#my next one after The Visitors to be precise

[neptuneiris]

Cruel Summer (03/10)

Against the Tide

pairing: modern!aemond × fem!reader

summary: at Crown's family tensions rise and you keep running into a person you shouldn't talk to. but both he and you can't help testing the waters.

words: 9.3k

thank you to @peachysunrize for being my beta reader, she also helped me in the previous chapter and I forgot to mention her, but finally here she is. love you bestie!❤

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I am so excited for you to read this chapter! from the next chapters onwards, what we have been waiting for begins (forbidden love)🤭 and I want to thank you once again for all the support you are giving to the story, you guys are amazing and you don't know how much I appreciate it🙏🏻 now enjoy!

warnings: half smut, language.

Sunset's Pier stretches along the boardwalk, a vibrant and lively place, especially on summer evenings.

In the distance, waves break gently against the pier and shore pillars, while palm trees sway in the cool ocean breeze.

Wooden planks creak under the feet of visitors, while the smell of the sea and freshly made food fills the air. 

The stores lining the pier are clearly divided, some full of luxury, with glittering windows displaying designer dresses and accessories. And there are other more modest stores, where prices are more affordable.

Or as it would be technically said among the locals of Sunset's: stores for the rich and stores for the poor.

After an exhausting afternoon trying to surf with the boys, Alysanne drags you into the stores, excited to find something nice for tonight's party.

The two of you walk between shop windows, exploring the options, especially in the stores where you can both afford to shop. But Alysanne stops in front of one of the more expensive stores. 

You watch as she gawks at a blue bikini on display on the mannequin, the color as deep as the ocean at sunset.

"Look at this!" she exclaims excitedly, almost pressing her face against the glass, "It would be perfect for tonight's party. If only I had the money to buy it," she murmurs between excited and disappointed.

You smile, understanding the desire. The bikini is really beautiful but it is obvious that the price must be very high.

"Don't you have any savings?" you ask her.

"No," she laments, "I used it to fix my phone, did you forget? I can't afford to buy a new one so I have to fix the one I already have."

"Well, I guess I—

A high-pitched laugh interrupts the conversation and when you both turn around, you instantly recognize the people.

Perfectly coiffed black hair and shiny red hair. All those impeccably dressed girls, with expensive handbags, gold accessories and designer sunglasses; Baratheon and Lannister.

But you distinguish precisely Floris Baratheon, Aemond's girlfriend.

All of them in a group watch you both with a mocking face for two things; for being in front of a store like this and for being longing for the beautiful blue bikini.

And even though they don't know you, it doesn't matter that they bother you for the radar of recognizing poor people, because the difference between you and Alysanne is too big compared to them, who can afford to shop here.

Especially since the top you are wearing at the moment is torn on one side. You don't see much but they've already seen it, as well as inspecting your dirty, old tennis shoes.

"Do you really think you can buy anything here?" speaks precisely Floris with a venomous tone, with a sneer as he looks at the bikini and then at both of you, "It's a shame you can only look. Not everyone has the privilege of affording something so nice."

"Yeah, maybe someday you can get it... in the next millennium sales."

They laugh among themselves, clearly enjoying the moment of superiority. And you clench your jaw, annoyed, especially as you watch Alysanne lower her gaze in humiliation.

"Excuse me, do we know you?" you inquire.

You obviously know them, but you won't indulge them.

"Oh dear, everyone here knows us, especially me," Floris says superiorly, adjusting her sunglasses.

"Even your kind know who we are," Cerelle also speaks with clear contempt.

Alysanne regains her composure and you instantly notice.

"Yes, we know you are such a bunch of idiotic, shallow people for thinking that the price of clothing defines someone."

"Some of us have more important things in life than spending money on something so insignificant," you too stand up for yourself and your people.

They all let out a laugh, where Floris takes a step toward you.

“Yeah, sure. The poor always find an excuse to justify their misery. How pathetic and sad," she feigns an exaggerated pout.

"I'd rather be poor than be as empty as you," Alysanne next to you snaps at her.

She arches an eyebrow at her, amused and clearly entertained, as she folds her arms in her arrogant attitude.

"Empty, huh? Well, it's better to be empty than desperate, like you two. Keep dreaming of things you can never have. But don't worry, being poor and living on the filthy side of town, dreaming is free."

"And who do you think you are huh?" Alysanne lunges at her, "You think because you are rich I can't break your face or what?"

You quickly stop her holding her by the arm, worried and of course, Floris recoils back with a frightened face and her friends don't take long to instantly surround her, shielding her as if they were her wall of protection.

"Not so talkative and brave now huh!?"

"Hey, Aly," you hold her back, "Stop it. It's not worth it."

Floris and all of them look at you both with despise.

"See? They're all savages," she says without again getting too close.

"Oh yes, very savage, just because we're defending ourselves from you making fun of us and making us less," Alysanne tells her firmly and in a defiant tone, "But you can't even defend yourself. So I advise you to talk less or I'll break that pretty rich girl face of yours."

It is clear that Floris wants to say more mean words, but she stops when she notices someone else walking towards the group, completely oblivious to the situation and you also recognize this person; Helaena Targaryen.

She with her usual calm, appears near you, but stops just in front of another nearby store, casually observing a clothing through the glass without noticing the tensions.

And you curiously notice how Floris, upon seeing her, remains silent for a moment. Then you guess that she doesn't want to show her true colors in front of her sister-in-law.

"Let's go," she orders in a lower and less confident tone than before.

Her friends obey without another word and begin to walk away, but not before giving your cousin a last contemptuous and disdainful glance at your side.

And you too, of course.

Helaena also leaves with them as they approach her, her silver hair shining in the sunlight and moving with impeccable grace.

Alysanne lets out a frustrated sigh next to you, still angry. 

"I can't believe those idiots think they have the right to treat us like this. And all because of what? For not being rich like them?" she inquires in disbelief, "Do you realize how stupid that is?"

"Let them stay in their bubble," you mutter, feeling just as irritated, "We're not rich but we're better people than they are."

Alysanne takes a deep breath, shaking off the adrenaline of the moment, then you both go your own way, trying not to let this thing that happened ruin your day.

Especially since you have another party tonight, unfortunately with those girls, but it's not like you're going to be with them.

And just as ten o'clock at night falls, Cregan's car and the excited shouts of the guys rushing you to get into the car can be heard practically all over the street.

Alysanne again shushes them, as your uncle and aunt are asleep, as well as most likely the neighbors, and you both quickly get into the car amidst laughter and scolding of the guys.

Then Cregan's car speeds up and soon all of you are walking into the Crown's side.

The party is as always; on the beach. And it's everything you'd expect being among the rich. The DJ can't miss, the clean beach, the pier, the yachts and the smell of alcohol mixed with the sea breeze, among other substances.

Tonight you decide not to focus on the people around you and together with the guys, sit on the white sand, while Cregan and Sam go for as many beers and bottles of champagne as possible.

Alysanne is also not in the mood to be inspecting and lusting after Pandora accessories on all the rich girls that are here. So the two of you relax.

Chase lights the bonfire in the center and pretty soon everyone is drinking, talking and laughing, enjoying the party and nothing else.

Every now and then some guys come up to greet Cregan, who greets them back without much enthusiasm and returns to the group, where you notice how attentive he is especially to Alysanne.

You don't say anything and just continue drinking, laughing at the guys' jokes and burning a few marshmallows, when then... you feel it.

A piercing look on your face.

You don't doubt it's a girl inspecting you, so you don't think anything of it at first. But then... it's as if that look burns you and wants to see through you, sending shivers through your whole body.

You look around, just out of curiosity, but when you raise your gaze absentmindedly towards the direction of the yachts, to the part of the deck specifically, your eyes meet piercing blue eyes.

Then you see him.

Aemond Targaryen.

Time seems to stand still and you feel more of the weight of his gaze, that same weight you felt last night on the pier, when he caught you.

You also feel a surge of nerves course through your body, with your heart racing as you remember the night before. It's not fear, but it's something close to it. 

Because now he's caught you here too, at a party of his people, at Crown's.

And the weird thing is that you didn't expect it and you feel so silly about the fact. How could you not think that he would be here and that the two of you would probably see each other after last night?

Even though it's no longer a probability, he's seeing you right now and sees what you're doing; pretending to be one of them.

You watch as his gaze briefly sweeps over the guys you're with and honestly... you don't know how to feel about it. Technically, you're not doing anything wrong here either, are you?

‘Then why do you feel so embarrassed?’

His piercing eye again focuses on you and you, for some strange reason, don't look away and neither does he. It's as if the two of you are caught in a game you can't avoid. 

No one seems to notice the silent exchange between the two of you, except you and him. But you know that talking to him, getting close to him in public, is impossible.

You know it and you know he knows it too. It's like a law in Sunset's among its locals but more specifically among those your age; the rich and the poor can't be friends.

You bite the inside of your cheek, even without both of you looking away, where both of you are too far away to say anything to each other, but the looks say it all.

Then, it is he who looks away when Floris holds his face and kisses him softly on the lips, claiming his attention. You feel a sting of something pinch your stomach and you force yourself to stop focusing on him as well.

You try to refocus on what the guys around you are saying, but you can't, not now that he's here too.

You didn't tell anyone about what happened last night with him on his pier, because nothing really bad happened, except the fact that you almost got caught.

It was just a conversation with the son of the richest man in the whole country and heir to his fortune, nothing more. 

Although the memory has followed you ever since.

Unable to help yourself, you look at him again, where you see him surrounded by his friends and also distinguish his brother, Aegon. And of course, Floris, sitting on his lap.

He is no longer watching you but you wonder what he might be thinking now that he has seen you here too.

'Probably nothing.'

You think, since for him, what happened on the pier was just a conversation, a small slip in which you both sought some solace and nothing more, an insignificant moment.

What else could he think of having shared his time with a Black Waves girl? 

You let out a long breath and your eyes roam his features, as the same thoughts from last night return to your mind when you were also slyly admiring him.

'He is so handsome.'

You think as you also admire his short silver hair and see a silver chain peeking out from between the collar part of his shirt, with that simple accessory making him look so ridiculously good.

But you cannot pass Floris Baratheon unnoticed, on his lap, talking to him and leaving from time to time some kisses on his lips or on his cheek.

You shake your head, clearly being impossible, since he belongs to a world that is not yours, to a social class that would see you as an intruder if you even tried to approach.

So you can only think that what happened on the pier was just a one-time thing, a quirk and a moment that you must now bury in oblivion.

Aemond Targaryen, as a child, does not remember a single moment when his family did not attract attention.

He does not remember a single moment where his mother did not ask him, as well as his siblings, to accompany her and his father to an event in the town for work and simply to see them all together as a perfect and powerful family.

He has forgotten the countless times where his father, Viserys, introduces him and his siblings to his associates and all those important people more as trophies than as what they really are; his children.

With Aegon the introduction is brief, for after all, no one expected his first eldest son not to follow in his same footsteps as his older first daughter did, Rhaenyra.

But Aemond knows that Aegon is... uncontrollable. 

As a teenager he began to show signs that he didn't want to go into business or anything like it or anything relatively formal. 

As much as his mother, Alicent, and even his own father and grandfather Otto tried to scold, persuade and convince him, it only caused Aegon to back away from the idea and start doing whatever he pleased.

For him only desire has always been to simply live life and find out what he really wants.

Then there is Helaena, who followed the same path as Aegon but in a more controlled way and with different aspirations to life though just as flattering, which is to study marine biology.

And finally there is him, Aemond Targaryen.

He saw the whole process of his older brothers in deciding not to devote himself to the business or rather empire that his father has built. With Aegon it all turned out to be a disaster but Helaena was more persuasive.

So someone had to do it, follow in his father's footsteps as Rhaenyra did, but this time a man, a son and that had to be him.

Daeron still lacked time to decide and grow up some more. So he watched as his father began to despair and have fights with his mother and everyone at home for not being able to choose the aspirations and decisions of his children.

So it was he who calmed the storm at home when he announced that he would apply to college to study business management to carry on the Targaryen legacy, just like Rhaenyra.

His father was overjoyed, as was his mother and for the first time, in that small moment, Aemond felt that he was finally receiving that recognition and appreciation from him.

But then he realized that it was never worth it.

After searching for so long for a way for his father to finally see him for what he is, his son, when that moment came it wasn't worth it and it didn't make him feel any better.

Because Aemond knows deep down that only his father was happy for him out of convenience, to mold him to how he wants and because that way, he is just another piece on his board.

And it became quite clear to him the moment his father expressed his idea about the Baratheon's.

Viserys, even with all he has and having an advisor at his side like his grandfather Otto, wants more.

And Borros Baratheon is that more by being the owner of the most important commercial fleet operating along the entire Pacific coast of all. Viserys needs to transport freight for its big company, which is what Borros does.

Viserys needs freight for his great enterprise, which is what Borros is all about. But Borros Baratheon is a difficult and greedy man who also wants more, even to Viserys Targaryen himself.

So he and his entire team focus on an easier target that will get him to the finish line; his daughter, Floris.

Any of his daughters would have sufficed, but considering Floris is about the same age as Aemond and his father had already seen her get her hopes up for him at events, it was the perfect idea.

At first Aemond refused. For the moment he had no intention with any girl, especially any of the Baratheon sister’s. But his father insisted.

Viserys explained to him how much he needed such a partnership and asked him to start asking her out to eventually formalize and make the deal with his father easier.

Aemond tried to help him find other alternatives, tried to make him understand that he didn't want nor could he play with Floris' feelings in that way to achieve a partnership.

But none of that helped.

His mother sided with his father, with the difference that she was more sensible on the subject and asked him to try and take the time to get to know her, that maybe he might really like her.

So he had to give in and before long, he was in a formal relationship with Floris Baratheon.

And now this is his life.

Not that much has changed, but there are these fights at home between her mother and father because there's really no love between them. 

There's also fighting between his father and his siblings over the choice of what they really want to do with their lives while they're all attending events to pretend to be this perfect family that they are.

And he's in a relationship with a person he doesn't really want to be with and as soon as the summer is over, he's going off to college to study with pressure and expectations on his shoulders for a degree he doesn't really want to study.

But as anyone in Sunset's would think, both Crown's and Black Waves; the Targaryens are perfect.

“Hey.”

A voice pulls him out of his thoughts and he looks up as he sees Aegon approaching him, shorts on, sandals, a white t-shirt, sunglasses and phone in hand.

"I was looking all over for you. What are you doing?"

He lets out a long breath and closes his book to place it back on the shelf.

"What do you want?"

"Get dressed. We have a party tonight," he lets him know, then starts typing on his phone.

"Another one?" he asks with a serious look on his face.

"What?" he becomes indignant, shrugging, "Come on, it's summer. And everyone will be there. Cassandra told me Floris is going."

"I don't want to go."

He looks at him with a frown.

"What are you talking about?" he asks him blankly, "You're going to stay here reading these stupid books all summer? You're going to college for another two months!"

"Helaena and Daeron will go with you, I don't understand why you want me to go too," he tells him grumpily, choosing another of the many books in the library.

"Helaena is sick and Daeron promised to stay with her to watch movies," he tells him as if were the gravest sins in the world, "Come on, man. Come with me. And I won't ask you for anything again, this will be the last time, I promise."

"That's what you always say, like I don't know you," he says as he picks up a book and sets it on the table, "You're just so fucking annoying."

Aegon lets out a frustrated groan.

"Come on, don't be like that. You'll have more time to read and be doing these boring things you like to do," he tries to convince him, pointing to the books.

But Aemond says nothing to him and, of course, Aegon starts to throw his tantrum.

"Aemond," he complains, "Come on, please."

And the sound of his voice is already starting to annoy him, especially being in the library.

“Aegon—

"Come on," he interrupts him, insistent, "I really don't want to stay here and listen to dad yelling and fighting with mom all night, man." 

Aemond lets out a long breath again and with nonchalant movements watches his brother over his shoulder, looking serious and now slowly becoming resigned.

And soon enough, they are both already in his car, driving towards the Lannister house.

Normally he wouldn't have agreed to come, but he recognizes that Aegon is right and the truth is that he doesn't want to stay at home listening to his parents' quarrels either.

Even though his house is huge, the shouting echoes through the halls, and then his father in all his anger goes against Aegon as well, where Helaena intervenes, then Daeron and finally him to try to calm the waters.

And he's tired of it.

Just last night another one of those fights happened, his mother was almost in tears and Helaena too, while Aegon and his father were shouting all the worst things possible at each other.

And that's why he decided to go to the pier after he failed to fall asleep.

As he drives, his gaze softens as he remembers you. 

He still doesn't understand how a girl like you, from Black Waves, for a whole year was going to his family's pier at midnight without being discovered. 

He doesn't understand how you did it either and he's not sure he wants to know. He was about to call security, of that he has no doubt, especially considering the robberies some of his neighbors suffered. 

Because that's what he first thought, that you were a thief and he was trying to do something with his yacht.

However, it was something in your fear and pleading, perhaps also that you didn't have something suspicious on hand to try to do harm and the sincerity in your gaze after silently evaluate you that he saw to finally understand that you weren't doing anything wrong.

It was bad to cross over private property but other than that, he saw you earlier, before he approached from a distance, sitting on the edge of the pier looking out over the horizon.

But he still had to make sure and it all turned out very interesting.

That you were on his pier, risking that you could be caught, simply because that place gives you peace and quiet, caught his attention.

It seemed... unusual. Something out of the ordinary. Maybe because you're a Black Waves girl.

But still, it's something he's not used to hearing from others in appreciating something so simple and plain but so meaningful to that person.

And being there with you... everything in his mind disappeared.

All his excessive thoughts, frustrations, pressures, expectations and stress disappeared for a moment, which is very difficult for him to do in the midst of all the storm in his mind.

And strangely, because he shouldn't have, he spent a nice time with you, an unknown Black Waves girl, even if he didn't show it much at the time.

He doubts that was a good idea, to let you stay and still tell you that you can keep going to thepier. But technically... nothing bad happened.

And doubt that I'll ever see you again, last night was just a coincidence, besides that shouldn't happen, right?

In the town where you both live, a poor girl and a rich man can't even be friends. And much less he can afford something like that because of his family name.

Again his thoughts are interrupted as they enter the area where the Lannisters live and Aegon immediately chatter excitedly about how amazing the party looks.

And soon enough the two find themselves walking onto the beach and onto the Lannister dock.

It's the same as always, there's really nothing new, just decorations, DJ, open bar with bottles of vodka, wine and champagne as well as beer, cocktails and the smell of cigarettes and weed in the salty air.

All the people are dancing and getting drunk, as well as there are other people having mini bonfires, drinking and burning marshmallows.

When a group of people catches Aegon's eye on one of the yachts, he takes no time at all to drag him along with him.

And just like that he meets Floris, who greets him very happily with a hug and a kiss on his lips, which he tries to reciprocate as genuinely as possible.

Aegon goes off to find a girl to stick his tongue down her throat and he stays on the yacht with Floris and his friends. 

Quickly some of his friends offer him drinks to cheer him up and he declines as he has to drive, so he only chooses to light a cigarette, wanting the night to pass quickly.

And so the hours pass, with nothing really interesting going on around him and Floris sitting on his lap, trying to keep up with her to also try to be a good boyfriend.

But all he wants to do is go home.

"Are you okay?"

Floris' voice brings him out of his thoughts and he turns his head towards her, where she watches him with a small smile on her lips and with one of her hands starting to stroke his short silver hair.

"Yeah," he tells her in a low murmur, then takes another sip from the only bottle of beer he'll be drinking tonight.

"Are you sure? I didn't even know you were coming. I texted you and you didn't respond," she says making a pout.

And he avoids looking instantly annoyed.

It's not that Floris is a bad girl, she really tries because she really loves him. But he doesn't feel the same and doubts he ever will, though he tries.

