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bellaxgiornata · 2 years ago

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All These Years [Part 15: "What If...?"]

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

[You can find the full series summary and masterlist of installments for All These Years here.]

Warnings/tags: 18+ for this series; contains emotional hurt with no comfort until the final installments, angst, pining, friends to lovers, slowburn, and eventually smut

Word Count: 4k

a/n: Some hope finally shows up in this installment! There's still a lingering bit of angst though, but I feel like overall this one is hopeful and a little bit frustrating. Feedback is always appreciated!

Tag list: @acharliecoxedfan @theetherealbloom @rotscinema @magnumstyles @roseallisonparker @ofmusesandsecrets @readerhead @paracosmic-murdock @v4leoftears @why-always-me-gosh-please @redbircl @keepingitlokiii @yarrystyleeza @mattkinsella @ms-murdockswift @margoo0 @1988-fiend @lockleywife @strangeobsessed @justalittlebitbored @am-3-thyst @buckybarnes-1917 @thora-jane @lionalsowrites @cloudroomblog @prince-tassel @danzer8705 @yourlocalbentspine @harperdoodle @hollandorks @mattmurdocksstarlight @yeonalie

Picking up a fry from your plate, you took a bite as your eyes wandered around the outdoor dining space. The restaurant you and your co-worker Alicia had met up at for lunch today was as busy as it usually was on a Saturday afternoon. The pair of you had gotten incredibly lucky to even snag a table outside to eat at this time. Despite the bright sunshine of the early November day, the light breeze and the overhead canopy made the restaurant’s patio an absolutely perfect spot this afternoon. Even with the excess noise of the various conversations going on all at once among the tables around you, you felt content. Something you’d noticed you’d felt ever since moving here, even if it often felt like something was missing from LA.

Shortly after you had moved to Los Angeles, you’d quickly connected with Alicia in your office. She had grown up in and around LA and had immediately taken it upon herself to acquaint you with all the best coffee shops, restaurants, and beach spots. She had even taken you out to the best clubs and bars for many a drunken night. The pair of you had quickly become fast friends which had certainly made your transition across the country vastly easier.

From across the table, you saw Alicia lift her glass of iced tea, drawing it to her lips as she eyed you. You knew what was coming next, because she always delved into the real conversation once you’d both gotten into your food. Raising a brow at her, you expectantly waited for the questions to come.

“So how was last night?” she asked, taking a sip from her glass. “Was this one good? Bad? Mind blowing?”

You couldn’t fight back the laugh, shaking your head as you popped the rest of the fry into your mouth and chewed. Last night you’d had a date–one of many since you’d moved to Los Angeles a little over four months ago. The first few you’d gone on hadn’t amounted to much, ending early and being entirely uneventful. Initially all you found yourself thinking about was Matt’s face and how heartbroken he’d looked when you’d left him back at your apartment that day all those months ago. But as the weeks gradually wore on since you’d been here, you’d repeatedly told yourself that you came here to try to live your life. Slowly you eventually found yourself becoming more open to dating. Because you weren’t about to turn around and run back to New York solely because you missed Matt.

Which you did. That hollow ache in your chest returned with a vengeance every time you thought about him. You missed Matt. Missed him even more because you’d only gotten one single message from him shortly after you arrived here. It had been a text, too. Something Matt never generally sent you because you knew he hated the voice to text application on his phone. All it said was ‘I hope you find your happiness.’ You hadn’t even responded back because every time you re-read his message you broke down in tears.

You hadn’t spoken to Matt in months because of it. You’d become too afraid to reach out to him the more time passed on, too. And whether it was because it hurt him too much, or he thought you didn’t want to speak to him, or he was trying to give you space, or he wanted nothing to do with you now, you never heard from him, either. Though you did speak to Karen and Foggy often. Karen had started her first semester at Columbia and was working on her law degree with the help of Matt and Foggy. She was also still trying to juggle working in the office with them when she could throughout the week. And Foggy apparently had been getting more serious with Marci while also keeping you updated about how well Nelson and Murdock had been doing.

But neither of them ever told you much about Matt, and you were always too afraid to ask.

So you’d found yourself going on dates. Sleeping around a bit more than you ever had before. You figured your old roommate at Columbia would’ve been proud of you with how much sex you’d been having for once in your life. You sure knew Alicia enjoyed hearing the stories every Saturday afternoon over lunch.

“He was good,” you said, answering Alicia’s question as you picked up another fry. “I certainly wouldn’t say mind blowing, though. I don’t think I’ve come across mind blowing sex yet.”

“Well that’s a damn shame,” she replied, setting her glass back onto the table. “So if you had to pick between LA men and New York men, which do you prefer?”

Your eyebrows shot up onto your forehead at her question. Across the table, Alicia sent you a mischievous grin before taking a bite out of her panini.

“That’s sort of hard to answer,” you told her, biting off another piece of fry. “I mean, what am I judging this by? The amount of men that want to have sex with me? How attractive I find them? Their general attitudes towards relationships?”

“All of it,” she said as she swallowed her bite of food. “I want an overall answer and a breakdown for each category.”

You laughed at her, shaking your head. “What is this? One of Scott’s impromptu meetings?” you teased back. “At least he gives me smoothies made out of lawn clippings before he shakes me down for those.”

Alicia snorted in response, a hand coming up to cover her mouth as she tried not to spit out her food while she laughed. It was true though, your boss here was a big fan of impromptu meetings. And also green smoothies.

“Okay, if I had to pick an overall winner solely based on those categories, I’d say Los Angeles men have New York men beat,” you answered. “But only because they take the win in both sex and physical appearance–which I’m thinking is because most of them spend their time shirtless at the beach. And apparently all the men out here want to do is just have sex. But that means most men here aren’t too interested in dating. Or at least, the guys I keep meeting aren’t. They just want a quick hookup. Or a no-strings attached casual thing with zero commitment.”

“Well you seem to be enjoying those,” Alicia pointed out. “With the amount of flings I’ve heard you having.”

You shrugged a shoulder, your focus dropping down to your plate of half-eaten food. Your stomach knotted a little as Matt’s face came to your mind. You missed that soft, warm smile he used to shoot you when you entered a room. You even missed the shit-eating grin he always made as he threw out one of his sarcastic jokes.

“What?” she asked, leaning forward towards you and catching your eye again. “You mean to tell me the plethora of sex isn’t what you want?”

You shrugged again. “No, not really,” you heard yourself admitting. “I wish the men I met were more interested in second dates that weren’t just an excuse for more sex. I feel like I haven’t actually gotten to know anyone on a date since I’ve been here. It’s always just empty flirtatious banter and sex. There’s no… depth .”

“Mmm,” Alicia hummed with a nod, her focus returning to her food. “Now you know why I’m still single.”

You sighed lightly, picking up a fry and toying with it. Last night had been fun, but honestly you were tired of repeatedly going on first dates that didn’t go anywhere. And you were starting to get tired of having sex and then one of you inevitably needing to get dressed and disappear immediately afterwards. It truthfully wasn’t what you wanted. You wanted something more .

“All the LA men can’t compare to the one you left back in New York, though, can they?”

Your attention shifted back to Alicia as her question hung heavy in the air. She was staring at you with that knowing look on her face as she sat back in her chair.

“I didn’t leave him, exactly,” you corrected her. “He wasn’t–wasn’t exactly mine in the first place to leave.”

She waved a dismissive hand. “Not the point,” she said. “You miss him. All the sleeping around and constant dates–it was either to forget him or to try to find someone else. But you can’t, can you? I see it on your face every time we talk about your love life.”

“I mean I was trying to find someone out here,” you admitted. “I was open to it. But it just doesn’t seem like the men I meet are open to anything real .”

“Or,” Alicia said, pointing a finger at you, “you’re not really willing to try to find someone else because you’re still in love with Mr. NYC Lawyer.”

You shook your head quickly. “I don’t think that’s–”

“Admit it,” Alicia said, cutting you off. “You’re in love with him still.”

“Well I mean it’s–it’s not like you just fall out of love with someone,” you told her. “Especially when it’s been years that you’ve had feelings for the person.”

“You know what I don’t get?” she asked you, picking her iced tea back up. “Why you both don’t try long distance dating. I mean, it’s not convenient, but like…if there’s something there, why aren’t either of you trying?”

“Because he was with someone before I left,” you reminded her. “He had been considering proposing to her.”

“That was months ago now,” she pointed out. “Why are you holding back?”

“I–I haven’t heard from him,” you admitted.

Alicia pointed a finger at your cell phone sitting on the table beside your water. Your eyes guiltily dropped down towards it.

“You’ve got a phone and perfectly functioning fingers,” she said. “You’re just as capable of reaching out as he is. You’re just scared.”

