#our mixed messages queen

[aaandbackstabbed]

Goldie: please don’t be dead

Goldie: please don’t be dead

Goldie: please don’t be dead

Scrooge: I’m alive!

Goldie, punching Scrooge repeatedly on the arm: I am going to kill you!

[cathymee]

maybe it's to maintain a sense of tension & turmoil that would eventually reach an explosive peak, a sense of tug-of-war, a back-and-forth to hammer home the ideals they want to deliver and for the viewers to chew on, but although these arguments regarding hiroshi & his stance as a man torn between his loyalty for his country & the loyalty for his Filipino friends and lover is of course important, how they write these scenes & the points they present from this week alone is getting too repetitive...? literally the argument scenes from last night & tonight between adelina & hiroshi is basically the same; the ideas were the same, the dynamics were the same: the aggressive, radical adelina, bristling rage and fear over the injustices she's seen thus far, and the cautious, inspiriting hiroshi, all hopefulness and reassurance one moment as a lover, defensiveness and sternness as a japanese soldier in another. this debate will be ever-present ofc, it is one of the series' biggest conflicts, but it is unfortunately so easy to tell when it is a.) being pulled up as a main topic to move the plot along / be a necessary conflict for character development/introspection / be the conflict to deliver the morals & messages the writers want to send to their viewers, or b.) when it is being pulled up only for the drama and filler to pass the time. like watching the characters sit down to argue for 10 minutes, do other things for the plot for 2 minutes, then sit down again to argue for the next 20 minutes. lol.

[grandprixprincess]

hermana part 2 || ln4

lando norris x fem!reader smau + written

part 1!

warnings: some language, slightly steamy scene (no smut but mdni!!), carlos being a protective big brother and lando being down bad

a/n: thanks for all the love on part 1! I decided to do a mix of written + smau for this part. requests are open for smau and text fics <3

landonorris posted

liked by maxfewtrell, yourusername, maxverstappen1, and others

landonorris perfect day in the sun with the best company. getting lots of rest and relaxation before the triple header 🤙

view all comments

user1 "best company" aka just y/n

user2 wait she was with him again today??? user1 yes! f1gossip just posted the photos. they were alone all day 👀

user3 omg this means y/n took these pics! y/n.jpg when?

maxfewtrell looks like my invite got lost

user4 💀💀💀

yourusername ☀️🤗

user5 queen y/n thank u for taking these great pics

f1gossip posted

liked by user1, user2, and others

f1gossip Lando Norris and Y/N Y/L/N were spotted getting cozy this afternoon. The two embarked on a private yacht for an afternoon filled with swimming and laughter. Eyewitnesses say the two were alone all afternoon. It seems like things are rapidly heating up with these two. The next time Y/L/N is seen in the paddock, will she be rocking red ❤️ or papaya 🧡?

view all comments

user2 LANY/N NATION WAKE UP

user3 i can't believe lany/n is real omg

user1 right?? people used to ship them during the carlando mclaren days and now it's REAL

user4 the hand placement omgggg

user5 i wonder what carlos thinks

user2 who cares? it's their lives not his

user6 y/n in papaya at the austin gp pleaseee

user5 ain't no way. she'll always support carlos first, he is basically her brother

yourusername posted a close friends story

story replies:

yourbestfriend not the private yacht on the FIRST DATE

yourusername technically our first date is tomorrow night yourbestfriend literally stfu you know what i meant

carlossainz55 don't stay out too late

yourusername 🙄

landonorris posted a close friends story

story replies:

maxfewtrell did you tell her that you've been secretly in love with her for like 5 years yet or

landonorris OBVIOUSLY NOT i'm trying to play it cool

oscarpiastri I think I missed a chapter

carlossainz55 get my sister back home early cabrón

landonorris leave us alone carlos carlossainz55 excuse me? landonorris NO SORRY THAT WAS Y/N SHE TOOK MY PHONE landonorris I'll make sure she gets home safe mate! 👍

You giggled as you watched Lando frantically type a message back to Carlos. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself!"

You played with the stem of your wine glass. It had been a dream of a day. You were now sharing a bottle of wine together to end the night.

"Your brother is going to have my head!" He finished typing his message out, feeling satisfied, before setting his phone back down.

Fighting the urge to roll your eyes, you said, "You know he isn't really my brother, right?"

Lando chuckled. "You try telling him that."

"Yeah, yeah, I know." You swirled your glass a bit, taking another sip. "He's always been protective like that."

Lando let out another chuckle. "Oh trust me, I know."

His response and tone piqued your interest. You turned your head towards him, seeing a sly smile on his handsome face. "What do you mean?"

Lando opened and closed his mouth for a few moments, contemplating his words. Finally, he spoke. "I may have tried to ask you out in the past, but Carlos sort of, put a stop to it."

Your jaw dropped in shock. "What?!" You tried to fully understand what he was saying. "When was this exactly?"

Without hesitation, Lando responded, "During Carlos' last year in McLaren."

The shock was evident on your face. Silence rang in the air as you tried to find your words. Lando took the opportunity to speak again.

"And again during his first year in Ferrari."

"What?!" You couldn't believe what you were hearing. When Carlos was at McLaren, you were taking a few years off from school to travel. Traveling the world ended up being easy to do when Carlos agreed to let you tag along to all the races as his "assistant". Carlos was on a new team in F1 with a rookie teammate that was your age. You and Lando became friends quickly, and it wasn't long until you began to harbor a crush on him.

It was a secret only you and Y/BSF/N knew about. You definitely didn't tell Carlos, because you knew how that would go.

Once Carlos left McLaren, you went back to school and your appearances at the races dwindled down to one or two a year. You and Lando went from spending every weekend together running around the paddock, to seeing each other in passing as you made your way to Ferrari and he made his way to McLaren.

"That little shit. I'm going to kill him."

You weren't sure if it was the wine or just how carefree and fun everything with Lando was, but you couldn't stop the fit of giggles that escaped you. After a few moments, Lando joined you in your laughter. Tears began to escape both your eyes.

As the laughter died down, the moment suddenly felt very intimate. Lando's face was extremely close, the rest of the world melting away. "I'm pretty sure I started having a crush on you after that first race weekend." You suddenly felt shy, but you couldn't stop the confession from slipping out.

Now it was Lando's turn to express his surprise, his eyes widening for a moment. He searched your face for a moment, almost like he was waiting for you to tell him you were kidding. Finally, he spoke.

"I really want to kiss you."

You were grateful that the sun had fully gone down now, so there was minimal lighting to help hide the blush creeping on your cheeks. Your heart felt like it was going to beat out of your chest as you whispered out, "Why don't you?"

Lando's adoring gaze had you captivated. "I've wanted to do it for so long now," he confessed, "I want to do it right."

You couldn't help the sly smirk on your face as you teased, "I think we've been pining after each other long enough, don't you think?"

Lando reached his hand forward, cradling your cheek in his hand. His thumb brushed against your cheek, causing goosebumps down your arms.

You wanted to live in this moment forever; Lando being this close, his lips inches from yours. Finally, you both instinctively moved forward, your lips colliding after what felt like an eternity.

You both stilled for a moment, trying to rack your brains over the realization that this was actually and finally happening. After a few seconds, you melted into the kiss, sliding your hands up to rest around his neck.

The two of you moved in sync. It felt like your lips were made for each other. Lando's hand around your head tightened, while his second hand found its home on your waist. One of your hands slide up Lando's neck and into his hair, playing with his curls lightly.

Lando slightly pinched your waist, causing you to gasp, which allowed for his tongue to sneak in. You responded with a slight tug on his curls, causing a groan to escape out of him and into your mouth.

You giggled slightly, breaking the kiss for a moment. "You like that, huh?"

Even though it was dark, you could see how Lando's eyes darkened. With no shame, he responded, "Yes," suddenly his hands slipped down, grabbing your thighs and easily moving you to straddle his lap, "You have no idea the effect anything you do has on me."

Now you were sure it was the wine giving you confidence when you ground your body down to feel his already hard erection. "Oh, I think I have somewhat of an idea." Your hands slipped back into his curls at the nape of his neck, tugging softly.

You relished in the way that Lando's eyes fluttered shut, his hands moving to your hips, guiding them as you continued to grind your body with his.

Lando was putty in your hands. You began to feel the heat in your core. You tugged on Lando's curls again, pulling his head back and eliciting a small moan from his lips.

Bringing your head down, your lips connected with his jaw, peppering him with open mouth kisses on both sides of his face before moving down to his neck.

Lando continued guiding the movement of your hips, his hands tightening around your waist and moving them faster as he felt your lips on his neck. You couldn't hold back the moan that escaped your lips, letting it ring out right in Lando's ear.

Lando was sure he was in heaven. Your moans were music to his ears.

He let one hand leave your hip and travel to your face, bringing you back towards his lips. Your lips collided again, this time with more urgency and desperation.

You both couldn't believe that you had let all these years go by wasted, when you could've been doing this the whole time. You were kissing each other like your lives depended on it.

Lando's hand moved up and down your sides, squeezing slightly, causing another moan to escape from you, and allowing his tongue entrance again.

You moved your hands down his chest, and began to play with the hem of his shirt.

Lando suddenly broke the kiss, breaking the blissful bubble you two had been caught up in.

"We should stop."

You felt fear creep up on you. Had you done something wrong? Did he not want this anymore? As if he could read your worries on your face, he softly brought his lips to yours again for a moment.

"Trust me, I don't want to stop," he began, chuckling lightly, "but I told you. I want to do this right."

You softened at his words. "You're right." You lazily played with his curls again. "Feels like we have to make up for so much lost time, but I'm not going anywhere."

Lando chuckled. "Me either. Now that I know you want me like I want you, you're never getting rid of me." Lando gave you a goofy grin. He moved his hand up, playing with a strand of your hair for a moment before tucking it behind you ear, "I could spend all night making up for lost time, and even then I guarantee I would be leaving wanting more."

You blushed, grateful again for the minimal lighting. Words lost you. Instead, you just gazed lovingly into Lando's eyes.

"Plus, Carlos told me to make sure you're home early, so..."

Lando relished in the way you rolled your eyes and chuckled softly.

The two of you always felt deep down that you had missed out on something great with each other. Now the universe was giving you a second chance to act on it.

yourusername posted

liked by yourbestfriend, iamrebeccad, landonorris, charles_leclerc, and others

yourusername 🌊🤙🖕

tagged: carlossainz55, iamrebeccad

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user1 not tagging lando is crazy 💀 girl we know

user2 shhhh let them cook up a soft launch user3 why would she tag him in this tho user1 that's literally lando's jolly lol

charles_leclerc hahaha the last photo

yourusername yeah that's actually me to carlos rn charles_leclerc never a dull moment with you two 😂😂

user2 her and lando used the same emoji. she posts his car but doesn't tag. he's in the likes. the soft launch of the century is about to begin. in this essay, I will-

user4 carlos in that pic is him reading these comments fr

user5 lando behind the camera of that first pic like 😍🤳

user1 we need y/n on lando.jpg stat

As you waited impatiently for Carlos to return home, your phone chimed, signaling another text had come through. You rolled your eyes, thinking it would be another message from Carlos, but you felt your heart skip a beat seeing Lando's name across your screen.

"Maybe Carlito thought you didn't like him, and was trying to help you out."

You stared at your sister's face on the screen in disbelief. "You're supposed to be on my side here."

Your sister laughed. "I am! I just also know Carlos wouldn't do something like this without a valid reason."

You heard a jingle at the door. "Speak of the devil, he's back."

"Call me later, don't give him a hard time, mana." She gave you a wave. "Oh, and have fun tomorrow night."

"I will, talk to you later." You gave your sister a wave back before ending the call.

You got up from your spot on the couch, walking towards the front door. You stood with your arms crossed as the door opened slowly. Suddenly Rebecca's head popped into view. You gave her a small smile.

"Your brother is behind me waving a white flag."

You couldn't help but laugh. "There shall be peace."

Carlos slowly came into view, his hands raised in defeat. He walked hesitantly towards you, waiting for you to react. Rebecca walked past you, giving your shoulder a light squeeze before disappearing into the bedroom.

"I don't want to argue, mano. I just don't understand."

Carlos stared at you for a moment before leading you back to the couch, sitting down and signaling you to do the same. "Listen, back then, you were so young and I was supposed to be looking after you on the road," he started, "and I know how it is once you get to F1. The fame, media, parties..." he paused for a moment, "The girls." He waited a beat before saying, "That's why I'm telling you to be careful with him now."

You had to fight the urge to roll your eyes. "Lando and I used to have movie nights every race weekend while you and other drivers would go out to clubs and party." You looked down, nervously playing with your hands. "And yeah, I know he does go out now and that he's been seen with different girls, but I know deep down he's still that same guy."

"You guys were kids back then, but now? Lando is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave the club now, always a different girl on his arm."

You finally looked Carlos in the eye, whispering out, "So you think I'm just another girl for him to flaunt around until he gets bored?" You felt your face get hot due to a mix of anger and shame. "I'm not good enough to be something real for him?"

The regret was evident on Carlos' face the second after you spoke. "No, no, hermana, you know that's not what I mean."

"Then what is it? Is it because he's your friend?"

Carlos chuckled. "No, no," he sighed, "I knew you liked him back then. I saw how you looked at him. That dreamy, goofy gleam in your eyes," he said, "and when Lando came to me and said he wanted to ask you out, I panicked."

You were listening intently now. "Why?" you whispered out.

"I think it was the first time I realized you were growing up. The idea of my hermanita dating anyone, nevertheless a driver, freaked me out." He laughed. "I just wanted to protect you from the craziness that comes with being with an F1 driver; I still do."

"Lando said he respects you, and that's why he stayed away back then. But now we're adults, and we're making our own decisions without interference from others." You couldn't stop the smile from creeping back onto your face. "I've always liked him, mano. I want to see where this goes."

Carlos couldn't help but match your smile. He liked seeing you this happy, and if that was because of Lando, then he was willing to be open-minded. "Okay, okay, I'm on board," he chuckled, "but I told you already. If he breaks your heart, he goes into the wall."

You rolled your eyes playfully. "You'd have to catch up to his rocketship in your tractor first."

Carlos' jaw dropped, disbelief written on his face. "I can't believe I've already lost you to the papaya army."

You let out a laugh, nudging his shoulder. "Hey, family always comes first. I'm a Ferrari girl first, papaya girlie second."

"Good, because that would be where I'd draw the line."

"I'm ready for next year, though. Blue is much more my color."

The two of you shared a laugh, before Carlos leaned over to end the moment with a hug. "I love you, hermanita."

"Love you too, Carlitos."

As you and Carlos embraced, you heard a door open slightly. Rebecca appeared, smile evident on her face, happy to see Carlos back in your good graces.

