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pantaeudaimonia · 4 years ago

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Property Of Arthur Morgan

Word Count: 1,410

Warnings: Angst, John is kind of ooc?

Pairing: Arthur x Fem! Reader

Summary: Your daughter finds her father’s journal.

I saw the scene where Jack asks Abigail about Arthur, and I wasn’t too pleased with John’s reaction, so this was inspired by that?

Seven years.

Seven years had gone by without your husband.

Seven years since your daughter was born.

And yet still, things were not any easier than they were a year after it happened.

Arthur Morgan. A man who you loved so dearly, a man who married you happily, who promised you he would get the three of you out of that life, if not for you or him, then for your child. His child. A man who never had the chance to father his own daughter; for his terrible fate took him far too early.

Arthur’s death was so very difficult to go through. You were pregnant. Though he told you to go, to run away with John and find Abigail, Sadie and Jack, you stayed by him. You laid next to him on that mountain, holding his hand and humming softly as his breath slowly faded.

The memory was clear as yesterday. You couldn’t shake the sadness you felt, you still mourned your husband as if he died last week.

It wasn’t any easier with your daughter looking his spitting image. With his light brown hair, and gorgeous blue-green eyes. You and Arthur had decided that if the baby would be a girl, you’d name her Beatrice, after his mother.

She acted so very much like him too, the older she got.

When she turned five, you got Beatrice a journal. It was small and very simple, but you used it to teach her how to write. And once she learned, she wrote like a poet; exactly like her father.

She liked to draw, oftentimes bringing the journal with her on trips, even just to town. She’d quickly grab her pencil and sketch an animal she saw, whether it be a deer she’d seen a hundred times over, or a bison she never knew of.

She would come inside the house, holding the journal up high and asking you what the animal was.

But toay, she saw a journal that wasn’t hers.

“Mama!” she called as she climbed down to you from the attic, a journal in hand.

“Hm, what is it Bea?” you asked, not turning away from the vegetables you were chopping up for the stew.

“Whose journal is this mama?” she stood beside you.

You looked over at it, the young girl was holding the book out to you, an innocent and curious face looked at you.

Taking it from her hands, you cautiously unclasped the leather strap, opening it slowly.

There it wrote, on the very first page.

Property of Arthur Morgan.

You pursed your lips, inhaling sharply.

“This was papa’s journal, Bea,” you spoke softly.

She looked down at it, her mouth forming a small o. “I’m sorry, Jack told me there was fun stuff in the attic,” she apologized.

Shaking your head, you closed the book back up. “It’s alright, honey. Go play, don’t worry about it.” You fixed her plait and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

She nodded and ran outside.

You plopped down on the dining chair, the journal sitting on the other side of the table.

It seemed to look at you, calling your name. You weren’t sure if you were quite ready to open it, though.

Sighing and continuing dinner, the sun began to set for the evening.

Picking up the pot, you walked across the land to the Marston house. Your two families often ate dinner together, and tonight was your turn to make it.

Entering the door, you saw Rufus playing with Jack, Beatrice was helping Abigail set the table.

“Hello, Abigail,” you smiled, setting the pot down.

“Hey, Y/N! Miss Bea was bein’ real helpful!” she motioned to the young girl who laid the last bowl down.

Everyone sat at the table, eating and chatting in peace, though your mind was elsewhere thinking of your late husband’s journal. It was hard to even say his name, but Beatrice knew much about her father. You spoke of him frequently, trying to at least keep his spirit alive within his daughter’s life.

“Arthur... He saved us, didn’t he?” you heard Jack speak up. You peeked your head up, not saying anything.

“You remember that time?” Abigail asked slowly.

“Not much, I was only little,” Jack stuttered.

“He did save us, yeah,” Abigail responded softly. “None of us would be here today if it weren’t for Arthur. But your Pa don’t like talkin’ about him. Ain’t that right, John?” she said, looking at him.

“The past is gone. We left that behind,” John spoke quickly, without emotion.

“Maybe you left that behind. You say that with such... anger, John,” you spoke, glancing at the man in question.

“I saved us a little too, you know,” John said to Jack, ignoring your comment.

“Why are you doing that?” you narrowed your eyes at John.

“Doin’ what?”

You scoffed, “you’re acting as if Arthur was some sort of... enemy. Like he didn’t save your life.”

He shook his head, “Arthur wasn’t a good man, Y/N,”

Before he could continue whatever bullshit he was saying, you stood from the chair.

“If you’re forgetting, that is my husband you are talking about, John Marston. Your brother. What in hell happened to you over the years?!” you shouted.

“Come on, Beatrice. We’re leaving,” you grabbed your leather jacket - Arthur’s leather jacket - off the coat hook and walked out the door, your daughter in tow.

You went inside your house for a moment, grabbing the journal off the dining table, as well as the dark black hat off the mantle.

“Come on, up,” you motioned to the horse, lifting your daughters body up.

Spurring the horse on, you rode off in the direction of the mountain where your husband was buried.

“Where we going, mama?” Beatrice asked as the horse galloped down the path.

“We’re going to go see your papa, Bea. I want you to know, he was a good man. Uncle John is just... confused in grief,” you said, clutching the reins tighter.

Beatrice had only been to Arthur’s grave twice, once when she was an infant, and the other when she was about three. You didn’t want her to know her father as a wooden cross in the ground, but as the man you knew him - caring, loyal, generous and kind.

Arriving at the mountain, you slid off your horse, helping your daughter off.

You held her hand as the two of you walked to the grave. You sat down in front of it, placing Beatrice in your lap.

You took a deep breath and opened the journal.

Property of Arthur Morgan.

