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hongjoongscafe · 2 years ago

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Blind Beauty

{one}{two}{three (final)}

Pairing: blind!hongjoong×insecure!reader(grace)

Genre: fluff, angst, implied smut, nudity

Summary: only the mind's eye can see the true beauty.

NOTE: Read While Listening To Romantic/Romantic Sad Songs. I have added some songs' links. Do listen to them when they are linked:) I hope you like it.

Warnings: lots of angst, crying, mention of drunk sex, non-consensual sex tape, insecurities, lots of touchy-touchy, blow job, pussy eating. (Lemme know if there is something else.)

Word count: 13.2k+ (👀)

Materpost

*DO NOT REPOST, PLZ*

"But love is blind, and lovers cannot see

The pretty follies that themselves commit"

~William Shakespeare {The Merchant of Venice}

~~~

"So who do you want me to meet?" Hongjoong visited his parents after talking to Grace on the phone.

"Hongjoong-ah," his mother poured some traditional green tea into the cup, "guests are coming any minute now. You will know," she said and handed the tea to Hongjoong and Seonghwa.

"But I should know who is coming," he whined.

"You are still a child, aren't you?" His father giggled. "But it's a surprise. We are sure you will like it," they smiled.

The family talked about different stuff. They met frequently as they lived near Hongjoong's house. His parents have always been protective of him. He wanted to move to Seoul from Anyang, Gyeonggi-do. But his parents were worried about him along with Seonghwa. Hongjoong had bigger dreams, they could only come closer to true if he moved there. Thinking about his happiness, his parents and Seonghwa moved there to look after him.

Hongjoong didn't say anything about them moving where he wanted. Although he was genuinely sad by the fact that he indeed needed them. A new place for him could have been a bigger challenge than it already was. To his surprise, his parents and Seonghwa didn't live in the same place as him. That did give him some confidence about having his own house and maintaining it. Which he did perfectly, now that he knew the map of his house like the back of his hand.

Hongjoong got startled when the horribly loud doorbell rang. Mother Kim quickly got up with a clap and went to open the door. He listened to her greeting the guests before they followed her into the sitting area.

"Please make yourself comfortable," Mrs. Kim said.

"Mr. Lee," Mr. Kim began, "meet him, my wonderful son… Hongjoong," he patted Hongjoong's back.

"Ah, the infamous man!" Mr. Lee exclaimed. "Such a handsome boy he grew out to be! When they were younger, he was such a cute boy. Look at his proportions now! Only if I was a lady, I would have said yes immediately," Hongjoong frowned.

Seonghwa was feeling unsettled. It wasn't that Hongjoong's parents were bad, they were supportive. But this situation looked far more complicated and alarming. They should have told them about the guests. Especially when there was a whole family of four sitting in front of them.

"Ah!" Chuckled Mr. Kim, "you are still the same!"

Hongjoong's ears perked at this statement. He remembered the Lee family. They were one of their most important friends back when he was younger. But they left when he was eight years old. Their daughter, Ara, was his best friend. They didn't stop talking because the Lee family had to go away. She stopped being friends with him when they were seven years old, leaving him in the unknown darkness.

His child mind was so attracted to her. It was always Ara for him and nobody else. Sometimes, Seonghwa would be angry at Hongjoong for hanging out with Ara all the time.

"No, I haven't changed but our kids definitely did," he smiled. "And look at Seonghwa! Such a handsome man," Seonghwa wasn't familiar with the family. He wasn't sure who they were and how they knew him. So he just smiled and bowed slightly with an awkward smile.

"I don't think that you remember this man, Seonghwa," Mr. Kim said.

"Unfortunately," Seonghwa hesitated, "I don't."

"Do you remember Ara?"

'No fuck,' Hongjoong thought.

Seonghwa tried to remember, "Ah, yes. I do… oh my good fate! Wow, I completely forgot about it!" Hongjoong could tell that Seonghwa was uncomfortable and was faking the excitement.

"Mm, we figured," they chuckled. "But today is something special. Mr. Lee and his family came back to Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, and their daughter, Ara, now lives in Seoul."

"Oky…?" Hongjoong's mind was bland, trying to figure out what they were trying to say.

"We want you and Ara to marry each other," Mrs. Kim came happily back with some juice and snacks.

"What!?" Hongjoong and Seonghwa said in unison.

"You heard it right! Both the families always wanted to do this. But things changed and we had to move to America but now that we are back, we would love to see you both together," Mrs. Lee said in her sweet voice. She was a kind lady. Her values were well known in the whole area.

"No, no! This can't be happening! We need to leave, Seonghwa," Hongjoong stood up.

"Please, Hongjoong, don't do this. W-we understand your worries but it was in the past. You guys were young… mistakes happen. Give her a chance," Mr. Lee insisted.

"But I—"

"Joong, just go and talk to the pretty lady in private once," his father abruptly cut him off with a stern voice.

Defeated, Hongjoong nodded. Seonghwa's hand squeezed Hongjoong's to let him know that he was there and that he would get out sooner. Hongjoong sighed.

"Oky," he muttered and walked carefully towards the room, Ara following behind.