"Anyone down for a late night ice cream run?"

yourusername posted stories

story 2 caption: making them pay for my ice cream like: 🥺 👉👈 i'm just a baby

story replies to story 1:

user1 LANY/N ANTHEM???

user2 "we were supposed to be just friends" omg omg omg

yourbestfriend dude has my girl posting love songs on main already 😭😭😭

yourusername 😂

landonorris is this what they call a soft launch

yourusername 😂🫣 maybe landonorris hmm brb yourusername huh?

story replies to story 2:

yoursister hahaha he really said here have some ice cream pls forgive me

yourusername no but fr 💀

user3 girl you can't just post that song and move on this quickly!!

landonorris posted a story

story replies:

danielricciardo is little lando norris in love???

yourusername 🥹😭

landonorris ❤️

user1 oh ya'll are in LOVEEEE

user2 you guys ain't slick posting these back to back 😭

carlossainz55 thanks a lot, she won't stop playing this song now

oscarpiastri okay I DEFINITELY missed a chapter

a/n: yep there will be a part 3 because I can't stop myself lol if you'd like to be tagged, let me know!

Part 3

tag list: @npcmia @tinyhrry @that-one-little-soybean

[jgoddesstarot]

Pick-A-Pile: Their Career: What Profession or Field is Your Future Spouse In?

👑Check out my masterlist to see all of my pick-a-card readings😊

✨ Visit my shops at Ko-fi.com or J.Goddess Tarot✨

🔮Disclaimer: This reading is for entertainment purposes only. Tarot readings are based upon my intuitive interpretation of the cards and about possibilities based on your current energy. Energy is forever changing and nothing is set in stone. Always remember, you have your own free will to make whatever decision you feel is best.

🔮How I read: I use a mix of tarot cards, oracle cards, along with my intuitive abilities of claircognizance, clairaudience, and clairsentience.

🔮How this works: Close your eyes and take deep breaths, pick the pile you are most drawn to. If you aren’t drawn to any pile then that’s okay, these messages aren’t for you.

Pile 1

Tarot Cards: 5 of Cups, The Lovers, The Hermit (in reverse), Queen of Cups, The Chariot

Ah, my sultry Pile 1's! Embark with me on an intoxicating voyage to uncover the career secrets of your elusive future love.

Picture a soul who's tasted the bittersweet symphony of life. They've endured setbacks, but here's the allure: instead of languishing in bygone disappointments, they've channeled these lessons, forging a path glowing with promise. Like a phoenix, they've taken their setbacks and used them as fuel, emerging brighter and more determined.

Now, imagine them weaving through a world where harmony and connections reign supreme. Their charm lies in the art of building bridges, mending fences, and orchestrating unions. Their profession thrums with the rhythm of relationships, be it in the hallways of legal battles, the nuanced dance of consultancy, or the embrace of human resources. Their every endeavor is painted with passion, fostering environments dripping with mutual respect.

But, the plot thickens. Rather than being an isolated genius, they thrive in the pulsating heart of collaborative arenas. Their days are painted with group dynamics, team brainstorming, and the infectious energy of collective creation. Every project, a harmonious dance of diverse minds.

In this riveting tale, their heart emerges as their compass—a wellspring of empathy, care, and intuition. Whether in the healing embrace of healthcare, the nurturing realms of social work, or the soulful corridors of counseling, their profession beckons to souls in need, offering solace and understanding.

And as our tale nears its climax, the essence of sheer willpower and ambition becomes palpable. This lover is destined to blaze trails, to dominate arenas with a fierce determination that sets the world alight. They are a force, a whirlwind of goals and victories, and their chosen field echoes with their triumphant strides.

To tie this enigmatic tale together, enchanting Pile 1's, your future lover’s career is an exhilarating blend of resilience, harmony, collaboration, empathy, and fierce ambition. This tantalizing mix promises a partner whose professional life mirrors a journey of challenges, triumphs, and heart. As Destiny weaves its tapestry, these revelations hint at the captivating tale of your shared future.

Pile 2

Tarot Cards: 5 of Swords, 10 of Wands, 2 of Swords, Ace of Cups, 8 of Wands

My tantalizing Pile 2's, prepare to embark on a riveting journey, delving into the exhilarating career landscape of your enigmatic future love.

Visualize a realm teeming with cutthroat competition and exhilarating duels of wit. In this world, your future spouse emerges as a master strategist, a maven who thrives amidst the electric tension of challenges. Their arena? Perhaps the high stakes corridors of corporate warfare or the intricate dance of political maneuvering.

Yet, with power comes responsibility. They might be ensnared in a web of weighty expectations, but ah, they wear their burdens like a king wears a crown—regal and undeterred. Every decision, every responsibility is borne with a grace that makes you wonder if they were born for this.

Peering deeper, we find them at the crossroads of pivotal decisions, casting judgments that ripple through time. The gavel of authority, the responsibility of steering ships through turbulent waters, they're at the helm, orchestrating outcomes with a finesse that's nothing short of mesmerizing.

But what fuels this fire? An undying passion, a wellspring of love for their craft. They're not just chasing gold or accolades, but a deeper calling, a passion that lights up their soul. Their realm could be awash with colors on a canvas, the poetic dance of numbers, or the rhythm of heartfelt melodies.

And as the tale unfolds, a whirlwind of motion emerges. Envision them dashing through airports, or fervently connecting with souls across continents, weaving stories, striking deals, or capturing moments at the speed of light. The pulse of journalism? The adrenaline of sales? The world awaits their next move.

In wrapping up our delicious tale, my alluring Pile 2's, Destiny paints your future lover as a formidable force in a world of strategy, responsibility, passion, and ceaseless motion. Their journey promises thrills, challenges, and the sweet taste of fulfillment. As the stars align and tales intertwine, remain receptive, for destiny has its own rhythm, and your dance is just beginning.

Pile 3

Tarot Cards: 10 of Pentacles, 3 of Pentacles (in reverse), 6 of Wands (in reverse), 10 of Swords, 3 of Swords

Ah, my alluring Pile 3's, immerse yourself as we journey into the opulent tapestry of your future lover's career. Let the tantalizing revelations unravel, revealing a narrative you'll surely find hard to resist.

First, picture a world awash with prosperity—a realm where luxury isn't just a fantasy, but an everyday reality. In this gilded domain, your future partner thrives, perhaps manipulating the strings of business empires, orchestrating the ballet of real estate, or mastering the cryptic language of finance. They've crafted an empire, not just of wealth, but of ambition realized and dreams manifested.

But ah, the plot thickens! Every gold thread in this tapestry was spun amidst trials. In their earlier days, shadows of doubt and walls of disregard might have threatened to eclipse their brilliance. Yet, with indomitable spirit, they emerged, carving a niche where their genius could no longer be overshadowed.

Despite the accolades and the tangible trophies of success, there's an enigmatic humility to them. They waltz through the corridors of achievement, not with boisterous fanfare, but with a quiet confidence. They let their masterpieces echo their tales, garnering silent respect from every corner.

As our tale takes a riveting turn, we find them at a crossroads—a dramatic shift that upended their world but paved the way to their destiny. A switch that might've tasted bitter initially, but ultimately led them to their passion, their true north.

And oh, the finale? A heart so vast, so tender. Their profession might echo with the soft murmurs of comforting words, the healing touch that mends broken spirits. Whether in the embrace of healthcare, the sanctuary of counseling, or the comforting realms of social work, their purpose is clear: to heal, to comfort, to uplift.

To wrap up our sumptuous saga, delectable Pile 3's, Destiny paints your future lover as a beacon of resilience, prosperity, humility, transformation, and boundless compassion. Their career is not just a job; it's a testament to a journey of trials turned triumphs. As fate weaves its stories, savor these revelations and remain enchanted by the cosmic dance of love and Destiny."

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[lilap20]

Chapter IX: The Greens and Blacks

@koobratzy

@beebeechaos

-We're late. I growl as I move forward quickly -We're late. Cregan continues with a little smile.

My cheeks heat up hearing his response and his hand caressing my back. I chase her quickly while moving faster. The guards on our route give us an amused look that Cregan dismisses with a single glance.

When we arrive in front of the large doors of the room where we are expected, my heart tries to beat speed records and Cregan finally begins to feel the tension I felt.

-Now that we are in front of the doors and I hear them, I feel a little…

-Nervous ? I ask, trying to hide my nervousness with a chuckle.

-Everything will be fine, Nymeria. Cregan reassures me

-I hope so. I whisper as I straighten my dress

Red in color and soft like silk, my long dress trails slightly on the ground, my shoulders are a little exposed and my arms are covered by long, long sleeves. On my chest is drawn the symbol of the Targaryen family mixed with that of the Starks. Cregan, dressed in black, runs a quick hand through his short hair then looks at the guards who open the door.

My hand quickly touches the small bump on my stomach and this gesture does not go unnoticed by the guards. As soon as the doors open, the music slows down to gently give way to silence, the words at the tables disperse and all eyes fall on us. I breathe immediately.

-My King, my Queen, my dear Princes and Princesses, you find yourself in the presence of Lord Cregan Stark and Lady Nymeria Targaryen.

My sister's smile reaches her ears when she sees me and she immediately gets up to hug me. I hug back as Cregan smiles beside us, she then turns to Cregan and kisses his cheeks.

-I am happy to see you. Smiled Rhaenyra

I take her hand, smiling.

-Us too, Princess.

Rhaenyra takes us to the big table where my father watches us with a faint smile on his face. At her side, Queen Alicent their three children, Aemond Aegon, and Heleana.

My sister sits next to her husband, and I bow with Cregan to my father, the King.

The sound of a chair makes me look up and I jump when I feel his warm arms surrounding me in a surprising embrace. Hesitantly I respond to his slightly emotional hug.

-Welcome home. My father whispers with emotion

He pulls away from me after giving me two kisses on the cheeks, then he takes Cregan's hand and squeezes it.

-Thank you for coming so quickly, Lord Stark.

-We did it as quickly as possible, replies Cregan in a hard and authoritarian voice that I love, your daughter and I could not keep you waiting, my King.

King Viserys smiles then gives a quick hug to Cregan who remains stoic about his gesture.

-Daughter-in-law, it’s good to see you again.

Alicent's voice reaches my ears and I tense with all my muscles, the Queen dressed in a green royal dress, stretches her arms towards me and kisses both my cheeks. I struggle to respond to his forced smile but jump in panic when I feel her body against mine. And because she is a woman and a mother of four children, she felt this little bump against my dress, a sign of my pregnancy.

When Alicent takes off from me her gaze is wide with surprise, mine does not leave her with my head held high trying to send her a clear message “don’t say anything”. Rumors about my pregnancy are circulating throughout the palace, but they are not confirmed, I would like it to stay like that.

-Son-in-law, Alicent leaves to kiss Cregan, you are welcome here, as long as you want.

-Let's head to the table, my father orders kindly and we obey with a nod.

During the meal, laughter and discussions gather around the table, the music is captivating but one thing strikes me, the Queen only speaks to her children, while Rhaenyra only speaks to Leanor and myself with my husband. My father is stuck between the two groups. Rhaenyra in Black, Alicent in Green.

Both camps are marked.

Empty places are marked around the table, places for two, my gaze does not leave the places while my stomach knots. I'm not very hungry, I only ask for sweets, so I'm kindly waiting for the desert time.

-Aren't you eating, my dear girl? my father asks with concern

Cregan immediately puts down his glass of wine and turns to me, one hand roaming my thigh. I reassure him with a look and he frowns.

-It's okay Father, I'm just tired from the trip.

-You should gain strength by eating, dear daughter-in-law, adds Alicent immediately, a little of this turkey won't do you any harm.

Viserys smiles at her and she caresses his hand, smiling in turn. I grimace, my stomach completely churning at the idea of ​​tasting turkey, just the smell of it makes me nauseous even if I keep up appearances.

-I am sorry my Queen, Cregan apologizes on my behalf, recently my wife has not been digesting turkey well, she has become intolerant to it.

Alicent feigns shock.

-What a shame, I thought it was your favorite dishes, beautiful girl. Well, Alicent drinks a little of his wine, I myself had to give up my favorite dishes for a while.

-Your Highness ? My voice vibrates as I look her straight in the eyes, understanding her implication.

-My King, cut the valet, My Queen, Princes and Princesses, Lord and Lady Stark. You find yourself in the presence of Prince Daemon Targaryen and his wife Princess Leana, and their daughters, Princesses Rheana and Baela.

Rhaenyra and I jump into our chairs. Our cousin is back with our uncle and their daughters.

-Bring them in. Order my father

When my gaze meets Daemon's my eyes widen with joy to see him again with his family. Next to him is my cousin Leana and in their arms two two-year-old babies, Beala and Rheana.

-My King, Leana begins, we thank you for your summons here to the Red Keep.

-No need to thank me, Viserys gets up, heading towards them, I wanted my whole family to be together tonight.

My father kisses both cheeks of my cousin, Uncle Daemon does not grant him the pleasure of caring, on the other hand he presents Beala who was moving in his arms.

-They are magnificent my brother, my father smiled, beautiful princesses, I am happy for you.

-Thank you brother. Replies Daemon remotely

My gaze shifts to my sister, her body tense in her chair even though a worked smile is drawn on her lips. When Leana and Daemon join us at the table leaving the nannies taking their daughters to the nursery, Leanor takes her sister in her arms with a big smile.

-My Queen, salute Leana by making a quick bow Daemon on the other hand does not give pleasure to Alicent, my dear cousins, Lord Stark.

Cregan smiles at Leana, Rhaenyra does the same while drinking some wine.

-Good evening to you cousin, I look at Daemon, to you too my uncle.

-I am happy to see you again, my dear nieces, replies Daemon with a big smile.

His gaze never turns to Rhaenyra, and she never looks at Daemon, Cregan senses the tension between the two couples and gently squeezes my hand under the table.

-Everything is fine ? I whisper softly in his ear

-Yes, only, I can guess that some weird things are going on between your uncle Daemon and the princess. A kind of tension.

I laugh against my glass of water before whispering to him.

-Welcome to the family, my love.

The Queen who was eating in silence looks at Cregan and me, her eyebrows furrowed when she sees that I am not drinking wine but water.

-So you don't drink wine, Princess Nymeria? she asks and the table falls silent

I take a deep breath as all eyes turn to me, I quickly take a sip of water before answering.

-I am no longer a Princess, I fear, my Queen, I respond, looking straight into Alicent's eyes, I am the Lady of Winterfell. And to answer your question, your majesty, I have decided to slow down on the wine.

Old excuse, Talyssa hums in my head and I hold back a nervous laugh as the Queen prepares her response.

-Well, already wine wasn't your favorite drink…

Her sentence remains in suspense like her insinuation. She tries to get me to tell my secret, to say that I'm pregnant, she wants me to throw shade on my sister's face during dinner and I refuse to do that.

Seeing that I don't answer, Cregan prepares to speak, his hand slipping into mine under the table to intertwine. But before he speaks Rhaenyra taps her glass twice attracting everyone's attention. I am grateful to her.

-I am happy to see all the members of my family gathered around this table this evening, it is something that has not happened since the death of my mother, the good Queen Aemma. Rhaenyra begins, standing up.

My eyes shine when my sister speaks, my smile fades a little when she talks about our mother who I'm sure would have jumped for joy when she learned of my pregnancy. Instinctively my hand passes over my abdomen and my eyelids blink away my tears.

-In this beautiful dinner, where we are all gathered, my husband and I, she takes Leanor's hand, have the pleasure of announcing to you that we are expecting our first child.

The table goes silent as we all look at Rhaenyra and Leanor. What is she?

The first person to stand up is my cousin Leana, she stands up to hug Rhaenyra and I immediately follow, making my chair creak as I hug Leanor. The shock gradually fades and my father bursts into joyous laughter.

