#i really need all the strength to make sure this wedding goes smoothly and we as a family do not fall into a debt

[justthinkingaboutlouis]

.

[screamingatanemptyroom]

Please Fix the Story pt 23 - Sci Fi

Here is the next part! There is at least one more part in this world. Getting really close to the end!

Masterpost Linked Here

Enjoy!

_______________________

Life moved on, and despite the growing anxiety I had after my encounter with Chris, things moved smoothly. Chris had disappeared after that night, leaving his resignation from the academy laying on his desk. Liam was busy with wedding plans, occasionally checking in to make sure I was happy with his choices.

He was honestly much more thoughtful about it than I would have been, and I was happy to have his help. My father arranged his leave and was on his way. We also heard from Liam’s parents that they were going to arrive soon as well.

When Liam received the news, he became perfectly still for a few moments. I watched him, concerned at the obvious change.

“Liam, are you okay?”

“I – I don’t know.” His eyes were unfocused, as if staring off into space. “Why… are they coming?”

“Because they’re your parents? I doubt they would miss the wedding of a royal family member, no matter how bad your relationship is.”

“Parents… it’s… all wrong.” Liam seemed to be struggling against some invisible bind. His dark blue eyes flickered, and seemed to almost glow in the shadow of the resting area we sat it.

WARNING. World destabilization detected. Attempting forced conformity… Failure… host and partner soul strength too high.

Unable to see the bright blue words hanging in the air, Liam continued speaking.

“This… isn’t right. I don’t have family." His face was becoming more certain. “It’s not my fate. All I have is…” He glanced at me, his eyes filled with pain. “Bel..?”

WARNING! Stabilize world story immediately or face destruction and mission failure.

I reached out quickly, holding Liam’s hands in my own. “Liam, take a deep breath. Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” He answered without hesitation.

“I know it seems wrong, but for now I need you to go with the idea of having parents and family.”

“But…?”

“Trust me. “

“Okay.” He leaned back, sighing. The glowing dark blue of his eyes faded, and he closed them for a brief moment, before seemingly returning back to normal. “I trust you.”

We don’t belong here.

The uncertainty in this world grew each day. Liam, whoever Chris had become… me… we weren’t from this world. But if we deviated to much, the world could destabilize, and I could fail the mission.

I just needed to keep my head down, blend in and complete the mission.

Try not to rebel too much against the role I’d been given in this world, except the ending.

Simple, right?

_______________________

…

“We’ve talked the last few hours about our lists, now it’s your turn! What do you miss most about Chris, Alaira?”

Maybe world destabilization, mission failure and soul destruction aren’t that bad after all.

I stared at the group of young women in front me, wondering for the hundredth time in the past hour how I had been roped into this... harem support group?

Allie, Ilene and Wen stared back at me, waiting for me to answer.

“I… miss kicking his butt in mock Mech battles?” I winced as I spoke, realizing they would probably take offense at that, but to my surprise they all smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, you were a very important rival to Chris.” Ilene patted me on the back.

Allie spoke up, “He was always talking about how he wanted to beat you and have you accept him as a fellow Guardian. “

“Yeah… he… I…” Wen started to chime in, but then her face crumpled as she sobbed into her hands. “What are we supposed to do now that he’s gone?! What am I supposed to do without him?! What if he never comes back?!”

“I miss him!”

“Me too!”

Soon all three girls were crying, leaving me in uncomfortable silence in the corner.

Blend in, don’t make waves, don’t try to change things….

“I can’t live without him!” Ilene’s dramatic cry broke something within me.

SCREW THIS!

“OKAY GUYS, SHUT UP!” I stood up, placing my hands on my hips as I stared at them. “You are a group of highly intelligent, talented women in the most competitive military academy in the known universe! And you’re nothing without some guy?”

“He’s not just some….” Wen started to interrupt, but was shushed by me.

“No. No matter how much you care for him. He is a guy, and you are all your own person. You have talents, dreams and stories beyond his existence.” I turned to petite girl beside me first. “You! Wen, you’re one of the top engineering students in the program! With your skills, it would be a cinch to improve upon the current Mech design!” After all, she had ramped up Chris’s Mech in the story, surely she could do the same without him!

“And you!” I pointed at Allie. “You’re a Guardian! You're a level B one at that! That's an even higher level than Chris!”

“But I don’t have his drive…”

“You can have his drive! You can have more than his drive! He spent half his time complaining about how people didn’t take him seriously or how people were trying to force him to be a Connector. You can be TEN TIMES the Guardian Chris was!”

I ignored her startled sputterings and turned towards the dark haired girl on the other side. “And you… Ilene.”

She stared at me warily. “What about me?”

“You’re a freaking Princess! And a super talented Connector! How can that become nothing if Chris isn’t around?”

“…I thought you didn’t like me?”

“I don’t.” I answered bluntly. “You treat your brother like trash, and that’s enough for me to want to kick your teeth in.” I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “That being said, just because I hate you doesn’t mean I don’t respect you as a talented Connector. You just have a crappy personality.”

“Um… Thanks?”

“Don’t mention it.” I opened my arms. “You three have top-notch talent all gathered here in one room. What do you need Chris for?! You could be a force to be reckoned with!”

Wen jumped to her feet. “You’re right! I should design a Mech, one stronger than anyone’s ever seen.!”

“Yes!” I pumped a hand in the air.

“And I’ll fly it! I’ll terrorize the Hive until they go running back to their home planet!” Allie stood up as well.

“You’ve got it!”

Ilene joined in. “If I remember, Allie, you and I have a decent resonance match. How about we partner up?”

“Let’s do it!”

The girls high-fived each other while I watched approvingly.

“Let’s destroy the hIve!

“We’ll save humanity!”

‘...And then we’ll find Chris!”

I groaned.

They were so close… but I guess this is better than nothing.

The girls plotted the formation of a new team, surprisingly accepting the team name “Harem” (my suggestion). As they filed out, chattering excitedly, I prepared to escape this mentally exhausting group.

“Alaira, wait.” Princess Ilene stopped me before I could walk out the door.

“What is it?” I kept a neutral expression. I hadn’t been joking when I said I didn’t like her.

She hesitated. “Are you really marrying my brother?”

“Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

“…No… it’s just…” She rubbed her face. “He’s… different. And I feel like you should know. “

Sitting back down, I crossed my legs and prepared to listen.

“Since he met you… William is a different person. He’s kinder… gentler… even goes by a different name. He’s never gone by Liam.”

That caught my attention “What was he like before?”

“Angry. Vicious. Hurt people just to watch them suffer.” Her face was blank, as if remembering things she didn’t want to. “He was so mad at the world for not allowing him to match, he spent all his time plotting to take down talented people who could.”

A villain. Was that who he was before Liam stepped in? Like how Alaira was before I took over? Or Chris before… whoever it was… took his body?

“I’m not pretending that I’m perfect, either. You’re right, I treated my brother like garbage, instead of trying to help him. I thought he was a monster. Honestly, I thought his hanging around you was some new scheme…. I was kind of hoping he would take you out so your couldn’t bother Chris…”

“So nice of you.” My tone was sarcastic

“At least I’m honest. Anyways, this doesn’t appear to be some trick… I think he’s changed… he actually seems to care about you. But I thought you should know who he was before he met you.”

“Thanks.” My tone was slightly better than before. “Don’t worry, I know exactly who I’m marrying.”

Liam. Not your villain brother.

“Good Luck.” Ilene seemed relieved, as if a burden was off of her shoulders with the confession, and hurried out.

I stood in the room alone silently for a few moments, processing.

There’s too many questions, and no answers in sight.

I left to find Liam. I missed him.

_______________________

I arrived just in time to see Liam and Alaira’s father facing off.

“She is my precious daughter.” The tall middle aged man with close cropped hair and a scowl made scarier by the scar running from his left eye to the corner of his mouth, towered over Liam. His disapproving air was evident.

“Yes.” Liam smiled and nodded, seemingly fearless.

“No man deserves to marry her.”

“Agreed.”

“So who do you think you are?” General Gladus poked Liam’s chest with a finger.

“The luckiest man alive to be able to stand in the same room as Alaira, much less stay by her side all my life.” He held out a plate in front of the angry man. “Cookies?”

“Well, you should know I don’t approve of this fast courtship…” He picked up one of the cookies and bit into it angrily. “You both are so young…” He took another bite. “And I don’t want you to hold her back…”

“I completely agree. I will do my best to support all her goals in life.” Liam handed the general another cookie as he finished the first.

“Good…” He chewed slower. “Is this chocolate? How did you get it so soft but chewy at the same time?”

“I developed the recipe. Would you like more?”

He picked up another one. “Just know this doesn’t mean I fully approve of you.”

“Of course not… Would you like some cake…”

“….”

“I also have homemade hot chocolate.”

“… As long as she likes you, I guess.” He finally muttered, his hands full of baked treats and dessert drinks.

Liam overwhelmed him with support spouse abilities. I laughed in the doorway, attracting the attention of both men.

“Anything for me?”

Liam nodded with a bright smile. “I saved you a plate.”

General Gladus cleared his throat as he saw the large platter filled with cookies.

“Don’t worry, Sir, I saved an extra plate for you.”

“… Don’t think you can bribe me.”

I raised an eyebrow. “So I can have your plate, then?”

“The hardened general clutched the plate of cookies to his chest. “Don’t you dare! The boy made them for me out of respect for his future father-in-law!”

“…” Liam and I smiled at each other.

“How is the front line… Dad?” The title felt a little rough as I spoke it. I was still acutely aware that he was Alaira’s father, not mine.

“Stable, for now.” He frowned. “Fortunately we have an elaborate defense system, to give plenty of warning. But they’ve been retreating more and more lately. The higher ups seem to think that they might be admitting defeat, but I just don’t think so. I think they’re preparing for something… big.”

He’s right.

I knew the ending of the original story. Around the time Alaira was supposed to graduate, they had attacked in the largest numbers ever seen, necessitating all senior students being recruited to help fight. Even Alaira, who was without a Connector and would have normally been left behind was brought in. They couldn’t afford to leave any powerful guardian out.

I still have a little more time, though. I can train with Liam, maybe get Wen to help upgrade our Mechs, train up some of the students… We can have a chance to really face off against the attack.

There’s still time…

“Don’t let down your guard. You’re the best general we’ve got.” I patted Alaira’s father on the shoulder.

He crushed me in a big hug. “Don’t worry, your dad will protect the galaxy! You just get married in peace.” He leaned in and whispered. “See if he can make a few more of those chocolate cookies, okay?”

“I will, Dad.” It came much more naturally this time.

I’ll protect you too. I added silently.

_______________________

As the wedding drew closer, we were notified that the king and queen were on their way. Liam ignored the news, continuing to work on seating charts and music for the ceremony.

“We have to welcome them when they arrive. They are due any minute.” I finally spoke up, slightly exasperated with his head-in-the-sand act.

“…If we have to.” His voice was cold, his dark blue eyes flickering between fear and annoyance.

I held his hand. “Don’t worry. No matter who they think you are, or what they say about you, just know that you’re my future husband. Don’t worry about anything else.”

He reached out, pulling me tightly against him. “ Thank you.”

“Just play along with them. I held his face between my hands. “You’re Liam. Not Prince William. Not their son. Not Ilene’s brother. Liam.”

WARNING. DIRECTLY CONTRADICTING STORYLINES IS FORBIDDEN.

Liam tilted his head and studied me with a worried expression. “… Are you okay?”

“Just follow my lead. Please.” I looked away from the bright blue words in annoyance and moved.

We went to meet the Royal Family, each of us nervous for different reasons.

The King and Queen looked slightly like Liam and Ilene. The king had curly dark hair, severe features, made worse by the frown as he studied Liam. The Queen had the dark blue eyes that both siblings had, and a beautiful, delicate face… but the overall sense was ruined by the terrified light in her eyes as she almost hid behind her husband.

“So this is the girl you tricked into marrying you?” The king looked at me with morbid curiosity.

Liam took a deep breath. “This is Alaira, Grade S Guardian, my resonance partner and my future wife…”

“What game are you playing, William?” His father snapped, interrupting him. “If this is some ploy to ruin General Gladus, you should stop now.”

“This isn’t…”

“You should stop this now.” The Queen squeaked out nervously at me from behind the King. “He might be my son, but you can’t trust him…”

“…”

“This wedding is a farce.” The king snapped finally. “He’s a monster.”

_______________________

“Why did you follow me?” the mournful voice called out as I entered the dark room.

“Do you want me to leave?” I looked up at the large dark blue eyes curiously, barely able to make out the large form in the darkness.

“I didn’t want you to see… didn’t want you to know…”

“Know what?”

“That I’m a monster.” The whisper was filled with so much pain it made me cry.

_______________________

BAM!

Before I fully came out of the memory, I had punched the King.

“…”

There was a moment of stunned silence from everyone present.

“You dare…!” The King finally spoke up, rubbing his red cheek with a furious expression. “I can have you executed!”

“Just try, Barry.” General Gladus walked in, his hand holding a drawn weapon. “I’ll shoot you in your precious Royal Ass, and then what are you going to lounge on while I fight your wars for you?”

"..."

"..."

"..."

The room processed his words in silence for a moment, before the king burst out angrily.

“Gladus, are you threatening me?!!”

“Oh shut up Barry. " He waved dismissively with his gun. "It wouldn’t even be the first time I’ve shot you. Probably won't be the last." You won’t arrest me, you need me to protect your country.”

“You are willing to let your precious daughter marry this… this… “ The king trailed off, glaring at Liam, who stared calmly back.

“Yes.” General Gladus shrugged “I heard the rumors. Even with the 100% match I wasn’t about to let him hurt my daughter.”

“Then why…?”

“I’ve sat down with your son, Barry. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye. I asked him the hard questions. I’ve observed him around Alaira.” The General stepped forward, placing a heavy hand on his shoulder. “I know a good man when I see one. And I see one. One who loves my daughter. Maybe you should try looking closer.”

“But he…”

“Plus he makes delicious cookies.” He muttered.

“…He what?”

I stepped forward, blocking Liam behind me. “He’s not a monster. He’s my future husband. I honestly do not care about your opinion. But if you want to try to hurt him, just know… you won’t have to wait for my father to shoot you. I’ll do it first.”

“… Control your child, Gladus.”

“She even threatens you just like me!” He reached out and placed an arm around my shoulders. “So proud.”

“…Fine. “ The King frowned “I won’t try to save you from yourself. Marry him, if you want.”

“I plan to.”

“Whatever you’re plotting, William, you better stop now.” He glared. “You might have fooled them, but you won’t fool me.”

“I don’t have to fool you.” Liam’s eyes were dark. “You mean nothing to me.”

“I’m your father.”

“I have no family. I… I can never have family.” Liam turned away.

“William…” The Queen called out softly.

“I AM NOT William.”

WARNING. World Destabilization detected!

“Come on, Liam. Let’s go.” I grabbed his hand and walked away, calling over my shoulder as we left. “You’re free to attend the wedding, but stay away from us otherwise.”

“You’ll regret this!”

I laughed at his bitter words. “Enjoy the disappointment.”

Liam and I left.

_______________________

We sat in my room, and as soon as my hand left his, he curled up, holding his arms over his head.

“I don’t feel right.”

“Liam.” I reached out and touched his back, feeling him trembling beneath me.

“Who am I? I don’t think I’m William. The things they said… the things William has done… He’s not me.”

Warning!

"He's not me... he can't be... He's not..."

WARNING! World destabilization... Bright blue words and a mechanical voice appeared again.

“SHUT UP!” I yelled, drowning out the voice. I pulled his arms down, looking straight into his dark blue eyes. “You are Liam. And you’re my partner. And tomorrow you’ll be my husband. Nothing else matters..”

“But…”

“I can’t explain things right now. I don’t even know everything right now. But I know there’s a reason we’re here together. I’ve found you, and I won’t leave you.”

He held me close, both of us kneeling on the floor. He was clutching me as if I was the only thing anchoring him. I felt lost myself. I was frustrated at my lack of answers, angry at the pain Liam was experiencing, afraid for the future ahead of us.

“Alaira… no… Bel?” He whispered. “... I love you.”

I smiled at the unfamiliar but familiar name, pressing my face against his shoulder. “I love you too, Liam.”

“Marry me tomorrow.”

“Definitely.”

“Don’t leave me behind… please.”

“I won't... No matter what.”

A long silence fell between us. Finally Liam sat back, his face slightly red. “I wish we were getting married tonight. I can’t help but feel something terrible is going to happen to prevent our wedding.”

Foreshadowing.

Ignoring the ominous word that appeared in my subconscious, I smiled reassuringly. “Nothing is going to happen…”

“ALERT! CODE LEVEL RED. PLEASE REPORT TO EMERGENCY STATIONS. ALERT!”

I sighed. “I take that back.”

We headed to the Command Level in the main Academy.

_______________________

“Dad, what’s going on?” I called out as we passed the main doors.

“Alaira…” General Gladus’ face was uncharacteristically serious. “It’s not good.”

I stood beside him, looking up at the large holographic display at the center of the command room, feeling the blood drain from my face. “The Hive.”

“They’re past our defense systems.” He slammed his fist against the table. “This doesn’t make any sense! How did an army this huge get past us without starting any alarms!”

I stared at the countless red dots on the screen, feeling lost.

This isn’t right. In the story I should have had YEARS before the Hive attacked in such large numbers. Even then they were caught immediately in the defense systems and gave the military time to prepare. How could they get past us… unless…

“Chris.”

He said he was going to end everything. Is this what he meant?

Alaira’s father was confused. “That male student who disappeared? How would he have access to defense system information?”

Chris wouldn’t… but whoever was controlling Chris might have more information.

I let it go for now. “What do we do?”

“There’s too many… and they’re headed for a defenseless planet in this system.” He hung his head. “I don’t have the manpower to defend it.”

I stepped forward, giving him a grim smile. “You’re not alone, Dad. I’ll help.”

“We! We’ll help.” Liam stood beside me. “We’re a powerful combo. You can’t afford to turn us down.”

General Gladus sighed. “Even if I recruit top senior students from the academy… the numbers we have… it’s a suicide mission.”

Warning! Mission Failure Imminent!

Your mission: Prevent destruction of the human race by the alien monster race known as The Hive.

The Hive are now attacking in large numbers. Your estimated chance of success against them in battle is 0%.

“If you’re not gonna say anything helpful, then shut up.” I growled quietly.

Liam turned towards me. “Are you okay?”

If you fail your mission, you will face soul destruction.

“It’s not like I’m swimming in options.”

You have one option.

“Who are you talking to?”

“What is it?” I whispered, holding Liam’s hand and squeezing it. I have to save him.

...

ACCEPT YOUR FATE.

...

I stared at the blue words silently for a few minutes. “Liam, what if I said we have an 100% chance of dying if we went on this mission…”

“You don’t know that…”

“...and I had a fool proof way to protect you… But we would be separated forever?”

I didn’t know what my fate was. But I did know in the deepest part of my soul one thing:

Liam was not my fate.

“I don’t plan to survive this, Liam… but if I could save you…”

“I would rather die by your side.” He didn’t hesitate.

“But…”

He grabbed my other hand, holding them both tightly. “We’ll face this together.”

_______________________

“It’s hopeless.” I whispered, holding him tightly. “What if fate is stronger than us?”

“I don’t need hope, Bel.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against my neck. “If fate is going to separate us, then we’ll destroy it.”

“Together.”

“Always.”

_______________________

I looked at the hologram, at the countless numbers of enemies that awaited us, and leaned against him with a sigh.

“Together.”

He smiled in return.

“Always.”

[han-shinsuke]

🔞🔞 TOJI FUSHIGURO

To the man I love,

Can I really make you fall in love with me? The answer is no. I could never replaced her. She was your beginning and she would be the end. I did tried my luck in hope of reviving your heart. You said it died with her and you weren’t capable of loving anyone aside from her. That’s where you were wrong about yourself. You may not have realised it, but you just did and you continue pouring everything you can give; to me, to Megumi, and to those who deserves it. You are not what you think you are. I see no evil in you. I see light and hope in your existence. Forgive me, for I am not enough to make you feel what it was like to love again.

May you find the right one for you, Toji. May you find peace in the love you are looking for.

//////

“You dated someone before?” Must I relive the time where I was the most happy? That’s what people do when they long for someone or feeling they had once experienced.

There was a chapter in my life I can never forget. It was the time of stupidity, bravery, and letting go, “I only dated one man in my life.” He has this kind of beauty that any woman my age that time would find hard to resist. “I seduced him to screw me. He is a man and a man has needs.” It was a good fuck indeed. “I had taken him by force. We were married. He could not say no. I was a minor.”

Jesse was in awe. Her mind probably couldn’t process all the shits I have been telling her. “When was that?” Only few of my closest friends knows about these. “During my college days.” A hearty laugh follows.

Again, it was the time of stupidity and bravery and shits. “I told my Dad to drop all the charges against him. He deserves peace and time alone. Of course, with his son and deceased first wife.” It has been five years. I hope he is in perfect shape and stabilized condition. He must be. I am out of his life.

“What would you feel if you meet him again? You left him after a night of rough fuck and a letter.”

Meet him? Again? Who would want to meet the nightmare they wish to disappear? I am a nightmare disguised as a woman. I shall perish.

“I’d be glad.” But he wouldn’t. He will be reminded of the times he had spent with me. “You know what? No one in their right mind would dare cross path with me again.” I may not be able to hold back and cage him in my arms and be the old freak I used to be.

Wherever you are right now, Toji, please, do not show up. I’m tired of being selfish and manipulative and loser when it comes to loving you.

I can’t make you mine.

You were never made for me.

“I will see you tomorrow.” I have started a new life in Kelowna. Alone. I made friends with some locals and luckily, landed a good job in here that pays well. Dad offered me a position in the company but I refused.

My house is not that far from where I work so I always walk home at night; to enjoy the darkness, to feel the coldness of the night and to be at peace under the watch of stars from above.

The keys jingles in my hand as I open the door and closed it again. I head straight to the kitchen without turning the lights on. I grew familiar with every corners so there’s no need to. The light coming from the open refrigerator flooded the kitchen and when I turn to get a glass on the kitchen counter, there is a man sitting there, wearing a plain white shirt and a pajama.

I scream so loud that it destroys the silence of the night and the neighborhood I am living at.

“Fuck!” Toji jumps on me. Two large hands covering my mouth. “It’s me! It’s me!” He points the scar on his face.

If he show up, I will not hold back.

I pounce on him fast. Knocking him down against the counter and in just a heartbeat, my lips are connected to his, kissing him with so much hunger that only him could satiate. I pull onto his shirt and drag him closer when he returns the kiss boldly. Without hesitation, Toji scoops my weight and put it on him as he walks to the couch near the fireplace. My back landed on the soft cushioned seat and my determination to keep him close and lock up between my arms increased. I won’t hold back. I won’t. Toji removed his shirt and the massive built displayed in front makes my throat run dry. I run my fingers from his scar, down to his neck, to his hard chest and to the trenches on his lower abdomen. I had these once. I got to taste the heaven that this body offered.

“Just say ‘no’ and I will stop.” My fingers slips into his pajama, playing with its band. Toji feels no love towards me. What he feels whenever I am this near and close and intimate is just pure heat and thirst. So when he said, “don’t stop.” I switch position with him. I expected it. He’s hard and his eyes don’t lie. I hurriedly discharged of my clothes and top him.

“I will ride you now daddy~” He just nodded. I pull his pajama down to his thighs and just like before, I acted as the thirsty harlot that I am. I am just a harlot, right, Toji? After this, I will drive you away.

He has gotten bigger and longer. I am familiar with his thing. I could tell if there has changes on it. And there was. It does not fit. It feels bigger. Toji seems to notice my struggles in putting him in. He spat on his palm and rub the essence around his length.