~~~

It is now the weekend. Grace, Yunho, and Mingi traveled to their parents to celebrate the engagement of the tall couple. Mingi's sister, Elena, joined them as well.

Yunho and Mingi have visited many times during these few years but not Grace. Her pathetic life has always kept her from going back. Knowing that her past choices, which her parents already warned her about, were bad. Facing them was the hardest thing she could do. Her constant excuses about the university and then work always saved her from going back.

However, she couldn't run so far from them. She needed to face them and accept the reality of the misery that her life was. But there was one thing that wasn't a misery and that was Hongjoong.

Yeah, that's the only person that she was looking forward to.

The train came to a pause at the station. The boys volunteered to carry the luggage as it was not much, only for two days. The platform was rushy, everyone was packed and was trying to get on the train or go out of the station.

Luckily, behind her two tall and broad best friends, Grace and Elena didn't have to make much effort making their way out. As they passed out from the rush, Grace saw her mother almost immediately. Her eyes welled up. Grace's mother, Mumma Daisy, was also teary.

Mumma Daisy jogged toward her daughter and stood in front of her. "God, look at you, Grace! Oh dear, look at you all grown up. Where did your innocent face go? That childish one?" Her tears dripped down as well Grace's.

They hugged each other tightly and let their emotions take over. The distance that Grace and her family created was bittersweet. They talked over the phone but it felt like they were just keeping the are-you-alive track.

It wasn't only that Grace made some choices that made her and her family awkward with each other. No. It was how things were handled. Instead of being there for Grace and softly telling her that they are there for her, they simply let their anger out on her and made her feel that she was still a kid and can't do a thing for her good and that she was too immature to be true.

There was more to it. So much more. The way her father acted was her last straw.

"You have no sense of men! Always choosing the rag of a person! And now you are sitting here, bawling your eyes out!" Your father, papa Jung-ho, flared out. "I can't even go out in public without feeling shame."

"But it's not my fault!" Grace cried. Her throat felt like closing up. Her face was hurting because of all the crying.

"Do you even know what happened!?" Papa Jung-Ho shouted. "When I gave you the phone, I didn't expect you to do this! I thought you were responsible enough, Grace," he huffed and picked up his jacket, storming out of his house, somewhere he couldn't see Grace for a while.

Grace was sitting on the floor, looking almost dead. Her heart ached. She was already going through enough. A breakup, betrayal, humiliation, and now the pain of her father not wanting to even be in the same room.

That was the last time she went back home.

Grace pulled back from her mother whose eyes were running all over her features, trying to locate the changes. There was a lot. Mumma Daisy could list thousands of things… What made her want to cry was, most of them were negative. It shined on Grace's face that she went through shit before standing in front of her mother.

