Clarke, her family are well known partners with Irwin Whisky and the partnership between Ashton and Lucinda would be beneficial to both parties. Lucinda is nice enough but she’s more silver than gold.

Cressida has been snapped with Gavin de Poiters, the heir to centuries old winemakers in Europe. They attend many dinners and club scenes together, making sure they’re the center of the paparazzi eye by order of their PR group. Cressida paints on the perfect smile but her mind and heart are always on Ashton.

Part of their deal is to not be in contact with each other until their weekend. Cressida has been going back and forth on cancelling this year because she feels guilty doing this to Gavin. Her mind was practically set on cancelling when a small package was sent to her office on Valentine’s Day.

It was a pretty bracelet with purple and pink jewels and her favorite shade of red lipstick and a note that read:

I hope to only see you in these two things on our weekend. My golden lady. A.I

Cressida hasn’t removed the bracelet since.

Cressida is listening to her schedule for the next coming weeks while doing her morning stretches when one of them makes her pause mid side lunge.

“Can you repeat that one for next weekend?” Cressida asks her assistant, Chloe.

“Yes, um, you and Gavin are scheduled for that three-day conference at The Golden Lion promoting all inclusivity within the workplace. He will only be able to attend the Friday evening session and is on a flight to Japan right after.”

Cressida’s heart pounds in her chest. She’s going to be with Gavin at her and Ashton’s hidden sanctuary, with Ashton present as well. Their time together isn’t for another two months. Will she be able to handle herself in front of Gavin?

For the rest of the week, Cressida has been anxiously anticipating seeing Ashton. She wonders if Lucinda will be there or on one of her many yachts partying. She’s distracted from her day-to-day tasks; her fingers itching to call Ashton and ask him what they should do.

On Friday night, Cressida is putting on the final touch of her outfit which is the red lipstick Ashton gifted her. She bought a gold sequined dress with a plunging neckline and an open back. The only thing holding it up were the thin straps on her shoulders, and due to the minimal material, she was braless as well. She wanted to show off for Ashton.

“You’re wearing that?” Gavin asks once she steps down the stairs. Chloe helps her into her black coat, handing her her gold clutch.

“Yes, what’s wrong with it?”

“It’s a bit revealing, don’t you think?” his eyebrows raise in judgment.

“It’s in style now, Gavin. Let’s go.”

They’re about eleven minutes away from the hotel, Gavin’s tapping away at his phone while Cressida stares out the rain filled window, her mind wandering to a college bar and a handsome man when an unsaved number lights up on Cressida’s phone, it buzzes on her thigh. Thinking it could be someone from the company, she picks up.

“Hello?”

“It’s me.”

Cressida holds back her gasp at the sound of Ashton’s voice. The last time she heard it he was telling her goodbye in the doorway of their room before she went to the main desk. Her stomach clenches at the soft timber.

“I know you’re with him but I’m waiting for you. Can you put on a show for me tonight, darling? Say ‘yes Daddy’ if you understand.”

Cressida swallows harshly, her voice cracking when she responds with, “Yes Daddy.”

“Good girl. Are you wearing that lipstick I bought you? Say it again if you are.”

“Yes, Daddy, I am.”

“And the bracelet?”

“Yes, Daddy,” she says a little breathlessly. Gavin gives her an odd look and she smiles lightly waving her hand to dismiss it. He sighs and goes back to his phone.

“That’s a very good girl,” Ashton hums and she relishes the sound. “I made sure the staff know not to address you tonight, but your room is next to mine. Gavin’s leaving tonight, right? Tell me ‘yes, Daddy that’s right’ if it is.”

“Yes, Daddy,” Cressida clears her throat, “that’s right.”

“Mm, good. I can’t wait to see you, and hear you call me Daddy while I have you pinned beneath me.”

Cressida’s stunned for a beat at his words. Part of her worries Gavin can hear it’s not really her father she’s speaking to, but she’s safe with Ashton’s voice in her ear.

“That sounds…wonderful, Daddy.”

“Are you going to put on a show for me, angel?”

“You know I will, Daddy,” she promises, and he groans at her ease of the term. She smiles in victory and sees the large marquee of the hotel sign out her window. “I’ll see you soon, Daddy. Let’s grab lunch with Gavin soon.”

“Oh, you’re naughty—”

Cressida laughs and hangs up before he can finish his sentence. She hopes that sets him off a little.

“Your father wants to grab lunch?” Gavin asks while they wait for the valet attendees to grab their umbrellas and open the doors for them.

“And a show,” Cressida grins.

Gavin gets out first and opens the door for her making sure the umbrella covers her completely. She holds his arm like she’s supposed to and smiles at the few cameramen who are lining the walkway to the main doors. Ashton is almost within her reach, her stomach flips in excitement at being near him soon.

She and Gavin greet the people they’re supposed to but she’s also scanning the hall for signs of Ashton. She hopes Lucinda isn’t here. As they near the bar at the back she hears his voice, and it tickles her ears. Subconsciously, she squeezes Gavin’s arm in response to the raw smoothness of it as he speaks with someone about his business trip in Cabo. It reminds her of his whisky, it goes down smooth but leaves a raw ache in your mouth for more.

Cressida shivers at the thought of what else he does smoothly while going down.

“You should have worn something warmer,” Gavin reprimands but Cressida is the complete opposite.

“I’m fine. I just need a drink to warm me up,” she speaks loud enough so Ashton can hear her.

“My whisky will warm you right up, James,” Ashton calls sardonically.

Cressida looks over at him to see him smirking, his dimple making an appearance and it deepens as he eyes her up in her dress. He’s drinking her in. She’s happy to see Lucinda isn’t in attendance. For a flicker of a moment, she forgets that it’s not just the two of them in the safety of these walls and she quickly resets her face.

“In the pits of hell, maybe.”

He cocks his head in admiration, but he knows how fiery she is. He bets Gavin doesn’t know that about her.

“Your brandy holds that throne.”

“Its rightful place is a throne,” she rolls her neck in attitude, lips pouted to showcase the deep red color. “A throne made of gold.”

Ashton breathes in heavily at her sassiness, but it’s only apparent to him. Their onlookers are shifting eyes between the two nervously. Gavin is tapping his fingers impatiently on the bar top, he doesn’t want to be here. He’s voiced it to Cressida repeatedly but for appearances sake, they need to be seen together.

“There’s a whole room, Irwin, occupy some other space,” Gavin snaps.

“I intend to de Poiters, but that’s not until later in the privacy of my own room.” Ashton winks swiftly at Cressida and she feels her cheeks warm. His promise of pinning her swirls back in her mind. “I’ll be having your finest red, actually. Did you know it stains on skin? Even in the smallest of crevices hidden away.”

Cressida can only imagine what he means. She presses her thighs together.

“You disgust me, much like your whisky. It tastes of horses piss,” Gavin snorts.

“Drink that frequently, do you?”

Cressida bites her lip to keep her giggle at bay. Ashton’s current demeanor (and his phone call) are turning her on in the worst way. All she wants is to be stowed away in their room for the whole weekend instead of attending these sessions. She’s thankful Gavin is leaving right after this one.

“Fuck off,” Gavin shakes his head and grabs their drinks. “Let’s go Cress.”

Cressida makes sure to turn slowly so Ashton gets a good look of her in her dress. She feels his eyes burning into her back the whole way to their seats.

The first session seems to go on for an eternity, but her mind is occupied of fantasies with Ashton. Fantasies she hopes will come true tonight once Gavin leaves. Finally, the session is over and everyone in attendance are excused to their rooms or another hall where there’s coffee being served.

“I’ll see you on Monday,” Gavin gives Cressida a half-assed kiss on her cheek before walking towards the main doors. He doesn’t look back, then a throat clearing behind her catches her attention.

“I believe we’re on the same floor, James,” his voice is flat, but she can see the fire in his eyes. People bustling by are in hearing distance, it’s still time to act.

“Great,” she rolls her eyes and bumps past him towards the elevators.

They wait patiently for the doors to open but she’s about to burst. She’s shaking her foot until the gold doors slide open and they enter it quickly. Cressida eyes up the camera in the corner while Ashton stares straight ahead at the guests until the doors close. Ashton and Cressida’s eyes meet in the reflection.

“You have no idea the restraint I’m using right now because of that camera,” Ashton tells her reflection.

“I’m sure you could pay to have it erased,” she grins then cocks her head up at him, “or to keep for your own.”

“You’re really asking for it, angel,” he shakes his head turning it back to the closed doors.

“I could beg, too you know,” she responds airily. “Would Daddy like that?”

“Fuck, Cressida,” he tuts, and she giggles.

The elevator comes to a stop and the doors open slowly. Cressida is the first to step out but then Ashton has her pinned against the opposite wall, his face invading her space. He hikes her leg high on his waist, his fingers teasing the back of her thigh.

“You in this dress is making me weak,” he mumbles.

“Really?” she hooks her heel around his leg pulling him closer to her where she feels his bulge. “Seems like it’s making you hard, Ash.”

“That’s not my name tonight, angel,” his lips ghost over hers and he lifts her other leg to wrap around his waist. He presses himself against her harshly, her back pushes into the wall with force. “What do you call me?”

“Sorry, Daddy.”

He smiles then pulls off the wall holding her securely until he unlocks their room. Once inside, he sets her on the floor and opens the fridge.

“Strip for me and wait in the room with the tub,” he points.

“Can I have a kiss first?” she pouts, and he laughs.

“You aren’t in control tonight, angel,” he pokes her nose, “no matter how hard you try. Go.”

“But—”

“I said go. I’ll be there in a minute.”

They have a mini stare off until she finally obeys and moves into the room. The dress is easy to get out of, she just slips it off and lays on the bed watching Ashton whistle while he opens a wine bottle. He’s taking his sweet time and her fingers start to wander and her eyes close imagining it’s Ashton’s fingers.

“Did I say you could touch yourself?”

Cressida’s eyes flash open and he’s holding Gavin’s red wine in his hand, his gaze on her hand between her legs.

“Wanted to be ready for you,” she teases her finger inside and Ashton’s gaze is on every movement. “You said you wanted a show.”

“You’re so naughty,” he shakes his head setting the bottle down. “Good thing I brought this.”

He pulls out two gold restraints, she can tell it’s silked the way it glides over his fingers. She stares at him in awe as he moves on top of her. He snatches her wrist roughly bringing it above her head to the wooden post in the center. She watches him bind her wrist and loop it around the wood. He forces her other hand above her head and does the same, tying it tightly.

“Pull,” he commands staring down at her. She pulls her wrists down and feels the restraint. It excites her. “Good. Now, you’re going to watch me enjoy your boyfriend’s wine.”

He reaches for the bottle and scoots down her body. Ashton pours the deep red wine down her chest. The chill of it trickles over her breasts and down her stomach into her navel. Ashton ducks down and slurps up as much as he can, but she feels it slip onto the bed on either side of her. When his tongue swirls in her bellybutton, she squirms.

“Mm tastes better on you,” he smiles and tips the bottle over her breast. He closes his mouth on her nipple, sucking the red juice off until there’s teeth marks in her skin.

Cressida’s finding it hard to breathe watching Ashton. Feeling his mouth on her. He’s drinking the wine, but she’s drunk on his antics.

“How do you think Gavin would feel knowing I’m enjoying his wine smothered all over you?” he taunts and pours more on her belly.

It gushes off the sides, but Ashton situates himself between her legs and slurps up as much as he can then quickly shifts to her pussy, his mouth opening to her sweetness. Cressida lets out an appreciative moan as Ashton eats her out energetically. She’s desperate to put her hands in his hair but the restraints remind her she can’t. She’s going to have marks, but she doesn’t care. Ashton moans then slips in a finger.

He edges her like this until the bottle is nearly empty. She’s wet and sticky—from the wine and her own body—and Ashton presses the bottle to her mouth.

“Drink the rest, so next time you drink his wine with him, you’ll think of me.”

He tips it back and she drinks the rest of the wine, it dribbles down her chin, staining her already red lips. Ashton tosses the bottle to the carpet and crushes his mouth to hers. Cressida cries out in joy, grinding her hips against his silently begging for release.

“You put on a good show,” he sighs, “ready for the grand finale?”

“Give it to me, Daddy.”

In flashes Ashton’s clothes are removed. He presses into her easily, hips driving into her like a pendulum. Their bodies staining from the wine. Cressida cries out from intense pleasure. The bindings. The wine. Ashton’s cock driving in and out of her. Her denied orgasms roll into one large one that she can’t even cry out his name. Ashton stains her belly again and they try to catch their breath.

“Now that was a show,” she huffs and nudges the top of his head with her nose. He lifts his head, his lips and chin stained red.

“You played well,” he smirks kissing her.

“Can you untie me? I want to touch you,” she whines yanking on the restraints for effect.

Ashton grunts in response connecting his lips to hers once more and lifts his arm up. In one quick movement, the restraints are loose, and her arms fall heavily onto the bed. She moans at the release but can’t lift her arms quite yet.

“It’ll take a few moments for the blood to rush back,” Ashton informs her. He sits up rubbing his thumbs over the red markings on her wrists. “Are you in pain?” he asks, eyes soft and full of concern.

“No,” she smiles. “A little worn out, yeah, but I’m never in pain when I’m with you, Ash.”

When the blood is flowing in her arms again, she’s starting to feel the tightness in them while she lays on top of Ashton in the bath. The water swirls red from the wine. His middle finger runs up and down her spine and her body feels like jelly. It’s a welcomed heaviness of bliss and satisfaction. When her head has come down from the clouds, she wonders something.

“Are we cheating on them, Ash?” she asks quietly. His finger pauses in the middle of her back and he sighs heavily.

“It’s not cheating when it’s not real.”

She lifts her head and gives him a sad look. “We aren’t real?”

Ashton cups her cheeks in his large hands.

“No, you and I are very real, Cressida. I have no feelings for Lucinda, she knows this is all publicity. She’d rather be a bachelorette forever. She’s silver and you’re gold. I love you and only you.”

That’s the first time he’s ever told her that. She assumed love was off the table for them, but she’s loved him since that first night they met in the bar.

“I love you, too,” she smiles, surprised at the tears filling her eyes from the overwhelming emotion.

“You’re the best thing I’ve ever had.”

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[bellascarousel]

Pillow Talk

For Kate And Anthony Week 2021. Day 2 prompt - lovey dovey

Anthony woke up before Kate, as he usually did. She was snuggled against him, her head on his chest, and her leg draped over his hips. Actually, her leg was in a very dangerous place. He carefully shifted her, moving her leg down to his thighs, before his body could react to that accidental touch. Or at least before her noticing that was what woke her up. Not that he was averse to some morning lovemaking if she was willing, of course. But, he didn’t want her feeling obligated. He was still kicking himself for the way he had reacted to her wanting time when they first got married. If he could do that day over again, he would tell her that was fine. As much as he had enjoyed their wedding night, and fully believed she had too, he didn’t particularly like himself for forcing her into it.

