#otp: I have two dads and you’re one of them

[your-unfriendlyghost]

just bc I’ve never seen u talk abt him but…… darry perhaps ?? (for that character thing you reposted lol) bc me personally I could ramble abt him all day long haha

….with a cherry on top 😁🤲

How I feel about this character

  Well, Darry’s ok. I think he’s incredibly well-written. I like him fine, you just haven’t heard me talk abt him cos I don’t have all that much to say abt him :,) 

  I relate to him in some ways, but every time I think too hard about him I get nervous because his situation is…nightmarish for me and it freaks me out in a way that isn’t entertaining (the way writing other angst I relate to is for me) but just…existential dread. 

All the people I ship romantically with this character

  Darry and Paul probably had something going on- at least from what I’ve heard from the musical side of things it seems not platonic, idk abt the book/movie tho

  And him and Tim Shepard in the 90s show were…something too. I dunno what exactly, but…somrething. I get where the tarry shippers are coming from and yk I like that kinda.

My non-romantic OTP for this character

  Two-Bit! I don't ship them, but I think they were closer growing up and sorta stopped being best friends in high school once Darry joined the football team. But they’ll always care for each other, and Two-Bit can read Darry better than anyone. 

  I do think that they mutually make each other insecure about their older-brothering abilities. Like Darry’s insecure because Two-Bit’s never really fought with his kid sister (at least rn- I hc that they fight more as she gets older) and Two-Bit’s insecure because Darry’s so responsible and Two-Bit isn’t really. They’ve never talked about this and probably never will, at least not until they’re older.

  I think once Pony and Soda are older and Darry’s less stressed, Two-Bit helps him re-learn how to be young and irresponsible. There was a line from a movie I watched recently (Calendar Girl, 1993) (Ridiculous sounding movie but it’s one of my favs now) with a line that went something like 

  “So you don’t like me because I get you drunk, but you do like me because I stick around while you throw up?”

  “Yeah. You’re one of my best friends.” 

And that’s sorta their dynamic to me rn. I think back in elementary school/junior high it was reversed, with Darry pushing Two-Bit to be more confident, but it completely 180s now that they’re grown.

My unpopular opinion about this character

  He acts immature sometimes/often. He’s not the gang’s “dad”, or even considered the “responsible” one generally. Yk, he’s not immune to having teen boy-ish bravado- like how he leaves the door unlocked because he’s convinced he can take anyone who’d break in. (He’s real for that- I too feel like I could easily take on any home intruder :) ‘course Darry’s stronger than me and like 6’2 so he probably could better than I could, but yk the point is that it’s very teen boy/young man of him ig)

  I feel like before his folks died he was a lot less responsible- I’ve written one fic pre-canon where he’s more easy going because he doesn’t have the child service workers breathin down his neck yet lol. But yk, he probably snuck out at night in high school, did dumb things like any other kid. I mean I’m a good kid, but even I’ve been kicked outta stores- I’m sure Darry’s been too. Maybe he didn’t smoke, but he probably drank a bit and got speeding tickets and did other stupid shit to impress his buddies. (C’mon, who hasn’t?) (Actually maybe I’m not as good as I think maybe that’s not normal idk I’m not gonna think abt that rn)

  Other controversial opinion…while I know it’s symbolic, I don’t l o v e how Patrick Swayze was like 10 years older than Darry was supposed to be in the movie- I’m so sorry- he did a GREAT job as the character! But he just doesn’t read as 20 to me no matter how hard I try to suspend my disbelief and it’s bugged me for years- It’s not as bad as Mason’s actor in Tex, but I just. Don’t like it :,) Again I’m so sorry nothing against Swayze! I think he’s great, just…I wish he’d been ten years younger in Outsiders 

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

  I dunno lol. Again, I ain’t got that many thoughts about him…I think he fulfilled his role for me and there’s not a lot more I’d wanna see from him. 

  …Well, actually, I’d love to see him hanging with Mason McCormick. but that would never happen in canon so yk

Oh it’d be cool to see him throwing Steve more that’d be funny

[starlightshadowsworld]

Did you get an ask for Lucy?

I haven’t and sorry this is so late.

Favourite thing: Her compassion. Lucy may not be the best at showing it but that girl is fierce about her love for others.

Storming into a government building despite being an ex criminal herself to tell them Atsushi’s innocent. Dragging Atsushi away so Kyouka can have a minute to process the truth of her parents death.

She watched over Fukuzawa when he was sick in the Cannabalism arc. Lucy cares so deeply and it’s sweet seeing how much she cares despite denying she does.

Least Favourite thing: In the beginning when Lucy was projecting all her issues onto Atsushi.

Like I get it but it’s not his fault and he doesn’t even know you man.

Favourite line: “I’m not technically an agency member, even so as someone took care of you when you were ill. You could at least tell me where you’re going.”

-Lucy to Fukuzawa before he went to go fight Mori in the Cannabalism arc.

It up what I said about her above about her compassion. But it also shows how emotionally intelligent and trusting she is. She could stop Fukuzawa from leaving but she won’t, because she trusts that he’ll be okay.

It’s her way of telling him to be okay.

BrOTP:

Lucy and Atsushi: Their bond means so much to me. Two traumatised orphans that have so much in common healing and starting to walk to the future.

Lucy and Kyouka: They bicker like sisters and I love that for them. Neither of them are great at showing it but they care for each other so much. I need more of them hanging out.

Lucy and Poe: I refuse to believe they wouldn’t be good friends. They were both on the same side being unhinged people and trapping people in ability made spaces. And are both kinda awkward and silly and I’m sure Karl would love her.

Lucy and Coffee manager: That man hired her and lied to government soilders to protect her, he’s a great dad/mentor figure to her.

Lucy and Fukuzawa: Technically or not shes part of the Agency and I think he’d look out for her. Even if she may claim he doesn’t need to i bet she’d be secret oh touched by it.

OTP:

None.

Anything with her Atsushi together is very cute. I have also seen stuff with her and Louisa together which is also adorable.

I just don’t personally ship her with anyone.

NOTP: Don’t really got any.

Random headcanon: Being Canadian, Lucy knows French although she wouldn’t consider herself to be fluent.

Unpopular opinion: Lucy’s a great character that doesn’t exist simply to get in the way Shin Soukoku. She is one of the reasons why an alliance was ever made beteeen the PM and the Agency.

When Dazai’s talking about his chess pieces in prison, she was one of the queens. Also half the things people complain about her for, are things Akutugawa does..👀

Song I associate with her: Mad Hatter by Melanie Martinez.

Favourite picture:

I mean

Do I even need to explain?

[serikyl]

Scary for the ask game?

• How I feel about this character

Scarrrrryyyyyy <33333

My wonderful horrible beloved daughter who I love so much : D

Beth did such an amazing job at playing her, and I love that Scary was a messy complicated teenager who did bad things and screwed up and was loved by her friends anyway

• All the people I ship romantically with this character

Oh hell yeah okay so!

Linc! Of course! Gothcleats, I actually wasn’t on board until Matt threw that curveball and now I love them. I like to think the pair of them had to sneak around hiding their relationship from their dads at first. Not bc Grant and TJ didn’t approve, but because there is no way in hell those two would be normal about potentially being in-laws someday.

Oh also Scary and Linc do “goth days” where Scary looks at Linc with big wet eyes and Linc rolls his eyes good naturedly and is like “Yeah okay, you can make me your goth boyfriend again”, and then they go to the mall. Linc has no interest in dressing like this, but it makes Scary happy so he’s game.

Erica Drippins! Scerica was my first ship for Scary, in the early days I was very much on the lesbian!Scary train and desperately wanted them to get together/interact more ((fully understanding it was unlikely at best bc guest pc but))

“You awaken a lightness in me” and I just have to live with that??? god I love Scerica

• My non-romantic OTP for this character

Oh that’s pretty easy!

Scary and Normal are sweet, “you’re the glue Normal!“

and then that thing Beth said about them that I think about so often that keeps me up at night:

“Normal is looking for the feelings to justify his trauma, Scary is looking for the trauma to justify her feelings.”

Scary and Taylor are also fun! I really loved their little sleepover interaction. I don’t have a TON to say about them but they’re friends and I enjoy that

• My unpopular opinion about this character

Hmmm! That’s tough!

Maybe… Short hair Scary? I always draw her very tomboyish even within her goth phase, I don’t actually know if this is unpopular. It’s mostly bc I project a lot of my current wardrobe on Scary, and think she and I are both team No Skirts.

also she’s not white imo, which! Not sure if that’s unpopular or not? But the standard canonical version isn’t what she looks to me

• One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon.

SO MANY THINGS. But I will be good and say three!

I really wish there’d been a scene where Scary got to knock a fish off Willy’s plate, just like Ron did so many years ago. I really wanted to see her stand up to him and then go back to her friends and stepdad like “whoa what did I just do okay lets kill that guy later” or something like that

I wish we’d gotten a followup about that Margarita Pizza thing, she was coming to revenge kill Scary Marlowe!!! and then we just… didn’t see her again til the very end

and finally! I wish we’d gotten to see her interact with her bio dad? Like! To me, he’s a deadbeat who only ever really came sniffing around for money to fuel his habits but! All of that is headcanon and I think it really would’ve fleshed out Scary’s parental trauma in an interesting way if we knew more about Mr.Marlowe.

Please keep them coming : D I’m having a lot of fun!

Kiddads and teens, and yk what! I’ll expand to the s1 and s2 wives : D

[esmealux]

esmealux's masterlist

last updated: 17.08.2024

Multi-chapter works

Feels Like Home

AU in which Chloe and Lucifer are roommates [extended work]. Written in collaboration with @my-crazy-awesome-sox 42 / ? chapters posted Rated E

Living with the Devil (isn't always Hell on Earth)

AU in which Chloe and Lucifer are roommates [original work]. Or, 5 times Chloe seriously considers moving out, and 1 time she doesn’t. Written in collaboration with @my-crazy-awesome-sox 6/6 chapters posted Rated M

Planning a Hell of a Wedding

The Devil and the Detective make their way through the wedding planning checklist. One is more passionate about it than the other. Set a year after season 5 (written before 5B was released) Rated M

One-shots

When All Else Fails

Lucifer and John's relationship throughout the years. Set in the universe of take me back to the start by usuallysunny; a belated birthday gift Rated T

Mummy's Workplace: The Guided Tour

Lucifer shows baby Rory around the precinct. Rated T

Going through Hell

Amenadiel has a message for Lucifer and pays him a visit in Hell. Set post season 6. Rated T

The Original Starry Night

When God comes to Earth, Lucifer needs to get away. Chloe finds him in the moonlit desert. Set after 5A Rated M

Definitely Don't Like You

Chloe and Lucifer go on a date and visits the precinct after dark. There's something they never got to try. Set post season 5B Rated M

Something Close to Sex? Yet Entirely Different

‘Lucifer, you’re hurting.’ Her eyes, full of worry, flicker over his wounded, broken body. And yes, it hurts. Like hell, as a matter of fact. But what hurts more is the thought of being alone. Rated T.

Certainly Our Best Collab

‘I just want to let you know that I love you.’ Rated G.

Rejected at the Pearly Gates

He stays by her side, holding her still hand, waiting. Hoping. And—when the sun has set, risen, and set again without the slightest movement from her—praying. Rated T.

The Devil Doesn't Do Children

Last time Linda saw Lucifer in a state similarly chaotic, dark, leathery wings were sticking out of his back. Before she can ask him what’s wrong, his trembling voice fills her office.

‘The Detective’s pregnant.’