Just do not bother Grace, she kept mum about her worries. She was well aware that it might backlash against her. Mumma Daisy could do much more when Grace left the house in tears and with a broken heart. She was well aware that her daughter needed some warmth and love but she was bound by the fate of her husband who was blinded by rage and shame that he couldn't see that his daughter was going through more than he could ever imagine.

~~~

Hongjoong's eyes shed tears while he was listening to some random RnB music on the record player. It was looking dramatic. The way his head was dropped on the side and the way he was swinging in his rocking chair by the window.

"I can't believe they thought that this was the right idea," Seonghwa sighed. "They know everything and yet they did that. And the reason was even shittier, no offense to you, Joong."

Hongjoong sighed and sat straight, "I can't either. I understand their worries but they need to leave me alone for a minute and not jump to these old-school solutions. I am old and experienced enough for myself. I-I just need some time... I feel like I found one but then again I can't jump to conclusions when I am unaware of her feelings," he whispered in the last part.

Seonghwa got up from his place on the couch and stood next to his best friend and patted his shoulder. "I know that, Joong. And if you ask me, she is head over heels for you. You know when she looks at you, her cheeks get dusted by this beautiful, innocent blush. Her ears look like two slices of tomato. Her eyes shimmer, smile widens. It's funny how she met you not so long ago and already cares for you so much. At the little party at their apartment, she kept the most comfortable stuff for you. I talked to Yunho later, he told me how she went as far as making the house look good only for you. Do you know what she said to Yunho when he said you won't know?" Hongjoong shook his head as no, "she said: yeah, but he can feel it. That girl is so ready to make you hers. But yeah, giving some time would be better so that you both grow with each other and understand better. I love it for you, Joong. Don't lose her because of your insecurities. Talk to her. I have said this before as well," Seonghwa gave a last pat on his shoulder and turned around. "It's getting late now. I must get going. I have left a water bottle on your nightstand. Just lock the door and go to sleep. Don't overthink or worry about anything… It's gonna be fine."

The sound of the door closing signed that the older man left. Hongjoong sighed heavily and thought about what Seonghwa said about Grace's reactions and the little stuff she did to make him comfortable. He wasn't sure if he should cry about the fact that he couldn't experience it, that he can't see her; or be happy that she react in such a way to him. His mind went on and on about Grace and was stuck on what Seonghwa said.

Insecurity.

Being blind wasn't his option and it certainly wasn't something that should be his insecurity because he just simply didn't have control over this. But it still was. He was different no matter what his capabilities were. Even if he could read, write, sing, play instruments, and dance sometimes, he was still disabled. He was still looked at with either pity or disgust.

Grace was the only person that was neutral to him. She neither overly reacted nor under-ly reacted. She was fine with what he was. Instead, she was head over heels— as Seonghwa said— for someone like him.

Before his insecurities could consume him, he got up and locked his door, and went to bed.

He couldn't wait for Tuesday. There was a lot he wanted to talk about.

~~~

The restaurant was filled with people talking, cutlery clinking against the plates and bowls. The air was filled with the delicious scent of food.

The food was served. Grace was sitting in between Yunho and Elena. Elena was on her left and Yunho was on the right with Mingi. They all were talking and having fun.

Except for Grace.

She spent her whole day at home but not once did her father share a word with her. Keeping her pride aside, she tried talking but he wouldn't budge. It saddened her. Whatever happened back then, was not her fault by any means. She was the victim who needed support but instead, everyone made her feel like shit and taunted her to no end.

Yunho's and Mingi's parents were so nice. They talked to her about anything and everything, knowing that her father was still stuck somewhere dark. It was traumatizing, what happened but he forgot that it was happening with his daughter. But he was beaten by what people had to say.

"I can't believe you guys are now engaged. I still remember you all being so tiny," Yunho's mother said. "When Yunho introduced us to Mingi as his boyfriend, we were so happy and were thinking about this day and now that this day has arrived, I feel like we are getting too old."

"Yebo, they are kids, they are meant to be grown. What I am really happy about is that at least they are so nice and trustable. I fear nothing," Yunho's father said.

"It has always been a pleasure that our kids were close and now it's like a dream come true," Mingi's mother said, and his father nodded in agreement.

"It must be nice to have responsible kids, no?" Grace's father curtly said.

Grace was already regretting coming here, hands clutching the fork tightly. But she was keeping herself at ease just for her friends.

"Ah, Grace is so responsible too. The interview in the magazine was so good. I have been showing it off everywhere," Mumma Daisy proudly said.

"What about dignity? One should have some," he spat.

Yunho brought his hand under the table and held Grace's trembling hand tightly to calm her down. He has seen her cry and heard her breaking down through the thin walls. This whole situation was outrageous for him, seeing papa Jung-Ho acting like boiled his blood. But he couldn't say anything. He was raised better than that.

"It's not like that. Grace has been so responsible. Handling a huge business and other stuff and taking care of us, it's not easy. She is doing her best!" Yunho praised.

"Mhm, within the next few months, her brand will be considered a luxury," Mingi proudly added. "She is the most successful out of all of us!"

"Grace, sweetheart, we all are so proud of you," Yunho's mother said.

"True, the other day we saw you on a billboard," Mingi's father said.

"Thank you so much, I appreciate it," Grace shyly said. "I don't have control over many things, but what I can control, I ace it."

Grace's father scoffed.

"So good, my love. Tell us more," Mingi's mother said. "What's going on these days? Have you found someone?" She wiggled her eyebrows. Everyone at the table was looking at her, except her father. Her mother's ears were waiting, she was well aware that if she showed some interest, Jung-Ho would create a scene at home.

Grace's cheeks heated up when Yunho cleared his throat as a tease. "Well, I recently met this guy, a wonderful guy."

Mrs. Jeong and Mrs. Song gasped with happiness. "Tell us more," they said in unison.