"Yeah, you're right, sorry, I was busy in the library," he explains briefly.

"At the library?" she repeats confused, "Why?"

"I'm getting a head start on reading books for college," he again explains as briefly as possible.

Luckily she doesn't say anything more on the subject but continues to sit on his lap and try to get him to talk, even though he's not really having any of that right now but he doesn't want to be rude to her either.

So when she starts talking to one of her friends, he looks in all directions, scanning the party without again finding anything interesting.

But then in the midst of analysis he sees it.

Or rather he sees you.

A few meters below him on the sand, confused, he immediately recognizes you, sitting among a group of guys and a girl with a bottle of beer in hand, laughing and talking to all of them.

And again he wonders; what are you doing here?

And you can't blame him, he really doesn't get it, it was surprising enough seeing you on his pier, in the most exclusive and private area of all Crown's as to also see you here, on the Lannister's pier, a Black Waves girl mixed up as if you were one of them.

He sweeps his gaze over all the guys you're with and is more surprised to see you talking and laughing with Cregan Stark.

Then he gets it all.

He's the one who gives you access, as well as your friends and that girl you're with, who he assumes must be your cousin from what you told him last night, all except Cregan belonging to Black Waves.

And there you are, again not hurting anybody, but pretending to belong to Crown's.

All the guys you're with are certainly having a great time and so are you, while he again focuses on Cregan, from whom he honestly expected it.

He doesn't include himself much with the guys from his part of town, sometimes he talks to him or Helaena, but nothing more. Now he knows why.

And somehow he can't take his eye off you.

He watches you curiously, analyzing you, seeing that you have guts, just like your cousin and your friends, to take risks like this.

At any moment anyone could expose you if they watch you too much, but you don't seem to care about that, nor do the others.

And then, his gaze meets yours.

He sees you freeze for a moment, as if you are once again trapped by him, which actually you are and he, for some reason, doesn't look away and neither do you.

Memories of last night invade him again and he can guess how you must be thinking about it too.

But he can also guess how you again feel exposed and how terribly nervous you must feel. As if you are afraid that he, now that he has seen you here too, will expose you once and for all.

But it is as if it were a game of stares, as neither of them look away from each other. It's not as if they can talk, the distance is too much, also considering that he is on top of a yacht. 

But what if this were not the case? Would the two of you talk?

Aemond knows perfectly well that they wouldn't.

"Hey, did you hear what I said, babe?"

Floris makes him turn his gaze away from you to focus on her as he feels her turn from his cheek with her hand towards her to plant a soft kiss on his lips, wanting his full attention.

And he awkwardly reciprocates as his attention is still on you.

But he forces himself to take that attention away from you, especially as he still has Floris sitting on his lap with both arms around his neck, glued to him.

And it's here that he assumes, as you do, though he doesn't know it, that what happened last night was just a one-time thing, two people seeking refuge from the world on the pier one night.

But that's all.

The two of you must not know each other, you can't talk or be seen together, mostly because of different social classes, which leads to pretending that the two of you don't know each other and haven't spoken to each other even once.

And what happened that night, on the pier, didn't happen.

A pile of dishes are placed in front of him on the table in the huge back garden of his house which is basically on the shore of the beach, having a spectacular view of the ocean, the beach, the pier, the cliffs around and also the huge houses of his neighbors.

His mother thanks the cooks, who retire and leave his mother, father and him alone.

Aegon must still be asleep, Daeron too because he probably stayed up watching movies with Helaena all nigth who is still very ill. So he is the only one who joins the breakfast.

He looks carefully at a message from Rhaenyra, which is accompanied by two PDF books.

'These books helped me a lot when I first started studying, you can read them if you want to before you go to uni so you have an idea of everything you will learn.'

Aemond reviews both books, both over 400 pages, being very dense material and being exactly what awaits him at college, but he also knows it's important.

He runs a hand down his neck and responds to her text.

'Thank you, Rhae.'

Ever since his older sister knew he would be going into business as well, she's been supporting him. 

It's not like from the beginning the two of them had a good relationship, especially since she's the daughter of their father's first wife and there was no first-rate bond, neither with him nor with her other siblings.

But now that she has a family and he has matured enough, at least more than Aegon, that relationship has slowly begun to be forged and maintained.

Besides he is grateful to receive genuine support. Especially from her, already an expert on the subject and with whom he will probably lead the Targaryen empire in the future.

"Are you going to have breakfast, son?"

His mother's soft voice causes him to look away from his phone screen and set it aside, having no interest in responding to messages from Floris or a few of his friends who were with him last night at the party.

"Yeah, sorry."

He tries to catch up with their pace, making himself his cup of coffee the way he likes it.

"Rhaenyra tells me you're planning to take a management course in the middle of summer, son," his father says, catching his attention, "Is that true?"

And he doesn't ask it in a bad way, on the contrary, it surprises Aemond to see how he has pride in his eyes. 

"Yeah, well... I think they'll do me good before I go to college."

"Yes, very good idea," Alicent says, watching him proudly as she notices all his dedication to his study, as it has always been.

"Oh yes, of course," Viserys agrees, without hesitation, "Have you found the right course yet?"

"I'm still working on it."

"But..." he frowns slightly, watching him not entirely convinced, "How are things going with that girl... uh... Floris?"

He immediately feels an uncomfortable sensation in his lower abdomen, stirring in his chair as he runs a hand over the back of his neck, biting the inside of his cheek and trying to maintain a normal appearance.

"Good," he replies briefly, without looking at him, "Everything's fine."

"Yeah?" he asks seeing his reaction, "You've been hanging out with her?"

"We were together last night," he says without wanting to go into details, wanting to get that topic over with.

And Alicent also sees how his son is starting to react.

"Floris usually comes in often during the day," she tells her husband in a soft tone with a cup of coffee in her hands, "You don't see her because you're at work."

"Well, that's good to know," he says pleased, though not entirely satisfied, turning his focus back to him, "I fully support the idea of the course, it will definitely do you good but... you can't neglect that girl. Your relationship with her is very advantageous to the company and very soon her father and I will start having meetings."

He brings a hand to the back of his neck again, staring at a fixed point on the table as he presses his lips together, controlling his emotions and what he really wants to say to him.

His mother stares at him, alert, not wanting him and his father to have fights too. But it is clear that he too is already reaching his limit.

However, Aemond knows that he has more self-control, besides he's already into all of this, so he has no choice but to accept, again, what his father tells him. 

"Is that what you want me to do?" he asks him in a low tone, honestly feeling tired.

"Of course," his father states sternly, as if it were obvious, "We must have all the most suitable people possible in the company. And the Baratheon's are crucial to our expansion."

Aemond looks up, but says nothing, because he already knows the speech. The Baratheon's, power, family and company.

"Yes but that really isn't the most important thing," his mother interjects again, "After all, Floris is a very nice and pretty girl. I can tell she really cares about you, son."

He can't help but purse his lips at that comment. He knows Floris isn't a bad girl but she's not exactly nice either. And that doesn't change the fact that he's not interested in her. 

"Yes and for that very reason you must not ruin things with her," his father insists, "We have to partner with her father and you can't let her slip through your fingers."

"Viserys," his mother calls out to him with mild reproach.

"You know how important this is, Alicent," he begins to say with reproach in his tone, "I have already lost hope in Aegon. It seems he will never change and will be a good-for-nothing for the rest of his life, taking nothing seriously."

"Don't talk about your son like that," his mother scolds him.

"I'm not going to live forever and someone has to take over the company and support this family. But that doesn't matter to him in the least," he continues, "Daeron is still young and I'm thankful that at least Aemond has taken the same direction as Rhaenyra and me."

Aemond says nothing as his mother continues to reproach, annoyed to hear how Viserys refers to her children, especially Aegon. 

And he remains silent, fed up with these discussions, family pressures, expectations and being the only one of his children whom his father seems to trust.

And the worst thing is that he can't say anything, because he knows very well that his father considers him as his last resort and in a way... he doesn't want to fail him and he doesn't want everything in his family to explode.

Even if it means he has to sacrifice his own life for the good of the family, he has to do this and it's not worth arguing with his father because it's no use and he's not going to change his mind.

His father starts to raise his voice, his mother too and he ends up going to his room with his morning already ruined, annoyed, tired and grumpy.

And when he tries to distract himself, to occupy himself with his own personal matters so as not to think too much, just at that moment Floris comes to visit.

Just now he doesn't have the capacity to want to be around her, or anyone in general, he just wants peace and quiet, but considering the conversation he had with his father, he is not able to ask her as nicely as possible to come another day.

"I was with Cerelle at my house but I got too bored, even though I told her to meet me tonight at the beach."

She begins to talk as she starts pacing all around his room he just sits there with his desk in front of him and a few books open.

"I also talked to Royce, he said he would be coming for a visit soon. My dad is still mad at him for leaving but I'm sure he'll get over it. I also heard that Jeyne wants to have a party the next week and..."

And so he listens to her voice continuously, talking about everything she did and didn't do in her day, while he puts a hand to his forehead and lets out a long breath, trying not to sound irritated.

"Oh and I went to the mall with Cerelle. I bought a beautiful bag and clothes for our trip to Hawaii," she says excitedly, "My dad has already arranged everything and my family is so excited for you to come with us. I'm also..."

Her voice slowly fades slowly, becoming a distant murmur, as he sinks deeper into his seat and stares at a spot in his room.

His brow furrows and his mind drifts further away from the conversation.

He can't find a way to tell her to stop talking without looking rude and frustrated, but the last thing he wants to do is listen to her right now and the last thing he wanted was for her to show up at his house this day.

He has enough going on in his family lately, especially with his father and he's not in the mood to be dealing with people right now. 

He's fed up with everything and all he wants is to be alone while a wave of mental exhaustion washes over him. He wants to get away from everyone for a moment, to have no one bother him so he can have peace and quiet. 

"Aemond."

The hand on his shoulder and the voice so close to him brings him back to reality. He blinks and raises his gaze to Floris, who watches him in confusion.

"Are you listening to me?"

"Yes," he says awkwardly and clears his throat, "Sorry," he says, turning his gaze to the front and stirring in his chair.

But she raises her hand towards him, placing it gently on his cheek and Aemond tenses immediately, as she forces him to look at her again gently but firmly enough.

"Are you sure? Are you okay?" she asks him genuinely concerned, "You didn't seem to be listening to me."

"Yes I was and I'm fine, don't worry," he tells her trying to sound convincing.

But Floris is having none of it.

"Is it because of your father or college?"

The silence that follows is palpable as he averts his gaze and removes his hand from her face with a nonchalant gesture. He says nothing but it's clear she's hit the nail on the head.

And Floris lets out a long, resigned sigh, already expecting that. For it is so typical of him not to confide his thoughts and feelings to her.

She's tired of her own boyfriend raising this constant wall between the two of them, where he doesn't want to open up to her. It hasn't been long since the two started dating but still, despite being a couple, there is no trust.

"Aemond," she murmurs his name softly and unexpectedly takes a seat on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Floris," he calls her name awkwardly as well, trying to shake her off, "Wait, I don't—

"You know you can talk to me about anything," she interrupts him, her tone insistent but with a gentleness that she hopes will soften the situation, "I mean...I'm your girlfriend and I'm here for you whenever you need something, talk or anything."

He lets out a long sigh, feeling the weight of her insistence and the firmness with which she remains sitting on him.

The feeling of oppression invades him, both physically and emotionally.

"It's not... I don't..." he tries to speak, "Look, it's not that I don't want to tell you, but..." he gets frustrated, not finding the words or even the will to talk to her, "It's a lot of things."

"You can tell me," she insists, "Come on, babe. I just want to help you," she says as she begins to stroke his hair.

He close his eye for a moment, his patience quickly wearing thin.

"I don't want to talk," he makes it clear to her in a cold, resigned, tired tone.

She shrugs.

"Then we won't," she says simply, accepting that, "But I want you to understand that I'm here for you."

"Yes, I know," he says without even looking at her, running a hand through his hair.

"We can always do other things," she mentions with a certain tone that Aemond understands instantly.

And before he can do anything, she is already kissing him.

The kiss starts slow and soft, while he has difficulties to reciprocate at first, but Floris doesn't stop and pulls the back of his neck towards her, deepening the kiss. 

And he with all the mental chaos he has, tries to reciprocate as best he can, trying to forget at least for a moment.

Floris' hands begin to move down, sliding her fingers slowly over his chest while her other hand gently stroke his hair. Aemond tries to lose himself in the sensation, in the moment and let himself go, so he places both hands on her waist. 

She begins to move slightly on top of him, her breathing becoming more agitated and her tongue making its way between his lips, wanting more.

He tries to keep up with her and when Floris begins to rub her center against him, his body responds automatically, letting out a slight grunt without stopping the kiss. 

Floris' need is evident and when she brings one of her hands to the edge of his shirt and pulls away from his lips, she watches him with full intent and desire in her gaze, her lips red and swollen.

"I want you now," she murmurs against his lips.

He doesn't say anything, just watches her, truly not so sure. But then he thinks: fuck it.

He's tired and exhausted from carrying the weight of everything around him. He just wants to forget, if only for a few moments. So when Floris starts to take off his shirt, he allows it.

She kisses him again with more intensity and he responds with more fervor than before. 

Her hands begin to roam all over his naked torso and he stands up, both hands on her thighs, leading her towards his bed.

Soon Floris is on top of him again and feels a spark of electricity run through his skin as her hands touch the edge of his shorts, but before that happens, she slowly pulls down the straps of her dress.

Aemond watches her wordlessly, with his dark eye and indecipherable expression, as Floris complacently takes her time, enjoying every second, wanting him to desire her.

The straps fall and the top of her summer dress slides off, revealing her breasts. Aemond swallows hard, a mixture of desire and bewilderment passing through his body.

She leans into him again to kiss him, as she takes one of his hands and places it on her breast, prompting him to caress her. 

He does so, almost mechanically, trying to let himself go and lose himself in the moment, as she rubs herself against him again, making him more aware of how he begins to get hard, his breathing hitching.

But when Floris' hand descends and slips under his shorts, touching him, it is as if his mind wakes up and sends an alert throughout his body. 

Suddenly, he stops kissing her and takes her hand roughly, stopping her. Floris watches him confused and half-naked on top of him, still shaken and not understanding anything.

"Aemond?"

He closes his eye tightly and lets out a deep sigh, shaking his head and bringing a hand to his forehead, clenching his jaw.

"Fuck," he mutters.

"What's wrong?" Floris asks him without understanding what has changed so suddenly.

But he doesn't answer, just shakes his head again and pulls her hand away, to also gently brush her off of him.

"I'm sorry," he says softly.

Floris watches him from his bed, still with confusion on her face and quickly adjusts her dress, covering her naked body.

Her breathing is still rapid, but not so much from desire, but from the feeling of rejection that is infiltrating her. And again, for an instant, she thought this would never happen again.

But here they are, him pulling her away and her heart broken again by the humiliation.

"It's been a while," she murmurs, lowering her gaze, “Y-you don't..." her lips tremble, "You don't touch me."

He doesn't look at her, he can't. 

"I know. I'm sorry," he says in a low tone, the apology falling with a tone of resignation.

He picks up his T-shirt that's on the floor and puts it on, bringing a hand to his hair, ruffling it in frustration. And Floris watches him still completely confused.

"I just don't get it," she insists, "We're a couple. We should... be okay, I don't know," she says confused, "And I don't understand you. You don't talk to me, Aemond."

Aemond rubs his forehead, the pressure behind his eyes growing. He doesn't know how to explain, doesn't know how to put into words all the thoughts that suffocate him.

And he can't tell her that he doesn't really want to be with her either.

"I need to go," he says flatly.

"What?" she moves quickly, catching his arm, "No, please don't go," she tells him, her tone full of pleading, "I think we should talk."

"I can't, Floris. Not now."

Without trying to be abrupt, he releases his grip and Floris, unmoving, watches him as he takes his phone and car keys without another word. 

And he walks away, leaving her alone in his room.

He has no doubt that he will be in trouble for this later, maybe she will mention what happened to her sisters, eventually it will reach her father's ears about her having problems with their relationship and then it will reach his father's ears, demanding explanations from him.

He's not supposed to let her get out of his hands, as his father says, but now he really doesn't care about that.

He doesn't want to be with her and he shouldn't have let that happen. He should have stopped everything the moment she started kissing him.

Sex has been off the table for a while now. He has only slept with her once, when they both started dating for the first time. 

He barely remembers it. It was after they both went to a party. He drank a little more than he normally does and assumes that's why what happened at her house happened. 

And mostly it hasn't happened again because he doesn't have the interest. He doesn't feel the need with her. And just when he thinks it will finally happen when he lets himself go, in the moment he can't do it because it's feels wrong and pushes her away, leaving the action half done. 

And it's not her fault, it's his doing. But he knows that if he explained it to her, she wouldn't understand.

But just like that, another new frustration joins the storm in his mind.

Now he walks towards the pier, the only place where he feels he can breathe. The sound of the waves gently breaking against the wooden pillars, which is the only thing that accompanies him as he sinks into his thoughts.

He doesn't expect anyone to follow him or look for him there. In fact, the last thing he needs is someone else demanding something from him. 

For now, he doesn't want to be the perfect son, the boyfriend who should be attentive or the future heir to the family business. What he desperately wants is to escape the expectations that stifle him day after day.

He leans against the wooden stand and stares out into the deep, dark ocean, letting his mind wander, as he feels all the frustration wash over him and in an instant, he pulls out his pack of cigarettes and lights one.

He inhales deeply, letting the smoke invade his lungs, seeking in that sensation a temporary relief from the pressure he constantly feels. 

He enjoys his solitude, he has been used to it since he was a child. In many ways, he prefers it and finds it easier.

It is only now that he feels he is getting closer to his family or at least his siblings since his father has put more pressure on everyone. But he has not approached in the way he had hoped.

Aegon is not serious enough to broach the subject and evades his family in clouds of alcohol, parties and girls. Halaena is more independent and wrapped up in her own world, with her way of coping without getting swept away. 

Daeron doesn't yet understand the gravity of the expectations that will one day fall on him. And Rhaenyra... she's away with her own family.

And friends... he has no friends. At least, not genuine ones. They are not people he can trust without their own interests involved. 

And if he were to talk to any of them, it would be the same as with Floris; an empty conversation, full of awkward silences and expectations.

That's why at times like these, he strangely wishes he had someone to talk to. Someone who doesn't look at him with judgment or see him only as the heir who has to do his duty.

He needs someone who sees him for who he is, without expectations, without judgment. He just wants to be himself, wants to be just Aemond, without the unbearable weight of expectations.

'What would that be like?'

He wonders with genuine interest and even a certain... longing. But he knows he'll probably never know. Not with the life he has. 

He inhales deeply once more, the smoke mingling with the salty wind, enjoying the fleeting respite this place affords him. Then in the midst of his peace and quiet, the wood creaks softly under the footsteps that are not his.

He frowns and looks toward the entrance to the pier, thinking maybe it must be some of the security men, but then... he sees you.

He frowns more and attentively, he watches you walk, back straight and with cautious steps, as if trying not to make noise as you walk away, unaware of the creaking wood betraying you.

Then he wonders what you are doing here and why you are leaving. 

He remembers that he told you you could come back but doesn't understand why you're leaving. And before he can stop to think about what he is doing, he calls out you'r name.

"Y/N!?"

You stop immediately, your body tensing as if you've been caught doing something you shouldn't, again. 

You bite your lips nervously and slowly turn to look at him, some sorrow on your face as he continues to stare at you in confusion.

And well... he's already caught you, again, first here two nights ago, yesterday at the party and now here again, so what's the point?

"I'm sorry," you say, "I-I... I didn't see you on my way over here," you explain, "And well... I thought you might want to be alone."

