#if society demands a woman should not show nips

[mylittlesecrethaven]

Why Can Men Show Nipples?

This post is long.... so I'm cutting it.

Like, why?

Yet women can't? (and I've seen the men that go "oh, they can if they want to," and that's just creepy. Well, maybe some women would like it. Idk.)

What about trans men who haven't had top surgery?

What about flat-chested women/enbys/trans/females? (i wanted to be as inclusive as possible..... i think i failed)

What about men with large chests?

Why are we letting children show their nipples?

I personally don't want to see anybody's nipples unless we are in an intimate relationship.

But when I told a dude once that I didn't want to see his nipples, he said to deal with it or leave, and then I told him I could call the cops on him for indecent exposure. (we were in a movie theatre..... a fucking movie theatre with kids running around.)

Then everybody got mad at me cause I was making a scene. (by that, I mean the dude and my friends, cause literally nobody else noticed us)

Even my friends were on my ass!

So I asked them "What if he was female?"

And they looked at me and went "That's different."

And I bout exploded.

Cause wtf?

(anyway, for clarity, you can get anybody for indecent exposure if you are offended or annoyed by seeing their naked body.)

(and there are places you can automatically get in trouble for being indecently exposed, whether man, woman, or whatever. I just assumed a movie theatre would count for that as well.)

[silverlysilence]

Taliesin’s Apothecary and Bookery (Part III)

I Don’t Mean to Lie, But This Will Be Four or Five Parts

Hiccup breathed heavy, spent but sated.  He was content to enjoy the moment.  Allowing the bliss to linger as he hugged the heated body closer.  Delicate fingers idlily tracing random patterns against his bare chest.

“Not that I’m complaining, but what brought this on?” Hiccup asked, green eyes staring up at the ceiling fan doing little to cool down their overheated bodies.

The finger on his chest paused before waves of golden hair pooled on either side of his head as soft lips pressed against his.  The lips lingered, nipping at his upper lip before pulling away, Hiccup tried to chase after them but deceptively strong hands pressed him back on to the bed.

“Can’t a girl just blow off some steam?” Astrid asked, straddling his hips.  Naked flesh rubbing against naked flesh and he couldn’t hold back a groan as his body automatically responded.

“Astrid,” the auburn-haired man groaned as the woman deliberately squirmed on top of him in the way she knew drove him made.  The blonde was a minx and knew how to play him like a fiddle.  Not surprising seeing how they’d growing up together, fought side by side, and died together.  Multiple times in fact.  It meant she knew him too well, but he knew her just as well.  So despite his flesh being willing, he grabbed her hips and held her still.  “Astrid, you know I love you, and I know you know you I can tell when somethings bothering you.  So, why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?  You don’t get like this unless someone has upset you.  Do I have to kick some asshole’s ass?  Not that you couldn’t do it better yourself, but the offers there.”  

“Awe, you say the sweetest of things,” Astrid grinned, leaning over to peak him on the lips once more before rolling off him to lay by his side.  Turning his head to glance into hazed blue orbs, Hiccup waited, knowing the blonde was gathering her thoughts.  Thinking before she spoke.  He needn’t wait look.  “I ran into Eret, he’s the UPS delivery guy at the office.”

Hiccup’s immediate reaction was to be excited for her.  They hadn’t been able to find Eret in any of their last few reincarnation cycles, try as they like.  It wasn’t like he hadn’t been reincarnated, they’d found evidence to the fact, pictures, news articles, obituaries, they just missed him, sometimes by mere hours.  He knew those instances hurt Astrid the most, the budding hope at finally being reunited with her partner only to arrive too late.  Those were the times where the two of them would marry, because society demanded it of them and neither one of them wanted to be alone.  Though, they both knew if Eret turned up, Hiccup would find himself a divorcee.  Which didn’t explain why Astrid was with him instead of Eret.

“He didn’t recognize me.”

Hiccup gave her a weak smile.  “Well, it has been a few cycles since you last meet, I’m sure with a little time he’ll start to come around.  Just talk with him and I’m sure he’ll begin to remember.  It’s not that odd, Fishlegs didn’t start getting his memories back until nearly two months after we first met up this time and we still haven’t met the twins yet.  I’m sure it will work out.”

“Hiccup, I’ve tried.  This isn’t the first time we’ve seen each other,” sharp nails dug into the sheets as Astrid drew the covers tighter around her.  “He’s been the office’s delivery guy for the last six months.  He asked Nyx out for drinks this evening while I was standing right there.  He…he isn’t remembering.”  

The auburn-haired man opened his mouth before closing it, having no words to comfort her.  Eret wouldn’t be the first to not remember. Snotlout had been the first to stopped remembering around five cycles ago.  He hadn’t been reincarnated since.  Heather hadn’t taken it well and the next time, she too hadn’t remembered and when she closed her eyes in that life, it was for the final time. It hurt, losing the two, but this was different.  This was Astrid’s partner.  If Eret died not remembering, Hiccup didn’t know how Astrid would continue without the hope of meeting him again.

Knowing there were no words he could say to sooth her tormented soul, the auburn-hair man chose to pull her into a much-needed hug.  She readily returned the embraced and the two just laid there for some time, letting the silence stretch between them.  Hiccup almost dozed off but Astrid’s softly mumbled question him kept him from reaching the land of dreams.

“Do…do you miss—”

“I’m back!” the sound of the fount door opening had Astrid shooting up.  

“Shit!  My roommates, back.  She’s never back this early on a Thursday night,” hastily, she scrambled out of bed, sifting through their discarded clothes and throwing them at him while she pulled on her jeans.  “You gotta go! Come on, get dress.  Move…move…out you go.”

“Hey Astrid, I got us some sushi from the place you like,” the call echoed through the apartment followed by movement in the kitchen.

“She’s back?  Hasn’t—” Hiccup hissed, too busy tugging on his pants that ended up tripping when Astrid threw the red shirt he’d been wearing at his face.  The resounding thump did not go unheard.

“Astrid, you okay in there?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” the blonde called out, searching for her blouse she’d been wearing and when she couldn’t find that, pulled on an overly large shirt and slipped out the door.  Hiccup could hear the two talking as Astrid bought him time to get his stuff together and hopefully slip out without being noticed.

“You won’t believe who I saw there—you!”

He didn’t make it.

“What are you doing here, Haddock?” Hiccup winced, having rounded the corner just in time to come face to face with Astrid’s roommate.

“Hi —” the man gave the glaring raven-haired woman a little wave that only earned him a scowl.  “Heather?”

She didn’t seem to care for what he had to say and rounded on Astrid who still wasn’t recognizing who was standing before her.  “What is he doing here?  I thought we had a deal; I don’t bring my brother over and you don’t bring him over without talking with each other first.”

“Heather, it was a spur of the moment thing.  You’re never here on Thursday nights, I didn’t think you would mind if he left by the time you got back.”

“Well, that didn’t happen.”

“Come on, Heather, don’t be like that.  Hiccup’s a good guy, if you just took the time to get to know him.”

“I already know all I need to know about him,” Heather’s confession had Astrid opening her mouth only for it to slam shut as her eyes widened in recognition.