“Let me tell you about your father, Beatrice. His name was Arthur Morgan, which is why you and I have that last name. His mother’s name was Beatrice, you know,” you spoke as you flipped to the next page.

You explained to her all about your past life; living as an outlaw, and then meeting Arthur. He insisted you join his gang, led by none other than Dutch Van Der Linde. How you and her father ran together in that gang for years, falling in love along the way. He had asked your hand in marriage, and you accepted. You explained how you found out you were pregnant with her, and how funnily nervous and protective her father was of you. How he had contracted tuberculosis from a man he beat half to death for a debt. You explained the downfall of the Van Der Linde gang, and how you and Arthur had to run. How he, you and John fled the Pinkerton Detective Agency that night. How you followed Arthur up the mountain even though he told you to run and be safe. You stayed with him until he died.

Beatrice was quite shocked by the end of your story, now finally understanding everything about her father. She looked at the hat in her hands.

The leather was scraped and scratched, and the rope was frayed, but it was his. She placed it on her head, it flopping down slightly, as it was too large for her small head.

The journal you handed to her, the page being opened on one of the last entries.

“Y/N is pregnant. It’s mine. I seem to be both nervous and excited because of what happened with Eliza and Isaac, but she assures me it won’t be the same. I hope not. Can’t wait to have a family with her away from all this mess.”

And finally she cried. For the first time, she cried about her father.

The wind blew across the mountain, through her hair. It settled nicely around you both, and you were enveloped in a comforting warmth despite the cold air.

#red dead redemption 2 #rdr2 #rdr2 arthur #arthur morgan #red dead redemption 2 x reader #red dead redemption imagine #arthur morgan imagine #arthur morgan x reader #rdr2 imagine #rdr2 x reader

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apearlofkai · 5 years ago

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My Headcanons about Melony and her Children

Since Melony's other 4 children do not have canon names, I decided to give them some names along with ages. Someone headcanoned Melony in her 50's, but I can't see it. I didn't want to make her too old or too young, so I went with 45. Gordie also looks no older than 25.

So, of course I had to name them all after melons, it would be a crime not to. So, on with the Melony and the melon babies' headcanons!

Melony:

She had Gordie at 21, just a year before she became Circhester's Gym Leader. She had to juggle being a Gym Leader and a single mother for the first 10 years of Gordie's life.

Her parenting style and coaching styles are completely different. She is not a strict parent at all, but she isn't a pushover either. She wanted her kids to be able to come to her whenever they had problems, something her own parents never did for her. She gives her kids plenty of hugs and kisses and tells them she loves them at least 5 times a day. She is very passionate about battling and that passion can sometimes go a bit too far. She pushed Gordie a bit too hard as a kid. Even though she and Gordie have made amends and apologized for their bouts, she still can't help but blame herself for the wedge she drove between them and causing him to leave for a year. For this reason, she doesn't push her other 4 kids too hard.

She met her husband Kuri (I love Melony/Kabu tho. Also, another melon name hehehe) when Gordie was 11 and they got married 2 years later. Melony had always felt insecure about her weight after giving birth to Gordie, but Kuri assured her that she was a vison of loveliness.

She is a killer cook. The other leaders and her family love her cooking. Gordie admitted that while he was away, the thing he missed most was his mother's cooking.

She loves to embarrass Gordie. She pinches his cheeks and calls him his childhood nicknames Pebble and Gordiekins, much to his dismay.

Gordie:

He never knew his father and he didn't know how to feel when Kuri came into his life. He didn't really pay him no heed for the first few years. He's always felt jealous of his younger siblings since they had a father in their life.

Gordie was always chubby as a kid and he was always insecure about it until he hit adulthood. Him and his mother had a heart-to-heart about it and they are both confident about their bodies.

He tries to be a good brother to his siblings now since he wasn't really around them much when he was younger. He gave Winter her first Pokémon and taught his brothers his signature backflip. Now, Apollo and Jade love to have back flipping contests and Jade had to go to the hospital after trying to do a backflip over the kitchen table and broke his arm. He does love them.

His biggest regret was leaving home. He felt absolutely awful for the fight he had with Melony. It took him 2 months to work up the courage to go back home because he was so ashamed. But Melony welcomed him home with open arms.

He and Melony made a compromise in terms of the Circhester Gym. They are dual type leaders like Bea and Allister and take turns running the gym each year. Everyone's happy!

Winter:

She is pretty quiet and shy, but if you make her mad, look out! Seriously, you don't want to get her mad, and it takes a lot to get her mad.

Her first Pokémon was an Alolan Vulpix that Gordie got for her. She named her Snowdrop.

She isn't the best battler in the world but she tries her best, much to her mother's pleasure. She hopes to one day get endorsed and take on the Gym Challenge.

Allister and Marnie are her best friends. They spend time together being that Melony sometimes babysits him when it's Bea's turn to run the gym and when Piers is busy with his gym. They love telling ghost stories and playing in the snow. She tried to teach Allister how to ice skate, but it didn't go too well. She and Marnie love to do typical little girl things like do each other's hair and makeup. They even try to put their beauty skills to the test by practicing on Gordie, much to his dismay. When she's not with Allister or Marnie, she's reading, listening to music, or training with Snowdrop.

She loves her brothers dearly. She and Gordie aren't as close as she'd like to be, but they're working on it. She is fiercely protective of the triplets and even though they can be rowdy and annoying, she'd do anything for them.

Dew:

The oldest of the triplets. He is shy like Winter and the biggest mama's boy out of the three. He often cries when Melony leaves for the Gym, which breaks her heart.