Your gaze focuses on his, and for a second, the whole world seems to shrink down to just the two of you, as if you were the only ones on the beach, under the dim lights of the pier.

And he doesn't say anything to you, he just watches you intently. And you take that as a sign to leave.

"I'll leave you alone," you assure him in a soft tone, starting to turn away.

And again, Aemond without thinking, decides to stop you.

"Wait," he says finally, in a soft voice, "You don't have to go."

You watch him carefully and curiously as you tuck a lock of hair behind your ear, a little unsure.

"Are you sure?"

He says nothing, just gives you a slight nod and you, hesitantly, finally take a step towards him and then another, beginning to close the distance to join him at the end of the pier.

An anticipation and excitement begins to grow within you, with the sea breeze and the sound of the waves enveloping you. 

You feel a slight tension begin to grow between the two of you. It's not uncomfortable but it's not easy to ignore either. And both Aemond and you know that you are both walking on uncertain ground.

But neither of you can help it.

series taglist:

@zenka69 @strangersunghoon @deliaseastar @thefireblaze @kythefangirl25 @p45510n4f4shi0n @saturnssrings @bellaisasleep @primroseluna @tinykryptonitewerewolf @barnes70stark @tssf-imagines

[girlgenius1111]

Just Let Go

Alexia and Jenni know precisely how to rid you of your stress and frustration. You're hoping they'll be able to help Misa out, too. If she's willing to give up control.

not really smut yet but still, 18+

-----

You and Misa had hooked up before; normally, after el clásico, you'd meet up at the other's house Madrid or Barcelona. You would be celebrating, and Misa would, inevitably, be taking out her frustration on you. It had happened a few times.

You'd had an idea, though. You'd gone off at the 73rd minute, after getting 2 goals past Misa. You'd watched the rest of the game from the bench, sitting next to Jenni, who didn't miss the way your eyes kept straying to the opposing goalkeeper.

The game was one to celebrate for Barca, especially for you. You'd been going through a frustrating dry spell in regards to scoring, and today you'd broken through. Your team was ecstatic, planning to go out. You had... other plans. Evidently, as did Jenni and Alexia.

You were in the empty hall, smiling to yourself at the sounds of celebration emanating from the locker room, having just got off the phone with your sister, who was congratulating you on a game well done. As you were about to hang up, Alexia and Jenni slipped out of the locker room. Alexia wrapped an arm around your abdomen, resting her chin on your shoulder. Jenni took the phone out of your hand the minute you'd hung up, looking around before lightly pressing a kiss to your neck. Your head dropped back, giving her more access.

"No, no, not here," Jenni scolded lightly, as if she hadn't just initiated the contact.

"We have much to celebrate, hmm?" Alexia murmured. Both of them were close enough to you that it bordered on the edge of too friendly.

"Come back to ours? We can make sure you get a proper reward for those goals," Jenni's words were hot against your ear.

"I had an idea," you mentioned casually. You were normally content to let Alexia and Jenni do what they wanted to you, so they perked up at this. "You know how Misa and I..." you trailed off.

Both of them nodded. If there was any hint of jealousy on their faces, you couldn't detect it. They knew Misa from the national team, were friends with her, and they knew you two had an arrangement, not dissimilar to the one you had with the couple.

"It was a rough game for her," you started.

"Partly because of you," Alexia smirked.

"It was a rough game for her," you said, continuing as if you hadn't been interrupted. "I was thinking we could help her out. In the way you guys have been helping me out?"

They exchanged a long look, seemingly communicating without words, as they often did.

"What do you mean, help her out?" Jenni asked, pretending she didn't know very well what you meant.

You rolled your eyes, and Alexia pinched your arm lightly in warning. "She's frustrated. The two of you are... very good at getting rid of my frustration."

"So you want to bring her back with us, and have us fuck her? Watching doesn't seem like much of a reward," the blonde said bluntly.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll find something to do." You smiled.

"Will she be interested?" Jenni questioned, and you felt your stomach leap with excitement, taking her question as an agreement.

"Who wouldn't be?" You said, running a hand up and down Jenni's side.

She chuckled at you. "Alright, if that's what you want your reward to be. You're in charge of getting her there, though."

You looked to Alexia, who you knew held the real final say. She nodded. "If that's what you want, bonita."

You all returned to the locker room, as you began to figure out how, exactly, you were going to get Misa on board with this. She was stubborn, and probably in a horrible mood. You knew it would be good for her, Alexia and Jenni providing her with the release they'd given you so many times. Misa had always been a little weak when it came to doing what you wanted though, so you're sure you can find a way.

-----

You waited outside the visitors exit, near the bus that would take the Real players back to their hotel. Players streamed past you, and you felt their glares, but ignored them. You were much to preoccupied thinking about what was to come, not really caring, even a little, about the opposing team.

Misa stormed out of the locker room, alone, after you'd been waiting for only a couple minutes, the winter air barely chilly enough for you to be shivering slightly in your sweatshirt. You saw her before she saw you, and you grabbed her wrist. She turned with a scowl on her face, which didn't really lessen when she realized who had grabbed her. She let you pull her back into the building, though, until you were standing out of the way, somewhat obscured from view.

"Hi," you said, trying to get a read on just how upset she was.

"Hi." She replied flatly. You decided to just jump into it.

"Come back with me?" You asked, pushing a strand of hair out of her face. She nodded slowly, a contemplative look across her sharp features. "To Alexia and Jenni's?" You finished, watching as her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"What?"

"You seem upset," she scoffed at the obviousness of your statement. "You know I get upset to,"

It wasn't a secret, you could be hot headed just like Misa could, although you'd gotten better over the past few months. The reason it had gotten better, though, was because Alexia and Jenni had grown tired of your moodiness after you didn't play perfectly. You'd snapped at Jenni in the locker room one day, when she'd only been trying to make you feel better. Her and Alexia had brought you into an empty conference room, going back and forth as they told you that your behavior was bratty and not acceptable.

To this day, you didn't remember who made the first move, but suddenly, Jenni's lips were insistent on yours. When she broke the kiss, you'd looked, terrified at Alexia, who squashed your fears by pulling you in for an equally searing kiss. They told you to come over that night, and you had.

Since then, whenever the girls had noticed that you were a bit too frustrated, they'd instruct you to come back to their apartment, and they'd push every thought from your head.

"Alexia and Jenni have been helping me. I want them to help you to." You tell the keeper, and you know you don't imagine the spark of interest in her eyes.

"Help you how?" She asks, echoing Jenni's earlier question. Just like Jenni, she knew the answer, but she wasn't teasing you. She was trying to figure out if she was possibly right.

"How do you think?"

"I'm not sure," Misa said. She looked uncertain, and you knew she was conflicted on whether or not this was a good idea. You knew Misa; pushing her too hard would only result in her pulling away. Instead, you did what you knew would work. Getting her intrigued, and leaving.

"You know where I park, no? I'm leaving in probably 20 minutes for their place. If you want to come, you can. Otherwise, we'll just have fun without you." You turn without another word, heading back to the home side of the stadium, not a doubt in your mind that Misa would follow.

-----

Sure enough, when you exited the stadium a bit later, you spotted Misa leaned up against your car. You bit back a smile, heading towards her.

"Knew you'd come." You teased. Misa shook her head at you, before pulling you tightly against her, ghosting a kiss over your lips, before pulling away, smirking when you tried to chase the kiss.

"Do not tease. It doesn't work for you." She said seriously. You laughed, unbothered by the threatening undertone. Misa was dominant, for sure, more so when she was in such a bad mood. She would be no match for Jenni and Alexia, though, that you were sure of. You let her have her fun, thinking she was in charge of the situation, knowing things would change quickly once you arrived at your destination.

You drove, Misa's hand possessively removing your hand from the center console, and lacing it with her larger one. The older couple didn't live far from the stadium, so you arrived rather quickly, pulling into the familiar parking lot.

You were excited to say the least, and you unbuckled, moving to climb out of the car as soon as it was off. Misa didn't move, though.

"You okay?" You asked, getting her attention.

"What if they don't want me here?" She questioned. Her face was hard, defensive, but you knew that underneath, she was hurting after the day she'd had, and probably couldn't stand the idea of being rejected.

"They do. Trust me." You spoke with so much confidence, that Misa nodded once, climbing out of the car.

She kept her hands on you all the way up to their floor, and as you knocked on the front door. She was tense, but you knew it wouldn't last very long.

Jenni answered, oozing confidence as she leaned against the door frame. She was only in a sports bra and shorts, rippling muscles on display. Her hair was damp, and loose around her shoulders. A cool smile adorned her face, eyes moving back and forth between you and the taller girl behind you.

"I didn't think you'd get her here." Jenni said to you. "Come in, Alexia's waiting for you both."

You took Misa's hand in yours, pulling her in the apartment behind you. You'd barely made it a step past Jenni before she was moving in between you and Misa, shutting the front door with a soft slam.

"Go to Alexia," Jenni said over her shoulder, eyes fixed on the brunette in front of her, and you obeyed, squeezing Misa's hand before dropping it and walking down the hall to where you knew your captain would be.

Jenni moved in, keeping her movements slow and cautious, until her body was pressed up against Misa's rather stiff one, one hand carefully cupping the goalkeeper's jaw.

"You're tense." The striker commented.

"You just put 7 past me." Misa scowled back.

"You need to relax for us," Jenni insisted, leaning in closer until Misa could feel the other woman's breath on her lips. Misa's eyes flicked down, and then back up to Jenni's eyes, before she leaned in. Misa had every intention to take control of the kiss; that was what she was expecting. To take her frustration out on you in the way she normally did, in the way you thoroughly enjoyed, while Alexia and Jenni watched, or perhaps helped.

Instead, Jenni's hand gripped the back of her neck tightly, pushing her lips against the other woman's hard. Misa suprised even herself when she melted into the kiss after a minute, allowing Jenni to grip Misa's face tightly in her hands, tongue pushing into her mouth.

Jenni smirked against the other woman's mouth, realizing that Misa had given up control, even if it was only a bit, even if it was only for a minute.

Jenni walked Misa back into the bedroom, breaking the kiss with a huff when they made it through the door. Alexia had you straddling her, sitting on the edge of the bed, lips working steadily against your mouth. Alexia was dressed similarly to Jenni, and Misa had to pry her eyes away from the blonde's arms, holding you tightly against her. The two of you also broke apart at the sound of the other woman's entrance.

You looked blissed out already, lips slightly swollen, eyes bright as you turned to Misa. She moved forward without another thought, intending to pull you off of Alexia and into her own arms.

Jenni caught her, though, wrapping both arms around Misa's muscled stomach. "No, no. That's not how this is going to go." Misa let out a noise of frustration that turned into a small exhale of air when Jenni's lips found her ear, nibbling on it lightly.

"I want-" Misa started, eyes still on you, watching as Alexia's hands moved up to your chest, kneading you gently through your shirt. The blonde kept her eyes on Misa as she did so, an almost teasing look in her eyes.

"I'm more concerned with what you need." Jenni murmured. "You're gonna be good for us, do what we tell you. And if you are, you can have her any way you want. After we've had our turns." She continued, nodding in your direction. Misa still looked unsure, and Jenni wasn't really sure how far to push her. So she looked to you, and you got the unspoken instructions. You climbed off Alexia's lap, ignoring the grunt of frustration that left her mouth, and moved to stand in front of Misa.

She settled slightly, leaning just a bit back into Jenni's body. The striker began to moved her hands, teasing over Misa's lower stomach.

You looked up at Misa's dark eyes, taking in the combination of her furrowed brows, and the unmistakable flush in her cheeks. You knew she wanted this by the way she leaned into Jenni's touch, almost begging for someone else to take charge, even if she wouldn't ever actually admit it.

"Come on, Misa. Just let go." You pressed your lips to her pulse point, before pulling back. "It'll feel so good, baby. Just trust us."

She looked between you and Alexia, who was watching her from the bed, an intrigued look on her face, and finally turning to look at Jenni. Both of the other woman obviously wanted her. And then there was you. You'd asked her to trust you, and she did.

"Okay." She said finally, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the smirk that tugged at Jenni's lips.

Wordlessly, Jenni nudged her toward Alexia. Misa moved as she was directed, standing in between Alexia's legs, feeling the Catalan woman wrap her arms tight around Misa's muscular body. Jenni turned to you, whispering instructions into your ear as she began to slowly, slowly, strip you of your clothes.

"Hey." Alexia said in her friends ear, the close contact between the two not feeling weird, somehow.

"Hey." Misa replied, her voice slightly shaky.

"You want this?" Alexia checked. "We won't go easy on you."

"If she can take it, I can." Misa scoffed. She prided herself on being strong, willful. She could take what they gave her, she was sure.

"Hmm. She can take more than she looks like she can." Alexia said, watching as her girlfriend pulling your shorts down your legs. "You're overdressed."

"You should do something about it then." Misa replied. Alexia was so close to her, hands rubbing soft circles on her back, it was impossible to deny the arousal that was filling her body.

"I will when I feel like it. First, you're going to watch." Alexia ordered, pulling Misa to lay between her legs on the bed, back to the blonde woman's front. They were facing you and Jenni, who had begun to bend you over the end of the bed, hands gripping your ass tightly.

Misa shuddered at the sight of your completely naked form, attempting to cross her legs, and relieve some of the pressure growing in her core. Alexia hooked her legs around Misa's spreading them back out. Her hands held tight to the other girl's wrists, leaving her completely unable to do anything but watch.

It was going to be a long night for her, she could tell.

-----

a quick setup chapter before we get to the more fun stuff :)

also... ps. me?? making an actual graphic for something i wrote instead of using one [1] picture i found on pinterest? unheard of.

[immajustvibehere]

Amidst a Crashing World (1/5)

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x fem!Reader

summary: You had left the gang about a year ago. There were many reasons as to why, but that you had received a rather gruff rejection from the man you loved was definitely on that list. Now, Arthur appears in front of your little cabin with an interesting demand.

tags for this series: fluff, little bit of angst, no-tb-Arthur, literally your love redemption, maybe smut (but probably not), slow burn (but I mean how slow can a story really burn in five chapters?)

Link to my Masterlist

1600 words, less than 10 minutes reading time

It had been a year since you had last seen him. He was one of the reasons why you had decided to leave the gang. Because it had become unbearable to be around the man you had feelings for. The man you had confessed those feelings to and the man who had rejected you. It had been an uncomfortable moment, to say the least. Dutch had been talking about a bigger score for a while now and the mission had only been a few days away. You had approached Arthur who had been seated near a campfire with Hosea and Reverend, deep in a seemingly serious but one-sided conversation.

"May I talk to you for a moment?", you had pleaded. Your hands had been shaking. You had been aware: every score the boys went on held the possibility of never seeing them again. And you had felt brave that day. Brave enough to finally confess that you had feelings for this man. He was kind enough and caring towards you. He never was someone to express affection too openly so you hoped...that even if he did not feel entirely the same, he might be open to get to know you better and give you a chance.

"Sure", Arthur had grunted, a little groggily and stood up. You had walked a few steps away from Reverend and Hosea, just far enough to make give them the impression that this was supposed to be a private conversation. Quickly, but precisely and not without a certain shake in your voice, you let Arthur know that you liked him. More than the normal amount at least.

You peaked through your curtains to watch this very man dismount from his horse and caringly fix its reins next to the one of your horse, which was barely acknowledging the visitor.

For a moment, Arthur had just stared. Then he had shifted awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck with a warm but stifled chuckle escaping his throat.

"Yer joking, aren't ya?", he mumbled as he nervously peeked back to Hosea and Reverend, who hadn’t exactly given you attention during this ordeal. When Arthur had caught your dead-serious face and how you swallowed after he had said those words, he knew that you, in fact, hadn’t been joking.

"I- ehr...I don't see ya like that, I'm sorry", he had stumbled over his words. His voice hadn’t been upbeat or hopeful, not even apologetic or friendly. No, the longer you had turned those words over in your mind afterwards, you heard how bitter, how disappointed, and somewhat accusatory he sounded. He had turned around and had walked back to his log, shaking his head, chuckling coldly.

Arthur's hand plunged into his jacket, and he pulled out a wrinkly, yellowy paper that he unfolded. As he held the paper in one hand, a grin flitted across his face, before he took a breath and started loudly:

"I'm looking for the fierce, the ferocious....", Arthur stopped and plucked a ripe tomato from its stem. You had been growing this beautiful tomato plant right next to the gate that separated your garden from the path that travellers commonly used. But Arthur was the first one who had the audacity to help himself. Then he went on: "The downright awful degenerate y/n. Supposedly, she robbed a stagecoach and left the driver in a condition that left much to desire...She has fled to find refuge from her abhorrent, ginormous bounty of 15 proud dollars!"

Arthur had a shit-eating big grin on his face when you finally pushed the door to your little cabin open. He popped the tomato into his mouth, savouring the taste as he watched you step into the light and lean against the door frame.  

"That you?", Arthur asked indistinctly with his mouth full, quick to catch some tomato juice with his sleeve as it escaped the corner of his mouth. He held up the bounty poster that showed the most unflattering sketch of your features that you had ever seen.

"I look myself in the mirror quite often, but I've never seen this creature staring back", you joked as you nodded at the sketch. You were still unsure what his sudden appearance at your doorstep was supposed to mean.

Arthur shrugged and sarcastically answered: "I really think they did ya justice. Have you seen the pictures going round of me?"

You had. They weren't nearly as bad as the one he held up of you. But they did paint him more cruel than he looked right now. Honestly, knowing him better, all you can see is an actually soft man which might look big and scary when he swings his gun around, but now, as he took his hat off, he looked harmless. The afternoon sun nearly blinded him as he looked at you, but he deemed the gesture necessary to be polite, apparently.

"Yer trying to take me in for a 15 dollar bounty?", you asked and crossed your arms.

"Don't want'a sound rude but that's barely worth it...", Arthur smiled, "No I ehrm...was close by. A farmer down that way told me you was living here. I helped him fix a wheel on his waggon."

"Sure...", you mumbled suspiciously. There was no way you would have naturally come up in this conversation.

"'s been a while...", Arthur commented.

"Yeah. More than a year. Took me this long to figure out how it'd bear fruit", you pointed at the tomato plant Arthur had stolen from.

Shamelessly, he plugged another one and ate it, "They're good."

"I know", you sighed. You had given up and moved aside to let the man into your cabin.

It was a humble little place. Just big enough to fit a table, three chairs, a bed, a stove and a cupboard. Arthur noticed the rifle that leaned next to the bed, the few books that were scattered on the table and finally his eyes fell on a couple of sketches you had pinned onto the wall. After leaving the gang, you had tried your luck with drawing. Yes, it was a way to remember Arthur, because though you haven't seen many of his drawings, you knew he sketched everything he laid his eyes on.

For a moment, you hoped that Arthur would comment on your sketches. There was one of a doe that you were particularly proud of, but Arthur just briefly scanned them before turning his attention back to you.

"Nice little cabin ya got here...killed the fella that lived in it before or...?", Arthur suggested, his eyes falling on a little hole in the roof that needed fixing and the bedframe which was uneven and brittle.

You almost laughed at the suggestion: "No. It belongs to an old lady who went to live with her sister in the city. She gave me the cabin to look out for, until her grandson is old enough to live in it."

"Oh", Arthur commented, fidgeting with his hat.

You had spent months trying to forget this man. You were sure you'd never see him again, not if you could have helped it. You were glad about leaving your affiliations with the van der Linde gang behind. However, this had never been the official deal. The deal had been that you could roam for a while, figure yourself out and then join back. You never did. And now you had a sour feeling as to why this man was currently scanning your backyard through the window.

"Why are you here?", you asked, your tone serious.

"It's good to see you again", Arthur light-heartedly said. It almost sounded like a joke.

"Arthur", you warned him.

