#like let me ignore lance and be sarcastic with him all the time

[autisticlancemcclain]

fic rec friday 10

welcome the the tenth fic rec friday! where, on friday, i rec five of my favourite fics.

1. A Rain-Check on Redamancy by @youraveragemushroom

Burnout these days usually came from working long nights at the Garrison. If Lance from five years ago could see himself today—working part-time to rebuild Earth and full-time as an instructor at the very same institution that gave him his crippling anxieties—he would probably shit a brick. Hell, five years ago he hadn’t even known aliens existed (although he always knew deep down that humans weren’t alone in the universe), and now he’s best friends with multiple! One of which had apparently texted him an hour ago.

Forgoing proper texting procedure due to fatigue and general doneness, Lance tapped on the icon to call back.

“Hello?” a familiar deep rasp answered from the other line.

“Hey, mullet,” Lance replied, pushing aside the papers in front of him to lay his head down on the desk. “What’s cooking?”

In which Lance finds himself ignoring how late it is and indulges himself in pining after Keith. Which becomes slightly more difficult when said object of his affections shows up in the middle of the night to rescue him from paperwork, stress, and the melancholy that came from being away from him.

the ‘god i wish you were here’ ‘look behind you’ trope will get to me EVERY single time idc. always makes me all stimmy bc its THE epitome of romance. this whole thing was so so romantic and full of parallels to the first episode to show how deep their relationship has gotten...i love me some romantic parallels fr

2. sweetheart by @jilliancares

“Sorry, babe,” Keith says. He even smiles, no doubt proud of himself.

And Lance knows it’s his fault. He started it, after all, but at least the biting term of endearment made sense when he was the one doing it. Keith had been talking to him like they were some old married couple. The kind who’ve been married too long and don’t love each other anymore and gripe over meaningless shit, only managing to piss each other off even further.

That’s why Lance called him dear. Because it made sense in the situation. It was a calculated insult. A strategic jab.

Keith, on the other hand, is weaponizing the term of endearment without any rhyme or reason, simply to get back at Lance.

Or: Keith and Lance have gotten into the habit of using pet names as condescending insults. They're not really terms of endearment.

ooooooo god endearments going from sarcastic to desperately genuine and the inherent hopelessness in that....whew boy. its def a Concept that u indulge and then you have to clutch ur stomach. i remember reading this as i was getting ready and brushing my teeth and the cliff scene made me gasp out loud and stop just to i could pay Full Complete Attention

3. don’t speak the language by @goldengalaxies

“More importantly” Lance says. “I am currently having a breakdown in this lift because look at him- I am so incredibly gay.”

“Lance!” Hunk buries his face in his hands. “He could speak English you know, your skills of deduction are really not that good.”

Lance ignores his warning in favour of groaning dramatically. “Oh, Dios mio, Hunk, he’s so gorgeous. Look at those muscles. He could probably bench press me.” Lance fanned himself. “Oh my God, fencing is my new favourite sport, fuck swimming.”

(or the one where Lance thirsts after a random guy in the lift who he thinks can’t speak English. lance is very wrong and hunk is very much done with his shit.)

let me tell u about this fuckin FIC. it’s hilarious, but i first read it before i meticulously started storing and bookmarking my fave fics, so when i wanted to reread it i couldnt find it. but i KNEW it was hilarious so i spent fckn hours looking for it, and it took me hours too bc i coulnt figure out which tags to filter. but it was WORTH IT. the entire concept of this fic is hilarious and makes me laugh. amazing work.

4. Whose bright idea was this? by IronScript

When Lance is captured during a mission with the MFE pilots, he wakes up aboard Haggar's ship, though the witch herself isn't there, so he figures why waste an opportunity? Then he finds something that he definitely hadn't expected.

All the while, he has no idea that back at the Garrison, his team and a few select others are watching his every move.

bro the idea that the team is panicked for lance’s safety and they desperately organise a rescue mission for him terrified that hes getting tortured and losing hope but by the time they find him he’s already got one foot out the door and has rescued himself is ENDLESSLY funny to me. like he really said ‘damsel in distress who’ and i love him for that lmao

5. Garfle! Warfle! Snick! by IronScript

How the game show episode actually should have happened.

I'll admit to being a Lance stan, but even people who don't like him seem to agree that he was really fucked over in this episode. So here's my attempt at it. Is it more realistic than what actually happened? I like to think so.

another ironscript fic bc they nail bamf lance. this is how the gameshow WOULD have gone if vld gave a shit about their characters like actually. like yes of course the team is proud of each other and capable of acknowledging mistakes. of course keith knows lance’s worth. of course lance is a badass. of course the team knows wtf theyre doing. love to read this when i get mad about the game show

that’s it for today!! i’ll see y’all back next friday for the next fic rec post!!!

[linaselandbasil]

You Too, Ezarel?

Ezarel/Lance, oral sex, kinda deranged, okay very deranged, hey look nobody's drunk this time!, it's roughly 2000 words, not that long by my standards but I'll make a part 2

Tw: daddy issues, light physical harm (with consent of course)

The fic is below the cut, but here's the link to it on ao3 anyway.

Have fun, everyone!

...

The key turned in the lock.

His back hit the wall, the fright of being shoved so suddenly caused a weird aching feeling in his limbs. He had no reason to be afraid, Lance wouldn't hurt him. Even if the man acted like he didn't care for others, he's still the same as he used to be.

"Take it off." The elf said, referring to the mask. He really doesn't like the dynamic of being seen by him whilst not being able to see him.

"Hmm." He took the mask off and put it on the shelf next to him. "Nice office you have. It's almost as messy as your room." He hovered over the other man, trapping him against the wall.

Ezarel unbuttoned his shirt as he spoke. "As if your job was any more prim." He reached up to hug Lance's neck, which he took as permission- nay, an invitation to touch the elf. He pulled the hem of his shirt out of his pants and reached up his birthmark filled back. "Careful, I have a bugbite." Lance was barely listening, he was busy pulling the fabric off his shoulder with his teeth. Not in a sexy way, more like he was a feral animal pulling on your pantleg.

"I don't need to know about that." He said, hugging Ezarels thin waist and taking his gloves off behind his back. "So, what were do you wanna do tonight?"

"Bend me over my desk... And how about a blowjob?"

"At the same time??"

"No." He was visibly so done with Lance and his bullshit, but the dick is good so he keeps quiet... and if he complains too much Lance might just beat the shit out of him. "What do you want to do?"

"I donno, I'm too mentally unwell to even know what deranged acts would please me." He cupped Ezarels face in his hands and kissed his soft lips. Let me tell you, the guy has his skincare routine on point. Every inch of his body is silky smooth and well moisturized... on the other hand, Lance hasn't bathed in 28 hours and 43 minutes. "One thing is for sure, I want you to remember tonight." He kissed below his ear." Every time you try to sit down." Ezarel gasped, sarcastically of course.

"Oh how scared I am! Have mercy!" He said as the shirt fell off his shoulders. It's cold, his pale hairs stood straight up.

"You say that like it's not true. Your voice is weak, your palms all sweaty. You think I don't notice?" There's vomit on the sweater already, moms spaghetti.

He looked away. "How do you know my palms are sweaty? You can't possibly feel them through the armor!"

"No, but I can see the frikin paw prints you left on my chest! You nasty little bitch, I literally cleaned it yesterday!" He chuckled and slapped the elf on his rather underwhelming stickbug ass.

"Whatever."

"Whatever?" Lance got closer, roughly shoving him into the wall and kissed him. "You're an ass." Ezarel laughed.

"You're calling me an ass? You? After what you've done- what you're doing to your brother, you call me an ass??" Lance looked at him for a few minutes, seething. With each second that passed, Ezarel trembled more and more in anticipation. This happened every time. He can't ignore his hatred towards Lance, even if he adores the man at the same time. They keep bickering, poking at each other like they used to, but with the elephant in the room it always comes to this. "You've got nothing to say, Lance?" The man took a step back from him.

He teared up from the hard slap that landed across his face. The force of it made him fall over, bumping into the shelf. Lance went closer and pulled his hair to make him look up at him before his anger melted away. "I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry... Can you do it again please?" Ezarel pleaded with polite words. He was breathing fast, he had a big red mark on his left cheek. This happened every time, he played with fire until he got burned. He was on his knees, cowering under the monster he loved to bring out from his dear Lance.

"If you miss your father so much you could just visit him." He yanked him up by his hair and, pulled him close.

"He stopped beating me when I got taller than him." He said, pushing their foreheads together. "That's why I need you." Lance caressed his sore cheek, making him wince. He almost felt guilty that he enjoyed the fear he saw in his emerald eyes. When the elf got a little more comfortable, he shoved him away and slapped him on the other side to match. Ezarel sure loves symmetry. Lance wrapped him in his arms and rocked him back and forth until he once again felt safe. He then pushed him a little further away from the door, towards another blank wall.

Ezarel didn't dare look at him, but if he did, he'd see a satisfied smirk. "On your knees." His legs were already weak, as he lowered himself he nearly collapsed. Lance slowly walked closer. "Look at me." He made sure to step on the bony fingers of the elf. He didn't put his whole weight on it, but the disrespect is still apparent.

"Lance?"

"Hmm?"

"More?" He rolled his eyes.

"What, you think you deserve it? You're having too much fun."

"Don't make me beg." He pulled his hand out from under the shoe and stood up.

"On. Your. Knees." The way Lance was hovering over him was scaring him. In a good way of course, he's been hard since the first slap.

"M-make me." He backed away as he said it, hitting the wall almost immediately. Lance scoffed and grabbed one of his ears to pull him down with. "Nononono wait, please! Ah!"

"Oops, sorry. I made you beg." He smirked when he had the elf back on the ground. "You wanted a blowjob? Go ahead, but keep your hands on the ground." He unbuttoned his pants and whipped it out. Ballsy move, literally.

"Not exactly what I meant..." Eza drew in a deep breath and took the tip in his mouth. Lance pulled him back by his ears, grabbing them at the base. He hissed, but did nothing.

"No, that's rude. Give him a kiss first." Ezarel was sort of pissed for being micro managed like this, but this is exactly what he needed. He wanted a man to replace his father. (Weird, I know. Shut up.) He gave it a kiss right on the tip and opened his mouth to take it back in. He heard the almost inaudible grunt from Lance. It made him feel so accomplished. He went up and down, trying to relax his throat. "Good job." He pulled the elf away. "Undress."

He complied, working his trembling hands as fast as he could. The shirt dropped to the floor without any effort, the pants he had to fiddle with until he managed to unbutton them. He kicked his lab shoes off and he was finally able to rid himself of his pants. The snake yearns for freedom.

"You look like a fork."

"Excuse me?"

"You." He pointed at Ezarel. "Look like a fork."

"I understood what you said!"

"I know, I just wanted you to hear it again."

Ezarel sighed. "Asshole."

"Watch your mouth, chopstick man." Lance grabbed his shoulder and pushed him down, the cold floor doesn't exactly feel great on his bony knees as he sits on them. "Open up."

He obeys, although he'd like another slap. Too bad he can't aggravate the man with his mouth full. His lips touch the *coughs* staff, he relaxes himself as Lance pushes deeper and deeper without mercy. He feels the strong hands caress his head, strangely caring. Chills went down his spine when Lance lightly scratched his scalp. He enjoyed it until he realized that he's being scratched like a dog. "Hmm!"

"Don't like it?" Lance's rough voice had a barely noticeable tremble in it. The elf is happy to know that he's enjoying himself. He tried to free his mouth to answer, but his partner was not having that. He trapped Ezarel between himself and the wall. He can hardly breathe, and Lance knows that for sure. The hand came to rest on top of his head. No more head scratches sadly.

He tried to shake his head to answer. It's pretty hard with his predicament.... Amongst other things that are pretty hard right now. 💀

"No teeth." He pat his blue head a bit harder than necessary. Ezarel groaned and intentionally nipped the skin. Lance was not hesitant to pull him away and slap the shit out of him, the spit that slid down his chin made it sound somewhat different than before. "Behave." Ezarel grinned like the bastard he is. Even with the state that he's in, he still manages to exert just enough control to be an assertive, annoying, way too confident asshole.

His pale face was a little red from slaps and from how intense his previous activities were, his lips had reddened significantly, he has tears In his eyes. He looks beautiful. Lance lovingly tucked his spit soaked hair out of his face and scratches his scalp again. "You don't hit me as hard anymore."

"And you complain about that? Dumbass."

"That first one was good, the rest were weak. Do better." Lance scoffed, grinning down at this idiot.

"You freak. Get back to work." Ezarel looked up at him, seriously contemplating biting him.

"Make me." Lance didn't look at all amused, but believe me he was.

"Bitch." He grabbed the other man's pristine elven likeness and shoved his dick down his throat. Ezarel was used to it but he still choked from the roughness. He held onto Lance's thighs, he needed something to ground himself. "Didn't I tell you? Hands on the floor." When he was done gagging and let go of his thighs, Lance began thrusting into him. He was surprisingly not wrecking the elf. He moaned, which made Ezarel really happy.

He needs male validation, courtesy of his emotionally unavailable father.

"You doing okay?" He stopped for a second, breathing heavy.

"M-hum!" Ezarel answered, looking up at him through tear soaked lashes.

"Good, I'm impressed, you learned this so quickly." Oh boy, Lance KNOWS exactly what he needs! "You still wanna get bent over?" He pushed Ezarel down on his cock until he couldn't breathe. He nodded, fighting his gag reflex. "Well, whatever. I'm nutting now." What a gentleman.

Ezarel hummed, accepting his grim fate. Lance gathered all of his hair in his hand and held his pretty swan neck in the other, he widened his stance like the true warrior he was and began ramming into the poor elf like he was trying to poke a hole into his skull. It was quite enjoyable for Ezarel, he likes the humiliation. Lance moaned as he pressed against his shaft with his tounge, he was seconds away from the finish line.

The elf was trying desperately to not touch Lance, he wanted to so badly. The man slowed down significantly, he could feel the salty mess on his tounge already. Lance pushed at his chin with his thumb to open his mouth, pulled out and jerked. Ezarel stuck his tongue out to welcome the cum. "Hands." He held his palm out. Ezarel reached up and his bony fingers were guided around the shaft. He milked as much out as he could, mouth still agape. Lance's blue eyes were fixed on him, admiring him. "Good boy." He praised.

"Thank you." He said, sounding strange since he hadn't swallowed. After the way he got chewed out last time he swallowed without permission, he didn't dare to do it again.

"Nah, you did great. Don't thank me for what you deserve." He still firmly held his hair. "Swallow." His throat tightened but he forced it down. He wiped his lips with the back of his hand and let out a sigh of relief when Lance sat down besides him. It was fun, but it was intense.

"Lance."

"Hm?" Lance leaned into the wall, resting.

"What about me?"

"Eh, in part 2."

Ezarel sighed. "Okay, fair enough."

...

I'd like to SUMMON THE COUNCIL!!!!

@aide-falls @losyashkakus @lumen-anima

And since this is a Lance fic, I would like to invite an honorary guest: @slowiedrakie

[ilprinciperosso]

Australian weekend recap

QUALIFYING

That’s where the whole Ferrari mess started. 

First issue: the RAIN. Spoiler… it never came. I don’t get why Ferrari is always messing up when it comes to weather forecast. For this reason they forced Charles not to do a double warmup lap for his last qualifying lap, but then they allowed Carlos two. That’s what started the whole mess

They then asked Carlos to let Charles go out in front (since he was doing only one warmup lap), but he ignored it and went out anyway (the radio coms are public, please don’t come for me and go listen to them). We then had Carlos on his second warmup lap while Charles was starting his last qualifying lap

At this point they tried to salvage the situation asking Carlos to give Charles a tow (Carlos didn’t want to “it’s tricky”, but Charles didn’t care for it either). Carlos, while he was being informed by his engineer about the gap to Charles, sped up (in that specific sector he went 3 seconds faster than in the previous warm up lap) and opened his drs (we get it Carlos, you didn’t agree with the tow), but then slowed down into turn 3-4. That’s a narrow area of the track and that’s why Charles was being angry and sarcastic in the post-quali interviews, thanking Carlos for the tow in T3-T5. Yes Carlos moved out of the way, but still Charles had to compromise his racing line and that’s the only sector where he lost to Carlos in terms of laptime.

This mess was then deemed a miscommunication problem (a bit too many communication problems in Ferrari in the past two years)

RACE

THE START

If the drivers are not aggressive then they are not good enough, but if they are aggressive and try to gain positions at the start they are too aggressive and emotional. 

Could Charles have been more patient? Yes. 

Did he make a mistake ‘cause he was emotional and frustrated? No for fucks sake. He had moved in front of Stroll and he couldn’t see Alonso on the inside. Alonso slowed down, ‘causing Lance to slow down dramatically and forcing him on the side… that’s when he touched Charles. It was a racing incident. 

Was Max more conservative at the start? Yes, but It doesn’t make sense comparing Max to Charles in these circumstances. Max can be conservative and okay with being overtaken at the start ‘cause he has a fucking rocket below his ass and he knows he will gain all of his positions back anyway, Charles needed to have a good start and gain position from the get go.

THE RACE: It was quite fun to be honest, better than I was expecting it to be

RED FLAGS: in Australia we saw a lot of them. The thing is, they need to be consistent with the red flag use. You want to put a red flag out every single time there’s debris on track? Fine, but it needs to be always like that. You have to allow teams consistency so they can decide strategies and pit stops (with the second crash no one pitted ‘cause all of them were expecting another red flag). This first stop would have penalised massively Carlos and George, who had already pitted for hards

MERCEDES RELIABILITY ISSUES: nice to see it’s not only a Ferrari problem (I’m kidding). George is not my fav driver, but I was sad to see him retire ‘cause up to that moment he’d had a perfect weekend (great quality and great start)

SECOND RED FLAG and RESTART: at that point everybody was expecting it. At the restart Carlow went bowling, took out Fernando and started the whole mess behind. Carlos went long, lost the racing line and crashed into Fernando. It was not a racing incident, the penalty was right (the result was way to harsh ‘cause he finished out of the points, but the penalty was right. It was his fault). 

ALPINE CRASH: Pierre locked up and went long at the first turn then rejoined the track. It was clear, if you look at Esteban race cam, that Pierre was going towards the wall… I don’t know what Esteban was trying to do forcing himself in between the wall and Pierre. First teammate crash of the season, but… let’s be honest… we were all expecting it to be them

THIR RED FLAG: there was carnage on track, so it was justified 

LETS’ TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF WHAT THEN HAPPEN. The lap did count ‘cause the lap counter went up, but since the red flag came before all of the cars could get to sector 2 they didn’t have a new standing order and it was reinstated the previous lap’ one. The restart was a rolling start, but the safety car went in before the last two turns, so the race was basically restarted only to have the cars cross the finish line. Carlos was given a penalty on a lap that existed and was taken into consideration, it wasn’t deleted or anything (even worse for Alpine who couldn’t restart at all). On one hand I’m happy they’re using more red flags (I was in Monza last year and it was an absolute mess how they didn’t stop the race and they didn’t give us a restart), but there needs to be consistency and it needs to be for safety reasons, not for show

RADIOS: I’m happy that they broadcasted Carlos’ radio (whoever filmed him when he was given the penalty… that was a cinematic masterclass). Simply ‘cause he’s kind, polite and objectively very beautiful, there’s always this underling theory that Charles is weak and emotional (He doesn’t go against the box, “he’s weak!” He gets angry, “he’s emotional!” He tries to overtake a car and gets taken out in a racing incident “too unstable, Max would have never done that!”), I’m so fucking sick of it. They’re risking their life driving at those speeds, they are allowed to be human and have emotions, but not being a rude ass alpha male doesn’t equal to being weak. Carlos, the more manly and with a strong character Ferrari driver, according to a lot of people, whined on radio, begging his engineer to force the stewards to listen to him… saying it was unacceptable. Am I gonna make fun of him? Nope, he’s human and allowed to be disappointed at what happened, but please let’s stop it with the double standards. Every and each driver will whine on radio when something happens, so either none of them are crybabies or all of them are.

