#it's a really tragic scene especially she took her wedding ring off and is just holding it | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mostlycompetentwriter · 4 years ago

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You Can STAY - Part 5

F/M Main Pairing: Y/N x Lee Felix (Side Pairing: Y/N x Stray Kids)

Genre: Fantasy AU; Scarlet Heart AU; OT8 SKZ

Word Count: 6K

Warnings: Language

Summary: Seungmin’s wedding and the consequential aftermath...

Tag List: @angelphantomlove @moonlightracha @jjabbur @pinkchcn @straykidbaby @moonnstars90 @dru-shadow @skzooyeet @xiaojunssmile

The problem with arranged marriages, in my limited experience, was often the lack of interest from one or more of the involved parties, and it was quite unfortunate when you had to witness an unrequited love.

Seungmin’s bride, who happened to be the General’s fiercest and eldest daughter, was infatuated with Seungmin - that much was apparent. During the days leading up to their marriage ceremony, I relegated myself to the honor of watching over the bride and groom, especially whenever they interacted with one another. It was blatantly obvious in those moments that Seungmin was not interested in his bride, but I just wished that he would leave my name out of their conversations.

“I’m saving myself for Y/N,” Seungmin had declared during an afternoon of tea, glancing over in my direction while I pretended to be looking anywhere else.

It was embarrassing to be announced like that, and Hyunjin and Jisung liked to tease me about it all the time, and I had spent far too many afternoons in the company of the younger Princes only to hear them cooing over Seungmin’s undying love for the Castle Mage. “That’s enough,” I had tried to intervene, but they weren’t so easily deterred, even in the face of the magical parlor tricks that I used to try and dissuade their attacks.

But Seungmin’s arranged marriage wasn’t the only problem in the Castle, and I was troubled by the negative reaction of my heart when I heard the King talk about Prince Felix’s eventual return to the Northern Kingdom where he would wed one of the daughters. “It’s the least he can do,” the King offered as explanation. “For all the trouble he’s caused throughout the years.”

“He brought back the rain, your grace,” I said without thinking, realizing too late that the response might be considered aggressive.

Yet, the King simply laughed in response. “Yes, but it’s made him far more appealing as a suitor.”

I nodded my head because I wouldn’t speak out of term more than once. Especially since everyone was in agreement that the arrangement would bring peace to our rival Kingdoms. Even at the great sacrifice of Felix’s youth.

However, Queen Lyra was ecstatic when she learned that Felix would be marrying a Northern Princess, and Chan told me in private that his mother wanted nothing more than to send Felix back to that dreadful place. “He doesn’t want to leave,” I said in an unexpected defense of the rebel Prince.

“He has no choice,” Chan replied, and we both dismissed the conversation when Ella had called for my name.

Tragically, in the weeks leading up to Seungmin’s ceremony in the Throne Room, Ella had rapidly declined in health, to the point where even I lost my enthusiasm for the treatments. “When I’m gone,” she told me one afternoon. “Please watch over Chan for me.”

I remembered looking up in surprise when she said that, and there was a knowing look in her eyes that I hated to see.

But there wasn’t any time to weigh the consequences of her words, and I was far too preoccupied with Prince Minho’s return to entertain the possibility of what keeping an eye on Chan might entail.

Because the King’s chosen successor was doing his best to corner me alone, but I was just as adept at staying away from him, especially in lieu of our last conversation together where he had subtly declared his intentions to marry me. It wasn’t something that I wanted, and it was easier to ignore Minho rather than face him head-on and decline his affections. After all, the Prince had every obligation to choose his bride, and I was nobody to turn him down.

But even Minho knew when to back off, and he too seemed swept away by the planning of Seungmin’s wedding, and I was able to breathe a sigh of relief for the time being. Because I had no doubt that a confrontation between me and the chosen Prince was inevitable, but I was determined to delay it for as long as I could. And Seungmin offered the perfect distraction, which is a big part of the reason why I chose to shadow the couple, even if it meant putting up with his constant flirtations.

“You know, Y/N,” Hyunjin said one day while he walked next to me through the gardens. “Seungmin really does like you.”

I glanced up ahead at the younger Prince who was trying his absolute best to ignore his bride while she pointed out the flower arrangement. “It’s no good for him to resist his father’s wishes,” I said. “He should start opening up to the General’s daughter.”

“He’s stubborn,” Hyunjin replied with a fond smile. “When he sets his mind to something, nobody can stand in his way.”

“It won’t change his fate,” I said, looking at Hyunjin with a frown. “You aren’t planning to entertain his whims? After all, his feelings towards me are likely nothing more than a passing crush.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” Hyunjin agreed. “But Seungmin will still resist until the very end.”

“Yeah? Well, he has no choice in the matter,” I said, and we both stopped when Seungmin muttered something at his bride before marching away in the direction of the Castle.

The wedding was to be held in the Throne Room, and the Castle’s servants had been working non-stop to prepare everything on time. Because of the hectic nature of the King’s demands, even I found myself helping out with the other servants as we decorated and prepared enough food for the impressive guest list consisting of names that I hadn’t the faintest recognition. But I’m sure the King had plans to invite monarchs from distant kingdoms, especially since a marriage was always celebrated as it symbolized the growth of a lineage and Seungmin would be expected to present an heir of his own.

Tragically, in this case, it was still heartbreaking to watch a Prince meant to look his strongest walk down the red-carpeted aisle with a despondent look and slouched-over posture on the night of his wedding. I could tell that Seungmin’s mother wasn’t pleased by her son’s behavior, but she had no right to call him out for it when the music began to play from the organ.

Seungmin didn’t even bother to look up when the doors opened and his young bride stepped onto the carpet, arm tucked between her father’s as she wore a huge smile. Her grown was long and beautiful, sweeping across the floor as she walked down the aisle with her gaze trained on Seungmin. I observed them both from the side of the room where I had taken my post to keep an eye on things and provide extra security, but it was still enough of a vantage point that I could see her disappointment when she realized that Seungmin wasn’t paying her any attention.

But regardless of Seungmin’s indifference, the priest conducted the ceremony with embellished motions, and he spoke about the positive direction of the Kingdom and the miracle of the Prince's union. “Now, let’s proceed with the presentation of the rings. We can start with Miss. Rose.”

The General’s daughter giggled in response, and she reached out for Seungmin’s hand before sliding the ring into place with a gentle touch. Meanwhile, Seungmin snatched the ring intended for Rose away from Jisung before roughly jamming it on her finger with a bored expression. “Then, it is done,” the priest concluded, and his final statement was met with applause from the other guests.

“There will be a reception in the other room,” a guard whispered to me. “Will you continue to watch with us? There doesn’t appear to be any signs of trouble.”

“Of course,” I agreed, studying the way Seungmin refused to hold Rose’s hand as they left the Throne Room.

“If it’s alright with you, then perhaps you can keep an eye on the main floor?” the guard suggested. “Your magic will be far more useful.”

“And I’ll have a better view of the Prince,” I said while nodding.

It was tradition to end a wedding ceremony with a reception where the bride and groom could speak with guests while celebrating their nuptials. However, on this occasion in particular, I took great care to observe Seungmin from afar, studying him as he dismissed most of the guests with a curt nod or bored response. The gestures were far from the expectations that our nation had of their Prince, and I was disappointed that he insisted on throwing a tantrum regarding his royal duties.

“There you are,” Hyunjin said, breaking my intense concentration as he came to stand next to me. “I brought you something.”

“Thanks,” I said, accepting the wine glass from him even though I had no plans to drink.

“That poor girl,” Hyunjin said. “She adores my brother, but he still has eyes for someone else.”

“He’ll get over it,” I insisted.

“It might help if you took a husband of your own,” Hyunjin remarked, and I looked at him in surprise.

“Why?”

“Well, Seungmin won’t have any hopes left for a union between himself and the Castle’s Mage if she’s engaged,” Hyunjin said. “And I know that my older brother has also taken an interest in you.”

I found myself seeking out Prince Minho on instinct, locating him on the opposite side of the room talking with his father. “I suppose I have no right to refuse him.”

“Since you’re all about duty,” Hyunjin said, and I frowned because he had turned my own words against me. “Minho will be thrilled. I know he plans to confront you tonight. Do try not to make a scene.”

“Have you come over here just to taunt me?” I asked.

“No, but it is rather easy these days,” Hyunjin said with a teasing smile, and I watched the young Prince vanish into the crowd with a heavy feeling of dread settling in the pit of my stomach.

I could hardly take anymore of the drama from the evening, and I briefly entertained the possibility of leaving the Banquet Hall without being noticed by the others. Of course, the opportunity passed quicker than my mind could process a plan of escape, and I stood my ground when Prince Minho took over Hyunjin’s previous spot, looking down at me with a kind smile.

“Prince Minho,” I greeted him with a gentle curtsy. “I’m glad to see your safe return.”

“Really?” Minho grinned. “I never noticed because you tried so hard to avoid me.”

I took a deep breath at the accusation. “I’ve been busy shadowing Seungmin and his bride.”

“Yes, but you could’ve found time to speak with me,” Minho countered. “Nevertheless, I have your attention now if you’ll do me the honor of the next dance?”

“How can I refuse?” I returned, although the question was meant to be rhetorical because I understood the situation all too well - taking Minho’s outstretched hand as he pulled me onto the dance floor.

“We can talk without raising suspicion,” Minho said, and one of his hands dropped low around my waist as he led us around in gentle circles. “But I think you already know what I plan to ask.”

“I could take a few guesses,” I replied.

“I’m sure you might feel compelled,” Minho said. “However, I simply wish to make a suggestion: a union between us that I can bring to my father for his blessing.”

I inhaled sharply at the idea, but there wasn’t an ounce of resistance left in the Mage who had decided to accept the inevitable. “What benefit could I bring to you?” I asked. “If you don’t me asking.”

“Of course not,” Minho said, and we continued to glide together across the floor. “I know you saved my life that day during the tea ceremony, and I won’t lie and say that my position as King would be far less objected if I had someone with your power next to my side.”

“Then you think of me as a political pawn?”

“Y/N, you’re so much more than that,” Minho said. “I can’t believe you still are incapable of seeing it.”

“Seeing what?”

Minho smiled, and even I had to admit that it was a sight for sore eyes. “How special you are,” he said, and there was a moment when time stood-still as his gaze fell to my lips.

But just as quickly, that moment was interrupted by the presence of a man who had also been asking for more and more of my attention. “Can I cut in?” Chan suddenly inserted, and Minho looked two seconds away from cursing his brother as he reluctantly offered him my hand.

“Your highness,” I greeted him, shivering when his hand replaced Minho’s around my waist.

“Y/N,” Chan said with a teasing smile - clearly, he did not consider the use of our formal titles to be appropriate. “Would you believe me if I told you that I felt the highest of necessities to intervene between you and my brother?”

“Why is that?”

Chan laughed, and it was a sound that I hadn’t heard from him before. “I was insanely jealous.”

“Jealous?” I repeated with wavering hesitance, wondering what the eldest Prince meant by that.

“Well, I suppose those feelings are ill-suited for this moment,” Chan said, and he was far more serious when he switched topics. “I want to thank you everything that you’ve done for Ella.”

“I wouldn’t stand aside and allow her to die,” I insisted, but Chan was already shaking his head with a morose expression.

“Ella won’t make it past this month,” Chan whispered, and I swallowed hard as I felt his body fall against mine as if he had already given up. “She weakens as we speak.

“Then, we should try something else-”

“No,” Chan said with a sigh. “I think we’re all tried of pretending there’s hope.”

I felt my heart break in two at his dejection, and I wasn’t nearly as stubborn as Seungmin, reading the defeated look written across Chan’s expression as a sign that not even Magic could stop Death in its tracks. “I’m so sorry,” I said.

“There’s no need for apologies,” Chan said. “Not when you’ve done so much to change her fate.”

“It still breaks my heart,” I said.

“Yes, but don’t misread your grief as guilt,” Chan insisted. “We can mourn the loss of a good soul, but your kindness can never be repaid.”

“I would do it all again,” I said with determination. “I can’t let anyone suffer.”

“I know,” Chan agreed, and there was a faint glimmer of something warm reflected in his eyes. “You’ve shown me true spirit, Y/N, and I will remember your undying support for the rest of my days.”

“You flatter me too much,” I said, but Chan shook his head.

“I can’t do enough for you,” he replied. “But I’m sure someone of your character can remember my wife’s final request of you?”

“Oh?” I asked, closing my eyes as I held tighter to Chan.

“She asked you to watch over me,” Chan said, and his gaze was intense as he pulled back from me. “I guess I’ll just have to keep you close.”

I trembled at his words, stepping out of his arms when the song playing overhead concluded. “Excuse me,” I murmured, bowing once before stumbling into the surrounding crowd of couples.

I guess I’ll just have to keep you close?

It was a difficult verse that continued to play itself over and over again inside my confused head, blinding me to the people I was bumping into as I sought an escape from the rest of the guests. My heart was palpitating at a rapid pace, and there was an ugly haze lingering at the edges of my vision - the beginnings of a panic attack as I tried to keep myself from drowning in the vicious expectations following me like a persistent touch.

I had almost made it to the door when a rough hand grabbed my shoulder, pulling me backward to meet the haggard gaze of Prince Jisung. “Seungmin is looking for you,” Jisung said with a pained expression. “He refuses to dance with anyone else until he has you first.”

Not him too! My mind screamed with impatience, and I reacted without thinking about the consequences.

“Tell him I started to feel ill,” I said, ignoring Jisung’s repeated attempts to stop me as I quietly snuck away into the darkness outside.

Immediately, I was relieved by the crisp cold of the night, taking in several deep breaths to ground myself as I paused at the edge of the coy pond near the Castle gardens.

“What just happened?” I whispered to myself, wondering what I could’ve done to earn the attention of the Castle’s Princes.

It seemed difficult to fathom, especially for someone of my position, but it was becoming harder to resist their obvious advances. But what could I do? For a Mage like myself, this was beyond the expectations that had been laid out by my ancestors.

I took a deep breath as I curled my arms around my torso, keeping my gaze focused on the calmer waters, especially when I heard rustling from the trees behind me. And I had gotten awfully good at detecting the presence of a Prince who continued to confound me.

“Did you follow me out here?” I asked, holding myself even tighter as I chanced a look over shoulder.

“You were a popular guest tonight,” Felix replied, and I watched him come closer - studying the intensity of his gaze.

“I noticed,” I said. “But I’m not one to seek their attention.”

“Oh, I know that very well, Y/N,” Felix said, and he chuckled as he came to stand next to me. “But I’m not here to question you.”

“Is that so?” I wondered, peering at him from the corner of my eye. “Then what do I owe the pleasure of your company tonight?”

“I think there are many reasons,” Felix said, and I took a moment to admire the fierce color of his red-hair because it was glowing under the moonlight. “But one of them stands out from the rest.”

“Felix-” I started, but the young Prince was an effective interruption, reaching out for my arms to turn me around to look at him and no-one else.

“I think actions speak louder than words,” Felix whispered, and he was leaning in closer before I had a chance to react. Instead, I gasped against Felix’s lips as they descended over mine, shivering at the touch of his tongue against the seam of my own. Unlike before, there was no resistance against him, and the kiss was both unexpected and familiar - like coming home from a year-long journey to receive the ones who loved you the most.

I could feel Felix’s heart in his breath-stealing kiss, the affection of his gentle caress as his lips dominated our elegant exchange - precious oxygen passed between us as the wind started moving even faster in the background. There wasn’t a soul around us to interrupt, but there also wasn’t a single part of me that desired such an interruption, and I was a prisoner to the mysterious Prince Felix. The son who was scorned by the King and Queen, and outcasted by his own blood.

It was both right and wrong, and I hesitated when he pulled back to look into my eyes with a smoldering gaze. “At this point, Miss Y/N,” Felix said, voice deep and raspy. “You’ve made a habit of stealing my heart.”

“Felix, I can’t,” I insisted, attempting to move away from him, but that only made his hold even tighter. “Your father will never allow it.”

“Do you think I care?” Felix growled. “The same man who sent me away when I was only a boy, crying and screaming for his mother?”

“You're positioned to marry a princess from the North,” I said. “To secure an alliance for Cle.”

“I do not serve my father’s whims,” Felix said, winding an arm around my waist. “I will never marry that girl, with or without your consent.”

“But I won’t allow it!” I cried, detecting the unruliness of my magic in reaction to my uncontrollable emotions. “I won’t be responsible.”

“You must,” Felix said and I froze when I saw a single tear slide down his cheek. “Y/N, you have complete possession of my heart. To have you turn away from me because of my father or my reputation would destroy me.”

I shivered at his words, implying that I could hold so much power over a boy who single-handedly fought an entire battalion of invaders in the North. “What do you want?” I asked him - a loaded question that gave him far too much advantage.

“I want you,” he answered, lips finding mine once again in the narrow space separating our bodies. But this time, I didn’t allow myself to get carried away by the sweet sensations of warmth and love, and I retreated even further back as I glared at him.

“Don’t do this,” I warned him, but before he could say another word, we both startled at the rustling of the grass from the direction of the party, revealing Prince Changbin as he gave us both a knowing look.

“This is hardly the time for these interactions,” Changbin said, and I could feel my heart skyrocket because he might ruin everything.

“What are doing here?” Felix asked, attempting to stand taller as he narrowed his eyes as his older brother.

“I couldn’t help but overhear,” Changbin said, tsking as he brought himself closer to us. “And I’m disappointed in you, Felix. Because I thought you already knew that I planned to ask for Y/N’s hand in marriage.”

“What?” Felix exhaled, and even I could hardly believe the nonsense coming out of Changbin.

“You didn’t know?” Changbin gasped, and it was obviously meant to be mocking. “My poor little brother, he’s hardly allowed to know anything around here.”

“Stop!” Felix growled, taking an intimidating step towards Changbin. “Tell me what you intend to do.”

“Perhaps I want to take the Mage for myself,” Changbin threatened, circling around Felix and I with calculating eyes. “Father will be pleased if I ask for her hand.”

“She’s mine,” Felix snarled, and there was a vicious anger sharpening his features. “You will never lay a hand on her.”

“Is that so?” Changbin asked, and he seemed unusually pleased with himself when his eyes found the place where Felix’s hand was holding mine. “We’ll see about that.”

The remainder of the evening passed like a shadow, and I hardly remember anything else after returning to my room. I was shaken by all of my encounters with the Princes, and I fell asleep much faster than usual in an effort to escape those problems in my dreams. But much too soon, I was woken up again by a gentle hand shaking my shoulder.

I blinked open my eyes, finding Anna standing over me. “What is it?” I asked, noting her troubled expression.

“The King demands your presence in the throne room,” Anna said, greeting me with a sheepish look. “He sounded...tense?”

I shivered at the description, wondering if I had done something wrong. Or, even worse, if Changbin had told his father about my rendevous with Felix at the edge of the pond? How we kissed under the moon while Felix declared his affections for me.

I shook my head at the thought, thanking Anna before getting dressed because it was never a good idea to keep the King waiting.

Under any circumstances...

But I could hardly stop my feet from dragging across the floor as I walked in the direction of the Throne Room, stumbling in my steps as I thought about all the potential things the King could tell me. Especially when I paused outside the door and could hear so many voices speaking from the other side. “Calm down,” I whispered to myself, pushing open the doors and immediately attracting every eye in the room to my person.

“Ah!” the King announced, and I was somewhat relieved when I realized that he was smiling. “There you are! Come up front for me. I have a very important announcement.”

“Of course, your grace,” I said, and I tried to ignore Felix watching me with that intense look as I knelt down on the floor in front of the King.

In actuality, most of the King’s sons were standing in the room, along with so many unfamiliar faces who were watching the drama unfold. It was somewhat humiliating, even if the King’s announcement worked in my favor. But I was cautious as I stood there, trying to appear more put-together than I felt.

“Stand for me,” the King said.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, and I returned to my full height to meet the King’s curious gaze.

“Well, I suppose I can understand,” the King said, and I was confused as he turned to address the rest of the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, my son Changbin, at his own discretion, has chosen to wed our dearest Castle Mage,” the King announced. “And he has my blessing in full support.”

I faltered in my confident stance, feeling the entire room sway around me. “Sir?” I whispered, but it wasn’t loud enough to be overheard over the ensuring chaos.