“I apologize for the discomfort.” He says, guiding my hips down to his saliva-coated manhood. Our ’thing’ slips into each other smoothly and its presence inside me made me remember the night we had in Mt. Romelo. Toji locks his gaze with me. There’s lust in it and there’s an unknown inhabitant in it fighting against the heat. I cannot withstand it. With my eyes closed and shedding in tears, I capture his lips using mine. Kissing him again hungrily. The rough movements of my lips causes his mouth to part ways and voluntarily lay a path for my tongue.

“Shit baby~ your kiss alone can make me cum~” Toji cried in satisfaction when I bit his bottom lip and tugged on it until he let out a long moan.

“Squeeze my ass daddy~ squeeze me hard~” I guide his experienced hands below and did what I told him to do. Toji squeezed me there hard and even spanked it until it sting. “Great daddy~ do it again please~” My tongue rest flat on his lips and I lick him and kiss him torridly before it goes down his chin which I rewarded with soft kisses and bites before attending his weakness. His neck.

“Fuck...” another long wail from him after I bit him there and suck the skin that has my teeth marks. “Ride me baby~ daddy’s hard for you~” he didn’t have to tell me. I will anyway. I’m just preparing him. Toji likes it when I’m on top and moving.

I continue the hard kiss and lick on his neck while I started pumping my cunt against his leaking cxck. It was slow at first, grinding gently, letting our muscles to adjust to the absence of intimate contact for years. “You want me to go fast daddy?” I know you do, Toji. The way your chest moves up and down and the choke-like-breath you are releasing, confirms it. “You taste so fucking good daddy~ cum inside me daddy~ you’ll love it.” I run my tongue in circular motion from his neck down to his nipplesx and then give what his body was asking for. I fuck my cunt deep and fast against his erection and Toji tightens his grip on my waist as he helps me move easily.

“Shit. Shit.” I love how he put stress to each word. Toji looks beautiful and helpless underneath me. He just makes me wanna ride him more. I push him flat on his back. I even pin his muscular arms above his head and kiss him torridly while riding him. “More baby~ ride daddy’s dickx like that aah yes~”

“Cum daddy~ cum~ flood my hole with your seeds ooohh fuck~” Toji managed to turn the situation in just a click of his tongue against my jaw. He have my hands behind my waist as he cocks his hips upwards, hitting my core in full strength while his lips moves on my neck and anywhere it reaches.

“I’m gonna cum baby~ stretch your pussyxx for daddy yeah? Almost there baby~ Fuck~”

“Ooohhh daddyy~ give it to me fuck~”

A harlot. That’s just what I am. I drown my thoughts with his kiss and flood my mind with his warm loads gushing into me.

I need to drain him so I could leave without him noticing it.

“Another round daddy?” I pulled him out. “I want to ride your face, too.” I will not let him protest. I kneel and sit on his face.

//////

“I booked you a cab. Get your things, Toji.” My plan failed. He didn’t pass out. It was me who got knocked down pretty bad. He fucked me in every positions and he only stopped when I begged him.

Toji cornered me against the window seat and smiled maniacally, “your plan won’t work on me twice baby~” I growled at him when he cupped my breast and taste its bud. I’m just wearing a bathrobe so access is easy. “Let’s give Megumi a little brother, yeah?” He cups another and nibble it. My hands move on instinct. I grab on his hair and press his face harder on my exposed chest.

“Aahh gosh, Toji!’ His tongue is swirling and flicking against my nipplesx. I can’t suppress my moans! “Aahh! St—stop seducing me aahhh!” Now, his fingers finds its way on my folds and immediately proceeds scissoring my hole.

“Oh!” Toji suddenly stops. I pant in anticipation and desire. I want his mouth and fingers back! “I need to return something from you.” I kick my feet when he leaves to get the thing he mentioned from the suitcase.

“What?” I asked. Annoyed. Lips pouted.

Toji pulled me up and was laughing when he pushed me down on the bed. He held my hand and to my surprise, a ring—our wedding ring, was put back in my finger.

I wasn’t sure how or when did I start sobbing when Toji leaned down and claimed my lips then whispered,

“Stay with me and let me love you.”

[honeybeezx]

Armor - Oberyn Martell x Reader x Ellaria Sand - Part 1

Author’s Note: Hey everyone! So this is the first fic I’ve ever posted on tumblr, low key kinda scary😄 But this man and his paramour have been on my mind for the longest. This is a self insert fic, but I don’t really use “Y/N”. Hope you enjoy and any feedback would be great!

Summary: You are an assassin hired by Tyrion to act as extra security alongside Bronn. He brings you back to King’s Landing just as the boy king Jeoffry Baratheon plans to marry the cunning Margaery Tyrell. But with all the guests roaming around, you begin to wonder who is a friend and who is a foe. No one makes you wonder more than the famed prince from Dorne and his captivating paramour.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: mentions of murder, allusions to sex

—————

You never knew anything in the seven kingdoms could make you feel so small. It wasn’t as if you’d ever let it show. You held your head high, walking alongside Tyrion as both of you entered the great hall of the throne room, Bronn on the opposite side of your employer. The Red Keep was even bigger than you had imagined it to be. The throne room was the tallest room you had ever seen. Against the dark ceiling the columns looked as if they stretched up into the night sky.

Every eye in the palace was on the three of you, and you felt no one’s eyes more than Cersei’s. You held her gaze. A woman who lived in luxury her whole life did not frighten you. She may have influence, but you had experience, strength, freedom, and skill with your bow that you were now acutely aware was strapped to your back. Having the protection of Tyrion’s influence and connections and Bronn’s strength and skill with a sword brought a sense of comfort, allowing you to remain calm under such scrutinizing gaze.

“Brother.” Cersei greeted with a soft smile that failed to hide all the vileness in her heart. “You come with friends.”

“Oh no, more like bodyguards. We have so many enemies now a days sister, I like to know I’m protected.” Tyrion smirked, leaving Bronn chuckling. You, on the other hand, would not let your intimidating demeanor fade, remaining as stoic and unyielding as the stone columns that held up the palace you wished to see fall. “May I introduce Bronn, Lord of Highgarden and-“

“Yes, I know all about the Silver Hawk from the North. I wonder if you are half as good as they say you are.” She mocked, her tone anything but genuinely curious. “I am told that you can hit your target 200 meters away and steal their breath before they even know what hit them.” If you didn’t know any better you’d think she was impressed, even if she did look at you as if you were the lowest creature she ever beheld.

“Perhaps I will have an opportunity to display my skills while I am here, your grace.” You’ll see first hand when my arrow is aimed just above your crooked neck.

“Perhaps.” She replied, feigning as much sweetness as a ferrel cat.

The both of you narrowed your eyes at each other. There was no outright exchange of harsh words or petty language, but the furious tension between the two of you was enough to fill the entire hall with uncomfortable silence. You hoped your unyielding gaze scared her. You wondered how many people actually defied her, you wondered how long it would take to get under her skin.

“Yes, well.” Tyrion interrupted, knowing you were bubbling with anger. Cersei was too, and although you allowed her to see your own emotions, it please you a bit to know you could anger her just as easy. You hated Lannisters almost more than anything, but you also knew Cersei’s time would come. She would pay for her crimes, fate would decide her end. You knew that fate had not brought you here to slay the queen regent, as much as you despised her. “As much as I love chatting with you sister, I simply wanted our arrival to be known. We have much unpacking to do and much to discuss.”

“Be careful, little brother.” She warned. “Your guard has little reserve and it seems your little silver hawk has a silver tongue as well. You would be wise to remember that people have been killed for that and less.”

“I’ll be sure to keep very close watch over them.” Tyrion retorted sarcastically before turning on his heal and exiting the great hall. You and Bronn followed, the later unable to contain his amusement.

“I’d say that went well!” He quipped, smiling at both you and your employer.

“She didn’t call to chop off our heads, that is some relief.” Tyrion noted. “But you both must be careful, especially you.” His scrutinizing gaze met yours.

“What? You expected me to just let her try and hold some dominate power over me? Just because she is draped in finest jewels in the seven realms and hides behind the her father’s influence does not mean I will tremble like a child before her.”

Tyrion sighed. “You must, for now, hold your tongue. Your wit does you credit, that’s why I like you, but you must check yourself. My sister is more dangerous than you can imagine. Don’t tremble, but don’t overstep either.” You remembered that Tyrion had been playing the game his whole life, he was basically born into it. He knew his sister better than anyone, and that meant he knew how to get around her better than anyone. You made a note to observe exactly what made Cersei tick, what made her preen under her usually reserved demeanor.

Despite the warm tones of the palace, you felt as though you were walking on ice. One wrong step and you were dead under a frozen tundra. You didn’t like this at all. Tyrion promised your freedom would not be at risk, yet you felt the freedom to speak your mind, the freedom to do as you pleased slip from you more and more. You were being watched here, you weren’t stupid. Every move had to be calculated, every word like honey laced with poison. The faster the boy king could marry, the less people there were for you to worry about. It made you uncomfortable not knowing who was an ally and who was a foe. The one thing you could appreciate about Cersei was that you always knew where you stood with her.

“I will try to remain civil if she approaches me, otherwise I will avoid your sister to the best of my abilities. But she would be wise not to challenge my reserve.” I huffed, earning a laugh from Bronn.

“Your reserve, little hawk, will be undone, whether it be from your words or your arrows.” He teased. You gave him a shove and he stumbled a bit, but not much. The last thing you needed was the oaf calling you “little”.

“The sooner we are out of this horrid place the better.” You huffed.

“I agree,” Tyrion agreed, nodding in understanding, “but don’t hold your breath. There is so much to be done before my nephew’s wedding and I will be relying on both of you to help me. While I am arranging more intimate details with my family, you two will be protecting me, but also doing some side tasks that I will not have time for. Bronn, for the most part you will be either at my side or Shae’s. If the palace discovers her they will use her against me. She can’t be found.”

Shae, Tyrion’s lover of sorts. You had grown close to her on your travels. You were wary at first. Your job was to protect Tyrion, naturally, you were cautious of anyone who might try to hurt him, to get close to him only for information or power. But it was a tough business, out spying a spy, and all your instincts told you to trust Shae. She had not left any of you astray thus far, and though the couple had not named their relationship, you could tell Tyrion and Shae cared immensely for each other. But Tyrion was right, she could be used as a pawn against him, especially if Cersei found out.

There was a sort of kinship between you and Shae. You were both strong, clever women, and she had tended to the few wounds you found yourself with on your travels. She seemed like a sister, and you were grateful for the company and friendship she provided.

“As for our favorite archer, you will be assisting some guests, getting information. I want to know the people attending this wedding, I want to ensure that this wedding goes smoothly. The Tyrell’s are a powerful ally, we cannot lose them.”

You nodded in understanding. Tyrion hired you to protect him, yes, but archery was not your only strength. You could be quiet, and you could listen as well as you could speak. You knew he would ask that of you with all the guests roaming around. You were curious to know what King’s Landing was really like, and even more interested in knowing the people who came here. “Ask it of me and it will be done.”

“Aye.” Bronn agreed.

“You are the most trusted of friends.” Tyrion gave the smallest of smiles. You were hesitant to even be in his service when the lord found you and offered you a job, afraid of losing your freedom. You knew the Lannisters, you knew their foul and power-hungry disposition. Being in their service seemed to you signing your life away. You were surprised to find he did not wish to take such things from you. He hired both you and Bronn to protect him, yes, but he would do the same for you both. You were an odd sort of family, but a family nonetheless. “Get settled and rested for the evening, we’ve had a long journey. We will reconvene later to discuss further plans.”

You nodded and left to your new chamber, one just across from Bronn and down the hall from Tyrion.

The trio was still not aware of the Red Viper slithering about the halls.

——————

Days passed with little to do. You hadn’t seen much of Tyrion. Since your arrival at King’s Landing your employer had become hand to his nephew king and married the pretty Stark girl you later learned was named Sansa. Still, you found ways to spend your time, keeping eyes and ears open for any useful information. You were particularly interested in Joffrey. It was astounding how a little boy could hold so much power, so much evil. You figured he inherited his terror from his mother.

Sansa was an interesting girl as well. Your heart broke for her. She was nothing if not resilient, staying loyal to her betrothed if only to keep herself alive. She was smart, you learned, but not useful when attempting to gather information. She did not deny her loyalty to Joffrey, even to those she liked. You were grateful that Tyrion stepped in to propose to the poor girl, if only to save her from the tyrant king. Both you and Shae kept close eyes on her. She was as smart and clever as Shae and yourself. You had a sneaking suspicion that she could be a close ally, if only your little family could get her away from the palace.

But today was different. Today you left your quarters to explore the palace a bit. You wanted to know what sort of battleground you were working with. It seemed surprising that a palace that was so heavily targeted was so...open. It seemed like light could illuminate any room. Even the gloomy and foreboding throne room could not escape a few beams of sunlight. If you didn’t despise every Lannister crawling about the palace, you had a mind to stay. The palace was only under the allusion of being warm and charming, the people who inhabited it ruined any chance of it being a lovely place. You noticed that the open windows and balconies made perfect outlooks should you need to eliminate a threat with one of your silver arrows.

But for now, the open windows became your place of peace as you ate a bowl of berries, just watching the rest of the sunrise. You saw the sun just barely grace the city with its light before you were called into Tyrion’s chambers. You arrived promptly, Bronn stumbling in a few minutes after you. You rolled your eyes at his lack of punctuality, which only earned you a playful nudge from the Lord of Highgarden.

“Behave you two. I swear I am dealing with children.” Shae huffed, but you could tell behind her sharp features was an air of mischief. Still, you straightened up and diverted your full attention to Tyrion.

“Well, much has happened. Prince Oberyn has arrived in The Capital. I visited him yesterday morning and he made it very clear that he wants to kill any Lannister that he sets his sights on. My father apparently ordered the death of his sister and her children. Our goal, for now, is to keep him happy, to keep him entertained. Bronn, your job will be to appear inconspicuous as you keep a watchful eye over my quarters, make sure no one goes in or out.” He ordered.

Shae huffed. “I’m perfectly capable of handling myself thank you.” She huffed.

“No one disputes that my dear.” Tyrion chuckled. You remember watching Shae stab a man she did not want for laying a finger on her. “I’m not worried about you. But my sister and my king nephew are very powerful. They will know how to use you against me.” He explained. Shae still was not pleased with the idea, but she relented.

“As for our hawk,” he turned to you and gave you a list with names you did not recognize, “you will present these girls to Prince Oberyn in my place. You will tell him that royal duties as the king’s new hand have prevented me from revisiting him, but you hope he enjoys the whores as a welcoming gift to King’s Landing.”

“Excuse me?!” You snapped your eyes narrowing in on your employer. “I am not a squire whose job is to bring in girls for spoiled princes!”

“Do not think of it as that.” Tyrion poured himself a glass of wine, knowing that he should chose his next words very carefully. He could feel your eyes burning into him. “Consider it a diplomatic mission. Besides, the prince wishes to meet you. The legends of the Silver Hawk have reached so far as Dorne and he is eager to make your acquaintance. This is the perfect opportunity for the both of you.”

You still weren’t pleased. “So I am now to serve as entertainment for the prince of Dorne.” You sighed and shook your head. “I am only staying long enough to bring him the girls, then I’m leaving.”

“Fine,” Tyrion relented. “But you will be cordial to the prince. Don’t be deceived by his charming words, he stabbed one of my cousins for a few unkind, brutish remarks. I don’t want to know what he’ll do when he hears your fire-laced words.” If it weren’t such a serious situation, Tyrion might have been amused to hear you use your wit against a prince, but the prince’s history with the Lannisters was anything but a joke.

“I’m sure she can handle herself. Hawks have talons after all.” Shae teased, but squeezed your arm affectionately. You offered a kind smile, but you still loathed this plan.

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Tyrion rubbed his temple like the very thought of you getting into trouble was enough to send him over the edge.

You relented and chuckled a little before placing a hand on your friend’s shoulder. “I will be on my best behavior, but only because you will worry yourself ill.” You teased. “It can’t be too bad if I just deliver your message and leave. I better get going though. Can’t leave a prince waiting.” You snorted. As if you cared what a prince thought.

————————

Oberyn Martell lied in his temporary bed at the brothel, Ellaria Sand at his right, a blond haired boy on his left. He was the picture of lustful bliss, his golden chest glistened as the small rays of light entered the sinful den. But the prince was quiet deep in thought as he started out into the empty space before them. All the pleasure the brothel had to offer could not break his focus.

“Your thoughts are too loud, my prince.” Ellaria chided as she placed a kiss to his chest. “Tell me.”

Even then, Oberyn still could not break his thoughts of you, but he ran a hand through his paramour’s raven curls in acknowledgment. “I think I found our third partner.”

Next Chapter

[eurynome827]

Bouquets & Bowties

I've been working on this delicious little prompt for a bit, and figured it would be perfect for HBC Kinktober '20 Day One - Public Sex! Thank you once again to @buckstaybucky​ for this and all the other fantastic HBC Drunk Drabbles prompts you gift to @the-ss-horniest-book-club​ - Goes without saying that this is 18+ ONLY!! I didn’t do a word count but it’s longer than my usual drabbles. WARNINGS: unprotected sex (don’t do that), language, dirty talk, one singular spank, maybe a tiny bit of choking if you really stare at it, praise kink (hi, it’s me.)

The tension had been building for MONTHS. Engagement party, food and wine tastings, Jack and Jill bachelor/bachelorette and shower - every pre-wedding event and get together had been leading up to finishing your respective speeches, raising two glasses of champagne and downing them before rushing out of the reception while trying to stay under the radar. Someone had to know what was going on. Steve and Natasha had probably figured it out by now. You and Bucky had left the room by different doors ten minutes apart but when he caught up with you outside the door to the bridal suite you grabbed the collar of his tux and pulled him inside, kicking the door shut. "Took you long enough," you scolded. "You're the one who said not to make it obvious- OH -" Bucky cut himself off, surprised by your strength as you shoved him against the wall and pressed your lips to his. Almost immediately he rolled you to the side so now your back was flush with the wall, and you giggled. "You know how long I've been waiting for this?" You asked him breathlessly, giving his bottom lip a little bite as you raised your hands to untie his bowtie, trembling a little as the silk slid through your fingers. "Yeah, about as long as I have," Bucky sassed, and you flicked your fingers against his throat after you unbuttoned a few buttons. "Fresh!" You couldn't help yourself from laughing, dragging him by his open bowtie to the bathroom door. "C'mere...as eager as we both are, I'd like to take a little time with you and not worry so much about getting caught." "Don't worry, doll," it was Bucky's turn to kick a door closed, as he smoothly turned the lock, "everyone's busy eating dinner, no one will bother us." "Famous last words," you teased, letting him back you up to the sink. Your fingers grasped the edge of the porcelain as his hands lifted your gown, pulling up the flowing fabric until you were thrilling to the touch of warm skin and cool metal brushing against your thighs. "Why try to jinx us?" Bucky grinned, biting his lip as one metal finger stroked over your wet panties and you moaned, closing your eyes. "Listen to that sweet sound," he purred, hooking his finger to pull the fabric aside and blessing you with his own growl as he felt your wetness without a barrier, "fuck, doll. You're so ready for me to ruin you, in this pretty dress with all these people outside." "You bet your ass I'm ready," you breathed out, catching his eye, "so quit stalling." His eyes twinkled and his hands grasped your waist, turning you so your eyes met his in the mirror and the skirt of your gown rested in the bowl of the sink, leaving your body open for Bucky to deliver one playful spank followed by your gasp and giggle. "Oh, you like that," he hummed, keeping his eyes on yours as he pressed your body closer to the sink with his own, his hands hurriedly undoing his tux pants. "I think I'm going to like everything you do to me, Bucky." His wolfish grin made you whine, and he pulled your panties to the side and pushed in, his eyes closing at your tightness and your hips rolling to meet his thrust, urging him on. His head fell forward, his lips kissing your neck softly followed by a little bite - and you knew he'd leave a mark that everyone could see later but you didn't care. Your soft breaths and low whimpers mixed with his husky groans in the small room, and you were both so lost in each other that it was honestly a miracle that you noticed the door open and the voices in the adjacent suite. Your body tensed and Bucky bit his lip hard to contain his reaction, as you both froze, wide eyes staring at each other in the mirror. "I don't know where she could have gone to," you heard Pepper's voice. "I'm sure she's fine. I paid attention when she bustled you before, I'm sure I can fix it." Nat's voice was smooth and calming, a perfect opposite of your wild panic, chest heaving and sharp but nearly silent breaths as Bucky soothed you with his metal hand at your collarbone and a soft hushing noise in your ear. You took as deep a breath as you could, leaning into his sturdy hand and not daring to look away, putting yourself entirely in his hands. "That's my girl," Bucky whispered in your ear, holding you tight and slowly moving his hips against yours again, "good girl." You couldn't help it, your eyes drifted closed and you took in as quiet a breath as you could, a fresh wave of arousal flooding around Bucky inside you at his words. "Oh, you really like that," more whispers made their way into your ear, "damn, baby, gonna drench me. You like that? You like being my good girl?" You nodded, vigorously, and opened your eyes. "Be my good girl then, don't make a sound." Nodding again, your fingers clenched on the edge of the sink as Bucky held you and fucked into you, as silent as you could both manage - except he couldn't stop himself from a nonstop soft whisper of filth into your ear, nearly making you lose your mind as he took you apart. "That's right, babygirl - just like that - so good for me - I can't wait to get you under me in my bed tonight, I need to taste you and hear you and make you scream..." His speed was increasing, his hand rubbing at your clit and you tightened around him, your eyes going wide and your mouth opening and his metal hand quickly covered it as you came, trapping your noises and biting back his own as he reached his peak, filling you as Nat finished fixing Pepper's bustle in the suite outside the door. Pepper wondered about your whereabouts one more time and you could almost hear the smirk on Nat's face as she remarked that you would probably be back soon. "I think she's just about finished." Shit. The door to the suite closed and Bucky uncovered your mouth, holding you up as you gasped in a breath. "Damn it," you muttered, "we were so quiet!" Bucky laughed quietly, burying his face in the back of your neck and pressing a few kisses to your heated skin. "There's no way she didn't know where we were going, you know that." You giggled, nodding a little. "You're probably right. Well, I hope she enjoyed it." "I know I did," he said softly, his eyes meeting yours once again in the mirror, holding you tight as he softened inside you. "Me too." Your breath stuttered a little, feeling naked under his gaze and wishing with all your might that you were. "Did you mean what you said? You want to get together again later, when the party's over?" "Of course, baby," he groaned a little as he pulled out, stepping back to let you turn around and straighten your clothes as he tucked himself back into his pants. "I want more, and I hope you do, too.” He sounded more unsure than you could ever imagine him being, and you pulled him closer by his open bowtie, kissing him softly and tangling your tongue with his. "I want everything you want to give me." "Good," Bucky pressed his forehead to yours and you sighed happily. "Now, I hope you know how to tie this again," he caressed your hands, still holding the ends of his tie, "because Steve had to tie this for me."

[scandalousfemale]

Falling

Y/N x Rafe Cameron

Basically a relationship timeline of y/n not expecting to fall in love with Rafe

WC: 2,670

Warnings: Cussing, falling in love, fluff, writing this made me feel v single

A/N: This is pretty much based on me listening to Queen of the Night by Hey Violet and thinking about @tomfreakinghollandneedsaoscar being fluffy and nice bf feelings. Oh, very important, in this fic (in my fictional universe) Rafe does not kill anyone, beat up pogues, nor does he snort the yayo. 

You’ve been dating Rafe for a little over a year now, it started off casual, because back then you couldn’t be bothered to put any emotion into anything that could get you hurt. As for him, well, he had his own daddy issues he had to work through. You met him through mutual friends though they didn’t exactly mean for you to start seeing him.

