#oh and during this i also ran into the lady who worked at the front desk at my old elementary school

[motherfuckingmoth]

i just ran into a family friend and she hugged me like three times and told me how much she missed me and how beautiful i was and that i could always come to her and how i would always be family and yall i can not lie i wanted cry oughh i love her so much

[creamecafe]

Hii!! Can you do one for Stephen where he found out he and the reader are married in several words thanks to America, and the two of you are pining for each other until he accidentally reveals he’s truly in love with you? Thank you!! <33

I Know I'd Go Back to You

Summary: Stephen has always loved you and you with him from the start. But you both ended things on short notice. Until America reveals you both are together in different worlds in the multiverse, will Stephen take the risk to let it happen in his universe?

Pairing: Stephen Strange x GN!Reader

Word Count: ???

Warnings: none just fluff, pining, a bit of angst, flashbacks, heartbreak, deja vu to palmerstrange 🥲

Author's Note: I'm literally so sorry @smokeywhalee that this literally almost took 2 years. But here it is, FINALLYY! Hope you enjoy

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Read on Wattpad and AO3 here

Life was normal for neurosurgeon, Doctor Stephen Strange and for you too. You both met in college in New York, he was studying to be a doctor and you were studying to be a lawyer. 

Despite your guys' different classes times and different career choices, both of you had a unexplainable attraction to each other. You started off as friends, Stephen would walk you to your class or you would walk out during the four seasons.

But both of you knew you wanted something more. It wasn't until in March 2013 that Stephen asked you to be his partner. He was a nervous wreck, worried that he would ruin the friendship, you both have. But you said yes. Now being with you is the best thing to happen and to occupy his life happily besides being a neurosurgeon.

You would wait for him after work to drive home and spend time together. He would also love to take you on expensive and fancy dates, because he always wanted the best for you. Life was going great for the both of you. 

Until February 2, 2016 came. The day of Stephen got into a car crash. You were waiting for him in the restaurant with the reservation you guys both made 5 months in advance. 

10 minutes had passed and you started to become worried. You knew he wasn't the type of guy to stood you up or leave you hanging. It was until you got a call from the hospital Stephen works at. You picked it up

"Hello?" Your voice shaking nervousily

"Hello, is this Y/N?" 

"Yes it is"

"I'm sorry to inform you that Stephen Strange has been in a car crash and is in critical need."

Your heart stopped. You couldn't believe this was happening. Stephen gotten into a car crash. 

"Oh-oh my God. Is he ok?" Your voice got higher and shaking even more

"We're trying to take care of him right now and get him under care as immediate as possible."

"I'm on my way, please tell him that."

"Will do, sorry to tell you the news."

Grabbing your coat, you wasted no time leaving the restaurant. You explained to the waitress you have to leave to a emergency. You called out a taxi and asked to go to Metropolitan General Hospital." 

7 minutes passed with traffic in the way. You ran to the front desk and asked to see Stephen Strange, saying you were his partner. The lady in the front told you that he's in surgery and won't be conscious in another day or two. You were willing to wait those days, just to make sure he was still alive. You took a seat in the waiting room, hoping and praying Stephen would be ok. The anxiety was eating away of how bad his condition could be. Soon enough, you fell asleep until the next day.

You take a look at your phone and see it's 5am of February 3, 2016. You go to buy yourself a snack fron the vending machine as you missed your dinner from the restaurant you and Stephen were supposed to be. You waited and bought 2 more snacks to keep yourself awake. 

"Y/N L/N?" 

Your head raised to who was calling you. 

"Y/N L/N?" 

Ahead of you see a lady in a white coat and scrubs with a clipboard call your name.

"That's me." You raise your hand.

"You can see Stephen now."

Your heart beat gladly. It must be a sign he's still alive, probably the not best condition but you're glad he's still alive. 

You go to him room and see him in bed. His right eye is swollen and both of his hand are raised up supported by strings and 11 stainless steel pins to support his nerves. He was sleeping. You quietly thanked the nurse. 

You sat by him and waited till he woke up. 25 minutes have passed and he did. 

You held his shoulder gently until he was fully conscious. 

"Hey, hey. It's me Y/N. It's going to be ok." 

Stephen looks at you and looks at his hands. 

"What did they do?"

You explained everything that the doctor told you and how long he was in surgery, the same time you waited for him to make sure he was well.

He repeated the same words "What they did do?" Can't believing what his eyes are seeing. 

The next past few days you stayed by his side to make sure he was well. You were by his side in therapy, helped him shaved supporting him along the way. 

But his attitude didn't change of bitter he had become. And he definitely didn't show appreciation for you either. You went into his apartment to drop off the groceries you bought for him. He was upset due to a meeting regarding a procedure in Tokyo. He was going on he needs a loan of at least $200,000. 

You tried to tell him it's best for him to stop as this was having so much control over him, especially his condition. He explains that no matter how much therapy he receives, he's not getting any better, can't get back to the way he was before.

You explain to him that there other things that can give his life meaning. 

"Like what? Like you?" He snapped back at you.

You were shocked. He never spoken to you in a matter like this before. No matter how cocky he could be, he knew better than to talk to you in a way that he knew could hurt you.

"This is the part where you apologize."

"This is the part where you leave." 

That's when it hit you, he really changed. He wasn't the same boy who would walk you to class or always compliment your outfits. He was still Stephen, but not the Stephen you have loved for 3 years. 

You try to talk to him, but he still had this fire coming out of his voice, like daggers stabbing.

"You just care so much, don't you?" Stephen yelled.

"Goodbye Stephen." You went ran out the door and slammed it behind you. You went to your car and started driving to your place. But you couldn't hold it in anymore. You were crying, sobbing. You didn't want things to end this way, but you can't bear to see Stephen this way or the way hes treating you. 

A year pass and you're going on in your normal life. That's when Stephen makes a portal to where you are. You are scared and shocked. But also confused to what he's wearing. He apologizes everything to you and the way he treated you. You accept it but didn't feel ready to get back with him. Stephen accepts and leaves you be, taking on protecting the world as new priority. He's just at hurt as you a year ago with breaking up with you. But he knows he must move on. 

In 2018 the blip happens and you disappear, so does Stephen Strange. 5 years later you come back and you try to get your life back to normal. Stephen tried to do the same but couldn't stop thinking of you still. 

Later on, he meets a teenage girl named America Chavez that can travel through the multiverse. 

With different versions of Stephen around the multiverse, he didn't realize the possiblity of still being with you. 

"How's Y/N?" America asked. 

"They're good. Happy. They're happy." Shaking, Stephen says, now thinking about you. 

"I can imagine. They're happy with you."

"Uh, well we're not together. We used to be. We broke up 8 years ago. I disappeared due to the snap and it felt like we ended things on short notice."

"What? You both are not together in this universe?" 

He was confused about what America meant by that. "Together? In this universe?" 

"What do you mean this universe?" 

"Every Stephen I know there with Y/N. You both are together. Married. It always felt to me no matter what universe it was, you always were meant to be together. And nothing could stop that."

He had to stop and think for a moment. Every universe he's with you?

"I'm with Y/N in every universe?

"Don't you love Y/N?" 

"I do. But it was 8 years ago, almost a decade. They most likely moved on..."

"You'll never know if you don't tell them. America interrupts. "In a million ways it can go where you are together, why not risk one chance. Tell them how you feel."

He thought about it. Being with you is the only thing that can help him be at ease. Making amends with you is something he doesn't want to stop doing.

He practices of how he's going to talk to you, what he will say. Walking back and forth, he's trying to think of the right words. 

"Don't overthink it. Just talk naturally, say how you really feel."

"I don't know if I can. What if they already moved on?" 

"You'll never know unless you tell them. Come on, I know you can do this." 

Stephen takes America's word into his mind and try to come up what to say.

He spent the next few days going over of how he's going to approach you and he knew exactly what to say.

Until he thought he did until he saw you. He greteted you and you did the same. He was a stuttering mess with you

"Y/N-Y/N. I would like to tell-tell you something."

"Ok, what is it?"

This was it, he could tell you.

"I was thinking we could get coffee sometimes." He cursed himself in his head.

Why couldn't he say what he really wants to, to you?

"Uh sure, what day? Because this whole week and the next I'm kinda really busy."

"Tuesday?"

"Yeah that could work, oh wait I have a meeting"

"Friday then?"

"Friday, but could it be at 6pm because I have-"

"I love you Y/N."

You were stopped talking and were taken back.

"What?"

Oh no. This could be the perfect opportunity to tell her everything or mess up, or both.

"I tried to stop thinking about you, but I can't. And it's okay you don't feel the same way. I love you. I love you in every universe."

Stephen took a deep breath and waited for you to say something, anything. He knew he would mess it up and make it awkward quick.

That's when you kissed him. You wrapped your arms around his neck. He was taken back, but soon melted into the kiss and he wrapped his arms around you back.

"I can't, couldn't stop thinking about you either. I love you too Stephen." A tear goes down your cheek.

This made him happy, America was right all along. It looks like you guys were meant to be after all.

Taglist: @bitchy-bi-trash

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to heart, reblog, share, comment on what you think, and follow for more works! You can also find me on Wattpad and my other socials in my bio. Feedback is always much appreciated!

Have a great day/night or wherever you live around the world!

[missabigailtaylor]

Our New Beginning

My first contribution to Elriel month. I haven't posted my own writing in so long, I may be very rusty so be gentle. Slight warnings: slight AU, some characters may be OOC, Mother Archeron is not nice, slightly NSFW.

Elain will marry for love, at least that’s what Elain believed when she was younger. She read every fairytale that was placed in front of her and imagined her life within the pages. She would dance with a handsome prince with a crowd of partygoers watching in awe. During their waltz Elain’s eyes would lock with the prince and she would feel herself fall deeply in love with him.

Her older sister, Nesta, would roll her eyes at Elain’s daydreams but wouldn’t discourage her. “You will marry for love, Elain.” She would tell her with a small smile.

As children Elain along with her sisters grew up comfortably. Her father was a merchant while her mother kept house. Their home was large and beautiful with the finest furniture and decorations meticulously picked out by the lady of the house. Every weekend their home was filled with music and guests enjoying their evening while the daughters watched the parties from the stairs. The youngest, Feyre, would be in bed, deeming the party ‘too boring’ while Nesta and Elain allowed their curiosity to keep them awake. They were in awe of the ladies’ long gowns and elegant jewelry, it all appeared so glamorous to the young girls. It was as if there was a fairytale going on right under her very roof. 

Ever since she was a young girl she had grown close to the manor staff much to her mother’s dismay. Her favorite was a kind woman who worked in the kitchen. Mabel primarily was the family’s baker, she made every birthday cake for the girls and always had the best treats during the holidays. One day Elain went to the kitchen to see if Mabel needed any help when she was met with a boy who she had never seen before. His dark hair was overgrown, almost covering his eyes. His mouth seemed fixed in a permanent frown and he refused to meet her eyes. Then she saw his hands, his poor hands covered in bandages. 

When she almost ran into him she made a surprised sound which made him also jump. “Oh, hello, I’m sorry.” She said, covering her chest with her hand.

The boy didn’t say anything, just stared at her. “Elain,” Looking up she saw Mabel enter the kitchen. “I see you met Azriel.”

Azriel, Elain immediately liked his name. “Nice to meet you Azriel, my name is Elain.” She smiled, she wanted to hold her hand out for him to shake but she feared she would hurt him. 

He didn’t speak, just continued to stare at her as if he was afraid to make any sudden movements. She could tell he was uncomfortable which only made her want to make him feel at ease.

Glancing up at Mabel Elain asked in her sweet voice. “Mabel, could we please have some of your homemade waffles?” Elain knew Mabel’s homemade waffles were always the best comfort to her and her sisters whenever they needed a pick me up.

Mabel smiled at the young girl, knowing exactly what she was up to. “Of course, my lady, but only if you go pick some fresh berries to go on top. How about you take Azriel to the gardens?”

Elain nodded. “Would you like to come with me?”

Azriel didn’t answer, he just followed the girl only pausing for her to pick up a small basket she kept by the back door. Outside was one of Elain’s favorite areas in the whole manor. The garden was one of the few places her mother didn’t badger her even though she had tried to forbid her from getting her hands dirty. It was only because her father stepped in and said Elain was allowed to spend time in the garden did her mother finally back off. “She is doing no harm, leave her be.”

Elain had always been closer to her father, but him taking her side over her mother only proved it. After rows and rows of flowers the back of the garden was saved for fruit and vegetables. Elain tried to help but the staff usually took care of the food portion of the garden, since she was far too young just yet to understand how to take care of the crops. “The berries grow here,” Elain explained to Azriel even though she wasn’t sure if he was listening. 

She didn’t want to risk hurting his hands further so she took the lead with picking the berries. She continued to speak and tell him about the garden and the manor. “You will probably meet my sisters. Nesta can be difficult but she has a good heart, you just have to get to know her. Feyre is still young and carefree and spends most of her time outside, avoiding anything to do with finishing school.”

Azriel still didn’t speak but she could tell he was listening. While she picked the berries she continued to talk, mostly out of nervousness and wanting to fill the silence. “What of your family?” She finally asked, hoping to get some sort of answer from him.

She noticed him tense before he whispered.“I have no family.” She could practically see the pain written all over his face. It broke her heart, he was so young and she could tell how much suffering he had been through.

Stepping forward she gently gripped his wrist, mindful of his injuries. “I’m so sorry, you don’t deserve this.”

Azriel didn’t speak again but she could see warmth in his hazel eyes. “Shall we return?” She asked.

Instead of replying he held out his arm for her to take. She couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she gently grasped his elbow and allowed him to lead her back to the manor to their waiting breakfast.

As the years passed Azriel continued to work for the Archeron family. He had taken his time to train the horses and mostly work outside. He had grown taller and his muscles had significantly grown with all the work he does day in and day out. His hands were scarred from his childhood and just the sight of his damaged skin haunted him; he didn't let his trauma define him anymore. He was still quiet but he always found time to seek Elain out. She had truly grown into a beautiful woman and remained just as kind as the first day he met her. In their quiet meetings she had shown him some of her favorite books while also telling him about her garden which had bloomed just as beautifully as her. Azriel may not have been a chatterbox but she held onto every word he told her. He would occasionally tell her stories, but never about his childhood which she never pushed him. The only thing he ever said was, “My mother used to tell me these stories when I was a child. It’s what I remember most about her.”

“Did she pass away?” She asked gently, he had never mentioned his mother before.

“I don’t know…she just left one day and left me with my father and brothers.” He explained, his eyes falling down to his ruined hands.

She could tell his mood dampened at the mention of his other family members and how tortured he still appeared. “Shall we sneak a piece of pie while Mabel isn’t looking?” She questioned with a small smile on her face.

She heard him chuckle softly. “I will stay out as a lookout as you retrieve two slices.”

As she grew closer to Azriel, Elain grew less and less interested in the balls and galas her mother forced her to attend. Nesta had been sent off to school, Feyre was still too young leaving Elain to be the focus of their mother’s attention. She had also become the fixture of her mother’s criticism. Elain’s hair was never fixed correctly, her makeup was too heavy, she had put on weight.

“You will never find a husband looking like that.” Her mother snapped one day.

Normally Elain was able to shake off those comments but after one particularly grueling afternoon of being torn apart Elain retreated to her garden, avoiding the eyes of everyone around her. In the privacy amongst her flowers Elain allowed herself to cry, her tears falling onto her lilac gown. Bringing her knees to her chest she tried her best to silence her sobs, not wanting her mother to come for her and berate her further.

“Elain?” She almost cringed when she heard his deep voice.

Looking up she quickly wiped her eyes before he could see her wet cheeks. “Azriel, hi, what are you doing here?”

“I was coming to see if you would like to go for a ride. The leaves are beginning to change and I know you love the beginning of autumn.”

Shaking her head she whispered. “Maybe later.”

She wasn’t sure what she expected from the handsome man but approaching her and sitting down right next to her on the wet grass. “What’s wrong?” He questioned.

Hugging her knees she sighed. “It’s nothing, I was just having a moment.”

She refused to meet his eyes, if she did she knew he would pull the truth out of her. Azriel had a gentle but stern way of getting information from others. He knew when to push but also when to back off. This time though he felt like Elain needed to let out some emotion. “Is it your mother?”

A fresh wave of tears washed over her. “She was just…exceptionally cruel today.”

Azriel cringed. He didn’t have many experiences with Mrs. Archeron but the few times he had been around her, they weren’t pleasant. She looked down on the staff, firing anyone on the spot if they upset her. Throughout his years at the manor he had found ways of avoiding the older woman. Even though he tried his best to stay away from her, he heard rumblings from the staff about the way she treated her daughters.

“Nesta is a brain so she’s practically trained her to be an academic. If she ever brought home a bad grade Nesta was forced to write essays until her hands went numb and couldn't go to sleep until she got everything right.” A farmhand Bernard had told him before. “And if the essay wasn’t up to par she had to start all over. She’s deemed Feyre a lost cause, she gets the hand me downs. She never pays the young girl any attention and when she does she makes it known she isn’t fond of her own daughter.”

Azriel didn’t want to know the answer but he found himself asking. “What about Elain?”

Bernard sighed heavily. “She’s putting everything on Elain. Elain is kind and gentle, she doesn’t fight her mother on her treatment, she just puts up with it. She has picked that girl apart since she was a toddler. I think her end goal is for Elain to marry rich, doesn’t matter if it’s a good man or not. She would rather her daughter marry for status, because it would make her look better.”

Ever since Azriel had met Elain he had noticed she was always prim and proper. Her dresses were always beautiful, her long hair was curled and styled to perfection. At first he was just convinced that was Elain and the way she was. Now he was seeing it differently, she was always so put together because that was what was expected of her. “What did she say?”

Elain waved a hand dismissively. “It doesn’t matter, I think she’s just stressed about the upcoming gala.”

The gala which happened to be her eighteenth birthday. Her birthday was being used as an excuse to invite the lords and ladies and find a potential husband. Elain should have expected it but she wished her mother wouldn’t push it. She still wanted to marry for love but not right now. Nesta had been writing her letters and telling her about her new experiences away from their manor and it made Elain long for the same. She wanted to get out from under her mother’s thumb and live for herself for once. “It does matter.” Azriel said, making her look at him. “She shouldn’t be treating you this way.”

“I’m used to it,” She whispered, her voice breaking, making him frown.

“Elain!” They heard breaking them up. It was her mother, probably looking for a second round of lashing.

“I must go.” She told Azriel, rising to her feet.

