#i would hate being associated as the wife of a husband

[katerinaaqu]

Little question. I don't know if you've already been asked that before but what's your opinion on Penelope and her role in the Odyssey ?

I just hate it when people say she's boring or completely passive to the plot, or just a damsel for Odysseus. She's relevant in her own way too ! She ruled Ithaca in his absence, held off and schemed against suitors, all in respecting the ancient sacred laws. She's strong in her own subtle way.

Nope I haven't and I think it was about time too! Hahahaha! But even if I was, I am not asked by you so I would answer anyways! ^_^

To put it simply I find it straight out ridiculous whenever someone calls her that and whoever said that probably hasn't read the Odyssey or has read the most terrible translation to history of translation! Hahaha! Because there is nothing passive about Penelope's role in Ithaca. Even if on first sight looks like it, in reality it isn't if one thinks about it. Even her own role at the beginning of the Odyssey is either active or causing actions. To name a few:

The suitors waited for HER to choose one of them! Regardless of the way someone sees it and regardless of how they called for Telemachus to "send her to her father", they were sitting there waiting for HER to decide whom she should marry. It was obvious who was the one in charge in many ways.

Penelope calls for the challenge herself. Not only does she decide the way she would choose her future husband but also her wish was respected no matter how bizzare it was heard to their ears

She demands her own wedding gifts. She sends the suitors by manipulation to fetch her "wedding gifts" so that they will pay everything they ate back. And the suitors follow that. No matter what someone says it was Penelope the one to decide and call for it.

She confronts Antinous directly. She calls him a madman and a coward. She brings him before his responsibilities and she is not afraid to speak her mind.

She talks back to her husband. She keeps her posture till the recognition SHE decides is done. Odysseus also respects her wishes. He doesn't force his way on her when she says he should "sleep outside". Penelope obviously has authority on him the same way he has on her through her love for him and their mutual respect.

Odysseus expresses his admiration for Penelope many times over hearing her speak up and play everyone like a lyre to her bidding. He also trusts her with his story and he even comments on her mind knowing he can trust his wife with that.

Penelope is being patronized by goddess Athena herself. She is a goddess of action and activity (either war or craftsmanship as well as wit). Penelope qualifies to have her support even if Athena is mostly associated with heroes of mythology. The few exceptions of women she takes over is obvious that their qualities are as powerful as she herself is.

However the most obvious miss that people have is that they forget how Penelope was not just a queen. She was also regent! She was left in charge of the kingdom by Odysseus till her son was of age to rule!

My wife, it is not certain that all the well-armed Achaeans will return unharmed from Troy for it is said that the Trojans are strong fighters both in spear and at the drawing of the bow, they are excellent riders of swift horses and these are things that quickly will determine the outcome of any war. If a god does not return me home and I get lost at Troy, I leave everything to you to attend to and my mother and father in my place while I am away. And when our son grows a beard you can remarry if you want and leave back to your own house

(Translation by me)

Odysseus clearly leaves Penelope in charge of Ithaca in his place!

I am surprised how many people who ellegedly support "strong female characters" feel like Penelope is too passive and that she des nothing at all and is just sitting there. SHE LITERALLY RULED ITHACA by herself while raising her son AND potentially taking care of her in-laws given how Laertes at the end was emotionally unavailable and Anticlea was depressed and died or killed herself. And on top of that she had to take care of the suitors for almost 4 full years while being constantly pressured.

What a woman!

[hadesoftheladies]

great foremothers, save me from ever being what a man would delightedly call "wife"

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [11]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3.7k

Trigger Warnings: gore, implied mutilation

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Part 10 | Fic Masterlist | Part 12

Hearing the cessation of all the screams, one of the royal guards gathered the courage to enter the chamber and check on Seonghwa, "Sir, are you done?"

Upon entering, he had yet to witness the state in which the former minister was left. The general stood before his victim, actively wiping all the blood off his hands with a towel prepared beforehand, "It's done. Has my assistant arrived to pick me up?"

"Yes, sir. Assistant Choi is waiting with your carriage by the entrance. If I remember correctly, he mentioned Lady Park helped prepare dinner today." A smile instantly graced your husband's face at the mere mention of you.

"Thank you, soldier. Bring in the rest and clean up the mess," He instructed, finally stepping away from the seat in the middle of the room, revealing the sight of your father slumped in the chair, both of his arms missing, blood gushing out from his shoulders, "Get him to a physician before banishing him. No need to treat him extensively; heal him just enough to keep him alive."

Freezing, the guard nodded quickly, "Y-yes, sir! We will not let you down!" His round eyes fixated on the two mutilated limbs on the ground in the middle of the puddle of crimson liquid.

The general was truly not someone to be underestimated, that was evident to the royal guards who filed in later on to clean up the bloody mess. They now understood why Seonghwa was so feared among those who had worked with him or witnessed his cold-blooded nature firsthand.

However, rather than instilling pure terror, your husband garnered more respect from them. He had gone to great lengths just to avenge his beloved wife. This demonstrated that the man still possessed a heart after all and that his affection for Lady Park was undeniable. He has proven that he could love just as fiercely as he hated.

Not a single member of the palace staff harboured even a hint of pity for the former Minister of Military Affairs as they dealt with his mangled body according to instructions. Any citizen with access to news was aware of all the cruel acts the old man had committed against his own daughter and first wife. It was safe to say that witnessing him in this state brought ample satisfaction not only to the general but to others as well.

"Sir, there's a bit of blood here."

The assistant extended his handkerchief, ensuring his master was free from any signs of bloodshed as they returned home. The last thing they all needed was for you to catch on to any of the events that occurred today; you should only focus on happiness and never spare another thought for your so-called family from now onwards.

"Thank you, Jongho," The general responded, taking the piece of fabric to remove the small bloodstain on his neck, "Keep me posted on where they banished that clown afterwards. It would be nice to check in on him once in a while, for entertainment purposes."

"Yes, sir."

Upon entering the estate, he was surprised not to find you waiting for him by the entrance, as was your usual routine when he returned from work. Only the head maid and a few servants stood there, ready to greet him, "Welcome home, master. We hope you had a good day at work." They said with a deep bow.

Seonghwa frowned, "Where's the mistress?" The elderly woman replied, "Mistress is currently at the main hall having a chat with Royal Secretary Choi while they were awaiting your return."

That immediately had the general rushing towards the hall. He didn't like the thought of you alone with... yet another handsome man. He had finally grown accustomed to having Yunho around the estate whenever he was at work, only because the two of you rarely interacted; he knew that thanks to daily reports from Eunsook. Now, jealousy was flooding his veins again.

What if you found San more attractive?

"Yes, I fully understand your concern. My sister faces similar issues," The royal secretary's voice carried from outside the hall, and then your softer response followed, "Thank you so much for your help, San. It means a lot to me."

They're already on a first-name basis?

"Help? With what?" He queried, abruptly pulling you and the secretary from your conversation. Both of you looked up at him, and you blinked and stammered nervously, quickly rising from your seat, "Oh, Seonghwa! You're home! It's nothing, we were just having a casual conversation while waiting for you."

Sensing your unease, San chuckled and concurred, "Yes, it was nothing important. It's good that you're back; I've come to deliver the minutes of today's assembly to you, as per His Majesty's orders."

"Please don't let me interrupt; I'll be waiting for you at the dining hall," You remarked to your husband, offering a nod of gratitude to the secretary, "It was nice talking to you, Royal Secretary Choi," The man respectfully bowed his head, "And you, Lady Park."

The general watched the interaction between you two with unmistakable envy, causing San to suppress a snicker into his fist, "Without further ado, general, let's proceed so that you can join your wife for dinner as soon as possible," Seonghwa nodded, feigning nonchalance, "Of course."

As the secretary continued to share the main details discussed during the assembly, he noticed the general's slight distraction. Wrapping up the debrief, he decided to ease your husband's thoughts by divulging the nature of your earlier conversation.

"Listen, before you came back, Lady Park and I were just talking about her concerns regarding being a better wife. Given that my elder sister, who is married, shares similar worries, I was merely offering some insights that might be helpful. So, don't stress over it too much, okay? I assure you, you're the only one on her mind."

Learning that you were only seeking to improve yourself for him, Seonghwa's heart melted immediately. Regret washed over him for entertaining the notion that you might find his colleague more appealing, and a slight embarrassment crept in, "I, uhh... it's not like I was worried about that or anything... but thank you, San. If that's all for today, Jongho will escort you out."

The secretary held back his knowing smile as they bid each other farewell before the general made his way to the dining hall. His heart pounded with excitement at the thought of being with you again.

Dinner went by as usual, though this time, you were brimming with enthusiasm as you shared how you spent the day learning to prepare his favourite dishes from the kitchen staff. You even mentioned the surprising discovery that you might have developed a love for cooking. He ate more than usual, savouring the fact that the meal was made just for him, and found it difficult to take his eyes off of you throughout the night.

He had once considered happiness to be a frivolous notion, something only fools wished for. He never anticipated being the one to experience it. Now that he had, your husband was determined not to lose this newfound feeling.

With your family matters now resolved, the only thing remaining was to give you the grand wedding you truly deserved. From then on, the plan was to enjoy a lifetime of this happiness together. Watching you munching away with joy, he couldn't resist reaching over to affectionately wipe the corner of your lips. At that moment, he realised that this was all he needed.

After the meal, he walked you back to the House of Lotus, hand in hand as usual. Upon reaching the entrance, you smiled up at him, "Have a good night, Seonghwa."

However, before you could turn and leave, he swiftly cupped your face, "Wait, before you go..." Your heart quickened as he leaned in, whispering, "Just one kiss, my love."

Almost instinctively, your eyes fluttered closed as soon as his lips met yours in a tender kiss. The warmth spread through your insides as he wrapped his arms around your frame, pulling you closer and deepening the kiss by angling his head.

Feeling the sensation of his lips pressing against yours, again and again, you finally understood why couples enjoyed kissing. It was hard to put into words, but being so close to him felt pleasant, and your husband had a unique way of making you feel beautiful with his touches, even when you doubted it yourself. There was an almost addictive quality to it, making you feel like the luckiest woman in the world to be desired by the great General Park.

Perhaps I've found it... my happiness.

After breaking the kiss for a breath, he leaned his forehead against yours, a smile adorning his face as he looked down at you lovingly. In silence, the two of you remained in each other's arms, basking in the moment, reluctant to part.

Unfortunately, the moment was cut short as your assigned group of servants approached, "Oh, pardon us for the intrusion, master and mistress! We came to assist in preparing the mistress for bed. May we proceed, master? Or, if you wish to stay with the mistress, we could also make arrangements for both of you for the night in the House of Lotus."

His heart raced as he witnessed the faint blush on your cheeks in response to the maid's suggestion. Chuckling, he gently shook his head and placed a kiss on your forehead, "No, the mistress needs her rest. Perhaps another time. Go on ahead then; she will join you soon."

"Yes, master, as you wish."

The servants entered your quarters to prepare your bath while you exchanged your goodnight. Caressing your cheeks with his thumbs, he couldn't resist leaning in for a final, lingering kiss on your soft lips, "Goodnight, my love. I'll see you tomorrow."

As you made your way to your room, he felt a swell of affection watching you turn for one last wave before disappearing inside. He missed you already, and as much as he would have loved to hold you close all night, he knew that waiting until your proper wedding night to share the same bed was the right decision. For now, this was more than enough. After all, he had the rest of his life to spend with you.

"Thank goodness the ointment has been remarkably effective. I don't think you need to harbour any insecurities about your appearance anymore. Lady Park, you look beautiful." said Physician Jung as he arrived to assess the condition of your skin. Having you apply the medicine he prepared for some time, he recognised that his work here would soon be done.

Eunsook couldn't contain the grin on her face at the slight pink dusting your cheeks from the doctor's compliment, suddenly relieved that her master was not around. Lord knows how unamused he would have been to hear any of that or see your reaction.

"Yes, thank you, Yunho. She's always been ravishing with or without your ointment. I think your job here is done; it's my turn to enhance this beauty. Head over to the general's study for your pay if that's all," The doctor couldn't resist rolling his eyes at the dressmaker's dramatic entrance, "It's nice to see you too, Hongjoong."

With a dismissive wave, he shrugged off the sarcastic greeting from his tall friend, saying, "I'll catch up with you soon; I have work to do." Left with no other choice, Yunho offered one final bow to you before leaving your room with a maid escorting him out.

Closing the distance between you, the dressmaker swiftly retrieved the new hanbok he had made specifically for the special occasion today, declaring, "Now, who is ready to outshine all the princesses in the palace? It's you, Lady Park!"

"Outshine the princesses? I d-don't think that's a good idea—"

He interrupted you before you could finish your protest, "Nonsense! I promised General Park to make you the most beautiful woman in all of Joseon." With a small giggle, you sighed in defeat and allowed him to work his magic with the assistance of the head maid as they coordinated your appearance for your visit to the palace.

Today marked the day you and Seonghwa were meeting the King and Queen to discuss the details of your wedding ceremony in-depth, as well as allowing the royal couple to finally meet you after having heard so much about you. Even without having seen you, they already adored you from the stories your husband had shared. Not to mention, their hearts ached, especially after learning about your nightmarish childhood.

Seated at the vanity table, you gazed at your reflection in amazement as Eunsook worked on your hair and makeup, with Hongjoong providing expert advice and guidance. Just as the elderly woman was about to conceal the remaining faint scars on your face as she had always done, the dressmaker intervened, "No, wait. Leave the one on her forehead as it is; I have an idea."

With his extensive knowledge of fashion and beauty, he had always been intrigued by the Chinese makeup style, which incorporated temporary tattoos. Specifically, he was drawn to the idea of a small flower design painted onto women's foreheads.

Rather than covering your marks, he opted to transform them into an accessory that would improve your overall looks. With this distinctive look, you were bound to capture attention from all directions, not that your beauty didn't already achieve that. Now, you would stand out wherever you went, even within the palace grounds where princesses and royal concubines were always impeccably dressed.

Waiting by the entrance, Seonghwa turned when he recognised the sound of your dainty footsteps approaching. He didn't miss his assistant's awestruck expression, taking in your appearance from behind him, "Finally, Hongjoong's taken way too long..."

As you stepped into full view, his words trailed off, and his gaze fixed on you with a mix of astonishment and sheer admiration. His breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn't find the words to express what he felt. You had always been beautiful in his eyes, but his friend had truly outdone himself this time.

The most significant difference that caught the general's attention was the little red flower on your forehead, right between your eyes. That delicate design elegantly covered one of the scars you bore from your past. It was a stroke of genius from the dressmaker, turning a mark of pain into a unique and striking accessory that enhanced your natural beauty.

Your husband approached you, his eyes never leaving yours. Finally finding his voice, he whispered, "You look breathtaking, my love," before gently reaching up to trace the edge of the flower on your forehead, his touch soft and filled with so much love, "Hongjoong, you've done wonders."

The dressmaker grinned proudly and nodded in agreement, "I know, I always do."

Throughout the journey to the palace, the general found it hard to divert his gaze from you, just as you were captivated by the passing scenery outside. The roads to the palace differed from the usual routes leading to town, explaining your intrigue. As he admired your beautiful face, an unexpected desire surged within him to take you back home and shield you from others' eyes. A sudden uncertainty about wanting anyone else to see you overcame him. A selfish impulse urged him to keep you all to himself.

Before he could entertain the impulsive idea of turning the carriage around, Jongho had already announced their arrival. This time, Eunsook didn't bother to stand by and assist you down, instead waiting expectantly as the general smoothly helped you in one swift movement, determined to keep you close.

Having been here more than enough, Seonghwa knew this place might appear beautiful on the inside but could be very dangerous at the same time. People here might seem nice but rarely could be trusted, particularly the women. Well aware of this, he hesitated to let you wander off alone, despite your status as his wife. You were easily recognisable as Lady Park from a distance, anyone would have to be insane to dare mess with you.

Even so, he had no intention of leaving your side for even a moment. Palace servants passing by bowed deeply at both of you, and you did your best to maintain the poise of a noblewoman as practised with the head maid. The last thing you wanted was to make your husband look bad in here.

As you both approached the hall for the meeting with His and Her Majesty, the royal secretary rushed out to intercept the two of you. Almost as if your husband had jinxed it, San exclaimed, "There you are, General Park! We have a bit of a situation right now. Your immediate presence is required at an emergency meeting."

"But my wife—"

Finally realising you were present, the secretary bowed, "Oh, right, Lady Park! We're all aware you're here to discuss your wedding arrangements, but this really cannot wait. Even His Majesty is currently in this meeting expecting you. Would it be alright if we have your wife waiting by the cherry blossom garden? We'll have the servants prepare her some refreshments."

As much as Seonghwa detested the sudden change of plans, he acknowledged that he was left with no choice upon sensing the urgency in San's demeanour. With a nod of defeat, he agreed, "Okay, fine. Eunsook, please stay by the mistress' side at all times."