He didn't say his first word (obviously mommy) until he was almost two. Even now, he doesn't talk much

When Melony isn't around, he naturally gravitates towards Winter. He likes for her to read him stories and play with Snowdrop.

He's pretty skittish towards Pokémon, however his favorites are Melony's Eiscue and Lapras. Gordie's Pokémon absolutely terrify him, except for Shuckle, but Shuckle doesn't really bother him, preferring to be around Apollo.

When he wants to, he can be quite playful. He loves to make snow angels with Eiscue, snuggle with his mommy, and play make believe with his bothers and sister.

Apollo:

He's the middle triplet. He is very outgoing and relaxed, but can get rowdy, especially when Jade enables him. He loves to help people, especially Melony.

He often roughhouses with Jade and gets jealous when Dew is practically glued to Melony's leg. He felt bad when Jade broke his arm because he challenged him to a back flipping contest. He helped Melony take care of him while his arm was in a cast.

He has a special relationship with Gordie's Shuckle. They love to take naps and play together. Shuckle even shares its berry juice with him. They are inseparable.

He really looks up to Gordie and wants to be a rock type trainer like Gordie.

Him and Dew are the closest since they are more mellow than Jade. They love to play with all the wild Snom that live in Circhester.

Jade:

The youngest of the triplets and is very rambunctious and foolhardy. He acts as the leader of their trio and is the perpetrator in 99% of their toddler escapades. He spends a fair amount of time in the naughty chair.

He loves to enable Apollo and roughhouse with him. Even they don't intend to, one of them always winds up getting hurt (9 times out of 10, it's Apollo, but nothing too serious). He promised never to play rough with Dew after he made him cry. He would never intentionally hurt him; he hates making him cry.

He's the only one who isn't scared of Gordie's Tyranitar. If anything, it's scared of him after he jumped onto its back and tried to ride on it like a Rapidash. Needless to say, he isn't allowed to be around Tyranitar for a bit.

He may try to act tough, but he's still 4 and still sucks his thumb, carries his baby blanket around, and enjoys snuggles with his mommy, which everyone finds adorable. He's what Gordie likes to call a "blanket addict". He ties it around his neck like a cape or just buries his face in it. If you try to take his blanket, he will either cry or start throwing hands. Melony or Kuri has to wash it when he's taking his nap.

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miacostello · 5 years ago

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CHERRY BOMB: A MIA COSTELLO PLAYLIST

[ LISTEN HERE ]

An in depth look below the cut @parabellumrpg

Cherry Bomb - The Runaways

Hello, daddy. Hello, mom. I’m your ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb! Hello world! I’m your wild girl. I’m your ch-ch-ch-cherry bomb!

Mia’s anthem and inspiration. Her production company is a nod to this song.

How to Be a Heartbreaker - MARINA

Rule number one, is that you gotta have fun But baby when you’re done, you gotta be the first to run Rule number two, just don’t get attached to Somebody you could lose So le-let me tell you

Mia is the type to not allow herself to fall in love and get too close to that emotion as there are 3 relationship she has grown up with that have either ended in death, heartache or unresolved issues. Thus why she is the Heartbreaker as this song describes.

You Don’t Own Me (ft. G-Eazy) - SAYGRACE

You don’t own me I’m not just one of your many toys You don’t own me Don’t say I can’t go with other boys Don’t tell me what to do And don’t tell me what to say

The title is self explanatory. This is Mia’s mindset when being in a flirtation (she will never call anything a relationship) and how she will never be anyone’s property. Period.

Bad Reputation - Joan Jett & The Runaways

I don’t give a damn ‘bout my reputation Living in the past, it’s a new generation A girl can do what she wants to do and that’s what I’m gonna do

Mia’s I don’t give a fuck about my reputation anthem that played endlessly during her years where she made a name for herself in the press.

Don’t Call Me Angel - Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Lana Del Ray

Boy, don’t call me angel You ain’t got me right Don’t call me angel You can’t pay my price Ain’t from no Heaven Yeah, you heard me right (yeah, you heard me)

Mia is not sugar and spice and everything nice. She wont be the angel that someone wants to her to be or cast in this holy light or turn towards it. That has never been her. She is who she is and people she allows into her life or doesn’t has to take it or leave it.

Bubblegum Bitch - MARINA

I’ll chew you up and I’ll spit you out 'Cause that’s what young love is all about So pull me closer and kiss me hard I’m gonna pop your bubblegum heart

As I stated before, this goes along with not allowing anyone to get too close to the territory that involves feelings or love so she goes through people like a pack of gum and she doesn’t care.

Mama (ft. Ellie Goulding) - Clean Bandit

Oh mama, oh la, oh la, oh la Don’t know what this is What do I do now, do now, do now? Do with all of this? All of these new emotions I let them out in the open Oh mama, oh la, oh la, oh la Oh, what do I do now?

I liked this song because of its beat and as I listened to the lyrics of it I pictured in my head Mia asking her mother what she should if she ever develops the emotion that she has long suppressed since her mother died. This song would be Mia’s way of asking her dearly departed mother for help navigating the emotion or getting rid of it. How can she love another when one of the person’s she loved with all of her heart was ripped from her life in such a brutal and bloody way.

Hate Me (w/ Juice WRLD) - Ellie Goulding

Hate me, hate me, still tryna replace me Chase me, chase me, tell me how you hate me Erase me, 'rase me, wish you never dated me Lies, tell me lies, baby, tell me how you hate me

This song is Mia’s reaction to past flirtations telling themselves and others that they hate her and how she doesn’t care.

Rebel Girl - Bikini Kill

Rebel girl, rebel girl Rebel girl you are the queen of my world Rebel girl, rebel girl I know I wanna take you home I wanna try on your clothes

Another song to describe the person that Mia is and her characteristics. Mia in this song is both the Rebel Girl and the woman singing the song to the Rebel Girl.