Before she could walk away he stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. “Whatever she tells you…she’s wrong.” He murmured, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “Do not let it get to you.”

The sides of her mouth perked up in a small smile. “Thank you, Az.”

“Of course, Elain.”

Days later it was time for Elain’s birthday gala. She had been locked away in her bedroom getting ready, her hair being curled and pinned painfully to her head. Her dress was stunning but her corset was so tight she feared she may pass out by the end of the evening. It wasn’t the gown her mother had picked for her but Elain had put her foot down when choosing her dress. The blue material stood out against her pale skin and sparkled when she walked. What she loved the most was the soft flowers placed along the thin straps of the dress and along down the sides of the gown. 

What made the evening for Elain was Nesta coming back just to surprise her. “You look beautiful.” Nesta beamed as she helped finish Elain’s hair.

“Thank you, I’m so glad you’re here.” Nesta had always been a good buffer between the daughters and their mother. Nesta no longer feared her mother, she knew she could leave if she had to but Elain and Feyre weren’t so lucky.

“I wouldn’t miss it. Now come on, everyone is waiting for the birthday girl to make her grand arrival.”

Following her sister down the long hallway Elain felt the butterflies in her stomach as they got closer to the stairway. Nesta led the way taking charge of the room until it was Elain’s turn to greet her guests. At the top of the stairs Elain looked out amongst the crowd, recognizing a few faces from other galas. These crowds were always the same, the same conversations were going to happen boring her until she moved to another group. The women stood in their gowns, silently criticizing others' hair and dresses but smiling in their faces. God forbid the wrong food was served and the champagne wasn’t expensive enough, Elain would never hear the end of it. 

As she carefully made her way down the steps she saw him. In the back of the crowd Azriel stood, as handsome as ever. His normal white shirt and brown trousers were replaced with a suit and tie. His hair was pushed back making him appear rich and noble like every other man but he was so much more to her. Seeing him made her smile brightly but when she reached the bottom she was pulled away by her mother to greet guests of honor making her lose Azriel in the crowd, she almost wondered if she wanted him to be there so bad she imagined him. 

The hours passed by slowly, she was forced to smile and greet men of all ages with her mother holding her close preventing Elain from leaving. Her only reprieve from her mother was when she was being forced to dance with potential suitors. Most of them stepped on her feet making her cringe, one in particular had the worst breath that reminded her of the strongest garlic. The last one was an older man who let his hand trail far too low for her liking. As ladylike as she could she excused herself to head outside to the garden. The sun was long gone with the bright, full moon replacing it overhead lighting up her garden as if it was still daytime. The cool air was a welcome relief from the stuffy gala. Taking a deep breath she wished the ball would end so she could retreat to her bedroom. 

“The guest of honor is missing.” Turning her head she saw Azriel step out from the shadows. 

She finally allowed herself to genuinely smile. “The guest of honor needed a break.”

Coming up to her side she was able to see his suit more clearly. “You look very handsome tonight.”

Azriel unbuttoned his jacket to place around her shoulders. “Mabel may have helped me. It’s one of her son’s jackets. I had to get the shirt and pants myself.”

“You did very well. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dressed so smart.”

“And it probably won’t happen again.” He teased. 

Giggling to herself she replied. “Good, I prefer your other clothes.”

Azriel had been trying to talk himself up all evening to approach her. Finding her by herself out in her garden was the best case scenario for him. With the hawkeye stares from her mother she would never allow him to get within arm’s reach of Elain all evening. “Would you like to dance?” He asked, holding out his hand to her.

Smiling up at him she nodded her head, placing her smaller hand in his. “I would love to.”

There in the privacy of her garden she allowed him to lead her in her favorite dance of the night. He held her close, his hand warm in hers and he moved gracefully, nothing like her other suitors. It was the first time all night she felt happy and at ease. Leaning into his embrace Elain inhaled his cedar and misty scent, everything about him was comforting. His arms held her tight but gentle, and most importantly, they felt right. Her body fit perfectly against his like they were made for each other. “Azriel…” She murmured looking up into his hazel eyes.

“Elain.” He whispered, his grip tightening against her blue dress.

They were so close, if she just raised up slightly their lips would touch. She wanted him to lean down to connect his lips to hers but before the moment could come they heard her name being called. “Nesta.” She said, silently taking off his jacket and handing it back to him. “Thank you for the dance, it was the best one of the evening.”

“The pleasure was mine.” He told her honestly, allowing her to step away from him to follow the sound of her sister calling for her.

“There you are, where did you go?” Nesta demanded.

“I needed a break.” Elain admitted. 

“Well mother is looking for you, she wants you to meet her and father in his office.”

The gala was still going on but Elain couldn’t deny her mother’s order. Leaving her guests behind downstairs she headed back upstairs to her father’s large office at the end of the hallway.

“Mother? Father?” She questioned, opening the heavy wooden door.

Her mother appeared pleased while Mr. Archeron just seemed defeated, sitting behind his desk with his tie undone and a glass of whiskey in front of him. “Elain, terrific news.” Her mother beamed. “Grayson Nolan has asked for your hand in marriage.”

Elain’s world stopped. “What?”

“He pulled your father and I aside and wants to marry you. His family is one of the wealthiest in the county, he would be such a good match for you.”

Elain’s heart pounded. She knew about Grayson Nolan, every woman in the court was after him. He was older than Elain by a few years. She had danced with him once or twice at previous galas but she felt nothing for him. He never asked her any questions about herself, he only prided himself in his money and gloated about his hunts and how many animals he killed. “But mother…I don’t know much about him.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Her mother snapped. “He has proposed, that’s all we need. The wedding can be planned within a month.”

“But I don’t want to marry him.” Elain replied, the words tumbling from her mouth before she could stop them.

She saw her mother’s smile fade. “What did you just say?”

“I want to marry for love. I don’t want to marry someone I don’t love.”

Mrs. Archeron squared her shoulders. “You do not have that luxury.”

Now Elain was confused. “What do you mean?”

Mrs. Archeron glanced at her husband with disdain in her eyes. “Your father has driven this family into the poor house. A string of bad debts and ruined contracts had drained all of our accounts. Your marriage to Grayson can save us. He has already offered to pay for the wedding and whatever costs come his way.”

The news had left Elain stunned. She sat back onto the plush leather couch her father had in front of his desk. “But…”

“No buts,” Her mother said harshly. “You marrying him is the key to our survival. If you don’t, Feyre will have to.”

That ran a chill down Elain’s spine. “Mother…she is only sixteen.”

“And others her age are already engaged or married. Nesta will refuse if we ask her. It is up to you two to keep up the family name. If you refuse, Feyre is the next daughter in line.”

 The thought of Elain’s younger sister being pushed into a marriage made her sick to her stomach. It would more than likely be a marriage between an older man and there was no way Feyre was ready for something like that. Elain herself wasn’t even ready for it. 

Numb to her surroundings, Elain nodded her head. “Good, I will write to Lord Nolan informing him of your decision.” Her mother beamed.

Later on that night Elain was taking her hair down still thinking about the news of her upcoming engagement. Her mother had kept saying how good of a match this would be and how Grayson would treat her just fine. The thought of being engaged to a man she didn’t truly know was making her panic. She couldn’t breathe. Reaching behind her back she tried to find the strings of her dress and her corset, searching for some sort of relief. Her breath came in short spurts and she tried to free her body. Her fingers couldn’t find the strings, couldn’t grasp them only making her panic more. Her vision blurred and tears filled her eyes.

“Elain?” She faintly heard.

Then the relief finally came when her corset was undone allowing her to breathe. She was panting, her hands holding her chest. “Elain, talk to me.” Nesta urged, covering her sister’s shoulders with her hands.

“They’re making me get married.” Elain finally confessed. “Our family has gone broke and me marrying Grayson Nolan is the only way out of debt.”

Nesta’s eyes narrowed. “They cannot put that kind of pressure on you.”

“It’s already been done.” Elain sighed. “He proposed and mother accepted on my behalf. And even if I don’t…mother said she would push Feyre into marriage.”

Nesta crouched down to meet Elain’s eyes.

“Elain, I will find a way out of this. You will not be forced to marry that man. And I will make sure Feyre will be safe as well.”

Elain wanted to believe her sister but she couldn’t see a way out of this predicament. “I saw you with Azriel.”

That caught her attention. “Nesta…” Elain muttered. “Please don’t tell mother, she’ll fire him and I don’t know what I would do without him.”

Nesta’s normally stern expression softened. “I would never, I saw the way you looked at him. I could always tell you cared for him.” She said, “I’m only telling you because you need to be careful. If anyone else saw you they will go straight to mother or father.”

Nodding, Elain threw her arms around Nesta. “Thank you.”

“Please be patient, I will find a way out of this.”

As the days passed Elain remained in the house. Word of her new engagement passed quickly through the halls, excitement filled the staff but Mabel could tell how unhappy the middle Archeron appeared. She feared what Azriel thought. All of this came after their dance in the garden. She prayed he didn’t think less of her or that she was trying to lead him on with their dance. He was who she truly wanted, she hated it took too long to realize who she loved and now she would never have that kind of love in her life. 

She couldn’t even enjoy wedding planning. Her mother took charge over everything from her dress, to the colors, down to the table settings and menu. Elain went through the motions, frozen to everything around her. Her mother paraded her around through the court, gushing over her daughter marrying a Lord like Grayson Nolan. If only these people knew this marriage was a sham, a ploy to pay off her family’s debts. 

One evening, after tossing and turning Elain gave up on sleep to tread downstairs to her garden. Even during the night her garden brought her a sense of peace and comfort. The night was cold against her bare arms, her nightgown providing her barely any barrier from the wind. Falling onto the stone bench in the middle of the garden she shakily sighed, trying to keep her tears at bay. Just how long was she going to be allowed to enjoy her home? Her garden? Her entire life was going to change and she was powerless to stop it. 

Suddenly she felt like she wasn’t alone. Looking over her shoulder she saw Azriel appear in the night, his eyes tired and his fists clench. Quickly she wiped under her eyes, just in case any tears escaped her eyes. “Azriel…” She whispered.

“Elain, what are you doing out here? You’ll freeze to death.”

She frowned. “I couldn’t bear to be inside any longer.”

Stepping closer to her he sat down beside her on the bench. He ran his scarred hands over his pants, trying to think of something to say. “I can imagine.”

“So you’ve heard?”

He nodded. “Word travels fast on this property.”

Closing her eyes, she felt her shoulders slump. “I can’t stop it…even if I could…”

“I understand, this is what is supposed to happen. You’re supposed to marry someone like him. You don’t belong…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “You don’t belong with someone like me.”

Elain turned to face him. She couldn’t believe he was diminishing himself like this. Surely he knew how she felt about him. She thought the world of him and had so since they were kids. “Azriel…you’re exactly who I want to belong to.”

Azriel’s hazel eyes met her brown orbs. “Elain, I’m beneath you. I’m a no one, the only reason I’m here is because your family felt sorry for me. If our paths hadn’t crossed you wouldn’t have met me.”

Now she felt tears burn her eyes. “That’s where you’re wrong.” She murmured. “Fate brought you to me. We were meant to meet. And I was meant to fall in love with you.”

Hearing those words made the weight of the world lift off his shoulders. “Elain…”

“You don’t have to say it back, I just want you to know.” She told him, grasping his hand in hers, bringing his fingers up to press a small kiss onto his scarred skin.

In one fluid movement Azriel released her hand to grasp the side of her neck. Tilting her head up he stared into her eyes, part of him wanted to see if she was lying. If she truly didn’t love him then he would be able to tell. But all he saw was pure, unrelenting love. With a shaky breath he leaned forward pressing his lips to hers. Elain was stunned at first but soon gave into the kiss, sighing into his mouth. Her arms reached up to wrap around his neck, her fingers entangling themselves in his dark hair. 

Azriel needed her closer. His strong hands reached down to grab her to lift her from the bench to straddle his lap. Elain jumped at first, feeling his hard body under her but soon relaxed into his embrace. Breaking apart for a brief second Azriel looked for any sense of hesitancy but all he saw was her warm embrace. Breathing her in he pressed his lips back to hers only this kiss was more passionate. Her mouth instantly opened allowing his tongue to find hers. Even though this was a first for her, Elain found herself rocking her hips against his. She did what felt natural, leaning into his body while his hands ran down her body. When she felt how hard he was under his trousers she paused. “Az…”

“Don’t worry about it.” He told her, his voice even deeper than normal. “I just want you right now.”

Suddenly she felt shy. “I’ve never…”

“It’s ok, when I finally take you we are going to be somewhere safe. Somewhere I can have my way with you the way I want.” He whispered, pressing his lips to her neck. “I want to be able to fuck you like you deserve, where you will feel me for days afterwards.”

“Azriel…” She whimpered, clutching onto his shirt.

“I know, my love.” He told her. “We will figure this out.”

“You sound like Nesta.”

“Your sister is brilliant, if anyone can get you out of this engagement, she will.” He said, pressing his forehead to hers. “You better go back inside though. If you stay I really will have to control myself.”

She frowned. “What if I don’t want you to?”

He kissed her one more time. “Don’t worry, love, I’m not going anywhere.”

The last thing she wanted to do was leave him. She stole one more kiss from him, holding onto him longer than she intended before retreating back into the manor. The home felt colder than usual. It suddenly didn’t feel like home, the place she had grown up in had shifted and she felt like she didn’t belong. Holding herself she treaded up the stairs to her bedroom. As she closed her eyes she could still feel Azriel’s hands all over her body, embracing her and feeling so comfortable and safe. She didn’t regret telling him she loved him. If Nesta didn’t figure out a way out of this engagement and she was forced to marry Grayson then at least Azriel would know how she truly felt about him. 

The days went by even slower leading up to the rehearsal dinner. Unfortunately Lord Grayson was around more and so far Elain wasn’t a fan. All he talked about was money as if he was trying to impress her. Her mother suggested they take a walk in her garden and when Elain did she could tell Grayson wanted their time together to be over as quickly as possible. “We have our own gardeners at the manor. You won’t have to worry about these weeds anymore.”

She nodded, his words making her shoulders slump. On paper Lord Grayson would be a fine husband but in person he was anything but. He was getting married as an obligation to his family just like she was. Clearly they weren’t well matched but they had to go through this for the better of both of their families. 

The rehearsal dinner was just as painful. Her mother carried on the conversation along with the Nolans. They raved about the upcoming wedding and just who all was going to attend. With each passing minute closer to the nuptials Elain felt her heart crack. She barely ate her meal that night and when it was time to retire to her room her mother hugged her tight. “You’ll see this is for the best.”

She cringed as her mother hugged her. Lady Archeron was never one to show physical affection like this and Elain knew this wasn’t meant to comfort her daughter. When she was released Elain whispered. “Yes mother.” Before heading straight to her bedroom.

Within the privacy of her bedroom Elain allowed herself to break down. Collapsing on the floor she crumbled. This was really happening. She was going to be chained to a man she will never love and who would never love her. No amount of time with Grayson had given her the same feelings as her time with Azriel. She felt like she was a burden when she was around Grayson, he wanted to be away from her as if he had better things to do. With Azriel she was always at ease, they could talk for hours or just sit within the silence and it would still be her favorite moments. He was her favorite person and the only one who truly understood her and listened to her. And now he wasn’t going to be in her life anymore.

Hours passed, Elain somehow made it to her bed still in her dress from dinner. A soft knock at her door made her stir but not move. Then she heard a louder knock making her open her tired eyes. Her body felt heavy as she stumbled towards her door. Opening it she saw an out of breath Nesta. “You need to pack a bag.” Was all she said.

“What?”

“You need to pack what you need. Come on, Azriel is waiting.”

That woke Elain up. “Nesta, what are you talking about?”

“You’re getting out of here. I’ve been working with Azriel and I think I have it figured out. I’ll explain as we pack, come, we must hurry.”

Elain found an old carpet bag within her closet and opened it while Nesta grabbed what she thought Elain would need. “We found Azriel’s brothers.”

That made Elain pause. “But he told me he didn’t have any family.”

“That’s what I thought too. They’re not really his brothers but they were close friends when Azriel was younger. I didn’t get all the information but at one point Azriel went to live with his father and his real brothers, separating him from his mother. They’ve been searching for him for years. The oldest one, Rhysand, is a Lord himself. He’s even wealthier than the Nolans. And then there’s Cassian, he’s a general in the royal Army, he’s moved all over the country and everywhere he went he would search for Az.”

“And they found him?”

“Azriel accidentally found them. Turns out he’s been trying to find a way to get you out of this marriage himself.” Nesta playfully glared at her sister who just blushed. “Anyway Azriel ran into Cassian in a pub of all places.”

“How is this helping me though?”

“Well what is going to happen is you are going to go away with Azriel to Rhys’ property. He has a house ready for you. Once you’re safe and away from here he is going to send a check to mother and father, paying off their debts essentially freeing you from the marriage agreement.”

“He’s willing to do that?”

Nesta smiled. “He said he would do anything for his brother and the woman his brother loves.”

Elain felt like she could cry all over again but then she remembered. “But what about Feyre?”

“That’s a bridge we will have to cross once we get there.”

Elain frowned but both sisters froze when Elain’s door opened. “What’s going on?” Their youngest sister, Feyre asked.

Elain breathed a sigh of relief seeing her sister’s tired blue eyes staring at her. “Feyre, close the door. Come in here.”

Feyre noticed the bag on the bed along with Elain’s belongings scattered around the room. “You’re leaving?”

“I am…I’m so sorry.”

Feyre threw her arms around her older sister. “I know you were going to marry him to protect me. I heard mother and father talking one night.”

Elain pulled away. “Nesta took care of it. There will be no wedding.”

“No, but we have to get out of here now if we want to be sure of that.” Nesta snapped. “Come on, we’ll save our goodbyes for later.”

Elain held onto Feyre’s hand while Nesta carried her bag. The three sisters hurried down the stairs, trying to be as quiet as they could. They were almost home free when they abruptly ran into their father. “Shit.” Nesta gasped.

“Father…” Elain whispered.

His eyes were tired but he appeared as if he expected this from his daughters. “I never figured you would be a runaway bride.”

Elain frowned. “I can’t marry him.”

He nodded, glancing at all of his daughter’s faces. Stepping aside he opened the back door. “Go, I’ll take care of this mess and the inevitable uproar.”