She nodded with a bow, "Of course, master."

Turning to you with a regretful frown etched on his brows, he said, "I'm sorry for having to leave you alone, my love. I'll come back to you as quickly as I can, I promise."

You shook your head with an understanding smile, "Don't worry about me, Seonghwa. I'll be fine. Your work is more important. Now hurry and go. Don't make His Majesty wait." Sighing lightly, he pecked you on the head before rushing off with the royal secretary.

"Lady Park, please come with us. We will guide you to the cherry blossom garden."

A team of palace maids appeared before you, showing you as much respect as they would towards royalty. Your status and reputation were well-known nationwide; you were favoured not only by your husband but also by the King and Queen themselves. No one would dare to disrespect you for fear of dire consequences.

Their dedication was evident in the top-tier hospitality as they led you to the enchanting garden, unlike anything you had ever seen. After thanking them politely, they prepared a seat for you in one of the pavilions within the vast garden, serving a tray of tea and some sophisticated-looking snacks.

Boredom eventually set in, and you glanced at one of the palace maids standing ready by the pavilion for any orders you might have for her, "Excuse me, would it be okay for me to take a walk around the garden?"

"Oh, certainly, Lady Park! Feel free to explore the garden as you please. Would you like any of us to accompany you?" Smiling and glancing at Eunsook, you declined, "No, thank you. We'll manage on our own. We won't be gone too long; you have my word."

"Thank you, Lady Park. Your assurance is appreciated; we'll await your return here." They bowed deeply as you and the head maid began your leisurely stroll.

As you wandered through the picturesque garden, marvelling at the vibrant colours of the flowers, you inadvertently caught the eye of a stranger who happened to be nearby. Your beauty, accentuated by the mark on your forehead, captivated the attention of this mysterious figure. What intrigued him even more was the unmistakable childlike innocence reflected in your eyes.

From a distance, he observed you with awe. The way you carried yourself, the genuine delight on your face as you admired the flowers and scenery—it all conveyed a sense of authenticity. Unlike anyone he had encountered, you seemed untouched by pretentiousness or spoiled airs.

Driven by an unexplainable urge to get closer, the stranger slowly made his way towards you, navigating through the enchanting garden. His curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't resist the desire to learn more about the intriguing woman who had captured his attention.

Unaware of the approaching figure as you immersed yourself in the beauty of the flowers, a clearing of the throat behind you signalled his presence. Eunsook, recognising the newcomer, widened her eyes and began to bow, but he gestured for her to remain silent with a finger against his lips and a subtle shake of his head.

Interrupting the tranquillity, the unexpected deep voice spoke, "It's beautiful, isn't it? Do you know what cherry blossoms symbolise?"

Startled, you turned to find a handsome man dressed elegantly, smiling down at you. After a moment of surprise, you nodded, "I do. I've read that they symbolise purity and beauty."

The man acknowledged, "That's right, much like you, my lady."

Concern flickered in the head maid's eyes, realising that the stranger might be unaware of your identity and possibly attempting to make a romantic gesture. Before matters could escalate, she decided to intervene, "Allow me to express our deepest respect, Your Highness. This is Lady Park, the esteemed wife of General Park. Mistress, may I present to you Prince Yeosang."

« Preview of Part 12 »

Seonghwa's eyes widened as they approached the War and Strategy Department building, where soldiers were marching about hastily, "Wait a minute, don't tell me—"

The royal secretary had no time to explain as he pulled the general into the meeting room where all military officials were seated and awaiting anxiously. The King, positioned in the middle of the room, sighed deeply upon noticing your husband's arrival.

"You're here, General Park. Is your wife also in the palace?" His Majesty asked, rubbing his head to alleviate an oncoming headache.

Seonghwa nodded in confirmation and inquired, "Yes, she is. She's waiting by the cherry blossom garden as we speak. Now, tell me. What is it? What has happened?"

With regret in his eyes, the King grimaced, "I'm so sorry, my boy. It seems your wedding will have to wait. Relations with the neighbouring nation, Ruhon, have not been very good lately. I fear war is inevitable this time, and... we need you."

Just wanted to make it clear that Ruhon is a fictional country. I've thought about it and decided it's probably best not to use real places for fear of offending anyone.

As always, thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts! <3

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[bakugoushotwife]

kinktober day thirteen: somnophilia kink

>>> y'all i worked breeding into the plot again officer take me away!! i just love soft and domestic sho, and it also totally feels like something he'd love!!

>>> starring: shouto todoroki x curvy!fem!reader >>> cw: fingering, oral (fem receiving) somno, breeding, reader hates working lmfao, creampie obviously, mating press. >>> wc: 2.6k >>> event masterlist

 shouto loves relaxing. he was sure this was something everyone enjoyed, until he met you. you seemed to stay occupied at all times, delving into hobby after hobby to keep yourself busy. being professional heroes was draining enough, he thought, so why were you indulging in running clubs and extra gym sessions? why did you spend more time learning new recipes and anxiously cleaning the house these days than lounging in bed with him watching tv like you used to? of course, his first assumption is that he has done something to push you away or upset you, as he’s prone to doing. he’s naturally aloof and a bit distant, all things he tries to push past to connect to you, the only person who makes him feel warmth were his coldness usually lies. you know how he is, how he can come off a bit frigid and almost mean without thinking about it, or how he struggles to read your body language and cues—always missing the hints you throw him. you’re used to it by now, far more accommodating than a grown man like him deserves, so he figures this time he needs to get to the bottom of this and make it up to you and prove he can be in tune with your emotions too. 

you had grown restless, but it wasn’t all your husband’s fault. you felt so out of place these days, feeling awkward in your own role in life. you enjoy being a hero some days, other days you can hardly motivate yourself to get out of bed. work had become monotonous and meaningless, the streets of japan were safer than they had been in years past, so most of your days were spent patrolling and training if they weren’t consumed in paper work. you felt stagnant, and things were only complicated further by your conflicting emotions. all your friends from school were retired to spend time with their families or in the process of retiring to go home and take care of their parents or kids—and then there was you. a family would be…perfect, but it was a touchy subject with shouto and you didn’t want to press the matter just because you needed a change in life. so yes, you started tinkering around with hobbies to try and get your mind off of things, knowing you had accepted the possibility of not having children when you agreed to be his misses todoroki. he hadn’t taken the possibility completely off  the table, but you knew he wanted to broach the subject whenever he was ready. so you started using the home gym a little more, picking up books your girlfriends recommended, even working on your cooking skills all in an effort to feel something other than bored.

you didn’t associate your issues with shouto, still acting as normal as possible in other regards other than your drifting away. you really didn’t think he’d notice given the lack of emotional fluency he had, hoping if you could replace the void growing within you that everything would go back to normal and you could be as happy as you were five or ten years ago. but he had noticed, of course. he missed his wife alongside him, but it wasn’t his fault that he had trauma associated with family and was unsure of himself as a father. it certainly wasn’t his fault that when you got married right out of high school you hadn’t cared—knowing that you love him either way. this is still true, of course, but back then you hadn’t imagined  you’d feel this way, this tired of the life you worked so hard for. so ready for the next chapter, especially as ochako welcomes baby midoriya number two and you’re left in charge of the elder brother at the hospital. 

the little boy was only about four or so, absolutely adorable and the image of his father. he was a giggly kid, clinging to his “auntie” with excitement to meet his baby brother or sister. ochako called as soon as she was sure she was in labor, and you dropped everything to go support your closest friend, not that you needed an excuse to leave work early anyway. shouto was still working, of course, as a top five hero he was often kept busy. but that left you to wrangle the toddler on your own. it was way easier than you expected, even with the energetic little boy bouncing all over the waiting room waiting for his dad to come get him. he still conversed with you and ate his lunch like a good boy—though that’s because his parents were so good at raising him, but what would you expect from them? 

all the day proved to you was that you weren’t just making up solutions to your problems, having a family really is what you want. but still, you love your husband more than this want, so you’ll double down on your hobbies until you find something that sticks. 

he reads your texts over and over, waiting on you to get back from the hospital. he had set up a date, truly romantic when he tries to be, and when bakugou answers his calls. following his advice, he had your favorite dinner made and the dining room table was intimately set. ochako had her second baby, and that threw a minor wrench in his plans even lthough he was overjoyed for them, and for you for being their dependable friend in that moment. he sits at the table, all the food keeping warm in the oven as the wax of the candles starts to wane. he had flowers, wine, all the things he knew to try and connect with you and get to the center of your sleepless nights. 

when you walk in, he stands, smiling sheepishly. you smile back, though it doesn’t reach the entirety of your eyes. then you notice he’s guarding the table, and you creep closer. “hey, honey.” 

“welcome home, sweetheart.” he nods, stepping aside to show you the lovely dinner scene just for you. your heart melts a little at his effort, knowing it was always a great show of his love to do something like this, much preferring cuddle sessions and shared showers over grand displays of affection. 

“aw, shou.” you pout, giving him a big hug, “this is so pretty, to what do i owe the pleasure?” you giggle like everything is normal. he hums in thought, slender arms holding your waist as he stews over what to say. 

“you’ve been distant as of late.” he says without a trace of malice or disappointment. his words catch you by surprise–he did notice. he lets you go, pulling out your chair and tilting his head for you to sit. “why?” 

you clear your throat and sit, any charade you wanted to drum up crumbling in your brain. you can’t lie to him, but how could you approach this without feeling like you’re betraying his trust and wishes. you sigh. “i… i’ve just been trying to find new hobbies.” 

“you’re hardly sleeping, and i feel like i never see you anymore.” he frowns, making his way to the oven to retrieve the dinner the chef made. “what is it really, sweetheart? do you feel as if you cannot talk to me? is it something i’ve done?”  

you chew the inside of your lip as he assembles food on your plate. “i don’t enjoy hero life anymore. i’m ready for the next chapter, to feel important for other reasons.” you reply, not wanting to make him at fault for your whirlwind feelings as of late. 

he takes in what you say, smart enough to connect some dots. the picture you sent him of you holding baby midoriya in your arms and big brother proudly sitting on your lap was the happiest you’ve looked in some time. “the next chapter…as in, motherhood?” 

you look up at him, studying his mismatched eyes for a hint of how he feels. you sigh, “i know, i know. i guess that’s why i’ve been a little withdrawn…i feel bad about it, i know what you want.” you chuckle sadly, sipping at the wine provided. “really, i’m trying to get over it, i guess. maybe we could get a dog?” 

now he was disappointed. not in your desires, but that you put his possible feelings above your actual ones without ever speaking to him about it. just like you, he had changed as well. he wasn’t the same unsure eighteen year old he was when you married him, and though he still held trauma from his childhood, he had long accepted the concept of being a father since you were by his side. he could do anything if he was with you. he cuts into the meal and gives you a sympathetic glance. 

“you should have told me. a family…i think i’m ready for that, if you’re saying you’re ready to stay home in that way.” he hums, knowing you wouldn’t put yourself in harm’s way after becoming a mother. you gape at him, replaying his words over in your head. 

“wh–i don’t want you to do it just for me.” you double down, blindsided by his revelation. had you really put yourself through all of this for nothing? 

“i would do anything for you.” he replies instantly, and he meant that with no restrictions. “but i had considered it again around the time izuku welcomed his first.” 

“meaning you were ready four years ago?!” you almost cry out just from the shock alone, and he chuckles softly. 

“not ready to have one then, but i knew i would want some eventually. now is a good time. we’re stable. you made me nervous.” he sips at his wine, eating his food nonchalantly. 

“i made you nervous? i–” you sputter, still grappling with the fact that shouto was more than willing to try for a baby. 

“i thought i messed up, you were drifting from me. i wish i had known all you wanted was a child.” he hums thoughtfully, a full plan coming together in his head to comfort both of you. “and you haven’t been getting enough sleep for weeks, so i’ll make sure you get both tonight.” 

you took that to mean that he’ll fuck you to sleep, another thing he’s prone to do at times. so you shower and meet him in bed, trying to repress your giddiness. you didn’t notice the devious smirk your husband gave you as you sink into his arms. he pulls the blankets over you both, leaning in to give you the routine kisses before bed, and then he turns over like he’s going to sleep. 

you look at the ceiling in the dark with confusion. did he forget or change his mind? 

“you have to go to sleep before i’ll give you that child, sweetheart.” he speaks into the night, making your heart pound with a mix of frustration and intrigue and warmth at how he cares for you, as worked up as you were for him now, you groan and turn over. your brain is quiet as it’s your heart that races for once, and eventually you’re able to drift to sleep. 

he waits a few hours to make sure you’re good and asleep, his whole plan would be ruined if he woke you up. shouto loves you more than anything, and he hadn’t been exaggerating when he said he was worried. you had to be well rested, especially if you hoped to give him a baby after all. so only when he hears your quiet snores and deep breathing does he scoot closer, gently positioning you on your back. you dressed in a little nightgown in anticipation of him anyhow, so it was easy for him to locate your waiting bundle of nerves. he rubs you carefully, drawing small circles over your hood as you squirm the slightest bit beside him. he slides his fingers down to the familiar hole beneath, nodding at the feeling of slick appearing, your sweet body was responding to him. he crawls between your legs and carefully pushes your nightgown up over your chest, completely bewitched at the sight of your nipples perking up and goosebumps covering your perfect body. 

he thinks it’s almost ridiculous to think he wouldn’t want children with you. you’ve been in his life since his ua days and no one knew him like you did. you were someone so clearly meant to be a mother, it would be a crime not to give you the family you deserve. he easily parts your thighs, massaging and kneading the thickness he finds there as he lowers his face to your slick cunt. he’s always so gentle, but no time more than now as he hopes to remedy all your problems in one fell swoop like a good husband should. he laps at your center, angular nose bumping against the sensitive clit nestled above until he can hear your breathing change. he didn’t think he’d like it this much, but knowing that your body responds to him even subconsciously has his dick growing in his pants. you taste just as good as usual, growing wetter against his face with every passing second. he slides his fingers in, needing to know when you came. you spasm around the digits as his mouth focuses your swollen clit, and he knows you won’t take much longer. he may need his time understanding emotions and the like, but he knew your body like he knew his own. a few more flicks of his tongue over your nub and pumps of his fingers tickling your insides has you unraveling, and even in your sleep you look majestic cumming on his face. 

he shoves himself out of his boxers, admiring the way you still jerk when he presses his his fingers to your sensitivity. he draws your thighs around his slender hips, angling his pretty cock to your folds. he nuzzles the length along your folds to coat himself despite the pre oozing from his pink tip, taking a second to enjoy that sight in and of itself. then he sheaths himself, careful not to hiss too loud. you feel amazing, clenching him so tight even in the r.e.m stages of sleep, it’s almost too much for him to process. this was the first attempt at a baby, a family he never imagined himself having until he married and matured with you. it’s intoxicating, really, the way he rocks his way into your waiting pussy, silky walls guiding him in and out without any resistance. he has to bite down on his lip not to grunt and moan at how you feel, promising himself that he’d stay quiet and fill you to the brim. he pushes your legs to your chest, watching your face for any signs of discomfort. you only pant softly as he draws in and out of you, figuring this deep angle would be the best for his seed. 

all you did was follow his orders, getting the rest he demanded in exchange for his cum, even though he really won in the end. getting you to sleep, getting to see your body recognize and beg for him, getting to shove his cock deep and impress himself on your womb was more than a fair trade. a soft grunt slips past his lips as his hips stutter. his balls feel unimaginably heavy and then they don’t, his heavy load being fucked even deeper by the determined man you married. even when his warmth pools around his own dick as it goes soft inside you, he doesn’t quit, rolling his hips until he’s too sensitive to continue. 

he’s the one that doesn’t get any sleep that night, watching you sleep with his seed tucked in you only inspired him to take breaks and keep pumping you full, resigning himself to rest hours later  when he can’t possibly cum anymore.

[dc418writes]

|Hiding in Plain Sight|

✨Pairing: CEO!Curtis Everettxblack!reader

🪄Summary: Curtis has had enough

🚨: 18+ NO MINORS!, soft!dark Curtis maybe???, cheating (do not condone in real life, however for this plot…👀), mention of past adult happy fun times (everyone please be safe!), fingering (female receiving), verbal abuse, language

🎤: this is my submission for Siri’s Birthday Bonenanza! Happy belated birthday @stargazingfangirl18 !! I hope you had an amazing bday with lots of cake, presents, love, and any and everything else you desire💐🎂!!

Prompts:

Scenario: Babe is doing this for your own good

Dialogue: “Do you know how long I’ve waited for this?”

Kink Prompt: possessive!babe, squirting

Trope Prompt: scary,dangerous babe who is only soft with you (Curtis isn’t really dangerous tho, but you’ll see)

*DISCLAIMER!: I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF PICTURES USED as they were found via Pinterest*

At the sudden ‘click’ of the door closing, you’re startled; quickly turning towards the sound to find one of the reasons you felt the need for space from the festivities downstairs. Dressed in all black - from the button up spanning his firm chest to his impeccable slacks and polished designer shoes - it’s as if he walked straight out of GQ how dashing and handsome he looked.