Not what she’d expected, but his reaction seems about right. Rated M. Posted in 3 chapters, but it's only 10K words and was written as a one-shot.

How Chloe Decker Ruined the First and Greatest Slut of the Universe

Lucifer had never seen the point of monogamy. But then he’d met her. Rated M.

Bloody Hell

‘Yes, thank you, Detective, I am familiar with the concept of menstruation.' Rated T.

Granniest Panties (sequel to 'Bloody Hell')

Lucifer proves his worth as Chloe's very own PA. Period Assistant. Rated T.

Ship: Sailing

Ella finds out her OTP is finally happening. Or, Lucifer bragging about finally having sex with Chloe, Ella fangirling over it, and Chloe being so done with them. Rated T.

Two Firsts in One Night

‘I guess that’s two firsts in one day… Well, night,’ he smirks at her, surprised when she mirrors his suggestive smile instead of rolling her eyes at his last remark. But then again, she did seem to enjoy the night in question.

Tit or Tat

Chloe and Lucifer make a bet. Rated T

Drabbles

Aurora

How and when Chloe came up with Rory's name A gift for @my-crazy-awesome-sox Rated T

Being a Dad

Lucifer has always worn suits. But then, he became a dad. Rated G

An Unspoken Promise

Her shirt is still soaked with her blood. Lilith’s ring, now white, still rests on her left ring finger, an unspoken promise. A last goodbye. His ultimate sacrifice. A sob builds in his chest at the sight, the aftershock suddenly threatening to wash over him and rip him apart. But he pushes it down. Wraps his arms tighter around Chloe, pulls her closer, breathes deeper. Set after the last episode of season 5B Rated T

You and Me, from A to Z

A Deckerstar drabble for every letter of the alphabet. 4 / 26 chapters posted Not rated

Happy Anniversary, Detective

Chloe and Lucifer celebrate their second anniversary together. Set in season 3. Rated G

[flyingfish1]

I don’t think Dean HAS been looking for Cas. YET.

I think what he’s actually been doing is – and I say this with all the love and hope in my Deangirl, destiel-otp heart – fleeing in the opposite direction.

Because –

Mary: I don’t regret what happened [when we were closed into a room with only one exit, with an antagonist pounding on the door, trying to get in and kill us, and romantic feelings were expressed]. But with everything going on […] I – I’m not sure what I’m ready for. So, I – I just need time. -1x08

Lata: You know, I just – I can’t believe you haven’t been in touch with Anton. -1x09

Mary: Um, can I ask you something? About you and Tony’s dad Ali [an interspecies romantic relationship]? Ada: What would you like to know? Mary: Well, going into it, you both knew you were from different worlds. Ada: Mmm-hmm. Mary: But you went for it anyway. If you had the chance to do it over again, would you? Ada: I followed my heart. I don’t think that’s ever a mistake. Mary: Even if you’re scared? -1x05

Carlos: Listen, um – I’m, I’m sorry I never called you after our date. Anton: Don’t tell me the big, bad hunter got scared. Carlos [smiling]: Maybe! [Pause] Carlos [serious this time]: Yeah. -1x09

But it’s okay. It’s okay, because –

Ada: I followed my heart. I don’t think that’s ever a mistake. Mary: Even if you’re scared? Ada: Especially then. It’s just part of falling in love. -1x05

Mary: It’s okay to be scared. In fact, it’s good to be scared. [She glances at John.] You can’t be brave if you’re never scared. -1x05

Carlos: But, um. I’m not afraid to ask you on a second date tonight. -1x09

[Mary walks up to John and kisses him] John: What – I – I don’t understand. Mary: I don’t want to think about the Akrida. Or whether the world has a future. I want to be with you. Right here. Right now. -1x08

Mary: Listen, before you go, I have to tell you something. John: Tell me when you see me again. -1x13

Ahh, classic supernatural destiel narrative parallels, where would we ever be without you? seriously though, the instant that kiss happened – that “locked together in a room with only one exit, with death banging on the door, right before it gets sucked into an alternate realm” kiss – I just knew that Mary’s reaction would tell us SO MUCH about Dean’s reaction to Cas’ love declaration.

And I really think it did! but it goes so far beyond just that one scene. so many of Carlos’s reactions to Anton, and so many of Mary’s other reactions to John, are SO telling as well.

And I think, looking at the narrative parallels, it’s all laid out clearly:

Dean’s been scared. He doesn’t regret what happened – he’s glad that Cas said what he said – but he hasn’t known how to handle it. Of course, in the immediate aftermath, Cas was gone, and there was no relationship to handle – but after learning that Cas, it seems, is out of the Empty, Dean was confronted with the certainty of coming face-to-face with him again and having to deal with the consequences. Things that may have been distant thoughts were now extremely concrete possibilities. And it was overwhelming.

He needed to take some time to process his feelings and to figure out what he was ready for. The idea of following his heart to where his heart wanted him to go – the idea of a relationship – scared him. Maybe also the intensity of his feelings scared him. And Cas is an angel, and that element of the relationship – the two of them being from such different worlds – was intimidating too. What if something goes wrong? What if he messes it up somehow? This is Cas. This is important. So Dean avoided Cas for a while, and then he stumbled onto the Akrida threat, and it was just too much for him to deal with all at once.

But he’s looking for Cas now. Maybe he’s still scared, but he’s trying to be brave. He’s going to follow his heart. He has to tell Cas something.

[uriekukistan]

choso and/or megumi? :)

im so. i just spent so long typing this out only for the page to crash and delete everything i said. why does tumblr HATE ME anyway thank you for the ask i’ll try to remember everything i said the first time 😭

choso!!

favorite thing about them: his relationship with itadori is so cute! such a good brother! his facial expressions are so cute and silly! literally found out itadori was his brother and went “okay i’ll die for u now”

least favorite thing about them: the fact that they robbed him of his sick shoes in the anime. maybe something else will come up in the future but for now that’s it

favorite line: i got two! *in a life or death situation* can u just call me onii chan like once please please please please (paraphrasing), *facing kenjaku after finding out that they’re his dad and yuuji’s mom* “hey little bros look at this im gonna kill our parent

brOTP: gotta go w yuuji since they are in fact bros. his relationship w mahito is so silly to me tho, and i’d love to see him interact with todo!

OTP: i dont really have one. rn i think he’s too focused on his brothers to think abt that

nOTP: its not a no for me per se just that i think choso and yuki are very one sided. yuki clearly likes him but he’s too focused on yuuji rn

random headcanon: i can see him having a long skincare routine with a fluffy hairband

unpopular opinion: i think he is frequently mischaracterized in the name of fitting ppl’s sexual fantasies about him. ofc im all for having fun but i noticed it does impact broader perceptions of his character sometimes. could say this about any jjk man tho.

song i associate with them: mmmm maybe sunflower by post malone, don’t have a reason for it buy yea

favorite picture of them: have two

MEGUMIIIII

favorite thing about them: he is me i am him we are the same. realistic depiction of what it is like to be abandoned by your parental figure and then be told you’re “special” for some reason and now too much is expected of you but you never wanted this in the first place. i could raise him so well let me adopt him. I Will Take Care Of Him.

least favorite thing about them: can’t. that’s my son.

favorite line: soooo many but i think about “so start by saving me itadori” DAILY. hourly even.

brOTP: love his relationship with kugisaki. would love to see him with yuuta more for purely self indulgent reasons that are not related to my dancers au….

OTP: obviously gotta go with ITAFUSHI i could talk abt them for hours. a brain virus fr they’re everything to me.

nOTP: 🧑‍💻 megumi & sukuna, megumi & toji, megumi & gojo, megumi & mai, etc. i try not to yuck other ppls yum but uh. i couldn’t even decide which of these was worst.

random headcanon: uhhh this ones a sad one, but i think before gojo came along, he and his sister were starving (compared to other characters shown as kids he looks much bonier), so even into adulthood, he has a hard time gaining weight from the effects of childhood malnutrition and as a result, is a bit less physically strong than he could potentially be (still very strong tho)

unpopular opinion: you already know what im gonna say. most overhated character in jjk. yall need to get off his back before i get violent im so serious rn everything he does is a perfectly valid reaction to the trauma he’s been through since he was literally a toddler

song i associate with them: i got so many…recently been thinking of dreams of losing teeth by suave punk & moon i already know by mount eerie the most

favorite picture of them: soo many…unhinged megumi vs pocket sized gumi i cant pick

[lordkingsmith]

Sending hugs always!

002 for your favorite character please and thank you!

You might be interested to hear that I might be getting a picture with the original pink ranger at comic con.

Hugs always appreciated thank you so much 😊

Oh my gosh! You might meet Amy Jo Johnson? I’ve heard from everyone she’s ever met she’s a complete sweetheart. If you meet her you’ll have a great time. Regardless if you meet her or not I hope you have a great time at the con!

Ahh I have a lot of favorite characters, and they rotate but given you’re possibly gonna meet AJJ, I’ll do a power rangers one :)

Spike Skullovitch from Power Rangers Samurai

How do I feel about this character:

There’s not enough of him! He deserved way more! So if you don’t know this is the son of Eugene “Skull” Skullovitch. In the show he was…I wanna say as old as the rangers so mid to late teens. This retroactively makes his dad from MMPR a teen father. Kind of a doofus and I loved him for it. He just seemed like a really sweet character and it’s a shame we haven’t seen him since. I wanna know how he’s doing guys. Kid’s a pure cinnamon roll in love with the pink ranger. I adore this guy I have fics for this guy and an entire LIST I’m working on of his partners (well ok-I’m working on individual lists for them and he’s on a lot of them but you know, semantics) I ship him with and hypothetical kids. I’m doing this for a bunch of power ranger characters for funsies but yea, lol. Love him, wish we had more of him-did you know he was originally meant to be the gold ranger before they changed the plot of the season? We got robbed

All the people I ship romantically with this character:

Ok here we go lol

Lauren Shiba

Jayden Shiba

Mia Watanabe (ranger he’s canonically got a crush on and ngl it’s adorable)

Antonio (I have a test fic in the works about these two, given Antonio is the canon gold)

Kevin

Emily

Prince Olympius

Ziggy Grover

Scott Truman

And several others but list shouldn’t get too long lol

My non-romantic OTP for this character:

I…am gonna be honest. I multiship so everyone listed is simultaneously a platonic and non platonic ship for me for him. I gave up with the OTP stuff a long while ago. But my current favorite? It’s between Lauren and Mia

One thing I wish would happen/had happened with this character:

1) that he got with Mia canonically. 2) THAT HE WAS GOLD I AM SO MAD ABOUT THAT STILL HE’S WEARING GOLD AND YELLOW AS HIS COLORS HE SHOULDA BEEN GOLD

my OTP:

It’s currently between Mia, Olympius, and Ziggy

My crossover ship:

Technically…any season is it’s own universe so I could say Ziggy but. I’ll choose something not power rangers. Hilariously I used his actor in a descendants rp once, his Disney villain descendant counterpart got with Allie, Alice Liddel’s daughter.

Her. I still have a soft spot for the pairing ngl

A headcanon fact:

This is…an odd one but my friend @augment-techs and I came up with the idea he’s a putty hybrid. Rita Repulsa decided to do human experimentation and chose Skull to kidnap and do the experiments on. Through her meddling he…gives birth to a human-putty hybrid and names it Spike and that’s how his son is born! Very VERY not canon but it’s been fun playing with.

A more mundane “for every version of this character” fact is: he hates chewing gum and sweet things in general. Is not a sweet tooth. This is not going to happen. Prefers savory things over sweet things. Sugar makes him gag. He’ll eat it if someone gives him something sweet because he doesn’t want them to feel bad but..no he’s not a fan.