"What does he look like? What does he do? Any photos?" They bombed many questions onto her.

She felt nervous. It was a judgemental situation that she had to go through. It isn't common to date a blind person. But at the same time not bad. People have just made it a taboo. But she wasn't afraid or ashamed of it. She was proud of her Hongjoong, a blind man who can do anything. There is nothing more prideful for her.

"His name is Hongjoong," She looked at Yunho who was squeezing her hand to tell her that details are not necessary if she doesn't want to share. She gave him a tiny smile and continued, "he works at multiple places depending upon days. He is a motivational speaker too. And he is blind."

The table fell quiet. Dangerously calm. But Grace didn't bother and just kept on eating her dinner so did Elena, Yunho, and Mingi. They weren't bothered by this fact. Elena has seen Hongjoong multiple times at the cafe and she would be lying if she said that he wasn't good. He was the best customer she ever had, Seonghwa included.

Papa Jung-Ho stood up and threw the napkin, which was on his lap, harshly on the seat and left the restaurant. The silence was awkward but Grace embraced it because she was too proud to feel anything else than love for Hongjoong.

But it bothered her when her mother followed her father with her head hung. Grace now understood the weight of her parent's marriage. It was dominated by her father and she was weighed down by his actions. She did not have her own say even though they called themselves "pretty forward according to the time".

"You are not doing anything wrong, darling. He is just all over the place," Mrs. Jeong said with her honey-laced voice.

"It doesn't matter. I know he won't be happy with any of my decisions. He wasn't happy when I took fashion designing. Or when I decided to move on. I don't expect him to be happy now. It is how it is. You don't need to say something on his behalf when he doesn't mean it himself. I'm happy with what I have. I know what I am doing," Grace smiled and lowered her fork. "I must get going now."

Before anybody could stop her, she was out of the restaurant.

Feelings. Yeah, they were broken.

~~~

When Grace arrived back home after walking around and sorting out her thoughts, she found her luggage at the door with a note on it.

'We should have named you Disgrace.

Don't show up unless you learn some sense and build some dignity.'

All she could do was scoff and sit on the steps. She called a cab for herself and decided to stay in a hotel for a night and would leave back home to Seoul before everyone else. She didn't belong here. The expectations were different; the ways to handle things were different; understandings were different; the way to look at the world was different. She wondered how Hongjoong lived in this fucked up world, full of heartless people.

The ringtone of her phone pulled her out of her trance as her cab arrived. She did have a cheaper option of staying at Yunho's which was next door but Grace and her family already ruined their dinner, she wasn't comfortable with pushing it too much.

The hotel room was small but cozy. It is always hard to find a nice room on such short notice and that too at this time. There was a window next to the bed that showed off the light traffic around.

Changing into a comfortable loose shirt that she stole from Yunho, she got under the covers and looked outside. Her mind was screaming to hear Hongjoong's voice. So she called him at one in the morning.

Hongjoong was about to go to bed after completing his work for this week when his phone vibrated on the nightstand. The automated voice informed him that the call was from Grace. He got worried. She never called him at this hour.

"Hello? Grace?" He picked up.

"H-hi," her breathy voice didn't help him.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked worriedly.

"Yeah, I'm sorry that I called this late," she said. Her throat was threatening to burst. She couldn't contain herself.

"No, please, you can call me anytime you want. I don't mind," he softly said. "Please tell me what happened. I can tell something is off."

A sob broke from her throat and tears finally spilled. "I'm missing you, Joongie. I wish I could hug you," I am not fine. I feel like I'm losing everything I have. I'm stuck somewhere haunted. I wish I could be with you and feel like I belong with someone. I'm having trouble, Joongie. Get me out of here. That's what she wanted to say.

Hongjoong swore that he heard his heart breaking into little pieces. "Hey, I'm right here, Grace. It's alright. We will meet on Tuesday, right?"

"Y-yeah," she sobbed. "I miss you so much. You are the best," Grace cried.

Hongjoong lay down on the bed with the phone still attached to his ear. He was hurting too. He knew that there was more to it and that she was hurting. So was he. And he missed you too. He lay there and listened through your cries with his silent tears pouring out.

Grace hated crying in front of people. She hated showing people her weak side but she felt safe here, talking to Hongjoong.

They stayed like that until they both calmed down. Only sniffles could be heard.

"Good night, Joongie," She said.

"Good night, baby."

~~~

Grace had informed Yunho about her early leave. Although, he was salty about her not telling him about last night and straight up going to a hotel rather than coming to his place.