S.L.U.T. - Bea Miller

I love myself, I wanna see it When I turn around, look in the mirror And if you don’t like it, you can leave it 'Cause it’s my own and I’ll keep owning it If you don’t like what I’m wearing Well, you’re only bothered 'cause you’re staring And you’ll never talk me into caring 'Cause it’s my own and I’ll keep owning it

All about owning her sexuality, herself, the way she looks, feels, etc and how once again if someone doesn’t like what Mia does, looks or produces they can fuck off.

Salute - Little Mix

Ladies all across the world Listen up, we’re looking for recruits If you with me, lemme see your hands Stand up and salute Get your killer heels, sneakers, pumps or lace up your boots Representing all the women, salute, salute

Mia supports women and everything that they do. This is all about building up her fellow ladies, especially in the adult film industry where they are looked down upon, belittle and can be put into uncomfortable or compromising positions they did not consent to. This song goes out to them. Mia has their back and it is time to band together.

Feeling Myself - Nicki Minaj, Beyonce

I’m feelin’ myself, I’m feelin’ myself

That song she sings to the mirror when she is feelin’ herself.

Take It Off - The Donnas

Go on and take it off Take it off! Shake it off baby, for me C'mon and break me off Break me off! Cause I get what I want and I like what I see

“Cause I get what I want and I like what I see“ that is why I chose this song. Mia sees something she will go after it and get it. There is no holding back for her.

Edge of Seventeen - Stevie Nicks

And the days go by Like a strand in the wind In the web that is my own I begin again

A transitional song for her new beginning after she started to straighten out the road she had been on.

Woman Like Me (ft. Nicki Minaj) - Little Mix

I always say what I’m feeling I was born without a zip on my mouth Sometimes I don’t even mean it It takes a little while to figure me out

Read the lyrics and that is why I chose this song. She says what she is feelings, doesn’t hold back, blunt, truthful and does not beat around the bush. Mia is all of these things and it can make her seem prickly, abrasive, perhaps a bitch, rude or mean but if she lets someone into her life or someone takes the time to actually get to know her and not what has been printed about her they’ll see more sides to her. It takes a little while to figure her out.

Chandelier - Twisted Measure (cover)

Party girls don’t get hurt Can’t feel anything, when will I learn I push it down, push it downI’m the one “for a good time call” Phone’s blowin’ up, they’re ringin’ my doorbell I feel the love, feel the love One, two, three, one, two, three, drink One, two, three, one, two, three, drink One, two, three, one, two, three, drink Throw em back, till I lose count

I ended the playlist on this song because this is the side of Mia that no one knows or sees. Of course she has emotions and feels things deeply but she represses them and as the song says, she shoves them down and throws back drinks to keep those feelings down. This song is also me holding up a mirror to Mia and having her see herself in it and everything she did in her youth. The side described in the song about the number of drinks drunk till she loses count was Mia before the woman she is now and maybe if she had let others in she might not have had to shove it all down. This cover gives me chills every time I hear it and while Sia is the original artist I believe this group’s take is more true to Mia.

#parabellumchallenge #writing challenge 001 #feeling myself ( visage )#about #woman like me ( edits )

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hrhduchessoflancaster · 5 years ago

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Chapter Ninety: Uncharted Territory

Disclaimer: see Prologue.

A/N: I know it’s been a very long time since I posted anything but here it is.Thank you so much for all your comments!! The story is almost over. Only a few more chapter to go. xx Bea.

___________________________________________________________________

The Invictus Games held in Toronto that year game Harry a purpose and a new sense of accomplishment. After all the turmoil that he and Elle had been through the last months, being able to be a part of something he was so proud of and really make a difference, shone in him a new light and perspective on what he could do now that he had more influence and power on his hands. Elle had stayed behind since Arthur was still too young to travel and needed his mother.

When he arrived in Canada, he once again met with the Trudeaus. The trio exchanged pleasantries before proceeding to the Prime Minister's home, where Harry would be a guest until they flew to Toronto on the following day.

" I'm very happy to be able to congratulate you in person on the birth of your son. We are all thrilled for you and Eleanor.", said Justin.

" Thank you. We're both very happy. Arthur really is an incredible child and truly a blessing to us both.", said Harry smiling.

"And... we've all been shocked to hear of the recent changes as well. I'm sorry if that is a sensitive topic, but I wanted to talk to you about some bilateral projects, if I may.", said Justin.

" It's somewhat delicate but I'm happy to talk about improving the relationship between the UK and Canada.", said Harry, giving a brief smile. " But for now, let's focus on the task in hand. This year's Invictus Games.", he continued and the Prime Minister nodded his head, not touching on the subject any longer.

On the following morning, Harry flew to Toronto with the Prime Minister and his wife. He was taken in a black SUV to the Air Canada Center, where the opening and closing ceremony would held. As the car approached the venue, he could hear the music and cheer growing louder and louder. Stepping out of the car, Harry waved his hand at the public gathered. He walked backstage, alongside the Justin Trudeau and waited for his queue. As the teams filled the arena one by one, Harry watched as the speeches were made, getting emotional after each story of endurance and hardships that was shared.

" Your Royal Highness, Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to stand before you tonight and welcome our competitors to this year's Invictus Games. But before we can declare this games officially opened I'd like to say a few words. Your Royal Highness, thank you so much for your leadership, vision and strength in realising and guiding this project, which will allow so many of our brave veterans to keep moving forward and us, the opportunity to cheer them on.", said Justin and loud cheers and claps were heard from the audience.