“What are you thinking about?”

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “Just about how good it feels just to hold you.”

He felt her head shake against his chest and then she was lifting herself off of him. His arms tightened, reflexively, before he sighed and loosened them again, letting her go. Not that she went far. She just propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at him. Then she ran her finger between his eyebrows. “This tells me that it’s nothing that pleasant. You only get that crease between your brows when something is wrong.”

She knew him too well. “I was thinking about our wedding night.”

She frowned at him. “And it has you upset? I… I don’t understand.” She had that look, again. That insecure look she got far too often. Whenever she was mentally comparing herself to some other woman that she thought was prettier than her, or more ladylike, more graceful, whatever metric she was measuring womanhood by at that moment.

Anthony sighed and reached up, brushing her hair off of her face. “Don’t look like that, Kate. I don’t mean it the way you seem to think I do. The only thing I would change about that night is when it happened. I should have given you the time you asked for. I shouldn’t have forced you to consummate our marriage that night.”

“You didn’t. Not really. Nothing happened that I didn’t want. I… in the carriage, when I asked for time, it wasn’t about not wanting to be with you like that. I was just nervous. And, I think I was terrified of… of your past.”

Had she said that then, he wouldn’t have understood. He would have thought that his experience would have been a good thing, because he knew how to make it good for her, too. But, now he remembered the way she had stiffened when he had called her beautiful. How she had thought he was closing his eyes and pretending she was someone else. He smiled at her. “The difference is that none of them actually meant anything to me. Even then, when I wasn’t ready to admit to myself that I love you, it was still different with you. Because you’re my wife. Kate, I need you to know, something. No other woman has ever been in this bed. And, I was actually glad of that, that this room, this bed, were just ours. I’m probably not making much sense.”

She shook her head. “No, you are. And, I’m glad you told me that. It actually is nice to know that I may not have been your first, but at least I’m the first you had here. I wonder if knowing that would have made me less insecure that night. Granted, for some reason, all of your mistresses didn’t occur to me when I was having my freak out. All I could think about was the fact that you hadn’t wanted to marry me. That you had been courting my sister. My beautiful, graceful, perfect picture of womanhood sister. And you had to be so disappointed to be stuck married to me, instead.”

“Disappointed? Oh Kate. Honestly, your fears were something she would have had to worry about, not that I wouldn’t have done my best to keep her from ever realizing. There is a very good chance that had I married her, I would have ended up closing my eyes and pretending she was you.” He smiled at the stunned look on her face. “It was you, Kate. It was always you. You were the one I fantasized about making love to. It drove me mad, because I hated you. But, I wanted you. I have always wanted you. That night in my study, when I kissed you. I wanted to lower you to the floor and have you, right then and there. I am honestly quite proud of my restraint.”

“Anthony Bridgerton!”

“What? I’m just being honest. I didn’t act on it, did I? I stopped before things got too far. But, trust me, Kate. Stopping took a great deal of willpower. More than I ever would have given myself credit for before then.” He cupped her face, running his thumb over her lips. “I hate how inadequate you feel. The way you always compare yourself to every woman around you and feel like you’re coming up short. Part of me wants to smack everyone who ever made you feel that way. Though, most of me is just grateful that you were surrounded by fools who were completely blind to your charms. Because their blindness meant that you were still there when I finally came to my senses.”

She giggled, a sound that shot straight to his groin. “You mean when you completely lost your mind? I’m not sure that that day in the garden really counts as you coming to your senses.”

“Fine. When I completely lost my mind. I’m honestly grateful to that damn bee. And almost feel sorry for it. Poor thing gave its life to bring us together.”

“If I had known how things would turn out, I would have given it a proper funeral.”

It was his turn to laugh, then. “Here’s hoping there’s a bee heaven, where it’s always late spring and all the flowers are in bloom.”

Kate just shook her head and leaned down to kiss him gently. “Good morning, Lord Bridgerton. I’m glad that your mood seems to be improving.”

“I am laying naked in my bed, with the woman I love in my arms. Hard to stay in a melancholy mood under these circumstances. Did you sleep well, Lady Bridgerton?”

“I did. My husband rather tired me out, last night.”

He laughed. “Well, you see, I realized that I am madly in love with my wife just moments before she was severely injured in an accident. Said injury barred me from certain… pleasurable activities for several weeks. Last night was the first chance I’ve had to properly demonstrate my affection.” He pulled her down until her head was on his chest, again, then just held her, running his hand gently up and down her back. “I wasn’t too rough with you last night, was I? I fear that several weeks’ worth of pent-up desire may have made me a bit too… enthusiastic in my attentions.”

“If you honestly have to ask that, then perhaps I wasn’t enthusiastic enough in my response.”

Anthony thought of the night before. Of Kate’s moans of pleasure. The way she clung to him. The way her body moved in perfect rhythm with his. How she begged him to never stop. And the fact that he was pretty sure every servant in the house heard her screaming his name when she climaxed. He groaned. “Had you been any more enthusiastic, I think you may have killed me.”

She giggled again. “Well, perhaps you shouldn’t be questioning my enjoyment, then.”

He just shook his head and ran his fingers through her hair. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

“You may have mentioned it a few… hundred times in the past few weeks, yes.”

“I have been making up for lost time. I fell in love with you the moment you sent my pall mall ball into the lake. I think I fell in love with your competitive spirit. And the fact that you could hold your own against my siblings, and against me. You fit in. I mean, there was always more to it than that. And I’m not explaining myself very well. But, I definitely fell in love with you that day. It just took me far too long to be able to admit it to myself. Kate, I’m sorry. I am so sorry.”

She put a finger to his lips. “Shh… It’s okay, Anthony. You were scared. I understand. I really do. Yes, it hurt when you told me that you would never love me. Especially since I was already pretty sure it was going to be way too easy for me to fall in love with you. I think I could have handled the thought of being in a loveless marriage. It was the thought of love being only one way that hurt. Actually, though, I was also a fool.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was willing to admit to myself that I could probably fall in love with you. But, the part I wasn’t able to admit to myself is that I already had.” She laughed. “Actually, at about the same time. It probably started at that dinner party, when you swooped in, snubbed Cressida Cowper, and escorted Penelope to dinner. You were a hero that day. That was when my opinion of you started to change. But, what really did it was that night in the library. I fell in love with the man who crawled under a table to try to comfort me while I had a full-on panic attack. Who didn’t judge me. Who was sweet, and supportive, and tried to distract me, but never tried to tell me that there was nothing to be afraid of. Who did his best to try to understand what I was going through and help me through it. So, don’t apologize for not realizing you loved me, Anthony. It took me almost as long to admit it to myself that I loved you.”

“Well, aren’t we a pair? At least we figured it out.”

“Yes, we certainly did.” She lifted herself off of him, again. But, before he had time to complain about the loss of that contact, she scooted up a bit, then leaned down and kissed him. And this time, there was nothing gentle about it. Her lips were hungry on his, and when he gasped in surprise, she was the one to press the advantage and slip her tongue into his mouth.

He groaned and wrapped his arms around her, one hand fisting in her hair, holding her to him as their tongues tangled together. His other hand slid down her back, over her derriere, to grip the back of the leg she currently had draped over his thighs. And then he slid her leg up, until it was once again draped over his hips. He hissed at the contact.

His wife was not through surprising him, though. She shifted until she was straddling him, and then rocked her hips, moaning against his lips as the movement apparently gave her as much pleasure as it gave him. Okay, he was definitely liking this side of her. While she had always been an enthusiastic participant in lovemaking, she had never taken charge like this, before. The thought of making love to her like this was intoxicating. Until he ran his hands over her legs and noticed how much they were trembling — and remembered that she had only very recently regained full use of one of them. He reluctantly broke their kiss. “Kate. Your leg.”

“Has been pronounced healed. A fact that we spent a good portion of last night celebrating.”

He rolled her over. “And I want to keep it that way. I don’t want you putting more strain on it than necessary for a while. I promise you, Kate. In a few weeks, when I trust that it will give you nothing but pleasure, I will be more than happy to lay back and allow you to have your way with me. But, for right now, for my peace of mind, please let me do most of the work. Okay? I don’t want to hurt you.”

She gave him a saucy look. “I intend to hold you to that promise.”

"Please do. I'm looking forward to it, actually."

Kate's eyes darkened, making Anthony swallow hard at the desire apparent in them. She lifted her hips, pressing herself against him, and they both moaned. “Please, Anthony. I can’t wait any longer. I need you.”

Dear God. This woman was seriously going to be the death of him. Not that he was complaining. “I love you, so much”, he whispered before leaning down to kiss her softly. He watched her face as he made love to her. He had always enjoyed watching passion, desire, and pleasure flitting across her face as he moved inside her. But, last night, he finally let himself see something else — love. It was the love shining in her eyes that was his undoing. He hadn’t lied to her on their wedding night when he told her it had never been that good. But, it was even better, now. Because now he knew that she was giving him all of herself. Not just her body, but her heart and her soul, too. As he had given her his.

It was still scary. Falling in love was possibly the most terrifying thing he had ever done in his life. He wouldn’t change it, but he wasn’t sure what he had done to deserve it.

Kate’s moans of pleasure started getting louder, and he felt her tightening around him. He leaned down and kissed her deeply, muffling the sounds they both made as they climaxed. He shuddered as he emptied himself into her.

Eventually, he got up the energy to roll off her and pull her over so that she was laying on his chest again. “You know, if it keeps getting better every time, you really are going to end up being the death of me.”

She giggled. “We can’t have that, now.” She snuggled closer to him. “I have definitely missed waking up to that.”

“So have I. Please don’t ever injure yourself like that again. Between worrying about you and missing this, I don’t know how I survived it. The next time I get barred from your bed for weeks at a time I want it to be because…” He skimmed his hand down her side to her waist and then moved it around to rest on her belly.

She quirked an eyebrow at him. “We should probably eat something. We’re going to need our strength if we’re going to be getting to work getting you an heir.”

“Kate, you know I don’t really care about that, right? I mean, I know that that’s why I was looking to get married this season, but… Our marriage isn’t about that. Especially not now. I just want to be with you. I have three brothers. If we don’t have a son, I’m sure that at least one of them will. My family’s title isn’t going anywhere. I don’t want you to feel like you’re under any pressure.”

“Honestly, Anthony. It was a joke. You may not care about having an heir, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a whole lot of fun trying, right?”

He laughed, then sat up. “Put at least a nightdress on, Lady Bridgerton. That beautiful body of yours is a sight for my eyes, only. I’ll ring to have a breakfast tray brought up.”

Kate just raised an eyebrow at him, and he laughed as he got out of bed. He picked up her nightdress from where he had tossed it the night before and handed it to her before pulling a pair of trousers on. Once they were both at least somewhat covered, he rang down to the kitchen to have a tray brought up for them.

Several hours later, he also rang to have a dinner tray brought up. It wasn’t until the next day that they actually got out of bed. They had a lot of lost time to make up for.

[irishseeeker]

chapter 2 of rules don’t apply!

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

Kate needed a drink.

Actually, she needed two drinks. A minimum of two. She had needed a drink earlier that day at one in the afternoon when Anthony Bridgerton’s email popped into her inbox and ruined her entire day, she had needed another drink when she had to sit opposite from his smug, smirking face for an entire hour during a staff meeting.

She needed a takeaway, lying in her favourite ratty t-shirt and sweatpants on her couch cuddling with her beloved corgi Newton.

Instead, she was with her sister, standing at the top of a marble staircase that led to the buzzing hall where the gala was being held. Kate stood beside Edwina, who was a vision in a blue lace gown with her dark hair in curls. Kate had gone for a violet satin dress, already prepared to be invisible tonight. She usually was when she was with her sister.

She was Edwina Sheffield, and Kate was just...Kate.

It was in an art gallery in the centre of London. As much as she despised these events, Kate couldn’t find a fault in the venue. It was quite beautiful, actually. Kate had always loved art, it was a hobby she had adored in school and she turned to when she was stressed or felt like doing something other than lay on her coach with Newton watching New Girl for the tenth time.

At least the art on the walls could distract Kate from where she actually was, which was her idea of pure and utter hell.

“Would it kill you to smile?”

��I am smiling,” Kate responded through gritted teeth, turning to look at her sister.

“You look constipated.”

Kate snorted. “Charming.”

“I love you for coming with me tonight. I know these events aren’t really your thing,” Edwina put lightly, but it was no use. They were both well aware this was Kate’s idea of purgatory. “A lot of people would die to be here! The tickets are really hard to get.”

“I wonder why,” Kate mused, knowing exactly why. “How much was a ticket tonight? Two hundred pounds? I’m sure most of that is going towards the charity and not the cost per plate of lobster covered in caviar and twelve pounds per salad leaf.”

“Kate,” Edwina said sternly, giving her a sister a hard look that quickly faded as she smiled and waved at someone in the distance. “Behave.”

“I always behave,” Kate tutted, smiling sweetly at her sister as they walked down the stairs towards the large room full of people and portraits hanging on the walls.

“Please try not to insult anyone tonight, I know people here. I work for people here,” Edwina nudged her slightly, giving her another look that reminded Kate so much of their mother Mary whenever she scolded Kate.

“I promise I’ll be on my best behavior,” Kate gave in, putting on a smile as she noticed a few heads turn to look at Edwina. This was Edwina’s job, she wasn’t her for the hell of it. She squeezed her sister’s hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be mean. Today was just a bad day.”

“I don’t even have to ask about why you’ve had a bad day,” Edwina said, turning to give her sister a teasing smile. “It’s, as always, because of Anthony Bridgerton.”

Kate frowned, not liking being so predictable. It made her uneasy sometimes how quickly Edwina could read her, but that’s because she was her sister. Kate could do the same. Besides, surely she didn’t talk about him that much, did she? “Well, actually-yes, it was because of him. He pulled a stunt for this project he wants passed which I have opposed numerous times. He’s incredibly irritating. He would not stop smirking at me during the staff meeting earlier. He’s infuriating.”

Edwina didn’t say anything to her sister, she just smirked knowingly at her and wiggled her eyebrows.

“What?” Kate said, frowning further at her sister. “Stop looking at me like that.”

“Oh Kate,” Edwina sighed dramatically, shaking her head. “When are you going to admit that you like him?”