Eyes lingering on the phone beside you, you felt nerves suddenly shaking loose in your gut. Because she was right. You were scared to reach out to Matt.

“Maybe I am,” you whispered.

Because what if he had moved on? What if he’d gotten back with Erica and things had gotten serious? Or he’d met someone new and he’d fallen in love with them? Or if he had somehow grown pissed that you’d left him and now he wanted nothing to do with you?

Or what if he still wanted you as much as you wanted him? What then?

A knock on his office door caused Matt to stop his typing, his head swiveling in the direction of the noise. He knew it was Karen and not Foggy standing there wanting to speak with him, he could tell from the scent of her shampoo and light perfume that was still noticeable past the smell of food lingering on her–she must’ve picked lunch up for the office. He noticed her heart was beating a little nervously in her chest though, which had Matt’s eyes narrowing curiously behind his glasses.

“Hey, I grabbed lunch from that deli nearby,” she said, her tone a little timid. “And I uh, was hoping to talk to you and Fog about something. If that’s alright?”

“Sure,” Matt said, leaning back in his chair and focusing on her. “What’s going on, Karen?”

“Well I–I was hoping to talk to you both,” she repeated nervously. “Fog’s over at my desk and I can’t actually stay for lunch because I have that exam today.”

“Right, yeah,” Matt said, adjusting his tie. “I forgot you had that today.”

“Yeah, I figured you and Foggy have had a busy week,” she continued. “That’s why I grabbed you guys lunch. I had a feeling you both would work right through it if I didn’t and you guys need to take better care of yourselves during the day. You’re both running yourselves ragged.”

Matt rose from his chair, making his way around his desk. He heard the way Karen turned and began making her way back towards her own desk in the main part of the office. Matt followed out of the room behind her.

“Well you certainly need to take care of yourself, too,” he pointed out. “You’ve been doing a lot for us around here while still focusing on your classes.”

“Yeah,” Foggy cut in, “you really do need to take a few minutes to yourself.”

Matt heard Karen’s hands fidgeting together as she expelled a light laugh. He could hear the nervous edge to it though, which only further had Matt wondering what was going on with her.

“It’s funny you should say that, actually,” Karen began. “Because as you both know, I’ve been really busy between this first semester at Columbia and keeping things running as smoothly as possible here at the firm.”

“And you’ve been doing amazing at both,” Matt assured her immediately.

“You’re a literal saint and we don’t deserve you,” Foggy added.

Matt could feel the heat rising in Karen’s cheeks as she blushed. The nervous edge didn’t leave her though as she stopped beside her desk. To Matt it sounded like her pulse was quickly increasing again.

“Well, here’s the thing,” Karen said carefully. “I’m coming up on winter break and I had this crazy idea and I was hoping you guys would be okay with it.”

“Shoot,” Foggy replied instantly.

Matt heard Karen say your name, aware that she’d sent him an apologetic look as she did. Foggy and Karen didn’t often talk about you around him since you’d left. They always told him that he tended to get quiet and moody whenever they did. And hearing it now, uttered when he wasn’t expecting it, had his heart clenching in his chest.

“We uh, we’ve been talking about me coming out to visit her for a few weeks now,” Karen continued slowly, her focus shifting back and forth between himself and Foggy as she spoke. “I know we all have–have missed her, but I also know you guys are too busy here to just disappear on a trip to LA. But I was hoping that…you both wouldn’t mind if I took a few days? To go see her? Get away from the cold weather here for a bit and take a break from all the stress these past few months have brought me?”

“How long are you thinking?” Foggy asked.

“Like…four or five days?” Karen nervously answered. “Basically a week?”

Matt could hear the way Foggy’s attention shifted to him across the room, his eyebrows raising. But he also could hear the way his own heart was rapidly pounding in his chest. He tried hard not to think about you too much, though admittedly he failed often at that. You were almost a near constant thought on his mind unless he was buried in work or busy as the Devil late at night.

He missed you. Every second of every day it felt like. He’d had absolutely no interest in trying to date since you’d left, always ridiculously hoping today would be the day you decided to come back to Hell’s Kitchen. But he knew you weren’t going to come back. From what he’d gathered from Karen and Foggy, you were enjoying the LA weather and your new job. You were doing good. And he was happy that you were, even if there was a sharp pain that physically shot through his chest whenever he thought about you.

He hadn’t heard from you since you moved, either. Matt hadn’t known what to make of that. He’d sent you a text, not wanting to overstep his boundaries by calling you, but also not wanting to just let you go from his life. But you’d never reached out to him after that. Not in the five months since you’d been gone. You spoke to Karen and Foggy every day, though. He knew there was a group chat that you three were always texting in, but Matt wasn’t a part of it. He did his best to try and not let it bother him, but it did. Because he still wanted to be someone in your life, but he felt like he’d finally told you that he loved you only just to lose you completely.

“What do you think, Matt?” Foggy asked, drawing him back to the moment. “I think we can manage a week without her, don’t you?”

Matt cleared his throat, thankful the glasses on his face were hiding the tears building in his eyes. He nodded quickly, his hands landing on his hips.

“Yeah, I think so,” he said, his voice off even to his own ears. “When were you thinking of going, though?”

“Next week?” Karen asked hopefully.

“Oh,” Matt whispered.

“We should still be fine,” Foggy said quickly. “I don’t think this case will go on past this week, we’re nearing the end of it. So yeah, I say go have fun in LA. Say hi to our girl for us. Maybe even get her to do a video chat sometime because I haven’t seen her in forever and I miss her.”

Matt stood there, his fingers digging into his own hips uncomfortably. He missed the sound of your voice. Missed the scent of you. Missed the feel of you in his arms even if he could only ever seem to recall you crying in them lately.

“Yeah, we’ll–we’ll be fine,” Matt muttered, his mind still on thoughts of you.

“Okay, great!” Karen said, her tone bright as the nervous edge dissipated. “I have to run to my exam, but once I finish that I’m going to call her and get things figured out. Book a flight and all of that.”

“You deserve the time to relax!” Foggy told her. “You’ve been working your ass off!”

Matt was barely present as he wished Karen good luck and thanked her for lunch before she was leaving the office in an excited buzz. He longingly wished it was him getting to go see you in LA. He wished that you’d actually want him to come visit. He doubted you would.

The second Karen had left, Foggy hadn’t wasted a moment before going through the paper bag of food on her desk, digging out what Matt could easily tell was a meatball sub along with Matt’s usual turkey and avocado sandwich. Admittedly he didn’t have much of an appetite though, not after Karen had brought you up.

“You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?” Foggy asked, cutting through the silence that had fallen in Karen’s absence. “You’ve got that sad puppy look on your face.”

Matt quickly cleared his throat again, shaking his head as he reached out, accepting the sandwich Foggy had offered to him.

“I do not have a sad puppy look,” he muttered.

“You do, but that’s not the point here,” Foggy countered. “Karen brought her up and now you’re thinking about her. It’s all over your face, Matt. You miss her.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Matt replied, turning and making his way back to his office.

“Yes it does!” Foggy snapped.

Matt stopped mid-step at Foggy’s unexpected outburst. His hand tightened around the sandwich, his teeth grinding together. He could feel the burn of tears in his eyes but he fought them down. He didn’t want to have this conversation again with Foggy. He was tired of it.

“It doesn’t matter,” he repeated firmly. “We’ve been over this countless times, Fog. She made her choice. She knows how I feel and she’s never reached out to me. And she’s–she’s happy where she is now. So I’m happy for her. End of story.”

“ Call . Her ,” Foggy forcefully ordered.

Something snapped inside of Matt as he spun on his heel, a mixture of hurt and anger coursing through him. He focused on his best friend, his shoulders squared as the words flew from his lips.

“And tell her what , Fog?” Matt growled, voice low. “That I miss her? That I want her to come back to Hell’s Kitchen and be with me? That I fall asleep every night wishing she was there beside me instead of falling asleep in an empty bed night after night?” He took a step closer to Foggy, feeling the fight quickly falling out of his friend with the more he said. “Am I supposed to beg her, Fog? Guilt her? Pester her until she gives up what she wants? Is that what you want me to do?”

“No,” Foggy weakly replied, shaking his head. “No, Matt it’s not. But–”

Matt held up a hand, cutting his friend clean off. “No, Fog. She’s happy. She’s told you and Karen as much. And I–I love her,” he continued, the words coming out sounding as broken as Matt felt inside. “Which means I won’t ruin this for her. I’m not going to ask anything of her. She knows how I feel.”

“But what if she misses you, too?” Foggy questioned him earnestly. “What if she still loves you, Matt? What if she’s been in LA wondering why you haven’t reached out to her?”