POSITIVE SIDES: maybe the car was a tiny bit better than last week. With a better qualifying and a not so crazy race I don’t think the results would have been horrendous

[casspurrjoybell-25]

Cold as Ice - Chapter 4 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

Wren Ridley

My refuge in the bathroom didn't last long because a moment later, the door swung open and hit the wall, Landon walking inside.

I turned my glare to him as he strode in, ignoring me as he went and used the urinal.

He didn't make eye contact with me until he was washing his hands and glanced at me through the mirror.

"Oh, it's you," he said, his voice smoother and higher than normal, less clipped and snapping like it usually was when he spoke to me.

"Are you followin' me?" he slurred.

He wiped his wet hands on the front of his jeans and turned to face me.

"Yes, Lance, I'm following you," I sarcastically replied.

"As if this isn't the most popular college hangout spot in the city."

"Oh," he said.

He was looking at me but it felt like he wasn't actually seeing me.

"I don't think I wanna be here anymore."

"Take that up with your friends."

"They're not..." Landon replied, pausing.

"They're not my friends."

I shrugged at him and left the room.

The table I had been at before was now taken by people I didn't know.

James was at the bar and Stella was off dancing with some girl.

I sighed and stood against the wall with my arms crossed over my chest like I was their fucking bodyguard or something.

It wasn't until later when James was completely trashed that Stella and I decided to drag him out of there.

Just as we were leaving, I saw a figure face down on the bar.

I knew it was Landon without even seeing his face.

I was prepared to keep walking but Stella stopped me.

"Didn't you say, you knew him?" she asked, pointing at Landon.

I sighed.

"Yeah, I know him. Let's go."

"You should help him," she said as she held onto James.

"I think his friends left him."

"That's not my problem."

"If we leave him here, they're going to call the cops and he'll get busted."

"Again, not my problem."

"Wren," Stella groaned.

"Just go pick him up. I'll take James off your hands for the night."

I would like to say that I wasn't a nice person and that I wasn't easily persuaded by Stella but I walked over to the bar and dragged Landon off the chair.

He was barely coherent as I pulled him along with me outside and stuffed him into the backseat of my car with James.

Both of them were awake but neither knew what was going on.

Stella dragged James up into the dorm once we arrived while I took Landon.

He was tripping over his own feet as I pulled him along next to me.

Stella's room was just across the hall from mine and James's, so we walked up together and she took him inside her room.

Landon groaned as I set him down on the bed, holding onto his head with both hands.

"My brain is swimming," he slurred, his eyes squeezed shut.

I made him turn onto his side and he opened his eyes, his wide gaze on me.

"I have to go... I have to go see Livi."

"You have to go to sleep so shut up and close your eyes," I replied, sitting in my desk chair, thinking I could get some writing done.

I had been working on my novel for a few months now.

It had gotten so bad at one point I deleted my whole draft and started over.

I always felt I wrote better at night and now was as good a time as any so I could get something done and stay awake for a while to make sure Landon didn't drown in his own vomit.

"My sister," he continued.

"I can't stay. I have to go. Take the bus."

I let out a long sigh.

"Go to sleep."

Landon's eyes fought to stay open but ultimately, they fluttered shut and he fell asleep.

His breathing evened out and I started writing.

********

At some point in the night, I rested my head against the desk and fell asleep and when I woke up my neck and back were aching.

Landon had turned onto his stomach, lying face down into my pillow.

I had to remind myself to wash that pillowcase immediately.

Or just wash all my sheets to get him of off them.

I shook him awake and pulled the pillow out from under his head.

His eyes shot open and he sat up on the bed, holding his head with one hand and looking around the room in confusion.

"What the fuck..." he muttered.

His hair sat messily on top of his head, reminding me of how it looked last night and that made me want to get him out of my room as soon as possible and I would do that the only way I knew how, by making him so mad that he would storm out of here and leave on his own.

"You seem like a fun drunk," I said, earning a glare from him.

"Seriously, I didn't think you could ever be anything other than angry but you seemed like a fun time."

"Why am I here?" he snapped.

"Your friends left you at the bar."

"They weren't my friends."

"Either way, they left you," I replied.

"And you can say thank you at any time."

"And why did you bring me here?" he asked, his patience wearing thin.

"I didn't have sex with you last night, if that's what you're worried about," I told him.

His nostrils flared angrily.

"But I might have if you were sober and willing. We could do it now if you want."

Landon scoffed and stood up from the bed, pushing past me to go toward the door.

"Don't say shit like that to me," he spat, patting his pockets.

He pulled out his cell-phone and checked the time, swearing under his breath.

"The offer stands," I said, sitting down on the desk.

"You were saying something about your sister last night. Going home today?"

"That's none of your business."

"You know the closest bus stop to home from here is still, like twenty minutes away from home," I told him, grinning at his irritation as he ran his fingers through his hair.

He shook his head, opening the door to leave the room.

"Like I said, the offer still stands," I called out to him.

"You seemed pretty interested in me last night," I lied with a wicked grin.

Landon didn't even look back at me as he slammed the door shut behind him.

"You're a good dancer by the way," I called out chuckling as I heard the door to the suite slam shut

[abbatoirablaze]

SDAU, The Right Stuff, Chapter 3

Word Count: 832

“If I wanted some whiny omega on my ass all the time, I would have just gone with Peter,” she huffed, glaring at the omega wolf, “he may be a fox, but at least he’s my mate.  God, I can’t even stand your scent right now.  You’re starting to spill over with your scent patches.  I think you need to start getting the shots.”

Lance felt his heart ache as his girlfriend became even more vicious, going for the jugular, “Regina, I just asked if you could co-“

“I don’t care!” she finally spat out, cutting him off, “I don’t care about you playing on the rings and spinning on things, Lance.  I have way more important things to do with my time than watch you acting like a toddler on a jungle gym.”

“I just asked if you could come support me at one-“

“Aren’t your brothers coming?” she asked, hands on her hips, “why aren’t they enough for you?  Why do I have to be there too?”

“Babe…it’s an Olympic scaled competition to determine who’s on the team!” he said proudly, trying to push through his own sadness “I want my girlfriend, my alpha there cheering me on…ar-aren’t you proud of me?”

“Whoop-de-doo Lance, you can swing on bars and look great doing it,” she said sarcastically.  She huffed and threw her hands up when he didn’t let go of it, “I’m done talking about it, Lance…take your pants off.  I had a stressful day, and I need you…be a good omega and take care of your alpha!  Come on!”

“What about me?”

“We’re going to have sex,” she pointed out, rolling her eyes, “obviously you’re benefitting from it too!  Now come on.  Chop chop.  Pants off.  Lance…get undressed.”

“No.”

She raised her brow, “What?”

“N-no.  I don’t want to just take my pants off and have sex,” he growled, finally breaking, “that’s not how we solve problems!  Th-that’s not how I want to solve our problems.  I don’t want to just have sex and act like it never happened.  This isn’t okay!”

“YES IT IS!” she all but yelled at him.  Lance shrank back ever so slightly, and she took a few steps forward, “Look, I know that you’re a little emotional because it’s right before your heat and you need that little extra encouragement, but I don’t have the energy for it.  So, sucking up to your frat brothers will have to do.  I have real stress that I need to get rid of.  And as my omega, I would think you could understand that.  Now…PANTS OFF, LANCE!”

Lance felt his chest tighten as he stood stock still.  His jaw went rigid as he tried to hold himself in the same spot instead of obeying the rigid alpha command.  He started to feel pressure in the pit of his stomach.  She raised her brow, “you really think you can hold out for long, Lance?  I know how quick you cave with me…it’ll only hurt the longer you try to fight it off.  I gave you an alpha command.  NOW TAKE THEM OFF!”

Lance tried to fight the command, but his hindbrain was quickly taking over. 

“I-I don’t want to!” he whimpered as his arms reached for his track pants, sliding them down his muscular, toned thighs.  He felt the tears building in his eyes, “Regina-“

“Good boy,” she smiled, cutting him off and ignoring is own pain.  She took her top off and started slipping out of her skirt, “now get on the bed, take off your shirt, and start stroking yourself.  You need to be hard, Lance!”

“Regina-“

“SHUT UP!”

His lips quickly snapped together, and his body surged towards the bed.  A whimper escaped his throat as he all but ripped his shirt off in a mechanical fashion.  But just before he could start stroking himself the door to his bedroom slammed open, and in came Steve, Bucky, and Mini.

Regina immediately covered herself up with her hands, “What the hell are you doing, get out!”

“Lance, stop!” Bucky growled, the alpha command rolling off his lips.  Mini stalked right up to Regina and decked her.  The wolf whimpered, falling to the floor.

“We heard you alpha commanding him!” she commented angrily, not moving her eyes from the wolf on the floor, “Lance, are you okay?”

He nodded, a small tear slipping down his cheeks.  Steve ran up to the junior, “Come on, man…let’s get you out of he-“

“Where do you think you’re going with my omega?”

Mini growled at her, the panther becoming even more protective of Lance after her omega touched him and herded him out of his bedroom towards Steve’s.

“You should leave…before I call the authorities for alpha commanding and attempting to rape an omega!” she spat. 

“He’s my boyfriend!” she said quickly, as though that would make it any better.

“Not anymore!” Bucky growled, his own protectiveness over Steve’s friend coming in to play, “get out, Regina…and don’t come back.”

Tag List:  @buckybarnes72, @lohnes16

[forreasonswretchedandivine]

Well.... guess who just remembered she likes to write sometimes! Here's a short story I wrote for my ff14 OC kazunori:3. One word promt challenge, and the word was "dog". Please ignore any spelling or syntax errors. Or don't I didn't care enough to spellcheck, bite me

TW:bullying, children fighting, blood and injuries, multiple mentions of death and dying

Kazunori risked a glance over his shoulder as he ran, his lungs and legs burned, but he refused to let them catch him this time.

"Those useless little legs of yours can only move so quickly, runt!!" Shouted the xalea boy in yellow.

"You sure?" Kazu responded, feeling that foolish urge to further provoke his pursuers. "From the looks of it my speed ain't the problem here!"

"Orinir. Of all the fucking tribes on the steppe, you had to pick a fight with one of the orinir brats. If they dont catch and kill you, Altani sure as hell will." Kazu thought to himself as he narrowly avoiding falling flat on his face.

Kazunori had learned very quickly that he was not like his sisters, or his mother, or any of the other xalea on these plains he called home. In fact he wasn't au ra at all, but something that the people around him referred to as a lalafell. He learned even quicker that because of this, some folks were gonna make his life a lot harder than it needed to be.

Ajinai and his minions were getting closer and kazu was losing stamina, he needed a way out and now. He racked I

His brain for a moment, before giving in and doing something he tried his dammedest not to: he took his father's advice.

"Kaz, you're getting stronger everyday and with that Lance of yours, I know you can handle yourself." khaliun said as he gently pressed the cold wet cloth to his son's black eye." But you're different from us, and sometimes your best bet isn't to fight or even run. It's to hide."

Of all the things his dad had taught him, kazu hated this the most.

He surveyed the land around him, desperately looking for any way he could shake the 3 boys that were hot on his trail. His gaze landed on a cluster of rocks ahead as he picked up speed, trying to get as much distance from them as possible.

Kazu sprinted as far into the rocks as he could, stopping only when he was fairly certain he had lost them. Looking around and sensing no more danger he breathed a sigh of relief and exhaustion. He closed his eyes to rest them for just a moment, when he felt several hands grabbing and pulling him from his hiding spot. He landed In a small clearing with a Smallwood "Oof!" As the 3 orinir teens blocked off any chance he had of escape. "Hiding is the best bet my ass, old man." he thought to himself.

"What'd I tell you, kazumori?" sneered ajinai as his friends laughed." you can only move so far and and only so fast."

"Ya gotta admit, I damn sure gave you a run for your coin there though! Ol' nub horns to over here looks like he still needs a minute." Kazu laughed trying to mask his fear and fatigue.

The short horned boy to his moved to engage him, but ajinai raised a hand to stop it. "Patience nub horns. Im not done talking to the little shit." Kazu's joke seemed to amuze the leader of the crew, who stepped closer to his fallen prey. "Besides, I'm feeling nice today. Take back what you said, apologize and beg for forgiveness." Hissed ajinai.

Kazu slowly got to his feet, as calmly and as cool as he was able. He dusted himself off and stepped forward to look up at the much taller boy.

"Alright, okay, ya caught me fair'n square so I'll apologize. He sighed in sarcastic defeat. " I am sorry.... sorry that I didn't realize you orinir are so sensitive and soft. I had no idea you all couldn't handle a little friendly ribbing from another tri-". His feet were off the ground and his back hit the rock behind him before he could continue. The impact of ajinai pinning him knocked the wind out of his lungs and made him wince.

"But you're not from another tribe, you little rat. Despite what those fools of the himma might believe you're not one of them and you're not one of us." Ajinai said slowly. "Hells, hearing what happened to your real parents you shouldn't even be alive."

Kazu felt himself freeze, refusing to let them see him cry. Kazu had only recently learned that he was not abandoned on the steppe, but stranded there. Altani figured he was old enough to hear the truth and tried as gently as she knew how to tell kazu about his parents being attacked by monsters while traveling through the plains. No one saw it happen, but Altani and khaliun came discovered them a Few hours later, as well as their child who was hidden in the brush nearby.

"Who told you that?" Kazu whispered.

"Word gets around fast here little kazunori, you know that as well as anyone." " Oh that poor child, made an orphan here of all the places" mocked ajinai in a shrill voice." I wonder what beast did them in, don't you? They probably didn't make much of a meal for whatever finished them off."

The smaller boy's eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists. "Put me down and I'll show you a beast." He snapped.

Ajinai' buddies joined him in laughter at this." Ooooo, real scary kazu!! The popato with a toothpick is gonna get us!" You couldn't even outrun us, freak. What makes you think you could fight us?

Kazu grasped behind his back for his weapon, a gesture that cased the taller boy to drop him and ready his weapon as well.

"I was hoping to kill you under more glorious circumstances, but doing it here and now will do I suppose."

Ajinai's goons moved back to flank kazunori, as he and their leader stared eachother down. The wold around them fell silent, save for their footsteps as they squared off.

"Death's coming for one of us today, and it sure as hell ain't gonna be me." Kazu said flatly.

The two opponents closed in on eachother, trading several strikes to one another. Ajinai lunged forward and blade first, but kazu parried quicker. He leapt upwards and landed light as a feather on his opponent's weapon. A sly smile spread across his lips.

Ajinai moved backwards as kazu swung his spear at him missing any vitals, but cutting his robes.

The taller boy growled in anger and leveled his spear for another attack.

Their focus was broken in an instant, when a low Howl cut through the tension, as they all turned to the noise.

It was at that moment the boys realized where they were and what was coming. This rock formation was empty, because anyone not looking to fight for their life avoided it. This was wolf territory, and the beasts had acquired an acute taste for au ra.

Kazunori scanned his surroundings in a panic, as ajinai chuckled softly.

"You lost your mind orinir? You three might be able to take me, but those wolves are gonna tear us to shreds!"

"Correction, little appetizer!" Said ajinai with a smile." He went low and swept kazu off balance and to the ground. "They'll tear you to shreds. And I'm sure that'll buy us just enough time to get out of here. He quickly spun his spear and gave kazu a quick jab to the side and a strike to the knee, then broke into a sprint, his goons not far behind.

Kazu staggered onto his uninjured knee, trying to raise himself up. But between all the running, fighting, and shit talking, he was exhausted. He had trained so hard to maintain the stamina of the xalea around him, but could never match it. It burned him up inside and caused the throbbing pain in his leg and ribs to intensify.

Snarling could be heard now, this time significantly closer that the wolves last call. Kazu couldn't tell how many there were, but he know they would be upon him soon.

"So this is it huh? This is how I go? The dawn mother's sense of humor is fucked, because being mauled to death just like mom and dad is a real sick joke."

"Well let's focus on the positives, scarce and shitty as they may be. Ajinai won't get the satisfaction of killing me. Neither will Altani when she hears what I did!" He laughed to himself, giving in to his fate.

The looming shadow of one of the wolves drew near, as kazu struggled to his feet. That voice in his head called to him, and gave him strength in his time of need.

"One thing's for certain though." He steadied his blade and his body, ready to charge. "I'm going down fighting."

The beast howled once more as it came into view, kazu charged, but quickly slowed as his fight responses dulled.

As the creature slinked into view, kazu noticed a few things. First, there was no pack behind the wolf. Second the large shadow the creature cast did it no justice, as the "beast" barely came over kazu's spear standing vertical. And lastly, the poor thing looked emaciated, like it hadn't eaten in days. Part of his ear was missing, and his back leg appeared to be bleeding.

Kazu almost dropped his weapon as he fell to his knees in shock and relief.

"Huh..... huh." Was all he said before he burst into tears of laughter and stress.

The beast continued to come closer, no deterred by her preys laughter in the slightest. She attempted to leap at kazu but yelped and landed awkwardly on her side, his injury and clear exhaustion from hunger taking their toll.

"Woah, easy there killer!" Kazu joked as he made rose to come help her. She bared her fangs and tried her hardest to appear intimidating.

"Oh would you relax? I'm not gonna hurt you, and as much as you might want to you aren't gonna hurt me in your sorry state."

She closed her mouth and no longer came closer, but did not back down from her defensive stance. Kazu stopped his movments as well.

"You look hungry, and while I'm sorry to tell you my corpse isn't an option I've got some rations in my bag you can have. Here."

He opened his traveling sack and laid out its contents, then took several steps back. Dried meats, a few greens, and a small circle of dough that appeared to be filled.

"sheperds pie. The old man made it and insisted I take some with me. Surprised the damn thing hasn't been smashed yet."

The wolf cautiously approached to inspect the meal, not breaking eye contact with kazu. She sniffed it quickly and dug in, eating quite loudly.

"No need for the table manners" said kazu sarcastically. He sat down and chewed on a bit of meat he saved for himself. "Enjoy as much as you'd like." The creature barely acknowledged him, before returning to her food.

As she ate kazu notice her balance wavering, the bloody back leg of hers ready to collapse at the slightest breeze.

"I can help with that, but ill have to come closer. That okay?." He offered.

She licked her lips for a moment, as if truly pondering his request. She then turned her back to him, not leaving but presenting the injury.

Though it was not fatal, gashes in her upper thigh were deep. They ran in three jagged lines and stopped just before her foot. Claw marks, and from the looks of it they were made by another wolf. Kazu understood immediately.

"Runt of the litter huh? I know I look crazy strong, but I know what that's like." He said, tearing a piece of cloth from his shirt to for bandaging. He gently place his fingertips to the wound, to which the wolf replied with a deft chomp to his right arm.

"SON OF A- no, no that's fair I should've said something that's on me." He apologized shaking off the pain. " I'm gonna put some stuff on you real quick okay? It's gonna sting but I promise it will help. She steadied herself but kept an eye on the boy, in case she needed to bite him again.