“That’s him?” You inquired, looking at the boy in the long sleeve and the backward snap back, tilting your head as if that would help you examine him better, “he doesn’t look scary,” you finally said.

“Didn’t say he was scary,” your friend, Ashlee, said beside you.

“Yeah,” Henrietta seconded, “we said he was dangerous,” she spoke very softly as if this man would have supersonic hearing from across the golf course.

“I heard him and his friends beat up pogues for fun,” Ashlee whispered, “and that he’s super tight with a drug dealer or whatever. I know he’s eye candy but I would steer very, very far away from all three of them.” She motioned to the other two, whose name was supposedly Topper and Kelce. Rafe was the name of the boy they were speaking about, and you can’t help but think to yourself how strange their names were.

“Yeah, right. You know the rumors on the eight runs like we’re on a middle school playground,” you said as you rolled your eyes. It’s true, you had your fair share of rumors that definitely were not true. “So, are one of you going to introduce me?” You asked as you looked back to the tall beauty, laughing with his friends.

“Oh no, no way, we don’t know him. We just know of him. Come on, y/n, even if he’s not a guy with a super bad temper, interrupting a game is a major no for literally every golf player ever,” Henrietta said, already stepping back to walk away, taking Ashlee with her, expecting you to follow but you don’t.

You understood the risk of walking up to a group of guys who may or may not be drug addicts and harassers but you valued yourself in having pretty good judgement and the consequences of walking up to them seemed slim to none. So, that’s exactly what you did, despite your friends whispering curses at you. You allowed your feet to take you right up to the boys.

Keeping the smile on your face, that truly only grows when you noticed Kelce nudge Topper to look your way before whispering something to Rafe who only shook his head before taking his shot.

“Hey,” you announced your presence before waving at Kelce and Topper, making sure to single the taller boy out. Which, as you assumed it would, caught his attention. The two boys couldn’t help but smile back at you as their friend gave you a once over, as if assessing the threat and you let him. You stood there boldly until his eyes met yours, “hey you,” you finally said with a smile and raised eyebrow as if asking if you passed the inspection. Apparently, you did.

“You know it’s incredibly rude to interrupt a game, right?” Rafe’s voice could’ve stunned you right there. Not only was this boy man so attractive, his voice was velvet smooth as humor laced his tone.

“Well, what else was I supposed to do? Stand off to the side and wait for you to make a move?” You said as you crossed your arms in front of your chest, joking back at him and somehow slipping right into a level of comfort with him, even as his friends snicker.

“That’s forward,” Topper stated but your eyes don’t waver from Rafe nor his from yours.

“Who are you?” Rafe asked incredulously as if he never met a girl who knew what she wanted before.

“Your date for tonight,” you said as you stuck your hand into your pocket, fishing out your name and number that you’ve scribbled on a torn piece of paper since your friends showed you who they were talking about on social media platform before dragging you out here to see the real thing and thank goodness they did, “text me if you want to know when and where, or don’t. Ball’s in your court,” you said as you handed him the paper before waving to the stunned boys next to him and walking away.

 He called you about an hour after meeting him and that was the start of figuring out that Rafe didn’t really care to do as he was told. Of course, he took you on a date that night...and every other night that came afterwards.

Before long, it was almost like you were living in each other’s houses. You were able to tell him every secret that not even your closest friends knew about, like the small tattoo you have hidden on your hips that he’s kissed a million times. Suddenly you have traded in your designer dresses for his T-shirts and your jeans, making your parents more and more angry with the arrangement because when they asked you if you were dating Rafe, you’d always say no.

Technically, at the time, you weren’t officially dating him because he never asked. He said he didn’t want to put a label on things because that’s when they disappear and honestly, you didn’t want to call him a boyfriend either because that would make your feelings, yes the feelings you said that you didn’t want to have, that much more real. Yeah, well, that changed the night that the kook kids were throwing a party over at Topper’s house.

 You heard a screaming before a splash as another guy threw his girl into the pool before jumping in, himself. You found yourself sitting on the counter of the outside bar, a drink in your hand as you people watched. Ashlee was laying it on thick for Kelce tonight and you couldn’t help with smile to yourself. On one hand, you were proud that she’s finally had the nerve to talk to him but on the other hand, you’re pretty sure that that boy is completely clueless unless she straight up said that she wanted him.

“Damn,” a voice said close to you but you ignored it. Just another partygoer passing through, you thought to yourself, taking another sip of the liquor in your glass.

“Baby,” a guy appeared in front of you with a wide smile as if you were old friends and you couldn’t help but smile at his confidence. You studied him as he introduced himself; black hair, blue eyes, maybe six feet, and sort of hot. You appreciated his spirit, of course you did because it was textbook you, but you found yourself comparing him to Rafe and that’s when you knew you were screwed.

“So, what’s your name?” This guy, Chris (you think), asked.

“Y/n,” you entertained as you smirked at him, leaning back on the counter with a hand beside you, holding you up as the other brought the drink to your lips. You didn’t even think about how the position elongated your body, not until Chris (or whatever) trailed his eyes down your body. Before you could say anything else, Rafe was beside the two of you, as if suddenly inserting himself in the nonexistent conversation. It was kind of cute.

“Can I help you?” The guy in front of you, obviously annoyed with the added company, asked a looming Rafe, who is just about your height now that you’re sitting on this counter.

“Yeah, I actually just need to grab something that’s mine and I’ll be out of your way,” he said smoothly, causing your eyes to narrow but as the guy stepped back and Rafe stepped in front of you, realization clicked.

Rafe stepped in between your legs and wrapped his arms around your waist as he lifted you up, causing you to tighten your legs around his hips and wrap your arms around his neck. He walked back into the house with you as you laughed. You couldn’t help it as you laughed into his neck, hiding your blushing face from him. Maybe it’s the alcohol or maybe it’s these feelings you can’t seem but have for him, you moved your hands to have one on his face and the other grabbing his hair and before thinking too much, you pulled his hair—hard, causing him to hiss as his attention snapped at you, though he’s still walking you through the crowd. Fuck that, fuck being private, you thought as you pulled his face down to kiss you and that kiss? You felt it for days. The first of many public claims between the two of you started that night.

—

Suddenly a year has passed since that night though it felt like it’s only been a day since you’ve walked up to him at the golf course. You wondered if the dreaded end of the honeymoon stage would ever arrive and that goes without saying that though you two do argue, instead of shutting each other out like the learned behavior from parents and past relationships, somehow you and Rafe were able to swallow each other’s pride and sit down and talk. That’s right, talk. You didn’t rush into make-up sex and ignore the problems or disagreements that you had, though the make-up sex was amazing after the issues were addressed.

You didn’t know what to make of such a healthy relationship, at first you had to admit, and you even told Rafe that you almost ran. You had a tendency of running from things that were too good to be true and he was one of them. Coming from a mentality of leaving before being left, he knew the feeling all too well, and what did he do? He spent all night lying in bed with you, talking about life, the world, his love for you, and how he was scared too. He was terrified of going into this with you and yet he’s still here— you’re still here.

His kiss on your forehead snapped you out of going down memory lane of your relationship as you came back down to reality. You two were at your sister’s wedding, you wore a knee length red dress as Rafe wore a suit and tie. As the night went on and you two kept dancing, he had taken off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves to his forearms and you almost prayed for the strength not to take him right now on this dance floor.

“Did I tell you how incredible you look tonight? Because you do,” you told him as he held you close to his body, in a more comforting way than a possessiveness that you’re used to with your exes.

“You have but I wouldn’t mind hearing how attractive you think I am over and over again,” he smirked as he softly dipped his head to kiss your lips.

“Never mind,” your words mumbled against his lips, “I take it back. I never want to feed into your already big head,” you said before he surprised you by grabbing your arm and spinning you, causing you to laugh whole heartedly before tucking you back into his arms.

“I, on the other hand, do not mind feeding into your ego one bit because I cannot stand in front of you and not have you know that you’re the most gorgeous girl here tonight,” he said, causing you to blush and rest your face against his chest to hide the stupid smile you have on your face from him. You’re always smiling when you’re around him. Thinking back to the very first day, you couldn’t believe that people even thought he was a drug dealer or someone who beat people up for fun, he’s so far from it all. He’s the most loving, caring, and thoughtful person ever. Not just to you but to his sisters and his friends, his father just never gave him a chance and your heart broke for him in that sense but overall? You’d never change anything about him because then he wouldn’t be this man here tonight.

After the bride and groom did their goodbye ceremony, you told Rafe that you weren’t ready to go home yet. So, he said that he’d drive over to the water, knowing that the sound of the ocean relaxes you.

He draped his wrist over the steering wheel, one hand on your thigh and you couldn’t help but have your heart feel so full. You looked at the boy sitting next to you in this convertible, his hair being pushed back by the wind, his tie loose around his neck. Shit, you thought to yourself, I love him.

I love him. I love him. I love him.

You repeated to yourself and you could almost cry with how happy you are in this moment right now. You didn’t think twice when you pulled off the hair tie and bobby pins, keeping your hair together and letting it flow in the wind. Almost as if shedding the image you’ve been trying to keep for so long and finally being free. You threw your hands up in the air, closing your eyes and feeling the wind wrap around you, letting love finally wrap around you.

“You’re fucking beautiful,” you heard Rafe’s voice shouting over the wind and you smiled, eyes still closed because you swear, you’d cry if you looked at him right now. God, if this is a dream please don’t wake me up. He squeezed your thigh as if to keep you from floating away— too late.

When you feel the car slow down, you finally opened your eyes, looking over to him with the biggest smile. You couldn’t stop yourself, “Rafe,” though he was already looking at you, mesmerized, “I love you,” you declared, not scared of rejection. At this point, the moonlight shining on his face and the way that he’s looking at you, you’re not afraid of anything.

“What?” Rafe’s voice was barely audible that if you weren’t looking at him, you wouldn’t have thought he’d have said anything. Though he asked the question, his body twisted in the driver’s seat, his hand now on your face, his eyes shining and if he cried you know you would, too.

“I love you,” you repeated and you’d keep repeating it for the rest of your life if he’d allow it, “you make me the happiest that I’ve ever been and when I look at you, I feel safe. I feel like I can conquer the world with you by my side and when I look at you, I just want to protect you from all the evil in the world. I don’t even remember what it feels like to be empty anymore because with you, I feel everything. I want to feel everything all the time because if this is what love feels like, oh my God, I’m floating, I love you. I love-,” and before you could say it again, Rafe pulled your face to his, crushing his lips onto yours. You couldn’t tell if the tears you feel on your cheeks are yours or his but you don’t care. It doesn’t matter. The happiness that you feel right now, you want to capture the feeling forever. His hand came up behind your head, keeping you from coming up from air, keeping you in his arms but needing you closer. He pulled his seat back and practically pulled you over the center console as you let out a small squeal, laughing against his lips but wrapping your arms around his neck as you straddled him. He rests his forehead against yours as his eyes remained close, his cheeks stained with tears but he had a smile on his face that looks like it couldn’t be wiped off even if you tried, matching yours.

“I love you, too.”

[meganshinsou-tm]

i’m still here. (a)

☙ pairing: bakugou x reader / bakugou x kirishima

☙ theme:  angst

☙  cw/tw: profanity, grief/mourning, emotional distress, slight talk of wanting to die, could be seen as unhealthy grieving but there are no right or wrong ways to grieve, talk of death.

☙  a/n-request: so here it is, the spontaneous continuation of ‘i’m here’ - i just couldn’t help myself, I needed to get this out of my system. It hurts for a bit but I promise it gets better - also hope you don’t mind the end pairing, baku needs love and he deserves to be happy with that person. 

It’s been four months and Bakugou is - well he’s as good as he can be.

Sometimes he likes to think that the days are getting progressively better but then he finds himself awake way past the hour of midnight, walking around the house aimlessly and searching. Searching for something that he doesn’t even know. After a few more hours of talking to himself and cleaning random things, eating a small snack, Bakugou finally finds himself in bed tossing and turning until sleep finally takes him. 

Izuku and Kirishima have become his rocks and practical caretakers. 

They check in on him constantly but in a way that isn’t overbearing. Both of them make sure that their friend doesn’t stay holed up inside the house for longer than needed by becoming gym buddies, dragging him out to guys’ nights with them and the squad. Bakugou goes without too much resistance. Of course he rather stay in and wait for something that’ll never come but he knows he has to keep his sanity and he knows that you would kick his ass for sulking and wallowing in grief for too long. So he goes and by the end of the night, he’s always happy that he did but he’ll never admit that to the two idiots he calls his best friends. 

And more than anything, Bakugou is grateful how they have never brought up the topic of … moving on. Because they know better - everyone does. 

Of course everyone agrees it’s way too soon to even consider Bakugou trying dating again but not only that, anyone who knows the guy knows that he probably never will even think about trying to find anyone else. You were it for him.

You weren’t like everyone else. 

It’s cliche to say but you were indeed special - you completed Bakugou in the ways he was imperfect and flawed yet you still loved those parts of him. His edges were still rough and brash but you somehow softened them without changing truly who he was because well - you loved him for who he was and the way he was. Such a fucking sap you always were. 

Bakugou doesn’t move to a new home, he doesn’t want to or need to. Your home wasn’t massive; it was the perfect size for just the two of you. 

And it was only a few weeks ago that he finally found the strength to part with your belongings. It was a rough day but thankfully the whole squad was there. Kirishima may or may not have tried to bribe them with beer and food but obviously it wasn’t needed, they were gonna be there for their friend no matter what. 

Starting out, Bakugou was okay while packing everything. Everyone reminisced on fond and happy memories of you. Izuku and Kirishima felt a sense of relief from seeing the blonde genuinely smiling a few times and hearing his laughter. For a moment they thought everything would go smoothly for the rest of the day but nothing ever really goes smoothly when you’re saying goodbye to what’s left of your deceased spouse.

It was when Mina and Sero started to pull out of the driveway in the U-Haul that Bakugou bolted out the door after them. Kirishima and Izuku were right behind him and barely managed to catch him before being hit by a truck. 

The three of them rolled around on the black-top road, all shouting and crying. 

“Let me fucking go you pieces of shit! Fuck!”

Kirishima bared his teeth, trying to fight back his own sobs from the heart wrenching sight of seeing his best friend like this.

“Kats, please calm down, don’t do this!”

Bakugou only growled and tried to blast off an explosion in his face but Kirishima knew better and hardened his skin to block it. Izuku choked on his own tears and ended up using black whip to help pin down the uncontrollable blonde, despite him and Kirishima being over 200lbs and holding him down the best they could.

“Kacchan, you could’ve just fucking died, you’re gonna hurt yourself!”

“I don’t fucking care … let me … I - I can be with her.”

Izuku and Kirishima both went rigid at those words and looked at each other with tear filled eyes before resting their weight on top of their broken friend in a pile there in the middle of the road. For the next half hour they all stayed there, crying and holding Bakugou together until he finally exhausted himself and didn’t fight about Kirishima picking him up and carrying him back inside.

“Kats I don’t care if you hate me for doing it but I’m calling a professional tomorrow. We love you … I love you man but we can only do so much for you. Please … just let us help you. We can’t lose someone else we love.”

Izuku nods in agreement and they bring Bakugou to the bedroom and tuck him into the bed like a child. He doesn’t complain or try to bite their heads off for it. 

“We’re proud of you for today Kacchan, please know that. Y-You still have the important things,” Izuku sniffles as he places a worn-looking rag doll cat in Bakugou’s arms. “You’ll always have the important things.”

Kirishima tries to smile as Bakugou turns his back to them and cuddles the item close to his face. It's instinctive and totally against his control but Kirishima reaches out and combs his fingers through Bakugou’s hair and it gives him hope when he feels the blonde relax under his touch.

“Try to get some rest Blasty. We aren’t gonna leave you alone so if you need anything, we’ll be here.”

A few weeks and plenty of therapy sessions later, Bakugou is back to doing okay. He’s back to being able to stay home alone without needing Izuku or Kirishima crashing on his couch. He returns to work and some days it helps while on others it hurts. 

It’ll take more time to get used to Kirishima being his new side-kick but as long as it's him, he’ll be okay. 

Life slowly but surely starts to get easier … until those nights like tonight where Bakugou is wide awake at four in the morning. It’s been a while since its happened and truly Bakugou is exhausted but he just can’t sleep - he doesn’t mind though. It’s nights like these where he’s glad to still be awake with tired eyes and body because it’s nights like these where you come to him.

It may be crazy but Bakugou is adamant that you’re still there sometimes, your spirit at least. And when he's exhausted and delirious enough like he is now, you’ll become more than just memories and a presence. Soon enough you start to become real again and he can feel you holding him close and petting his hair. Feel those soft kisses on his lips and all over his face and neck. Bakugou can see those bright eyes again and feel your own warm skin against his in bed. 

And even though he really is getting better at all of this, he still has his moments. He’s only human after all. A human who lost the most precious and important thing in his life so tragically. So no one can blame him for feeling the things he does and for having a down moment - hell even his therapist reassured him of that. 

‘Everyone grieves in their own way and these occurrences don’t mean you’re crazy. Just as long as you see them for what they truly are and know that eventually they will end.’

It hurts to think that these will end so Bakugou cherishes them and prolongs them for as long as he fucking can. He gives into the phantom feelings, finds comfort in them. Then he starts to hear you and you talk to each other. He tells you how some days he’s okay and others he just misses you so fucking much and he doesn’t want to go on, he wants to be with you. 

In those times you quiet him with kisses and hums, telling him it’s not time yet. 

“The world needs you,” is whispered upon his skin and it makes him groan in disagreement.

“Fuck the what the world needs - I need you!”

You chuckle and lightly flick the tip of Bakugou’s nose and he wishes it hurt like it used to.

“You don’t need me Katsuki, if anything, I’m not what you need at all right now … at least not like this,” you speak quietly but still smile. “But you will always have me. I’m all around you.”

Bakugou pouts and you brush your thumb over his bottom lip before looking down and taking his hand in yours. Your finger traces the hard edges of the wedding band that’s now a matte black color after he found a jeweler who was able to add a small amount of your cremains into the material of it.

“You literally take me everywhere you go and even before then, I’ve never left you. Someone’s gotta watch over your crazy ass. I’m just glad Red is there to help me out.”

Bakugou smirks and moves to nuzzle the crook of your neck, his hair tickling the underside of your jaw and causing you to giggle and hold him tighter. The sound pains him and Bakugou starts to softly cry. You hold him even tighter and he holds you with a death grip.

That feeling is returning in him and he hates it. It’s overwhelming and it's cold. It’s hopelessness.

“How am I supposed to keep doing this? I don’t want to spend four more months like this … I don’t want to spend years like this … fucking - tell me how I can get you back, I need you … I fucking need you so much, I can’t - “

“Shh, baby breathe, I'm here - you know I’m always here.”

Bakugou frowns hard and buries his face into your chest to muffle the heartbreaking sob he lets out, his fists start to smoke and he shakes his head.

“But you’re not! You’re not fucking here!”

He pulls away from the pillow he’s burning now in order to breathe and scream out in agony. Bakugou continues until his vocal chords feel raw and there’s a giant hole in the wall above the headboard from him repeatedly punching it. Looking down through teary eyes, Bakugou notices his knuckles are bloody and throbbing in pain. A few minutes pass and he’s on his knees hunched over in the middle of the bed, sheet-rock is crumbled all around him on the covers and he sighs, wiping angrily at his tears. 

Soon the feeling of fingers in his hair, scratching against his scalp soothingly causes Bakugou to deflate and he sinks back as you hold him close, back to your chest and your cheek pressed against the top of his hair. He clings to your arms around him. Tears roll from his irritated and red eyes, snot down his nose as he sniffles. 

“I’m sorry,” you both whisper out in unison.

You press kiss after kiss against soft ash blonde hair, against ruddy warm cheeks and tear filled eyes. Bakugou suppresses his whimper, he can feel what's coming and he doesn’t like it.

“Call him … you need him right now, do this for me please,” you speak upon the side of Bakugou’s neck. 

Bakugou grunts and leans over to grab his phone from the nightstand, laying down on his side in the process. You move with him and place yourself before him to hold close, letting his arms wrap tight around you. The ghosting of fingers against his cheekbone makes Bakugou look down at you with red tired eyes. He can see the choice in your own and can feel it in the way you lean in and kiss his lips so softly that it feels like air before pressing your forehead against his.

“You’ll be okay Katsuki, I know you will. Just - breathe for me; and always know that I’m right here baby,” you whisper while placing your palm to the space over his heart.

Bakugou’s bottom lip trembles and he nods. He shifts to press his face into your hair, inhaling the scent of strawberries and cream that's ingrained in his senses as his eyes squeeze shut before kissing the top of your head and letting out a long breath.

“I’ll be okay.”

When his eyes open, Bakugou swallows the lump in his throat and eases the death grip he has on the charred pillow. He sighs and swipes a finger across the screen of his phone and moves to lay on his back, pressing the device to his ear.

It rings only a few times before a raspy voice is answering with concern.

“Kats, what’s wrong?”

Bakugou looks up from his newspaper and cup of coffee when the door to the backyard opens. He smirks and pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose and watches as Kirishima and Ghost both come barreling in. The giant mastiff is slobbering and panting, so is Kirishima, except the slobbering part - well sort of. 

“Whew - oh hey sleeping beauty,” Kirishima gleams and takes a step towards where Bakugou is seated at the kitchen counter, lips puckered and arms open wide.

He’s stopped by a finger to the mouth, halting him from going any further.

“Don’t even think about it, you’re disgusting!

Kirishima gives those stupid puppy eyes that everyone, even himself, were always weak to and a whimper coming from below makes Bakugou look down to see Ghost also giving her own literal puppy eyes. 

“You’re both pathetic, there’s no way I’m - oof!”

Bakugou is tackled off his seat and onto the ground by Kirishima, knocking his glasses off in the process. Ghost joins in and smothers him in an abnormal amount of slobber as she licks his face excitedly and Kirishima kisses his cheeks - which, gross, he doesn’t even care that he’s kissing where there is drool. But Bakugou can’t help cackling and grinning as he tries to shove them off. 

 “Both of you fucking stink, get offa me! You need baths!”

Kirishima smirks and pulls away enough for Bakugou to wipe his face.

“I’ll make you a deal Blasty, I shower then give this pretty lady a bath - if you make us breakfast!

Kirishima firmly pats and pets the giant dog, looking at his boyfriend with a playful light in his red eyes.

Bakugou sighs, “If it’ll get you gross animals off then fine!”

Smiling victoriously, Kirishima sits back on his knees and helps with pulling the dog away. She quickly forgets about them and trots off to her toys in the living room. Kirishima offers his hand, Bakugou takes it and together they stand from the floor. 

Bakugou rolls his eyes but smirks and playfully pushes at Kirishima’s shoulder. His wrist is caught and Kirishima pulls him in for a hug. It’s sticky and sweaty but a smile forms on his face and Bakugou accepts it without question, along with the gentle kiss to his temple.

“Slept okay?” 

Kirishima asks, running his fingers through Bakugou’s hair when they pull away from their hug. Bakugou leans into the touch and nods.

“As good as I could with two giants hogging the bed and snoring loud enough to shake the fucking walls.”

Kirishima chuckles and takes Bakugou’s hand, letting his thumb brush over the black band that still remains on his finger, he smiles fondly at it.

“I’ll take that as a ‘I slept great babe!’”

Bakugou snorted and patted Kirishima’s chest, leaning in to kiss his sweaty cheek before lightly pushing him away and wiping the salty taste from his mouth. 

“If you want breakfast, you better get your rank ass in the shower and hold up your end of the bargain.”