Then again, when did he not?

“Didn’t mean to scare you.” His deep voice never fails to send tingles shooting down your spine. Have you embarrassingly willing to move at his command if he gave it.

“It’s okay. I-I should probably get back anyway.”

“To get ignored by your husband some more?,” he asks just as you pass him. His words make you pause with your shoulders just mere inches apart.

“Curtis..”

“He’s so busy smiling in everybody’s face and trying to be buddy-buddy with my associates, he hasn’t even noticed his own wife is gone. Then again…maybe he doesn’t want to.”

You didn’t want to come tonight. Tired from work and not in the mood to fake laugh at middle aged men who thought they were funny, you practically begged your husband to leave you home.

“You’re so fucking selfish you know that? This is my chance to make necessary connections to very important people.”

“Then you go Wes! Me being there won’t change that.”

He only kissed his teeth, tossing one of your purses at you and not caring of the scattered contents he left. “Be ready by 6 or I’ll get you ready myself.”

It was foolish to hope things would be different this time. You should know Wes would never arrive at anything having to do with business without his self proclaimed ‘good luck charm’. His trophy wife he used to sell this illusion that he was the man that had it all, so rejecting him would only hurt you.

And that’s not to say your husband didn’t deserve success - he was brilliant in his own right. It’s why Curtis himself decided to invest in Wes’ company and was his highest investor to date. But he saw past the illusion, and quickly saw the man he really was.

Which is how your complicated pairing began.

As he steps closer you hate how your body responds: eagerly ready to cave at the closest feeling of home. The bourbon - his favorite - practically being tasted in your own mouth as the smell wafts from his pink lips so close to yours. It mixes well with the spice from his cologne only making your head begin to swim and want to suffocate yourself in his neck.

His thick finger reaches out to trace the delicate gold chain on the necklace perfectly sat just below your collarbones. The small diamonds not equally spaced apart, but set in such a way it reminded you of twinkling stars in the night sky. It’s simple, but fitting for you. You were never the type for lavish jewelry that could blind someone a mile away, and from your short time together Curtis knew that.

“Knew it’d look beautiful on you,” he whispers letting the pad of his finger carry further until he was skimming your collarbone and causing you to shudder.

“I’m still married,” you practically have to force from your soul trying to stop your body from pressing against his. Stop your brain from turning to mush so he could have his way with you. Again.

His jaw ticks. “Why, I don’t know.”

“Curtis please, okay? Besides, you’re supposed to be celebrating.” He gently nods letting the rest of the brown liquor drain down his throat - your eyes shamefully following the bob of his Adams apple and missing how it felt under your lips.

“Fine,” he breathes closing the remaining space so you have no choice but to clutch his shoulders to stop from losing your footing in your heels. Not that he’d let you fall from his muscular arm around your waist. His mouth lowering impossibly closer that depending on what either of you said, your lips would brush. “Celebrate with me.”

“I-I don’t think your date would like that.” Were you angry when you saw the onyx haired beauty on his arm? Far from it. Did you guiltily wish her butt length, model-esque hair would catch fire when she passed one of the candles on the various tables so she’d have to leave? Maybe.

“Here I was thinking I was the jealous one.” And there was that smirk that briefly showed the hidden mischief in this man carved by God himself. “Yes, she’s my plus one, but would be more interested in you than me. Not that I blame her.”

“I still can’t,” you whisper letting your nose tap against his. Slowly but surely you feel yourself becoming drunk off his presence and that will to stand strong diminishing.

“Can’t or shouldn’t?”

At that you’re stuck. Now solely focused on his lips and so badly wanting - needing - to taste them again. Curtis grins realizing this himself. “My eyes are up here sweetheart.”

“Wha?” You should feel embarrassed, but as the air from his nostrils fan your face it only seems to make you needier. And when he brings his hand up to caress your cheek, there’s nothing that can stop you from leaning into his touch. Even between your legs you feel that pulse begin to grow in urgency.

“Look me in the eyes,” Curtis begins slowly, “and tell me you don’t want me. That you’re done. You’ll never hear from me again.”

You try, genuinely try to maintain eye contact but his stormy blues dilated with lust and longing only overwhelms you. Overwhelms you in that you should be good and say you don’t, leave, and act as if none of this has happened but you don’t want to. Curtis has easily become a part of you that you can’t let go and truthfully refuse to do so.

In a blink, your lips are frantically crushing against each others. His tongue smoothly, yet still eager, to reclaim your mouth after being away for so long. Your mind quickly enters that haze you only seemed to experience with him, unable to realize your body is being guided somewhere until you’re perched on the edge of a wooden desk. Your hands gripping the back of his neck while his push your pastel blue mini dress up past your hips leaving your lower half exposed to the cool air of the room.

Finally needing to breathe, his lips descend to your jaw then your neck causing you to whine his name wanting more of his mouth on yours. A quiet “shh” is the only warning you get before his hands are spreading your thighs to find a steady growing wet spot on your panties. His fingertips immediately reach to tease along your waiting slit watching as you squirm and moan.

“My needy girl. Probably been forever since he’s touched you like this huh? Made you feel good..”

The back of your head softly thuds against the wall as you lean back on your elbows. Letting yourself get lost in his touches and how his thumb circles your little button through your thoroughly soaked underwear.

“Do you know how long I’ve waited for this? Know how much I’ve missed you and those little noises you make when you take anything I give you,” he huskily states nipping your earlobe. “My fingers. My tongue. Fuck, and when you take my cock..?”

“Curtis,” you gasp nearly ready to guide his fingers inside you yourself to get that relief you now crave. As always, he knows what you need bringing your delicates swiftly down your legs to circle his middle finger around your dripping hole before plunging deep. The extended moan from your lips directly hitting his cock and making his pants feel tighter.

His ring finger soon joins as they steadily pump in and out. Not having been intimate with your own husband for a while now, you feel pathetic already being so close. Curtis can feel it too, as you clutch and squeeze.

“Should be ashamed of himself not taking care of you like you need. You deserve to be filled all day, every day. Filled to the point you can barely walk without feeling me drip down your legs. That what you want? To be filled with me?”

Your hips buck and grind on their own nearly riding his hand as your skin heats and sweat pricks your forehead. “Y-Yes! Yes Curtis please!,” you moan. His words hitting some deep seated, feral part you didn’t recognize but welcomed while palming your breast.

His mouth catches your scream when he adds a third finger. The room filling with your little “ah ah’s”, squelches, and the knock of the desk against the wall how you bucked to keep up with his fingers.

“Shit, might not ever leave the house. Just keep you by my side always wet and ready. Take you in every room and have you screaming for me.” He palms at the front of his slacks picturing your nude body bent over the counter. Or spread on the table for him and him only. “Or let you ride me and take what you want. Like that night after dinner.”

The way your toes curl and back arches he knows you’re seconds away now. Just needing that extra push to have you a twitching, trembling mess.

“Curtis I-I…please Curtis…Curtis!” Twisting his wrist just slightly to the right, he easily finds your spot as he firmly rubs his palm against you swollen nub making you gush down his hand and onto the hardwood below - a splash or two even finds the top of his shoe. It’s almost like a steady stream as it keeps flowing with every push of his fingers and Curtis can’t help but curse before finding your mouth again.

When you whimper and try to back away he knows it’s too much, slowly halting his movements before removing his hand. Automatically, you’re reaching out for him - needing some grounding force after what felt like your body floating to space - and he gladly lets you wrap your arms around his middle. Your face diving to his chest trying to hide your overwhelmed tears while he rubs your back with his clean hand.

“Did so good for me sweetheart. You feel alright?” You nod, turning your head just enough to catch him suck your release from his fingers; moaning from the taste. “Still so sweet,” he mumbles to himself and you swear you feel a small trickle of release escape your hole from that alone.

Your little bubble of ecstasy is quickly popped when the door opens reminding you of the party downstairs. Curtis shields you the best he can, but your dangling legs can easily be seen.

This makes it easy for Wes to recognize you. His face turning from amused shock at finding the always stone faced Curtis Everett with a woman to anger now realizing you were the moans and screams the men whispered about downstairs.

“The fuck are you doing up here?!,” he shouts making you scramble to get off the desk. Curtis still shields you with his back as you right your dress. Not only for your modesty, but to silently warn Wes he wouldn’t dare stand down.

“W-Wes I can explain-,”

“This was your plan the whole time huh? Use me to get to someone better..”

“No, I..I just-,”

“Just what? Accidentally ended up here with him?! Accidentally let him do whatever?” Now you were gathering a bit of a crowd, only increasing your anxiety.

“Wes please..”

“Please what?! Move on from you being a whore who opens her legs to any man she can get ahead with?!”

“Hey! Watch it,” Curtis warns stepping closer to a slightly drunk Wes.

“And after everything I did for you? Gave to you?!”

“You act like I asked for those things.”

He simply shakes his head before focusing on Curtis. “You know what, good luck with that one. Just a lazy sack that only wants to lie on her back. Can barely do that either always complaining-,”

Curtis didn’t let him finish quickly gripping Wes by the back of his neck making him kneel before you and everyone peeking through the open door. He tried to wiggle free and thrash, but Curtis just tightens his grip controlling Wes as if he was an animal handler trained to do this. Like he’d done it plenty of times before.

“You say you’re the one who gave her everything? Way I see it, you wouldn’t have had everything to give without her. Without your lovely wife, I would’ve already cancelled our partnership leaving you high and dry probably on fry duty at some fast food place. So I suggest you humble yourself pretty fucking quick.”

He seemed to get the message, remaining mostly still besides his back rising and falling from his unsteady breathing. “Matter of fact, I say you thank her.”

Wes is quiet, until Curtis jabs him in the ribs causing him to howl in pain.

“She’s waiting!”

“Th-Thank you! Thank you!,” he shouts sighing in relief when Curtis lets him go.

“Cmon,” he mumbles grabbing your hand to lead you past your husband. Past the vast crowd of people who dared not get in his way.

“W-Where are we going?,” you ask trying to keep up with his longer strides.

“Home.”

“But..but I-,”

Swiftly, he turns catching you against his chest with fingers gently gripping your chin so you’d be sure to hear him. “Home can be my place or yours and he gets put on the street, you choose. Either way from this point on, I’m not letting you stay away from me.” How could you argue with that? Especially now when he was using that commanding tone paired with that intense gaze making your core spasm. “Which one?”

“…Yours.”

He simply kisses your forehead leading you outside to retrieve his car from valet.

As for Wes, he was in for a rude awakening Monday morning when he’d be served an eviction notice saying his office space now belonged to Everett Co., minutes before he was served divorce papers already signed by you and your wedding ring.

-

Not gonna lie, I’m a little iffy about the ending but still I hope everyone enjoys! Also check out the other stories from this challenge as well💕!

[yan-rai]

Yandere! Aged up! Denji x reader x Yandere! Makima

Synopsis: Denji is quite a handful, after all, he grew up unfortunate. He's ecstatic at the smallest things, so imagine how he acts when you do the slightest gesture. Especially when he sees competition. The same could be said with Makima, she has a calm exterior, but, she hates having to share her property. So, why not settle this with a duel?

-Warning- SPOILERS FOR PART 1. This is a yandere work, it will include dark themes (however in this, I would say it is light). I do not control who reads this, however, this should not be romanticized and should stay in fiction. I do not condone this behavior. Light editing, Suggestive, cheating(?) reader, also in a way, manipulative. Aged up! Denji. Cannibalism(?), death, mentions of religious aspects (praying by Denji and reader) being called a wife by Makima (no gender associated though since she refers to herself as the husband). Implied that reader is not fully human, could be considered a fiend, devil or a hybrid.

Side Note!: I accidentally uploaded this without knowing so it had to be put on private since I don't know how to change it back to drafts 😭. This is my first published blog, so I'm still a newbie trying to figure things out. If you see any errors, whether it be typos or giving reader a gender, don't be afraid to tell me! I'll quickly fix it. These images are NOT mine, Denji chibi is made by JackGravitty, Makima chibi is made by Yknsugar. Other images are just manga panels.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 You're aware of Makima's plan.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 After all, she considers you as family, why would she need to keep something from you?

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 When you meet Denji, you're in a way, disappointed.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Makima gushes about Chainsaw man, but when you see the barely adult, you wonder if Chainsaw man was truly great as she painted him to be.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Not wanting the plan to fail, you treated Denji kindly.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Offering food, cleaning up after him, and giving praise.

"Ohhhh Yeahhhh!" Denji shouted as you handed him a plate full of meat. "Thank you for the food!" Denji clasped his hands together as he dug in, almost choking in the process. "Denji, you'll have to be more careful, can't have you dying without completing the contract now, hm?" You tilt your head, Deji coughed. "Y-Yeah! Sorry..." He drank water. "Uhm... (Y/N), what's your type?"

"My type?" You tilted your head, "Hmmm." You put a finger on your chin. Obviously it'd be Makima, and only her. However, perhaps him taking interest in you was the plan? You knew she'd be pissed if you ruined it, you smiled. "I think I'll be the most happy with you, Denji." "W-With me!?" He stuttered, checks flushed. "Yeah. You're cute, loyal, basically like a dog" you named off, leaning towards his face, "And most of all, you're Chainsaw man."

"You'll protect me, right?"

Denji nods frantically.

"What's your type?" You smiled.

"Y-You!" He blurted out.

"I'm glad."

You lean further, connecting your lips against his.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Denji would be lying if he said he *hadn't* gotten a boner right there and then.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 I mean? What reaction would he have gotten instead!?

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 A hot person kissing him as they confirmed their feelings!?

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Denji now believes you're in a relationship with him, he's yours and you're his, simple as that.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 While Makima did treat him well, you did it with wanting nothing in return, it was as if, you liked him for him. You saw him as Denji, not Chainsaw man.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 That's all it takes for him to fall head over heels for you.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Denji would be far more clingy with you, annoying a certain boss.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Not like he cares, though.

"(Y/N)" She called out, no longer allowing you to daydream as stood near her door.

"I've heard you got into a relationship, hm?" Makima spoke, sitting at her desk as you stood. "Ah, you too?" You sighed, he was practically announcing it to the world with how he acted. "Congratulations." Makima continued her smile, however, with most of her smiles, it was fake. "It's not my fault." You furrowed your eyebrows, "You said you were going to take care of him! Why'd you toss it over to me?" "Why did you give the dog hope?" Makima responded, no longer smiling. "I didn't want to ruin your plans, so I assumed you'd want me to flirt with him so he doesn't run away." You huffed.

She stayed silent before tapping on her lap, reluctantly, you sat.

Putting her arms around you,

"I didn't know my wife cared about me so much. But, I'm sure you're aware, I don't like sharing."

Her lips trail down from your lips to your nape, she bites your collarbone.

"Stop it. We're at the office." You hitched, "Since when were you the husband?" She teased, licking the hickey she recently gave you. "You're aware that I don't like Denji, right? You don't have anything to worry about. I'd choose you over him, no matter what." You reassured, Makima hummed. "Makima, I love you. We'll get officially married, start a family," You rested on her shoulder, clasping your hands with hers, "and stay together for entirety." You whispered.

She paused. Her eyes trail up to your face, she fiddles with the buttons, hands slowly trailing to your tie. Pulling on it, she brings your face closer to hers, biting your bottom lip.

"You're mine and mine only, you belong to me."

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Normally, she doesn't care about the people around you, they're nothing but flies.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 She met you waaaaaayy before Denji even existed.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 But Denji clearly was changing you.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 She saw the way you looked at him, as if you *actually* liked him.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 She hated how a mere pet can change someone's feelings quickly.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 What did that dog have that she didn't?

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Nothing! She had everything, the will to change someone's memories, control anyone, hell she was unstoppable at this point!

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 That's right.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 He *had* nothing, but now, he's surrounded by people he loves.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Perhaps it's time for the dog to be put back on a leash?

"I apologize for the loss, Denji." Makima sipped her coffee, as the dogs played around both her and Denji. "We tried everything to make sure everyone came out alive, but, the gun devil, he's quite strong. However, we managed to defeat him." She smiled.

Denji, however, seemed to still be shaken up by Aki's death, as expected. After all, Aki took care of Denji, treating him as a little brother, someone who died because of him. "Makima..." He suddenly spoke. "You said, if we defeated the gun devil...I can make any wish, right?" Denji lifted his head, putting his fingers in his mouth. "Of course," Makima smiled as she put her coffee on her lips. "Then... Can I make a wish where (Y/N) will never leave me? If everything goes wrong, then, they'll be the only one who'll stay with me?"

Makima paused, no longer smiling, her eyes glaring daggers.

Tch.

Does this fucker really think he has a chance with you?

Makima sipped her coffee, regaining her smile.