-

Thank you so much for the ask and again I hope the con is fun!!

[thewayhavenchronicle]

Hey! First, I’m so sorry to hear abt the menstrual pain!! Periods are the worst especially when you’ve got really bad cramps :((

So for distractions! For the otp ask, if you’re answering the questions themselves how about 41-45 for Ruth x Ava? Or if you want something to expand into a fic, one of any of those!

I hope you feel better soon!

thank youuuu have. many ava/ruth fluff snippets ;w;

41. Which one would take their jacket it off and drape over the other one because they were visibly shivering?

Ruth nearly jumps out of her skin when something heavy and warm settles over her bare shoulders -- though she almost immediately feels silly as strong, familiar hands settle on her shoulders and then run down her arms, sending warmth washing over her in their wake.

Tired after the weird charity gala the Agency had talked them into attending, she leans back until her head is resting on Ava's shoulder.

Ava says nothing, arms settling around her with a soft contented sigh.

They'll have to leave eventually -- definitely have to say goodbye to the investors and the Council and whoever else she'd been introduced to tonight before she's truly off the hook -- but she doesn't care.

For now, they are both content to stand in the moonlight and watch it dance on the pond and fountain below them.

And that's enough.

42. What's their favorite type of weather to enjoy together? (getting snowed in together, watching thunderstorms, etc.)

Ruth loves the summer in Wayhaven.

It's a strange sentence to think, even to herself, as summers had always been the worst part of the year when she was growing up nearby. All that time having to find things to do to stay away from her home when her dad was home, all that time having to face the fact that she didn't really have friends -- it had been miserable.

Now, it's the best time of year for her to talk Ava into spending time with her, just the two of them.

And Ruth isn't sure she's ever happier than she is when she's on the open road with Ava, wind in her hair, casting adoring glances at Ava's beautiful profile.

They always drive to the same place -- a cliff overlooking the sea. It's more remote than the park they'd first gone to, so Ava is always so much more comfortable to sit close beside her, shoulders brushing with every breath they take. When the sun finally sets, they often stay a little longer, lying back in the grass and watching the stars and talking about... anything. Nothing. Everything.

The way Ava smiles when they're alone like that feels just like the summer sun on her skin -- sends that same warmth washing over her like a hot shower, until all she can feel is that twinge of joy and pride that comes with being able to make Ava smile, even a little.

...she's in far, far too deep to fight this now, but she can't find it in her to regret a single second of it.

43. Who would give their life for the other without a second thought?

Oh, they both would. This fact makes both of them very upset. Don't feel like writing the angst rn but IT'S COMING in my fic eventually.

44. Who would dance in the kitchen making dinner? Would the other join in or watch from the doorway?

Ruth nearly startles when Ava's arms slide around her waist, though she laughs as she tilts her head to give Ava access as she presses a line of kisses to Ruth's throat.

Ruth had been humming along to the music playing from her laptop as she cooked dinner, aware of the Commander in the next room keeping an eye out for her, but uncaring enough to actually change her plans for the night. They'd been getting closer recently, crossing that unspoken line between friends and.... something else more and more.

She's still not used to the amount of pleasure she gets from such simple, soft kisses as Ava rests her chin on Ruth's shoulder and begins to sway to the music.

"...you're so beautiful," murmurs her lover, nose brushing at the corner of her jaw. "I adore you completely."

Ruth shivers visibly in Ava's arms, making them both laugh.

"You buttering me up for something, Commanding Agent?" Ruth asks, but there's no malice in it, only a gentle tease that makes Ava chuckle.

"No," Ava says truthfully, swaying a little more meaningfully, a little more purposefully now. "I just wanted to be near you."

Ruth's heart squeezes painfully in her chest, but she smiles anyway, turning her head to press a kiss to Ava's cheek.

They don't say anything else for a long while, though eventually Ruth does move her meal off of the stove and they dance a little more formally. Ava's eyes are unbelievably soft as she twirls Ruth around the little kitchen in her tiny apartment and for a little while, nothing else in the world exists but the two of them and the hazy glow of contentment surrounding them.

45. Can they fall asleep without the other?

Ruth nearly shrieks when a pair of arms wrap around her in her sleep.

The stranger crawling into her bed pauses, pulling away a little and mumbling half-asleep apologies, and the familiar lilt of a soft British accent makes her relax again. Ava sinks into the mattress behind her, burying her face in the back of her neck, muscles heavy with tension that slowly seeps from her frame as she breathes in the smell of Ruth's skin.

"...alright?" Ruth asks after a moment, too sleepy to ask a full question, patting gently at Ava's hand settled on the mattress next to her stomach.

Ava sighs, curling around her a little more. "Bad dream. I'm fine now."

Ruth hums, and a distant part of her investigator mind does a few quick calculations. She knows vampires don't sleep much, but Ava's done this every few days for the past week or so now.

"Having a lot of bad dreams lately," she breathes.

She can feel Ava frown against the back of her neck as the arm around her waist tightens even more.

"...very observant of you, Detective," Ava mumbles at length, though there's a playfulness somewhere in her voice that makes Ruth snort.

Shifting so that she can lie on her back, she coaxes Ava to rest her head on her chest, slipping her fingers against the back of her neck and stroking gently as her other hand settles against Ava's upper arm, thumb lazily running back and forth against her skin where her sleeve has rolled up.

Ava melts into her and Ruth grins into the darkness. Sleep begins to tug at her again, but she mumbles with the last of her awareness, "I've got you. Sleep."

Whatever Ava mumbles in response is lost as Ruth drifts off again, though she thinks it might have been French.

...

"Je t'aime, mon cœur."

[ariel-seagull-wings]

FICTIONAL CHARACTER ASK: JANICE

Asked by @princesssarisa 

@softlytowardthesun @themousefromfantasyland @moonbeamelf @fragglesesamemuppetz2 @angelixgutz @the-blue-fairie @thealmightyemprex @amalthea9 

Favorite Thing About Them: She is a genuinelly sensitive, sweet, kind and empathetic person who has the ability to easily make friends and a competent performer in the fields of music and acting who greatly values team work rather than competing for attention with her colleagues.

Least Favorite Thing About Them: How the writers of the 2015 ABC sitcom the muppets. portrayed Janice as so over the top ditzy that she acted passive and with no opinions or desires of her own while the male characters Sam the Eagle, Floyd Pepper and Dr Teeth treated her as an object of dispute wich they were entitled to have as a romantic partner.

Three Things I Have In Common With Them:

* I have a tambourine;

* I love colorfull clothes made of light fabric;

* I love rock and roll music;

Three Things I Don’t Have In Common With Them:

* I’m not a member of a band;

* I’m not as chill as she is;

* I don’t have long blonde hair;

Favorite Line:

From the movie The Great Muppet Caper:

“…and I said, ‘Look mother, it’s my life o-kay? And if I want to live on a beach and walk around naked, I–”

From the movie The Muppets Take Manhattan:

"So I told him 'Look, buddy, I don't take my clothes off for anybody, even if it is artistic’”

From the comic Muppet King Arthur, where she played the humourous and witty Lady of the Lake:

“Call me Janice. That was my name before I, like, became one with nature”.

“Rock never hurt anyone. Well, except for scissors. Poor scissors”.

From the comic Muppet Robin Hood, where she plays the healer Willa Scarlet (a genderbent Will Scarlet):

“Oh yeah, like, going back to nature is sooo real, man, fer sure. You’ll like dig it, totally! These trees can teach us lessons, man”.

From the comic Muppet Peter Pan, where she played the role of Wendy Darling:

“Like, I’m detecting some rilly unresolved anger issues, fer sure”...

“A nice fruit salad is very cleansing for the system”.

“It never hurts to try to be, like, totally diplomatic and make friends!”

“I’m ready to grow up, now. Yeah, I even know what I want to do when I grow up! I wanna Rock and Roll!”

“Hey, dad, at least it’s, like, totally american... fer sure!”

From the comic Muppet Snow White, where she played the dwarf Happy:

“You’re like my favorite fairytale character. Next to Wendy from Muppet Peter  Pan”.

brOTP: Rowlf the Dog, Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Bean Bunny, Scooter, Skeeter, Miss Piggy, Annie Sue Pig, Spamela Hamderson, Zondra, Darci, Charlie (Solid Foam's Drummer), Dolores (Trumpet Girl), Wanda.

OTP: Skeeter, Zoot, Floyd Pepper.

nOTP: Dr Teeth, Lips, Sam the Eagle.

Random Headcanon: She was born in San Francisco, and in one side of her family she has lebanese heritage, wich is aparent in her lips, eyes and olive skin tone, while on the other side she has german-irish heritage, wich is aparent in her blonde hair.

Unpopular Opinion: Her toddler design with open eyes and already big lips in 1984's Muppet Babies looks pretty unsetling. The illustrations for the Muppet Kids books reached a better natural look for a young Janice, with more subtle lipstick around her lips and her characteristic closed eyes.

Song I Associate With Them:

Black Bird

Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover

With A Little Help from My Friends

Earth Song

It's In Hiss Kiss

Rockin All Around the World

Favorite Picture of Them:

In her early concept sketch drawing, when she was originally idealized as an androgynus male identified character inspired by Mick Jagger

As a preteen alongside Skeeter and Miss Piggy in two illustrations of the Muppet Kids picture book New Girl In Town

Alongside fellow Valley Girl Moon Zappa, actress and daughter of rock musician Frank Zappa

In her beautifull tye-die dress portraying Wendy Darling in the comic Muppet Peter Pan (alongside Scooter as John Darling, Bean Bunny as Michael Darling, Kermit the Frog as Peter Pan and Miss Piggy as Piggytink)

Portrayed in a gala dress by Muppet Peter Pan artist @amymebberson

Another art by @amymebberson portraying her and Skeeter with buttons in support of Miss Piggy

With Floyd Pepper and Elton John

Just chilling out

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 2.) The Family Rys. Part 1.

It was the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall in Cordonia. It was September and the running of the Cordonian Derby. For the first time in five years. Marquise was excited. He's always loved horses and horse racing and to have it come alive again made him giddy. He had spent the past few weeks meeting with organizers, vendors, horse owners, and staff at the racetrack and stables to make sure everything was in order and the event would go off without a hitch. 

He was coming back from a visit to the racetrack when he was greeted by three of his favorite people, his wife and his boys. 

“How was it?” Shanelle asked. 

“Amazing. Everything is almost ready. The stables and the track are beautiful. I can't wait for everyone to see it.” he replied as he picked up his two toddling babies. 

“Good. I know my dad is excited. He said the Derby was one of my grandfathers’ favorite pastimes.”

“I know. The last time I remember seeing him was at a race before he died.” 

“I wish I could've been there. I'm sure I would’ve loved it.”

“Of course. And King Dominic would've had the winner of that race given to you.”

“Even though Edward and your father were both King at that point?” Shanelle asked. 

“Trust me. Your grandfather didn't care who was King. That horse would've been yours. It's one of things I've always respected about him. You became his reason. It was no longer about him. It became about you.” Marquise replied. 

Shanelle smiled wistfully. 

“Walk with us?” Marquise asked. 

They walked to the playground where the boys wobbled over to the swings. 

“Looks like two little someones want their Daddy to push them.”

“They always want me to push them.” Marquise pouted. 

“It's what you have those big ass arms for. Now move it. My boys are waiting.”

Marquise cut his eyes at her over his shoulder before going to push the boys. 