-The heiress to the throne is waiting for her heir, my father smiled, getting up and taking his eldest in his arms, good play, my daughter.

I take my sister in my arms and whisper softly against her ear:

-Congratulations and thank you. I'm happy for you. -Thank you my sister. Rhaenyra whispers

I slowly detach myself from her, looking at her with a curious look. Her dark purple pupils are serious and I step back a little as she nods.

“What a dinner,” Cregan sighs, collapsing onto the large bed in my room.

-Indeed, I respond in a tired voice while caressing my stomach.

Alerted by my tone and my gesture, Cregan quickly gets up on his two feet and comes towards me.

-How do you feel ? He asks, stroking my back and allowing me to cling to him. You almost looked sick during the meal.

-I was half so, I whisper, resting my head against his chest, this smell of meat will give me nightmares.

Cregan laughs softly at my light joke, then kisses my forehead twice before I straighten up to face him. We stand face to face, our gazes locked into each other, his hand caressing my cheek tenderly.

-Your sister is expecting her first child. He whispers like a secret

-She will have beaten us to this, I laugh sarcastically. Don’t get me wrong I’m happy she announced her pregnancy, I’m just scared about everything else.

-What are you afraid of ? Cregan asks, resting his forehead against mine.

-The baby, I sigh, closing my eyes, it won't be Leanor's. I'm walking out of Cregan's arms after saying that

Silence reigns in the large room, Cregan walks towards me then helps me undo the seams of my dress, I sigh with happiness when the fabric loosens around me.

-What do you mean ? Cregan is shocked and surprised, The baby wouldn't be your cousin's…

I immediately turn around and put my finger on Cregan's mouth, shaking my head. Rhaenyra is in such a delicate position and I understood it when she looked at me after my congratulations to her. If I know about Ser Harwin, I must now forget him completely. For the sake of my sister and her future child.

-Cregan, I frame his face with my hands, when the moment arrives I will tell you a truth that you will have to deny with all your strength. My husband looks at me with a surprised look, but in the meantime we don't talk about the baby's paternity.

I know he doesn't understand why I'm doing this, he doesn't suspect for a single second the dangerous game my sister has just started, but I know and he will have to trust me on this one. Cregan takes my hands in his, kisses each one before hugging me and stroking my hair.

-Okay, no questions for now. he whispers

-Thanks. I thank him with a sigh

-Now let's go to bed, whispers Cregan, tomorrow we will have a long day.

Cregan was right, it was going to be a long day.

The ladies of the rooms are all around me, some giving me a meaningful look at my uncovered stomach. It's only a matter of time before my pregnancy is made official, but I wanted to give my sister a little more time.

As I am being helped into my black dress which has red leaves of the Heart Tree sewn onto the bottom of the dress, Cregan enters the room tying the buttons on his sleeves. I look at his reflection in the mirror and a smile stretches my lips, I hide it immediately when he raises his head and our eyes meet in the mirror.

-I saw you Nymeria. Teases Cregan, lowering his head towards his occupation

-And what did you see Cregan? I ask in a joking tone

A maid pulls the laces of my dress a little too tightly and I grimace, holding my stomach. Cregan notices this immediately.

-Oh, he calls out, getting closer, don't be too much of her stomach.

The maid apologizes but Cregan asks to take her place to tie my dress. He loosens the fabric a little while watching my reactions to see if I'm okay.

We remain silent as he helps me tie my dress, all we hear is the sound of his work and it doesn't calm my thoughts. My head has been talking since the Sun rose, my desire to fly raises the hairs on my arms, I want to escape from this meeting in the great room. I fear what Viserys will say, and the actions his words may cause. I jump a little when I feel Cregan's hand massaging the back of my neck, his thumb tracing circles on my skin and our eyes meet in the mirror.

-Stop worrying, he whispers, everything will be fine. He reassures me

-You don't know the Dragon family, I whisper, the fire that burns in each of us refuses to be challenged, even by those of our own family.

Cregan's hands move over my stomach hidden by the fabric of the dress, he places his chin on my shoulder then quickly kisses my neck. His gaze finds mine once again in the mirror and I feel his hands move on my stomach.

-Whatever happens today, I am on your side and you know it. Cregan whispers in a slightly authoritative and reassuring tone.

I nod and kiss his forehead before he stands up and finishes getting dressed. Once ready, I look at my reflection one last time in the mirror, my silver hair is braided in the Nordienne style, my purple eyes are full of worry and my dress represents my husband's House to perfection.

Such a beautiful look to undoubtedly witness a disaster.

-Nymeria? Call Cregan

I turn to my husband who is dressed in black, the Stark symbol is engraved on his clothing. I approach him and while caressing his slightly stinging jaw I kiss him gently. He didn't expect it, I can read it in his eyes, the softness of the kiss surprised him and now I see the great Cregan Stark looking away.

-You are delicious, my Lord husband. I compliment, smiling mockingly

-Your beauty and your mocking air dazzle me, my wife. Replies Cregan recovering from my teasing

I smile at him then I look at the two large wooden doors, Cregan caresses my back to encourage me and remind me that he is there. I stroke my hair one last time, then I approach the doors and knock on them twice.

They open after my gesture, and I can see the two guards who are to escort us standing in front of them. I turn to Cregan and he nods, clutching his sword at his waist. I then advance, he right behind me, as we pass the nobles of the court greet us and we do the same. The palace is strangely silent, or rather it is filled with whispers and murmurs.

Everyone knows that something is brewing, the nobles are dressed for a big event, they are heading towards the Iron Throne Room like us and a heavy atmosphere is starting to be felt.

Worried Cregan moves to my side and places his hand on my back. My heart beats a little harder each time we get closer to the throne room. I recognize each turn of the Dungeon, I feel us arriving, I feel the atmosphere getting heavier as we find ourselves in front of the large open doors of the throne room.

-Here we are, Se Dēmalion Āegenko (the Iron Throne) I whisper in Valyrian

Cregan sighs as I do as we walk into the great hall. It is dark and at the same time bright, the words spoken in this room are louder than the music. The imposing Iron Throne with all its swords melted by the Dragon's fire reminds us that we are nothing without him and the power he gives us. This throne inspires fear and respect, respect and fear that my ancestors won with the help of fire, with blood.

Rhaenyra is already there, waiting like the other members of the royal family standing in front of the throne. She is dressed in black like our House, her jewelry shows her royalty and her presence reminds us that she is the heir.

When she sees me, she moves to take my hand in hers. Cregan places himself alongside Leanor and Daemon. Laena is to the right of my sister, wrapping her arm with hers.

-Skorkydoso glaesā feeling dārilaros? (How are you feeling Princess?) Daemon asked as I turned to look at Cregan behind me.

-Nervous, Daemon, skoros nūmāzma se byka riñi? (Nervous Daemon, how are the little girls?) I respond in a whisper

-Īlis ēdrure skori pōja muña se nyke geptot zirȳ (They were sleeping when their mother and I left them.) Daemon replies with his hands crossed behind his back

I nod, then my attention is diverted by the arrival of Queen Alicent and her eldest, Aegon II. He was her only child present and I already knew what that meant. We're going to talk about succession again.

The pressure is felt in the room while the Queen and her son dressed in green do not give us a very warm look. Rhaenyra squeezes my hand a little tighter as I look at her and my cousin in their black dresses. This House has been divided for a long time, and our colors show it well.

-Make room, someone screams, for his Majesty, King Viserys Targaryen First of his name.

And we all turn to my father who walks down the aisle surrounded by guard, the crown so coveted by the two eldest of this family on his head. Let the quarrel between the Blacks and the Greens begin.

Letter from the author: A few days before season 2 of the House of The Dragons season, I wish everyone a good time watching the series, hoping that you will like this chapter which tells the beginning of the war between the greens and blacks. Happy reading everyone, and long live Team Black. Author

[artyandink]

Old-Fashioned | dean winchester | preview

Bartender!Dean Winchester x Reader

Summary: Dean Winchester needs a job after his little brother left for Stanford, and he’s good at mixing drinks. You happen to work at Harvelle’s Roadhouse, which is the place he chose to work at. He finds a family. He finds a new life. But he also finds you. But you have problems of your own.

A/N - My first reader series, do make sure to comment and/or reblog feedback. Set with S1/2 Dean cause I love our baby boy 😁 and pretend group chats exist on old phones lol

one - gin and tonic

Queen B: Alright, what’s the deal with the new guy? Is he hot?

You: Bela, chill. Don’t go hitting on Dean already.

Megolodon: Dean? Even his name sounds sexy as hell

Ruby-gina George: Y’all are desperate

You: Right? Jesus, you haven’t even met the guy yet

Queen B: I call dibs on him 😉

Megolodon: I hope he has a brother, if you know what I mean 😏 older or younger I don’t mind at all, but I prefer younger

Ruby-Gina George: We haven’t even seen him yet

You: Stop thirsting over a guy you haven’t met

Queen B: You’ve seen him- is he hot?

Megolodon: C’mon, spill

Queen B: IS. HE. HOT

You: You two need to STOP

Ruby-Gina George: Touch freakin grass

Ben Dover: Leave the poor girl alone, Bela, she needs a breather

You: FINE. He’s attractive, alright

Queen B: HE’S MINE

Megolodon: Dibs on his brother

ScarJo: My god, stop blowing up my phone or mom will see these messages and fire us all

Queen B: Worth it

Megolodon: Yeah, I’m cool with that, just give me the hot bartender’s brother, please and thank you

Casanova: Who are we talking about? I’m confused.

Ben Dover: New hire

Casanova: Ah.

TAGLIST: @hobby27

Like, reblog, and let me know if you want to join the taglist!

[jennay]

Livestream

Noah Sebastian x Reader

Request: would love a fluffy best friends that totally have loved each other but are scared to admit, maybe do something like if he still streamed. I wish he still did occasionally. 😭♥️♥️

An: this had a little more angst then what I originally planned. Lol but I hope you all enjoy it! I'm living for the Noah requests. 🥰

Also as you can tell I know nothing about twitch. 😂

Noah master list

Warnings: cursing and angst…mostly fluff.

Words: about 2600

You perk up as you hear the door open and close, breaking the silence of the empty bar. You've been waiting for some customers to show up, hoping to make some decent tips today. You smile as you recognize the familiar faces of Noah and Nicholas.

You grab two glasses and greet them warmly. "My favorite customers! What can I get you?" You ask.

Nicholas hops on the stool next to Noah and scans the deserted place. "How's it going?" He says. "Where's the party at?"

You shrug and hand him a beer. "Covid, Nick… it's hard to get people out these days."

You glance at Noah, who is browsing the canned drinks. His long, dark hair frames his handsome face. You can't help but admire how cute he is, even though you would never tell him that. You and Noah have a platonic friendship, but it's not like any other. You have feelings for him, but you don't want to ruin what you have. You enjoy spending time with him, watching movies, playing games, and teasing him on his live streams. He took a while to figure out that you were the one leaving funny comments on his videos. He cracked up when he realized it was you, especially when you were doing it from his own bedroom.

Sometimes, you would catch him looking puzzled at the screen, wondering who was messing with him. "Who the fuck is this?" He would say, reading one of your messages. "They think they're hilarious."

"Hi sunshine, what are you in the mood for? Beer, white claw, mix drink?"

Noah tucks his hair behind his ears and points at a blackberry-white claw. "That sounds good. Can I have one of those?"

You nod and grab the can from the cooler. You pop it open and slide it over to him.

Conversing with them as you lean on the counter. "So, what's up with you guys today? Any big plans for the night?" You ask.

Noah sighs and takes a sip of his drink. "We just needed a break from the house. It's driving me crazy being stuck in there all the time." He says. "And we wanted to see our favorite bartender, of course!"

"I thought you were working on the album?"

Nicholas nods and rolls his eyes. "Yeah, but then Jolly got into an argument with Noah. We had to pause."

You laugh and raise your eyebrow. You're not surprised that Noah was the problem. He may seem calm and quiet, but he's also a perfectionist who wants to do everything over and over again.

"Noah." You scold. "You're such a drama queen!"

He puts his drink down and leans forward, clasping his hands together as if he's about to confess something. But instead, he whispers, "Fuck off."

You giggle at his remark, rolling your eyes at him. "You're a man-child."

"And you love it." He teases. "Are you coming over after your shift?"

"Maybe."

Nicholas laughs as he watches you lean closer to Noah, pretending to be angry at him. You narrow your eyes and say, "I don't even like you."

Noah gasps and clutches his chest, acting hurt. "Fucking liar!" He exclaims. "You adore me!"

You lean back, crossing your arms over your chest. "What's in it for me?"

Nicholas stands, sneering, tired of the bickering between you and Noah, "I'm gonna use the pisser. Watch my drink, make sure Noah doesn't drug me."

"So," Noah says, smacking his hands on the counter jokingly, "Are you going to?" He asks eagerly, flashing his perfect white teeth in a hopeful smile. He leans closer to you, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief.

"I can't." You bite your bottom lip. "Why do you want me to come over so bad anyway? That's the second time you've asked."

"Nothing." He laughs, "Sometimes I like your company when I stream. The crowd that gets on likes you."

"Probably because I'm amazing." You joke.

Noah takes a sip of his drink, watching you intently as you pick up some glasses to clean.

He sets his can down, "Probably." He agrees quietly but with a hint of seriousness in his tone.

"Hmm?" You question, not hearing him.

"Oh, I just said unlikely." He lies, smirking at you.

You set the glass down and glare at him, "Sometimes I wonder why I hang out with you. You're pretty mean." You know Noah is teasing you, but sometimes you wonder if that's what he really thinks of you.

"You're sensitive as fuck today." His brow raises, but he doesn't ask why you might be feeling that way.

"Maybe you're being an asshole?"

When Nicholas arrives back at the bar, he can sense the tension between you. "What'd you pick a fight with (y/n) too?" His brown eyes look from you to Noah and to his drink. He quickly drinks the rest of it, glaring at Noah for whatever he did to annoy you. "C'mon. Don't be a dick. Let's get out of here." He flashes you a quick smile. "See ya later, (y/n)."

Noah smiles at you again, "Come over!" He doesn't wait for you to respond. He leaves you behind, waving as he exits.

You didn't go to Noah's house after work. Instead, you went home, made dinner, and cozied on the couch to watch a movie with your dog. You didn't bother texting him; his words had stung. You'd been a loyal friend to him for years, but he didn't seem to appreciate it.

Sometimes, it felt like you were a burden to him or a toy for his amusement. He treated you differently when his friends were around.

When you were alone, however, it was a different story. He was sweet and kind; Noah showered you affectionately, making your heart flutter. But as soon as one of his buddies showed up, he changed. He teased you mercilessly and acted like you were one of the guys. You hated it; you weren't one of the guys. You were a girl who had feelings for him.

Feelings that you wished would disappear, but they didn't. They clung to you like a shadow, haunting you every day. You hoped that maybe one day he would see you as more than a friend, but right now wasn't the right time.

You were just (y/n), his best friend who secretly loved him but would die before admitting it.

An idea clicked in your head; you knew he was streaming tonight. You run to your room, get your laptop, and plop back on the couch, ensuring not to squish your golden retriever, whose mighty perked up over your quick actions.

You're feeling mischievous today. You log into Twitch with a different username and no camera, ready to mess with Noah.