“I reached out to her,” Matt countered.

“You sent her a text, Matt,” Foggy pointed out flatly. “ One text. You’ve never even tried to call her.”

“She’s never tried to call me,” Matt shot back. “She never even responded to my text, Fog. I told her I have loved her for years and she left me. She left . I think she made it quite clear what she wants.”

Matt heard Foggy drop his sandwich onto Karen’s desk, his heavy footfalls hurriedly making their way over to him. He tracked Foggy’s movements with his head, surprise jolting through him when Foggy grabbed onto the lapels of his suit coat with both hands firmly.

“I want you to listen to me loud and clear, man, because I’m tired of saying this to you,” Foggy began. “She’s been in love you with you for years , Matt. That does not go away over a few weeks or months! Call her !”

Matt’s lips pressed into a thin line as he tried to control his emotions. His throat felt like it was closing up on him; the subject of you always had this effect on him, even before he'd known you’d felt the same way.

“What if–” he began, stopping when he struggled to get the words to come out. “What if she’s moved on with someone else, Fog? What if she doesn't want me? What if she doesn’t want to talk to me?”

Foggy lightly shook Matt by the lapels of his suit coat as if he was trying to shake some sense into him. Matt frowned at the gesture immediately, but that didn't deter Foggy’s enthusiasm.

“But what if she hasn’t moved on to someone else?” Foggy countered. “What if she does want to talk to you, Matt? What if she’s still in love with you?”

“But I’m never going to move to LA,” Matt reminded his friend. “And she’s happy there. How would anything even work between us? Because I will not ask her to choose me, Fog. You know I won’t.”

“Maybe she would choose you because she wants to, buddy,” Foggy told him gently. “Just–just give it some thought, okay? Don’t wait another almost seven years to actually try with her. Because you’ll never know what could’ve been if all you do is keep playing this game of what if’s, Matt.”

Foggy’s words settled in Matt’s mind, the weight of them too heavy to ignore. Matt still felt uncertain though, because surely if you wanted him in your life you’d have tried to keep him there, right? But you hadn’t tried at all. So what did that mean?

Nodding solemnly back at Foggy, Matt said, “I’ll think about it. But I don’t want to burst into her life and ruin what she already has going on. If she’s been trying to move past this–past me –it’s better if I leave her alone and let her.”

Turning back around, Matt quietly ducked his head and made his way back to his office. A myriad of what if’s were in fact running through his mind as he closed the door behind himself. But as he made his way over to his chair behind his desk, settling into it, there was one question that kept repeating louder than the others.

What if he was misreading you again?

[END NOTES]

Yes! More end notes! Those of you who follow me on AO3 know how much I love them 😅

We get BOTH point of views in this installment! It's been about four/five months now since Reader has moved to LA as we see here and she is certainly out trying to live her best life, but as probably expected, she hasn't forgotten about Matt entirely. While she's been out having fun and quite a few one-night stands, she's quickly realizing she wants something serious. The pointless sex isn't cutting it for her. And Matt is apparently in Hell's Kitchen pining over Reader while she's gone, too. But...neither of them are talking to each other. And both are seemingly a bit too stubborn or scared to reach out. Even if their friends are trying to knock some sense into them. But Karen is soon on her way to visit Reader in LA, so maybe her visit and a certain video chat will help get these two talking again?

The next installment for this series is just over half written already, but I still have no title for it yet. I'm not sure how soon I'll post it, but we are very much nearing the comfort and happy parts of this series! And smut. I did promise eventual smut for this one.

#matt murdock x reader #matt murdock x you #matt murdock angst #matt murdock #matt murdock fanfic #matt murdock series #daredevil #daredevil angst

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j23r23 · 7 months ago

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Unfinished Business

Tangerine x Reader

The moon hung low over Rome, casting a silver glow on the ancient streets. The air was thick with the aroma of Italian cuisine wafting from nearby restaurants. It was a beautiful night, but for me, it was just another job.

Or so I thought.

I made my way through the narrow, cobblestoned streets of Trastevere, one of Rome's oldest and most charming neighborhoods. The pastel-colored buildings, adorned with ivy were illuminated by warm, golden streetlights and created a scene that felt almost timeless. The murmur of conversations in Italian floated through the air, interspersed with the occasional clink of glasses and bursts of laughter from the outdoor trattorias.

I was dressed in a beige canvas jacket over a loose white shirt, paired with dark jeans and my trusty Doc. Martens. A thin golden necklace adorned my neck, its sun pendant glinting in the moonlight. My dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and a pair of small, discreet earrings completed the look.

As I walked, I blended in seamlessly with the crowd of locals and tourists. Aware of my surroundings, I take in every detail. I checked my reflection in the glass of a nearby shop window. My eyes scanned the people behind me, looking out for anything unusual. I adjusted my jacket, feeling the comforting weight of my guns hidden underneath it.

Walking again I turn onto Via della Lungaretta, I could see the bell tower of the Basilica di Santa Maria in the distance. The basilica's facade, stood out even in the light of the evening. I had a rendezvous at a small café just a few steps away from the church.

The café, tucked in a quiet corner, was almost hidden from view by a canopy of wisteria. Its outdoor seating area was filled with round, wrought-iron tables, each adorned with a single candle flickering gently in the night breeze. I slipped into a seat at the far end, my back to the wall, giving me a clear view of the entrance and the street beyond.

I ordered an espresso the bitter aroma mingling with the smell of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce. It was almost enough to make me forget why I was here.

Almost.

As I waited, I couldn't shake the feeling that this night, this job, was going to be different from any other.

I had been summoned last minute for an assignment, an urgent backup situation. The briefing was vague, a hurried phone call from a handler I hadn't heard from in years. The pay was enough to make me pack my gear without asking too many questions.

Little did I know, this job would take me down memory lane. The very streets I walked; were the same ones I had left behind years ago. Memories began to surface—another time, another life. A mission that ended sour, and bonds broken. The weight of those memories loomed over me as I glanced around the café.

Just as I was lost in my thoughts, my phone buzzed softly in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw a message from an unknown number. The screen illuminated with a new set of coordinates and a brief message: "Location changed."

The abandoned warehouse was a cavernous space, its corners swallowed by shadows. I stepped cautiously inside, the light filtering through cracked windows casting eerie shapes on the concrete floor. The sound of my boots echoing in the vast emptiness.

"Looks like our backup has arrived," Lemon's voice cut through the silence, tinged with his usual dry humor.

"About time," Tangerine muttered, his tone gruff and annoyed.

The moment I heard Tangerine's voice, my heart skipped a beat. Memories of our teenage years flashed before my eyes—times filled with reckless adventures, stolen goods, and countless nights in jail cells. We had been inseparable, the three of us, until everything fell apart.

We were in a seedy motel room, we had just returned from a grueling mission, one that pushed us to our limits and tested our resolve. But instead of celebrating our success, the atmosphere crackled with frustration and anger. Lemon had left to procure some essentials—food, clean clothes, and the like—leaving Tangerine and me alone, a situation that had become increasingly uncomfortable over the past few months.

I stood by the window, staring out at the neon-lit streets below, trying to gather my thoughts. Tangerine paced the room, his movements agitated, his jaw clenched in a way that signaled trouble brewing.

"You can't keep doing this," I finally spoke up, my voice low but edged with frustration.

"Doing what?" Tangerine snapped, stopping in his tracks to glare at me. "Trying to keep you alive? Making sure you don't get yourself killed because you're too damn reckless?"

His words hit like a slap across the face, igniting a fire within me. "I'm not a child, Tangerine! I can take care of myself. I don't need you constantly hovering over me, questioning every move I make!"

"You call this taking care of yourself?" Tangerine shot back, his voice rising. "You nearly got us both killed back there! If it weren't for Lemon and me cleaning up your mess—"

"You don't get to decide what risks I take," I shot back, my temper flaring. "We're supposed to be partners!"

His jaw tightened even more, a muscle ticking in his cheek. "Partners? A partner thinks about the consequences!"

"Oh, and you do?" I interrupted, standing up to face him squarely. "You act like you're the only one who cares about the consequences. Well, newsflash, Tangerine, I've had enough of your lectures!"

He took a step towards me, his voice low and dangerous. "Maybe if you listened to me once in a while, we wouldn't be in this mess every damn time!"

I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief.

The room seemed to shrink around us. We had faced danger together countless times, but this argument cut deeper than any knife or bullet.

"You're not the same person I used to know," Tangerine said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. "You've changed, and not for the better."

His words struck a nerve. "I've changed? You just think of me as an annoyance," I said bitterly. "And the one that has changed is you! You've become controlling, possessive..."

"I'm trying to protect you!" he exploded, his fists clenching at his sides. "Don’t you get it?"