While most noble parents took an off hand approach to raising their children Marquise and Shanelle do not. They make sure to always be present in their children's lives and if they have to leave them, they know that their kids are safely in the care of Margo and her family. 

“There you are! And there's my two little turtle doves!” Margo announced. The boys perked up at the sound of her voice. 

“Well Hi mom. It's good to see you too.” Marquise replies. 

Margo waved him off and went straight for the twins. 

“Y’know I'm starting to get the sense that you love them more than you love me.” Marquise said to his mother. 

“I do love them more than I love you.” Margo replied. “You’re an adult son. A fully grown old spinster. Whereas my two precious turtle doves are not.” 

Shanelle stifled her laugh. 

“You do realize that I control your paycheck right?” 

“No your daughter does and she’d be pissed at you if you ever withheld it from her grandmother,” Shanelle replies. 

“Indeed she would.”

Marquise groaned. 

“How many times do I have to tell you two that she doesn't get a say?”

Margo and Shanelle looked at each other. 

“Son, how many times have you ever told your daughter no? Don't answer that because I can do that for you: none! You never tell her no.”

“Your mom has a point.” Shanelle added. 

“There’s a first time for everything you know!” 

“Not when it comes to your daughter.” 

“I have to agree with my Queen. You will never ever be able to tell the Princess no.” Margo quipped. 

Marquise cut his eyes at them both before he shook his head. 

“How was your appointment mama?” Marquise asked. 

“It went well. The newest scans show that the cancer has not grown any and Dr. Pollard thinks my treatments are doing wonderfully. He also believes that with things going so well I may be able to stop treatments soon.” Margo replies. 

Marquise closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. 

“Thank goodness,” Shanelle said. 

Margo smiled at them both. 

“You two have enough to worry about. You don't need to worry about me.”

Marquise pulled her close. 

“Mama we have been over this. As long as I breathe I will always worry about and for you. Especially now. Now have you had a chance to rest?”

“Yes my son I have. And before you ask, yes, I've eaten as well.”

“I wasn't going to ask but thank you for telling me.”

“Suuuuure you weren't.” Shanelle quipped. 

“How was your visit to the track?” Margo asked. 

“Fantastic. The track and stables are beautiful.” Marquise replied. 

“Good. I know how much this meant to you. And to Papa.”

Marquise smiled wistfully. 

“God I miss him. I wish he was here. He would've gone with me and would've charmed everyone.”

“That sounds like George,” Shanelle added. 

“And after you got back he would've told these two adorable little ones everything in stunning detail.” Margo quipped. 

Marquise fixed his face to mimic George. 

“You'll see soon my boys. There will be horses and women! Lots of women! Many for you two to choose from!” 

Margo shook her head with a smile. 

“How I put up with that man for so long even I will never know.” 

“You did it because you loved him. Just like you love me.” 

“Them son.” Margo corrected him, “I love them and their sister.”

“One of these days I'm gonna get you to admit it!”

“Don’t hold your breath son.”

Shanelle snorted just as one of the boys yawned. 

“Uh oh! Sounds like nap time for these two.”

Marquise checked his Apple Watch. 

“Yes, and it’s time to go pick Khari up from school.”

“Okay. I’ll go put them down for their naps. And you and Margo go get the Princess.”

“Deal.” Marquise replies before offering an arm to Margo, “Madam Geaneaux?”

“Merci mon roi,” Margo replied. 

Soon they were off to get the Princess from school. While outside the school gates, Marquise took time to greet the other parents and speak with as many of them as always. When the gates opened up, all of the children came running out. Many were smiling and giggling as they ran to their parents. Seeing the children reminded Margo of when Marquise was little and waiting to be picked up from school. 

“I remember a time when you were this little son,” she whispered to him. 

He smiled at her. 

“I know. I couldn't wait to see you and my mother.”

“I remember she used to always speak to everyone. Like you do.”

When Marquise looked up there was his little girl. Running straight towards him.

“Hi Daddy! Hi Grammy!” she said as she got to them. 

“Hello my love. Did you have a good day at school today?” he asked. 

“Uh huh. I even met our new Headmaster. She said you and her went to school together.”

“Really?” he asked. 

“Yeah. Her name is Lady Josselyn Gallagher.” Khari replies. 

Margo looked at her son. 

“Gallagher? Like Lord Gallagher of Comery Isle?” Margo asked. 

“Yes. Lady Josselyn is his oldest sister.” Marquise replied. 

“Interesting.”

“That’s one way to put it.” 

As soon as Marquise said that, Lady Gallagher came walking out of the gates and made a beeline for His Majesty. 

“Your Majesty! It's great to see you. It's been far too long.”

“You as well my lady.” Marquise replied. 

“I should have known this bright beautiful girl was your daughter,” she said, gesturing to Khari. “How have you been Marquise?”

“Your Majesty. My lady.” Marquise corrected her. 

“Yes. My apologies. How have you been, Your Majesty?”

“I’ve been well, thank you. The last I heard you were teaching in Edinburgh.”

“Yes, I was. But I began to feel homesick and when Earl Rickards retired as Headmaster I applied for the vacancy. And the rest is history.”

“Well, it's good to have you here. If you'll excuse us.”

Lady Gallagher nodded politely. 

“Of course my King.”

Marquise escorted Margo and Khari to the waiting motorcade. Once inside Khari spoke. 

“Daddy can we stop for a snack?” she asked. 

“Sure. What would you like?”

“Apple turnovers!” she replied. 

“Mama?” he asks Margo. 

“I agree with the Princess,” Margo replies. 

“Turnovers it is!”

“And Cinnamon Rolls for Mommy. And maybe some apple juice for the boys,” Khari added. 

“Very well my love.”

Marquise turned to the driver. 

“Diego can you take us to Bookaholic Cafe please?”

Soon they were off to the cafe for snacks then to the palace. Later after helping Khari with her homework, playtime with the boys, a very animated family dinner, bubble baths, and bedtime stories, the Royals were relaxing by a fire in the Residence. 

“Now this is more like it. A glass of Lowyn Black, a roaring fire, and my human pillow.” Shanelle said with contented sigh. 

“You’re lucky I love you.”

“Shhhh! Less talkie more laying still.”

Marquise rolled his eyes good naturedly. 

“I met Khari’s new Headmaster today.”

“Really?” Shanelle asked. 

“Yup. Lady Josselyn Gallagher is the new Headmaster.”

Shanelle sat up slightly. 

“Gallagher as in?” she asked. 

“You sound like mom. But to answer your question, yes, THAT Gallagher. She's his oldest sister. She and I went to school together. In addition to being the ladies football captain, she was one of Naya’s best friends.” Marquise replies. 

Shanelle groaned. 

“Of course she was…is she going to be a problem?” Shanelle asks. 

“No I don't think so. While her brother and sister-in-law may be a pain in the ass, she's not. At least she shouldn't be.” Marquise replied. 

“Famous last words.” Shanelle muttered. 

“Besides she knows she can be removed from her post as Headmaster.” 

“She can?” Shanelle asks. 

“Yes. The school advisory panel who hired her sent over her contract. There's a clause in the contract that specifically states that I can remove her if I find she's harmful to the children at the school.” Marquise replied. 

“I wonder how her brother feels.”

“He’s probably thrilled. Although Josselyn had no interest in courtly politics when we were growing up, I'm sure she has mild interest now. Especially when her brother is a Head Of State.”

“I’m really starting to not like that family.”

“Josselyn is harmless. She used to have a crush on Bannon growing up but he always turned her down.”

“Smart man.” Shanelle quipped. 

Marquise shook his head. 

“Now onto more exciting matters. Like the Derby in two weeks. I'm so excited.”

“I know my dad is too. He and mama said they'd arrive with the kids.”

“Good. I'm excited for our children to see the stables and feed the horses.”

“I’m not too sure the boys will get it though.” 

“Oh I’m sure they won't but at least they'll look cute.”

“True.” 

The couple enjoyed the rest of their quiet evening together. Sipping wine and being snuggled up together. A few days later Shanelle found herself back home in New York for New York Fashion Week. She also took the time to spend time with her parents. 

“It's good to have you home Butterfly,” Shantel said to her daughter. 

“Oh please. You’re just excited that we’re going to the fashion show tonight.” Damian piped up. 

Shantel rolled her eyes. 

“Oh, hush! I could've gone for years if someone would've taken me, Mr. Ambassador.” 

“If I've told you once then I've told you a thousand times Shantel, I am not sitting through five hours of ugly-looking walking planks wearing fishnet!” Damien fussed. 

“Okay break it up you two! Besides, it's time for us to go mama.”

“I’m so excited.”

Damien shook his head with a smile. 

“Enjoy my loves.”

“Byeeeee!” they said as they walked out the door. 

They arrived at the Alexander McQueen show early enough to get backstage and meet a few of the models and designers, before taking their seats and being awed by the show. Later that night after Shanelle and her mother got back it was all Shantel wanted to talk about. Just as Shanelle got ready for bed, her father popped his head in to speak. 

“Do you know your mother hasn’t shut up yet?” He asks. 

Shanelle snorted. 

“Leave her alone. She had an amazing time.”

Damien shook his head with a smile as sat down on the edge of her bed. 

“I know. It’s all I’m going to hear about for the next millennia.”

“Stop it, Daddy.”

“Did you enjoy yourself my love?” Damien asks. 

“I did. I enjoy the shows. Next year I’m going to Paris Fashion Week.” she replies. 

“Please don’t take your mother. She’ll never let me live it down.”

“No promises.”

Damien smiled before leaving her bedroom. After a FaceTime call to her husband to tell her babies goodnight she went on to bed. The next few days were a blur of shows, shopping, and photos. Shanelle was asked by designer Christian Siriano himself to pose for his Haute Couture Line. But what she was most excited about was having a quiet dinner with her Dad. 

“Have you had fun this week?” Damien asks. 

“Have I ever! It's been so much fun.” Shanelle replies. 

“Good. I'm happy you've had a blast. How are things in the kingdom?” he asked. 

“Pretty good. Marquise has been interviewing people to fill an official position,” she replies. 

“Oh? What position?”

“Education Minister.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Duke Francis has decided to retire at the end of the month. So this week he's doing interviews.” 

“I wonder…” Damien trailed off. 

“Wonder what Daddy?”

“I wonder if he'd offer your mother the position.”

“Uh Daddy Mom retired, remember?”

“You know your mother has never stayed away from the one thing she loves besides her family. She's been hosting workshops left and right for months.”

Shanelle smiled softly. 

“I should've known that she'd never truly walk away. I'll text him and have him interview with her. More than likely the job is hers.”

“Of course. She's an educator at her core.”

“And the schedule will give her the flexibility that her teaching job didn't necessarily give her.”

“Besides, your mother never really liked Burgess. She always said he was too stuffy for the role.”

“In her defense, Mom wasn't wrong.”

The two laughed. 

After spending time with her parents, Shanelle couldn't leave New York without seeing her nieces and nephew. As soon as she got to Dee's, AJ came barreling out of the house, nearly knocking Shanelle down. Not that she minded. 

“TiTi!”

“Hi, pretty girl!”

“TiTi come to see me?”

Shanelle’s heart nearly melted. 

“Yes, Precious, I came to see you.”

“Yayyyy! I missed you TiTi.”

“I missed you too sweetheart.”

When Shanelle looked up at the entrance Dee was standing there shaking her head with a smile. 

“I swear you two are so dramatic.”

“Whatever! You’re just jealous!”

Shanelle put AJ down long enough to hug her mother. 

“It's good to see you Nelle,” Dee said. 

“Same love.”