You find his invite and click on it, eager to see his reaction. He's live, looking handsome as ever in his glasses, sweater, and cat ear headphones. His long hair falls over his shoulders as he reads the chat. You pause for a moment, wondering if this is a good idea. But curiosity gets the better of you. You want to know what he says when he thinks you're not listening.

He answers a question from a fan, "Where's (Y/n)?" He shrugs and sips his drink, "I don't know. I think I pissed her off, so she's not joining me tonight. Maybe she'll show up later." He adjusts his glasses and reads another question, "I had a surprise for you guys tonight, but (Y/n) 's not here so no surprise."

You raise an eyebrow and type a question, "Maybe you should be nicer to her." You hit enter and bite your lip, waiting for him to notice. His eyes widen as he reads your message.

"Nicer to her!?" He exclaims, incredulous. "I'm always nice to her. She's one of my best friends." He looks at your username and frowns, "Who are you anyway?"

You smirk and reply, "You weren't very nice at the bar today."

He grins, realizing it's you, "Why are you hiding behind a fake account?"

You mute the movie playing in the background of your living room, amused by his reaction. You decide to play along. "I didn't know how mean I wanted to be. Maybe treat you how you treat me sometimes."

"You didn't even listen to what I said!" He rolls his eyes and laughs sarcastically, "If you're going to do this, you might as well show your pretty face." He challenges you. He glances at his follower count, which is rising rapidly. People love drama, and he knows it. He usually doesn't get this personal on a livestream, but he has some things he wants to say. "Besides, you started it when you said you didn't even like me!"

You scowl at the screen, annoyed by his words. How dare he act innocent? "I have to keep up with your assholeness!" You type back.

He shakes his head and sends you a link to join him on the stream. "You're not fooling anyone anymore. Just join me already."

You sigh, feeling the pressure. You switch to your main account and click the link he sent you. You allow your camera to turn on, and soon enough, your face appears next to his on the screen.

"Happy now?" You ask with more attitude than you intended.

He nods, smiling at the screen. "There you are."

You lean forward, resting your chin on your hands, "What do you want Noah? I don't really feel like talking to you right now."

He looks at you seriously, "Well, I wanted to talk to you about something important. Something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time."

You raise an eyebrow, curious and suspicious. "What?"

He takes a deep breath and says, "I don't want to be your friend anymore." He pauses, feeling nervous.

You instantly feel a gut-wrenching sickness in your stomach, "Fuck you!"

"Wait! Let me finish!" He quickly says. "I like you more than a friend. I've liked you since the day we met, and I've been trying to show you how I feel, but I guess I'm not very good at it and I get scared and I fuck up and then I tease you thinking it's flirting, but it's not working cause it's been four years, and you still haven't caught on, and I'm sorry if I ever hurt you or made you angry. That's never my intention. I just wanted to make you laugh and smile and be happy. I haven't said it directly because I was afraid to lose you, but now I feel like I'm losing you because I won't fucking say it."

You blink, stunned by his words. You don't know what to say or how to react. You look at the chat, which is going wild with comments and emojis. Some are cheering for him, teasing him, and shipping you two.

You realize that he just confessed his feelings for you to thousands of people. You look back at him, searching his eyes for any sign of a joke or a prank. But he seems sincere and nervous, waiting for your response.

You feel your heart beating faster and your face heating up. You wonder if he can hear it through the microphone. You open your mouth, but no words come out. You're speechless.

"God, dammit, Noah. I'm facetiming you. Get off your live."

You're nervous and excited as you sit beside Noah on his Twitch stream. It's been a week since he confessed his feelings for you. You've decided to go public with your relationship, and you're ready to face his fans' reactions.

You sway back and forth in your chair, waiting for the screen to load. Noah rests his hand on your leg, giving you a gentle squeeze. "You OK?" He asks, looking at you with concern.

You nod your head, smiling at him. "Yeah. I'm good. Are you sure you want to tell everyone now?" You ask, feeling a bit nervous.

He nods, grinning at you. "It's been a week. I think they've waited long enough." He says, referring to the cliffhanger he left on his last stream.

He pulls you closer to him and kisses your cheek. You giggle and lean on his shoulder, feeling his warmth and heartbeat.

The computer dings, and the chat has started. You pull your head back from Noah's tattooed arm and sit straight, ready to face the camera. Hundreds of messages pop up on the screen, asking about you and Noah, wondering if you're together or not.

Noah looks at you with a reassuring smile and wraps his arm around your waist. He leans in and whispers in your ear, "Ready to do this, babe?" He calls you by the nickname he gave you when you started dating. You feel affection for him and nod, blushing. He kisses your forehead and turns to the camera, greeting his fans.

"Hey guys, welcome! I hope you're all doing well. As you can see, I have a special guest with me today." He says, gesturing to you. "My now girlfriend." He announces proudly, making your heart skip a beat. He looks at you with love in his eyes and smiles. "Say hi, babe."

You wave at the camera and say hi, feeling shy but happy. You see the chat explode with comments, some congratulating you two, some expressing shock or disbelief, some asking questions or making jokes.

You feel overwhelmed by the attention, but Noah holds you tight and makes you feel safe. He answers some of the questions from the fans, what he likes about you, what you love about him.

Noah tells them about the surprise he had planned for them on the night he confessed his feelings for you: He was going to sing a song for you on the stream, which he wrote for you. He says he still wants to do it if you don't mind.

You nod, feeling touched by his gesture. He smiles and kisses your nose, making you giggle. He grabs his guitar from behind him and strums a few chords.

Clearing his throat, he starts singing about how much you mean to him and how happy you make him. Some other sappy things that you weren't expecting from him.

He looks at you as he sings, making eye contact every few seconds. You feel tears as you listen to his beautiful voice and heartfelt lyrics.

You smile and mouth, "I love you."

He smiles back and mouths, "I love you too." He finishes the song and puts down his guitar. He wraps his arms around you and hugs you tightly, kissing your cheek. He turns to the camera and says goodbye to his fans, thanking them for their support and kind words.

He says he'll see them next time, but he wants to spend some time with his girlfriend. Noah winks at the camera and ends the stream.

He turns off the computer and looks at you with a sweet expression. "How was that?"

"That was amazing." You say sincerely, holding your hands to your heart nearly melting.

"I'm glad you liked it."

You snuggle into his chest and sigh contentedly, throwing your legs over his lap. You gently grab the sides of his face and kiss him, feeling like you're living your best dream. "It was perfect."

[ofmdrecaps]

08/14-15/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Con O'Neill; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Madeleine Sami; Rachel House; Kristian Nairn; Samba Schutte; Vico Ortiz; Ruibo Qian; Dominic Burgess; Fan Spotlight: Our Flag Means Fanfiction; BearNecessities OFMD Affirmation Cards; Love Notes;

== Con O'Neill ==

It's Con's birthday! He's on his way to San Jose for the next GalaxyCon and sending some thank yous for all the birthday wishes! Happy birthday sir!

There's also a birthday video, but I ran out of video space! Thank you to @thedowneyheart for uploading it to tumblr! Visit them here!

Also Samba sent some love Con's way!

Img Sources: Con's Instagram / Samba's Instagram Stories

== David Jenkins ==

I forgot to include this last time! Our buddy Jemaine is asking everyone to watch the new episode of Time Bandits that he wrote that came out on Apple TV on the 14th! Chaos dad's on it! Are you? (I'm late watching them).

And today he reposted one of our favorite messages:

Source: David Jenkins' Twitter

== Rhys Darby ==

Rosie posted some super cute family pictures! Apparently Theo's been making donuts!

They were also out at the new Rhett & Link' premier of Wonderhole! Is that a Spanish Jackie's shirt we see? 👀

Source: Rosie CD's Instagram Stories / Getty Images

= The Cryptid Factor Live =

One of our beyond amazing and kind crewmates @sconesfortea was so sweet to allow me to share their many photos and videos of Rhys and the Cryptid Boys! Please check out their tumble posts below for pure Cryptid Chaos! Yes that is Buttons doing the worm!

Part 1

Part 2

Source: @sconesfortea's Tumblr

== Madeleine Sami ==

Mads is sharing some love for some fam and a new video on Deadloch!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Prime Video AU & NZ (@primevideoaunz)

Source: Madeleine Sami's Instagram

== Rachel House ==

More BTS from Time Bandits and Rachel's episodes!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rachel House (@rachelteaomarama)

Source: Rachel House's Instagram

== Kristian Nairn ==

Kristian's on his way to Galaxy Con San Jose as well!

Source: Kristian Nairn's Instagram

== Vico Ortiz ==

More OFMD S2 BTS from Vico on their patreon!!

Source: Vico's Patreon

== Samba Schutte ==

Woohoo! Samba's new romantic comedy Advanced Chemistry has been acquired by Good Deed Entertainment and will be released in theatres on Sept 3! Congrats Samba! Lots of love from the OFMD cast too! Deadline Article

Source: Samba's Instagram

== Nathan Foad ==

You guessed it-- Nathan's also on his way to GalaxyCon San Jose!

AND he found some old bts that he decided to share on his instagram stories.

Source: Nathan Foad's Instagram Stories

== Ruibo Qian ==

Our Pirate Queen apparently had some photos done-- but has laryngitis right now! Wishing you a swift recovery queen!

Source: Ruibo Qian's Instagram

== Dominic Burgess ==

Dominic is out with the Palm Royale crew, celebrating Jeff Toyne, a music nominee for the Television Academy!

Source: Dominic Burgess' Twitter

== Fan Spotlight ==

= Our Flag Means Fanfiction =

Another episode of Our Flag Means Fanfiction this week in honor of Con's birthday! Several of our magnificent crewmates, hosted by @ringasunn! Check them out on their Linktree!

Source: Our Flag Means Fanfiction Instagram

== Bair Necessities Affirmation Cards ==

Tonight I'd like to add a new fan spotlight to the mix - OFMD Affirmation Cards by our lovely crewmate, Mik aka bairnecessities! She has been making OFMD and other fandom affirmation cards for a long time-- some of you may even own some of them or recognize them from David Jenkin's Instagram shares! Mik makes such gorgeous and uplifting artwork, and she was kind enough to allow me to share some of them and link to her work over the next few recaps. Please absolutely check her out on the various socials, there's such lovely, kind messages in all her spaces <3 Instagram / Twitter / Linktr.ee / Etsy

A couple selections from the Season 2 Deck:

She's also got a beautiful expansion deck that's just come out, featuring a lot of our favorite secondary characters from Season 2!

OH! And did I mention, she's going to be at GalaxyCon SanJose this weekend? You can actually pick up some of her new expansion decks there!

Source: BairNecessities Linktree

== Love Notes ==

Hey there lovelies! Well here we are, going into Friday again! (Some of you are already there, hello folks from the future!) I truly hope this week has been kind to you. It's certainly been a busy one, and apparently full of birthdays! Con on the 15th, Taika on the 16th - and the weekend is looking even busier with GalaxyCon San Jose coming up! With David being so active as well, it's been nice to see so many people having a great time in the fandom again.

Whether it's jokingly mourning the loss of poor Doug LastName, or adding goofy ass horses to our favorite ofmd pictures-- it's been really heartwarming to see everyone having such a good time. This is what fandoms are for! To joke, and laugh, and have fun. Sometimes to be serious and talk meta too, and part of that is just getting to interact with each other, and play off each others strength and goofiness. I really am so fortunate to be a part of this fandom, it's nothing like I've ever experienced before, and it brings me a lot of hope and joy on dark days. You all play off each other in the best ways, and make this fandom so unique and fun, and even when things seem down, you find new ways to heal and rise again. I know I haven't been around as much lately, but I want you to know I'm still keeping an eye out, and you all are still some of the kindest, most brilliant, and fun people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Keep shining lovelies, you're doing great out there with whatever you're dealing with.

[coven-of-genesis]

Aromatherapy for beauty 

Smell is the most primitive of all our senses. Our smell receptors send messages directly to the limbic system - the deep part of the brain that controls emotions.

Essential oils distilled from natural botanicals can exert a powerful influence on our mood and spiritual balance.

They can even improve sleep and manage pain. And they can be a potent ingredient of your beauty routine that visibly lifts both your internal and external well-being.

Diffuse aromatherapy oils using a diffuser or spray bottle to evoke a particular mood and move you closer to your desired intention. Oils can be applied directly to your skin diluted in a neutral carrier oil - argan oil and rosehip oil are both excellent carrier oils.

Why not try mixing your own essential oil blend to create a bespoke beauty treatment that works its magic just for you.

Aromatherapy oils are a beauty essential. Research what works for your mood as well as your skin, or get started with these classic beauty boosters.

Lavender -

The queen of beauty oils, lavender is calming, gentle and nourishing and can reduce the appearance of blemishes.

It promotes good sleep and helps with relaxation and de-stressing - and when you're peaceful and well rested, beautiful is easy.

Lemon -

This oil's high concentration of D-limonene, a compound that helps promote circulation, gives it magical skin-repairing and toning properties.

Frankincense -

Prized since ancient Egyptian times for its ability to keep skin youthful, this heady oil can reduce the appearance of fine lines and give your skin a radiant glow.

[shadowyricecake]

Teddy Cuddles ʕ•ᴥ•ʔﾉ♡🧸ྀི

Jungwon x reader

Genre : fluff, cuddles ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆

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

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Fifteen minutes. Fifteen whole minutes I spent channeling my inner creepypasta, staring at him like a lovesick sloth. And what does His Royal Highness do? Ignores my glorious presence to giggle at a box of glowing pixels! Does that phone have a cat video on it or something more interesting than me? Dude's glued to his phone, giggling like a hyena over a meme. Finally, I couldn't resist. I peeked in, fully expecting some top-secret government message or maybe a lost sock recovery plan. But nooo, its Jay Hyung , who is way more interesting than his actual girlfriend tonight. #ThirdWheelWoes. Just then, Mr. Phone-Zombie looks up with the most heart-melting grin. "What's up?" he asks. Me? I just played it cool. "Oh, you know, existential crisis, contemplating the meaning of life... the usual. But hey, don't let me interrupt your chat with your best friend, Mr. Pixel Box." Flopped dramatically onto the bed, channeling my inner drama queen.

A chuckle escapes him, followed by the rustle of sheets as he crawls closer.

"Jealous?" he teases.

"Pfft, me? Jealous of a bunch of pixels? Absolutely not," I declare, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Please, go back to your important virtual date."

"Then why the adorable angry face, huh?” he coos, poking my cheek like a mischievous puppy and tryin to make me face him.

After a dramatic struggle that may or may not have involved me pretending to be a particularly stubborn starfish, he manages to turn me around. And bam! There it is – that amazing smell that's like a mix of expensive cologne and fresh laundry (seriously, what is that stuff? Some secret Jungwon brand of comfort potion?)Guess this is what love smells like, huh? Or maybe just good hygiene. Either way, I'm not complaining.This must be the smell of "everything's gonna be alright." All my worries and annoyance melt away as I snuggle into his chest, his skin like a cloud and his hair tickling my face like a feather.

He peppers my forehead with kisses that feel lighter than a feather.

"I missed you so much," Jungwon whispers in my ear.

"Clearly," I reply sarcastically, "since you were so busy with your phone for the past..."