She was too ashamed to even face any of them after what her family did at the dinner. It wasn't about Hongjoong, no, that was never the reason why she was feeling ashamed. It was how her father just couldn't suck it up for a few and always played the victim. It was too much to handle. There were better things to focus on and she was going back to those.

Hongjoong was worried. His mind was still pacing around the bush. The call with Grace made him feel uneasy. He wanted to talk to Seonghwa about it but he held himself. He wanted to take care of her himself and wanted to be responsible.

He was happy too. She called him when she was feeling down. Isn't that good? People, when they are hurt, call the person they trust the most. But it was sad nonetheless because he didn't want to hear her cry like that. His heart was wrecked.

"Tuesday, please come faster."

~~~

It was finally Tuesday.

When Yunho came back, Grace tried to not talk about it as much. Understanding, Yunho didn't push too much. He just let her be.

He knew that personal space meant more than anything to her. She wanted to be left alone. It hurt Yunho slightly though. He wanted her to be happy. And he insisted that nothing bad will happen but we all know how that turned out.

"How does this look?" Grace asked Yunho while twirling in a black dress with thick straps that were knotted in cute bows over her shoulders. It fell an inch above her knees.

"Perfect!" He stood up and came closer. "Excited for the date?"

"Mhm," she shyly said, fiddling with her dress.

"Great! I'll call Mingi then," she smacked his arm playfully. "Oky, no. In all seriousness, I'm so happy and proud of you... I hope you know that the garden doesn't die when you pluck some flowers. It is still filled with colors and joy, oky?"

Grace's heart softened, very well aware of where this all was coming from. "I know. Thank you for everything, Yuyu. I love you so much," she hugged him tight.

"Ya, have a good date. Love you too," he pecked her head.

"Mhm, just gonna put on some makeup and leave."

She kept her makeup simple and neat. Peachy natural look with her favorite nude lip shade looked perfect. Wearing her pretty black heels, not too tall for the sake of her ankles, she was ready to leave to pick her date up.

Saying her wishes to Yunho, who was already calling Mingi, she left. The drive was not so far. Giving him a call, she informed him of her arrival.

Hongjoong came down in five minutes. Grace got out of her car to greet him. "Hongjoong."

He giggled with giddiness, "Grace."

They stopped in front of each other. Grace looked at him up and down. He looked so fucking handsome in his all-black look. His hair pulled back, no longer blue but black. He looked so hot that it made her rub her thighs. He looked like a piece of snack.

"Fuck," was she could say.

"Ah, why? Do I not look good?" He asked with a question mark face.

"No. I mean, wow. You look so hot. It is illegal for you to be out there. Damn, where did that cute hamster go?" She stuttered.

"Oh," he chuckled. "Thank you. You look so good as well!" He wished he could see you. Seonghwa's words repeated in his mind again and again.

"Thank you so much. It means a lot to me," Grace blushed.

Coming closer, she held his bicep and kissed his cheek. The whip of her perfume blessed Hongjoong's nose. His nose searched for more of her scent. His cheek heated at the pleasant contact. Oh, he was falling hard. He loved her closeness. The way he wanted to pull her in a hug, he had a hard time holding himself back.

His thoughts broke when she tugged him gently towards the car, "here," she opened the door and guided him in. She kept a hand above the entrance to prevent his head from hitting it.

Quickly getting in herself, she made sure that everything was in place, and then she started the car and took off to the restaurant she booked for the night. Some nice jazz was being played in the background. The silence in the car was pleasant. It was like they were away from the loud world, in their safe space.

The night was chilly. Grace shivered and got goosebumps. She quickly opened the trunk of her car and took the black shawl with her to keep her warm.

The waitress took them to their table which was in the corner, away from nosey people. Luckily she booked an indoor table or else she was going to fall sick. Anyway, the aroma of the restaurant was luxurious. The sizzling sounds of the meat from the little show they put on were enduring to their ears.

Grace sat next to him at the round table. She recited the menu to him and ordered whatever they decided on. Hongjoong's hands were on the table. They were so beautiful and looked so soft. She brought her hand up and held his warm one with her cold one.

"You are cold," he said.

"Don't worry I have a shawl," she kissed his knuckles.

Giggling, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her, lingering a bit there. "I will always worry for you, Grace."

"And I will for you, Joongie," she looked into his eyes. They weren't focused but she knew the hidden feelings behind those dark orbs.

"With that, I wanna say something," he said.

"What is it?"

"I was wondering if we could talk today?" He sighed, "there are few things that I wanna get off of my chest."

"Of course, that's why we are on a date. Isn't it?" She took a sip of the water that was just served. "What is it?"

"Not here… maybe we could go to mine later on?" He hesitantly asked.

Grace thought about it for a second. "Of course, we can do that."

The rest of the dinner was romantic. They played footsies under the table and the environment around them was giggly and filled with soft voices. The people from other tables looked at them with stars in their eyes. It was a rare sight of two young people in love.

Love…

~~~

"Feel at home, Grace," Hongjoong said as he invited her into his house.