Instead, there were immediate murmurs and whispers filling the Throne Room upon the announcement, and I watched from the corner of my eye as Felix stormed past the guards in a dramatic exit. Meanwhile, multiple pairs of eyes were looking in my direction, and I was trying not to sink under the weight of their judgement. They were probably wondering why someone with my status had been given such an exclusive honor, but there was no answer to give them in return to satiate their curiosities.

Or, they were like Chan and Minho, standing with their other siblings while wearing two completely different expressions, but they both conveyed their mutual dislike for the King’s announcement. For example, Minho’s scowl was enough evidence for his underlying anger, and there was a slight hint of betrayal somewhere in his eyes, wondering why his younger brother beat him to requesting my hand. And then there was Chan, the picture of someone who was entirely conflicted, staring at the King with an tense gaze like he wasn’t quite sure how to react, but his first instinct was to presume the worst.

“We shall try to conduct the ceremony as soon as possible,” the King concluded, and he remained opposed to the rumors running rampant through his court as he joined his guards at the door.

And I was left standing at the front of the room, surrounded by hostile voices, meeting Changbin’s gaze as he offered me a sinister smile.

For the remainder of the day, I kept to myself and avoided everyone else who lived inside the Castle. The decision was for my own sanity because I knew that anyone who might choose to confront me would only create even more unnecessary stress. And that was the last thing I needed.

Thus, when the moon rose in the sky, I made my way back to my quarters after an entire afternoon of wandering the gardens and attending to my regular duties. I was feeling better after spending time away from the others, and my mind was pleasantly refreshed in that moment, listening to the sounds of my footsteps against the cobblestones.

It also seemed like most of the Castle occupants were also giving me space, and I figured there would be no further disturbances. Which explained my surprise and confusion when I stumbled upon Seungmin’s bride sitting alone in the empty corridors.

“Princess,” I said with a nod in her direction. “Might I ask why you’re wandering the halls so late at night?”

“It’s Seungmin,” she whispered, refusing to meet my gaze. “I can’t find him.”

“Really?” I asked, eliminating the remaining space between us. “When did you see him last?”

She sighed, shaking her head with a disappointed look. “I guess it doesn’t matter.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because he doesn’t love me,” she replied with fresh tears. “He can do whatever he likes.”

“Nonsense,” I declared. “Seungmin has an obligation to you as your husband.”

“No he doesn’t,” she said with a shaky tone. “I thought I could convince him to love me, but he’s resisted every step of the way.”

“Then that is his fault,” I said. “Because, as far as I can tell, you’re perfect for Seungmin.”

“I wish he felt the same,” she said. “It would make things easier.”

“Perhaps he can after a while,” I said. “Give him time.”

“But it’s so hard,” she whined. “There isn’t any reassurance that he’ll change his mind, and I can’t keep pretending that I’m happy.”

I sighed at that, realizing she was right. “You should never feign your happiness,” I agreed. “However, there’s no chance you can give up at this point, so please allow me to find him for you.”

Rose looked at me with a curious expression, but she simply nodded in response to my request. “Okay.”

“Return to your room,” I said. “Hopefully, this won’t take long.”

And I waited until Rose had complied with my orders before turning my sights to the gardens once again. Because Seungmin had a preferences for the orchards, and I figured that I might find him amongst the hedge mazes seeking reprieve of his own.

But at least the gardens were peaceful at this time of night, and I enjoyed the cooler air as I tried to locate Seungmin. How stubborn could someone really be considering all that had happened? I could understand resistance at first, but would it make a difference in the long term?

“There you are,” I grumbled, stepping deeper inside the complicated maze because I had spotted Seungmin’s familiar dark hair against the endless green of the vegetation. “Seungmin!” I yelled, and the young Prince immediately paused when he heard my voice. “What are you doing?”

I could see his shoulders lift up and down around a sigh. “I’m just walking.”

“I can see that,” I said, placing one hand on his shoulder. “But shouldn’t you be inside with your bride?”

“Why?” Seungmin scoffed. “So I can pretend to be her husband.”

“Seungmin,” I said. “You are her husband, and there’s no leaving the arrangement.”

“It’s bullshit,” Seungmin growled. “I don’t even love her, and she only thinks that she loves me.”

“Really?” I questioned him. “Then why is she wandering the Castle looking for you?”

He hesitated at that, searching for an explanation. “What?”

“She loves you a lot,” I insisted, looking at Seungmin with a severe expression.

“It doesn’t matter,” Seungmin replied. “I can’t return her affections. I wasn’t the one who demanded our union.”

“But you’re the one who can make the most of it,” I said. “Seungmin, like it or not, you’re married. You can’t escape that responsibility, but you can learn to accept it sooner rather than later. You can lead a good life, and have lots of children to continue your lineage.”

“Is that all that matters?” Seungmin said. “Having heirs to rule the Kingdom?”

“No,” I said. “However, the road you’re on is up to you to decide, and the one you’re treading right now is very dangerous.”

Thunder rumble in the background at my bold claim, and even Seungmin was shaken from his despondency. “Y/N-”

“Stop,” I interrupted him. “This won’t help change your future, and I refuse to let you ruin something that could be so good.”

“It’s not what I wanted,” Seungmin repeated, and I remembered Hyunjin’s cautious warning that his little brother was stubborn to a fault.

“At least stay with her at night,” I said. “She doesn’t deserve to be left alone searching the Castle for you.”

“I guess so,” Seungmin begrudged, and I rolled my eyes because the young Prince would be difficult to break.

After ensuring that Seungmin was safe in his quarters, I thought that I could return to my room. However, that idea was quickly abandoned when I spotted Felix and Changbin walking in my direction. But before they could notice me, I darted back around the corner, peering around the wall to watch them enter Changbin’s quarters.

The situation was suspicious, and I couldn’t resist the temptation of following them to stand outside the doors, holding my breath as I listened in on their conversation. “You want the girl?” I heard Changbin begin. “That can be arranged.”

I shivered when I realized that they were talking about me, and I waited for Felix’s response with bated breath. “You’re despicable,” Felix growled. “You planned this from the beginning to manipulate me.”

“It took you long enough to catch-on,” Changbin said. “How else was I supposed to secure my little brother’s alliance?”

“I am allied to nobody,” Felix declared, but Changbin laughed in response.

“Well, you might change your mind when you learn that the girl of your dreams is contingent on helping me,” Changbin replied.

“What do you want?” Felix asked.

“I’m glad you asked because I’ve been planning this since Minho’s ceremony,” Changbin said, and I could practically hear his arrogance. “I’m planning a coupe to take the throne.”

Felix was silent in response, and I resisted the urge to intervene because there was a threat against the one I was meant to serve. “What are you going to do?” Felix eventually asked.

"First, we’ll have to wait for that old fool to die. Anyone with eyes can see that his health is failing. Then, we get rid of Minho, and I take my rightful place on the throne.”

“You?” Felix chuckled. “What makes you qualified?”

“You doubt me? Over yourself?” Changbin snorted. “Do you really think the people will sit aside and let a misfit like you lead their nation?”

Felix was rendered silent once again, and even I recognized the truth in Changbin’s statement. “You’re seriously planning to overthrow Minho?”

“Of course,” Changbin said. “I deserve it more than him. It’s been my destiny since I was born.”

“Who told you that? Your mother?”

“Does it matter?” Changbin returned. “It’s my birthright, and I need the support of my brothers if I want to succeed.”

“Changbin,” Felix said. “This is very serious, and the King already doesn’t trust me. Why should I risk everything for you?”

“Because, when I’m King, I’ll give you and the Mage my blessing to be wed,” Changbin replied. “I have no interest in the Castle’s Mage. Our current arrangement is only a formality - a placeholder for you.”

“Fine, but I want your word,” Felix growled. “She’s mine, and I won’t stand for anything to hold us back.”

“Of course not,” Changbin purred. “I swear on my life, Felix. You and the Mage get your happily ever after, and I will fulfill my destiny.”

I swallowed hard at the proposition, holding my breath and waiting for Felix’s response. “I will help you then,” Felix agreed, and my entire being was crushed at the admittance of his betrayal.

Thereafter, I was running through the Castle’s corridors, eyes blurred with tears as I tried to escape from the wickedness surrounding me.

I should’ve known better when it came to Changbin, and I had severely underestimated Felix’s interest for me. The two brothers were planning the downfall of their own father and brother, and I was feeling torn apart because I couldn’t possibly see myself hurting Felix, but the idea of betraying my duties to the Castle?

I shook my head at the thought because the entire foundation of my purpose at the Castle was falling apart beneath my feet, and I almost felt weightless without that purpose grounding me. But what was I supposed to do about Changbin and Felix? Could I forgive myself if I stood aside and allowed the plot to unfold? Where did my loyalties exist if the entire royal family was split in half?

The questions were numerous, and I almost ran into Jeongin in my haste to escape to my quarters. But the younger was only startled for a second before his eyes lit with recognition. “Y/N,” he said. “I’ve been looking for you.”

His eyes were full of sadness, and I wiped away the final reminders of my tears because I wasn’t sure if he needed comfort. “Is something wrong?”

“Y/N,” Jeongin said with glistening eyes. “Ella is dead.”

#stray kids fanfic #skz fanfic #felix fanfic #lee felix fanfic #stray kids imagines #skz imagines #stray kids series #skz series #stray kids scenarios #felix imagines #felix scenarios #mostlycompetent

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pythosart · 5 years ago

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A BUNCH OF LOUS Some demonic force possessed me to try and make a guide to all 700 of my AU Lous. My brain is too busted to let me pay attention to my other ocs so I guess all 3% of my creative energy capacity goes toward iterating on this one. And guess what, I cherish them ALL Short bios/AU explanation under the cut (oops it’s long)

ORIGINAL FLAVOR BLADES LOU: Lou as initially designed, though some aspects of their backstory and personality changed as I got to know them through roleplay. Halfway through the story they took a kinda edgy turn and got deeper into cult stuff and afflicted with a worsening vampiric condition. Right before we ended the game for good, they had just died and come back as a full on, undead vampire.

Fae AU: The first AU, that kinda started it all. Stemmed from a cultist dream thing in Blades, where Lou was the prey in an Erlking-style nightly hunt. In the fae version, they’re a sylph changeling and the only child of a fading fae queen. Their arc in this deals with them struggling with their humanity and nearly succumbing to the soul-sucking influence of their mother, before ultimately restoring her “humanity” and saving themself THROUGH THE POWER OF LOVE Cult AU: Kinda started as a Blades offshoot, coulda shoulda woulda AU where we play with ideas we wish we could have tackled in the game. Quickly became its own thing, set actually on Earth in the Prohibition era (but low magic urban fantasy) Lou is French and was rescued from the middle of a WWI battlefield by Aphotis, a goddess whose own cult had just been massacred. She was as desperate for a believer to sustain her as toddler Lou was to not die. They escaped to America as refugees and Aphotis raised them as her own, and as her caretaker and dirty-work-doer in her quest to regain power. Along the way, Lou was (perhaps intentionally) introduced to an infectious piece of a primordial god, that gave them some shapeshifting abilities at the cost of rapidly draining the life from them and twisting them. Aphotis works to keep them alive, while keeping a memory-wiped copy of them (created by this parasitic god piece) around to do her bidding. This isn’t two instances of Lou, it’s one Lou with two bodies. Same person. My personal story borrows a lot from this AU as well as my character Esther’s old story Mary Sue AU: Initially a joke exercise to write intentionally terrible fanfic (as if Dom were writing about their friends in Blades) that of course became its own thing. Lou is obviously a vampire, with most of the traditional vampire rules and weaknesses. Their Tragic Past gimmick is that they were staked in the heart while still living, as bait for their vampire queen mother. It worked, she turned them postmortem, and as a result they are much weaker than a typical vampire. They also suffer a curse to stay within the bounds of their family’s ancestral castle, which has since become a prestigious university. They also become a fluffy black cat-bat thing either at will or when too weak to sustain a full sized body. Their line of vampires usually turns into cats, but Lou is a fuckup Pirates AU: Pretty straightforward. Lou is called June in this one, and is the mutinous first mate of Captain Inkblood (Cookie), who totally does it for attention. Their secret is that they became a pirate to dodge student loan debt. Stayhome AU: “Blades, but what if the formative incident for your character never happened” Lou never gets caught by the Governor’s program to round up street urchins and send them to work-school, and instead ends up working on a shrimp boat. They never develop the world-weariness and scheming nature of canon Lou, instead devoting their intellect to learning everything about shrimp, shrimping, and shrimp boats. Insert Forrest Gump scene. Eventually their crew gets captured and ransomed by pirates, but no one ever pays up for Lou, and they end up pretty happily living with the pirate crew Western AU: Gee I wonder why this big city doctor picked up and moved all the way out here to the frontier, it couldn’t possibly be because they’re running from the law. Narrator voice: They Were. Lou is a terribly unethical doctor with a reputation for experimenting on patients, and a taste for arson. After getting chased out of town and blacklisted all over the west, they find themself joining an outlaw band, as their doctor. Here, they start to learn compassion and humanity and not being a total bastard... ...until they somewhat accidentally burn a particular bounty hunter’s face off with a firebomb, and she carves them up in return. From here on, their arc is a test of their learned compassion and breaking a cycle of bloody revenge. Horror AU: Starts off as a classic summer slasher movie, with Lou as a college student with a bunch of shitty “friends” destroying a campground and partying until they draw the local monster’s ire. The monster (Dom) kills several of them, kidnaps Lou after Lou hides their fear behind sass and clearly isn’t like the destructive campers. Lou learns more about the monster and even starts to warm up to them, especially after discovering they can boss the monster around. Lou successfully escapes but runs right into a horror swamp where a nasty worm zombie pukes worms into their mouth and infests them. As the infestation progresses and nearly kills them a few times, Lou learns that the worms are intelligent and actually adore their host, and also that they can be bribed. By the end of their arc, Lou has mostly achieved symbiosis with their worms and avoided becoming a zombie,. They eventually must face off against the monsterified Queen of the Preps, Tiffany, who was similarly infested but never achieved that symbiosis. Minecraft AU, no really: Lou was a skilled tailor, and a total workaholic. Their ambition netted them a contract for a huge order of clothing for a duchess’s wedding on an extremely tight deadline, and Lou, knowing this could make them for the rest of their life, poured everything into it. They worked themself literally to death, dying of sleep deprivation. Distraught, this unfinished business drove them to make a devil deal of sorts to keep working, and they were granted this undeath, for a price. They slowly became more and more like a Phantom as they worked, never sleeping, and feeding on the dreams of those who do sleep. By the time they finished and emerged to present their achievement, they were monstrous and were chased out of town. From then on, they had lost their passion for their craft, and wandered the wilderness, sneaking into towns at night to feed on dreams, and fighting to retain their humanity as they become more and more phantom-like. Anyway I love this one so much I might make them their own non-minecraft character LotR AU: Lou is a hobbit, entrusted with the destruction of a certain magic ring. Unfortunately, they are much more corruptible than one Frodo, and early on abandon their fellowship, driven by paranoia the Ring has been growing within them. They run into a feral Mirkwood elf raised by giant spiders, and a giant orc raised by a Beorning farmer, and the three of them embark on a weird little Ring Quest of their own. TBC AU: Lou is a quiet, social outsider high schooler, with a bitter hatred for bullies and a knack for really disproportionately nasty “pranks” directed at said bullies. Too smart for their own good and with a taste for theft, Lou is a straight-A student who has been arrested for carjacking before. They end up as part of the Blackout Club after discovering their adoptive mother’s involvement with the Chorus, and out of sheer curiosity about the secret goings-on under the town. And in no small part for free run to break into houses and smear chili oil on the hands of sleepers who inconvenience them, because Lou is a bastard and has yet to learn empathy. Which, as usual, is kinda their arc here. Make friends for the first time in their life, learn empathy, get sucked into the orbit of a fairly nasty god/Voice, classic Lou stuff AND THAT’S ABOUT IT

#my art #lou #blades in the dark #why have many characters when you can have one

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hoffkk · 5 years ago

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Done Wasting Time

A Brightwell Fanfic

Story By: @hoffkk

Prompt: Gimme a question to start, and I’ll give you a brightwell fic that ends in a kiss!

Question given: Do you want to get out of here?

Summary: Malcolm is reminded by a recent case how unpredictable and short life can be. So, during a romantic walk through Central Park, he decides he's done wasting time and that forever starts now... or once Dani answers this one little question. Hopefully, Malcolm gets the answer he's looking for.

**********

“Do you want to get out of here?” Malcolm asked. It had been a long two days as they worked the murder of a bride killed the day before her wedding. The groom was gutted, going on about how he had wasted so much time, waiting to be promoted before proposing in order to give his love a better life and the wedding of her dreams. He had thought they had all the time in the world, except they didn’t. Malcolm found the whole thing completely tragic, and now that the case was solved, he was itching to get out of the precinct and spend some alone time with his own love. Dani and Malcolm had been dating a little over a year now, and every day was better than the last. Not to say, they didn’t have their issues. They had bad days along with the good ones, but they learned to lean on each other and talk out their feelings, especially after tough cases like this. So, when Dani said sure and suggested they take a walk through Central Park, he was happy to oblige.

Entering Central Park West, the couple walked arm in arm, making their way aimlessly through the park toward Cherry Hill to admire the Cherry Blossom trees that were now in full bloom, signaling spring was officially here. The sun was beginning to set and the air was crisp and cool this evening, so there weren’t too many people ambling about. That made it much easier to relax and enjoy the multitude of pink and white flowers that surrounded them. Every so often a light breeze would sweep through, stirring the trees and giving off a sweet scent that smelled of lilacs mixed with vanilla.

Dani inhaled deeply and commented, “I love the park this time of year.”

“You know you said that this past winter and the fall before that.” Malcolm noted.

“What can I say? Central Park is extraordinary in every season.” She shrugged.

“There is something magical about it, isn't there?” He asked rhetorically, taking in the sounds of the birds chirping and how the sun's golden rays gleamed softly through the branches of the foliage around them, emphasizing the radiance of the woods that lined their path.

The conversation lulled as the couple walked on, enjoying the serenity of an evening walk. Eventually, they happened upon the Cherry Fountain, flowing with life and effervescent with excitement, then moseyed past it and down another pathway across the way that was lined with more cherry blossoms, azaleas, and forsythia. The latter was Dani’s favorite. She had a thing for yellow flowers. They could cheer up any person and brighten up any room like little pieces of handpicked sunshine. After a few more minutes, the couple found themselves at Bow Bridge, a brilliant piece of Grecian architecture made of cast iron. Every other bridge in the park was made of stone. This one was different. Yet, somehow, it fit in and made sense in the middle of this great park. That’s why Malcolm loved it. He knew what it was like to be different, yet somehow fit... with both the team and with Dani. That’s why he made a point to visit this particular bridge every time he came to Central Park, and this time was no different as he walked Dani halfway across before stopping and taking in the view. Staring out across the lake, he noticed a single boat floating along, heading toward the city skyline that seemed to extend above the trees in the distance. The buildings were bathed in the glow of the sunset, a striking mixture of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows swirling through the clouds. Malcolm raked his eyes over the scenic sight and sighed contentedly while Dani muttered, “It’s so beautiful.”

Turning to look at her, Malcolm took in the glimmer of the sun radiating against her bronze skin as a breeze lightly tousled her curls and replied, "Yeah, it is." Slowly, he moved his gaze back to the incredible view in front of him and proceeded to enjoy just how perfect this moment was.

A few seconds later, Dani looked over at him and admired the blissful smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. She couldn’t help but blurt out curiously, “What are you thinking about?”

“The city.” Malcolm answered, still staring out into the distance. “There are 8.4 million people in this city, and somehow I found you.” On the last word, he turned to meet her eyes then finished, “That makes me feel pretty lucky.”

“I’m feeling pretty lucky too.” Dani replied then, after a moment, elaborated, “After all, you trusted me enough to let me in.”

“Yeah, well, you didn’t always give me much of a choice.” He reminded teasingly.

“It’s called tough love, Bright.” She quipped. “And believe me, you needed it.”

“No. I needed you.” Malcolm corrected, face completely serious. “I still do, and I always will,” Then, taking a deep breath, he added, “which reminds me, I have something for you.”