"Hey, it was only fifteen minutes !" he protested with a laugh.

"Fifteen minutes, huh?" I began, a mischievous glint in my eyes. But before I could finish my playful argument, his lips met mine. Soft, sweet, and utterly perfect, the kiss felt like a delicious secret shared only between us. His hands, one on my waist, the other cupping my cheek, held me close as if afraid I might disappear. In that moment, eternity wouldn't have been enough.

He pulled away reluctantly, his forehead resting against mine. A comfortable silence settled between us, a language only our hearts could truly understand. Unable to resist, I stole another kiss, his eyes fluttering open and crinkling into a smile. The afternoon melted away in a flurry of stolen kisses, and the blissful comfort of being in his arms.

[frost-link]

can I ask for a Sidon x reader where the reader is from our world and still has a phone? Just something cute about reader teaching Sidon how a phone works and maybe Sidon comforting reader when she feels homesick

So this is the first time I've ever made a request so if it's stupid please ignore

What an interesting idea! I'd love to write this! I'll be writing in a headcanon format! This one is mainly just silly, I hope it's okay! ^^

The Power of Technology - Sidon X Reader

Sidon is immediately fascinated when you show him your weird glowing brick that looks like a sheikah slate, or how else would he put it... a Purah Pad? He knows that Link has one too. You try to explain that it is a "phone" and only you have one. Sidon just goes along with it because he has no idea how new technology works, but he'll try to understand!

He's amazed how you have everything by the power of your finger tip on such a small device. Despite not having any service or internet in their world, Sidon thinks that your phone is something out of a sci-fi child story.

When your phone dies for the first time and he learns that they need to be charged by electricity, he suggests that you leave your phone outside during a thunderstorm so it could "charge".

Once Sidon learns how to use your phone, the man immediately loves watching silly videos you had saved on your phone before you came to Hyrule. He will 100% watch the same video on loop for hours on end.

"Wow! Such wonderful art! It's like real life!" Sidon would exclaim looking in your camera roll. You would have to explain that these are "photos" not drawings. Sidon didn't believe you at first.

Oh... You poor thing... Now that Sidon has discovered the magic of the camera on your phone, he will sneak your phone and take hundreds of pictures, half of them being himself with his silly cheeky smile. You'll wake up to a message on your phone about your storage being "full", you'll know why.

You'll both scroll through your phone's camera roll together. Sidon will see ones of you back in your world and will have so many questions. Looking back on these photos will make you emotional, as much as you love Hyrule and Sidon, you do get homesick.

When you're homesick, Sidon will grab your phone out of your hand and take a silly picture of himself and change your wallpaper to himself. "Look my love! You can now look at me whenever you open your phone!" He would say with a silly grin. The photo would be taken at the worst angle, yet it would make you laugh, making you feel better.

You have a mix of different songs saved on your phone but Sidon had decided that he liked a certain band the most. In the early hours of the morning, you'll hear him softly sing to himself "Weeeee are the champions!!" Low and Behold... The band was Queen.

He 100% listens to the same song on loop, and he'll NEVER get tired of that song. "It's a catchy song! How could you NOT want to sing it?"

When you are on your phone at night, he's shocked at just how bright it is. "What is that thing even made of??"

Both of you will cuddle at night sometimes watching a movie or two. You only have a few, Sidon doesn't mind rewatching. He finds it amazing how you can record life on it and then watch it on such a tiny screen.

[mags0142]

Nobody’s Son, Nobody’s Daughter

Hello my loves, I started working on a little bit of an Edmund fic. Although I am trying to develop something of my own the Narnia franchise is definitely a source material.

It’s an Edmund x Reader fic for now with a few original characters.

Tags : major character death (his siblings), smut, mentions of suicide (no further development on that though)

Please let me know what you think :) enjoy!

——————

Grief is a goodbye from love. It is the final gift we receive when we have wholeheartedly and honestly loved and were loved. It is the flag we wave around that screams “look at me, I was loved. I loved, I still love” and so we must carry our grief with pride and hold it high for it is proof of the sincere emotions we felt for one another which transcend life and death. We should cherish the grief and welcome it into our arms like we once welcomed our loved ones for it is their gift goodbye. And yet we run from it. We run from it until it finds us.

Edmund was currently running from it. Or rather towards it, seeing as he was trying to eliminate the source that caused it.

The men that had taken the lives of Edmunds most precious beings, his beloved siblings.

When Edmund heard of his sibling’s death he had long been aware of it. A wave of pain had overcome him. He had felt as if he had lost part of his soul and in a way he very much did. The boy who had burged into his chamber was carrying a message his heart had already received. Moreover he knew that their death was most unfair considering he was the only one deserving of being killed. they had been good people through and through their entire lives, they had been true to themselves and their morals.

Edmund couldn’t say the same for himself. He had betrayed them and risked their lives for his foolish desires. He was the only one deserving of being killed. He knew in his heart that he had betrayed them once again by not dying instead, by being spared of this terrible faith, by not being with them when they spoke their last words.

He felt himself a traitor of the highest degree.

His first thought had been to take his own life. To join his siblings and apologise to them. But he realised this would be the weak way out. If he wanted redemption he would have to suffer for it. He could only redeem himself and avenge the people closest to his heart if he lived through the pain.

And if he killed whoever took their lives. His siblings had been noble people, they rarely resorted to killing, even in times of war. Edmund wasn’t as pure. His soul would be tarnished anyway, there was no need to hold back now, not when his heart was aching and his lungs were burning and the image of their tortured faces haunted his thoughts.

He walked through the now empty castle. It was as if all life had left it, for Edmund it did. The kingdom was relieved in a way because they had still one monarch left. They had lost their compassionate and loyal queens and their brave king but they still had someone left, even if it was their least favourite one. Edmund had known that the popularity of his siblings surpassed his own by a landslide, but now was not the time to focus on his image amongst the people he ruled, not for him anyway. In a way he felt he had also betrayed his people by being the only one left, they didn’t deserve to lose their rulers the way they did. He knew taking over their responsibilities would be a difficult task but one he was willing to take on.

The king gathered his best swordsmen and ordered his smiths to forge the best weapons they possibly could.

“They’ll be long gone by the time we arrive, your Majesty, they most likely left right after .. after the .. the incident” Althea tried to suggest. Edmund turned to his advisor and studied his face. He had a look of worry in his eyes mixed with a hint of pity. Edmund frowned at the idea that Althea was pitying him. “Perhaps they have, but their elaborate scheme couldn’t have been orchestrated by a far, they must have had a base somewhere near the temple. If anything it should give us a clue to where they are headed next.”.

With that Edmund got up and moved towards the door “We leave at dawn, I suppose you’ll be joining us?” he turned slightly to Althea but only enough to catch a glimpse of him in the corner of his eye. “Of course your highness.” Althea replied softly, bowing to his King. “Good, thank you for your help Althea, I appreciate your support” Edmund replied quickly and left the room to disappear into his chamber.

It was late at night, he knew that he should be in bed right now but how could he ? How could he rest knowing his sibling's killer was still out there? How could he ever rest again knowing he had failed to protect the only people ever dear to him. Ever since the murder Edmund had been consumed by this disgusting, rotting guilt. It had infested him as soon as the life left their bodies and was now consuming every part of him. It ran through his veins and blackened his heart, draining it of love and replacing it with grief. It crawled up his body. Higher and higher until it reached his eyes and blurred his vision. He saw nothing but injustice and evil no matter where he looked. His own reflection disgusted him by far the most. How dare his cheeks be rosy with life and his chest beat with every breath of air he took.

He slowly undressed in the dim candle light and mindlessly put on his sleeping gown. He could have washed his face but there was no use in doing so for him. On one hand he was far too exhausted and occupied by other things to care for himself. On the other hand, probably unbeknownst to him, he refused to take care of himself as a form of punishment. He didn’t deserve to be taken care of, not even by himself when he hadn’t taken care of them. His physical appearance was to be as soiled as his soul. Everyone looking at him should know that he was a filthy traitor. He would run around dirty for the rest of his life if it meant repenting even a fraction of the sin he committed.

Through all his self inflicted pain and unavoidable grief he made an attempt to be rational and laid down in bed.

His sword, which used to belong to his older brother initially, and his armour were waiting by the foot of his bed, ready to be worn and used for revenge.

Edmund laid in his bed tossing and turning trying to shake off all these memories and thoughts of guilt. Even once he fell asleep he was moaning and twitching uneasily in his sleep.

Althea pressed his ear to the wall of his chamber that shared a wall with the King’s room. He listened intently to all the sounds Edmund made regardless if they were conscious or not. Secretly he hoped that Edmund would call out to him. Not as a King looking for his advisor while making rational decisions, but as a friend, perhaps a lover, looking for a shoulder to cry on, searching for a safe space to be vulnerable in. He was grateful to be so close to Edmund throughout all this time, but even with his held back discrete demeanour he could not deny that he was secretly lusting for the King. He had breached Edmund's privacy many times. Sneaking into his Chamber during bath time just to catch a glimpse of his beautiful porcelain skin, glistening in the water of the bath. He would relish in the sight of Edmunds dark hair clinging to his forehead and he counted the freckles on his lovely rosy cheeks.

Althea would take himself in hand and imagine those strong arms grabbing him and pushing him against the nearest wall. He imagined those plush lips hungrily devouring his and these hard abs to press against his slender frame. He would come thinking of deep brown eyes, pale skin, strong muscles and a large cock inside of him.

Afterwards he would feel soiled yet satisfied, he would retreat into his Chamber and go on as normal while Edmund was none the wiser.

A dirty part of him was glad they died. It made him the one closest to Edmund and gave him an opportunity to develop their relationship. He was aware that his desires were selfish but he wished so dearly that in his desperation and pain Edmund would turn to Althea in search of love. And Althea would give it to him willingly. He was ready to give up his body and soul for even the slightest touch of the King.

Edmund was aware of Althea's sexuality, in fact he was an active defender of Althea in front of everyone who thought to criticise who Althea chose to love. However he wasn't aware that Althea only really cared for one, Edmund himself. Edmund had never even suspected it, perhaps it was a lack of self-esteem or perhaps he thought their deep-rooted relationship was based on strictly platonic feelings. Either way the king never entertained the idea of being Althea’s object of desire.

Althea had no intention of correcting him. As much as Althea longed for his touch and craved his affection he would not dare risk their good bond. Even if it left him heartbroken he would rather moan into his pillow in the dead of night then potentially lose his king forever.

[annerly-san]

Love and Deep Deadlines | A LaDS Corporate AU - Chapter 6

Summary:

Amidst the cut throat culture of Onyxion Enterprises where cutting-edge innovation is overshadowed by corporate chaos, no one talks about how hard it is to be an intern.

Alongside Caleb, the sales department smooth-talker; Zayne, the cold and unflappable CTO; Xavier, a director who might as well be an intern himself; and Rafayel, the overly dramatic Creative Director who brings his own flair to every meltdown, our intern is just trying to survive the workday. Oh, and don’t forget Onyxion’s very own CEO, Sylus, a walking HR violation who gets off on terrorizing his employees.

In this company, will love bloom before the deadlines run deep, or will the company go under first?

Chapter Navigation: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | ?

Alternative AO3 link:

The next morning, I arrived at the office still riding the high of the successful presentation. The inbox notification chimed as soon as I logged into my computer, and my eyes widened as I saw the subject line: Bonus Allocation for Sales Presentation. My heart skipped a beat as I opened the email.

_________________________________________

Subject:   Bonus Allocation for Sales Presentation

You have been awarded a bonus for your contribution to the recent sales presentation. Your exemplary work has been recognized. Congratulations!

Regards,

Onyxion Management

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

_________________________________________

I sat back in my chair, staring at the screen in disbelief.  A bonus?  I glanced around the office, feeling a rush of excitement, but quickly composed myself. No need to broadcast it.

Just as I was about to get back to work, a message popped up on my screen from Caleb.

[Caleb]:  Did u get a bonus email too?  I saw you cc’d on mine!  Let’s talk and celebrate over lunch!

At lunch, I met Caleb in the cafeteria. We both sat down with our trays, but the conversation went straight to the bonus.

“I can’t believe it,” I said, still in mild shock. “A bonus already? I didn’t expect that.”

Caleb leaned back in his chair, his grin as wide as ever. “Told you! You nailed that presentation. Plus, this might help with your full-time offer.” He waggled his eyebrows, clearly hinting at something more.

I blushed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Yeah... maybe.”

“So, how’s our presentation queen doing?”  I heard a voice call out beside me.  The scraping of chair legs against the cafeteria floor accompanied the man’s voice as I looked over to see a certain purple-haired director slide in the seat next to mine.  Rafayel dropped into the chair beside me, giving me a playful grin as he rested his chin on his hand. “Heard you and Caleb wowed the room yesterday.”

On the opposite side of us, I saw Xavier slide into the seat next to Caleb - our table now filled with the four of us.

Caleb nodded with a smirk, grinning through a mouthful of food. “It’s all thanks to her.  Those slides were fire!”

Rafayel grimaced as he watched Caleb continue to take large bites of his food.  “Finish chewing before you talk, won’t you?”

Xavier, always the more quiet one, gave Caleb a pat on the back.  “You both did great.  Rafayel and I were just talking about it and wanted to say good job in person.”

I looked abash as the two directors stared at me intently, and I looked at Caleb for guidance on how to respond.

The small nod and gesture of his head towards the two of them hinted at me to say my own piece.

I smiled up at both of them. “Thank you!  It was a really awesome learning experience for me,” I thanked them.  “And special thanks to you, Rafayel!  Your feedback on my slides really helped me to bring it all together cohesively!”

Rafayel leaned in closer. “Just so you know, darling, I’m free for creative consultation anytime you need it.  And if you’re low on work, you could just come over and work in my department, I’m more than happy to take you in for a full-time role.”

I laughed nervously, appreciating his offer but also a little overwhelmed by the attention. “Thanks, Rafayel. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Caleb stopped midway through chewing his food from across the table-- expression half torn between shock and anger, and Xavier shot a stern glare at the Creative Director before interrupting.

“She’s working in the marketing department,” he stated to Rafayel firmly.  “Isn’t it rude to just poach another’s department employee right in front of their superior?”

Rafayel laughed as he twirled up the noodles on his plate with a fork.

“Hey, I’m just offering!  Isn’t the intern season ending soon?” he gave me a playful glance.  “Did they give you an offer yet, or are they holding out?”  Rafayel sent a snide glance at Xavier, who was chewing on his lunch.  “If Xavier here hasn’t drafted up a full-time offer by now, I’m more than happy to take you under my wing.”

Caleb choked on his food; Xavier muttered something under his breath.

I gave Rafayel the best smile I could muster and laughed politely-- trying to hide how awkward things were starting to feel with Xavier and Caleb sending glares at him. “Thanks, Rafayel.”

After lunch, we parted ways, and I headed back to my desk.

But as I entered the office, something felt… off.

The usually bustling atmosphere of collaborative chatter and keyboards clacking away was replaced with silence and hushed whispers.

As soon as I approached my team’s space, the atmosphere was suffocating, crushing with how heavy the tension was.  My coworkers were dispersed all over the space: some clustered up in small groups, some alone at their desks with their heads down, and others just pacing back and forth and periodically glancing at their monitor in fear.