"You're smothering me," I replied, my voice raw with emotion. "I can't breathe with you watching my every move."

Tangerine looked away, his jaw working as he struggled to find the right words.

"I can't do this anymore," I whispered finally, the admission hanging between us like a death sentence.

Tangerine's gaze snapped back to mine, disbelief and hurt warring in his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I can't do this anymore," I said, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "I'm done, Tangerine. I can't, I..."

The silence that followed was deafening. Tangerine stood there, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, conflicting emotions flickering over his face—anger, hurt.

"Fine," he said ultimately, his voice clipped and cold. "Go then!"

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the shadows. "What the hell are you doing here?" Tangerine's voice was sharp, filled with disbelief and anger.

I turned to face him, my eyes locking with his. "Got a call. Backup needed. Guess they didn't mention who it was."

Tangerine's jaw tightened. "We don't need you."

Before I could respond, Lemon stepped between us. "Oh, for crying out loud, can we save the drama for after the job? We're on the clock here."

I ignored Tangerine's sour demeanor and turned to Lemon, a genuine smile spreading across my face despite the tension. "Lemon!" I said, pulling him into a hug.

Lemon chuckled, returning the embrace, almost breaking my bones. "Hey darling. How are you doing?"

"Better, knowing I’m working with you." I admitted, glancing briefly at Tangerine, who was busy checking his weapon with a scowl.

Lemon sighed, shaking his head. "You two need to work this shit out after this."

Tangerine shot Lemon a glare, but I could sense his frustration. Lemon had always been perceptive, the one who could see through our tough exteriors to the complicated feelings underneath.

As we geared up for the mission, the tension between Tangerine and me simmered just beneath the surface. We moved with practiced efficiency, that came from years of working together, each of us slipping into our roles seamlessly. Despite our issues.

Between gearing up and going over procedures, Lemon found a chance to pull me aside. "You know, Tangerine hasn't been the same since you left," he said quietly, his voice tinged with concern.

I nodded, my gaze drifting towards where Tangerine was meticulously checking his equipment.

"He's not good at expressing it, but he missed you," Lemon continued, his tone earnest. "We both did."

Lemon placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Before I could respond, Tangerine called out, snapping at me. "How many times have you gotten yourself into trouble since you left us?"

"Not as much as you two, I bet," I shot back, unable to resist the jab.

Lemon chuckled, the sound echoing in the warehouse. "Touché."

"Speak for yourself," Tangerine muttered under his breath, though loud enough for all of us to hear.

Lemon laid out the blueprints of the building we were about to infiltrate, his finger tracing the paths we would take. While I was listening Lemon explain the plan, I checked my weapons, my movements precise and controlled.

"You still using that old piece?" Tangerine teased, nodding towards my gun.

"It gets the job done," I replied curtly, my focus unwavering. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

Lemon chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You two are unbelievable," he muttered, though there was a fondness in his voice that we couldn't miss.

As we finalized our plan, the tension in the warehouse shifted. This job was risky, the stakes high. The mission was straightforward: infiltrate, retrieve, and eliminate if necessary. But the emotional undercurrent between Tangerine and me was palpable, a distraction we couldn't afford.

"Alright, let's do this," Lemon said finally, his voice cutting through the quiet that settled over us.

With a nod, Tangerine took point, leading us towards the back entrance of the building. The night air turned darker as we moved, shadows melding with shadows, our steps silent.

I couldn't help but feel his scrutiny as we moved through the shadows. "You still relying on brute force for everything?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the comms.

I shot him a sideways glance, irritation creeping into my tone. "At least I don't shadow your every damn move like you do mine," I retorted, adjusting my gear with unnecessary force.

Lemon, sensing the escalating tension, sighed audibly. "Focus, both of you."

Tangerine rolled his eyes, but I could see annoyance in his expression. "You’re still as thickheaded as always," he jabbed, his voice laced with frustration.

I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to snap back. "And you waste too much time analyzing my every move."

Lemon glanced between us. "You two are like an old married couple," he muttered under his breath, though his words were loud enough for us to hear.

Tangerine and I shot Lemon a glare. "Shut up!" We both hiss.

With a reluctant nod from Tangerine, we pressed forward. The night air grew colder as we approached a courtyard, each step bringing us closer to the heart of the operation. Despite our differences, our training took over, and we moved with practiced efficiency.

As we reached the back entrance, Tangerine signaled for us to halt. He checked his watch, then glanced around the corner cautiously. "Two guards up ahead," he whispered, his tone sharp.

I nodded, my annoyance with him momentarily overshadowed by the need for precision. "I'll take the one on the left," I replied, already moving into position.

Tangerine shot me a skeptical look but didn't argue. "Fine. Just don't screw it up," he muttered.

I smirked, unable to resist the urge to tease him. "Careful, Tangerine. You don't want me to accidentally shoot you in the foot" I quipped, before focusing back on the task at hand.

Tangerine just glared at me with annoyance.

With a silent countdown from Lemon, he and I sprang into action. The guards were swiftly neutralized, our movements synchronized despite our bickering.

We moved as a unit, knowing each other's moves without needing to speak. The emotional walls we had built seemed to soften, if only for the duration of the operation.

As we breached the targeted room, the unexpected happened—a flurry of gunfire erupted from all sides. The air filled with the sharp cracks of bullets ricocheting off metal, and the acrid smell of gunpowder hung heavy.

All three of us instinctively took cover. It was chaos, the plan unraveling. We moved swiftly, communicating in terse commands and covering each other's positions as we fought our way through the ambush.

"Cover me!" Tangerine shouted over the din of gunfire, his voice cutting through the chaos.

I nodded, providing suppressing fire as he maneuvered to flank the attackers. Bullets whizzed dangerously close, the adrenaline pumping through my veins heightening my senses. In the midst of the firefight, Tangerine and I found ourselves back-to-back, a position from countless missions past.

"On your left!" I shouted, spotting an approaching enemy.

Tangerine spun, his movements fluid and precise. With a series of controlled shots, he neutralized the threat without hesitation.

"Thanks," he muttered, the words barely audible over the continuing gunfire.

While Lemon retrieved the crucial files we needed from the secure server, Tangerine and I methodically cleared the warehouse floor by floor.

As we regrouped outside the warehouse, the agitation between us returned, like a storm cloud on the horizon. Our previous exchange of curt commands and coordinated movements had been efficient, but now we were back to our old ways.

"You were reckless," Tangerine yelled, stepping closer, his jaw clenched in anger.

"Reckless? I was doing my job," I countered, meeting his gaze defiantly. "I was covering your ass! If it wasn't for me, you'd be Swiss cheese by now," I retorted sharply, pushing my index finger against his chest.

Lemon, sensing the rising tension, attempted to intervene. "Hey, let's all take a breather here," he interjected calmly, trying to diffuse the escalating confrontation.

But Tangerine wasn't backing down. "Your "job" almost got us pinned down there," he insisted, his voice rising with each word.

I felt a surge of indignation. "And what would you have done differently, huh?" I shot back, my hands curling into fists at my sides.

"I would've followed the plan!" Tangerine snapped, his frustration palpable.

"The plan went out the window the moment we were ambushed!" I argued, my voice rising to match his intensity.

Tangerine turned away abruptly, pacing a few steps as he tried to rein in his temper. "You’re still the same!" he protested, his voice strained.

I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my own emotions. "But we made it out, didn't we?" I said, trying to reason with him.

Lemon's pointed look spoke volumes, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration. "You two need to sort this out. Now!"

Tangerine and I stood in the cool night air, as he finally broke the silence. "Why did you leave?"

I took a deep breath, the words heavy on my tongue. "Because you were driving me crazy. You wouldn't stop criticizing me, watching my every move."

He looked away, the pain in his eyes mirroring my own. "I was trying to protect you."

"From what?" I demanded, my voice breaking. "We were partners. I didn't need protecting. I needed you to trust me."

He met my gaze, his blue eyes filled with an intensity that took my breath away. "I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. Because I—" He hesitated, the words catching in his throat.

Lemon's voice cut through the tension. "For the love of God, just say it already. You love her. It's been obvious for years."

Tangerine froze, his gaze locked on mine.

The world seemed to stand still in that moment. My heart raced, emotions swirling in a tumultuous whirlwind. A statement I had never expected, hung now between us.

"Lemon..." Tangerine started, his voice thick with emotion.

Lemon stepped forward, a knowing smile on his face. "I've known for years, Tangerine. You're not exactly subtle."

Tangerine shot him a glare, but there was gratitude in his eyes. "And you never said anything?"

Lemon shrugged. "It wasn't my place. But it's about time you two figured it out."