“Really? What is it?” Dani asked curiously.

Malcolm didn’t reply. Instead, he unlinked their arms to reach inside the front inner pocket of his jacket. Then, with a little flourish, he dropped to one knee and held out... a lollipop.

“Really a lollipop?” She queried. Malcolm did always have a flair for the dramatic, but this seemed a bit much. Even for him. I mean, it was just a piece of candy.

“Look again.” He said softly, the corners of his lips quirking upward once more.

Glancing back at the small sucker, she noticed it was a lemon lime Dum Dum. That made her think back to an old case of theirs where Malcolm gave her the same lollipop. It was the first gift he ever gave her and still sat on her desk at work. The memory made her smile. However, this one was different. There appeared to be a silver band around the wrapper. Then, as Malcolm slowly rotated the lollipop to reveal the other side, her smile fell. Dani was stunned as her eyes zeroed in on a two carat, emerald cut diamond, twinkling in the light of the setting sun.

“Malcolm, what—“

Cutting her off, he shrugged and grinned nervously, “I’ve always been a sucker for you, Dani. I’ve even been sucker punched by you. That’s just how amazing you are. You comfort me like no one else can but also aren’t afraid to smack me back into reality when I need it. Most importantly, you taught me that being myself is okay. From the very beginning, you never judged me or mistreated me because of who my father is or because of the trauma I’ve been through. You’ve always believed in me, been proud of who I am, and given me the love and support that I needed, first as a friend, then as my girlfriend, and now, I hope, as my fiancée... because I love you, and I’m done wasting time. I want to love and support you in return, not just for now, but for the rest of my life. So, Daniella Aurora Powell, will you marry me?”

Dani, who stood there still looking a little awestruck, beamed back at him as she nodded enthusiastically, “Yes. Yes, I’ll-

Instead of letting her finish, Malcolm hastily rose to his feet and pulled her flush against him, kissing her more passionately than ever before. It was short lived though due to the distracting applause from the pedestrians that happened to be nearby. Pulling apart somewhat abruptly, they glanced around, and Dani couldn't help but giggle while Malcolm’s cheeks changed color to match the local flora. Distracting him from his embarrassment, she eagerly held out her hand. Understanding Dani's signal, Malcolm lifted the lolly and carefully slid the engagement ring off of the candy and onto her finger. A rush went through him as he stared down at Dani’s left hand, seeing the ring in place. Then, high on excitement and drunk on love, Malcolm kissed her again, this time much sweeter and a lot longer, relishing the feel of holding his fiancée in his arms.

After a long moment, Dani pulled back to catch her breath and let her hands rest on Malcolm's shoulders. Using one to delicately brush a stray hair out of his face, she took in his euphoric expression and said, “It’s nice seeing you this happy. It's a good look for you."

"Yeah, well, If I look as good as I feel, then I must look like the happiest man alive." He asserted. "and I don't see that changing anytime soon... or ever."

"I'm glad to hear that. After all, you know what they say," she retorted cheekily, "Happy life, happy wife."

Malcolm's heart fluttered at her last word. He loved the way that sounded. So much so, that rather than correcting her on how the expression actually goes, he implored softly, "Say it again."

"Say what?" Dani returned, having a little fun with him. "Happy? Life?"

"Dani," Malcolm warned then more tenderly added, "please?" followed by a gentle kiss to the side of her neck.

The contrast of his warm lips on her skin in place of the cool air that had been there a second ago, made Dani quietly pull a sharp intake of breath through her lungs. Then, quickly collecting herself and gazing back into his sparkling cerulean eyes, she whispered, "Wife. I can't wait to be your wife."

With that, the flutter became a whole field of butterflies roaming his chest who only flew more erratically as he stroked her cheek with his thumb and replied, "And I can't wait to be your husband."

Once more, they shared a warm smile before, once more, sharing a kiss, a lingering, toe-curling kind of kiss. Not wanting to make a scene in the park, Dani ended the kiss sooner than either of them would have liked. Then, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, she and her fiancé made their way to the nearest park exit, anxious to tell their friends and families the good news.

My Fiancé. My Husband. Dani thought to herself as she looked over at her hand that both wore the diamond ring and held tightly to the green lollipop. Then, shifting her glance to Malcolm who continued to exude joy with every step, she smirked. Yeah, she couldn't definitely get used to using those words. A lot.

#prodigal son fanfic #prodigal son #brightwell fanfic #brightwell #malcolm bright #dani powell #proposal #engagement #romantic #fluff #fluffy #fluffy fluff

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namjoonchronicles · 6 years ago

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beautiful, tragic | yoongi

✿ pairing: yoongi x you ✿ genre: domestic, yoongi as a husband, fluff, suggestive content, slight smut ✿ words: 4k ✿ summary: it’s hard sharing your musically talented husband with the world, and this is your story.

Stay home. He says. Watch the house. He says.

You’re stuck, scrolling idly on your phone with your drama on Netflix long abandoned on your 85” Sony LED Screen, equipped with the sound system that would surpass Dolby Surround System if it ever went on competition with each other.

Apart from the boring international celeb news, who broke up and who got divorced, the politic scene is too awry for you to read and you were not prepared for that headache so early in the day. One particular headline caught your attention, though.

Billboard Judge, Music Producer Min Yoongi Purchases USD$3M UN Village Villa In Cash.

Excuse me, what?

Screenshot. Clicking the home button on your phone, you tapped on Kakao Talk app next and ignored the messages from your ex-classmates group that has mounted to 120 unread texts and straight to ‘Fish’ ID.

You had sent him the screenshot of the news clipping, and proceed to multi-text him the following:

????????? Why wasn’t I informed?? Yoongi. What did I tell you about purchasing things without a proper discussion? Behind my back?? The nerve?? Bitch, square up when you get home. I also have watched five episodes without you. Fuck you.

Delivered. The anger had made you toss your phone to the side on the couch. This stupid huge ass house he is never in. You grind your jaws, glaring at your wedding picture on the top corner of your wall. And he dares to buy another one. You can hear him whispering a silent fuck from the distant. Fuck--is quite right, Yoongi. Your phone dings a new message in less than twenty minutes. He had machine-gunned you with replies that your phone had trouble keeping up with. You crossed your arm, scoffing at the sight of his name blinking on your screen. Oh, now you want to call me.

Volume : 70%, 75%, 85%. Netflix show has dimmed the sound of his calls and desperate texts.

He just never learns, does he? You’re starting to feel like he feeds on these little arguments like ginseng soup--has to have it when he’s unwell or deprived of something. Now that’s something you didn’t share with him. Yoongi’s work prevents him to be home as often as he’d like, requires him to befriend sketchy men and women with hidden agendas, they also constantly separate you and him--all this, you know and understood from the beginning. But like flying kites, when kites with strings tend to stray too far, and stretched too long, it snaps. Especially when you’re the one at the end of the string, holding him down to earth with a promise of a golden ring, always the one waiting for his return. When the blizzards come, the storm arrives, you gripped tighter, but there’s no guarantee that he felt the tug even if he should.

Here lies his expertise on words. Here lies the test of loyalty. Here lie your trust and his devotion. Love is a gamble, isn’t it?

It was supposed to be a surprise :( I wanted to take you there when I come home, but the news spoiled it :( :( Good news is, it’s not fully furnished and we can go furniture shopping… I know you love decorating the house :) I’ll forgive you if you watch the same 5 episodes with me later Babe? :( :( You’re still fetching me at the airport right? Right, sweetie?

He sends a screenshot of his expected arrival time, and you skimmed pass the message with a blank look. You tap the camera icon and took a selfie of your middle finger.

Fish was immediately typing…

OK, but it’s difficult with jeans on.

You gawked as you realized that he was talking about fingering you. You snarled against the screen and tapped video call button.

But it was declined. And he replied immediately.

Can’t. In a crash meeting with the staff.

You put your phone close to your lips and tapped voice recording icon. And Yoongi knows better than to play it in the midst of a meeting. You’re roasting him and for that, he’ll keep for his lullaby on the way to the airport later with his good headphones on. He gave a goofy smile on the screen when you replied with middle-finger emoticons. “God, I love her…” he stares fondly at your ID.

Flight JN1741 from Amsterdam arrives at Incheon International Airport on 2:00 PM. Passengers begin to rise from their seat before the ‘fasten-your-seatbelt’ sign was turned off. Already, Yoongi’s massive entourage are receiving calls within the moving but landed airplane. His staff is dependable but workaholics, like he is. He was just worried that his wife won’t show up because she’s mad. But he’s also certain that she will be there at the arrival. He likes that you make him nervous this way. He likes that he could mean everything to the world, and has his words as law to others, but won’t necessarily have the same effect on you. He loves the fact that you keep him on his toes and make him chase. He also loves the fact that he knows you’ll be waiting at home where he left you as he works.

Loving and having are different things.

Yoongi of all people knows the constraints of having a serious relationship in his hectic life will be hard to manage. When he couldn’t meet his lady love, he relies heavily on her profound loyalty and his blinded trust. God knows that both of you tried. Both of you really tried to keep the passion alive, never to fizzle out. But distance could make or break a relationship--and Yoongi really wanted this. This battleground he chose to live in. He was lucky to have the best of both worlds. Most couldn’t experience that. To him, the game is only over when the other stops playing.

A conversation is a conversation, even if its a fight.

He refastens his black facemask, his black hoodie and stood up as the manager asks him whether he needs a ride home or not. The 40-year-old man walks away once Yoongi said that his wife is fetching him.

“Also, hyung...can you bring the iKey to the Apple Store I bought it in? It had malfunctioned again. I left the warranty card inside the pack,” Yoongi politely asked. “Every single time we leave Amsterdam… Yoongi what did you do with it?” The manager pulls the bag out the compartment above the head. “Work I guess…” Yoongi shrugged and fiddled with the straps of his black backpack.

Most of the passengers had left the airplane. But before Yoongi leaves with his manager, something metallic clinked on his sneakers. His manager crouched down before he did and picked the object up.

“Can’t forget the ring when you’re meeting the wife...take it from me,” his manager returns Yoongi’s ring to him. “It keeps slipping out my finger, I think I’m losing too much weight,” Yoongi chuckled short and put them back on with a small wiggle. “VIP arrivals that way…” His manager pointed the way out, “Tell her we missed her around.”

Yoongi nodded, feeling rather bashful and shy. That’s right. You used to work in his entourage as medical staff. Until he had you hitched and away from the stressful job that costs you your mental health. Now, you review staffs’ health records from home and frequently, his. You fell sick prior to the world tour he led, so that’s why he had you staying home. Not that you tailed him often when he works. He just prefers you doing your own thing. His work requires a lot of movement while you had to be static in one place to finish your writing or reading. You were that hot white coat bearer with a sexy full-rimmed glasses and spoke medicine parseltongue. Every time you share a piece of medical knowledge with him or explain a medical condition, Yoongi drools like a lovesick puppy dog inwardly. He can’t wait to have you explain liver cirrhosis everytime he brings up how much he drank when he was away. That was his version of dirty talk.

But where’s my lady love? Yoongi hums. Scanning the room for any glimpse of you. Could you be standing nearby a coffee vending machine, or would you be in convenient stores searching for a mint? Or are you strolling idly in the expanse of the airport in slow, relaxed strides?

No, you’re walking straight towards him with your arms crossed from the entrance, your hair flew back at every trudge you make to close the distance between him and you. He fumbles with the strap of his bag, and a bit slouched to the side. Having to push his head back to see your face from the beak of his black cap and hoodie, while you draw in, closer and closer.

Your hand came in contact with his at the handle of his roller bag first, before you leaned up to his ear and he lowered himself down, “You and I have a lot of things to talk about.” You snatched the roller bag from his grip roughly and Yoongi watched your back getting smaller and smaller as you stormed away. He pouts at the sight and gripping his bag strap tighter, firmer. You passed an acid glance once and expect him to follow closely with a glare. Yoongi’s pouty lips slowly form a smirk and a naughty cock of his eyebrow. He really enjoys it when you’re angry.

The trunk opens with a hydraulic rise, and he helped you carry his own bag inside. It slammed shut and you dashed to the driver seat, knowing that he is often exhausted after a long flight. Engine purrs on, and your focus was interrupted by the sound of his seatbelt clicking. He’s here. He’s really home.

“Do you want to eat anything? Some fast food or anything like that?” You asked. “Yeah, but she’s driving…” He glanced outside the car window like he had said nothing explicit.

“Ha, very funny…” the car reversed and exited the parking lot with no hiccups, but the situation isn’t going to be smooth on the inside, “Don’t think that snarky remarks will get you anywhere near this coochie.”

Yoongi let out a tiny scoff to the window, shifting in his seat as the view of the city he calls home, come to sight. Miraculously, he has made it home within a month. Although the reunion was bittersweet and that he landed on soil knowing that you’re mad at him, he is well-informed by your passive behavior when you missed him the most. That much is true. And it needs no extra explanation.

How was Amsterdam?

“Cold. Great sound system… decent steak,” he answered. You smiled to yourself, noticing how much you missed his aloof response. Few words, big heart. That’s Min Yoongi for you.

“I think I made a great steak a few days ago…” you took the chance to brag on yourself and Yoongi switches to the side where you sat driving. Hands between his knees, eyes doe and soft.

“Tell me more about what you did…” he said, in a gentle voice.

“Nothing much. I proofread a medical article, cooked for myself, write a bit, stare at the 2 selfies you took last two years. Sniff your hoodie, organize your shoe collection, vacuum GeniusLab2, visit Holly at your parents. I made him this cute ass leash that I knitted on my own. He had stomach flu, so I took him to the vets. He’s okay now, though.”

“I wanted to video call more, but I didn’t have the time…” Yoongi complaints.

“You don’t remember?” You crumpled your face at the road before glancing briefly at him. You could see Yoongi’s confused expression. Head tilted to the side, his mouth opens and closes several times without a word uttered out. He really didn’t remember.

“Baby bear, you called me twice in a drowsy state…” you offered a line of explanation but the contortion on his face suggests that he requires more, “You drunk video call me to tell me you had a sandwich and fell asleep before you could tell me what was inside… Three days after that, you called me again but you were already snoring when I answered.”

“I don’t recall…” he hums.

“Anyways, whatever… that’s cute though. Also, this 3 million villa you bought, what’s the story?” you snapped, at the same time, you turn at the corner of the city smoothly.

“It’s not a penthouse like you said I shouldn’t get, so technically, I didn’t go against your words,” he sang. “How on earth did you carry 3 million in cash?” You scowled. “With many briefcases,” he retorted with a thin smile.

You pressed your lips together to stop yourself from laughing because you wanted to be focused on being serious and mature. But the quick reply had you snickering. Such a matter-of-fact answer. His face lights up at your response.

“You said that we’re going to furniture shopping. Do you even have time to do that?” you stopped at the security cottage and flashed your residence card on the pad the divider retracts open.

“I knew you were going to make a dispute out of it. So I made sure Namjoon allows it,” Yoongi laced his fingers together, and made a dark chuckling sound.

“What did you do to him this time…” you felt uneasy already. The last time he wanted a day off, Yoongi hid Namjoon’s passport so the trip could be delayed for a day or two. He purchased a movie on Netflix and wanted to watch it with you.

He simply gave you that creepy smile and you already know.

“You put laxatives in his drinks, my god.” “It is my most brilliant plan of all.” “Yoongi!” “What...he said he was constipating. I am doing him a favor.”

Why wouldn’t he constipate from the amount of caffeine he had been consuming. You thought.

Everyone’s definition of success is different. Everyone’s definition of married life is also different. The married life you shared with Yoongi was entirely on a different level. There are no guidelines for marrying a music producer this world famous. So you focused on being a wife. If everything else in his life isn’t normal, then being married is.

The moment he steps inside the home he shared with you, you noticed he stifled a yawn. His eyes falling droopy at the sight of his long sought after nest.

“I’m going to get a late lunch going, and you can go lay down on the bed in your indoor clothes…” “No, I want to help in the kitchen…” “Look at your eyes, they’re barely open… go rest.”

But he wanted to unpack because he got you something.

“It’s a cross-stitch table runner…” he lays his head on his palm, curled on his side, watching your big grin as you unravel the precious gift. He remembered that you wanted to buy this the last time you were there. He got the correct design and correct color too.

“You got them custom-made,” you gasped excitedly, and then shrink your voice at him, “Thank you...it’s so pretty.” Pulling the runner into a hug while Yoongi chuckles sleepily.

Yoongi was less interested in his stories and more engaged in yours. All his relatives that he can call strangers because they rarely meet, his family members that have seen you more than they’ve seen him. He silently is grateful for you being here, being the glue between his family and close friends, an invincible knot that keeps him grounded and gave him the sense of belonging.

He drifts mid-through your stories and latest gossip. As you sat on the floor next to the bed, unpacking his luggage one-by-one, you no longer hear his response. You glanced to the side and saw him sleeping soundly. You could only imagine how many hours he could when he’s away in a foreign country. Yoongi somehow can appear to be sleeping but is in fact, listening to all the conversations surrounding him. You and he share that talent. But this time, he slept for real--the energy replenishing, body rejuvenating sleep. There’s soft snorings and little shudders from time to time. Your gaze fell from his fringes to his brows, down the slope of his nose and his doll-like lips.

Last clothing to be unpack looked familiar. It was yours. That’s endearing. He always packs one clothing that belonged to you. You know, for when he ‘misses his wife so much he could die’ moments. You don’t know when he snuck them in, but it’s probably when you’re busy at the living room, or the bathroom, making sure he didn’t forget anything. The luggage is taken away from the bedroom and into his home studio, where it stays until its service is required again--which you suspect, won’t be long.

You slid the blanket above his shoulder, and tuck him in like you would a child. He looks so tired and it breaks your heart that he has to leave again. It’s like a cycle. At least you can see him eat today, with your own eyes, so let’s get started with the lunch.

Nothing extravagant. Just broiled spinach, fermented white baby radish from last week, and warm chicken soup with ginseng to help him re-energized. But he isn’t awake yet. That’s alright, you can reheat everything when he’s up. He still needs his much-acquired sleep. With that thought, you disappear into the bathroom and undressed. Sweating from cooking, body sticky with remnants of watery expels urged you to shower before the sun is completely down. You don’t usually shower this early, but with Yoongi around, you felt self-conscious. He doesn’t know this, but you will always want to smell nice for him. Isn’t that the very core of being a wife? Being extra hygienic for the hubby? To keep him interested? Especially Yoongi, because he is constantly away and accompanied by many attractive females?

You discarded the dampened shirt outside the door of the bathroom and swung it shut as gently as you can. Off goes the bra, then the panties. The shower head expels drizzling liquid, the steam floats up to the ceiling and the glass door get fogged up from the heat. Water pools at your feet as you readied your face underneath the shower to come into contact with the sprinkles. The pleasure of a simple shower after a good sweat is ultimately unmatched.

So endorsed in your time alone, Yoongi pushes the door wider. He had come awake when he heard you turned the knob shut. He discarded his pants on the way, and pulled his black shirt over his head, charging forward like a soldier on his way to a battleground he intends to win. Then he discarded his last piece of clothing, his boxers. Afterward, he trudges into the shower cubicle where you were standing, facing away from him. “You thought I was too tired for a shower session with you?” His voice deeps lower than usual, as he snakes one arm around your naked waist, skin to skin, Yoongi sunk his teeth on your shoulder and you turned around wearing a big smile to greet him. “No I thought you wouldn’t be able to handle any sessions with me…” you smartly replied. Yoongi smiled into the kiss that began innocently enough and gradually increase in intensity and power as the seconds passed. Your arms slick against his shoulder as he held on palm flat on the walls of the shower, he stands directly underneath the shower head now--refusing to let go of your lips even when you tap out for a breath. A seasoned rapper’s lung capacity isn’t a shy away from a Navy diver. Provided with the long abstinence and accumulating want, Yoongi isn’t just going to stop here in the shower, best believe, he is going to continue making love to you in all the rooms available in this house until he’s finally sated.