"Is that what you wish for, Denji?"

"Yes...please. I-I... I can't afford to lose them."

""Denji, it's your birthday, correct?" Her head tilted.

"Huh? Oh, y-yeah!"

"Happy 19th birthday."

"Thank you, Makima." Denji blushed.

"Say, I actually invited someone over." Makima stood up, "Really? Who!?" Denji turned his body around as Makima neared the door.

Denji's smile never fell, he wondered who it could be. Perhaps (Y/N)? It'd be nice to hear a birthday saying from them. Perhaps it'd be one of her men, ready to give him the birthday boy treatment. Perhaps it'd be Power, who would jump to him ecstatically like a wild dog. Or better yet, even if he knows it might not be true, perhaps there would be a way, to bring back Aki, so they could once again be like a happy family.

Makima gently opened the door.

"Denji..."

Ah! He was right! It's Power!

"Power!" Denji ran to get up, almost tripping.

"No way! A cake!?" He cheered, it was the first time he'd received a cake for his birthday. Truly, his life was turning around, he loved becoming Chainsaw man.

"H-"

"Bang."

"Eh...?"

Blood splattered on his face, his eyes laying upon power, whose head fell near her legs. Her torso completely gone.

Denji's eyes slowly started to face Makima, who, only had a smile as her hand still had the pointing gesture.

"Your wish, (Y/N)... To be the *only one* to stay with you, right?" Makima spoke, facing him.

His smile falters.

No.

He didn't mean it like that.

Not at all!

Why.

Why did she do this to him!?

God damn it!

Why did he wish it like that in the first place!?

No... Nobody would think it like that!

It was her fault.

For everything.

"Why..." He lets out.

Makima only smiled.

"Do you hate me or something!?" Denji shouted, clenching his fist.

"Hate is... quite a strong wrong, though, I can't deny it. But, it's just a mere punishment for believing that (Y/N) would want to stay with you in the first place. Dogs need to be punished when doing things they aren't meant to." She laughed, except it wasn't the laugh she always presents herself with. It was a hollow laugh, something like it wouldn't come out of a human in the first place. "You're wrong! (Y/N) loves me! They...they presented me with such kindness, They protect me, feed me, kiss me...hold hands...they... They trust me to save them! Save them from *things* like you!"

Denji leads his hands near his cord.

"I'll fight with everything I got to defeat a monster like you." He spat.

"Denji, did you really think (Y/N) loved you?" Makima questioned, "Don't you ever stop to think? (Y/N) only loves you for Chainsaw Man, not Denji. Just like all the other people that came and went, they fought for Chainsaw Man."

"(Y/N)'s the same, except, they work for me. They *love* me. They offered to take the role of the person you'd fall in love with. That mouth that praises you, kisses you, calls out your name, it's done the same to me. Far more, and... It actually holds its meaning."

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 No.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 NO.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 You... You weren't like them at all!

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 You loved him for him!

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Those moments that you shared, the times where you would kiss him first, laugh at his jokes...

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Had they all been lies?

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 No! He refuses to believe it! Makima clearly was lying!

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 She had to have been jealous!

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 It's okay! He'll make sure he defeats her! You two will be able to live together once and *without* meddling things.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 All of this will be for you.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 She wanted to laugh again.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 The way he thinks he'd be able to defeat her was funny.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 Sure Chainsaw Man was strong, but, she'd be fighting Denji, not him.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 If Denji knew better, he'd know that he should back off this instant.

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 She smiles smugly.

"You're aware you'll end up dying, right?"

"I'll never let you have (Y/N)!"

Denji pulls on the cord, turning into chainsaw man.

"Grahahaha!" He laughed manically.

"May the best one win." Makima smiled, revealing chains as past encounters revived. Including Aki, Reze, Angel Devil, and so on.

MAKIMA'S WIN.

𐃬𐃬𐃬𐃬𐃬

Her feet echoed as she stepped on the rumble due to their aftermath.

She grabs Chainsaw Man by his head, whom, was ripped in half.

"Tch."

She rips out a heart.

It was oddly shaped, since it was the Chainsaw Devil, or as Denji called it, Pochita.

"What a waste." She sighs, remembering the battle. Power showed up out of nowhere, trying to defend Denji, and of course, still died. Frankly, Makima was quite annoyed, she spent years thinking she'll eventually fight *The* Chainsaw Devil. And yet, the devil didn't even come out to fight her, and she instead won against Denji.

Taking a cigarette from one of the corpses she used, she sat down.

Smoking for the first time.

She coughed.

"It doesn't matter now." She spoke with a hoarse voice.

She held Pochita close, "We'll get rid of the unnecessary together, that way, (Y/N) and I will be able to live in a world of peace. We'll start a family together, and perhaps you can be included too? You'll be like a child to us." She smiled.

"We'll have a happy life."

She paused, her smile widening.

"Ah. They arrived." She looks back, picking up your scent.

"W-What... Happened here?" You looked at the mess.

Makima called you in out of nowhere.

"There was quite a fight."

"I can guess, Makima." You remarked.

"Can you guess who won?" She tilted her head.

"What's that on your hand?" You peeked.

"The key to our ideal life." She showed, you paused.

"How did you obtain it?" You ask, sweating.

You knew the answer.

And yet, you still asked.

"He's dead."

"You... I thought we weren't actually going to kill him!" You gasped.

"Hahaha... How else would we obtain the heart?" She laughed, with her usual hollow laugh.

DENJI'S WIN.

𐃬𐃬𐃬𐃬𐃬

He panted.

He defeated Makima.

He was lucky Power managed to show up in time.

Though, he could praise himself for letting Makima's guard down, that required planning.

"Huh." Makima let out.

"Chainsaw Man didn't come to save me." She furrowed her eyebrows, looking down as her blood splattered. She wasn't even fully split, it just stopped at her torso.

"Guess (Y/N)'s all mine now, huh?" He smiled.

The life she wanted with you, crumbled before her eyes.

"This is hardly enough to..."

"I know."

His chainsaw rumbles.

˖⁺‧₊˚

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner." You smiled,

"Yeah.. I just wanted to prove that I'm getting better at cooking!" He smiled, walking towards you as he handed you your plate. "That way you can depend on your boyfriend a little more." He sat down.

You blush a bit.

You'd be lying if you said you hadn't gained some form of love towards him.

You catch the smell of the food, your smile widening.

"This looks delicious, Denji!" You praised.

"After you, you're older than me after all."

"Thank you for the food," you quickly prayed, digging in.

The flavor was immaculate, the way everything was fried was to perfection.

"Where'd you get this meat from? It tastes better than the store I get it from." You spoke, taking another bite as Denji ate his.

He kept chewing, allowing a moment of silence, before he swallowed it.

"It's Makima." He spoke, taking another bite.

"Pardon?" You drop a piece of food from your chopsticks, your smile now fading.

To be honest,

Makima hasn't called you in for a while, you thought it was because she's been busy with work, you'd rather not bother her.

"You're eating Makima."

It finally dawned on you.

You were eating your once lover, prepared by your current lover.

You wanted to barf.

[aperrywilliams]

Pandora’s Box (Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader)

(Not my gif. Credits to the creator!)

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Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

Summary: Spencer gets called for work on his day off while having breakfast with his wife. He doesn’t know this day will end worse than he thought.

Word Count: 3.2k

Warnings: Mention to prison. Mention of kidnapping. Cat Adams. If I forgot something, let me know.

A/N: Written for this request. Two parts: this is the angsty one (sorry). How should Spencer make it up to Reader?

Part II

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Reader's POV

I always knew Spencer's job had its quirks. Granted, being an FBI agent is a dangerous job, and with my husband, this statement tends to be yet worse. Spencer has been kidnapped, drugged, shot in the knee, shot in the neck, framed for murder, incarcerated, and so on.

But after everything we've been through, one would expect things to settle down over time. Is it too much to ask?

I knew what was coming when the damn cell phone chimed that morning. It was Spencer's day off, and we had decided to go for breakfast at our favorite coffee shop since I had the day off too. It was rare we could match in our free time, and since we had both been very busy with our jobs, we wanted to enjoy that day.

Spencer gave me an apologetic look before answering the call.

"Reid," he spoke dryly. He wasn't happy about the interruption either.

While Pelenope surely told Spencer he should go to Quantico as soon as possible, I just stared at him—a glint of anticipated disappointment in my eyes.

"I'm so sorry," Spencer said, confirming my suspicions.

"Don't be. I know how it works." My answer was not reproachful, nor did I want to make him feel bad; instead, it was to clarify that I comprehended and accepted how our life's dynamic goes. "Don't worry, baby. I'm going to my dad's today and staying there. He's been asking me when I would have a sleepover with him," I commented. I knew Spencer would feel less guilty if I didn't spend too much time alone.

"Okay. That's good. And I promise I'll make it up to you," Spencer stated, getting up from his chair before planting an affectionate kiss on my forehead.

Don't make promises you can't keep, I thought.

Here is the thing. Spencer has good intentions, but time isn't on our side lately, so I only hoped we could have a chance to get at least a day to spend together with no interruptions upon his return.

After leaving the coffee shop, I stopped by the apartment to grab some clothes and headed to my dad's.

My dad greeted me in a tight embrace at the front door.

"I thought you would spend your day off with Spencer?" He asked once we parted from our hug.

I knew he was picturing a bad scenario. I'm not keen on sharing my marriage issues with my father, but he could tell there was something.

"Uh. Well. Spencer got called from work," I explained. My dad hummed, not saying anything. I regretted how I worded it because I hate portraying Spencer as the bad guy.

"What?" I asked.

"Everything is okay? I mean, between you and Spencer?" My dad questioned, concerned.

"Yeah. We are fine. Don't worry about us. Come on inside; you promised me movies and hot cocoa," I smiled at him, lacing my arm with his and heading inside the house.

-

Spencer's POV

Cat Adams. That name only means disaster. I should have known that. This time I hoped she only had ruined my day off with my wife- something a little more bearable than being framed for murder and incarcerated.

Arriving at Quantico, Prentiss and Rossi explained to me what had happened. Cat's associate kidnaped a family and demanded the release of Cat Adams.

Really she thought that could be possible?

Emily told me they were bringing her in a few hours and that I should talk to her.

I didn’t know if I was ready to do that, but a family was in danger. I had to.

She looked so pleased to see me that I felt nauseous, and my mind flew to Milburn. She knew what she was doing, but I needed to control myself and have the upper hand somehow.

My entire demeanor changed when she voiced her demand: a date with me.

The mention of a 'date' with Cat Adams sounded twisted and insufferable. But not going could have been a mistake. Cat knew I wouldn't refuse, not after she said my wife's safety was in danger too.

Frantically I left the room to dial (Y/N)’s number, and it went straight to voicemail. She never turns off her phone. I called her dad, and he said she left the house for a job emergency without explaining too much.

I looked at Emily, who had already told Garcia to track my wife's location. Minutes later, Penelope told us she wasn't at her workplace and was nowhere to find. Her phone's signal went dead after she left her dad's house.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I didn’t know how, but Cat had her.

Rushing inside the room where Cat was, I slammed the table, demanding my wife's location. Cat, of course, laughed in my face.

"I guess now no one could interrupt our date," she dared with a smug grin.

Against all my judgment, I agreed to a plan I wasn't even sure about.

-

Reader's POV

After Milburn, we talked with Spencer about the real danger we can be exposed to as a couple realizing the kind of job he had. Not that we didn't discuss it before, but the threat became real after that. We had a plan: if something happened, he would contact me directly - or through someone from the team - and if the communication could be compromised, I should get rid of my phone and not tell anybody my location.

When my phone rang that afternoon, we were watching a movie with my dad on the couch. I stood and answered in the hall. A sternly Spencer spoke: "This is an emergency. Met me at my old apartment. There is a key under the mat. Get rid of the phone and not tell anyone. Don't open the door to anyone, and wait for me there."

When I was about to ask what had happened, the call ended. I doubted for a moment. Spencer sounded so out of himself, but after what he had been through, I knew his job could stress him like that. So I just did what I was told.

I lied to my dad, telling him I had a job emergency, and left.

In my mind, I ran through all the possibilities, and none helped me stay calm. Everything could go wrong, like when Spencer went to Mexico without telling me.

Arriving at the apartment, I noticed the key was under the mat, as Spencer told me.

We always talked about what to do with his old place. Since we married, we got a new home, and Spencer rented his apartment. It happened that the last couple who rented it left a month ago, and we were still looking for a new tenant.

The place was almost empty. But still, some of Spencer's old books remained on the shelves. I took one to pass the time until Spencer could arrive. I didn't have my phone, so the only thing I could do was wait.

-

Spencer's POV

The last thing I thought I would do was ice skating with the woman who framed me for murder and kidnapped my mom and now my wife. Cat enjoyed every minute of my torture, and I just wanted to end it. My mind ran fast to catch any lead that could help me, but Cat knew me better. I don’t like to say it, but she, indeed, knew me better.

"So, I wasn't shocked when I discovered you married to that girl. I was shocked, though, knowing how neglected you have had her," she said casually, doing spins on the ice.

"You don't know what you are saying," I scoffed, trying to sound calm, but I hated how she dared to talk about (Y/N) and me.

"Don't I? So you will tell me you haven't canceled dates or left her for cases very often? That isn't good, Spencie, nothing good," Cat mocked.

I didn't want to give in that much, but how the hell this woman always managed to get under my skin? It's not that I wasn't aware of my messy schedule, but we always agreed with (Y/N) that it was my job, and she understood. Lately, though, things have been getting worse in that matter, and on that, Cat had a point.

When we married, I promised (Y/N) to slow down my job rhythm. After Milburn, I thought I had had enough, and it was time to focus on my life. It worked initially, but as the honeymoon phase ended, I did not slow down and even started overworking myself.

Everything I have been doing in the past months seemed like a stupid decision that had (Y/N) in danger because of my job now. If something terrible happened to her, I would never forgive myself.

“I know you’re waiting for me to slip a clue. But you will not get anything if you don’t show me your old apartment,” Cat demanded.

Now I was utterly confused. Why Cat wanted that?

The thing with Cat is always this way. She has a secret agenda you can’t decipher until it’s too late. I was afraid of that, but not giving up on her demands would put people in danger. I hadn’t an option.

“Why did you marry, anyway? You know you can be with anyone,” Cat spoke as we were being driven in the van. I snapped my head up. Cat shrugged. “What? I am right. Your job is everything to you, Spencie. Don’t lie to yourself; you can’t have a normal life. Not when we know we are so alike.”

“You don’t know anything. I love my wife,” I stated. Cat scoffed.

“I know enough. Tell me, does your wife know where you are now? Does she knows you are with me?” She asked, looking at me intensely. I averted my gaze. Cat was right, but her reasoning was wrong. I don’t like to tell (Y/N) much about my job because it’s not fair to put that burden on her. Not after we have been through. It’s not a matter of trust.

We got to the building and got out of the van. Cat took my arm as armed FBI agents escorted us—a show worth seeing, and I just wanted to forget.

Arriving at the apartment door, I took out my keys to open the lock, but before doing so, Cat stopped me.

“Did you mean it?”

“What?”

“That you love your wife?”

“Of course I do!” I replied, exasperated.

“Show me,” she demanded. But I didn’t understand what she was asking. My confusion was evident. “Show me how you love her. Kiss me the way you would kiss her,” Cat requested. My eyes widened.

“What? No! I will not do that.”

“You will. If you want to see your wife and that family alive again, you will,” she retorted.

I was about to lose my patience. In the last three hours, Cat had just made me go in circles. But I knew what she could do, and I was terrified that her threats would come true.

I took a deep breath before leaning to kiss her. I knew it was wrong, but I just wanted to end this night and find my wife and the missing family. Before my lips reached hers, Cat stopped me.

“I told you, Spencie. Do it like I’m her. Make it good. I will know if you are pretending,” she warned.

Fuck. What a twisted mind.

I gathered my composure, and I tried to imagine that it was (Y/N) in front of me and not Cat. I cupped her cheeks, the way I like to do with (Y/N), and leaned again. This time with no hesitation. It had to look real.

-

Reader's POV

I heard a commotion outside; I couldn't determine who was talking in the hallway. I froze in the spot, my eyes fixed on the entrance door. Then I noticed the handle turning and the door opening wide.

What I saw made my brain stop working.

Spencer was on the threshold kissing a woman.

Did I say kissing? Scratch that. He was devouring her mouth. And they were enjoying it, I could tell. She was the one who ended the kiss, and I swore I saw Spencer follow her lips for more. The woman turned to see me. Then Spencer noticed I was inside, witnessing how he- my husband - kissed a woman that wasn't me. His eyes widened, leaving his grasp on the woman's cheeks to walk to me.

“(Y/N)? What- what are you doing here? I thought you- that she has-" he stuttered.

I can't tell if it was for nerves, shock, or the fact he had been caught. It didn't matter, though. I was not in a condition to say anything. I just stood there, looking like a kicked puppy. I hated it.