Elain let go of Feyre to hug her father tight before they ran outside. Her heart was pounding as they ran through the gardens. It made her sad this may be the last time she saw this garden but staying meant being trapped, being a prisoner in a political game she didn’t wish to be a pawn in. As they left the manor behind Elain was starting to feel better then like a beacon in the night she saw him. Azriel stood in the middle of the path waiting for them to arrive. When he spotted them his expression softened. When she was right in front of him she embraced him. “Is this really happening?” She asked.

He chuckled against her. “It is, but we have to hurry. Rhys is sending a carriage for us but we have to walk a few miles to meet it.”

“I don’t care just as long as it’s with you.”

Elain released him to look back at her sisters. Feyre was already crying while Nesta was trying to keep her tears at bay. Azriel reached out to take her bag from Nesta’s hands while Elain embraced her sisters. “This won’t be goodbye for forever.” She promised them. 

“It better not be.” Nesta warned her.

“I will write to you once we’ve arrived.” She said pulling back.

Feyre bit her bottom lip, clutching onto Elain’s hand. “Thank you for trying to protect me.”

Elain brushed away her own tears. “I may not be the perfect sister but I would do anything to protect you. If mother says anything about forcing you into a marriage you can come live with me. I will come back for you in a heartbeat.”

Feyre nodded. “I’ll tell you.”

“I’m sorry, but we have to go now if we want to meet at the rendezvous point.” Azriel announced from behind them.  

She gave her sisters one last squeeze before returning to Azriel. He gently took her hand and led her down the path. It was all so exhilarating but terrifying at the same time. She had never been away from her family before and now she really was living for herself and doing what she wanted. She was still scared but somehow with Azriel beside her she felt better about her future. This was a new beginning for the both of them, together. 

Tags: @elriel-month

[dragonflylady77]

i got you a whole flower shop

A Harringrove Valentine's Day fic I wrote this afternoon

present for @shieldofiron and also @lovebillyhargrove

oh and it's on ao3

Steve walks into a florist shop on Valentine's Day but his plans change after he gets a text not meant for him and he finds himself faced with Billy freaking Hargrove looking like every wet dream Steve has ever had in the past fifteen years since he finished high school.

“Sorry, I’ll be right with you.”

Steve made a vague noise of acknowledgement, too busy staring at the message he’d opened as he’d stepped into the first flower shop he’d spotted.

“Can’t wait to see you tonight baby. I’ll tell Steve I have to work late. Love you x”

He blinked a few times but the words didn’t change. The text was clearly not meant for him. Or maybe it was, he rationalised. That was one way to break up with your boyfriend without having to have the conversation.

He ran a tired hand over his face and put his phone back in his pocket. He wouldn’t need flowers after all. He tried to remember how much stuff he’d left at Jamie’s place during the few months they’d been dating and wondered if there was anything he’d miss if he didn’t get it back.

“I am sorry but it turns out I don’t actually need flowers after all,” he said, his eyes floating over the various buckets of colourful blooms in front of him.

“Am I dreaming or is that you, Harrington?” The voice sounded surprised and familiar and Steve turned around to face its owner.

“Hargrove?” Steve said in shock, stepping closer to the counter. He hadn’t seen Billy Hargrove since graduation fifteen years ago. “What are you doing in Chicago? I always thought you went back to Cali…”

Billy shrugged and Steve took a moment to really look at him. He still had those light brown, almost golden, curls that Steve had always wanted to run his fingers through, piled high in a bun, his face fuzzy with scruff, blue eyes trained on Steve. That part at least was familiar. Steve let his eyes move down, taking in the white tee, tight across the front under the black apron with the shop’s logo on it, Billy’s biceps bulging when he crossed his arms over his chest. Steve’s mouth felt very dry all of a sudden and hoo, was it always this hot in this store?

Billy raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He did, however, run that tongue of his along his bottom lip, another familiar sight, one that resonated inside Steve’s chest, in a place he’d been ignoring for years.

“Um, sorry, didn’t mean to…” Steve fumbled, fidgeting with his fingers. Fuck. He was being so awkward for no reason. He was usually a little bit better at human interactions.

“It’s okay, pretty boy, I know my good looks can be distracting,” Billy replied with a chuckle and Steve felt his face heat up. “To answer your question, my car broke down outside of St Louis and I realised I’d been kidding myself. There was nothing in Cali for me anymore. And I couldn’t leave Max alone with Neil.”

“Ah. I-I heard about him but Max never said—”

“I told her to keep a secret. Couldn’t risk Neil finding out. I made it back to Indianapolis on the Greyhound. Met a nice lady on the bus who offered me a place to stay for a while. Worked my ass off in a bunch of different jobs. Mona and her partner kinda adopted me, so when they moved to Chicago, I followed.”

“That’s why Max went to college in Chicago, isn’t it? Because you were there too?” Steve asked, a few things making more sense now that he knew about Billy.

“Yep. Got her out of the dorms too. She loved it at Mona’s as much as I did.”

Steve smiled. He was glad that Billy and Max had gotten away from his asshole father. He had only managed it himself recently, after more than a decade of working for his dad, being belittled every time Richard Harrington was in the office, no matter how good Steve actually was at doing his job. He’d jumped at the chance when he’d seen that job listing in Chicago and he’d cherished forever the memory on his father’s face when he’d handed in his resignation.

“That’s great, Billy,” he finally replied, and meant it.

“What about you, princess? What brings you to the Windy City?” 

“Oh, I live here too. Been here about three years, I think. I don’t have to tell you how good it felt to be able to tell my dad I was leaving and he could shove it.”

“Ooooh, go Stevie! Always knew you had it in you.”

Steve laughed and shook his head. “Took me twelve years but I got there in the end…”

“That’s what matters.” Billy grinned. “So, what are you after? Roses for your girl, on account of the day? Or something more original?”

“Oh, um, I, um…” Steve sighed. “I was gonna get flowers for my boyfriend, but after the text I got before, I don’t think I will.”

“Boyfriend?” Billy was staring and Steve realised he probably needed to elaborate a little.

“Yeah… My best friend Robin helped me realise some important things about myself after high school. She made being queer in Hawkins a lot easier. We were flatmates for ages then she moved to Chicago to be with her girlfriend. You know her, actually, Heather? Holloway?”

“Oh. Wow. Yeah, I remember Heather. So you’re…”

“Bi. Yeah.”

“And you have a boyfriend.” The way Billy said it, it wasn’t a question.

It left a bad taste in Steve’s mouth. He got his phone out of his pocket again and sent Jamie a text saying they were over.

“I had a boyfriend.” Steve snorted. “Whoever he meant to text when he texted me can have his cheating ass.”

“You don’t seem too cut up about it,” Billy said, his eyes roaming over Steve and Steve found that he liked it. All at once, memories of basketball training and all the posturing and looks Billy would send him in the showers and hallways of Hawkins High took on a different flavour. All the pet names Billy used to call him when they were teenagers… the same ones he’d used a couple of times in the past ten minutes they’d been chatting.

“I’d only been seeing him for a couple of months, wasn’t anything serious.” Steve decided to take a chance. He crossed his arms and leaned forward on the counter. “It does mean I am now free tonight…”

Billy mirrored his actions, the smile on his face genuine and warm. “Is that so, pretty boy?”

“Uh huh… yanno, in case anyone was wondering.”

“That’s certainly pertinent information.”

“I thought so.” Steve leaned a little closer, smiling when Billy did too. “What time does this fine establishment close?”

“Right now,” Billy replied, without a glance at his watch as he removed his apron and set it on the counter next to them.

“Really? Won’t you get in trouble with your boss for closing early on Valentine’s Day?”

“I’m the boss and I have a hot date,” Billy said with that smirk that had always made Steve’s blood boil. Only now he could name that emotion for what it was: lust. There was something else in Billy’s eyes, something more magical and durable.

“Anyone I know?” Steve asked, his heart beating double time in his chest.

Billy didn’t reply, instead he rounded the counter and came to a stop in front of Steve with a grin. He cupped Steve’s face with both hands and breached the last inches separating them, bringing their mouths together. Steve moaned, his hands on Billy’s wrists to hold him there. He opened his lips to Billy’s questing tongue the second he felt it, pouring all that he was feeling into the kiss, and getting it back ten fold.

Steve let go of Billy’s wrists to grab his waist and dragged him closer. He couldn’t get enough of Billy, hands roaming up his back and down to cup that ass Steve had been dreaming about for months after high school, sparking his bi awakening.

“Fuck, Billy, I’m sorry it took me so long to find you again,” Steve said, breaking the kiss to catch his breath, resting his forehead against Billy’s.

“S’okay, Stevie, you’re here now,” Billy said, dipping his head for a quick kiss. He buried his fingers into Steve’s hair and locked eyes with him. “Never letting you go now I’ve got you, though, I hope you know that.”

“Fine with me,” Steve said as he wrapped his arms around Billy’s middle, delighted to feel Billy’s hard body against his. 

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Steve. I don't know what flowers you like yet, so I got you a whole flower shop.”

Steve laughed as Billy locked up for the night then they went up to the apartment Billy was renting above the shop where Billy cooked them dinner. Then they spent all night in bed, worshipping each other, and it was the best Valentine’s Day Steve had ever had.

[cator99]

only video I got because I'm not a Phone Freak I like Real Life mostly and staring at artists and weeping with big wet real life freak eyes. I wasnt gonna go to see buttress because I have so little money but then I woke up this morning with the sudden pang of knowledge that this was a necessary expense so after a day hanging out with some farm animals I ran to the venue with no ticket (tried to buy online– website shat its pants and wouldn't tell me what the problem was.... Yeah it was sold out but I didnt know) and also late as fuck the opener Zand was already doing her thing but god guides me as always my timing was perfect I was standing there eating my bag of chips in the rain when a dope woman with one small hand got to the back of the line right behind me and started asking if anyone needed a ticket cuz her friend bailed... Win...... we chatted and she brought up that she used to work at a comedy bar turns out it's one down my street and she goes there regularly Alone because stand up comedy is bad so no one likes it but I like it that way worse is better so I'm gonna go with her sometime. Life good. Once inside I easily pushed my way up to the front past the bored zheani fans and then realized my housemate-coworker was inexplicably there?? So I got a dope ride home thank god for that because I gotta be up for work in uh..... oh....................... 3.5 hours.... ohhh.... well could always be worse. Talked to a woman outside who came to Canada from Brazil. Got robbed at gunpoint when she was 12 and listening to hannah montana on her ipod. It was during this show intermission smoke break (I QUIT btw but if ur talking with a brazilian lady about life it is required that you un-quit temporarily) conversation that Buttress zoomed past. We made eye contact for 3 seconds but I didnt recognize her immediately I was drunk and just staring wondering "why is that woman trudging around in a sports bra in the rain..........." ........ uhhh okay be real should I call in to work? Oh wait no no no I must remember....... brazil ...

[headfulloflettuce]

The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

18. Family Meeting

Note: I would like it to be known that I love Kallias and Viviane and that they're an absolute power couple. The woman literally kept his court together during the years he was gone and now they finally get to be reunited. In other news, I have discovered the 'read more' function on tumblr.

Aquilo wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep. Unfortunately, that right was denied due to his official duties.

I didn’t actually expect those two to show up.

He had of course been truthful in giving Edur his well deserved punishment, but it wasn't exactly common for fae to show up at the training grounds the way they did. Even with permissions, most would think twice before taking up a soldier’s offer and walking straight into a lion’s den. Aquilo, to put it simply, was impressed.

Their actions warranted respect. The blonde one’s confidence is contagious, and Ophelia is...well, beautiful. That was the only way to describe her. From her hazel hair that looked like maple leaves and eyes that held an entire Autumn forest-

Aquilo shook his head, trying to focus on the soldiers training before him.

“Another lap!”

The soldiers continued with no complaint, though Aquilo could see their exhaustion.

Get your head in the game Aquilo. Now was not the time to think about a female’s lips, or the way her skin was perfectly tanned, making her stick out in the winter landscape-

“That’s enough for today!” Aquilo dismissed his trainees, stomping off to the changing rooms, his ears slightly pink.

Damnit.

He entered one of the palace’s side buildings, grabbing a bucket of water and pouring it over himself; the cold clearing away any unwanted thoughts. Aquilo quickly changed into his formal attire, walking back to the main palace. A soldier, stationed on one of the garden paths, saluted the captain as he passed by. Aquilo gave him an acknowledging nod, but wasted no time on pleasantries. With the solstice approaching security had been heightened, soldiers stationed nearly at every corner and door. 

Wish this festival would end soon so we could go back to our normal routine.

The Winter Solstice was a wonderful holiday, one of Aquilo’s favorites. However, the amount of things to keep track of had always overwhelmed him, not that he would ever let it show. His High Lord and Lady needed him in top condition, and they would get no less.

Preparations were in full swing with courtiers and maids ran back and forth within the main palace. From food, to decorations, to potential debates, the Court was attempting to prepare for anything that may occur.

Aquilo stopped before the door to the High Lord’s office, knocking on it three times.

“Come in.”

Aquilo stepped inside, bowing. Kallias didn’t look up from his work, simply waving him over. Aquilo approached his ruler.

The man needed a break. Kallias had always been pale, but his eyebags currently made him look like a skeleton.

Aquilo stood awkwardly as Kallias said nothing.

“How did the meeting with the businessmen go?” Aquilo prodded.

Kallias groaned, putting his head into his hands, “As well as one would expect, badly. Things are stagnating culturally and economically.”

Aquilo nodded sympathetically, “I am sure it will get better.”

You and Viviane have been working very hard, there’s no way it’s going to go to waste.

Kallias hummed, staring at the papers in front of him, “Amarantha’s reign really screwed with any projects we had at the time. The war with Hybern just made the situation worse. We also need to tackle the lack of food due to Spring being out of the picture.” he sighed, “I think we have no choice but to start considering larger trade routes with Autumn or Summer.”

Aquilo tensed at the thought of dealing with Beron.

As if reading his mind Kallias nodded in agreement, “It’s not ideal, but it may be necessary, so please prepare for it.”

Emotionally or physically?

Kallias’s look answered; both.

“Oh, how is that disciplinary program of yours coming along?” The High Lord’s cold blue eyes met Aquilo’s.

“It’s going well sir.”

Mother, the shame he felt reporting the Eduro incident to Kallias…

“Good. I don’t need us gaining a reputation for military corruption.” The High Lord noted.

“I will ensure that never happens.” Aquilo’s voice gained an edge. If there was one thing he would protect it was the reputation of Winter Court’s military.

Kallias ran a hand through his hair, “My apologies, we got sidetracked. You had a report to give.”

“No problem my lord.” Aquilo straightened his back, “Security measures have been heightened since the war which has led to a decrease in conflicts out on the streets and major cities. We’re currently spreading out our military units to more rural regions to offer them additional support.”

Kallias nodded, tapping a pen on the table as he thought.

“My men…have reported Night Court soldiers traveling by forest in the direction of Summer again.”

We both however know of their real destination; Spring.

“How many times has this happened already?”

“We have twenty five recorded instances sir. Three times just this month.”

Not counting the potential incidents my men simply didn’t spot. Night Court soldiers were known for their discretion. Always hiding in the shadows.

“Those winged bats really think they can get away with anything?” Kallias snarled, his icy demeanor breaking to reveal a blizzard underneath.

Aquilo shivered as the temperature of the room dropped.

The poor maids will have to scrub ice off the furniture again.

Suddenly, a black blur burst into the office, making the two men break out of their tense scene.

“Kallias! Look, look!” Briar practically yelled, waving her arms around, pausing as she saw their expressions, “Oh, I am sorry, are you two in a meeting?”

Aquilo had to admit; it was wonderful seeing the mortal become more comfortable within the palace. When she had first arrived she stuck to her room, avoiding most of the staff members.

“Yes, we are, is this something important?” Kallias took a deep breath, the temperature in the room returning to normal.

“Oh, it’s huge!” she ran over to the large desk, “Look at this perfume!”

Kallias and Aquilo immediately both recoiled.

“Briar, no!” the High Lord warned, trying to snatch the bottle away from the human, but Briar pulled back, “You know how…strong the scents of Winter Court perfumes are.”

“Not this one!” she insisted, “It’s a new release, just try it!”

“Briar, you know I am not a big fan of these things.” Kallias tried to reason with the child.

“Aww, pretty please!” she pleaded, “I promise you’ll like it!”

Kallias physically pulled back as Briar waved the bottle in his face.

“Briar, are you terrorizing Kallias again?” Viviane chidded, stepping inside, smiling gently.

“Viviane!”

The Lady of Winter smiled at the young girl, “Yes de-”

“Try this perfume!”

Viviane’s expression instantly fell, her hand protectively resting on her pregnant stomach, “Absolutely not, and didn’t I tell you to not go near the perfumery street?”

Briar groaned, grabbing a napkin and spritzing some of the perfume onto it.

“Briar no!” The three adults tried to stop her, but nothing happened.

Viviane approached Briar, sniffing the air, then taking the napkin and taking another small whiff.

“Where did you get this from?” she asked quietly.

“Evelyn gave it to me!”

Viviane shook her head. Her sister was always trying new things; for better or for worse. In this case, certainly for the better. 

“Kallias, smell it.”

“Love, you know how I fe-”

“Smell. It.” Viviane walked over to her husband, thrusting the napkin into his arms, which he reluctantly smelled, his eyes widening.

“This…is actually good.” he paused, looking at Briar, “What is this?”

“Perfume.” Briar looked smug.

“I realize it’s perfume, I mean where did you get it?”

“One of Evelyn’s personal servants got it.” Briar explained, “Apparently there is this new perfumery that opened up near one of the city’s centers outside of the perfumery street. It's affordable so the maid bought this bottle and began wearing it. When Lady Evelyn inquired about it the maid gave the perfume to her to try.”

“Wait, are you talking about the new perfumery run by two women?” Aquilo perked up.

“Yeah!” Briar nodded vigorously, “That one! Though I believe they have two guys working there too. A fae and his father to be more specific. Why do you ask?”

Wait, Ophelia worked with another mal-

Aquilo coughed, hoping the group didn’t notice his hesitance, “The two ladies running it just stopped by the training grounds.”

“What?!” Briar stared at Aquilo, “What do you mean they visited? Why?”

“You remember the Edur incident, yes?”

“Of course!” Briar huffed, Viviane ruffled the human’s hair fondly.

“Well, those two were the victims of that situation.”

Specifically Ophelia.

Aquilo couldn’t help but bristle at the memory.

“What were they like?” Briar asked curiously. 

“They were quite interesting. Cosette, she’s the blonde one, she definitely has a spine, while Ophelia….” 

Was a forgiving individual with an unparalleled grace and friendly demeanor.