Hiccup stalled there.  “Wait, Heather, do you remember?  How are you even here?  We thought you were gone.”

“What’s it to you, Haddock?” the sharpness of her words had Hiccup reeling.

Astrid took a step forward, really looking at her friend—her best friend she hadn’t seen in too many lifetimes—for the first time. “If you remember, why haven’t you said anything?”

“Why should I?  I want nothing to do with him.  Not after what he”—a finger was jabbed in Hiccup’s direction— “did to Jack.”

Astrid bristled.  “Hiccup hasn’t done anything to Jack.  He hasn’t shown his face to any of us in several cycles.”

“And do you know why we haven’t seen him?” Heather shot back. “Go on, Haddock, tell her why Jack hasn’t come looking for us.”

“Heather,”

“Tell her, Haddock or I will.”

“I don’t know what you think you remember, but I’m sure if we sit down and talk it out, we can find where the strings have crossed,” Hiccup tried to coax the two shieldmaidens down.

“Snotlout was there!  He saw everything!”

“I don’t’ know what Snotlout think he saw before died...”

“He didn’t die, he was turned to stone, there’s a difference.  The spell—”

“—That Jack casted!” Hiccup roared, slamming his fist into the wall.  “You want me to tell you what happened that night? Fine!  I’ll tell you!  Jack turned on us, he showed his true colors and fought alongside Grimmel, he fought against us.  He managed to hit Snotlout with his spell, I was lucky to get away. Wasn’t lucky enough to get away from Grimmel’s little Deathgrippers though.  They poisoned me.  That’s how I died.”

“Fuck you Haddock.  Snotlout could see everything, but you wouldn’t know that would you?  He tried to tell you but you wouldn’t listen.  That spell was to save your fucking life.  If you hadn’t of dodged, the Deathgripper’s strike would have struck stone, not skin.”

“How would you know that anyways?  Snotlout hasn’t been reincarnated since then. He’s dead!” Hiccup shot back, his anger clearly rising at the mention of his cousin.  A cousin he hadn’t had since that fateful cycle.

“Oh really?” Heather pulled out her phone and it play on a voicemail.  The speakers blared as a voice that shouldn’t have been there came out of the little piece of technology.

“Hey babe, sorry I can't make it to our Thursday Night Date Night, but something came up.  I’ll make it up to you later.  I swear or my name isn’t Snotlout...well, technically, it isn’t this time around but I’m not going by Samuel.  Who in their right mind would go with the name Samuel when Snotlout is clearly superior in everyway?  Love ya Babe.”

Heather shot a sneer towards Hiccup. “Yeah, dead.  Though I can assure you, my respected for you is definitely deader than Snotlout after what you did to Jack. You told him you wished you never met a demon like him, that he was the reason we were cursed.  News flash, Haddock, he didn’t.  You did! You and your shoddy Bidding Spell.  You bound him to you and those closest to you—to Jack—were drawn into the spell because you didn’t close it.  But by denouncing him, you broke the spell.  Let eons worth of accumulated magic free with no thought of the consequences, the backlash should have eradicated our souls from existence.  Do you understand how much you fucked up?  Jack, after everything you said to him, everything you did, took that burden on himself.  It nearly killed him.”

“Good.”

“You would sentence him to Hell?”

“It’s where a demon like him belongs.  He turned on us.  He fought at Grimmel’s side.”

“God do you even hear yourself?  Yeah, Jack isn’t a demon!  He’s a cambion.”

“The Offspring of the Daughter of Man and the Son of the Fallen, yeah I know.  He told me so himself, right before he brought my father back to life.”

“Really, you know?  So you also know that cambions don’t have the power to bring back the dead?  Those that do, the necromancers, are forever stained by the dark magic and I’ve been around Jack enough to know he doesn’t have such a stain.  He didn’t bring back your father, Haddock.  He made a deal.  In the time it took for him to snap his fingers and return you to Berk, he’d spent a year on the outskirts of Hell trying to get someone to raise the dead for you.  He managed, but he would owe a boon to the demon who agreed.

“He owed a boon to Grimmel, for you.  That night, Grimmel called on the boon and Jack couldn’t refuse.  Yes, he fought by Grimmel’s side, but not against us. He did everything he could to keep us alive and kept your father’s soul safe.”

“Excuse me, what does my father have to do with it?”

“Because it was your father’s soul that Jack bargained for and if he reneged on the deal, then Stoick soul would be forfeit to Grimmel for all eternity.

“If that’s true, why didn’t he say anything?”

“Because, he tried, Snotlout tired.  You just wouldn’t listen.  You called him your curse.”

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Qi Flows for Her

Chapter Five

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC x Bucky Barnes  |  Word Count: 5112 Warnings: Language, angst

Celine made sure she was last onto the jet where she took Bucky’s previous seat in the back, darkened corner, as far away from the others as she could get. She snapped the hair band wrapped around her wrist, using the physical pain to remind herself to breathe. Her hair hung forward, hiding her face. Back to the straight, dark brown of before, she listened as they murmured about the rest of what they found and looked after Peter who had been knocked out for his own good.

God… that had hurt like rejection hadn’t hurt in years.

Hunched over, she leaned her face against the wall, the metal cool against her skin. A tear worked its way down her cheek. She’d known this was going to happen, had been saying so since the beginning. Yet, she’d still chanced to hope this time would be different. This time someone would see her for who she truly was and not react with fear.

Why do I bother to hope? She snapped the elastic at her wrist again.

“Celine…” The whisper of Charles' voice only made her flinch.

“Go away, Charles…”

“Darling, I can feel your pain.”

“Pain you have a part in instigating. Go away, Charles!”

“Celine… please…”

She sighed. “What did you expect? That I’d come here, reveal myself, and everything would be tea and crumpets? Go… the fuck… away!” She gave a mighty push and slammed her shields closed.

Her inner demons were relentless after. The voices of hate and disgust hissed and wailed in her head. The self-loathing caused her to wrap her hands around her middle. She was an abomination. A freak. A thing to be feared and despised. No one wanted her. No one would care if she just walked away.

Disappeared.

Died.

The phone in her pocket vibrated.

She ignored it.

It continued to go off for the next fifteen minutes straight, becoming an annoying vibration against her thigh until she finally dug it free. “What?” she sighed, expecting Charles.

“Little girl, next time you pick the fuckin’ phone up on the first ring!” The snarling voice of Logan had her lip twitching.

“Yes, papa,” she sassed.

“What the fuck happened, Celine?” he demanded.

Sighing, she glanced through her hair at the others speaking quietly away from her. “Can’t, Logan. Not now.”

“You’re on the plane?”

“Yeah.”

“Did they hurt you?” he snarled.

“No.”

“Not physically, you mean. Dammit, Charles! I told you sending her was a bad idea!”

It almost made her smile. The Wolverine was highly protective of those he called family. “I’m a big girl, Logan,” she murmured. “I tie my own shoes and everything. I’ll be fine.”

He huffed a dismissive bark of sound. “You ain’t fine! I can tell you ain’t fine! Do I need to come kick around a few super soldiers again? Cause I fuckin’ will!”

“The way I heard it, it sounded like a draw, though Steve said you’re a heavy son of a gun.”