His handprints on the fogged glass door is significantly larger than yours. The slippery sound of sliding skin filled your ears, and your strangled moans could only suggest an impending euphoric sensation you had longed for, since the last time he’s here. And Yoongi is a determined soul. The thrusts are languid and deep. From the way he buried his face in the crook of your neck, eliciting heavy desperate pants implies that he had been imagining this on his lonely nights for too long. His touches were too precise and calculated, coming from a veteran lover who knows his wife’s body like the back of his hand. Yoongi’s glazed orbs that greeted you in the midst of the steamy love-making, felt foreign yet familiar. But his lips that conquered yours right after the heaty glance was definitely, without a doubt, Yoongi’s. The time apart had made him a stranger to your body, and the passion that almost fizzled out from the distance had reignited to another degree.

“Fuck I miss you,” he breathlessly says against your ear. You didn’t stutter or faltered back into the lust like you used to when you first dated him. Instead, you smiled into his confessions and bit your grin--no longer shy to show how much you love having these moments with him. More, you encouraged him with your touches and sweet mewls.

I like the whispers you added at the end. She says.

No matter what the public critic might say, Yoongi’s only verdict comes from his wife. His true achievements and outcomes of his work rely heavily on what you may say. But your words can be sarcastic and Yoongi doesn’t like having to guess what you truly meant.

“You always say something like that…” “I don’t know what you want me to say,” you shrugged as you scooped out a bowl of rice for him, “I like the whisper part and that’s the truth.” “How many times did you listen to it… be honest,” Yoongi took his bowl from you.

You tipped your eyes up to the ceiling and clicked your tongue. Somehow Yoongi caught the expression.

“Are you serious…” he began, eyes following you as you pulled the chair next to him out, “Okay, fine. Do you listen more of Jimin’s Promise or my collab song?”

You added a long hum, not intending to give him the answer he wants to hear. “Technically, Jimin’s Promise came out first--”

“--don’t talk to me,” he darted.

Instinctively, you covered his knee with one palm, to soothe him. But of course, Yoongi wouldn’t let you console him that quickly.

“I spent nights writing that song while touring… Am I asking too much of you, to just listen to me more than you do Jimin’s, but no. Ultimately, I’m always the second choice for the industry AND my wife. Fine, I don’t care...I don’t want to care anymore. I worked so hard to earn money for you to spend, and all I’m requesting is that you be my harsh critic but you’re apparently too busy to listen to my songs. Hmm, I see how it is.”

“To even things out, you never told me you’re releasing a song…” you shrugged.

Yoongi set his chopstick down, clinking while you continued eating.

“To top it all, you watched dramas without me,” he tipped a glass of water into his mouth like he would a cup of soju, “Our drama.”

You knew he is just picking fights with you because to him, a fight is also a conversation.

“Gosh Alexa, this is so sad, play Seesaw,” you exclaimed with a forlorn sigh, “What do you propose I do? Wait for you until you come back? The second season would have begun by the time you returned, Yoongi… You have cities to tour, fans to meet and stages to check, and what about me? I have this house, Netflix and the chili plant outside. You’re being a little mean to me right now… my priorities aren’t always you, you know.”

Yoongi was deafened by the last sentence you said, that he couldn’t hear the rest of the off-topic conversations you promptly added after it. You didn’t seem to notice that you’ve hurt him. That’s the inspiration behind his rap verse ‘my razor tongue wife with a stone in her hand’. He likes that you’re honest and has trained you to be tougher, but the blade he sharpens strikes him once in a while when needed. He doesn’t apologize, he makes amends with his actions. He tries to be ultimately present when he’s here. When he’s home.

Like now, he sat on the floor, with a writing pad while you washed dishes.

“Turmeric powder. Can you check if it’s on the grocery list?” You raised your voice a little so he could hear from the living room. He puffed his cheeks with his cap turned backward, scanning down the awfully long list of things you needed to get for the family dinner this weekend.

“Nope,” he writes them scraggly underneath your neat writing. Then he heard you listed a number of things and gifts you planned to get before the weekend comes. Presents for your parents, and his; his nephews, his older brother’s birthday that he himself didn’t remember, a flower bouquet for his aunt who just opened a restaurant. He made a mental note to transfer a large amount of money into your account later.

“Is the villa far from here?” you asked him, wiping your kitchen stove down, spotless. “Not very… you’ll see when you drive there later,” Yoongi murmured to his chest, filling colors on the heart he drew on the grocery list, next to “Yoongi’s wife grocery list”.

“Also, I wanted to get grilled beef slices in that restaurant…” Yoongi promised to take you to the restaurant you had been wanting to go to, in two days time. Until a message from his manager came.

“...it would taste so damn good…” your mouth waters at the thought of it but when you looked across the counter at Yoongi perplexed gaze sitting on the floor there in the living room, you somehow caught what he didn’t, or rather--couldn’t say. That look could only mean one thing.

That the luggage you pushed into his studio is going to get another traveling sticker. That the restaurant trip is not going to happen. That you will be strolling aimlessly in this huge house. That you will be visiting the villa he bought alone. That your wedding picture and ring will be the only proof that you’re somehow married.

To the worldly loved, worldly known...the beautiful tragic, Min Yoongi.

Because he couldn’t keep his promise, you had him doing something similar to it. Peeking at his bobbing head, through your iPad playing Candy Crush, you smiled to yourself.

“Make sure you get all my toenails trimmed and neatened,” Yoongi lifts his head up short, sitting on the floor, with your heel digging onto his thigh as he nodded. “What color do you want for the polish?” He asked, getting cross-eyed as he hones the sharp edges of your nail, shorter.

“Your hair color right now…” “Babe, this is out of context…but” he dragged, “remember the voice note you sent me during the crash meeting with the staff?”

“The one I cursed at you? Yeah...why?” “It turns me on,” He hides his smile by lowering his face from you. What a strange yet tantalizing thought.

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atoastbw · 6 years ago

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After two days of tears and emotions, I’ve finally managed to find the words to describe how I feel about the ending of Endgame. (SPOILERS AHEAD)

I just wanted to say that I have never sobbed as much as I did in this movie. I have spent the last two days crying every single time I think of the conclusion to Steve's story. Even now, as I write this, I'm tearing up.

But they aren't tears of sadness. They're tears of pure, unfiltered happiness.

When they showed a senior Steve, that was when I broke down into tears of pure joy, because I knew immediately that Steve Rogers managed to live a long and happy life. One that he always wanted.

It took me a second to realize that it wasn't an old actor, but it was in fact Chris Evans, just aged through make-up and post-production editing. I cried harder then, because I have always loved Chris Evans, and to see him as this older Steve just affected me on a whole other level.

He tells Sam that "I thought I'd try grabbing some of that life Tony told me I should get." That made me smile through the tears, because it means that the conversation at the end of Age of Ultron pays off, that it wasn’t just offhand comments. And on a shipper level, I’ve been a hardcore shipper of Stony since the first Avengers movie, so to hear Steve mention Tony's name, to know that he had taken Tony's words to heart and went on to live a good long life, made me so, so happy.

And then of course, there's the shot of his wedding ring. I don't why that affected me so badly, because I already knew from the beginning of the scene that he returned to Peggy, but when I saw the ring, another flood of tears just came.

Finally, the last scene of the entire movie, where we see Steve finally having his dance with Peggy. It was this scene that utterly killed me, and I literally could not stop crying. There was, and still are, no words to describe how happy I felt when I saw them together. I almost missed the credits because I was crying so much that I could barely see the screen. To see him have this life with Peggy, to see him live the life that he has always wanted, is the best ending I could have ever asked for.

I know a lot of people didn't like it, or feel that his outcome and Tony's should have been reversed, but for me, I was completely satisfied with this version. I know many people have discussed about it on this site, but I think Tony being the one who dies is fitting because Tony himself would not have wanted it any other way.

His nightmare in Age of Ultron was that everyone around him died while he didn't. So imagine if that happened in Endgame, imagine if Steve died and Tony lived; he would have hated it, he would have blamed himself. And I think it's important to note that Tony has always been shown to be unable to properly distance himself from being part of the team and from the action. Even in the five years that's he's been away from the rest, he built a suit of amour for Pepper. Even Pepper herself knows that Tony cannot stand aside and do nothing. So if he was the one who survived and continued living, he will never be able to get the peaceful life that he wants because of this constant inability to stay away. Yes, his death is heartbreaking as hell, and I cried like a bitch when it happened, but I think Tony wouldn't have wanted it any other way. When Pepper tells him "You can rest now", we know that it is for real, and as tragic as it, because Tony and Iron Man are one and the same, Tony can only truly, finally rest when he is dead.

And I think while it is unfair that Tony cannot live the life with his family that he wants, he would be beyond happy that the rest of the world gets to, including Steve. So, when Steve mentions that it is because of Tony that he goes back to find Peggy, I feel so satisfied because it shows so plainly the real impact Tony had on the world, especially on Steve.

Steve deserves his happy ending. After everything he has been through, to see him living a domestic life with Peggy, I felt completely content with that final scene. And even though Stony will forever be my OTP, I have never forgotten that Peggy has always been Steve’s first love, and I’ve loved Peggy for everything she’s done, so to see her finally together with Steve brings me nothing but happiness.

So, as much as Endgame is about Tony, the movie is just as much about Steve. To me, the movie is really about their relationship and how both of them find the peace they’ve been looking for for the past decade.

Am I sad that Steve Rogers will no longer be Captain America? Of course.

Am I upset that we will most likely not see Chris Evans or Robert Downey Jr in another MCU film? Obviously.

Do I wish that none of the original Avengers died and they all went on to retire and live peaceful lives? Who doesn’t?

But at the end of the day, as the conclusion to 11 years worth of story building and character development, I still genuinely enjoyed the ending of the movie. Yes, the movie is not 100% perfect and not without its faults, but I think Endgame gave us not the ending that we wanted, but the ending that we needed to say goodbye to the two biggest superheroes of our generation.

#avengers endgame #endgame #endgame spoilers #endgame spoiler #Steve Rogers #Chris Evans #captain america #tony stark #Robert Downey Jr #Iron Man #stony #superhusbands #stevetony #steggy #peggy carter

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wanderingtrash · 7 years ago

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Careful

Careful. Sometimes the most seemingly innocent have the baddest minds.

A/N: INCLUDES MATURE CONTENT. NOTE THAT THIS IS PURLEY FICTION

Masterlist

* *

Detective Robert Cassey had seen some crazy things in his life. Being a detective lead you to that path. He was never scared of a challenge. Never really backed down of an on going investigation.

So when a small town in England. Homles Chapel. Started having a spree of murder cases. You bet Robert Cassey was on the scene.

For the past months. Older gentlemen, of a higher status started ended up killed. In their own homes. All of them were shot in the back of the head. A fatal shot that killed instantly.

The worst part of the whole case was that the killer had made sure to leave to evidence behind. No fingerprints. No bloody shoe marks. No hair left behind to identify them.

Nothing.

So when Robert was left with a dead end he decided to go around the neighborhoods that took near the lastest murder amd investigate.

A few weeks back the body of Cameron Phylinski had been found. He was a successful owner of many bars around the area. Had been busted for drugs a couple of times. But with money and resources he had managed to get away from any serious trouble.

He had no known enemies so it was another lost case. Just like the rest.

Robert had been to three houses in the current neighborhood he was visiting. Asking them questions to see if any would spill anything or had seen anything. But no one did.

Which lead him to the fourth house. A big white house with a garbage and a well mowed lawn. The house of Dr. Styled and his at home wife (Y/N). Two people respected by everyone in their neighborhood. Prestine people that had many friends and family.

People that looked like they could do no harm.

Robert pulled up by the sidewalk which was close to the Styles household. He didn't want to seem intrusive as they weren't expecting him. As Robert took a breath and turned off his car with a twist of the key. He got out of his car and held his sweater closer to himself. His badge in his pocket.

He locked his car with a press of his car button and walked up the driveway. Mr. Styles' Black Range Rover was there. Meaning he was home. It was only 5:50 so the two were probably nearly about to have dinner.

He brought his hand up to knock on the door. When he did he looked around the and saw regular things. Like a mat that said welcome in cursive letters. That stood under his feet.

His head snapped back up as he heard voices from the other side. The door knob twisted open and he was met with the warm air of the house and the smell of a roast cooking. (Y/N) styles stood on the other side of the door with a smile. Her hair was tied in a bun and she was wearing a white blouse and a pair of skinny jeans. Her wedding ring sparkled against the artificial light of the house. Detevive Robert could admit that she was a beautiful woman for sure. Around the age of 27. She was innocent looking for sure.

"Hi, how can I help you?" She spoke as she eyed Detective Robert.

Clearing his throat he pulled out his badge and raised it to her. "Detective Robert Cassey. I'm here to ask some questions regrading the murder of Mr. Cameron Phylinski." He spoke plainly to her.

(Y/N)'s eyebrows raised and she nodded. "Ah yes. The druggie that lived in the next neighborhood. I heard about him." She spoke with a grin. That was rather unsettling to Robert.

"Please come in." She opened the door wider and allowed Robert to step in. The warm air of the house was a relief compared to the harsh cold one from outside.

"My husband is in the kitchen. Follow me. Im assuming you want to talk to both of us yes?" She said walking to the kitchen infront of him.

Robert looked at the pictures that were all over the walls in the corridor that lead to the kitchen. There was some of Mr. Styles and (Y/N) and some of family members Robert could guess.

As he entered the kitchen Mr. Styles sat on the oval shaped dinning table with a book in his hand. A pair of black glasses on his face.

"Harry sweetie. This is Detective Robert Cassey. He's investigating the murder of Cameron Phylinski. The club owner that lives-" (Y/N) stopped herself with a small giggle. "Lived. In the neighborhood away from here." (Y/N) finished. She went to the stove and stirred the food she was cooking. Leaving the two men to speak.

"Harry Styles." Harry said placing his glasses on top of his short brown hair. He put his hand out for Robert to shake. Which he did.

"Detective Robert Cassey. As the missus said."

"Please take a seat."

Robert sat down and a feeling of nervousness rose to his chest. Something he hadn't felt in a very, very long time. "I'm just here to ask some questions."

"Of course." Harry nodded. "We're willing to answer anything you have to ask."

"As you know many murders have been taking place around the area. Have you two ever seen any peculiar activity from any neighbors?" Robert said pulling out his small notepad and pen.

Harry shook his head. Looking at (Y/N) as he did so. "I can't say I have. Have you dear?" He addressed (Y/N)

"I have not." (Y/N) said shurgging. "I doubt anyone has. The killer has been very discreet in his work hasn't he Mr. Cassey?"

The tone of her calm voice made him feel not at ease. But he decided to ignore it and continue.

"I'm sure Mr. Phylinski was probably a name to talk about around the area. Do you know any people or have heard of any people that might have targeted him?" Robert continued.

"You know Decetive." Dr. Styles spoke up. "There seems to be a pattern of the men being killed yes? Business men. Business men are power corrupted people. Of course they're going to have people targeting them. Especially ones that have been hurt by these people."

Shaking her head (Y/N) crossed her arms and frowned. "What a tragic thing to say hmm? People corrupted by power. Have saddening that corruption leads to dimise."

"Sad indeed." Harry added nodding.

"Yes. I assume that would be a factor." Rovert said scratching his head. Truth be told. He hadn't really thought of that.

"Did you know Mr. Phylinski personally? Or maybe have any interactions with him?"

"Dear God no." (Y/N) laughed. "We don't associate with people like that." She said walking over behind Harry's chair. Her hands placed on his shoulders.

"Associate with people like what?" Robert asked with confusion.

"He's a criminal no? He's been busted for drug use and so. Word had it that he was involved in the black market as well." Harry stated relaxing in his wife's touch.

"Really? And was this a rumor or is there actual evidence?" Robert questioned taking notes in his notepad.

Shaking his head Harry continued. "I'm surpised you didn't hear. Police raided his home months before his death. Illegal gun purchases I believe."

That comment intrigued Robert more.He decided to take a break from his questionsing. "May I know where your bathroom is?" He asked in his thick British accent. Standing uo from the dinning chair he had been sitting on.

"Of course detective. Let me show you were it is." (Y/N) offered walking towards him. Harry picked his book back up and shot his wife a small glance. She took her place in front of Robert and lead him around the corner.

"Right in that door." She pointed. A voice of seduction was laced with her words. Something that guilty made Robert's pants tighten a bit.

"T-thank you." He stuttered.

"Can I just say Mr. Robert. How a fine man you are." She said stepping closer to him. She was quiet. Robert guessed it was so Harry didn't hear her. "Taking the time to find this killer so we're all safe." She stuck her finger out a ran it along his jaw line.

Robert's breathing quickened.

"I just want to thank you on behalf of all of us."

"Mrs. Styles, I-"

Pressing a finger to his lips (Y/N) smiled at him. Her red tainted lips were so daunting and Robert couldn't stop thinking of how a lucky man Harty was. Having such a beautiful woman to keep his bed warm at night.

Robert didn't notice how (Y/N) kept a hand behind her back. Was too busy focusing on her to notice.

"I'm pretty aren't I? I saw you looking at me when I opened the door. Tell me. Was it my hair? Or perhaps my figure?" She tanuted him.

Her hand was now making it's way down the tent that formed in his pants.

The feeling was so good and such a thrill. That before Robert knew it (Y/N) had planted a syringe full of a unknown liquid in his neck.

Robert's eyes shot open and he coughed as he fell to the floor. (Y/N) still pressing the syringe full of the toxin in his system. He slid down the wall and felt his eyes get heavier. His sight darkened. But not before he heard Mrs. Styles' soft voice speak to him and Harry's slow foot steps come to the hallway.

"Oh Detective." She mocked. "Didn't you know?"

"Lust is a corruption too."

#harry styles imagine #harry styles one shots #harry styles fanfic #harry styles au #harry styles #harry styles criminal! au #harry styles imagines #one direction preferences #one direction imagines #one direction one shot #1d preferences #1direction #1d

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acsversace-news · 7 years ago

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Warning: This recap of the “Manhunt” episode of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story contains spoilers.

From the beginning we’ve known that Andrew Cunanan fancied himself a man of finer tastes. Even while on the run for a murder spree, he still took the time to purchase just the right Wayfarer knock-offs or order a surf ‘n’ turf meal from a wealthy john. Did Cunanan wear just any old bathing suit? Nope, it was magenta Speedo all the way. And when it came to rat-infested, crumbling junkie motels, you better believe Cunanan asked for an ocean view. Yes, even the lowest of human existences can leave room for glamour.

“Manhunt” continued last week’s premiere with even more backstory of where both Versace and Cunanan had been in their respective lives before the titular assassination. And like last week, it took what everyone knew about the case (from sensationalized tabloid coverage mostly) and filled in the gaps with new facts, genuine insight, and arresting beauty. Let’s talk about it!

We began with an unrecognizable, anonymous man in disguise.

Underneath this ingenious, identity-concealing ensemble was none other than famous fashion designer Gianni Versace. But this costumed ruse would be for neither heist nor romp. No, he was at a clinic receiving bad news about a blood test he’d recently taken. And while this episode was careful to keep things vague, this scene, added to a later scene in which he could barely walk unassisted, was meant to suggest that Versace’s life had once been threatened long before Andrew Cunanan ever pointed a gun at him. You can probably guess what the illness was. But as a reminder, the ’90s were an especially bad time for a specific group of people.

Versace’s diagnosis played heavily into this episode’s central concept. That he’d been able to fight off his illness using state-of-the-art medicines, he’d slapped the grim reaper across its tacky face, and he’d begun to embrace life as only a formerly dead man walking could. Which, as Donatella Versace noted, made his later murder all the more devastating.

But death comes for us all, even those who can afford to have their facial bullet wounds spackled over and their cremains laid to rest so fabulously.

Even when reduced to several ounces of ash, Versace still flew first class. Honestly touching.

We then cut over to Andrew Cunanan, who was currently speeding on the freeway scream-singing “Gloria.” Which, we’ve all done that, and in my case nearly every day. “Gloria” is one of the greatest songs of all time. As we quickly discovered, Cunanan was only just arriving in Miami, so this act of free-wheelin’ joy came after he’d murdered his first four victims. Yep, he was now murder-jazzed, and it was time to spread his brand of awful in a beach community!

Cunanan showed up at the dingiest motel with the most beautiful oceanfront view in Miami. It was clearly a faded stucco hell pit of junkies and, well, other serial killers I’m guessing. Between the presence of a junkie Max Greenfield and a duct-tape gimp mask, this was like if American Horror Story: Hotel had been crossed with Miami Vice. Into it.