Somber whispers and the faint sounds of some people crying were heard in the room, and I anxiously walked towards my desk-- mind whirling with thoughts and anxiety as I met Tara’s tearful gaze, walking hastily over to her to see what was wrong.

“T-tara-!”  I quickly made my way over to her.  “W-what happened?  What’s wrong?  Why is everyone so-?”

She didn’t answer at first, biting her quivering lip as she took a few deep breaths to compose herself.  “I-It’s-”

She let out a shaky breath, voice trembling as she was on the verge of tears.  Tara rolled aside in her chair, gesturing to her monitor that had an email pulled up on it.

I cautiously peered over her desk to read the contents:

_________________________________________

Subject:  Termination

Employee,

I am conducting a thorough reorganization of Onyxion, effective immediately.

You have been impacted.

Unfortunately for you, your position has been eliminated by this restructuring.

As per the fine print drafted in your employment contract, there is no severance and legal actions from your end will be met with legal action from mine.

If you have questions, security can answer them.

Cheers,

Sylus

_________________________________________

My heart sank.  “No…  What?!”

It can’t be.

How could this happen?

Tara nodded, as her voice crackled in response. “The termination emails are getting sent out in rounds,” she finally broke out sobbing.  “It’s just a waiting game at this point, but t-the entire team is pretty much let go it seems.”

My stomach twisted painfully.  I looked around the office, seeing more people packing up their things, eyes red with tears, faces etched with disbelief.  The reality of what was happening hit me like a freight train.

The day started off so well.  I recalled how elated I was at the bonus I received this morning.

Was it a consolation for what was to come?

I could feel my hands shaking, terrified of what I’d find in my own inbox.  But instead of checking, I shoved the thought aside and focused on helping my team.  If I was going to be let go anyways, I could come together with my team while they were still here with me-- the comradery that we shared during this short work span meant more to me than waiting helplessly on an email that would deliver the news of my end here at Onyxion.  I spent the next hour assisting them in gathering their belongings, offering quiet words of support, feeling a deep sense of helplessness as everyone around me packed up their work life.

Finally, I couldn’t avoid it any longer.  As the last one in the office, I finally cracked open my laptop screen, pressing the refresh icon at the top.

‘No unread emails.’

Confused, I stared at the screen.  It had been quite some time since those email rounds went out.  Did my email get missed?  Why hadn’t I been let go like the others?  Before I could process it, my messaging app buzzed — a notification from Caleb.

[Caleb]:  Stay where you are. I’m coming to your department.

My confusion deepened, but before I could even respond, an email notification appeared on my screen.

_________________________________________

Subject:   Notice of Department Reorganization

As part of Onyxion’s restructuring, departments have been consolidated.

You will now report to Caleb Xia (Sales Director) under the new strategic alignment as a sales/marketing intern.

Your team includes: 

Caleb Xia (Sales Director)

Xavier Shen (Marketing Director)

Your group falls under:  Rafayel Qi (Chief Marketing Officer - CMO).

You will be expected to work collaboratively on high-priority initiatives.

More information to follow.

Regards,

Onyxion Management

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

_________________________________________

I could only sit at my desk, dumbfounded, as I stared around at the empty and silent cubicles around me.

I wasn’t fired.

I wasn’t fired.

My heart was racing and I could hear it thundering loudly as it pulsed in my ears.  The high strung emotions of fear and anxiety from earlier numbed me to feeling anything else.

I was so deep in my stupor that I failed to notice the hand tapping on my shoulder and waving in front of my eyes.

“Earth to pipsqueak! Earth to pipsqueak! You alright?”

My eyes blinked in quick succession before I gazed up to see Caleb’s concerned face looking down at me.

“C-Caleb-”

My vision was blurry. Tears that I didn’t realize had formed were trailing down my cheeks. Whether it was from the sadness of my peers and coworkers that I’ve met along the way being laid off so coldly or the relief that my own position was untouched, I was not sure.

I took Caleb’s hand as he helped me up and I trailed behind him. My hands wiped at the salty tears.

I didn’t realize that Caleb pulled us both into a conference room until I heard two familiar voices call out to me: Xavier and Rafayel.

“I guess this is our new team now, huh?” Caleb chuckled nervously, forcing a grin. But even I could tell that it was a pained smile.

In the conference room, Rafayel stretched lazily, a dramatic sigh escaping his lips. “Well, isn’t this just a delightful turn of events?” He twirled a pen between his fingers. “Sylus likes a... leaner operation, it seems.”

“Well, on the bright side you and Caleb did get a promotion,” Xavier commented.

“Looks like someone’s jealous now that I’m their boss, yea?” Rafayel teased back. “Don’t worry, I’m a good boss. I won’t let anyone get laid off under my watch!”

I looked back and forth between the banter with a tense smile. Feeling Caleb’s reassuring pat on my back as I came to sit down at the table made the situation seem less bad than it was.

“Hey, despite everything I’m kind of glad that we’re now formally all working together?” Caleb grinned. “Sorry to snatch your intern from you, Xavier, but I guess she’s reporting to me now!” Caleb leaned in close and whispered to me. “I’m definitely a better boss than Xavier, pipsqueak. Trust me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at the comment, tension dispersing.

“You mind plugging in your laptop to the screen and pulling up the new org chart and email since you’re more familiar with how this conference room is set up, pip?”

I huffed at Caleb’s nickname, shaking my head but doing as he said to pull up the HR organizational chart now that the reporting order has changed.

But before I was able to start scrolling through the interactive graphic for everyone, an email notification popped up in the bottom right of my screen.

My heart dropped to my stomach and my blood froze.

[Sylus Qin]: Subject:   Quarterly All-Hand Meeting Presentation

“...Did…Did you just get an email from Sylus-?”

I stared dumbfounded at the email, unsure of what to do.

“Ain’t no way! Open it!” Rafayel exclaimed, standing up in shock.

Xavier scrunched his eyebrows as he scrolled through his own laptop. “I didn’t get an email from him. Is it a group one? Do you mind pulling it up for us?”

Nodding shakily, I clicked on the notification and the email popped open on the widescreen for everyone to read:

_________________________________________

Subject:   Quarterly All-Hand Meeting Presentation

Hi sweetie,

Make me a presentation for the quarterly all-hands meeting update on Friday, won’t you?

You’ll present it for me and the other idiots I haven’t fired yet in this company. I want the draft in my inbox by tomorrow morning.

-Sylus

_________________________________________

A chair or two fell over.

Someone screamed. I wasn’t sure if it was Caleb or Rafayel. Perhaps both. Maybe also me.

“SWEETIE?!?!?”

“Is he calling us the idiots he hasn’t fired yet?”

“WHAT?!?”

“ASSHOLE!!”

“Why would he say that?”

“AAAGHHGHGH THE BASTARD!!!”

“Should we forward this email to HR? I think this violates the rules-” “IT’S VIOLATING EVERY RULE. I TOLD YOU THAT HE’S A WALKING HR VIOLATION, PIPSQUEAK!”

“Hey, pull up the org chart! We’re screenshotting this email and sending it to the big boss of HR!”

I felt the world spin around me as I shakily navigated through the org chart in search of the HR team under Rafayel’s comments. But the position of CHRO was blank and no one was under that branch of the organization.

“DID HE FIRE THE ENTIRE HR DEPARTMENT?!?!”

“BASTARD!!”

“Oh darn, they were nice-”

“Damn, Sylus really just cleaning house here, huh? Whole departments are gone-”

“...Wait, is Zayne fired too-?”

“No, he’s still the CTO.” “...Lame-”

“ALRIGHT LET’S FOCUS GUYS!!”

“What are you the boss?”

“I AM THE BOSS!”

“Oh yea.”

“That’s right, we do report to Rafayel now, don’t we?”

“Damn right you all do!”

I felt nauseous. Queasy.

The bickering and hysteria in the conference room was echoing in my ears into a strange blur.

My stomach churned as I stared at Sylus’s email, the words practically seared into my vision.

“..What’s going on-?” I muttered, my voice trembling. I wanted to laugh, cry, scream—maybe all three at once. Instead, I gripped the edges of the table, feeling the faint tremble in my hands.

Caleb growled, snapping me out of my stupor. His fists clenching and unclenching as I could see his temper flare up. “That fucking asshat of a CEO thinks he can just ‘sweetie’ you into pulling a miracle out of thin air for that stupid ass meeting. The nerve of this guy… I’ll beat his ass for you, pipsqueak. I can take him.”

“You can’t.”

“He boxes.”

“Yeaaa, isn’t he like the king of some illegal underground fight club?”

“Oh you heard that too?”

“Yea, you’re screwed, Caleb.”

“You can’t take him.”

“He’s gonna beat your ass.”

“Shut up guys.”

I must have dislocated my jaw from how hard it dropped from hearing such absurdities.

My mind was reeling from all the events of today. The image of Sylus that I had in my head was long since shattered now, the remnants were being dragged through the mud.

I slumped back against my chair, weak, while I counted the spiraling ceiling lights in hopes that they’ll stop moving around in my vision and merge back into one.

“Careful, Caleb,” Rafayel chimed in, leaning back in his chair with his signature lazy grin. “You’re scaring the intern! Not that I blame you. Sylus is a menace.” He swiveled toward me, his voice dropping to something almost sympathetic—almost. “You alright? You look like you’re about to faint. Don’t faint. I can’t have an employee fainting on me for my first day as a C-Suite exec!”

“I’m fine,” I croaked, though I was far from it. “It’s just… an all hands presentation? I-Isn’t that for the whole company? T-that’s big, isn’t it? What if I can’t do this? What if I mess it up?”

“You won’t. With how well you and Caleb both did in the presentation of the Aethercore, this must be Sylus trusting you to do this.” Xavier’s calm, steady voice cut through the chaos. He’d been watching quietly from the corner of the room, arms crossed and brows furrowed as he absorbed everything. “We’re not letting you go at this alone. Caleb’s right—it’s unfair. But between the four of us, we’ll get it done. Right?”

“Damn right,” Caleb said, stopping mid-pace to point at me. “Pipsqueak, you’re not tackling this disaster solo. We’re making these slides together, and they’re gonna be so perfect, Sylus will cry real tears when he sees them. Xavier will do the structure, Rafayel’s got visuals, and I’ll help with the flow and speaking points.”

“Hey, I’m the boss now! I should be the one saying that!” Rafayel huffed, flicking a pen in Caleb’s direction. “Plus, I’m a CMO. I’m not in charge of visuals anymore despite my amazing artistic and design talents.”

“Focus,” Xavier interjected sharply, though I caught the faintest twitch of a smile. He turned to me. “Start with what you know. What’s Sylus asking for? Structure the key points, and we’ll build it up from there.”

Caleb dragged a whiteboard to the center of the room while Rafayel commandeered my laptop with a dramatic sigh. “Alright, darling. Title slide. Let’s make it sing.”

“It’s a quarterly presentation, Rafayel. Keep it clean and professional,” Xavier said, his voice stern as ever.

“Clean is boring,” Rafayel shot back, flicking through fonts with purpose. “But fine. We’ll save the pizzazz for the visuals.”

Meanwhile, Caleb uncapped a marker and scrawled across the board: Overview. Introduction. Data. Impact. Close.

“See this?” Caleb pointed at the breakdown proudly. “Boom. A pretty easy structure, right pip?”

“Easy, my ass. I think we need to address the new strategy that he announced-”

The two of them started to bicker as Xavier intervened on occasion with notes and comments. The slide was being created in real time by all four of us as ideas and notes were tossed around. Hours flew by in a blink of an eye.

Despite their antics, I started to feel less overwhelmed. With Xavier calmly outlining the bullet points, Rafayel making tweaks to the slides, and Caleb offering bits of encouragement, the once daunting task didn’t seem impossible anymore.

“Don’t forget to breathe, pipsqueak,” Caleb reminded me as I took notes furiously.

I smiled faintly. Breathe. Right.

“Alright, presentation queen,” Rafayel drawled, stretching his arms over his head. “Let’s see what you’ve got. Take us from the top.”

“Like present to you? Now?” I squeaked, looking at them wide-eyed.

“Better to mess up in front of us than Sylus,” Xavier said matter-of-factly, setting his laptop aside. “Go on. We’ll give you notes.”

Taking a deep breath, I stood up and pulled the presentation onto the screen. My hands were clammy, and my voice wavered on the first slide, but as I moved forward, I could hear Caleb murmuring “You’ve got this” under his breath.

With a deep breath, I went through the slides that we all created together. With the notes and flow of how things were laid out, it was intuitive for me to go through.

By the time I hit the closing slide, I looked up to see them all watching me—Caleb beaming proudly, Xavier nodding in quiet approval, and Rafayel clapping lazily, his grin as smug as ever.

“Not bad,” Rafayel said. “That heartless bastard of a CEO might actually shed a tear with how good this is.”

“That’s because he’ll know he didn’t deserve you,” Caleb added with a grin.

I let out a shaky laugh, the tension finally starting to release from my shoulders. Maybe I could do this. Maybe I wasn’t drowning after all.

As we packed up for the day, I glanced at the completed presentation one last time. The task that had once felt insurmountable now looked manageable—even good. But as I logged off my laptop, I couldn’t shake the thought lingering at the back of my mind.

What does Sylus really want from this?

[allkordelia]

Ten Years Later

My hand rested on the balustrade as I look out at the sunrise coming up from behind the Bay of Pentos, everyone else was still asleep including daemon that I know of he left in the middle of the night to sleep in laena's chamber. I like coming out here, the air is nice not too hot not too cold, I can smell the ocean mix with the smell of flowers that laena and the girls planted around the castle.

The first thing they wanted to do to make this place feel like home, my girls.

I was pull back from my mind and look over to the door of the roof, a servant boy came walking out with a scroll in his hand. I got my cane that rest next to me and use it to limp over to him.

"Morrow, princess." The boy said handing me the scroll.

"Morrow." I said back opening the message and seeing it was from king's landing, "Is anyone awake?" I look up from the message and at the servant making him nod.

"Yes, lady laena and prince daemon are along with the rest of your children, they are waiting for you in the dining hall for breakfast." I nod giving the message back to the young boy to dispose off, and follow behind as back inside.

I still can not believe it been ten years since I married daemon and birth my son, aemon, and during the course of our lives many things have changed. I was no longer queen rhaelle now, but a princess and the king's mother now that Aeron and Valaena sits on the throne that I had for fourteen years. After the war in the serpent islands, I was left cripple and distraughted, so much so that I had to step down as queen and come live with laena and daemon in the palace I brought them after the attempted threat on their and our children's lives.

Now, I have more scars on my body than daemon, my body isn't what it use to and my dark hair is now graying white like my bangs. I look more  valyrian now than i did in my youth. But, daemon to my chagrin still thinks I'm beautiful which is flattering of course but I hate when he says it when it involces comparing my sister, even worse when she's around, as if trying to make her feel bad by lifting me up. I had snided him more times than I do my youngest child about things, but daemon being daemon does not see the problem of comparing one wife to another. He's an idiot. My loving idiot husband but idiot nonetheless.

"Good morrow, my beauties." I limp out into the dinning hall where all my children were sat still in their nightie.

My children all turn away from one another to look at me, the food was no where to be found which mean I made it in time.