“…has quite the positive attitude.” Aquilo had to stop himself from voicing his true thoughts.

Stay professional brain.

“Do they both make perfumes?” Viviane chimed in.

“Oh um…” Aquilo paused, “I don’t actually know, I didn’t ask.”

Briar groaned, “For being the royal captain of the guard I would have expected you to ask more about peoples’ identities.”

Aquilo nodded.

She was right, it was irresponsible of him.

Viviane shook her head, “Aquilo, she’s not being serious.”

Oh.

”How long has this been on the market for?” Kallias looked at the bottle thoughtfully.

“Uhh…the maid said the group has been selling perfumes for the past couple months.”

Kallias quickly set the bottle aside, rummaging through some papers, “Hmm…based on the business ownership reports I’d guess it’s the fae called Cosette.” 

“So we do have information on them!” Briar’s face lit up.

“Yes, albeit minimal since they’ve only been active for the past couple months.” Kallias nodded, looking at the reports.

“It's very hard to get a hold of the perfumer. Since they’re a new business they still have a very small team and thus she’s constantly busy making perfumes.” Briar pouted, “Me and Evelyn tried to visit several times undercover but she was always gone or occupied with existing customers.”

“Why go undercover? Simply visit under the royal name.” Viviane smiled mischievously. 

Briar rolled her eyes, “That would make a bad impression! Besides, I am not a royal.”

“Please don’t worry about using our names to get somewhere.” the High Lord tried to reassure her, “You're our guest and a human on top of that. It would be irresponsible of us not to provide for you to our fullest extent. That includes you having access to everything you may need or want.”

Briar looked unconvinced by Kallias’s response.

How long will it take for them to stop being so possessive? They were practically smothering the poor girl with their affections.

Aquilo kept his face neutral, hoping he wouldn’t have to watch another argument between his two rulers and their unofficially adopted child.

“Just because I am a human living in Winter Court under your care doesn’t give me the right to parade around throwing titles at random business owners!” Briar retorted.

“Wise words dear.” Viviane interjected with a polite smile, sensing a growing conflict, “It’s good to remain humble. Now, how about instead we all go together? Kallias, you have been complaining nonstop that there are no good business people in the city, we should go meet the owner to establish relations!”

“Yeah! Diplomacy or whatever else Lucien likes to talk about.” Briar quickly agreed with Viviane.

The head of the guard cringed internally as the two High Fae missed the true root of the problem.

The issue wasn’t time or the desire to network, it was that the human was lonely. She was surrounded by beings that barely understood her and treated her like glass. Briar needed a friend, not another sycophant that wanted to get close to the rulers of Winter Court through her.

Kallias nodded, following his wife’s lead, “That’s a good idea. How about we go after the Winter Solstice though? We’re all quite busy right now and preparations are taking up all of our attention.”

Viviane nodded in agreement, while Briar huffed slightly.

“I was looking forward to meeting her though…” Briar muttered.

“Although I am sure the perfumer is an interesting conversation partner, we still don’t know much about this business. Seeing how they behave in the lead up to the solstice and during it will help us gauge their intentions and legitimacy.” Kallais spoke calmly, not wanting to take an unnecessary risk. 

Aquilo understood his High Lord’s preference for caution when considering the perfumery businesses’ past activities within the city. 

I wouldn’t want to endorse something potentially illegal either.

“He has a point.” Viviane’s voice was soft as she looked at Briar, “If the business seems fair and good after the celebrations are over then we ourselves would love to go and see the place with you.”

“On that topic, how is the perfumery street investigation coming along?” Kallias turned back to his head of the guard.

“Not well my Lord. Any tracks we try to follow always lead to dead ends, and proving the usage of drugs is challenging due to magic wards.” Aquilo sighed.

Kallias’s eyes narrowed in frustration, “If this continues half of my damn court will become addicts.”

“I am sure this new place isn’t like that!” Briar glared indignantly.

“We can’t know for certain.” Some ice seeped into Kallias’s voice, the temperature of the room throbbed.

Aquilo coughed.

Please don’t freeze the mortal sire.

Kallias took a deep breath. An argument now wouldn’t help anyone.

“Just try to keep an open mind.” Briar shivered slightly, a flash of guilt passing over Kallias’s face.

“Alright.” he nodded, yet his tone remained cold, “I promise to keep an open mind when we go to meet the perfumery owner.”

“For such a simple bottle the scent sure is good?” Viviane sniffed the napkin again, making Briar smile.

“Well, looks aren’t everything.” Kallias said, his voice devoid of humor. Perfumery street had taught them all that the hard way.

Viviane shook her head at her mate’s moodiness, approaching him and gently stroking his messy hair, “When was the last time you slept Kal?”

“Yesterday?” Kallias took a deep breath, relaxing against his mate’s touch.

“Haha, if you were in bed yesterday, I would have remembered.” Viviane winked suggestively.

“Okay no, ew. We don’t need to hear about that!” Briar exclaimed.

I agree. We don’t need to hear about that.

“I just want to make sure the event goes well. Tensions are high right now and we can’t afford-”

“Aww just admit you want to beat Helion’s Winter Solstice celebration.” Viviane kissed his cheek gently.

Kallias grumbled, but didn’t argue.

Aquilo restrained the smirk that wanted to escape. His High Lord has always been a competitive one, despite the cool exterior.

“How about, instead of working yourself to the brink of seeing the Mother herself, we go get some food in you?”

Kallias nodded, kissing Viviane's hand, “I would love that Viv.”

Viviane booped his nose, pulling him up, “What do you want for lunch Briar?”

“Can we have the chicken the cooks made yesterday?”

“Of course dear.” Viviane smiled. They had been trying to get Briar to try different foods but the human was stubborn in her ways, insisting she didn't want them to waste more money than necessary, sticking to simpler dishes.

The two rulers didn’t stop the young human, permitting her to eat whatever she wanted, merely suggesting alternatives.

“What do you think of trying a different type of desert today?” Viviane asked gently.

“Hmm…”

“Perhaps Eclairs?” Kallias’s eyes sparkled as he walked on Briar’s other side.

Briar seemed conflicted. Eventually, her curiosity to try a new sweet treat besides ice cream won out, “I would like that.”

Aquilo watched the group leave, chatting happily, trailing after them quietly.

I wonder what Ophelia’s favorite sweet is?

Next: Chapter 19 - Memento

Back: Chapter 17 - All Things Magic and Mystic

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[gayuu-the-necromancer]

｡⋆｡˚🦋 Ikemen Villain Prologue 🦋˚｡⋆｡

Chapter 1 If Life Were A Fairy Tale...

If life were a fairy tale, it would have been easy to be happy...

We don't have to do anything we aren't allowed to do. For example...

A forest you must not enter, a door you must not open, a secret you must not know.

And...

Kate: "This is all that I'm in charge of? Okay, thank you for sorting the letters."

Colleague: "You know, the one at the top is a love letter, okay? That's a big responsibility, Kate."

Kate: "All letters are equally important because it's written from a person's heart."

Kate: "Okay then, I'm off to work!"

I put the bundle of letters in my delivery bag and opened the front door of the post office.

(It's even livelier today...wasn't it the social season?)

London, the Capital of the United Kingdom, is literally the most prosperous city in the world during the reign of her Majesty, Queen Victoria.

Immigrants, industrial capitalists, and aristocrats crowded together,

Everyone is living today the same as yesterday, full of worries and joys in their own way.

Kate: "Okay, let's get the work done as soon as possible!"

I am an ordinary citizen who works as a postman in such a city.

.........

(Phew, I'm tired)

As I deliver the letters to each recipient, as usual, I noticed the gas lamps beginning to turn on one-by-one.

(2 more to go...next address is...Ah)

Suddenly, a strong wind blew and one of the envelopes flew into the sky from my hand.

(Oh no oh no!)

The envelope kept flying higher across the dimly lit alleyway and chased after it desperately.

Kate: "If I lose it, I'll be in trouble...come back here!"

I kept chasing it as fast as I could and finally saw it lying on the ground.

Then I saw a man with silver hair that dazzled even in the twilight, emerging from an alleyway.

(Thank god...!)

Kate: "Excuse me, sir, please don't step on that letter..."

???: "....."

When I rushed over to him, he kindly bents down and picked up the envelope that fluttered down to his feet.

???: "There you go, my lady."

He simply picks it up and offers it to me, but I find myself gazing at him, perhaps because of his inhuman good looks and the elegance of his gestures.

Kate: "....Thank you."

???: "You're welcome."

(This person's eyes are...red. So much like.....)

Blood.

In the dimly lit alley, the outstretched palm, the blood-colored eyes....all of it was...

A shiver ran down my spine as if it was going to take me somewhere that wasn't real.

Man with red eyes: "Only 2 more deliveries left?"

Kate: ".....Hm?"

His mutterings brought me back to myself. Immediately, the hustle and bustle of London came back to my ears.

Kate: "Sorry, I was spacing out for a moment there----"

Man with red eyes: "Hurry up, the sun will soon be setting."

He said it in a whisper and briskly walks away. I soon see him disappear into the crowd.

For some reason, the faint scent of sweet roses lingering in the air made my heart flutter.

........

Man with red eyes: "I've made you wait, Victor."

Man with long black hair: "I'm happy to wait for you for hours...So? Did something good happen?"

Man with red eyes: "Yeah. I just saw a cute little robin, with a lovely voice, flying happily."

Man with long black hair: "Heh...if you're interested in someone, then that makes me interested in them too."

.........

(That was strange. How did that man know about the number of deliveries....?)

(I don't think we'll ever meet again...since he looked like an aristocrat by the way he dressed)

I walk the streets with a feeling of relief as if I wanted to talk to him some more.

Because I love the moments when people's hearts are touched, I chose a job delivering thoughtful letters.

I have no complaints about the days I continue to deliver someone's thoughts and I think that my current routine may be a happy life that suits me.

But I also think that the world might change if I take a step forward at...on a moment's notice.

(I'm not sure if it's called 'asking for something you don't have')

Kate: "Anyways, I'm glad I delivered all the letters today without any trouble."

It was then that I praised myself as if I were self-imposed.

???: "Wait!!"

(....!)

Chapter 2 - Boundary Between Good And Evil

[baby-bunny-san]

Ikemen Villain Prologue Full 1-9

Part 1

It’s easy to be happy when life is a fairy tales.

Don’t do what you shouldn’t do. For example, so…

A forest you shouldn’t enter, a door you shouldn’t open, a secret you shouldn’t know.

And ---

Kate: This is all I’m in charge of. Thank you very much for sorting the mail.

Colleague: Hey, isn’t the top one is a love letter? It’s a big responsibility, Kate

Kate: The responsibility is the same for any letter. Because the person who wrote it is full of heart. Then Let’s go

Put the letter in the delivery bag and open the door of the post office ---

(Today is even more lively… Was it social season?)

During the reign of Queen Victoria, London was literally the most properous British capital in the world.

While immigrants, workers, industrialists, and aristocrats are crowded together,

Everyone is living the same today as yesterday, filled with their own troubles and joys.

Kate: come on, let’s deliver today as well!

I am an ordinary citizen working as a postman in such a city.

(Phew, tired)

While delivering the letter as usual, the gas lamp started to light up again today.

(There are only 2 left for today. The next address is --- ah)

A strong wind suddenly blew, and an envelope flew from my hand into the sky.

(I can’t…)

The wind carrying the envelope blows through the dim alley.

Kate: If I lose sight of it, I’ll be in trouble…!

Rather than rushing to chase after it, the envelope fell to a point as if it were being sucked into it.

Towards the silver-haired man who appeared from the alley, who was slender even in the twilight.

(It was good…!)

Kate: Excuse me, it’s being delivered

???:….

I rushed over, and the man kindly stooped down to pick up the envelope that had fallen at my feet.

???: Go ahead, my lady.

He picked it up and hold it out, that’s all, but perhaps because of his inhuman beauty and gracefulness of his movements, my gaze was stolen.

Kate: Thank you very much

???: You’re welcome

(This person’s eyes are red. It’s like…)

---- It’s looks like blood.

Dark alley, outstretched palms, ruddy eyes… all of them,

A shudder ran down my spine as if it was going to take me somewhere that wasn’t real.

Red-eyed man: Are there only 2 deliveries left?

Kate: Huh?

His cough brought me to my senses. Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of London came back to my ears.

Kate: Sorry, I’m dazed.

Red-eyed man: Hurry up. It will soon be dark.

As we passed each other and made a fuss, he disappeared into the crowd.

For some reason, the lingering sweet scent of buckwheat made my heart flutter.

The red-eyed man: Thank you, Victor.

Black-haired man: If it’s you, I’d be happy no matter how many hours I’ve been waiting… Oh, did something good happen?

Red-eyed man: Ah… There was a cute robin who seemed to sing with a wonderful voice.

Black-haired man: Heh… If you’re interested in someone, I’m curious too

(He was a strange person, how did you know the number of deliveries?)

(From the way he dressed, he looked like an aristocrat, so I don’t think I will ever see him again)

I walked around the city with a feeling of relief and a desire to talk a little more

I like the moment when people’s heart moves, so I chose a job that delivers letters filled with feelings.

I have no complain about the days when I continue to deliver someone’s feelings, and I think that my current daily life may be happy life that suits me.

Although I also think that the world may change at some random time.

(I wonder if it’s a guy who asked for something that doesn’t exist)

Kate: Well okay, I was able to deliver properly today as well

It was when I praised myself as if I was making an autosuggestion.

???: Wait!!

(.…!)

Part 2

A girl and a man with an angry expression appeared in front of me,

Girl: Ouch!

The necklace sways and glitters in the twisted little girl’s hand.

(Thief?)

Man: I will make that arm unsuable!

What the man raised was a poker

(If it’s hit hard with something like that, bones would break!)

In the momentary events unfolding in front of the sun---

Kate: Wait

---- Involuntarily, a voice came out

Man: What the hell are you??

(No way!)

Kate: Hey, for now, let’s return what you stole. After that, I will listen what you have to say.

Girl: Ehhh

Man: Ouch!?

(Eh!?)

The girl took moment to kick the man’s arm and disappeared into the alley

Man: Wait, you bastard, damn you, what are you doing?

Kate: I’m sorry…

Even if you regret sticking your neck in…

Man: Pay for what I was stolen! Will you pay for it?

Kate: Yes, I will pay you

I cried and took out my wallet

Black-haired man: …I see. That’s certainly a lovely robin

Kate: ah… I did it

(For the jeweller, it was clearly the bad peson who stole things, but)

(I don’t think it’s a good thing to blame a girl who is cornered to the point of stealing…)

Everyone knows that there are people suffering from poverty in the east of London.

Without knowing what kind of feelings the girl has when she steals, I can’t just sit and watch her get hurt

(But in the end, the girl committed a crime and escaped)

Kate: I don’t know if it’s good or bad

I’m running out of tickets for this month’s theater

It’s a small hobby that I pay for myself to go to the theater once every few months with my salary that I’ve saved

(I was supposed to save from this delivery, but this month I have to deposit it)

Kate: Well, there’s no point in worrying about it, if it’s money, you can earn it again

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

Kate: I’m back

Director: Kate, it’s just right… No, but it’s dangerous at night…

Kate: what’s wrong?

Colleague: that’s right, there are vacancies for night delivery workers, and there are not enough people

(Night delivery, that’s it)

Kate: Please let me go

Director: Oh.. that’s.. to be honest. It helps. The delivery area is a safe townhouse area, but please don’t wander around carelessly

Kate: I got it

(Good, now we can make up for the negative amount from earlier)

(It’s my first time delivering at night and this area… if you’re careful, you will be fine)

Black-haired man: well--- guys, are you ready?

Cat-like man: Of course, Victor. It’s been a long time since we’ve been on a mission together, so it’s exciting

Subjective man: You’re too excited, you will get hurt if you get too high, so calm down

Hunting gun man: well, if it’s not a serious injury, I’ll fix it. If you die, we will have one less person to work with

Cat-like man: Thank you, Roger. As expected of a former doctor

Blond hair man: .. ah. I have to go too

Gentlemanly man: Yeah, it’s a wonderful night. There may be something you’re looking for at the target’s mansion

Blond hair man: yes… I understand

Sly-eyed man: if you’re going, can you go quickly? Unlike the nobles, I don’t have time

Tall young man: I don’t have any business talks or collection plans tonight

Sly-eyed man: Hey, you can’t be honest like an idiot. Shut up

Red-eyed man: As you can see, Crown is ready, Victor

Black-haired man: Haha, That’s nice. Well then, let’s get started

Tonight too --- loyalty to your evil

Part 3

(Delivery at night is fine once you get used to it, next is the last one)

Among the row of townhouses, it was a particularly splendid mansion

(Oh.. this mansion doesn’t have a mailbox)

(It’s night, so I can’t speak too loudly… what should I do?)

When I gently touch the gate, I heard a faint squeak and the gate opened inward

(Open. Careless)

Kate: Excuse me. I’m from the post office. Is there anyone here?

When I pass through the gate and look into the dimly lit entrance hall

(Piano sound?)

Out of nowhere, I heard a light melody

The light and joyful tone that echoes in the dark without the sound of the wind makes you feel something strange

(i’m sure it’s the man in this mansion who is playing. If you leave the letter unattended, it might get lost)

(If I don’t deliver it properly)

I’m afraid to take a step forward

My own footsteps along the polished hall mingled with the melody of the piano

(somehow, I feel restless)

Eventhough I should be fullfilling my duties, I feel like I’m making a decisive mistake for some reason

(Hand it over quickly and let’s go home)

(The sound … seems to be coming from the hall ahead)

Knocking on the door, but the melody doesn’t stop

I put my hand on the doornob as if I was rushed by anxiety

Kate: um.. excuse me. ------Nn

(.……. eh?)

A bright red fountain appeared in front of me

Byu-- the object with bright red splatters throbbing and rolling on the floor with a sound

(W… What?)

My eyes met with the “it” that rolled at my feet

“He” had a bitter expression on his face, and had a knife he had held stabbed into his neck

Kate: ………!?

My throat makes a sound. A lukewarm liquid dripped down, and discomfort ran down my spine

(Why)

???: this this, I didn’t expect an audience to come

I heard a voice that gave me a further blow, and my throat, which was still tight, trembled

When I looked around-----

Eight shadows darker than darkness,

They silently stared at me, illuminated by the gray moonlight

As if trying to figure out who I am….

One of them slowly stands up from the piano in the hall

Red-eyed man: what’s it? Isn’t that the robin I met during the day?