“Fuck!” He cursed as if he had realized what was going on. The problem was I didn’t know anything, and my mind ran with the worst scenery possible.

"Ups," the girl teased. That's when I truly focused on her. I knew this woman. I'm sure I did. Then it hit me. Cat Adams? Seriously?

"What is this?" I barely articulated, shifting my gaze between Spencer and Cat.

"I - I thought she had kidnapped you! She did it with a family. I was so worried," Spencer explained, reaching to grab my hands, which I snatched away. I didn't feel like being touched by him, not after what I saw.

"I can tell you were worried," I spat. Cat started laughing.

"She has quite a sense of humor. I like her," Cat commented, looking between Spencer and me.

Oh, she was enjoying this. And my rational self told me it was better to shut up until I could understand what all about was, but my emotional side got to win this time.

"And you wanted me here for this? Your urgent case was about her? Jeez, Spencer, I thought you were done with this psycho," I pointed, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Oh, darling. You should know by now that Spencer is obsessed with me. How do you explain what you saw? He was kissing the same woman who got him in jail for three months. Maybe it's a kind of Stockholm, who knows," Cat taunted, shrugging like she was clueless. My eyes shot daggers at her. It was infuriating how her words echoed in my brain.

"(Y/N), don't listen to her. She is playing games right now. She wants you mad," Spencer tried to explain. And maybe he was right. But the smug look on her only fueled my anger. I didn't want to snap, though.

"Yeah, you can tell yourself that if it makes you happy," I deadpanned. Cat chuckled.

“Uh-oh. That sounds like jealousy to me.”

"Stop it! Cat, where is the family?" Spencer grabbed her arm suddenly. Her smug smile never faded.

"Easy, Spencie. What are you going to do? Throw me against a wall again?"

What? When did that happen?

Spencer's face went pale as his eyes met mine.

"Ouch. Someone didn't know that," Cat teased. I didn't know what face I had, but Spencer left the grip of Cat's arm and turned to me. "You should tell her, Spencie. She won't believe me if I do."

"You did what?" I asked in disbelief.

When Spencer was about to say something, Luke rushed inside.

"We got them!"

Them? What the fuck was happening?

"Now that's when we were having fun! Not fair!"

Cat pouted with dissatisfaction.

Spencer's eyes never left mine, pleading for me not to jump and hit him - or her.

"Take her out," he sternly told Luke, who rushed to do so.

"It was nice to meet you, (Y/N). Hope Spencer can tell you more of our story,” she taunted before crossing the threshold. Luke took the precaution of closing the door behind them, leaving with Cat and the other FBI field agents.

And just like that, we were alone with Spencer. Cat wasn't in the apartment anymore, but her words and presence remained heavy in the air.

Spencer’s hands were shaking, and they tried to reach mine again. I didn’t let him, though, as I stepped back.

It was all so confusing. And even if there were a logical explanation for this, the nerves and the anger were too much to try to understand.

“(Y/N), baby. I can explain. It was a trap. Cat orchestrated the whole thing, and I didn’t notice her real intentions until now. You have to believe me,” Spencer sputtered, faster than I had seen him speak in a long time. I shook my head.

“You called me. You told me we were in danger and asked me to come here, Spencer,” I tried to reason with him. He did this; why?

Spencer’s eyes widened.

“No, no, no. No! I did not. I don’t know how it happened, but I didn’t call you. It wasn’t me. I thought you were kidnapped! Cat told me if I didn’t do what she wanted, she would hurt you!”

I scoffed.

“How convenient that sounds, uh?”

Spencer sighed. He didn’t know what to say, and honestly, I didn’t have the energy to help him.

“(Y/N), please. You can ask the team. Penelope tried to track your location. I called your dad! It’s all a misunderstanding.”

I felt bad for Spencer. He looked exhausted, and he was likely telling the truth. But that wasn't enough to erase the image of my husband kissing Cat Adams. That qualifies as cheating, right?

I wanted to slap him across the face. Fucking Spencer Reid!

“A misunderstanding? Not a biggie, right?”

I hated feeling like this, but I couldn't help it. The more Spencer tried to explain, the more my blood boiled. Was I being unfair to him? Maybe. But after months of his work interfering in our lives, I was already fed up. This was the last straw.

"I didn't mean it like it wasn't important. Can we please talk about this more calmly at home?"

No, we can not, I wanted to say.

"Before your phone rings again and you must leave on another case?"

Shit, that just came out of my mouth.

“(Y/N)…” Spencer started to speak, but I cut him off. It wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have right now.

“You know what? I think it’s better we take a break for this night. I’m going to my dad’s. He must have been worried after I left,” I said, trying to contain my shaky voice. I grabbed my purse and walked to the door.

Spencer stared after me, pleading with his eyes for me not to leave. I decided to ignore it. I needed to think and cool my head. I believe this is the wake-up call I feared might happen. Maybe Cat Adams had opened another Pandora's box tonight.

Part II

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Spencer Reid’s Taglist: @dreatine​ @nomajdetective @jayyeahthatsme @rosalinasam2 @averyhotchner @tvandfanfic​ @lovelyxtom @princessmiaelicia @pastelbabygirl19  @reidsbookclub @alexxavicry @gspenc @spencerreidisbae123 @calmspencer @thebloomingeagle @pauline5525mgg @maltamurdock @disaster-in-waiting @pebble-has-a-mirgraine @anamiad00msday @chlochlosworld @milivanili99 @laylasbunbunny @miaxx03 @leahblackk

[fictionalreads]

Do You Feel The Way My Past Aches? Part 1

A/N: Hey y'all! I know I said I would have this out a while ago but....clearly that didn't happen. NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING THOUGH! This just didn't want to be written. Not gonna lie it's pretty heavy on info dumping but when I tried to take some of it out, it didn't flow right. So this is just a little intro to set up the story, give you some background. Hope you guys like it!

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Armando Aretas x Original Female Character

Fandom: Bad Boys Movies

Summary: Armando Aretas was 13 when he found out a life altering family secret. His discovery led him down a different path than he expected, changing the course of his life. Now a famous boxer, he searches for the truth that was hidden from him, the family he was denied.

Armando was thirteen when he found out the man who had been raising him wasn’t his father. Benitos Aretas, his mother’s husband, was lying in a hospital bed. Machines hooked up to him at various points of his body. His mother was in the cafeteria grabbing a small bite to eat after being in this hospital room all day as they had been for the past week.

Armando himself was sitting in a corner, working on his homework when the man spoke to him. “Armando, come here.” Armando, not wanting to invoke the man’s temper, stood immediately and sat in the chair next to the bed that his mother had occupied all week. He was unsure what the man could possibly want from him. He had done his best to stay out of the way and anything he wanted, he would get from the nurses and not Armando.

“I won’t be here much longer and I think it’s time you knew the truth.” This piqued his interest, turning his faux interest into genuine curiosity. As far as he knew, his parents had been forthcoming with him his entire life. “I’m not your father. I can’t have kids. Your mother thinks I’m stupid enough to believe her nonsense about it being a miracle from the gods but I know she whored herself out to her not so secret lover.”

Normally Armando would lash out against the man’s name calling, but his mind was reeling. He couldn’t say the feeling coursing through him was surprise. It was closer to relief and understanding. Understanding of why the man he had believed to be his father had always been so hard on him and disapproving of everything he’d done. He had been raising his wife’s kid she had with her lover. Relief because it meant he wasn’t necessarily doomed to have a father that hated him, he could have one that actually liked him.

And didn’t that make him feel guilty when the man who fed and clothed him, kept him safe and made sure he was taken care of, died not even eight hours later.

After that, he’d hinted at the fact that he knew Aretas wasn’t his father only once around his mother. She’d pretended not to hear him, but he’d seen the way her shoulders tensed. It was clear she wouldn’t tell him anything about his real father, she’d probably take the secret to her grave. He had taken his frustration to a local gym, pounding his anger out on a punching bag. It was there that a boxing coach took notice of him.

Alejandro “Jandro” Martinez was the owner of Pinchazo, a recreational boxing gym. Jandro had been a low-level runner for the cartel but his family connections to it had led to him knowing more than someone in his position should know. Which meant when he was picked up for a drug charge at nineteen and some overzealous cop trying to make a name for himself tried to make him give up information, he had to keep his mouth shut or end up dead. His loyalty to the cartel cost him ten years of his life but it earned him respect, respect he used to decline the cartel’s offer of a higher position and instead ask a favor. After spending time in lockup he decided he was done with that life and wanted to give others the chance to stay away from it. So he opened his gym and in exchange for turning a blind eye when certain people needed to use it after hours, any kid that associated with his gym was left alone.

It’s for that reason he was concerned when he saw Armando Aretas walk in his gym for the first time.

Aretas was the son of a man who had a sizable drug empire that would no doubt be passed on to him when he was ready now that the man had died. For a week, he simply watched to see what the boy was doing in his gym. He had a sloppy form but he held potential, his hits fueled by anger. What caught his attention though, was the lack of recruiting. He had assumed the boy would be trying to get new faces to join his operations, but he only ever punched a bag and left, never talking to anyone.

After that initial week, Jandro was too curious to let it go on. He approached him, “Your back foot needs to be raised.”

“What?”

“Your back foot. Raise it to be on your toes. It should twist as you throw the punch.”

The boy followed the advice and noticed the difference in his punch. “Thanks.”

“Why are you here?”

“Excuse me?”

“You have to know this gym is off limits to the cartel. Your old man was the first one to agree to my terms. So why are you here?”

“I am not my father’s son.” Jandro didn’t know just how true that statement was at the time but he could feel the genuine hatred rolling off the boy in waves.

He took a chance and coached the boy whenever he came in. Initially it was just to help him with his form, maybe redirect some of that anger, but as they worked Jandro saw the raw talent Armando held. He offered him a set training time, real coaching and local fights in the boxing world with the agreement that he’d stay away from his family business and never bring it to the gym.

Armando was intrigued by the possibilities. When he first went into the gym he’d just been trying to blow off some steam, but when Jandro started giving him pointers and spending time working with him he began to really love the sport. He spent all his free time either in the gym or studying old matches to improve his own technique. He had never imagined it could lead to this and he quickly agreed to Jandro’s terms.

His mother wasn’t so enthusiastic.

She told him he wasn’t allowed to continue and needed to focus on getting ready to take over his father’s empire. She wanted him to start listening in on meetings and understanding their business. When he pointed out Benito Aretas hadn’t actually been his father and therefore he had no empire to take over, she quietly fumed. He clearly knew the truth and denying it would only make her look foolish, something she vowed to never allow again. Acknowledging the truth wasn’t an option either as she would then open herself to questions from him about his biological father.

So she said nothing and he continued training with Jandro.

She never stopped him from going to the gym, knowing it would only push him further away, but she never supported it either. She never came to any of his matches, never celebrated his wins, not even when he got a sponsorship from a local brewery the day he turned 18. Maybe she figured he would grow out of it or that he’d eventually turn to the family business but unfortunately for her, his love for the sport only grew and soon he was making waves in the sport. 

Which led him to where he is now.

At twenty-six years old he was a big name in the boxing world, making enough money to live comfortably and then some. It was a point of pride for him as his mother had made it clear he would not be living off her money if he continued to refuse the work she did. When he first started making money from his matches, he started saving as much as he could. It wasn’t much and he’d had to live on Jandro’s couch for about a year, but he’d made it through. He had turned his back on his mother’s drug regime a long time ago and he’d refused to go crawling back to her.

Jandro’s hand on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts. “Estas listo para esto?”

Armando nodded, feigning more confidence than he felt. He grabbed his bag from the jet they had flown on and began to make his way to the front to deboard when Jandro grabbed his arm again. 

“Oye, pase lo que pase, siempre estaré de tu lado.” Jandro said the words clearly, making sure to maintain eye contact.

If there was one thing Armando was sure of, it was that Jandro would be there for him. The man had been acting as his father figure practically since they met. He supported his dreams, pushed him to reach them, held him when it got to be too much and celebrated his wins with him. He’d taken care of him when his mother was too angry at his refusal to join the drug game. He trusted the man more than anyone else in his life, and he knew if things went sideways, he would still have Jandro there.

And everything crashing around him was a definite possibility because after years of searching, he’d found his biological father. 

At least he hoped. There were no official records, only hearsay he had managed to piece together once he’d found his mother’s biological family, which had been another thing she’d lied about. She’d told him she was an orphan with no family left when she met Benitos Aretas, but the truth was that she left her family because they weren’t interested in a life of crime. He had three aunts that welcomed him into their fold with zero hesitation. When he mentioned wanting to find his biological father, they told him stories of a man his mother had been involved with at the same time that Aretas was courting her. They didn’t know much, just that he was American, black and handsome. For a while they thought he might convince her to leave Aretas, but one day he’d disappeared and she refused to speak about him anymore. Next thing they knew she was married and no longer speaking to them.

His Tia Arianna had found a picture of his parents together and had given it to him. He made a couple copies of the picture and used them to try and track the man down. It hadn’t been easy but he’d finally gotten a name. Mike Lowery, a decorated detective from Miami. It didn’t match with the name his tias had given him, but he couldn’t deny the file he’d been given by a private investigator. It was definitely him. He had a feeling he knew what the name difference was about but he’d wait to get the story from the man himself. His first order of business was to find the man and find out if he knew about him or not.

Armando took a deep breath to calm the million thoughts and scenarios racing through his mind. “I know,” he finally responded to Jandro. He put his shades on, grabbed his bag and made his way off the plane. “Hagámoslo.”

A/N: What do we think? I love hearing your feedback on my stories. Drop a comment, like or reblog💙 If you wanna be tagged just let me know.

Translations:

Estas listo para esto- You ready for this?

Oye, pase lo que pase, siempre estaré de tu lado. - Hey, no matter what I’m always in your corner.

Hagámoslo - Let’s do it

Taglist: @yeahnohoneybye @d4rno @nelo0wesker @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @bootlegroach

[ramblingoak]

The Cardinal’s Bride, Chapter 1: Heading West

~ A Romantic Adventure in the Old West: After being forced into a marriage with Mr. Saltarian by your father you are sent west to his estate in Nevada.  Along the way you end up meeting one of the cowboys you have always fantasized about... ~

~~ Please visit The Outlaw Brides Masterpost for later chapters and to read more stories from this world ~~

Thank you to @tasty-ribz for the wanted poster!  For some more amazing fanart check out: @meowsaidmissy (1 / 2), @snail-shell2335  here, @vahvco here, @ghulehgwen here, @rabidghoul here, @nocterish here, @enjoy-my-swearing​ here, @blacktie-whitenoise (1 /2), @z-xmyers (1/2/3/4), @foxybouquet here, _simpera_ on instagram and valkyrieinpink on twitter.  Also a huge thank you to @kissingghouls for all her help and emotional support.

Cardinal Copia x Female Reader ~ slow burn romance, adventure, violence, nsfw, 18+ only mdni, 2k words ~

He could remember the heat of the flames against his skin…the shouting…the screaming. 

He could remember everyone scrambling to escape…crying for their friends and loved ones.

He could remember seeing people for the last time…not knowing if they died from a bullet or the fire.

He could remember his face…watching from the edge of town…smiling…proud of himself.

He remembered these things every day…they ate away at him like a disease.

But most of all he remembered how much he hated him.