As he wiped the dark green paste on the injury, she let out a quick yelp and started to run, but relaxed as the pain dissolved while kazu wrapped the bandage. She relaxed and sat with some difficulty.

The two sat in silence for a moment, kazu looking for..... anything of interest besides boulders and pebbles, and the wolf staring him down in absolute silence. He avoided looking back for a while, but inevitably making contact.

"Well today has been.......eventful, but it's getting dark. The Old man and Altani are probably looking for me soooooo... bye?" He said as he made his way out of rocky clearing.

As he stepped out into the sunset, he looked down at himself and the state he was in. His shirt was covered in cuts and missing a sleeve, his arm was lightly dripping blood from his bites, and when he wiped his face, his hand came back covered in mud.

"Guess there's still a chance I might die today. They’re gonna kill me when they see me like this." He turned towards home and began the long walk back, when he sensed something creeping behind him. For some reason he feared ajinai and his friends had waited to ambush him all this time, but as he turned towards the presence, he almost collided with the wolf. She stood perfectly still as she looked at him, which made kazu pretty uncomfortable.

"I-I don't have anymore food, and I think you're good on the herbs there friend." He said slowly. The creature did not move.

He stared back in confusion for a moment, then straightened with realization as he turned and started home again. As soon as he took a few steps forward, the wolf took the same amount right behind him. Another several steps, and the wolf mimicked his stride.

" listen mutt, I'm sure you've got your own family to get back to! Hostile as they might seem, I'm sure they're looking for you. Go find them!"

She sat once again, and shifted her front paw impatiently. Kazu heaved a sigh as he folded his arms.

"Huh, uh, nope. You are not coming with me. They barely want me there, what makes you think they're looking for more trouble?"

She whined quietly and pushed her face into his. Despite how scrappy she looked, her Fur felt nice on his face. Even if some of it got in his mouth. He decided he was too tired to argue and turned to leave once again, not stopping to shoo her away.

"Fuck it." Kazu thought. "I'm sure I can convince the altani to let me keep her. And the old man definitely won't say no to another stray."

[rinsy-o]

I get too emotional while playing this game. Like, honestly, I was shaking the whole episode 3 'cause I was so angry, help-

It’s normal! Specially since some of us have been playing this game for years ;; 

I liked the fact that Erika was finally angry at them, that fight with Huang Hua was 👌 I think/wish we will be able to keep this energy, considering how they gave us the option to not apologize to her, that’s actually pretty cool imo

[shoot-the-oneshot]

Marriage Of Convenience

Lance stroll x reader  Y’all I wasn’t even a Lance fan before this so if you aren’t I hope you still give this a chance because I think you’ll love it!

F1 as Romance Tropes Masterlist!

“Y/n honey, I thought you were wearing the ivory dress i picked out.” Your mother fussed over your dress and hair the second you walked into the country club. You knew even if you had wore the dress she picked it wouldn’t have been good enough.

“I thought the green looked better.” You mumbled out, sighing as your father walked closer. Giving no reaction other than a hum. “Where’s that doctor you were seeing is he coming?” He asked, the mentioned doctor was one of the men your mother forced you to go on a date with, you only went so she would let it go. Sure you might have lied and said you went out more then the two of you did, that lie was now coming back to bite you.

“We don’t really talk anymore.” At your words your mother sighed in disappointment, before patting your arms. “It’s no problem, my friend Susie has a son who is studying law i’ll set something up.” You could see her excitement, making your mood drop, sure they wanted you to be with a lawyer, doctor or anyone successful. They hated you would rather be the one working and not a housewife like women should be according to your parents.

So you nodded along wanting to get this dinner over with, every month it was the same. You’d walk in, your mom would talk about your lack of a worthy man, and your father would complain about the other members of the board. Your only saving grace was the Strolls.

You were able to sneak away from your mothers book club and found a way to their table. Lance immediately pulled his sisters abandoned chair out for you knowing the pattern by now. You’d always come over to talk to his sister about whatever and his father about business, he normally took this time to escape to his corner of safety but decided to stay this time.

“Y/n sneak away again have you.” Lawrence spoke and you nodded, despite your fathers hatred for the man you found him interesting, he never talked down to you about your ideas and always gave some helpful advice. Downing the champagne left in your glass you nodded, “Mothers book club was telling me all about their kids and grandkids asking when i was going to settle down.”

“You’re 21?” Lance yelped, making it clear he was eavesdropping, surprised they were practically offering you up to the highest bidder, also slightly offended your family never suggested him as a suitor for you. “Two years older than my mom was when she had me.” You sighed, before he could say anything, his sister came back stealing your attention, leaving his mind to wonder.

Netflix, on. Ice cream, ready. Pajamas, comfy. And you couldn’t be happier to be home, just as you got comfortable on the couch, someone knocked on your door making you groan and contemplate ignoring them all together, but the shout of your name through the wood made you get up.

“Lance?” The man pushed passed you the second the door opened. “Come on in.” You mumbled sarcastically, you were never that close to the family only seeing them at events like the one earlier. So his sudden arrival was confusing.

He was still in his white button down and suit pants making you feel under dressed in your own apartment. “I have an idea.”

“How’d you know where i lived?” You ignored him asking a question of your own. Which he waved off, “i asked Chloe, now want to hear my idea.”

“We should get married.” He said looking awfully proud of himself.  

“What!” You scoffed thinking he was joking but the look on his face was oddly serious. He repeated the statement making you shake your head.

“Listen its a good idea!”

“No Lance its not.” He sighed at your words, taking a seat on your couch to explain. “Think of it like a business deal not exactly a marriage.” He tried a different approach to peak your intrest. “Continue.”

“It will get your parents off your back to settle down, check.” He he’d up a finger as he spoke adding more as he went on. “Think of all the time you’d get to learn the ins and outs of business from my dad, plus people take you more seriously with his backing.”

“And what do you get out of this?” You wont lie it sounded good so far but if you’ve leaned anything its that there’s always a catch. “Why can’t i be doing this out of the kindness of my heart.” He clutched his hand to his heart in mock offense.

“That’s not how business works.” You deadpanned raising a single eyebrow, using his earlier words against him.

“Well…” he drawled out holding his hands up in submission at your glare.

“You know how your mom is always on your back about settling down.” You nod. “Well my team is on mine.”

“Your father owns the team, Try again.”

“Fine, my manager said i need publicity to gain more traction with sponcers, a huge surprise wedding with some love story attached would look great for me.”

He wasn’t wrong this wasn’t a horrible idea, and the Stroll name would definitely help you out, plus he was gone all the time you’d see him the same amount you do now, which was hardly ever, once a month at most. You could go through a year of that

You slowly nodded your head, taking the chair across from your future husband. “If this is going to work we have to get our facts straight.”

Your hands ran down the white fabric of your dress, as people bustled around you. You looked beautiful, staring at yourself in the mirror it almost felt real, like you were marrying the love of your life. And you suppose that’s what it’s supposed to look like you were just a good actor.

Walking down the isle was a blur, you giggled at Lances tie Aston Martin green. After the wedding when you were both alone you made some comment about him being a free billboard, then he reminded you of the color dress you were wearing the night he had this bizarre idea. It was a small wedding but classy enough for the Sroll name to be honored.

��I can’t believe your family owns this.” You said in awe of the home tucked in the country side of Italy with the most beautiful view of the Amalfi coast you’ve ever seen.

“Our family.” Lance reminded you, moving to stand behind you and hold onto the railing. His words spoken with conviction, as if there was no part of his mind that believed otherwise. As if he’d allow you to think other wise.

“You know i think this is the best pizza I’ve ever had.” You practically moaned you’ve both been at the villa a week, every morning you sat on the balcony while waiting for Lance to finish breakfast that he insisted on making himself. Then you’d both work in the afternoon coming back together for dinner, which is where you are now.

He nodded in agreement, smirk growing on his face. “Maybe married life makes everything sweeter.” Adding a wink laughing when you shoved him making a tomato fall into his white shirt. You tried not to but it was impossible not to laugh at the look on his face.

“You’re gonna pay for that.” He playfully growled, hands reaching for your waist. You squealed running around the lush green yard Lance closing in behind you. Wrapping his arms around you lifting you into the air before softly laying you on the ground with him. His forehead pressing against yours as you both sobered up from your laughs.

‘Had she always been so beautiful?’ Lance thought to himself. His breathing slowed as he gazed at you. Your eyes bright with happiness as you caught your breath beneath him on the grass. He thought you couldn’t be more beautiful then that night at the country club, the green dress practically labeling you as his before you were. Then he was proven wrong again watching you said i do, at the alter. Seeing you now he realized that you would always be most beautiful when you were happy, and he made a vow in that moment fake marriage or not, you’d always be happy.

“Lance, Lance!” He was shaken out of his inner monologue by you shaking him. “We need to pack for the flight tomorrow.” Well that wasn’t exactly what he wanted you to say, but he knew you were right. So he hauled himself up, holding a hand out to help you, yanking a bit so you would fall into his chest, shooting you another wink.

You were both back in Canada after the honeymoon and your family practically demanded dinner with your new husband. “You know i can pull a J turn right here and we can go right.” Lance offered, seeing you uncomfortably shift in the passenger seat for the seventh time. You shook your head.

“No we have to do this.” You spoke seeing the large home come into view. “Are you sure you’re not just doubting my ability to pull of a turn like that, if you are I’m incredibly offended?” He joked, hoping to make you laugh which he succeeded.

“Of course not i know you could.” He tried to ignore the feeling growing in his chest at your praise. You squeezed his hand tighter the closer you got to the front door your jaw dropped seeing Adam, the doctor sitting at the dinner table.

Dinner went by silently the kind of awkward tension you could cut with a knife, Lances hand tightened it’s grip on your thigh, jaw clenching every time Adam talked about how good you two were together, as if you weren’t married and your husbands wasn’t right in front of him.  

“Excuse me but why is he here?” Your family acted shocked at the question Lance had asked, your mother was the one to respond. Completely Ignoring him as she directed her attention to you.

“Honey we just think that you didn’t give Adam here a fair chance. You got the rebellion out from you system with the driver now come home and settle down with a man that will be good for you.” While you were shocked, next to you Lance was seething, and the doctors smirk as if he was just waiting for you to jump into his arms didnt make the situation better.

“Not that i think you care but she can make decisions for herself and she chose to marry me not him, my family can actually help her achieve her dreams not just stuff her somewhere to play house for the rest of her life.” Lance scowled, how did someone as nice as you come from this he wondered now he knew why you found solace with his family.

“At least I wouldn’t be taking her from her family to follow me around the world sure she could have a little shop here I’d let her do that.” Adam explained like he was a better offer, your father even nodding along as if you needed him to give you anything. Lance slowly stood up from the table hands flat on the top leaning in closer to Adam.

“She doesn’t need you to give her anything she deserves more than a little shop she could have business deals around the globe if she wanted to i just happen to get to be a part of it, so let me leave you all with this. She’s my Wife not his and until you can treat us both with respect we will not be coming back.” Taking your hand he lead you out of your childhood home, still shaking with anger as he opened the car door for you.

“I can’t believe they invited him-“ his words died off as you leaned over pressing your lips to his, the first kiss you have shared outside of the alter. He sighed into you his hand on the back of your neck pressing you closer into him deeping the kiss. “Did you mean it?” You breathlessly asked his nose rubbing against yours not wanting to lose contact.

“Every word.”

“So where do you fly off to next?” You asked shifting through your opened suitcase on the bed. As he thought to himself. “Belgium,” you nodded. “How long are you spending here before you leave?” You asked trying to get facts straight in case someone asked, figuring you should know your husband’s schedule. Things have been a little awkward since your kiss, like neither of you really knew where you stood with the other you were excited from some space to get yourself in check.

“Uh probably leave tomorrow.” You weren’t going to like this he thought to himself. He sighed figuring to bite the bullet already. “Actually i was thinking you should come with me to the race.”

“Yeah i guess as your wife i probably should go to your first race being a married man.” That does make sense but the look on his face made you suspicious. “Just for this race right Lance?” He shrugged still not meeting you eyes. “Or all of them.” He mumbled.

“Lance!” You shout, rubbing your palms into your eyes. “The deal was i marry you then go home to work i can’t work traveling the world!”

“You’re my wife you have to be there with me or it will look weird, just the rest of the season. Plus like i told your family this could be your shot to make international deals.” He new that wasn’t the deal but after the two weeks with you he wanted to be selfish. “My dad will be there too, how else were you going to learn from him if not at the track?”

“We were supposed to be divorced by the end of the season,” you sighed laying back on the bed that shifted as he say next to you grabbing your hand. “Well about that…” he said making your eyes widden. “i swear to god Lance if you don’t leave me I’ll divorce you so fast!” Your decolration made him laugh a bit.  

“I’m sorry ow! i just don’t think anyone has ever said that before.” he yelped dodging your hands smacking his arm. “sponcers make deals after the season ends so they pick good divers i thought you knew that.” lies all lies but he hoped you didn’t do your research on it just yet.  

“So what now we wait till the start of next season?”  “Yep” he nodded, hoping he’d have you figured out by then.

Two races down and you had to admit, it was a great time. You picked Lawrences brain at dinner every night, and spent most of the race between Lance and your new friend. You even got to race Lance in the new Aston Martin vantage around the track for social media, you’re pretty sure he let you win but it was fun none the less.

Meanwhile Lance hated you’re new friendship with his teammate everytime he saw you, you were with Fernando. You both spoke Spanish so he couldn’t understand a word of it when he did squeeze himself between you.

“I don’t know what your problem is son, everyone loves her that’s a good thing.” Lawrence poke seeing his son glaring over at his teammate that just made you laugh. Stuffing his balaclava into his helmet harsher than needed.

“She’s my wife.” He gritted out childishly. “If she wants to learn about the cars she should be asking me.”

“You mean your fake wife?” His fathers words made him freeze. “Wha-what?”

“Please she’s way out of your league, we all know it. Plus you never spoke to her at the club and all the sudden your both in love, not likely.”

Of course he’d notice that, everyone else was easily fooled always seeing you sneak away to the Strolls, they all assumed it was for Lance. Only his father would know the truth.

“All i want to know is how you sold her on it.” He motioned his head towards you on the other side of the garage, who saw them looking and shyly waved, making him unknowingly smile back at you.

“I told her it would get her family off her back and she would be taken seriously with our name attached to her.” He ducked his head already knowing his father would disapprove of this concoction he mixed up.

“And what do you get out of this?” Lawrence asked making his son chuckle shaking his head. “God you sound just like her.” Remembering that’s exactly what you said to him that night in your living room.

“I uh told her i needed publicity for sponcers.”

“That’s the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard, i can’t believe she fell for that.”

“Excuse? its the truth.” Now Lance was the one confused. “You sure about that?”

“Yes”

Lawrence Shook his head like he couldn’t believe Lance hadn’t figured it out himself yet. “You’ve never brought a girl to a race before, certainly never defended one against her family and gotten that jealous when another man makes her laugh.”

“How’d you know about what happened with her family?” Lance asked focusing on that rather than the rest of his points. “Her father called.”

Seeing his son staring off deep in thought he patted him on the back. “Just think about what i said.” And he was, he spent the rest of his day replaying every memory you shared together, he can’t remember smiling so much with anyone else. You haven’t even been together that long and yet he couldn’t imagine going a day without you.

He was sitting silently in a chair in your hotel room giving the occasional nod and ‘uh huh’ when nessicary, as you spoke. “Did you know Fernando was so funny, he seems so serious all the time but he’s actually-“ “Enough!” He shouted, not knowing he reacted out loud until he met your shocked stare. But he couldnt handle his jealousy and just finding out his feeling for you in the same day it was to much.

He stood up backing you into the wall holding your face in his hands. His breath fanning across your lips. “Lance?” His thumb running over your bottom lip stopped you from saying anything else. “Don’t talk about Fernando.” He said still starting intently at your face as if attempting to memorize it.

“Why not?”

“Because you’re mine.” Swallowing the nervous lump in his throat. “What are you talking about?” He knelt to the ground on one knee. He didn’t propose last time he hoped this made up for it.

“I don’t want this to be fake because my feelings for you aren’t.” His admission made your breath catch in your chest. “I want to be the one you cheer for at the race, i want to kiss you on the podium when i win, i want to watch you take over the world and be at your side as you do. I want you to be my wife.”    

His hand had moved to grab yours, wedding bands shining even in the horrible hotel lighting as he planted soft kisses all over it as he spoke. Eyes looking up at you as if you hung the stars. “I don’t want this to be fake because i love you.” Pulling him up off the floor you smashed your lips together.

Lance immediately got over his shock and kissed you back just as passionately, you moaned as his tongue ran over the seam of your lips practically begging you for entrance.  His hands possessively running over your body exploring every curve he’s dreamt about. “I love you too.” You whispered, when you two eventually pulled away to breath, Lance smiled against your neck mumbles of “mine” “my wife” in between leaving love bites that you know you will have trouble covering in the morning.

You can’t believe it, his first F1 win and at his home race on less, you are sure your voice will be gone in the morning with all the screaming you and the entire Aston Martin garage partook in. If it was possible you felt yourself fall even more in love with him watching him on that podium covered in champagne.

“Come on, i know he’ll want to see you.” His trainer nodded their head for you to follow. Sharing high fives with the crew as you walked through the paddock to the circle of media your husband in the center. His eyes and smile widened, seeing you only a few feet away, frantically waving you over.

Laughing you shook your head, wanting him to have his moment. Lance never a man not to get what he wants, decides if you won’t come to him, he’ll go to you and that’s exactly what he did. He effortlessly worked his way through the crowd, eyes on you the entire time. Jumping In his open arms when he was close enough.

“I’m so proud of you” Lance squeezed you tighter as your words reached his ear, keeping you tucked close to his side when the interview caught up to him to continue where they left of.

“Lance, a home win for your first win in formula one how does that make you feel?” His smile was radiating as he answered everyone around could feel his happiness for this moment.

“It feels incredible, being surrounded by the fans and my family here just makes it sweeter.” Lance paused looking down at you. “But i owe it my wife Y/n, to me this win is hers as much as mine.”

As you watched him speak and that even in his proudest moment he was still thinking of you meant everything, his eyes full of love as he caught your eye. How the biggest lie became the best part of your life. Always just a few feet away from each other as you escaped your family in the past with the ones that became your new family in the future, you dont know how and to be honest you dont care because in the wild story of you and Lance you each found the love of your lives all starting with a marriage of convince.

Wow i think this is my favorite part so far!!! i hope you all liked it as much as i did, let me know in the comments and check out the other parts of F1 romance Tropes masterlist!!!!!

<< Mick Schumacher enemies to lovers ft senna reader

        Daniel Ricciardo as mistaken identity>>>

F1 tag list.

@starxqt @motylekrozi @yeolsbubbles @laura-naruto-fan1998 @mooone90 @damianodavidhands @zig-zzag @its-astrotea-love @peakywitch @obsessed-fan-alert @lenniebordeaux @marelovesf1 @capela-miranda @enjoymyloves @amsofftrack @coffeehurricanes @speedysimp @jasondeservedbetter @chilwell-mount @buendiabebeta @ricsaigaslec

[dirty-brainrot]

(Boingo’s magical book)

Smelly cowboy and French tiddy man time.