I turned back to Tangerine, my heart pounding. "I... I thought..." I stood there, comprehending what is happening.

Tangerine took a step closer to me, his voice barely above a whisper. "I do love you. More than I can put into words."

Relief washed over me, mingled with a surge of emotions I had kept buried for so long. "Then why..."

Tangerine reached out, gently cupping my face in his hands. "I was scared," he confessed, his voice raw with vulnerability. "Scared that if I admitted how I felt, it would jeopardize everything. Our partnership, our friendship..."

"Our sanity," Lemon chimed in, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Tangerine ignored him, his focus solely on me. "But tonight, seeing you again, after so long. I can't deny it anymore. I need you, not just as a partner, but as..."

"As something more," I finished for him, my voice trembling with emotion.

He nodded, his thumbs brushing lightly against my cheeks. "Yes. As something more."

Lemon cleared his throat, breaking the intimate moment with a smug grin on his face. "Well, now that we've got that settled, can we please get out of here before the authorities decide to crash your little make-up session?"

We chuckled softly, the air around us at ease now. Together, we made our way through the deserted streets of Rome.

As we walked, Tangerine reached out and intertwined his fingers with mine. It was a simple gesture. I reciprocated the act, feeling the warmth of his touch seep into my skin.

Lemon walked a few steps ahead, occasionally glancing back with a satisfied expression. "You know," he said, breaking the comfortable silence, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. It's about time you two got your act together."

Tangerine rolled his eyes but didn't let go of my hand. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for the nudge, Lemon."

Lemon grinned. "Anytime. But seriously, keep it together, I can’t handle more drama."

Something i put together on a whim...

#tangerine x reader #tangerine #tangerine bullet train #tangerine fanfiction #tangerine 🍊#tangerine fic #bullet train tangerine #aaron taylor johnson #aarontaylorjohnson #tangerine fanfic #lemon and tangerine #lemon bullet train

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pforestsims · 1 year ago

Text

Tag search:

# Buymode stuff

# Lights

# Plants

# Decor items

# Defaults

# Defaults - TS2 Clothing Tweaks

# Custom TS2 Clothing Tweaks

# Bodyshop stuff

# Tutorials

My SFS Folders :

🪴 Decor 🪑 Furniture 💡 Lights ‍🎨 Recolours

Other: ⚙️ TS2 Defaults 👚CAS Defaults CAS stuff 👱🏽 Just hair | creator resources

All my old MTS2 uploads (if something's not there, it's on SFS already)

Popular WCIF & FAQ

👾 If you’re curious what other games I’m playing here's this almost empty blog.

❕ I create CC for The Sims 2 only. I don't do requests but I'm ok with receiving CC suggestions / ideas (for TS2).

📣 Updates:

30.01.2025 - I've added alternative download links to all my last year's posts.

07.01.2025

Photo frame overlay replacement now includes caption UI resources so there's no green. Added Box link.

14.11.2024

Alternative version of my Atomic Fireplace Default is available - I've added emissive map to make the burning logs more realistic - Download (SFS) (Standard Material Shader Edit is required). Corrected fireplace height so it doesn't bleed through the floor above.

04.11.2024

Edited Round Wall Lamp from G&B set, light settings switched from white to yellowish.

01.11.2024 05.11.2024 11.11.2024

Updated my edit of Trait Chemistry Mod, fixed Lua script issues so Alien TO, Facial hair TO work. A few more things fixed in upd. 2 & 3

Download (SFS) , (BOX)

03.10.2024

My ko-fi account's up.

30.06.2024

I've shared updated versions of ceiling lamps from my Lamp Collection - lamp canopies are not hidden in the ceiling anymore /Note to ppl playing on Mac: most of these edits are not mac-compatible.

25.06.2024

Fixed outdoor square shadows for my Wicker Lantern Set . Download (SFS)

21.05.2024

Fixed missing texture in 'TightDressMidiSlit' repo recolor number 10. Download (SFS)

07.05.2024

Finally fixed the Bar Surface OMSP I shared along Wedding Bar Default. Please note it's basically a new object but with the same GUID so if you have old version in the game, the objects placed on that one will disappear Download (SFS)

Updated NonSlip Bar Mat mesh included with Bar Decor Set, now it can be placed on all surfaces. Download (SFS)

More recent updates below the cut:

08.04.2024 - Bar worktop OMSP was edited and now it doesn't block bar functions, I also added second (1 slot) bar OMSP for the lower shelf.

07.04.2024 - Edited Deco guitar floor stand - now it can be placed on surfaces without moveObjects cheat.

26.03.24 - Updated Toast Flute Default - now glasses are already half-full when Sims toast at the table.

11.03.24 - Fixed EM grey repo recolor 01 for 4t2 Dogsill Amari hair. Here's only the fixed file: (SFS), and here's all of it (SFS)

10.03.24 - Night time Decorative fireflies effect is now available - fireflies only show up at night.

09.03.24 - RDN Sleeping bag edit was made compatible with ACR.

27.02.24 - Another update of Bamboo Sconce (Tropical Lamp add-on). When I fixed the shadow I shared some half-assed version of it ?? Now it has warm light color, correct price and description. Download HERE (SFS)

30.11.23 - Updated LL Billie hair recolors, these are now enabled for all clothing categories

12.11.23 - I've updated witch hat & LL Luanne hair combo recolors so those should be now flagged as hats and disabled for Townies

11.11.23 - Updated Restored Car Paint Colors default, Added Finnish, Norwegian and Portuguese/ Brasilian-Portuguese translations

31.10.23 - Updated Bowling Alley defaults, all files are now separate. Added smoother bowling ball

14.07.23 - corrected shoe sound effects for my Long Dress recolours - changed it from heels to normal shoes

10.08.23 - Fixed blue shadow in Bamboo Sconce (Tropical Lamp add-on.

*If you use RPC you probably haven't experienced the blue shadow flashing but I recommend you update the sconce package anyway.

Old updates list is HERE<<

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littlebosslady7 · 6 months ago

Note

Thank you for the comic con updates and your cm fanfics during the downfall arc. You set them in Nicodranas more than once. What does their beach house look like?

You're very welcome. I had fun writing those over the BH hiatus.

Outside Ocean view. Right on the beach, but far enough away from the sea to avoid monsters and high tide. Bricked walkway. Two vehicle garage. 1 of which stores Ashton and Fearne's crawler/tools. Their crawler is essentially a Harley motorcycle, but with steam pipes. The other side stores any brumestone vehicles that they rent and boxes of their treasures. It's cream colored, brick reddish brown shingles, dark wood front door. All arched doorways.

Living room has a couch that could double as a guest bed. Overhead torch lights that have a touch of fey whimsy. Two maroon arm chairs, a crystal that gets that same channels as Nana Morri, plants that Fearne constantly has to reinvigorate with her druidic magic because the hot sun can sometimes be too much. A decorative hour glass on the wall, but instead of sand, it may or may not be healing water. (It does) A second sturdy wood coffee table built by Chet. A portrait of Mister on their crawler by the sea.

Kitchen: Bar like. Blue tile backsplash. Ice box. Stools at the long island. Stove, not as nice as their cabin, but it works. Fearne likes to do outdoor bonfires. Little nook in the corner with cushioned bench seats. Tropical fruit in a bowl.

Hallway has mirrors, various crawler race portraits, and abstract paintings of gems and flowers.

Upstairs: Always gotta have a playroom for Mister with his indoor climbing tree. Next room has a writing desk for Fearne. Ashton also occasionally does graffiti art on canvas or their clothes. Also there's a long day bed should they relax in other ways.

Their bedroom: Always a huge bed to fit their Titan forms. Canopy style, they always need replace the curtains. Metal trunk for Ashton's winnings and Fearne's beginning deals with impressionable sailors. Grey chaise/daybed. Balcony with little outdoor table and chairs. Spy glass. Wood floors cuz carpet would be too hot.

Their closet: Blue double doors. An array of rainbow color. Things are always left on the floor. A silver full length mirror that's easy for Ashton to move. If I’m being honest, I feel like Fearne and Ashton keep their smutty stuff here — lingerie, swimsuits, books, and toys for both of them. There may be some Burlesque style paintings poorly done after a paint and sip night. Obscured by a trophy or two.

Their backyard: Lounge chairs. Crappy falling apart umbrellas, but Fearne prefers to make shade with giant plant growth leaves.

Bathrooms: Powder room downstairs: Peeling palm tree wallpaper. Upstairs: Chisels of various sizes for Ashton's hair cuts. Tons of fur conditioners and shampoos for Fearne.