And how good it would feel to get his revenge.

~~~  ~~~  ~~~  ~~~  ~~~  ~~~  ~~~

“You will marry Mr. Saltarian and that is the final word on the matter.”

Your father’s voice echoed in your head as you looked forlornly out the stagecoach window.  Miles and miles of dry land had passed you by.  No longer were you surrounded by the fertile fields of your home, Missouri was far away at this point.  You were getting closer and closer to your fate.  Closer and closer to a man you had never met but would soon be calling your husband.

The comments about “dear Mr. Saltarian" started a few months ago.  You heard about how wise and handsome he was.  How he had a large estate in Nevada that was beautiful, but needed a woman’s touch.  That his job as a bank owner afforded him every luxury one could imagine.

But mostly how Mr. Saltarian needed a wife and how it was going to be you.

You had chosen not to comment on any attempts your parents made to talk about the man.  There wasn’t a point anyway, you had been told for years now that they were looking for a good match for you.  You couldn’t live with your parents forever and you didn’t want to, but why couldn’t you find someone that you loved?  Why did it have to be this man, miles and miles away from the only home you had ever known?

According to the whispers you had overheard from your father’s butler and a few of the cooks it was because of money.  Apparently your father had gotten a loan years ago from Mr. Saltarian and had been unable to pay it off.  Now he either must sell his business and your home or find some other way to repay the man.

“Luckily for the boss his daughter is pretty and unwed, that’ll be payment enough won’t it?” 

You had turned and ran back down the corridor as their laughter echoed behind you.  Flinging herself into your mother’s arms you had begged her to talk your father out of it.  Begged her to let you stay and find someone you loved to marry and let you have a chance at being happy.  She had remained stiff and quiet in your arms for a few moments until you finally had stopped sobbing, little hiccups escaping you as you tried to control yourself.

“My daughter, most women do not have the luxury to choose who they marry.  You will learn to love Mr. Saltarian just like I learned to love your father.”  Your eyes searched her face, looking for any sign of remorse for what she was doing to you but it remained impassive and blank.

You had finally resigned yourself to your fate, to be unhappy and basically sold to a man you barely knew.  He hadn’t even come with the associates and stagecoach he had sent for you.  There were six men in total, two drivers and four others that looked more like thugs than bank employees.  You watched as they had loaded the few trunks of belongings you were allowed to bring.  They were dressed all in black and remained quiet throughout their preparations.  

When a few of them started to check their weapons over before you all left you couldn’t help but look scared.  You’d never seen so many guns in your life, the only gun you’d ever seen up close was a small revolver your father owned.  These men had revolvers at their hips and rifles in their hands.  One of them noticed your wide eyed stare and chuckled. “You’ll be thankful we have these if we run into any bandits on the road.” 

The man that seemed to be in charge walked over to your father and mother and started speaking to them in a low voice.  You didn’t hear everything he said but he mentioned having to watch for a particular group of bandits on the way to Nevada.  He mentioned that Mr. Saltarian was worried about the stagecoach being attacked and you possibly being kidnapped.  What have your parents gotten you involved with?

Even though you were scared you couldn’t help a small thrill from racing through you at the mention of bandits and even the possibility of being kidnapped.  As a refined, sophisticated young woman you were supposed to show interest in delicate activities such as knitting, embroidery or just sitting quietly and looking pretty.  But you had always loved stories of the lawless west.  Tales of cowboys and bandits filled your head when you sat prim and proper in church.  When you laid in bed at night you often imagined what it would be like running into a ruggedly handsome gunslinger.

You especially thought about this while you touched yourself.

As the guard spoke more it was apparent that there was one person in particular that Saltarian’s men were worried about: The Cardinal.  You had heard of him before, his exploits often made the newspaper headlines and you had seen his wanted poster in the window of a few local businesses.  There were usually a few of the other members of his gang nearby as well, the papers had taken to calling them Ghouls.  The sketches they made of the Ghouls were frightening, they looked almost demon-like with their faces hidden behind silver masks.

But the one of The Cardinal didn’t frighten you at all.  Even with many sketches showing him to have odd, discolored eyes.  A white eye that people speculated was given to him by the devil himself.  You weren’t ashamed to admit you thought him handsome.  He wore what looked like black kohl around his eyes, making them even more mesmerizing.  The posters showed other ways to identify him, he usually had a mustache and sideburns and he often wore a long dark red duster.

No one knew his real name, or that of any of his Ghouls.  The rumor was that he had grown up in a church (and a devil worshiping one at that) if you believed some of the gossip.  Some people said he was unhappy with his place in the church and had murdered most of the upper clergy.  Others said the nearby town had finally had enough of the evil church and burned it all down one night, with many of the members still inside.  Either way it was said The Cardinal was one of the few surviving members and that he rode through the western lands with his Ghouls committing evil acts in the name of Lucifer.

You shook your head and brushed your hands down the front of your traveling dress.  It was a dress your mother had made specifically for your trip.  She had chosen a fabric that was white and blue and to you completely impractical for traveling in the dusty west.  It had already gotten stained while you were able to stretch your legs during the short stops the guards had allowed.  You did like that it had pockets though and you snuck your hand into one to grip the folded piece of paper you had slipped in there.

While the dressmaker and your mother had been speaking you had drifted to the shop window and seen one of The Cardinal’s wanted posters.  You snuck a peak back at the two women and glanced briefly out to the street before pulling the poster off the window.  It seemed such a silly thing to do, but you figured if you were being forced to marry a boring bank owner like Mr. Saltarian you should allow yourself a small thrill.  Something to look at when lying alone in the dark in your new home.

Your daydreaming ended when you heard a commotion outside the stagecoach.  One of the two guards that sat across from you stuck their head out the window to speak with the drivers.  You saw the other two guards that were on horseback ride by quickly, the horses kicking dust up as they sped off.  The men had their guns out and the sunlight glinted off the metal.  Your heart started pounding in your chest, what was happening?

All at once both drivers started shouting and you could hear loud popping sounds out in the distance.  You rushed to look out the window but one of the guards shoved you back into your seat.  “Stay down!”  The man turned and looked out the window and you could easily see the fear on his face.  The popping sounds started again and were beginning to get closer.  One of the guards aimed their rifle out the window and started shooting.  You couldn’t help but yelp and throw your hands over your ears at the loud sound.

The stagecoach suddenly veered off to the left and the momentum flung you and the guards to the side.  You were able to grip the window while the guards ended up on the floor, their rifles falling from their hands.  You looked outside and your mouth fell open as you saw numerous figures on horseback in the distance, quickly gaining ground to the stagecoach.  You couldn’t tell how many there were through the dust in the air, but the guards with you were obviously outnumbered.  You didn’t even see the two that had been on horseback anymore.  

As the group got closer one rider broke away and quickly started gaining ground on you.  One of the drivers leaned out from his seat in the corner of your eye and you yelped when he started firing at the rider.  You watched as he leaned to the side and his horse quickly maneuvered out of the way.  He then pulled his own gun out and fired off a series of rounds towards where the drivers were sitting.

The man was focused on where he was shooting and didn’t seem to have noticed you, but you couldn’t take your eyes off of him.  He brought his horse closer to the side of the carriage and you saw the group of riders behind him split with half going around behind you and the other going closer to the front, getting closer and closer to the drivers.

Abruptly he turned his head and your mouth fell open at what you saw.  Two familiar mismatched eyes looked into your own.  The other features you saw were familiar to you as well, a mustache and sideburns.  Over his shoulders was a dusty dark red coat flapping in the air as he rode next to you.  You brought your eyes back to his and a sudden grin flashed over his face and he winked at you before pulling away and riding around the back with his other riders.

A hard grip on your arm shook you out of your trance and you were pulled back into the carriage as the guard reloaded his rifle.  The drivers were shouting again and you could just make out what they were saying over the commotion of hooves and gunfire.  It was something you didn’t need to hear though, you already knew who was out there.

“It’s The Cardinal!  He’s found us!”

Go to Chapter 2: La Principessa

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[rarilee33]

@leedoodlesstuff @connorconsumestrousers and I have a Moral Orel 18th century au!

Some Bloberta outfit concepts and an Orel design at the top.

There are a lot of details but the Puppingtons are aristocrats; as in the comic here, Clay meets Bloberta, of the working class, singing at a music hall which she does to earn money.

She sees marrying Clay as an opportunity for upward mobility. She tries to convince herself she's attracted to him and stuff Clay thinks even though Blobs is poorer and all that she's pretty, seems intelligent (especially for a commoner : 0), and is very talented, and seems like she could be good wife/mother material. So they keep meeting and Angela like... is hesitant about her at first but lends her some clothes and Bloberta kinda starts to look to her as a better mother figure (Regina is not great) and Angela also starts to think of her as a daughter and she could definitely work for her Clay! Bloberta is elated she's being accepted by these people which helps her convince herself that this is a good idea. Clay probably sets it up so Bloberta can sing at social events they go to, if it involves a music/vocal performance, because it's good for him and she's more than willing to do it. She feels a bit like she's being exploited after a few times but she also loves to sing and it's helping her make friends or at least people who appreciate her voice.

More lore under the cut!

With Bloberta's upbringing she's used to doing chores and all herself and cleaning is a coping mechanism for her anyway so she cleans things when Clay's not there and the servants are all quiet about it cause they like her more than him. Bloberta is also afraid of being seen as lesser so she's extra careful to 'behave' in front of Clay and his associates.

Clay hushed [her background] up so not many people knew he was marrying her because he didn't want those reactions; only his closest associates knew Then he hires people to make sure she can act 'properly' in public. Bloberta wants to be accepted in society so she goes along but she often puts on a show when they're out and about obviously. She feels quite numb like in the show, like she's always playing this version of herself. She hates talking to other men's wives at parties and such. She gets a break when she's conceiving Orel and then is congratulated for producing a healthy male heir.

So the difference here is that Clay knows who Shapey's father is from the beginning, but I think they'd set it up so Shapey and Danielle don't interact so Shapey doesn't form an attachment to him.

As for Shapey- because it'd be different here as to Danielle's plan... the marriage and all is a different structure than it is in modern day moralton, Clay is in a position that benefits him and he keeps Bloberta around for that reason... so Danielle, if he wanted Clay, would just go to Clay in secret. His plan- Clay wants another kid but can't provide physically for another one so like... Danielle offers to have sex with Bloberta. And Clay is like "well okay" and then they hook up in private, but a lot of people in their circle have these affairs. It's not unprecedented for Bloberta, she's just frustrated that her husband (who she doesn't love) and this guy who had sex with her so she could have a second kid are f*cking elsewhere while she's like >: <. Some of the women in the social circle hear about Clay and Danielle and invite Bloberta, who they've known for several years now, into their uhh lesbian circle.

Orel thinks it's totally normal that his parents aren't even like together they're just creating a facade that isn't even for the other people in their circle cause everyone's f*cking each other; the facade is for those outside the circle.

He sees Danielle occasionally like "Oh that's my father's lover" and then when he sees any of Bloberta's ladies "oh there're my mother's lady friends". Then he like, goes out in town when he's 12-13 and he becomes friends with Doughy and Joe and them and it's apparently not everyone's parents who do this!

"Your parents don't have lovers besides their husband or wife? Strange"

Clay and Bloberta are both generally happy because of their relationships except when they have to spend a lot of time together, but it's not suspicious or anything that they are only (barely) platonic in public, it's normal. So they still feel stuck together (and Bloberta doesn't want to leave, with everything she has tied down in this life) but aren't at the same time. They actually feel more amiable to interact with each other if they have to or pass by in a hall because they aren't together in any context that matters to them, only a casual one that they don't have to do much to maintain.

[andreal831]

Do you consider that during the period that Hayley was married, Jackson was a stepfather? I don't know, I don't see him like that, in my vision he always tried to turn Hayley against the Mikaelsons, sometimes I see it like that because I'm not a big fan of Jackson when it comes to them, so He was just a man whom Hayley got married to save her daughter

And what do you think it would be like if Hayley, Hope and Elijah had left when she said she wanted to build a life with them? Do you think Elijah would take on a fatherly role? Did I ask, making sense of my doubts?

To me he was a stepfather but not a father, if that makes sense. Which is funny because people always get mad at him for trying to "take Klaus' place."

I will preface this by saying most of my opinions on this come from the lack of development the writers gave Jackson as well as the fact that the writers didn't want baby Hope, they just wanted teen/adult Hope.

When people get mad at me for how I view Jackson, they usually bring up quotes from the show but struggle to actually point to moments where Jackson is exhibiting those traits. Jackson is a classic mistake in writing of "show don't tell." Instead of showing us that he's a good father to Hope, they tell us and we are supposed to just take the character's word for it. The show essentially left a lot of their relationship up to our imaginations and I just never made headcanons with Jackson so it fell flat. But to me, he cared more about marrying Hayley than being a father to Hope.

Again, part of this is due to the fact that we hardly see anyone in season 3 interact with Hope. I get that it's hard to have a baby on set, but when you launch a whole spinoff around a magical baby, it helps to have a baby. I definitely think Jackson loves Hope, but not necessarily as his own. I feel like he held the Mikaelsons against her a little bit. If he and Hayley would have (could have) had their own kid, they definitely always would have fought over Jackson saying "our kids" versus "your kid." I also think that if Hayley would have been willing to leave Hope with Klaus and start a family with Jackson, I don't think he would have been upset by that. Anything to get away from the Mikaelsons.

I don't blame Jackson for not wanting to associate with the Mikaelsons after Klaus cursed them all. Although, ironically he was the one making side deals with Klaus in season 1 and 2. However, he had no right to give Hayley an ultimatum, especially where Hope is concerned. Of course, if you love someone, you don't want them to be around toxic people. But you don't get to make that decision for anyone else. People have to be allowed to make their own decisions. You can only set boundaries for yourself, and he does. He gives her an ultimatum and when she picks the option he doesn't like, he leaves. This is where I have a hard time with him as a father. It reminds me of Ginny and Georgia (*spoilers*) when Paul finds out the truth about Georgia and he initially leaves but then he can't stay away because he loves the kids so much. It takes him less than 24 hours to decide to help Georgia to protect the kids. (*end of G&G spoilers*) Jackson leaves and doesn't even reach out to Hayley for an entire month while he knows they have enemies in town. Yes, he had every right to do that, but I can't help but hold that against him as a father and husband. Just like I hold Klaus not reaching out to Hayley while he has to stay away with the Hollow against Klaus. We can headcanon that Mary is updating him but again, the show doesn't bother telling us anything.

I personally hate the scene when Jackson walks out. I know he is mad that she went to help the Mikaelsons, but Rebekah was actively kidnapped and drowning at the bottom of the ocean. He then makes her feel guilty because he had to put Hope down and she cried for a long time. A husband/father shouldn't make his wife feel guilty because he had to put the baby down. And, a husband should never make a mother feel guilty that her baby was crying. That detail was unnecessary. Yes, he was mad at her reasoning and mad that he made Thanksgiving dinner and she missed it, but there was other ways to say it. He weaponized Hope against her. It just made him sound like he resented having to play stay-at-home father, but what else was he doing? Neither of them worked.

I also think Jackson had this idealized idea of what his life with 'Andrea' was going to look like and it didn't include a magical child she had with another man. Even when she was living with the bayou, she didn't feel supported by him. She tells Eve that she's on her own with the baby. He does build her a crib but then after she 'looses' the baby, he doesn't even reach out. Compare this to Cami who is in tears, running to Klaus when she heard to see if it was true. Also, compare the reactions to Cami meeting Hope and Jackson meeting her. The writers are also a bit sexist and focused more on building Cami up as a stepmother and didn't focus too much on Jackson as a stepfather.

I don't like to always compare Jackson and Elijah because I don't think it is super helpful to the discussion. We should be able to analyze one without the other. However, since you asked, I do think Elijah plays more a parental figure to Hope. He also has the advantage of being biologically related to Hope. No matter what was going on between him and Hayley, he was always going to be in Hope's life.

Although, I do think that it wouldn't have mattered to Elijah if Hayley had a baby with someone else. I think he still would have taken on a parental role because he loves to be a parent. We know from the past that he was willing to be with Tatia and be a father to her child, so I don't see a difference with Hope.

I don't think Elijah would have ever left town without Klaus to start a life with just Hope and Hayley. The only way he would is if there was no way to protect Hope and Hayley while saving Klaus. Even then, he would go back for Klaus. Elijah was always very careful to not overstep his role with Hope. He knew Klaus' fears and also knew how Klaus tended to behave when he felt insecure. For everyone's sake, Elijah would keep a respectable distance as an uncle. Although, Elijah always just kind of acts as the parental figure of the group, so that wouldn't change too much. I can definitely see him taking on the more strict disciplinarian role while Klaus just spoils Hope.

Thanks for the ask! I hope I answered it all <3