"Lot has happened since you left...", Arthur said, still wandering around in this cabin as if he was scanning the small territory, "we lost some people in Blackwater...Mac and Davey...Jenny..."

You knew about Mac. It was reported in the newspaper, but when Arthur mentioned Jenny, your jaw dropped. You felt a sort of anger flare up. You had gotten along well with Jenny. She was a kind and funny girl and you had considered her a friend.

"How did- Why...How did this even happen?!", you grumbled, "Jenny wasn't someone who would be in the midst of a fight. Hell, she knew how to handle a gun, but-"

"I know", Arthur interrupted, "couple weeks ago we lost Sean, too."

"Why are you here, Arthur? And why are you telling me this?"

"Wanted to see how you've been doing...", he shrugged, but his demeanour changed when you opened a drawer. You didn't even need to pull out the gun before Arthur stopped with the sugarcoating.

"Dutch wants you back."

Hell, this didn't sound like a suggestion. It was more like a threat. Arthur was here to collect you. Not for a 15-dollar bounty, but for Dutch. Because he had lost too many people and now you needed to jump in. Also, every bit of hope you held close to your heart, that Arthur...that there was a tiny bit of him that wanted to see you. That he really wondered how you had been doing.

It died with those words. It stung.

"Get out", you demanded.

"Y/N-"

"Arthur, I'm not coming back."

"Dutch-"

"I don't care. I don't give a fuck what Dutch wants", you yelled, slowly pulling the gun out, "Honestly, you have some nerve showing up with this request."

Then, you had to laugh. Laugh at the absurdity of it and laugh because you were hurt. The laughter helped to supress the tears, for now.

"Ya ain't gonna shoot me, sweetheart", Arthur said knowingly, putting his hat back on and slowly backing out towards the door, arms still raised because he didn't want to give you the impression that he'd draw on you.

"Don't flatter yourself", you said, slowly walking towards him to make him move out of your house, "I wouldn't shoot your pretty face, but I can put holes in other parts of your body and it would hurt enough."

You felt bold, cocked the gun and aimed at his leg.

"Y/N..."

"Tell Dutch you didn't find me. Tell him I'm dead. Tell him I forced you to draw on me and you shot me...I honestly don't care. I'm not going back. I'm not...canon fodder for a cause I don't believe in anymore", you stated, your eyes fixed on Arthur. He might just notice that tears pricked your eyes, there was a hint of concern in his features.

When he opened his mouth, you were quick to interrupt him: "If you care for me just the tiniest fucking bit...yer gonna fuck off right now and not come back."

You thought about how he'd answer, 'I don't see ya like that', lasso you and drag you back into whatever hole the gang was hiding at the moment, but instead, he tipped his hat, turned around and mounted his horse.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Next chapter: here

I never have the nerve to keep a consistent taglist, but here are some tags for people who said they might be interested in that sort of story:

@pinkiemme @loveheartarthur @lonesome-ranger @twola @shiokitsune @hugthedragon @missredemption @kakashiislut @thewalkingdead1463

If you want to be tagged, please comment under this post if you want to be included to the taglist for this story OR any fic I post in future.

Special thanks to @little-honeypie 'cause we've been cooking that story up together <3

[dragonnarrative-writes]

im the anon who sent that gaz ask and omg kyle's interlude was so good!!!!! im just giggling thinking of kyle wondering how much does she know? did she catch on somehow? fuck I have to take her out quick before she finds out how many projects ive finished and the whole time miss new girl is like. wow this guy fucking sucks at his job i want him gone from my hospital >:(

mans thinks shes gonna file a case with a police and she just thinks he's incompetent as shit

I'm so tickled. That's exactly what's happening.

CW: discussions of death and dying, autopsies, medical neglect

There’s something going on on the cardiac floor that you just… can’t quite put your finger on.

This isn’t the first hospital you’ve worked at, but you’re also new to urban healthcare, so you don’t want to rock the boat by being paranoid. But traffic from the cardiac floor is… steady. You’ve read the papers, know the stats like the back of your hand. And the cardiac floor is perfectly in line with expected trends. Every. Month.

There are fluctuations, of course. Plus or minus three to seven lives is nothing remarkable in cardiology. Macabre, maybe, but true. But that’s unnatural. In the seven months you’ve worked here, you’ve seen waves elsewhere in the hospital. The plastics floor had a month with zero deaths followed by a month of a persistent infection sweeping through the otherwise reasonably healthy patients. Oncology has seen a steady decline in patients sent your way, thank goodness. Even emergency and intensive care aren’t as fixedly consistent as the cardiac floor.

When you wonder about it aloud to the director, Dr. Martins just shrugs. “We have a good team up there. Very good at keeping things clean and double and triple checking their work.”

“But if that’s the case, then the number of deaths should be going down,” you point out.

Dennis gives you a rueful smile. “That’s not always how human bodies work, unfortunately. You know that.”

You do know that. Which is why the consistency grates against your nerves. So you decide to do a little digging.

The name that comes up the most often in the chart notes is one Kyle Garrick.

That’s actually not 100% accurate. He’s charting exactly the way he’s supposed to. And no nurse has complete, individual access to patients 24/7. But every dying patient he has access to is… perfect. Their blood work, labs, vitals, prognosis, medication adherence and refusal is almost too-the-letter, textbook precise.

The most obvious answer is that Garrick, and probably a couple of other nurses on the floor, are fudging the numbers.

The idea is infuriating. You hate the way the administrators keep changing medical record systems just as much as the next person, but inaccurate charting is a safety issue. People can, have, and do die because someone writes down the wrong timing for medications or assumes that a patient’s vitals are unchanged. If anything, this is probably worse than that. The fact that everything is so pristine probably means that some patients are just being written off. The nurses might be deciding who gets the excellent care the hospital is known for and who gets neglected.

You stay three hours late investigating the next cardio patient that ends up in your morgue.

After examining the body and reading, rereading, and re-re-re-reading his chart, you find it. A stutter in the dosages of blood thinners, a slightly higher blood pressure reading from someone who isn’t nurse Kyle fucking Garrick. Just enough evidence to have you testing the body with an aspirometer almost too late. And there it is. A fatal air embolism.

You want to scream, but the dead man doesn’t deserve that.

Three weeks later, sipping from your water bottle, someone calls into the office. “Knock knock.”

Dennis practically lights up. “"Good morning, Kyle. Been a bit since you've come to see us. Care for some tea?"

Your eyebrows shoot up. Dr Martins hates unexpected visitors. Then you look over your shoulder, and you understand. Even old queens aren't immune to pretty privilege. The man that’s leaning in the doorway is gorgeous. Maybe its because you work with dead bodies all day, but his eyes and skin seem to glow, even under the fluorescents.

"Can't," the man says, apologetically. "Just dropping someone off."

"Well, at least let me introduce our new nurse!"

The fact that you’re wiping crumbs off of your mouth over a paper plate is the only reason no one sees your face fall when you hear him say, “Nice to meet you. Kyle Garrick.”

[malarign]

bold

contains: friend!Jay x gn!reader | genre: fluff | tw! kissing, y/n is quite bold, and jay is sweet and shy, that’s the plot | wc: 0,4k

request: Jay + 9 first kisses + 9 listening to each other’s heartbeat

you’ll find this event here!

You added final touches to the choreography for the newest comeback wanting to have tied up every loose end long before the actual deadline. You executed moves slowly and carefully watching your body lines before finalizing your work. your gaze was focused on your reflection in the mirror when you noticed the door to the practice room open. Turning around to see who was it you recognized Jay as your late-night visitor.

“Thought you already went home?” you asked and made your way to grab your bottle of water.

“Wanted to say the same thing,” he chuckled and crossed his arms. “Is that our new choreo?” he asked, knowing you were currently working on it.

Nodding you sat down and patted the space next to you, telling him to sit next to you. He sat down and emptied the soda that he brought with him.

“How about you? What are you still doing here at this hour?” you asked referring to the current hour, more precisely 1 AM.

“Same as you, practicing,” he said and showed you his fingertips with string marks.

Taking his hand and scanning it you asked: “Does it hurt?” to which he shook his head.

Your action made his heart speed up so bad, he thanked god you couldn’t feel it. But how wrong he was.

“Why is your heart beating so fast?” you questioned with raised eyebrows as if you read his mind.

“It’s not?” he pretended to be confused.

You then raised his hand and he realized you placed your fingers on his wrist where you could feel his pulse.

“Are you sure?” Seeing how the tips of his ears got red while he tried to keep his expression calm, you leaned into his chest and placed your ear right above his heart. Clearly hearing how it was almost going to jump out of his chest you raised your head with an even more interrogating look.

He sighed and asked chuckling: “Am I this obvious?”

“Kinda. But Riki told me everything,” you said and watched as he almost cursed out the younger one. “But I’m glad he confirmed my guess.” Holding his chin you made him face you. Inches away from each other you said finally: “Because if I didn’t know I wouldn’t be bold enough to do this.”

Leaning forward you placed your lips on his, leaving him shocked. It took him a while to process what was happening, but shortly after he responded by placing his hand on the back of your neck to pull you closer.

Riki peaked through the door quickly only to back off with a disgusted expression.

“Ew,” he mumbled at the sight after closing the door behind him.

“Well?” Sunoo asked too scared to look at himself.

“It worked,” he said still in mild shock at what he just witnessed.

“Tsk, always knew Y/n is the bold one.”

thank you for reading! back to the masterlist

permanent taglist: (open) @nicholasluvbot, @en-chantedtomeetyou, @skzenhalove, @nfrgirl, @kpoprhia, @redm4ri

[aishangotome]

Roger Barel: Chapter 1

Prologue 2

♡———♡

Fate we are born with, dreams we cannot fulfill, incurable diseases, war, poverty...

The list goes on and on.

This world is a bargain sale of despair.

And it seems that despair is called "despair" precisely because there is nothing we can do about it.

But I can't accept that.

If we can't overcome despair, then what is the meaning of our existence, of us humans being born?

That's why I live today, giving the middle finger to despair.

-

About a week has passed since the "sinful life" as a Fairytale Keeper began.

I thought the day when I would keep the secret and return to where I came from was not far off, but...

Darius: I'm so happy that you're holding a welcome party for us so soon after we arrived in England.

That night, a dinner party was held under the name of a welcome party...

Victoria's direct royal order organization "Crown" and the German Emperor's direct organization "Vogel."

The members of both organizations were gathered in one place.

It was only a few hours ago that they, Vogel, had arrived from Germany.

-

*flashback*

Victor: I hear Vogel is a research organization that advocates for cursed social contributions.

Victor: They will be staying in this palace for a few months as goodwill ambassadors.

Darius: "A better society through the power of curses." That is our motto.

*flashback over*

-

(They are friendly visitors and shouldn't be people to be wary of.)

But there was something that kept bothering me.

Harrison, who has the ability to see through lies, said, "Those guys are lying."

(It's better not to let my guard down until we know their true identity.)

Darius, who seems to be the leader of the three of them, the director of "Vogel," is sitting next to William and enjoying a conversation in high spirits.

(It seems like it would be better for me to keep a low profile and stay quiet.)

The table is filled with dishes that Victor has prepared with great skill.

(Even though it looks so delicious... I'm so nervous that I can't swallow my food.)

Nica: Hey, hey, robin. You're not eating at all. Well then, I'll pierce this cherry for you.

Ring: Nica, you'll get a stomachache if you eat food from a stranger you don't know.

Nica: What's with my brother, seriously cautioning me?

Nica: This is just an excuse to show that I want to be friends with you. Ring is so clueless.

Ring: ...Clueless.

I can't help but compare the twins, who have similar features, hair color, and eyes.

Kate: You're Nica and Ring... right?

Nica: Oh, you remembered our names? We also remember yours, Kate.

Nica: We just met today, but I feel like we could become good friends, don't you?

Nica: Hey, show us around the palace. Let's sneak out of here.

He wraps his arms around my waist with a practiced gesture and whispers in my ear.

(Wha...?)

As I tense up, someone pulls my arm from the other side.

Roger: Sorry to interrupt your flirting, but I have a prior engagement with Kate.

Kate: Roger!

Roger: Our Queen's Aide is the best at giving tours of the palace. He'll gladly show you around.

Roger: Victor, can I ask you to give the Vogel guests a tour of the palace?

Victor: Ah, of course! This Victor will show you every nook and cranny.

Nica: ..................

Nica looks at Victor with narrowed eyes, then gives a bright smile.

Nica: Vielen Dank.

William: Well then, it's time to call it a night, although it's a shame to part ways.

Darius: Yes, Lord Rex. We at Vogel want to be friends with Crown, like family.

Darius: If you have any troubles, please feel free to rely on us.

-

––This is a room inside the palace.

In the luxurious room prepared for Vogel, Darius sat deeply in a chair and smiled.

Darius: How was it, the social gathering with Crown?

Nica: It was great, I was trying to seduce the robin when the hunter interrupted me.

Darius: Hunter? Ah, you mean Roger Barel, the "Betrayal Hunter."

Darius: Hehe, how violent to snatch Little Red Riding Hood from the side.

Ring: ...So, Roger Barel and she... are they dating?

Nica: No, they're not. But it seems that Crown cherishes the robin very much.

Darius: Gathering information is important.

Darius: It will eventually become a valuable resource for achieving our ambitions.

Darius: Ring, Nica, continue gathering information about Crown and the robin, who might be useful.

Nica: Verstanden. / Ring: ...Understood.

Darius: ...Roger Barel. A former doctor who shows an abnormal obsession with "cursed ones," huh?

Darius: Is he worthy of being my "family"? -

After the social gathering ended, people started leaving the guest room one by one.

Before I knew it, Roger's figure had also disappeared...

(Oh, huh?)

I hurriedly went out into the hallway and saw his broad back.

Kate: Um, Roger, about the prior engagement you mentioned earlier...?

When I called out to him, his gaze turned back in the empty hallway.

Roger: You looked obviously troubled, was I mistaken?

--CHOICES--

Did you help me?

I was really in trouble.

You weren't mistaken.

-------------

Kate: Did you help me...?

Roger: Did you not need a helping hand?

Roger: I'm sorry for ruining your chance for a one-night stand with a foreigner.

Kate: What are you talking about? Your imagination is running wild!

As I thanked him again, a mischievous look appeared on his face.

Roger: Oh yeah, I didn't say it was for free, you know? I need to get paid for helping you.

(Huh?)

Roger: What, I was thinking of going to the pub in town with Ellis and Jude. You're coming too.

Kate: Eh, right now? Whoa... wait a minute, Roger!

-

Roger: Ah~~ Delicious. The first sip of beer is like a shot of blood to the veins.

Ellis: Hehe, you say that every time, Roger.

Jude: That's not somethin' a doctor should say. Well, it can't be helped, since yer a quack.

(I ended up being brought to the pub before I knew it.)

(I noticed it before, but Roger is a bit... no, maybe quite forceful.)

On top of that, it's a mystery why Jude, who seems like he would refuse this kind of invitation, is sitting there with a dissatisfied look on his face.

Red-haired Clerk: Here you go. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, and...

Jude: How much did ya order? You ate a lot atta' social gatherin'.

Roger: When I nibble on fancy food bit by bit, I don't feel like I've eaten anything.

Ellis: Are you full, Jude? I can still eat more.

Jude: Are ya guys growin' children?

The three of them are talking like close friends...

Kate: Hehe...

I can't help but smile, and Roger narrows his eyes with a beer in one hand.

Roger: Huh, you can laugh like that after all.

Kate: Huh?

Roger: Haven't you noticed that you haven't laughed once since you became a Fairytale Keeper?

(Oh... huh? Ah, but it's true, I haven't... for the past week...)

Roger: You don't eat much. Even when you do, you look like you're chewing sand.

Roger: Maybe... or rather, did you not even notice it yourself?

(To keep the secret for a month as a Fairytale Keeper, to write down the evil in front of me.)

(In addition to that... the sudden appearance of Vogel.)

I was so focused on getting through all of that, I gradually stopped laughing, eating, and doing the normal things that are part of living.

Like a plant slowly withering away.

Roger: I understand that you have things to think about, things to worry about, and anxieties.

Roger: But that's when you need to take care of yourself. Eat, sleep, play, laugh, and recharge.

Roger: If you don't, you'll easily be swallowed by despair in this darkness, lil' lady.

Kate: ...!

Roger's words pierce my heart.

(That's right, I... why was I being so weak?)

No matter how much I struggle, the anxiety will never disappear until I safely escape from this darkness.

I know that... but.

(The only one who can truly protect me is me.)

(I will never lose. ...I must not lose.)

Kate: ...You're right. There's no time to be weak, no time to despair.

As if to shake off my past self... I stab the steaming aged meat in front of me with a fork and stuff my mouth full of it.

Kate: Mmm... delicious.

(...It feels like I'm tasting food properly for the first time in a while.)

(The fact that food tastes good, that I'm alive, is a very happy thing.)

Roger: ..........

Jude: Hey, yer eatin' the firs' bite without any hesitation.

Kate: Ah, I'm sorry! I got carried away.

Ellis: It's okay, Kate. This rock salt potato is also recommended, please try it.

Kate: Wow, this is delicious too! It goes well with the alcohol.

Roger: Oh, you're a bold drinker, lil' lady. Barman! Two more beers, please.

Barman: Alright, two large mugs of beer, coming right up!

The golden beer and the food are delicious, and the sound of people's laughter reaches my ears clearly tonight.

(...Ah, this is fun. I feel like I'm taking deep breaths for the first time in a while.)

(It was forceful, but I'm glad I accepted Roger's invitation...)

I don't know to what extent Roger's actions are calculated and to what extent they are out of kindness.

But it's an absolute fact that I was saved by his forceful actions tonight.

(Maybe Roger is a sensible and mature older brother after all.)

While thinking such things easily, I ended up drinking one after another, letting myself be carried away...

-

––I woke up on a fluffy bed.

(Huh... I was drinking at the pub last night, and then...)

In the lingering lethargy and drowsiness, I groped for the warm linen...

Kate: Hmm...? ...??

(Wha... I'm not wearing anything!?)

I hurriedly wrap myself in the linen, only my face peeking out.

...And then, I notice something familiar lying next to the pillow.

(...Glasses?)

The black-rimmed, intellectual-looking frames are definitely in my memory.

(These glasses, could they be...?)

The moment I pick them up and gasp, the bed creaks with a squeak-–.

Roger: Hey, glasses aren't toys... Here, give them back.

The glasses in my hand are snatched away, and when I look up, I see Roger, half-naked, leaning over me.

Kate: ...Wh-Why are you here, Roger...?

As I open my eyes wide, he gives a wry smile as if to say, "You're asking that now?"

Roger: After that, you passed out drunk, and I carried you back on my back.

Roger: And I brought you here, but you wouldn't let go of me.

His words imply that I was clinging to him, and regardless of the truth, my cheeks heat up.

(W-Wait, I was holding on to Roger?)

(And then... or rather, more importantly than that...)

My eyes wander busily over his thick chest and abs, exposed without reservation.

(T-This is too stimulating...)

(I don't know where to look.)

Not to mention his bare chest.

His strong arms peeking out from his shirt, the raised lines of his body from his thick neck to his broad shoulders, his toned waist.

(But he's as beautiful as a sculpture...)

Before I knew it, my eyes were tracing his supple skin.

His well-developed muscles easily betray his intellectual features, and the gap alone is enough to make me dizzy.

Roger: ...Not bad, being looked at with those eyes.

Kate: Eh!?

Roger gives a devilishly wicked smile.

It seems I was unconsciously staring at his body, and my cheeks flushed even more with embarrassment.

Kate: I-I'm sorry...

Roger: It's nothing, it's cute compared to yesterday.

Kate: Did I do something... yesterday?

Roger: "Something," huh?

Roger gently closes the distance and whispers, as if to drive the point home.