Kate: ahh…eh?

It was the red-eyed man I met in London at dusk

I stared back at them, unable to understand anything beyond that

Cat-like man: do you know Will? Anyone know us?

Red-eyed man: we just talked a little bit on the street, Liam, she don’t know about the Crown

(Crown?)

Cat-like man: I see, then you are in trouble, what should you do?

The man looked at me and smiled softly, with a glamorous tone that doesn’t match the complete crime scene

(Looks fun, even in this kind of situation)

His friendly pink eyes sparkle with curiosity

Subjective man: I’m sorry if you are really frightened, but this is a set for a stage play, isn’t it?

A man who looks like a playboy poke at the corpse with his chine and gives me a sideways glance

Kate: Uh, lie…

I remembered the lukewarm feeling, and my voice came out involuntarily

Subjective man: It would have been better if you pretend to believe me. What are you going to do Will?

Red-eyed man: Of couse, we should take her to the “Palace fo death”

Sly-eyed man: I told you to lock the door

Hunting gun man: Haha, I didn’t think you would trespass. You’re a pretty bad girl, arent you?

Tall young man: Why don’t you come over here, you cant run away anyway

Fear ran through my body the moment I heard those word - I can’t escape

(... anyway…. I have to run away!)

I scolded my trebling legs and try to retreat

Blood-red eyed captivated me

Red-eyed man: Come, poor robin

(Ehh??)

For some reason, my legs began to move toward him the moment he whispered sweetly

(why? I cant stop..?!)

Kate: I hate it…

Ignoring my will, my legs suddenly stopped right in front of him

Red-eyed man: Excuse me

He gently pulled me around my waist as if he were waltzing

(... being killed..)

As soon as I close my eyes. The scent of buckwheat tickle my nose, and the soft feel of it gently caress me

Red-eyed man: it’s ok

(a…)

He smiled and gently released me from his arms

All of sudden, I lost all my strength and collapsed on the spot

Red-eyed man: I’m late in introducing myself. My name is William. William Rex

With the moonlight behind him, he bowed reverently and held out his hand to me

(William Rex…)

The blood-stained fingertips are slowly opened as if inviting

Red-eyed man: I invite you to dinner tonight. Guest, what’s your name?

Part 4

(I could not escape..)

Eight mysterious man put me in a horse-drawn carriage and gracefully drove through the city at night

Beyond the window, with the cityscape of London. The majestic palace flew away---

(where am I going? And what will happen to me?)

I left the delivery at that mansion. But I wonder if I can receive the salary for that

Moreover, it’s doubtful whether I will be able to return home safely

(the fact that they are acting in group and working in the same place means that these people are people from an organization)

(Then.. from now on. I’m sure you’re going to report me to the person in charge)

Gentlemanly man: Kate-san..

Kate: Y..Yes

When I lifted my head up, I saw a gentleman with a mysterious smile on his face

Looking out the window, the carriage passed through the forest and crossed a bridge

Gentlemanly man: we’re arrived. This is not the root of evil that could be the end of your life, but our base

Kate: Wha…

As soon as I get off the carriage with a conforting escort, I was fascinated by the Gothic castle in front of me

Surrounded by forests and ponds on all sides, the clear tower that pierces the night sky gives off an overwhelming presence

Its’ a place that makes you want to bow down unintentionally

(i never thought there was a castle like this in London…)

Kate: Is this.. real?

Gentlemanly man: Yes, unfortunately, it’s neither a dream or an illusion. It’s painful reality that you cant escape

(actually.. or rather, didn’t this person just say something outrageous?)

(The end of life, root of evil, etc . Oh no. My head--)

I get dizzy and unsteady on my feet

I bumped into someone and hurrily turned around

Kate: sorry

Blond hair man: It doesn’t matter… are you okay?

(Near…)

The man who held me by the shoulder looked at me from a distance where I could touch his delicate-looking golden hair

(this person.. he is too beautiful and scary. He looks like a bisque doll)

In a work of art-like form, only the dark and ashy eyes are staring at me with the warm of a living creature

Kate: I’m fine, thank you

A man with a blond hair and blue eyes: …yes

(ah, that)

A man with a blond hair and blue eyes:…..

(don’t let go…)

As I was puzzled, a hand extended from the side and stabbed the blond man’s hand

A man like a cat: El, don’t run away

Kate, do you like to talk to me? I want to know more about you

(wow..)

I was confused by being sandwiched between men on both sides

Hunting gun man: hey, both of you, leave it for later, reporting to Victor is the top priority right now, right?

It’s not too late to get to know each other even after deciding what to do with the girl

It was a big man with an intelligent and powerful appearance came to my rescue

The rational look behind the glasses calms my fussing mind

(at this moment, I feel like this person is the most communicative)

Kate: … What will happen to me?

The things I’ve always wanted to hear came to my mind

Hunting gun man: weel? It’s up to us

With an egoistic grin, I erased the sentence “I feel like I can stand you” in my head

William: Kate, this way. Follow me

Kate: Yes. Rex-sama

William: Ahaha, don’t be so formal, William is fine

Kate: okay… William-sama

(Wow.. amazing)

Once you step into the castle, it’s as if the world has changed

(To think that I would set foot in a place like this even once in my life…)/ I never thought I would set foot…

A castle that is an magnificient as it looks, and is said to be the property of the British royal family. A dangerous, mysterious, and beautiful unknown world was spreading out before my eyes

(it’s a base for people who might be criminals, but..)

William: you seem to like it

A shilver ran down my spine. When I turned around, William was laughing gleefully

William: let’s go. Soul Reaper is waiting impatiently.

Part 5

Black-haired man: Welcome back, my beloved cursed people!

We stepped into the spacious dining room with trepidation, and the ‘Soul Reaper’ greeted us with a crackers.

(Cursed..?)

Black-haired man: Huh..? that girl is…

(This person is, the ‘Grim Reaper of the Palace’?)

I was a little perplexed by his friendly and frank attitude

His jewel-like eyes and long, glossy black hair reminded me of a night sky with twinkling stars

William: she’s Kate. She happened to be at target’s mansion

Black-haired man: wow. That’s … a fateful coincidence

William: Kate, he’s Victor. He’s the Queen’s aide

(The queen’s aide?)

Victor smiled as he restrained me with one hand when I was about to bend my knee

Victor: good evening, Kate. I see you’re brought here…

Kate: Yes, Victor-sama. It’s as you said

(To think that such an amazing person is a noble.. who the hell are they?)

The fear that clings my body is increasing, and I feel like I’m giong to cry at any moment

(i don’t want to be killed without knowing why)

(But what should I do?)

I was so tense that I couldn’t even break into a cold sweat, and my head gradually faded and turned white

Victor: If you were there by chance, you would be terribly confused without knowing the situation

Kate: Huh…? Yes….

(That’s right. Anyway, I have to grasp the situation and stay calm..)

Before I panicked, my thoughts clung to Victor-sama’s words of sympathy

Kate: well, can I ask you some questions?

Victor: You’re polite, okay, what do you want to ask?

Kate: what was it that I saw? What the hell are ‘crown’ and ‘cursed’?

Cat-like man: Ah, I see. I’m sorry I didn’t explain. You were worried, weren’t you?

Both are about us

Subjective man: Hey, Liam

Cat-like man: a cursed person is a human who has been cursed since he was born into this world

Kate: Cursed? Human?

Cat-like man: yes. I was born destined to commit crimes and suffer a tragic end.

(Are all these people saying that?)

Cat-like man: the ‘cursed people’ has been born in this world since long ago… and has been destined to commit crimes and died as they were supposed to

Cat-like man: for example, when drawing a curse, I can’t control my curiosity. And in the end, I’m destined to be killed by curiosity/ it’s fate to be killed….…Ah, it’s about me

Kate: what do you mean to be killed by curiosity?

Cat-like man: for example, according to the records, my previous cat’s curse is… Arson, robbery, self-multilation, adultery, and all kinds of evil deeds… just to satisfy my curiosity. Even though he was abandoned by his family and loved ones, and even when he was torture and had his limbs torn off, he cried and laughed.

Cat-like man: “it’s the first time I’ve ever done something like this”. In the end, he jumped into a sulfuric acid bath and melted to death while laughing out loud

He told a horrifying story worthy of being called ‘the end of a tragedy” with his eyes swaying happily

Hunting gun man: it’s said that various fairy tales were created based on the existence of this ‘cursed’. Nowadays, the causal relationship is reversed. And it’s called ‘the Fairy Tale Cursed’

(fairytale, curse,… such a story)

Hunting gun man: Can you believe it? I just tasted it myself

Kate: eh..?

Hunting gun man: ‘cursed’ possesses ability that normal humans cannot have

Sly-eye man: hey, that story is a confidential matter… you guys are light-hearted

(unusual ability)

Suddenly, what happened to me just now come back to me

---------- In the target’s mansion -----------

William: Come, poor robin

(... why? I can’t stop!!)

At that time, my body betrayed my will, as if I was manipulated my William-sama’s words

(No way… Really??)

When I unintentionally/ instinctively turned my gaze to William-sama, he gently loosen his eyes as if he is leaning back

William: My curse is a self-righteous king. It’s my ability to act as I’ve ordered/ command

(Do what you ordered, it’s like magic…)

Reason reflextively tried to deny it, but my body that was actually manipulated by him

The story is undeniably true

And one more thing, I noticed something

(A man who died in that mansion) I remember the anguished expression of the man who took his own like and the knife he held in his hand

(I thought it was too unnatural to commit suicide)

(But, maybe that person…)

(William-sama ordered him to forcibly put a knife on his neck?)

Kate:…!!

A frightening hypothesis crossed my mind and I quickly turned away from him

William: ‘cursed people’ are treated as criminals and psychopaths. At present, the UK is the only country that has nationally controlled and organized such risk factors

Kate: Nationally… organized?

William: Ah. An organization under the direct control of her Majesty Queen Victoria, composed only of cursed people. That’s us, the Crown

William: From espionage assassination, we undertake behind-the-scenes/ shadow works that the police and military cannot handle

(That’s right. … the murder scene I saw earlier)

(was it an assassination mission carried out my Her Majesty’s orders…?)

Victor: for the prosperity of Britain, ‘conquering evil with evil’ is the mission of the ‘Crown’. Well, in fact, who are ‘cursed’, are free to carry out their own evils

Victor: For me, it’s the most important thing

(a group of assassins for the nation, defeating evil with evil…)

(I’ve learned a terrible secret…)

I should have grasp the situation in order to calm down, but I was struck by even more fear and stood dumbfounded

Subjective man: yes, it’s a more serious situation than you imagined

So, what are you going to do with such a polite explanation, Victor?

Victor: Hmm… That’s right…

Tall young man: shall I kill her?

(eh-----?)

The worst option suddenly surfaced and I turned around in a panic

Tall young man: she doesn’t seem happy at all, but is it’s work, I’ll do it

(eh….eh!!?)

I’m sweating and I wonder what the other people’s complexions are like

Everyone is calm and doesn’t change one complexion…

I understood that taking the life of a single person was a daily accurrence of them

Victor: Hmm, that’s right

(I have to explain somehow…!!)

(I have to persuade him somehow!)

(If the reason for being killed is ‘knowing the secret’)

Kate: I swear I will never tell anyone alse what I just heard!

Victor: Hmm… What? What?

Kate: I’m absolutely confidential, postmen are trained to maintain confidentially

Victor & William: ….

(isn’t t really impossible?… if that’s the case)

Kate: if you say you can’t trust me, you can keep an eye on me until you trust me, I’ll definitely prove it

(so please, don’t kill me)

I stare at Victor with a cringing feeling

Viktor: I see, that’s good. Adopted!!

Kate: huh?

Victor: From today onwards, you will be the Crown exclusive ‘fairy tale master’

Part 6

Kate: Fairytale master….

Tall young man: … what?

Victor: the position I just created. I’ve wanted to record the spectacular evil deeds for a long time. From now on, Kate will live in this castle and act together with the members of Crown

Victor: Crown members, keep an eye on her so she doesn’t reveal her secret

Meanwhile, I asked Kate to write down how they commit evil, it’s like writing a fairy tale.

It’s will be a valuable resource for research into the curse, and it will also serve as a Crown activity report for her Majesty the Queen

Sujective man: just because it’s too much trouble for you to make a report, so you’re going to force it on her

Victor: I think it’s the best idea! If it decided, I’ll have to show you around this castle

Kate: Wait, wait!

(it looks like I escaped being killed, but I have to decide something important!)

Kate: One month. For 1 month, if I fulfill the role of the fairy tale master and keep the secret to the end…

Can you release me, please?

Victor: ……….

William: fufu… that’s unusual, Victor, I can’t believe you’re taken aback. Okay, Kate. If you want, I’ll trust you and release you when you finish your one month term

William: Should I send a direct notice to your workplace saying that you’re going to work at the Imperial Court for a month? Okay, Victor?

Victor: of, of course Will

(that’s good. For the time being, the neck skin seem to be connected)

(1 month… if I can keep the secret, I can go back to the daily life)

(while writing down the crimes these people commit)

William: If you don’t know the names, it will be inconvenient. Everyone, introduce yourself

Cat-like man: Yes, yes, then I’ll start

(... that?)

When I saw him stepping onto the stage as if he was dancing, I suddenly felt a sense of deja vu

Kate: I’ve heard about you somewhere!

(this person is an actor who appeared on the stage I went to see last month)

Liam: Do you know me? I’m so happy. My front face is a stage actor , and the back face is a crown. My name is Liam Evans

Please take care of me from now on, cute Kate-chan

With a light wink like a twinkling star, Liam kissed the back of my hand

My heart, which has been tense with fear and anxiety, loosened slightly

(i though Crowns were all nobles, but that’s not the case)

Kate: Nice to meet you, Liam-san

Liam: call me Liam. No honorifics, okay? And this is my buddy Harry

Harrison: it’s a bad friend’s mistake… Harrison Gray. Harry or Harrison, whatever you want

I’m a liar fox cursed. Now, it’s a lie or it’s true?

Harrison smiled thinly, his milky hair swaying, and the scent of mint tickled my nose

Kate: it is true?

Harrison: hmm, do you think so?

You can check the answers, you have a month

(.. you’re kind of an elusive person, I can’t read your emotion at all)

(There is no doubt that he is very popular)

Alphonse: then, let us say hello next. Sorry for the delay, my name is Alfons Sylvatica

 To be able to spend a month playing with a love robin like you… I’m really looking forward to it

(Hmm? You said you would play with me?)

Alfons: this is Elbert Greetia. Please consider me his friend as well as his aide

Kate: Elbert.. nice to meet you

Alfons-san, Elbert-sama, nice to meet you

Elbert: … El, is she beautiful?

(eh!?)

Alfons: yes, as much as you

Hunting gun man: hey hey, what a rude thing to say in front of a lady

(Well, it’s true that there aren’t many people more beautiful than master Elbert)

Roger: I’m Roger, I used to be a doctor. Nice to meet you, girl

When I instinctively braced myself for the ferocious smile, Roger-san raised his eyebrows as if amused.

Roger: well, it’s been a month. Let’s take it easy, huh?

Kate: yes, Roger-san

(also, I don’t know the name…)

Looking around the dining room, I noticed 2 people who had barely talked to each other, and turned my gaze to them

In particular, the man in the long jacket doesn’t even try to hide his stoic aura, has the air of a real ‘villain’

It’s unapproachable, to be honest

When our eye met, the twisted/ distorted his face in disgust

The man with sly eyes: tch…. disgusting

(eh…)

A sudden intense disgust is directed at me

Victor: well, don’t say that, take care of yourself, Jude

Jude: I refuse, what are you thinking about catching such an ordinary person/ mediocrity by brandishing the Queen’s power?

(ordinary person..)

(..eh, maybe you’re defending me right now?)

Although he seemed to be different from the members of Crown, he may be a surprisingly conscientious person

Kate: Thank you very much, Jude-san

When I greeted him with a little hope in my heart, Amethyst’s cruel-looking eyes narrowed

Jude: I feel sorry for you for being forced to brign you here. Did I rescue you?

Kate: eh?

Jude: I’m just kidding. what are you expecting?

(wha..!?)

Jude: well, it’s okay if you do your best. You can hold it for a month and then run away and be killed

After pouring harsh words and showing a cruel smile, Jude-san left the room

(after all, he was a cold person… and also a type with a strong habit)

(is that peculiar way of speaking, is he an immigrant from somewhere?)

Tall young man: he’s like that to everyone, so don’t worry  about it.

Kate: wow!

Before I knew it, a tall young man was standing next to me

(suddenly, I didn’t notice it at all)

(this person just said ‘let’s kill’ me…)

Ellis: I’m Ellis

With a calm and gentle voice, just by being by is side, you can feel the temperature frop

It made me uneasy. As if something was peeking through the open darkness

Kate: Ellis-kun, nice to meet you

Ellis: Nice to meet you, me and Jude often go out on business

While I’m here, I’ll make you as happy as possible

(Happy?)

From the person who tried to kill me a few minute ago, I was taken aback when a line like a proposal popped out

(i wonder if it’s a unique social commentary/ etiquette)

Kate: Thank you. What kind of work do you do outside?

Ellis: Trading company. Jude is the president. I’m an assistant

(That person is a president…)

Victor: okay. Have you all identified yourself with this? It seems that there are some children who haven’t reveal the curse

Well. You will find out yourself while you’re working as a ‘fairy tale master’

Bang, clapping his hands and Victor-sama happily laughed

Victor: Then, before we show you around the castle, I would like to show you a welcome trick

Liam: wow! Clap clap clap------

Roger: don’t waste precious time again

Harrison: are you insane? I’d rather take a shower than stare at such a poor thing

Alfons: well, isn’t it nice to see the idiots of wierdos who are happy to expose their clumsiness?

Victor: I need collaboratorss, but who won’t run? El?

Elbert: I don’t like it…

Victor: hmm. I wonder why your sad profile is so attractive. Then what about Ellis?

Ellis: if that makes her happy, fine

Victor: thank you for your altruistic and devoted course of action. Then lay down on the table over there-------

(suddenly, the magic show started…)

They are laughing happily in front of you, and they are taking one life without delay tonight

Even the laughter seemed stir up fear when I remembered the sight at the scene of the murder

William: are you scared?

Kate: …! William-sama

Part 8

Still unable to meet his gaze, I lowered my head and stared at his feet

William: it’s polite to give an honorific title. I’d like to have a more informal relationship with you. Just with William

Kate: yes, William

(.……look)

I couldn’t help but obey the order, so I gave him a title in my heart

William: that’s right. I won’t use my power recklessly. Can you show me your face?