[zweetpea]

Chapter 4 The Present TBRAHE

Turns out quite bad. Suguru Geto is quite bad. How do you know? Because the first thing he said to you once you two sat down for tea together is���

“Don’t worry I don’t have any of them lurking around.” He spoke those words so calmly. 

“What?” You replied. 

“Monkeys.” His smile held no animosity towards you. It was scary how serene this should have felt. His estate was Neolithic, but not necessarily in a bad way. Koi ponds and tatami mats instead of rose gardens and Victorian tea furniture. It left you with a comforting feeling; however, that was quickly negated by Suguru’s strange comments. “Honestly I don’t know how Satoru could choose one of them over his sorceress wife. Even if your marriage isn’t happy he should at least be with another one of our kind.”

“Woah, woah, woah. Slow down, what are you talking about?”

“Oh that’s right, you don’t know what I call them. I’m talking about Non Sorcerers. I don’t associate with them.” Suguru’s smile was relaxed, it… scared you for a reason you couldn’t quite pin. 

“Why not? What do you mean by monkeys.” 

“They’re not the same species as us.” 

“They’re human!” You try to reason. 

“So, what are we? Freaks? Monsters?”

“We’re sorcerers, but we’re still fundamentally human. We’re not much different if you think about it. We bleed the same. We fear like they do. We love the same way they do. Why do you hate them?” 

“Why do you love them?” 

“My best friend is a non sorcerer. She’s the most important person in my life. When my mother died she held my hand. When my father remarried she stayed up all night with me trying to figure out if she was a good match for him. And when both her and my little sister died in birth she dropped everything to stay by my side, every second I needed her.”

“That’s nice, but how many curses has she killed.” 

“…what…?”

“Sorcerers are the only ones who can kill curses.” 

“That’s not true. We put energy into objects, non sorcerers can use cursed weapons. That’s actually what I came here to talk about.” 

“The Zenin act. That’s why you came here?” He chuckled. “How many of them would be willing to die for us? Sorcerers have been fight on this war for months because of the advancing forces of Ryomen Sukuna and his general Mahito. What have the mere humans been doing?” 

“Farming! You know, to feed the army.” You say sarcastically.

“That’s something other sorcerers could do. The “Humans” aren’t particularly unique in skill sets. They have nothing a sorcerer couldn’t do.” 

“That doesn’t mean that they can’t be useful. The Zenin Act has merely stopped them from providing that they are just like us. Suguru, they aren’t different from us. Please, help me overturn it.” 

“Prove it. You said you have a monkey friend. Prove that your friend can be of some use. Even if she’s only good for being a clown.” 

“Fine, come over tomorrow at noon and I’ll show you how incredible non sorcerers can be. I hope you have the day you deserve, Suguru Geto.” You said as you mounted your horse. 

Once you arrived back at the palace you untack Pendragon and walk into your rose garden only to see carpenter and gardener running amuck in the place and your Shuttlecock of a husband overlooking them. 

“Satoru! What are you doing?” He looked over as you shouted at him, his familiar eye cover graced your sights. 

“Don’t worry. I’m not taking anything away. I… I’ve been feeling bad about what I did to you. I shouldn’t have brought Marissa here on our anniversary. I thought… maybe I could do something to make it up to you. So I asked Addison for some advice on a gift and she said that you love the little snake thing I gave you. Therefore I thought of combining three of your favorite things, your roses, quality time with Addison and the snake, and I decided to make a… pet play place thing, with a lounge for you ladies… I don’t know… it sounded better in my head.” 

“Oh… um… thank you. I honestly thought that you hated me and wouldn’t ever give me anything.” 

“I don’t hate you. I just can’t say that you’re the love of my life.” He looked away bashfully. “I do want this to work out. Admittedly you are a better ruler than me. I’d be lost without you so, I’ve wanted to do something for a while to thank you but I’ve been… busy.” 

“With her?” 

“…yeah, sorry.” 

“Can we get some more yellow roses? And maybe some more pink ones too?” 

“Oh uh, sure. I’ll order some.” 

“Thank you Satoru.” You smiled softly. This was definitely the first time you’ve ever smiled at your husband. 

He’d never tell you, and you’d never know but that one small gesture sent him spiraling. He wanted more, he needed to see that small smile more. Being spoiled as a child taught him that as long as he threw enough money at the problem he could have whatever he wanted. That smile reassured him of that philosophy. 

“I’ve got to go now. Suguru is coming tomorrow and Addie and I have to prepare.” What have you gotten yourself into. You’ve let tantalus eat from the tree and now he longs harder for what’s been snatched from him.

You explained what happened that afternoon to Addison and she looked worried. “Hey cheer up.” You wrap an arm around her. “You’re one of the most talented people I know. From cooking to ribbon dancing you can do it all.” 

“Well, you’ve always funded my endeavors. I have you to thank for all my skills.” She blushed. 

‘She’s so cute! I want to boop her nose! I wonder how she’d react!’ You thought excitedly at the image of her scrunched up face at the action then pouting at your teasing gesture. 

“(Y/n)? Ma’am? Are you listening?” She broke you out of your daydream and you ushered her out blushing madly at the thought she caught you in a vulnerable moment. 

The next day you found Addison rehearsing a routine and just decided to leave her alone. Marissa and Satoru were at breakfast and you took your food and left them alone, out of respect for Satoru. 

Your office felt quite lonely, until a small dragon snuck his way in through the window. He floats toward you and lands around yours neck. “Riko! My darling, how are you?” He licked your cheek. “You’ll keep me company surely?” He hopped off of you and rolled around on your desk. “Riko, I need to work. So please just sit and be good.” He hoped into you lap and settled down for a nap. His white scales and golden hair contrasted sharply against your long emerald dress. 

20 minutes later a knock on the door sounds. “My lady? May I come in please?” The voice wasn’t familiar to you. 

“Yes.” 

“Hello, please call me Chisa, that’s what all my friends call me.” He was 5’1, long black hair tied back in a ponytail, wisps of his bangs fell around his forehead, and dark red eyes pierced into your soul. He wore standard armor like the other guards. 

“Chisa: Small and precious. That’s certainly a fitting name.” He blushed at your compliment. “You wouldn’t happen to be the guard my father has arranged for me?” 

“Yes, sometime within the past week he sent you a letter yes? I’ve also been told that Duke Geto is here.” 

“To the garden!” You got up and ran out of the office with Riko and Chisa. 

The guest list went as follows: Satoru in a blue three piece suit, Marissa in a long lime green dress, Rachelle in standard maid outfit but with gold jewelry, and Suguru in a navy blue black kimono, with a gold and green sash around the middle. He looked more relaxed in those as opposed to the normal suits he wears at most of the events you’ve seen him at. 

The three of you entered, then Addison followed a few minutes later. She wore a white dress shirt and black pants. 

“Hello everyone.” She greeted. “I have a few things for you all.” She sets down a basket of cookies. “First some sweets I baked. Secondly, I have prepared a special show for Duke Geto.” 

A string quartet comes out and she started her dance. It starts out slow and quickly speeds up as she pulls out a ribbon and twirls it around. It’s like that ribbon was an extension of her own body. Eventually she whistled and Pendragon rides out towards her. She jumped on quickly and started trick riding. Finally she makes a flip and lands then bows as Chisa and I applauded. 

“Why does she get to ride that stupid horse?” Marissa whined 

“Because she’s my best friend, she has my permission to and always will.” You looked at her like she’s crazy. 

“Well, that was certainly quite the show. However, I’m not impressed.” Suguru looked away sadly. 

“Suguru, come on. I’m not even that close with the maid but I think she was incredible.” Satoru reasoned. 

“I don’t know. I think, if you really cared about your little monkey, you’d do just about anything for her.” 

“Don’t call her that.” You grit your teeth. 

“If you want me to sign the appeal of the Zenin Act, I want you to give your blessing to Satoru and his mistress. She makes him happy, so it doesn’t matter to me what she is.” 

“Fine. I’ll stop the animosity, go ahead and date her.” You responded. 

“(Y/n).” Addison called sympathetically. 

“I don’t know. I think that you should prove it.” Marissa smirked. “Give me your wedding ring.” 

“What? No, May May.” Satoru tried to stop her. 

“It’s fine Satoru. It’s just a chunk of metal.” You reason. You take it off and hand it to her. 

“Yay! Now we’ll match Ruru! I’m going to go get yours!” She hurried off. 

“I didn’t see that coming. Sorry.” Suguru apologized.

“Like I said, it’s a chunk of Metal. I’ll go to my office and get the papers. I’d like you both to sign them if that’s okay.” 

“Yeah.” Satoru nodded as you and your posse left. 

Riko ran off once you four were back inside. “You guys go bring the papers to the boys. I’ll go make sure he’s not causing trouble.”

You ran off in the direction of your dragon friend and once you found him you froze. Before the two of she was a blond woman in a long line green dress kissing a man who was not your husband. 

“Oh shit.” You whispered as you snuck away. 

[quillkiller]

Narcissa for the character thing?

mwah thank you!!

favorite thing about them

narcissa's first act of bravery and thus ending the cycle of abuse in the black family bloodline. she chooses draco in the end and lies straight to voldemorts face. which is something i find so interesting, because like her husband she's always been described sort of like a coward. she didn't run away like andy, and she didn't climb the ladder like bella. she simply does what's expected of her, acts like an obediant submissive wife to her husband and gives him a son. and in the end she's the one who changes everything

least favorite thing about them

omg again i dont know. i find narcissa endlessly fascinating as a female character and i think everything about her is interesting ?? even her bad qualities.......... man its hard out here as a womens wrongs advocate....

brOTP

narcissa and mrs zabini my beloveds.... <3

OTP

it's a tie between lilycissa and nobleflower 🤍

notp

honestly... i dont think i have one ?? like im sure there are narcissa ships that i dont like but i can't think of any that i'm like strictly against ???? like ive been known to create incestous scenarious between her and bella so like where would i even begin to draw a line :/

random headcanon

she hates lucius (later in their marriage) with every fiber of her being <- but again, that doesn't make them a notp to me... i think failmarriages are endlessly interesting to explore..

unpopular opinion

i talked a bit about this a few days ago, but to me narcissa isn't a redeemable character. i think she deserves a redemption arc, and i do believe she had good intentions, but i also don't think people have to forgive her for the hurt she has caused. i like my narcissa with a broken moral compass and good intentions... and even if she's the one who ends the cycle of generational trauma, i still think she struggles with being a good person for the rest of her life

song i associate with them

[edenesth]

The Way to His Heart [8]

Pairing: general!Seonghwa x wife!reader

AU: arranged marriage au (Joseon era)

Word Count: 3.6k

Summary: Life has been hell ever since your mother's passing many years ago. Despite being from a prominent family, you've never received the privileges associated with it. It only got worse with the arrival of your stepmother and her daughters. When the intimidating General Park was in search of a wife, your father seized the opportunity to dispose of you, simultaneously securing a connection with the powerful general—killing two birds with one stone.

Part 7 | Fic Masterlist | Part 9

"Sir, the dressmaker has arrived with the mistress' first batch of clothes. Should I send him directly to the House of Lotus?" Jongho asked tentatively from the entrance of his master's study.

Removing his hands from his head, Seonghwa looked up and shook his head miserably, "Lord, no. Send him to me first," The assistant bowed and went to do as he was told, "Right away, sir."

Hongjoong entered the study without bothering to knock, hands propped on his hip as he stared at your husband, unamused, "Would you mind explaining why I'm here instead of presenting the new clothes to your wife, Park Seonghwa?"

"I need advice, Hongjoong." The general croaked, feeling quite lost for once. He had rarely ever been in such a situation; who knew all it took was one woman to put him in such misery. Not even the most vicious enemies he had fought in war could have ever fazed him this much.

He returned from work the day before, enthusiastically sharing his plans for the grand wedding he wanted to give you. However, things went south when he dropped the bomb about the visit to your old home, foolishly believing you would express joy at the prospect of flaunting your newfound happiness to your wicked family. Instead, you were gripped with fear at the idea. You ended up retiring to your quarters early and refused to come out ever since.

Goddamnit, I'm the biggest moron ever.

The dressmaker raised an amused brow, having never seen Seonghwa like this before. He went over to sit down across from his friend, "Hmm, I didn't think you'd be having trouble in paradise this soon. Let's hear it; we'll see if there's anything I can do for you and that lovely wife of yours."

Taking a deep breath, your husband started from the beginning, recounting every single thing that happened from the start of your arranged marriage until the present.

"Wait, you're taking her back to that wretched place? No wonder she's upset, you idiot! You said it yourself; she suffered so badly being caged in there all her life. I mean, sure, your cause is very noble—wanting to make her family pay for what they've done with this plan of yours. But you'd been so focused on that, you forgot how traumatising it could be for her, huh? You really didn't think that one through, my friend."

Letting out a groan, the general pulled at his hair, "Yes, thank you for repeating it all to me like I didn't already know what I did wrong. Now, tell me what exactly it is that I can do to make it all better."

"You're welcome. Oh, I'll tell you what to do, all right. You best keep your dumbass seated here while I talk to her," instructed Hongjoong, watching expectantly as your husband frowned, "What? Why should you talk to her? It's my mess; I should be the one to clean it up."

Sighing, the dressmaker explained, "Look, we all know the only way for you to make things better is to not take her back to the damn house at all. But you do have a point, okay? You've come this far with your plan, and as much as it sucks, she must go there with you in order for this to work out. So, you stay put, and let me convince her to go willingly with you, got it?"

Seonghwa nodded reluctantly, realising his friend was right. As much as he hated how charming Hongjoong was and how persuasive he could be, he would have to rely on those skills to help you see things in the bigger picture. Sure, you were not privy to any details about the revenge, but hopefully, he will be able to make you at least want to stand up to your family for once.

"Lady Park, it's Hongjoong. I've brought your first batch of clothing. May I have permission to enter?" Blinking in surprise, you straightened up, not expecting to hear the dressmaker's voice, "O-okay, please come in."

Despite the anxious state you'd been in since the revelation your husband had dropped upon you the night before, you couldn't help but smile at the unusually colourful outfit of your visitor. Eunsook followed behind him with a group of servants filing in to deliver the precious cargo into your quarters.

The head maid felt relieved to see you smiling again, even if it was only a little. She had been concerned about you after witnessing your retreat into your old shell the previous night, as the fear you demonstrated reminded everyone of your initial arrival.

In an effort to distract you from your upsetting thoughts, the dressmaker quickly pulled out a few designs he thought you'd love, "Come, take a look at this! I made it the way you preferred and added a little touch of my magic. What do you think?"

Fortunately, his strategy worked like a charm, and you immediately moved over to him with sparkly eyes, marvelling at some of the most beautiful hanboks you'd ever seen, even prettier than the ones he had displayed in his shop.

As you admired the clothes in front of you, Hongjoong exchanged a knowing look with the elderly woman. Nodding, she quietly exited your room along with the rest of the servants, leaving you alone with your husband's old friend.

But you weren't entirely alone, of course.

Unbeknownst to you, Seonghwa was right outside, listening intently. He didn't spare any of his servants a glance as they all passed by him with a deep bow, waving his hand carelessly in a gesture to ask them to leave quickly.

"Hey, you haven't answered me. Do you like them, Lady Park?" The dressmaker asked, a teasing smile on his face as he found your endearing shyness adorable.

You nodded quickly, "Yes, I do. I love them. They're all perfect. I just... don't know if I deserve to wear any of these." The general felt his heart clench at your response, realising you were still far from being able to love yourself.

With a scoff, Hongjoong moved to stand beside you, "I'll have you know I only make dresses for people I deem worthy of them. Not just anyone can wear my designs, you know. And you, by far, are probably my favourite client. So that says a lot."

Your husband silently agreed with those words, resisting the urge to rush in there and hold you tight, to tell you that you deserved only the best, that you deserved everything good in the world.

Lowering your head, you fiddled with your fingers before replying in a small voice, "You're only saying that because I'm the general's wife..."

Sighing lightly, the dressmaker turned to face you, "You're not wrong... but that's exactly because not just anyone can be Lady Park. Many women before you tried to be in your position. Regardless of their efforts, he never would have given them the time of day. Yet, he wholeheartedly accepted you."

Recognising the doubt in your eyes, he further explained, "I understand if you think these are just words. But that's probably because you don't know the general like I do. We've known each other since joining the military in our teens. Back then, the Seonghwa I knew would never bat an eyelash at any woman."

As you slowly looked up to meet his kind eyes, intrigued to learn more about your husband's past, he continued, "Those rumours about him being the cold-blooded general were not lies. He really was as merciless as they say. He still is, just not to you. When I saw him again for the first time after years that day, I couldn't believe the man in front of me was the same friend I once knew. He's different around you; he's different because of you."

"It's evident that you're special to him, that you mean something to him. He cares so much about you; do you realise that?"

Tears welled up in your eyes, and you hurriedly blinked them back. The thought of someone genuinely caring for you still seemed surreal despite the amount of care that had been shown to you since living here. However, you were starting to understand that he was right.

Hongjoong grinned, seeing the effectiveness of his words, "You're the first and only woman who can tame Park Seonghwa, so you are beyond worthy of my dresses."

Before you could even attempt to protest, he held up a hand, "And don't bother telling me I'm wrong because I'm never wrong."

You couldn't help but giggle at his sassy words, and he smiled sincerely at you, saying, "So don't you dare question whether you deserve these clothes. You're the only one who deserves them because these are made only for you, do you understand?"

This time, you nodded with a wide smile.

"I want you to wear my dresses proudly and show the world who you are: the great Lady Park, the only woman General Park wants as his wife. No one will dare disrespect or look down on you again."

Feeling as if he knew exactly what had been worrying you, you felt touched. He was right; you were not who you used to be. You had no reason to cower from your family, recalling their belittling assumptions about your survival in this marriage. Now was your chance to prove them wrong.

With newfound determination, you nodded firmly, "You're right, I will. Thank you, Hongjoong. You're a good friend; Seonghwa is lucky to have you."