The girls have been friends for years. It's always a good time when they get together. After playing with AJ until she fell asleep Shanelle got to see and hold her youngest niece and nephew and catch up with Dee. 

“I swear nothing beats that new baby smell.”

“Unless it's a dirty diaper.” Dee quipped. 

“True.”

The girls laughed. 

“How are you doing babe? Really.” Shanelle asked. 

Dee chuckled softly. 

“You never stop,” Dee replies. 

“How long have you known me, Ms. Day?” 

“As you always say forever and a day. But to answer your question, I'm doing good. James and I are in a great place. We have these beautiful little ones. Our businesses are booming. We're good I promise.” Dee replied. 

“Good. It does my heart good to see you happy.”

“Thanks, Nelle. I know you worry about me and trust me I appreciate it and you more than you know but I promise I'm okay.”

“Alright, love.”

“How are Marquise and the kids?” Dee asked. 

“Driving me crazy. I'm kidding. The boys are toddling all over the place. Khari is bossing everyone in my damn house around. And their daddy is the same lovable beanstalk he's always been. We're good love.” Shanelle replies. 

Dee laughed. 

“Stop calling him that.”

“I will do no such thing! It's not my fault he's 6’5.”

“Be nice Nelle.”

“Oh, be quiet! The only reason you’re defending him is because he has Bookaholic cater his meetings on top of the fact he and Khari always go to the cafe after she gets outta school.” 

“Exactly. He and your dad are two of my best customers. Marquise has had us cater all his meetings as well as catering breakfast and lunch for your palace staff since we opened there and your dad is always buying three dozen chocolate croissants and two large Dark Roast coffees with hazelnut cream and sugar from our flagship.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly. 

“Okay. And when those two eat you out of stock don't dare you call me! Because I ain't got nothing to do with it!” Shanelle warned. 

The girls laughed. 

“Thank you for coming to check on us. I appreciate it so much.”

“Always my love. It's what family does.”

Dee hugged her. 

“I love you, Nelle.”

“I love you too babe.”

Meanwhile, in Cordonia, Marquise was about to interview his mother-in-law for the position of Education Minister. When he called her on FaceTime she picked up with a smile. 

“Hello, son in love. How are you?” she asked. 

“I'm doing good Mom,” he replied. 

“How are my grandbabies?” 

“They're good. Khari is at school doing God knows what. And the boys are here but I put them down for a nap. I was hoping you had a free moment.”

“For the King? Always honey. How can I help you?” Shantel asks. 

Marquise chuckled. 

“I’ll get to the point. I have an opportunity for you.”

“Oh? What kind of opportunity?” she asked.

“Duke Francis has decided to retire at the end of the month. And I now have to fill his position as Education Minister. And after having interviews all week I was hoping to have you take the position.” he replied. 

“You want me?! According to the law Marquise, that position is only to be filled by someone of noble status.”

“To be fair, you are married to a Prince and you were given the title of Duchess by his father, your daughter is the Queen of Cordonia, and your grandchildren are the Heirs to the throne. So I think that counts towards you having noble status.”

Shantel snorted. 

“This is nepotism, son.”

“This is politics.”

“Uh-huh. Who put you up to this?” Shantel asks.

“Your daughter might have not so lightly suggested that this position is perfect for you. And when I asked your husband, he agreed,” he replies. 

Shantel shook her head with a smile. 

“And they know as well as I do that education has been your entire purpose in life. You love championing and advocating for students and educators. I also know that even though you retired, you never really stepped away. This is an opportunity for you to continue your amazing work while having flexibility. So what do you say, Mom?” 

“What are the duties of being the Education Minister?” she asks. 

“You would review, revise, and set the curriculum for the school year. You are also the one who hires, reprimands, and fires the leaders of every school board in Cordonia. In terms of Cordonia University and the smaller colleges, their curriculum is set based on the different majors, but you would still be able to see and add or change the course requirements, and you would oversee admissions as well as write the standards for that and you would oversee college staff members, and you would also be required to quarterly meetings with administrators four times a year.” he replies. 

Shantel nodded. 

“That's not bad. Would I have to move?” she asks. 

“I knew you'd ask that. Like I told Damien no. You wouldn't have to move if you don't want to. If you choose to stay where you are I would have an office for you set up here in the Parliamentary Building but your primary office would be at the Consulate in New York.” 

“You really do think of everything son.”

Marquise snickered. 

“I try.”

Shantel smiled. 

“Alright son-in-love you've convinced me. If you’re truly offering me the position, I will gladly accept.”

Marquise let out a sigh of relief. 

“It's yours, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, honey. It's an honor.”

“The honor is mine. We’ll talk more about it after the race.”

“Sounds good. I'll see you soon, son. Give my babies a hug and kiss from me.”

“Will do, Mom.”

Just as he hung up with his mother-in-law, his wife called. 

“Hey, beautiful!”

“Hey yourself handsome. How'd it go with mom?” she asked. 

“We tentatively have a new Education Minister,” he replies. 

“Yay! I'm so glad she agreed.”

“We’ll talk more about it after the race but for now we celebrate.” 

“It'll be so good to have her at the helm.”

“Indeed. How is your trip, my love?”

“Amazing! I can't wait to show you and Khari everything.”

“How many bags are you bringing back?” he asks. 

“Enough to make you thankful that I only fly private,” she replied. 

“Oh for the love of God,” he said with a groan. 

“Oh quit bitching! I got gifts for you, the kids, and a new Birkin for your mom.”

“What is it with you women and those overpriced handbags?” he grumbled. 

“Quiet!” she snapped at him. 

Marquise shook his head with a smile just as one of the twins woke up from their nap. 

“Sounds like one of the littles is waking up. Be right back.”

“Okay.”

Marquise switched off his camera and then returned with one of the boys in his arms. 

“My love look,” he whispered to his half-awake son, “there's your mother.”

Zyon blinked sleepily and when he looked up to see his mom he half smiled. 

“Hi, Pumpkin! I miss you. I'll see you tomorrow okay?” 

Zyon just laid his head on his father’s shoulder and yawned. 

“Let me deal with him and I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay. I'll see you and them tomorrow. Love you.”

“I love you too, my love.”

The next day Shanelle was home and bearing gifts. Toys for her children, new cologne for her husband, and as promised a new Birkin bag for Margo. 

“Oh, it's beautiful, Your Majesty! You shouldn't have.” 

“Nonsense! You had been wishing for this bag for months. Besides, I promised your daughter and granddaughters that I'd get it for you when I was in New York.”

Margo shook her head with a smile. 

“Thank you, Shanelle. Truly.”

“Don't thank me. Thank your son. It was his card I used.”

Marquise made a face. 

“The only reason I won't make a fuss is because you had a good reason to use my card. Also, give me my card back! What is wrong with you?!” 

Shanelle handed him his card back as he grumbled. 

“Now if you two will excuse me, I've been away from my babies for far too long. I'm due for some twin snuggles.”

And off she went to be with her littlest ones. That following week they hosted many other royal allies, and then that weekend the family was getting ready for the Derby. While Khari was getting ready with her grandmothers, Shanelle was getting the twins ready. 

“Okay, you two. Let's get dressed.”

Unfortunately, the boys would rather play with their pups. 

“We don't want to be late boys. Your daddy will have a fit.”

She managed to get Kylo dressed but Zyon wasn't ready to go yet. Instead of getting dressed, Zyon took off down the hall in nothing but a diaper. 

“Zyon, come back here!” 

The giggling 10-month-old ran from his mother and almost ran past his father. 

“Whoa! And where are you going my love?” he asked as he picked up his son. “Now now, we will have time to play later. But right now we have to get ready.”

Marquise returned Zyon to his mother so he could get dressed and they could get ready as well. Soon the family was off to the racetrack. When they got to the stables, their daughter was excited to see the horses. 

“Come on Daddy! Let's go!” Khari said before taking off towards the horses. 

“Wait for your brothers!” he replied as he pushed the stroller with the twins. 

Khari stopped long enough for him to catch up. 

“Sorry.”

“No worries. Besides you can't feed the horses without apples now can you?” Marquise asked. 

Khari shook her head no. 

“Now let's go feed the horses.”

His Majesty helped the children feed the horses although the boys didn't quite understand that the apples were for the horses, but they had fun nonetheless. 

“How was it?” Shanelle asked her husband. 

“They had a blast. The horses are beautiful and they were so gentle and patient.” Marquise replies. 

They soon left the stables and headed to the red carpet. Their Majesties watched as Shanelle’s parents and Margo escorted their kids on the red carpet. The little ones stole the show. Many of the paparazzi clamored to get pictures of the smiling young royals. 

“Look at my babies!” Shanelle whispered proudly. 

Marquise shook his head with a small chuckle. 

“My poor boys. They don't know what to do. It's adorable.”

“There was a time that you didn't either.”

“True I didn't. But I'm thankful that they have their sister and our parents with them.” 

They watched as Khari helped her brothers walk up the red carpet steps. 

“Well my Queen, it's showtime.”

“I live for this.”

“You or your ego?” he asked.

“Both,” she replies. 

Marquise snickered as they walked the red carpet. The couple had the paparazzi buzzing about their outfits and especially Shanelle’s flowery headpiece. 

“I will never understand why I let you talk me into letting you wear this thing.”

“Simple. You didn't say anything because you knew I'd look good in it.”

“True. It's just huge!”

“That's the point, Your Majesty.”

“You just love to be over the top.”

“Your fault.”

“Indeed it is.”

The couple walked into their new private box where their entire family was mingling about. When they got there Shanelle spotted Damien staring and smiling wistfully at a portrait of his parents. She walked over to him and laid her chin on his shoulder. 

“Are you okay Daddy?” she asked. 

“Yes my darling, I'm fine. I had almost forgotten about this portrait. This was commissioned after their 10th wedding anniversary. They look so young.” Damien said to her. 

“It was found in the archives a few months ago, and it was faded and covered in dust. So I had it restored and had it hung here in their honor and yours.”

Damien smiles softly. 

“Thank you my darling. They would've been thrilled to see it.”

“I know you miss them. Especially today. But they're here Daddy. And they're happy.”

Damien kissed the back of his daughter's hand. 

“I know.”

Khari worked over to them

“Who’s that mommy?” Khari asked. 

“They're my grandparents. Pop Pop’s mom and dad.” Shanelle replied. 

Khari looked up at the portrait and smiled. 

“Your mom is very pretty Pop Pop.”

Damien smiled. 

“Thank you, sunshine. She would've loved to be here today. She and my father loved horses and horse racing.” 

“Did they have horses?” Khari asked. 

“Mmmhmm. Every time we had a new foal in the stables I got to name them.” Damien replies. 

“Like me?” she asked. 

“Just like you. You have to remember sunshine, Pop Pop is a Prince,” he replied. 

“One of the best Princes ever.” 

“Thank you, sweetheart. Now let's go grab a bite to eat.” 

“Okay, Pop Pop! Let's go.” Khari said as she took his hand and they walked over to where the buffet was. 

Shanelle stayed looking at the portrait as her mother walked up behind her. 

“I thought you were gonna tell him about the portrait, Mom,” Shanelle said to her mother. 

“I was but I wanted to see the look of shock and love on his face,” Shantel replies. 

Shanelle smiled wistfully. 

“I miss them. There are days where I wish they were here to guide me.”

“They are here, baby. They're always here.”

Shanelle smiled at her mother.

“Marquise and Daddy are always telling me that they'd be proud of me. It's just sometimes I wish I could hear them say it.”

“I know honey. And your dad and husband are right. Your grandparents would be so proud of you.”