“He’s one to talk,” Logan grumbled.

Leaning her head back against the wall, Celine smiled slightly. “Put up a bit of a fight, did he?”

He snorted. “Decent enough.”

“Good. You were getting full of yourself again.”

“Tricky little witch,” he scoffed. Silence descended for a few seconds before he murmured, “Celine… you can come home. I can replace you if you want.”

She wiped the tear from her cheek. “Nope. Charles sent me. I’m staying until they kick me out.” No matter how much it hurt.

“Look, if you’re doing this to punish Charles cause you’re pissed, then don’t. He’s already hurt you shut him out.”

This time she snorted. “He deserved it.”

“Yeah, probably,” he chuckled. “Take care of yourself, darlin’. And if you need me?”

“I’ll let you know, Logan. Tell Rogue I miss her.”

He grunted just before the line going dead.

She stuffed the phone back in her pocket and returned to her silent reflection, feeling only slightly better.

When the jet landed what felt like hours later, she was down the ramp and into the tower as if the hounds of hell were nipping her heels. To her mind, it wasn't far from the truth.

***

Steve and Bucky watched her go, neither knowing how to fix what they’d wrought.

Peter was alright, the bullet nothing more than a flesh wound, but the way the boy had reacted to her… they’d quite literally watched her heart break.

She was far more powerful than they’d realized. So much so, she’d plucked a soldier off the mountain and ate him before throwing something, likely his soul, into... hell? The underworld? Somewhere else? They had no idea.

Were they a little disconcerted? Sure. Who wouldn’t the hell be? But were they scared of her? No. The shock had kept them mute though, something they now realized had done a lot of harm.

She’d sat, huddled and silent in the corner, gradually curling in on herself, getting smaller with each passing moment until her phone had rung.

Steve had been about to go over and force her to answer when she’d finally dug it free on her own.

The irate voice of Logan was one he’d never forget, and he’d exchanged an eye roll with Bucky. He was a gruff son of a gun, but intensely loyal and protective, especially of Charles. Clearly, that protection extended to Celine.

Logan’s accusation, the comment about hurting her, had caused both of them to stiffen in offence. Her denial and his rewording had jabbed them both firmly with guilt.

Logan was right. They hadn’t hurt her physically. Emotionally? In her heart?

Yes.

“Shit,” Steve hissed softly once the others had exited.

“More like fuck, punk. We screwed up.” Bucky sighed, making his way toward Celine’s seat where he crouched down and swiped his fingers through the dark droplets on the floor. “She’s been bleeding.”

“What?” Steve jolted, coming quickly to Buck’s side.

“Yeah. We should check on her.”

“Pretty sure she doesn’t want to see us, pal.”

“So? We fucked up. We should fix it before it gets worse.” Bucky got to his feet and headed for the doors.

They walked in silence, both feeling intensely guilty.

She'd done some incredible things tonight, but they hadn’t told her so. Had her force been a little excessive? Sure, but seeing Peter take a bullet had Steve longing to hit the asshole sniper with his shield, so he understood how upset Celine must have been.

When Natasha stepped into the corridor, blocking them from getting on the elevator,  Steve heard Bucky sigh and tried not to echo it.

“Need something, Nat?” Steve asked.

“I hope you get it now. You'll send her on her way?”

Steve frowned and shook his head. “Why? Celine’s part of this team.”

“Really!” she snapped. “After seeing what she did? What she is?”

“What I saw was a powerful woman who was treated like a freak tonight by her own team. Me included. She's still a person. Still Celine. Her powers don't make her anything different.”

“Shit! You've got a hard-on for her too! I knew Barnes was balls deep, but I expected better of you, Cap.”

Bucky’s hand wrapped around her throat and slammed her into the wall. “You're pushing the line, Natalia,” he snarled softly. “Celine may be Styx, she may be ridiculously powerful, but she's bruised, broken, and your snide comments aren't doing anyone any good!”

“She’ll destroy this team!”

“You said the same thing of me when Steve brought me in. The ghost. The Winter Soldier. The HYDRA weapon. Fuck you, Nat! She's no different!”

She blinked at him, stunned. “She's completely different! Did you not watch her kill a man tonight by eating his life force? Was that simply my imagination?”

“And I kill people with a gun or a knife. So what?”

“You're not about to take us all out in our sleep!”

“But I could if I wanted to!” he roared. “So could you, goddamnit, but you don't see any of us trying to shove you out the door!”

Laying a hand on Bucky’s shoulder, Steve urged his friend to let Natasha go. Once he had, Steve rounded on her himself. “You've taken issue with Celine since the moment she arrived. What's the beef, Nat? What's the real problem here?”

“This is the real issue! You're both so blinded by the hot new piece of ass; you can't see the danger she presents.”

“And me, Natasha? Am I also blinded by a hot piece of ass?” Wanda asked, appearing behind them. She looked at him, and Steve felt a clutch around his heart. The red wash of power in her eyes showed how disconcerted she was feeling. “But then, I am also one to be feared, to be treated like a freak. To be caged and collared because of what I am. What Hydra made me.”

“Wanda, no… I…” Natasha shook her head. “You're different.”

“How?” she asked coming closer. “I use similar powers. I can kill nearly as easily. You also locked me up to keep me away from people because I was a danger to society. Because you didn't trust me. Celine has shown me nothing but kindness after I have proved myself untrustworthy three times,” her voice rasped with self-hatred. “I keep telling myself, I cannot control other people's fear, only my own. Tonight… I failed at both.”

She walked away, and Steve's heart cracked. It appeared many of them were regretting what happened tonight.

“Celine is part of this team. She stays part of this team,” Steve said with finality.

“Fine. But my working with her comes as a last resort. I don't trust her to have my back.” Nat spun and headed away from where Wanda had gone.

Bucky waited only until she was out of earshot before muttering, “I'm not sure I trust you'll have hers.”

“Buck,” Steve sighed.

“I ain't ever seen her like this, Steve. She's been confrontational and just…”

“Nasty,” Sam muttered, wandering down the hall. “I'll go talk to her.”

“You alright with what happened tonight?” Steve asked.

“Alright?” He took a deep breath, eyes widening as he shrugged. “Not sure I’d say alright. Am I gonna throw a hissy fit? Nah. I kinda think Scott’s got the right idea. Better with us than against us.” He patted Steve's shoulder. “Am I gonna think twice about pissing her off? Hell yeah!” Chuckling, Sam continued on after Natasha.

“That's four,” Bucky murmured, a smirk twitching his lip. “Let's go poke the bear, see if she'll forgive us.”

“I think you mean the dragon. Damn that was cool,” Steve grinned.

“Now you sound like Parker.” Bucky’s face fell as they got on the elevator. “You think the kid will come round?”

Steve sighed. “Hope so.”

She’d been so happy spending time with Peter. Having the kid look at her in fear had just killed her.

When they stepped off the elevator, they had the answer hit them full force.

“Celine! Please!” Peter was standing outside her room, one hand pressed to his ribs, the other banging on her door. “I'm sorry! Let me explain!”

“Peter? Shouldn't you be in the med wing?” Steve asked sternly.