Meanwhile the FBI had arrived in town around the same time, but this local Miami detective lady quickly realized they were terrible at their jobs and had not tried particularly hard to catch this gay spree-killer yet. They hadn’t even made any copies of his “Wanted” poster! And as we’d learn later, citizens were ready and willing to report a Cunanan sighting, which made it all the more frustrating that the FBI had been so slow to spread the word. (Thank God for America’s Most Wanted.)

As you can imagine, Andrew Cunanan made fast friends with junkie Max Greenfield, and after a heartfelt scene in which Greenfield’s character talked about his HIV diagnosis, the two schemed openly about how to make quick cash and/or buy some junk to smoke. An enterprising liar and conman, it was almost charming that Cunanan still resorted to turning tricks sometimes. I guess that was easier than, like, check fraud or whatever.

So, sex work for local lonely hearts was now on the menu! Congratulations, Miami fellas!

Except, whoops … there was the pesky fact that Andrew Cunanan was a total psychopath. Which meant that this john’s simple request to be dominated led him to finding himself suffocating under a face full of duct tape and terrorized within an inch of his life while Andrew Cunanan danced around the room in a pink Speedo.

Yeah this was one of the most disturbing scenes I’ve seen in a Ryan Murphy joint, but the terror was effective. The disturbing vibe continued even afterward, as the terrified john sat watching Cunanan finish a lobster meal, waited until Cunanan left, and then debated whether to call 911 and report the assault. Alas, the wedding ring he placed back on his finger suggested why the crime ultimately went unreported. Again: The ’90s really sucked.

But enough darkness, it was time to remember what made Versace famous! In this scene, Donatella urged Versace to change things up and compete with his more goth-inspired competitors Galliano and McQueen, but Versace made clear that he was in the business of joy and beauty and life, especially now that he had his health back. Donatalla couldn’t help but see his point.

And credit to this show for not only producing a convincing fashion show (with convincingly Versace-ish looks) but also even casting a runway model who resembled Shalom Harlow to play Shalom Harlow! Miss her. Come back, Shalom.

As though we needed more evidence that Andrew Cunanan was unhinged, we got this cute scene where he smoked tons of drugs, then went to the bathroom for some quiet time. In this case quiet time involved wrapping his head and face in duct tape and also admiring the intensely insane serial killer wall he’d created in the bathroom:

Yeah, I think we’d recalled Cunanan as being an out-of-control party boy or whatever, but this series has done a lot to prove he was insane in a scary and singular way. Just a bad-time-guy lookin’ for trouble.

We also got glimpses into the romantic life shared by Versace and his lover, Ricky Martin (as himself, jk). And though their lifestyle of hooking up with men together and going to the clubs was nothing they were ashamed of in their private life, we could sense that the straight world would never understand their situation. Versace himself doubted that his partner truly loved him enough to want to be married (which … gay marriage? What a futuristic concept in 1997!), yet they still were clearly everything to each other. It would be romantic if we didn’t know where this was all heading.

We then got another classic Cathy Moriarty appearance, in which we saw the incident when Cunanan sold a stolen coin to her at her pawn shop and she remembered it enough to contact the police after the shooting. And again, she’d even glanced at her collection of “Wanted” posters before making the sale, underscoring again that the authorities’ slow-to-act tendencies toward gay crime had almost directly led to Versace’s murder. But at least we can all continue to count on Cathy Moriarty when we need her!

I loved this brief scene when a drag impersonator of Donatella showed up at Versace’s manor and demanded to come in and hang out. He was polite enough about it, noting that one Donatella in his life was enough, but still. She DID look fun to hang out with. I probably would’ve let her up.

That night, Versace and his lover went out to the local dance club Twist, and Andrew Cunanan followed them there, presumably to shoot him right there in the club. But Versace ended up ducking out before the encounter happened but not before his lover informed him that even at night, even amid opportunities to be around other men … he still chose Versace and wanted to marry him. Again, except for the line of strangers behind them and the bad ’90s techno wafting in the air, this was an incredibly touching and romantic moment. These two.

Inside, a clearly dejected Cunanan was approached by a random hottie, and he responded by having a borderline meltdown in which he listed all the different fake occupations he’d ever pretended to be. Including, of course, serial killer. But while the random hottie had no reason to think Cunanan was being serious about any of them, it was a chilling notion that someone who had spent a lifetime lying about his accomplishments was now going to try to make a name for himself in a more tragic and gruesome way. Ugh, he was the worst.

“Manhunt” functioned best as a continuation of last week’s introduction to the story and setting. And like last week, it relied on visuals and physical performance more than written dialogue, and was just as spellbinding. Tense, funny, emotional, and troubling all at once, this is a fascinating world to explore and I can’t get enough. Obviously it’s a dark story and doesn’t promise to get any lighter by the end of it, but I can’t help myself. That this is even on the air (and executed so perfectly) is enough to give someone a new lease on life. How very Versace.

#acs versace #yahoo #recap #review #article #2.02 #january 2018

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scaredofrobots · 7 years ago

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The Best Mans Speech

For anon. Letters to Evans Universe. As always @elanev91 checkin my commas before I wreck myself on ffn

Sirius Black fucking LOVED weddings.

Especially when his best mate was marrying his other best mate.

Sirius knew as soon as James exclaimed “ “A. GIRL! EVANS IS A GIRL?!?!” James Potter would marry Lily Evans.

It took for fucking ever though.

Sirius sat through months of angst before they even got together.

He helped Lily plot the most ridiculous surprise where she could snog James’ brains out.

He sat through harrowing days of “choosing the perfect ring Padfoot”.

He sat through every single bad proposal speech James prepared and played the role of Lily 15 times “for practice, Padfoot”.

He made it through setting every single rose petal on the path to the room where James would propose.

He contained himself from yelling “FOR FUCKS SAKE JUST ASK HER” as he crouched beside Remus in the closet during the proposal.

Through every single color scheme discussion.

Through every single catering argument.

Through awful cake tastings and through every single fucking dress Evans tried on (127 to be exact and Evans looked totally perfect in every single one).

And when fucking finally James Potter had asked him to be best man he felt like all his trials and tribulations had been worth it.

Because he, one Sirius Black, would get to make the best man's speech.

When they were seven, Lily and Sirius hosted a variety of complicated weddings after being the ring bear (Sirius misheard and everyone went with it) and flower girl for Lily’s cousin. They played a variety of roles but Sirius’ favorite was always the best man.

At Lily’s cousin’s wedding, the Best Man's Speech was the absolute best part of the entire wedding. Sirius remembered the whole day rather fondly. The ceremony was short- which was convenient because the bear suit was bloody hot and he had to stand still and quiet the entire time while Evans ignored him trying to make funny faces at her.

Then they had what felt like hours worth of photographs. Evans had to remind him several times, “They’re muggles the pictures won’t move- so stand still you baboon”

“I am a bear,” he argued- every time.

When the torture of the pictures was over- they moved to the reception. Sirius was relieved when he was able to take off the bear costume and eat some food. He and Evans danced and played with the other children. Until the speeches.

They heard the sound of a fork hitting a champagne glass and the speeches began. The maid of honor gave some weepy speech that made the bride cry, but then the best man took the stage.

It was hilarious. He told jokes, he told stories, and he made the entire reception hall laugh until they cried. Sirius had never seen something so beautiful.

Therefore, whenever he and Evans reenacted a wedding, he always got to do the Best Man's Speech. He had done many speeches for their fake weddings, but he knew this one- the real one- had to be absofuckinglutley perfect.

Evans, however, seemed worried.

She first broached the subject at her second dress fitting with a badly disguised, “So Sirius, how is the speech coming,” as the seamstress left the room

He shrugged it off and said, “Haven’t started.”

Lily narrowed her eyes at this, “Bullshit. You’ve been dreaming about this since you were the ring bear”

“You’re not really going to let the Weasley twins be ring bears are you?” Sirius scoffed

“Yes and they will be cuter than you were,” she huffed, turning to look at the back of her dress, “but stop deflecting. You cannot make your best mans speech about how we met!”

“What,” Sirius asked affronted

“You’ve got to find a new hiding place, Sirius. It’s been the same since we were 5,” Lily responded and then added, “does this hit my hips ok?”

“Prongs will wet himself. I’m almost attracted to you and well-“ he gestured vaguely, “But why were you going through my things?”

Lily rolled her eyes, “because I know you. I read...draft 13? I believe? Our origin story? Really that’s how you remember our meeting?”

“Yes those two vindictive little hooligans were attacking me…” Sirius started, but was interrupted

“The Ashley and Rebekah Incident is not our origin story,” Lily demanded

Putting a hand to his chest and inhaling deeply Sirius said, “You wound me. I know our origin story.”

Lily shook her head, “I’m sure you do, but The Ashley Rebekah Incident is not it”

“It isn’t,” Sirius demanded

“No! Now I’m going to get out of this dress and we’ll finish this argument over firewhiskey at my flat like normal and I’ll owl James to pick up curry,” Lily said and gestured for Sirius to hold up the train as she walked back to the dressing room

“Fine,” he whined, “But can we do gin and dubbonet instead?”

Dress returned to the seamstress for alterations, gin and dubbonet picked up, they made their way to Lily and James’ flat.

After arguing about the proper proportions for the cocktail, “But Queen Elizabeth doesn’t do it that way Lily!”

“Queen Elizabeth is a weak punk, Sirius. 50/50 is more delicious,” Lily retorted.

After winning the cocktail argument, Lily had to allow Sirius first storytelling rights on how they met.

“You’re going to be wrong,” she argued, “the Ashley Rebekah incident started after we were in school. We met before then!”

“I am not speaking about the time those harlots told us we were being too loud Lily! Although, that is how we discovered you were a witch. I still can’t believe your accidental silencing charm lasted a week,” Sirius responded

“Yeah well fucking call me loud see what happens,” Lily huffed and then took a sip of her cocktail

“Remember when they told you were being dramatic at that neighborhood Christmas party when we were 15,” he goaded her on

“YES! I fucking do! But they were being monsters and spoiling Star Wars. What kind of-”

“Evans. Focus. We hate Ashley and Rebekah. We know this. But I have to tell you our origin story,” Sirius explained

“I know our fucking origin story Sirius, we met on the playground and you were hiding behind the trees because you pissed your trousers and I carried a bush in front of you the whole way home so Ashley and Rebekah wouldn’t see you and make fun of you.”

“ALAS,” Sirius proclaimed in his lawyer voice, “THAT IS THE VERY BEGINNING OF THIS TALE, but that tragic event only spiraled into THE GREATEST FRIENDSHIP OF ALL TIME”

At this point, the front door opened and James Potter entered with several bags of take away curry.

James took one look at Sirius’ position and said, “Oh God, what is happening?”

“We are discussing the origin of my friendship with the soon to be Mrs. Potter,” Sirius gestured enthusiastically

“You mean when you pissed yourself and Lily protected you from some mean girls?” James asked

“NO!” Sirius exploded, “That twas only the beginning! I will continue once you’re settled Prongs”

Lily and James exchanged a look. James sighed, went to the kitchen to set down the curry and poured himself a drink. Once he settled next to Lily -Sirius began to pontificate.

“ONE DAY….Not too terribly long ago, one sad little Sirius Black ventured with his uncle to the local playground in order for him to try and make some friends,” he started and set the scene, “It was a sunny day. Full of promise and hope.”

Lily rolled her eyes so dramatically here Sirius stopped short, “Evans. Knock that shit off.”

Lily gestured for him to continue and he did gleefully.

“Well poor little Sirius Black was chubby and had trouble with his speech, so making friends was no easy task. His uncle encouraged him to approach two little girls who were playing on the swings. Sirius did that and was miraculously allowed into their game. He was so excited when they asked him to play hide and go seek he forgot that he was, in fact potty trained,” here Sirius had to stop talking because James Potter was giggling so hard tears were falling down his face

“DAMMIT PRONGS THIS IS TRAUMATIC AND YOU NEED TO STOP LAUGHING AT MY PAIN,” Sirius yelled

“Sorry, mate, I’ll get it together,” James swore solemnly.

“Good. Now- little Sirius was hiding behind the bushes when the accident happened. When he was almost discovered by the two girls his pride would not allow him to be seen with wet trousers so he called for help. A fiery redhead happened to be climbing in the tree near the bush and she descended and took pity on him. She waltzed over to his uncle and told him what happened and then protected him from humiliation by carrying the very bush he hid in to his house. But that is not how our friendship truly began,” he started to continue but was interrupted.

“YES IT IS” Lily bellowed, “That is how we met.”

“Tis true, fair Lily,” Sirius started, “but when we arrived at my house you called me a baby and told me ‘I can’t be friends with fat babies that pee their pants’”

“Holy shit I did,” Lily amended

“Yes. And I vowed I would never be friends with such a meanie,” Sirius continued, “but then we forged our friendship as many friendships are formed over a common enemy”

“Oh my god,” Lily started

“Yes-” Sirius told her

“THE FRUITCAKE INCIDENT!” they announced in unison.

“I hate when you do that,” James interjected

“I forgot about the Fruitcake Incident,” Lily said

“I, too- blocked it for a long time. It was one of the worst days of my life,” Sirius began

“Ugh- mine too. What a tragic day that was,” Lily told him and reached for his hand

“How the fuck are the two most dramatic people in the world the two most important people in my life?” James asked

The glares thrown his way shut him up, “Sorry, not dramatic...unlucky people who have survived much tragedy.”

“Damn right,” Sirius stated

“So the fruitcake incident?” James prompted, praying this would be over quickly

“Right well, young Sirius Black was dragged to the neighborhood Christmas party and forced into socialization with children his age. He was very nervous and worried that-”

“OH FOR FUCKS SAKE-” Lily interrupted, “We’ve already sat through one of these. We both got dragged to this terrible Christmas party and were dared by Ashley and Rebekah to steal, and then eat, an entire fruitcake each. Of course neither one of us can say no to a dare, so we did.”

Sirius continued, “Naturally it became a contest to see who could eat it the fastest. Lily and I tied. But Ashley and Rebekah didn’t eat a fucking bite.”

“Meanwhile, we started to get sick feeling because fruitcake is disgusting and we’d already eaten a ton of sweets before dinner,” Lily continued

“So we did what any normal child would do,” Sirius added

And then in unison, “We vomited all over Ashley and Rebekah’s new Christmas jumpers.”

“And then we were grounded for the rest of the holidays.” Sirius finished cheerfully

“How did that make you mates?” James asked bewildered

Scoffing, Lily answered, “Well obviously we were set up by them to vomit on them and then get grounded. So we made it our mission to take them down. And discovered we were actually well suited for each other. I apologized for calling him a baby and the rest is history”

“Anyway, Evans, that's the story going in my best man’s speech,” Sirius announced

“NO!” Lily demanded, “No bodily functions at my wedding. We don’t need the ring bears getting any ideas.”

“Remind me again why we aren’t having ring bearers- is the ring bear a muggle custom or-” James asked for the hundredth time

“No- but it is important to me,” Lily argued back again, “Sirius- I am vetoing draft 13. Try again”

Sirius started to argue but James told him, “I too veto this draft 13, I don’t think I can sit through either of those stories again.”

Over the next few months, Lily discovered and vetoed 8 more drafts of Sirius’ best man’s speech.

The argument for draft 17 was “You cannot in detail describe what sexual position you walked in on me and James trying out a year ago”

Draft 19 was “Sirius. This isn’t about you and Remus. I mean your first kiss is really sweet but what has that got to do with our marriage.”

Draft 20 “THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO ADMIT YOU ARE AN ILLEGAL ANIMAGUS PUBLICALLY SIRIUS”

Draft 21 “Sirius. So help me God. We swore to NEVER tell anyone about the time we went to jail.”

Draft 22 James had vetoed on the grounds that they had sworn to never reveal the secret to taming the giant squid.

Draft 23 Sirius had hidden in a new place and had announced the speech, “FINISHED AND FABULOUS,” two days before the wedding.

When the morning of their wedding dawned, Lily wasn’t worried about anything besides the best man’s speech. She drank a calming drought to calm her nerves and forced herself to forget about it through the ceremony.

Today was about marrying James Potter. And if Sirius Black fucked up the entire day with his speech, she could murder him after their honeymoon. That was the mantra she repeated to herself over and over.

Lily had never felt so loved and full of hope as she did when she walked down the aisle to meet her future husband. The ring bears did their job perfectly and somehow she and James made it through the entire ceremony without crying.

She shed her first tears when James asked her “Alright, Potter,” when they snuck into an alcove to finish what they started with “you may kiss the bride.”

After they had eaten, cut the cake, and had the first dance as a couple- it was time for the best man’s speech.

Lily broke out into a cold sweat.

Sirius walked up to the front of the reception hall and took the microphone and began,

“This is my 23rd draft of this speech. Anyone who knows me knows that I can tend to go a little overboard,” Sirius paused for the laughter, “Which is why having James and Lily Potter in my life is so important. These two ground me. Sure, Lily and I can go to extremes, but James will always pull us back.”

Lily thought the room had suddenly gotten quite dusty.

“Until I moved in with my uncle, my childhood was not a happy one. Through a series of incidents, I met a beautiful little-redheaded girl named Evans. She brought joy and acceptance to my childhood. We did everything together and she was the first person to show me that family is something that you can choose and make yourself,” here Sirius swallowed some emotion but continued,

“Then Lily and I were forced to go to different schools to ‘try and save our teacher’s minds’. I was terrified. She was my one true friend. And then I met James Potter. Who- without prompting, accepted me and loved me fiercely and loyally. I remember when I got my first Letter from Evans at school- James seemed a little bewildered that I had another fierce and loyal friend. I had no idea that he thought she was a boy until 6th year Christmas holidays when they met.”

Again he waited for the laughter to die down.

“It took these two prats nearly two years to realize they were perfect for each other and I nearly lost my damn mind. But they were perfect for each other. They are- really. They balance each other out and care for so many. They’re my family. I look forward to seeing them grow as the Potters and I wish them a long marriage filled with love, many godchildren for me, and lots of laughter. To James and Lily Potter,” he finished and raised his glass

“To James and Lily Potter,” the crowd responded and burst into applause.

When Sirius approached James and Lily, he was tackled by Lily into a hug, “Best Best Man’s Speech Ever” she told him.

“Did you expect anything less?” He asked and kissed her on the forehead

#look at all those commas #robots writes #Letters to Evans Verse

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hell-heron · 7 years ago

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I finally watched the italian 2013 Romeo and Juliet miniseries with Alessandra Mastronardi and honestly I hate everything about it but specifically:

- i LOVE Alessandra and she was my childhood but she’s too old for this. Romeo also is too old for this - they went for a more mature angle and I hate it. And Elena Sofia Ricci is too young to be the Nurse (but very done and funny, also she and Alessandra played mother and daughter in the past so they have a chemistry that makes me cry) Also why is it set in the snowy mountains somewhere in Trentino, what’s this, and mostly, if we’re so keen on changing setting and stuff, why did no one in this wretched boot made it in a 19th century setting with pro unity folks VS austrian loyalists

- There’s also Ken Duken (Anatole in War and peace 2007) as Mercutio, it’s not a criticism because he’s lovely and good at it and an adorable little shit. But it severely weirds me out. Also HE is the sensible one and Romeo the one who has the idea of sneaking to the ball???

- Apparently Juliet has an older sister, Ursula who is betrothed with Paris and hella jealous and catty that Paris loves Juliet instead (?) so she told tales on her and Romeo. Romeo has a younger brother, Antonio, instead of Benvolio (insert appropriate wailing for this tragic loss) who is a violent little shit

- I liked that Juliet’s first line was “I’m stronger than you think”. I liked less that the first scene is literally ROMEO&CO SETTING THE CAPULET’S CARRIAGE ON FIRE wtf and Romeo saves her from rape like in the worst trash action movies. He also kills a man immediately which imho ruins all the impact of him killing Tybalt but okay I guess we all hate innocence and men showing emotion here. Apparently Romeo used to believe in Revenge but Juliet changed him? Ugh

- They made Tybalt in love with Juliet AND southern (or at least it seems to me it’s implied by some lines, I don’t know if the actor is southern too) Such an hot take! What a fresh and interesting casting for the literal embodiement of jealousy and murder!! Really the proper message in a story which is supposed to be against prejudice and domestic conflict! (he was a pretty and badass guy though, so it’s forgiven).