"Morrow, muña." They all said in unison, daemon looks up from our baby girl along with laena turning in her chair to look me as I come up to her.

"Morrow, sister." Laena said with a tired smile, I kiss her cheek before leaning down to pat her swelling belly.

"Morrow, little sister. How did you sleep." I ask pulling back from her and making my way towards daemon.

"Horrible. The babe wouldn't stop kicking me, only stopping when he sense his father near." I gave an eye roll at her words, I took my sweet baby girl from daemon holding her in one arm before planting multiple kisses around her chubby cheeks causing her to fuss and me laugh.

"Are you still think it's a boy, are you trying to jinx us with another him." I told my sister motioning to our husband before taking a seat after I kiss daemon on the lips, I had my baby girl in my lap and my other hand rest my cane between me and daemon as I took a seat next him at the head of the table.

"Another boy would be grand," Daemon smirk taking my hand that rest on the table, he threaded his fingers into mines and lift up to kiss my palm, I look at him with a look before rolling my eyes again.

"There are too many boys in this family, corwyn has three boys and no girls, valaena and aeron have five boys and adrielle. We have four boys and six girls, we are being out number here ladies." I said looking at my daughters and sister making them giggle.

"I agree with mother..." Alys, daemon and I fifthborn child, and a mini me, says, "...I say we send one of the boys off to the Wall to even the number, I vote Baelon." She beams looking back at me, she is also a bit like daemon too, like most of his children.

"Why do I have to go, why can't we just send you away instead. Preferable a pillow house seems very fitting for you, little sister." Baelon says with a grin, daemon and I glare at our fourthborn child.

"Baelon." We chided.

"What's a pillow house, mama." A small soft voice ask from beside me, I look at my youngest daughter, "...i want to go, is it a place filled with pillows where you can sleep all day." She smile at me as i  try not to grimace, I look over at daemon who was scowling baelon making me turn back to her.

"It's...it's not for children, my love." Gaela frown.

"Then, who is it for?" I grind my teeth trying to figure out a lie but before I can speak baelon spoke up.

"All you need to know. Is that it's every woman's nightmare and every man's wet dream." He snicker making his older brother, Maekar, chuckle beside him before stopping when he saw me glare at him.

"Baelon. One more comment and your going back to your chamber with an empty stomach." Daemon chided at his son making baelon groel low and sit back with his arms cross, I shook my head at baelon, he acts just like his father.

I look back at Gaela, "Ignore your brother, it's a place you or any of your siblings should never visit. Ever." I empathize the last words looking around the table at other children pointly, "...you understand, my love." I look back at daena who had a look before she nod.

"I understand, mama." I smile pressing a soft kiss onto her dreaded white hair before pulling back as the servants came in with our food.

Between daemon and I, we have six children. The eldest, Aemon, my dark hair beauty who like his namesake is a good and sweet son who looks after all his siblings like Aeron did with his twin brother and sister, then, there is the second eldest, Maekar, his quiet and standoffish but very observatant and smart like daemon's father he spends all his time with Aemon, they are one year apart and they do everything together.

"So, what are all your plans for today?" I ask glancing around the table at my children and spouses, I smile as they all talk over each other about what they got planned.

The next eldest is our first daughter, Alyssa, she is a mixture of daemon's mother and her younger sister, Saera, the young girl bask in the attention that her father and I give her. As well as, a very bright girl but she likes to hide that fact about herself for some reason, and was nickname the "The Flower of Pentos" due to her adorable features. From a young age, she enjoy the finer things in life, and when she realize that power comes from titles, she beg me to marry her off to her eldest nephew, Aegor, so she could become queen and live out her days in luxury. I do not know where she got to be such a connoisseur from but I like to blame it on daemon, and his constant need to please his daughters.

"Papa. Papa, I need a new brush for my hair since someone broke mine..." Alyssa turn her eyes to her younger brother, baelon, who gave a sly smile.

"I didn't break anything, it was Alys who threw it and miss." He smirks.

After Alyssa, I had Baelon, he was the fourthborn and the first most spirited child out of the bunch, who like his father likes to wreck hovac all the time. He was exactly how I expect daemon was as a child, always going out doing his own thing while annoying his brothers and sisters in the process. But, there is one thing we can all agree on about Baelon, one of his most redeemable traits about my son is that he always have his family's back.

"Only because you wouldn't leave me alone." She snap back looking at him from across the table, Alyssa roll her eyes.

"I don't care who did it. All i know is that if i don't have a new one by tonight, I'm coming into your rooms when your asleep and cutting off all your hair." She snided making both purse their lips, knowing her threat is always to be taken likely.

"Do not fret, my little princess. Baelon will go into town and get you a new one..." Daemon turn his sharpe gaze to his son and grits, "....right, baelon." The young boy at his father with a look.

"But–I...I didn't break it–"

"You started it and now you will pay for it...literally." Baelon mouth fall open before closing with a annoy look.

"Well, I will need some coins–"

"You can use your own to buy it," Daemon shut down baelon without mercy and went back to eating, baelon huff and look at Alyssa and Alys who were both smiling.

"Ha-ha." Alys says low before sticking her tongue at him making him do the same.

She was the second most spirited child, my Alyaena, or Alys,  she is what daemon like to call  dark sister in the flesh, because of her similar traits to visenya targaryen. She was just like her big brother, baelon, but scarier and more passionate. She hated when baelon pick on their younger siblings and her about not having a dragon, the many times I had to pull her off him after every argument was too many to count or to remember. She reminded me of myself at her age as well as daemon, I always told daemon that we were a deadly mixture and Alys and Baelon was proof of that. She was also very smart like the rest of her siblings and she idolize me, which was a surpise since most of her brothers and sister look up to daemon because of his nickname and his achievement. Alys love her father but she wanted to learn from the best, her words not mine, so she taken to following me around and I taken to teaching everything I know to her.

"Thank you, papa. I also need a new gown." Daemon look over at his daughter with eyes full of adoration.

"Of course, my little milkweed. Aeron and Maekar will accompany you and your brother to the market to have you pick one out." Alyssa smile again at her father, both eldest sons gave each other looks before going back to eating, you could see they weren't happy to be spending their morning with their sister.

Alyssa look to baelon next to her, "And make sure that the brush is nice and pretty, I want one exactly like the one you broken if not nicer." She said making baelon make a face.

"I'll make sure I buy you the ugliest looking one there."

"And I'll make sure I hit you with it until your look as ugly as it is." She threaten before turning back to her breakfast, baelon look at me as I gave him a assuring look.

Our next child is Gaemon, he is a two year younger than Alys, and many things can be said about Gaemon, but two things you'll never forget are that he's earnest and intuitive. Of course he's also sweet, empathetic and humorous, but his far less prominent, especially compared to impulses of being opportunistic as well. He reminds me a little of corwyn when he was a child, and as well as, valaena due to his love for drawing and art.  He is more close to Gaela and Alys since he isn't the fighting type and he spends his time with his sisters and aunt.

"Why don't I buy it, my darling. I know  your taste and I can go to Mys and bring you back a brush and a gown." Alyssa's eyes lighten up at the mention of Mys, she knows we get her best gowns and jewelry from there or Magonsæte.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, mama." She squeal excited making me smile.

Gaela, she's the one next to me, she was consider the baby of the family and she was a month younger than Gaemon, she is different than the rest of her siblings, she, like her older brother Maekar, is a quiet little thing that spends half of her  time in the garden with laena or with me and daemon. She is a bit shy and when she feels overwhelmed she shut herself off from everyone else and spend her time alone in her chamber with her toys and instruments.

"Are you sure, my love. The boys can easily do it." Daemon says making me shake my head.

"No, it's okay.  I have to leave to King's Landing anyway and I'll get it on my way back." I move to look away from him and down at the baby in my lap, she start to fuss making me bounce my knee gently to get her to calm down.

Our youngest baby and hopefully our last child is Daena, she was just one years old and a very cranky baby, she hasn't learn how to talk yet but she already knows who is and is not her favorite. Since daemon be with her most of the day, she is mostly surrounded by boys and Alys in the training ground.

"Why are you leaving to King's Landing? Has something happened. " Laena ask with a small frown and furrow brows, I look at her with reassuring smile.

"It's nothing bad just need to have a talk with our brother again," laena sigh and move to rub her belly.

"What did he do now." She says with a ping of annoyance.

It wasn't until three years into daemon and I marriage when we welcome my sister into the fold, she left home when she turn ten and eight after father tried to marry her off to some lord or prince from essos. Daemon was visiting with aeron and maekar when laena told him of her unbearable betrothal, so daemon took it upon himself to kill her betrothal in a challenge and take her to Magonsæte to live with us, I at first was worried that corlys would sail all the way there to bring her back but after laena told me she never wanted to see father again and wanted to stay. I had no choice but to abide by her choice, I understood how she felt and I didn't want her to feel like she had to do whatever corlys said because he was our father.

"It's nothing." I lie trying to reassure her even through I know she knows that I am lying.

So, while she stayed in Magonsæte, she and corwyn begin to formally start courting no longer keeping it a secret. But, something happen that cause her to leave corwyn and him to marry someone's else, not too long after that daemon and her ran off together and married without my knowing or blessing. Daemon said he did it because he cared about her and knew that I was always worrying about her finding a good husband that would treat her right, so he ran off to dragonstone and married her making her his third wife.

When they came and daemon told me of what he done, of course at first I was angry at him and may have threw some punches his way but after a while I got over it. I kinda had to since two years later, laena was pregnant with my first neices and daemon's daughters, baela and rhaena, they were three months younger than Alys and a year old than gaemon and gaela. Baela and Rhaena were exactly like Daemon and Laena in their own way, baela had daemon's heart for adventure like her brothers and rhaena had laena's compassion like her sisters. We were one big happy family that I always wanted like jaehaerys and alysanne.

"He haven't been doing his duties, havent he." She accuse making me give her a look.

"You and I know that laenor do the best that he can–"

"All he have to do is pretend..." Laena stop herself as she glance at the children before looking back at me, "...pretend to like it there, he is a grown man he is no longer a child. He has responsibilities like you and me, and yet he spends his time with other things more important than...his children." She said angry, It was no secret between us, when rhaenyra gave birth to her first son it was obvious that he wasn't a velaryon, just like the next one wasn't. 

But, laenor claims him and if he calls him his son than he is his son. Laenor loves those boys, if he do we do too. The problem that laena have is that I have to be the one to go to King's Landing for support, the boys have dark brown hair and to anyone that's odd and people start asking questions, and when the first boy was born I along with my family was told months later and by than people were questioning the child's father. But, once I came and held the child in my arms in front of an audience, all of those questions of if laenor was the father went away, I guess my white and black hair made them guess it was the baratheon blood that made him look like that way.

"But, you know how laenor is, sister." I say moving to wipe my mouth, the wetnurse came in like she usually do and took daena from my lap to go feed her, as I did a little wave at my baby, laena spoke up.

"I know but it doesn't mean you have to always drop everything just to put some sense into him, he has a wife for that." I giggle as I turn to look at her, I know laena means well and I know she's right but I also know if I don't go than laenor is going to miss the birth of his child yet again, "He been doing this for ten years, he fly off to whatever island he finds with marrio and you have to leave for weeks to find him and take him back home. As much as I love our brother, I am growing tired of his behavior. "

"Laena–"

"No more, rhaelle. You have a family of your own, a family that needs you here." she said making me give her a small frown before glancing around the table some of the children were listening while the rest were focusing on eating, I look at daemon as he wore the same look as laena.

"You know she is right, my love." I sigh and nod my head before looking back at laena.

" I will talk to laenor–"

"Promise." Laena says firmly making me clear my throat.

"I promise I will talk to laenor, I know I can't always be running off to find him and abandoning my family in the process." Laena gave me a firm nod contented with my words, "Now, that we got that sorted, you need to promise me no more worrying. You should be focus on your baby girl," Laena shook her head with a small smile.

"I'll try." She said scooting her chair back  and getting up, she came to walk up to me and daemon look at us, "Are you pack for our trip tomorrow, sister. I know how you like doing things last minute like our husband." I chuckle looking over at daemon as he roll his eyes.

"I'm only halfway finish," I comment.

"As am I." Daemon spoke up.

"Good." Laena said in a happier tone, "I am so excited to be going home, it been too long." I lift my cup to my lips and share a look with daemon.

It's been five years since we move to Pentos and even through it is our home in every sense of the word, laena has been feeling a bit homesick these pass few days while pass few months. She miss our mother and dare I say corlys as well, when we found out she was pregnant again, she made me promise once the child was born we will move back to Diftmark. I was reluctant at first having to live out my days under the same roof as corlys, but apparently from what laena told me from mother is that corlys had built another castle that was bigger than Diftmark castle.

She told me how mother and corly will be moving into that castle with the rest of our family, and allowing us to have diftmark castle for our own. I was surpise that corlys would allow that and ask my mother, she said corlys was very serious on letting us live there, so I agreed to my sister's wishes. But, Daemon on the otherhand didn't want to leave Pentos, he wasn't ready to return to westeros, more so he didn't want to be near his brother, apparently being separated by the sea wasn't enough. But, of course me being me, made him reconsider out of respect for his pregnant wife and friend, daemon wasn't happy neither was I but it was time to go home.

Anyway, it was high time the children visit the place laena and I grew up and finally meet some of their distant cousins. Which reminds me...

"Yes, yes, so exciting." The back of laena's hand hit my arm at my fake enthusiasm,  "I leave in 10 and I will be back in the late evening, do anyone wish to accompany me." I ask looking around the table.

"I'll go." Aemon says.

"Pass." Maekar says next to his brother before turning to look at him, "...say hi to aemond for me." Aemon nod before he and maekar push back their chairs.

"I'll go with you as well, mama." Alys says making me smile at her as she move to leave the table with Baela and Rhaena.

"Baela. Rhaena." I ask but they shook their heads, they never want to go to King's Landing, I don't blame them the place is cursed.

"Rhaena and I are going to stay." Baela said as Rhaena walk off with her older sister, I nod before looking at Alyssa and Baelon.

"I'll pass too, but due remember my hair brush and gown. I want it to be pink with gemstone." Alyssa says sweetly before getting up, "...see you when you get back, mama." She says over her shoulder as she walk away from the table with Maekar and Aemon.

"I'm going to pass on that as well. I'll be with Vaeraxes." Baelon says as he gets up from his chair with a apple in his hand.

"I'll join you." Baela said following her brother.

"Make sure you take Maekar with you," I said making him hold up a thumb in response as they walk away with their back to me.

"Gaela. Gaemon. How about you, you want to go visit your cousins." I ask turning to the two small children to my right, gaemon waited for gaela to speak before he could decide.

"...I'm going to stay with mama laena, she needs me right now." The small girl says low next to me before moving, gaemon agreed with his younger sister and move to follow her.

"Alright, my loves. Make sure you don't cause your mama too much trouble while I'm gone." They nod as I watch them leave to get ready for the day before looking back at laena and daemon, laena was leaning against daemon's chair as he rubs her belly as he talk to it, "Like I said before I will try to make it back in the late evening," laena turn to me.

"Okay, I will have the servants finish packing the rest of your stuff." I nod getting up, laena hand me my cane making me thank her.

"Try not too move around so much, Laena. You should stay in your room and rest." Laena smile at me before she could say anything daemon spoke up.