#callowmoore #writing #cr3 #cr headcanons

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willowve01 · 9 months ago

Text

Bloodmoon AU

Inspo: Trust Me by Jorge Aguilar II

~ Background

Raine isn’t the friendliest of folk in this timeline, can’t blame her though. Imagine trying to keep fix a broken vase with elmers glue, holding more stones than your shoulders could carry, or being the background character your entire life. That was Raine’s; spending her entire life trying to keep her broken family together, cutting herself each time she tried to glue a piece back together. Carrying every heavy burden on her shoulders with seemingly no struggle throughout her daily life, and keeping her own well-being on the low just so everyone could get what they wanted first.

She was exhausted. Fed up with being her father’s personal doormat he could wipe his dirt on. Tired of apologizing on his behalf, dragging him inside from the freezing outdoors. She was tired of…him. That night, the night of the incident, everyone witnessed her sweet facade finally shatter like a wine glass to the overflowing stress. Like the bottle he had broke her face with; the bottle he had blinded her with.

That night, after Everlynn escaped, she had left Raine to fight their father herself. Ignoring the pain was easy, not the rage. Oh, the rage. The voice of her mother escaped her as she shouted and screamed at him, breaking the hands that dared to touch her again. Screaming over his broken bones Raine stood over him, the remainder of her beautiful emerald eyes lit up by the light of the scarlet moon that peeked through the thin curtains. Her eyes held no remorse, just bitter rage in that hard stare that mirrored her fathers. With a knife on the counter, she stole his soul. Leaving him there to rot in the mess he made.

~ Current

Raine often visits Biloway, though each time she’s a new face to each group of hunters that pass through. Each villager has seen her time and time again, seemingly on edge each reappearance. They were all playing her own little game; the only rule being to keep their mouths shut, a single slip-up could cost their lives. She was not one for giving second chances.

A muscular red-head man walked up to her one day, asking about the monsters of Silverben. His small group of twelve were not far behind. In the tavern, they discuss their plans to bring those monsters down.

“So, you’re sure this will work?” Warren had asked the short haired brunette that seated herself in front of him, Sparky and Tony standing by his side as the rest of his crew blabbered on within the counters of the tavern.

Raine looked away from the curtainless window beside her, looking away from the not-so-distant swamp outlined with the red glow of the bleeding moon above. All three pairs of eyes locked on her as she looked up at them. “Positive, friend! I’ve been in and out of Silverben undetected many times, mapping out the few bits we should be worried about.” She replied, her voice soft as silk and friendly towards the strangers as she pointed towards the map she had handed the man.

“How could someone like you manage that? I mean you’d seem to be–ow!” The blonde’s question was cut off with Sparky’s elbow to the gut. “Tony! I’m so sorry, I’m sure he meant "how's it so easy to sneak around?” The woman corrected the blonde man that rubbed his gut as she glared at him for his rude commentary.

Raine gave the trio a blank stare for a short moment before letting out a sweet (forced) giggle at the duo’s interaction. “That’s easy–” she brought her pointer–finger up to her mouth in a hushed motion, “–you stay quiet, and clear from the traps.”

Raine took to the rear of the hunters group as they took off into Silverben. A hollow sense filled her eyes as she followed, a small smile placed on her lips. The duo from before seemed on edge about her demeanor, but figured there was nothing she could do. One could only imagine the horrors she had seen here, right?

The call of a raven echoed through the swamp before they appeared in the canopy ahead of Raine, solely staring at her with an expectant look in their dark eyes. The hunters guild pay no mind to the bird, passing by without a second thought. Raine’s bright green eye met the ravens, giving the bird a wink and a smile.

The raven crowed loudly once more before taking to the skies as Raine strayed from the group, disappearing into the dark treeline. The calls of the raven called for company throughout the swamp, alerting the inhabitants of Raine’s arrival and the company she had brought for their entertainment.

#mage bunkshelf #obsidian lantern #gator boys #capital m audios #the bug army #raine fellowes #daysprite #blood moon au

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lunardragon00 · 1 year ago

Text

The Heir (Choi San x OC)

Masterlist

Genre: Fantasy , Lord!San x Princess!OC

Words: 4655

Warning: Angst, light fluff (you guys I almost cried writing this)

Chapter Four --> Chapter Five --> Chapter Seven

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔖𝔦𝔵 - 𝔉𝔯𝔬𝔪 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔡𝔞𝔶, 𝔲𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔩 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔢𝔫𝔡 𝔬𝔣 𝔪𝔶 𝔡𝔞𝔶𝔰

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers, and she is mine, from this day until the end of my days."

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his, and he is mine, from this day until the end of my days."

The Sept of Suncrest stood resplendent in the golden glow of the afternoon sun, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens like fingers of faith. Inside, the air was alive with a sense of anticipation, mingling with the fragrance of incense and the soft murmur of prayers. At the heart of the sept stood Prince Hongjoong, the heir to the Iron Throne, a figure of regal poise and dignity. Beside him, his betrothed, Arya Tyrell, radiated a quiet beauty, her gown of white silk trailing behind her like a river of moonlight.

The pews were filled with nobles and commoners alike, their eyes fixed on the couple before them, their hearts brimming with hope and joy. For this union was more than a marriage of two souls; it was a promise of peace and prosperity, a beacon of hope in a world plagued by strife. As the High Septon began the sacred rites, his voice reverberating through the hallowed halls, a hush fell over the crowd, broken only by the solemn exchange of vows and the gentle strains of music.

Outside, the city bustled with life, unaware of the solemn ceremony taking place within the sept's sacred walls. But inside, amidst the flickering candlelight and the scent of roses, Prince Hongjoong and Lady Arya Tyrell pledged their love before gods and men, sealing their bond for all eternity.

The newlyweds, Prince Hongjoong and Arya, chose to have their celebratory feast outdoors in the garden, a serene and picturesque location within the castle grounds. The garden, adorned with blooming flowers, winding pathways, and lush greenery, provided a romantic ambiance for the joyous occasion. Arya, with her radiant smile and sparkling eyes, led Hongjoong through the garden. As they strolled hand in hand, their affection for each other was evident to all who beheld them. The couple, newly joined in matrimony, remained close together, their love and happiness palpable in the air.

Guests mingled amidst the colorful blooms, savoring delectable dishes and raising their glasses in toast to the newlyweds. Music filled the air, adding to the festive atmosphere of the celebration. Underneath the canopy of stars, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of their loved ones, Hongjoong and Arya basked in the glow of their love, cherishing each moment of their special day.

"They make a lovely couple, don't they?" Takashi - Arya's father - remarked, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and fondness for his daughter and her chosen partner.

"It brings me great joy to see such happiness upon my son's face," the King agreed, his voice resonating with pride and contentment as he observed Prince Hongjoong and Arya, the newlyweds, sharing tender moments together in the garden. The King's hand, standing beside the King, nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with paternal affection as he watched his daughter and her beloved husband. The couple, with their undeniable chemistry and genuine affection for each other, radiated a sense of joy and harmony that warmed the hearts of all who beheld them.

"Will they be leaving for Dragonspire soon?" Asked Takashi, but the King shook his head.

"No, my son will stay with me here in Drake's Landing. He still has much learn if he is to be King one day." The hand stood shocked at this news, for it was custom for the heir to the throne to reside on Dragonspire until it was time to ascend as King. "So, Dragonspire will remain empty?"

"No, I plan to have my daughter move there once her and Prince Wooyoung wed." Takashi Tyrell gazed thoughtfully at his monarch. His brow furrowed with concern as he voiced his query, his words weighed with the gravity of a father's love and the wisdom of a seasoned advisor.

"You do not wish for her to remain here?" Takashi's inquiry hung in the air, his tone measured yet tinged with a hint of apprehension. The King's daughter was the spirited embodiment of the Kim name, her presence a captivating blend of grace and determination. As her father, understood the depths of her soul, the restless spirit that yearned for more than the confines of courtly life. Kang-Dae met Takashi's gaze with a solemn nod, his features etched with a paternal concern mirrored by the elder Tyrell.

"It's not that," Kang-Dae began, his voice a steady cadence of reassurance. "Hana has never truly liked the court. She has grown to have respect for it now, but she has no interest in playing nicely with them."

The King's words hung heavy in the air, each syllable resonating with the weight of unspoken truths and heartfelt intentions. He understood his daughter's heart, her restless spirit that yearned for the freedom of open skies and uncharted horizons. And he knew she would be happier away from the palace, amidst the untamed beauty of Dragonspire. Hearing her speak of her time in Sunphinx only cemented that thought, her tales of adventure and discovery painting a vivid portrait of a soul unbound by the constraints of courtly decorum. While both of his children were dragon riders, only Hana carried the true blood of the dragon within her veins. She was restless, chaotic, her spirit untamed yet fiercely loyal to her convictions, and Kang-Dae embraced the fire that burned within her, knowing that her journey would lead her to greatness beyond the walls of the Red Keep.