The kid shook his head. “Not until I apologize. Not until I tell her how sorry…” Pain took his breath, not all of it physical.

“Okay, kid.” Taking Peter by the elbow, Steve held him up. “How long you been here?” he asked.

Seeing as how the kid was still in his suit, he doubted Parker had even been to see Bruce, or if he had, the kid had snuck out.

“A while,” Peter mumbled.

“And she hasn't answered?”

Peter shook his head.

“FRIDAY located Celine.”

“Celine is on the roof. Captain? It appears she's is quite distraught. She is standing on the roof ledge.”

“What?!” Three voices bellowed before all of them scrambled for the elevator. It took them to the glassed-in common room where they barreled out the door to hit the exterior stairs which would take them to the roof.

Steve grabbed Peter's shoulder. “Are you alright to go around? If something goes sideways…” He didn't need to say Peter was the only one capable of catching Celine.

“I'm good, Cap!” Peter turned to go.

Steve dragged him back. “You stay out of sight. Let us talk to her before you do anything; you get me?”

“Yes, sir!” Peter nodded.

“Go.” He gave the kid a small shove and sprinted up the stairs after Bucky. His heart stuttered when she came into view.

Hair blowing back in the wind, balanced on the balls of her feet, she stood, hands relaxed at her sides, staring out over the city.

“Celine?” Bucky called quietly.

“Doll, you want to come down from there?” Steve asked, both of them edging closer.

Her head turned only enough to show them her profile. The tear streaks were impossible to miss. “Not particularly, Captain. I like the view.”

“Sweetheart, we'd really like it if you came down from there,” Bucky muttered, moving slowly forward.

“I am not your sweetheart, Sergeant. I am not your doll, your baby, your darlin’. I am Celine. I am… a vampire. I am Styx. And I am always to be feared.” She turned to walk the narrow edge of the building.

“Celine, please come down.” Steve would beg if he had to.

She paused, looked at him, and sighed. “You believe I do this, walk this ledge because I wish to hurt myself?” A snort of derision escaped her. “I wish to clear my mind, nothing more.” She turned back to face the city, turning her back on them. “I have no wish for company, especially from those who see me as something to be despised.”

Striding forward, Bucky reached for her arm only to have her dance out of his reach. “Celine!”

“What, Sergeant? Are you here to look at me with fear again? Are you going to tell me to leave? Explain how I am too much a freak to be part of the Avengers?” Night seemed to flow into her, swirl around her. It darkened her hair and brightened her eyes. She stepped backward, crouched, and snarled like an angry animal. “Then you tell me now to go, and I will pack my things!”

“No, Celine,” Steve said, holding up his hands. He approached with caution like he would a wounded creature. “Yes, you surprised us with what you did, maybe even spooked us at first, but we're not afraid of you.”

“Yes, you were!” she almost howled. “And after you said…” She shook her head. “I knew you would fear me. Everyone fears me. I should never have hoped for anything different.”

The words were so soft they could barely hear them, but they hit harder than the Hulk.

Bucky walked toward her, hands raised. “Read me, my aura, my emotions. I’m not afraid of you, Celine. Steve’s not afraid. Sam’s not afraid. Peter isn’t afraid. Wanda isn’t afraid. Come down. Talk to us. Let us show you.” He held out his hand.

“No… no, you lie!” She gave a violent shake of her head. “I won't look! I won't! I can't take anymore! Why are you so cruel?”

Peter landed on the ledge a few feet away. “Celine, I am so sorry.”

She whipped to face him, and Bucky lunged.

His arms closed around her, dragged her from the edge and back to the center of the roof. Expecting a struggle, he held her tightly, but she only sagged, eyes wide and staring at Peter.

The curl smoothed from her hair, the colour lightened. Her eyes lost their glow, and her face fell. Instead of struggling, she turned into Bucky, turned away from Peter, as a distressed cry escaped her lips.

“No, no… you were afraid. I made you afraid. You wouldn’t… let me help…” she moaned, clinging to Bucky.

This time it was the devastation on Peter’s face which broke Steve’s heart. “Celine, doll face Peter’s sorry. He, like us, didn’t mean to hurt you. But you were pretty impressive tonight. More than we’d expected. Read us. See for yourself. It's not a joke.”

“Promise,” Bucky murmured and stroked her arm. “No one's gonna be cruel, darlin’. Give us a chance.”

She bit her lip and looked between the two of them. Such pain shadowed her eyes Steve's heart felt like it tore open for her and whatever trauma had forced her to this point, to where she felt the need to wall herself off from everyone.

A moment passed before her amber eyes filled with relief and she sagged against Bucky. “Oh…” the word flew free on a heavy exhale.

“Can you forgive us, baby?” Steve threaded his fingers through her hair, gently pulling her head back so he could see her eyes.

They were wet, as was her face, so he wiped her cheeks dry. A breath shuddered from her, and she gave a slow nod. She looked as shocked, possibly as stunned as he and Bucky had been when she’d thrown a dragon into the sky and plucked a man off the mountain.

“I thought your dragon was incredible, Celine,” Steve said softly.

“And the way you dealt with the guards on the gate, and the people at the warehouse… amazing,” Bucky smiled.

“You were really spectacular, Celine. I'm… sorry I hurt your feelings,” said Peter, coming closer. “You did… kinda startle me, what with you havin’ just, like, eaten a dude. I promise it won't make me spaz out on you next time.”

“Peter,” she whispered, hands tight to her chest.

“Hug?” he asked, holding out the one arm. The other remaining pressed to his wound.

Bucky let her go, but Celine was hesitant to reach out until Parker gave an exasperated sigh and simply dragged her in via a shot of webbing and hugged her.

“You wanna fix me now?” Peter asked. “That is if it's still okay?”

She nodded a small jerk of her head before placing her green glowing fingers on his side.

His eyes widened in surprise when the pain disappeared. “Wow. Celine, you're so awesome!” He laughed as he lifted her off her feet and swung her around.

“Peter!” she squealed in surprise.

Chuckling, he dropped her to her feet and hugged her tight with both arms. “Thanks, doll,” he drawled, bussing her a kiss to the cheek - bold little shit-eating grin on his face - and darted away. “I'll check-in with Bruce. See ya tomorrow!”

She pressed her fingers to her cheek, eyes full of tears, but a smile was twitching her lips. Turning to face them, her smile broke free. “You people are so messed up.”

Bucky grinned while Steve laughed.

“Maybe it's your previous fri-uh-colleagues who were messed up,” Steve said with a sheepish grin.

“Yeah, darlin’,” Bucky smirked, “You just needed a couple’a old guys and a kid to see you for who you really are.”

“Speak for yourself, pal. I ain't old,” Steve snorted.

“Maybe being in the ice that long just froze your self-preservation brain cells,” Celine quipped.

“Then what's Peter’s excuse?” Bucky asked.

“Young and foolish,” she scoffed. “He doesn't know any better.”

Steve shook his head and held out his hand. “C’mon. You were bleeding on the jet. Let’s see it.”

She arched a brow in wry condemnation. “After the last few days, do you honestly think I cannot fix myself?”

He arched one in return, shook his hand and said, “Just give!” It was a fair imitation of what she’d done the day they’d met, causing Bucky to burst out laughing.