Pairing(s) Hol Horse x Reader x Polnareff

You couldn't believe that man. First, he pestered you to no end just to team up with him and defeat some traveling men. After finally getting annoyed enough, you agreed. But this damned bastard says that there wasn't enough power so he decides to kidnap a fucking kid.

You met Hol Horse a while back in your home country where he tried to woo you. Unbeknownst to him, you were also a stand user. So you fought him because he kept on annoying you and successfully defeating him. Who knew you would be friends with him after that.

With a deep sigh, you facepalmed and massaged your temples. "Hol Horse... You fucking kidnapped a child." You whispered with a hiss and pointed at the kid, who laid down in a crawling position and hid behind a small bush. "Don't be like that, doll. With the 3 of us, we can defeat the crusaders and get the rich!" Shaking your head, you kneeled in front of the child stand user. "Hey, your name is Mondatta right?" You asked with a soft tone, unlike what you used to Hol Horse earlier. He stayed quiet and stared at you. "It's useless talking to that ki—" Doing a 180, you glared at Hol Horse making him shut up. Turning back to Mondatta, your face softened. "Hey, I know it's scary being separated from your brother and getting kidnapped by a wannabe cowboy... but you can trust us! I won't let anyone harm you." You gave him a friendly smile and he relaxed... A little bit.

Standing up to your full height, you turned to Hol Horse and grabbed the book. "Does your stand really predicts the future?" You flipped through the pages until you were met with a blank one. "—Or is it just a rumor? If it is then I brought you ere' for nothin'." Hol horse adds on and looks over your shoulder to look at [Tohth]. "Even with it, your brother got blown to high heaven..." He looks at Mondatta and shouts. "Which is it, kid?!" You huff and elbowed his side, muttering "Be nicer to the kid. For god's sake, you kidnapped him—" The empty pages suddenly were getting filled with images out of nowhere! You outstretched your arms and showed it to Hol Horse. "Hm?" He leaned over and read the pages.

Hol Horse introduced Mondatta to Y/N! He thinks that Y/N is really nice and better than Hol Horse.—

Hol Horse grumbles and you snicker.

While the three of them were walking around the outskirts of Cairo, they met a very pretty lady. Then Hol Horse suddenly jump-kicked the lady in the neck! The pretty lady was so happy, she gave Hol Horse her jewels.

Yahoo!! We're rich!!

"What the hell is this?!—" He shouts, taken aback. "A comic book."You replied sarcastically. He ignores your comment and snatches the book off of you. Approaching Mondatta he yells. "You call this a prediction?! There's no way this has to be true!" Mondatta rises up, still hiding behind the bush. "I—I'm telling the truth..." Stuttering and struggling to talk, he continues. "Y-you just—just have to t-trust it... They—they're never wrong! They're...They're right..100% ri-right everytim—"

"Quit messing with me kid! There's no way a lady is gonna—" Hol Horse continues to talk. But you were distracted by the pretty woman walking along with a man, they passed by. 'It looks like it's coming along...' Hol Horse grabs Mondatta and you shot daggers at him, making him put the kid down. Mondatta ran behind your leg. "I'll never hit a woman! See that?!" The man and woman pass by him and he was too far to be able to kick her. (Unless he ran after her.) After a while, he made a weird impatient humming noise and went after the woman. Jump-kicking her like as the book said but apparently, there was a scorpion in her shawl! You clapped and shouted. "Nice going Mr. I respect women!" The woman thanked him and gave him her necklace. You and Mondatta walked after him but once you arrived, he was in the middle of talking.

"—he three of us will be unstoppable!" And there he goes. Excited, he dragged you and Mondatta to Cairo.

★

Hol Horse hid behind a building while Mondatta hid under a crate beside you. "I'm getting sick of those faces... Listen Mondatta!" As he was about to kick the box, he decided against it knowing that you would beat him up if he did. He throws the box away instead, revealing the very introverted child. Mondatta crawls to the box and hid in it. You sigh and kneeled in front of the crate, comforting the kid. "We need to talk about your new prediction... Are you sure it's 100% foolproof?" You rose the box a tad bit to look at Mondatta. "M-my premi—" Hol Horse flicks a small rock at him, in return, you smacked his leg which did not affect him at all "My premonition are 100% accurate" He mocks. "Is that what were you gonna say?"

"Wow! Hol Horse you should be the book of premonition instead!" Hol Horse rolls his eyes. "W-well they are accurate...yes." You slowly let go of the box and stood up to look at the book. "Are you expecting us to believe this load of Bologna?" He re-reads the comic.

"We found them!" Shouted Hol Horse. "Joseph, Jotaro, Polnareff, and Avdol."

"Darn it!" Hol Horse fumed. "They're almost to Master Dio's manor!"

You snicker. "Do you really call him "master"?" He grumbles "We don't have a choice." and continues reading.

"Gosh-darn bafoons. They'll get a bullet between the eyes!" Hol Horse's mind was full of bad thoughts. "You're gonna pay for what you did to my brother!" Mondatta was very furious. But, Hol Horse and Y/N, couldn't use their stands which puts them at a disadvantage.

Because of this, they got caught but Y/N comes up with the greatest plan to make their great escape which includes something intimate!

"It just cuts off from there! Like hell what's this great plan Y/N comes up with?!" He drops the book and impatiently summons his stand. "Why can't I just shoot them with [Emperor]? It'll be much faster that way."

"Geez, it'll come just believe in the stand, Horsey." Now you don't really believe in the stand and the way it added intimate in the sentence was ominous but you have nothing to lose besides half of the money Hol Horse offered you in defeating the crusaders. Mondatta lifts up the box to take a peek. "It's premonition...! Y-you're not gonna-gonna be able to shoot... yes. " He grabs the book and slowly puts down the box. "I-I know from pe-personal experience that if-if you try to go a-against the comic you'll get consequences..! It's fate... Yes." He stutters, repeating "yes" in a couple of sentences. You lean on the wall and watch them talk about the consequences of the book. "Hang on! Your brother nearly died because he followed the comic!" He points at Mondatta. And Mondatta continues to explain the reason behind it.

They look both nervous and distressed about the situation but you were just looking forward to that great idea that the book says. "Then what now..." He grunts and looks at the crusaders. From where you stood, you weren't able to see them but you could see Polnareff approach him— oh— oh no.. This is not good. Mondatta quickly hides under the crate again.

Polnareff comes from behind and places his stand's èpèe¹ on his neck. "Don't move!" He moves it closer to Hol Horse's neck. "Unless you wanna be lanced." Hol Horse bit his cigarette in anxiety and let out a surprised grunt. "Ho—how the hell did you—" His fingers twitched as he tried to summon his stand but Polnareff was quick to notice and struck him from the back with his stand. Hol horse cough out blood as his cigarette fell.

You need to help him quickly.

Then finally it came, the idea, as it said in the premonition. It was absurd but it'll get the job done..... you hope it was right... Sprinting to Polnareff, you pushed him to the wall. Although, it wasn't hard enough to knock the air out of his body but enough to withdraw his stand. With hands still on his chest and standing on your tippy-toes, you kissed him. At first he was shocked but he closes his eyes and kisses back after a while, getting into the kiss. You side glanced at the stunned Hol Horse and smacked him upright in the head with the help of your stand.

Understanding what you meant, he grabbed Mondetta and ran away. You broke the kiss and ran after them. Although you struggled to catch up since the kiss took so long, making you ran out of breath.

The French man stares in the direction you ran, in absolute lovestruck. Ignoring the calls of his friends, he sighs lovingly. "Oh mon Dieu..." He hopes he gets to see you again.

★

"Y/N, What was that?!" You leaned on the wall, catching your breath. It looks like [Tohth] worked its charm. "I- hah- was saving your hah- hide just like the book said." Hol Horse didn't look tired from the running at all. 'He must be used to it.' He grumbles and puts Mondetta down. "And I can't even get a hug from you..." He huffs and grabs a cigarette. Mondetta shuffles away but you stopped him. "What does the comic says next?"

"Oh uhm..." He opens the book and you kneel beside him. Hol Horse loomed behind the two of you looking at the book and totally not at you.

The trio ran away, trying to think of another plan. "Curse that Frenchie!" Hol Horse furiously crosses his arm. He was very jealous that Polnareff got a kiss from Y/N instead of him!

Hol Horse crosses his arm and looks away. You snicker. "Really Horsey? You got jealous of that?!" You burst out laughing and held your stomach. He groans and grabs the book. "Ha- He was- pfft- a really good kisser too." You teased him while he flips the pages of the book, face flushed.

"What's the next premonition?!"

☆☆☆

1. Apparently, Èpèe is the sword that [Silver Chariot] uses.

[the-iceni-bitch]

The Fucker

Pairing: Lance Tucker x fem!Reader

Words: ~1.8k

Summary: Your best friend’s track record of setting you up with assholes is holding steady.

Warnings: explicit language, explicit sexual content (f receiving oral sex), slight fem domme, Lance is a dick, reader is fed up, one night stand, SMUT!!!! 18+ ONLY!!!!

A/N: Well, it took fucking forever but I finally finished my entry for the completely fabulous @sweeterthanthis 6k quote me on it challenge!!! For some reason I had a major problem getting into this asshole’s headspace, but I think I got it!! My prompt is in bold. Love you Lau!!! You’re my favorite whore!!!

I am no longer doing taglists so if you want to stay up to date on all the latest filth, follow my sideblog @the-iceni-library and turn on notifications!!

“Lys, we need to fucking go!” You shouted from the living room, frowning as you waited for your friend to come out of the bathroom. “This is your date!”

“Just gimme a minute!”

This was ridiculous. You could not believe you actually agreed to a double date with Alyssa and her dumbass boyfriend. Every fucking time your friends tried to set you up you just ended up listening to some moron drone on about their jobs or something for the whole evening then having disappointing sex. But Lys gave you that stupid pout when she mentioned Alex’s cousin was in town, and they didn’t want him to feel like a third wheel, and you were her only single friend. Honestly fuck her.

She finally walked out of the bathroom after another five minutes, making a couple more adjustments to her hair and grinning at you. You just scowled at her and pulled out your phone to order an Uber, grabbing your jacket from the rack and heading out the front door while she giggled behind you. Hopefully they had good cocktails at the bar you were going to. If you were stuck on a bad date you at least wanted to get drunk.

“Tell me more about this asshole.” You said, crawling into the back of the car when it pulled up. “How bored am I gonna be?”

“He’s not boring, he’s an athlete.” She rolled her eyes when you scoffed at her. “Y/N, he’s an Olympic gold medalist, how could you possibly be bored?”

“Oh, I dunno Lys.” You had that sarcastic tone to your voice that annoyed everyone who knew you. “How was I bored when you set me up with the fucking astronaut? All these interesting guys you set me up with have literally one interesting thing about them, and that is the only thing they want to talk about. He’d better be hot, I like some eye candy when I’m getting drunk.”

“Yeah, he’s horrifically hot. You’re gonna puke when you see him.” She was giving you a wicked grin, waggling her eyebrows suggestively when you laughed at her.

“We’ll see. If I don’t puke though, I’m gonna be pissed.” You sat back in the seat as you rode the rest of the way, listening to her babble about how happy she was you agreed to go out with them.

When you pulled up to the bar she was practically bouncing with excitement, pulling you after her before you had a chance to thank your driver and dragging you into the bar. She squealed when she spotted Alex, finally letting go of you so she could run and jump into his arms. Who would’ve thought she’d only been dating him a month? That girl jumped in with both feet.

“Hi there Alex.” You said teasingly, joining the two of them at a more leisurely pace.

“Hey, Y/N.” The man was grinning like an idiot as Lys peppered kisses all over his face. “Nice to see you. This is my cousin, Lance.”

“Well hi, gorgeous.” Ok, he was stupid hot. How could he look that good in jeans and a fucking track coat? Which of course had the damn Olympic logo on it. “No special greeting for me?”

“Yeah, buy me a fucking drink and we’ll see.” You rolled your eyes as you strode past him, ignoring his efforts to smell your hair and shoving your jacket at him. “Go hang that up for me.”

“Jesus, bossy.” He didn’t seem put off by it though, smirking at you when he joined you at the bar after putting your coat in the booth. “We already have a problem, sweetheart?”

“Don’t like set ups.” You said, ordering yourself a whiskey sour and leaning against the bar as you sized him up. “They always turn out to be morons.”

“I’ll try not to take that personally.” He chuckled, grabbing his drink and following you back to the booth where Lys and Alex were canoodling. “So what do you do?”

“Data…” You didn’t even get to finish your sentence before he was talking over you.

“Yeah the Olympics were crazy.” You snarled as you nursed your drink, you hated being right. “Even coaching now, still get flooded by the press and fans all the damn time. It’s a good thing I love it.”

“Uh huh, so…”

“And winning the fucking gold was such a thrill.” He scooted closer to you and rested his hand on your thigh, not even bothering to look at you as he prattled on about his incredible achievement.

Forty-five minutes later and three more drinks and you had said maybe five words the whole time. Who knew a person could talk that long about gymnastics. You had done such a good job of tuning him out you barely registered when he actually asked you a question.

“What was that?”

“I asked if you wanted to get out of here and go back to my hotel?” The way he was biting his bottom lip at you made you roll your eyes all over again.

“Seriously?” His fingers were starting to edge up your skirt, and even though you were unbelievably annoyed you weren’t making any moves to stop him. “You just talked about yourself for an hour, and now you want me to sleep with you. You haven’t let me talk about myself at all.”

“I already know everything I need to, sweetheart.” This asshole was making you so pissed it was a wonder you hadn’t tossed your drink in his face. “Great tits, fantastic ass, thighs I wanna feel choke the life outta me. C’mon, if they had a medal for satisfying every woman in the Olympic village, I would’ve gotten gold in that, too.”

“Holy shit, you are such an asshole.” You screwed your eyes closed and pressed your fingers into them with an exasperated groan. “We’re not going back to your hotel.”

“No?” He still had that shit eating grin when he bent forward to nuzzle at your throat.

“No.” You chugged the rest of your drink and slammed your glass down on the table, not even disturbing the making out that Lys and Alex were doing across from you two. “Bathroom. If I have to put up with this bull shit, I’m at least getting some orgasms out of it.”

He laughed heartily when you yanked him out of the booth and towards the bathroom. You sighed deeply when he wrapped his arms around you from behind, his hands digging greedily into your hips as he pressed his hardening cock into the curve of your ass.

As soon as you got the door to the bathroom open you were shoving him inside, locking it behind you and turning to him with a low growl. Before he had a chance to open that dick mouth of his you were smashing your lips against his own, shoving your tongue down his throat until he was panting and groaning into your mouth.

“Get on your knees.” You ordered as soon as you pulled away from him, grinning at the whine he gave you as you stared into his lust blown eyes.

“What?” His chest was heaving as his brain tried to reset, that was one hell of a kiss.

“Kneel, golden boy.” You bent slightly to slide out of your panties before hooking your fingers over his bottom lip and dragging him to his knees. “I’m sick of hearing you talk. Why don’t you put that mouth to good use?”

You propped one foot on the sink and pulled your skirt up around your waist and grinning when he blinked up at you in a daze.

“But…”

You rolled your eyes and gripped his hair by the roots, shoving his mouth into your weeping cunt and grinding against his mouth until he finally got the hint. He grunted once he finally tasted you, his fingers digging into your ass and pulling you closer as he started mouthing hungrily at your sex.

It was honestly surprising how eager he was being, his tongue dragging over your pussy at a pace that was making it hard for you to breathe. The tip of his tongue gently prodded at your entrance before he was thrusting it inside you and curling it against your soft walls while you let out a soft sigh.

When he started fucking you with his tongue you let out a deep moan, tugging at his locks and thrusting your hips against his face to meet each push of the thick muscle. It seemed impossible, but he was pressing against your sweet spot with each curl of his tongue, that thing was long.

“Jesus, sweetheart.” You pulled your foot off the counter and hooked your knee over his shoulder, pulling him even closer and laughing softly when he groaned into your cunt. “I did not expect you to be so good at this. Nu-uh, no talking.”

You gripped his head and shoved him back into place when he leaned back to sass you, smirking at the irritated grumble he let out before he started dragging his tongue over your clit at a torturous pace. Even with the slow movements, you were still right there, your hips rocking against his face as you chased your pleasure.

His lips brushed against your clit at the perfect angle and that was it. You tasted blood when you bit your lip and choked on a cry, your hands and thighs keeping him pressed close as you rode out your high. He drank up everything you gave him with a pleased hum, blinking stupidly at you and gasping for breath once you finally released him.

“Well, g’night.” You grabbed your panties and slid them back on with a satisfied grin, ignoring the look of stunned confusion on his face. “Thanks for the drinks!”

“Wait, what?” He rose on shaky legs as he watched you make some adjustments to yourself in the mirror. “Honey, I didn’t even get a chance to give you the gold.”

“Is that your name for your dick, or something?” You laughed when he gave you a petulant shrug. “Of course it is. Why don’t you go back to that hotel and give your right hand the gold, pretty boy? I’ve got a long, hot bath with my name on it.”

“But…”

“Jesus, you really don’t know when to shut the fuck up.” You yanked the door to the bathroom open and rolled your eyes when you saw that your counterparts had taken off, you’d just have to curse out Lys later for setting you up with another douchebag. “I’ll be sure to watch your girls on TV. And pray none of them are stupid enough to let you put your hands on them. Give me the gold. What a twat.”

[lowkeyerror]

Harmless Flirting

Sara Lance x Reader

Word Count: 1555

Warnings: Mentions of death (briefly/ not main character/still happy ending)

Requested by: @confusinggemini612​ 

Request: Thanks for saying you'd try to write for the Arrowverse. Could you please do a Sara Lance x Reader set in season 2 of Arrow? Reader is a member of Team Arrow & when Sara comes back to Starling City she ends up vibing with reader. Thanks

An: I don’t know too much about the Arrowverse but I tried my best. Sorry if anyone is too out of character, hope you still like it!

You hadn’t been around since the beginning but you've been around long enough. Starting out like most heroes in Starling, you were a vigilante. Criminals were responsible for the death of your younger brother and cleaning the streets was how you chose to cope.

You were good at what you did. So good that you caught the attention of the Arrow. When you met Oliver Queen you didn't think you'd actually join his team.

You two bumped heads quite a lot in the beginning of things, both of you could be stubborn at times. You admittedly were a sarcastic asshole. However your teamwork was flawless. He had saved you and you had saved him more times than either of you could count. After running into each other a countless number of times you decided to join the team.

That's when you met Laurel, John, Felicity, and Roy. You were a bit younger than the rest which prompted them to be a little protective over you. They knew you could hold your own but they still worried from time to time.

You thought of them as your family. While you knew they were a team before you joined them, you didn't know much about their lives prior to you joining the team. So it came as a shock to you when Ollie barged into the Arrow cave and started talking about the newest vigilante in town.

" So let me get this straight your dead ex-girlfriend has showed up and started going all vigilante on Starling City"

Oliver let out an audible sigh," mhmm"

You turned your attention to Laurel.

" Ok and this ex-girlfriend vigilante of his is also your sister. So your sister had an affair with your boyfriend?"

She nods her head slowly," For the most part that is correct but we've moved past it."

" Ok this woman sounds like a complete asshole"

A voice you never heard before interrupts you," Funny, I was saying the same thing when the told me about you but they left out the part about you being drop dead gorgeous"

Your eyes followed the voice until you were looking at a beautiful blonde woman with shining baby blue eyes.