Kate gasped, earning a look or two from people they passed by. Everyone was so dressed up and eloquent and Kate felt like she stuck out like a sore thumb. It was why she always hated these events, she didn’t belong here. “Edwina! I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kate said, quite flustered, tilting her chin up in the air as she avoided eye contact, glancing around the room.

A woman standing a few meters away from them called out Edwina’s name and it was Kate’s perfect opportunity to escape this uneasy conversation. “I’ll be at the bar. Enjoy!” Kate said swiftly, walking away from her sister before Edwina could open her mouth to reply. She leaned against the bar, smiling at the bar tender who was standing behind it. "Hi, how are you? Could I get a glass of white wine, please? Your largest.”

She heard a snort behind her.

“Well, well, well.”

Kate’s heart momentarily stopped in her chest. She didn’t have to turn around to recognize that voice.

It was his voice.

What was he doing here? She had never come across him at once of these events before. However, he was a Bridgerton. They worked with many charities and his mother, Violet Bridgerton, had ran the Bridgerton charitable foundation for many years which her and her late husband had set up.

The Bridgertons got invited everywhere. They were one of the most famous families in London.

Deep breath, Kate. She could do this. She could remain calm and unaffected.

“Don’t you have someone else to talk to?” She replied coolly, taking a long gulp of her wine before turning around to face him. She was determined to remain composed and unaffected.

Wow. Okay. Deep breath, Kate. She could admit to herself, and only herself, he looked good.

He had changed into an evening suit, which was completely black with a crisp white shirt and a baby blue tie. It probably cost more than her monthly rent.

Anthony smirked at her, shaking the red wine glass in his hand slightly. “Why would I do that when it’s so much more fun to annoy you?”

“Ah, and there it is,” Kate raised her glass in a cheers to no one, shaking her head as she brought the glass to her lips and took another long sip. “It’s officially the worst day of my life.”

“Ouch Sheffield,” replied Anthony, putting a hand over his heart in his expensive, pretentious suit that he definitely did not look great in. “You’re almost making me think you don’t like me.”

“Almost?” Kate raised an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes at his playful smirk. God, she despised him. “Oh, I’ll make sure to try harder so you know how much I don’t like you.”

“That’s no way to talk to your boss,” Anthony replied, a challenging look in his eye as he took a sip of his brandy. “Most employees would treat their employers with respect.”

He was right, it wasn’t any way to talk to your boss. Kate had crossed some lines with Anthony she had never crossed with anyone, particularly someone who was their boss. She could think of a few instances during one of their many screaming matches where she probably should have been fired. He had crossed those lines just as much-but he was a Bridgerton. The boss. The power was his. Yet, in the two years they had worked closely together, Kate had gotten promoted and wasn’t replaced or disposed of.

He was a very good employer, despite his reputation personality-the Bridgerton company had a reputation for treating their employees exceptionally well. Anthony was no exception.

He had always been in the papers, mainly gossip columns fawning over his good looks, his charming personality and what girl he had on his arm for the week.

“Well, when an employer has earned said respect,” The words were flying out of her mouth before she could stop them. “Then, naturally, they would be treated as such.”

“So you don’t respect me Kate?” He asked, biting his bottom lip for a few seconds that caused Kate’s breath to still. His suit was dark,

“What does it matter?” Kate responded, raising an eyebrow

Anthony stared at her and it made Kate uncomfortable. His gaze bore into her, but he remained expressionless. Something in their conversation had shifted and it no longer felt like their usual back and forth banter. “It matters.”

She opened her mouth to retort, but words failed her as she stared back at him. She had not expected him to say that. She had expected an insult or an annoying comeback, but not that. She sort of felt bad.

However, she would be damned if Anthony Bridgerton left her speechless.

“Anthony! There you are,” A woman of her mother’s age appeared at . Kate recognized Violet Bridgerton quickly, from the pictures around the office and on Bridgerton newsletters. She was dressed in a pale pink suit with a long blazer. “I want to introduce you to Cressida, her mother and I used to work together-Oh, hello!”

Kate gulped as Violet turned to her, smiling warmly as she extended her hand. “Anthony, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

“Mum, this is Kate Sheffield,” Anthony introduced her, and Kate shook his mother’s hand. “We work together. Kate, this is my mother, Violet Bridgerton.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Bridgerton.”

“Please call me Violet. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kate,” Violet said warmly, looking her up and down. “You look absolutely gorgeous tonight. How long have you been involved with the charity?”

“I’m actually here with my sister, Edwina Sheffield. She’s been involved for about a year but it’s my first event,” She replied, nodding as she listened to Violet talk about her work with the charity over the years.

“Kate works in the finance department,” Anthony said to his mother a while later, “We work together quite a lot.”

Violet grinned. “Oh, I do hope you are giving my son some trouble Kate.”

“Someone has to,” Kate smirked at Anthony, who gave her a pointed glare.

“Well then, in that area, you certainly have exceeded everyone’s expectations,” Anthony muttered, looking sort of put out as he

“I do try. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my sister. It was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Bridgerton,” She smiled warmly at Violet before turning to nod at Anthony. “Anthony.”

“Kate,” He nodded back, taking a long sip of his wine as she walked away, and she swore she could feel his eyes on her as she walked away.

A while later, Kate gazed around the ballroom from her seat at her designated table. The food had been served and eaten, but Kate had barely touched hers. She had always been a picky eater and the most she ate was the vegetables. She spotted Anthon on the dance floor in the middle of the tables, dancing with his youngest sister, Hyacinth.

“He’s quite sweet.”

Kate’s head snapped back towards her sister, who was sitting beside her. “Who?”

Edwina smirked. “You know exactly who. The person who you have been staring at for the past ten minutes. Anthony Bridgerton.”

“Don’t be disgusting,” said Kate, shuddering as she shook her head. She had just been watching the dancefloor which he happened to be dancing on. “I was not staring.”

“I don’t blame you,” said Edwina, clearly enjoying torturing her sister. “He is quite good looking. Older. He’s quite charming.”

“How would you know he’s charming?” Kate asked, raising an eyebrow. She had kept her family and work life separate for a reason, and that reason mainly being any male within a radius of Edwina usually had fallen in love with her by the end of the day.

Anthony Bridgerton would not be one of those men.

“He introduced himself earlier, I was chatting to him and his brother, Benedict.”

“He introduced himself?” Kate gaped, turning to fully face her sister. “Why would he do that? Did he mention me?”

“He didn’t, actually,” Edwina replied, leaning back in her chair and fanning herself with the dinner menu. The gala room was quite stuffy and Edwina had only sat down five minutes ago after dancing with three different men. Kate had remained sitting and ate her dessert, the . “We just talked. He asked me about my job, I asked about his.”

“I’m sure he did,” Kate puffed, crossing her arms across her chest and leaning into her seat, looking slightly sulky. It's not as if she expected him to mention Kate. Why would he?

“So," Edwina began, pushing a dark curl behind her ear. "Do you plan on going there?”

“What?” Kate spluttered, nearly choking on air. “Of course not. He’s my boss! He’s-you know who he is. I would never-no. No. Not that he would ever want to-no. No! Why would you ask that?"

Edwina was grinning at her sister in a devious way for someone who was usually deemed so angelic and kind. “Okay. So you wouldn’t mind if I went there.”

“Of course I would mind! He’s incorrigible-“

“Putting your personal feelings aside,” Edwina interrupted, “It wouldn’t be because you wanted to go there, right?”

“Right,” Kate replied, her voice strained and high pitched. “Definitely right. You still shouldn't go there, he's far too old, he's far too him. ”

“I would never have any interest in someone you didn’t like Kate,” Edwina replied, reaching across the table to squeeze her sister’s hand, deciding she had teased her enough as she stood up. “I promised Nigel another dance. Are you okay here for a bit?"

Kate nodded, smiling at her sister as she walked over towards a tall, handsome man she presumed was Nigel.

“Kate, just the person I wanted to see,” Benedict Bridgerton grinned widely at her as he sat down in Edwina's seat.

“Hello, Benedict,” Kate said slowly, narrowing her eyes slightly at him. “Why would you want to see me?” They had only met today, and given her experience with Bridgertons so far, she remained cautious.

He continued to grin cheekily at her. She didn’t know him very well, but Benedict seemed a lot more laid back than his older brother. Anthony was so serious all the time. “There is no need to look so suspicious.”

Kate raised an eyebrow at him. “I’ll be the judge of that.”

“I can see why my brother likes you.”

“Your brother does not like me,” Kate grumbled, not wanting to speak about Anthony with anyone. “What can I do for you?”

“It’s about your assistant, Sophie.”

That was surprising. “Sophie?”

“Yes,” His face lit up, nodding eagerly. “What’s her situation?”

Kate stared cluelessly at him. “Her situation?”

Benedict sighed. “What’s she like? Is she seeing anybody?”

“Oh,” Kate drawled, the dots finally connecting in her head. She had never been quick when it came to romance. “Well, I am technically her boss so I’m not sure how appropriate it would be for me to comment.”

However, Sophie had asked about Anthony’s brothers earlier on after their meeting in his office. She had asked particularly if Kate knew the taller one, Benedict.

Sophie had never asked about any man before.

“I'm also her friend. Sophie is incredible,” Kate said, seeing his face light up. She didn’t understand what was going on, he had only met her briefly this morning but he was holding onto her every word. “She’s very smart, funny and extremely kind. She’s the best assistant I’ve ever had. She deserves everything.”

“So, if you ever need anything, you know where my office is. Sophie sits right outside of it,” Kate hinted, giving him a look. He didn’t seem like a bad guy and he had quite a good reputation around the office and in whatever she read about him. He was the charming Bridgerton.

Sophie deserved any possible happiness she could get, from what Kate knew, her life had been far from easy.

She didn’t know if she was crossing a line but what harm could it do?

“You, Kate Sheffield, are a vision,” Benedict took her hand and kissed it, which made Kate roll her eyes and blush simultaneously. “Do you want to dance?”

“I’m a terrible dancer,” Kate replied, shaking her head. “But thank you for asking.”

“I highly doubt that,” Benedict said but he didn’t push her to dance which Kate was grateful for. “Your sister is quite a good dancer, Anthony looks like he’s struggling to keep up.”

“Pardon?” Kate’s eyes followed Benedict’s nod towards the dance floor where Anthony and Edwina danced amongst the numerous couples, looking very chummy.

Kate clenched her jaw.

Kate couldn’t exactly break them up. It would be rude and she would never purposely embarrass Edwina.

“You don’t look happy,” Benedict said, smiling slightly as he followed Kate’s furious glare at the dancing couple.

“If you'll excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom. I'll see you sometime this week, Benedict,” Kate said, choosing not to tell him why she wasn’t happy that her angelic baby sister was dancing with his whore of a brother.

Kate had disappeared to the bathroom and then lingered until they finished dancing and parted ways and Kate clung onto Edwina for the rest of the evening. Edwina had brought Kate around to a few tables, introducing her to colleagues and the two sisters had even danced for a bit. It was a fun break from the repetitive small talk.

Kate eventually left Edwina to go home, as her sister was going clubbing with some friends at the gala which Kate had declined, she was dying to go home to see Newton.

Kate stood at the top of the large stone steps that led to the entrance of the museum. She really should have brought a coat, all she had with her was a wrap made of thin material.

She was alone until she noticed a man a few steps down from her, her stomach dropping and fury filled her body as she recognized him. Anthony noticed her before she did and opened his mouth to say something, but she beat him to it.

“No.”

He frowned. “Excuse me?”

“No!”

Anthony stared at her. “Are you broken?”

“Stay away from my sister,” She snapped, wagging her finger accusingly at him. “She has absolutely no interest in you.”

“I think Edwina is fully capable of making her own decisions, don’t you?” He replied smugly, somehow finding this conversation amusing. “She seemed more than happy to dance with me. Excited, even.”

Kate snorted. “I imagine it was out of pity. Edwina is a very nice, good person. Stay away.”

“You’re mental, you know that? You are the most infuriating person I have ever met,” Anthony replied, shaking his head as he glared at her.

“Right back at you,” Kate snapped, wrapping her shawl around her to try shield herself from the freezing cold breeze but it didn’t do much. She walked away from him, really just walking down a few of the museum's steps.

It would be a cold day in hell before Kate would ever allow Anthony Bridgerton to be her brother in law.

“You’re shaking,” Anthony appeared beside her, taking off his jacket and placing it around her shoulders.

She went to protest but she was freezing and her uber had said they’d be here five minutes ago. “Oh. Well, thank you.”

“No argument? Consider me shocked. You’re welcome,” He replied, glancing down at his phone before looking towards the road. “Do you have a lift?”

She chose to be the bigger person and not kick him in the shin. “Yes. My uber is just running late.”

He shook his head. “Come with me. My driver can drop you home.”

She opened her mouth to reply but he cut her off.

“For once in your life could you not argue and just get in the bloody car?” Anthony snapped, letting out a frustrated sigh simultaneously through his nostrils and mouth. He even pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Fine, no need to be so dramatic,” Kate shifted uncomfortably as she cancelled the uber on her phone, which had changed to fifteen minutes anyway, and followed him towards a black range rover that had pulled up on the road.

The car was fancy. Anthony opened the car door for her, closing it behind her as she got in and he walked to the other side. The interior was black leather and there was a little shelf full of snacks and drinks.

“Go ahead,” He nodded towards the snacks, smiling with that amused expression that infuriated her. He always seemed to be laughing at her. “You must be starving.”

Kate narrowed her eyes. “Why would I be starving?”

Anthony took a packet of crisps for himself and only then did Kate take a pack of m&ms, her favourite chocolate and quickly dive right into them. She opened up a bottle of water as well.

“Not everything I say is an accusation, Kate. I noticed that you barely ate all night,” He said, “Except for the dessert.”

“How do you know that?”

He looked flustered, breaking their eye contact and glancing out the tinted window. “Why didn’t you eat?”

She shrugged, “I don’t like fish.”

“Do you want to stop somewhere?”

“No, no. Thank you, but my feet are killing me. I just want to go home.”

He looked at her again, pushing a pack of crisps towards her as he took another for himself. “I would have thought you’d rather be dead than be somewhere like that.”

She took the crisps willingly, hoping her stomach didn’t start groaning for more food now that she was eating. “You’re not wrong, I would rather be dead.”

Anthony snorted. “That makes two of us.”

“But, Edwina needed me so I went. They’re not the worst. Do you have connections with the charity or?”

Anthony nodded. “My mother worked with them a long time ago and she wanted me there tonight, so I went.”