“Aye, aye captain!” Kirishima salutes with a massive smile and turns to jog out and towards the bedroom.

Shaking his head with a smile, Bakugou picks up the mess of his forgotten newspaper on the counter. He skims over the front page and smiles at the picture taken of him and Kirishima. Their backs face the camera, Kirishima’s arm around Bakugou as they look upon the cherry blossom tree that was planted in your memory at one of your favorite parks. It had bloomed just in time for the one year anniversary of your passing and there were numerous gifts left around the trunk of it from fans and friends.

Bakugou runs a finger over your printed name on the paper and for the first time since that one night, he feels you pressed against him, hugging him close from behind and pressing your cheek to his back. Smiling, Bakugou rubs at your hands over his stomach and he looks up when he hears Kirishima walking back into the kitchen with a question that he doesn’t hear.

The redhead looks him over confused at first and Bakugou just gives him the softest and fondest smile, still rubbing over the space of his stomach and Kirishima’s eyes widen. He crosses his arms and leans against the fridge, smiling at Bakugou while he states softly.

“She’s here.”

[smolbeandrabbles]

This Is What You Came For - Nolan Sorrento x Reader (Ready Player One)

@mandy23b​ @wltz-bby @happyskywhale #mendotagsquad

GIF Credit: X

Nolan Sorrento + 29 - “How is my wife more badass than me?” Requested by @purebloodwitch​ Author’s Note: Alright! Second to last 100 Sentence Challenge request! We really are almost there now! 🙏😁 This is a Ready Player One AU. You’ll figure out the AU as you read 😉 I made... some Tron references in this! I don’t think enough to warrant you having needed to see it-!  😁 Maybe you’ll want to look up what exactly a Light Cycle is. (Specifically how you use one in Tron: Legacy) Also I know that the Cycle would technically be in her OASIS inventory but I really like the idea of her just carrying the stick around strapped to her belt or thigh or something to use it. So ignore that inaccuracy!

Disclaimer: AU / Neither RPO or Tron has anything to do with me. / gif not mine / lyrics not mine / References to Lacero

Premise: With the final Key of the OASIS up for grabs, and IOI certain that it will be theirs - you’ve become unnecessary. When it all goes wrong, there’s only one Sixer that can step up to the plate...

Words: 4948

Warnings: AU / Swearing

_______ Baby, this is what you came for Lightning strikes every time she moves Yeah Baby, this is what you came for Lightning strikes every time she moves And everybody's watching her But she's looking at you, We go fast with the game we play Who knows why it's gotta be this way We say nothing more than we need I say "your place" when we leave Baby, this is what you came for Lightning strikes every time she moves And everybody's watching her But she's looking at you --- Yes, I am gonna win, And I’ll light the fuse, And I’ll never lose And I choose to survive, Whatever it takes You won’t pull ahead, I’ll keep up the pace And I’ll reveal my strength to the whole human race Yes I am prepared to stay alive And I won’t forgive, vengeance is mine And I won’t give in because I choose to thrive Yeah, I’m gonna win! Race, It’s a race But I’m gonna win Yes, I’m gonna win 

---

You weren’t supposed to be here. In fact you weren’t even supposed to be on standby near IOI plaza. You were supposed to be at home - a simple spectator to the final challenge. Today was, of course, the day that IOI claimed the third key. Your husband, the OASIS for himself. Buuuut, as usual with Nolan, it had to be done the hard way - and everything appeared to be going terribly.

It wasn’t so hard to get your motorcycle from point A to point B and before you knew it you were hurrying towards the War Room. You heard the whispers and murmurs get steadily louder as you rushed from room to room; but especially as you ran the walkways over the Oologists. Y/N’s here! Y/N’s here! Y/N’s here! Yeah - everyone knew what that meant.

“Y/N! Ms.Sorrento, I-!” His assistant caught you as soon as you flung the doors to the correct floor open. “Paul, now is not the time to tell me what Nolan does or doesn’t want me to do. It looks like he needs me and, regardless of that, I think the sixers need help.” Several of them stood to attention as you clambered up on one of the platforms ready to strap yourself in. Good kids that respected you. Well, that came with the territory, you had spent time training a few of the best here too. Michael, their drill instructor and another guy you liked plenty, rushed over to perform final checks and run down exactly what was happening with you, he knew this was serious too. “Shall I inform him you’re here!?” Paul seemed to be halfway to the door already, “Nah, he’ll figure out soon enough!” You gave Michael a fist bump as you pulled on your gloves. “Andrew up there?” Nolan’s head of security seemed pretty important to keep around right now. “Uh… I don’t know I-” “Don’t worry, just make sure he is.” You took a breath regarding your visor for a moment. Okay – time to teach these kids a thing or two, again.

You were something of a marvel within the OASIS yourself - though you weren’t about to brag about it. IOI’s secret weapon, and boy did they desperately need you right now. F’Nale, but with covert OASIS based operations. And you were very alike; you understood why Nolan trusted her as much as he did you. An “official” I-R0k; although you would never like the comparison, considering you could trust him about as far as you could throw him, and didn’t understand why Nolan had so much faith. You two didn’t get on, which is why you’d been left out of a lot of this key stuff. For this to run smoothly Nolan had to keep the two of you from clashing, and I-R0K was the one getting paid for things you would consider less than legal. Except you had two keys, and they ought to remember that. Besides, it looked like his faith was going well...

You glanced up to Nolan’s office with a gentle sigh as you slipped on your visor to log in. Am I going to have to rescue you again, husband dearest? Much like him you didn’t wear your wedding ring - his in a box in the left pocket of his jacket ‘over my heart, where it matters’ is what Nolan always said. Yours on a chain around your neck, which you would often kiss for good luck, as you did now. The familiar start up screen greeted you with those five letters you knew all too well; before presenting you with a host of IOI portal options. Your flashed smile was confident as you stepped towards one.

Sector 14, Anoraks Castle, Planet Doom

 *** You knew what you were as much as everyone else did. Nolan’s last line of defence. IOI’s secret weapon. Everyone knew, if they didn’t already, that it was serious when you took to the War Room floor and suited up. You would never call yourself a Gunter and you certainly weren’t a Sixer in the traditional sense, you enjoyed your time in the OASIS sure – and you were probably in it a little too much for Nolan’s liking, but that made you perfect. You knew what you were doing, and you weren’t restricted. For one thing, your Avatar still retained her original name. Today you’d changed into your battle uniform, but usually you could blend freely with everyone else. Working for him sure, but unlike the Sixers you were invisible. Before you’d met Nolan Sorrento you’d been a stuntwoman – when movie making still existed. It didn’t make the transition to becoming a fitness instructor that hard, and eventually that led to becoming a personal trainer for the elite (no one else was paying for such a thing these days). Nolan wasn’t one of these people, Nolan was someone whose form you’d commented on once or twice to help – and also a man who infuriatingly thought he knew everything. He’d in no way been your favourite person, the kinda rich corporate asshole that thought his money could buy him everything. But he liked your attitude and soon enough you realised that Nolan was only pretending not to listen to you. You warmed to him, and he you – to the point you knew he wasn’t kicking around your gym just for his workouts. You got hired as his trainer, and then promptly dropped as you started dating. Nolan wasn’t one for dating people he hired, because he liked to avoid scandal, which is exactly why you weren’t an official IOI employee. But he was as married to his job as he was to you, so, it had to bleed into your life somewhere. Truth was when it came to your relationship you were firmly in the drivers’ seat; and Nolan Sorrento needed you. Badly. Possibly none more so than he did now. You’d spent this morning at home – wishing him good luck before he left and letting him know you’d be on standby. Nolan had flashed a confident smile, and told you you didn’t need to be. “We have that… Orb of Osuvox thing, you can take the day off.” You were pleased he was at least pronouncing it correctly, “Okay. But with two keys and being arguably the best Sixer you have-” He crossed the room and kissed your forehead, “Y/N. That’s exactly why you need to stay…” He took your hands in his, touching his head to yours, “If I keep you safe here, then I know if things start going wrong, we still have a chance.” “Babe…” You pulled back, “Am I not your chance?” “We have this.” His blue eyes flashed in over-confidence (Which was correct in hindsight!) “Relax. Watch it here instead. You’ve done your part.” You tipped your head, before pulling him to you fiercely by his shirt collar for a fiery kiss – you’d have removed it, if you didn’t know that he had to go. “Finish it.” He blinked hard and swallowed harder, to Nolan that felt like a promise. Like the and hurry back was lingering unsaid on your lips. “I… I will.” Only that was before you’d watched that level 99 magic artifact implode on him, and you’d reached for your motorcycle keys then. No matter what Nolan said; you were always going to be on standby for him, you would step in if necessary, no matter the cost. The only thing that kept you on the couch for any longer than that was watching the appearance of Mechagodzilla. Now there was a movie Nolan had you watching 1000 times and yet still waxed lyrical about. How excited he was to tell you he’d built one in the OASIS. You had gifted him with a miniature figurine of it for his desk, and there it sat, his pride and joy. It always made you smile when you saw it. But even his faithful mechanical monster wasn’t helping him this time. And as you watched that explode you sprung from the couch. “SHIT!” Did that mean Nolan would have zeroed? No, no, no, no! That shouldn’t have happened. This shouldn’t be happening! You snapped the viewing screen off and sprinted to the garage – very nearly cursing yourself. You should have gone with him; you should have pushed Nolan, made it clear he needed you for moral support and no wasn’t an option – then you’d have been at HQ right now. Hell, you should have BEEN on that field right now, you could have gone from here - but what you really needed was IOI intel, portals, and access to their inventory. The one thing that gave you pause before you started your bike ignition was the vibration of your phone in your pocket, you pulled it out; ‘He needs you.’ was all it said – hastily written by his assistant, you pocketed it again and took a deep breath. Hand stilled for a moment over the gold band pressed against your chest under your shirt. “Yeah… No shit.” You always felt at home on bikes – and felt that it was always a quicker way to navigate through the city. You’d get to IOI Plaza quicker than you ever would in a car at any rate. Your OASIS vehicle of choice was a Light Cycle – Tron was one of, if not your all-time, favourite 80s Pop Culture movie. Although your current mod meant you had a version closer to the type in Legacy, a little easier to carry around and extremely fun to mount. You’d always flashed Nolan a grin and referred to your bike as ‘an ACTUAL gold piece of 80s media’ only for him to scoff at you. But yours had won you that first key before anyone else in IOI had, and you got to waltz into his board meeting and practically demand to be employed. (Unsurprisingly, Nolan didn’t really want you involved. Oh, until you proved you could do it!) The Light Cycle games were also ever popular in the OASIS, and you were the current reigning champion. Those had cemented your place in the OASIS, rather than your role as an IOI agent – it was unsurprising that everyone assumed you were a gunter. Many had tried to beat you, and all had failed – now it was time to put all those skills to a different kind of test. Hopefully you could win this one too. Nolan was counting on it.

*** Your avatar materialised on just the right side of the battle. Maybe a little too close to danger, though. You took a couple of steps back from the shattered bridge, giving only an obliging glance to the lava before turning to the castle; the real fight was in here. “Taking the bridge out isn’t a bad idea… I suppose…” – It was likely the only credit you would give I-R0K. This particular part of the planet looked like more of a winter scene than the rest of it. And not from any cheery Christmas movie, you thought, much more like the Day After Tomorrow. The wind whipped your avatar’s hair around and left a distinct chill on your VR gear; you shivered against the cold involuntarily before you broke into a run, hoping you weren’t too late. You had highly modified your avatars coding, twice, for these exactly moments. Within seconds you deployed her fairy-like wings. You couldn’t remember exactly when you’d last used them practically, rather than for extra show. But if ever there was a time, it was now. Beneath what you could hear from the OASIS itself was the nearly comforting noise of the war room and the murmur rippled – this was serious business. You could leave nothing to chance. The sound of real fighting echoed off the ice as you kept running, letting you wings vibrate against the cold air to give her lift, hopefully this would work! *** At first Parzival wasn’t sure what exactly had hit him, only that his right hand side had taken the brunt of the force. Luckily not enough to take out his armour quite yet. Looking up, he faced an avatar he’d never seen before skidding across the ice to a stop, whereupon she used her wings to right herself. Those must have been coded by the person to whom she belonged; he’d never seen a mod like that. He suddenly found himself with a sense of dread; dressed in a black leather jacket reminiscent of Sorrento’s own, underneath was a T-Shirt emblazoned in lights: IOI-6whatever-her-number-was. A Sixer?! But with an avatar like that she wasn’t just a regular one. He stood shakily, eyes flicking back to Sorrento – who looked more than a little surprised that she’d just joined the fight. Parzival smiled; Nolan was off guard – now was his chance. Z got just two paces – albeit at a very good run – before you were back in front of him. Every step he took you mirrored; wings stretched out defensively. These might have been kids, but you weren’t opposed to getting up in his face. Your eyes glittered in a way that made the colour seem unnatural (your favourite, if he was wondering), and Parzival was forced to take a slight step back. “Don’t. Fucking. Touch him.” You were more than happy to take the space he’d conceded. “Fine. I’ll just take both of you!” You had to give him credit, almost admired the attitude, eyes narrowed. Parzival wasn’t about to back down without a fight; hell, you might even find this one enjoyable. “You sure about that when you can just walk away now – it might be less painful for you.” “This is my world – and I’ll protect it from IOI and HIM by any means necessarily!” You sighed, with a shrug, “Suit yourself-!” There was just no way around you. Parzival realised he’d have to go through you and he wasn’t sure how many more of these painful hits he could take. You were highly trained and knew what you were doing – it raised so many questions as to why he’d never met you before. “Y-Y/N!” “Save it!” You didn’t even turn to Nolan’s avatar as you snapped, holding your hand up to silence him, give this kid an inch he’d likely take a mile. (Also you weren’t entirely happy anymore about your husband leaving you behind, but now wasn’t the time for that). You went for Z again – weapons unnecessary; your avatar was fine with relying on your own fighting skills and knowledge. Especially in close combat – magic was nice, but you’d still take your own instincts over that. Really you should have told him he didn’t have a chance, and you weren’t bad at dodging his tricks either. Given you were IOI’s best kept secret, there was probably too much going on in Parzival’s head right now to keep focus on what he was doing. He didn’t have any friends to save him. Your next sharp strike had him down on the floor – flashing red in warning that any second, he could be taken off the board. And it was painful, you made sure of that, to keep him there for a minute. You had a couple of other idiots to deal with before you removed him from the top of the scoring. For the first time since you’d got here you acknowledged the cavernous area you found yourself in; it seemed to be nothing but ice and stretched on endlessly. That chill still clung to your VR equipment and as you caught your breath it fogged up in the virtual air. I-R0K pulled you back to the matter at hand; “You’re a little late to the party don’t you think-!?” You didn’t even regard him properly, eyes flicking across, face hardened; “Shut your damn mouth. I got here didn’t I-!? Thought you boys wouldn’t need my help. Thank me later.” Then as a snarky aside, “This is all on you, I guess? A lot of good your plan did-!” “It woulda been fine. It’s your company that was infiltrated.” You did actually turn to Nolan then, arms folded, “HIS company.” Nolan looked a little affronted, but held his tongue. You knew he wasn’t about to chide you for being here. Looking between them again you couldn’t help but smirk; “I see your little orb didn’t work.” “It was taken down from the inside.” “...Exactly.” That still counted, you didn’t know why I-R0K was trying to pretend that it didn’t. “That’s not my fault.” “No one thought to just turn it back on?” They looked to each other and you realised it’d never crossed anyone’s mind, “Oh god, men!“ You ran your hand over your face; “So. What happened?” Nolan came in to defend his old friend from your onslaught – painfully aware of how much you didn’t get on; “It’s not exactly on him, my rig did get hacked.” You raised an eyebrow, “You still using that ridiculous password?” “Yeah.” His eyes flickered gold. “You still got it on a post-it?” “No.” His answer was far too quick, voice pitched slightly, and you sighed folding your arms once more, “I told you to change it.” It sounded like something a teen would use anyway - Bo55man69? Who was Nolan Sorrento kidding? “I… I was getting to it!” He stuttered as you gave him a hard look. “Little late for that... if you two idiots will excuse me!” Then you finally regarded the third man in the room looking between you utterly confused, yet still on the floor where you’d left him. Best not to leave him unchecked for long – you could bicker with these boys all day, it wouldn’t win Nolan the final key. “Now, Parzival, where were we?” The teen stood on his feet, he had a couple of tricks left, he knew that – maybe back up would even arrive. In fact, he was sure that if he just swept you from the equation it wouldn’t be so hard to take out the other two. Parzival leant around you to regard the Cataclyst, half buried in snow. Maybe he could use that as leverage, Sorrento might not care about setting foot in here again, but he surely wanted control. He wasn’t sure you and the other one would be best pleased about the prospect of Zeroing out. You followed his eyeline, and in that split second where your concentration wasn’t on him, he darted forward; “Oh no, you don’t!” Nolan dodged to the side, which was kinda unhelpful, because he was a lot bigger than both of you so could probably have taken a decent hit with his Avatar no problem. But, sure, instead he was content to watch you scrap with a kid over the most destructive device in the OASIS. You dragged Parzival back across the ice, letting your wings do most of the (literal) heavy lifting. “Why are you making this so hard-!?” “I can’t give up!! Not for everyone that actually knows a damn thing about what this place stands for!” You laughed, dropping him and firmly positioning yourself between Nolan, the Cataclyst and him. “Trust me, you’re only seeing what you want to see about the OASIS. You’re only seeing what you want to see about Nolan too, but you’re also a man running out of time. You can leave, right now, you can stand down. Parzival you have choices.” “I’ll NEVER let the OASIS fall into the hands of IOI.” You weren’t exactly sure how he was going to get out of it, but if he wanted to continue to fight you, you were down with that. “Suit yourself, but when this ends – remember I gave you the choice.” He came at you again, and this time you knew the only option was to take him out. *** For just a moment you let yourself regard Parzival sympathetically. In all honestly you got it, why everyone had gathered here to stop IOI from swallowing up their favourite pastime. But their perspective was what they saw, IOI and its loyalty centres. Your husband, the face and the front of that. On any other given day, you’d be on the other side fighting him and you knew that. You were painfully aware of it. But you knew him; you knew you couldn’t change the company and Nolan needed the support of IOI to get to this point. Maybe Loyalty would go, maybe it would stay – maybe when he got what he wanted, you could persuade Nolan to do anything. But he needed this. For what the OASIS had done to his family, he needed this more than the kid standing in front of you. And that was your only thought. “Sorry, kid.” And you meant it as you delivered that final blow. Parzival zeroed. For him, the game was over. There was eerie silence for a minute and you looked to the floor, feeling solemn, folding your wings away again. That would weigh heavily on you for weeks, you knew. From across the field the two men watched you in disbelief. You had actually done it. IOI was guaranteed the win. After all that, Nolan Sorrento only had to clear the final challenge. “How is my wife more badass than me?” Nolan murmured, shaking his head slow. “Well I don’t really think it’s that hard-!” He glared at I-R0K momentarily, eyes sparking back to that gold, before you spoke up. “Leave.” “What?” You didn’t even look across to I-R0K, “Your job is done here and I want you gone.” “Are you kidding me!?” “Unless you want to zero out too.” Your eyes were harsh and cold, and despite the obvious grumble Nolan nudged his friend, nodding in agreement. “You got me this far, old friend… You’ll be well paid.” You received a glare, before he jabbed a finger at you, “Don’t you DARE mess this up-!” and with that, logged out of the game. Now alone, you regarded Nolan properly for the first time since you got here. You wanted to run to him, but you knew it wasn’t over. You still had to beat the challenge and get the key. “Where are you?” He spoke first. “Downstairs.” You gave a little nod, “Andrew with you?” “…Yes.” At least his security was there, that seemed important to you. Even if the fight was in the OASIS. “You came all the way here… for me?” You titled your head, Nolan already knew his own answer, it was his lack of belief that got you; “I couldn’t let you do this alone. Not after what I saw.” “Guess I should have let you come.” “Well…” You smiled gently, “I’m here for you now.” *** You both stood in front of the final problem, with you looking for a final solution. They had won it and still failed, that wasn’t the key. It had to be something so Halliday and so out there, that it was so obvious… that’s what made it so hard. Nolan was a little less patient with you; “So how do you beat it? If it’s not about... winning?” You looked up to him, with a raised eyebrow. How exactly was he going to run the OASIS again? Maybe you’d be best zeroing him and winning it all for yourself. “Boy, you still got a long way to go.” You nudged him gently with your elbow and went back to studying the game hard; “It’s the right game we know that - the ice broke after a minute for everything else except for this one. But winning can’t be the objective.” Then it clicked; “Oh-! Of course.” “Of course what?” He was still clueless. You were trying to imagine the OASIS full of all Nolan’s favourite pop culture references instead. You didn’t think you’d find yourself complaining at all the 90s/00s obscurities somehow. As long as he kept Tron – or it’d be divorce. Instead you pointed to the retro TV; “The whole damn competition is about Easter Eggs and this game... was the first one.” You picked up the controller with a smile, “It’s about finding the Easter Egg-! Literally!” Nolan tipped his head, curiously, as you continued to explain, “Warren Robinett hid his name on the start screen, sort of, back in a time when creators didn’t get shit for things they worked so hard on...” you nodded back towards Nolan, “Kinda think you’d know a little about that.” Glad it wouldn’t show up on his OASIS avatar, Nolan’s faced burned slightly at your mention of his Gregarious days. He didn’t have to say anything though, his eyes had a habit of changing colour to give away his emotions and they’d flicked back to gold. “So, you can beat it?” “If that’s the answer, yeah!” You gave a single confident nod, coupled with a gentle smile And for once he smiled too, one so beautifully genuine all you wished was that you were seeing it on his actual face; “You’re a star!” “Oh no.” You shook your head firmly; “Your Oologists found the game, they deserve the credit. They deserve a hell of a lot - let’s be honest here!” And you’d make sure they got it, you did always like checking in on the kids and asking them about their latest piece of Halliday trivia whenever you happened to be kicking around HQ. You swallowed hard; “Okay, Noe, lets just hope I’m right!” *** The gravitas of the moment demanded you to stare up at Halliday’s avatar with a certain level of respect. It felt too wrong to be right. But you knew the man you’d married, and hopefully this would give him just the opportunity needed to show more than only you who he really was. You bowed your head, before stepping forward to take the Crystal Key delicately as it was offered. Voice soft as you bit your lip. “Thank you…” As you did so, the ice before the both of you cracked, raising from it a door of the same gem stone. You hopped down from the podium and back across to your husband, who was staring at the door with the same type of hesitation. You noticed his hand was over his heart – because even in Nolan’s haptics he would be able to feel that wedding ring digging into his skin, transferred to his shirt pocket when he wasn’t wearing his jacket. You couldn’t help your little smile at how absentminded and soft it was. He wasn’t even thinking about the OASIS when he was sitting in his office doing that. “Is this really happening?” “Uh huh.” You looked to the door, “Let’s go see what’s really waiting on the other side.” “Y/N- Wait-!” But you were already jumping across the ice path towards it and Nolan had no choice than to follow you to the door. Three holes for the three keys; yours were his and you took a step back from him. But he was still hesitant. “What?” “After all this, I just can’t…” “Honey…” You took his hand and made him look back to you, “You’ve wanted this for five years.” You looked back to the final key in your hand, taking a deep breath, “This is what you came for.” “What if I do the wrong thing?” “I know you.” You held the Crystal Key out for him, “You won’t.” Nolan took it from you gently, opening his inventory for the other two, Copper, then Jade… before he looked back to the Crystal one and paused again. You wondered what was happening around you, mass cheering? Were people upset? Your focus was Nolan, everything else was drowned out. Everyone knew what the official line for the plan was. Could the man you loved go ahead with it, that was the question – even if it was only on your lips. You regarded him for a minute, key in one hand, your fingers laced with his other and you wondered if he would really go through with it. Nolan had long had issues with the OASIS; it was in part responsible for the death of his sister, and he also held the belief that people spent far too long escaping the problems of the real world here instead of facing the ones outside. Now he truly had the keys to the Kingdom - would Nolan Sorrento shut it all down? Would he monetise it? He pandered that one to board and shareholders alike, but could he really go through with such a thing? You didn’t like to guess that he could - but making it exclusive to those that could afford it wouldn’t solve his problem. Those that could afford it would be pivotal in fixing the world, after all.