Roger: ...Ah, last night was quite hot, wasn't it, lil' lady?

(W-Wait... me, with Roger?)

.

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Roger Barel - Chapter 2

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[otomefiend]

Story Event: Dark (What) If ~ Who are you in this twisted fairytale world? ~

Prologue

Kate is a very dutiful girl. Isekai'd into into a twisted reality, and all she thinks about is doing her job. 😂🤧

~~~

London, the glittering and prosperous capital of the United Kingdom under the reign of Her Majesty the Queen Victoria.

I was an ordinary citizen working to deliver mail in this city.

As such, I struggled to support my favourite past-time, a theatre, and afford tickets to plays I wanted to see.

(All right, all deliveries are done for today)

(A little more, and I can finally buy tickets for the next show...)

Kate: "I'm back."

Director: "Kate! Just when I need you... or maybe not, the streets are too dangerous at night..."

Kate: "What's going on?"

Director: "Well, there's an opening for nighttime deliveries, with us being short-staffed and all."

(That's it!)

Kate: "Please, allow me to take them."

~~~

After accepting the task, I found myself walking through the dimly lit residential areas.

(All that's left to do is delivering a letter to the bookshop manager)

(Oh, 'Kingsley Books'... here it is!)

Kate: "Excuse me, I'm working for the post office. I'm looking for the manager..."

(There's no one here. I guess I'll have to come back tomorrow... huh, what a place 👀)

I picked up a book that casually landed at my feet.

As if drawn to it, I opened the untitled tome.

Kate: "Gah...!"

The sudden gust of wind, then a blinding light enveloped me...

~~~

Beautiful longhaired man: "Welcome to the twisted fairytale world..."

Beautiful longhaired man: "A visitor... how marvellous!"

Ahead of me, a beautiful, long-haired figure awaited.

Kate: "...I was at the bookstore just now... and then..."

I had no idea where I was, nor who was the person in front of me.

All I knew was that this was not the bookshop I stepped into, and I still had work left to do.

Kate: "Umm, I'm in the middle of a delivery, so I'd like to go back to 'Kingsley Books' if possible."

Beautiful longhaired man: "That might be a smidge difficult."

Kate: "Eh?"

Beautiful longhaired man: "More precisely, I have no clue how to send you back."

The man, who introduced himself as Victor, smiled and proceeded with an explanation, trying to soothe my confused mind.

It transpired that the place I found myself in existed between two worlds, the world of the living and the fairytale world.

Kate: "......a fairytale world?"

Victor: "You must have been led here by the untitled tome. Don't you remember?"

Kate: "Indeed I was. Does this mean I got lost in a book?"

Victor: "That's right. You're a smart girl, quick on the uptake."

(I never thought that the adaptability I developed working for the post would be put to use in a place like this)

Kate: "But you... Victor, you mentioned earlier a 'twisted fairytale world'."

Victor: "Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty..."

Victor: "Most fairy tales in the world have a fixed plot and normally lead to a happy ending."*

Victor: "However, the fairy tale world is currently in a state where the plot of the story has gone awry, chaos has reached its peak, and the endings are far from happy."

Kate: "...... How is that possible?"

Victor: "That's because... each fairytale is missing something."

Kate: "Missing something... What might it be?"

Victor: "I don't know that either."

Victor: "I suspect you've been brought here to find out."

(......... huh, then)

Kate: "When the missing piece is found, the distortion of the fairy tale world should be fixed, and the story will lead to a happy ending."

Kate: "My job in here will be done..."

Victor: "And you might be able to go back to your world, to reality."

(If that's my only chance, I might as well try)

(I'll find what's missing in this twisted fairytale world and correct the distortion. Then lead it to a happy ending with my own hands)

I was going to go back to my world and continue my delivery.

As I made up my mind, I could hear bells ringing in the distance.

Victor: "Ah, looks like it's time to wake up."

Victor: "Kate, reaching the best ending is now in your hands."

Victor: "...... come, let's send you to the twisted fairytale world."

~~~

*lies 😏 Original (pre disney) fairytales are anything but. Common folk loved dark stuff.

[tempo-tales]

The watchmaker takes the girl's hands with the watch and squeezes them warmly.

"I wish it to be of great help. It's a unique watch I created and I'd rather it be worn by someone I cherish."

Dominic is invited by Balan(ce) to a stage recommended by the host himself.

The watchmaker felt comfortable to see that it is a family park with space for sports or camping. Some things are too new to him, but the clocks and different day cycle in each specific space, which confuses the old man.

After a walk, Balan calls Dominic, who approaches accompanied by a teenage girl.

The old man looks from her head to her feet and the girl becomes more nervous.

Balan touches one shoulder of the girl and gently pushes her forward.

"Mr. Dominic, may I present Alicia, owner of this stage."

The girl, stiff and looking at his side, could only utter barely a few words.

"A-a pleasure, sir."

The watchmaker stares at the teenager as he rubs his mustache with his hand, doubt in his head.

"The same, except you wear inappropriate clothing for a woman."

The girl is self-conscious and squeezes her arms tighter out of discomfort.

Balan passes between them and looks softly at old man.

"Mr. Dominic, Alicia of the future is origin, so what respect for your customs you must have."

"I am uncomfortable with her appearance, unless she changes her clothes."

"My estimable sir, to impose is is not role, less in my presence. This stage of the girl is and her right she has to manage her own heart has. If to your person it makes you uncomfortable, I will gladly to your stage back."

Balan's slick expression affected Dominic, feeling a small pulse of regret.

"No need, young Balan"-the older man expresses and then looks at the teenage girl-"I express my sincere apologies. Entering a spot like this puts me out of place."

Balan's hand rests on the watchmaker's shoulder.

"I perfectly understand your situation, my kind sir. If you wish, I'll leave you with Alicia, if you disagree, I'll send you to your stage in a jiffy."

"I would prefer to stay with the girl, at least to understand something of her origin, as a form of apology "says Domicic with his laughing green eyes.

"Ekkk!" Alicia freezes, uncomfortable and in her mind to escape the situation.

"Relax child, Mr. Dominic is an angel, you'll get along fine, my intuition says so."

A few gentle taps on the back feels Balan, being the already animated Dominic.

"Son, you're already repeating my phrase, how proud you make me."

"It's what my being says, sir. That from you I learned "

Laughter and a short conversation follows to end and Balan plead from the visitors.

Dominic and Alicia continued with the talk, a talk that gradually becomes more relaxed and the two share interests, family issues and other things. Alicia begins to appreciate the old man's wisdom and he begins to wonder how society has changed in Alicia's timeline.

After a while, the two become friends and confidants even though they don't meet often, but they often visit each other's stages to hang out.

An uncertain time later, Dominic arrives at ClockPark, Alicia's stage, for his routine chat and also to listen to her sing, as he usually does.

The old man finds Alicia on the soccer field, watching as the girl plays with the ball doing tricks with her graceful legs. The old man was impressed to see this sport for the first time.

"You are amazing young girl! What game is it?"

"Soccer, it's a team game where you have to throw the ball into the opposing team's net. Now I'm just doing warm-up exercise to pass the time."

Alicia stops and looks at the clock post outside the field. She notices 15:28 in the afternoon with a temperature of 21°c. Alicia feels a little discomfort and throws the ball into the arc with precision and high velocity. The ball hitting the net again impresses the watchmaker.

"Let's go elsewhere, Mr. Dominic."

The old man sees an annoyed look on Alicia's face. He nods and follows her.

The next place is a gymnastics hall. Inside, there is a giant basketball court. Alicia picks up a ball and bounces it, then throws it into the ring. Ali picks up the ball and continues in succession. Finished, Ali looks at the scoreboard clock, and sees 12:31, temperature 24°c. Again the teenager's face puckers with anger. Her watchmaker friend just looks at her.

The girl throws the ball into the basket of balls, ending her routine.

The older man follows the girl out of the gym.

As the two walk through the park, the old man notices new technology. Electric streetlights, modern telephone booths, flyers with curious designs and then, a greenhouse with beautiful bougainvillea covering the glass walls on the roof. Dominic was amazed at such beauty, and remembered how right he was with Balan(ce). The teenage girl stops and looks at the clock at the top of the greenhouse, with 11:48 and 24°c displaying. The girl lets out a sigh to calm her discomfort and Dominic, notices the reason for Alicia's discomfort.

The watchmaker approaches the girl, takes Alicia's right hand and from Dominic's leather apron, pulls out a pocket watch and places it in the girl's hands.

"I see the reason for your anger, so I suggest you wear this."

"A pocket watch? It's beautiful!" exclaimed Ali in surprise, "Why are you giving it to me?" she asked.

"I noticed that in every area of this park you have a fixed schedule and weather that doesn't change, and that frustrates you. So, you can look at this watch and settle in."

Alicia was speechless, holding the clock in her hands.

"You're a very meticulous girl, but I also see that you hate it when nothing here changes. I understand you, sometimes the routine locks you in and makes you despair. So you should at least get to know more scenery and talk to more people."

The watchmaker takes the girl's hands with the watch and squeezes them warmly.

"I wish it to be of great help. It's a unique watch I created and I'd rather it be worn by someone I cherish."

A tear in Ali's eye falls running down her cheeks.

"T-thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Dominic!"-the girl expresses with a strong tone while crying with emotion.

The old man expresses his consolation by caressing the girl's head.

A few minutes of comfort. Ali invites Dominic to the greenhouse and the girl sings along with her Singer Birds costumes, creating a soft and calming chorus that alleviates the old man's troubled heart.

[bvbygrl-writes]

An Unexpected Visit

Pairing: Severus Snape x Wife!Reader

Word Count: 2k

Summary: After a long day, Severus Snape returns to his lodging to find an unexpected, but always welcomed visitor.

A/N: I didn't proof read this and I do not care to! <3

Warnings: Master / Pet Dynamic, dacryphilia (if you squint), unprotected sex, use of the term "Sir", use of the pet name "pet", slight degredation, age gap, marriage

THIS FIC IS 18+!!! MINORS / ACCOUNTS WITHOUT AGE DNI

From the time he had woken up that morning, Severus knew his day was going to be dreadful. He’d woken up late and missed breakfast (which was usually just a black coffee for him), a young boy in second year had his potion go so wrong that all the windows in his classroom were shattered, and he had spent the last few hours staring down said boy as he cleaned the rain that had come through due to his absolute idiocy.

His cloak appeared as if it had a mind of his own as he hurried through the corridors, desperate to return to his quarters for the night. He wanted nothing more than to take out his hidden stash of Brandy and curl up with a good book. Normally he wouldn’t resort to drinking his problems. However, it was friday and he’d be damned if he wasn’t going to spend his weekend how he wished.

Slamming open the door, he sighed in relief before hanging his cloak on a small hook next to it. The man went to step forward but paused, mouth slightly agape at the sight in front of him. His girl, his lovely girl was before him on her hands and knees. Her back had a silver tray on top, ribbon tied around her torso to keep it in place. On top of the tray was a warm plate of alfredo, a nice tender chicken breast on the side of it and next to the plate, a glass of Brandy with a spherical ice cube. Somehow, that wasn’t the thing that had him the most excited (despite his lack of meals for the day). She wore a green lace bodysuit with matching garters, her thigh high socks digging into the soft flesh of her thighs.

“What have we here, hm?” he purred out, a hint of curiosity in his tone. The sound of his shoes creaked on the floorboards as he began to walk around her, admiring his lover. Even as his fingers slid across the supple skin of her ass, her form remained perfectly still.

Although it wasn’t uncommon for her to come up to the castle to visit him, usually she’d send an owl first. And, on top of that, she never would partake in the role she assumed at home. At Hogwarts, she was known the potion master’s wife. A pretty young thing who had to be off her rocker to fall in love with an old, bitter man like himself. But at home, she was his pet. His perfect darling who wore her collar with pride, always on her knees in the most precise nadu position by the door, waiting to greet him with a smile. That was her truest self, a reserved and needy little pet who he loved to tend to in every way.

As he stood at her front once more he snapped and like always, she tilted her head up to look at him. Severus felt his pants begin to grow tight. It had been months since he’d seen her face it and still had the same effect on him. Her bright and wide (e/c) eyes filled with love and adoration. The sticky pink lip gloss that always coated her pouty lips. She was truly a vision.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked, running his fingers through her hair. She leaned up into his touch, releasing a shaky breath from his contact before opening her eyes once more to look up at him.

“I had a vision that you were going to have a bad day. I just wanted to be there for you, Sir. A-and I really missed you.” she responded in her soft spoken tone. Severus could feel his heart being tugged on by an nonexistent set of hands. He was truly lucky to be with someone as kind and as caring as her.

“Ah yes, your extraordinary gift of sight. The feeling is mutual, my pretty girl. After a day like I had, there’s no one I’d rather see than you. Only you can lift my spirits in the way you do.” his eyes softened as he spoke to her, moving his hand down to stroke at her cheekbone with his thumb. He began to walk towards the couch on the other side of the room, the sound of the bell around her neck indicating that she was following behind him. 

He sat down, watching as the girl made his way towards him. She moved with such grace that the plate on her back stayed centered, not moving an inch. Once she was in front of her, he carefully unstrapped it from her back, setting it on the table in front of them before pulling her to sit in his lap sideways. Severus moved his nose to her neck, inhaling the sweet scent of her vanilla perfume. He placed a soft kiss there, tightening his arms around her waist. He chuckled at the soft goosebumps that appeared over her body, moving one of his hands to caress the exposed area of her upper leg.

Reaching a hand up, (Y/n) began to massage his scalp, dragging her fingers through his raven locks. He let out a soft groan, lifting his head to look at her face. “Perhaps we should pause a moment before this petting grows to be a bit heavier. I wouldn’t want this lovely meal you made to go to waste.” he teased. She giggled some, nodding in agreement before stealing a quick kiss. Keeping one hand steady on her waist, Severus leaned forward to gather a bit of pasta and chicken on his fork before holding it to her lips. It was tradition that he always let her have the first bite, his own subtle way of letting her know that he’d always put her needs first. She happily opened her mouth, chewing on the food happily.

“Not to toot my own horn but that is bloody delicious!” she moaned out, licking a bit of the cream from her lips. Severus smiled some, reaching to swipe a bit of sauce at the corner of her mouth. His eyes locked with hers as he licked it from his thumb and the way she clenched her thighs did not go unnoticed by him.

The pair continued to share the meal, (Y/n) doing the bulk of the talking which he never minded. With her, even the most simple of stories always filled him with delight. She had a way of making almost anything sound interesting.

“And then, I accidentally drank my paint water instead of my coffee! Can you believe that?” she huffed out, her brows scrunching slightly as she recalled the events from earlier. Severus chuckled, moving her hair from her face.

“I could believe anything from you.” he responded, his sudden closeness causing the warmth of his breath to be felt upon her lips. Her face was warm to the touch, a tell tale sign of the effects the brandy they had shared was having on her. Gently gripping her chin, their lips connected in a slow and passionate kiss. The small whimper from the girl was more than enough confirmation that her need for him was just as strong as his was for her.

Giving a quick squeeze to her rear, Severus lifted his pet up, his lips not leaving hers for a moment as he began carrying her the small distance to his bedroom. Her hands pawed at him hungrily, only stilling to settle into his ravenette locks, tugging at them gently. A growl left him as he tossed her gently onto the bed, pulling back to observe his lover. Her lips were swollen and bruised, a light sheen of sweat bringing a glow to her skin. She was truly a vision. He wrapped his hands around her neck, placing a ghost of a kiss to the no longer glossy petals of her face.

“Oh, how I’ve longed to kiss those supple lips.” he said, kneeling in front of her as he trailed his hands along the curvature of her waist and hips. (Y/n) let out a gasp as he suddenly pulled the lower half of her body forward, his face aligned with the hole in the crotch of her bodysuit. “These lips too.” Before she could react, his tongue licked a fat strip along her pussy, lips suctioning onto her sensitive clit. 

Her hands secured themselves onto the thick quilt, fingers digging into the soft fabric as Severus devoured her cunt with feverish intent. His thick digits slid into her hole with ease with assistance from the mess of slick that had accumulated. The feeling of his wedding ring sliding along her walls provided an unexpected pleasant sensation. A chorus of moans fell from her lips, the upper half of her body jolting from the bed as the tips of his fingers began to prod at her spot.  His mouth alternating between licking firm and slow licks on her clit and sucking it gently was causing that familiar feeling to build in the pit of her stomach.

“Oh, Sir! Si-sir, may I- can I cum?” She pleaded in a broken tone. Severus lifted his face, a mix of arousal and saliva coating the lower half of it. 

“Go ahead, pet. Make a mess all over my hand, you messy little girl.” he purred out. Her legs began to shake, fingers practically tearing holes in the quilt as she came. Her body thrashed around wildly, warm cream drooling past Severus’s fingers and onto the bed as he continued his motions, his dark eyes locked on her as she came undone. As the twitches in her body slowly died down, he removed his fingers, sucking the filth from them. His eyes rolled back as he let out a low groan from the sweet and musky taste. 

Unzipping his fly, he removed himself from his pants, his large frame hovering over her smaller one as he aligned himself with her hole. Her heat radiated off of him in a tantalizing way, like a siren beckoning a sailor towards her. Slowly, he began to enter her inch by inch, enjoying the way her walls stretched to accommodate him. From above her, he watched her face, adoring her expression. The tears streaming down her face, the small whimpers leaving her pouty lips. Leaning down, he licked at her tears, relishing their salty taste.

Once fully situated, He grabbed her hands, placing soft kisses to her wrist before pinning them above her head. Pulling his hips back, he snapped forward, her body jolting from the sheer force. “You feel just devine, pet. I simply just can’t get enough of your pretty cunt.” He rasped out. Often times when the two would fuck, he’d simply just stare at her face. And this time was no different. As his hips started at a slow but bruising pace, their eyes were locked on each other. Whines and profanities slipped from her lips, her eyes glossed over with bliss as he continued to fuck her passionately.

As his hips began to stutter, he released her hands, giving her unspoken permission to touch. (Y/n) moved her hands up to his hair, as his own settled around her neck, pushing her further into the bed. His thrust grew sloppy and rushed as he chased his own rush, head thrown back in pleasure. A deep growl rose from the back of his throat, his cock buried deep inside her as he came, hands tightening around her neck. (Y/n) began to tighten around him, the feeling of his warm seed filling her up and big hands bringing her to the precipice of passing out was more than enough to bring her to another release.

Severus fell on top of his lover before quickly moving her to rest on top of him. His right arm cradled her head against his chest as the other stroked at her back in a soothing manner in attempts to calm her breathing. As she slowly came to, she began pressing soft kisses to his collarbone causing a soft smile to grace his face.

“Are you alright, my love?” He asked, loosening the hold on her head. She looked up at him, still panting with a large grin on her face.

“Alright is an understatement. I feel fucking fantastic!” 

[gamerwoo]

[SKZ Imprinted] Seungmin: The Enemy of My Enemy (Part 4)

@minluvly asked: CAN i request the next Seungmin part 👁️👄👁️ I NEED JUSTICE,,, OR CLOSURE

Characters: Seungmin x female reader

Genre/warnings: werewolf au, werewolf hunter au, enemies to lovers, angst, hurt/comfort kinda???, major character death again, talks of gunshot wounds and blood, needles/shots, demons and talks of demonic themes, vomiting, this one is a rollercoaster i'm so sorry <3

Word count: 3,961

Summary: Despite their best efforts, you won't come back to him. Seungmin has called on everyone to try and bring you back to life, but nothing seems to work. He's accepted that they've run out of options, when an unexpected visitor shows up to try and reverse the damage caused.

a/n: i was gonna make this longer but i felt like this was long enough already lmao. but also i've finally completed all of the skz imprinted requests 😌 so if you have any requests for the series to move it along or even like spin-off stuff pls send them in!!! 💛

Previous | Next | Imprinted Masterlist

Changbin heard it. Of course he heard it. He could barely hear your heartbeat, as faint as it was, before all he could make out was Seungmin's, pounding loudly in his chest before he let out strangled cries of your name, begging you to come back to him; to wake up. So Changbin ran faster, running straight into the house with the front door already open. He knew it was Jungkook -- he could smell him -- but he wasn't going to go after him, at least not now. He had bigger issues to worry about, and he could track down the rogue hunter later.