“The things we do for family,” Kate hummed, stretching her hands as she fiddled with them on her lap. Her palms were clammy and she was oddly nervous. She was in a car with Anthony Bridgerton, alone. It wasn’t the worst thing that had happened all evening.

“Your sister is quite successful, isn’t she?” He asked, and Kate was reminded of why he definitely was the worst.

“We’re not talking about my sister. As far as you’re concerned, she does not exist.”

He just smiled. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Kate.”

“How I sleep is absolutely none of your concern,” She snapped, full on glaring at him now. “Edwina is far too young and far too-far too good for you!”

“Oh, really?” He drawled, shrugging indifferently as he took a sip of his water, looking completely unbothered.

“Your reputation precedes you and my sister will have absolutely nothing to do with that,” She countered, the endless pictures and articles of his latest conquests or girls of the week were hard to ignore when they were everywhere.

The smile on his face disappeared and he looked angry. He looked pissed and his flat tone reflected that. “You know absolutely nothing about me.”

“I know enough.”

They both hadn’t noticed the car had come to a stop right outside her flat and it couldn’t have been more perfect timing.

“Thank you for the lift,” Kate said, taking off his jacket and handing it to him, scrambling to escape him and this unpleasant conversation. “Let’s never do it again.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” His tone was colder than usual, and just as she shut the door, the car sped off.

“Asshole,” Kate grumbled, reaching for her keys and letting herself into her flat. What a strange night.

The following morning, Kate woke up to her phone buzzing on the pillow beside her. Newton was lightly snoring on top of the duvet, and Kate groaned as she blindly felt for her phone before she picked it up. It was a Saturday morning, she was meant to be sleeping in.

“Hello?” Kate whispered into her phone, trying to fight fully waking up.

“Kate?”

She sat up slightly. “Edwina? What time is it? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Everything is-you haven’t read the times, have you? The Whistledown gossip column specifically? Check your Whatsapp. I just sent it to you.”

Kate frowned, cursing as the brightness of her phone stung her eyes as she put her sister on speaker and opened her whatsapp messages. “Wha? Edwina, did you wake me up on a Saturday morning to read?”

“You’re going to want to read this.”

Kate clicked on the link to what appeared to be an article. It quickly opened to Lady Whistledown’s popular gossip column in the London Times. Edwina had been mentioned in it numerous times before and the Bridgertons were often featured. Especially Anthony.

Anthony Bridgerton, 34, has been spotted looking quite close with a mysterious brunette. Is the infamous bachelor now taken? He was seen multiple times throughout the night talking to this woman and leaving in the same car at the end of the night. We have confirmed the mysterious brunette is Kate Sheffield, business woman and sister of model Edwina Sheffield. Not his usual type at all. Has the heir to the Bridgerton empire finally been tamed?

Attached below the article was a series of slightly blurred pictures of Anthony and Kate from last night, talking outside the gala and getting into his car. Another was of Edwina and Kate at one of her shows during London fashion week last year.

Beside Edwina, who was wearing a long silk gown that she had walked in earlier that day, Kate looked bland and terrible. They had chosen to put that picture in the London Times.

In the London Times. In London's most popular gossip column.

Of her and Anthony Bridgerton.

Supposedly dating.

Which anyone could see.

“Am I drunk?” She muttered to herself, slightly dazed as she rubbed her eyes and refreshed the page but the same words and pictures remained on her screen, haunting her. Her heart was hammering inside her chest and she could feel herself starting to sweat profusely. Was she having a heart attack?

“Kate? Are you okay? I'm coming over, I'll be there in ten minutes," She half heard her sister’s concerned voice through her phone, but Kate wasn’t really paying attention. She felt like she was in a daze. Her eyes kept scanning over the article again and again.

Kate never replied to her sister.

She just screamed into her pillow.

[silverhallow]

19 for saphne

It has been a while since i've really written Saphne for regency but I hope you like it...

Daphne was upset to have to miss Lady Danbury’s Den of Iniquity, she was far too pregnant to move further than the washroom so, there was no way on this holy earth would she make it to get to the carriage and into Lady Danbury’s ballroom and back again.

And even if she could, the odds of Simon letting her out of the house to go… she was sure she would get better odds on Colin marrying Penelope next season…

She was bored and listless. Simon had been out attending to business and had been visiting Anthony and their new sister in law Kate. Her leg was healed now and had been over to visit the last few days, she had been invited to Lady D’s but without Daphne there, she didn’t feel comfortable going.

Daphne was laid up in bed, hands on her large swollen stomach, she had to only have a few days to a week left at the most. She was fed up. The woman who had said that pregnancy was a joy… clearly never had swollen ankles, had thrown up enough to put a drunken sailor to shame and had to pee every hour, almost on the hour… it was completely inconvenient and she was done with it now.

How her mother had done this 8 times she had no idea.

Simon arrived home about an hour after Daphne would have normally left to go to the party, he knew Daphne was completely fed up now, he was a bundle of nervous energy, as they got closer to the due date, he was anxious, his fears growing more, Daphne was his world and he needed her to get through this.

Anthony and Kate had spent the last hour helping elevate some of his fears about her giving birth, reassuring him that Daphne was as strong as they come, not only was she a Bridgerton, she was stubborn as a mule and Simon felt better by the time they got home.

He had managed to dash to the confectionaries on the way to Anthony’s town house and picked up some of the peppermint candies that Daphne had been enjoying these last few weeks, he wanted to cheer her up. Flowers made her sneeze at the moment so he stayed away.

He knocked on the door of their chambers, he wasn’t sure why but he thought maybe she might be asleep and he didn’t want to disturb her if she was.

“Come in” came a bored sounding sigh.

Simon strode in the room “Simon, why on earth are you knocking on our chambers?” Daphne asked, confused.

Simon smiled as he leaned down and dropped a kiss to her cheek. “I wasn’t sure if you would be asleep or not” he said as he popped down on the bed next to her, and gave her stomach a rub.

“I am not tired, but I may expire from boredom, the party tonight would have been a much needed break but even I understand my limits when I am like this” she said as she gestured at her stomach.

“Finally” Simon teased.

She shot him an irritated look “Whatever… but I simply cannot read anymore and my fingers are too swollen to pick up and needle to embroider so I am bored” she said, heaving a deep sigh.

“And what would you have been doing at Lady D’s tonight that would have kept you so entertained my love” Simon asked.

“Just some card games, I am not even bothered by the company. Right now I would gladly sit and play cards with Cressida Cowper. I am that bored.” she said, which caused Simon to chuckle

“Stay here” he said with a smile and dashed from the room.

“LIKE I CAN GO ANYWHERE YOU IDIOT MAN!” she shouted at him, this was true. She had to ring for her bloody maid if she needed to go to the washroom.

Simon reappeared 5 minutes later looking pleased with himself.

“Look what I found in my study” he said holding up a pack of cards

“You have cards?” Daphne asked curiously

“I do. Usually when I can’t settle a discussion with one of the other idiots in parliament, we will play poker and have a drink and usually work it out over cards… but I think for tonight, I could use them to entertain my pregnant wife” he grinned as he sat down on the bed in front of her.

Daphne shuffled and beamed at him.

“Now, since you can’t go to the party… we can play your game of choice?” he said

“Okay…” Daphne smiled as she crossed her legs carefully beneath her. “I am assuming you do not know how to play quadrille?”

Simon shook his head “No but I am prepared to learn if you wish to teach me” he smiled brightly handing Daphne the cards.

“It is rather simple enough” she smiled “the layout is like this -” she said as she started putting cards down to show him as she talked

“There are Four piles in the center of the layout, overlapped in a diamond pattern. Around them are eight more piles in a circle. you can lay them out all pointing away from the center, which is the prettiest way to view them but I am not so bothered, and To one side there is a discard pile. All these piles start out empty, with the full deck in your hand.” she said as Simon nodded following her words and watching her dish the cards out

“Seems simple enough” he smiled at his wife’s enthusiasm.

Daphne gave him a wide brilliant smile “so to play, you deal one card at a time from the deck into the discard pile. The top card of the discard pile can be moved to any tableau or foundation pile according to these rules:” she said taking a breath,

“ The four center piles each will hold one queen and nothing else. The four piles at the compass points, North, South, East, and West, must each have a five played onto them first; thereafter they build down, following suit, with the King played onto the Ace at the end. The remaining piles at the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest must each have a six played onto them first; thereafter they build up, following suit, to the Jack.” She explained.

Simon nodded “okay I get that… what is the goal then?” he asked curiously.

Daphne smiled “The goal is to empty the hand and the discard pile into the other piles. If you succeed, you’ll be rewarded with the Quadrille, a pretty and dance-like arrangement of the twelve court cards.”

Simon nodded “Okay it seems fairly easy, so as long as I pay attention and don’t miss a move it’s rather easy to win?”

Daphne nodded “yes, especially when the other ladies are drinking a lot” she grinned happily

“So rather than betting money should we use these?” he said, taking the bag of candies from his coat and showing her the peppermints.

Daphne gave a small happy squeal “Oh yes! You really are the best husband ever” she grinned happily as Simon split the sweets into half, giving the spare to Daphne to eat.

“So to deal, you deal one card at a time onto the discard pile by clicking the deck. You may redeal twice, for a total of three times through the deck: when the deck is empty, pick up the entire discard pile and turn it face down to form a new hand” Daphne said brightly

“Got it?” she asked

Simon nodded and Daphne began.

They played for a few hours, Simon a quick learner but ultimately, the games were shared and by the time Daphne drifted off to sleep in the middle of a game, Simon knew he would do this happily whenever Daphne was bored, an evening of cards with his wife had somehow become one of his favourite nights and something he looked forward to with fervour.

[fuckyeahhiccuphaddock]

My Boy (Don't Love Me Like He Promised) - HTTYD - DagCup - Chapter One

TITLE: My Boy (Don't Love Me Like He Promised)

CHAPTER #: one.

MODERN AU: ON ✔

DESCRIPTION: years after being rejected by Hiccup Haddock in highschool, Dagur finds himself late at night at the now twenty year old's house, roughened up after an alleyway beating.

TAGS: some mild angst, longfic, not a oneshot, dagcup (hiccupxdagur), httyd, how to train your dragon.

GENRE: fanfiction

LANGUAGE: English

COPYRIGHT: characters do not belong to me. all rights reserved © to dreamworks and cressida cowell. plot is all rights reserved © "fuckyeahhiccuphaddock" 2019.

MATURE RATING: ON ✔ contains mature themes, such as strong language, sexuality, mild descriptions of violence, and other themes.

NOTE: this fanfiction will also be availiable on the Wattpad platform! the version on Wattpad has many more visuals and has a more aesthetically pleasing visual, so if you want to check that out here is the link, along with the link to my accounts which also have HTTYD content for you to read:

FIND THIS FANFIC:

FIND MY MAIN HTTYD ACCOUNT:

FIND MY SECOND HTTYD ACCOUNT:

2ND NOTE: this story is not beta read.

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his breaths were ragged, and his chest moved with each one he took. puffs of white circled the air, disappearing in seconds. his foot nudged something heavy, one of the bodies that laid by his feet. not bodies, per say, considering these people weren't dead, but merely unconscious. he would have found the sight endearing and sadistically satisfying if it weren't for the fact he was practically a wet dog and the blood of his wounds was seeping through his clothes.

with an irritated grunt, he pulled his jacket off himself, holding it above his head. it made him even colder, but he wouldn't be able to focus on where to go if the rain kept beating down on him. the streets were beginning to flood. now was not a good time to be out. there was a gash on his right eyebrow, he knew that for sure. and a cut on his left thigh, left there perfunctorily by one of the men who decided to jump him. he was sure he had a couple of bruises on his torso as well.

now, it wasn't that dagur was weak -- because he sure as hell wasn't, but there had been a lot of people who decided to catch him by surprise. he fought them off, of course, but not without a couple of marks himself. he began walking, footsteps making the water splash below, and his eyes landed on the sight of a bus stop. there were two benches, accompanied by a roof and thin, hole poked walls on each side, but it'd have to do for now, at least until he found out where the hell he was.

he clawed for his phone that was deep in his pocket, tried turning it on, hoping miraculously, it would work despite it being completely drenched. the screen only remained black, and dagur couldn't help but growl -- stupid fucking 20$ phones. he shoved it back into his pocket.

he stood back up again, running a hand through his untamed hair. a kid had once ran up to him and told him he resembled hercules, from the disney movie. dagur himself didn't really see the similarity, but hey, kids had wild imaginations, and he didn't really want to put that to a halt. he started walking again, hands holding up his jacket.

it seemed like he'd walked for miles before he found a street sign. he had to squint through the rain to see it before reading it -- Escobar, is what it said. why had that sounded familiar?

despite not knowing why it held such an influence on him, he took the turn and went down the street. by the look of these houses, he was in the suburbs, with nicely trimmed grass and cleared sidewalks. he was sure it'd look a lot better one the sky cleared up, and it wasn't raining.

he was beginning to know where he was. yeah, he knew what this place was. wasn't associated personally, but hell if he didn't know it. he'd visited a few times, and at this point he knew the way back to his shitty, run-down apartment, but he hadn't seen hiccup haddock in what had been literal years. he didn't know what time it was, knew it was late and likely that hiccup wasn't going to answer the door, but at this point dagur didn't think there was much that mattered in his life, other than gambling, the occasional drink and the brooding in late night hours.

he let out a breath that he didn't realize he had been holding, and it made a white puff of air. he dragged his feet towards the light grey, almost bluish porch. he took a step up one of the stairs and knew he'd leave a muddy footprint, but it wasn't anything he couldn't clean after. really, there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for hiccup haddock; even though the guy had broken his heart without knowing how much it hurt. it was in the past, but the memory was still so fresh in his mind; like popping a mint into your mouth. overpowering and sensual.

before he knew it he was at the door. it was a pale white, and he distantly heard the sound of a windchime. dagur lifted a calloused hand, curled it into a fist and had about to knock. there was something stopping him but he couldn't place what.

he'd knocked anyways, and standing there left him feeling both exhausted and anxious. weariness was started to settle on him, and his wounds were beginning to hurt now that his adrenaline had died down completely. upon his first knock there was no sound; no shuffling footprints, just silence.