Invited my the gentle tone of voice, I fearfully raise my gaze upwards

William: are you scared of us?

Kate: yes, I’m scared

I thought It was rude to say something like this, but my voice spill out on its own

Kate: I didn’t know anything about you. Or about the existence of this world…

If It came true, I wanted to remain ignorant

But I, who didn’t know, can’t go back

William: do you want to know more?

I feel like I’m going to flinch at the words

Kate: I think I want to face each other in my own way

It’s necessary because I need to fulfill my mission and be trusted…

William: ….huh?

William narrowed his red eyes as if exploring, and gave a faint smile to his lips

William: well, let’s wait and see

Victor: Yeah, as you can see, Ellis surviced the rain of knifes unscathed!

Liam: wow, that’s amazing! As expected of Victor

(oh..no! Even though it was my welsome trick, I didn’t see it at all!)

Harrison: yeah, wow. Good work Ellis

Roger: didn’t you get stab with a knife?

Ellis: it was a little tough, but it’s barely okay

Alfons: as expected of kinetic vision and reflexes

Elbert: … relying on the physical abilities of the collaborators… isn’t that a trick?

Victor: well then, this is enough for the welcome entertainment

Despite the cold attitude of the audience, Victor spread his arms in a good mood

Victor: May I show you our castle of evil, Crown Castle?

Part 9

Victor: come on, miss robin. Don’t stray from me

Once you’re scented by the darkness of the castle, you can’t come back

Parting from the members of the Crown, I went out into the hallway as Victor-sama led me

Kate: Yes, Victor-sama

Victor: Victor. Isn’t it sad that I’m the only one with William being called out?

(Both William and this person are clearly high-ranking people, but----)

Kate: Victor. Please guide me

(i feel so good)

Victor: This is the common room. It’s a room where we drink, play, have party and discuss strategies.

Ah, don���t touch the leftmost glass on the third row from the top. Dangerous things will pop out

(i wonder what will come out… a knife? Pistol?)

Victor: This is Roger’s laboratory, and also the infirmary. If you get injured, you should get medical treatment here. Crown’s mission is dangerous side by side. Ah, but fortunately they are still alive and well. Miraculously

(a life-threatening mission is an everyday occurrence?)

Victor: This is the hall. Balls and evening parties are held here. But this castle is special, and we rarely invite people.

Victor: Even the servants hire a small number of reliable people. To protect the secret that you have learned

(if you’ve gone that far to keep secret, why was the mansion unlocked?)

Victor: and here is your room

Kate:…eh?

What I was shown was a clean room with white as the base color, and a classy room that seem to be inhabited by the upper class

Kate: did someone live here?

vidtorL no. When you were being introduced by everyone, I ordered the servants to prepare this room for you

(in that moment, such a thing? I didn’t even feel the presence of a servant…)

Kate: ah….

Suddenly, I found a typewriter on my desk and let out a voice

Kate: how did you know I used a typewriter?

No one should know that I have been practicing for several months so that I can also do writing work

Victor: huh? Is that so? I didn’t know, just coincidence. I thought it would be useful to have for making a report

Victor blinked his eyes curiously and stared at me meaningfully

Victor: miraculour coincidence… even on the same day, twice

(twice..?)

Victor: I feel like it’s fate that your’re here

Well, don’t stay too long in the lady’s room too long. If anything happens, ring the bell there

Your exclusive maid will answer your request no matter what. Oh, write down the instructions

Kate: thank you, I understand

Victor: also, there are quite a few people in the Crown who are morally bankrupt

Leaving someone in the room can be synonymous with surrendering your body, so be careful

(though I didn’t see people here so hungry for women)

Kate: I remember it well

Victor: finally, let me convey my thanks

Kate: thank you…?

Victor: oh, thank you for trying to talk to us

You tried to have a dialogue with us while watching the scene with your own eyes

You think I was person who could understand you?

Since you are that kind of person, let me give you one piece of advice

After a month, if you want to go back to your normal life, don’t let them steal your heart

Kate: will they steal my heart?

Victor: yes. Curses are destined for tragic ruin

If you want the kind of happiness that pure maidens dream of, don’t fall in love with them

(love…)

The unexpected story confuses me

Kate: I didn’t even think about that…

I’m just going to prove I can keep secrets and go home

Victor: Maybe it suites you, who has free wings

Victor narrowed his eyes deceitfully as if he was holding it

Victor: nevertheless, if you choose to share the fate with them. Darkness will gladly welcome you

My body trembles at the bewitching smile

Victor: Good night, Kate

Kate: Good night, Victor

Thus, with the sound of the door slowly closing, my sinful life began

It’s easy to be happy when life is a fairy tales.

Don’t do what you shouldn’t do. For example, so…

A forest you shouldn’t enter, a door you shouldn’t open, a secret you shouldn’t know.

Don’t fall, love

However, the world of darkness suddenly appeared, revealing its abyss and tempting me

What will happen to my heart and body if I touch those fingertips beckoning me?

I have a certain feeling that something will change decisively

Breaking the taboo of ‘don’t do’, what lies ahead-----

-----I don’t know yet

The copyright belongs to Cybird. There may be some mistakes in my translation, feel free to tell me if you see them.

[imzsuzsis-blog]

Loki strokes my back in circular motions in the morning in the bathroom, I vomited again but I can take it better now, it's not because you're hysterical and I don't sneeze so much, I don't get into trouble with anyone, I've finally gotten rid of burping, I'm just joking and then I laugh at myself, I know that I cooked a good thing, it's true, not with him but with my ex Ollie, but a good and cute little girl and I'm waiting for it. "Who are you going to?" He smiled seductively at me when I turned around and started washing my face. "Yes, I will also be there at the press conference right next to Charles, who said that on a drunken night you are a piece of shit, but his girlfriend thinks it's positive, and he thinks it's negative." I tried to laugh but it didn't work, I was struggling with the serum, I never knew if I should put it on by hand or just drip it on my face. ,,What was it? You don't say exactly? Ever since Suzuka's drunken outburst, we know that Charles is not a sane boy, nor is he a hothead who thinks like that." "I know if he doesn't, he freaks out and starts crying in a weird way, but that's how he is. Fuck, it's sold out at the best time!!!!" "Are you running out?" I used up the last of my sunscreen, you could buy a new one here, but where?” I started whining again about a stupid sunscreen that I bought somewhere a month ago because it seemed better than the expensive ones sold by Sephora. "Until we find a new one, use mine, it's the same brand, it's just a sun protection factor, that's all it was." "Fuck, I ran out of primer, and a company sent me this during Covid, but I really have to buy it, because it's available here too, but it's cheaper here." I threw the plastic box in the trash and saw that Loki looked strange, I could only blink. "What you got, how can I say it, my sister-in-law, they are American and you can only get this on the internet." He came closer to me and slowly started kissing my back, which made me start, then he kissed my neck, I just blushed and looked at the needle in front of me, but before long he turned me around, I started to support the cock while he sucked my Adam's cock and excited my body with his fingers. "Loki, please, I have to go, I'm in such a fucking hurry. Aaaah!!!” I twisted my neck with closed eyes and played with Loki's lock of hair. "You'll get there, I'll just taste this delicacy." "Ahh- I understand, but..." "Let's go... I can't bear to look here, fuck you!!!!!!!"

I stood frozen, seriously, it's seven in the morning and we have to get to the track by ten. Loki enjoys sucking his cock. I closed my eyes and instead turned my head, started shaking and called the others to fuck us. ,,Where? I don't know, but I don't dare to look at it... I'm serious, what I saw is almost gay porn... I'll take good Loki's mouth off the pumpkin and bring the monkey." "Suck harder Loki, more!!!!!" "I'm going, it's too much for me. then there. Cya" My head hurts from Lando's screams, which make me moan.. he moans during his orgasm. "Milk, I'm going to have milk!!!!!!! Let's go faster Loki more!!!!!!!!! A little bit!!!!!" "I can't take it anymore, I'll shut up." I was furious when I opened it. Laughing in front of the needle guard, Lando put on make-up and laughed and recorded something on TikTok. "It's done. Oh hello, Osc… And you? Aren't you separate?" "It wasn't Lando, the team said that since there was only one race here, we would go to the track together. So I hope you will hurry and your mind won't run around your tail again." "Relax girl, I'm ready, my dress is in my suitcase, just a light on the diva's beautiful mouth and we're off."

I came out of the bathroom smiling and shaking my ass in a sexy way. "Lando, you have a whore's tattoo." "And what about my lady? I'm not a boyish gay, as you can see, I'm a girl, a real girly girl, my dear. You know it's not a topic for me." I stroked his hair Osc and saw that he was embarrassed. "Sorry, no, it wasn't intentional, we just wanted a little petting in the morning, it really wasn't a willful hetero kidnapper of my heart." "Petting?" Do you remember that he left home?” He had to get up and walk around, walked around the room, then ran out the door without saying a word. "Hmm, I really have to go, I'm sorry Loki, today's an important day, if I miss it I'll be punished." Sexily, I climbed on him for the last time and we started to kiss erotically in the armchair. "Should I ride your fucking dick like this as a farewell?" I cheekily smiled at him not only with my mouth, but also with my eyes. "Yes, it's best to go out like this today." I knew that if I was a good little girl today, I would be one too.. I stroked the back of him neck and started giggling. I've always loved the hot guy on other guys, so it will be the same now. "Loki is fighting, Loki is fighting."

[eeveecryptid]

※ RESIDENT EVIL: WELCOME TO RACCOON CITY ( 2021 )

lines through the movie because - hello - i adore just how well done it was. feel free to adjust pronouns/phrasing if needed. May include nsfw material.

“s/he's here again. s/he was watching me.” “try and get back to sleep before (name) finds you in my bed.” “what are you doing out of bed, little girl/boy?” “s/he sleepwalks sometimes since our parents died.” “you're a good boy/girl for taking such care of your sister/brother/sibling.” “that must have been quite some dream.” “i almost shit my goddamn pants.” “if i knew you were gonna be screaming in your sleep, i would've left you at the side of the road.” “you know, one might have nightmares heading back into that shithole town.” “hey, why don't you just take a seat and leave the poor kid alone, huh, (name)?” “ten bucks says you can't shoot that off from here.” “twenty says i can knock the bottle without even looking.” “you snooze, you lose- it's (sender's name)'s sandwich now.” “i heard that you shot your partner in the ass during training.” “heard that your daddy, some big shot on the force, had to bail you out.” “what's the 'S' stand for? stupid?” “sooner they shut this whole town down, the better, as far as i'm concerned.” “we're nice people once you get to know us.” “s/he's only got eyes for the big fella, and I don't fancy your chances against him.” “you really shoot your own partner?” “still pining after (name), i see.” “never gonna happen, bro.” “i see you wax your chest now.” “after you ran away, (name) was the closest thing i had to family.” they raised me, put me through school, the academy-- they were there for me.” “where were you? i haven't even heard from you in five years.” “they've been trying to contain that shit, but the genie is out of the bottle now, and i don't think it's going back in.” “what kind of person can pick a lock like that?” “it's kind of impressive, but also, what the fuck?” “i'd never let anything hurt you.” “lock-pick the door behind you when you leave-- and don't touch the bike!” “what would the worst way to die be? to be swallowed whole by a snake or eaten alive by a great white shark?” “you're a freak, (name).” “i plan on dying peacefully in bed, snuggled in (name)'s big burly arms. “you said 'everyone into the briefing room,' so- here i am.” “i didn't mean you, you moron. not you, (name), everyone else. “what if someone wanders in and there's no-one behind the front desk? an old lady's looking for her cat or something.” “i'm sorry, (name), is that important? a new girlfriend?” “maybe you could take her out to eat at Planet Hollywood.” “they have a new one in Gatlin- oh, they got a great salad. little wine.” “maybe just take her back to your apartment, rent a movie at Blockbuster, get cozy on the couch, or put on some Journey.” “Steve Perry's voice, what it does to a woman's heart, huh? am i right?” “sounds like i might be getting laid.” “leaving, that's what they want. so they can destroy my life's work.” “it's okay, little girl/boy, because we've found you a new family.” “don't worry about your brother/sister, s/he'll be coming along as well, in due course.” “we would never separate the two of you.” “who are you gonna call? you're the police.” “i'm no medical expert, but i think that guy might just be beyond saving.” “congratulations, rookie, on the promotion.” “i'm sure your father would be incredibly proud that his pathetic specimen of a child is rising so quickly through the ranks.” “someone should confiscate that.” “the faster we find them, the faster we can get the fuck out of here.” “so you're (name)'s little sister/brother, huh? i didn't think the two of you spoke.” “my parents died in a car accident when i was eight.” “my brother and i grew up in an orphanage here.” “i ran away a long time ago.” “i had to learn to handle myself quickly.” “you're probably wondering what a guy like me is doing as a cop, right?” “oh yeah, no, he's fucking fine, yeah. who doesn't cough up a little blood on the floor when they're feeling sick? just a little cold.” “of course he's not fucking okay, man, look at him.” “you're no einstein, are you, buddy?” “get your shit together, or you're not gonna make it through the night.” “i just really want to get out of this town.” “i don't know who they are. i don't know, and i don't care.” “they're just some people with a vested interest in getting hold of whatever dirty secrets Umbrella are keeping down there and exposing them.” “come on, (name). don't look at me like that. it's just money, alright? and they have plenty of it.” “it was just a way of getting out of this . . . small town, dead-end life.” “you were just gonna leave us?” “we have to find (name 1) and (name 2) and tell them (name 3) is dead.” “come on, these are your friends!” “they bought you off, didn't they? they paid you to keep quiet about all the shit they were doing in here.” “now they've left you to rot in the gutter like the rest of us.” “don't be so damn naïve.” “you got some weird friends.” “(name 1) betrayed us, (name 2). s/he was gonna leave us here to die.” “we have to follow him/her, 'cause i think it's our only way out of here.” “this is my life's work. i'm not giving it to anybody.” “i'm not really offering you a choice here, pal.” “you didn't have to make it like this.” “what the hell is wrong with you?” “this is so fucked.” “jesus, (name), you and that fucking gun.” “i wouldn't have pulled the trigger, kid.” “did you really believe you could be part of my family?” “oh, such a sweet little soldier. such a loyal drone.” “how could you be so dumb when your sister/brother's so smart?” “i almost feel sad having to kill you. almost.” “i should have taken you and your sister/brother down to the lab. you would have made excellent specimens.” [ to an attacker ] “get. the fuck. away. from my brother/sister.” “this is really nice, but i think i broke some ribs.” “we got to get the fuck out of here, Umbrella is gonna level this place.” “trust me, i'm as surprised as you are, buddy.” “i should've listened to you a long time ago.” “i may have scratched the paint on your bike.” [ to a monster ] “hey! you ugly fuck!” “a rocket launcher? Found it in first class.” “i don't understand, i thought i was dead.” “what happened to my eyes? i can't see.” “it's a side effect, one of the things we had to do to bring you back. there will be others.”

[foundtherightwords]

Love in a Storm - Chapter 8

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Chrissy Cunningham (Regency AU)

Summary: A devastating loss threatens the happy marriage of Edward and Christine Munson, Lord and Lady Hurtsfield. However, when Edward is accused of a crime he didn't commit, Christine has to set her grief aside and embark on a perilous journey to prove her husband's innocence.

Warnings: childbirth, stillbirth, infertility, angst, false accusation, wrongful imprisonment, legal drama, some violence (non-graphic), some smut (non-explicit)

Chapter warnings: non-explicit sex

A/N: This was my first attempt to write a courtroom scene! I learned a lot during my research for it (such as the fact that British judges don't use a gavel). Also, the Old Bailey transcripts of the actual Cato Street Conspiracy trials are a Godsend, as I took a lot of Robert Adams' testimonies from them.

Chapter word count: 3.9k

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7

Chapter 8

The Old Bailey was so packed with spectators that the cab had to drop Christine and Owens a long way off from the main building, and Owens had to elbow his way through the crowd to get Christine inside. The pavement was swamped with boys selling broadsides printed with every detail of the conspiracy and the trials of the previous days. One of them ran up to Christine and offered her a pamphlet, and was met with such a withering glance from Owens that he ducked his head and quickly ran off.

The courtroom was a hive of activity, as clerks hurried back and forth on the floor below and spectators squeezed into their seats in the gallery above. A brief hush fell over the gallery as Christine sat down and removed her hood, revealing a velvet turban decorated with bright blue feathers. It was actually her mother's, left behind when she moved to Naples. Christine herself never wore something so flamboyant; she only wanted Edward to be able to pick her out amongst the crowd. A woman behind Christine huffed loudly, "With the money one paid for this seat, one would expect to see something!" Christine's cheeks burned, but she reminded herself she wasn't here to cater to the morbidly curious, who watched the trials as avidly as they did the latest drama in a West End playhouse. She was here for Edward. So she squared her shoulder and fixed her eyes on the floor below, ignoring the irritated murmurs around her.

The presiding judge was Lord Chief Justice Abbot, an old man with a stony, humorless face. Even from this distance, Christine could see the disapproval on the judge's face as he glanced at Murray, who looked more like an owl than ever in his crooked wig and gown. Before she could feel concerned about what this might mean for the trial, the murmuring rose again, and her attention was drawn to a door in a corner, where Edward was being led into the courtroom.

Christine leaned forward, hands gripping the banister in front of her, trying to take in everything about him, to fill that void he'd left in her during all those weeks they were apart. He was no longer in chains, thank God. And it looked like he had been shaved, washed, and changed into the clothes she'd sent. His hair was still too long, reaching his shoulders now, and he was thin, oh so thin! It wrenched her heart to see his features standing out sharply on his face and the dark smudges under his eyes. But at least he looked respectable, a gentleman. Hopefully, it would count for something in the eye of the jury. Even as she thought this, however, she was well aware that the other prisoners could not afford such privileges, and felt a jab at her conscience.

Edward was put to the dock. He turned toward the gallery and locked eyes with her. His mouth quirked up in that familiar smile that went straight through her heart. That smile told her everything that he couldn't say in his letters, everything that he couldn't speak in words. That smile said to her I'm here, sweetheart. Be brave. Be strong. I shall always be here. It was only for a brief moment, and then he turned to face the judge again, and Christine knew that look and that smile would have to sustain her for the rest of the trial.