As soon as Changbin found the room his brother was in, holding you in his arms with your lifeless eyes still open, he gently shoved Seungmin out of the way and laid you back down on the floor. CPR was the first thing he had to start doing. He wasn't a stranger to death, so he knew what to do.

"Ch-Changbin..." Seungmin whimpered, but he wasn't even sure what he wanted to say. He was feeling and thinking too many things to make any sense.

"I know it hurts, but you need to hold yourself together," the older wolf stated in a firm but understanding tone, his eyes focused on your unmoving face. "A person can only last so long without oxygen before it fucks with their brain, so we need to restart her heart."

Seungmin tried to ignore the snapping of your ribs as Changbin performed CPR, wincing as he asked, "How?"

"Defibrillator, preferably. But... I have another option, but it's...a lot for a human."

"What is it?"

"Just go see if you can find an AED," he said, dismissing Seungmin's question. "That's the safest option for her."

As Seungmin raced off to tear the house apart, Changbin continued steady, precise compressions. It wasn't the first time he'd performed CPR on a human, but he was really hoping it would be the last.

"C'mon, _____," he breathed, refusing to give up. "You gotta come back. How could you of all people be so reckless, anyway, huh?"

He honestly was genuinely curious. How did it end up that you ended up getting shot and killed? And for Seungmin? That wasn't something anyone was expecting.

But what really got him was that you died to Jungkook. How could you die to your brother when you were clearly the stronger hunter? Changbin didn't know the whole story -- he didn't really know any of the story, he was just told that you were dying and he was the closest to your location since he was already racing to find Seungmin -- but he couldn't imagine a scenario where you would end up being overpowered by your estranged brother.

Unless all you could do was take the bullet for Seungmin, maybe? Maybe you had arrived too late?

His thoughts were interrupted by Seungmin coming back into the room, breathlessly saying, "All I found was a taser."

"That's not strong enough," he grunted. "Go into my back pocket and get the vile with the blue stuff in it."

Seungmin searched Changbin's pockets without question, coming up with what seemed to be a shot. The vile was clear, showing off a blue liquid so bright that it may have been glowing.

"What is it?" Seungmin wondered, holding the shot out to his brother.

Changbin stopped his compressions to take the medicine from Seungmin. He held the vile up to his eyes and flicked it a few times to make sure it was mixed. His brows furrowed, seeming unhappy with his second option.

"Well, I brought this for you," he sighed. "This is basically adrenaline for werewolves. If it were you in this situation, I'd inject you with it to restart your heart. But given it's a human..."

Seungmin gulped, finally understanding Changbin's worries. Adrenaline for a human wouldn't be nearly enough for a werewolf. So adrenaline for a werewolf was more than likely very unsafe for a human.

Unsafe for you.

"I'm hoping if I only do a small dose, it'll still be enough to get her heart going," Changbin mumbled as he eyed the numbers and lines marking the vile. "The problem is...I'm not a doctor and I don't know what's too much and what's not enough."

Seungmin took a deep breath, tears still falling from his eyes and down his cheeks as he nodded, "I trust you."

Changbin glanced to his brother, "You sure?"

"You really can't make it any worse," he shrugged with a sad laugh that almost sent him spiraling into more sobbing.

So with that, Changbin stabbed the needle straight into your heart, just above the gunshot wound. He pressed the syringe with his thumb, deciding to go with half the vile...and then just a little more just in case.

You gasped. It was loud and sounded like it made your throat hurt, your chest rising with it. Changbin yanked the needle out and watched with wide eyes as you blinked for the first time in the last 10 or 15 minutes.

Seungmin started crying again.

You started choking on the liquid that had began to build up in your throat, and Changbin was quick to sit you up as you coughed, blood and mucus splattering on his and your clothes, and into your lap.

"_____!" Seungmin cried, a hopeful smile on his face.

And almost as quickly as you came to life, your eyes closed again, and your body went limp, flopping forward into Changbin's chest.

"_-_____?" Seungmin's voice was full of worry again, thinking you'd only come back to him for a few short seconds. "Changbin?"

But your heart was still beating -- and erratically at that.

"Call Seungcheol," Changbin ordered, still holding you to his chest, feeling liquids -- maybe spit, but probably more blood that had tried to come out of your mouth when you were shot -- soak through his t-shirt. "We're gonna need help now."

"Is she okay?" Seungmin asked as he took Changbin's phone from his hand after he got it from his pocket.

"She's breathing," Changbin stated. "Now we have to make sure it doesn't stop, and we need to make sure this adrenaline doesn't kill her. Her car's out front, so we'll take that."

-

Despite being woken from their slumber, Aya and Joshua were wide awake as they worked to stabilize you. The whole house was up now, gathered downstairs with the rest of Bang Chan's pack that was showing up to see what the fate of Seungmin's mate would be.

Chan had beat Changbin and Seungmin to Seungcheol's, going up the stairs to Joshua's room where they'd use his desk as a makeshift operating table. He kept an arm around Seungmin's shoulders as they watched Aya and Joshua work to remove the bullet without causing any more issues.

When Ryujin and Minho got there, Ryu ran straight up the stairs, bursting into the room with wild sobs. Chan had to initially hold her back as she fought to get to you, like she could do something. If he had a dollar for every time she threatened to hunt down Jungkook, he would've had enough to pay off a doctor to keep quiet about the situation and send you to a hospital without getting outted.

Eventually, after getting your bullet wound under control, Chan declared he needed some air before he left the room, leaving Seungmin, Changbin, Ryu, Minho, and the two doctors to it.

"Adenocor isn't working," Joshua murmured, hearing how rapidly your heart was still beating. "We need to get her heart to slow down."

Aya turned to look at Changbin, who was now hanging back on Joshua's bed, "What did you give her?"

"Lycanthamine."

Aya's eyes widened, but her eyebrows stayed set low, "How much?"

"Maybe...two-thirds of a vile," Changbin shrugged before letting out a groan. "Don't look at me like that, I'm not a doctor! I tried!"

"What's happening?" Seungmin asked, not understanding anything that they were talking about.

"Lycanthamine could kill her," Ryu stated in a quiet, monotone voice through her sniffles.

"What? But she-- She's breathing!" Seungmin argued.

"And if her heart doesn't slow down to a regular pace, she won't be soon," Joshua murmured, still focused on trying to reset your heart. "We cauterized the bullet wound so there shouldn't be any internal bleeding. The only thing now is how fast her heart is beating. It's only getting faster."

Seungmin had stayed intently focused on the sound of your heart -- which, admittedly, was the fastest heartbeat in the house. It was fast and intense, but at least it was beating.

...Right?

"Too much Lycanthamine will kill a human," Changbin sighed, guilt clear in his voice even though he was trying to stay neutral and composed. Seungmin turned to look at his brother when he spoke, and he could see the regret all over his face, though he looked mostly pissed at himself. "Remember? You said you trusted me."

Seungmin wanted to say something, but before he could, he heard you begin to hyperventilate. Your eyes were still closed, but your chest was rapidly rising and falling with shallow, quick breaths. The beating of your heart was now rapidly increasing instead of so slowly that he hardly noticed.

"What's happening?" Minho questioned as Aya and Joshua were rushing to inject you with more medicine and check your vitals.

"Her heart is going too fast," Aya explained, trying to stay calm but she couldn't help the slight panic that leaked into her tone.

The room was filled with voices, quick and panicked. Aya and Joshua trying to work with each other to figure out how to slow your heartbeat down, Ryu explaining to Minho and Seungmin what was happening and why, and Changbin beating himself up silently behind them.

It only happened for 60 seconds. 60 seconds of absolute chaos. 60 seconds of Joshua and Aya rushing around each other and doing whatever they could think of to help. 60 seconds of voice muddling together, the mayhem piquing the interest of the werewolves downstairs who could hear the rushed talking and your even faster heartbeat.

And after 60 seconds, dead silence.

The whole house seemed to stop when your heart did. Joshua and Aya froze, golden eyes staring down at your lifeless body, eyes scanning your face, then your chest. Ryu, Minho, and Seungmin stopped talking with Minho mid-sentence. Changbin stopped pacing, turning his head toward the desk. And everyone downstairs, still a little on-edge from Ankita's allergy scare even after she left for the hospital, frozen in their places as they waited for what would come next.

Aya sighed, dropping her head as her eyes closed, "Call it."

Ryu screamed. The cry she let out sounded strangled, scratching her throat as it came out. Minho held her tightly, keeping her from going to you and making things worse -- not that they could get much worse, but he didn't need her punching you in the chest in a futile attempt to bring you back to life.

"Call it?!" Seungmin cried, looking down at the older wolf. "What do you mean?! That's it?!"

"1:17am," Joshua sighed, his eyes closing as he tried to keep his composure.

It hurt both of them to say it. A mate had died, and it was a mate of someone that may not have been in their pack, but they were still close with -- especially Aya. But there was nothing else they could do. You had now died twice within just a couple hours of each instance, and no doubt the insane amount of werewolf adrenaline had fucked with your heart. The odds of them getting it started again were slim to none.

Aya looked up at him with sad eyes, "Min, I-- ...We did everything."

"Aya, c'mon," his tone turned from angry and demanding to broken and pleading. His eyes were glossy as his bottom lip began to quiver. "Please, there's gotta be something; this can't be it, right? Aya?"

"Seungmin, I'm sorry," she stressed, taking his hands and looking him dead in the eye even though she didn't want to. She felt mildly responsible since you were alive for at least as long as it took to get you to them, and then some, but you still died because her and Josh couldn't fix you. "Her heart is damaged. We can't restart it again. I... Minnie, you know if I could do more, I would. I can't...I'm sorry..."

Tears welled in Aya's eyes, and that's when Seungmin knew that was really it.

His knees gave out, falling to them on the floor as he let out loud whimpers and sobs. Aya got down beside him, wrapping her arms around him and trying her best to comfort him as Changbin walked over and patted his back.

Downstairs, it was Seungcheol who quietly announced to the pack that you were gone. Chan had tried to contact Jisung to let him know, but his phone was turned off. The room was somber, wolves holding their mates just a little tighter. Tears were shed, even by those who hardly knew you, but because they couldn't even imagine what Seungmin was going through. They'd all heard the stories of what happened when a werewolf lost their mate, and now Seungmin had to live with that.

"God... Poor Seungmin..." Soonyoung murmured.

"I can't believe it..." Bomi let out a soft, sad laugh. "_____ was always so tough. She was one of the strongest people I know. Honestly, I thought she'd live forever."

Chan let out a deep sigh, wiping his tears with the back of his hand before he dropped his arm from around Aeri and stepped away, "I should...go upstairs."

"I'll go with you," Aeri stated more than she was offering.

"You should stay dow--"

"I'm going," she pressed again, walking toward the stairs before the alpha even could.

As the pair began up the stairs, all of the wolves suddenly stopped and looked toward the door. A handful of them let out low growls.

"What?" Juri asked when Seungcheol began moving her behind him.

"Jeonghan, get the mates upstairs," Seungcheol ordered quietly. "Jun, Wonwoo, and Hao, go with them."

"Felix, go," Chan nodded his head toward the stairs, telling him to go with them.

"Christopher, what is it?" Aeri demanded.

Bomi stood from the couch, catching onto what the wolves were sensing, eyes narrowed as she wiped the last of the tears from her eyes, "Namjoon."

"Where's that spineless psychopath?" Hyunjin growled, already striding toward the door, "I'll tear him apart."

"Hyunjin," Chan growled.

The younger wolf stopped in his tracks despite the way his jaw and hands clenched.

"Seungcheol," Bomi spoke up calmly, eyes staying toward where the door was located even though she couldn't see it, "can I have my gun?"

"You're not--"

"And you are?" Bomi interrupted her mate's protests before they even started. "A werewolf against werewolf hunters? Absolutely not."

"I'm not leaving," Mingyu stated.

She shrugged, "Then stay behind me."

Soonyoung was the one to retrieve Bomi's old weapons as the mates were brought up the stairs to be kept safe. The rest of the werewolves stayed gathered behind Bomi, though none of them seemed happy about it from the way some of them continued to try to press so close against her that she was almost squished against the door.

Bomi opened the door before Namjoon could even knock. He was accompanied by Yoongi and Jimin.

"What do you want?" she questioned before Namjoon could even open his mouth.

"Would you believe me if I told you we want to help?" he asked.

She scoffed, "I'd sooner believe that Yoongi fell in love."

Yoongi rolled his eyes, "Ha ha."

"Why should we believe you?" Seungcheol was the alpha to step around Bomi to stand beside her. "Werewolf hunters don't help werewolves.''

"Not to mention you've only caused absolute hell for my pack," Chan spoke up, standing on Bomi's other side. "First a jealous ex, and now a jealous brother? No fucking way we want anything to do with you guys."

"I assure you, Taehyung isn't with us," Namjoon promised. "Him and Jin are out searching for Jungkook. What happened between him and _____ was not approved of by us. He did that behind our back."

"What he did breaks the treaty," Jimin added.

Namjoon nodded, "Exactly. That's why we're here to help."

Bomi narrowed her eyes, "You want to help because Jungkook broke the treaty?"

"Correct. It's the least we could do. Please believe us."

"And how could you help us?" Chan quizzed.

Yoongi let out a huff before he asked, "Do you want _____ back or not?"

-

Ryujin was already standing in the doorway when Chan led the hunter into the room. Her face was blotchy and swollen, and her eyes still had tears in them, but her gaze was fierce and, and she pointed an angel blade at the trio.

"Ryu--"

"Go away," she stated harshly, interrupting Chan. "I don't care if you think you can bring _____ back. I don't trust any of you."

"We tried to talk to her," Joshua told Seungcheol who gave him a questioning look from behind the hunters, "but she threatened us with the knife."

"Ryu," Namjoon began calmly, holding his hands in surrender, "we just want to help and then we'll be out of your life. You'll never see or hear from us again."

"That was supposed to be the case before," she pointed out. "Who's to say Taehyung and Jungkook won't team up and go behind your back again?"

"We'll make sure it doesn't happen," he promised.

"You know how tight we can keep the leash," Jimin smirked.

Ryu's eyes narrowed further, seeming to consider their offer.

Finally, she stated, "I want a deal with Jungkook."

"We can't find him," Yoongi plainly shrugged.

"Then bring him to me when you find him."

"If that's what you wish," Namjoon nodded. "But until then, we can't make a new treaty so that way we can come find you."

"Fine."

"Fine."

Finally, Ryu lowered the knife and allowed Minho to bring her off to the side, allowing the three hunters in.

"How're you going to bring her back?" Chan wondered.

"Deal with the boss," Yoongi sighed, rubbing his hands together as he approached your body, still laying on the desk.

Joshua's eyes furrowed, "Boss?"

"Yoongi's a demon," Bomi explained, though she seemed very unimpressed.

"So...are we making a deal with...the devil?" Chan wondered slowly.

"This one's on the house," Yoongi told him, still facing your corpse. "Just between me and the big guy."

Seungmin walked over to stand beside Yoongi, golden eyes looking at your face that would've looked like you were sleeping if he knew your heart was still. Then he looked at Yoongi.

"Will she be...different?"

"No, but she'll be really sick when she wakes up."

Yoongi turned his head to the small audience, an eyebrow quirked and annoyance on his face, "Any other questions or can I get on with this?"

The room was silent, all eyes on Yoongi.

So the demon turned back to your body, closing his eyes as he hovered his hands over your heart and your stomach. He murmured to himself in a language Seungmin couldn't understand for a while, a soft glow starting to come from Yoongi's hands and slowly grow brighter and around your body. Yoongi's eyes shot open, eyes engulfed in black as his chanting continued, and your body began to bow upward toward his hands. With your body levitating off of the table, Yoongi leaned over toward your head, cradling your head with one hand while he used his thumb of his other hand to part your lips. What looked like white smoke came from Yoongi's lips as he continued to whisper words, and the smoke seemed like it was being sucked into your mouth even though you weren't breathing.

Then your body lowered back onto the table, with Yoongi still transferring the odd smoke into your mouth, and the light around you dulled.

Yoongi stood up straight again and watched your face without expression, the room behind him silent.

"W-what now?" Seungmin broke the silence, tearing his eyes away from your face to look at Yoongi.

And that was when you shot up, eyes wide and gasping for air like you had the first time. Yoongi caught you, expecting you to do this, and then quickly stepped to the side, still holding onto your shoulders as you coughed and threw up off of the desk and onto the floor. Black liquid mixed with blood pouring out of your mouth.

"God...fuck," you groaned when you could finally breathe.

"_____?" Seungmin said your name in a hopeful voice.

But all too soon, you slumped against Yoongi, eyes closing again.

But you were breathing. Your heart was still going, and at a normal pace this time.

You were alive.

"She'll probably be out for a while," Yoongi explained as he gingerly laid your body back down. "Like I said, she'll be sick for about a week, give or take a few days. It'll be bad. She's gonna throw up black stuff a lot, and probably have the chills. It's not gonna be pretty. Just stay with her. If she doesn't show signs of getting better within the next 7 days, bring her to our HQ."

"Now go find Jungkook," Ryu ordered behind him. "Leave."

Yoongi turned around, flashing her a sarcastic smile, "Of course, princess."

Yoongi stalked out of the room without saying anything else, and Jimin quickly followed after him. Namjoon lingered, eyes trained on you for just a moment longer before he moved toward the door. He met gazes with everyone in the room before he stopped on Ryu.

"We'll be in touch," he promised before Seungcheol and Bomi followed him out.

Even when the door closed, Seungmin didn't move. He continued to stand at the desk, next to your head. All he did was stare. He was afraid if he touched you, you might stop breathing again.

Ryu, however, rushed right over to you. She threw her torso over your body and sobbed loudly, but Seungmin's eyes stayed on your face.

Finally, he very gingerly took your hand in his and squeezed, eyes filling with tears once again. He was shocked he even had tears left in him.

Behind them, the two packs discussed if they should bring you back home or keep you there, but Seungmin wasn't paying attention. All he could focus on was your heartbeat. The sweet, sweet sound of hearing your heart again. He never thought he'd treasure that sound so much.

"Minnie," Chan's voice was right beside him as he put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Seungcheol's gonna make up the bed downstairs for you to stay with _____. Aya's mom will be over in the morning to check on her."

Seungmin nodded mindlessly, hardly even hearing Seungcheol.

The time it took to move your body was a blur to him. Your chest was wrapped in gauze, and Aya put a heart monitor on you. Seungmin had to admit he was impressed by the amount of equipment she had managed to smuggle into the house through various means.

By the time he crawled into bed beside you, he realized just how exhausted he really was. He wasn't sure the time, but he knew it was very early in the morning. He had been running purely on adrenaline and heartbreak, and now with his head against a pillow and your warm body beside him, all he wanted to do was snuggle against you and close his eyes.

But even unconscious, Seungmin respected your boundaries, settling for just wrapping his hand around yours before he closed his eyes, falling asleep to the sound of your heartbeat.

-

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[bookwormchocaholic]

Desperate Souls: Chapter One

Summary:

Rumplestiltskin is intrigued when one of his sworn enemies shows up on his doorstep begging for help.

Notes:

Not outlined, not beta-ed, no idea how long it will be or how often I'll update. There will be smut. Enjoy.