"... and without further ado, here, to declare the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 opened, our patron and founder, Prince Harry.". Harry was then welcomed onstage and smiled at the audience.

" Hello Toronto! Merci beaucoup pour votre hospitalité. And thank you Prime Minister for this warm welcome. Invictus is about the dedication of the men and women who served their countries, confronted hardship, and refused to be defined by their injuries. Invictus is about the families and friends who faced the shock of learning that their loved ones had been injured or fallen ill - and then rallied to support them on their journey of recovery. And above all, Invictus is about the example to the world that all service men and women - injured or not - provide about the importance of service and duty. I wanted to find a way for veterans to be a beacon of light, and show us all that we have a role to play; that we all win when we respect our friends, neighbours, and communities. That's why we created Invictus. Not only to help veterans recover from their physical and mental wounds; but also to inspire people to follow their example of resilience, optimism, and service in their own lives.", said Harry.

" Sadly, my wife could not join us here since she's at home with our little one...", he said and cheers erupted from the crowd. "... but she too wanted to pass along the message of hope we all share today.", he continued and a video appeared on the screen behind him. In it, Elle was dressed in her Invictus Toronto 2017 shirt and had a little Arthur, napping on her arms, dressed in the Invictus baby grow they had been gifted a few months ago.

" Hello Toronto! Hello competitors! It saddens me not to be able to see you compete fiercely in these coming days and cheer you on as I did last year in Florida. But as you can see, I have a very small person that needs my full attention.", she joked and there was a sound of laughter from the crowd. " These games were created so that each an every one of you can see and experience change and teamwork. You are all winners for having reached this far. For cheating death and overcome emotional and physical challenges. I hope you embody the spirit of this games by showing courage and determination that will inspire generations to come. You are proving to the world that everything is possible, even under the most impossible situations. Good luck to you all!", said Elle. As the video ended, another cheer and applauses were heard and Harry grinned.

" Well, as my wife has said, I hope you are ready to inspire, to challenge, to work together, and to change your lives in the next coming days. You are Invictus! Let's get started!", he concluded, to a resounding cheer.

When Harry came back from Canada, he felt invigorated. He was ready to resume his public activities with full force. And so was Elle. With them both back at work, which had had some new additions to their normal workload since the singing of the Abdication document, Harry and Elle spent a lot of time on their engagements around London and the UK as well as working on their side projects. Elle had once again started writing her book, meeting every now and then with Melissa and Trevor to catch up and talk about academia. As for Harry, he was working on expanding Sentebale's work across other African countries.

A new Royal Tour was set for next year, on the Caribbean, which they hoped to bring their son along. Most of the times, if they’d be staying for more than a day, they’d bring Arthur with them. But he did spend a good deal of time with his grandparents, who, on both parts, doted on the little boy, dearly. Even though Charles and Camilla were estranged from Harry, Elle made a point to take baby Arthur to see them from time to time. As for her own parents, Victoria and Rupert adored babysitting their grandson and were completely at his mercy. Elle once caught her father bouncing the infant on his knee as he did with her when she was a child and it warmed her heart to see how much her son was loved by her family.

Not to mention the staff. The entire McClaire gang doted on the little boy. Brandon and Olivia were delighted to have a child on the home again and usually commented on how much they had missed the joy of children whenever Elle was around. Jane and Gregory took upon themselves to play with Arthur whenever they could. As for Margaret and Thomas, they’d school the little boy about everything around the kitchen and garden, respectively. Now that he was starting to eat solids, Maggie was particularly fond of cooking small portions of baby food for Elle to take home with her to see if Arthur would enjoy it. And it had never failed to please the infant, to the chef’s delight.

Once winter arrived, and Elle’s birthday came to pass, she received the best gift she could ever wish for: hearing Arthur properly say his first couple of words, such as mama, dada and lan, which, of course, translated to the three most import things in his life: his parents and Lancelot. He had also mastered his tummy time and could roll on it and then upwards again, as well as sitting without either Harry or Elle helping him. They had a good routine going on of naps, playtime and feeds, with now a few solids introduced as well. The new parents quickly discovered Arthur’s fondness for bananas but his distaste for papaya. Little by little, the three of them were entering new territories.

On the second week of November, Elle and Harry prepared for Remembrance Sunday, as many other members of the Royal Family. That’d be the first big and meaningful event without William and Catherine. They had moved back to Anglesey with the children and Elle had heard weekly from Kate. Dressed in a black dress and matching black hat, she stood beside Camilla, Anne, and Sophie on the balcony and watched as Her Majesty, Charles, Harry, Andrew and Edward all placed the red poppies wreath on the Cenotaph. A tear or two fell down her cheeks as she thought about all the suffering that still went on around the world; about the fight and the people, military and civilians alike that were caught in the numerous conflicts.

That day at the Cenotaph had been the first interaction Harry had had with his father since the Abdication. After the ceremony, once they were all inside, she saw them talking in hushed tones and Harry, although stone faced, was talking back to Charles and even gave a small, tight smile to his father when he showed his phone to him. Elle imagined they were talking about Arthur. On the mend… slowly, but surely., she thought observing father and son.

“ I’m so glad to see them taking again.”, said Camilla, coming to stand beside Elle. The young duchess nodded her head, agreeing with the older woman.

“ Indeed. There’s much work to be done, but the first steps have been taken.”, said Elle.

“ I hope he can do the same with his brother.”, commented Camilla. “… William… it’s been hard on him too. He misses Harry. They all do. Will you talk to him, Eleanor? See if he can, maybe, call him again?”, she asked.