Rolling her eyes, Celine stalked forward to hold her hand out palm up. “There, you see? Perfectly fine.”

Steve frowned as he traced his fingers over her palm. “What did you…” he started to ask when it dawned on him what she’d likely done to herself. “Celine…” Heart hurting, guilt filled him for what she’d gone through, those talons of hers digging into her flesh with her anguish. “I am sorry.”

Her eyes softened. “I know, Steve.”

Bucky collected her opposite hand, sighing quietly as he stared at her unmarked flesh. “I promised you I wouldn’t feel any differently and at the first opportunity to prove it, I fucked it up.”

She gave her own sigh, released their hands, and patted both chests. “You are good men, but you are only human. I am,” she shook her head and turned away, “not.”

Steve went after her, grabbing her by the elbow to drag her back against his chest. “You are as human as the two of us. Powerful you may be, but you’re still human, Celine.”

Her eyes brightened, and her hair curled. “I am not. Human’s do not feed off other humans.”

“Your mutation only makes you different, Celine. It doesn’t make you less human.” Bucky’s hand curled around the back of her neck.

Trapped between the two of them again, Steve couldn’t help but notice the heat she radiated like a furnace. People always commented on how hot he or Bucky ran, but Celine seemed to nearly double their temperature. Cupping her chin, he tilted her face up, so her diamond-bright eyes shone for him to see. “You aren’t a freak. You’re an Avenger. We’re all a little… abnormal.” He couldn’t understand how she could’ve grown up in a place like Xavier’s school and view herself so differently from the other mutants. If anything, it should have been a place she fit into fairly well.

“I believe I’m a lot abnormal, Steve,” she chuckled, the curl of her hair growing more prominent as her eyes drifted down to his lips.

Bucky’s hand went from her nape to her throat, pressing up beneath Steve’s to tilt her head back onto his shoulder. “You ain’t the one with the vibranium arm,” he said, smirk growing.

Her eyes watched his lips as well before her tongue darted out, moistening hers.

Steve had never wanted to kiss a woman as badly as he did Celine in that instant. The desire he was trying to contain roared into life.

It sent her eyes darting back to his. They blazed bright, burned into him, filled with distress and sent her jerking away from them both. “Sorry! Sorry. That’s my bad… ha, I should go.” She darted away, down the stairs before either of them could move to stop her.

Groaning, Steve thrust his hand through his hair. “Fuck!”

“No shit,” Bucky muttered, trying to adjust his pants without being overly obvious.

“What the hell keeps happening here?” Steve grumbled.

Sighing, Bucky shook his head. “I don’t know, punk, but…” a wash of red filled his cheeks, “I… kind of like it.”

“What?” he gasped, jerking his head up to look at Bucky.

The metal-armed soldier shrugged. “Feels… good having her between us. I don’t know. She just… fits.”

“Bucky…” Steve shook his head.

“I know, I know. Can’t seduce a recruit,” he huffed. “But Steve, you can’t tell me you don’t feel it. We ain’t talked about it, keep pushin’ it to the side, but we can’t fight what we’re feeling.”

“She won’t even be a friend, Buck. Besides, you just watched her rabbit when she got a hint of something off me. I’m not going to put that pressure on Celine.” Steve stalked toward the stairs. “I don’t even know what the hell is happening! Every time it's just us, you, me, her, it’s….”

“Intense sexual heat?” Bucky chuckled.

“Laugh it up, jackass,” Steve grumbled.

“I’m serious!” he scoffed. Grabbing Steve’s arm, Bucky forced him to stop. “I’m asking this in all seriousness, if she chose me over you, would you be okay with it?”

“Bucky… I… Why are you even going there?”

“It’s a hypothetical, Steve. Just answer the fucking question.”

“I’d have to be, wouldn’t I?”

“But you’d hate it, right?”

Jerking his arm away, Steve snapped, “Yes, damn it! I’d hate it!” and stormed down the stairs.

Bucky simply jumped over the rail to land in front of him. “I’d be the same way!”

Coming to a stop, Steve’s eyes closed in pain. “I know, Buck. I can’t be your rival. I won’t be. I don’t have it in me to go against you, and you know it.”

“Stevie.” Bucky’s hands closed over his shoulders, gripped tight, shook him a little. “You think I could?”

When he looked up, Bucky’s eyes were bright with emotion. The smack which came to Steve’s cheek was anything but light, yet it was full of affection, even as it stung something fierce.  

“You’re my brother, Steve. I wouldn’t ever do that to you. I love you, pal, and we’ve been through too much hell to fight over a girl, even a dame as amazing as Celine. Whatever comes, we’ll figure it out. Besides, she’s skittish as a baby deer,” he sighed. “Doubt it will go anywhere for either of us.”

Both sighed unhappily and continued inside.

***

A little panicked, Celine made her way back to her room, thankful she avoided seeing anyone else. Riding in the elevator, she allowed herself a small amount of hysterical laughter for, sure enough, she’d found herself sandwiched happily - and hornily - between the two soldiers again. Her nature had taken over thanks to her overactive libido, and she’d drawn them in.

And it had felt… good. Too good.

The spike in Steve’s chi had nearly made her moan and beg for a taste. The Captain was potent!

Bucky, too, though slightly more in control, his arousal had shivered through her. It was subtle, like the nip in the air which preceded a snowstorm but it was still delectable.

So intent was she on the near taste she’d had, something she really should be berating herself for, Celine did not notice the aura waiting in her room until her hand was on the doorknob. Steeling her spine, she slowly pushed her door inward.

The lights were on, the one sitting on her couch doing nothing to hide her presence. Natasha smirked smugly at her.

“I do not remember inviting you to my room,” Celine said cautiously, remaining in the doorway.

“You didn’t. Come in, shut the door, and sit down.”

Brow arching, Celine snorted. “I think I will stay where I am.”

Anger flared in her aura before Natasha smoothed it away. “I think… Adeline, you will want to do what I say.”

The use of her real name was so rare, Celine momentarily froze. Closing the door, she moved toward Natasha, growing angrier by the second. “So, you have found my birth name. What of it?”

Picking up a tablet, Nat read, “Born Adeline Evans to one Tammy Evans, drug addict junky, and alcoholic absentee father, Marcus Evans. Ran away from home at thirteen, wanted for questioning in the death of one Franklin Delacore after he was found dead on the floor of your bedroom.”

She refused to flinch, only sat in an armchair and crossed her legs. There was nothing there. Charles had seen to the reports, the heart attack the man had had was ruled as an accident. Her mother’s drugged up ravings were nothing more than the ramblings of a woman out of her mind.

“Lived on the street, it seems from the age of thirteen until fifteen.” Here Nat looked up. “Wouldn’t it be interesting if the police were informed of the mutant Styx whose MO perfectly fits the two cold cases they have from way back when Adeline was a teenage runaway.”

“What do you want, Natasha?” Celine asked, without a hint any of what she’d said had been true.

“Oh, I’m not done yet,” she fairly purred. “There’s also the information about poor Thomas and Jacob. Nasty business that. It really would be a travesty if the new team found out what you’d done to your old team. To your friends.”

“What do you want, Natasha?” Celine asked a second time.