“I know.”

“Good. Now let's go get something to nibble on.”

Shanelle followed her mother over to the buffet. After grabbing food, Shanelle joined her husband at the podium. It was time for them to give the opening remarks. 

“Good afternoon to one and all. Today is a fine day for a race wouldn't you all agree? Today is the first running of the Cordonian Derby in nearly 5 years. That's a long time for a lot of us. It has been a long road to get here. After a long wait, we will all get to experience our kingdom’s oldest and most celebrated pastime. And now I believe Her Majesty has but one thing to say.” 

“Let the races begin!” Shanelle announced. 

Soon a flurry of bettors were seen running to place a bevy of bets. Including many in their family. Namely Logan. He. Marquise and Damien were sitting in the King’s lounge.

“$98, $99, $85,000.00!” he announced triumphantly after counting his winnings. 

“Well done Logan,” Damien said to him. 

“Thanks Pop.”

“That's nothing. Wait until the main race. You could win up to quadruple that.” Marquise said as he pulled out his cigar case. 

“Cigars? Have I ever told you that I love coming here?” Logan asks. 

Marquise snorted before passing a cigar to both Logan and his father-in-law.

“Come to Papa!” 

“Thank you, son.”

“Of course. It's a special occasion so it's time for the rarities.” 

“How rare?” Logan asked. 

“These are El Rey De España cigars,” Marquise replies. 

Logan whistled impressed as he lit his cigar. 

“I can't believe you got your hands on these. They only produce 20 cases a year.”

“I know. I bought the company and the towns surrounding it in Cuba a few months after I got married. They make them for me all the time, but they only publicly produce 20 cases a year because that's all I'm willing to give up.”

That piqued Logan’s interest.

“Would it be too much?” Logan asked. 

“Yeah yeah. I’ll have a couple of cases sent to you for Christmas like I do Damien,” Marquise replies. 

 “I knew big sis marrying you would pay off for me.”

A waiter brought a bottle of whiskey and three glasses of ice. 

“For you and your guests Your Majesty.”

“Thank you, Vander. That will be all.”

The waiter bowed before leaving. 

“It's like you're trying to spoil me!”

“Go to hell, Logan,” Marquise replied as he poured drinks for the three of them. “Gentlemen, salud.”

They clinked their drinks before downing them. Meanwhile, Shanelle was catching up with her girls. 

“It's so beautiful here,” Bronwyn said. 

“Thank you, babe. My husband put a lot of thought, time, and effort into this.”

“Forget the grounds. Can we talk about the food? These little steak crostini things are everything!” Robin piped up. 

Shanelle laughed. 

“I'm glad you like them, baby.”

“How are you, Nelle?” Bronwyn asks. 

“I'm good love. I'm happy that today is finally here. And so far it's been an amazing success. Everything has gone off without a hitch.” 

Just then an attendant walked up to the girls. 

“Pardon the interruption my Queen but there's someone here to see you.”

The girls looked at each other. 

“Who is it?” Shanelle asked. 

That's when Khari’s Headmaster walked up. 

“Good afternoon, Your Majesty! I'm Khari’s Headmaster. Lady Josselyn Gallagher.” she said to Shanelle. 

“Good afternoon Headmaster Gallagher. It's good to finally meet you.” Shanelle replied. 

“Indeed. I wanted to introduce myself since we haven't had the chance to meet. Khari talks about you and her father all the time.”

“I'm sure she does.”

“Well, I won't take up too much of your time. Again, I just wanted to introduce myself to you.”

“Thank you, Headmaster. We’ll talk soon.”

Lady Gallagher bowed her head before leaving. When Shanelle sat back down, the girls noticed the slight agitation on her face. 

“Okay, spill,” Rob said to Shanelle. 

“What?” Shanelle replies. 

“Who the hell was that and why do you look like you were ready to knock her ass out?” Robin asks. 

Bronwyn snickered at the look on Shanelle’s face. 

“You make me sound violent, Ro.”

“You are violent!” they replied. 

Shanelle sucked her teeth. 

“Trollops! The both of you!”

“Answer the question, Nelle.”

“First off, I was not about to knock her ass out. Thank you very much.”

Bron and Rob looked at each other.

“And second, that is the new Headmaster of Khari’s school.” 

“Okay fine, so you weren't gonna punch her lights out. That still doesn't answer Rob’s question of why do you look like that?” Bronwyn said. 

“You remember me telling y'all and the girls about the new Head of State for Comery Isle. Lord Gallagher?” Shanelle asked. 

“Yeah. Isn't he the one who was sitting on YOUR throne the first time y'all met?” Robin replies. 

“Yup. And you girls just met his oldest sister. Oh and not only was she in class with my husband, she used to be his ex’s best friend.”

The girls looked at each other. 

“Do we need to handle a problem?” Bronwyn asked. 

“And you know I carry my knucks with me,” Robin added. 

“And you two scallywags have the audacity to call me violent. While I appreciate the eagerness you two have to put your feet up somebody’s ass, stop it! So far she hasn't even shown an ounce of interest in anything that has to do with politics.” Shanelle replies. 

“And what does that mean to the people here?” Rob asks. 

“Besides nothing,” Bronwyn added. 

Shanelle snorted. 

“This is why I love you two. It means she has no interest in politics. At least not right now.”

“Okay. But you know that if she's ever feeling froggy.” Bronwyn warned. 

Shanelle cackled. 

“Girl! Bye! You live in California! You can't do anything to her.”

“Shit! The hell I can't. Don't think for one second that I won't hop on my plane to come jam my foot up somebody's ass!” 

Rob and Shanelle died laughing. 

“Calm down Crusher!” Rob said to her. 

“Yeah. Besides, if she ever becomes a problem I always know who to call.” Shanelle said. 

“As long as you know.” Bronwyn quipped. 

“Chile! It's almost time for the main race so I'm gonna go get the boys. I'll be right back.”

That's when Shanelle walked from where the girls were sitting into the lounge where the guys were. 

“I knew I'd find you three underneath all this cigar smoke.”

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Marquise asked. 

“Indeed I am,” Shanelle replied while pouring herself a drink, “I came here to tell you three that it's almost time for the main race.” 

Marquise checked his watch. 

“So it is. Well, let's go.”

Logan was the first to stand up. 

“More money for meeeeee!” he sang. 

“You sound like a kid in a candy store,” Shanelle said to him. 

“I am a kid in a candy store!” he said matter-of-factly as he walked out. 

Soon everyone was seated and awaiting the main race. The winner of the race won the entire box money. With Logan winning an additional $340,000.00. 

Later that night after everyone had gone to bed, the Royals enjoyed a nightcap. 

“Today was a success, Your Majesty. You should be proud.” Shanelle said to her husband. 

“I am. It's been a long time coming. I'm glad everyone had a good time and won a little pocket change.”

“I'm happy with all the money we raised. I remember a time when it wasn't always like that.” 

“True. Did you enjoy spending time with the girls?” he asks. 

“I always do. I even met someone interesting today.”

“Oh? Who?” he asked. 

“Your daughter's Headmaster. She came and formally introduced herself,” she replied. 

Marquise took a thoughtful sip of his drink. 

“She was sitting in her brother’s box so it's only natural that she'd want to introduce herself to you since you two have never met.”

“Maybe. Or maybe her brother sent her over to size me up.”

“I don’t think so. She's not the type to dare the wrath of her King. Her brother is. He's impulsive and arrogant as hell; whereas she's more calculated and measured. Besides, I think she enjoys her job as an educator more than anything.”

“I will take your word for it. In the meantime, I have wine to finish.”

“You do that. I'm gonna go check on our children.”

“They're sleeping, babe.” 

Marquise shrugged helplessly. 

“Bad habit.”

Shanelle shook her head. 

“This is true. Okay, go check on them.” 

Shanelle watched her husband disappear down the hall before she went back to her wine. 

A few days later Marquise was going over a budget proposal for the kingdom when he heard a loud commotion outside his office. 

“What in the world is going on?” he thought. 

That's when a guard ran into his office. 

“Your Majesty! Come quick!” 

“What is it?” 

“It's Mrs. Geaneaux. She's fallen.”

He felt like his heart stopped.

“What?! Where is she?!” he asked. 

“This way.” the guard replied before he led Marquise to where Margo had fallen. When he got to her she was just starting to regain her standing. 

“Mama! Are you alright? What happened?” he asks her. 

“I'm fine, my dear. I just got a little dizzy, that's all,” she replies. 

“Here let me help you up.” 

Marquise slowly helped her to her feet. He quickly scanned her to make sure she wasn't seriously injured. 

“Are you hurt?” he asked. 

“Only my pride, my love. I'm okay,” she replied. 

“Let's get you to my office so you can have a place to sit down,” he said to her, “where is your cane?”

“Right here, Your Majesty.” a young guard holding her cane replied. 

“Thank you,” Marquise said to the guard before turning his attention back to his mother, “can you walk? Do you need a wheelchair?”

“No no. I can walk.”

Taking his arm and walking gingerly, Margo walked with Marquise back to his office. Once inside he led her to the sofa and helped her sit down. 

“Thank you, my son.” 

Marquise turned to the female guard holding Margo’s cane. 

“Let her son Bannon and my wife know that she's here and that she's fallen.”

“At once Your Majesty.” 

The guard handed Marquise her cane before leaving. 

“Mama, are you sure you’re not hurt?” he asked. 

“Yes. I promise I'm fine. It was just a fall Marquise.” she replies. 

“Fall my ass. You aren't even supposed to be here today. What are you doing here Mama? You should be at home resting.” Marquise fussed. 

“This is my home son.”

“Mama you know what I mean! You had another round of treatments today. And when you have those treatments, you are supposed to be at home when they're done. We've been over this!” Marquise snapped at her. 

Marquise shook his head sadly.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I had no right.” 

Margo just smiled. 

“Come here.”

“What?” he asks. 

“Come. Here,” she replied. 

When he sat next to her, she wrapped him in the motherly hug he knew all too well. 

“My boy. My sweet beautiful boy. I'm not angry about your concern for me. And I'm sorry if my fall scared you. But assure you that I'm alright.”

Marquise took a deep breath. 

“I know…I just panicked when I saw you.”

Margo smiled warmly at him. 

“You never stop. You are determined to protect me.”

“You always protected me so it's the very least that I can do.”

Just then her oldest son Bannon came rushing in. 

“A guard came and got me. What happened?” he asked. 

“She fell,” Marquise replied. 

“And he's making a big fuss of it.” Margo quipped. 

“As he should! You aren't supposed to be here mother.” 

“Oh for the love of God! Both of you stop it! I have the right to come and go in this palace as I please!” Margo fussed. 

“And I'm starting to regret granting it to you,” Marquise muttered. 

“His Majesty has a point.”

Margo gave them both a look that shut them right up. 

“Much better. Now I came here because I would've been bored at home. And as much as I love that my two oldest boys want to look out for me, I am fine. Nothing is broken or bruised. Outside of my pride that is.”

The men looked at each other.

“If your Papa could never get me to change my mind, neither can the two of you.”

“How does she do that?” Bannon asked Marquise. 

“I have no idea,” Marquise replies. 

Marquise sighed. 

“Will you let us take you to your room here?” Bannon asked.

“Yes. If it'll make you both feel better. And before either one of you says anything, I promise to rest for the remainder of the day.” Margo replied.

“Very well. Let's get you comfortable.”

After being helped up, Margo walked with her sons on either side of her to her bedroom in the palace. It was right across the hall from Khari and the twins. 

“Thank you both for helping me to my room.”