- There’s a dynamic that Lord Capulet promised him he’d marry Juliet, but actually he has no intention whatsoever to give her to him and just uses it as an excuse to criticize him and say he’s not worthy, also the family fortune is in shambles and there’s a more wealthy suitor and the family’s wellbeing is more important than Tybalt’s even thought he always sacrificed himself for the family - man this is even more Nikolai\Sonya than it usually is. Marriage shit otherwise, they could be a very sweet brotp and she calls him “like a brother to me” a lot, so fuck you for ruining this with this romantic nonsense I guess.

- Lady Capulet is so shrewd and political and dominates her husband and I love her, she’s my only joy here. That and the Capulets having cats swarming everywhere.

- Oh and one part I like is when they do some adorable love\hate roleplay and make under a stage where a bad Midsummer production is taking place

- OHHHH WAIT Mercutio turned out to be on the verge to poison himself for his long lost love which WHAT that really did came out of nowhere. If they had any chemistry here, I might choose to think it’s about Tybalt but it’s not worth it with what little they interact. Oh I might think it’s an hypotetical dead Benvolio, but it seems this person dumped him rather than dying, and I don’t see Benvolio dumping him

- Now Tybalt, who apparently thinks he is in Assassin’s creed, is climbing over the Montague castle walls and setting fire to the barn. Classic. Oh and Romeo saved Juliet from rape AGAIN

- Oh the wedding happened - not much to say about it. Now Tybalt and Juliet are making out. Well he’s kissing her, she isn’t enthusiastic. Sweet. Also “I can’t compete with powerful Paris or handsome Romeo. Come on, say it, I’m just the orphan cousin” MAN. I’m marginally happy, tho, because if he’s an orphan he’s not the son of the uncle from the South, so my suspicion there was the usual prejudice about Southern people and violent jealousy here was off

- “We’ll make up new words to say what words can’t say.” “For example?” “I love you, Juliet Capulet” I’m pretty sure these words already exist.

- Oh Ursula wants to run away, I wish I had some sympathy for her but she’s been a bitch this whole time. Ohh Juliet told her “Can’t you understand neither of us has a choice” poor girl. ...but why is literally no one in this family doing anything about their daughter running away from home in plain sight except Lady Capulet looking a bit upset? This is fully preventable??

- Mercutio is drunk and having knives trown at him on a bet. Also, he’s said to be metaphorically in love with death instead of life, which is beyond bad but he’s still the best character here. Also confirmation that what happened to him is that the woman he loved married someone else. I didn’t need this. OHHHH Romeo took his potion vial an helpful tool that will be useful later...

- Apparently the Bad Thing happens on Christmas day, literally an hour before Romeo and Juliet were supposed to announce their wedding and fix everything :( oh and we got literally 5 seconds of Mercutio and Juliet bonding at mass, I liked that

- Ken Duken Is Deeply Stressed By His Man Crush’s Dueling Endeavors, A Rai Production

- “I played with death, now death plays me” oh Mercutio this made me sad :( they did the unintentional stabbing but it’s a bit weirdly since Tybalt seemed pretty serious about dueling with Mercutio, not like in 1968 where they looked like 13 year olds playing at pro wrestlers. But Lord Capulet didn’t believe him and beat the shit out of him and said he “won’t cover for him this time” which is fucking rich since it’s said all Tybalt did until now it was because his uncle ordered him and just now he gets mad becaus it makes the family look bad. OH HE KICKED HIM OUT OF THE HOUSE TOO WHAT THE HELL. Literally compelled 3 children out of 3 to quit the family, what the fuck’s wrong with this guy

- Yeah, they didn’t make Romeo kill Tybalt immediately but rather go look for him at his own house, which... looks bad, since it’s more sympatethic if it’s a moment of madness, he really isn’t a premeditated vengeance guy. To make up for it, now his entire family is bullying him into Revenge and calling him a coward. Can I file for adoption of all this guys much older than me?

- AAAAAGH now Juliet is begging Romeo not to kill Tybalt and he gave her back the wedding ring and said her love made him weak and I suddenly hate this again why why why. And she was already sad for Mercutio who she knew five minutes, now she’s getting much worse, she deserves better than this. Oh, Tybalt is fighting with a longsword in each hand because why fucking not, and it was decided Juliet has to witness the fight because WHY FUCKING NOT. And we’re giving the violent Montague baby brother Benvolio’s role because WHY FUCKING NOT.

- Romeo improved a bit in the post duel part, at least he seems a bit more vulnerable. He snapped at his mom and gave up his family name but that’s understandable since, again, it’s them who pushed him to kill. I may be relating to him a little because I, too, never made any fucking decision on my own and then bitch when it turns out bad

- Paris is a fucking sleezeball iwth no respect for people’s mourning, the Capulets can’t stop scheming even at the funeral and apparently beat the shit out of 2\3 of their children, and Juliet fucking forgave the guy already? The only good people left here are Friar Lawrence and the nurse. I felt really bad because she got bullied by Lady Capulet so much, and he calls Romeo out on his bullshit so well

- Okay, I warmed up to Romeo and Juliet again when they started fantastizing about four children and family Christmas dinners where everyone argues

- Ok the whole ending was actually pretty good and sad, especially all the family arguments. Alessandra was really good here. Also there was Ursula calling out Paris at Juliet’s funeral and I live for that

- OH AND THEY DID THE THING WHERE JULIET WAKES UP WHILE ROMEO DIES BECAUSE WE HATE JOY IN THIS COUNTRY and this lasts so long they have time to have a conversation and talk about peace and children and marble castles again and this took a bad turn

#romeo and juliet #romeo e giulietta #(it's a long post don't open it i have too many opinions)#okay this turned a bit entertaining in the end but still don't recommend #someone knows who started the trend of tybalt being in love with juliet so i can go back in time and kill them in the cradle?.#the only good thing to ever come out of it was the banger that is c'est le jour

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sydney-stylites-blog · 7 years ago

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Eastwatch | You only know you love him when you let him go

I’ll be damned if that quote doesn’t accurately fit this situation! I mean, really, to see Daenerys behaving like this lovesick teenage girl is truly something else, one of those things I never knew I needed until now 😂💖

Up till now, the focus has mainly been Jon’s attraction to her, and how they’re starting to mutually trust each other. And now, it shifts to Dany and just exactly how much she’s fallen for him without even realizing it! (I’m a sucker for ‘I didn’t think I was in love but I am’ stories apparently)

Their first scene here is the iconic ‘Jon touches Drogon and is overwhelmed with emotion’, and he’s so not alone! I was nearly in tears at this scene, and that’s majorly because of the score.

Honestly, there couldn’t have been a better theme for these star-crossed lovers. The melody is so.. hauntingly beautiful, there’s no other way to describe it. It is simultaneously romantic and sweet, and yet tragically sad, and that’s such a good portrayal of their (or anyone’s for that matter) relationship in GoT. Because there are no happy endings. That fact is so engrained in me (yet another side effect of the travesty that was the 💔 Red Wedding 💔), that nothing is ever going to end well for anyone, especially not for my favorite characters, that I can never get over it.

And I know I overthink a lot, but every time I hear their theme track, I remember all the tragic things that have happened in GoT over the years, everything that the people I love so much have gone through, and it just makes me root for Jonerys even more. It is precisely because I know how relationships work in this universe that I want happiness so badly for my precious babies. They’ve suffered enough, Jon has literally died man. Don’t they at least deserve to have happiness together? (See what I did there? Together 💖🤣)

Aaaand the parallels just keep coming and coming.

What was important about this scene, what was ‘Jonerys’ about it, is the effect it has on Dany.

She is used to people cowering in fear in front of her dragons, but when she looks down and sees Jon not only standing his ground, but also petting (petting!) Drogon, she’s instantly intrigued. Not only is Jon honest, noble, sincere and all the thousands of qualities she’s already discovered, but he’s fearless. And more than that, Drogon letting Jon touch him is definitely a big deal for her, because no one apart from her (and Tyrion, let’s never forget that 😎) has gotten so close to her dragons. And now she sees that her fiercest son is accepting Jon’s touch, and this is definitely one of the pivotal moments for her. Because where she had already begun to admire, respect and trust him, now she is attracted to him, and the way she’s looking at him like:

😂

What I personally found interesting about this was a) Bronn is not alone in the ‘takes braveness to another level’ category. Imagine Drogon coming towards you and not jumping off the cliff like?

And b) his trust factor is too high. I mean man, he took the words ‘don’t judge a daughter by the sins of her father’ too much to heart if you ask me. Like imagine the level of trust he has in Dany now. All the countless times he’s heard the story about the Mad King burning his grandfather, the ringing warnings he’s received by nearly every Northerner against Targaryens, and yet a dragon is nearly inches from his face and he doesn’t even flick a glance towards Dany. This scene just gave off such strong ‘trust’ vibes from Jon that I just can’t. And yes, I know that everybody knows Dany wouldn’t kill Jon like that duh! But this was a man who has been specifically been told to be wary of the Targaryens and their propensity to burning stuff and he goes right up and pets the dragon. Respect!

My favorite Jonerys moment though was this:

#married! 😂

I’ve ranted quite a lot about it already, but this scene was the cutest because the way Jon realizes he’s messed up and then does a total 180° like 'Of course they’re beautiful!! What else could they possibly be!!!’ and then throws in the 'gorgeous beasts’ for good measure 😂👏🏻, like 'please don’t be mad wifey.’ Two seconds ago, he was inches from a dragon’s face, and here he goes all 'ohhhh shit.’ By far their cutest moment! 😂💖

P. S. I read like actual posts along the lines of how Jon is so scared of her, he’s not able to speak his mind. All he’s concentrating on doing is telling her what she wants to hear to get back safely to the North (and Sansa?), and that she’s such a tyrant, and Jon hates her so much and you get the picture. All I want to say is, if that’s what you took away from this scene… 🤐 Of course, if all the above was true, then you can guess what Jon would have said when she told him about having fewer enemies. Something like 'I’m glad to hear that, your Grace.’ But what does he do instead? Not only remain deliberately silent when she tells him that, but he bluntly tells her he’s not sure what he feels. Sooo.. If he is trying to tell her what she wants to hear to get back to Sansa 🙄, someone should tell him this is not what she wants to hear dude.

And this again! 😍💖

Why does Jon have to do this to me! Every time I see him looking at her when she’s not, I just…

What I also found really moving here was how hard he’s trying to not fall for her, the way he makes himself look away, like forcing himself to remember - 'There’s no time for that.’

They’re at war, he can’t allow himself to stray from his mission, he needs to focus only on defeating the damned Night King, and of course, it’s classic Jon. Duty before desire always. *sigh* #preciousnoblepuppy

And then we get Jealous!Jon 😂

He’s so cute when he’s grumpy/suspicious

(the memes on this scene were hilarious! Jealous!Jon and Teenage!Dany are the best!)

And of course, the jealousy continues in this scene:

Why do I say that? Not just because I’m a huge Jonerys shipper, but also Jon was so reluctant about addressing the whole Wight Mission before Ser Jorah volunteers, and the moment he does, there’s this look:

And then all of a sudden, his reluctance flies outta the window and he’s all macho and in charge and who’s the boss? Me’s the boss, like look!

Of course, that’s not the only reason he’s going, he knows he needs to get the wight if he’s to get Dany + Cersei’s help, but that definitely gives him the suicidal edge here, like damned if I’m going to sit here watching Dany worry about someone else, I’m the hero here.

And then finally we get Dany realizing that she doesn't want him to go, not him, not on a suicide mission.

She's worried enough about Jorah going, but him! And I think it surprises her too, the moment she realizes that she not only respects, admires and trusts this man, but she has feelings for him. Like damn! After Daario, she had believed that she's incapable of that attachment, that bond and here she's just forged one with a stranger?

And may I just add, their eye conversation is out of the world? Literally everyone can see you’ll guys?

Then the goodbye scene where Jon so blatantly fishes for compliments, my boy Jon is continuously upping his game man:

Imagine realizing you've fallen in love with someone who may never come back...

#jonerys #jonerys forever #jon snow #game of thrones #i will never get tired of it #my boy all grown up

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thechocobros · 7 years ago

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“SEE LUNA SAFE TO ALTISSIA” - part 16

Pair: Nyx Ulric / Lunafreya Nox Fleuret

Words: 6722

Plot: Luna and Nyx didn’t fell in the Empire’s trap, Nyx didn’t had to use the ring and he survived. What would have happened if Nyx really had the chance to ‘see Luna safe to Altissia’, like he promised to Regis? Here the part 5: The quick showdown in Altissia separated the newly wed Lunafreya Nox Fleuret and Nyx Ulric. She must fullfill her duty as Oracle. He must survive and go back to protect her. New allies and new enemies will come in their way, so in the chaos that follows, what will the future bring to them all?

Personal Comment: This took me long because I’m making so many things for the lunyx week! I also started to write two new lunyx fics etc, so please, please FORGIVE ME! >.< I hope this chapter will make amends. I’m publishing it before the week, so you will have time to read it.

Speaking of the chaper … Action and angst. My jam. I had to rewrite some scenes after seeing Ignis’ episode trailer, where Ravus appears too xD I also wanted to show more Luna and Nyx in their roles (especially Luna. Damn, that last update really ruined her more and I needed to go back to a more KG version of her, where she actually does stuff without whining), so yeah, I hope I did it good? More action!Luna is yet to come anyway. Let me know.

The next chapter should be the final one. OMG.

Luna must have fainted at some point for she woke up on the couch, exhausted and covered in sweat. She had experienced terrible nightmares as always, but this time waking up and realizing that Nyx wasn’t back yet felt even worse.

Out of the window, the sun was setting alread, or maybe it was the dawn of the day after, she couldn’t tell and this made her panic. If she wasn’t able to understand what time was it, how could she know if it was the case to be worried or not?

She asked the soldiers guarding her room but they didn’t see the Glaive return. He was away for more or less 15 hours. Luna thanked them and shut the door behind her. Once she was alone with her fears, she started to cry.

——–

The worst part was not knowing what happened to him.

Luna waited until midnight on a chair on the balcony, biting her nails to the quick. Her fingers bled when she bit too deep, and all she could do was weigh the possibilities of what could’ve happened. Maybe he was caught by the Imperials. Maybe Noctis thought he was a traitor under Kingsglaive fatigues. Maybe he was killed. Her mind screened and examined dozen of awful scenarios, where her husband got trapped, betrayed, tortured and even assassinated, and in each of them she felt like it was her fault.

The torment born by these nihilistic thoughts brought anything but peace and nobody was there to offer her comfort. In fact, after their last discussion, Ravus decided that it was too risky to stay in touch with her sister and was now probably too disposed with the Empire to actually care about his new brother-in-law. Luna wished to ask Aranea, but had no way to contact her.

And so, Luna realized that she was alone.

“You just have to go on with the plan and do what you gotta,” Nyx had whispered in her ear during their last night together after loving her thoroughly and passionately. “You have your duty. Coming back to you is mine.”

Awakening Leviathan. Kill her and also the other Gods. Defeat the Darkness together with Noctis. Nyx strongly believed that she was able to accomplish such an absurd and extremely dangerous mission, even without his help.

The amount of faith he placed in her was unbelievably huge, but he had always been right about her. Even in so little time, he was able to know her better than she ever knew herself. She believed that she had the power in winning this battle because of him, heard it until it resounded throughout her entire being. Luna wouldn’t let him down no matter what came to pass.

—–

When the dawn came, Luna knew her husband was lost, perhaps forever.

Her heart was shattered in thousand pieces, but none of that matter now. She had a duty to see through and couldn’t let her own irremediably compromised feelings tear her down before it. She was the Princess Oracle, no, she was the Queen Oracle like her mother before her and she carried the voice that only the Gods would adhere to.

She had to look at things in the right perspective, focus on her priorities. She tasted a piece of heaven thanks to Nyx, but now he was gone and she had to do what Eos expected her to, Nyx included. Wiping away her tears with closed fists and nerves taunt as tight ropes, Luna would not falter – not now, not ever.

——–

Nyx was engulfed in nothing but pain and darkness.

It was like someone was tearing his skin off, piece after piece slowly, starting with his arm. He wished to have his arm torn off once for all so he wouldn’t have to bear that constant agony, but the relief didn’t come until an immeasurable amount of time later.

Nyx couldn’t understand when or how, but he started to breathe again and was able to open his eyes.

Even before realizing where he was, his first thought went to Lunafreya. Where was she now? What did she thought when she didn’t see him coming back and what did she do afterwards? If he was still alive, he had to go back to her at any cost.

But wherever she was, it had to be better than his situation.

The place he was caged in was nothing but a dark dungeon with cold walls and only a small window on the ceiling. Hewas chained by the wrists behind the back. His shoulder still hurt like hell, but as he tried to stand on his feet from the supine position he was, he noticed that also his entirebody was sore. Nothing alike the miserable condition he was some time ago anyway.

“You shouldn’t exert yourself,” said someone in a matter-of-fact tone. “I so kindly pulled you from death’s cold embrace so you don’t meet such a tragic end. Need time to gather your bearings? By all means, you shall have it.”

Nyx boggled at the sound of that mellifluous and cruel voice, it was like a creepy music which sent shivers upon his spine. Even at cost of terrible pain, the Glaive turned to watch his interlocutor.

“You…!” He said, recognizing Chancellor Ardyn Izunia himself leaning on the wall and waiting for his awakening.

“Me? Judging by your tone, I assume you recognize me.” He whispered melodiously. “Excellent. I dislike frivolous formalities immensely. We can speak simply, you and I.”

Nyx gnashed his teeth, trying to stand up. He just didn’t have the strength to, barely managing to move a few inches that his restraints allowed. “You healed me?”

“You may be surprised of how many people I used to heal back in my time though I might be a tad rusty at it now. Feel the drawbacks, yes?”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t fancy conversing with corpses. To put it plainly, dead men tell no tales.”

Nyx was finally able to sit, his ribs protesting like they were broken in two and a wave of nausea struck him even if there was nothing inside his stomach to dispel the sensation. “I guess this is the Imperial way of getting someone’s attention?” He brought his chained wrists to his sides, gingerly brushing where the bullet went through. “Dunno if I even wanna know what happens when you guys get friendlier than this.”

Ardyn Izunia moved too, his unhurried gait held an air of pompous clairvoyance and the aloofness of a grand chessmaster.

“Magitek troops are neccessary pawns, but simply incompetent. They know no other way to stop a Glaive but to shoot first. They lack the foresight to consider much else.“

"So using Lunafreya’s notebook and pretending to be Prince Noctis to corner her was probably your idea, huh?”

“You recognized my style! I’m glad to hear that and well, you can’t say that wasn’t genius.” When Nyx raised an eyebrow at the word ‘genius’, the Chancellor added quickly, “Lower your suspicions now. I hold nothing but the deepest regard for men like you, Nyx Ulric. Men who are brave enough to stab the Frostbearer in the name of love. You remind me of myself when I was your age and maybe this is the reason why the Gods are not fond of you. But I do. In fact, the last person who dared to challenge the Astrals was myself so impatience drove me to meet you in person. To see that spark in someone’s eyes.”

“What do you really want?” asked Nyx, not liking his insinuations and starting to loose his coolness. The wound on his shoulder was gone, but the pain left him exhausted and wasn’t in the mood for his mind tricks.

“I want to help you.”

Nyx grimanced. “I don’t buy that one bit.”

“But what if I told you that as soon as I heard about the Glacian’s tragic end, I brought the Crystal to Altissia so your lovely princess could awaken the Infernian and the Draconian?”

Nyx narrowed his eyes and held his breath, studying the chanchellor’s expression to determine if anything expressed had a ring of truth to them. There must have been a catch somewhere, he knew it. Ardyn’s eyes were glowing with the cruelest light, it was like a purple and malicious spark, able to creep the hell out of Nyx. He couldn’t trust his words. “Isn’t what you wanted?” The chancellor continued, appealing to Nyx’s true desire, “To kill all the Six and free the innocent princess from their devices?”

“It is. But I also want to save my King and Eos from the grip of Darkness.”