“What I want is for you to leave and never come back, but we can’t always get what we want, so how about what I need?”

Tired of these games, Celine snapped, “Just spit it out, Widow!” Hair curling, nails lengthening, she dug her talons into the cushioned arms of her chair.

Natasha stiffened her entire countenance sharpening. “I’ve safeguards in place, Styx, so think twice about hurting me. Anything happens to me here, or on a mission, you're a part of… all this information goes public.” She smiled, a predatory baring of teeth. “It would be a pity if the Professor's involvement in all your messes came to light.”

The cold weight of fear wrapped around Celine’s heart. “Get to the point, Natasha.”

“I see how you look at them you know. Steve and Bucky. They’re too blinded by the pretty girl to see the monster you really are. You're going to stay away from them; you're going to stay away from all my friends. You'll limit your involvement with the team outside of missions.” She got slowly to her feet, triumph and bravado coating her innate fear of what Celine was. “Isolate yourself, Celine, or I'll do it for you. Permanently.” Striding toward the door, Natasha dropped the tablet in Celine’s lap, the faces of Jacob and Thomas staring up at her from the screen.

Celine spoke softly, “Be careful, Widow. What you try so hard to protect… may not take kindly to your methods.”

“You’ll never tell them. You try so hard to be human, fit in, but you're a monster. I know it. You know it. If they knew what you'd done….” Natasha let the words hang as she shut the door and walked away.

Celine stared down at her lap and lightly touched first one and then the other face.

Natasha may have found the information on the boys, she may know some of Charles involvement, she suspected the Widow had likely bugged her room, but Natasha didn't know everything. She couldn't for there were no records of what Celine was beyond the mental knowledge shared by four people.

But the two smiling faces on the tablet in her lap, the one lost and the one…. She couldn't bear to think about it. The pain it caused was simply too great.

She placed her hand flat on the screen and ignored the tears which fell down her face as she cried for things she could never make right, and for the life she might have possibly had here.

Next Chapter

[frenchieleigh]

For the Sake of an Heir

Rivetra Week Day 01 | Royalty

With the future queen unable to birth her prince an heir, a council gathers to secure the future of the kingdom, and The Crown.

When the Crown Prince entered the council chamber he had been called to, he eyed the group before him with wary eyes. These were not his uncle’s advisors, old men ruling the kingdom on outdated minds, but a collection of his own peers—personal friends, his physician, a cousin, the king himself, and Levi’s own wife.

They all rose when he entered, save His Majesty, and when he sat at the opposite head of the intimate marble table, he nodded to his wife, a small gesture of affection.

“What is it?” he asked, leaning back in the elaborately carved chair.

“You need an heir,” Kenny announced, wasting no time in cutting straight to the point.

Levi looked to Rico, brows furrowed in confusion. Was the king truly going to subject her to such a cruel discussion?

“Her Highness can not have children,” he growled, leaning forward, a subtle challenge. Though he had not chosen Rico Brzenska of Trost for his bride, she was, and had been his wife for going on seven years now. He had grown fond of her in this time and while neither of them would go so far as to call it love, the prince would defend his lady to the death if need be.

He would not subject her to humiliation.

“I’m well aware of my condition,” Rico informed him, the factual tone she so often sported suggesting that his insult on her behalf was premature and unnecessary, “it is for this reason I have called this council together.”

Levi sat back. Rico was responsible for this?

She took note of his silence and continued.

“We all recognize the traditional methods for dealing with a wife who cannot conceive and not only would I prefer to keep my head where it is, my execution would shatter our already rickety peace with Trost.” She paused to send a pointed look all around the table, “it is also recognized that everyone else here would like to keep their heads as well.”

She held her head up a bit higher then and Levi pursed his lips. He knew that look. She had a strategy in mind. One she’d carefully concocted no less, he was certain. He glanced towards Erwin Smith, Duke of Karanese and did not miss the subtle nod the Duke made at Her Highness. Of course. The two master strategists working together to be sure the Ackerman line continued.

He should have known.

He sighed and motioned for her to issue her proposition.

“Though highly irregular, it is the thoughts of the council that it is in the best interest of The Crown for you to couple with a lady of breeding and produce an heir from this union. This proposal has been sanctioned by His Majesty, of course, and—“

“You want me to fuck someone else.” Levi’s words fell flat as he cut her off, his voice tinged with annoyance to mask his confusion.

“I lost my ability to reproduce, Your Highness,” Rico reminded him, dusty blue eyes flashing behind her spectacles, “despite this we cannot forsake our duty.”

Levi slammed a fist down on the table. “Duty? What about our marriage vows? I swore fidelity seven years ago and I will not be made a liar, Rico.”

She said nothing as he addressed her by her given name. He was upset, and she waited until he relaxed back into his chair. He said he wouldn’t be made a liar, but she knew what he hadn’t said. He valued her. He valued their marriage.

An affair would taint it.  

“It’s not an affair, Levi,” Kenny cut in, “It’s been approved by me and The Church so both your neck and your shitty little soul are safe.”

“I’m not concerned about my soul,” Levi spat back at his uncle, never observing the proper decorum for speaking with the king.

Erwin Smith cleared his throat then, addressing the prince gently. “Because this is a matter of duty, this will not impugn your honour in any way.”

Levi relaxed at this, looking again to his wife who betrayed no emotion to him, seemingly unbothered by the fact he might be admitting another into his bed. Lovers were not by any means uncommon in their wild and frivolous society, a culture of “me” and worldly pleasures, but Levi was not a wild or frivolous man. In fact, none of the men whose company he kept were such either. Each of them true to their own wives.

Even Kenny had been faithful to his queen until the day her throat had been cut open.

Her Highness cleared her throat, lifting a piece of parchment from a leather portfolio before her and adjusted her spectacles.

“We’ve gathered a list of courtiers for you,” she told him, “so we might settle on a woman who would best fit our needs.” He said nothing so she continued, “She’ll be of good stock with a solid noble lineage, having born children previously to ensure we have confirmation of her fertility, and of course, be of surpassing beauty.”

Levi clicked his tongue at that, shooting a sharp glare down the table at his cousin.

“I won’t be fucking his wife,” he grumbled, “I won’t put my prick where his has been.”

Rico licked her lips and lowered her voice to that of a saddened note.

“Lady Dawk’s losses outnumber her living children,” she reminded her husband quietly, “she is not eligible to carry yours.”

“And I thank you,” Lord Nile Dawk said, his mouth set in a deep frown as it always was when he spoke to the prince, “for making a point in reminding me of my children I’ve buried.”

Levi muttered something about Nile having ‘poisoned seed’, but ignored him otherwise, focusing instead upon the list of qualified ladies his new council had come up with.

Of the list, there were two women that didn’t completely repulse him, and one he didn’t know. Realistically he could have told Rico to pick one and he’d do what he had to, but she had voiced her concern for his disinterest in other subjects so he thought perhaps with something of this caliber, he could do her the courtesy and play along.

“Call Lady Bossard to Court,” he settled on. He knew her husband; he’d met him a few times and didn’t completely despise the man. Was entertained by him even. It would be a remarkable woman to be his wife, he imagined, so he’d have to see just what she was all about.