"But, Reggio Haratis is coming for dinner, remember laena." Laena suck her teeth making me raise my brow at them, I know who he is but I thought laena told daemon to cancel it.

"And why is he still coming here?" Laena turn towards our husband, daemon shrug his shoulders.

"To talk about the Triarchy." I look between the two, laena look at daemon annoyed as he sits there looking at her with a blank look.

"Laena. Why don't you go look after Gaemon and Gaela..." she looks at me unsure as i move her away from daemon presence, "...please, let me talk to him." Laena huff before nodding.

"Why must he be so–"

"You know how he is, doesn't mean he does it to annoy you." I said to her, she nod before she reach for my hand and squeeze it.

Laena look over at daemon one last time before turning away to go find the children, I turn sharply to my husband as he stood by the table.

"You were suppose to cancel the meeting weeks ago," I said as I limp back over to him, daemon hum with no care as he move his hands to my waist.

"It slip my mind," he stare at me with a faint smile, "...I missed you last night." I hum in response as his hand squeeze my waist.

"Maybe before you leave we can have a little time alone together," His face inch closer to mind before his lips can meet my lips, I turn my face so he can kiss my cheek.

"Stop trying to get out of leaving pentos, and start listening to your wives." Daemon pull back with a annoy look, "We'll leaving daemon. You have to get pass it, I'm not trying to be heartless but what you are doing is childish." He scowl me.

"Childish. I'm the only one thinking about our children and what they want and they want to stay here, why must we leave." He grumble back to me.

"Because laena miss home and our children miss their family, you are the only person in this castle who wishes to stay and bury his face in forgotten books written by dead people." I snap, daemon look away from me with a hurt look, "Daemon. I know your not ready to face your brother but...it been six years since you last seen him, don't you think it's time." Daemon glance back at me before he let out a deep breathe and look around the room.

"We have so much memories here, just right over there gaemon took his first steps." I smile sadly at my husband, I move to caress his cheek making him back at me.

"And those memeories will forever be with us, no matter where we go, " I move my hand to his chest before leaning up to kiss his lips, "and with our new home, we will make new memories with our children." I smile making him return a small one before sighing.

"I know you are right, like always." I giggle moving to fix his collar before rubbing my hands up and down bis chest, "and I hope you know I was being serious about earlier, I had nice dream about you last night and do somethings..." he said low moving his hands to my backside pulling me closer, "...that involve me on my knees in front of you, and before the best part could happen I woke up." I hum with a coy smile.

"And you wish to finish that dream." I ask as I was being backed up into the table, daemon took my cane from my hand before setting it aside.

"...very much so." He whisper leanjng down and capturing my lips, my arm went around his shoulder before he lifted me up on the table.

It still baffle me how daemon and I still carve each other touch, in the years of being married we hit rough patches, and I mean really bad ones but somehow we still come out unscathed. Our marriage wasn't perfect. We both did some things that not only hurted ourselves but others in the process, but yet the love was still there, like daemon always promised. I don't think we can ever fall out of love with one another, there was a period where no matter how hard I tried to stop loving or make him stop loving me, we always somehow are brought back together.

@beggarsnotchoosey @cleverzonkwombatsludge @avidreader73 @green-lxght @spderm4nnnn @supermassiveblackhope @watercolorskyy @stargaryenx

[jgoddesstarot]

Pick-A-Pile: First Impressions: What will be your initial reaction upon meeting your Future Spouse?

👑Check out my masterlist to see all of my pick-a-card readings😊

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🔮Disclaimer: This reading is for entertainment purposes only. Tarot readings are based upon my intuitive interpretation of the cards and about possibilities based on your current energy. Energy is forever changing and nothing is set in stone. Always remember, you have your own free will to make whatever decision you feel is best.

🔮How I read: I use a mix of tarot cards, oracle cards, along with my intuitive abilities of claircognizance, clairaudience, and clairsentience.

🔮How this works: Close your eyes and take deep breaths, pick the pile you are most drawn to. If you aren’t drawn to any pile then that’s okay, these messages aren’t for you.

Pile 1

Tarot Cards: The Empress, 10 of Pentacles, Ace of Pentacles, 10 of Wands, 9 of Cups, and 10 of Cups

Oracle Cards: Pink Opal: Be Kind to Yourself; Apatite: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone; Calling In Your Soul Mate: Your prayers, affirmations and visualizations help bring you together.

Welcome, my seductive Pile 1's. Let’s delve into the intoxicating allure of your tarot spread, beckoning with passion and mysteries. First up is The Empress, dripping with sensuality, fertility, and undeniable beauty. The moment your eyes meet your future spouse's, expect a rush of electrifying chemistry, a sensation that envelopes you in heated familiarity. Their aura will caress your senses, making you feel desired and adored, like the rare gem that you are.

Sliding into the 10 of Pentacles, this card exudes the tantalizing scent of wealth, legacy, and commitment. Your future lover promises to be an anchor, established and opulent, someone who fervently cherishes family and long-term visions. The Ace of Pentacles accentuates this, whispering of thrilling financial adventures or career escapades. Meeting this bewitching partner may not just be an emotional whirlwind, but also a luscious twist in your wealth or professional trajectory.

Ah, the 10 of Wands, sensuously hinting at burdens and enticing challenges. But fret not, my tantalizing Pile 1’s, for this just portrays your future lover as one who passionately embraces hard work and seductively shoulders responsibilities. The 9 of Cups, draped in satisfaction and deep contentment, assures you that your early dalliances with this person will leave you thirsting for more, drowning in emotional ecstasy.

Now, as the 10 of Cups dances forth, it speaks of euphoria, serenity, and intimate bonds. This card seductively hints that your initial rendezvous will be bathed in intense joy and pleasure, signifying an everlasting passionate bond. From the oracle realm, the Pink Opal card sensuously beckons you to treat yourself with the tenderness you deserve, while the Apatite card tempts you to venture beyond familiar territories.

Our concluding oracle whisper, "Calling In Your Soul Mate," is a sultry testament to your deep desires and powerful visualizations. Your yearnings, sultry affirmations, and vivid daydreams are crafting the path to your destined lover. So, remain sultry, persist with those enticing affirmations, and prepare to embrace the passion coming your way.

In the end, the cards paint a portrait of an intoxicating, immediate connection with your future lover, guaranteeing stability and unbridled happiness. They invite you to embark on this amorous journey with a fearless heart, daring you to step out and believe fervently in the potency of your desires. Exquisite romance is en route to you. Relish the journey, my seductive Pile 1’s, and anticipate the electrifying embrace of your true love.

Pile 2

Tarot Cards: 6 of Wands, The Emperor, The Star, Queen of Wands (in reverse), 6 of Cups (in reverse)

Oracle Cards: Angelite: Support is all around you, Labradorite: See the Magic, Heart-to-Heart Conversations: Honestly discuss your feelings with each other

Greetings, my luscious Pile 2's. Prepare yourself to be swept off your feet as we dive into a tantalizing journey, revealing the seductive first impressions you'll experience upon laying eyes on your destined love. The cards we hold are infused with an intensely powerful and magnetic attraction, so let's take a daring dip into their mysteries.

Setting the rhythm for our dance is the 6 of Wands, which signifies recognition and triumph. From the instant you cross paths with your future spouse, you'll be consumed by an invigorating wave of pride. It's as if you've been suddenly thrust into a sultry spotlight, and they are your most passionate admirer, hypnotized by your every move. It's victorious, empowering, and undeniably electrifying.

Next, we're drawn into the commanding realm of The Emperor. My Pile 2's, there's an irresistible magnetic force here. You’ll perceive them as a powerful figure who radiates confidence and stability—a dominating presence who knows their desires and is not hesitant to seize them. This potent energy will be both daunting and enticing, like being drawn into the rhythm of a fiery tango.

Twinkling enticingly, The Star is up next. A symbol of hope, calm, and inspiration, this card suggests that your heart will acknowledge a profound, spiritual bond, almost as if fate is whispering intimate secrets of the cosmos into your soul. Their mere presence will ignite hope and illuminate the shadowy recesses of your heart.

Nonetheless, every captivating tale has its unforeseen twists. The Queen of Wands in reverse hints at an initial stir of intimidation or a fleeting lapse in your confidence in your own allure. Coupled with the 6 of Cups reversed, there may be feelings of disconnection or unfamiliarity, as if you're stepping into a completely new chapter, disconnected from past loves or youthful memories.

Our oracle guides chime in to paint the emotional backdrop. Angelite assures you that even in these moments of doubt, celestial energies wrap you in their comforting embrace, persuading you to trust the journey. Labradorite seductively entices you to recognize the magic in each moment, hinting that beneath every interaction, layers of enchantment are ready to be unraveled. Heart-to-Heart Conversations promises that the key to deciphering this riddle lies in open, naked dialogue. Speaking your truth and listening to theirs will embroider the rich tapestry of your shared destiny.

In conclusion, my enticing Pile 2's, your first rendezvous with your future spouse will be a maelstrom of commanding allure, hope, minor hesitations, and the promise of deeper connections. Embrace this journey, let candid conversations illuminate your path, and remember that amidst uncertainties, magic and celestial support are constants. The cards are whispering an epic love story where your blended energies ignite the world. So, brace yourself, for this journey promises to be nothing short of thrilling.

Pile 3

Tarot Cards: 8 of Wands, Ace of Cups, Knight of Cups, 5 of Cups, 3 of Pentacles

Oracle Cards: Amazonite: Loosen Your Grip, Aventurine: Create Your Own Luck, Flirt: Extend your lighthearted energy to others

Greetings, my captivating Pile 3's. Your tarot journey begins with the swift and energetic 8 of Wands. Upon meeting your future spouse, your world will burst open with vibrant energy and a rapid progression of events. Think about the fireworks that ignite the dark, starlit sky with their brilliance. That's your connection; immediate, dynamic, and impossible to ignore.

Next, the Ace of Cups overflows with pure emotion and the promise of new beginnings. This radiant cup is the vessel carrying your initial reaction. It's so intense; your emotions are genuine and deep, brimming with potential for an extraordinary love story. You feel as if you've found someone who can touch and understand the deepest parts of your heart.

Then, the Knight of Cups rides in, symbolizing your future spouse. This knight is an embodiment of charm, romance, and gentle emotions. Your heart will flutter in response to their tender gestures, their soothing words, and above all, their captivating aura of mystery. Every interaction with them feels like a beautifully composed melody that you can't stop humming.

However, the 5 of Cups suggests that amid the excitement and wonder, there will be a tinge of sadness or regret. Perhaps memories of past heartbreaks will resurface, or you may sense a melancholic undertone in your spouse's smiles. Remember, my Pile 3's, these emotional landscapes only enrich your shared narrative, adding depth and authenticity.

The 3 of Pentacles, a card of teamwork and shared goals, reinforces this idea. Together, you will build a nurturing, supportive environment. Your shared dreams and aspirations will become the solid bricks that construct your future.

The Oracle cards amplify the tarot's message. Amazonite urges you to 'Loosen Your Grip.' Allow yourself to be carried away by this whirlwind romance. Aventurine encourages you to 'Create Your Own Luck.' Own your narrative and infuse it with your unique charm and flair. Lastly, the 'Flirt' card suggests extending your lighthearted energy to others. So, enjoy those initial, fluttery moments of getting to know each other.

In conclusion, my dazzling Pile 3's, your first encounter with your future spouse will be a vibrant dance of emotions, a mix of thrill, deep affection, gentle melancholy, and the promise of shared dreams. Remember, every unique thread adds to the intricate tapestry of your love story. So, embrace each moment with open arms and hearts, for they will lead to love as deep as the ocean, as enduring as the mountains.

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[dumbistsmartass]

saying something about every hatchetfield production

spoilers, some nonsense, zero consistency with what I talk about, hurriedly written text, and back Cinderella’s Castle, QUICKLY, the kickstarter ends on May 4th. Also I mostly won’t be talking about the message to take away from all of them because I plan to make that another post.

TGWDLM: the catalyst of it all, it set up many fan favorite characters. Also my personal interpretation is that the musical we watch is actually happening in canon and is being put on by Pokky/Paul. Also how much of someone’s personality remain after infection?

Black Friday: it does pretty good as our first (true) intro to the LiBs it works very well. We get more General Macnmara who quickly becomes one of my favs. It also adds a lot of my other favs to the Hatchetverse, Hanna, Lex, Ethan, and Tom

NPMD: probably my favorite of the mainline musicals. I really hate Dirty Girl tho. The musical version of Hatchet Town is better than the OST version. The characters all have really good chemistry. I love Grace as a warning about the consequences of using religion as a fear tactic, when she sinned and wasn’t instantly punished for it she decided to take matters into her own hands and became a bloodthirsty maniac. The fact we got so close to a good ending if Max hadn’t fallen is darkly funny.

Hatchetfield Apeman: I don’t know how to feel about this one, it’s an interesting story but I think shouldn’t have been the first nightmare time story as it set a bad precedent for a lot of people.

Watcher World: I FUCKING LOVE WATCHER WORLD. The horror buildup of “what the fuck is happening here?” was genuinely amazing. The idea of a paranormal amusement part made for the amusement of an elder god id so cool. I feel uncomfortable saying the work “Sniglet”

Forever and always: one of my favs, the mystery of the two Emma’s is amazing, and the twist of which Emma Paul chose is amazing. It does make me wonder tho, is Emma a robot in every timeline? Also im just gonna assume that Tinky is connected to this one.

Time Bastered: another of my favs, the way it connects with FaA and the very clever time travel writing were highlights. The Ted is The Homeless Guy twist is really clever, and the ending is tragic

Jane’s a Car: holy shit my opinions on this one is so mixed. I love the bonding of Becky, Tom, and Tim is so wholesome. I REALLY hate that scene. Also is Jane turned into a car in every universe?

The Witch in the Web: our true into too Webby. Massive lore dumbs sort of weighted it down for me but it was still good.

Honey Queen: god I love this one. The fact that the LiBs aren’t mentioned until the very end was a really good choice. Both Zoey and Linda going to any length to win was some great tension.

Perky’s Buds: I went into this one expecting it to be kinda mid, and I was right but it was on the high end of mid. Ziggy being NB and played by a real NB actor is great! The bird hive mind is genuinely kinda unnerving despite how cute they are. I personally think they should have died, then content on the rooftop with the fire would have been such a good ending, but the police showing up to arrest them packs less of a punch.

Abstinence Camp: again, one of my favs, I fucking love this one and it also has the best Nightmare Timr song. It’s a fun way of exploring the “if you have sex in a horror movie you die” trope. Grace once again gets some sort of power and abuses it.

Daddy: I have mixed feelings, it’s a genuinely interesting plot but it get pretty uncomfortable. The song at the start made me think it would be a more empathetic take on Sherman Young but it definitely fucking wasn’t.

Killer Track: what is there to say? Killer track is actually so fucking amazing, if you will watch anything from this list watch this. I’m saying nothing else

Yellow Jacket: not at all what I was expecting, but it was great! From what I heard I was sort of expecting a high school drama with Pokky doing his bullshit in the background, but I loved this too. Also the ending hurt me.

Workin’ Boys: Pokky strikes again, but I’m not sure why TBH. Motherfucker just decided to fuck with his one most loyal subject and for what?