“Ah, and that’s where, hero. However, I’m not apathetic to your distress, I’ll give you an inestimable opportunity. Consider it a sign of gratitude for killing the Glacian once and for all in my place. Without her divine intromission and the other Astrals’ help, the Chosen King will be in the palm of my hand.”

“What… are you talking about?”

“I can protect the Princess Oracle when she wakes the rest of the Six. I can lend her my power so she will quickly end them. Speaking of ‘her’, I mean your 'wife’.” Izunia stopped to admire with a corrupted smile Nyx’s surprised expression. “Yes, I know that too. What an admirable act of courage, to get marry in order to escape from the destiny the Gods chose for her. But now, don’t throw your bliss away. If you allow me to protect her, I can offer you an everlasting future by her side.”

Nyx instinctively shook his head. “What are you asking me in exchange?”

The chancellor gesticulated with his hand, trying to look casual. “Nothing. After your princess kills the Six, you can take her and flee. You can take her wherever you wish, no one shall ever oppose you ever again.”

Nyx smiled, but he was not amused at all. His mind caught the evil beyond the apparent endeavor of looking lenient. “You only want Lunafreya out of the way.”

Ardyn Izunia pretended to look offended, a mock gasp before chuckling, “Oh! You presumemy beautiful gift as something terrible!”

“Afraid of her, too, aren’t you? You’re right to. Just wait to see what she and Prince Noctis are gonna bring to your sorry ass.”

Ardyn Izunia wasn’t one to know Nyx’s insolence and to tolerate those of his ilk. His playful smile turned into the pure personification of evil as his face lit of a mischievous glow Nyx would be better to fear. “You may live to regret your words.”

“The only thing I would regret is to free my princess from the demons of her past only to force her again under a far more heavy remorse. She would never accept your offer and neither will I.”

Speaking such a reckless statement with a defiant grin painted on his lips earned Nyx a backhand slap to the face. The strength beyond it was so supernatural that the Glaive couldn’t help but fell back on the floor, blood spilling from his nose and lip. He didn’t emit a single whine though. He was not so easy to break.

“So be it. You chose to be the one to experiment regret: because of you, I will kill your beloved wife before Gods do.” That was the only sentence which was able to sweep away the smirk from Nyx’s sore face. No physical pain nor personal menace couldn’t be compared with the fear of seeing Luna being hurt because of him.

“You can’t win this battle, Ardyn Izunia. They won’t let you.”

But Ardyn didn’t bother to reply. He just took his hat off and bowed a little, leaving him there, chained and worried. It was his turn to smirk smugly, like he already won it all.

—————

Luna decided to step out from her safe hiding place to perform the rite of awakening the Hydraean. She sent a short message to First Secretary Claustra to inform her of that, and received a visit from her correspondent.

“Your groom?” she asked, taking a sit on the empty chair in the luxurious room of the Princess.

“Not here,” Lunafreya answered, glacial expression and posture elegantly composed. She was dressed in the beautiful white dress Nyx bought her in Lestallum, her make-up was on and her trident was ready to be used. She wear her mask perfectly, exactly like it has been all those years. If she didn’t hold on to such an appearance she wouldn’t be able to hide her heartbreak. Nobody was allowed to see the pain beyond.

“I met with Prince Noctis this morning,” Camelia stated, trying to look professional. Her eyes hid a evil glow though, but Luna knew she wouldn’t be cause of trouble, not until she and Altissian people would have been safe. “He told me he received a message from you and that you would have asked me to perform the ritual to awake the Hydraean.”

Luna boggled, her words slicing through her like a knife. If Noctis received her message, it meant that Nyx succeed in his mission. So whatever happened to him, happened after that. She stood in silence to mask her anxiety from Camelia.

“We’ve sealed a deal. You can have your ritual. But I want my people to be protected.”

Luna was relieved to hear that was her condition.

“It’s reasonable.”

“We decided to evacuate the city but we’re going to need time. Now you will have a speech where you reassure people of having the situation under control. By the voice of the Oracle, Altissia will listen and evacuate promptly. My only plea wouldn’t help.”

“I can do so.”

“And tomorrow you will call for the Goddess of the Sea, not before noon. This time should be enough for a correct evacuation. The Prince’s friends are gonna help.” There was a small pause where Luna took a deep breath and forced herself to keep a straight face up. She had to focus on the real goal.

“What is the Empire going to say about your intromission in this situation?”

“The Empire knows the Accordo government will do anything to protect its people, so if we organize the evacuation they won’t be in the position to say anything. Regarding me protecting you, this is a personal business they will never know of. Furthermore, it was only a temporary solution. In fact, from now on, you will be on your own. Accordo is not going to protect you when the speech will start, nor it will during the ritual on the altar. You, Prince Noctis and the Empire will be allowed to do whatever you want on our territory once people are safe, but we won’t mingle in your affairs.” A neutral position. An hazardous choice for an all-business politician like Camelia Claustra. Luna was sure that if it wasn’t for the old friendship between her and her mother she wouldn’t have gone that far either.

“I see.”

“You know what really allures the Empire. The power of your trident, along with the rest of the Lucian Ancestors Arminger. When they’ll see Prince Noctis wielding them, they will lose their mind and chaos will burst. If worse comes to worst, you can threaten to throw the trident into the sea. Then they’ll listen. In the meantime, it will be well guarded. Better than the Oracle herself.”

“Understood. I shall reclaim it at the altar.”

“Remember, you’ll be under imperial watch.”

“Right.”

“Think of it as a necessary evil in order to forge the covenant.”

Luna felt weird hearing her mention a covenant. Camelia wouldn’t have known that the princess had evoked the rage of the Gods upon herself because she refused to forge any more kind of covenant. The First Secretary couldn’t even imagine what Luna was actually trying to accomplish with Leviathan’s awakening.

“I am in your debt.” Luna said anyway, bowing a little. The more complacement with the situation, the better.

“Once it’s over, you may go as you please. But you do so without our protection.”

“So be it.”

Camelia let a sigh escape from her lips. For the first time since they met, she looked compassionate when she said: “You better get going. Your public is waiting for you.”

Luna shouldn’t have been surprised of the escalating pace of her life, yet as she watched Camelia leaving the room, a squeeze on her heart reminded her she was getting closer and closer to the end.

She wished Nyx was there beside her.

When a dozen of imperial soldiers rushed in the room, almost crushing the door open for the excessive zealousness and pointing with their guns at her like she was a criminal, Luna didn’t stop to stare into the distance. If she was able to bear her husband’s absence, not even an entire army would have hurt her anymore. She took an unnoticed deep breath and stood up proudly, fervor in her eyes. The soldier who tried to put her on the opposite side of the gun was pulled away with one only firm and cold wave of the hand. Too bad Luna couldn’t see the face he made under the helmet.

She walked ahead, having nothing but one goal: destroy the Gods and the Darkness and possibly find a way to get her husband back.

———–

The gunshot was healed, but now Nyx had to deal with the headache caused by Izunia’s punch. He had to turn around a bit, breathing heavily and hoping that the hemorrhage would have ceased. In the meantime, his brain couldn’t stop thinking and thinking. He had to do something but he was chained down and not even his magic would have been useful in that condition.

He cursed under-breath for falling right in the Chancellor’s trap, but then again he knew it wasn’t his fault. He only had to find a way to get out of there. Who knew if the chaos already started somehow up there.

“Hey!” He screamed, headed to nobody in particular. “Is someone there? Heyyy!” The echo of his own voice was the only thing answering back. He let his head falling back on a stack of hay. That dungeon was so dark and silent it was hard to catch the smallest noise. The frustration grew bigger, until his whole body started to scream like a desperate. “Heyyy, someone take me out of here!” he screamed again, angrier. Then he heard something. A delicate swish, nothing more, but it sounded like it responded to the Glaive’s screaming. Nyx lift his head and looked around. “Who’s there?” he asked, this time almost whispering.

A shadow came out from the darkness and he boggled.

“Sir Ulric?” The mysterious figure was hazel at the beginning but as it got closer, Nyx could only sigh in relief and most likely, in disbelief.

“You…? What are you doing here?”

Ignis Scientia, the Prince’s advisor himself, came under the only candle light they had and adjusted his glasses, surprised as much as the Glaive.

“I’m evacuating the area under Secretary Camelia’s orders and it happened I had to check if someone was left behind in this dungeon.”

“Great! Find a way to get me out of here.”

“I’ll reserve the questions about your imprisonment later.”

“Yeah, later is good.” Nyx grinned, licking the blood away from his lip. He tried to stand up because he wanted to be useful for Ignis in case, but the young advisor seemed to have already clear in mind a solution. After less than one minute, he came back with Nyx’s kukris and without saying a word he shoved it in the floor, looking expectedly to the Glaive, which quickly understood his plan. As a matter of fact, Nyx started to feel immediately the magic running through his veins, screaming to him to be used. Smirking with satisfaction, Nyx let it go. He warped out of the cage’s bars, grabbing the hilt of his weapon and holding on to it. He had left the chains back in the prison and now was free to move again.

“If they really wished to cage you, they should have hidden your kukris in a better place, not near the dungeon’s entrance, where i spotted them before.”

“Right. Our weapons are more important than arms to us, our whole magic is connected to them. And to the King, of course.” Nyx confirmed, knowing that a member of the Crownsguard like Ignis knew all this for sure. “Thanks for bringing my kukris back, someone must have taken them away from me when they knocked me out” Nyx said, expertly rotating the knifes and insert them back in his belt.

“What happened?”

“After my talk with the prince, Ardyn Izunia decided to chat and somehow I ended up here. Crazy, ain’t it? Anyway, what’s the situation up there?”

“Lady Lunafreya is about to wake the Hydraean. The rite will start in a matter of minutes.”

Nyx felt his heart ache, knowing that Izunia was headed towards the altar too, with the clear intention to hurt her. Lunafreya needed his guardian, now more than ever, and he was still too far from her. He had to be quicker than a bolt.

“Ignis Scientia, what about Kingsglaive and Crownsguard joining forces? Please, take me to Lunafreya.”

—–

As Luna stepped ahead towards the podium, she heard people’s voices slowly shut up, in great expectations. It surprised her how many people promptly came as soon as they heard she would have had a small speech. Like she needed more evidences, that was one another one showing that she really was an inspiration for all Eos.

As the silence fell, she knew she held them in the palm of her hand. Whatever she would say, they would have listen, so she took a deep breath.

“Dear friends,” Luna started, “I stand before you today with little hope the words I speak shall reach beyond these walls. For slowly but surely, the Light fades from our world. And as it does, the shadows shall loom ever longer until all succumbs to the darkness. Darkness that evokes terror, hatred and sorrow in the heart of men. The ashes of Lucis… A dream of peace, twisted into a nightmare of death and destruction, claiming innumerable lives and leaving myriad souls to suffer.”

The memories hit Luna’s mind with an unexpected ferocity. Sometimes she wanted to afford the luxury of thinking that she wasn’t traumatized by Insomnia’s destruction, but she was. She really was. Even if she had already Nyx next to her at that time, she couldn’t forget the horrible feeling in her guts when Glauca passed his sword through Regis’s spine the same way he did with her mother. Nor she could forget the sensation of having buildings almost falling upon her, the screams of the citizens panicking around, the fire illuminating their skin, the blood on her dress, the smell of the ashes and powder, the uncertainty of not being able to do what it was her duty to do.

After stopping for a second, Luna regained enough energy to continue: “Yet, I beg you, do not surrender to despair. Have faith, for even if our gods would abandon us, the real power to resist darkness is inside every one of us. Working together, we can build a new world, a new future where the sun always shines. Where the night will mean only dreams instead of nightmares, where the rays of the moon will illuminate the peace fell upon us all. Our world will be delivered from the perils of the dark. I stand before you here, in Altissia, to call upon Leviathan, Goddess of the Seas, spirit of the deep. But first I offer you my solemn vow: on my honor as Oracle, I will not rest until the darkness is banished from our world and the light is restored.”

And in that very moment, an emotional applause covered her words. She looked into the crowd and she spotted a single familiar face. She couldn’t be certain of his identity because so many years passed since last time they talked. Only when he nodded, Luna could sigh in relief.

Noctis.

Her childhood friend.

She smiled, nodding back to him, and turned away.

————-

Ignis was incredibly fast for a man moving in such an elegant suit. Nyx expected to have to slow down the pace, but thanks to the stars it wasn’t necessary. They both ran so fast it was even hard to catch them with the eyes. Their goal was the altar but arriving there was more difficult than they expected.

The city was completely empty so they didn’t have to worry too much about people left behind and if this was a good thing, it also meant Altissia wasn’t a safe place for them neither.

A dark grey sky was illuminating a ghost town, touched only by a cold wind and spurts of water coming from the sea. It wasn’t raining yet, but there was so much humidity that the effect on the clothes and skin was very similar. It was so creepy that Nyx hardly recognized the warm and romantic city who welcomed him and the Princess only a week before.

In the meantime, Ignis continued to run, unstoppable. It looked like he knew perfectly every narrow lane and every hidden path, which was probably true since he seemed like the kind of guy who studies maps at night to be prepared the day after. If it wasn’t for him, Nyx wouldn’t have reached the cathedral square so fast.

“This is where Lady Lunafreya had her speech,” the young Advisor explained quickly, not bothering to stop to catch his breath. The place where they arrived was huge and now empty. The ferocious and supernatural wind pulled papers and trash on the beautiful tiles of the square, turning the original beauty into a desolated open space. “She headed in that direction. The altar must be there.”

Nyx grabbed Ignis’ arm, forcing him to stop.“You shouldn’t come with me. It’s too dangerous. A mess bigger than you think is about to start and you must not die.”

“I can take care of myself.”

Nyx shook his head, that was not what he meant. “I don’t doubt it. It’s not you I am worried about. Go to the Prince, keep him safe. If you die before, you won’t be able to do it.”

“What about Lady Lunafreya?”

Nyx closed fists, his eyes grew darker as he whispered, determined. “You have the Prince, I have the Princess. It’s my job to keep her safe. I won’t allow anyone to do any harm to her, as much as you won’t allow anyone to hurt the Prince.”

“You’ll need help.”

At that words, Nyx smirked, but the smiled didn’t reach his blue eyes. “Yes, I know. But I’ll manage it somehow.”

Behind the glasses, Ignis’ pupils reveled his evident desire to go back to Noctis and stand by his side during the battle. He clearly wanted to be helpful and he knew the best way to do it was to go back to his friend.

“Don’t die,” he said, finally nodding. They were in the center of the square and the dark clouds announcing a supernatural event we’re surrounding them. It felt somehow like a goodbye.

Nyx was about to answer when a sudden earthquake shook the floor underneath their feet. They barely had the strength to stand straight before a frightening noise broke the sky in two. They quickly turned to watch the sea in the distance and they saw the huge profile of Leviathan breaking out of the ocean, screaming with a terrible voice, capable of making the bravest man to shiver.

“The Hydraean!” Ignis screamed, his voice bearable audible in the chaos.

“Lunafreya has begun the rite!”

Ignis and Nyx shared one more look and nodded. They would have proceed with the plan if another intimidating noise - this time much closer - wouldn’t have interrupted. It wasn’t good news.

An entire fleet of imperial airships was on their way towards the altar, and as they passed by, Nyx noticed one in particular staying behind. Nyx instinctively wielded his kukris, because he kinda knew who was inside it. As a matter of fact, that single airship veered towards them.

“Bet it’s the Chancellor!” Nyx screamed so Ignis would hear him. The advisor wielded his knifes too, ready to fight, but when a small army of MTs jumped down the airship, there was not much they could do if not starting to kill them all one by one.

Nyx and Ignis formed an unexpected compatible duo in battles. Nyx was more impulsive but this defect was balanced by Ignis’ impeccable strategies he kept yelling at him. As expected, Nyx was a better soldier. His magic was way more powerful thanks to the warp and the spells he learned to use in the Kingsglaive so together they needed only a couple of minutes to have the situation under control. As soon as they did, Nyx caught the Chancellor’s profile watching them from the airship.

“I knew it” he had the time to whisper before Ardyn Izunia jumped down on the square next to them.

“You escaped the dungeon. Why am i not surprised, I wonder” he spoke out loud, gesticulating at Nyx like he was an old friend he was glad to meet again. “And you’ve got company I see.” Ignis’ eyes narrowed in the attempt of lining up the pieces of the puzzle, he certainly had no idea of what was really happening. In spite of this, when he spotted the Glaive wielding the kukris against the Chancellor, he did the same, lips arching in a menacing grimace.

“Go to Lady Lunafreya” he ordered, like the strategist he was.

“You have to run away, too. Fighting him now would be out of our league.”

“I fear it is” Ignis admitted, but his elegant accent didn’t lose the composure.

Yet, Ardyn Izunia summoned a weapon in that very moment, a beautiful sword Ignis could swear he saw already somewhere. Was that really an ancestral weapon? Things were getting even more confusing at this point.

A dozen of other imperial soldiers appeared out of the fog in that very moment, charging against them with the ferocity of an entire army.

Nyx had less than two seconds to decide. He didn’t want to abandon an ally like Ignis there, because he knew that would have been the equivalent of a sentence to death. At the same time, he knew that staying there to fight wouldn’t have helped Ignis anyway. They both would have died and the sacrifice would have been heroic yet useless. But in spite of any logic, for Nyx it just wasn’t an option. He never abandoned a companion during all his military career and he certainly wouldn’t had now. Wasn’t he the hero of Kingsglaive after all?

“Hell no.” Nyx said, then, with a smug smile on the face.

The impact was violent. There was shooting, iron against iron, screams, smell of sweat and blood. Ardyn chose Nyx as his direct adversary, so the soldiers threw themselves on Ignis. They took him down after less than a minute, attacking him from the front and from the back. The Strategist was really good in using magic even if he was just a member of the Crownsguard and not a Glaive like Nyx, so he was able to free himself a couple of time, but he would have died pretty fast anyway if it wasn’t for a long sword coming to help him. Looking up to see who was there surprised Ignis a lot:

“Lord Ravus!”

“I will regret this, Scientia. But for now, let’s just join forces.”

In spite of the impression he wanted to give, Ravus proved himself a lot less careless than he would have ever like to admit. Understanding that there would have never been a more crucial battle, he was ready to play the “it’s now or never” game.

Ignis didn’t need to be asked twice. No matter how much he was covered in sweat and blood, he stood up again. He and Ravus joined together against the imperial soldiers, opening a way to reach Nyx and Ardyn.

In the meantime the Glaive - who was hardly warding off Ardyn’s knocks - noticed Ravus’ arrival and with a smooth somersault, he moved back, crouched down and then warped ahead, so he could reach the allies.In a second, Nyx, Ravus and Ignis were standing one next to the others, watching their backs to protect themselves from the Empire’s wrath. In a way, counting on the support of such skilled allies was a relief, but it couldn’t last, because they had to part as soon as possible. In fact, Ravus’ true intentions were reveled when he said: “Ulric, go to Lunafreya. I’ll stay with Scientia, so you can stop playing the war hero.”

Nyx smirked but nodded, silently thanking his brand new brother in law for the help.

Under the Chancellor’s eyes, Nyx avoided a soldier which was attacking him, and was forced to warp on the closest airship to avoid the hit. The platform were he land was empty and safe, a perfect spot to watch the situation from another angle. However, when the airship started to move, Nyx gasped, glad but also worried for not knowing the direction he was headed to.

“Don’t die, ok?” He screamed anyway towards Ignis and Ravus, which still were in the center of the square, surrounded by imperial soldiers. He didn’t leave lighthearted, on the contrary, he knew that both Ignis and Ravus were risking their life and that their possibilities of survival were very few.

He cursed under-breath as he noticed that Leviathan in the distance was throwing huge pieces of buildings up in the air. Some reached the area close to them, starting fires and destroying everything. He focused again on the two allies getting smaller and smaller from the safe place on the airship. He noticed that they started to fight already but in a very short time Ignis was immobilized on the floor by the imperial soldiers. The rain was wetting his glasses, the mud sullied his elegant suit. It was a pitiful view even from afar and Nyx hated it. In fact he felt the urge to warp back to help him but decided to trust Ravus.

The last thing he saw was Ardyn Izunia swaying towards the royal Advisor and saying something, before he turned to watch the Glaive go with the most malicious blink.

Nyx closed fists, knowing it still wasn’t over.