I barely heard the pathetic little rap on the front entrance of the Dark Castle. Whenever I spin, I fall deep into a vortex. To forget. But the faint knocking continued and after I magicked myself down to the foyer, I snapped my fingers and the door swung open.

A cloaked creature tumbled at my feet unable to rise.

“What the hell do you want?” I demanded. The rain was lashing against the windows, the clouds rumbled above, and my visitor was soaked to the bone. “Well?” My shout echoed throughout the castle.

“Please, Dark One, please help me! I didn’t know who else to go to!” A familiar feminine voice responded.

I flicked back her hood, curled my finger under her chin, and raised her head up. Belle of Avonlea was humbled before me, bruised and bloodied. She was one of those pesky heroes who roamed the countryside, bent on liberating the people from the clutches of us villains. Snow White and Prince David led the heroes. How Belle of Avonlea joined them, I don’t know, but from the start she was different from the rest. She rarely carried a weapon; she preferred books and trickery to brute force.

I’ve had a few encounters with the sly little minx. Once, I was on my way to the Evil Queen’s to pay a call and Belle ambushed me out of nowhere, and plunged a dagger in my back. The one time she carries a weapon! Well, it wasn’t much of an ambush. I could sense her presence, heard her panting for breath, her feet hitting every infernal twig in the whole damn forest. She wanted to slay the beast.

I jerked the dagger out of my skin and spinning around, pinned her against the tree. Were she anyone else, I’d have slit her pretty throat right then and there. Let her blood soak the ground, a warning for the heroes of what awaited them if they attempted something so foolhardy. But I peered into her eyes and despite her intentions, her heart and spirit were pure. She only wanted to do good. Rid the world of evil and whatnot. The deep calleth unto the deep, my perverse little soul was drawn to hers.

Rather than cut her, I leaned in and kissed her softly. She gasped against my lips and when I backed away, releasing her, she didn’t wipe my kiss off. Actually, she licked her lips. Not my finest moment, for all I knew she would tell others I had grown soft and had feelings for her. I didn’t; I just wanted to ruffle her feathers. Vex her, confuse her, tease her. Belle stood there, palm on chest, breathing heavily, befuddled at my actions. She then scampered off, back to her group of heroes.

The next time I saw her, I was going to and fro following the heroes spying on them, fully invisible. None of them knew I was there. They couldn’t. Well, Belle of Avonlea somehow detected I was there. She kept looking in my direction, wearing the identical expression she wore after I kissed her. She couldn’t see me, but her pure soul sensed my wretched one. She could have alerted the heroes of my presence. Should have, if she had any loyalty to them. Not that they could have done anything to subdue me. But she could have warned them to stop talking. Yet she didn’t. She let them ramble about their futile plans. I went on my way, knowing precisely how to thwart their future strikes against me.

The third time, I had taken on the form of one of their own and heard the fools discussing invading my Dark Castle. To take me down. Make me their slave. Control me and have all the power in the realm. Belle of Avonlea claimed to know how, having gleaned special knowledge from an ancient book in an obscure language. It was a ruse. She blatantly lied to them and they believed her. They failed.

That last encounter was over a week ago.

“Please, they will kill me. Please.” Belle whimpered.

Tears eked out from beneath her purple swollen lids. Her lovely face was bloodied and if I wasn’t all knowing, I wouldn’t have recognized her. She wouldn’t last much longer on her own. Hell, she was half-dead already. Only the gods knew what trouble she had gotten herself into. Or what trouble she was about to get into now that she was in my custody.

I couldn’t bear her crying. I scooped her up in my arms, silently commanded the door to close, and carried her up to one of the bed chambers. Not that I felt sorry for her. Oh no, for I had great plans for Belle of Avonlea.

[jungle-angel]

Settling In (Rhett Abbott x Reader)

Summary: It’s another freezing night in Wabang and you and Rhett decide to get the kids settled in for the night

“Alright miscreants!” Rhett called up the stairs. “Dinner’s ready!” 

Seven little Abbotts all came barreling down the stairs, nearly slipping and falling over each other on the way down, only to be pulled up to their feet by Amy. 

Hannah was the first to grab her plate for dinner as you loaded it with potatoes and pot roast. Royal was the last one through the door, stamping his feet off on the doormat before shutting and locking the door, only to have one of the skunks curling around his leg the same way Willy and Tiny usually did with visitors. 

“Damnit Rhett!” Royal cursed. “I told ya’ll to keep these rats with stripes down in the basement.” 

“Dad c’mon, they’re basically domesticated cats,” Rhett chuckled. 

“Yeah, domesticated cats that smell like Willie Nelson’s tour bus,” Royal muttered under his breath.

Kaya shakily carried her dinner plate to the table before Royal took it from her, scooping her right up off the ground and reveling in his granddaughter’s giggling. You and Kaya were the last to take your places at the table, surrounded by everyone but Cecelia as Royal said grace. 

Dinner was eaten with the kids chattering away about all the things they had done during school. Hannah couldn’t stop talking about how her teacher was teaching the class how to knit and how she planned to make mittens for everybody. The twins on the other hand, had their first grade teacher in stitches after they had been discussing Thorny Devils during their main lesson on animals, unwittingly letting their poor teacher know that their father had shared the nickname “horny toad” with the funny looking little lizard while also remaining morbidly fixated on the fact that it could shoot blood from its eyes. 

“So Daddy’s a horny toad huh?” Royal laughed. 

“It ain’t funny dad,” Rhett warned him, his face going red. 

“Royal, c’mon, as funny as it is, there are alot of little ears present,” you said, trying to hide your own laughter. 

“Aw c’mon (y/n), ya’ll should’ve heard the shit that my dad used to say in front of this one,” Royal said, pointing to Rhett. 

As soon as everyone was done and the dishes loaded into the dishwasher for the night, it soon came time for the utter hell that you and Rhett had down to military precision.......bathtime. 

Rhett had each and every one of the kids lined up in the halls with Amy going first since she was the oldest of the bunch. Hannah had been no trouble at all, but the twins had been a different story. The two little troublemakers had gotten it in their heads to use Rhett’s Irish Spring as bubble bath, but despite you and Rhett’s exasperation, you didn’t care as long as the boys were clean. Kaya was  next and the last set of twins, Harvey and Franklin, were the last to go before each of the kids were in their pjs and ready for bed. 

“Oh, hey now,” you chuckled as you looked at your phone. “Guess what?” 

“What? Wes’s septic tank exploded again?” Rhett said with a shit eating grin. 

“No,” you answered. “No school on Monday. Every school in Amelia County is closed.” 

“Oh damnit,” Rhett groaned. 

You laughed as you handed Hannah her pink blanket, fresh from the dryer. “You gonna go and see if your Ma needs help?” 

Rhett nodded and headed straight up the stairs to the bedroom the two of you had shared for the last ten years, only to find Cecelia sitting in the rocker with Dallas falling in and out of sleep in her arms. 

“Oh ya’ll are just too cute for your own good,” she cooed as the tiny little boy drifted in and out of sleep. “Pretty soon girls will be fallin all over you just like they used to do for your daddy.” 

“Let’s just hope it ain’t too soon for that Ma.” 

“Jeebus, Mary and Joseph!” Cecelia jumped. “Need I remind ya’ll Rhett James, that I happen to be holding a little one?” 

Rhett laughed a little before Cecelia handed Dallas off to him. Even now, it still made Rhett nervous as hell to hold something so small and completely dependent on him and you. “Ya’ll gonna go get in bed for the night, Ma?” 

“I think I might,” Cecelia yawned. “Your father and I might watch one of the old James Bond movies and sleep in tomorrow since it’s Saturday.” 

“Ya’ll can go,” Rhett told her. “I’ve got this.” 

Rhett seated himself in the rocker near the small woodstove in your room, calmly rocking the little one all wrapped up in his Irish knit blanket that Cecelia had made for him. Rhett couldn’t believe that he was still this small, worrying every day if Dallas would grow or if he’d have problems later in life, despite the nurses telling you and Rhett that he’d turn out perfectly fine. 

Rhett began to hum a song that Russell Redwood had taught him as a child, one that the Nez Perce mothers used to sing to their children to help them sleep at night during the frigid winter months. He hardly noticed the sound of small feet on the hard wooden floors when Kaya came trailing in with a book in one hand and her little velveteen bunny rabbit tucked under her arm. 

“Daddy?” she whispered.  

“What baby?” he asked. “Whatcha need?” 

“Can you read me a story?” 

“Let me get your brother into bed and I’ll read it, ok?” 

Kaya nodded and jumped up onto yours and Rhett’s bed when you entered, fresh from the bath and taking Dallas from Rhett before placing the little one in the knotted pine cradle next to the bed with plenty of blankets. Tiny, the calico house cat, crawled right in beside him, purring as she laid her head right near his and one of her paws slung across him. Thankfully, Willy was downstairs, much like he always was and their kittens nested safely in their basket near the fireplace. 

You and Rhett crawled into bed with Kaya between you before Rhett began reading “The Mitten”, a favorite of hers which Kaya had pestered Rhett to read every winter. 

When he finally reached the end of the book, Kaya was snoring away before Rhett turned off the lights and pulled the covers over the two of you. “Think we should carry her to bed?” he whispered. 

“Nah, let her be,” you answered. “We’ll be up before her anyways.” 

You could see him smiling in the dark before he kissed the back of your hand, the both of you hugging Kaya as she slept with the two of you joining her in sleep very soon. 

[anataliex]

A visit to the zoo

_________________________________________

---------------------------------------------------

The sky turned dark blue and the zoo was enveloped by the curtain of the night. The visitors have already left, the only people remaining were the tributes and the peacekeepers, standing next to the gate, so that no one could enter. Most of the tributes have already fallen asleep, those who were lucky on a stack of hay, those more unfortunate, on the cold, hard floor. Even the sounds of the Capitol have been tuned out. The silence was complete, only disturbed by the silent clatter that could've been heard. Lucy Gray, the only one in the cage that was awake, listened to the clatter subconsciously. She thought nothing of it though, untill the sound seemed to draw closer. Slowly, it became clearer and clearer. It didn't sound like some mechanism, as she originally thought, but a cane. A cane steadily hitting the ground, as if someone was walking with it.

Curious about the sound, Lucy went up to the grates and looked around the pathways of the zoo. She listened in the direction of where the sound came from and looked towards it. A second later, a woman appeared from the corner, black cane, with a silver handle, in her hand. With her long black coat, she looked like a silouthette of the dark. As she came closer, a faint light of the almost unworking, old, street lamp illuminated her face, adorned with a light sly smile. She didn't look like she was supposed to be there. As the tribute was lost in thought, her gaze concentrated on the figure, a deep, smooth woman's voice snapped her out of it.

- Lovely time for a stroll, don't you agree? Having trouble sleeping? - she asked with her voice low.

- The ground isn't the most comfortable, if I do say so myself - Lucy replied with her own melodic tone - You don't look like you should be here.

- That's most probably because I shouldn't, but I could not care less - the woman got closer to the grates and smiled sweetly.

The smile had a strange undertone to it, something was wrong with it but the tribute couldn't quite pinpoint what.

After a longer while of looking at the lady, she finally remembered where she recognized her from.

- You're the girl my mentor talked to earlier today. Has he sent you here? - she also got closer to bars of the monkey enclosure and wrapped her fingers around it

- Hm, no, not quite. I came here out of my own...interest... Now, since you recall me, it would be appropriate to actually introduce myself, no? - the other girl's hand reached out to her - Nayele Ciar Vulpes, a pleasure to meet you, Lucy Gray - her voice was soft, almost like a hum, when she introduced herself. Nonchalant, as if this was a normal first meeting in a cafe, and not in a zoo, where one person was kept as an attraction.

She took her hand and Nayele raised it to her lips, kissing the back of it gently before letting it go.

- So interest? Are you interested in people in an animal cage? - there was slight sarcasm in her voice.

- In you, precisely. - the woman leaned on her cane. - you're the mentee of my dear friend, and a great preformer from what I've seen, I think it's only natural for me to be interested in you. - she reached into her pocket and took out a small linnen bag and handed it to her - Painkillers. You may need them and I've seen you're friend over there has been struggling with something on his neck.

Lucy took the bag and opened it, in it were four translucent pills. She took one out and examined it in her fingers before putting it back. She looked back at Jessup sleeping next to a rock.

- Will it help him?

- It will take away the pain, it makes it that much easier - she handed her another packet, this one something wrapped in a napkin - also, take this. You'll need as much food as you can get. The government can't even feed their guests - Nayele sighed - and here I thought they had some manners.

The tribute now looked at the napkin wrapped gift, and slowly looked into it. An apple, some grapes and a roll were the containes. She looked back at the face before her.

- Thank you...

- So was I right, about you being a preformer? - the woman questioned, looking her in the eyes.

- You could call me that. I sing at a pub back in twelve with the Covey. They're my troupe. - Lucy responded, taking out the grapes and eating some.

- That's very nice, so a singer. I could've guessed by your lovely voice. I play the violin. You know, maybe if the circumstances were different we could've duetted. - she gave her that smile again, but now the girl decided to only focus on it's sweetness, the strange undertone must have only been a matter of her coming here at night.

- Maybe - the tribute responded with a smile of her own.

- You could use that in the games - Nayele adviced - The people love a show after all... Your figure could also be beneficial. You seem pretty agile and you're slim, you could climb into small spaces. Look for those. - she gently took a hold of Lucy's face and examined it with her eyes - I think you have a better chance at winning than one would think. - she let go and leaned back, her arm retracking to the pocket of her coat. - Now, I better get going before any of your mates wake up. Take my tips to heart, or don't. Toodaloo - she hummed before turning around and walking away into one of the alleys of the once filled with people zoo.

_________________________________________

Well hello, this time I come with a snippet of my other hunger games OC, Nayele. This is her first meeting with Lucy Gray. I hope you like her and enjoyed reading this.

<3

[umichenginabroad]

Week 1: Place Japan

Howdy y’all, it’s me Connor, checking in after my first week here in Nagoya, Japan.

First off, holy guacamole the culture shock is real. Who could have guessed being in a country 6000 miles away from home is a bit disorienting. However, I have begun to get used to all the changes. Because classes have yet to start I have done nothing but eat, explore and experience this amazing country, that I have somehow found myself in. So let’s go over some highlights together:

First day in I visited the forefront tourist destination the Nagoya Castle. There is nothing I can say about this location other than stunning, an absolute marvel of scale and human ability. Every inch was intricate and precisely made.

This is a photo of me in front of Nagoya Castle. Sadly the main portion (The white building) was closed to visitors however I was able to tour the palace (The smaller wooden building) which was astoundingly beautiful. The entire area was filled with history and I was able to learn so much. I even got to see the largest stone ever placed in a handmade stone wall (Photo not included).

(left) A cup of matcha and a green tea mochi dessert I had. Both had a wonderful earthy flavor which I really loved. I even got to sit at a traditional Japanese table on the ground it was a ton of fun. (right) a photo I got with two real life ninjas at Nagoya Castle. Later this week we even got to explore Iga, a city renown for the Ninja arts.

Day two was orientation, this is the first day where I met all the new people I’m going to be spending the next month with. Luckily everyone was super friendly so I had no problems introducing myself. I moved in with little issue and got done with the orientation for classes quickly. We even had a huge party afterwards with the professors and some other Nagoya University students.

A banquet and party held by the staff. This is where I met a lot of the tutors who are current Nagoya University students who are helping us adjust to life here. They are all super cool and telling me I shouldn't be a Chunichi Dragons fan (The local major league baseball team) but I still can't wait to go to a game (Hopefully next Friday).

This is my dorm room, it is actually smaller in real life but I can't wait to call it home for the next month.

The next couple days were spent on a huge group trip to the cultural capital of the country, Kyoto. We saw a ton of amazing architecture between the number of castles and shrines we visited along with the clustered and vibrant streets of the downtown. This trip is when I met a lot of my new friends too. I had such an amazing time and plan on going back at some point later this trip.

The first of the temples we visited in Kyoto, this was the Kinkaku-Ji. It was a massive gold structure surrounded by beautifully cut wilderness. This will truly be a place I will never forget. Funny enough this temple was also known for its mochi, I got the brown sugar flavor which was quite delicious.

This was our trip to the Kiyomizu-Dera one of the most famous temples in the entire world. This is where you wash yourself with sacred water which was a wonderful time. Another absolute wonder of human ingenuity. Most of it was built simply with wood fittings and no nails.

I lit incense and candles at temples for a number of reasons. I was shown how to by some of the staff for the NUSIP program and how to properly pray to ensure my wishes come true.

This was me visiting the Fushimi-Inari Shrine (More commonly known as the primary Torii Gate Shrine). Fun fact I woke up at 3:45 am to see this and it was well worth it. Another absolute marvel of scale with there being about 10,000 gates you can walk through.

On the left I am joined by some friends at a river in Kyoto we actually took a quick dip in because it has been exceptionally hot and humid out this week. On the right it is another group of friends I have made at an Izakaya, a type of Japanese restaurant often know for its large number of appetizer-like courses and large drink menus.

During the Kyoto excursion we also stopped in Nara, another huge cultural center of Buddhism within Japan, more important though, THEY HAVE SUPER FRIENDLY DEER THAT YOU CAN FEED AND PET.

Finally the weekend came and we were left to our own devices:

Saturday we has a chock full day of visiting Nagoya's very own shrines which although less impressive than the ones in Kyoto were beautiful never-the-less. This day also included a trip to the Nagoya Port Aquarium where we saw an amazing dolphin show.

Sunday we went to Nagoya Spaland. It is a combination amusement park, water park and spa. It was so much fun and there were no lines and I even went on the longest roller coaster in the world. Sadly we got caught in a massive rainstorm and you can see me and my friends rocking trash bag ponchos to protect ourselves. We got laughed at by everyone but we made the bus so it all ended well.

Classes are finally going to start this week and I am eagerly awaiting them. I have gone over all of the syllabus for my engineering course and I am going to learn an incredible amount about the automotive industry. I truly cannot express my excitement as Japan is just filled to the brim with automotive history. I am also ready for my Japanese skills to improve with class. Its been fun being the Americans who don't speak any Japanese but it has made traveling quite a bit harder.

Lastly for a little surprise here is a tik I made in Kyoto to the song Kyoto by Phoebe Bridgers :)

Until next time, さようなら, また 来週

Connor Gilfillan

Mechanical Engineering

NUSIP Automotive Engineering in Nagoya, Japan

[chimerathewriter]

Blame it on the palm wine pt 2

Attuma x Okoye

pt.1

Summary: W'kabi leaves Okoye and another man takes the opportunity

P'áatal ti' mak a chi'ex= stay silent

In rindo= I surrender

As General Talokanil had predicted, Okoye had caught a bad cold the next day, she couldn't move, her muscles were sore. Her head was spinning and rumbling. It was just hell, she checked her phone and as she expected there were a lot of missed calls from her, M'baku, Shuri, Ayo, Aneka and Nakia, she texted to reassure them. She heard someone knocking, she got up and opened it was just the postman.

"The Divorce file has finally arrived" Okoye immediately opened the envelope, read it for a while and immediately signed, felt sick again and went back to bed. Suddenly the phone rang and he answered it

"Okoye it's me Nakia, how do you feel?"

"I just caught a cold, I should be back to training in a few days" she explained blowing her nose

"I'm sorry, what about the other problem?"

"If you mean divorce between me and W'kabi, I'm fine, I’m happy I don't have him around anymore" he heard children laughing

" Are you working?"

"Actually I'm in Wakanda, Talokanil youth are here for cultural exchange"

"A school trip?"

"Yes, however, I'm near the river if you want to come"

"Uh, I don't know..."

"If you are worried about taking care of children, there is a supervisor with them, it is Attuma"

" Are you still here?"