" This is not happening this quickly"

" I told you we shouldn't have introduced them"

You ignored Oliver and Laurel's sidebar and started walking towards the mystery woman. She was already headed your way but you were a bit eager to meet her now.

When you met in the middle of the Arrow Cave you had a small stare-down.

" I'm Y/n L/n and you're absolutely stunning"

She smirks," Sara and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better"

It was now your turn to smirk," I'm not doing anything right now"

Laurel and Oliver can't believe what's happening in front of them. It hadn't even been 5 minutes with the both of you in the same room and there was already so much flirting.

" What happened to the bro code ? She's literally my not dead, dead ex"

You rolled your eyes," First of all I'm not a bro and secondly where was the 'bro code' when you slept with your girlfriend's sister"

" Nice try Ollie but let me give it a shot. Y/n you're my best friend and best friends don't date each other's siblings" Laurel thinks she has a check mate but she's clearly mistaken.

" Laurel, bestie, if your boyfriend didn't care then why would I ?" I shot back instantly.

Sara was holding back laughter and you decided to give her a lite jab," What are you laughing at Sara? How am I supposed to develop a relationship with someone who stole their sister's boyfriend when I work with said sister and boyfriend?"

Her cheeks turned a lite pink color but it deter her confidence," I'm sure I can help you get over it"

You couldn't help the genuine smile that crossed your face as you looked down at the woman.

At that moment Felicity and Roy walked in the base together. They both paused when they saw the scene in front of them. You thought you could see all the gears moving in Felicity's head.

Must have been awkward seeing the supposedly dead ex of your crush in your secret cave. Sounds pretty brutal.

" Dead woman walking?" Roy tries to break the intense silence but Felicity just punches him in the arm.

" It's a long story but more importantly we have to stop this. Those two are flirting with each other" Ollie gestures between the two of you and you can visibly see Felicity untense.

" I mean they are known as notorious flirts. It'll be fine there's nothing wrong with a bit of harmless flirting" Felicity reasoned with Laurel and Ollie.

" Harmless flirting? This is my future wife Smoak. I don't care what Robin Hood and Fletcher Reede have to say about it"

Sara let out a hearty chuckle," I thought you couldn't possible date someone like me"

" I thought you were supposed to help me figure it out sweetness"

" Whatever this is, I'm not going to be a part of it," John walks in and then right out of the cave.

You had never seen your team so against you. They had just been telling you that you needed to get out and you needed to go on a date. Now that a gorgeous vigilante woman has literally popped into your graces they have a problem.

" Any more objections ? Should I wait for Barry Allen to come by and speak his mind as well?" When no one said anything you took it as a good sign.

" Good because Sara and I are going on a walk"

You held your arm out and the woman looped hers in yours. The two of you exited the cave and began to walk the streets of Starling City.

" You think you'd have a warm welcome after being presumed dead but you flirt with one pretty girl and all of a sudden you're on the defense"

You scratch the back of your neck with your free hand," Sorry about that, they can be a little protective at times"

" It's not a big deal. Especially not when I get to have some alone time with the pretty girl"

You could feel yourself blushing," You are such a flirt"

She smiles up at you," And, you act like you don't match my energy. I'm not the one who pulled the future wife card on the first meeting"

" Hey, there's nothing wrong with a little manifestation."

A comfortable silence cascaded over you. Both of you have tentative grins on your faces. You guys end up at a park bench, hand in hand just talking.

" So how'd you get stuck with Ollie"

You sighed," Starling was a violent place. A lot of the time the authorities were so busy with the white collar crimes they didn't want to deal with the streets. My little brother was at the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up getting killed. From them on I vowed to keep the streets clean if no one else was going to do it. I became a vigilante. Ollie and I had crossed paths a couple times and he asked me to join the time. I didn't want to at first but he could be pretty convincing when he wants to be"

Her thumb runs across the back of your hand," Your brother would be proud of you"

" I hope so," you paused to collect yourself," So if I'm not mistaken you're supposed to be dead, how does that work?"

With a breathy laugh Sara started her story," Well I was with Ollie when the ship sank. I got thrown overboard. I probably would have died but a woman saved my life. She brought me in, trained me, loved me, but I needed to come home. She didn't want me to. We started fighting all the time and I ended things before they could get worse. It wasn’t the same after that and after about a month or two I couldn't take it anymore. I decided to come back to Starling"

Sara's gaze was locked in your intertwined hands. It didn't take much for you to use your other hand to tilt her face so that gaze was on you.

" Well if I was her, I would've come back with you. I've known you for less than a day and I can already tell that you're too special to lose."

She blushes but doesn't break eye contact with you ," That was so corny"

" You liked it "

She began to lean in with the ghost of a smile on, " Shut up"

You thought about responding but you didn't. Instead you just leaned forward until your lips were pressed against hers.

It was a sweet innocent kiss. Almost like a first kiss between teenagers. Neither of you could stop smiling so it didn't go too far.

" Do you always kiss people when you want to shut them up?"

She gave you another quick peck," Only the ones who plan on making me their future wife"

It only took a few hours for you to figure out Sara was your other half. Though you didn't know it yet, you were right. Sara was definitely going to end up being your future wife.

[mellowswriting]

Meaning Found

pairing || Poe Dameron x Reader

summary || Sometimes it takes a crash and the fear that your best friend is dead to finally admit that you love his stupid ass.

word count || 3,466

warnings || language, allusions to sex, minor injuries, lots of teenage makeout sessions lmao

a/n || I rewatched the sequel trilogy and was reminded of my intense love of Poe Dameron, so this kind of just... happened. My first Poe fic, too, so I tried to nail his sarcastic, teasing personality but I don’t know how well I did. Let me know what you think!

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“Poe?” You called out, your hands cupped around your mouth in a vain attempt to amplify your voice through the trees. “Poe, where are you?!”

It had been hours since you crashed on this godforsaken planet, the smell of smoke and overheated metal rousing you from your unconscious state. The first thing you noticed after the awful smell was pain. Your calf was killing you, the pain radiating up through your entire leg from a long gash that thankfully wasn’t bleeding too badly. It just hurt like a bitch.  

Panic lanced through you when you realized your hot-headed pilot was nowhere to be seen. There wasn’t a single trace of him. No blood, no tattered clothes, no nothing. He was just gone. Fear thickened in your throat like glue, your lungs seizing under the weight of it. Still, you busied yourself with fixing what was left of the radio. Poe would be pissy if he came back and you hadn’t at the very least gotten a distress signal to the Resistance.

When he came back.

Poe would be back.

But then the radio was repaired and you managed to salvage some supplies from the wreckage of your precious ship - and Poe still wasn’t back. Enough was enough, you decided. Forget your fucked up leg, your pilot was out there somewhere, possibly in worse shape than you and in desperate need of help. So you found a branch that had been ripped from its tree when your ship met its untimely demise and tucked it under your arm in a makeshift crutch and got to hiking.

It was way more painful than you had expected. Each step had a sharp stab of fire-like pain bringing a wince to your face, but it seemed like the longer you walked, the more your body grew acquainted with the wound. It still hurt like hell, but the worry for Poe was far greater. The further you went, the more you really began regretting the choice to come on this mission. Your presence wasn't even entirely necessary - it was a damn supply drop for Maker’s sake. But when Leia herself asked you to have Poe’s back (and keep his pretty little ass out of trouble), you couldn’t very well say no.

Boy, was she going to get an earful if you got back.

When. When you got back.

“Poe, you shithead!” You screamed, your voice echoing off of the trees even through the rain. “I’m gonna leave your ass here, I swear! Where are you?!”

You barely heard it, the sound of his voice calling out your name. Hope lit in your chest, burning hotter than the pain that was now entirely forgotten as you took off through the trees, expertly dodging branches and raised roots as you went. His name fell from your lips over and over, hope falling away into relief when you realized his voice was growing closer.

The sight of Poe Dameron always took your breath away - not that you would ever admit that. It didn't matter when, it didn't matter the circumstance. He was too pretty for his own good, all sharp angles and dashing smiles. Even when you were at your grumpiest, usually as you sipped your coffee during morning briefings that always felt earlier than the last, his presence eased the heaviness that plagued your shoulders.

This time, it was infinitely more intense. Maybe it was the desperate way he crashed through the treeline. Maybe it was the huge grin that broke out across his face when he locked eyes with you. Maybe it was the way his arms immediately opened to embrace you and lift you from the ground, disbelieving laughter rumbling through his chest. Whatever it was, it had tears building in your eyes. For a moment, everything else was forgotten. The two of you weren’t stranded without a functional ship, you weren’t filled with fear and adrenaline, there wasn’t a painful gash in your leg. You were just in the arms of the one person who could make this whole shitshow a little bit better.

Out of nowhere, your relief gave way to fear. Sharp, debilitating, all-encompassing fear. You could have lost him. Poe could have died, or you could have died, and you wouldn’t have told him - fuck, he never would have known. Holy shit.

“Did you really have to call me a shithead, though?” Poe laughed as he put you down, his eyes sparkling with amusement. The gasp you let out when your feet touched the ground had that amusement disappearing, though. “Shit, what happened? How bad is it?”

“No, no, I’m fine. I’ll be fine.” You managed through the heaviness that clamped around your throat. Poe didn’t believe a single word that came out of your mouth, obvious by the way he sighed and shook his head. He ignored your protests and the way you slapped at his shoulders when he quite literally scooped you up. “Fuck, Poe, I said I’m fine -”

“You’re bleeding, you aren’t fine.” He gruffed out, readjusting his grip at your knees carefully. “Which way is the ship?”

The standoff only lasted a few moments, the both of you glaring at each other and waiting - Poe waiting for you to at least nod in a direction and you waiting for Poe’s dramatic ass to put you down. Of course, Poe won. When didn’t he? All it took was the jerk of your chin and Poe set off, grunting every now and then with the effort.

“You aren’t hurt, are you?” You whispered a few moments later. That fear was still rolling in your stomach. No matter how hard you tried to swallow it down, it still threatened to choke you up.

“C’mon, sweetheart, you know me. I’m tough as nails.” Poe laughed. He cleared his throat quietly when he saw the tears still gathered in your eyes. “Seriously, I’m okay. Don’t worry about me.”

The endearing term made your heart flutter. Pet names fell from Poe’s lips like second nature, you were used to it. Blame the leftover adrenaline, but this time it hit differently, right in your chest. Without thinking, you reached up and brushed his sweat-dampened curls back from his forehead gently, careful not to accidentally tug with all the jostling as he carried you. Your lower lip trembled. “We could’ve died.”

“I know.” Poe’s eyes hardened. “I know, I’m so sorry.”

“Poe, it wasn’t your fault.” You chastised gently, your fingers automatically carding through his hair and gently untangling it. He leaned into your touch slightly and a small smile graced your lips. “You couldn’t have known this would happen.”

“You told me to take the northern route, I should’ve listened -”

“Come on.” You sighed. Always so hard on himself, this one. “I literally argue with you about everything. That’s what we do, you dork. There’s no actual difference between the north route and the west route and we both know that.”  

“Yeah, yeah.” Poe smiled softly down at you and your breath caught in your throat again. Damn it. The man really was gorgeous, even with the guilt that still lingered on his face.

“I wasn’t bitching at you or trying to say you got us into this, okay? I… I just realized that you… fuck, Poe.” Words failed you. Or rather, you failed your words. They were there. They had been there from the very beginning, but the overwhelming fear of losing his friendship choked the words from you time and time again.

You didn’t even realize you were back at the wreckage of your ship, too in your head to pay attention to the world around you. Poe set you down gently in the grass, apologizing quietly when you hissed in pain. Now that you weren’t adrenaline soaked and desperate to find him, your body was all too happy to let the pain flare back up.

“Let me get the bacta from the med kit,” Poe murmured, leaving your side for just a moment. He seemed just as anxious as you were, the idea of being apart making both your stomachs turn. Even just a few moments, even just a few feet of distance, it was too much. Poe kneeled at your side and easily tore the remainder of your pants from your calf, the comfortable material now only reaching just above your knee.

Cleaning the gash was no walk in the park, but the moment the bacta touched your inflamed, angry skin, you sighed. That shit was magic, no doubt about it. Nonetheless, Poe was still careful as he wrapped your calf, his every touch slow and gentle and the memory of the last time the two of you were like this bubbled to the forefront on your mind. The roles were reversed, of course, because it was almost always Poe making daringly stupid choices and ending up wounded, but you had been so scared of making the blaster wound to his shoulder worse that your hands shook.

There had been a gentle trust in his eyes when Poe reassured you that he was okay, that you would do just great. His normally confident voice became meek as he whispered that you were the only one he trusted to fix him up, so you better get to it. That was Poe. Always trying to cover up vulnerable moments with humor. But that sparkle of humor was nowhere to be found as he settled himself next to you. Hell, he could barely keep eye contact with you.

“What...what did you realize?” Poe whispered. Something in the way he was looking at you told you that he knew already, fear and hope and anticipation all plain on his face. He pulled his bottom lip between his teeth, something you had come to recognize as a nervous habit.

You drew in a deep breath, steadying yourself against the racing of your heart and the excitement that buzzed through your veins. It lit you up from the inside out, the very idea of finally, fucking finally, saying the words you had been itching to say for far too long. “I realized that we could’ve died before I told you how much I love you.”

Poe let out a shaky breath, those full lips parting and closing around words that couldn't seem to find their way into existence. A fleeting moment of panic wound its way through your chest at the idea that you had misread this whole thing, constricting your lungs in a vice-hold that threatened to choke the life out of you, but it was washed away by the sudden press of his lips against yours. On the many occasions you imagined what it would be like to kiss Poe Dameron, you envisioned it to be all teeth and gasping passion, but the reality was so much better than anything else your brain could have dreamed up.

Poe kissed you like you were the most precious thing he had ever had the privilege of holding in his hands. Your eyes fluttered closed the moment his lips brushed yours, a soft and reverent touch that pulled a wrecked sound from him. He leaned back, breaking the gentle embrace of your lips to study your face. There was a small crease between his eyebrows where he had them furrowed and you couldn't help but reach up to rub at the space with your thumb.

The smile that broke across his face was brighter than any sun in the galaxy and he pulled you to him. The second kiss was more confident, something you never thought Poe Dameron could be more of. The warmth of his tongue sliding along your bottom lip made a rough shudder slither down your spine and his hand at your cheek buried itself in your hair to tilt your head. The new angle let him press even closer to you and the quiet moan it drew from him had you practically giddy, excitement singing through your entire body. Somehow your hands found the collar of his shirt, your body moving instinctually as if it was commonplace, as if your body knew exactly how to move with his.

“I love you.” Poe whispered against your lips, pulling away just far enough to rest his forehead against yours. He kissed you again, a short one just shy of a peck. “I guess we’re both idiots, huh? Could’ve had you for so long if I had just said something.”

“You can have me now if you stop talking.” You teased and Poe grinned. It was a grin you had seen countless times, but this time it felt almost new. Like you were able to appreciate that pretty smile of his in a new light. “Kiss me again, flyboy.”

An almost wild groan rumbled through Poe’s chest and he did just that. Poe kissed and kissed and kissed you until you were both left with swollen lips and goofy grins. Neither of you could get enough, like you had been drowning and were finally up for air. There was nothing else that mattered. Not the slow establishment of peace and control that Leia had managed to bestow upon the galaxy. Not the sudden shifting of goals after the success of the Resistance. Not the sudden floundering for meaning.

Everything you were searching for, the meaning of it all post-war…

It was found in each other.

“Wait, did you radio anyone?” Poe asked suddenly, those pretty brown eyes blinking up at you inquisitively.

“What?” You were a bit dazed from the feeling of his tongue expertly taking you apart. It took your mind a second to remember how to process words.  “Uh, yeah, Leia sent Rey out to get us.”

“How long ago?”

“...Seriously? That’s what you’re thinking about right now.” You motioned between your chests, an eyebrow raised. Poe just stared at you expectantly and you sighed. He would wait there until the Falcon landed right next to you with his stubbornness. “Like three hours ago. Why?”

That devilish smirk reappeared like it never left. “Just wanted to know how much longer I get to have you like this.”

Heat creeped up your neck at the implication. “Maker, you are so annoying.”

Poe bit at his bottom lip and for a mere second you were distracted, wanting nothing more to be the one nibbling at him. But then he had to open his mouth again. “Yeah, and you love me. Says more about you than it does about me.”

“Shut up and kiss me.” You demanded.

“Yes, ma’am.” The words were whispered against your lips as he leaned in, once again dragging you into a makeout session that could rival any other. Like teenagers, the two of you, all wandering hands and teasing nibbles.

It wasn’t long until the telltale sound of the Millennium Falcon approaching pulled you apart - a good thing, too, because both of you were writhing for more than could happen in a field in the middle of nowhere. Besides, it was growing darker and being stuck any longer without shelter when the creatures of the night would begin creeping out to prowl wasn’t the best of ideas. You weren’t surprised that the little orange and white droid was the first down the ramp when the ship had settled on its landing gear.

“Hey, buddy!” The excitement in Poe’s was unmistakable as he crouched down to greet BB-8, the impact of his droid crashing into him knocking him right onto his ass. A series of inquisitive beeps made Poe sigh almost exasperatedly. “No, she’s fine, I took care of her leg.”

BB-8 rolled over and bumped at your legs affectionately, completely ignoring Poe’s indignant, “I’m fine, too, by the way!”

Rey appeared a moment later when you were kneeling to pat the droid and look him over, ensuring he hadn’t been harmed since the last you saw him. It felt a bit strange to care so much for the little guy but he was practically a little kid to you. You had started calling him Poe’s son as a joke long ago when you first met, but you had come to realize just how right you were.

“What the hell happened to you two? Did you forget how to pilot, Poe?” Rey called out as she walked up and immediately a loud bout of bickering began. To an outsider, it would look like these two hated each other but you knew better. Your little friend group would do anything for each other, especially after all you had been through together. All that was missing was -

“Finn!” Poe smiled and embraced his friend in a tight hug before slapping him on the shoulder. “I didn’t know you were coming, too.”

“You think I would miss seeing you two stranded together? Nah,” Finn asked as he pulled you in for a hug as well, a laugh rumbling through his chest. “I figured the two of you would’ve ripped each other's heads off by now.”

“Ha, ha.” You intoned sarcastically. “It’s nice to know that you two have careers in comedy now that the war is over.”

The playful jabs continued as the five of you settled into the Falcon, Poe keeping a hand on you at practically all times. On your lower back, on your hip, settled on your thigh. It seemed like now that he had the ability to touch you like he always wanted to, he couldn’t stop himself. It wasn’t long until his little game became obvious - seeing how long it would take for either of your human companions to realize something was different.

It didn’t take long for it to escalate. A hand on your thigh quickly became tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear, which became affectionately rubbing the tension from your neck. Within fifteen minutes of flying through hyperspace, you had to leave the cockpit with some bullshit excuse just to keep yourself from curling up in his lap right then and there. You busied yourself in repairing the wiring you had been working on the last time you were on the Falcon, a simple job that was practically finished already save for untangling and reconnecting the wires and replacing the panel that covered it. Of course it took no time at all for Poe to wander off and find you, his arms wrapping around your waist.

“Hey,” Poe murmured before kissing your neck gently, swiping your hair out of the way to give him even more access. The scrape of his stubble against your sensitive skin made you shiver against him and you could tell Poe felt it by the way he smiled against your neck. “Love how responsive you are...you’re never getting rid of me now, sweetheart.”  