And in the distance, the yell of Leviathan broke the sky in two.

————

Everything was still. In front of the altar where she was standing, there was nothing but the sea, fogged by the upcoming cataclysm.

Lunafreya collected her energy to perform the Awakening for the last time. Even if the disease weakened her enormously, she still had in her what she needed and after all, that was her calling. She did it perfectly. As she felt a quake in her magic, also the earth underneath her trembled in a similar way and the ocean curled up in spirals, making space for the ferocity of the Goddess of the Sea. The huge creature, with the form of a snake or better a dragon, appeared abruptly from the depths of the waters, screaming her anger out and spilling intolerance. Even if Luna got immediately soaking wet, she didn’t flinch. She stood still, the trident in her hand, with a determined glow in her eyes.

“What fool mortal dares break the slumber of the Tide!?” The Hydraen’s voice was like the broken noise of a vibrant radio station, it was terrible, harsh, strident. Luna needed all her strenght to not step back.

“It is I, Lunafreya, blood of the Oracle! Goddess of the Seas, I beseech you: cease your vain attempts of using mankind for revenge. Bless us all with the freedom of choosing about our own destiny.” Her request was simple: she just wanted to be set free.

“This wretched pile of bones and flesh, ignorant of that which governs all, comes to requisition the might of a goddess?“

"I do.”

“Blasphemous ingrates, all men, quick to forget the ages their goddess stood watch!” With a single violent wave, Leviathan threw the princess against a wall. The poor soul almost fainted because of the pain and blinking her trembling hands, she used the trident to regain footing. Her voice was beautiful in the chaos:

“It is in receiving mercy that men offer praise, and in shedding grace that the gods solicit worship.”

But Leviathan wasn’t inclined to accept any praise, and temperment most foul to afford shedding grace. “Yet this profane speck speaks her «freedom» heresies before a goddess! Insufferable sacrilege! Such a thing is far beyond your control!”

Lunafreya stared at the wild creature in front of her, as the saddest sigh touched her lips: “Well, I had to try to ask nicely”. But now, all she could do was to proceed with the plan, even if that would have meant risking more than her own life. If she failed, the entire world would have paid for her act of rebellion. Yet it was for the world’s sake she had to try.

She raised her trident up to the sky, releasing all her white magic in a single burst. It was unexpected, not even the Goddess of the Sea could imagine to be hurt immediately after her awakening. Nor she could expect to be hit by the Oracle itself.

The brilliant ray of power emanated from Luna cut both her fins and slashed the scales near her throat, but didn’t kill her immediately. On the contrary, it provoked her rage even more. As a reaction, Leviathan moved her tale, hitting Luna with an impressive wall of water and she didn’t fall in the depths of the ocean only because she found a rock to hold on to. As the Oracle spat out salt water that assaulted her nose and mouth, she took a second to recover and then tried again to raise her trident in the air. Leviathan was badly injured which made her extremely exasperated. As the Goddess lost from her fins the same silver blood Shiva shed too, she moved again out of control, causing such an hysteria that Luna couldn’t hit her again with the trident’s magic.

The Oracle let the adrenaline take over her own mind, so she could jump from a debris to another debris. Her beautiful white dress tore apart, a irregular slit appeared on the soft material but the girl didn’t bother. She helped herself with her own bare hands, turning the long skirt into a messy mini. After that, she looked out for an ally in all that chaos, knowing someone must be there.

In fact, Noctis appeared in that very moment on a spike in the distance. Luna felt a light squeeze on her heart as she watched the future King of Kings standing there, ready to fight and keep to his duty. In spite of his huge role in the destiny of the world, he still was the childhood friend whose memory filled Luna’s mind for years. Who knew if he used the Ring already and if its power started to corrupt his bones, leading him inevitably to self destruction. The coming developments would have revealed it to her in the hard way.

Lunafreya understood immediately what she was supposed to do now that she noticed the young prince in the chaos: reach out for him and fill him with the Oracle’s magic so he would have the strength to take the battle to Leviathan head on.

Clasping her fingers around the trident’s cold metal, Luna rushed ahead, trying to get close.

The war cries of the Sea Goddess were deafening and because of them, Luna missed an imperial airship’s arrival, coming out of the blue toward her direction. She stopped, staring in surprise at the Chancellor Ardyn Izunia himself descendingto meet with her.

Luna couldn’t believe at her eyes when the man grinned with a wicked smirk that illuminated his entire face, concealing nothing to the Oracle. He had came for her and now she hadn’t nowhereelse to run.

#lunyx #kingsglaive #final fantasy xv #lunafreya nox fleuret #nyx ulric

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leanstooneside · 7 years ago

Text

ORIGINAL PRANKSTA

lamp because he must have come 3 or 4 times with that tremendous big red brute of a thing he has I thought the vein or whatever the dickens they call it was going to burst though his nose is not so big after I

series even if the first term of a succeeding one each imagining himself to be first last only and alone whereas he is neither first nor last nor only nor alone in a series

it wasnt washed out properly the last time I let him finish it in me nice invention they made for women for him to get all the pleasure but if someone gave them a touch of it themselves theyd know what I went through with Milly nobody would believe cutting her teeth too and Mina Purefoys husband give us a swing out of your whiskers filling her up with a child or twins once a year as regular as the clock always with a smell of children off her the one they called budgers or something like a nigger with a shock of hair on it Jesusjack the child is a black the last time

listener's and the narrator's

me his name who tell me who the german Emperor is it

mind now tell me who are you thinking of who is it

Id have to dring it into him for a month yes and then wed have a hospital nurse next thing on the carpet have him staying there till they throw him out or a nun maybe like the smutty photo he has shes as much a nun as Im not yes because theyre so weak and puling when theyre sick they want a woman to get well if his nose bleeds youd think it was O tragic and that dyinglooking one off the south circular when he sprained his foot at the choir party at the sugarloaf Mountain the day I wore that dress Miss Stack bringing him flowers the worst old ones she could find at the bottom of the basket anything at all to get into a mans bedroom with her old maids voice trying to imagine he was dying on account of her to never see thy face again though he looked more like a man with his beard a bit grown in the bed father was the same besides I hate bandaging and dosing when he cut his toe with the razor paring his corns afraid hed get bloodpoisoning but if it was a thing I was sick then wed see what attention only of course the woman hides it not to give all the trouble they do yes he came somewhere Im sure by his appetite anyway love its not or hed be off his feed thinking of her so either it was one of those night women if it was down there he was really and the hotel story he made up a pack of lies to hide it planning it Hynes kept me who did I meet ah yes I met do you remember Menton and who else who let me see that big babbyface I saw him and he not long married flirting with a young girl at Pooles Myriorama and turned my back on him when he slinked out looking quite conscious what harm but he had the impudence to make up to me one time well done to him mouth almighty and his boiled eyes of all the big stupoes I ever met and thats called a solicitor only for I hate having a long wrangle in bed or else if its not that its some little bitch or other he got in with somewhere or picked up on the sly if they only knew him as well as I do yes because the day before yesterday he was scribbling something a letter when I came into the front room to show him Dignams death in the paper as if something told me and he covered it up with the blottingpaper pretending to be thinking about business so very probably that was it to somebody who thinks she has a softy in him because all men get a bit like that at his age especially getting on to forty he is now

I was there a squad of them falling over one another and bawling you couldnt hear your ears supposed to be healthy not satisfied till they have us swollen out like elephants or I dont know what supposing I risked having another not off him though still if he was married Im sure hed have a fine strong child but I dont know Poldy has more spunk in him yes thatd be awfully jolly I suppose it was meeting Josie Powell and the funeral and thinking about me and Boylan set him off well he can think what he likes now if thatll do him any good I know they were spooning a bit when I came on the scene he was dancing and sitting out with her the night of Georgina Simpsons housewarming and then he wanted to ram it down my neck it was on account of not liking to see her a wallflower that was why we had the standup row over politics he began it not me when he said about Our Lord being a carpenter at last he made me cry of course a woman is so sensitive about everything

shape of my bedroom so I let him keep it as if I forgot it to think of me when I saw him slip it into his pocket of course hes mad on the subject of drawers thats plain to be seen always skeezing at those brazenfaced things on the bicycles with their skirts blowing up to their navels even when Milly and I were out with him at the open air fete that one in the cream muslin standing right against the sun so he could see every atom she had on when he saw me from behind following in the rain I saw him before he saw me however standing at the corner of the Harolds cross road with a new raincoat on him with the muffler in the Zingari colours to show off his complexion and the brown hat looking slyboots as usual what was he doing there where hed no business they can go and get whatever they like from anything at all with a skirt on it and were not to ask any questions but they want to know where were you where are you going I could feel him coming along skulking after me his eyes on my neck he had been keeping away from the house he felt it was getting too warm for him so I halfturned and stopped then he pestered me to say yes till I took off my glove slowly watching him he said my openwork sleeves were too cold for the rain anything for an excuse to put his hand anear me drawers drawers the whole blessed time till I promised to give him the pair off my doll to carry about in his waistcoat pocket O Maria Santisima he did look a big fool dreeping in the rain splendid set of teeth he had made me hungry to look at them and beseeched of me to lift the orange petticoat I had on with the sunray pleats that there was nobody he said hed kneel down in the wet if I didnt so persevering he would too and ruin his new raincoat you never know what freak theyd take alone with you theyre so savage for it if anyone was passing so I lifted them a bit and touched his trousers outside the way I used to Gardner after with my ring hand to keep him from doing worse where it was too public I was dying to find out was he circumcised he was shaking like a jelly all over they want to do everything too quick take all the pleasure out of it and father waiting all the time for his dinner he told me to say I left my purse in the butchers and had to go back for it what a Deceiver then he wrote me that letter with all those words in it how could he have the face to any woman after his company manners making it so awkward after when we met asking me have I offended you with my eyelids down of course he saw I wasnt he had a few brains not like that other fool Henny Doyle he was always breaking or tearing something in the charades I hate an unlucky man and if I knew what it meant of course I had to say no for form sake dont understand you I said and wasnt it natural so it is of course it

it was all his fault of course ruining servants then proposing that she could eat at our table on Christmas day if you please O no thank you not in my house stealing my potatoes and the oysters 2/6 per doz going out to see her aunt if you please common robbery so it was but I was sure he had something on with that one it takes me to find out a thing like that he said you have no proof it was her proof O yes her aunt was very fond of oysters but I told her what I thought of her suggesting me to go out to be alone with her I wouldnt lower myself to spy on them the garters I found in her room the Friday she was out that was enough for me a little bit too much her face swelled up on her with temper when I gave her her weeks notice I saw to that better do without them altogether do out the rooms myself quicker only for the damn cooking and throwing out the dirt I gave it to him anyhow either she or me leaves the house I couldnt even touch him if I thought he was with a dirty barefaced liar and sloven like that one denying it up to my face and singing about the place in the W C too because she knew she was too well off yes because he couldnt possibly do without it that long so he must do it somewhere and the last time he came on my bottom when was it the night Boylan gave my hand a great squeeze going along by the Tolka in my hand there steals another I just pressed the back of his like that with my thumb to squeeze back singing the young May moon shes beaming love because he has an idea about him and me hes not such a fool he said Im dining out and going to the Gaiety though Im not going to give him the satisfaction in any case God knows hes a change in a way not to be always and ever wearing the same old hat unless I paid some nicelooking boy to do it since I cant do it myself a young boy would like me Id confuse him a little alone with him if we were Id let him see my garters the new ones and make him turn red looking at him seduce him I know what boys feel with that down on their cheek doing that frigging drawing out the thing by the hour question and answer would you do this that and the other with the coalman yes with a bishop yes I would because I told him about some dean or bishop was sitting beside me in the jews temples gardens when I was knitting that woollen thing a stranger to Dublin what place was it and so on about the monuments and he tired me out with statues encouraging him making him worse than he is who is in your

money she can out of him no fool like an old fool and then the usual kissing my bottom was to hide it not that I care two straws now who he does it with or knew before that way though Id like to find out so long as I dont have the two of them under my nose all the time like that slut that Mary we had in Ontario terrace padding out her false bottom to excite him bad enough to get the smell of those painted women off him once or twice I had a suspicion by getting him to come near me when I found the long hair on his coat without that one when I went into the kitchen pretending he was drinking water 1 woman is not enough for them

he never did a thing like that before as ask to get his breakfast in bed with a couple of eggs since the City Arms hotel when he used to be pretending to be laid up with a sick voice doing his highness to make himself interesting for that old faggot Mrs Riordan that he thought he had a great leg of and she never left us a farthing all for masses for herself and her soul greatest miser ever was actually afraid to lay out 4d for her methylated spirit telling me all her ailments she had too much old chat in her about politics and earthquakes and the end of the world let us have a bit of fun first God help the world if all the women were her sort down on bathingsuits and lownecks of course nobody wanted her to wear them I suppose she was pious because no man would look at her twice I hope Ill never be like her a wonder she didnt want us to cover our faces but she was a welleducated woman certainly and her gabby talk about Mr Riordan here and Mr Riordan there I suppose he was glad to get shut of her and her dog smelling my fur and always edging to get up under my petticoats especially then still I like that in him polite to old women like that and waiters and beggars too hes not proud out of nothing but not always if ever he got anything really serious the matter with him its much better for them to go into a hospital where everything is clean but I

I only had a ring with the stone for my month a nice aquamarine Ill stick him for one and a gold bracelet I dont like my foot so much still I made him spend once with my foot the night after Goodwins botchup of a concert so cold and windy it was well we had that rum in the house to mull and the fire wasnt black out when he asked to take off my stockings lying on the hearthrug in Lombard street west and another time it was my muddy boots hed like me to walk in all the horses dung I could find but of course hes not natural like the rest of the world that I what did he say I could give 9 points in 10 to Katty Lanner and beat her what does that mean I asked him I forget what he said because the stoppress edition just passed and the man with the curly hair in the Lucan dairy thats so polite I think I saw his face before somewhere I noticed him when I was tasting the butter so I took my time Bartell dArcy too that he used to make fun of when he commenced kissing me on the choir stairs after I sang Gounods Ave Maria what are we waiting for O my heart kiss me straight on the brow and part which is my

my things with the blinds down after my hours dressing and perfuming and combing it like iron or some kind of a thick crowbar standing all the time he must have eaten oysters I think a few dozen he was in great singing voice no I never in all my life felt anyone had one the size of that to make you feel full up he must have eaten a whole sheep after whats the idea making us like that with a big hole in the middle of us or like a Stallion driving it up into you because thats all they want out of you with that determined vicious look in his eye I had to halfshut my eyes still he hasnt such a tremendous amount of spunk in him when I made him pull out and do it on me considering how big it is so much the better in case

me or dreaming am I in it who gave him that flower he said he bought he smelt of some kind of drink not whisky or stout or perhaps the sweety kind of paste they stick their bills up with some liqueur Id like to sip those richlooking green and yellow expensive drinks those stagedoor johnnies drink with the opera hats I tasted once with my finger dipped out of that American that had the squirrel talking stamps with father he had all he could do to keep himself from falling asleep after the last time after we took the port and potted meat it had a fine salty taste yes because I felt lovely and tired myself and fell asleep as sound as a top the moment I popped straight into bed till that thunder woke me up God be merciful to us I thought the heavens were coming down about us to punish us when I blessed myself and said a Hail Mary like those awful thunderbolts in Gibraltar as if the world was coming to an end and then they come and tell you theres no God what could you do if it was running and rushing about nothing only make an act of contrition the candle I lit that evening in Whitefriars street chapel for the month of May see it brought its luck though hed scoff if he heard because he never goes to church mass or meeting he says your soul you have no soul inside only grey matter because he doesnt know what it is to have one yes when I

Im him think of him can you feel him trying to make a whore of me what he never will he ought to give it up now at this age of his life simply ruination for any woman and no satisfaction in it pretending to like it till he comes and then finish it off myself anyway and it makes your lips pale anyhow its done now once and for all with all the talk of the world about it people make its only the first time after that its just the ordinary do it and think no more about it why cant you kiss a man without going and marrying him first you sometimes love to wildly when you feel that way so nice all over you you cant help yourself I wish some man or other would take me sometime when hes there and kiss me in his arms theres nothing like a kiss long and hot down to your soul almost paralyses you then I hate that confession when I used to go to Father Corrigan he touched me father and what harm if he did where and I said on the canal bank like a fool but whereabouts on your person my child on the leg behind high up was it yes rather high up was it where you sit down yes O Lord couldnt he say bottom right out and have done with it what has that got to do with it and did you whatever way he put it I forget no father and I always think of the real father what did he want to know for when I already confessed it to God he had a nice fat hand the palm moist always I wouldnt mind feeling it neither would he Id say by the bullneck in his horsecollar I wonder did he know me in the box I could see his face he couldnt see mine of course hed never turn or let on still his eyes were red when his father died theyre lost for a woman of course must be terrible when a man cries let alone them Id like to be embraced by one in his vestments and the smell of incense off him like the pope besides theres no danger with a priest if youre married hes too careful about himself then give something to H H the pope for a penance I wonder was he satisfied with me one thing I didnt like his slapping me behind going away so familiarly in the hall though I laughed Im not a horse or an ass am I I suppose he was thinking of his fathers I wonder is he

himself to be the first to enter whereas he is always the last term

theyre all so different Boylan talking about the shape of my foot he noticed at once even before he was introduced when I was in the D B C with Poldy laughing and trying to listen I was waggling my foot we both ordered 2 teas and plain bread and butter I saw him looking with his two old maids of sisters when I stood up and asked the girl where it was what do I care with it dropping out of me and that black closed breeches he made me buy takes you half an hour to let them down wetting all myself always with some brandnew fad every other week such a long one I did I forgot my suede gloves on the seat behind that I never got after some robber of a woman and he wanted me to put it in the Irish times lost in the ladies lavatory D B C Dame street finder return to Mrs Marion Bloom and I saw his eyes on my feet going out through the turning door he was looking when I looked back and I went there for tea 2 days after in the hope but he wasnt now how did that excite him because I was crossing them when we were in the other room first he meant the shoes that are too tight to walk in my hand is nice like

part he was pretty hot for all his tinny voice too my low notes he was always raving about if you can believe him I liked the way he used his mouth singing then he said wasnt it terrible to do that there in a place like that I dont see anything so terrible about it Ill tell him about that some day not now and surprise him ay and Ill take him there and show him the very place too we did it so now there you are like it or lump it he thinks nothing can happen without him knowing he hadnt an idea about my mother till we were engaged otherwise hed never have got me so cheap as he did he was lo times worse himself anyhow begging me to give him a tiny bit cut off my drawers that was the evening coming along Kenilworth square he kissed me in the eye of my glove and I had to take it off asking me questions is it

I was fuming with myself after for giving in only for I knew he was gone on me and the first socialist he said He was he annoyed me so much I couldnt put him into a temper still he knows a lot of mixedup things especially about the body and the inside I often wanted to study up that myself what we have inside us in that family physician I could always hear his voice talking when the room was crowded and watch him after that I pretended I had a coolness on with her over him because he used to be a bit on the jealous side whenever he asked who are you going to and I said over to Floey and he made me the present of Byron's poems and the three pairs of gloves so that finished that I could quite easily get him to make it up any time I know how Id even supposing he got in with her again and was going out to see her somewhere Id know if he refused to eat the onions I know plenty of ways ask him to tuck down the collar of my blouse or touch him with my veil and gloves on going out I kiss then would send them all spinning however alright well see then let him go to her she of course would only be too delighted to pretend shes mad in love with him that I wouldnt so much mind Id just go to her and ask her do you love him and look her square in the eyes she couldnt fool me but he might imagine he was and make a declaration to her with his plabbery kind of a manner like he did to me though I had the devils own job to get it out of him though I liked him for that it showed he could hold in and wasnt to be got for the asking he was on the pop of asking me too the night in the kitchen I was rolling the potato cake theres something I want to say to you only for I put him off letting on I was in a temper with my hands and arms full of pasty flour in any case I let out too much the night before talking of dreams so I didnt want to let him know more than was good for him she used to be always embracing me Josie whenever he was there meaning him of course glauming me over and when I said I washed up and down as far as possible asking me and did you wash possible the women are always egging on to that putting it on thick when hes there they know by his sly eye blinking a bit putting on the indifferent when they come out with something the kind he is what spoils him

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