"come on, hiccup," he whispered, giving another, stronger knock. "open up. please."

minutes passed and he had been about to leave; but the there was a thud from inside the house. dagur froze in his tracks, and he swore he saw the blinds of the windows twitched. after that, there was another, long pause of silence.

there was the sound of a lock, and dagur almost let go a sigh of relief. he hoped hiccup still lived here, and that he wasn't knocking on a stranger's house -- but then he decided that idea was a stupid one. if it was a stranger, the door wouldn't have opened at all.

hiccup looked different from highschool, dagur realized instantly. the scrawny, curled in on himself kid didn't look like that at all. hiccup's posture was open; confident than it had been before. he was slouching slightly, but dagur simply guessed it was because he was drowsy with sleep; and he was correct. hiccup's head was messy, tiny hairs sticking in every direction, and bags under his eyes that wouldn't be noticeable if you really looked. although he had just woken from sleeping, he still had his day clothes on; a black long sleeve and rumpled jeans adorning his body. a digital watch accompanied his left wrist; it was a sight to behold after years of not seeing him.

"dagur?" hiccup questioned, and god, it was so good to hear his voice after so long, so good to see him after such a long period of time. hiccup may have rejected him back in highschool, but dagur would be lying if he said hiccup haddock didn't have a specific, (albeit cliché) place in his heart. he couldn't help but stare. "what are you doing here? actually, what happened to your head?"

and too soon for his taste, dagur was snapping out of his thoughts. he gave a low chuckle from within his chest, rubbing the back of his neck. "it's a long story," he admitted quietly, glancing into emerald eyes. "could i come inside, please?"

hiccup shifted, giving a sigh and stuffing the hand that wasn't holding the door into his pocket. "dagur, i don't really think that's a good idea-"

"please," he responded, cutting hiccup off. "i'll be out of your hair by morning, hiccup... i'm freezing and my head hurts." saying that he would be gone so soon made his chest ache in protest.

hiccup squinted at him, silent for a good long moment before nodding slowly. "alright, dagur. just put your shoes there on the porch. don't want my floor covered with mud," he said, leaving the door open and retreating within the depth of his home.

without hesitation, dagur did as the other said. he toed his shoes off, and his socks, considering everything below his ankles was drenched. he left his jacket outside, too, letting it hang over the light besides the door before following hiccup inside, letting the door shut behind himself with a quiet thud.

he wasn't given any time to really look around the room before there was something soft being pressed into his hands. his green eyes flickered downwards, and in his palms was a soft, grey blanket.

"I'll get you some clothes," hiccup said. he'd been about to turn away before dagur spoke again.

"your clothes aren't going to fit me, hiccup."

"I wouldn't have guessed," the other said sarcastically, and dagur had been slightly relieved that his humour hadn't gone anywhere. he almost cracked a smile. "but you're cold. I'll get them for you anyways."

and like that, hiccup was gone. dagur didn't realize how tightly his fist had curled around the blanket, not until he found his hand loosening and a soreness in his knuckles. with a quiet sigh, he turned away as well and let his eyes scan the rest of the room.

the walls were a light grey, and it would have looked depressing if there weren't any sort of pictures hung up on them. upon entering the house, dagur's feet were met with warm, cream coloured carpet. to his left was a dark grey couch, and a transparent, glass coffee table in the middle. right across from it was a flatscreen TV; and dagur was just realizing how luxurious the house really was.

there was a fireplace, too. it wasn't lit, but it was there. on top of the fireplace was a brown shelf, holding two pictures on either side and in the center a little bowl filled with fake leaves, likely just for decor. dagur let himself draw closer to the pictures, and picked up the nearest one.

it was hiccup, but younger. hiccup in high school, he realized. but it wasn't just him, no, there was someone else in the picture. a blonde girl, and she looked all too familiar, and dagur knew who she was instantly. how could he not? this was the same girl who stole hiccup's heart as his own was shattered.

Astrid Hofferson. she looked the same as he remembered. both her arms were wrapped around his neck, eyes fluttered closed and a happy smile on her face as she was kissing hiccup's cheek. his heart sank into his own chest, and dagur hated the feeling.

hiccup was there, smiling with joy. he looked like he was laughing, if anything. behind them was what seemed to be a Ferris wheel, and dagur guessed that they were on a date at the carnival. his grip tightened on the frame of the picture, and he set it back into its original place before he broke it out of anger.

it should've been him in that photo. not Astrid.

slight guilt overcame him with that thought. it shouldn't have mattered who hiccup was with; as long as he was happy. and dagur told himself that too many times to count, yet he couldn't help the raw, sheer rage that came along with the thought of hiccup being with anyone other than him. it made him angry, and ridiculously so. he'd watched them too many times have fun together, while he was stuck on the sidelines, wondering why the hell hiccup had chosen her instead of him.

although, the picture made him distantly wonder where she was now. had they stayed together after highschool? was she just merely upstairs, asleep in hiccup's bed?

with a shaky exhale through his nose, dagur took a step back before he really grew unstable. he looked at another photo, and this time it was of hiccup and his father at graduation. stoick wore a fond smile, and he radiated how proud he was, even though it was just a photo. hiccup wore a black cap and gown, holding his certificates. the sight made dagur crack a tiny smile. he hadn't been there for the ceremony, but surprisingly, he had graudated.

"those are old memories," hiccup said from behind. dagur turned, still holding onto the blanket he was given. "here." he stuck out a fresh pair of clean clothes and dagur took them gratefully.

"thanks," dagur muttered in return, tossing the blanket over his shoulder, biting back his tongue so he wouldn't ask what had happened to astrid. "where's your restroom?"

hiccup gestured upstairs, rubbing one of his eyes. "first door to your right. when you're done, come back down here and i'll uh. tend your injuries."

"sure," dagur responded, despite his need to ask questions, but he could ask those once he wasn't a wet dog anymore. there was an awkward pause of silence before dagur turned and headed upstairs.

the carpet became wood once he was up. dagur had found the restroom wth ease, but there was just something naghing at him -- he wanted desperately to check.

he let the clothes and the blanket rest on the counter of the restroom, and he took a step to the door at the end of the hall, which was creaked open just slightly.

dagur peaked through the crack, opening the door just slightly more, giving himself a better view. it was hiccup's room, for sure -- and he glanced towards the bed, nearly shouting in relief when there was no other body in it.

there was a movement from the corner of his eye, but before he'd been given the chance to move, there was a large, black blob that was heading straight for him, all speed and power.

dagur shouted once the thing hit his face, his hands reaching up to grab at it. the thing let out a loud, screeching "yowl!", and there was a sudden, sharp pain at his eye.

he heard footsteps racing up the stairs, and at this point he had ran into something -- probably a desk, he couldn't see a damn thing -- and then there was hiccup's voice coming from into the room, "toothless!" hands were on top of dagur's own, and the black mass was wrenched away from his face, followed by a hiss sound.

dagur was too preocupied with the pain on his face to really pay attention. he raced out the room and back towards the restroom, fastily turning the light on, muttering strings of curses before he finally looked up at the mirror, letting his hand fall from his face.

his expression dropped at the sight. three claw marks were at his eye, diagnol and bleeding red. his jaw clenched at the pain, bringing his hand up and giving it a gentle touch before letting out a low growl. fuck, it stung, and he wanted to know what in the hell had done it. his face was fucked for life -- that much he was certain of.

"dagur? dagur, are you okay?" hiccup's voice drew near, and his teeth began to ache from how hard he set his jaw. he noticed hiccup standing at the doorway thanks to the mirror, and he turned abruptly to face the other, almost as if saying, ' do i LOOK okay? '

"o-oh gods. your eye!" hiccup shouted, and dagur couldn't help the snarl leave from his throat. his gaze drifted down and his (good) eye narrowed, pointing at the black mass hiccup currently held in his hands.

"what. the hell," dagur started, "is that?" he said, voice dripping of venom. suddenly the mass shifted and there were green eyes and dialated black pupils staring ferociously straight at him, and then he knew what it was -- a cat. a damn cat. hiccup had a fucking guard cat in his room!

"first of all, it is a he," hiccup said return, and dagur's (good) eye twitched irkingly. "and his name's toothless."

"well, excuse me," dagur said, glaring at the animal hiccup craddled as it if were a stuffed animal, "that i am so rude, even though he scratched my face!"

"you were tresspasing," hiccup said, like it provided any justification. "you were in my room, weren't you? or trying to peak inside, at least?"

"you're saying i deserve this?!"

"i wouldn't go that far."

at those words, dagur made a highly frustrated noise. "okay, you know what? fine! i'm going to change, and then you are going to tend to this," dagur gestured to his face, and to the rest of his wounds. after that, he didn't give hiccup a time to respond, shutting the door promptly in the cat's face.

it was going to be a hell of a night.

[dracoisalooker76]

My Heart is Heavy, Part 2

This is Part 2 of “My Heart is Heavy” - my Everlark Bachelor!AU based on Season 23 of The Bachelor, featuring Bachelor!Peeta.

Part 1 can be read here.

...

Cressida calls cut and comes out from behind the camera with her eyebrow raised.

“Can you at least try to look a little less excited?” she asks, crossing her arms sternly but with the corners of her lips upturned. “You’re going to give it away with these inserts if you keep that shit-eating grin on your face.”

Peeta shrugs. “I can’t help it. She’s the one, Cress. Katniss is the one.”

Cressida moves her arms from a stern crossed position to her hips. “You know you can’t say that. We have to at least keep up the illusion that Glimmer or Cashmere could win this.”

He rolls his eyes. He knows that’s the script of the show. The filming they’ve done today will be for the penultimate episode and during a special finale he will, somehow, spend two hours determining which of the three women will receive the ring he doesn’t currently have in his possession. For the sake of the show, he can’t give anything away now, even though he already knows how it will end.

He has known for a while. It’s why Cashmere and Glimmer are here - they’re two of the favorites to go on to The Bachelorette. Since his feelings for Katniss became abundantly obvious to the producers and crew a few weeks ago, they’ve been giving him hints on who they would like him to keep in order to make good television. For the most part, he has gone right along with the script. It’s why, even though Clove told him she loved him last week during her hometown visit while Cashmere was still hedging her bets with the whole ‘I’m falling in love you’ line, he still sent Clove home. Bachelor host Caesar Flickerman put in his ear that he wanted her to be on the special ‘Women Tell All’ episode that airs the night after ‘Fantasy Suites’ and features the women who did not make the top three. Of course Caesar did. Clove caused the most drama of any of the girls in the whole season.

It’s all just a big game to Caesar and the producers, and even some of the women. But Peeta can’t help but think he got lucky with Katniss’s casting.

His biggest fear going on The Bachelor was that he would get played by some girl who just wanted fame and not a relationship. He does want to get married and have a family one day, so this is supposed to be the first step on that journey. However, over the weeks, a bunch of the girls have told him as they’ve walked out after the weekly rose ceremony that there were contestants still there who ‘weren’t ready’ for what Peeta wanted. But every week that passed, he would send a girl home he was convinced was the girl the previous one had warned him about, only to get another warning.

Luckily, he knows Katniss isn’t that girl. He thinks the girl everyone was talking about was Clove or maybe Glimmer, or maybe both. They’re both instagram models already, probably wanting to improve their views. Cashmere is older at 29 and definitely ready to settle down, since she has mentioned kids and her ‘ticking clock’ about a hundred times in the last couple of weeks. It’s not her. And of course there’s Katniss, but it’s not her either. So it’s got to be Glimmer if it wasn’t Clove.

Cressida knocks his arm and he tries to stymie the huge smile that has begun to re-form on his lips.

“Okay, let’s just try to get this sound bite done then you can go back to being a giggling school girl,” the producer jokes, turning around and getting back behind the camera. “So, tell me about tonight.”

They like to key in on sex with Katniss more so than either of the other girls. Most of it stems from her never being in a serious relationship, but at least some of it is tied to a moment of theirs in Thailand. While they were walking on the beach, the water looked so beautiful and Katniss offhandedly mentioned it looked prime for swimming. Peeta tore off his shirt so it wouldn’t get wet and Katniss covered her eyes, thinking he was going to strip naked and they were going skinny dipping on camera. Luckily, Cressida and Pollux gave them a minute so Katniss could stop hyperventilating off camera, but ever since they’ve run with the purity card with her.

But Peeta doesn’t want to talk about that on camera. That’s something personal to Katniss and he’s not going to play up the whole ‘she’s a virgin’ card that the producers want him to do.

“I mean, I can’t say I’m not excited. Physical intimacy is huge in any relationship,” he says, trying to choose his words carefully so no editors can piece them apart in final review. “But that doesn’t just mean one thing. Personally, I think just falling asleep beside someone speaks volumes about your comfort with them because that’s the most vulnerable you can be.”

Cressida shakes her head but doesn’t make him redo it. Instead, she veers into less serious questions about his time in Portugal before letting him go to get ready.

He knows that tonight is going to be huge for them and he wants it to be perfect. Katniss was a little shocked during the day portion of her date when he told her that Haymitch didn’t give him his blessing for an engagement. Her entire demeanor shifted for the rest of the afternoon and he wants to know what is going through her head. He knows he can’t say it on camera, but he is hoping that as soon as the suite doors close he can tell her that an engagement isn’t something he needs from her if it makes her family uncomfortable. He wants to leave Portugal with her by his side and if it means they take it slow until her family is okay with it, that’s fine by him.

That’s not to say he won’t have a ring ready just in case. He grabbed Prim’s number during his visit last week while Katniss and Haymitch were sent off to talk by the producers. He is hoping to use her guidance to design the custom engagement ring Neil Lane would design for the finale. Of course, that conversation happened before Haymitch refused a blessing, but depending on what Katniss says tonight he might get a ring ready just in case.

“Look, kid, I like you,” Haymitch had told him during Peeta’s visit to Katniss’s hometown. “You seem like a good one. But I’ve known you for all of five minutes and if you think I’m going to drive you to Jared’s, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“So, you don’t give your blessing?”

Haymitch had shaken his head. “She is going to decide what’s best for her and I’m with the girl.”

Of course, Cressida told him that that part would probably get axed and it would stop with him shaking his head. Too much gray area in that blessing for good television. When the show airs, Haymitch will be a firm a no instead of a no, but. Regardless, it wasn’t a yes like he got from the other families and that does bother him because he knows how close Katniss is to her family.

He lights a candle between their plates on the table that’s set up for them. Katniss should be arriving momentarily. They’ll eat, then get the key to their suite, and finally the cameras will go away. They’re mic’d almost the entire time they’re on this show, so he is excited to have true one-on-one time with Katniss without having all the crew watching their every move.

He hears a murmuring amongst the crew and turns to see what’s going on. Pollux has shown up, standing next to Cressida and talking in her ear. Cressida’s eyes widen but her face remains set, not giving anything away. Then Pollux backs away and starts to set up his camera and crew.

Peeta grins. If Pollux is setting up, it means Katniss is en route.

The idea of just being around her lights him up, filling him with a comfortable heat. He loves her. When he signed his contract, he didn’t think he’d actually find someone so perfect for him, but he did. He would just end the show right now if he could. He would ‘dump’ both Cashmere and Glimmer and wouldn’t wait another second to spend the rest of his life with Katniss.