The lighthearted remark on the tip of your tongue melted away at the feeling of his tongue tracing that sweet spot just under your ear. You couldn’t help but lean back into his chest, one of his hands leaving your hips to brace against the wall. A low hum fell from your lips when Poe bit at your shoulder teasingly and you couldn’t stop yourself from reaching back to run your fingers through his hair and hold him against you, your attempted repair completely forgotten in front of you.

Every touch had pleasure curling around your body, lighting up your every nerve with need and excitement. The man was a god, but if you told him that, it would pump up his ego to an insufferable level. Maybe you could handle it, the ridiculous amount of pride, if he would just touch you…

“Please,” You whispered, your eyes closing as your head fell back onto his shoulder, and you didn’t miss the hungry way he hummed against you. The arm that was wrapped around your waist shifted and his hand slid under your shirt, the shock of his warm skin against your stomach forced a gasp from you. His fingers dipped below your pants, just barely teasing at the hem of your underwear, and -

“I knew it!” Finn’s deep voice echoed harshly through the metal walls of the Falcon and you both jumped, damn near cracking heads in your surprise.

“No you did not!” Poe scoffed, letting you bury your face into his neck to hide your embarrassed face. Poe’s dismissal did nothing to curb Finn’s excited sprint back to the cockpit, screaming something about Rey owing him credits all the while. A short, huffed laugh fell from his lips as he pushed you back against the wall, facing him this time. “We can’t go back up there, they’ll be impossible.”

You set your chin against his chest with an agreeing hum. “We could just go to the bunks… carry on where we left off.”

Poe grinned at you. “Hell yes.”

[rachelbethhines]

Tangled Salt Marathon - Day of the Animals

While perhaps not my favorite episode this season, Day of the Animals is easily the best written story of season three. Even so, it still has problems due to the third season’s poor approach to characterization. 

Summary: Rapunzel, Varian, Angry and Red are returning stolen loot that the two girls had stolen years ago. They are accompanied by Max, Pascal, Ruddiger and Hamuel who all cannot stop quarreling with each other (or in Hamuel's case, just being useless). While messing with a sea shell pendant, it magically transports the humans into it, leaving the animals to fight over it. A minor thug named Dwayne, steals the pendant forcing the animals to work together to retrieve it. 

So Why is a Polynesian Inspired Kingdom Within Riding Distance of a Northern European Country? 

If you’ll remember my review of Beginnings, Neserdina’s princesses were wearing Polynesian garb and dancing the Hula when prepping for the competition. Now I’ve already went into length as to why that’s not good representation, but in addition to that it’s also just plain dumb. You can’t just transport one ethic group and dump them into another part of the world because it’s convenient for you. You don’t earn any brownie points for doing that. Especially when your fantasy world is still based off of our own historical earth. 

To make things even more confusing, we actually saw Neserdina way back in season one in Way of the Willow. It’s where Willow bought the gremlin knock-off. 

That is an island. How the heck do you get to a volcanic island riding in a horse and cart? And don't tell me they’re riding to a port, because Corona is a port city already. They could have gotten there by boat. It’s also can’t be too far away from Corona’s borders if Angry and Red were able to get there on foot during their year long travels. 

The only explanation is that the entirety of the Tangled crew doesn’t understand geography, and this won’t be the last example in the show to back up that statement. 

So Why Is Rapunzel Here?

We get explanations for why everyone is on this road trip, except for the main character herself. Red and Angry are trying to return some stolen loot. Varian is wanting to pick up rare alchemy supplies at the market and was invited along because Raps hopes it’ll be a chance for Ruddiger and Max to get know one another better. 

But why on earth does Rapunzel feel the need to come on this trip herself? Doesn’t she have a kingdom to run? While I’m sure Eugene is more than capable of handling things, this doesn’t reflect well upon the writers supposed plan of making Rapunzel appear more responsible. 

Literally any other adult could have come along on this trip. This wasn’t something Rapunzel needed to waste time on. Lance especially would have been more appropriate here as he’s the one who’s suppose to eventually adopt Angry and Red.  And the sad thing is, all they had to do was give Rapunzel a line about needing to attend some sort of diplomatic business in Neserdina. That’s it. 

In a show that’s supposed to be all about Rapunzel; Rapunzel sure doesn’t have a whole lot of reasons to exist in the majority of the episodes. 

Lack of Worldbuilding Strikes Again

At this point I’m kind of numb to the whole “magical thing just exists for no adequately explained reason” and so I’m not as upset as some people are about the shell necklace. But it’s still not good writing. 

Why does this thing exist? How did come to be cursed? How did it get mixed in with their stuff? What activated the magic and why did it only effect the human’s even though the animals were closer to it? 

Just something show. Anything. You bothered to give use rules for how this thing works and even stuck to them this time, but you can’t just make the last leg of the trip and give us some exposition? 

Yeah, okay. 

So Where Exactly Are We in Relation to Corona?

We can see Pittsford and Ivangarr on the road sign and we have to be in riding distance to Neserdina from Corona, but like are we in Corona still? Are we in Koto, which is Corona’s nearest neighbor to the east according to season three. Are we in some no-man’s-land where none of the kingdoms have control, or are we already in Neserdina itself? 

The series gives us no sense of direction nor any firm placement for Corona within it’s world. I only know it is a Northern European country because Corona itself is a peninsula with a north sea, uses French, English, and German fashion/customs, and Rapunzel is a Germanic fairy tale. But like those clues are thrown into a blender and contradicted several times over, on top of never being told where it’s closest kingdoms actually lie. 

All of this matters when traveling and exploring the wider world are big themes of your show. You need more solid and consistent world building than this. It also impacts how much authority and control your main character has within the episode itself if she range of political power is limited to one area. So like we need to know where the heroes stand here. 

(FYI I personally headcannon Corona as former Prussia which was once part of Germany and it’s alliance of smaller kingdoms. It’s also a peninsula next to the Curonian Spit) 

This Is Not Progress

Okay so the idea here, is that the show is implying that Rapunzel is trying to improve Corona’s justice system over Frederic’s previously inhumane crack down on crime. However, this is terribly executed. 

For starters the show has never called Frederic nor Rapunzel out for their previous misbehavior. You can not change any system for the better without acknowledging the flaws within said system first. Therefore this comes right out of nowhere and doesn’t stick around long enough to stay within the viewers minds for later. 

Secondly, Rapunzel is incredibly fickle about who she does and doesn’t set free. The Saporians were still in the dungeons last time we saw them, Caine was shipped off to the prison island and left to die there as far as we know, and the Stabbingtons are shown shackled together in the wedding short even though they supposedly changed their ways and befriended Eugene again. 

Meanwhile Dwayne and Stalyan are free to go their marry way and continue their life of crime, Varian is only released from his overly harsh punishment because he kissed Rapunzel’s ass not because it was wrong to imprison him in the first place, and later Cassandra gets away scot free because she’s Rapunzel’s bestie even though she committed the worst crimes out of everyone in the show and for very little reason. 

That’s not justice. That’s not compassion. That’s not progressive reform. It’s just nepotism, and it’s every bit as corrupt as Frederic’s classism and totalitarianism. 

Just because Rapunzel is “nice” it doesn’t mean that she is kind. Real reform has to treat everyone with equality and have a set of base standards that are beyond one person’s personal judgment. She is still a dictator and an abuser even if she lets the occasional person go free on a whim. 

Finally, Rapunzel’s methods are just downright ineffective. Dwyane may not be a threat to our heroes, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a threat to other people. He’s not actually sorry about trying to rob people at knife point and he fully plans on continuing being a thief after feeding Rapunzel the lines she wants to hear. 

Furthermore, we don’t know if this course of action is born out of malice or desperate need. He half heartily comments about finding ‘an honest job” but can he even do that? Is it even a realistic option for him? The series has been weaving this class inequality theme through out it’s past three seasons and directly connecting that to Corona’s crime rate. 

Eugene had a hard time finding a job during season one directly due to his past record, remember? A life of crime he was forced to lead in order to survive, and he’s the Prince Consort! What chance does Dwayne have? Did Rapunzel even try to help him find work or did she just wag her finger at him and told him “Now, now, stealing’s not nice.” 

The show wants to act like Rapunzel is this progressive reformer but then they turn her into a Republican instead. That’s not me being sarcastic either, this approach to criminal justice is the foundation of conservative belief and has been for centuries. The right are not interested in why people commit crime. They don’t care about addressing the fundamental problems in society that lead people to break the law. Let alone bother to analyze why those laws exist in the first place. Instead they resort to doublethink and survivor bias to either write off those that fall through the cracks or make excuses for why their policies repeatedly fail, often ignoring the fact that things aren’t actually working for whole swathes of people who aren’t themselves.  

Tangled the Series is far too simplistic and childish in it’s approach to deeper subjects like this to enforce the messages it supposedly wants to enforce. Rapunzel herself relies on magical thinking, double standards, and personal bias to see her through every and any problem and the show just rewards her for it rather than challenging her to grow and in doing so winds up supporting people like her in their authoritarian ideas, whether that was the writers’ intentions or not. 

In short, Rapunzel shows no interest in putting in the real work it would take to implement genuine restorative justice. She doesn't honestly care about Dwyane or his victims. She’s just posturing here for the sake of her self image.  

You’re Not In Any Position to Talk Rapunzel 

Speaking of Rapunzel being a hypocrite.... The entirety of season three’s main conflict is her having a petty bitch fight with her supposed best friend and needlessly dragging everyone else into it.

In fact that’s the whole show. Rapunzel repeatedly failing to get along with other people because she’s deep down a shitty person despite the veneer of ‘friendliness’ she slaps on to hide it. Having her just say she knows better does nothing to convince me that she’s actually learned anything. You have to show that she’s learned it first, and that requires acknowledging her own wrong doings.  

Varian’s face here just tells it all. Rapunzel is full of shit and no one in the show knows it better than him. Why are they even friends again? Why should we trust her with the three kids she neglected more than once? Why should any of these people take what she says seriously? 

Well This is Contradictory

Also, since we brought up double standards, here’s Varian undermining that whole “jail is bad” thing Rapunzel is trying to push with Dwayne and later with Cass. Not only is the show under cutting it’s themes for a joke, but it just reinforces the abuse Varian received. He’s now bought into Frederic’s stupid beliefs and winds up reinforcing to the audience that that his ‘reform’ was due to his past imprisonment.   

As an adult watching this series, Varian’s supposed redemption continues to increasingly look like a victim complying with their past abuser out of fear of further harm rather than anyone genuinely learning to be better.

Can We Please Stop Infantilizing the 16 Year Old

As if to deflect from Varian’s past mistreatment and continuing parentification, the show then goes on to showcase the opposite extreme whenever possible. I know it’s hard to tell just from these few screen shots alone, but over the course of season three Varian is spoken down too and treated condescendingly by the rest of the cast, and by Rapunzel in particular, even as he enters his later teens/early adulthood.  

Some of this is just to due to Rapunzel being her usual holier than thou self, but there’s also times, like here, where Varian is lumped together with the actual children of the show, even though he’s 6 to 8 years their senior. 

In fact out of everyone Rapunzel interacts with, Varian’s actually the closest to her in both age and development. Queen for a Day forced the two of them into a power imbalance due to a mixture of classism and society’s ongoing unhealthy (and often artificial) divide between younger and older teens, but as we get further and further away from that point in time and as Varian nears the same age Rapunzel started out as, that imbalance becomes less and less relevant. 

Look at how this scene is framed, He’s standing between Angry and Red and is placed lower than them to make it look like he’s one of them. He’s not. 

Varian may still look 12 with his big old eyes and short stature, but seeing as how we’re past Hearts Day, he’s actually close to being 17, if he isn’t already. The timeline gets even wonkier after The King and Queen of Hearts, but trust me, we’re close to being two years past Queen for a Day, if not more so. 

Varian, for all counts, should be Rapunzel’s equal by now in terms of story. Not only is he closest in age to her, but he’s also the only other person going through a coming of age arc. And of the two, Varian’s the one who has actually learned and grown as a person. He has more real world experience than Rapunzel ever will and knows how to implement that experience. (He’s also the more mature, but that’s more of a failure to write Rapunzel competently than a reflection of his capabilities.) 

No matter how you slice it, Varian shouldn’t be taking orders or advice from Rapunzel; no one should be, really; and he most certainly shouldn’t put up with her condescension. Rapunzel is not his nor anybody else’s mother. She’s not even a big sister like figure, and at no point should be treated as the leader of anything or anyone. 

Rapunzel is a Poor Man’s Rose Quartz 

I typically try not to draw too many comparisons between Tangled and other shows outside of the occasional parallel, as a show should be able to stand on it’s own for good or for bad, but it’s hard not to discuss the series without also discussing Steven Universe in some way. 

Steven Universe is this generation’s Batman the Animated Series or Scooby Doo. It’s the game changer that everybody else is trying to copy in some manner. Chris desperately wants Tangled the Series to be the next Steven Universe, right down to how the show is structured, paced, and what themes are presented. But unfortunately Chris has no idea why Steven Universe works the way it does. 

For starters SU adjusted it’s pacing as it went along, smoothing out its rougher edges while Tangled doubled down on its filler. SU had a planned arc from the get go and stuck to it, so that by the time the twists came they made sense. SU kept it’s focus on Steven purposefully so that the story unfolded from his view point while making to sure to acknowledge the importance of other characters around him and their conflicts. It didn’t make him infallible nor shove aside everyone else’s arcs.  

But most importantly, Steven Universe was written by a bisexual nonbinary person who set out to make a show for people in the queer community like themselves. Meanwhile, as a middle aged white man, Chis hasn’t a damn clue about his primary audience and has shown no interest in connecting with them. 

This isn’t to say that Steven Universe is a perfect show. No show is beyond criticism. Nor is this to say that straight white cis men can’t write; many of them do and can portray characters unlike themselves competently enough. But if you’re completely disinterested in other points of view than you can’t be a good writer of fictional stories, that’s just a fact. Because in order to understand proper characterization you need to acknowledge that not every character ever will be like you and that even you’re main heroes will hold beliefs and experiences different from yourself. Otherwise there is no genuine conflict to build off of. Either no one will disagree with each other or the conflict will come across as flat and forced, complete with lopsided bias. 

Therefore, in the end, Rapunzel winds up being less of a Steven and more of a Rose Quartz/Pink Dimond. Both are spoiled princesses/co-rulers of a kingdom that mistreats it’s people and anyone outside of it, who rebelled against their guardians, supposedly out of a sense of justice, but really for themselves and their own freedom, only to make things even worse for everyone. On top of that they both accidently harmed their friends, freindzone their best friend while also bossing them around, are condescending to their love interests, is controlling of people who trust them, and throws temper tantrums when they don’t get what they want, oh and neglected someone for an inhumane amount of time. 

Even then, Rapunzel winds up being the worst of the two. 

The whole point behind Rose was that she is someone whom the main characters place upon a pedestal and as the series went along slowly had the scales fall from their eyes and learned to view her for who she really was flaws and all. By the end, in Future, she is even metaphorically removed from her pedestal when Steven removes her picture from the wall.  

Rose also grows as a character, unlike Rapunzel. Her story is deliberately being told to us backwards. The awful person she was in the past was no longer who she was by the time of her death. True she was still flawed, and the consequences of her actions continued on even after her demise, but she actually tried to be a better person. She got called out for her behavior, she wasn’t excused for actions even when the show explained why she did what she did, and she stopped doing harmful actions whenever she realized that they hurt someone. 

Greg was allowed to stand up to her and show how she was wrong, and she respected him for it and later fell in love with him because of it. She tried to better control her temper when she wound up hurting her friend. Her failed revolution and her mistreatment of Spinel was actually born from a misguided desire to help, rather than outright selfishness. 

Rose Quratz/Pink Dimond is a brilliant fucking character. You may not like her, but you can’t deny that she is one of the most complex figures in children’s media to ever be created. She is real, nuanced, and multifaceted. He role within the story is complicated, messy, and intricate. She is the most well rounded female character I’ve ever seen and she is what I had hoped Rapunzel would be when I first watched season one, only even more so as the actual focus. 

I want women in cartoons to be people! 

But Rapunzel fails at every turn to follow through with this promise. She is not a deep complex character. She’s not a flawed and complicated heroine. She’s a blank canvas in which the creator can shove his creepy ass views upon. She is never taken off her pedestal, she’s never allowed to be wrong, and she is forced to spout the the creator’s personal bias against other characters. 

Rapunzel isn’t a person. She had the chance to be one, but then was reduced to .. to this. As a woman, the treatment of Rapunzel and Cassandra in this show is just flat out insulting. 

So What Is the Difference Between Angry and Red Now?

I’m all for character growth, but at this point Angry and Red are just interchangeable. Anything that made them uniquely them has been lost, and they’re now just fulfilling the generic rambunctious little kid trope. Red becoming more assertive shouldn’t mean she stops being an introvert altogether; that’s not how that works. While Angry shouldn’t lose her temper completely just because she’s wiling to open up more. 

So Why Dwayne?

I like Dwayne as a character and in truth I don’t mind his existence here, and unlike that werewolf hunter last time he at least was established in a pervious season. But this is still time that could have went to a more important antagonist. 

Also notice that Dwyane gets a villain song, but not Lady Caine or Zhan Tiri. Just saying. 

Rapunzel Has Not Earned the Role of the Wise Sage and Mentor 

Rapunzel has never learned to listen to others. Ever.

On it’s own this might have been a good speech, but when taken in context of the wider story it just makes Rapunzel look like an ass. 

A year traveling does not make Rapunzel suddenly all knowing. She is not wiser nor more experienced than anyone else in this scene. She’s also a crappy leader and big fat hypocrite.  

Even when she’s technically right, as seen here, she’s still in the wrong because she never follows through and acts upon her own advice; making this whole story pointless in the grand scheme of things. 

And that’s the core problem with season three. Rapunzel is shoved into a role she is not designed for and the whole premise of the series runs right off the rails. You’re main heroine in a coming of age story can not inhabit the mentor role. She can not simultaneously learn and grow and be always right while instructing everyone else. 

All through out season three Rapunzel is either rendered completely useless in her own damn series, or she utterly fails to fulfill any sort of narrative promise laid out for her while she infuriatingly hijacks the story from more interesting and dynamic characters. 

Behold The Only Reason Why Varian was Included in the Episode 

Speaking of hijacking things, Rapunzel of course has to get the idea to save everybody, even though what she thinks of isn’t anything special. It’s not derived from her character as an individual nor from all that experience she supposedly has. It’s literally an idea anyone could have come up  with and the show just hands it to her in order to justify her exitance. 

Meanwhile the character who actually is useful to the plot is sidelined and reduced to just a plot device. And not just here, Varian is rendered practically pointless in all but two episodes in season three, even in episodes that he actually should have more impact in, like the season opener and series finale. 

Good writing treats characters as equally contributing to the plot in ways that complements who these characters are.  

Ok I’ll Admit That This Line Is Funny

Look, I know this whole review series is about pointing out the negative, and I stand by my opinion that Tangled the Series is one of the worst written shows I’ve ever seen, but I want to make one thing clear.... I do not hate the show. If I hated the show I would not waste my time reviewing it. 

Yes the over all writing is shit, but there are a lot of good things to be found in the series beyond just the crap story arc. The humor is usually solid, the animation is gorgeous, the music is a delight, and the majority of the characters are likable even though they don’t develop in the ways that they should. There’s a lot of talent that went into this show and there’s a lot of potential to be had in it’s set up and lore. 