The jury was sworn in, and the trial began. Christine hardly registered what was being said, so intent she was on watching Edward. He remained composed and expressionless while the Attorney General, a middle-aged man with a thin mouth and fussy manners, stated the case to the jury. He didn't look guilty or indignant. If Christine hadn't known him so well, she would've missed a slight hardening of his face, a tightening of his jaws, as the charges were read. He must be boiling with anger inside, and she was proud of him for maintaining a calm, dignified exterior.

The same could not be said for Murray. He moved about in front of the witness's box, waving his arms like a windmill and punctuating his questions with wild gestures. At first, Christine was exasperated by his theatrical performance, but as the witnesses stammered under his scrutiny, she started to understand his tactics. It was just as Edward had said; Murray sought to confuse the witnesses so he could catch them unawares and point out the holes in their testimonies. And he was witty, Christine had to give him that. More than once he set the crowd chuckling and had to be sternly reminded to stick to the procedures by the Lord Chief Justice.

After several witnesses had testified about the shooting of the police spy, Benson, and the fact that Benson had indeed been assigned to watch the Cato Street party, the star witness, Robert Adams, was called to the box. Despite knowing he was going to speak out against her husband, Christine couldn't help feeling sorry for him. He was a stooped, pitiful little man, with thinning, graying hair plastered to his head, a timid face, made all the more timid by the prominence of his ears, and the same vacant eyes as his wife's. In a small voice, he told of how the conspirators had found money to buy arms for their coup.

"Thistlewood said I might buy a pistol for 4 or 5 shillings; I said I had no money to buy pistols with, he said he would see what could be done. Later, he told me that there was a gentleman's servant who had supplied some of the party with money, and he said if they would act upon the subject he would give a great deal more. He repeated it more than once or twice." He said all this quickly, without emotion, as if by rote, confirming Murray's theory that he had been coached.

"Did you ever go with Thistlewood to get this money?" the Attorney General asked.

"No, but Thistlewood once came back from Hanover Square with the money, which he gave to Bradburn to purchase ferrules to put on the staves."

"Hanover Square, Lord Hurstfield's place of residence?"

A moment's hesitance, then Adams said, with a nod, "Yes."

"And did Thistlewood ever tell you the name of this servant or this gentleman?"

Adams shifted in his seat, saying, "I don't... I don't recall."

"Think, Mr. Adams. Such a generous gentleman, and you or any of the other men never thought to ask who he is, or why he would give you money to harm his own peer?"

Christine could hear displeased muttering amongst the crowd around her. Such a question, in any other case, could be seen as a clear example of leading the witness and the lawyer would be condemned for it, yet here the judge was turning a deaf ear.

Adams licked his lips. His eyes, like those of a frightened animal, flicked toward Edward, before he said, "Thistlewood might have said the name... Edward."

Christine shut her eyes briefly so she didn't have to look at the smug expression on the face of the Attorney General as he settled down, apparently satisfied with Adams's testimony. Now it was Murray's turn to cross-examine the witness.

"Are you sure it was Edward?" the barrister asked. "Not Munson, or Hurstfield, but Edward?"

"It might have been Edwards," Adams replied, looking a little more confident now that he no longer had to face the Attorney General.

"Are you not confusing him with George Edwards, a member of your party, who is now known to be a government spy placed amongst you to instigate—"

The Attorney General quickly stood up. "It has been confirmed that Mr. Edwards was nowhere near Cato Street on the night of the 23rd of February, and is not the subject of this cross-examination."

Murray spread his hands in a placating gesture. "Very well. Mr. Adams, could you confirm if it was Edward or Edwards?"

Adams's eyes darted to the prosecutors, as if seeking for a cue from them. "... It was Edward," eventually he said.

"Not Hurstfield or Munson?"

"I suppose he wouldn't be using his real name," Adams said.

"No, of course not!" Murray threw up his arms. "When coming up with a nom de guerre, one must always use one's Christian name!"

Christine couldn't stifle a grin. A snickering went round the courtroom. Adams looked abashed, knowing he'd stumbled, but unsure where or how.

"You mentioned seeing several pistols in the house of one of the prisoners, John Brunt, on the day of the 23rd," Murray continued. "Did you see this pistol amongst them?" He gestured to one of the clerks to show Adams the pistol bearing the Munson coat of arms.

Adams seemed even more confused. "I... I cannot say. They were all lying in a drawer. I cannot even say what their exact number was."

"Has Thistlewood ever mentioned the possibility of a police spy watching your movements?"

"He... he did tell us to watch out for the police," Adams said.

"And yet he missed the fact that George Edwards, his right-hand man, was a spy?"

"I must ask you again, sir, to focus on the subject of this questioning!" the judge shouted.

"Have you ever heard the name Frederick Benson?" Murray asked.

"... No," Adams said, sounding defeated.

Up in the gallery, Christine nodded with satisfaction. Murray was not only throwing doubt on Edward's involvement in the conspiracy, he was also pointing out that the shooting of Benson might have nothing with the conspiracy itself, killing two birds with one stone.

After that, Edward's character witnesses were called - Mr. Clarke, the Misses Hargrove, and some officials from parishes where Edward had done his reform work. It heartened Christine to see and hear them speaking so warmly of him. She could feel the mood of the crowd change as well, becoming more sympathetic, and for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to hope.

At last, it was Edward's turn to deliver his defense. Usually, this would be done by the barrister on behalf of the prisoner, but Edward had elected to speak for himself. Christine's heart swelled with pride as he stood up and address the jury.

"My Lords and Gentlemen of the Jury," he began. "I cannot, nor do I want to deny that I am for reform." Christine cursed inwardly. Why in God's name would Edward open with that?! Such a statement wouldn't exactly be helpful to his case. Around her, the audience reacted with surprise as well, as heads bent toward each other in curious whispers. "I suppose you were expecting me to denounce it and proclaim my loyalty to the Crown. But I must be honest." Here, he glanced at the gallery, and his eyes caught Christine's for a moment. "I want changes. I don't want to live in a world where men can be hanged for trying to feed their families, mothers have no rights over their children, and orphans can be sold like cattle. But I also do not condone violence. I would like to believe that we can bring about changes by discovering our own sympathy for our fellow man, as well as by appealing to it in others, not by killing and inciting riots. Doing so would be to harm the very people I wish to protect. Whatever Mr. Thistlewood and his men were planning, I had no part in it."

Christine's initial irritation faded away as she looked upon her husband, who stood facing those who scorned him, who wished him harm, all because he dared to tell the truth, because he refused to conform to their rules. Her Edward, brave and true. In the past two years, between her grief and her loneliness and her frustration, she had allowed herself to forget what she loved most about him, his courage, his honesty, his passion for everything in life. It had taken all this trouble for her to remember it again.

But was it too late? For Christine had barely felt the elation when it was stamped out again, as cruelly as a bucket of water on a fire, by the Lord Chief Justice, who fixed his cold, colorless eyes on Edward, and intoned:

"As much as I would like to commend your compassion for the less fortunate, sir, the truth of the matter is that a man was killed. He was killed by your pistol, and you cannot account for your movements at the time of his death. Where was your compassion then?"

With that, he signaled for the court to adjourn. The grim faces of the judge and prosecutors brought back in Christine's mind what Murray had said. They have already decided... The trials are just for show... They will try to make an example out of him... Her heart plummeted as she realized it had all been for naught. Edward was a dead man even before he walked into the courtroom.

***

The Lord Chief Justice's foreboding words were still ringing in Christine's ears as she and Owens made their way out of the building. The trial was going to recommence the next day, but Christine wasn't sure if she could endure it, despite Murray's ever-present optimism, despite Mr. Clarke and the Hargrove sisters' encouragement.

"Don't mollycoddle me, Mr. Murray," she said, when she managed to snatch a moment with the barrister outside Old Bailey. "Tell me, truly, do you think his lordship has any chance of an acquittal at all?"

The barrister's usual sardonic smile disappeared. "Unless we can provide clear, irrefutable evidence of his innocence, I believe the best we could hope for is a reduced sentence."

"Transportation?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Murray nodded. The hollow feeling in Christine's chest grew. She didn't know what was worse, Edward dead or thousands of miles away in Australia. Perhaps she could accompany him. She had heard stories about prisoners successfully building new lives for themselves in the penal colonies... provided that they survived the hellish voyage there, of course.

Suddenly she felt a burning desire to see Edward, stronger than she had ever felt in the previous days. She had only had a glimpse of him in the courtroom as he looked back at her, before he was taken away again, back to prison, and now she longed for him, longed to put her head on his chest, longed to cry in his arms and hear him telling her that everything was going to be all right.

"Owens, please find us a cab to Coldbath Fields Prison," she said. When both men opened their mouths to protest, she held up a hand. "Gentlemen, I don't want to hear another word from you. This may be my last chance to see my husband before he is—" Her voice caught. She cleared her throat and stood up straighter. "My mind is made up. That cab, please, Owens."

"Yes, my lady." The butler tilted his head and went to the row of cabs parked down the road.

"He's still out there, you know," Murray said gravely. "And I can't pay my informants enough to have them accompany you to a prison."

"I'm taking Owens along," Christine said, her tone inviting no further debate. "I shall be perfectly safe."

***

Once the cab rolled to a stop outside the bleak walls of Coldbath Fields Prison, Christine instructed Owens to wait for her and went directly into the governor's office, as Murray had once taken her.

"This is most irregular, my lady," the governor protested, when she laid down her request.

"Sir, please. I simply wish for some time with my husband. He is... as good as a dead man." It took all of her courage to say those words out loud. She still didn't want to believe it. Somewhere in her heart, there was still a tiny flicker of hope, an irrational belief that some miracle would happen to save Edward. "Surely you wouldn't deny a grieving wife a chance to see her husband before he was executed?" And she put down a pouch full of coins on his desk.

The jingling of the coins did a lot more to soften the governor's expression than her entreating words. He picked up the pouch and undid the opening to peer inside, not even bothering to be discreet. The crease between his eyebrows immediately relaxed as if someone had taken an iron to it.

"Very well, my lady," he said. "The guards will take you to his lordship."

Christine followed the two guards down a long, narrow hallway, lined on both sides with heavily enforced doors, each containing only a tiny grated window that could be opened for food and other delivery. Her eyes burned from the smoke of the oil lamps swinging from the ceiling, and she shivered, partly from the cold dampness that seeped through the stone walls, partly from the eerie silence that hung over the place like a thick veil, muffling even the heavy treads of the guards' jackboots.

They finally came to a stop at one of the doors. "I would be very grateful if you could give us some privacy," she said, pressing a coin each into the guards' palms. "You can lock the door behind me. I shall let you know once I'm ready to leave."

The guards raised their eyebrows and glanced at each other, but Christine knew the coins would be too tempting for them to resist. "Much obliged, my lady," one of them said and unlocked the door.

Edward was sitting on the bed, with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. He looked up at the sound of the door opening.

"Christine? What are you doing here?"

Christine waited until the keys rattled behind her. She had no intention of breaking down in Edward's arms with these men listening outside. Only when the sound of the guards' footsteps faded away then she went to her husband and buried her face in his chest.

"I'm sorry. Don't scold. I had to see you before..." Before the last day of the trial. Before he could be found guilty and taken away from her forever, and the only time they were allowed to meet would be before his execution or departure for the penal colonies. Just for once, for this night, she'd like to see him without the shadow of the noose hanging over them.

"I won't scold. I'm glad you're here." He enfolded her in his arms, and for a moment, Christine allowed herself to not think of anything else but his safe, warm embrace, the feel of his broad, sturdy chest under her cheek, and the soft beating of his heart, while time stretched endlessly around them.

"Thank you for wearing this monstrosity, by the way," he said, removing her turban and tossing it on the table, so he could kiss her hair.

"I never thought it would come in handy," she said, smiling up at him.

"You weren't too worried today, were you, sweetheart?" he said. "I told you Murray would be magnificent."

Christine's heart melted. Edward must have known how the Lord Chief Justice's words affected her, but he was trying to ease her mind. Always thinking of her, always protecting her...

"I think you were magnificent," she whispered, nestling into him again.

"Was I? And here I thought you were going to scold me for giving another one of my reform speeches, when I should have been groveling to the judge instead."

"No. I expect nothing less from you. Truth conquers all, remember?"

She lifted her face to look at him, and he bent down to meet her with a kiss. She had expected it to be a quick, soft kiss, but the moment their lips met, all the longing she'd felt in the last two months erupted into a physical ache, a fire that refused to be quenched unless she had him in her arms. So she pressed her hands to his cheeks, drew him to her, and drank him in. Edward tightened his hold around her, and she writhed in his arms so she could feel all of him with all of her, his hands cradling her waist and the back of her head, his chest crushing her breasts, his lips a scorching heat between hers. Still, the fire burned. His mouth moved down her throat, and his hands impatiently opened her coat and tore away the lace fichu covering the low neckline of her bodice, until his trembling lips found their way to the upper swells of her breasts. The ache concentrated into a pounding in her heart and between her legs, echoed by a throbbing pulse she could feel from him, even through all the layers of their clothes.

With difficulty, she peeled herself away from him and threw her coat over the door of the cell, covering the small opening.

"What are you doing?" Edward asked, puzzled.

"Giving us some privacy," she said. "I've paid those guards well, but who knows when they may return."

She returned to him. As he realized her intention, Edward resumed his kisses with a frenzy. His lovemaking had always been gentle, shy, and unhurried, but there was none of that gentleness now in the way his mouth ravished hers, in the way he tugged at the buttons on the back of her bodice and stripped it down over her breasts. It was feral, frantic, driven by the fire she knew they both felt. They had so little time.

Her back hit the cold, hard wood of the bed, and she shivered, not because of the cold, but because his mouth had closed over her breast, inflaming, tormenting. She arched her back and twisted her fingers into his hair, pressing him closer to her, urging, begging for more. He pushed her skirts up around her waist, and the next thing she knew, he was inside her, the fabric of his trousers rubbing against her thighs, driving her mad with want. Still the fire burned, but she no longer wished to quench it. She wished for it to go on forever, until her very blood felt like it was built from crackling flames, until it obliterated everything so there was nothing else but the two of them, here, now. She wrapped her limbs around him, clinging to him with all her might, while her hips lifted rhythmically, matching his thrusts. The fire was close to burning out, but not yet, not yet, she didn't want to lose him just yet...

"Look at me, Edward," she whispered, wishing to draw out the moment just a little longer. "Please, look at me." And he did, his eyes filling her veins with warmth, with desire, with love. The fire reached its zenith. She bit into his shoulder to muffle a cry, half in ecstasy, half in despair, while he pressed his sweat-drenched forehead against her neck with a moan and poured himself into her, and finally, they became one, body and soul, as the fire burned itself out, sated at last.

Chapter 9

[mina-star]

COMFORT HOUSE

"BEACH DAY!!!" Mabel screamed

Mike chuckled as he loaded the up the van.

The lady learned Things always don't make sense here. The van wasn't small but not big enough for 18 people though the last two were hand size and they opted out of trip.

But Mike said they've been using the van for years and She trusted him.

After the last issue

Luckily Rise Donnie or The lady called him "Donatello" "D" or "Othello" figured out a thing for the vents. The lady walked out as she held her towel which was covered in the poker cards symbols. The van was a deep purple built by Donnie during the earlier years of the house and had worked on it ever since. Only Mike and Him could drive it maybe Mirio on a good day. The lady pushed up her glasses as her sandle Wedges hit the cement. She wished she had this kinda swimsuit at home. It was a one piece black but with red frills that looked wings and eyes on the front with swirls. she felt very pretty! "Hey Mike?" "Oh! Hello My lady!" Even if they had said multiple times the formal titles weren't easy to get use to it. "do you need any help?" She asked sweetly "No but thank you!!" He answered with a bright gap tooth smile she adored. "Ok! Oh one last thing where do I sit in the van?" "You can ride shot gun!" "YAY!" She squealed as ran to the front.

The car ride was loud but a good kinda loud.

Excitement and Joy. Mabel was given control of music and ended up blasting the sound track of dream boy high. Mike joked it's rise boys karma for making them watch the same Movies on movie nights. Which The Lady had recently was able to join. The arrived at the beach it looked rather like a normal beach other then sky and sea being different colors. Where the house was almost like in different dimension it was incredible. "MISTRESS CATCH" Soul yelled as he threw a volleyball at her as she somehow caught it. "Soul I didn't take you for a volleyball player!" "I'm learning! Sorta." She chuckled at his response. Soul gave her a smirk catching the ball as she threw it back. "Are you just gonna swim?" Tanjiro asked sweetly "mhm! I may read! My bag has a couple books and some sketch books!" She answered with a smile

"Come onnn don't you wanna try playingggg" Soul elbowed her softly as they walked "Nah! I'll watch! Do you guys have teams that would be cool!" "Nope! We play with rise sometimes though. It's usually just me and Tanjiro."

The day was peaceful! The sun was bright the water was cool. Mike and Donnie were talking,mabel and Mikey were building sandcastles Tack was under an umbrella

Raph was attempting to play Volleyball with Soul and Tanjiro he wasn't very good but neither were they. Armin was sitting where the waves came while Connie was in waist deep water making whirl pools with his arms. Gundham was also building sandcastle but for his Devas. Mirio was swimming happily. Donatello was reading while Leo was in the water. The lady herself was drying off while sketching she looked up stifling a laugh as Tanjiro tried hit the ball and fell over but the ball did get over in the end. She looked over to her left to see if she could find Mirio in the water but all she saw was a guy who almost looked like a shadow man with white eyes looking in her direction. She tightened the towel around her. "Maybe he wasn't staring at me" she thought closing her book. "It's just my imagination." To get the icky feeling off got up taking off the towel standing up putting on her shoes. She was gonna play volleyball. The nagging feeling of being watched was crawling at her causing her to look left again. Seeing that guy again but staring directly at her. "Hey um..please stop staring! At least over here..I'm sorry if you weren't it's just..making me uneasy." The guy didn't respond though smirking. Causing her to hug herself. Why was he staring at her. Was her it bathing suit? Fuck wait did he wanna hurt her? Why was he smirking at her??

"Yo Mistress!"

Snapping her out her small starting spiral. "h..hey soul" "Mistress you ok?'

She nodded slowly "uh this guy..um is staring at me...but I don't know why.."

Soul looked over glaring slightly "HEY." Soul called over "STOP STARING DUDE. ITS UNCOOL." Soul slight gripped her shoulder as the guy just keep staring not moving but smirking. Soul scrowled.