A few of the overhead lights flick on and he watches as the producers and sound crew get into position. This fantasy suite isn’t a hotel. It’s a cozy cabin on the same resort space but he felt like this seemed more Katniss than the pristine white villas Caesar had offered. This one almost looks like it’s set into the forest, more like a fancy treehouse. It’s perfect for Katniss with her love of nature.

The gate opens and her transportation pulls into the parking bay. He stands up and smiles as a producer opens her door. She’s stunning. She wears a pale yellow dress that pairs with her purity theme almost too well, perhaps even chosen by a producer or the wardrobe specialist there to make sure the outfits the girls choose are right for the camera. He wonders if this is Cinna’s work because she looks sweet and comfortable, rather than overtly sexy like Cashmere, who had been trying not to expose anything on camera most of the night. Cinna might have been called in to make sure there wasn’t a repeat disaster like that.

She strides toward him slowly, eyes down, in a pair of ankle boots that shuffle on the uneven path. He meets her halfway, holding his hand out to help steady her. He hasn’t had to steady her before. Of the two, he’s definitely the klutz. But, she takes his hand and he gives it squeeze before pulling her in for a hug.

Cinna has ensured Katniss has worn the highest heels she can wear without falling over on the majority of her dates with him so on camera they fit better in the frames. Tonight when he pulls her into his arms, her face burrows into his chest and he finds himself grinning like a madman knowing that this is what it’s actually going to feel like when they go home. He’s not tall, but Katniss is tiny, much smaller than he even realized. He kisses the top of her head.

“You look beautiful,” he says.

She pulls away and smiles. “Thanks. So do you. I mean...you know.”

He chuckles and tugs her hand. “Come on, dinner looks great.”

The corners of her mouth drop and she bites her bottom lip, her eyes going back down to her shoes.

“I, uh, I’m not hungry,” she says quietly.

He shakes his head. One thing he learned quickly about Katniss is that she is always down for food. She is willing to try almost anything, including the cultural dishes that most of the other girls stuck their noses up at or could barely swallow as they traveled through Southeast Asia.

He puts his hands on her shoulders and realizes she is shaking. He wonders if maybe she’s nervous about tonight, so he leans in, hoping that the mics won’t catch what he says in her ear.

“If this is about the suites, we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” he says. “I’m not expecting anything. I’m just excited to have uninterrupted time with you.”

When he pulls away, he is shocked to see her eyes clenched shut and her olive skin brushed with a pink tint. A stray tear slips down her cheek and he quickly reaches for it with his thumb. She almost melts into his hand at the contact.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he murmurs.

She doesn’t immediately respond, so he pulls her over to a wicker couch on the porch. They sit down and her head tilts to the right, like she’s trying to not let him see her face.

“Can you tell me what’s going on? Maybe I can help,” he says. Right now, he feels pretty helpless watching Katniss cry and not knowing what’s going on. He isn’t sure how he can help, but he wants to do so. “Katniss?”

She shakes her head and lets out a breath, rubbing her temples with her fingers. “This isn’t how I wanted this to go,” she mumbles.

“What are you talking about?”

His heart is pounding. His head is spinning. He has no idea what’s going on.

“Katniss, please talk to me,” he begs.

“I’m not good at words,” she says.

Her hands wring together in her lap and he reaches to cover them with his hand, trying to calm her down.

“Well, can you try?” he asks. “Because...I have no idea what’s going on.”

She looks up at him with glassy eyes and gives a short nod before sitting in silence for what feels like eternity before she speaks.

“I’m going home,” she says.

He feels like she kicked him in the gut. What is happening? Does she think that she is the next girl gone? Does she really think that after everything they’ve been through that he is going to choose Cashmere or Glimmer over her? He shakes his head and puts his hand on her cheek.

“No. No, you’re not,” he says. “You’re going to get a rose. I’d give it to you now if I had it.”

He turns away briefly, but Caesar is nowhere to be found. It is late for him to be on set, but maybe someone has gone running to grab him so he can bring the roses. Peeta wants Katniss to know she’s safe tonight and has nothing to worry about.

He feels her hand on his cheek, mimicking his on hers, and he lets her guide his attention back to her. She’s shaking her head when their eyes meet.

“No, Peeta. I’m going home tonight. Haymitch and I are going to the airport now.”

His stomach bottoms out. She is leaving on her own. He can barely breathe. How did everything go from being almost perfect to this in the span of a few hours. It wasn’t like she had a lot of time by herself -

“Wait, Haymitch? Haymitch is here?” he asks.

She nods and he turns away from her and to the producers. Cressida and Pollux are standing together, neither one able to meet his eyes, so he glares at whoever in the crew can guiltily look his way.

“Haymitch is here,” he growls at them. Caesar’s probably with him in the transport, he thinks. They’re probably talking about poor Peeta getting his heart broken because ‘daddy’ said no. They flew Haymitch in for a story line. They put Peeta in this situation. They’re ruining this for him.

Well, he has one shot.

He turns back to Katniss and decides to screw the script. He knows he’s not supposed to say this and it’s probably all going to be edited out later but he has to try. He can’t let her leave without trying to convince her that it’s okay to stay.

“Katniss, I understand that I didn’t get Haymitch’s blessing and that your family is the most important thing to you. So, I need you to know that I’ve been thinking about this too and I’m okay not proposing to you at the end of this if that’s what you want,” he says. He tries not to take any breaths. He just needs to get it all out. “I just want to be with you. I want to fly home with you and be with you and I don’t care if it’s as your fiance or just a boyfriend. I just...I need you in my life.”

His voice shakes as he finishes and Katniss leans back into the couch, covering her eyes with one hand, the other wrapped around herself.

“This wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to go home a long time ago.”

Peeta’s mouth instantly dries. Suddenly, he can hear Enobaria’s voice in his head. And Finch’s. And all the others that warned him about the ‘girls who weren’t ready’ and his stomach turns as he lets out a shaky breath.

“So...this was all a lie...how you acted,” he says slowly. He pulls his hand away from her knee, where it fell when Katniss covered her eyes. “So you want to be the Bachelorette? You want to go on Bachelor in Paradise?”

Katniss’s head spins toward him frantically, eyes wide. “No. No. No,” she says. “I had no intention on being the Bachelorette at all. I just...you weren’t supposed to fall in love with me.”

“Why not?” he asks. He pulls at his hair. “I’m so confused. What are you even saying?”

“I told you I’m not good with words,”  she says. She presses the bridge of her nose between her fingers. “You can’t love me because I can’t give you what you want.”

He frowns. “Katniss, I want you.”

She nods. “I know.”

They sit in silence while it registers. Peeta leans his head against the back of the couch, running a hand over his face.

“So, you don’t love me,” he says. The words hurt just saying them. He can’t imagine what it will feel like to hear them.

Katniss covers her face. “I do, but I can’t,” she mumbles.

He isn’t sure he heard her correctly, but when he sits up to ask her for clarification, she is already standing up and walking away. He rushes after her, grabbing her hand. She stops mid-step and heaves, so he quickly takes her in his arms as the first sob breaks through. She clutches his shirt and he leans down to pick her up, carrying her back to the couch so they aren’t standing in the middle of all the crew lights. They’re still being watched, but at least it feels a little more private.

He sits down and keeps her on his lap, rocking her back and forth. He thought his head was spinning before but now it’s like it spun right off. He is so confused by everything she has said. Nothing makes sense. She looks just as heartbroken as he feels over the idea of her leaving tonight and Katniss is no actress. They did a drama class as one of the first group dates while they were still in LA and she was abysmal. Adorable, but absolutely terrible in a way that no one can fake. Katniss Everdeen will never win an Oscar, something Haymitch and Prim both reaffirmed when he visited her hometown, so he has a little hope left in him that maybe he can change her mind.

When her sobs quiet, her energy zapped as she rests her head against his shoulder, he kisses her temple.

“I’ll go as slow as you want me to go,” he says. “I will do whatever you want me to do. I’m all in. I just need to know that you’re willing to get there with me. Or to try.”

She sighs against his neck. “I’m not sure I’m capable of loving someone like that,” she whispers. “I’ve seen what it can do and I already feel so much for you that...I’m afraid...I’m afraid of what it would do to me.”

His body feels heavy all of a sudden, like it takes too much energy to even breathe. This is it. There is nothing else he can do or say to convince her. He never realized she had this aversion, this burden. How did he not see this? How did he never pick up on it before? Clearly, the other women saw it because he now knows Katniss is who they were warning him about - but how did they see it and he didn’t?

He closes his eyes. He was wearing rose-colored glasses. That’s how. He was in love. Or maybe not. Maybe he was infatuated. Whatever it was, it blinded him and it lead him here. The exact place he didn’t want to be.

In love with someone who couldn’t love him the way he loved her.

“You’ve made your decision,” he says. It’s not a question. She already mentioned Haymitch and the airport.

Katniss nods. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could let myself be what you wanted.”

He bites the inside of his cheek. He wants to say yeah, me too but even that seems worthless to say now. Nothing he can say or do can make him feel any better right now.

“Let me walk you out.”

He has walked a lot of women out at this point. Every rose ceremony, he has to say goodbye to someone - sometimes multiple someones - and more recently he has given them the opportunity to have him walk out to the transportation with them, allowing them the chance to get any type of closure they needed away from the prying eyes of the remaining contestants.

He has never felt this hollow walking someone out. He has never felt this broken. Maybe not even in his entire life.

They stop in front of the SUV and before he opens the door for her, they reach for each other. How is this happening? This has got to be some sort of nightmare.

She rests her forehead on his chest, right above the pounding of his heart. She can probably feel it.

“I’m sorry I was so selfish,” she murmurs, not lifting her head. “I should have sent myself home a long time ago. Then you could have found someone who isn’t...confused and...broken.”

He shakes his head and rolls his eyes. She still doesn’t get it.

“Oh, Katniss,” he says with a dark chuckle. “It’s been you for a long time.”

He really can’t say this. They might actually fire him for it, but he doesn’t care. He wants her to know.

“Do you remember, back on the very first group date, when we all stopped to have lunch in the park?” She shakes her head against his chest. “Well, I do. There was this little girl who was staring at us all sitting there and you could tell she and her mother were homeless because they were carrying all their stuff and sitting on a bench.”

“Rue,” Katniss whispers into his shirt. “I remember now.”

“Yeah, Rue.” He closes his eyes and pulls up his memory, seeing it in his head as he retells it. “All the other girls were sitting with me, fighting each other for my attention, eating their lunches, not a care in the world. And I looked over and you were gone. I panicked for a second until I saw Pollux put his camera down and smile. So I followed his sight line and I saw you walk over and hand that little girl your lunch bucket and the book you brought for the bus ride. You sat and talked to her for the entire lunch break and that mom looked at you like you were the sun in the sky.”

He gives her a squeeze.

“I’m sorry if I didn’t make it apparent until we were out of the US how much I fell for you, but just know it’s been you for a while.”

Katniss pulls away, bloodshot eyes wide. “There were still, like, twenty-five girls at that point and it wasn’t like all the attention was on me.”

Peeta gives a sad grin.

“Yeah, there were a lot of girls left then and I noticed all of them. But none of them held a candle to you. They still don’t.” He shrugs. “From the very beginning, I knew I was going home with you or with no one.”

She runs her hands over her face as she backs away from him.

“I want you to know that I do care about you at lot. That wasn’t a lie,” she says. “I never wanted to break your heart.”

He nods and leans down, pressing a final kiss against her lips. It’s different from every kiss they’ve shared before - this one tasting of salt and despair.

“I know,” he says when he pulls away, hovering close so hopefully this stays between them. “If you ever change your mind...you know where to find me.”

She nods her head and reaches up on her tiptoes to kiss him again before turning her back. She is in the large black window-tinted SUV before Peeta can even register what happened.

Then she’s gone.

He watches as the gate opens and closes for the SUV, leaving Peeta alone with the crew either staring at him or trying not to look. He turns around and narrows in on Pollux and Cressida, who are among the group guiltily looking away, and crosses his arms.

“You knew and you didn’t tell me.”

Pollux holds his hands up and Cressida rushes to speak.

“It all happened so quickly. We didn’t realize until...until Haymitch came that she was considering leaving. I promise.”

“But he was flown in to stir the pot,” Peeta hisses. “You knew Katniss was the one for me and you triggered her.”

Cressida crosses her arms. “She wasn’t ready and, yes, we brought Haymitch in to see if we could get some good one liners, but Peeta, as your friend and not your producer, this was going to end this way whether or not it was tonight or after the finale. She wasn’t ready and you can’t change that.”

All he sees is white and his hands clench together in rage. He knows deep down that Cressida is right in a way, but that sits in the bottom of his gut, under the layers of hatred he has for this situation. Even if Katniss decided to stay, they still brought in Haymitch to stir up drama for him and Katniss. They wanted to script it for television. They wanted to make Haymitch their villain, the reason why he couldn’t propose to Katniss. They probably wanted Peeta to wait and propose to her on the episode ‘After the Final Rose’ that they air live after the finale to bring in the views.

They’ve tried to script everything. And he’s done.

He rips off his mic and chucks it in the direction of the producers.

“I’m done,” he tells them. “I quit.”

He hears someone call after him as he turns away but he doesn’t care. He feels used and stupid and heartbroken. He just wants to be alone, as far away from the show as he can get himself. He walks to the gate and finds it locked, probably some sound guy has the remote and has barricaded him in.

He looks for another escape route. Not finding one, he begins to climb the steel barricade, Cressida and a few others screaming behind him. Someone yells for someone else to call Caesar to set and that’s the last thing Peeta hears before he carefully avoids the decorative top of the fence and jumps to the ground.

Katniss is gone. He’s gone. The crew can make their own TV now.

…

I debated including the fence jump because this has definitely diverged from the whole nonsense that was this season’s big drama. Katniss is not Cassie and Peeta is not Colton, though that’s where the idea originated and there are similarities. Ultimately, I gave Peeta his own spin on it so it’s not really a jump and more of a climb. I just really liked the image I had in my head of Caesar running through the Portugal wilderness ala Chris Harrison too much to remove it haha.

I know it’s not singing that gets Peeta in this universe, but I drew on Katniss’s maternal instincts here instead. Hope that’s okay.

I listened to “Got It In You (Acoustic)” by BANNERS for the majority of the time I wrote this chapter. I imagine that when this episode airs in this universe, this is the song that would play when Katniss was walking out/the car was driving away and she had her little talk to the camera as she left (which wasn’t written here but may come later)/Peeta standing there watching the car drive away.