Being critical or negative about the aspects of something doesn’t mean you dislike it, or that you’re not a real fan, or that you’re just a ‘hater’, and I actually find TTS to be fascinating because it’s such a mess. I write reviews because they’re fun and because I genuinely think there is something to be learned from Tangled’s mistakes. 

So Why Do We Cut Back to Rapunzel Here and Not Varian? 

This is such an odd framing choice. Varian is the one who is talking and reacting to what’s happening. It’s his pet that’s in trouble and therefore he carries the emotional weight of the scene, and yet it’s Rapunzel’s shocked face we focus on? Why? What’s the point of that? She has no business being the center focus here. The action does not involve her. 

If you wanted to include her for a later set up then why not have both her and Varian present in this shot? Usually I can at least count on the story boarders to frame things better than this, but they really missed the mark here. Unless Chris is just that stupid and petty that he over ruled them and forced Varian out of the scene, but that seems like a pointless fight to pick, even for him. 

See This is How you Fulfill a Narrative Promise 

The conflict between Ruddiger and Max was set up in season one with What the Hair, then it was reiterated a few episodes ago during The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne, and then it was reintroduced in this episode along with a stated lesson about working together that they needed to learn. By they end of the episode, guess what, they’ve learned to work together. That is how you properly set up and resolve a conflict. 

It’s clear from this that the writers of Tangled the Series know the basic tenants of writing and how to fulfill narrative promises. So the fact that they don’t follow through with this in the majority of the show’s episodes and ongoing story arcs just baffles me. 

Is it negligence? Is it hubris? Is it incompetent management and editorial mandates? Is it just one asshole ruining everything or is this a failure in the writers room as a whole? 

I just don’t understand what the fuck went wrong here. There’s no reason for why the show got as bad as it did. How does the most acclaimed animation company in the world put out such amateurish tripe? 

Just... wow. 

Now you know why I’m mesmerized by this show. It is a mystery to be solved, like trying to figure out how the crew on the Titanic fucked up so badly or why Hindenburg blew up. You just can’t look away. 

Conclusion 

Like I said at the start, structurally speaking this is the strongest episode of the season. I personally enjoy Lost Treasure a little more, just because Rapunzel annoys me less in that, but it’s not a bad story. However when you’re best episode in your final season is filler, then you know you’re in trouble. 

If you like my reviews and want to support my writing endeavors you can drop a tip in my kofi https://ko-fi.com/rachelbethhines

[tetrakys]

Congrats on your new milestone! You deserve every single one of them, and more cause you're awesome ♥♥ May I suggest a scene for a dabble (bear with me, I suck at explaining stuff so I'll just use keywords, do what you will with them): Lance and Erika in NE + hate-kiss [That's it. Is it obvious that I can't wait for Eldarya's next episode? 🙈🙈] 👉👈

How could I not pick this, you played dirty 😂 Thank you 😘 Hope you like it, it contains all my hopes and dreams for A New Era 🤧

“Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!”

He spoke with a condescending smirk, his expression a mix of contempt and disinterest.

“Have you thought of moving to the Absinthe guard instead? And stop wasting everyone’s time… my time…”

With an angry gesture, I moved a lock of hair from my sweaty forehead, I knew that in my eyes he could see all the hate I felt for him.

“Seriously, how aren’t you dead already.”

“Not for lack of trying on your part, that’s for sure.” I replied spitefully.

He looked at me with half-lidded eyes, almost bored, but I knew him better than he thought, I knew I had struck a nerve.

“What a smart, pretty, little mouth. If only you put as much effort in your training.”

“If only you showed me what I’m doing wrong instead of keep taunting me!”

He moved behind me.

“You lack the basics. Even the way you hold your sword, look,” he said modifying my hold on the hilt, “this way is going to be more difficult for anyone to disarm you. The rest of your body should always be in a defensive mode even while you’re attacking,” his other arm reached mine, pushing it to my chest, while with one of his legs he pushed mine forward. “You should always try to take your enemy by surprise.”

I was only too aware of his broad chest at my back, his legs against mine, his whole body enveloping me. His breath as he spoke instructions directly to my ear.

“Try to break free, hit me.”

I felt a smirk forming on my lips. With pleasure. I didn’t like the reaction of my body to his touch.

I moved my arm, trying to hit his side with my elbow, but his hold on me only grew tighter. I then tried to kick him and step on his foot, but he simply moved his long leg out of the way.

“You are way too undisciplined, fighting like a wild monkey, ignoring everything I say, I should pun…”

I suddenly dropped my sword. The surprise made him slightly loose his hold on me, giving me enough room to elbow him in the ribs. I smiled at his pained groan, but I knew there was no time to waste. Grabbing his arm with a move that Karenn had recently taught me, I flipped him over, ending up straddling him on the ground. I reached for the dagger at my waist and pointed it at his neck.

“You should what?” I taunted. “'You should always try to take your enemy by surprise.' I don’t ignore everything you say.”

I was ecstatic. I could do whatever I wanted to him, he was at my complete mercy. I pressed the point of the dagger against his throat just a bit. I had never wanted to hurt someone so much.

His surprised expression turned sour first, and then almost elated as he smirked, feeling the blade against his skin.

“What are you thinking about, little aengel? Is there a little daemon hiding behind those candid feathers after all? Maybe Saint Erika is not as pure as she pretends she is?”

“Shut up.” I growled, pushing my blade a little more.

“Or what? Come on, do it. I deserve it, don’t I?” He pressed his throat against the pointy end, drawing a drop of blood. “Everything is my fault, right? I’m the cause of all your problems. I’m a murderer and a bastard. I’m just a villain and that’s all I��ll ever be.”

Yeah, all of that. But something in his delivery didn’t feel right. He looked way too eager.

“Fuck you, Lance. Don’t try to manipulate me, if you have a death wish, if you want to kill yourself go ahead, be my guest, but you won’t use me to do your dirty work. No one is going to use me ever again.”

I made to get up, but he grabbed my hips, holding me in place. Pushing my hand with the dagger away, he raised up in a sitting position and grabbed my throat with his free hand.

“You’re so damn annoying. Never waste an opportunity when it presents itself, little aengel, you may not have another.”

His lips came crushing on mine, with anger and hunger, as if he wanted to devour me. I replied in the same way, not even surprised. We both knew this was coming. Every training session we were walking on a fine line, waiting for something, or someone, to snap it.

I dropped the dagger and raised my hands to his head, entwining my fingers in his long hair, pushing my hips even closer to his, feeling all of him against me.

It wasn’t sweet. There was nothing romantic in this. I hated him and he knew it, he probably hated me just as much. I needed this though, it was another battle, another fight, but I wasn’t going to let him get the better of me.

His right hand tightened his hold on my hip and raised up to my wait, my chest, and then lower again. I bit his lower lip, roughly, but he didn’t seem to mind, he took possession of my mouth again and again.

The moment I felt my control staring to slip, I jumped to my feet and put some distance between us.

“This… this has to stop.”

“Sure.” He replied nonchalantly, raising as well.

“It’s never going to happen again.”

“Of course. You say this all the time.” He added in his usual sarcastic tone.

“I’m serious. Enough.” I turned around and headed back to HQ.

“See you tonight. I’m going to leave the door of my room unlocked, as usual.”

I could feel the smirk in his tone. Gosh I hated him. I hated him as much as I craved him.

I stormed back to HQ, anger in each of my steps. In the back of my mind counting the minutes until sundown.

[theinnernerd]

I got a Twitter and kinda ditched tumblr... :( this is my attempt to change that.

This is Altean Lance from a scene in my fic The Shadow of a Prince ✨🤗✨

I’ll post an excerpt below because I CAN!!!! OmG I MISSSD the tumblr platform. I’m so FREE! I can write HOWEVER MUCH I WANT about this post.

Maybe it’s nostalgia but tumblr>>>>>Twitter. And that’s on that.

It was in the dead of the night when an alarm on Keithek’s suit started beeping.

He had been trying to doze off, not feeling like readying himself for bed, but feeling sleepy enough that if he sat down and rested his eyes for a bit, he could get a decent few minutes of sleep that would sustain him for the day tomorrow. But the beeping pulled him out of the sleepy haze he had managed to sink under in an instant and he was suddenly wide awake again.

Keithek sighed. Lance had left his room.

Standing, he went to go find him. Rounding a few quick corners before he finally got to him, the boy still seeming to glow under the low light of the hall as he walked quietly down the hall.

Keithek sighed again, shaking his head, annoyed. Did the prince really think he was being sly? He knew that this was something his sister had decreed would be strictly forbidden until the threat was neutralized. Clearly, the prince still didn’t care.

He walked up behind him silently and as soon as he was within a foot of him he cleared his throat and tried not to take pleasure in the way the prince squawked with surprise and shot his gaze over to him. As soon as his blue eyes landed on Keithek’s, they instantly narrowed with anger. He let out an annoyed humph and groaned, thrusting his hands into his already tousled hair as he turned back around, clearly annoyed.

He was devoid of any jewelry or other adornments. He wasn't even wearing his crown. Seeing him without his usual get up was... strange. More strange than he thought it would be. The blue marks beneath his eyes were almost more apparent without the usual amount of decoration, and his natural features, in Keithek's opinion, were enhanced.

“I don’t think I need to explain to you that you should be in your room right now your highnesses. You aren’t safe to walk the halls alone at night.”

“How the hell are you even- you’re- it’s literally the ass crack of dawn and you’re in full quiznacking uniform?! Do you sleep? What the hell?”

The questions felt directed more to himself than they were to Keithek or anyone else. He muttered them unhappily, glaring at Keithek with almost as much distaste as the queen herself. Keithek pretended he didn’t notice the similarities in their unhappy facial expressions from the shape of their pointed faces to the curved narrow slits of their eyes. He ignored the feeling of slight discomfort he felt when seeing the queens face resembled so clearly in the princes annoyed and exasperated face.

“I’m alerted whenever you leave your room. It’s my job to be ready to stop you from making stupid decisions.”

It seemed that both the prince and himself were a bit surprised at the forward ness of that comment and the slight lack of professionalism that Keithek had let slip.

The prince brushed it off though and turned around, ignoring him as he pushed forwards where he had been going down the hall. The glare that Keithek received from him when he had stepped in front of him and stopped him from moving forward was vicious.

“Move.” He said shortly. Staring Keithek down, using their slight difference in hight to his advantage.

“You know I can not do that your highness. Keithek replied tiredly.

Lance groaned sliding his hands down his face in demonstration of his irritability. “What's your fucking problem, man?! Can't you just let me go for a walk around my castle at night if I want?”

“No.” Keithek said. “It's still dangerous.”

The prince looked visibly exhausted, running his hands through his hair and sighing. “Fine. You know what? Fine! Asshole! God! My life is the most pathetic…” He kept mumbling as he turned on his heel and began walking down the hallway again to go back to his room, getting far enough away after a while that Keithek couldn’t hear what he was saying anymore, and suddenly Keithek felt guilty.

He could sympathize, in some ways, with the prince, even if what he was doing was irresponsible and they both knew it. He wanted to be left to his own devices. He wanted to live his life. Having someone like Keithek on his back had to be frustrating. So for whatever reason, he took pity on him and blurred out something he really hadn’t expected he would actually say.

“I can accompany you however.” Keithek said to Lance’s back quickly. If you would like.

Lance halted in his steps, pausing a bit before turning back, giving him a skeptical look.

“Technically I am instructed to keep you in your room, but…” Keithek hesitated. He wanted to earn Lance’s trust. To show him that he was on his side, and that he trusted him too. He chose then to drop formalities, letting his spine relax a bit, offering Lance a look of solace.

“Look, I get it.” He said. “Sometimes You need a distraction, and trying to sleep just doesn't work. My job is to keep you safe, and I'll do that. But Nobody has to know about my breaking minor rules if it helps you relax…”

Lance just stared at him seeming as though he didn't believe his words. His eyebrows furrowed, but he turned around.

“Ok....” he said, drawing out the word. “Then I'm going to the kitchens.” He began walking forwards again and Keithek quietly trailed behind him.

Lance stretched, rolling his shoulders and yawning as they reached the entrance. He walked languidly to the counter and began collecting an assortment of food on his plate. Keithek stood at attention by the door, watching him. He filled a glass with some liquid Keithek couldn't name, and took a seat at the table, draping himself over the edge, one arm propping him up.

He was about to lift the glass to his lips when he looked up at Keithek, like he was only just realizing that he hadn't sat down with him.

Lance drew his eyebrows together and gave him a slightly irritated look of confusion.

“What, you're not allowed to sit either?” He asked sarcastically, gesturing to the seat across from him like it was ridiculous that he wasn't already there, his face twisted in annoyance.

“No, I'm allowed but for your safe-“ Keithek began but Lance cut him off, rolling his eyes.

“Oh my god, Just fucking sit down.” He said.

Keithek bristled in surprise but obeyed the prince, walking tentatively to the seat across from him, Lance’s eyes following him as he chewed, seeming to inspect him, looking him up and down.

When Keithek sat, Lance looked back at his plate, chewing and looking to be deep in thought. A long quiet ensued as Lance ate before he spoke up.

“How old are you.” Lance asked unprecedentedly, still watching the food he was pushing around.

Keithek was taken back by his question but answered after a moment of hesitation. “Twenty four,” he responded.

The prince quirked an eyebrow. “Geez, your pretty young to have such a giant stick up your ass.”

For perhaps the umpteenth time that night, Keithek didn't know how to respond to one of the princes unexpected comments.

“Do you ever, like, not take things so seriously?” He asked. Meeting his eyes.

Keithek's heart skipped, without permission when their eyes met, shocked at just how strikingly blue they were under the dim glow of the kitchens lights.

The prince was presenting himself to Keithek in ways that he had never seen him. Away from nobles, citizens of Altea, and even his sister, Lance was incredibly more casual. Almost like how he had been with the big Altean with yellow markings. Just less… friendly. He had a snarky sarcastic sense about him that Keithek hadn't assumed of him when they first met. Rather he seemed to be the professional, stubborn, hard ass that he was accusing Keithek of being now. Why he was choosing to show this side of himself to Keithek of all people, he didn't know.

When he didn't respond, Lance continued. Taking another sip from his glass. “Look. He said. I don't like being smothered, and I don't like unnecessary tension. But if my sister is going to sick you on to me for the rest of time I'd rather get over all these stupid formalities, and tell you that you are the last thing I want in my life right now.”

He paused, allowing himself to chew and swallow his food.

“But, he continued,” I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get out of this, so if you start treating me like a person rather than a fragile little flower, and loosen up a bit, we'll get along fine. Let me live my life and if there's ever someone going to stab me in the back, then you can stop them. But I'm not going to tolerate coddling and whatever other shit rules Allura gave you on how to treat me, got that?”

With his words, Keithek finally felt that he was starting to understand the prince. At least in some ways. What he was asking for was respectable, and Keithek was willing to give him that, as long as he knew that he was going to be with him at all times, like Allura had instructed him to be.

The prince was becoming more real with every interaction they had. Here, in this room, watching him slump over the table and eat his food with the most unamused face Keithek thought he had the ability to make, without his royal attire and glittering adornments, he looked normal.

Keithek nodded. “Yeah. He replied. I get it.”

“Great.” The prince said unenthusiastically, before he lifted himself back up, downing the last of his drink and then walked to put away his dishes. Keithek pushed away the mild surprise he felt upon witnessing an Altean royal wash his own dishes, his hands soapy as he scrubbed the surface of the plate before rinsing it off with water.

When the prince grabbed the entire bottle of the drink he had been sipping on earlier, Keithek looked curiously at him and asked, “what is that stuff.”

The prince frowned, looking down at the bottle. “If it’s any good?” He said, “It will help me forget that we ever had this conversation.” And with that, he took a big swig, right from the bottle, meeting Keithek’s eyes in a deadpan stare before he turned and walked out the doors. Keithek followed him silently back to Lance’s room, watching as he wordlessly scanned his hand to open the doors and walk inside, leaving Keithek in the hallway without another word.

[azapofinspiration]

The Princess and Her Knight

Summary: It's been declared that Princess Ruby's hand will go to whoever wins the tournament, as the regent wishes for her to be at least engaged and comfortable with her partner before the time to take the crown comes.

Unfortunately, Ruby's heart is already set on the court minstrel, Weiss.

And yet, at the same time, a mysterious White Knight can't help but draw her attention as the tournament continues.

White Rose Week Day 7: The Princess and Her Knight

@white-rose-week

[AO3] [FF.Net]

“You know, most people would be flattered to have so many people fighting over her.” Yang bluntly said, ignoring Ruby’s pout.

“Easy for you to say,” Ruby grumbled. “You got to marry the love of your life.”

Ruby knew that Yang was in a different situation. After all, she and their father had married into the royal family so she wasn’t the heir despite their father having taken over as regent after the death of Ruby’s mother. She had a lot more flexibility when it came to her choices.

And if the love of her life was the daughter of Menagerie’s chief and their marriage helped secure an alliance between their kingdoms then that was merely a happy happenstance. If their dad had said no, Yang would’ve just run away with her probably.

But Ruby was the heir to the throne. Within a few years, she would have to step up and take the crown, and her dad wanted her to at least be engaged and familiar with her partner by that time. And according to the laws, which he had tried to change but was shot down by the council, she had to marry either another royal or a noble.

So now a tournament was being held, with nobility and royalty from their and the surrounding kingdoms. The winner would receive Ruby’s hand in marriage.

It didn’t matter that Ruby’s heart was set on another.

“They don’t want me. They’re all here for honor or glory or status or…other stuff.” Ruby gestured at the armored contestants milling about. “Even if they know me, none of them really know me.”

“What? Like Weiss?” Yang’s voice had softened with sympathy, even as Ruby’s heart gave a discordant twang.

Yes, Weiss actually knew her. She was Ruby’s best friend.

However, Weiss was just the court minstrel.

Weiss had arrived in their court right about the same time Ruby had begun her training to become queen. She could play pretty much any instrument presented to her and her voice was akin to that of angels. Ruby had been intrigued by her from the start. After all, it wasn’t everyday you encountered a girl with hair and skin as white as snow, much less a girl with a scar marring her face. Some would call it ugly, but if anything, Ruby had always thought it made her even more beautiful, showing her will to survive despite getting slashed open right over her left eye.

Yang suspected that Weiss was to some degree of noble birth, given how her manners rivalled those of the haughtiest lord or lady of the court, but Ruby found that to be unlikely. Though those manners and sense of propriety may have been why Weiss had tried to keep a certain distance between herself and Ruby at the beginning, despite Ruby trailing after her like a puppy in her free time.

Weiss could be sarcastic and distant, but as Ruby had watched, she noticed the kind and caring person underneath the chilly veneer. And before they knew it, they’d gotten closer and closer until Ruby could hug her and call her her best friend and only get a roll of the eyes instead of a gentle push away and a lecture on proper etiquette.

Then somehow, without even noticing it, Ruby had fallen in love.

Ruby desperately wished to tell Weiss her feelings, but she wasn’t about to risk her most precious friendship. Besides, even if her feelings were returned, they wouldn’t be able to marry due to Weiss’s commoner status.

It wasn’t fair.

And Weiss wasn’t even here at the moment!

“Yeah…” Ruby mumbled, slumping in her seat despite her mental Weiss lecturing her on her posture. “Why did she have to leave and attend family business now of all times?”

Shortly before this tournament’s announcement, Weiss had received a letter that apparently urged her home for some emergency. Ruby had been upset at the time, though understanding as she of all people knew the importance of family.