“Do you need anything, Mother?” Bannon asked. 

“Just some water. And maybe a turkey club.” Margo replied. 

“Of course Madam,” Bannon said to her with a bow before turning to Marquise, “thank you, brother. I'm glad you were there and that she wasn't alone.”

“Of course. It's what family does.”

Bannon smiled gratefully.

“Indeed. I'll be back.”

10 minutes after Bannon left, Shanelle came in with the twins. 

“A guard told me what happened. Are you okay Margo?” she asks. 

“Yes, my dear. I'm fine. It was just a dizzy spell.” Margo replies. 

“I'd prefer it if you didn't have any of those. Thank you.”

Margo chuckled. 

“I’ll try.”

Shanelle set the boys down and they wobbled their way over to their grandmother. 

“Hello, my sweet turtle doves. Have you come to check on me too?” Margo asked them. 

Their only reply was to snuggle in her arms. 

“Oh, you two came to give me snuggles. I will gladly accept them.” Margo said to the twins as she snuggled them close. 

Marquise smiled at seeing them together. He then turned his attention to his wife. 

“Can we talk?” he asked Shanelle, who simply nodded. “We’ll be right back Mama.”

“No rush. I have my turtle doves to keep me company.” 

Marquise led his wife outside before letting out a breath he'd been holding in. 

“Are you okay?” Shanelle asked him. 

“No. I mean she looks fine but when I got to her…” Marquise replies. 

“I know. But as George always said, she's a lot stronger than we give her credit for.”

“Yeah. She is. I'm still going to have Dr. Wembley look her over just to be sure that nothing is broken and that her port looks good.”

Shanelle nodded. 

“I won't try to talk you out of it.”

“Thank you. I know I'm being overprotective.”

Shanelle rubbed his arms. 

“I know Margo well enough to know that she appreciates it. She knows you love her. And she knows you will do any and everything in your power to keep her safe, protected, and healthy.”

Marquise leaned his head against hers. 

“Thank you, my love.”

“Always. Now you stay with your mom, and I'll go get Khari from school.”

Marquise kissed her forehead softly. 

“Alright. Thank you for understanding.”

Shanelle smiled at him. 

After coming home from school, Khari ran straight to Margo’s room with flowers in hand. She was reading to the twins. 

“Grammy! Are you okay?” Khari asked.

“Yes, my darling. I'm fine. Are those for me?” Margo replies. 

“Yes. Mommy said you had a fall when she came and got me from school. So instead of something to eat, we got you flowers.”

Margo read the worry on Khari’s face. 

“Here, come sit with me and your brothers.”

Khari placed the flowers on the bed and climbed in with her and the twins. 

“There that's much better. Now that I have all of you with me I know I will feel much better.”

Khari smiled sadly.

“Why the long face my dear?” Margo asked.

Khari looked at her guiltily. 

“I got scared that you got hurt and would go away to the happy place like Grandpa,” Khari replied. 

If there was one thing Khari loved, it was her grandmother. 

Margo tilted her chin up and smiled softly. 

“My sweet darling. I promise you that I am not going anywhere. I know you are worried for me and I am so grateful for it and you. But I swear to you that I will be here with you, your brothers, and your cousins for as long as the Good Lord will allow me to be. Okay?”

Khari nodded. 

“Yes ma'am.” 

“That's my girl. Now did you have a good day at school?” Margo asked her. 

“Yes, I did. We had our music theory class. We practiced one of Grandpa’s favorite songs today.” she replied. 

“That's wonderful my love. Do you have homework?” Margo asked. 

“Yes. And I promise I will do my homework but I wanted to see you first and bring you your flowers.” Khari replies. 

“Thank you my darling. It is very sweet of you to think of me.”

Margo pulled her and her brothers close. 

“I love you Grammy,” Khari said. 

“And I love each of you,” Margo replied as she snuggled with the children. 

Marquise watched from the doorway with a smile. When Margo looked up, she smiled at her son. 

Later that night Marquise was standing out on the balcony with a drink in his hand. 

“Penny for your thoughts?” Shanelle asked as she walked up. 

“For you? Always,” he replied. 

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asks. 

He took a sip of his drink. 

“If I was, I wouldn't have this drink in my hand,” he replied. 

She kissed his shoulder.

“This is why I love you. You are always protective of those you love.”

He closed his eyes and smiled softly. 

“You're a good son.”

“Lord knows I try to be.”

Marquise finished his drink before he and Shanelle went to bed. 

You've reached the end of Part 1.

Stay tuned for part two!

[gaelic-symphony]

A Year in the Life: June

Twelve vignettes from the married life of Tara Lewis and Emily Prentiss, written for the Year of the OTP writing challenge.

Prompt: "you're not what I expected"

Words: 384

Warnings: none

Read on AO3 or below the cut

            Despite being married for three years, it was their first time going to Capital Pride as a couple.  Not only that, but it was Tara’s first time going at all.  She’d been to parades in Hanover and San Francisco, but work and Covid had always kept her from Pride events in DC.  Neither one of them had been to a pride parade in almost ten years, but this year, the fates and schedules aligned, and they were both in town with no other plans or obligations for the weekend of Capital Pride.

            The first thing that struck them when they came up from the metro station was the sheer size of the crowd.  The streets were packed with people decked out in pride flags and pride-themed apparel.  Emily was wearing a pair of rainbow novelty sunglasses, but beyond that, neither of them had put much thought into dressing for the occasion.  The second thing that struck them was just how much variation there was.  There were kids as young as three or four wearing “I love my two dads” shirts standing next to queer seniors old enough to remember Stonewall.  There were leather daddies in fetish gear and ministers in clerical collars and everyone and everything in between.  There was an air of exuberant joy at all these people gathering to celebrate their happiest and most authentic selves, and it was downright impossible not to get swept up in it.

            They were still riding high when they got home that evening, now properly adorned with stickers and pride flags and festival beads.  Tara giggled as she pulled a piece of confetti out of Emily’s hair, and Emily hooked her finger through one of the plastic beaded necklaces around Tara’s neck and drew her in close to kiss her.

            “So,” Emily said, “Your first time at DC Pride.  Was it everything you expected?”

            “That’s a bit of a loaded question,” Tara laughed, “I loved it.  All of it.  But none of this is what I expected.  You’re not what I expected.  I never thought I’d marry a woman, let alone go to a pride parade to celebrate my love for my wife.  But spending today with you—every day I get to spend with you—it’s so much better than anything I could have predicted.”

[lemonade-of-gods]

random ramblings

I have an exam tomorrow on literary criticism (structuralism, bakhtin and all that jazz) so I was playing around with my old otps as an exercise while studying huzzah, and the more I look back on it, the MORE nonsensical all the ship wars are looking

Because its one thing to not prefer a ship and its ANOTHER to just go delulu and say that the canon ship should not have happened because *insert nonsensical galaxy brain level argument here*, and yes I am talking about sasusaku, renruki and nalu

Like Sasusaku has always been the obvious choice, starting from the moment Sasuke went “who did this to you” in his rage to when Sakura calmed him down with a back hug. Sakura got taken a peg down after Sasuke scolded her for treating Naruto poorly. Sasuke THANKED Sakura before knocking her out and placing her on the bench and leaving. Sasuke began attacking Sakura proper AFTER she tried to kill him. There is a dynamic between them, there is ACTION in a way you don’t see with either Naruto or Karin. I could go on and on, but my point is, Narusaku or even Sasukarin was honestly never going to happen. If these two had to end up with anyone, it would be with each other. This is a classic ETL couple folks!! 

For Sakura particularly, Naruto represents an innocent and childish life (Naruto you’re a fine guy no lie, Hinata was suited better for you) and Sasuke is the dangerous option that forces her to sexually mature and grow up (remember, we’re focusing on structure here not the execution, whatever your opinions may be), so Kishi wasn’t wrong when he said that pairing Naruto and Sakura would have been unfair (paraphrased a bit). Naruto isn’t losing out much either, a gentle girl like Hinata who has loved him from the start (you see the pattern of first love coming up here?) was always his better match in the long run.

You can achieve the same effect with FTL as well, if we look at Renruki and NaLu. Kubo gave the angst of separation and pining with Renji and Rukia and the metaphor of “the stray dog barking at the moon”, which was not exactly a thing with Ichigo and Rukia. An argument can be made about “black sun and white moon”, but since Orihime gave the push to Ichigo for going to save Rukia, it didn’t quite feel strong. But in the interests of staying fair, I’ll say that we did have two options: bickering friends or, “we used to be friends but now we’re enemies”.

THEN came the nail in the coffin.  

Legit all bets were off the SECOND Ichigo tossed Rukia into Renji’s arms and basically gave his blessing/aashirvad to run away and basically saying ”Jaa Rukia, jee le apni zindagi” (Translation: go Rukia, live your own life, this one’s inspired by DDLJ hehehe). Like I would not give away the woman I am in love with to my romantic rival and tell him to TAKE HER AWAY. HELLO. THIS IS GOING AGAINST THE NARRATIVE BEHAVIOUR. THIS IS GIVING SECOND LEAD SYNDROME BEHAVIOUR. ICHI HAS BECOME THE KULJEET TO RENJI’S RAJ (Or more accurately Simran’s dad lmao.)

So what’s the point in saying all this, you may ask. Well, now that I’ve said it I’ll make my argument: STRUCTURE and NARRATIVE decides whether the author’s writing decisions were poor and not the reader’s preferences. And I’ve taken a neutral stance earlier on the last ship in my list but now I’m committing: NaLu HAS to be canon. 

I had said earlier that NaLi could potentially be canon, again for the sake of fairness, but looking at it now I’m changing my opinion. Natsu and Lisanna were set up to interact more but Mashima changed his mind halfway through and just didn’t do much with Lisanna. You can see how great his writing decisions are there, but the technicalities are to be reserved for another post, another day. If I am to try getting more fancy about it, Lisanna represents Natsu’s childhood while Lucy represents a mature and adult future.

Point is that by process of elimination, Natsu and Lucy have to end up with each other. Or remain as friends. Considering Natsu said to Lucy “we’ll be together forever”, these two will be a thing at some point in the future, unless Mashima pulls a HIMYM or something (TOUCHWOOD, even though the guy did canonize Gruvia, Gajevy and Jerza...)

[crush3dmary]

Okay I gotta ask. Tales of Symphonia for the fandom one.