Their gaze went back to their grown children. Amidst the tranquil beauty of the garden, the newlyweds moved with a grace that spoke of a love pure and true. Theirs was a dance of enchantment, a symphony of two souls entwined in the sweet embrace of matrimony. As the soft strains of music filled the air, they moved as one, their steps guided by the rhythm of their hearts and the melody of their love. In the midst of the gathered guests, their eyes were solely for each other, their gazes locked in a tender embrace that spoke volumes of the bond they shared. The world around them faded into insignificance, for in that moment, there existed only the two of them, cocooned in the warmth of their affection.

With each gentle sway and graceful turn, they painted a portrait of devotion and commitment, their movements a testament to the depth of their love. Amidst the whispers of leaves and the blooming flowers, they wove a tapestry of memories that would linger in their hearts for a lifetime. For Hongjoong and Arya, this was their moment, their celebration of a love that knew no bounds, a love that would endure for eternity.

As Hana stood beneath the shade of the tree, watching the joyous dance of Hongjoong and Arya, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy gnawing at her heart. Her gaze lingered on the couple, their happiness a stark reminder of the love she yearned for but could not attain. With each graceful movement of the dancers, Hana's thoughts drifted to San, the one she longed for with every fiber of her being. In the depths of her soul, she felt an emptiness, a void that only he could fill. Memories of their shared moments flooded her mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of what once was and what could have been.

As she lifted the glass of wine to her lips, its taste bitter against her tongue, Hana couldn't shake the feeling of longing that consumed her. Her own wedding loomed on the horizon, but the prospect brought her no joy, only a sense of resignation to a fate she had not chosen.In the quiet solitude of the garden, surrounded by the laughter and merriment of others, Hana's heart echoed with the absence of the one she loved. As Hana observed San chatting amiably with her betrothed and his brother, a tumult of emotions surged within her. His presence, once a source of comfort and joy, now served as a painful reminder of the choices they had made and the consequences they bore.

A part of her longed to approach him, to bridge the distance that had grown between them and seek solace in his familiar presence. Yet, she knew that doing so would only deepen the wounds that already festered within her heart. In the quiet depths of her mind, Hana grappled with the weight of regret, wishing fervently that she could undo the night they had shared, erase the traces of longing that lingered in its wake. The memory of their forbidden union cast a shadow over her thoughts, a constant reminder of the complexities of love and desire. With a heavy heart, Hana turned away, burying her feelings beneath a facade of composure.

As Park Seonghwa approached Hana, his steps measured and his expression thoughtful, he noticed the subtle shift in her demeanor. Her usually vibrant countenance was overshadowed by an air of melancholy, her eyes betraying a depth of emotion that spoke volumes. Concern etched across his features, he greeted Hana with a gentle smile, his voice soft and reassuring.

"Princess Hana," he began, his tone warm with genuine concern, "I couldn't help but notice that something weighs heavy on your heart. Is everything alright?"

Hana offered him a fleeting smile, though it failed to reach the depths of her eyes. Despite her efforts to mask her inner turmoil, she found solace in Seonghwa's genuine concern, a testament to the bond they shared as dear friends.

"I appreciate your concern, Seonghwa," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "It's nothing I can't handle." But even as she spoke the words, Hana knew that the burden she carried was not one easily shrugged off. In the quiet corners of her mind, the echoes of regret and longing whispered their relentless refrain, a constant reminder of the choices she had made and the consequences they bore. As Seonghwa followed Hana's gaze, his perceptive eyes honed in on the trio engaged in conversation, their voices carrying amidst the gentle hum of the garden. With a gentle understanding born of years of friendship, he recognized the weight of Hana's unspoken thoughts, the silent tumult that stirred beneath the surface of her calm facade.

"You're thinking about your own wedding that's coming soon," Seonghwa ventured, his voice a soft murmur that bespoke his empathy and understanding. He observed Hana's guarded expression, the subtle tension that lingered in the line of her shoulders, and he offered her a reassuring smile, a silent reassurance that she need not bear her burdens alone.In the quiet of the garden, Hana found herself enveloped by a sense of camaraderie, a shared understanding that transcended words.

"Something like that." Perhaps she could tell him, maybe he can offer his wisdom. He had known San all his life, he has lived in court ever since he was young. Maybe he could provide insight on what she could do. As the thought flickered through her mind, Hana considered the possibility of confiding in Seonghwa, of seeking his counsel and guidance in navigating the complex currents of her heart. He had been a steadfast presence in her life, a friend whose wisdom and insight she valued above all else. With a silent resolve, she turned to Seonghwa, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of vulnerability and determination.

"Seonghwa," she began, her voice a soft murmur that carried the weight of her unspoken concerns. "There is something I wish to discuss with you, something that weighs heavily on my heart." In the quiet intimacy of their conversation, Hana found solace in the presence of a trusted confidant, a friend whose unwavering support she knew she could rely on.With a steady gaze and an empathetic ear, Seonghwa listened, his presence a beacon of reassurance amidst the uncertainty that clouded her thoughts.

"I do not love him." Seonghwa gave a puzzled look. "Wooyoung?" He asked for clarity. Hana nodds, "There is another who has taken claim of my heart." Hana looks back to the trio, Seonghwa matches her gaze before realization hits. It was San, she was in love with San. As understanding dawned in Seonghwa's eyes, a solemn acknowledgment passed between them, unspoken words weaving a tapestry of shared understanding and empathy. In that fleeting moment of revelation, Hana's heart lay bare, her unspoken truth laid bare before her trusted friend.

"For how long?" He asked gently, keeping his voice quiet as to not draw attention. "Years, it started when we were ten and five." Seonghwa was dumbfounded, he had never known. Though he supposes he should not be surprised, for it was probably for Hana's sake as princess and for keeping his friendship with Hongjoong that he kept it so well hidden. The depth of her feelings, hidden beneath layers of duty and obligation, resonated within him, a testament to the complexities of love and longing that transcended the boundaries of their station and circumstance.

"Years..." Seonghwa echoed softly, his voice tinged with a mixture of understanding and empathy. "To carry such a burden in silence, to hold onto a love that dared not speak its name... It must have been a heavy burden to bear."

As the gravity of Hana's confession settled between them, Seonghwa felt a profound sense of respect and admiration for the princess before him. Despite the constraints of her position, despite the expectations placed upon her shoulders, she had dared to love fiercely and unapologetically, her heart a beacon of unwavering devotion in a world fraught with uncertainty and upheaval. Seonghwa regarded Hana with a mixture of compassion and understanding, his words tempered with wisdom gleaned from years of navigating the intricate webs of courtly intrigue and personal relationships.

"Your duty as princess is undeniable, Hana," Seonghwa began, his tone measured yet compassionate. "The responsibilities that accompany your station are not to be taken lightly, for they are the threads that bind the realm together. In marrying Prince Wooyoung, you fulfill not only your duty to your family but also your duty to the realm." He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

"Love, however powerful, cannot always dictate the course of our lives. Sometimes, duty must take precedence, for it is the foundation upon which kingdoms are built," Seonghwa explained, his voice tinged with a solemn reverence for the weight of Hana's choices.

"Yet, that does not mean your heart must remain shackled by duty alone," he added gently. "Find solace in the knowledge that love, in its many forms, has the power to transcend even the most formidable of barriers. While your marriage to Prince Wooyoung may be born of duty, it does not preclude the possibility of finding fulfillment and companionship within its confines."Seonghwa's words carried a sense of quiet reassurance, a reminder that even amidst the complexities of courtly life, there existed moments of joy and connection waiting to be discovered.

"Remember, Hana, that your heart is resilient, capable of finding love and contentment in unexpected places," Seonghwa concluded, his voice imbued with a sense of hope and possibility. "Trust in the strength of your convictions." She gave another look to the trio, this time their gazes meet.

As he meets Hana's gaze, he feels a pang of longing and regret, tempered by the awareness of the insurmountable obstacles that stand between them. In Hana's eyes, he sees the turmoil of conflicted desires and unspoken yearning. He senses the weight of her duty and the sacrifices she must make for the stability of the realm, even as her heart yearns for something more.Despite the undeniable connection they share, San understands the constraints of their circumstances. As a princess, Hana is bound by duty and obligation, her choices dictated by the expectations of her station and the needs of the realm. He knows that their love, though powerful, cannot easily transcend the barriers that separate them.

Yet, beneath the surface of duty and decorum, San glimpses the flicker of rebellion and defiance in Hana's gaze. He recognizes the fire that burns within her, the same fire that has drawn him to her since they were children. In her eyes, he sees echoes of their shared past and the unspoken promises of a future that may never come to pass. For San, the moment is bittersweet, a reminder of the fragile balance between love and duty, desire and responsibility. As he meets Hana's gaze, he silently pledges to honor their connection, even as he acknowledges the impossibility of their union in the eyes of the world.