He crossed his arms over his chest cheekily, "I sure am. That fool hasn't a clue how fortunate he is."

Mission accomplished.

Pumping his fists in victory, your husband silently cheered outside, brushing off the playful taunts from his friend. Just this once, he would forgive Kim Hongjoong.

"Are you ready, my dear?"

The general turned to you as your carriage came to a stop, marking your arrival at what you assumed to be the Jang estate, your former prison. With a resolute nod, you smiled up at him, "I am."

As you moved to exit the vehicle, your husband halted you. Cupping your face in his hands, he gazed reassuringly into your eyes, "Remember, whatever happens, I'm here with you. You're not alone from now on; I'll always be here to protect you."

"I know, Seonghwa. I believe in you."

His heart melted at those words, and he couldn't resist pressing a lingering kiss onto your forehead. You fluttered your eyes closed, holding onto his wrists, cherishing the warmth he was providing.

"Alright, let's go." Leaving one final peck on your cheek, he got out of the carriage and swiftly helped you down, his strong arm securely wrapped around your waist. Eunsook stood there, mouth agape, that was initially meant to be her responsibility but she realised her assistance was no longer needed at the moment.

Jongho grinned, nudging the elderly woman on the shoulder as they followed their master and mistress into the minister's estate, "Come on, we've got work to do."

Taking a deep breath, you surveyed the familiar surroundings that once made you feel small. Feeling a reassuring squeeze on your hand, you found comfort in your husband's presence.

Yes, he's here with you now.

Nothing bad will happen.

His grip on your hand tightened, and his warm smile, reserved only for you, vanished when a few of your father's servants nervously stumbled out, bowing deeply before both of you, "Good morning, General Park. Welcome to the Jang estate."

The brave front you had put on seemed to falter slightly as you realised the servants here remained the same, showing no acknowledgement despite you no longer being their prisoner. Seonghwa, glaring at the maids in front of him, growled in a low voice, "You've left out Lady Park. Will you not greet my wife?"

Gulping on behalf of the servants, you witnessed the return of the general's intimidating demeanour. Hongjoong was right; he was still terrifying, just not to you.

The maids bowed deeper, "B-but sir—"

"What is going on here?" That voice resonated across the courtyard, causing your heart to plummet to the lowest pit of your stomach. Perhaps you weren't ready to face them at all. Your father emerged from the main hall, wearing an expression that was far from pleased.

You pressed closer to your husband, and instinctively, he wrapped an arm around your back, pulling you close. The minister's eyebrow raised in surprise at your refined appearance; he nearly did not recognise you. You were even more stunning than on the day you left this place, seemingly given a complete makeover.

Aside from that, he realised the general had meant his words when he had spoken so highly of you during assembly. Witnessing the intimacy between the two of you, there was undeniable evidence of shared affection. Your father began to question whether marrying you to his enemy was a mistake in the first place.

Seonghwa smirked, "Ahh, Minister Jang, it seems your servants do not know proper manners. They did not greet my wife, and that, to me, is punishable."

The old man felt his eye twitch at the general's satisfied grin before responding, "Well, I'm their master, so I decide what is punishable, General Park."

"Right, well, I'm just looking out for you. Wouldn't want people to find out what rotten-mannered staff my father-in-law has in his estate, not knowing how to show respect to even the general's wife."

"You do realise that before she became your wife, she's my daughter first." Your father sneered, and you felt sick at that, to be called his daughter when you've never once been treated as such.

Remaining unfazed, your husband retorted, "All the more reasons for them to show respect to their eldest miss then, no?"

Jongho and Eunsook bowed their heads in an effort to hide their snickers at the minister's red face flushing in embarrassment. He should have known better than to think he could win the general in an argument, "R-right. What are you fools standing around for? Show Lady Park some bloody respect!"

The line of servants bowed all the way down pathetically, "Yes, master! Good morning, General Park and Lady Park! Welcome to the Jang estate!" They chanted loudly, enough to bring about the rest of your family, coming out to witness what all the fuss was about.

"Very well, let us head in then." With a bored expression, Seonghwa walked into the hall with you, moving right past your stepmother and stepsisters intentionally, paying them no mind as he helped you into a seat before settling down beside you.

All four of the women standing in the main hall were rooted to their spots, eyes bulging as they took in the sight of you and your husband. First of all, you were nearly unrecognisable. If they thought you looked pretty on the day you got married, you were now almost a hundred times more beautiful, though they would rather die than ever admit it out loud.

Beyond your enhanced appearance, they were more taken aback by the general's beauty. He was nothing like they had imagined; he must have been one of the most attractive men ever, or at least the most handsome one they had seen so far.

Suddenly, your stepsisters were even angrier than they were upon learning about your stupid grand wedding. They were now furious with their father for never having told them about how good-looking General Park truly was. If only they knew, they would have volunteered to marry him themselves.

But what if there was still hope for them?

What if they had a chance?

After all, you hadn't officially wed Seonghwa yet and were merely here to discuss plans for the upcoming ceremony. Perhaps, with enough effort, they could still win him over. If a peasant like you could seduce the general, why couldn't any of them? With this determination in mind, the three stepsisters promptly began adjusting their appearances as you all gathered around the main hall.

You didn't appreciate the way your stepsisters were eyeing your husband, although you understood their motives. Sensing your discomfort, Seonghwa moved closer to you in his seat, whispering in your ear, "Are you feeling alright, my dear?"

Nodding lightly, you looked up with a small smile, "I am, as long as you're with me," He couldn't resist smiling at your words as he gave you a gentle peck on the head, "Good."

That should be me!

The three stepsisters clenched their fists, their fury intensifying as they witnessed the handsome general being affectionate with you. It should have been them; the title of the general's wife was more befitting a noblewoman like them, not a rat like you. How dare you sit there in their place as if you deserved it?

In an attempt to break the silence, Jinah cleared her throat and made her move, "Have you been well, unnie? I missed you so much! Did you know how worried I was about you? You must have had such a hard time, especially after you adamantly refused to marry General Park."

Seonghwa raised a brow in amusement, while you remained quiet, unsure how to respond to such a blatant lie. Jinjoo scoffed at your lack of response, "Unnie! Will you really not answer Jinah at all? You've always been like that, so ungrateful when we care so much about you!"

"Really? My wife being ungrateful? That's wild. I cannot imagine her like that at all." Your husband chuckled, holding you close when he felt you begin to tremble.

Jinhee's fists shook with envy as she nodded pitifully, "Yes, that's because you haven't known her well enough, my lord. She can be so scary when she's mad, you know how the eldest usually are."

Minister Jang rubbed a tired hand over his head when he realised what his stepdaughters were trying to do. Of course, these foolish girls would easily be blinded by the general's appearance. Even his own wife, seated beside him, found it difficult to take her eyes off the gorgeous young man.

Jongho and Eunsook, positioned behind you and their master, were making every effort to contain the irritation they felt. The audacity of these women to feign innocence after what they've put you through all these years. They were once again thankful not to have any of these conniving foxes as their mistress.

Rubbing his thumbs over your hands, Seonghwa laughed sarcastically in disbelief, "I'm sorry, I just find that so hard to believe. Are you sure you're not all talking about yourselves?" In an instant, his smile dropped, and he sent your stepsisters a death stare as if daring them to continue spouting more ridiculous lies about you.

Left in stunned silence, they blinked nervously and avoided his eyes, unprepared for his questioning. It was clear that they hadn't planned their silly little act thoroughly.

Damn it, how did that worthless thing manage to gain his favour?

"That's enough." The minister declared firmly, not wanting his stepdaughters to continue embarrassing themselves. All he wanted was to get the general out of his house as soon as possible. Every moment that Seonghwa remained felt like a threat; your father was walking on eggshells around him.

Pushing himself off his seat, the old man addressed your husband, "You mentioned wanting to see the environment your wife grew up in, right? Let's proceed with that before we delve into discussions about your wedding arrangements. I don't have all day."

"Sure, can't wait." Seonghwa responded smugly, standing up with your hand securely in his. A sense of unease washed over you as you wondered what kind of deception your father would employ. Surely, they wouldn't be stupid enough to reveal your actual room to the general. Dread filled you, and you longed to return home.

Your real home, not this nightmare.

« Preview of Part 9 »

As you all followed the minister around the estate while he showed the general what was supposed to be your old room, Jongho exchanged a glance with the private investigator who was still posing as a staff member in the estate.

"This is unnie's room; she has the biggest and nicest one out of all of us. She's so lucky and doesn't even know it. I'm the youngest and I have the smallest room; I'd honestly be happy to have anything at all." Jinjoo said innocently, playing with a strand of hair as she batted her eyelashes at Seonghwa.

You stared blankly at the room supposedly designated as yours. It was merely a guest room rearranged with some of your stepsisters' belongings to create the illusion of long-term habitation. Sensing Jinah and Jinhee's intense gazes on you, you turned to find them glaring daggers at you as if daring you to speak up and disclose the truth to your husband.

If you voiced your denial, who would believe you? It was your entire family against you alone. Would there even be a point in trying?

Just as doubt started to creep in, Seonghwa wrapped an arm around you, reminding you of his support, "Is that true, my dear? Is this your room? It doesn't really seem to be your style at all."

Everyone held their breath, awaiting your response, but you remained silent, fixing your gaze on the familiar space where you spent your entire life, now masquerading as a storeroom.

"What is it that you're staring at so intently, hm? Let's go take a look."

Oh, crap.

Shit will go down in the next part, I assure you. Patience, my dearest readers, patience HAHA this part was focused more on setting the stage for the main event.😈

Also, I've created a mood board for this fic. If you haven't already checked it out, go take a look! I might consider making another one that depicts Seonghwa's estate if I'm able to find the right images.

As always, thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts! <3

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Tag list (cont.): see comment/reply section

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[sachermorte]

*What* did you do to your mum that made her realize her bisexuality?!? Congratulations to her btw (and you for being right :D)

I'M INNOCENT OFFICER I SWEAR

So the thing you have to understand is that we've all known this for years.

The Honorable Dowager Lady Sachermorte went to music school for voice in the 90s, has gone on accidental dates with women on more than one occasion, and almost exclusively associates herself with other D&D-playing Gen Xers and older Millennials, most of them queer. Her younger sister, my aunt, is bisexual by her own admission (although she doesn't use that term because again, Xers) and suspected to just be an all-out lesbian because she hates her husband. We do too, honestly. He sucks.

Anyway. She's been with my stepfather for almost fifteen years, a man who has profound levels of bi wife energy, himself being a huge tabletop ren faire nerd who owns a kilt and watches lots of Battlestar Galactica.

Anyway. They visited me for eight days in late July, during which time they were not partaking in any of their usual distractions such as the watching of shows or the playing of video games. I ran these people ragged. Normal levels of aimless farting around for me, catastrophic and concerning levels for them. So they were wiped. And as such, when they went back to their hotel, they didn't have the energy to do anything but drink and talk to each other. And my mother started talking about how her instagram algorithm thinks she's queer and my stepdad was like "uh. yeah. we've been telling you this for years"

Anyway at some point in this conversation she sort of realized it herself, and my stepfather realized he's demisexual. I had nothing to do with this. NOTHING. I'm just learning about it myself.

She's also discovered that she's some variant of neurodivergent and I'm like. Yes, madame, yes you are. You have three AUDHD children. We did not just get it from our biofather, the King of Demons. I promise you that.

Anyway, she called me and told me and I was incredibly smug about it until I remembered proper decorum. What can I say. I have an incredibly advanced gaydar. Well. As it goes. Lady S is very excited for Pride next year. I hope she puts bisexual-colored hair chalk in and wears something outlandish. She'll look great.

And then she told me about her annoying job and made fun of me when I told her how badly I wanted to see Der Rosenkavalier at Staatsoper next summer. Because apparently I WOULD like that one. Whatever that's supposed to mean.

[verdemoun]

What Mitski song do you think each of the gang members would resonate with if they listened to it (if you don’t listen to Mitski than replace her with any emotional/vent songs to associate with them) Also do you think Kieran and Molly would bond over being somewhat hated in the canon timeline? (Fun fact! Kieran helps Molly out of the wagon when the gang arrives at Shady Bell :])

I will respond to all asks I promise but this sent me into a tailspin because @themodernpr0metheus and I talk about this regularly. Also I don't think you're legally allowed to be gay And depressed without listening to Mitski.

People who actively listen to Mitski: Arthur, Javier, Sean, Lenny, Jenny, Karen, MOLLY, Trelawney, Annabelle, Jack, Isaac, Abigail Jr.

Molly and Kieran are besties I love that scene I want to believe they were almost-friends in canon era just with Molly usually sulking at the edge of camp when she was mad with Dutch meanwhile Kieran sulked at the edge of camp to avoid being physically or verbally assaulted. They text constantly and Molly will always send Kieran a photo of a horse whenever she sees one.

Dutch: I Bet On Losing Dogs (very specifically reminded of his last canon interaction with Arthur) and I'm Your Man (his relationship with John, his favorite son). Mental breakdown levels of distress first time he heard those songs. Walking up to his nurses asking to be sedated levels of distress.

Hosea: Me and My Husband. He loves his wife infinitely. That doesn't mean he won't always love Dutch too. It really was always just him and them together. He really did bet it all he had on that.

Arthur: Two Slow Dancers. As much as he loves that he gets to grow old with Charles he is terrified of getting old and aging bit Mitski makes that fear okay.

John: A Pearl. He knows Abigail has always tried to understand how he struggled to move on from VDL era but sometimes she doesn't get it and he feels the need to apologize for the way he is.

Javier: Love Me More. Absolutely blames John for him having issues with needing constant validation and affection in relationships. Kieran is happy to supply though they are very happy and secure.

Bill: Shame. Someone tell him internalized homophobia went out of fashion.

Micah: Everyone. Not that he would ever admit to listening to Mitski. Micah thinks he is a victim and had no choice but to become the villain everyone thought he was. I think Micah is a jackass.

Charles: My Love Mine All Mine. He is soft and in love with Arthur and it is beautiful.

Sean: Remember My Name. Sean, to everyone's surprise, is actually the one who deals with the most existential dread over the fact the legend of the VDL gang was already mostly forgotten by modern era. Feels like his life has been too hard to just be forgotten, y'know? But definitely knows his completely average modern life is nothing memorable to anyone other than his found family and feels like he's already lost his five minutes of fame being an outlaw in 1899.

Lenny: Stay Soft. Between being on the run for murder as a teenager, being a young black man in 1899, and losing every meaningful relationship in his life (Father, Jenny, Sean), he actively has to learn to be soft again and be emotionally available in timewarp era.

Sadie: Because Dreaming Costs Money, My Dear. Because she always has and always will find a way to make things work so her darling soft husband never has to worry about a thing in the world.

Karen: Nobody. Look me in the eye. Watch the music video. Imagine Karen Jones. Also, asking Sean to see her when they borrow John's tent at his party?? She gets it.

Uncle: A Horse Named Cold Air. Will pick at banjo strings to play creepy tune at campfire, with strange southern warble in his voice howling the 'ooh's.

Abigail: I Don't Smoke. Look she knows it is unhealthy but sometimes she's just gotta romanticize those shit years with John pre-1907.

Grimshaw: Square. Dutch doesn't mean to do it but he absolutely infects anyone he's in a relationship in ever with a brain worm where they still feel themselves faulter under his gaze or attention. She didn't stay all those years just for the sake of the gang. She stayed for Dutch.

Strauss: Fireworks. He still has a lot of angst about losing his sister and family immigrating to America.

Trelawney: Pink in the Night. Bouncing through time just to kiss his wife humming strange tunes she's never heard because he's such a romantic.

Kieran: Drunk Walk Home. He likes the screaming. Had very dangerous edge in his voice when he sings you know I wore this dress for you and the gang are too afraid to ask.

Molly: Why Didn't You Stop Me? Very much about no one physically trying to stop her in Beaver Hollow when she was clearly drunk and saying shit just to get Dutch's attention.

Jenny: Townie. She holds onto a lot of anger over being abandoned by her parents as a teen, dances like a wild spirit when Townie plays and is utterly entrancing.

Annabelle: I Guess. It was her early timewarp anthem when she was coping with finding out Dutch turned so evil and became everything they both hated while she held onto the ideals he inspired in her. It is simply her song.

Bessie: I Will. Heavily based on her efforts to keep Hosea with her when he has his moments of hating getting old, self-loathing, or the itch to do outlaw activities. And when she thinks about him leaving in canon era to continue being an outlaw while they were married.

Jack: I Don't Like My Mind. Word for word was written for him. Might be awkward being around the gang being so much older he doesn't remember a lot of them clearly but would rather have that awkwardness than be alone with his thoughts.

Isaac: Last Words of a Shooting Star. He's got a lot of feelings about death and relates to wanting that relief of knowing when he's doing to die.

Eliza: Old Friend. Both her modern era friends and some members of the gang do not understand how her and Arthur can be just friends when they have a child together so when they want to hang out as friends it is very secretive which makes it feel even more obnoxiously like an affair. Charles always knows because he naturally one of the few people who understands they are just friends, who both love their son, and Eliza adores Charles.

Jake Adler: Star. Makes Sadie dance with him whenever it plays which she hates (no she doesn't she loves it. If they get married again it's going to be their song).

Abigail Jr: Strawberry Blond. She can't wait to be old enough to be in love and subsequently ruined by it. (this is John's rule she's not allowed to be in love until she's at least 18)