Now she was despondent as by the time Weiss got back she’d surely be engaged and unable to ever reveal her feelings.

“It sucks, but that’s how it is.” Yang shrugged but gave her an understanding smile. “I’m sure things will be fine when she gets back.”

“No they won’t. I’ll be engaged.”

Yang sighed. Ruby could understand that she was trying to cheer her up, but it just wasn’t happening. “Let’s at least check out the competition, shall we?”

“Fine.” Ruby sighed and she cast her gaze over at her potential suitors.

Jaune Arc was from a large noble family with a history of turning out fantastic knights. Jaune himself was fairly decent but Ruby would never be able to get over her first impression of him where he vomited right on her shoes as she trained with her family’s knights. Overall, he wasn’t the worst person she could get married to, but there were plenty of powerful contestants.

Pyrrha Nikos, for example, was a strong contender. She was considered to be one of the strongest fighters on the continent, the Gladiator from Argus. She could probably trounce every single person here, but Ruby already knew that she wouldn’t as she was just participating out of obligation and she was sweet on a certain knight who was prone to blowing chunks when nervous.

Penny Polendina was someone that Ruby was fairly familiar with. She was one of the best knights that served the Ironwoods, the royal family of Atlas. She and Ruby trained together during a diplomatic mission in Atlas several years ago and they had kept correspondence since. Ruby was sure that she could count her as a friend. Maybe not necessarily one of her closest ones, but a friend all the same.

Oscar Pine was currently being trained by one of the most powerful mages in the world, Ozpin, but he did some knight training as well. He always seemed nice enough, but Ruby really didn’t consider him to be romantic interest material.

Neptune Vasilias and Ilia Amitola were both knights from Menagerie and close friends of Blake’s. Ruby knew them more by reputation and Blake’s stories than personally interacting with them. Neptune was a bit of a flirt but usually pulled through when it counted while Ilia was more serious and quite stealthy in her work, able to slip in and out of situations easily. Ruby figured they’d be okay partners if it came down to it.

Mercury Black on the other hand was a hard no. He served Lady Cinder Fall, who was herself known for her devious and power-hungry tactics, having married into the nobility and her husband almost immediately dying under mysterious circumstances, and Ruby did not trust him a bit. She didn’t like the sly looks he kept throwing her way. He was only allowed because her father had made this an open invitation so they couldn’t technically turn him away.

And the eighth participant…

Ruby frowned as she took them in.

The eighth participant wore white armor and unlike everyone else who was getting in their last fresh breaths before the tournament started, they already had their helmet on. They stood next to their horse, feeding her a sugar cube as they inspected their lance. They weren’t that big, probably even shorter than Ruby, and had a slight figure. A rapier was at their hip, clearly their weapon of choice.

Ruby had no clue who they were.

She was familiar with most of the royalty and nobility, as one in her position as heir to the throne should be, but she didn’t know who the White Knight was.

She glanced at the knight’s standard and felt her eyebrows rise.

“Huh.” Yang said, clearly also noticing the symbol. “Well, what do you know.”

A white snowflake on a blue background.

The Schnee insignia.

Ruby narrowed her eyes.

The Schnees were one of the most powerful noble families in Atlas. However, ever since the Duchess, Willow, had taken ill years ago, her husband, Duke Jacques, a former commoner, had mostly taken over control of her duties. And there was not much good to be said about how he ran things while she continued to be indisposed. He was a merchant at heart and still conducted his business, tying it into the Schnee affairs, and he was as cutthroat as the worst of them. Ruby had frequently heard of him and King James butting heads before coming to begrudging agreements. The family never came to events, isolating themselves with usually only Jacques emerging to conduct business.

The Schnees had three children. Ruby had only heard talk of the eldest and heir Winter, mainly because she had chosen to take a knighthood from the Ironwoods. The Schnees were infamous for their skills in magic, making them highly desirable in courts, so everyone had been jealous of Ironwood snagging one of them despite the family’s isolation. Jacques had been insistent on the family relying on only their own power, so now they took on no knights and had no mages, members of the family undergoing rigorous training and tutoring within their castle walls. So Winter had caused quite the scandal with apprenticing herself out, though given that the Schnees served the crown just as much as anyone else, there had not been much that Jacques could do.

Ruby knew that the other children were a girl and a boy, but only rumors were whispered about them. They said that the middle child had been maimed by Jacques and shut up in a tower for daring to disobey him. Or that she’d been left in the woods to die after refusing to marry who her father had picked to secure more power. Or her father had tricked her with a rigged test of skills and she was long dead, though no one knew for sure. They said that he’d tried to make the boy the heir after Winter left and the other daughter was silenced, but the king’s council had stopped him. It was hard to tell what was true with how little the family was seen in public. It was all too easy to imagine horrors behind the doors of the coldest noble family in the world.

And yet, here was a member of that mysterious family, vying for her hand in marriage.

“D’you think it’s the girl or the boy?” Yang asked as she sat up and squinted at them. Her eyes flickered over to where King James and his entourage had set themselves up, Winter Schnee clearly by his side as she was rumored to always be. “Which would you prefer?”

Ruby scowled. “Neither.” She firmly said.

A Schnee was a fascinating prospect, but given the head of the family’s reputation, it did not bode well for one of them to be participating.

Yang hummed, tilting her head to the side. “Well, this should be interesting…”

“What should be interesting?”

Ruby glanced over as Blake took her seat at Yang’s other side. She too was glancing over the competition, and her gaze eventually settled on the Schnee. Though surprisingly, she didn’t look too shocked, which stuck out to Ruby. The Schnee business ventures had a lot of dealings with Menagerie, mostly to Menagerie and the Faunus’ detriment, and Blake was well known for her low opinion of Jacques.

“So you noticed the Schnee, too?” Yang pointed out the obvious. “We were just talking about them. What sort of scheme do you think Jacques is up to, trying to win Ruby’s hand?”

“Not much probably.” At Ruby and Yang’s surprised blink, Blake continued. “You haven’t heard? New evidence was brought forth of all of the Duke’s underhanded dealings and presented to the king. He’s been arrested and is still awaiting trial.” Blake took a sip from her goblet, ignoring Ruby and Yang’s slack-jawed expression.

“Holy cannoli…” Yang muttered. “So is this one of them trying to regain the family’s honor or something?”

“Considering it was the second daughter and the Duchess who provided the information, I think they’ve proved that some people in the family do have honor.” Blake dryly replied. “Apparently Jacques had been drugging the Duchess for years to take over her duties?”

“Whoa…” Ruby breathed out, impressed despite herself. The second daughter did sound pretty awesome, but then again, as she glanced back at the White Knight, there was no guarantee that this was her. It could just as easily be the son, and rumors said he took more after his father than either daughter. “Still, that doesn’t mean they’re not suspicious.” She crossed her arms and fixed her pout on her face. “They probably aren’t really interested in me, just like more than half of the others participating.”

“You’d be surprised.” Blake muttered, taking another sip and rolling her eyes at Yang’s attempt to steal her drink.

Before Ruby could ask what she meant by that, the trumpets sounded to signal the tournament’s start.

It proceeded much as Ruby thought it would once the bracket’s were announced.

Pyrrha wasn’t able to go all out on Jaune, clearly holding back, but she still easily won. Likewise, Penny won out over Neptune, and poor Oscar hadn’t stood a chance against Mercury.

Ruby kept a close eye on the bout between Ilia and the White Knight, but the Knight proved to be the superior of the two. Though Ruby was impressed by the Knight stopping to help Ilia up after it was over, showing a kindness she didn’t expect due to the Schnees’ reputation.

In the second round, Penny just barely won. She and Pyrrha had to resort to hand-to-hand combat to determine the winner, and in the end, Penny’s throwing knives allowed her to stay out of the range of Pyrrha’s spear.

On the other side, Ruby was sure that Mercury had tried some tricks, as she saw Mercury approaching the Knight before their bout and whispering in their ear with a sly smile all too similar to his mistress’s. Given the way they’d jerked back and she could practically feel them glowering at him through their helmet, it certainly sparked Ruby’s curiosity. However, Mercury ended up getting knocked out without too much trouble.

And that left for the final round…

“So who do you want to win? Penny or Mystery Schnee?” Yang asked as she snacked on some treats. Ruby had been so caught up in the fighting that she hadn’t even noticed her leaving to get food.

Ruby sunk back into her chair as she looked over at her final two choices.

Penny was her friend and Ruby cared for her dearly. But she was just a friend. Ruby had never thought of her in a romantic or partner-type way. Sure, Ruby could probably marry her for the good of the kingdom, but…

And the White Knight, the Schnee seemed to be pretty alright. As much as one could glean personality from someone who they’ve only seen fighting and is wearing a helmet besides. At the very least, it’d be fun to spar with them. Which gender they were wasn’t really a factor to Ruby, as usually actually knowing someone was what really made someone attractive to her, which is why…

This wasn’t what she wanted.

If she had a choice, she’d choose Weiss.

But Weiss wasn’t an option.

Yang sighed and ruffled her hair a bit. “Yeah, I know.”

“Hey!” Ruby smacked her hand away and scowled at her. She quickly fixed her hair but paused as she felt the prickle of someone’s eyes on her. She turned her head to see the White Knight facing her. She blinked a bit in surprise, but they quickly turned away.

Blake chuckled. “It might not be as bad as you think.”

Yang glanced at her, eyes narrowed. “Do you know something?”

“No.”

“I think you do.”

“Well, even if I did, I wouldn’t say anything.”

“Well - “

“Shush!” Ruby finally interrupted their flirting. “It’s starting.”

Penny and the White Knight were well matched. They kept on coming out even after each run until finally it came down to hand-to-hand. The White Knight drew their rapier and Ruby couldn’t help but be slightly impressed by their skill. They clearly were someone who relied on technique and skill and they still managed to do so even with the bulky weight of full armor.

But Ruby knew Penny was one of the strongest fighters she knew. This match was already decided before it began.

It was as much a surprise to her, as it was to the rest of the audience, when the White Knight managed to evade the last of Penny’s knives, knock off her helmet, and held the tip of their rapier to Penny’s throat.

A clear victory.

Applause thundered around her, but Ruby could only stare in shock.

All her preferences aside, she had thought that Penny would win. And she would’ve accepted it, despite her misgivings, but now…

Ruby didn’t know what to do with this.

Her dad, Taiyang, stood from where he’d been seated on the throne to watch the proceeding and ignore his daughters’ chatter about the events. He’d been surprisingly quiet, not even joking around with Uncle Qrow during the tournament like he usually would, and Ruby had forgotten that he was even sitting beside her this whole time.

“Congratulations, champion!” Her dad’s voice boomed over the waning applause as the White Knight collected their horse and came to stand before the royal box. “You have bested your peers and proven yourself a knight capable of protecting the royal family. As per the rules of the tournament, you have won the hand of our fair princess Ruby. Do you accept your prize?”

The White Knight was silent for a moment before reaching up to take off their helmet.

“I will gladly take her hand - “

Ruby’s breath caught in her throat as the White Knight spoke. That voice -

“But only if she gives it of her own free will.”

As the helmet came off, long white hair came tumbling down from the high ponytail on their head, blue eyes shone as they gazed up towards Ruby, and a slight smile tugged at the scar going through their left eye.

“So,” Weiss smiled up at Ruby, as smug as the cat who ate the canary, “what do you say, your highness?”

“Weiss?!” Ruby erupted in shock, just as her face exploded in red.

“Holy crow…” Yang muttered, just as surprised as she was.

Blake continued eating, completely indifferent. “Are you going to answer her or not?” She flatly asked.

“Oh, uh,” Ruby floundered a bit more as Weiss just chuckled a bit, “yes!” She shouted, before recovering her royal composure. “I mean, yes. Of course, I would love to give you my hand.”

She extended her hand to show her sincerity and Weiss took it. Weiss clasped her hand before bringing it before her face and giving it a light kiss.

“Gchk!” Ruby practically choked as she felt her face heat up even more if possible.

Weiss smirked, eyes dancing with mirth over her reaction. “Then I guess we’re engaged.”

“Yep.” Ruby’s father grinned as well, before projecting to the audience once more. “It is now official! Her highness, the Crown Princess Ruby Rose, is engaged to the White Knight, Lady Weiss Schnee of Atlas.”

The crowd roared around them but Ruby was feeling faint from the whiplash of everything that happened.

How were you supposed to feel when one minute you’re about to be locked in a marriage you don’t want and the next you’re getting everything you want with the person you want?

She felt a slight tug on her hand. Ruby looked down to see the teasing expression gone, replaced by the concerned look on Weiss’s face. “Are you alright?” She frowned a bit. “It’s fine if you don’t want to do this.”

Ruby’s heart skipped a beat. “I do. Trust me, I do.” She smiled at her and squeezed her hand back. “But an explanation would be nice.” She admitted.

Weiss nodded. “Of course.”

Somehow, Ruby knew this was going to be a doozy.

.

“Your dad tried to have you killed?!” Yang’s jaw dropped and Ruby felt hers dropping right with hers.

They’d gathered in the library as the feast celebrating the end of the tournament and Ruby’s engagement began to wind down. It was the place they had always hung out together, but for once their meeting was a bit more urgent than usual.

Weiss hummed, much too at ease with such a horrific fact. “I should’ve thought there was something suspicious when he said that if I managed to complete the quest I’d be allowed to leave the manor as I wished. As it was, I did complete it and I managed to have my sister secretly arrest my attacker, but I didn’t come away unscathed.” Like she didn’t realize she was doing it, her fingers lightly traced her scar.

“So it was better to have him think me dead. Part of the reason why I wanted to leave was to become a knight like my sister and to restore our family’s honor that my father had tarnished. The attack made me realize that simply doing good would not be enough, I had to take out my father as well.” Weiss continued. “So I fell back on my other talents. Music has always been a passion of mine, one that my father actually encouraged, so becoming a minstrel was an easy task. No one looked twice at me, allowing me to gather all the evidence I needed. Only King James, my sister, and my family’s loyal head butler knew of my task back in Atlas, and of course, I did inform Regent Taiyang when I ended up here.”

“And you knew this entire time?” Yang rounded on Blake.

She didn’t even blink. “The Faunus and Menagerie have been the victims of most of her father’s crimes. Well, most of the ones not done to his own family.” Blake glanced over at Weiss before returning to looking at Yang. “I was aware of all members of the Schnee family, so of course I recognized her right away.”

“Blake has been invaluable with my investigations.” Weiss shot her a smile before catching the disappointed frown on Ruby’s face.

“So the important family business?” Ruby prodded.

Her expression softened. “I’d finally gathered all that I needed, but I had originally intended to wait to confront him. I wanted to reveal the truth to you first, but I received news from Klein that my father had been acting more suspicious than usual so I had to go after him much sooner. He was making alliances with factions that sought to overthrow King James and later attack the other kingdoms. Unfortunately, even with my intervention, his conspirators escaped.” Weiss scowled. Ruby knew that she was always harder on her own flaws than anyone else, and this untidy wrap-up of the incident was most likely weighing on her.

Ruby took in her sister’s thoughtful expression as they both mulled over this new information. Truthfully, it was a lot to take in. Ruby was almost overwhelmed with how much she had learned about Weiss in such a short amount of time.

Weiss was a noble, of the infamous and powerful Schnee family.

Weiss was not only a musician and minstrel, but also a knight.

She could almost be considered a spy, given that she’d somehow been able to go undercover to investigate her own family, her own father.

Weiss was somehow even more talented than she had ever imagined.

Yang clapped her hands together. “Well, that’s good enough for me.” She smiled as she apparently recovered all the revelations. “Blake, how about we give the lovebirds some alone time?”

“I thought you’d never ask.” Blake returned the smile as she took her arm and led the way out.

Weiss sputtered, her composure finally broken. “We’re not ‘lovebirds!’”

“Keep telling yourself that.” Yang waved at them as they left. “You guys just got engaged. The honeymoon period’s officially started.”

“Yang!” Weiss facepalmed once more before turning back to Ruby. “Ugh, Ruby, your sister - “

“Weiss.”

Weiss blinked at her. Her eyes searched hers for a moment, looking for something, though Ruby didn’t know what. “Yes?” She cautiously replied.

“I just - I just wanted to know if - “ Ruby paused, the words tripping from her mouth. “I know you said that you wanted to tell me, but was everything else just - just - “

“Oh.” Luckily, Weiss understood her better than she knew herself. “Ruby, I may not have told you about my family or about my personal mission, but it wasn’t a lie.” She hesitated before taking Ruby’s hand in her own. “I know why you may think that, but I never tried to hide who I was or tried to get close because I thought it would benefit me.”

“If anything, you tried to push me away.” Ruby chuckled and Weiss joined her.

“Yes.” She smiled. “Now that all of my family drama is over with, I can now focus on other things.”

“I know you asked me if I really wanted this, but do you?” Ruby couldn’t help but ask.

“Ruby, I only joined the tournament for your sake.”

Ruby looked away, feeling a blush rise once more in her cheeks.

“Your father even ensured that I was knighted before I joined. The moment I returned he told me what was going on. And I knew that I at least wanted to protect you from those who weren’t actually interested or those who were interested but for all the wrong reasons.” Weiss scooted a bit closer as she said that until their knees were touching. “And now that we know that this is what we both want…”

Weiss held both of Ruby’s hands and brought them up, squeezing them tight. “Ruby, I promise to protect you to the best of my ability. I will follow your lead wherever you go and my sword is yours to command. I want you and I love you. Will you have me?”

Ruby felt herself getting a bit teary-eyed. “Of course,” she replied, “but isn’t it a bit too soon for the wedding vows?”

Weiss huffed and looked away, her face a bit flushed, “I just want you to know how I feel and assure you that I’ll be here for you. Is that such a crime?”

“No,” Ruby laughed and then she leaned in and pressed her forehead to Weiss’s, making her freeze in place, “just as long as you know I’ll be here for you, too.”

Weiss was full out blushing now, and while red was usually Ruby’s favorite color, she found this to be her favorite shade yet.

“May I kiss you, my knight?” Ruby asked in a slightly teasing tone.

Weiss smiled. “You may, my princess.”

And as they finally came in for a kiss, Ruby couldn’t wait for the ballad that Weiss would surely write about them.

The Princess and Her Knight.

Ruby liked the sound of that.

.

AN: KNIGHT WEISS! KNIGHT WEISS! KNIGHT WEISS!

I know that Weiss is set-up (by both her circumstances and her fairy tale analog) as the princess-type, but as the series continues Knight Weiss has truly begun to rise. I just love Weiss in the role of the knight. It's great so that's what I did here.

When I originally thought up this fic, I had it ending after Weiss's reveal as the White Knight and her asking for Ruby's hand only if it's willingly and Ruby accepting. Typical fairy tale ending, right? But as I re-worked it and added in elements, like how the Schnees fitting into this AU, their role (like at one point they and the Ironwoods were the dual rulers of Atlas but I decided to just make the Schnees like top-tier nobility instead), and how Weiss fits into that (plus her supposedly still being on family business was a good excuse to not be by Ruby's side like she would've been otherwise), I realized that I probably should explain what was going on with that and I ended it on a note that was just as sweet.

Oh, and as mentioned, the Schnees, including Weiss, do have magic in the form of their Glyphes in this world. Ruby remembers this fact at like 3 AM the next morning and burst into Weiss's room to ask if she had magic as well and promptly gets magicked out, as Weiss can do that to the princess now that they're engaged and she hates being woken up.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! I know I didn't do as many fics this year, but I had fun with the ones I did do.