"I'll be back, I'm going to get some fresh air." Hana states, before walking away from the celebration. She walks deeper into the trees, wanting to dwell in her emotions before putting on a happy smile for the rest of the night. As Hana wanders deeper into the embrace of the trees, the sounds of the celebration fade into the background, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the night. The cool breeze brushes against her skin, offering a moment of respite from the suffocating weight of expectation and obligation.

In the solitude of the forest, Hana allows herself to unravel, to confront the whirlwind of emotions that churn within her heart. She feels the weight of her impending marriage pressing down upon her, a heavy burden that threatens to engulf her in its suffocating embrace.Memories of her fleeting moments with San flood her mind, each recollection a poignant reminder of the forbidden love that simmers beneath the surface of her carefully curated facade. She recalls the warmth of his touch, the tenderness of his gaze, and the whispered promises of a future that remains forever out of reach.

"Are you alright princess?" Dammit, she thought. She looks up at the strange voice, already knowing who she will see. "You know the answer to that."

San's voice, laced with concern, cut through the stillness of the night, his presence casting a shadow upon the moonlit path. Hana's heart quickened at the sight of him, her emotions swirling in a tempest of conflicting desires and unspoken truths. She met his gaze with a mixture of apprehension and longing, the weight of their shared secrets hanging heavy between them like an unbreakable bond. In his eyes, she saw mirrored reflections of her own turmoil, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken yearnings that lingered in the spaces between their words.

"I cannot pretend that everything is well," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "The weight of expectation bears heavily upon me, threatening to consume me in its relentless embrace." San's expression softened, a silent understanding passing between them like a fleeting whisper in the night. He reached out to her, his touch a gentle caress against the tumult of her emotions, offering solace in the midst of her turmoil.

"You are not alone in your struggles," he reassured her, his voice a soothing balm against the ache of her uncertainty. "We carry our burdens together, bound by the threads of fate that intertwine our destinies." In the quiet intimacy of the woods, Hana found solace in San's presence, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of her conflicted heart. In his embrace, Hana looks up at him before deciding to lean in. San moves his head to the side, dodging her kiss. "No." He won't look at her, for if he did he would only give in.

As Hana leaned in, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and longing, she found herself met with San's steadfast refusal. Her frustration simmered beneath the surface, a tempest of conflicting emotions threatening to unravel the fragile threads of her composure. In the depths of her heart, she knew that San's words held truth, a stark reminder of the boundaries that bound them to their respective destinies.

"We are at your brother's wedding, Hana," San's voice carried a note of urgency, his gaze unwavering as he met her eyes. "Your betrothed stands only feet away." The reality of his words pierced through the haze of her desires, the weight of obligation pressing down upon her with relentless force. In the flickering light of the night, she saw the echoes of their shared anguish reflected in San's eyes, a silent testament to the sacrifices they were destined to make in the name of duty and honor.

"Take me," Hana's voice trembled with urgency, her words a whispered plea that reverberated through the stillness of the night. "Take me like you did last night. Whisk me away, let our desires become real." With each word she spoke, the distance between them narrowed, the palpable tension of their shared longing enveloping them in its embrace. As San moved to separate them, Hana held him close, her fingers tracing the contours of his face with a gentle touch, her touch igniting a spark that set their souls ablaze with passion.

"Please San, please give me one more night," her voice trembled with desperation, the edges of her words fraying beneath the weight of unspoken longing. "Let's flee, go back to that brothel and stay there. Or, we can fly together to Essos, where a persons name means nothing to it's people." Her words lingered in the air, a whispered plea that reverberated through the quiet serenity of the morning. In the hazy light of day, San's gaze flickered with turmoil, he knew the dangers that lurked in the shadows, the consequences of surrendering to the pull of their desires.

"Hana," he whispered, his voice a soft murmur amidst the stillness of the morning, urging her to pause, to reconsider the path they tread. For he knew not how long he could resist the siren call of their forbidden love.

"Please, my love," she whispered back, her voice a fragile echo of the depths of her yearning. Her words hung in the air, a silent plea that reverberated through the quiet solitude of the morning, binding them together in a delicate dance of desire and longing. "Stay, stay with me," she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Please, I beg of you. For years you have come and gone, but my heart cannot bear it any longer. I choose you, I want you."

In those words, she bared her soul to him, laying bare the depths of her vulnerability and the extent of her desire. With each plea, she reached out across the expanse that separated them, bridging the gap with the raw intensity of her emotions. San stood before her, his heart a tumultuous storm of conflicting emotions. Her words, spoken with such fervent sincerity, stirred something deep within him, igniting a fire that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns. In her eyes, he saw the reflection of his own longing, mirrored in the depths of her gaze. He felt the weight of her words, each syllable a dagger that pierced the armor of his resolve, laying bare the vulnerability he had fought so hard to conceal.

Their lips met in a fervent embrace, a collision of longing and desire that transcended the confines of time and space. In that moment, they were consumed by the intensity of their shared passion, lost in the tumult of their emotions. The kiss spoke volumes, a silent testament to the depth of their connection and the fervor of their desire. It was a union of souls and, for a fleeting instant, the world around them ceased to exist, fading into insignificance against the backdrop of their shared ecstasy. In that timeless moment, there was only the intoxicating rush of desire, the electric spark that ignited between them. They separated, only for moment as to catch their breath.

"I love you, my heart," San murmured, his voice husky with emotion. "I would die for you, I would kill for you. Whatever you desire, I would grant it."

His words hung in the air, thick with the promise of forbidden ecstasy and unbridled passion.With a hunger born of years of longing, San closed the distance between them once again, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that set her soul ablaze. In that searing embrace, they lost themselves in the intoxicating rush of their passion, their bodies moving in a rhythm as old as time itself.As their kiss deepened, the world around them faded into oblivion, consumed by the fiery intensity of their desire. In that timeless embrace, they became lost in each other, their bodies pressed together in a fervent embrace that spoke volumes of the love that burned between them. As they separated once again, a chasm of despair opened between them, widening with each passing moment.

"But I cannot grant you this," San whispered, his voice heavy with sorrow as he gently pushed her away. Hana recoiled, her heart breaking with every inch of distance that grew between them. Desperation clawed at her, urging her to cling to him, to hold onto the fleeting moments they shared.

"No, no," she pleaded, her voice trembling with unshed tears as she reached out for him. But San remained resolute, his grip firm as he held her at arm's length, his eyes reflecting the anguish that tore at his soul.

"Please, don't make this harder," he implored, his voice a fragile whisper amidst the storm of emotions that raged within him. With each word, his heart shattered anew, his resolve crumbling beneath the weight of their impossible love.

"I am the princess. I am the King's daughter," Hana declared, her voice cracking with the weight of her sorrow. "I demand you, Lord San, to stay here. I demand you to remain with me." But even as she spoke, she knew the futility of her words, for their love was a flame that burned too brightly, consuming everything in its path. And as San's lips met hers one last time, she tasted the bittersweetness of their parting, the bitter sting of farewell lingering on her lips.

"I will always love you, never forget that," he whispered, his voice a haunting echo of the love they shared. And as he turned away, his heart heavy with the weight of their goodbye, Hana watched him fade into the shadows, her soul tethered to his in an eternal bond of love and longing.

-------

The wedding day dawned with golden rays of sunlight streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the bustling halls of the palace. For Hana, the day held the promise of new beginnings, the start of a life bound to another through vows spoken and promises made. As she adorned herself in the finery befitting a princess on her wedding day, her heart weighed heavy with the absence of the one she loved.

Amidst the flurry of preparations and the whispered congratulations that filled the air, Hana moved with a grace born of duty rather than desire. She smiled for the guests, her laughter ringing hollow amidst the jubilant celebrations. But behind the facade of happiness, a silent ache gnawed at her soul, a silent reminder of the love she had lost.

As she stood before the altar, her hand clasped in Wooyoung's, she felt the weight of their impending union settle upon her like a heavy cloak. The words of the ceremony washed over her, a blur of solemn vows and whispered promises that echoed hollow in her ears. Amidst the cheers and applause that greeted their union, Hana felt a pang of longing grip her heart, a silent lament for the love that could never be. For in the depths of her soul, she knew that her heart would always belong to another, a shadowy figure lost to the winds of time and fate.

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am hers, and she is mine, from this day until the end of my days."

"Father, Smith, Warrior, Mother, Maiden, Crone, Stranger, I am his, and he is mine, from this day until the end of my days."

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