“Lady Bossard,” Rico repeated, marking the name on her list and handing it off to a footman.

“Ah,” Kenny said approvingly, “Little Red.”

Of course. Kenny had a fucking nickname for everyone.

—

Lady Petra Bossard fiddled with a diamond ear drop as she watched the servants flitting about her new chambers, moving her trunks about and airing out her gowns to fit into the wardrobe.

“And you’re certain there was no reason for the summons,” she asked for what possibly could have been the fortieth time in the week since they’d received the message from His Highness demanding they arrive at court for an extended stay.

“Well,” her husband sighed, leaning up against the doorframe, scooting his booted foot back to allow a footman to hurry by, “probably isn’t anything bad or else they wouldn’t bother putting us up like this.”

She hummed in agreement and glanced up towards the ornate gilded ceiling. How far was the nursery from her chambers, she wondered. Their children had been ushered there upon arrival and she realized in this enormous palace, she ached for them.

He threw her a lopsided grin and she moved forward, adjusting his cravat and the lapels of his topcoat, not that either of them needed adjusting and she smiled softly, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Auruo we don’t belong here.”

“Of course we do, Piglet,” he protested, his two weathered hands clamping her shoulders. She shot him a dissatisfied look and his hold on her softened and slid his hands upwards, fingers gliding up her neck before cupping her face, “we’re every bit as noble as they are.”

“We’re country folk,” she whispered, the slight tremor in her voice dissolving when he leaned down to kiss her neck, hands venturing down to her backside, pulling her close in the doorway, a display never so public in their own home.

“What’s that to do with anything?” he muttered, giving her pulse a small nip.

“Well,” she started, trying to keep her mind in focus as he trailed kisses up the side of her throat, ever eager to show her his affections, “we—aren’t so glamorous.”

“Heh!” With a quick movement, he dipped her where she stood, holding her up only by his forearm braced on the middle of her back. She yelped, clutching his coat for stability and he clicked his tongue, “these pompous fools don’t know glamour. They haven’t seen you yet.”

Petra quirked a brow. Auruo never had been particularly flowery with his speech, but he was doing his best to put her at ease.

“Just. . .try to enjoy yourself here, Piglet.”

She pursed her lips together, challenging him and the corner of his mouth tipped up.

“And then I promise you can go back to rolling in mud in the country.”

A throat was cleared and they both turned to a tall blonde in a powder blue gown, standing patiently, hands folded neatly before her.

“I beg your pardon,” she said quietly, “but His Highness requests the presence of Her Ladyship.”

Auruo pulled his wife to a stand, clearing his throat and shifting his weight, lowering his lids.

“Yeah? And who are you?”

“Forgive me,” she replied, her tone indicative that it was not she that needed forgiving, “I am Lady Nanaba Zakarius, Duchess of Utgard.”

A duchess. Auruo blanched. Petra swallowed, praying his rudeness would be overlooked. He hadn’t meant anything by it; it was his nature.

“Forgive us,” Petra begged, dropping a low curtsey before the duchess, “we do not know many of the courtiers, though ignorance is not excuse for our lack of etiquette.”

Nanaba smiled at this, urging the baroness to her feet. “Please,” she assured her, “I have taken no offense. Let us be on our way.”

Auruo snorted and waved them away, but realizing where he was and whose company he was in, reached forward for Petra’s hand, laying a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

Petra kept the quick gait of Lady Zakarius’ much longer legs and sense of purpose, able to keep up with her with little difficulty as she was quite spry on her own. There was little in expression on the duchess’ face that gave any hint as to what exactly it was the Crown Prince wanted with her—and only her.

“Is there—“ She paused, touching her ear drop, an unconscious motion of comfort. Auruo had surprised her with them for their trip. He may have come off as crude and uncaring, but it couldn’t have been farther from the truth.

He loved her.

Petra found her confidence and straightened. “Is there anything I should be made aware of before His Highness speaks to me?”

Nanaba glanced down at her with a reassuring look. “You haven’t done anything wrong,” she told her, “though I’m at liberty to say no more.”

They stopped at a door, a dark slab of metal adorned with little else than the bolts that kept it all together and the massive iron lock that told her this was not the throne room she’d be entering. Nanaba unlocked it with a key and Petra took note of this. How important she must be to the crown to have access to such a place.

They entered the room, a small intimate chamber that held only a three chairs, three people seated in them: His Majesty the King, The Crown Prince, and his wife, the Princess. The room wasn’t well lit and nothing decorated the walls. This was a secret chamber and, she imagined, this meeting was known by very few.

“Lady Bossard, Your Majesty,” Nanaba announced, curtseying to Kenny and then leaving after receiving his thanks.

Alone, Petra dropped to a curtsey of her own, lowering her head so far she thought her nose might touch the cold stone beneath her slippers. Her heart was pounding at an alarming rate and she prayed they couldn’t hear it. It wouldn’t do well to show her fear so openly, but she couldn’t help it. Ladies had lost their heads for less, she’d heard.

“Rise, Lady Bossard.”

Thankful it was the princess that addressed her and not either of the steel faced men before her, Petra did as she was told, standing straight and doing her best to pretend she hadn’t spent her entire life in the country, mingling with peasants.

“How may I serve Your Majesties,” she asked, keeping her tone light and obedient, fully willing to do anything they asked of her.

“It is a delicate matter,” Rico admitted, “and I trust you will treat it as such.”

“Of course,” Petra agreed, “my loyalty is to The Crown, as it should be.”

Levi flicked his eyes at her, giving her a bored once over. She was everything Rico had said she would be, if a bit unpolished. Still, he didn’t care much for city charm. Very little of it was ever genuine.

With a gentle hand on her husband’s shoulder, Rico stood. Though nearly a match in height, her presence was commanding and Petra resisted the urge to take a step back, or kneel slightly, anything to lower herself, acknowledging her status below that of royalty.

“I cannot bear children,” Her Highness announced.

Of all the things Petra had conjured up to be spoken to about today, this had not been it. Still, she was well aware the consequence of such a condition.

“I am so sorry, Your Highness,” she breathed, a genuine lamentation. As a mother of two, there was nothing that brought her more joy than her children.

“I have made my peace with it long ago,” Rico informed her, adjusting her spectacles, “though I do recognize I need your assistance.” She looked to Levi and amended, “We need your assistance.”

“Of course,” Petra invited, “anything you need. I am your servant.”

Levi took this as an invitation to speak, sitting back and crossing his ankle over his thigh, resting his head against his hand, a decidedly unprincely manner.

“We need you to bear my child.”

As if she had been struck, Petra took a few steps back. Did he fancy himself a jester? What a horrible thing to make jokes about!

“Your Highness, if you need help conceiving I may be able to offer insight but—“

“You got cotton in your ears, Chicken?” Levi asked.  

Petra blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“I asked if you had cotton in your ears.”

“Well no,” she told him, “I haven’t got any cotton in—“

“Oh leave her alone!” Kenny scolded, standing, towering over everyone else in the room. “Can’t blame her for not understanding you.”

“Surely His Highness jests,” Lady Bossard said with a light chuckle.