"HEY YOU OK?" Raph yelled walking over concerned

"Some fuckin asshole keeps staring at her and we've both told him to stop." Raph glared though his gazed soften looking at the two "Here...you can sit next to D! And.Mikey and Mabel aren't that far away plus Leo is drying off not far away" Raph said concerned as she sat next to Donatello. He glaced over "D. Your good with uh this place knowledge...Can be people be kidnapped?" "It can happen anywhere in the world. If you are asking here then I haven't known anyway cases." "Well..I'm the first one here so.." "well I suppose your right. But in any case. It wouldn't happen." She nodded and watched the boys play. Around 30 minutes later she looked over and the man was gone."Hey D I'll be right back! I'm grabbing my sketchbook!" He nodded as she happily went back over where she sat before grabbing her bag as she gripped the bag and a hand grabbed her wrist she looked up thinking it was Donnie or another member of the house. All the color drained from her face it was the man again.Her breathing was heavy "LET.ME.GO SIR." The man didn't budge but gripping harder. She winced as she tried to pull away "HEY-" a loud thud was heard and the man disappeared similar to the sludge type creatures. "My lady..are you ok..?" Raph asked softly as she dropped her bag.

"..I..wanna go home..." Raph picked her up bridal style as wrapped her arms around him grabbing her bag quickly. "MIKE!"

Mike looking up all the color drained from his face as he and Donnie ran over

"MY LADY WHAT HAPPENED?"

The car ride home wasn't the same. As The lady curled into Raph who gently held her hand.

"Christ what is happening." Mike said as sat in passenger seat. "No..clue" Donnie said gripping the steering wheel "and it's pissing me off. She should be safe anywhere here. It's just different houses! And as fair as I'm aware we can't hurt the others here. And that thing doesn't look comforting! I get people have different tastes but what the fuck!" "Maybe we can do some research? There isn't a way that's a comfort of any sort. It's gotta be something."

[that1nerd-20]

Chapter 3: Hydra Hurt us, But he brought us together.

We learn a little something about Keira's life at SHIELD.

Warnings: a lil bit of fluff, somewhat angsty, mentions of past trauma, mentions of therapy

A/N: I KNOW IM SORRY!!!!! I Know its short, the others will hopefully be longer

For 5 months, they kept me in SHIELD bases, where they trained me to become an agent. They wanted to turn me into an Avenger, someone else they could use to their advantage. I know I'm being used… but it seems Fury has a soft spot for me. He often gives me special treatment, letting me have more freedom than the council would like me to have. It feels nice. The training was always brutal, they wanted to test everything about me and learn what they could.

My legs felt like they were about to fall off. I kept pushing myself. I ran and ran. The treadmill’s track going fast. The agent beside me tracked how fast I was going. They were pushing my limits, seeing how the serum Hydra had given me affected my body, my instincts, and my boundaries. My speed was clocked at 45 mph, slower than Captain America but still way faster than the average human.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

The agent came at me in the ring. His body was adorned with protective padding. I only had gloves on. I dodged his swing, landing a blow on his stomach. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Fury watching from the shadows. I kept my eyes trained on the person in front of me. After more and more of my blows landed on his body and his blows on mine, I finally swept my foot underneath him, knocking him off his feet.

Tony had visited me a couple of times at SHIELD, he said he felt sorry for me, but also like he had to protect me. So he’d visit in hopes of getting to know me better. I always looked forward to seeing him. 

“Williams you have a visitor.” an agent called into my room. Who could be visiting me? I really didn't know anyone outside of Shield. I walked out into the main lobby to see Stark. “Hey…” he looked at me, as he trailed off. “...Keira. Call me Keira” He nodded and smiled.

Tony had stopped by again. We were hanging out in my room, and he was telling me about a new project he was starting up. He was working on new weapons and technology that would aid the Avengers in upcoming missions.

“What do you think about the ideas?” he asked me, I looked over the blueprints that he brought along “They are really cool!” I had never seen blueprints as detailed and messy at the same time as these. He had planned out new improvements for Hawkeye’s arrows, new wrist guards for Natasha, new weapons for both his and War Machine’s suits and new equipment for Dr. Banner to use in the lab.

“Really?” he asked, and I simply nodded.

While at SHIELD, they were able to find out who I was, based on what I could remember about life before Hydra. They still had barely any idea of what I went through at Hydra and I didn't want to tell them. But Fury thought it would be good if I had someone to talk to about all of it.

Fury sat me down in a room with a lady who held a notepad. “Fury what am I doing here?...” I asked, I looked up at him not sure why this lady was there. She's kinda scary… “She's a therapist,” he simply states, motioning to the lady “and I think it would be beneficial if you talked about your experiences with her.” I let out a small oh. He left the room and she began introducing herself. “My name is Lauren” she started, she waited a moment for me to introduce myself. “My name is Keira,” I told her, she wrote down something on her notepad. 

During the first session, we talked about my interests, any friends I had, and what I did at SHIELD. It was just a get-to-know-me session. The next few times, she would try to coax things about Hydra out of me, it took quite a few of the weekly meetings to get anything out of me. But eventually, I started talking about it more. She recommended that I write in journals, first writing journals about what I remember during Hydra and before, then writing day-to-day journal entries about what I was feeling and what had happened throughout the day. 

[pbandjesse]

Today was a really good day. I had a surprisingly good day at the market and I am not as exhausted as I expected to be after working both the market and at the museum. I actually feel pretty good.

I did not sleep great last night though. I woke up a few times because there was loud banging outside that startled me and then I got overheated. It wasn't even warm But the air felt stale. I asked James to take the air conditioners out of the windows today so hopefully we can get more of a cross breeze.

I forgot to set my alarm but I still woke up at 7:00. Thank you internal clock. And I would go and get dressed and I feel pretty cute. My hair is not as annoying as it has been. I fixed my part and I think that helped. And we left here and went to get McDonald's hash browns.

I was really tired once we got to the market though and and kept saying that I was being cute saying that it's impossible to work 8 hours a day. But it's feels very true. How do people do things. But I would eventually wake up and things were good.

I worked on my knitting and I made a whole bunch of sales. People were very into the stickers today. And I just had some really nice conversations with people. I also really enjoyed talking to the woman that was there with the flag house museum. And she gave me her email because she wants to sell some of my stickers in their gift shop. So that was really exciting.

It was a beautiful day though. And I really was just enjoying being outside. Making sales was just a bonus. A lot of the sales came later in the morning which was surprising. Rod sold out of his bread like really really early so I wasn't sure I was going to make any sales but more people came through and it was great. I also just really was enjoying helping people today. There was a couple people that were there for the downtown sailing center that were in wheelchairs that were dropping things and the one guy, I think his name was Dale or Darren, was really sweet to me and he was kind of overheated and asked if I could get him a couple of ice and so I went over to the nice Mexican ladies and got him that and we just chatted for a bit. And then one of the other guys who I have had conversations with many times was telling me that he was having trouble breathing and so I was like okay I'll go find your mom and so I ran into the parking lot and found her and she was like oh yeah he's just being dramatic. But she appreciated that I did that. And she was so sweet she asked about my dad because we have been talking about his prosthetic a few months ago and she remembered and I thought that was so sweet.

James texted me and asked if I could bring them a quesadilla for lunch but when I went over there they were out of tortillas. So instead they made James a crepe chorizo. And it smelled very good. I hope it tasted as good as it smelled.

I dropped that off to James inside and I finished up my last hour. I had excellent conversations with the woman from the museum about art and this piece that I recently seen about the tea towel that was used as the flag of surrender during the civil war. And it was crazy cuz neither of us ever heard of it and both of us know so much about the civil war so that was really cool to find out something new. And at 1:00 I packed up and it was time to go.

I went to go inside to find you so they weren't there and Deborah who was waiting at the front desk told me that James had gone outside so we had to go find each other and we ran into each other into the parking lot and had a big hug It was a very silly. But it was also very sweet. I love my husband so much.

I was tired but not as tired as sometimes I have been. I had a pretty easy drive back and And I ate the muffin that I got from Jenny while I was driving. When I got back here I threw some of the muffin that I did not want anymore into the grass around the trees on the side of the road for the birds. And then I came inside and I got changed and I laid down.

I watch the video for a while and eventually I did fall asleep. I woke up at 4:00 when my alarm went off and was not as dizzy as sometimes I am. And I got dressed and very soon James was home. They had a package for me. It was my lash lift kit that I bought. I'm going to try to do it tonight and I'm very nervous. But I was excited to get a package.

Before I left I sat and read all the directions and me and James talked for a few minutes. And then they went to go take the ACs out of the window and I said goodbye and headed to the museum.

When I got there I got a little annoyed when the coordinator for the event try to stop me from going to the museum because she didn't understand that I worked there even though I kept saying I'm here because I'm working the event. But it was whatever. It just kind of put a bad taste in my mouth for a moment but everyone else that I talk to tonight was lovely. I had some trouble setting up a chase because I wasn't sure what it should say. So instead I made two smaller ones. And I think it looked great and everyone that I talked to seem to really like it. But the problem was that this event was huge and was actually spanning the pavilion and the museum and the food was all over the pavilion. So while people were coming in they were mostly directly going over there after they checked in at the front. And then the people who were there to run the casino tables that they had set up didn't have any people come through by 8:00 when I left. I did have some really nice conversations with the few people that did come in but mostly it seems like the time it was all thrown off. Their schedule said that we were going to be having the museum open till 11:00 which was not ever part of the deal. And the actual casino tables weren't supposed to open till 7:30 and they didn't have a bar in the museum only over at the other place I think it was really weird. But everyone seemed to be having a great time and that's all that really matters.

I did have a very bizarre conversation with a guest. Specifically because this was a charity event for the homeless and he seemed very angry about homeless people. I don't know He's just seemed like maybe a tough love type of guy but I was a little like isn't this an event to support homeless people why are you so mad. But he was really interested in print and I was able to very gently and to the conversation and start talking to some other guests and once all the guests were gone I had a really nice conversation with the casino people and I got to tell them all about history and making and stuff and it was really cool. They were very sweet.

And then at 8:00 I went home. And that's where I am now. I'm about to go take a shower and then I'm going to attempt to use the slash kit. James is out of baseball game and it looks like we're doing very well. So I hope they're having a lot of fun.

And then tomorrow I have my class with art with a heart and I'm so excited to see peeps again. And then I'm going to have a late lunch early dinner with CJ and that's going to be awesome. I just hope that it's a really nice day. And I hope that you guys will have a great night. Sleep well everyone. Until next time.

[awkwardwithapause263]

Spoilers for Episode 2 of Mayfair Witches if you haven’t watched.

What was the point of that first scene? Other than to tell us some men are disgusting. Was it to show us the beginning of the Mayfair line and how she was shown she didn’t have to suffer such degradation. Honestly I thought that man was Lasher before he spoke with how alarmed the older girl got and how she told the younger one to basically ignore him.

So Rowan basically was laid off, got fired or quit? I mean that’s to be expected right. Got to have nothing tying her to San Francisco so that she can leave for New Orleans.

I was like therapist lady better tread lightly, but I don’t think the headache was Rowan’s doing . The nose bleed yes, but only because Rowan’s anxiety about thinking she caused the headache.

With being completely and emotionally wrecked I would not have taken those birds, driven all the way to the beach and buried them. I would have walked back inside, asked for a trash bag and some gloves, pick them up and thrown them in the trash. But I get it Rowan’s feeling guilty about doing what she’s doing so she’s wants to do what she can to atone. Like giving those birds a proper burial.

How the fuck did she not get robbed or worst between the time she passed out and woke up?

Yes I get it but like Ciprien can’t be everywhere she is all the time which is how it would have to be if they wanted to keep her in the dark. I imagine he has his own life, but I don’t think he told her so that he could get back to it. I think he told her because people have been making decisions for Rowan concerning her life even before she was born he didn’t want to be just another person and it’s the right thing to do regardless.

When Lasher was like you’re more beautiful now then you’ve ever been I was like you a lie. The actress is gorgeous, but the character was obviously made to look rough and also I don’t find large foreheads like the two actors have to be physically appealing 

How did Rowan feel what Lasher was doing to Deirdre during that sex scene? Which okay get yours after decades of probably not getting any. Even if it is with a demon that covets your daughter and probably killed you. But also how did no one in that house(other than the maid) or on that plane notice that either of those woman were experiencing something. But I also wonder would Rowan still have felt it if she were awake while they were doing it.

Loved how the nurse let her go. Probably grew to care for her and knew that putting her back under when she’s lucid and wants to be free would be cruel.

I understand why she said it’s doctor because the men we’ve seen her interact with at work down play her and I understand the clerk at the desk gave her a solid no when asked about the the house because she was a bitch when she said it.

Of course she ran to her Uncle’s house same as she did in the first episode.

The fact that Lasher was going to touch Rowan while she was in the shower didn’t seem suspicious to you Deirdre?

Glad Rowan is going to get someone that finally wants to connect to her on an honest level and for who she is not necessarily what she can do.

When the Aunt was like your baby is dead and you’re crazy I was oh girl we are way pass that. How could she just be having tea and going about her life like it’s any other day when she has someone trapped in a catatonic state

Who killed Deirdre and why? Was it her Aunt to stop her from getting to Rowan? Or was it Lasher because she outlived her uselessness and her death in front of Rowan would push Rowan to want to know more about the family.

Who’s going get to Rowan first her Aunt or Ciprien? One scenario her Aunt takes her to the house before he can get there, they talk and presumably Lasher pushes her Aunt off the balcony for once again meddling in his business where then Rowan escapes to find go Ciprien. The other Ciprien gets there, she decides to go with him, she gets cleaned up, they talk then she goes to the house to hear the Aunt’s side and same as I said before her Aunt is pushed.

I think alcohol blocks his ability to get to Rowan and honestly this episode did for me what episode one of IWTV did for me.

Might add more.

When Rowan was in the shower I was like see this is why other people think white people use their hands to wash themselves use a rag or at least a loofah please.

And of course Deirdre dying makes way for Rowan to be the next one bound to Lasher.

When that male doctor was like when my father died it took me weeks to remember how to hold a scalpel correctly I was like but I bet you were still allowed to perform surgery. I swear in this episode and in the last one any small infraction is held against her it’s annoying.

Or maybe it’s Ciprien that’s blocking Lasher from getting to Rowan.

Electro shock therapy! For what? Lasher is real and she’s a witch. She isn’t crazy.

Is the Aunt going to lock Rowan up or is Rowan getting a vision of the Aunt locking Deirdre up?

For the next episode it appears someone says to the aunt what are you gonna do(referencing the key that’s now in the aunt’s possession) I’m like throw it into the deepest body of water you can find.

I think the scene where the elevator stops at 6 then heads to 10 was a misdirect because if what happened to have her get her throat slit happened when she stopped on 6 why did it take 4 floors for the cut to appear and blood to pour out? Someone on facebook asked was it Lasher or an unknown vampire. I’m thinking it was definitely witchy because no matter how quick a vampire is there would have been a struggle or a mess when that elevator opened on 10 if someone physically cut her throat.

A review I watched for this episode said that he thought the meeting of the Aunt and Deirdre at the hotel was down played. I disagree the Aunt got up in shock at seeing her, was confused, angry and lying straight to her face. While Deirdre backed away in fear when the Aunt came to close then steadily gained her voice and her footing which left the Aunt staggering.

I get that Rowan trusted her mom, but at no point since she turned 18 did she ever try to find out her birth parents on her own. Like being curious for herself and not getting that information second hand.

Or maybe the safe house Ciprien will provide Rowan with is keeping Lasher at bay.

[iampikachuhearmeroar]

already reblogged this in my queue..... but also as a trainee, the host company actively telling you NOT to apply for their job openings when they're actively hiring. like last year, during my cadetship, the receptionist that I became close with applied for the maintenance officer role, and got it, so the role of receptionist opened up. I ran it by the people who were running the cadetship course, and they said "yes! apply! we want you to stay in this field!"

but once I asked my first original manager "hey can I apply for the receptionist position?" she asked me "im sorry, but what makes you think you can apply for that? under my management, you're not quite there yet anyway. so I'd advise you not to apply." like.... she was right, in a sense, in hindsight that I didn't have enough experience really to apply for the receptionist position, since I'd only had like 3 weeks training at that point on phones on front reception.

but still. that was SO fucking deflating, telling your cadet/trainee NOT to apply, as if your goal is to NOT give them an ongoing job. so when it came to the end of my contract back in march this year, and another lady was leaving with me..... I considered applying for her job (community housing worker/social housing tenancy worker), all bc that's what I was SUPPOSED to be by the end of this program. but I knew if I asked about applying or just applied for the sake of it, they'd instantly tell me to either NOT apply or to immediately rescind my application to the position.... or ask why I'd even applied in the first place, despite their constant suggestions that I go into support work. just. it was fucking awful and draining, and im glad I left.

like to be fair, I did have performance meetings there after the month (nov 2022) of NEVER being off the phones... and them eventually near the end ALWAYS scheduling me out of meetings and training, sometimes at the very last minute (despite their lectures that YOU NEED TO LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR WORKLOAD AND TIME BETTER!!!! cassy, you can't manage for SHIT. love that hypocrisy you're wearing on the daily).... but then just coating it in "DO BETTER SELF CARE!!! LEARN TO JOURNAL!!!! GET HOBBIES!!!"

finally, from the other side, the people running the course demanding WHY ARENT YOU FIGHTING FOR YOUR CAREER???? WHY DONT YOU CARE!!!!???? FIGHT FOR IT AND STAY IN THIS FIELD!!!!" no. if I'm treated like shit and guilted from ALL sides.... it's utterly pointless fighting for ANYTHING at this stupid ass place; or in this field. im fucking leaving this toxic ass field... even though I know the modern workplace is toxic no matter where you work... and that you can get shit management and guilting managers everywhere as well. and plus guys, you know in a way, that im transient anyway. I'm here solely to get office work experience. stop harassing and guilting me to stay in it, by saying I have "the incorrect personality for admin". go fuck yourselves.

and you know, companies are lazy with interviewing, too!!! I read an article the other day from harvard business review, that said some companies average at least 3 to 5 interviews per a hiring process..... they obvs say that "oh it's make sure we get the candidates from EVERY angle possible to get the right fit". but one of the women that they interviewed or quoted for the article (since she'd made a tiktok about the NIGHTMARE hiring processes for one company she'd applied for) had like 4-6 months of interviewing and hiring tests.... until she'd ultimately got another better paying job with fewer bullshit hiring hoops to jump through. or when companies give shit title promotions without pay rises (a jump to team leader/manager or something) or purposely demote you when you have kids etc. like it's fucked.