(claps hands together) LET'S FUCKING GO

send me a fandom and i’ll tell you…

the first character i ever fell in love with:

Genis!! I actually fell in love with him before Zelos because when I played the first time it was with a group of friends and I played Genis so I already had a bias, lol.

a character that i used to love/like, but now do not:

Not really anyone. I don't think my character opinions have changed a whole bunch in the last 15 years, though I definitely have more of an appreciation for Colette now than I did when I was 14.

a ship that i used to love/like, but now do not:

Ehh... again, not really any of them? I've been pretty firm in my otps and notps, but I used to be "meh" about c*lloyd and now I fucking despise it because of the fans, so. Lol.

my ultimate favorite character™:

Zelos Wilder (derogatory) I love to put him in Situations

prettiest character:

Pronyma. I enjoy her.

my most hated character:

Not hate by any means but I'm very meh about Kratos. I can see why people would love him but he just doesn't hit it for me.

my OTP:

Zelloyd by a long shot. 15 years going strong! Still writing em!

my NOTP:

C*LLOYD AND SH*ELOS I HATE THEM SO MUCH I could probably write an essay on how much and why I hate them but I won't I'll just make content I like instead!

favorite episode:

I'll do favourite scene here. Tower of Salvation reveal with Remiel. That part of the game just fucking hits.

saddest death:

Corrine :'((((( especially in the anime!

favorite season:

Favourite stretch of the game is dad reveal onwards. The last like 10 hours of the game are just fucking stellar.

least favorite season:

Sylvarant arc is kind of a slog to be honest. It's cool going and back and replaying and seeing all the foreshadowing but it wasn't until you start to find out about Tethe'alla and whatnot that the game really started to hook me.

character that everyone else in the fandom loves, but i hate:

Lmaoooooooo Kratos again sorry. Again, I see where the love comes from! Just not my fav.

my ‘you’re piece of trash, but you’re still a fave’ fave:

Zelos. I can't even defend all his actions and sometimes he just straight up sucks. But the man unfortunately has owned my ass since 2008, so. There's no getting out now.

my ‘beautiful cinnamon roll who deserves better than this’ fave:

Pronyma deserved better. They could have done sooooooo much with her and they didn't. But that's okay, I can open up google docs and pretend.

my ‘this ship is wrong, nasty, and makes me want to cleanse my soul, but i still love it’ ship:

Idk I don't really ship anything super problematic to be honest, unless you count zelloyd because of the (whispers) age gap... proceeds to rinse my mouth out with soap and recite prayers so Martel doesn't smite me for shipping something with two characters who look the same and have the same maturity level

my ‘they’re kind of cute, and i lowkey ship them, but i’m not too invested’ ship:

Genis/Mithos. Not OTP level but I do love them. Lots of potential for angst there, and I've even written some myself.

[koolkat9]

Hello, can I ask you about 5,8 and 10 from the ask game regarding GerEng? I wanted to know another's take on them

You've come to the right place to get GerEng takes. Literally my otp and the pairing I make the most content for.

a short get-to-know-you-better hetalia ask game!

5. share one of your favourite headcanons!

God...That's so hard to choose for GerEng.

8. What's your favourite au?

Specifically for GerEng...It's between the Wondertalia/Alice AU based off that one merch line where Arthur was the Queen of Hearts and Ludwig was the Knave of Hearts. I have a whole plot summary for it here.

Or a Snow White AU that a creator I follow came up with a few years ago that mashed together a few different versions the fairy tale and then their own spin. Though I can't remember the details currently.

10. share your favourite or some of your favourite fanfics!

Gosh...I have a long list that I posted here

But I'll share my absolute favourites in this post.

Any work by TeethHoarder you should definitely check out. Teeth's depiction of Arthur and Ludwig shaped how I depicted but I have two favourites of theirs that I'll share here.

First off, my favourite fanfiction ever Are Friends Electric. It's got such a lovely build up of the romance, then it gets torn down, but the end begins to rebuild it. Got some great platonic Fr//uk and Ger//Ita. GerEng being dads to Peter when he comes to visit. It does get into some dark topics of addiction and attempted suicide later on. But I'd say its handled well. So if you can stomach that, I highly suggest reading it. This kiss prompt is so cute and some good quality hurt/comfort. I always go back to it when I feel down or stressed.

Okay, moving on from my fangirling over Teeth, here is a few more recommendations.

How a forgotten USB stick made Francis’ day by Imagi_nation (based on a prompt I asked for actually)

Arthur likes tall blondes. by Imagi_nation

You Look Cute When You’re Tired by maelerie

Two men on a couch by Kojiro-of-Spades

Warmth by Arinia

Night Like This by ZaliaChimera (warning it seems like it's been discontinued but so well written and such an interesting concept, so if you're cool with that, I suggest reading it)

Unfortunately some of my other favs were on a blog that got deleted so I no longer have the links to them. But I hope this will do.

[jenrecs]

HOLY SHIT YOOOOOOOOOOOO I AM OBSESSED I LOVE THEM I LOVE THEM ALREADY !!!

Taehyung’s knuckles had gone white.

PINING BEST FRIEND KIM TAEHYUNG LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOO !!!

“And chemistry. And while we’re rattling off school subjects the two of you share, I’m sure he’d be willing to help you with your physical education.”

lmao i love her 🤣 i love her and i wanna be her

“Look, I’m not telling you to sleep with him or leave Jace or anything like that. Just…” Maya purses her lips together, blowing air out of her nose. “Step back and look at what you’re doing to him before you lecture the rest of us. The guy is crazy about you, and you’re the only one who doesn’t see it.”

we love oblivious idiots to lovers !!! superior !!! i am eating this shit up ARI

“What are mom and dad making tonight?” Jimin trills, reaching over the counter to take a swipe at a baby carrot. You shoo his hand away.

mom and dad... family dinners... i am adopting all of them they are all my children now i love them so much 😭 the dynamics are elite. chaotic gremlin children jikook 🤣

“You have a knife.”

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

“I’d only bring a long-term girlfriend to a wedding. Less of a chance we’d have to edit her out of pictures later.”

that's very solid logic. i should apply this philosophy in my daily life

Taehyung, to his credit, is unfazed by your sudden mention of the taboo. “I still have two hands, and they haven’t failed me so far.”

KIM TAEHUNG 🗣 i love him akslhfskhksjkfdshjd if he needs assistance i'm available-

Jace leans in the doorway grinning, not a single sandy brown hair out of place and his impeccably-ironed dress shirt pulled tight across his toned chest. In a fraction of a second, you see his eyes flick from his desk drawer to where you stand stiffly in front of it.

i feel like i should tell you this. idk if you watched Shadowhunters but i can only imagine Dominic Sherwood as Jace because ... lol

His navy blue suit hugs the lines of his body perfectly—highlighting his tall, lithe form—while his hair is combed up and off his forehead in a style that projects both professionalism and approachability.

ari your love for forehead is showing 🤣

It's Taehyung's face in close-up, his head turned to the side as he looks at something out of frame. His jaw strikes a downward line, mouth ever so slightly dipped open in something akin to wonder and tan cheeks curving with subtle delight. It's his eyes you can't look away from, though, opened wide enough to soak in whatever he's looking at that they reflect the golden lights around him, tiny galaxies swimming in his irises.

gorl how do you write like that. i had to stop for a minute at this paragraph bc IT'S SO PERFECTLY WRITTEN GROWLLLLLLL. "mouth ever so slightly dipped open in something akin to wonder", "tan cheeks curving with subtle delight" consider me fookin' ded

"What were you looking at?"

yeah bear?? what were you looking at?? care to share with the rest of the class??

Your eyes tell.

this was insane. i need to tell you that this was insane. 100000/10. somebody give ari a michelin star bc this bih is COOKING 😭

“What my wonderful fiancé meant to say,” Sunny says, playfully elbowing Hoseok in the side and making him sputter on his drink, “is that it’s going fantastically, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all.”

hobi having a fiancee named sunny is so adorable to me. otp. my sunshine parents

If Maya's photo captured stars in his eyes, you watch each go out one-by-one, his lips pressing together like he's trying not to be sick. A heaviness hits his shoulders that has his chest curling inwards and you almost reaching out to him...

"you watch each go out one-by-one" I WILL JUMP OFF THIS ROOF ARI I WILL FUCKING DO THIS. DO NOT DO THIS TO BEAR. HE NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO HIM 🤬

chapter 1 and i'm already deceased hmmmm i cannot wait to go through the next chapters aakksfksldk if you hurt bear i will go to your house and strangle you. remember that you doxxed yourself. you've been warned

things we don’t say: part 1 (kth)

banner credit goes to the absolutely incredible @itaeewon

summary: Three years after graduating college, everything seems to be falling into place for you: stable job, cozy apartment, and a long-term boyfriend with a ring box hidden in his desk drawer. But when a mutual friend makes a remark that your best friend of nearly two decades is clearly in love with you, you realize that life may not be as simple as it seems.

pairing: Taehyung x Reader (with some VERY brief Seokjin x Reader and Yoongi x Reader)

rating: 18+ (minors dni)

genres: best friends to lovers, idiots to lovers (they’re so, SO stupid), slooooow burn, angst, fluff

word count: 8.4k

series warnings: swearing, sexual themes, one instance of mild violence, alcohol use, infidelity, brief mentions of neglectful parents and alcoholism

chapter warnings: potty mouths, oc teasingly threatens her friends, art world inaccuracies (probably, idk how art shows work), fns music festival dynamite performance taehyung (BLESSED), friends who can’t mind their own business, quick backstory on the aforementioned shitty parenting, oc needs (and has) a drink

a/n: so here is my first foray back into writing after being out of the game for several years! big shout outs to @itaeewon​ / @jeonqkooks​ for the banner and encouragement as well as @taegularities​ for giving me writing advice and letting me cry in her inbox every time i got frustrated with this. they’re also both INCREDIBLE writers so go show them some love once you’re done here!

 SERIES MASTERLIST // MASTERLIST

Read on ao3

“She was checking you out.”

“She was not checking me out.”

“Kim Taehyung, she was so checking you out!”

Keep reading

[apocalypse-boogie]

I do wonder what it is that makes y’all want to assign characters sibling/general nuclear family roles so instantaneously. Like, you’re the one superimposing the “sibling-like” or “parent/child-like” qualities pretty much eight times out of ten, not the media, and yet you’ll fight with such fervor with people who didn’t take leaps and bounds to get to the same conclusions you did regardless. The characters can’t all just be good ass partners or friends or overlords or mentor/mentee or have a potential future romantic/sexual relationship together. No, they have to be siblings, their bond has to be that of an older/younger sibling. This older character has to be this younger ones “new/other” parent, and the younger has to be their child, there is simply no other way. Just being a guardian or older figure/friend in a younger character’s life isn’t an option, the character has to be the younger ones father/mother or parentified brother/sister or aunt/uncle or grumpy cousin or some shit. What’s y’all’s obsession with assigning people nuclear family roles like it’ll kill you if you don’t? Why must the connection between characters be made explicitly into something familial or elude to potential blood relation for y’all to truly view it with importance? Where the fuck did that come from?

I’ll admit that sometimes the familial titles do fit headcanon wise (or are actively canon in a way I enjoy) but other times the way characters get forced into familial roles is just painful and limiting as fuck for characterization. Not to mention how y’all’s assigning and then forced implementation of these roles often just plain undermines the characters you don’t want to deal with but don’t want to seem bigoted for feeling that way about or traps minority characters in positional cages they can’t get out because y’all don’t want them with your perfect white characters romantically.

Got a group of boys in a team and couldn’t give a shit about the one or two girl characters? Pretend they just have so much of their shit together that there’s nothing for you to flesh out and that they’re like the boys’ mother so that’s why she’s so dull when you write her. And, you can use this same method to get black and brown characters out of your way as well!

Don’t want an interracial (usually where one character is black) couple to happen, especially in canon? Oh, just say they’re best friends and aggressively remind that to everyone at every goddamn turn. Or, alternatively, stress that they’re like brother and sister to you so you just can’t see them “that way” and tell that to fucking everybody even when no one’s asked.

Don’t want a third (usually female) character in a group of three to get “in the way” of your favorite (usually male) otp? Oh, just make her their daughter or (usually younger) sister. Bam! Problem solved!

Yes, I’m talking about Iron Dad & Spider Son. And Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, & Duke Thomas’s treatment in fandom. And Velvette from Hazbin Hotel and the way people treat her role in The Vees. And Damon Salvatore’s relationship with Bonnie Bennett’s treatment by TVD creators and fans (both the writing off of Bamon as a ship and ignoring of their strong friendship outside of being able to use it as evidence to further undermine Bamon as a romantic couple). And Doctor Strange and America Chavez in the MCU. And….