Nolan glanced to you and exhaled, squeezing your hand a little tighter, he’d dreamt of shutting this down since he’d lost her. And that’s what he really talked to you about in the dead of night curled up in your arms when no one else could hear. He gave a firm nod and turned back towards the door “Okay. Let’s do this...” Then looked back to you, placing your avatar’s hand over his, “You got me here, Y/N. So I won’t do this without you.” You could feel yourself start to well up, you weren’t one for crying and usually you’d curse yourself. But this once you’d let them come. “Nolan…” I love you. I love you too. I love you SO much. He gave a nod of encouragement, and a gentle smile – you returned both. “On my count…”

Whatever came next, and whatever Nolan chose to do here - you’d do it together.

---

15/16! Woo hoo! We’re there! One more to go and we’ve done it!! 😁

Thank you for reading and enjoying these so much so far! Hopefully we’ll go out with a bang! 😉💙

[kpopchangedme]

Im Jaebeom | Pregnancy!au [M]

Jaebeom read so many baby-related books he's forgotten how to enjoy some simple pleasures... (Oh, and you are obviously cranky and hormonal but he knows better than to tell you that!)

Protagonists: Im Jaebeom & You

Word Count: 2.4k

Genre: NSFW - Newly Weds - Romance - Angst - Pregnancy - Pregnancy sex- Smut || [Drabble 2k]

Prompts: “I can’t help the fact that I’m so goddamn moody all the freaking time” + “Should have gotten a puppy.” [Anon]

Lyly's note: Is this sexy pregnancy!au worthy of Things I Wish I Knew or what? lol. Pregnant ladies, go get some! ;)

GOT7 | M.list

You let out a loud swear, stepping on a phone charger someone has somehow abandoned in the middle of the living room. It freaking hurts, like a tiny torture device, tore the sensitive skin of your foot. Of course, when you sit on the couch to examine it, it looks perfectly fine. 

“Should've gotten a damn puppy,” You curse again under your breath, unreasonably livid. 

Instantly, the guilty party's head pops out of the doorframe to his office. “Honey!” Jaebeom considers you from head to toe in outrage, “The Shrimp has ears.”

That's his thing now that the third-semester started; obsessing about auditory development and what the baby is able to hear. Swears, news coverage of dramatic events and loud quarrels are strictly prohibited. He plays music whenever he has the chance, boasting about how you are growing a music whiz. 

Ever since he read his first damn pregnancy book, Jaebeom turned into a helicopter daddy-to-be, always hovering to make sure you are doing everything right. At the end of the third prenatal visit, he decided on moving his whole studio at home to work and mommysit – as he calls it.

By the time he was done with the fourth pregnancy book, you felt like nothing but an incubator to his spawn. That's not exactly what you wished your first year of life together would feel like. But then again, you didn't plan on getting pregnant on your honeymoon, the first time you two ditched contraception. It happened very fast. Everyone called it a blessing and you did too for a while, you were elated. Right until you started to lose your hair and struggle with acne like a damn teenager… Now it varies daily, you are either excited or scared shitless, in high spirits or easily irritable, you can't tell before it shifts. Overbearing, Jaebeom has gotten better than yourself at reading your daily disposition.

When you glare at him, he straightens worryingly in the doorframe, partly to blame for your current mood. “Don't look at me!” You snap in exasperation, still rubbing the sole of your aching foot. “Can you stop looking at me like that?”

He risks taking a few steps in your general direction, expertly assessing the situation, “Like what?”

"Like I’m a ticking bomb; like I'm gonna start yelling at you any second!” Freezing in the middle of the place, he presses his tongue to his cheek. You are almost shouting, but he knows better than to point that out.

“I’m not,” Jaebeom comes to sit by you guardedly. He makes sure not to maintain eye contact for too long, as though you're a dangerous fickle animal. "Did you hurt yourself?"

You hiss threateningly at the question but he still reaches for your perpetually bloated foot. Gently, he massages it, flashing you a dumb innocent smile. Still sullen, you at least allow him to do that much.

Fine, you do not completely hate having your man work from home. 

“I can’t help the fact that I’m so goddamn moody all the freaking time...” 

“Moody?” You cross your arms over your chest and Jaebeom chuckles, shaking his head. “You're the living definition of serene honey... You're the best. I love you.”

“Shuddup.” Groaning at the fake compliment, you offer your second foot after a minute of pampering, slightly appeased. “Stop trying so hard, it turns me into a cliché bitch.” You don't miss Jaebeom’s grimace at the word, but he isn't brave enough to correct you again. “Tell you what, if the baby's first word is a swear... I’ll do everything you ask of me for a year.”

"Everything? A whole year?” Raising his eyebrows suggestively, Jaebeom leans in for a lengthy kiss. “You know I can't say no to a promise like that. I would abuse that power, I’m quite imaginative.” You laugh against his mouth, sliding your arms around his neck for him to linger a little longer. Your hub has one hell of a gift, he can always change your mood, even on the worst days. That being said, you're always in the mood for some sexy time with him lately. You just have limited positions and flexibility. “I might teach the Shrimp your favourite cusses just to win that privilege.”

“You wouldn't dare.”

Laughing, Jaebeom sits back but you follow, managing to climb him without difficulty. It's clear he has started something with his massage, stirred your desire. “I’m not done,” he warns pointlessly, not talking about you, "I'm working hard." He points his chin to the studio, but you don't climb down. There's no way he believes you will let him go back to his office right now.

“Very hard yeah,” chuckling, you pull at the collar of his shirt, “Mister Producer.” He breaks the kiss to get rid of the piece of clothing himself, eager to entertain your favourable disposition. Some sacrifices are harder to make than others, and taking a break from work for quick sex is a no brainer. Your hands roam his shoulders, even after all this time you still can't get enough. “Did you save it?” Nudging your nose to his, you pull away to throw your loose gown over your head. 

Jaebeom groans, already expertly unhooking your bra, “Of course I saved, but I’ll need to get back to it...” His mouth explores your neck and you throw your head back, savouring every single one of his kisses. “Feeling better?” He hums, lightly sucking your skin and you moan. Fine, having your man work from home is the best damn thing that ever happened to you. At your natural response, Jaebeom cups your swollen breasts, thumbs rubbing circles on your areolas. 

“Shit.” Instantly, he shushes in disapproval making you laugh. You lean into him as much as your 29 weeks belly allows. “I can't help myself, I'm too sensitive.”

“I can see that baby,” Jaebeom marvels as his constant stroking of your nipples makes your thighs jerk. “I read third-semester’ orgasms are incredibly intense...” You rise to your knees to slide his fleece jogger pants down, smoothly freeing his erection. These darn books sure reveal some useful information sometimes… “What do you think?”

“Oh, how would I possibly know that?” He stops altogether, freezing under you at the joke. Barely two days prior, you finished twice before he did – very expressively – but still, he hesitates. For a man as skilled as he is, it sure is easy to make him question himself. Jaebeom is contemplating his life, a dubious look on his face when you take his cock in your palm. His eyes shut, goosebumps spreading on his body at your touch. Smirking, you stroke him leisurely, “I guess you’ll have to keep working hard so we can find out.” You say that but really, you’ve been so hypersensitive lately, he could make you reach your high without even trying.

“You know...” Opening his eyes lazily, Jaebeom frowns; “I'm not sure how I feel… About the Shrimp is hearing all our sexy talk...” It's your turn to stop everything.

Oh no, he did not just say that… Not after all the stuff he put you through!

“I swear to God, Im fucking Jaebeom! I let you have your way until now; I gave up caffeine, cheese and fish…” Suddenly livid, you start checking things off of your fingers. “You are worried of dumb stuff you read about despite the doctor's best opinion... So, I let you hire a cleaning service; I stopped driving myself around and dyeing my hair; I allowed you to post our ultrasounds all over your socials; I didn't say anything when you sent the cats away to your mom's…” His mouth is open in awe as you angrily go on. He's clearly racking his brain to find out what he said wrong. Him and his stupid pregnancy obsessions. “But this... This is where I draw the fucking line Jaebeom. If you stop making love to me because it creeps you out... Honest to God, I will murder you. I don't care what the baby hears. The doctor said it was safe. I want sex, I need sex. Give me sex, or I'll destroy you.”

“Honey,” Jaebeom bites his lips, struggling to conceal his amusement, “I wasn’t saying we should stop. It doesn't bother me like that...” His right palm rubs your lower back in repetition to ease you. “I was just wond–”

“I don't care what you wonder about,” you interrupt, still down, “just do me.”

Before Jaebeom can fully laugh at you flaring over nothing again, you're kissing him roughly, intended on getting your way. Wriggling under you to get to a better angle, he doesn't seem too affected, simply enjoying the hormonal rollercoaster ride. One of the actual perks of your pregnancy is being in the mood quickly and it's more than just your desire, it's physical too. Something that is undeniable when his hand finds its way between your legs. You're ready for him already, wet and messy. Though you rock into his palm briefly, there's only one thing on your mind right this instant. 

You don't want to wait any longer to feel him inside you. You use Jaebeom's shoulder as a fulcrum to position yourself, raising on your knees and he helps, holding his cock as you gradually sink down. Once you're sitting back on him on the couch, filled, you pause, dropping your forehead to his. Eye to eye, out of focus, Jaebeom pecks your lips tenderly. His hands caress your belly on their way to the side of your thighs. That's enough to make you soft all over again. The power that man holds over you knows no limit. Careful, you rise, rocking your hips forward to add friction before sliding back down. This lazy back and forth goes on for a while and every time you fall down and your ass meets his thighs with a clap, you feel like breaking. 

“Okay?” Jaebeom mumbles, using his strength to firmly guide you upwards. You're thankful for his help because you're heavy and tired. You nod, letting out a weird throaty sound when he fills you up once more.

Jaebeom chuckles, entertained by your acute senses and unusual reactions. Sliding on the large couch to lay, he makes sure you follow closely, riding him. From this position, he can take better control, raising his hips to slam into you. You coo when he does, hovering above to let him have his way. You're already too taken by so little. There's a gentle thud in your belly at the shift of position but Jaebeom doesn't seem to feel the baby stir, awakened by your unrest. Thank God, because the last thing you want right now is for him to stop or slow down. It's not something abnormal or new at all, but now that the baby's movements are getting more noticeable from the outside, you wouldn't be surprised if it messed up with Jaebeom's sexy groove. In the dark, he picks a swift pace, thrusting faster but lighter, making sure to stretch this moment for as long as you both can.

Yet, you're shaky and unfocused, unable to calm yourself. Way too fast, you come undone, overwhelmed by the friction and pleasure. Ecstatic, you drop on your hands, on all fours, as your intense orgasm washes through you. Aware you're peaking already, Jaebeom maintains his rhythm, breathlessly laughing at your shortage of stamina. Sure, he was right, pregnancy orgasms are amazing but they also come almost unannounced and are ridiculously exhausting.

Losing the smile, Jaebeom frowns in concentration, probably trying to finish too. After a whole minute, you're still being carried by your own paroxysm, core quavering when his hips halt altogether. Sighing deeply, he cums in spurts inside you, letting go probably more hastily than he would have wanted to. He's a team player. He knows you won't be able to handle him for long after oversensitivity hits you.

Afterwards, you both stay like that for a moment – as one – trying to repossess yourselves. Some days, it's like you're an entirely different person. Food doesn't taste the same, you yell at your caring husband over nothing and your orgasms are absurdly drawn-out. 

“Hey,” Jaebeom speaks up after an eternity and you take it as a cue to pull away, letting him fall out of you, “that was very quick. Are you alright, was it good?” Typical of him lately, being so overly concerned, you snort. Reaching for the tissue box on the coffee table, he offers them up so you can clean yourself. Still overpowered, you nod, laying back naked on the couch to do so.

What a sight it must be, a stranded whale in the middle of his living room.

Jaebeom doesn't seem to see that though. Transfixed, he positions himself to comfortably kiss and hold your heavy belly. His fingers linger, tracing patterns over the stretched skin. “What about you Shrimp?” He asks mouth pressed to the bump, tickling. “How are you doing?” Sure enough, the baby rolls, following the sound of his familiar reassuring voice. 

“We definitely woke her up”, you announce casually, grabbing one of his hands to position it better. Now that it's over, hopefully, he won't mind or get weirded out by that idea. “And you’ll need another nickname, we're both getting huge.”

“Sorry,” Jaebeom apologizes with adoration when there's a more obvious kick. To him, his baby girl's tumbling never gets old. To you neither, but it's a different sensation entirely. Whispering in confidence, he adds, “You'll always be a shrimp to me." At the words, you can't help the flutters you feel, not from the baby. When he looks up this time, Jaebeom doesn't seem as apprehensive of your reaction. You're on the magical post-coital cloud of happiness, together. “What?” If it could, your heart would physically expand from emotion at the sight, swelling with unconditional love. As an only answer, you run a hand through his locks and he cutely grins. “Shrimp, I think we're safe for now. I don't think mommy wants to murder daddy anymore...”

“Daddy needs to get over himself,” you dramatically roll your eyes, smiling, “he knows mommy loves him, no matter what…”

GOT7 | M.list

[digitalmarketingagencysworld]

Everything to Know About Hiring a Wedding Planner

When it involves the design process, the spectrum stretches from "I haven't any idea what I'm doing" to "I think wedding planning could be my calling, should I quit my day job?" Accordingly, for those that do not know where to start out , hiring a marriage planner to assist them along the way can desire a no brainer . except for those that desire they have this from the get-go or think that extra help isn't financially feasible, is spending thousands on a planner really well worth the investment? If you select your planner wisely, you'll actually find yourself saving money.

Ahead, we break down everything you would like to understand about hiring a marriage planner, from why you would like one to the way to choose one.

Reasons to rent a marriage Planner

If you're trying to make a decision if a marriage planner is true for your big day, here are six things to place within the pro column.

1. they will economize on Vendors

A good planner can assist you make the foremost of your wedding budget. "We can stretch your budget because we all know what's more important; we all know what is going on to possess more impact," say planners Claire Weller and Susan Cordovan of massive City Bride. We learned that she spent over $1,000 on five bagpipers, and bagpipers are so loud you simply need one. We could have saved her $800 therein small decision. Even small decisions can add up to big savings once you have a planner who knows what they're doing."

2. They'll Fight for Your Wedding Vision and Keep Everything on target

In addition to helping couples budget and supervising sticky details like legal contracts, the foremost important perk of a planner has someone who'll fight for your wedding vision from start to end . While many vendors tackle quite one wedding per day or per weekend, a planner is concentrated only on your big day and can push to form sure everything goes consistent with your unique plan.

"It really may be a long journey to the altar," Cordovan says. "On the marriage day, [you want] someone who knows what's in your brain and knows that you simply want an outside ceremony albeit it's like rain. Or, if it does rain, we're getting to run out there and dry out the chairs."

3. they will Keep Things Stress-Free

From a vendor's perspective, working with a marriage planner rather than directly with the bride or groom or their parents can keep things streamlined and stress-free.  A Stem Above floral design, says especially because the day gets closer, she'd rather bother a planner to iron out last-minute details than worry an already-stressed couple directly.

 4. they will Get You a Vendor Discount

"Sometimes discounts don't appear on paper, "says. "If we call our lighting guy and on the marriage day we do not like what he's brought, you'll make certain we're getting to have him add extra lighting, and [you're not going to] get charged for it. We are repeat business. Couples aren't .

 5. they will Handle Ceremony-to-Reception Flipping

Full and partial planning packages aside ,a day-of coordinator is right if you'll wing it, especially if your celebration involves complex orchestration like flipping the ceremony space during a short period of time so it's ready for the reception.

What Are Day-of Wedding Coordinators and What Do They Do?

6. they will assist you Coordinate the whole Day

But albeit a venue offers an in-house coordinator, Cordovan advises couples to recollect that that person will likely only be coordinating the precise details that the venue is liable for providing, like food or the space itself. they'll not be focused on helping you juggle all the small details which will make your big day so special. And juggling details is that the last item you and your partner want to stress about on your day . "At a hotel or a venue, they see a marriage every weekend or two a weekend," Weller says. "Your wedding planner wants to form sure this is often your wedding. So having someone assist you understand the way to celebrate that's so important."

After you've booked your major vendors, you'll still plan to consult a planner midway through the method . Most offer partial or customized packages.

What to seem for during a Wedding Planner

Think a marriage planner is that the right move for you and your partner? Here's what to seem for when hiring one.

1. A Free Consultation

A face-to-face meeting is imperative when it involves hiring a marriage planner. Seeing someone's work online or having an honest phone conversation is one thing, but meeting them face to face and really going to know them can confirm or challenge what you would possibly have already thought.

2. The Planner's Personality

It's important that you simply find someone whose personality clicks with yours, says Viva Max Kaley of Viva Max Weddings. believe what proportion you will be communicating with and seeing this person throughout the marriage planning process. So you'll be wanting to make certain you're very comfortable together with your planner and the way they hear you and speak to you. There should be a solid rapport and a component of trust.

3. The Planner's Individual Background or Experience

Each planner has their own unique skillset and a few could also be better suited to the sort of wedding you're hoping to plan it would add up to settle on someone whose background aligns together with your needs," Kaley advises. Or if food is your first priority, then a planner who knows the ins and outs of the catering business or wont to be a chef could be an honest choice. Of course, many planners have a various body of experience to draw from, but you ought to attempt to work with one who also emphasizes the aspects that you simply think are the foremost important.

4. What Services Are Included

Spend time brooding about what services you will need for your wedding, then find a planner who can fulfill those needs you'll only need a day-of coordinator to assist everything run smoothly, otherwise you may prefer an expert to assist walk you thru every step of the way while planning your big day. Kaley recommends being honest about what you're capable of doing and what your strengths and weaknesses could also be . "

Some planners append an additional charge for design services, so confirm you recognize what you're getting from the beginning ,and a few coordinators won't found out any decor unless it's explicitly stated within the contract.

5. Their Average reaction time

Since communication is vital , Chancy says it is also important to understand what quite reaction time you'll expect from your planner. this may help reduce or eliminate the strain of wondering about any issues—big or small—as you're planning. So, make certain to ask potential planners whether you will be communicating via phone calls, texts, or emails and the way long you ought to expect to attend for a reply.

6. coverage

Although it is the least romantic aspect of wedding planning, insurance may be a must. confirm your planner has insurance . In fact, most high-end resorts require a planner to possess it, says Victoria Canada of Victoria Canada Weddings & Events.

If you are searching for best wedding planner in Udaipur ?Shree Event Decor are well known wedding planner company in Udaipur.

[quarterfromcanon]

2019 Fic Writing Roundup

I was tagged by my lovely friend @catty-words.

Total 2019 Word Count: 58,159

Total 2019 Hits: Asdfghjkl; Oh gosh, it’s much harder to tell when the work is only on Tumblr!  I’ll tally up the notes from there to get the closest approximation I can. It looks like there are 174 total (a mix of likes and comments) on the pieces that I posted from this past year.

Other 2019 AO3 Stats: N/A, although I did finally join AO3 *this* year, so next time around there’ll actually be things to put here! :)

Total 2018 Word Count: Published? None. I think I might have tried writing a little bit of something for myself somewhere in there, but I didn’t get back to any kind of public fandom writing until 2019.

Total 2018 Hits: None. What a difference a year can make! I look forward to comparing 2019 to whatever’s yet to come in 2020!

Other 2018 AO3 Stats: N/A

links and titles to 2019 works

Oooh, this is actually a good opportunity to list them chronologically rather than in publication sequence. Let me see if I can get them sorted. (If, however, you’d prefer to read them in the order that they were published, you can click here and simply open the installments in reverse, since Tumblr displays things oldest-to-newest.) All of the following were written for the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend fandom and feature Heather x Valencia as their central pairing.

1. Barrier  [1,385 words] - Following where we last saw them in 1.09, Josh and his friends continue their beach day now sans Rebecca’s presence. Consequently, Valencia’s critical eye falls on the only other woman in their company - Heather.

2. Unexpected [3,003 words] - The conclusion of 1.18 leaves Valencia with a lot of emotional baggage to unpack. As one of West Covina’s most frequented locales, Home Base is the first place that springs to mind where she might chase away her sorrows (or perhaps just air them out verbally while all other involved parties are away at Jayma’s wedding). Heather finds herself pulled into comfort and commiseration despite her efforts to avoid involvement.

3. Lost Control and Tumbled Overboard Gladly [3,265 words] - Heather goes to her parents’ home for the first holiday visit since moving out on her own. She has her new friend Valencia in tow. Sincere conversation and the rare allowance of vulnerability break down Heather’s walls with an ease that takes her by surprise.

4. Such Sweet Nothing [1,362 words] - Valencia and Heather return to V’s apartment after their Labor Day afternoon of story-swapping and quality time together. Valencia revels in the joyful acquirement of the second gal pal of her adult life. Heather contends with the dawning realization that her interest in Valencia may not be purely for friendship.

5. There’s A Reason Not to Want This (But I Forgot) [2,418 words] - Internet sleuthing with Rebecca pulls Valencia right back into a Josh fixation spiral. Heather must also face some unresolved feelings: namely, a crush now so intense it can no longer be denied.

6. Habits [3,599 words] - The desire to protect Valencia’s heart overrides the instinct to shield her own, and so Heather ends the self-imposed avoidance of her company. She arrives on V’s doorstep with a helpful cover story and some unfortunate news that needs to be broken gently.

7. I Want Not to Want Anything [1,314 words] - Heather Davis gets Santa Ana Winded.

8. Breathless [3,673 words] - A talk with Heather about Rebecca’s impending marriage to Josh leads Valencia to reassess what matters to her. A rosé-fueled jaunt to a local green space gives rise to the persistent inkling that what - or rather who - she really wants may be a lot closer to her than she’s ready to admit.

9. No One’s Really Got It Figured Out Just Yet [3,289 words] - Valencia throws the bachelorette party for Rebecca. Gurl Group antics and H+V flirting tactics set to hits from the mid ’90s and 2000s ensue. 

10. Evading [2,207 words] - In the wake of events from 3.05 and 3.06, Heather and Valencia have a much needed heart-to-heart. They put some important truths into words while treading lightly around a few unspoken facts so delicate they’re best left in the margins.

11. How Long Do You Plan to Keep Me at the Back of Your Mind? [2,442 words] - An evening welcoming Valencia’s girlfriend Beth to be an honorary member of the Gurl Group doesn’t go quite as smoothly as planned when Heather has a difficult time harnessing her lingering feelings.

12. You and Me, Always Between the Lines [1,828 words] - Now that she has spoken with all of her immediate family members and closest friends, Valencia is prepared to announce her first romantic relationship with a woman on social media. In Beth’s absence, she seeks the moral support of her best friend. Heather is readily by her side for this next big step in Valencia’s coming out journey.

13. Gradation [2,503 words] - Valencia’s time with Beth is at an end and, in her hour of heartbreak, she returns to the same place for comfort as the previous occasion when she found herself suddenly single: across the bar from Heather.

14. Rough Draft [2,625 words] - Valencia and Heather FINALLY get together. Valencia experiences her own “Oh My God, I Think I Like You” freak out.