“ I’ll try. I promise. I don’t like this situation anymore than you do, but Harry needs to be allowed to get over the anger and resentment he’s still feeling before he can forgive both his father and his brother.”, said Elle.

************

Long before the whole ordeal with the Abdication had come to pass, it had been decided that Harry, Elle, Arthur and Sir Lancelot would spend Christmas with her family that year, stopping by at Sandringham, to make a quick visit to the Queen and other members of the family, on Boxing Day. So when December came, Elle was more than happy to take all of the Christmas decorations from storage and start giving their apartment the very best of seasonal cheer.

As this was Arthur’s first Christmas, she had outdone herself by making sure he was featured every step of the way, dressing him in the cutest outfits: from little Elf to Rudolf, a Snowman and Father Christmas himself. Harry would often sneak on her and take several pictures of her and of Arthur and sometimes he too would get into them. The album Elle had given him years ago was filling up quickly. Soon another one would have to be bought so they could be cataloging their lives together.

When he went to their bedroom that evening to shower and change while Elle fed Arthur downstairs, he opened one of his drawers to look for that particular photo album when he saw the binder Elle had given him on their first anniversary, a few months ago. In it, there were the unopened letters she had written to him, each for a different occasion. Going through them, he found the one he was looking for: for when you feel lost. Carefully detaching it from the binder, Harry took the small envelope in his hands and opened it. Elle’s elegant penmanship came into view.

My love, my darling Harry,

If you’re reading this letter, then it means something horrible has happened in yours or our lives and you need to keep yourself grounded, to find a path to keep going forward. I may not know what it is since I’m writing this in the past with no hindsight whatsoever about the future. But, I do know that you’ll always find a way to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel. You are one of the strongest, most kind, good-hearted and positive people I know. You’ll find a way to see past whatever is troubling you because you know, deep down, that it’s not the edge of a cliff, or the end of journey. There’s so much more to be lived! You may be at a crossroads or maybe a very big challenge is what you’re facing… and although it seems like a big deal now, it will be nothing more than a little bump on your path towards a great and happy future. You can do it, Harry. You can face whatever challenge is put in front of you and you can find your path again. I hope I’m there by your side, through thick and thin, as we have vowed to each other. I hope you don’t need to read this letter because I’m going to be there by your side telling everything that is written here. But, in the case that I’m not for whatever reason or that you need to hear it again, and again, again… You can and you will be found. You will see clearer. You will overcome the darkness and the desolation you might have been feeling. Take a deep breath, focus on the good parts of your life, on the people who love and support you no matter what, find your inner strength to battle the urge to

shut everyone out… forgiven and forget, my darling. The storm is scary but it always ends. And the result is a beautiful and clear sky. You may be lost in the middle of a storm right now, but it will end. I’m sure of it.

All my love,

Elle.

Harry eyes were glossy and unshed tears threatened to fall down his cheeks as he read the letter another time. He let her words sink in his brain and heart, reassuring him yet again, that he could do the task that was set for him and that she, his wonderful wife, his marvellous Elle, would be with him, beside him, every step of the way. Sighing, Harry folded the letter and put it on his nightstand. A hot shower was in need.

He was mid shower when he heard the bathroom door open. Harry didn’t turn his back for he knew who was it. Soon, a chilly air invaded the box and a pair of arm encircled his waist. He felt Elle’s breathe on his back, her lips gently kissing his warm skin.

“ Arthur is asleep.”, she said in between pecks. He placed his hands over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze before turning his body to face her. Looking deeply into her eyes, Harry cupped her cheek and lowered his head, molding his lips against hers. They pulled each other closer, basking in the passion of the moment, as the hot water fell on their bodies. Kissing turned into touching, pressing and gasping and soon, Elle had her back against the tiles, moaning. Their love making became more and more intense, the shower long forgotten. Panting, the entangled their bodies and leaned their foreheads together, faintly smiling.

" It's been a while since we've done that, hasn't it?", said Harry, giving her his signature smirk.

" In the shower? Most definitely.", she replied chuckling. Pecking his lips, she reached for the towel and draped around her body before exiting the bathroom. Harry remained there for a few more minutes then joined an already dressed Elle in bed. He got under the covers and pulled her against him, nesting her in his arms. Gently, he began running his fingers through her hair, which earned him soft moans of content from her. In a matter of minutes, Elle was fast asleep. Harry smiled at the sight before him and placed a peck on her temple before closing his own eyes and drifting off into sleep.

************

As Christmas week came, Harry, Elle, Arthur, Lancelot, and their RPO's made their way to Woodenford Castle. Passing through the snowy fields of Wiltshire, they drove during late morning arriving at the familiar majestic site of the 13th century stone castle on early afternoon, just in time for a healthy lunch provided by Ms. Martin, the fabulous chef. As soon as they were past the gates, Elle could see her family eagerly waiting at the front door. Once the car was pulled into a stop, they jumped out of the Range Rover, took Lancelot out and pulled Arthur from his car seat, who greeted his parents with a bubbly smile. The family was soon engulfed in warm hugs and kisses on the cheek offered by Victoria, Rupert and Edward, who soon whisked his nephew away, whispering promises of fun and mischief in his ear, while Logan helped with their luggage.

" I'm so glad you're here!", said Victoria, still holding Elle's shoulders.

"We are very glad to be here.", said Elle. " Specially since it's Arthur's first Christmas. And nothing can compare to our Christmas tree...", she continued as they stepped inside. Warmth and the smell of pine and spices filled her senses, making her instantly more relaxed and happy. As they too off their coats and headed to the Drawing Room, she held her breath in excitement. And she wasn't disappointed. The 25ft Norway spruce was up, its ornaments glistening under the lights.

" Oh wow...", said Elle in wonder.