There’s probably one more part to this for an HEA and maybe an epilogue (I have an idea for former-Bachelor Finnick and his YouTube talk show but...maybe not. We’ll see if it works).

[forevermyalwaysphff]

Chapter 1

Author’s Note: Hello everyone! Thank you so much for all the interest in my new fic. It really means a lot to me and I cannot wait to share Harry and Alexa’s story with you. With that being said, this fic has no disrespect towards Meghan and Harry’s current relationship/marriage. It is just an idea I had come to me after Eugenie’s wedding and would like this blog to remain a positive place! I would love to hear what you think of if you would like to share :) Without further wait, here is the first chapter in Harry and Alexa’s story!

    It was a perfect summer evening as the sun was starting to set over the Thames River providing the picturesque lighting that danced off the still water. A warm breeze floated off the river that cooled the evening to an ideal temperature, perfect for the celebration of Harry’s cousin Eugenie’s engagement to her long time boyfriend Jack that had been made official a few days earlier in the week.

    Tonight was their engagement party for with their friends that was hosted along the Thames River near the Southbank of London on an outside pub along the water; a place that Eugenie would have picked herself. 

    Harry sighed deeply and took a sip of his beer that coated his throat. It was a well-deserved night of relaxation with friends and family after his busy flight training with the British Forces. He had been out of the city in Suffolk, diving deep into written tests, flight training and exams. Sitting beside his friend, Charlie Van Straubenzee, and Charlie’s girlfriend, Daisy, he joined in on the conversation trying to enjoy the party.

    “Well, it’s about time Jack put a ring on it!” Daisy looked into her boyfriend’s eyes and winked suggestively at him giving Charlie a gentle nudge. “Maybe someone should learn from him, don’t you think so Harry?” 

    The prince turned his head to lock eyes with Charlie’s wide ones staring back at him pleadingly, not to agree with his girlfriend and put more pressure on himself. A devilish smirk appeared on Harry’s lips at the thought of teasing his close friend in that moment.

    “I think if he wants you to keep him, he should Daisy.” The prince leaned in and bantered with Charlie who had released a low groan at Harry’s comment.

    “Oh really mate? Let’s talk about your set up tonight!” Charlie egged the prince on who clearly did not want to discuss how Eugenie was on his ass to set him up with a friend of hers. “With who again? Cressida? Eugenie’s friend?”

    Harry shook his head back and forth in denial. “I never agreed to anything, Charlie.”

    “Does she know that? Because Cressida and Eugenie are coming over here….” Harry followed Charlie’s gaze past the stools that lined the bar to see a blonde woman walking towards him with his cousin in tow. 

    “Oh fuck…” Harry muttered under his breath and quickly drank down the rest of his beer only to signal the bar tender for another one. 

    “Be nice….” Harry felt Daisy’s hand pat his back in a comforting manner. “It’s been a while and you deserve someone too. Who knows, you might actually enjoy it.” Her soft kind words sunk into his being, acknowledging them with a slight nod of the head.

    Swivelling his head back, he found himself looking into the soft chocolate brown eyes of Daisy. She and the prince had recently become quite close friends since his break up with Chelsy Davy almost six months ago. Daisy was always willing for Harry to tag along with Charlie and her wherever they went and in return, a strong relationship had formed between them. 

    “Harry!” Hearing Eugenie’s voice calling his name, the prince turned around to face his cousin with a crooked fake smile holding on his lips. Popping off the bar stool he quickly enveloped Eugenie in a warm hug while his gaze evaded Cressida who was watching his every move. 

    “Congratulations, Eugenie!” Harry squeezed her a little tighter. “I am so happy for you and Jack.” The prince congratulated his little cousin on her engagement while she beamed an elated smile back at him.

    “Awe, thanks so much Harry!” Eugenie muffled into his chest before breaking apart from their friendly hug.

    “I want to introduce you to someone…” Eugenie stepped back to join her friend that kept a steady gaze on the prince. “Harry, this is Cressida.”

    His eyes settled on the blonde that seemed too eager to meet him, making the prince already question her true intentions. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Harry.” Cressida stuck out her hand first, to which Harry reluctantly shook in return. “Eugenie has told me so much about you!”

    “I am sure she has…” Harry trailed off trying to seem uninterested because quite frankly, he was. His cousin had been asking Harry for the past few weeks if she could set him up with a friend of hers, but he never fully agreed to it. Hearing that Cressida would be at the engagement party, the prince knew he could no longer avoid it and now he found himself right in the middle of that situation. 

   “I will leave you two to talk. I need to find Jack.” Eugenie gave a subtle wink along with her excuse to leave Harry and Cressida alone to get to know one another better. Harry caught a glimpse of the smile her cousin formed as she walked away, a smile that she was happy to finally introduce them to one another.

   Harry’s eyes drifted down towards the blonde woman and offered a kind smile. He convinced himself that he would give Cressida the benefit of the doubt and give her a chance, Harry at least owed her that for putting herself out there.

   “Why don’t we head over there?” Cressida pointed behind Harry to a group of lounging chairs that were unoccupied away from the bustle of the party. 

    “Lead the way…” He smiled politely and followed in behind the blonde.

    Harry nodded his head pretending to be interested in whatever it was Cressida was talking about, which always seemed to be about her. He had lost significant interest in trying after she went on and on about everything she had accomplished as if this was more of a job interview telling him she was worthy of his presence and attention. His gaze kept averting to the party that was happening around them, noticing that most of his cousins, his brother and sister in law had arrived. 

    Glancing down at his watch, the prince had been sitting here for about forty minutes with the blonde women trying his best to find a connection or a spark with her and it simply was not happening for him. Never once did Cressida ask Harry about himself or seem interested in him other than the fact that he was a prince; a thought that did not settle well internally with him. All she did was talk about herself and her aspirations to follow into an acting and dance career. A career that was not best suited for dating a prince as an immediate warning within him grew over her true intentions.

    “Cressida…” Harry interrupted her being no longer able to waste more time than he had with her. “Look you are a lovely women.” He looked straight into her eyes and found a source of empathy to dig his words from. “But, this is not going to work out between us.”

    He watched the smile fall from her lips in disappointment while confusion flashed across Cressida’s face. “But… I thought Eugenie said you were interested in me…” She trailed off with a lowered head unable to look him in the eyes as a flood of embarrassment hit her. 

    Harry closed his eyes briefly and took a second to formulate a reply that was clear he was not interested, but also soften the blow of rejection. “I just don’t feel any connection with you, to be brutally honest and it is not fair for either of us to continue this further.” Harry shifted to the edge of his seat. “There are a ton of guys here I am sure that would love to spend time with you, Cressida. You are a lovely woman like I said, but not for me.” The prince kindly told the blonde who was still looking away from him embarrassed.

    With that, Harry stood up and left to walk back towards the bar to get a drink. “Well that went well… thanks Eugenie.” He sarcastically voiced to himself with a light shake of the head. Scanning the crowd he spotted a few members of his family and walked towards them to greet Will, Kate and Beatrice before heading back to Charlie and Daisy across the bar. 

     The prince sat down beside Daisy and shared a quick look. “That good huh?” Daisy giggled seeing Harry’s reaction form on his face. “Hey!” She called over the bar tender and bought Harry a beer along with three tequila shots.

    “Tequila shots? Really Daisy?” He raised a suggestive eyebrow at the brunette. 

    “You need to cheer up… or get drunk enough not to care.” Daisy handed a shot to Harry and another to her boyfriend. “It’s a party and you are the biggest party pooper here.” She downed the shot before Harry could even respond. “If you don’t have it, I will have to and then you will have to deal with Charlie’s wrath since you know how I am on tequila…” Charlie’s glaring eyes nearly forced that shot down the prince’s throat.

    “One more round!” Daisy hollered while both men on either side of her shook their heads. 

    A crooked smile turned the corners of his lips as his eyes scanned the bar.

    That was when he saw her, standing directly across the bar from him with a smile that would bring the whole world to its feet. 

    The intriguing blonde women was dressed in a simple yet very flattering black dress with her hair half loosely tied back. Harry sat up straighter in his seat once he saw that the women was in a friendly conversation with his elder cousin Zara and her husband Mike. 

    She must have felt a set of eyes on her as her head turned slowly to catch Harry staring right at her. The blonde’s gaze softened as she looked directly into the prince’s eyes while a tiny smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. Time stood still for a moment, as the world around them ceased to exist, drawing the two together from across the bar unable for them to look away from each other. But, all too quickly, the blonde lowered her head and averted her gaze from the prince. 

    Harry watched her every move closely, becoming enthralled from a distance with whoever she was. Still engaged in the conversation, she was fully aware that Harry was still staring at her as her flushed cheeks indicated it to him. Nervously tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, she took a chance and looked back at him finding the prince still staring at her.

    This time his smile grew wide while a light chuckle escaped his lips knowing that she again, caught him staring. Her smile grew in comparison, matching the princes while their eyes lingered upon one another. Not only was the blonde woman on to him now, but also was his cousin Zara as she followed the woman’s eyes to Harry. 

    The prince mustered enough courage to go talk with this mysterious women hat held his attention. He scooted off the bar stool before Daisy could hand the prince his other shot and made his way over to the blonde beauty and his cousin. Walking around the corner he saw Zara mouth to her, ‘he’s coming.’

    “Hello, little cousin.” Zara locked narrowing eyes with the prince, making him fully aware she knew exactly what he was up too. She pulled him into an embrace and whispered closely in his ear, “I caught you, you little ginger.”

    Breaking apart, his eyes immediately drifted towards the quiet blonde standing next to him, waiting patiently to be introduced to Harry. A set of the deepest green eyes he had ever seen peaked up at Harry and nearly sent his heart into a fluttering chaos. For the first time in his life, Harry found himself speechless.

    “Have you two met before?” Zara interceded as she watched the two of them silently flirt with their eyes making her almost nauseated at how sweet their interaction was. 

    “No.” Harry responded at the same time the blonde said, “Yes.”

    Taken back he angled his head down into her with narrowed eyes as the confusion within him started to build. He racked his mind trying to find a hint of how she thought they had met before hand. The prince was sure that he would have remembered those stunning piercing green eyes of hers if he had.  

    “Well… this is interesting.” Zara leaned up against the bar counter and watched the situation unfold in front of her.

    “Where exactly have we met before? I think I would have remembered you…” He flirted with a cheeky grin that caused her eyes to sparkle as she feigned a laugh. 

    A slight shake of her head followed by a nervous giggle intrigued him further. “I was quite young… at a birthday of Eugenie’s I believe. I don’t think you would have remembered the night very well if I could recall.” She started to giggle at the memory that the prince clearly did not have. “I won’t hold it against you, don’t worry.” 

    Harry pursed his lips together in embarrassment and ran his hand through his ginger hair. “My apologies. But, I don’t remember your name.” He stuck his hand out in hopes that she would shake it.

    “Alexa Grey.” A polite formed on her lips while keeping Harry’s eye contact steady. Her soft hand cupped his and tightly gripped it while shaking Harry’s hand. The two of them stood their silently staring into one another’s eyes, completely oblivious to their surroundings. 

    “I’m Harry.” He flashed a charming smile.

    Alexa pulled her hand away as their fingers brushed and sent an electrical pulse through Harry. “I know who you are.” Her sweet voice spoke.  

    “Ya, unlike someone.” Zara had somehow gotten a hold of some food and was nibbling on it like the two of them were a show. It was evident that she was trying to kill Harry’s game. He turned to face his cousin and gave her a quick glare to back off, but it only seemed to add more fuel her game.

    “Can I get you a drink?” He snuck in between the two women and angled his head down at Alexa, flashing a beaming smile. Harry inhaled Alexa’s sweet scent, almost a floral yet delicate scent that happily lingered in his nose. 

    “I can get my own, thank you.” She quietly replied before looking up at the prince and realizing exactly how close in proximity he was to her that caught her off guard. 

    “It’s on me… let me guess. Vodka cranberry with club soda?” His eyes had caught the remnants of the drink on the counter beside her as he made a guess to her drink of choice. 

    “Yes.” She giggled lightly. “Vodka cran.”

    Harry could tell it was a nervous laugh that had escaped her lips and he so desperately wanted Alexa to be comfortable with him. There was a stark difference between Cressida and Alexa that was evident in her behaviour. Both gorgeous blonde women, but there was something about Alexa that intrigued Harry, that caught his eye making him want to know about her. 

    The prince ordered their drinks and also one for Zara to keep her occupied. As the bar tender was preparing their drinks, he felt a hand slip in under his arm and place some money on the counter. Alexa had tried to sneakily pay for her own drink, but Harry was not having it. 

    Harry was about to speak when she beat him to it. Alexa’s green eyes flashed up towards him as she leaned in and whispered, “I pay for my own drinks… it’s just a rule of mine.” It seemed like tonight was a night of firsts for the prince. First, this woman made him speechless and now it was the first time in his life that a woman refused to let him buy her a drink. 

    “If that’s what you want.” He heard the sincerity mixed with a hint of worry in her voice when she told him. Not wanting to push Alexa further, he simply agreed to let her pay for her own drink. “But, my offer still stands at any point.”

    “Thank you.” Alexa quickly replied before she leaned into Harry and heard Zara say something on the other side of him.

    Zara was about to speak when she lifted her head and saw Alexa leaning into Harry like she innately belonged there, next to him. It threw her speech making her pause and blinked a few times before realizing that she should leave the two of them by themselves. Zara never would have thought that the two of them might even hit it off or she would have introduced them herself a long time ago. 

    “Well, I better go find Mike and congratulate the happy couple.” Zara winked at the both of them and then tapped Harry’s shoulder. “You two have fun.”

    “Bye, Zara. It was great seeing you again!” Alexa waved goodbye. Harry on the other hand was just purely happy she was leaving allowing the prince to finally be alone with Alexa.

    “I am sure I will be seeing you more often!” Zara could not help herself at taking one last dig at her younger cousin, offering him a subtle wink to go for it.

    Harry angled his body to face Alexa and offered her the last open bar stool for her to sit down, which she happily took. “I’ve been on my feet all day, it’s nice to relax.” The prince handed Alexa her drink, watching her take a healthy sip of it. 

    “Work I assume?” He casually leaned up against the bar counter as she nodded. “What do you do exactly?” The sunset behind the prince casted its vast colors across her face, mixing in with her green eyes that were bright and sparkling while staring up at shyly at the prince. 

    Alexa looked down trying not to be blinded by the light and focused on her hands that were fidgeting with her black dress. “I am a social worker at Guardian.”