It was small and cozy. He had some plants and many books on the shelf. Some pictures around with, what seemed like, his family. The living room was clean and well organized. It had warm colors, giving the homely feeling that she never felt in her own house. This felt like home. Somewhere she would want to go after a long day at work.

"It's an absolutely wonderful place, Joongie. So cozy and clean," she said.

He blushed, "thank you. I can't see, but I try to maintain as much as I can. It makes me happy."

"You surprise me every time, Joongie," she sat on the fluffy couch.

Hongjoong carefully sat next to her, trying not to end up on her lap. "I'm just trying my best."

"And you are doing better than anybody," she whispered, flustered at the closeness that he was oblivious of.

But he gasped when her hot breath fanned over his features. He apologized and scooted just a tad bit back. Still close.

"What do you wanna talk about?" She asked, eyes drinking up his features from the intimacy.

"There are so many things. I don't know where to start," he chuckled nervously.

"We have the whole night, Joongie… let it out," she took his hand and rested it in her lap, and caressed it.

"I feel so much for you, Grace. It scares me," he confessed.

Her pupils dilated but her eyes saddened at his last statement, "what scares you?"

"That I'm not enough, you know? No matter what, I'm still a disabled man. I can never be someone perfect. It scares me so much. I feel like our chapter is small, you know? Like, we are meant for less time. And I wanna embrace this time with all I have. I can't make you mine because I just can't be enough. I'm not enough," he tried to keep his tears back.

Grace's hold tightened around his hand. "Why do you think like this? You are enough. You are better than anybody else I know," a tear slipped from her eyes.

"After our date, my parents asked me to be there the next day. They wanted me to meet someone," he paused. "Seonghwa and I went there the next day. They had invited an old friend of ours. Well, theirs. They have a daughter and we used to play together, Seonghwa too. The three of us were inseparable. It was so nice back then. But one day, Ara— the daughter— got disgusted by me and fought with me. We were still young kids. I think we were seven back then. She left. She never came back to play with us and a few months later, the whole family flew to America… Now, after so long, they came back. I- my parents and hers wanted us to marry each other," Grace's hold loosened.

'Is that it? Is he breaking up?' Before she could go any further, he held her hand and continued.

"After she fought with me back when we were kids, I wasn't interested in her, not even a bit. But they insisted that we should talk in private because back then we were young and– and couldn't understand certain things. So we did talk…" he smiled with tears brimming his eyes as he looked down to the side," Guess some people don't change."

"Listen, I really don't want this," Hongjoong said as he closed the door of the guest room behind him.

"Do you think I want this?" Ara harshly said.

"I know you don't," he whispered and sat down on the sofa that was in the corner and she sat on the edge of the bed.

"Who would want to destroy their life after being with a disabled person who can't even see and is dependent on others? God, I hate it so much! Why did my parents think it was a good idea to send me off with someone like you? Ugh, this is so bad. It would be so shameful to be out with you! My friends have so much better, no, an abled person with them. It would be such a shame to be with a blind rag. And then deal with all the pity. Fuck. This is so fucking bad! Who would even want to be with you?" She exaggerated a sigh. "You are not enough, Hongjoong. You are, in the end, blind and no one wants to be with someone like that. God, even deaf people are better. At least, they can see and go their way properly without that annoying stick and just bumping into people. So fucking embarrassing… I am gonna say it again, You. Are. Not. Enough!" With that, she slammed the door shut and went out and acted as if nothing happened, and confessed about her long-term hidden boyfriend.

Grace was biting her lip so hard to keep the ugly sobs in. This Ara girl was mean. "You don't have to listen to her," she said after swallowing the lump in her throat. "She had no right to be disgusted by you. You are perfect! Fuck, I can't imagine how wrong she is. Joongie, you are enough, perfect. Please, don't listen to her," you wiped his silent tears.

"She didn't fight for nothing," he sadly smiled. This was it. The truth, the sour truth was coming out.

"What do you mean?" Grace asked.

"I wasn't blind before," her heartbeat stopped, her mouth opened and her eyes widened.

"Huh?" She let out.

"I had a perfectly fine vision. No eye disease or anything. I was perfect."

"Th-then what happened?" She stuttered.