" We haven't finished decorating it yet. We know how much you love doing it.", said her father smiling. She smiled back at him and nodded her head with enthusiasm. She walked over to the with Arthur in her arms and browsed over the many different ornaments, their shapes and colours twinkling in the light, catching the infant's eyes and sparkling his curiosity. The family around them smiled lovingly at the scene and Harry even snapped a few pictures of mother and son, who seemed to be immersed in their own little bubble of Christmas cheer. They all joined in to decorated the tree. Little by little, the magnificent decor was complete. Harry snuck behind Elle and warped his arms around her, pulling her and Arthur close to him.

" Now this... is what I call a proper Christmas tree.", he said in her ear.

" Couldn't agree more.", she replied, turning her head to the side and pecking his lips. They smiled to each other then looked down at Arthur who was looking amazed at every little thing around him. Elle kissed his chubby cheeks and Harry tickled his belly, earning them both a giggle from the toddler. His smile, a toothy one now, lit up the room. It was contagious and made everyone else smile too.

For the next few days, Elle and Harry took the time away from the city to decompress and have a few dates, just the two of them. Since the snow wasn't deep and they decided to take the horses for a small walk near the river. Bundled up in puffer jackets and very warm mittens and caps, they walked over to the stables, greeting the familiar faces they saw on their way.

" Ahh Lionheart.", said Elle stepping close to her horse's stall. He neighed and threw his mane around, reaching for her hand. She chuckled and caressed his nose. "I've missed you too, buddy.", she said to him. Harry was given Percival to ride, just like on the first time he had been to Woodenford, all those years ago when they reconnected.

They saddled up their horses and slowly trotted side by side, the chilly breeze cutting through their skin, making theirs cheeks red. "Race you to the river.", he said to her and galloped past her. Elle chuckled, remembering how she was the one to do the same last time they did that. She soon caught up with him and they laughed to each other as they reached the riverbank together.

" Even with a head start, you can't seem to beat me, Major.", she said, winking and grinning at him.

" What can I say, you've always been better at it than me...", he replied. Harry then got off his horse, tying him to a nearby tree. He then helped Elle out of her horse and did the same. Elle then picked up the the small basket with water and sandwiches she had brought and hand in hand, they walked to a stone bench that overlooked the river. Sipping on their bottles and nibbling on their snacks, they quietly observed the flow of the water and the breeze on the pine trees, listening to the sounds of the nature around them. Snuggling up to him, Elle sighed happily.

" Feels so good to be here, in the peace and quiet after the months we've had, doesn't it?", she said.

" It really does.", replied Harry. " Sometimes I can't believe all that has happened to us...", he continued, holding her close, playing with her wedding ring.

" I know, darling. It's been a crazy couple of year, filled with good and bad things, and we've faced them all together.", said Elle, looking up at him.

" I have no idea what I'd have done without you by my side, Elle.", he said cupping her cheek. "You bring out the best in me. You're my saving grace and shining light at the end of a dark and rocky road.", he finished.

" Oh Harry...", she whispered, smiling gently at him, teary eyed after his declaration. Leaning in, she pulled him closer and brought his lips towards hers. They kissed slowly, savouring the moment, but eagerness and passion flowed through their mouths and soon they were feeling much hotter than before. Once they finally pulled away from each other in need of breath, they rested their foreheads together, breathing in and out, eyes closed, feeling the heat coming from one another's bodies.

************

On Christmas Eve, the family gathered in the Great Hall of the castle for the Foundation brunch. A tradition that her parents had started as a way of thanking the staff and key members of the community who are a part of the Duke and Duchess' foundation. Cassandra was there and was delighted into meeting the new addition to the family. As were a few other staff members, coordinators and representatives of the small associations connected to the Foundation. Harry was soon whisked away by some veterans that he had met before while Elle was engrossed in talking to new mothers and their children about the literacy projects she had been developing and the work that had been done in the county. At dusk, they took part in a soup kitchen, delivering food and blankets to the homeless and less fortunate of Salisbury.

" I think that doing this, helping other people, really shows what Christmas is all about.", commented Elle as they gave out blankets to the people. Harry smiled at her and placed a kiss on her temple.

When finally came time for dinner, they returned to the castle for the much anticipated festivities. Dressed in a burgundy red dress and black pumps Elle patiently fed Arthur while Harry took shower. With only a towel around his waist, he come out of the shower and gave her a peck on the lips, walking towards the closet to get dressed. Smirking, Elle bit her lips and settled Arthur on his Moses basket. She tiptoed to the closet, finding her husband wearing only his underwear. Sneakily encircled her arms around his waist, running her hands up and down his torso, leaving a trail of kisses along his back and neck. Harry groaned and she smirked to herself, nibbling his earlobe.

" Someone's in a mood...", he said huskily.

" Oh darling... you have no idea what awaits you later tonight...", she whispered back, before leaving him alone in the closet.

" Looking forward to it... you tease!", he said, catching sight of her wink and smirk towards him just as she exited the room. Shaking his head, Harry dressed quietly, feeling a little discomfort on his trousers. That little temptress..., he thought. He heard her talking to Arthur and soon he was all alone in their room, which gave him plenty of time to get her gift from his suitcase. Smiling to himself as he looked at it, he pocked it and left the room as well, rushing down the stairs to meet the rest of the family.