"Yeah, I'm still not feeling well"

"Okay, I'll come and visit you , with a nice pepper soup"

"Thank you" the call ended, she curled up under her blanket.

It would be too strange to be next to him with Nakia in, and besides they're working, it's better not to distract them.

Okoye immediately opened the envelope. She was too tired to think seriously, the only thing she knew was that after yesterday's scene, in which she was drunk and in his arms, she didn't want to see him, precisely she didn't want to be seen. The medicines she had been taking were making their affection, slowly her eyes became heavier until she fell asleep.

Nearby Nakia was explaining to visitors the different tribes of the kingdom and how they were divided. The general remained silent throughout the visit trying to put the young people in their place.

"P'áatal ti' mak a chi'ex" the man said getting them silent

" Okay this is the end of the tour, tomorrow you are going to see the Dora Milaje you can swim" the woman said pointing to the river, they didn't get told a second time they dived, the younger children stood next to the general

"Thanks for visiting," she said

" No problem"

" What is that?" he asked, pointing to the container she was holding

"It contains pepper soup, it's for Okoye. She caught a cold that will make her feel better," she explained as she walked away, her gaze didn't leave her.

Nakia arrived at her friend's house, opened the door with some extra keys.

"Okoye it's me Nakia" she announced but no answer, she walked into the bedroom, and saw her friend snuggled up against her, shaking her gently.

"Nakia hi" Okoye whispered still asleep, Nakia placed a hand on her forehead

"The fever seems to have subsided a bit, drink some soup"

"Have you finished with the visit?"

"Yes, I'm in the river, let's go out behind the porch"

"Um no.. I don't want to"

"I can't leave them out alone, and you can't stay in bed get some fresh air" she said helping her up 

They went out and sat on the ground, putting their bare feet in the water and saw the Wakandan youth playing with the Talokanil one.

"Nice to see they're not scared"

" It's us adults who need to stop being afraid and change"

"Well it's a change that they accepted my divorce and didn't enforce polygamy," she said casually

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'll be back in a moment" the warrior said before returning, a few minutes later she returned with a plate of sugar cane

"I'm fine, it's just that I've been married for years, I've been a Dora Milaje for years, now I'm neither, what do I do?" she asked as she sucked down the sugar cane.

"Do you feel lost and don't know what to do? After his death I didn't know what to do anymore, having him by my side for so many years was comfortable but now that he’s no longer here I feel uncomfortable, something is missing"

"And how did you overcome the discomfort"

"You, Shuri, Queen Ramonda the whole of Wakanda was with me, sometimes it's very difficult but I know there is someone by my side and I'm not completely alone"

"And then you can always remarry like he did" she added, the ex Dora Milaje looked at her

"What? Is no one worthy of the great Okoye? What should the man be to be worthy of you"

"I've just divorced, but the man I want must be...." and before she could answer, they heard laughter. Little children were climbing over the Talokanil general faking to be warriors like him

He was laughing fully 

"If I've never seen him in battle, I'd think he's a docile man"

"Uhm" Okoye hummed in agreement, she had never seen him smile, he was quite handsome

"You know I was a little worried, I was worried how civilians would react after the attack, and consequently I was worried how the Talokanils would react to possible hostility, but thanks to Bhast everything is going smoothly"

" Everything will be alright" she said making her firend smile

" I'm happy to hear it from you Okoye" she patted her back

"In rindo, I surrender" he laughed, he realized that a pair of eyes were staring at him, he turned and saw the warrior return her head the other way.

Hours passed, the sun was setting, and the visitors went to their lodgings accompanied by Nakia, leaving the two warriors alone.

"Do you like soup?" she asked

"Yes, especially all the seasonings" he replied coughing from the spiciness, she handed him a glass of water giggling

"Thank you, how are you feeling?"

"Well, that is, I feel better than before," he suddenly took off his mask, and placed his lips on his rival's forehead.

" What you are doing?" she asked shocked

" I'm taking your temperature, the lips are the most sensitive part of the body, you’re still very feverish” 

"Warn me when you want to do something like this"

" What?"

"The thing you just did...." he looked at her confused, she sighed

"You could create misunderstandings"

"Between me and?"

"Forget it, I'm the one creating misunderstandings" she said standing up, suddenly she slipped grabbing his arm, closed her eyes as if she could ease the pain of the fall.

"Geurrero, are you hurt?" felt her Attuma's lips caress her face, opened her eyes, and as she expected he was on top of her

"No, thanks to you," she whispered,she just couldn't take her eyes off his.

"Shouldn't you put your mask back on?" she asked, trying to avoid her gaze, which seemed to undress her.

"The water is pretty close" he whispered, his lips brushed her neck, a small moan escaped her lips, at that moment she knew she had to get up and walk away, but he locked her arms and she couldn’t move

"Attuma let me go" he raised his head

"I would never do something you don't like, but are you sure you want me to let you go?" he asked, shewas asking between herself, why was she feeling so safe when he was around, why was he talking as if he really cared.

 She didn't give him an answer, but took him by his face and their lips touched. It was just like the previous day they were close, she thought it was the effect of alcohol that gave off that strange heat, every time he touched her that heat released.

His large hands were caressing her figure until he pulled them under her shirt making her moan more audible and she caressed his chest, he unhooked her bra and fondled her breasts .

" A....Attuma I am marr...." she wailed

"Not anymore" he licked her neck and pinched her nipples, the air was getting thick, the only thing she could hear were their moans, breaths and the rush of water. Their actions were becoming more irreversible until one call stopped them, it was Nakia.

"Nakia.....is there a problem?" she said standing up

"Is Attuma still on the river?"

" Yup"

" Ok see you later"

"Yes later" he turned and the warrior was in the water

"Take care of yourself," he said swimming away

"Yeah, you too" she walked back inside, lay down on the sofa

"What did I just do?" thought were racing in her head, she touches her lips were they plumpy, were they itchy from the spiciness of the soup or from him biting into them?

The only thing shewas sure of, she was not going to sleep that night

[fischerfrey]

A Christmas Prince; The Royal Wedding

Chapter 2: Krampus

Summary: Dawn faces difficulties with his new wedding designer while tensions boil in Alderly. The family's Christmas get-together is interrupted by a surprising visitor...

Words: 2.5k

Characters:

Dawn Harvelle and Rosa Yaxley @potionboy3

Quincey, Olympia, and Isabella Alderly

Pandora Lovelace and Lainey Bell by @gcldensnitch

Rocky Weasley by @magicallymalted

Beginning | Next Chapter

Want to read the first fic in the series, A Christmas Prince? Click here!

Chapter 2: Krampus 

“We have many preparations to do and very little time,” Rosa Yaxley said, flipping a white board showing several sketches from flower bouquets to table settings, and photographs of what Dawn assumed, were traditional Alderlian wedding attire.  

“Uh…” Dawn started but was silenced by a stern look from Pince. 

“The Bavarian orchestra will start precisely at your entrance with the release of the Barbary doves.” Rosa explained, producing a pointer stick from somewhere and demonstrating all the items she mentioned. “South African wildflowers will adorn your path down the aisle.” 

“Oh…” Dawn uttered. When the queen had said that Dawn would have a say, he hadn’t realized she had meant that she and Miss Yaxley had already planned everything and that he would just have to sit here and nod dutifully. 

Rosa continued: “I mean, you won't, and I mean it, you won't be able to take a step without a Namaqualand daisy between the floor and your shoes.” 

Dawn was beginning to really see that she didn’t particularly want to be in this position. He wondered if the queen had made her, as a punishment for her transgressions last year. 

“Hmm…” he simply said. 

“There will be a roast pig from each of Alderly's seven provinces. Montrachet Grand Cru will be in every goblet,” Rosa went on. “But of greatest importance... Is your outfit.” 

“Is that what those are for?” Dawn asked, vaguely motioning towards the pictures of clothes. The designs looked like somewhere between a mix of Bavarian and Slovenian folk clothing with something distinctly… Christmassy about them. 

“Is it customary to wear traditional dress to weddings?” 

“Not for at least a hundred years but the queen felt that it was important to show how committed to our culture and traditions you are.” 

“The queen… look,” Dawn started, and went on despite Pince’s warning glances. “I am committed. I’ve never been this committed to a goddamn thing in my entire life, but I feel like this might not go over well with the… well you know, the public.” 

“Whyever not?” Pince chimed in. 

“Well, I am a foreigner and maybe they will want to see me actually participate in their culture before taking on its symbols?” Dawn posited it as a question, but it really wasn’t. “Especially when this is just a publicity stunt, and I didn’t even pick the outfit.” 

Rosa bit her lip but Pince went on: “Nonsense, of course you will wear the traditional costume.” 

“I was really hoping that I could wear something… simple, something that’s a little more me.” 

“What?” asked Pince. 

“I mean these outfits are beautiful,” Dawn continued. “But I don’t want to play a part for my own wedding. Maybe I could wear one of these a year from now to an event where they’re actually worn in still?” 

“I don’t think you understand the sort of situation we’re in,” Pince said. “Half the country is in an uproar because we haven’t seen this kind of financial hardships since the war, not to mention their monarch is pretty much going against every strong held value they’ve been instilled with since birth.” 

“I sympathize with the depression, not so much with the homophobia,” said Dawn and noticed Rosa just barely concealing a chuckle. Maybe Dawn stood a chance after all. 

~ 

“This protocol is driving me crazy. It's like Bridezilla in reverse,” Dawn complained later in a video call to Rocky and Pandora. 

“Forgive me if I don't ooze sympathy from the night security desk of Noodle Chalet's corporate office,” said Rocky. Ever since the downfall of Beat Now, Rocky had been a security guard at Noodle Chalet, and it wasn’t lost on Dawn how his problems might probably seem somewhat quaint. 

“Hey, at least you've got a job,” Pandora chimed in. “I've been living with my parents for the last three months.” 

“Well, that’s tragic,” said Rocky. 

“Yeah, ever since Now Beat shut down.” 

“Now Beat?” asked Dawn. “It was Beat Now.” 

Dawn was happy he was no longer working for Kerry Crouch, but he couldn’t help but miss having a normal job and normal problems. Especially with Irma Pince breathing down his neck at every turn. 

“Whatever,” said Pandora with a shrug. “It’s gone now.” 

“But Dawn, you’re having some royal pains?” asked Rocky. 

Dawn chuckled. It was a pain just to be one, it seemed. “Well yeah, but I mean…”  

“Have you talked to Quincey about any of this?” Pandora cut in. 

“I haven’t seen him today.” 

“They know how to keep a king busy,” Rocky said. 

Dawn knew things were going to be busy, but he truly felt alone in the castle. He wasn’t even allowed to spend time with Tess and his dad, or at least not as much as he would have preferred. He was a little bit worried that this was how the rest of his life was going to look. Just protocol and event after event with only small respites in-between to actually hang out with his husband-to-be. He’d next be seeing Quincey when they all headed to town for his speech, and he didn’t expect there to be a lot of time for chit-chat. 

“Just hurry up and get here already,” he said. 

“Counting down the seconds, mate,” Pandora said. 

~ 

Rosa had left Dawn with a folder full of designs for the wedding. Dawn flipped through it, examining the plans with growing dread. This whole ordeal didn’t feel at all like a wedding he would want for himself. Not that he had ever thought about getting married before this past year. He almost wished he and Quincey had just eloped. He’d rather have Elvis marry them in Vegas than whatever this was shaping up to be. Dawn slammed the folder shut and let it fall on the bed. He was going to have to complain to someone who would understand, or he’d end up committing arson. Or worse. 

~ 

When Dawn went looking for Olympia later, he found her in the middle of an argument with her mother, the queen. 

“You must understand that his whole thing is frivolous,” Isabella was saying. 

“Well mother, it’s important to me so I don’t particularly care.” 

“This is about the image we portray to the world,” Isabella tried. “A princess can’t be an actress.” 

“I was in many plays as a child.” 

“That was different.” 

“This is for a good cause.” 

“It doesn’t matter. You know what kind of situation we’re in with your past actions and your brother’s life choices.” 

“It’s not a life choice.” 

Isabella sighed. “You know what I meant.” 

“No, I don’t, and I’m also doing the play, I don’t care what you think.” 

“Don’t you speak to me with that tone, young lady.” 

Dawn, suddenly realizing he was quite rudely eavesdropping, stepped into the room, fully pretending as if he hadn’t been listening. “Oh, hello Your Majesty, Your Highness.” 

“Dawn, great timing, mother was just about to wring my neck,” said Olympia. 

“Olympia–,” the queen attempted. 

“I have to talk to you Dawn, if you don’t mind,” Olympia said and walked up to Dawn, grabbing his arm. “Preferably somewhere away from her…” 

“Alright…” said Dawn, casting an apologetic glance at Queen Isabella. They had their differences, but Dawn was determined to get along with his mother-in-law.  

~ 

Olympia led him to a smaller room, let go of his arm and dramatically fell into one of the priceless antique armchairs. 

“What was that about?” Dawn asked. 

“She thinks it’s common to do the play.” 

“Oh, of course she does.” 

“But I’m still going to do it,” Olympia continued. “I can’t wait for you to see it, it’s kind of like an arthouse reimagining.” 

“Oh, wow, alright,” said Dawn.  

“You could come see the dress rehearsal?” 

“If I can get away from my own dress rehearsals…”  

“Right, how’s that going, anyway?” Olympia asked and sat up straight. She had messed up her hair, slumping onto the chair. 

“Well… It’s going.” 

“You let me know if you need any help.” 

Dawn knew he needed all the help he could get, but after hearing the conversation between Olympia and the queen, he wasn’t sure it was the best idea to rope Olympia into it. 

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you, O.” 

~ 

That afternoon, the royal retinue made its way to town. Quincey’s speech took place in front of Alderly’s House of Parliament and the square in front of it was packed. Aside from the adoring crowd, though, there was a smaller but no less attention-grabbing group of protesters behind them. Dawn, ever the journalist, kept an eye on them. They were holding signs proclaiming the bad financial situation in the country and demanding to be paid or get their jobs back. Miss Pince, standing next to Dawn, was glaring at the crowd with hostility, when Quincey took to the podium. While many cheered, waving Alderlian flags, the protesters booed. Dawn shifted his weight from one foot to another uncomfortably. 

“Behind me stands an enduring symbol of Alderly's historical strength. Before me, and all of us, lies our current revitalization project, a symbol of Alderly's shining future,” Quincey started. From Pince’s sudden shift in posture, Dawn deduced that the speech was written by her.  

“For crops to flourish, rain must fall. Likewise, today's temporary hardships will soon spur on a bountiful future for all.” 

Amongst the cheers, Dawn heard someone shout out: “What about our jobs?” 

“The country's going broke!” 

“Shame on the king!” 

Security had to step in to rein in the protesters. Quincey couldn’t have missed the incident, but he continued like he had, as Dawn was sure he had been instructed to do. 

“A new Alderlian chapter is about to begin. And I'm honoured and excited to share that journey with each and every one of you. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.” 

~ 

After Quincey got off the stage, Lainey offered him a bottle of water. 

“Thank you.” 

“That went… alright,” she said. At least she was honest.

“I feel like a total fraud reading out that propaganda,” Quincey said with a sigh. 

“Your ideas make perfect sense,” said Lainey. “I just don't understand why they're not working.” 

“Neither do I.” 

Dawn, pained by Quincey’s tired and slightly pathetic expression and sick of not knowing the details of this initiative, piped in: “When numbers don't add up, there's usually a reason.” 

Quiney and Lainey turned to him, and Dawn continued: “I’m going to be prince consort, I want to contribute, that’s why I’m coming to the meeting tomorrow.”  

“The queen said you would be exceedingly busy with wedding preparations so you wouldn’t be able to make it,” said Lainey. 

Dawn and Quincey exchanged looks and said almost in unison: “What?” 

“We should be doing everything we can to help the kingdom, right?” Dawn asked. 

“Absolutely.” 

“Maybe there should be a revitalization effort to bring the royal family into the 21st century, too…” 

That’s when Pince came back, saying: “An excellent speech, Your Majesty. Now I need you to come meet the press with your most confident smiles…” 

~ 

After returning to the palace, Dawn, Quincey, and Olympia had tea with the queen. It was an exceedingly uncomfortable hour to top off an exceedingly uncomfortable event. 

“The press office assures me your speech today will do a world of good,” said Isabella from across the table. 

“Less than a year into my reign,” Quincey started. “I feel like I'm running the kingdom into the ground.” 

“Oh, you put much too much pressure on yourself.” 

“It's my initiative, mother.” 

“Quentin,” said the queen. “As you know, your father first proposed the need for such a program, but I oversaw the implementation, with the country’s full backing.” 

“Yes, but…” 

“Economic fluctuation is a fact of life,” Isabella stated and set her teacup back on its settee. 

“Yes, but I can't help but feel father would be disappointed.” 

“Oh, nonsense! You mustn't let this put a strain on the season. Or the wedding,” said Isabella and turned her attention to Dawn. “I hear the stress has been getting to you.” 

Olympia took a deep breath and said: “Can we not have a single conversation without it being observed and reported?” 

“Darling,” said the queen, laying a hand on her daughter's arm. Olympia withdrew, annoyed. “I just want all of you to be happy.” 

“Well, it would help if you stopped meddling into our business,” Olympia suggested, clearly running out of patience. “We’re all adults here, after all.” 

Isabella sighed. “I’ve decided to resume my active role in the governing of this country. In particular to help with the financial difficulties.” 

“What?” asked Olympia. Quincey didn’t say anything and had an unreadable expression on his face. Dawn still felt too out of the loop with the country’s goings-on to say anything. 

“But you seemed happy to retire?” argued Olympia. 

“Only because I found it too difficult to go on without your father,” Isabella explained. 

“Mother…” Quincey finally spoke up. “Thank you.” 

~ 

That evening, everyone gathered together to decorate Queen Isabella’s Christmas tree. Dawn and Quincey’s families all sitting together in the same room gave Dawn some kind of whiplash. He never imagined this would be his life. While Tess and Olympia chose matching baubles, Dawn sat next to Quincey on the couch closest to the fireplace and took his hand. Ever since the speech, he’d been in low spirits and Dawn couldn’t exactly blame him. 

“Hi,” he said. 

“Hi,” replied Quincey. “I feel like I should apologize.” 

“For what?” asked Dawn. 

“For making you feel left out.” 

“Am I feeling left out?” asked Dawn, incredulously. 

“Are you?” 

“Well, a little.” 

“The pressures I'm facing as king are no excuse. Can you forgive me?” 

“I really would like to help.” 

Quincey smiled and squeezed Dawn’s hand. “Mother’s help will come in handy; she has a few decades of experience on this front.” 

“Then I’m glad she’s decided to postpone her retirement.” 

Dawn wasn’t exactly sure if he was glad but if the queen’s involvement would help Quincey’s workload, then it wouldn’t be all bad. He wished he could be more of use and that he would have already started his studies in political science. He had applied immediately after realizing he was going to actually have to do some governing, but he’d been advised to postpone his enrollment by a year. He’d done a semester of it already in university during his second year, so he wasn’t a complete beginner but now he was determined to get a Master’s. He had had fun writing his blog this past year, but he wanted to do something that could do some actual good in the world. 

 Suddenly a palace aide entered the room, looking quite disheveled.  

“Your Majesties, you have a guest,” he said. 

“Whoever could it be?” wondered the queen out loud. Dawn thought it must be Krampus because who else would it be showing up to the palace and causing a ruckus at this hour.

“Oh? Send them in,” instructed Quincey and got up.

After a few moments, a man entered the room. A very familiar man whom Dawn had been looking forward to never seeing again.  

“Evander,” said Olympia venomously. “What are you doing here?”  

Krampus indeed. 

tag list: @lifeofkaze, @gcldensnitch, @endlessly-cursed, @cursed-herbalist, @magicallymalted

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