15. Strategy [1,212 words] - Heather and Valencia have a stay-at-home date night featuring deliberately cringey pick up lines and tangled limbs on a couch in the dark.

16. Verity [3,834 words] - Heather temporarily resumes her role as Valencia’s assistant coordinator when they plan a vow renewal celebration for Paula and Scott. On this night, the recently remarried couple may not be the only two pouring out their hearts in a room full of loved ones...

17. Different and the Same [1,035 words] - Valencia and Heather just moved into their own place. They spend their first morning there together and make good use of the privacy and freedom this new residence affords.

18. Finishing Touches [1,157 words] - Heather and Valencia personalize the interior of their new living space. The situation soon devolves into paint-splattered hijinks.

19. Patterns in the Light [1,058 words] - Despite the fact that they are literally cohabitating and have professed their feelings for each other, Valencia remains a clumsily flirty nerd and I love her for it. Heather does, too.

20. Sage [1,324 words] - After being trapped in a car with someone she didn’t want to be trapped in a car with, Heather returns covered in a dead woman’s ashes. Valencia’s time as a ghost-beleaguered home energy cleanser has arrived at last. She is uniquely qualified to save the day.

21. Portage [1,707 words] - Heather has plans for a couple’s trip with Valencia. The only obstacle is keeping it a secret between the two of them.

22. The Courage and the Strength I Need [1,957 words] - Valencia struggles during Heather’s business trip because it is their first time apart since becoming a couple. They FaceTime to ease the pain of distance and talk about their future.

23. Wanna Be With You All Alone [1,237 words] - Heather comes back from the aforementioned work travel to find that Valencia has made special welcome home arrangements.

24. Midnight, Fright and Candlelight [1,426 words] - A quiet evening is interrupted by a power outage. Heather and Valencia find a surprisingly wholesome and G-rated way to pass the time. 

25. Next to You [1,550 words] - The big yearly Davis Family Reunion quickly approaches. Valencia prepares to accompany Heather to this event and be introduced to many members of her extended family.

26. Warm Whispers [1,683 words] - Heather and Valencia just want to be all cute and domestic and spend the morning fooling around. Their cats disrupt these pursuits in typical feline fashion.

27. “When We’re Together, Darling, Every Night Is Halloween.” [1,228 words] - Heather and Valencia get ready to attend a Gurl Group Halloween party. Their second annual couple’s costume? Gomez and Morticia Addams. 

28. #afewofmyfavoritethings [2,838 words] - Nathaniel, Rebecca, Valencia, Heather, Paula, Scott, and Tommy all rent a cabin for vacation. This piece follows them through a day of wintertime fun. Pure fluffiness here and I had the best time writing every second of it.

Favorite Fic: Probably #afewofmyfavoritethings. I packed it with elements I personally love and moments I was hoping my new friends in the fandom would like. Plus, it was honestly just so good for my soul to write these characters in a soft world where they could engage in classic snow day activities and enjoy each other’s company.

Hardest Fic: I knew there were a few installments of Femslash February where I wrote whole paragraphs or even pages I didn’t keep/decided to revise, but I was pretty sure I also remembered at least one where I wrote an entire separate piece. My sleep schedule was, shall we say, not advisable during February but it was also easily the most exhilarating month of my year. I tracked down the evidence of that rewrite and it turns out the incident I recalled was for Unusual Kiss (the prompt for Day 4 of FF). The original involved something to do with butterfly kisses because, evidently, my inclination to link Valencia to winged beings knows no bounds. I’ve got to admit that I’m still fond of the concept of Valencia giving Heather a subtle “kiss” during a hug in that painfully frightening time before Beth when she was afraid to outright kiss a woman in any way that couldn’t be dismissed as platonic. There’s a good chance an interaction of that nature could appear somewhere in the full story. I am notoriously drawn to that angst period of undisclosed pining so the temptation is quite strong. Still, I’m glad I used the version I actually posted and saved elements of the first draft for later. Fragments of their conversation from the original will probably make it into the final tale, but I think I prefer to sprinkle them across several exchanges instead of divulging them all at once.

Do You Plan to Take Prompts in 2020? Sort of yes and sort of no. I am participating in the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Valentine Exchange, which involves a prompt-esque note from the participant each of us were assigned as our guide to spark inspiration for the gift. It’s also possible that there’ll be some writing prompt list posted somewhere along the way just like Femslash February was last year, and I’ll end up wanting to join the fun. Other than that, though, I’ll mainly stick to the one writing project in an effort to hone my focus.

What was the best thing about 2019? I’d definitely say the bonding and interactions with other members of the fandom. The encouragement and support I received from them remains the primary motivation for me to keep writing and chasing after the ongoing goals I set for myself.

What was the worst thing about 2019? The most honest answer that my mind immediately supplied is death of a close relative. While that isn’t the sole reason for the dip in my creative output (especially since there were multiple months between my last published fic and the passing in question), I know it could certainly be counted among the contributing factors to an overarching writing problem I had. Even before my family’s loss, there was a shift in my thought process that only got worse once there was more on my plate in my personal life. There were many times I sat down wanting to write again but it felt too difficult and intimidating to commit words to the page. I couldn’t seem to transfer them from my mind to the keyboard and I’d invariably switch to doing something else. I developed this terrible internal conviction that insisted the larger fic I wanted to write wouldn’t work as well as the shorter installments. That gnawing insecurity would have me believe one month’s worth of well-received efforts was already such a marvel that anything beyond that point was somehow pushing my luck. Where did the mental voice originate and why couldn’t I shake it? It’s difficult to parse out but what I do know is that I’ve firmly decided 2020 is going to be a year I put it on silent. I know what it’ll mean to me for everything that’s been floating in my head to finally be told in one cohesive format, and to have the satisfaction of giving my favorite characters the ending my heart says they deserve. It’s a sense of closure that’s worth the pursuit.

Any last thoughts for 2019? The bad parts of the last twelve months made me want to essentially say “good riddance” to the year, but the good parts were far too treasured to wish all of 2019 away. I am so grateful for the new people I met and friendships that solidified during that time. I especially owe my most heartfelt appreciation to @catty-words, @notbang, and @monaiargancoconutsoy. Thank you for everything. <3

Goals for 2020

Finish. The. Fic.

I believe everyone I know who writes fanfic has already been tagged but, if you haven’t gotten the chance to look back over your writing year, by all means, use these questions to give it a go! :)

[countessgreytea]

I stumbled upon a forum and started reading through some MM threads.  One anonymous poster had some interesting things to share in a thread from late September 2018: 

So, I volunteered/worked for the DOS during the end of her toronto years and the transition. I don't like to bash black industry because I feel it's vital for us to make our own opportunities and grow our own wealth, but this tea is absolutely true, and then some. Certain power players would absolutely fawn over her when they met her with her ex husband and when she went to audition would literally laugh in her face. I will defend her against anyone calling her a hooker. That's absolutely untrue. She made a lot of her extra money by befriending fashion people and ultimately getting paid for appearances at dinners/red carpets. She was an opportunist, but honestly if it were a dude, we wouldn't be judging him the way people judge her. I can honestly say that the relationship timeline given to the public regarding Harry is false. If you find that interview with her ex's mom and read between the lines, you'll see it. She has historically not been great with timelines. If people have questions I can answer a few. I'm still in touch with her because I've moved on to work for her friend who is very much in touch with her.

.....

So she and CV (the ex) were as good as engaged even around the end of April - they were both at my birthday dinner. CV is engaged to a singer and they have a baby on the way - that's how ready he was to start a family. He's a really good guy. Even now when I go in to one of his joints and he's around we chat and he offered his family vacation home for me to take my mom for a week. I don't often say this about white men, but I really respect him, he reminds me of my dad. It's a little hard to believe now, but she was more of an earthy Cali girl pre-prince, so they weren't super serious about a formal engagement. CV was totally head over heels and the only reason they were waiting was bc meg really wanted to branch into movies and do something meaningful before settling down with kids and moving into a travel/food show. "Think Bourdain meets Nora Ephron meets hippie chic" is what I wrote in my notes when we were writing up a proposal. I was actually really excited about it, I was going to work on the show. Priyanka Chopra has sorta copied the idea and but changed it so she meets famous people lol. (I have PC tea too, someone point me to a thread and I'll post). Prinze was seeing someone. I hope you'll respect that I won't spill bc that could get me into real trouble. He and nutmeg actually met in the run up to invictus, she "wanted to help" but this is code for wanted to make connections. When they met sparks flew and basically she was like damn issa prince and made her moves accordingly. There was a month between the breakup and the first date and the breakup actually wasn't "final" it was "just a break." She said she was feeling like she was in a rut. From date #1 onwards it was a whirlwind. It was really lovely to watch two people fall in love but very tough bc I knew what had gone down prior. As far as I know she is not pregnant, she is doing IVF though and it has caused a little bloat. That's why her clothes are rarely fitted. She'll be pregnant towards the end of the Aussie tour if all goes as planned. She is very calculating but I really respect her game. For example, that story about the corgis laying at her feet was planted bc white people love anything to do with dogs (I mean, so do the rest of us but white people don't have great attention spans, let's be totally real). She has a natural strategic intelligence from her mother. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her mother. Oprah and Iyanla got nothing on her, imo. This prince thing is the first time ms.meg did someone dirty since I started working for her. She secured the bag, so good for her, I guess.

.....

Made moves - set up the Wimbledon appearance and "happened" to be at the soho house hotel so prinze and her could see each other again. It's a hotel that the public doesn't have the same kind of access too. 

.....

about the engagement interview, and the corgi anecdote:

Oh girl, you don't even know what I did for that interview. Just because Harry told the story doesn't mean it wasn't planted. They planted in the interview so that people would go "aww." Think about the placement of that anecdote - right after they spoke about meeting family and how they'd spent a lot of time together in the past 1.5 years. The story was to push that narrative over the edge by associating it with a sweet story.

.....

Someone replied that MM was in Mexico when PH was in Toronto ahead of IG:

My girl, this doesn't mean we didn't reach out and get in touch with the invictus team. The Internet issa crazy thing!

.....

Whether PH knew about CV:

I actually don't know much about this side of the story - I worked for the DOS, not the prince. I never had access to her personal texts or anything. From what I felt though, I don't think he knew exactly how serious they were

.....

Sure! Auntie Dee has been through a lot in her own life. People haven't looked much into her own childhood, but there was family tension and abuse, but she never let that get her down. She was quick to compliment on good character "thank you for your honesty" "thank you for your grace" "i admire your strength." She really is crazy about yoga though, she says it helps preserve the body. She is not at all judgmental to people who do yoga the first time, including myself, and doesn't like that white women culture vulture yoga from Indians - she is fierce about respecting heritage. She loves gardening. She is lowkey a very strong Christian...idk how that fits with yoga tbh but she's cool with it. She is completely self-made and raised up several black women and other women of color in her professional life (yoga and social work and other artistic endeavours)

..... About the article with CV’s mom : “Mrs Vitiello surmises that Meghan and Cory had been apart for about three months before she first met Harry.”: 

Regarding that Daily Mail article: the specific wording is surmised. The meaning of the word surmise is to suppose something is true without having the evidence to confirm it. I know the person trying to poke holes in my tea won't believe it, but that specific word was fought over and eventually money was paid in order for that specific word to be used.

.....

I could be wrong here - I'm definitely not in her inner circle anymore (professionally there is no real room for upward movement, I started working for her blog so I could eventually work in digital publication and PR). I also know nothing about IVF - I just heard from my boss (her friend) that it causes bloat and it's really unfair that people judge her. I know for sure she is on IVF bc she needed an injection during her trip to Toronto and her PPOs were unhappy and my boss talked about it a lot.

.....

There are a lot of royal "rules" that the family must abide by that aren't normal for you and me, including medication. The physician must be present alongside the assistant to ensure that the shot has not been tampered with, etc. Remember, British royalty goes back to the days of people poisoning each other regularly, there are still archaic rules. I don't know more than that, I'm only peripherally in her life anymore. 

.....

someone asked about PH/MM’s dynamic:

I only saw the beginning, until the move to London. They are both demonstrative, but just from knowing her, I can tell she's a little more cautious in public - she doesn't want to seem too American/gauche. She'll probably relax as she has kids and sinks into her role, you know? It's tough to be totally yourself when you have so many eyes on you.

.....

Do the BRF like MM?

All I've been told is that they love her but they way it's been said seemed like the person who said it was trying to convince themselves as well as me. From emails and coordination purposes, "the firm" aka the staff took to her really well and Prince Chuck liked her a lot too. 

.....

What happened in Toronto with photographers before PH made his statement?

People were trying to break into her house and get onto the Suits set. She jetted to London one evening and eight hours later the statement had been released. It was released like 6 AM ET, I believe. 

.....

Her husband, as far as I know, was not a good dude. She never went into specifics but the person who worked for her prior alway said to forward any emails from him to her lawyer. Their relationship was not good. 

.....

About Suits, and were other family members at her wedding:

She speaks to the women and Rick, not so much Patrick and Gabe but was genuinely on good terms with everyone. I think she misses it, she tries to be normal by going about doing the same things she did in Toronto but I don't think it's the same. It's okay, she's a princess, she'll survive. Other family members were there, yes. 

.....

Oof, where you got all this sourness from? No bankruptcy, no jail (though she did work at correctional facilities). I think the living with her dad thing was just because of proximity to her school. I believe she spent Friday to Sunday evenings with her mom. 

.....

Her offering help with IG:

So she was not volunteering the way you or I would volunteer, but she was reaching out to ask whether she could lend her knowledge of Toronto and relationships with people there to help make things run smoothly. It's not really work, it's basically just talking lol. All these celebs who say they are the UN ambassador for whatever just go on paid vacations to poor folks' homes and film themselves being selfless aka playing with kids and then "lending their support" aka throwing a bit of money or "having high-level conversations." They were both in relationships at the time they first connected and the time they first met. She was looking to see if there was an opening for her, if that makes sense. The "first date" they talk about combines their first meeting and then the actual date after he expressed interest (they broke up with others to date, but remember, DOS told her ex that it was a break because she felt she was in a rut and not feeling connection with him). They definitely were texting a lot before the real first date.

.....

I never heard anything about this - if it's true, my apologies to the poster. I did not know everything about their lives. Doria did not strike me as someone who would file for bankruptcy but I know that many people "aren't the type"

.....

As far as I know Kate is cordial to DOS but you would really expect her to make more of an effort. There seemed to be some jealousy/distrust apparently. 

....

is she close with doria?:

I think they played up the closeness a bit during the "courtship" but from what I saw, they certainly became closer during that time too. I can say that she had been taking care of her mom financially when I was around.

.....

I know when she gets angry she tears up and gets very quiet. 

[artificialqueens]

Objects in the Rear View Mirror (Craquameron) - Chapter Fourteen - Saiphl

I’ll never lie to you and that’s a fact - Chapter Fourteen

Brianna/Aquaria /Kameron PoV

And maybe I’m crazy

Oh it’s crazy and it’s true

I know you can save me

No one else can save me now but you.

I don’t even pay attention to the ceremony, how could I? Aquaria does her thing, assists Nebraska and makes sure everything goes smoothly for the work of art our little girl is on her big day. When the newly weds come out of the church, Aquaria goes in third line behind them, walking hand in hand with Kameron, both of them smiling to each other. The spell seems to break when I look intensely at them, and Kameron locks gazes with me and her smile starts fading, then comes Aquaria, who kisses Kameron’s cheek and then winks at me.

My heart is furiously thumping, and I can’t decide what’s making it worse: watching them holding hands, or the fact that no matter why, I’m utterly sure that this is all my fault. I get on my feet and before I can even make it conscious, I’m running to one of the side exits, now the crowd is gathered in front of the church for the pictures, and I can’t be there with a face full of fear and pain. I can smell the warm scent of summer afternoon, I’m almost out when I’m abruptly stopped by a firm grip on my left arm.

First instinct, I pull my arm, just to get caught by an arm around my waist. The warmth and the perfume so well known to be mistaken. Kameron wraps me with both arms, leaning her chin carefully on top of my head. “Hey… breathe, just breathe Bri, I knew you’d come here. I will always find you,” she says, softly caressing my back, and annoyance creeps over me with every second that I feel the waves of calm wrapping us, like have always been.

“No… just let me go Kammy, I can’t…” I stutter, fighting against her iron grip.

“Listen to me Bri, we don’t have a lot of time, and your family will be looking for you in any second.” She says, adjusting her position to look into my eyes. “We… Aquaria and me need to talk to you. I beg you to stop running.” Instinctively, I lean my cheek to her hand and close my eyes. Kameron always make me feel safe, and I can’t understand how can she still give me that sensation when she has just shattered my heart. “I want you to know I love you, and I always will Bri. Just give us a chance to talk.”

I nod to her, then she gives me a soft peck on the lips and release her grip from my body. I whine to the loss of her touch and a freezing sensation gets under my skin on the spots her hands touched me seconds before.

It takes me a couple more minutes to reach the restrooms in the back of the church, and I look at my reflection on the mirror, it’s clear that I’ve been crying, luckily I’m in a wedding, so no one will question my puffy eyes. I fix my makeup and by the moment I go to the front door, Jamin, Blair, Monique and Antwan  are looking for me and I can’t thank enough my dear friend and sister-in-law monopolizing me, taking me away  from the rest of my family, while I see as Aquaria and Kameron hopping on Alaska’s SUV, going to the party.

I hop on my brother’s car, I have not the strength to ride with my parents, and somehow, the silent understanding in Jamin’s face, offers the peace of mind that I’m desperately in need of. Blair fills the silence talking about how gorgeous Nebraska looks on her bridal gown, and how much her husband and her look alike.

By the time we arrive to the venue, I feel at ease, and ready to survive the evening, at least, I think I’m ready for it. Sharon leads us to a table close to theirs. Mom and her share a tight hug and some tears, all filled with the memories they’ve built together across twenty six years of friendship. Sharon tells my mom and dad that we are family and we should be close to them as that.

I see the people come and go, and I wonder if someday mom would tell the same things to Sharon and Alaska on my wedding day. Watching Aquaria and Kameron playing the perfect hosts, makes me feel that it won’t happen… at least not with Aquaria or Kameron. My heart aches a bit with that thought, because as all my life, I screwed my chances by taking so much time. I screwed my chances by being so hopelessly in love with the both of them.

And maybe I’m lonely

That’s all I’m qualified to be

There’s just one and only

One and only promise I can keep

As soon as the car gets in motion, I look at Kameron, who’s been looking down to her hands since hopping on next to me. I wrap her in my arms, quietly whispering in her ear “it’s ok baby, it’s ok… we’ll figure this out,” I say one time and another, mostly to make myself believe it, but also to keep her from start crying.

Mom looks at us from the rear view mirror, the heavy weight of her gaze falling on me like an anchor. “Girls, I know what’s happening here, so I beg you, don’t do anything you can regret.” Mom’s voice makes me jump, that’s the moment when I realize she knows… of course she does, Momma should’ve  told her everything about my concerns, and adding one plus one, she knows that both Kameron and I have our own agenda.

“We won’t Sharon, don’t worry,” Kameron says, the resolution in her voice making me shiver. Mom nods in agreement, and goes back to the road, then Momma turns a little to her side, looking at us.

“I know you’re going through a rough patch, but remember this is Nebraska’s day, so please, help us to make it easier for her.” With this final words, mom looks sympathetically at us one last time and then turns to look up ahead. Kameron sighs, kisses my cheek and then sits straight on her place, fastening her seat belt. The rest of the road to the Wedding Party is deafening silent.

The gloomy aura surrounding us along the trip fades as soon as we reach the beautiful garden Nebraska chose for the date. We all smile and greet people, say hello to our cousin Heidi and her sisters Cherry, Lola, Veruca, Kitty and Amy and we also have a chance to meet Sjoerd’s family who arrived just in time for the celebration. Kameron helps us with every single detail, from making sure the waiters did their thing in time, to helping the guests to find their tables.

Mom takes care of leading the Crackers to their places, a table just besides ours, the closest spot to Nebraska and Sjoerd’s place of honor. Brianna si looking at us from  her place on the round table, both Kameron and I smile at her, and even though she looks cheerful, I know well those smiles aren’t reaching her gorgeous eyes.

A random guy takes her to the dance floor, he’s holding her close and I can’t help the pang of jealousy hitting my chest, my first instinct is to take Kameron to the dance floor and swing close to them. Just a couple of turns and I can hear her laughing, the kind of honest laugh ringing from her mouth like the chirping of a bird. Kameron looks at her, frowning and she tightens her grip on my waist, one more turn and she kisses my lips, making it longer than expected, and making her trip on her partner’s feet.

She apologizes to the guy, who’s clearly holding back a joyful laugh, then they go back to the table. I see Brianna taking her clutch and going to the restrooms. I ask Kameron to go back to our seats and we do, then I excuse myself to the restrooms and I hurry up, just to catch Brianna there, exhaling to her reflection. “So… you’re together now?” she asks, bitterly.

“Kind of, but we… I want to talk to you” I say, stuttering, oblivious to my fingers fidgeting the edge of my gown cleavage. “Listen Bri… I… “

She turns to face me “save it Aquaria, if you’re going to say that you love me, it’s fair for you to know your girlfriend told exactly the same to me back in the church”, the annoyance in her voice cutting like a knife on my spirit.

“Well… that’s true if I may say, we both love you, so much that it hurts.” I say, the pain in my voice too clear to my own taste, this meant to be a statement, not a plea. “But I need to know what do you think, what do you feel.” At that point, I feel my resolution crashing to the floor.

She sighs loudly “listen Aquaria, I don’t really know what the fuck to think right now. I feel hurt, and confused and utterly mad at the both of you” she says, and her voice cracks. “You both say you love me but your PDAs tell me you’re head over heels into each other. I’m finding really hard to believe those ‘I love yous’, when all you do is show how in love you two are.”

I groan in frustration. “Because you’re doing anything but hiding! How do you think I felt when I saw you leave that room refusing our company?” I ask, raising my voice. She takes a couple of steps to me. “Then nothing but silence, you think you’re making it easy for us, but NO!” I take a deep breathe, and she’s right in front of me. “You’re just being a brat… a very selfish one, because we know very well what do we want, and that is you, me and her… the three of us together.”

Brianna arches a brow and shifts the weight of her body from one leg to the other. “Us? Together? That one is good,” the sarcasm in her voice hits me with such a force that I need to grab myself to some sturdy surface. “Yeah, I thought so… just leave me alone, and don’t hurt her, she’s a good person, please make sure to not break her heart as you did with mine.” With those last words, she walks around me, and leaves the place. I cry.

After a while you’ll forget everything

Just a brief interlude,

and a mid-summer night’s fling

Then you’ll see that it’s time to move on

I notice Aquaria has been off for a while, so I go to look for her, I have this sensation of something going wrong and I’m sure this has something to do with Brianna. We went too far with the kiss on the dance floor and I guess things are out of control right now. I reach the restrooms in time to see Brianna leaving, I barely see Aquaria curled over herself and I run to her.

“What happened baby? are you ok?” I ask, lifting her face to look at her eyes. My heart breaks a little when I see her crying and I feel the urge to bring Brianna back and force some common sense into her head. Aquaria looks at me, she seems lost and I just hug her tightly “I know you’re not right, I’ll end this… right now.” I kiss her forehead and then her lips, then I release her and she tries to stop me but I easily move away.

Once I’m out, I can see Brianna on the far side of the hallway, she’s smoking and I see a line of tears sliding through her cheeks. Now I’m furious. I walk to her as fast as I can, and she tries to sneak away but she can’t escape me. “Alright Bri, we’re talking right now… and no, I’m not releasing you until you promise you’re gonna listen to me.”