The McClaire family was gathered in the Hall, the Christmas tree sparkling bright and under it, a selection of different sized boxes, mostly filled with toys and clothes for Arthur no doubt. The table was set with candlelight and ornaments along its length; a selection of roasts and mashes filled them all and warmed their bodies. At the stroke of midnight, the clinked their glasses in cheerful and joyful harmony, wishing each other a very happy Christmas. Once dinner was over, they pulled crackers and in a selections of colourful paper crowns, gave each other their gifts. As predicted, Arthur was spoiled to bits by their grandparents and uncle. Her parents exchanged comical gifts such as a new pair of glasses for her father and a new crocheting kit for her mother. Her brother gave everyone gift cards to Waterstones, which pleased most of them. Elle and Harry gave them framed pictures of Arthur with each family member, which brought her mother to tears. Finally, it was their time to exchange gifts.

" Mine is a little bit late, but with everything that has been going on, I thought it was actually fitting to give it to you now.", said Harry handing Elle a small, squared package. She tore the paper and inside she found the familiar red box with the logo of the House of Garrard in golden letters. She carefully opened it, finding an eternity band ring, surrounded by tiny diamonds. Picking it up, she noticed that on the inside that was something engraved: Little Bear it read and she looked up at her husband with misty eyes.

" I wanted to give you that for a long time but...", said Harry. Elle smiled and shook her head. "No, no... it's perfect timing... oh Harry... it's beautiful. Thank you.", she said, pecking his lips. She then reached to her side to give him his present. Similar to her own, it was wrapped in a square brown paper. He, like her, tore it to pieced and found a small circular container.

Opening the lid, he chuckled and looked at her. Elle smiled and waited for his reaction. He took the silver and leather bracelet from it and payed closer attention to the marks on it:

51°31'02.0"N 0°10'23.0"W, 19.04.17. Harry instantly knew what it meant.

" It seems I'm gonna start a collection with these ones...", he joked, pointing out to the bracelet. Elle chuckled and smiled.

" Well... it's only fitting since you have one for every part place in our shared history.", said Elle.

" I love it. Thank you, my love.", he said, kissing her cheek.

That night, once everyone was asleep and Arthur was properly placed on her old bedroom which had been converted into a nursery, Elle kept her promise to Harry. She teased him, and toyed with him until he had enough of it and pushed her against the wall, on the bed, in the shower, and on the floor. They released all their bottled up tension making passionate love to each other again and again.

************

On the very early ours of Boxing Day, they made the four-hour journey from Salisbury to Sandringham. With a sleepy Arthur in the back and Ingrid beside him, they drove to the familiar red bricked estate.

" Are you ready to see them?", asked Elle.

" I am. Do I still feel hurt? Yes. Am I going to wallow in it? No. I think I should, no, need to move forward. For my own sake.", replied Harry. Nodding her head, Elle smiled and took her hand in hers, joining their fingers.

" It will be great. And we'll start mending bridges by greeting them properly, alright?", said Elle, and Harry nodded his head in agreement. They parked outside and were greeted by William, Catherine and a very sleepy looking George. Taking a step forward, Harry smiled gently and embraced his brother.

" Hi Will. Happy Christmas.", he said. William, who was a little shocked, embraced his brother back and smiled widely at him.

" Happy Christmas, Harry.", he replied then hugged Elle as well.

" Hello all. Merry Christmas!", said Kate, hugging them. " Had a pleasant trip?", she asked.

" It was pleasant enough. Not much traffic at this hour.", replied Harry.

" How was Christmas at Woodenford? I don't think I've been there since we were teenagers.", said William.

" Oh it was great. You know hoe my mother is with decorations... Arthur was delighted to see everything.", said Elle smiling at her brother-in-law.

" I wonder where Elle gets the crazy Christmas fever from...", said Harry and the adults chuckled. The light atmosphere was enough to settle the animosities and bring back, a little of he camaraderie and love that was severed between the brothers. The sleeping toddler on her arms twitched a bit and they rushed inside, to warm themselves up. Once there, they were greeted by the rest of the family who were about to get breakfast. Charles and Camilla were among the first ones to greet them. Cautiously, Charles approached Harry.

" Son... Merry Christmas.", said Charles, smiling faintly. Harry smiled back and took a step forward to hug his father. Elle could see that Charles was visibly relieved to be hugged by his younger son.

" We're delighted that you've come here.", said Camilla, greeting them with hugs and kisses. " Would you like to have breakfast with us?", she asked. Famished as they were, they joined in and Arthur was soon whisked away from Elle's arms and passed along cousins and doting family members.

" Oh he's so big!", commented Anne smiling.

" He's gonna be a tall lad!", said Edward.

" I reckon he's gonna go into the family tradition and join the military.", said Andrew.

" Now now, he's not even a year old. Let the poor baby be.", said Bea.

The banter and conversation flew joyously and Elle took the time to look around the room. Elizabeth and Philip were still absent but, considering the time, she thought they would both be changing for church. Soon enough, they appeared on the doorstep and smiled at the sight of the new arrivals.

" About time you got here, boy. Lost your way, ye?", joked Philip.

" Let us see the baby...", said Elizabeth, taking Arthur into her arms. The baby cooed and smiled at his great grandmother. "Oh he's just as adorable as I remembered.", she said., making his parents beam with pride. " Oh, that reminds me... I have something for him. Come with me you two.", she said pointing to Harry and Elle. Following her into the living room where the Christmas tree was, she handed them a rectangular box. Opening it, they found a glass bobble with Arthur's name in it, surrounded by glittering green specks.

" Now he has one too.", said the monarch. " We've hanged yours now you can put his next to them.", she continued. Smiling to the older woman, Elle took the ornament and looked around the tree to find hers and Harry's names, placing his it just under theirs.

" Now the tree is complete.", said Elizabeth.

" Indeed, it is. Family should stick together... and I'm happier than I can possibly say to have you here, my dears.", she continued looking at the small family in front of her.

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