"My father works in a chemistry lab. He often took us there and showed us harmless tricks. He was always careful with us and the chemicals. But one day, one of his coworkers brought his son. He was restless and sort of mannerless. His father kept my father occupied and wasn't paying attention to us. The boy was touching different chemicals and stuff so I stayed away from him because my father always warned me about these chemicals… He came back, the boy, and stood next to me, acting that nothing was fishy. He smiled creepily at me and called my name," he took a deep breath," he threw some chemicals on my face," Grace gasped shakily, tears streaming down. "My eyes burned so much. Everything was blurry. I could hear my father screaming and the chaos happening… it was all a blur, scary. I fainted," his voice shook.

Hongjoong felt like reliving what happened back then. He never talked about this before. But he kept continuing, "when I was coming into consciousness, I could hear the beeps of the machine and faint sounds of people. I remember opening my eyes but it was all dark. I started crying, screaming I can't open my eyes, mama. I can't see. Turn on the lights! They came rushing in. I could hear my mother telling me it was okay."

"Hongjoong, love. Please calm down. Don't cry, mommy is here," Hongjoong's mother hugged her.

"Mommy it's dark!" He cried.

"I know," her voice broke.

"I was scared of darkness…" Grace finally let out a sob. He kept on going, "I was so scared that time. I wanted to look at someone. I wanted to look at my mother and father. I wanted to see where I was. Something but not black. I was a mess."

"Mommy please, please turn on the lights. I can't, I'm scared," his tiny hands fisted his mother's shirt.

"Baby, the lights are on…" she whispered in his ears.

"I still can't see," he trembled.

"Baby, do you remember what happened? Before fainting?"

He took his time to remember and nodded, "yes, papa's friend's son threw something in my eyes and they burned."

"Yes, baby. They burned. You– you can't see anymore," she cried.

Hongjoong froze. His cries stopped. But his body trembled even more. His hold tightened even more. He pressed his cheek even more into his mother. "Mommy?"

"Yes, honey?"

"Don't leave me. I'm scared."

It was silent. Only Hongjoong's and Grace's sobs could be heard. It was painful to tell and hear. She could tell from his voice the pain he was hiding.

"That was when she fought. When she came to know about this, she fought. I don't know how her tiny brain thought of harsh things but it did. At that time, it was all fresh. I was hurt and broken but she broke the last part left. I hated her but blamed myself… I still do," he wiped his tears and reached for Grace's face to wipe hers. "I don't care about her… I just want to– want to see how my parents look. How does Seonghwa look, you know? Their image in my head is not clear anymore. It was the only thing that kept me going. But as I grew up, it started to fade away. They all were so young. Seonghwa was little and innocent. I wonder how they look now. My parents must have wrinkles by now, I think, well, at least my father. I remember he had some near his eyes back then. Mom, I don't know about her. She has been a skincare enthusiast forever… Grace," he violently sobbed, "I wanna see my parents. It has been my wish since the day I woke up," he cried. "I wanna see Seonghwa, fuck, that man stayed with me since then. He had done so much for me. I wanna see you too. Seonghwa tells me about you and I would be lying if I say that it doesn't hurt. I fucking wanna see you! Why did this happen to me? Why am I the one being punished? I hate it, Grace. My heart, Grace, hurts. Fuck!" She hugged him tightly against her. They cried together in each other's arms.

She pulled away and held his hands again and brought them close to her chest, "it is her loss. Joongie, you are perfect. So perfect that I can't stop thinking about you. Baby, you are the best, blind or not. I can't imagine the pain you went through but I do know that you're stronger than you show. I love that. I adore that. You are much more than that," her forehead rested against his. "Your parents are so great. I love that you love them so much. I can't imagine how it feels," her throat squeezed.

"I'm fine now. It's alright. And I know you do. Trust me I appreciate it so, so fucking much," he kissed your forehead. "You make my life so better, do you know that? I always think that you are an angel in disguise. You make me feel many colors. You are my novel, make me feel things that I have never felt before," Grace chuckled at his novel metaphor, knowing how they spent the very first day together and talked about books. She was so in love with this man.

"You are my novel too, Hongjoong. You are better than any novel I have ever read. And I wanna read you more and more…"

"Can I ask something?" He asked.

"Mhm."

"That night, when you called me and cried… What happened that night? Don't lie. If you don't wanna talk about it, then just say it but please, no lies," he requested.

As much as Grace hated to talk about it, she felt like she needed to share. He opened himself in front of her and it was only good if she opened up too.