She nods after a couple of seconds, taking a last drag of her cigarette, and disposing the buttock on the ashtray behind her. “Well… I hear you Kameron, and it’d be better if you don’t waste my time.” Her voice, low as a threat, I sigh and look straight at her.

“I don’t know what Aquaria told you, but I can make up for my own mind”, I start, trying not to scare her. “I’ve been thinking since that night at my parent’s house… I know for sure that I like her, more than I expected…” She’s about to speak, but I raise my hand, asking her to wait for me to finish my idea. “But truth is, I love you too, and I refuse to let you go, no matter what. I was dumb enough to let you go when we had our chance and I wouldn’t forgive myself if I let you go now.”

She lit another cigarette, takes a drag and slowly exhales the smoke; then she looks back at me “Then comes the same bullshit that Aquaria said, that you want the three of us being together, isn’t it?” The tone in her voice is full of poison and sarcasm, I know for sure she’s hurt; I take the cigarette out of her hand and take a drag myself taking her by surprise. “Honestly Kam, I don’t know how it will work, as far as Aquaria is demanding and I have no patience to deal with starting an experiment that’s bound to fail.”

I give the cigarette back to her and look straight into her eyes “Brianna, I need you to listen to me carefully.” My voice is low and husky, I know she’s hurt, and I know Aquaria is hurt, and as much I’d like to go through my own pain, I need to do something, before everything between us becomes a fading memory. “We had a long conversation after you left us that night. There are two things we know for sure, the most important of those, being that we both are in love with you. The other is that we are attracted to each other,” saying this words out loud is relieving, and I’m sure it shows in my face.

“Then comes that part when we decided to give it a try with the both of us. Against all odds, it’s working but there’s still a missing part. Said missing part is you, because we’ll never be complete without you around.” Brianna looks at me in disbelief, her mouth still closed and her head falling to one side.

“So, you expect me falling head first to this idea, don’t you?” she asks, her voice barely a whisper. “If I wasn’t sure, right now I know that ain’t gonna happen” she says, the weight of her words hitting me stronger than the moment she left the room a week ago.

“You can’t be this stubborn, for real. Can’t you see you’re refusing yourself the chance to finally be at ease?” I ask, getting exasperated. “You love her, and me… and I love you, with all my heart, clearly Aquaria does too, what else do you need to understand Brianna? WE-ARE-NOT-COMPLETE-WITHOUT-YOU!”

Brianna takes a step back, looking straight at me, her mouth opens and closes a couple of times, no words falling from her. “I’m up to try, to share with the both of you. She’s up to try and give herself to us. Why is it so hard for you to understand we want to love you?” my words last for a moment in the warm air of the evening.

She closes the distance between us to lay a hand on my cheek, then she kisses me and I melt on the taste of her lips. “I… can’t promise it will work, but I can try…”, she whispers to my lips. “I love you… the both of you.”  

Not long after that, we join Aquaria on the restroom, she’s fixing her makeup. Her eyes still puffy from crying. Brianna walks to her and lay a hand on her shoulder, Aquaria turns to look at her and they hug and I join them, getting high on the mix of their perfumes. We’re ok, we will be always ok.

As long as the wheels are turning

As long as the fires are burning

As long as your prayers are coming true

You’d better believe it, that I would do

Anything for love

And you know it’s true and that’s a fact.

[bellatrix-la-strange]

Lee Jordan’s Untold Love Story

Also on ao3 and ffn.net

Fred Weasley’s funeral was held on a Wednesday, two months after the Battle of Hogwarts.

His entire family was in attendance, as were his friends from Hogwarts, acquaintances he’d made in the brief stint of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, and trusted comrades brave enough to house and hide three escaped freedom fighters from Voldemort’s forces.

And that’s what they’d been—Fred, George and Lee. Freedom fighters.

There was a casket with Fred’s body in it. As per wizarding tradition, every member of Fred’s family had touched their wand to the wood and inscribed his last resting place with a piece of their magic. It could take on many forms, each one unique to the person who left it and their relationship with the deceased.

(When it was George’s turn, a line of fire snaked out of the tip of his wand and burned the silhouettes of a hyena and a coyote lying on their sides, heads resting on each other’s tails and turned towards each other so you couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. A perfect yin-yang.)

In the back, on the outer edge of the last row, was Lee Jordan. He sat unnaturally still, only the slightest swish of wind ruffling his hair betraying his statue-like demeanour. He didn’t have a very good view of the Weasleys up ahead, but his seat was precisely positioned so as to let him see straight past the sea of bowed heads and extravagant hats to the coffin containing his late best friend.

Lee’s mourning was a silent one. He kept his lips sealed shut by mere force of will and didn’t let a single sound escape even as Fred’s casket was engulfed in white flames and the last remains of the man he’d loved were burned off the face of the earth.

George turned back and caught his gaze then, as though he, too, could sense the change in the air, a sudden heaviness, a dulling of colours as the last thing left tying Fred’s soul to their plane of existence was brutally severed.

You should be up here, George’s eyes seemed to say. With us. You’re his family, too.

Lee shook his head and lowered his gaze. While the ceremony continued around him, he concentrated all his attention on the bouquet of white dittanies and forget-me-nots squeezed between his hands.

“We can’t just stand by and do nothing! There are people dying out there, Lee, and my entire family is right in the thick of it,” Fred exclaimed, pulling at his hair with one hand and waving his wand around the air with the other. “Fucking hell, my brother is out there, running around with The Boy Who Lived, the only person in this entire fucked up world the Dark Lord wants to see dead more than anything. My little sister—Ginny—she’s…”

“Hey hey, stop. This?” Lee pointed a finger at Fred. “This stops right now. It’s not helping anyone if you worry yourself to death. We’re at war, Fred, as you so aptly pointed out, and everyone is in danger. You’re a pureblood traitor and I’m a mudblood mutt—”

“Don’t you dare call yourself—”

“I don’t believe it,” Lee hastened to add, “but it’s the truth for now. How long do you think it’ll take before they come for us? We’re not exactly hard to find.” Shrugging his shoulders, Lee turned around on the spot, arms spread wide, and pointedly looked around the colourful joke shop.

Despite himself, a hint of a grin pulled at the corner of Fred’s mouth. “I just feel so useless tucked in here, hiding, while the rest of my family is out there fighting for their lives.”

“All right,” Lee said, nodding, “I can work with that. So what do you want to do?”

Fred’s head snapped up from staring holes into the ground. “What?”

“You’re not the only one who’s been feeling restless lately. I can tell George is about two days away from blasting through the front door, Death Eaters be damned, and while there are some things I’ve enjoyed about being holed up in here for days on end with nothing better to do other than enjoy each other’s…company, there’s only so much more I can take of these four walls. So what do you want to do?”

“I want to help in any way I can,” Fred stated. “We don’t have to fight to be useful, there are other ways to help people. We opened up this store because we wanted to bring laughter and joy to other people’s lives, remind them that no matter how hard things get, they could always find a pocket of brightness in here. But they took that away from us, too. We need a way to bring that back, spread the word that we’re not gone and we’re not done. Not by a long shot. They need to know there are other people out there who are fighting, too.”

“Hope.” Lee said softly. “They need a reason to have hope.”

Fred nodded. “And so do we.”

“So it’s decided, then? We’re going to go out there and spread hope to anyone who will listen.”

“In any way we can.”

Lee and Fred stared at each other then, taking in every detail of the person they loved most in the world, one of the many they’d risk certain death with.

“I’ll go tell George.”

“I feel like James Bond.”

“You’ve mentioned him before. Is that another one of your Muggle celebrities? Oh, wait, no— is he the one who’s a spy and goes on adventures around the world? There’s a number on the cover of the book, right? Seven-something.”

Lee grinned, pleased Fred had remembered one of his favourite characters. “Double-oh-seven. That’s the one.”

Fred snapped his fingers. “Yeah, that’s the one. You’re going to have to lend me the book some time. How else am I supposed to keep up with you if I don’t get half of what you’re saying?” he teased.

“I don’t know, you seem to have no trouble at all keeping up with me any other time.” Lee turned heat-filled eyes on Fred and watched the bob of his throat as he swallowed past a sudden dry mouth.

“For Merlin’s sake!” hissed George. “We’re in the middle of a mission and you two can’t even keep your flirting to yourselves for the few hours it would take us to finish here?” There was a noise then, a crunch of twigs underfoot, and the robed figure of a Death Eater passed by their hiding place, completely unaware of their presence thanks to the many protective charms in place. Still, the trio waited ten minutes in silence before George continued. “It’s been years, surely you’re past the honeymoon period.”

“It’s all about keeping the romance alive, brother. After all, how can I truly call myself a proper prankster if I don’t find the time to seduce my fiancé on the outskirts of the Death Eater camp we’re scouting?” Fred philosophized.

“Fiancé?” asked George, eyes opened so wide Lee was afraid his eyeballs would plop out. “As in, actual fiancé? With a ring and a wedding and a marriage licence?”

“A candy ring,” Lee supplied. “I’m afraid it’s all eaten up now and I really doubt we’ll find time to plan a party anytime soon—are we even allowed to get married in the magical world?—but other than that, yes, proper fiancé.”

It was a good thing they’d used so many enchantments on their hiding spot in the end. Though no one could have foreseen it, only the strength of a thrice reinforced Silencing Charm was able to keep George’s whoops and cheers contained.

“You’re thinking too hard.”

“That’s funny, I recall you saying the exact opposite countless times before.”

Lee shrugged, shoulder scraping against the door-jamb. “I stand by all those other times, by the way, but it’s hard not to make a comment when you start scrunching up your face in a way I’ve never seen before.”

“Never? Are you sure?” Fred leaned back against the couch, legs spread and arms hugging the backrest as he looked up at Lee from between the locks of ginger hair falling on his forehead. They’d been on the run for months now, moving their radio operation from place to place every few days to make it harder for the Death Eaters to catch up to them. Needless to say, self-grooming had fallen on the wayside in favour of survival.

“Positive.”

Fred snorted, bringing up a hand to scratch at the weeks old scruff on his cheeks. “Harsh. I have feelings, you know? I’m not just some beefcake built for your viewing and playing pleasure.”

It was Lee’s turn to snort, but he sobered up quickly and levelled his fiancé with a sober stare. “You’re thinking bad thoughts again. I can tell when you do that, you know. You get clingy and distant at the same time. You wake up in the middle of the night and hardly get any sleep.”

“You notice that, huh?”

“We’ve been friends—best friends—for just shy of a decade. I know you better than you know yourself at this point. Only George and Molly would be able to give me a run for my money.”

“No, they couldn’t,” Fred said softly. A tap of his hand against his leg and Lee was settling down on his lap, hands interlocked behind Fred’s head and neck bent down so their foreheads were just shy of touching. “I’m scared.”

“I know,” said Lee, in that same tone of voice that one uses when confessing a deep secret. “Me too.”

“So what do we do?” asked Fred, rubbing circles on Lee’s back.

“We push through it. We don’t let it control us, but we also don’t forget that it’s there. We use that fear to our advantage because it’s always great to have just a tiny bit of it in the back of our minds; when the time comes, that little nugget of fear might just end up saving our lives,” said Lee, his voice calm and sure as his fingers teased out the knots in Fred’s hair.

“Mmm,” Fred sighed. “See? This is why I’m marrying you.”

“My superior intellect and sage-sounding advice?”

“And your smashing bod,” Fred grinned, pulling Lee in so they were chest to chest and allowing his hands to wonder and squeeze.

Not to be outdone, Lee grabbed a handful of Fred’s hair and pulled, catching his lips when his head was tilted back. They kissed for a while, lips parting, hands wandering and hips rocking smoothly, as if they had all the time in the world. Eventually, the kisses slowed to pecks and the pecks morphed to content, lazy nuzzling.

“This is what we have to look forward to,” murmured Fred, eyes half closed so only a sliver of blue was visible through a curtain of fine lashes. “After the war is over, we can do whatever we want. The shop was doing well, once we open it back up we could definitely afford our own place, one close enough to the Floo network so I can travel to Diagon Alley in the mornings and you can get to whichever news station was lucky enough to land you—maybe the Daily Prophet, after they get rid of all the Death Eaters—”

“I’d rather work for the Quibbler, thank you very much,” muttered Lee, afraid that if he spoke above a whisper his voice would break and betray the tsunami of emotions he was drowning in.

“Right, so no Daily Prophet. You go to the Quibbler and I’ll go to the shop and and since I’m my own boss, I’ll probably get home before you which means that I will cook dinner—”

“That chicken dish I like?”

“Exactly,” Fred smiled, closing his eyes and leaning back so they were now lying on the couch with Lee’s head resting on his chest. “So I’ll cook us dinner and by the time you get home everything will be ready and maybe George will have come back with me from the shop and on some nights we can invite Ron with Hermione, and Harry will be back with Ginny at that point for sure, and Percy will be just around the corner at the Ministry so maybe he’d like to join as well—”

“This place we live in, is it a home or a halfway house for wayward Weasleys?” asked Lee.

Fred shrugged and said, “Why can’t it be both? In any case, mum will insist on seeing us at least once a week so Sunday nights will be spent at the Borrow and that leaves Saturday nights at your parents’ house...which doesn’t leave that much time for us, so maybe we can push it down to just twice a month?”

“Agreed,” said Lee. Then, almost shyly, “You’ve really given this some thought.”

“It’s the rest of our lives, Lee,” said Fred, “there’s nothing better to think about.”

“...and that’s it for tonight, our dear listeners. Remember to keep your wireless at hand to catch more from Potterwatch and I know we can’t make any promises, but I’m making this one anyway: we will be back. So keep fiddling with those dials: next password will be ‘Umbitch’. Keep each other safe. Keep faith. Good night.”

George let out  deep breath and removed the headphones covering his ears, shaking out his hair like a wet dog and wiggling a finger in his ears. Sitting across him on the same dilapidated table, Fred and Lee were going through the same rituals, the former stretching out his back against the chair while the latter picked up and put away their equipment.

“I think that went well,” George said. “We had twice as many people listening in than last time. With any luck, those aren’t all Death Eaters plotting out ways to find us and tear us apart limb from limb to then use our skulls as ceremonial cups.”

“You should write poetry, George,” said Lee, “who wouldn’t want such vivid imagery of their own demise planted in their mind as they’re on the run from the most dangerous wizarding organization of all time?”

“You think so? Thanks, mate,” George smiled from ear to ear and said, magnanimously,  “I’m sure you have some talent too, and when you find it, I’ll make sure to encourage you as much as you did me. I won’t forget this.”

Lee shared an eye roll with Fred, who was chose to keep silent, looking on in amusement, and said, “I’m sure you won’t, George. In the meantime, why don’t you make yourself useful and—” The colour drained from Lee’s face as the words got caught in his throat. He turned panicked eyes on the Weasley twins and brought a finger up to his lips, taking out his wand and moving on light feet to the door.

The twins exchanged puzzled looks of their own but followed the protocol they had in place for situations just like this one. They charmed their feet silent with a mumbled spell and went about the room, packing up their stuff and removing any evidence that they’d been there in the first place.

When all was said and done and Lee still hadn’t moved from his vigil by the door, Fred walked up to him and whispered, “What’s going on?”

“I-I’m not entirely sure,” Lee stammered, “I thought I heard something—a cough.”

“That’s what we set up the perimeter alarm to sound like,” Fred supplied.

“I know! But it’s been almost fifteen minutes and nothing’s—”

A mild-mannered cough interrupted Lee and was followed by a feminine sneeze. Lee could feel the tension in the room suddenly reach an all time high as the three of them processed their predicament.

“Someone’s coming,” hissed Fred, “and they’ve set up Anti-Apparition wards. We can’t apparate away.”

“Any ideas?” asked Lee, shuffling lightly on his feet so his body was covering Fred from anyone bursting in through the door.

There was a resounding boom around them, followed by the house shaking on its foundations and the windows blowing out to pieces. George, Fred and Lee locked eyes and nodded their heads as one.

“Get the brooms out, Freddy,” said George, “we’re going flying.”

Dust covered every surface of the great hall. There were beds set up on the floor; the right side for the injured and the left side for the dead.

Fred was lying on his back on sheets of white, features soft and relaxed, as though he were dreaming the most wonderful of dreams. He was resting on the left side of the hall.

He was surrounded by his family. His mother held his head between her hands and rocked herself over his prone body, barely coherent enough to recognize the arms wrapped around her torso as those belonging to her husband who had his face buried in her hair, darkening her auburn tresses with his tears.

His siblings were arranged close by in various forms of distress. Ron was holding onto Hermione like she was the only thing keeping him up while Ginny had her head tucked into the crook of Harry’s neck, fingers idly tracing shapes on the palm of his hand as they both stared blindly into the distance. Percy and Charlie were sitting back to back on the dirty ground, the former with his head bowed down to his chest and hands grasping at a bleeding leg while the latter was inspecting the new ugly burns running up and down his arms. Bill was standing tall and weary with his wife in his arms and George…

George was lying down next to his dead brother, legs out straight, arms at his sides and face looking up at the enchanted ceiling. No one would be able he wasn’t as dead as his brother if it weren’t for the tear tracks continuously running down the sides of his face and disappearing into his hair.

Lee watched this all from a distance. He couldn’t tell where he was in relation to his dead fiancé and would-be family, but he couldn’t just see it all; he could feel it, too. It was a gaping wound in his chest, festering and growing by the second until it became so large it felt like it was swallowing him whole and any life he had left was being choked out of him by grief and heartbreak.

The war was won. Voldemort was dead and his remaining Death Eaters were being rounded up by the vengeful families of their victims and if they weren’t caught tonight, there always tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that, and the one after that one and so on.

They had all the time in the world now.

But for Lee, within the cavernous walls of Hogwart’s great hall, at that very moment, time stood still. And he didn’t think it would ever start again.

Lee woke up with a shuddering gasp. His legs moved of their own accord and propelled him from the bed, running to the bathroom where they landed on the floor with a resounding smack as his stomach hacked up its contents into the porcelain bowl. He spent a few seconds catching his breath before flushing his vomit down the toilet and stumbling to his feet.

The cold water felt wonderful on his overheated skin. He let it run over his hands then washed his face and cleaned out his mouth. Supporting himself on the edge of the sink, he lifted his head and stared at the reflection looking back at him in the mirror.

“Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he muttered.

“I’ll say. I’ve been waking up to this for the past three months and I never get tired of it.”

Lee smiled and relaxed for the first time since waking up as two wiry, freckled arms wrapped around his stomach from behind and brought his bare back against an equally bare chest.

“What was it this time?”

“Another nightmare,” Lee murmured.

“The same one?”

“Mhmm,” Lee hummed.

“I’m sorry, love.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Really? Because I’d consider getting hit by a deadly, rare curse which has my family thinking I’m dead and nearly succeeds in actually killing me, leaving you with recurring nightmares of my death and the ensuing life without me, to be kind of my fault.” Fred’s voice was gritty from sleep and his breath was warm against Lee’s neck as he leaned forward and placed a kiss there.

“You’re right, I should be coming to you for restitution,” said Lee, his face betraying nothing after years of experience pulling pranks alongside the Weasley twins.

“Damn bloody right you should.” Fred turned Lee around so they’d be face to face. “I’m sad to say I’m all out of money at the moment and unfortunately Gringotts doesn’t open until well into the morning.”

“I can’t possibly imagine waiting that long,” Lee announced. “How will I cope?”

“Therein lies my problem,” said Fred, nodding his head solemnly. “

Fred levelled Lee with his best ‘come hither’ look, wiggling his eyebrows for extra effect, and Lee couldn’t take it anymore. He snorted with laughter and said, “Really? Now? And that’s what you’re going with?”

“I’m standing by it and after all, there’s no time like the present,” Fred winked. “Even if we do have all the time in the world, best to sometimes live in the moment, don’t you think?”

Lee thought back to his nightmare, to the very real memories sprinkled in between the nightmarish sequence of Fred’s death and his funeral. He remembered all those moments stolen in between missions and Potterwatch broadcasts and fights with Death Eaters. He recalled the flash of memories, one more precious than the other, which had run through his the second he’d walked into the great hall and spotted Fred’s body among the dead.

“Yeah,” he said, eyes catching on the band of gold on his finger and dashing to catch the same glint on Fred’s own finger. “We can live in the moment. For now.”

[cielizzydefencesquad]

Ultimate super impossible crack pair: Frances and Sebastian!! 😂 Ok, perhaps everything would end up in tragedy... For Sebastian, obviously! 😂😂

Frances x Sebastian…THIS IS THE CRACK!SHIP I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR XD @white-queen-lacus

Who is more likely to catch a cold? Neither.

“I’m surprised marchioness.” Sebastian observed, ruby eyes glittering as he prepared his master’s horse.

Frances Midford scarcely returned his gaze. “Are you? Has technology advanced so far that you are unable to discern the proper way of saddling a horse?”

“Not in the least, my lady.” His lips cut into a thin, amused smile. “Only, you do appear to be in excellent health. Since my ascension as Phantomhive butler I have yet to see you catch even the slightest cold.”

“Indeed.” She turned to face him, jaw sharp as the sword she carried. “Your due diligence is to be commended though I must reiterate, it is not my health you ought be keeping track of.”

“Of course.” He conceded. “But it is a thing to wonder is it not? Human constitutions are oh so frail—“

“You speak as though you yourself are not human, butler.” Her eyes narrowed.

“Ah, my apologies.” He bowed, ever so slightly. “You are quite the forthright woman, my lady.”

“Forthright? I suppose that’s one way of putting it.” There was a tinge of faint humor in her steely tone—one Sebastian did not miss.

“Quite. Forthright and formidable. A deathly combination.”

“If I am to receive these great adjectives I must ask—what does that make you?”

“Myself?” Sebastian quirked a brow as his eyes roved the marchioness’s face. “I,” he said at last, giving a sweeping bow just shy of mockery, “am merely one hell of a butler.”

Who hogs the blankets? Frances. Sebastian has no need for sleep and Frances sure as hell isn’t letting him near her bed XD

Who kills all the flowers? Frances. She’s never been fond of “trivial fancies” so whenever she receives a bouquet she either gives it to Edward (he’s an amateur botanist) or throws it out altogether. Sebastian, cocky as he is, becomes determined to break that cycle:

“My lady,” Sebastian appeared before her, a bouquet of orchids so red they bled crimson in his arms.

Frances arched a brow. “Butler. Has your master sent you here on a particular errand or is this midnight visit a social call?”

“A delivery,” he corrected smoothly. “For you, marchioness.”

“Me?”

“But of course. For love divine and sunny hours, in the language of the flowers.”

She glanced at the orchids in his arms, an expression of bemused vexation appearing on her fine features. “So it is.” She granted with a nod of her head.

Sebastian made a move to offer the blossoms to her when she took a step a step back.

He looked at her, puzzled.

“The flower that smiles today, tomorrow dies—all that we wish to stay, tempts and then flies.” Her inflection was cool—almost regal—the way a queen might dismiss a passing servant. 

The smile on the butler’s lips sharpened, deepening into a laceration of delighted intrigue. “So you parry with Shelley, my lady?” His eyes, forever a shade of dark mahogany, burned as crimson as the orchids in his hand. “Brava, marchioness.”

He bowed, laying the flowers on the ground, at her feet, eyes fixed on the cool, sharp jade of Lady Frances Midford’s eyes.

(Poem Sebastian quotes is Margaret Pickston’s The Language of Flowers. The poem Frances uses to counter is Percy Shelley’s The Flower That Smiles Today. While Pickston’s poem describes how the divinity of love can be conveyed through the message of flowers, Shelley’s verse refutes that statement by reminding people that flowers—no matter how beautiful—die quickly and easily, and, like all things live a brief, bereft life.)