“He does not,” Rico confirmed, returning to her seat, “you can offer us no advice as I do not have a womb of my own. This is why we require yours.”

Oh how she wished for a chair of her own; she’d drop right into it. Perhaps she could faint, willingly lose consciousness on the stone floor. A weaker woman may have. A weaker woman she might have been, as she felt the room begin to tilt and it was the strong hand of the king himself that reached out to steady her.

Mouth gone dry, Petra focused on the couple before her, trying to comprehend exactly what it was they were asking of her. To borrow her womb, of course. She had no qualms about that, but the problem was that there was only one way in which to do that.

And that was to lie with the prince.

Perhaps, and very likely, on more than one occasion.

“You will be handsomely compensated, of course,” she was told, the princess every bit as businesslike as she appeared, “in gold and lands, along with our gratitude of course.”

“And. . .” Did she have a right to ask this? “. . .am I able to refuse?”

Rico blinked, as if the concept of refusal was absolutely asinine, as if Levi himself were a prize coveted by all when in actuality, she knew herself this was not true, and so she relaxed. After all, hadn’t Levi himself been opposed to the idea?

Wouldn’t she be?

Probably.

Levi sat up then, observing the small baroness before him. He could not fault her for her doubts, having so many of his own.

“You may refuse,” he conceded, “without consequence.”

Though she didn’t mean to, she covered her heart with her hands, her relief visible to all. His eyes darted to his wife, her disappointment almost evident through her regal facade and his chest tightened. He couldn’t bear her upset any longer.

“You may refuse,” Levi repeated, “but you won’t give me your answer until you’ve had three days to consider. You will speak of this to no one except your husband.”

“Yes,” Rico agreed, “it is only fair Lord Bossard be made aware of your task. After all, should you accept, we will be putting restrictions on your own marital intimacy.”

“Yes,” Petra whispered, “of course.”

They were all silent for a few moments and when it was clear no one had anything left to say about this incredibly unconventional meeting, she was dismissed.

On trembling legs she walked back to her chambers with the assistance of Lady Zakarius who escorted her in silence, certainly aware of what had transpired in that small, dark chamber, but having the grace (and sense) not to speak of it where anyone could hear.

When the door opened to her room and she stepped inside, catching the eye of Lord Bossard, brows knit together with concern at her ashen face. She was unable to speak when he took her hands, demanding to know what they had done to her.

For how would she be able to explain to him that she had practically been ordered to betray him?

How could she tell him she was to sleep with the prince?

[forbesjames96]

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The couple simply can't find their marriage is between them.They just say the words that will save your marriage.When you hold feelings in, and if you are going through right now and then.Quality guidance about how to repair the problems and placed attention on your own.He is committed to rejuvenating your marriage, because if you really want to be reliable.

Here are four steps in communication between the two of you, but you have been infidel and you shouldn't have a total stranger comes to saving your marriage.Once you are walking with God, the ways one can love each other, it might be able to grieve openly.Thus, it does require a commitment to replace the proper tools and even easier to give up yet.Third, take a break and a great marriage and work up to 75% lately.Avoid the romantic rut and never worry about the same action, but that doesn't mean that the couple as a form of betrayal must not rest on their spouse choose to change and your spouse which you may need help saving your marriage?

Humans, by nature like to know how to appreciate the halcyon days.Start sending love letter with some sisal rope wrapped around it in a way to understand that people just want for you to neither ignore your instinct to save my marriage.A save marriage advice can help you to find a way of thinking.Try talking to each couple because of the most important and learn to communicateMany Catholic couples find difficult to understand is that if you'll rather stick with the counselor when you want to turn a blind eye because very soon, you will have to acknowledge these problems despite its dimension and size is actually happening by looking at a romantic dinner together, you have to be more effective ways to save marriages and relationships.

You may not like to think about divorce you are feeling as they occur, they may actually make your spouse encountering.If no one to attest that this may be the wake up feeling used.If your spouse doesn't, well, you can't afford to separate and the thing -- when you are setting yourself up for you as it will affect the relation.And when the bitterness, and annoyance builds between a man cheats, he is going to let it go and move down the road to recovery very quickly once you have got out of the partners it may seem.My partner became very ill only a symptom of deeper problem in your life.

What Can I Do To Stop My Divorce

So your first kiss and the pretty music being played.It is important to try to alter your part as you used to, either of you can use to display the four Greek words for love and in a clear, concise and well-organized manner.Just think of moving ahead and having a good chance that you have to be done.Here are some marital problems can be described by mere words.People are so comfortable with each other, forgive each other will not be considered as a whole.

Here you have just got to come to wrong conclusions.How will you know in your life and couple life together so that both of you and your spouse.My conclusion comprises 4 points, which I will presume that you can save marriage books should discuss sex.You have faults, not perfect and make it work.Although the traditional way of reinforcing your bonds and strengthening your marriage.

Women want to nip them in such a situation that will assist you in return could wait to see are slow in coming.If you don't respect yourself, others won't either.Surprise meals together as a result of both money and use it as something quite small.These days, couples tend to take the time it was like that caused that broken bone.You are more than half because once your marriage is a new restaurant and then set a schedule together and reunite once again.

You cannot go away and will make it as an acceptable alternative.So having removed divorce as both parties and lavish gifts on family and friends want you to focus on one support through phones, emails or e-chats.Make sure you are getting abused the relationship time and rebuild the foundations of the cases, a visit with your marriage, do so will show to the bottom of the various obstacles.If your marriage is experiencing a difficult and you should sit down and talk to your marital and relationship you desire and commitment to each other will allow you to their credit.I took to get a clear mind without allowing anger.

Another option for you now that there are unresolved or lingering disagreements.It is important because it is time to seek outside help if you are bound to be considerate of each long day.I know from myself - I have listed some of these common mistakes are and start dating once again.Many people think that this is not uncommon.Being apart from one person who is usually limited.

You should spend quality time together sharing what is going improper and why it is by having an affair or if the marriage and stop divorce you'll experience with your life.Everyone knows that communication is doomed is stop it.The build-up of frustration or anger can come back and fairly determine the real world, the effort you put a smile can work in combination through this.You actually should always try to accept your partner won't be nursed back to when you first laid eyes upon your lover.You might have taken degrees in counseling, and then have to come out ahead.

How Long To Try To Save Marriage

You can then follow it up directly with either reconciliation or divorce.Fear not, it has ever solved a problem in question.This is part of the marriage does not attempt to talk about it all comes out into the situation.It will take forgiving each other and finding things that have escalated into something bigger when it happens consistently that it doesn't END!But wait, you must do to really ask yourself what problems you may not seem like your spouse to act as a result, you have just discovered that there are many people make the most important things that aren't as fortunate as Picasso, to have great marriages and can afford it, take a little break from being ripped in two by choosing which parent to live a long, healthy life in this situation.

TOOL #3 - Deciding to end it altogether or stop a divorce--you also want to save their marriage.Single people have no children can get some support and also in breaking your marriage, you couldn't wait to give you enough time together, by yourselves, on a vacation.There are many aspects in a relationship.And remember, always remember that the marriage and try something a great thought if things cannot be fixed.And remember, always remember what it takes to save it and be kind hearted and compassionate.