    “Guardian…?” Harry angled his head and pondered the name as he thought of the company name but could not place it.

    “It’s a center for sexual and domestic violence survivors.” Alexa proudly spoke of it as she educated Harry on what she exactly did there. “I mainly work with them directly, finding them new affordable living situations, legal case work, employment, funding and with their children as well.” The proud smile that had formed on her lips indicated to Harry that Alexa loved her job and the work she did for all those in need. 

    “Sounds tough…” Harry took a sip of his beer as he observed Alexa release a sigh.

    “It has its day for sure, like any job.” Alexa grew quiet, but a small smile tugged at her lips as she angled her head up towards the prince. “But, when you get to help people start a new life away from fear… at the end of the day it’s all worth it.”

    Harry shook his head lightly as he briefly looked away from the blonde. “I couldn’t do it, that’s for sure.” His eyes found Alexa’s staring up at him about to ask him a question when blaring music started to play. The prince watched her lips move, but was unable to make out what she was saying. 

    He casually leaned in and spoke into her ear above the DJ playing the music. “Do you want to go somewhere more private?” Harry lifted his head to see her happily nodding a reply. 

    Sliding off the stool Harry grabbed her drink off the counter and led Alexa towards a set of free lounge chairs that faced a spectacular view overlooking the river. With each step towards the chairs, the music faded in the background giving them the chance to actually hear one another. 

    Harry sat down first and placed their drinks on a table ahead of them before patting the seat next to him. Alexa gathered her dress and sat down beside the prince and took in the view ahead of her. “Wow that view is amazing!” She smiled as her eyes stayed stagnant on the sun setting over the river while she slipped into a tranquil state of mind. It gave Harry an opportunity to run his eyes up and down her body without fear of Alexa catching him. It is indeed an amazing view. Harry thought to himself.

    “I never asked what you do?” Alexa angled her body towards Harry and relaxed back into the soft cushions. 

    “You don’t know?” He asked jokingly.

    “Well, I don’t google you… so yes I don’t know.” The sass was evident in her voice making the prince toss his head back in laughter, loving how easily she teased back. “Sorry… that may be the vodka talking.” She brought her hand to her mouth and giggled along side the prince. “I’m a bit of a light weight.”

    Their laughter subsided as they both caught their own breath ending with a heavy sigh. Harry’s hand unconsciously settled on her lower thigh by Alexa’s knee, covering over her smooth soft skin. In response, Alexa comfortably shifted closer to Harry’s body and rubbed her arms with a shivering lip. 

    The prince’s brow furrowed seeing Alexa shiver as he too felt a cool air drift from off the river. “Are you cold?” A concerned Harry voiced softly. 

    “Oh no, I’m ok.” She stopped rubbing her arm noticing the prince’s worried glance. “It’s just a little cooler closer to the river.” Alexa brushed it off lightly. 

    The gentleman inside of Harry came out and without wasting a second he shrugged off his suit jacket. Alexa was quick to protest saying she was fine, but the prince insisted as Harry offered her his jacket. 

    “But, you will get cold then…” Those green eyes of hers were laced with concern at Harry’s gesture. 

    He could not look away from those captivating green eyes that made him forget even the simplest words. “I will survive. Please take it.” Harry simply would not let a woman freeze beside him. He lifted the jacket around Alexa and covered her bare cool skin, running his hands up and down the side of her arms creating a source of warmth. 

    Alexa immediately snuggled into the warmth of Harry’s coat and wrapped it around her body. “You are so sweet, thank you.” She kindly thanked the prince and took a moment to stare into those blue eyes that caused her heart to beat rapidly in her chest. Forcing herself to look away in fear of getting lost in them, Alexa cleared her throat and changed the subject. “So, you were telling me what you do…” Alexa encouraged him to continue. 

    “Well I am a Prince…” He stuck out his tongue and earned a playful swat to his chest. “Ow!” Harry rubbed his chest pretending that she hurt him.

    “Oh come on, you are in the army. I know for a fact that did not hurt you one bit!” Alexa narrowed his eyes at Harry before realizing what she had said. 

    Harry’s eyes grew big. “Oh so you do know what I do!” He barked a laugh seeing her nose scrunch up adoringly. 

    “Eugenie talks about you, so of course I know. I was trying to be polite and let you tell me.” Alexa sighed deeply, but a smile lingered on her lips.

    “Ok, ok.” Harry’s hand found the same place on Alexa’s thigh before he continued. “I am in the middle of flight training with the British Army.”

    “What are you hoping to fly?” Alexa sat up and grabbed a sip of her drink. She breathed out deeply trying to focus on not showing how his thumb was soothingly rubbing her knee. His touch was more intoxicating than the drink she held to her lips, taking in a healthy sip while Harry told her about his flying career.

    “The Apache.” Harry watched the confusion form on her face. “It’s an attack helicopter.”

    “Sounds dangerous. Do you like flying?” Alexa seemed genuinely intrigued in his work in the army and he was happy to share his inner thoughts with her.

    “Yeah, of course I do.” He gently rubbed her leg. There was something about Alexa that innately brought a sense of calming comfort to the prince that he had found himself seeking as of late.

    “But, why?” Her hand reached out and played with his hair. Some how their bodies had drifted closer and closer, unconsciously craving the contact. 

    Alexa just stared into Harry’s deep blue eyes as she listened to him talk. His posh deep voice had her melting from the inside, but those eyes… she could stare into them all night long.  She was completely taken back at how easy he was to talk to and shocked at how comfortable Harry had made her feel already. His gentle touch on her leg made her heart beat a thousand miles a minute as her clouded mind tried to remain focused on his words.

    Never did Alexa think that she would be sitting here beside Harry deep in conversation wrapped up in his jacket. Her fingers gently played with his soft hair at the nape of his neck as he maneuvered his head towards her touch. Alexa froze and took in a quick breath, stopping the gesture and realizing what she was doing. Becoming slightly embarrassed, she looked away from Harry towards the river being unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. 

    A tender squeeze of her leg brought her green eyes back towards Harry. “You ok?”

    “Yeah, sorry I just…” It was then that Alexa became aware of how close she was to the prince. Shifting away an arm sprung out around her and stopped her from moving any further.

    “You don’t have to move away from me. Unless you have a boyfriend?” The disappointment was evident in his voice as he tried to put her actions into a reason.

    “No… god no.” Alexa was quick to respond and shut that down. “It’s not that at all.” Her voice softened into a whisper and held the prince’s gaze hostage. Alexa parted her mouth, about to explain when she heard a familiar voice call out her name.

    “Lexi!” Eugenie hollered her name making the two of them turn and look towards the sound of the voice. Eugenie was hand in hand with Jack walking straight towards Harry and Alexa who remained comfortably sat on the lounge chairs. Harry felt Alexa shift and stand beside him as he soon followed suit with a slightly annoyed expression on his face that once again one of his cousins interrupted him this evening.

    “I was looking all over for you and here I find you with my cousin!” Eugenie beamed a wide smile and opened her arms up to engulf Alexa into a tight friendly hug. 

    “I’m sorry I was late. I got caught up at work.” Alexa gently swayed her best friend back and forth. “Congratulations again on your engagement.” 

    “It’s alright Lexi! We are having so much fun tonight! I hope Harry is treating you ok?” Eugenie whispered covertly into her friend’s ear. Alexa answered with a simple nod as she broke away from the confines of Eugenie’s arms. 

    “Harry….” Eugenie eyed him suspiciously. “I see you stole my bestie away from my party.” She teasingly scolded her cousin with a light playfully push.

    “Bestie, huh?” Harry’s eyes found Alexa’s, but she quickly shied away. “Did not know you two were that close.” His gaze never wavered from the blonde to see her nervously fidget with a ring on her finger. 

    “Cressida was quite upset that you blew her off tonight after I told her you were interested in her.” Eugenie had put her foot in her mouth seeing Harry’s eyes grow wide in disbelief as the newly engaged princess realized what she had. She silently stood there to see the way Alexa’s head snapped towards Harry, displaying a wounded expression that caused her to clearly become angry with her cousin. Alexa’s gaze faltered, being unable to look at Harry anymore while she defensively crossed her arms. 

    “Sorry…” Eugenie mouthed towards the prince realizing what she had done. In truth, she did not even think of setting up Alexa with Harry after what happened with her friend’s last break up with an aristo thinking that Harry would not even be an option for Alexa. But, now it was clearly evident to Eugenie that she had interrupted something between Harry and Alexa and put her foot in her mouth talking about Cressida. 

    “Why don’t you come dancing with me?” Eugenie tugged on Alexa’s hand seeing a forced smile upon her friend’s lips for her benefit.

    “I will, I promise.” Alexa plastered a fake smile to hide the hurt that was circling within her. “I need to check in with someone first. I will only be a few minutes, promise.” Without another word, Alexa shrugged off the prince’s jacket and handed it back to him without any acknowledgement of his existence and walked off towards the railing on the dock. 

    “Shit, I am so sorry.” Eugenie immediately apologized to Harry once out of earshot of Alexa. 

    “You pushed Cressida on me, Genie.” Harry shook his head with disbelief. “There was no connection or anything at all with her, but with Alexa…” He stopped as his eyes drifted towards the blonde a few meters away that was now clearly upset with him.  “It was just natural… and now she’s pissed at me since I am sure she is also friends with Cressida. How do you think that makes me look? Hmmm?” It was evident in Harry’s tone how enraged he was over what Eugenie said. 

    “I put my foot in my mouth, I know I did.” Eugenie looked up at Harry with apologetic eyes. “Go talk to her. She’s a pretty reasonable person and will understand if you give her a minute.” Eugenie patted the prince’s back. “Believe me I know.” His cousin reassured Harry before walking away with her fiancé. 

    Releasing a deep breath Harry rubbed the back of his tense neck while looking at the blonde leaning over the rail looking out across the river. Harry had to get out his side of the story and persuade Alexa he was not the type of man she was formulating in her quiet mind. Taking a step forward, he saw her body tense up and looked slightly behind her shoulder aware that he was coming from behind her.

    “Alexa?” Her heard turned slightly to the sound of his voice alerting her to his presence, but she did not acknowledge him. 

    “Hey…” He stood beside Alexa and looked out across the water. But, she just stood there in silence not even taking a glance at him. That beautiful shy smile he had witnessed was nowhere to be found as her jaw was clenched tightly together. Alexa was clearly upset with what she had learned and rightly so. Eugenie made it seem like he was going from one friend of hers to another.

    “That was not cool of you, Harry.” Alexa broke her silence and turned to stare up at Harry, locking in his deep blue eyes that could see the evident hurt circling in them. He felt extremely guilty, but he needed to explain that he was not the player she thought him to be. 

    “Will you let me explain what happened?” He pleaded with her softly while holding her green eyed gaze. 

    Alexa remained silent as she searched in his eyes to see if he could be trusted while contemplating whether to give him the chance to explain or simply walk away from Harry. “Fine, explain it to me then.” She was short with him and slightly annoyed with herself that she was giving Harry more of her time that surely would be a waste. 

    Harry wasted no time in explaining. “Yes, Eugenie has been trying to set me up with Cressida ok, but I was clear I did not want that and she just happened to be here tonight so Eugenie introduced us.” Harry paused and sighed.  “But, after talking with her for a while I felt nothing. No connection, no attraction what so ever. I didn’t blow her off, I only told her that things would not work between us.” He let the words sink in while staring into Alexa’s softening green eyes. 

    “Then I saw you…”

    After a long pause, Alexa was trying to respond but didn’t know what to say. She was still a bit upset with the prince, but could not deny the connection that she deeply felt for him. It did not make sense in her mind that she could feel such a connection with someone she literally just met, but her heart felt it with each passing beat. There was just something about it that convinced her heart to trust Harry one more time. 

    “I appreciate you wanting to explain what happened to me, but it did hurt me to hear that you went from her straight to me... that’s such a low blow and makes me question.” Her green eyes peaked back up at Harry after releasing a deep sigh. “It made me feel like you were playing me… and I don’t want that at all. So please spare me now if you are and don’t waste my time further than you already have. Besides Cressida already hates me for whatever reason and I don’t want to give her another one too.” Her tone was laced with a healthy mix of anger and hurt.

   “Alexa.” He breathed in heavily. “I am not playing you. I promise.” Her eyes were searching for any sign of doubt to make her believe otherwise, but all she found staring back at her was sincerity that matched his words.

    “You intrigue me, Alexa.” Harry confessed whole-heartedly. “There is something about you that I want to know more.”

    “Why? I am not that interesting at all.” Alexa’s gaze softened as her eyes smiled hearing those words. “Is that why you wouldn’t stop staring at me from across the bar?” She released a giggle watching the prince blush slightly at the memory of being caught.

    “Yes…” He tossed his head back in laughter. “Is it really that bad that I want to?” His hand found a place on her lower back and gently rubbed it reassuringly.

    Alexa’s head looked past Harry towards a group of people that were dancing. A mischievous smile grew upon her lips as she got an idea. “That depends…. on your dance moves.” A sparkling glint was in her eyes as she bit down on her bottom lip seductively.

    She reached down and grabbed Harry’s hand firmly. “Come dance with me, I like this song!” Alexa asked looking back over her shoulder at Harry while pulling Harry to the dance floor. 

    “Oh baby, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into. I am the king of the dance floor!” Harry heard her laughter ring out over the music that was becoming louder and louder with each step. 

    Joining the group on the dance floor, Alexa maneuvered her way through pulling Harry along as they rubbed up against people dancing around them until they made it to the middle of the dance floor. Daisy and Charlie stopped for a moment and shared a look before smiling at Harry and looking down at the woman who started to dance beside him. 

    He simply shook his head with a smirk and turned his attention back to Alexa who was dancing as if no one was watching and swinging her hips to the beat of the music. With a plastered smile on her face she twirled around and felt Harry’s hand pull her in close to his body. Alexa gasped as she felt her body become flush against the prince. She glanced up at him with those big green eyes of hers as others around them danced. The two of them sharing a private moment amongst a crowd of people as the words of the music created their memories of tonight. 

    The night that they first met. 

    Time stood still, but their hearts were beating fast while they willingly lost themselves in the depths each other’s eyes. 

    The lyrics played as they swayed to the music…

I'll tell them a story, they'll sit and nod their heads I tell you all my secrets, and you tell all your friends Hold on to your opinions, and stand by what you said In the end, it's my decision, so it's my fault when it ends

They tell me think with my head, not that thing in my chest They got their hands at my neck this time But you're the one that I want, if that's really so wrong Then they don't know what this feeling is like

A spark was ignited in that moment, fuelling a fire that neither one of them could deny.

Chapter 1 Outfits