Who eats all the candy before Halloween? Frances. It’s her deepest, darkest secret—that she, Frances Midford, the indomitable marchioness of Scotney—has a sweet tooth as bad as her nephew’s. She usually keeps all sweets out of sight and out of mind but when Halloween rolls around and Ciel comes calling (and dragging his demon butler with him) Frances can’t help but glance longingly at the caramels and cakes Sebastian keeps tucked in the basket. —> Eventually, he notices and honestly, it is a complete and utter revelation to him. Frances Midford has a weakness for sweets of all things. How positively sumptuous.

Who takes the longest showers? Neither—but Sebastian did walk in on a bathing Frances (by accident, he swears by holy virtue) but his triumph lasted for about .5 seconds before Frances realized and, like mighty Athena, kicked his ass out of the bathroom and the manor. Sebastian had to spend that night standing outside because Frances refused to allow Ciel to let him back in. And really, who was Ciel to defy his beloved aunt?

Who goes to bed at 5am but wakes up at 8am? Neither. Frances is a creature of habit—she goes to bed at 11 PM and wakes up at 6:30 AM without fail. Sebastian is mildly impressed. Even though he knows it’s insignificant at best, the fact that the marchioness can wake up every single day without tedium or unnecessary hassle (unlike his own employer) is a simple strength Sebastian has come to admire.

Who makes sure the other has a healthy breakfast? Sebastian. (“While I have observed your formidable state of health,” the butler laid down a tray of freshly cut peaches, “I will have to beg your pardon when I say that a little indulgence of nature’s fruit is necessary as well.”)

What pets do they have? No pets.

Wedding

Who proposes? Well…supposing the world turned upside down, Alexis died, and Ciel was freed from his contract…then Sebastian. Who was also fully aware there was a 50-50 chance of Frances either saying yes…or eviscerating him with her saber.

Who actually enjoyed the planning? Sebastian.

“Don’t tell me you enjoy this frivolity?” Frances inquired, a hint of incredulous surprise in her usually firm tone.

The butler turned to her, a hint of a smile on his lips. “But of course. After all, the London Times have called our upcoming nuptials—what was it? The social event of the season?”

She took a sip of her tea. “Quite. Foolish notion, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Utterly.”

Would their wedding be small or grand? Small. Very small and intimate, consisting only of family. No photographers, no journalists. (Which means the whole of London society remained ensconced in their mansions, silently weeping bitter tears at having been denied the opportunity to see the Frances Phantomhive walking down the aisle.) It took place at Halladan Hall, Sebastian’s new estate bequeathed to him by his majesty King Edward VII. Convenient, wouldn’t you say?

Which guest was happiest to see them get married? Ciel. At first he was burning with righteous indignation at the thought of Sebastian even daring to approach his aunt but the more that he thought about it…1) he was now freed from the contract so he supposes he ought to be somewhat grateful to the demon for that 2) his revenge was complete and 3) Frances Phantomhive would now be living with Sebastian 24/7. 

He honestly wishes he could stay with them for a week just to see how many times Sebastian might cry.

Children

How many children would they have? None. Sure Frances may have married him but she’s certainly not going to carry the spawn of satan in her womb. However, she and Sebastian do adopt a gorgeous Turkish Angora cat named Eve.

Would they adopt or have them naturally? Adoption.

Who is the strictest parent? Frances. She disciplines Eve (no getting kitty litter on the floor, no tearing up furniture, drinking her milk without splashing) while Sebastian pretty much indulges Eve’s every wish.

Are their children in homeschool or public school? House trained by Frances, the cat whisperer. (Sure Sebastian might like cats but they sure as hell don’t listen to him.)

Who is the favorite parent? Sebastian. If only because he’ll let Eve drink crème chantilly any time she wants.

Who checks on the kids in the middle of the night? Sebastian. He loves cuddling Eve when she’s asleep because she doesn’t try to claw out of his grasp or con him into letting her drink more crème chantilly.

Who decorated the nursery? Sebastian. Frances was honestly appalled that Sebastian wanted a separate nursery for Eve but gosh darn it, Sebastian put his foot down (after inwardly panicking for 3 days) and demanded asked/pleaded/begged to be allowed to decorate Eve’s room. Frances, after a splitting headache, agreed.

Frances + Sebastian + cat = what I want to see XD 

[nibsthebravelostboy]

Doctor Appointments [Nibs x Misty]

@itslostgirlmisty

[Nibs]

Nibs had been waiting patiently and drumming his fingers against his thigh as he was singing a song inside of his head and occasionally singing a few lines out loud while he was waiting outside of the office. He was getting rather nervous about what time Misty might show up for the appointment. The alpha couldn’t help but to feel excited at the thought of them being able to have another kid.

[Misty]

Misty was running a little late since she had to help the guards bring Hope home and into her room, but once she made sure Hope was doing better she rushed to the appointment. “Hi, sorry I’m late. I had to finish something but I’m here. Did we miss it?” She asked looking at Nibs.

[Nibs]

“Is everything okay?” He asks when she arrived and mentioned there was something she had to do prior. “No, we are still good to go in and see the doctor, I scheduled a large chunk of time just in case it might have taken you a bit longer to get back.” Nibs explains before kissing her and then leading her inside.

[Misty]

“Yeah, everything is fine.” She smiled kissing him back before following him inside. “How was your morning?” She asked sitting down on the hospital bed once the nurse led them into the room.

[Nibs]

“Mhm my morning was pretty good. I got some papers signed and passed. I got to check out some new books from the library and I was able to walk around and see which rooms we might want to use for a nursery.” He responds with a smile. “How about you? Did yours go smoothly besides being late and all?”

[Misty]

“We don’t know I’m pregnant yet.” She smiled back at him. She found his excitement for it all very adorable. “Ah it was good. Nothing interesting.” She shrugged.

[Nibs]

“I know you are so that is why I think that this is a good idea to look around and figure out possible places.” He explains with a smile while looking over at her as they waited for the doctor to come into the room. They were patient as the nurse ran a few standard tests on Misty before leaving and getting the doctor.

[Misty]

“You hope I am. And if you know for sure now, all those times I surprised you with baby announcements you are telling me you already knew?” She asked as she did whatever the nurse needed her to do before watching her leave. “We have so many rooms anyway, we have to figure out what to do with them.”

[Nibs]

“The surprises were always cute but yes I knew about them. I acted surprised because I know how much time and effort you put into them plus it was always cute when you did so.” He smiles as the nurse finished up what she was doing.

J[Misty]

“You are such a good actor.” She laughed at his honesty. “And this whole time I thought I truly surprised you. So what else are you hiding from me hm? Can you see my dreams too?”

[Nibs]

“Can’t see into your dreams, but I am not hiding anything else that is for sure. You would be able to feel if I was remember?” He responds with a small laugh before the doctor walks in and starts the examination process.

[Misty]

“Good then you would know I don’t dream of you.” She winked playfully before turning her attention to the doctor.

[Nibs]

Nibs laughed a little before his smile just fell flat at her words seeming as he wasn’t amused but he did so playfully. “Yeah okay sure sure.” The alpha turned his attention to the doctor as they told them both that they were in fact expecting a baby. He couldn’t help but to smile before turning to Misty. “See I told you that we were going to have another kid.” The doctor paused before informing them that they were going to have twins.

[Misty]

“Twins? I’m sorry twins? Yeah that can’t be right...you should check again...that can’t be right. I thought you said I couldn’t get pregnant and now we are having twins? I...no.”

[Nibs]

Nibs was kind of still shook from the idea that they were going to have one kid but twins? The doctor confirmed twins and even showed them both the monitor. Looking at the picture he couldn’t help but smile. “Twins? Ah...we are going to have twins.”

[Misty]

Misty looked at the picture and felt like she was going to be sick. “Um excuse me.” She said standing up and exiting the office.

[nibs]

Nibs was worried when Misty left the office very abruptly. He excused himself and followed her out. “Misty, where are you going? Are you okay?”

[Misty]

She shook her head as she kept walking, “I feel like I’m having a panic attack…twins…Nibs that’s a lot. I am happy, trust me I am and I will never forget that you are how I found out but I..I can’t do twins. I can’t. I will lose them and then we will be right back where we started. I can’t do this.”

[Nibs]

Nibs stopped her and turned her around. He kissed her to help her calm down before pulling away and looking into her eyes. “I believe that we can both do this. I will be here with you all the way, we aren’t going to lose them okay? We can do this. You can do this.” He reassures her.

[Misty]

Misty’s breathing slowed once Nibs kissed her and she looked at him focusing on relying on his strength. “Promise me Nibs...promise me we won’t lose them. I can’t go through that again. I can’t.” She said as her eyes turned blue.

[Nibs]

“We won’t lose them I promise you. Always wear the necklace that I made you. It will keep you and our children safe from harm. I promise you.” He reassures her while seeing her eyes turning blue at the thought of losing their children. “We will all be fine I promise you.”

[Misty]

She nodded, “Okay I can do that...I trust you. I believe in us.” She replies looking at him.

[Nibs]

Nibs kisses her once more to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. “What would you like to do for the rest of the day? We can do whatever you want.”

[Misty]

Her eyes returned to normal as she thought about what she needed to do today. “Um, I have attend some things for royal business so you don’t have to come with me. I know you are dealing with a lot so I can do this stuff and then come home later.”

[Nibs]

“I can always help you with that too you know? Just like when you took me with you to help the kid e’s and purebloods get along through their game of was it kickball? Something along those lines. I know that I had fun spending time with you that way and honestly it doesn’t matter what we are doing, I just really like spending time with you.”

[Misty]

She smiled at his words, “You remember that?” She asked looking at him. “I have to attend a wedding it will be rather boring Nibs, you don’t have to. Really. You will be surrounded by people once they see you. I’m not worth all that.”

[Nibs]

“A wedding? For who?” He asks interested since he had never been to one other than his own. “I don’t think I have been to another person’s wedding before the only one I went to was ours. People will leave me alone and focus on the couple it will be fine. Besides I have to make sure that everyone keeps their hands off my queen.” He teases lightly.

[Misty]

“One of the royal’s children. I am going to show support for the marriage.” She answered before shaking her head, “You went to Curly and Jacob’s wedding. I know I wasn’t your date so the night wasn’t as amazing as it could have been but you were there.” She replied jokingly. “Are you really sure you want to go? You don’t have to.”

[Nibs]

“I was?” He asks while thinking back to that night not really remembering much of it. “That must be why I can’t remember. You weren’t there with me, it makes sense.” He smiles before nodding his head. “Yeah of course I am sure. We can go as a couple, that’s cute.” Nibs smiles, “We can make everyone jealous of how cute we are.”

[Misty]

“I remember. I was supposed to be paying attention to Curly and Jacob but I seemed to get distracted by you and how good you looked in a suit.” She smiled before nodding at his words. “Well we should change then. Put on something a little more formal.”

[Nibs] “You were? Really?” He couldn’t help how the blush filled his cheeks at the thought. “Mhm well you get to see me in a suit soon then now don’t you?” He smiles while leading the way to their bedroom so that they could change their clothes.

[Misty]

Misty nodded as she found his reaction absolutely adorable. “I was.” She replied before following his lead to their bedroom and grabbing one of her dresses to change into.

[Nibs]

It didn’t take long for Nibs to change into a suit and tie. He made sure to check in the mirror to make sure that everything looked good. The alpha then headed to the bathroom so that he could fix his hair before re-emerging once finished. “All done, how do I look?” `

[Misty]

The siren changed into her dress and was looking at what crown she should wear before hearing Nibs words. Turning to look at him, she smiled happily. “You look very handsome as always.” She responds turning back to the crowns.

[Nibs]

Nibs smiles before walking over to see which crowns she was looking at. “You always look so pretty in the dresses that they have here.” He smiles while kissing her cheek affectionately.

[Misty]

She smiled at his actions and took his hand in hers. “Thank you.” She replied. “I don’t know which one to wear. I normally don’t wear my hair down so I don’t know which crown goes well with it.”

[Nibs]

“They all go well with your hair princess. You already know this. But I think that this one would match it perfectly.” He responds while picking out one of the simple yet elegant crowns that complimented her dress. “There. See? Perfect.”

[Misty]

Misty looked in the mirror at the crown and smiled softly at his pick and nodded. “I agree it’s perfect.” She moves back towards him and kissed him softly. “And I do believe my king needs his crown as well.” She said picking his and placing it on his head.

[Nibs]

“Oh I do. But there is only one crown. I don’t have much variation now do I?” He jokes lightly before kissing her back. “Hm...don’t forget your necklace.” Nibs reminds her before going over and grabbing it and putting it on her since he figured she took it off when she was changing.

[Misty]

“Hm I could have Noah make you some more. I will add on my to do list.” She responds before allowing him to place the necklace on her. “Can we not tell anyone about the pregnancy? Until our next doctor's appointment, I just want to make sure we aren’t telling them something and getting them excited for something that might not happen.”

[Nibs]

“I thought Noah didn’t like me.” He asks before nodding his head, “Yeah it is best we don’t tell anyone about it for now. I think it is better for the safety of you and the kids that we don’t tell anyone until we absolutely have to, that way we can keep them safe longer since no one will be actively pursuing you at least I hope they won’t.”

[Misty]

“Noah can’t deny a request for the king, regardless of how he feels.” She replied before nodding, thankful Nibs agreed. “No one wants me but you so you can stop worrying about that.” She smiled. “We should get going before we miss it.”

[Nibs]

“That is true but still. I don’t want to push him too much.” He responds while looking at her. “Mhm tell that to your suitors.” Nibs rolled his eyes before taking her hand. “Alright you have to lead the way then.”

[Misty]

Misty shook her head at his words while smiling as she led him to the outside of the castle and into the limo that was waiting for them.

[Nibs]

Nibs got into the limo with Misty and he waited for them to be driven to their destination. “We were supposed to bring them a gift right? Or is that later?”

[Misty]

“I sent a gift over already.” She said before telling the driver the location and sitting back in the seat. “It only has my name on it since I assumed I was coming alone but you being there will be the greatest gift of all. Everyone loves the king.”

[Nibs]

Nibs let out a small laugh, “Right right, I am supposed to be the gift? Yeah nope. I am just the surprise thank you very much.” He jokes.

[Misty]

“See but you agreeing to the marriage means a lot more to them than me agreeing to it. The royals only want to please you, I’m sure I’ll be treated a lot better now that you’re with me.” She teased.

[Nibs]

“I sure hope that they weren’t mistreating you before. I will go and personally kick all their asses for being rude to you. They should know better.”

[Misty]

“I just meant that they tend to treat me a lot better when you are around because they know how you are. No need to kick anyone’s ass, it’s rather interesting since they only expect me to go these type of things.”

[Nibs]

“They are scared of me?” He asks with a small smirk. “They should be, speaking of which, what did you do while you were away for the night hm? Anything fun?”

[Misty]

“They know you can be a tad bit protective, I think it’s only fair they fear you a little.” She smiled before hearing his question. “Nope. Hope stopped by in the middle of the night and I took care of her, which just so you know she’s grounded. But besides that...it was pretty uneventful.” She replied shifting in her seat.

[Nibs]

“She did? Grounded? What did she do?” He asks curious as to know why Misty would ground Hope after they talked.

[Misty]

“She was drunk, to the point I thought she would do something to harm herself. She is fine though I talked to her last night and I’m grounding her because I don’t want TJ to believe he can do that as well and think it’s okay.”

[Nibs]

“Harm herself? Why would she do that?” He asks in concern knowing that that was not something either of them would take lightly.

[Misty]

“It is fine Nibs, and you know I don’t like keeping secrets when it comes to the children but you have to trust me I’m handling it. You don’t have to worry about it.” She responds. “What did you do for the night I was away?”

[Nibs]

“Alright then...I just don’t want it to come and backfire just like it did with the whole TJ thing...I laid in bed and slept honestly. I was really tired so I caught up on some work and went to sleep.”

[Misty]

Misty looked down as she sighed and bit her bottom lip, “Nibs I...I also saw Finn. He came by to speak with me.” She confessed before feeling the car stop and the driver alerting them that they were at their destination.

[Nibs]

Hearing that Finn went to visit her, he could feel a growl rip instinctively from his throat without being able to control it. “Of course he did. That’s exactly what I predicted but no, of course no one listens to me.” He mumbles to himself as he gets out of the car.

[Misty]

She heard him growl and leaving the car and was quick to grab his hand to stop him. “Nibs it wasn’t like that. You have to believe me. It was different, it wasn’t like the other times before. I don’t think Finn will ever truly get over what issues he has with me but I promise this was different. It wasn’t about dating me or me leaving you. You have to trust me.”

[Nibs]

Nibs took back his hand as his eyes flashed red. “Yeah that’s fine. I am personally tired of him so if you want to continue with something that I know will end badly and probably end with him trying to convince you to be with him because despite whatever he comes to you with that is always his end game as he always pointed out, I am not having anything to do with it. Do what you want.”

[Misty]

Misty flinched as he pulled away from her and waited until he finished speaking before gently taking his hand again, “Nibs please will you just forget that Finn and I were together and remember he was your friend before this...you both are lost boys. You gave him advice on how to ask me out.”

[Nibs]

“You are right I gave him advice and I tried to reconcile our differences a while ago and he didn’t want to. He said that he rather not and that he will get you back eventually so honestly I don’t really care about what he said because I am not his friend anymore. I thought we could move past whatever differences we had but he refused so I am not giving him another thought nor wasting my time on someone who doesn’t want to try to be civil with me. Please try to understand that.” He responds while taking his hand back before heading inside.

[Misty]

“Nibs please don’t walk away from me.” She said taking his hand again. “Fine forget him and please just trust me. I meant what I said last night. So if you trust me then know nothing happened last night. Nothing. And if you just ask why he was there I will tell you.”

[Nibs]

“You keep saying to just trust you why didn’t you just start off with telling me what he did instead of sounding so vague about it and just getting me more angry at the fact that I literally said he would try to come by and you kept saying he wouldn’t. I always warn you about these things and you never listen to me about them. He has many other friends on this island he can go to for literally anything but he always chooses to go to you because you both have the history had you not had the history he wouldn’t have come by and told you anything.”

[Misty]

“I’m sorry Nibs and I did listen...I had the guards with me and I had Hope I wasn’t alone. You have to stop acting like I am going to break I am not made of glass. You got angry when I said his name, you didn’t give me a chance to explain much else. I can’t stop him from using our history together because it happened Nibs, it’s not something I can change. I wish I could have just spent my whole life with you but it doesn’t work that way. But it doesn’t even matter, he is with Maya now and I am with you. So isn’t that the bigger picture?” She asked looking at him..

[Nibs]

“That’s great and all but he has done things in front of me as well so that doesn’t really provide me with much comfort to be completely honest. I know you can handle yourself I just wish he would just leave you alone like you wanted him to but as usual he can’t follow directions and even after you said you never wanted to talk to him ever again he still found a way to get you to bend that rule. And you still haven’t told me what the conversation was about.”

[Misty]

“Maya and him are trying again, they think they can fix the things wrong in their marriage and he needed my help. Him being with Maya again means she’s out of my home and away from you, I wasn’t going to not help him Nibs. They have children and regardless of how I feel about either of them I am not going to punish their children. Them together means them away from us.”

[Nibs]

“And why would Maya be fine with you being around Finn when she knows just as I do that Finn wanted you around for other purposes other than advice. Yeah and how long will that last for? If it doesn’t work, he can always come back to you and say that he made it work with Maya for as long as he could and in his mind that is enough of a reason to try to convince you to go back to him. Ever since he put that fear in me I can’t help but to be so fucking paranoid about this all the time and this isn’t helping. He isn’t helping. Hearing about him isn’t helping. So just, do whatever you need to do.” He

responds before someone comes out to greet them. Nibs offers to help Misty out of the car before greeting the guard.

[Misty]

“I took his memories away Nibs. He doesn’t remember dating me. Things are different...I told you.” She said before ignoring Nibs offer for help and exiting the car.

[Nibs]

“You were the one that told me that feelings like that don’t go away, memories can always come back even if you take them away. It might be different for now but you can’t guarantee there won’t be something that will make him remember things in the future but if you really think that it will do something then I will trust you.” He responds before the guard leads them both inside.

[Misty]

“You don’t believe that. Even you saying that just proves how much you don’t trust this will end well.” She responded quietly as she chose to drop the conversation once they were inside and around people.

[Nibs]

Before Nibs could comment on what she was saying he was whisked away to talk to one of the royals about something and they didn’t really give him any time to have much of a say in the manner.

[Misty]

Misty noticed Nibs being pulled away and she wasn’t surprised seeing as she had known this was exactly what was going to happen. She sighed as she moved towards the bride and groom to congratulate them.

[Nibs]

Nibs had finished his business with the royals before looking for where Misty was. However he was stopped by one of the ladies in waiting for the bride. She was standing a bit to close for his liking and he was patient as she talked to him before he had just about had enough and excused himself to get some air.

[Misty]

She watched as Nibs talked to one of the girls and her eyes turned green as she watched the girl move closer to him and him not do anything. She snapped the glass of water in her hand causing it to cut into her skin. One of the best men came over to take her to the bathroom for the first aid kit.

[Nibs]

Nibs had gone out to the balcony which was still in view of the party so that he could get some air. There were a few people out there as well. He had a drink in his hand because boy he really needed one. He had not even noticed that the girl had followed him out of the balcony with a few of the others. Even as King he was working on his patience but even this was starting to get to be too much for him and it reminded him why he really hated parties.  

[Misty]

Misty thanked the boy before watching him leave as she cleaned her cuts and bandaged them once all the glass was out. She could see her eyes were still green and gave herself a second before leaving the bathroom and returning to the party, she asked someone where Nibs was once she heard the ceremony was going to start and they pointed to the balcony. She hurried outside to get Nibs so they wouldn’t miss anything.

[Nibs]

Eventually most of the girls gave up and went back inside but the same one from earlier was rather persistent in getting his attention even though he was clearly not interested. So when she touched him and turned him around to try to kiss him, Nibs was quick to put his hand out to push her away from him with quite a strong force as his eyes glowed red. “I said I am not interested.” He growled while watching as she hit the wall behind her and seeing her fall to the ground. When she got up and tried to threaten to tell everyone he just laughed.

[Misty]

Misty watched the encounter between the two and sighed as she closed the door to the balcony behind her. “Nibs, we are missing the ceremony because you couldn’t just tell this poor girl to leave you alone. And now I’m going to ruin my dress to clean up your mess.” She said before going to the girl and ripping her heart out. “That’s for threatening my husband.”

[Nibs]

Hearing Misty’s voice he smiled, “Mhm, I told her to leave me alone but I don’t think she got the hint.” He responds before watching her walk over and rip out her heart. “Princess, you didn’t have to make such a mess you know. I could have done that too, I just wanted to make her think that she could take me on. It’s funny when they think that they can just get what they want. But now the bride will wonder where her lady in waiting went. What are we to say if there is a mess out here.” He teases.

[Misty]

Misty crushed the heart in her hand and licked the blood off her hand. “You shouldn’t entertain it anyway. But you like the attention so I’m not surprised.” She responded. “I got them a really good gift and I’ll sign that treaty her father wants, it should be fine. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to clean up.” She stated before heading to the bathroom.

[Nibs]

“I don’t like it I am practicing my patience though and having to be patient and listen to annoying girls is a start. I will clean up the rest out here then.” He responds before going over and changing out of sight so he could shift and eat the evidence before shifting and changing back without a speck of blood on him at all.

[Misty]

The siren cleaned herself so there was no blood on her before stepping out of the bathroom. She was greeted by the best man and she smiled as she followed him to the room, figuring Nibs was already there.

[Nibs]

Once Nibs finished he went back to the ballroom and saw the best man bringing Misty into the room. Walking over, Nibs took her hand and let them direct them as to where to sit for the ceremony and etc.