"The thing is, that the environment back at my parents is not good. It's mostly because of my choices. They haven't been too good," she began. "I have always chosen the wrong things unintentionally. And I always thought a bit differently when it came to a career. My father had different plans than mine. I have always been into fashion. I loved putting together clothes. I loved designing them. Hell, I would make clothes for my dolls on my mother's sewing machine. They thought that it was just a craze but I adored it. And when I went into the line of fashion designing, my father kinda always had a bone to pick. He would tell me that I couldn't go far in this line and that I would be lost and come back crying for their help. I was bothered and did what I wanted. But that was the beginning of all the hate. Other than that one of my poor choices was boys that I dated. It was bad. Really, really bad. Every single time, they would leave me feeling insecure about myself. But once, it went too far. There was this guy I loved dearly. We were happy together. So many would be jealous of how we used to be. You know, it was a picture-perfect relationship. We were together for two years and I trusted him with my whole heart. Whatever he said was right for me… When there is a relationship, there most probably will be a physical relationship too. There was for us," she curtly said the last word. "I felt safe with him. He praised me and told me how beautiful I was. There were these dreams he made me see about the future. But it all came down crashing one day," she took a deep breath. "It was the last week of university. I got ready to go and when I reached, everyone was looking at me. They were whispering to themselves. Some were passing comments and called me names. I didn't know what was going on until someone shoved their phone in my face," her voice broke. "There was me. In the bed. Naked. With him on top of me, fucking me. I don't remember that specific night. We always had sex while we were drunk. The sex was consensual but the recording was't. It was so disgusting. I saw my world falling apart in front of my eyes. I was humiliated. They picked on my insecurities. Some weren't even there but they made me feel insecure. This traveled to my parents... And my father was angry. He wouldn't even spare me a glance. But one day he busted out, screamed at me, yelled at me. He broke me. I needed support but he declared me as if I was nothing to him. Then I stopped going back. I worked my ass off day and night to earn a living and build up a business. Yunho was there for me. He bought me food most of the time. He took care of me… Even after years, he still hates me. He doesn't celebrate my achievements. And that night, we were at dinner. He didn't talk to me at all. But then he started passing on indirect comments about me. And somehow they started talking about me and my relationship… I told them about us. That I find my future with you," she sniffed.

"What did he say?" He asked in his choked voice.

"He never approves of me," Grace sadly said. "But don't worry. I'm so proud to have you with me. It's his problem, I can't change his mind… You know, I stopped being in a relationship after that. I was afraid of being with anyone and getting wrongly judged. You make me comfortable in my own skin. Fuck, you make me feel important," the last line is what made hongjoong know that they both are on the same page.

"Grace, whoever did that to you, he did something so terrible. I won't ever do that to you. None of this was your fault. You didn't make a bad choice you are so fucking talented and now you have such a big business. Your father is at a loss. He did unjustly to you. And the people who made you feel bad about yourself, are fucking jealous of what you have. Look at you, so gorgeous and perfect. I bet you are so, so beautiful. Grace, please, please don't hang onto them…" he sobbed.

"Joongie, you are the best."

"So are you," he held her head in his hands and joined their lips together. He tasted like the chocolate dessert they had before leaving the restaurant. His pillowy lips swallowed her glossy ones. They fit perfectly.

Hongjoong pulled away, "Grace, I wanna feel you. I wanna feel the beauty I have, please," his voice came out as a whisper.

"Feel me up, Joongie. I'm all yours," she caught his lips in the kiss again. It was sensual, slow, and filled with unspoken meanings.

"Let's go to my room, okay?"

"Yes, please."

Hongjoong guided her to his room, he opened the door and switched on the lights, even though he was blind and necessarily didn't need lights, he still turned them on just so that the house was nice and bright, unlike his old life.

They sat on the bed but before they could move any further, Grace stopped them. "I wanna feel you like you will feel me," she said.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"Blindfold. I wanna put on a blindfold and feel you and look at you through my mind. Can I do that?"

"You can do whatever you want. Let me just feel your face first," his hands flew to her face. He traced her forehead and moved to the bridge of her nose. His other hands explored her jaw and cheek. The feather-light touches sent shivers down Grace's spine. Her lips felt wet and swollen against his touch. "You can put it on now."

She held the tie that was around his neck and untied it to wrap it around her eyes. All she saw was black. The realization was hitting her hard now that she knows that he wasn't blind before. You can't live with this darkness without freaking out and he was still a child who was innocent and too oblivious to what was happening.

"I'm ready," she whispered.

"You sure?" He hesitantly asked.

"Yes, please."

His hands traveled up her arms, leaving goosebumps on her skin. She felt so soft and warm. He felt her skin getting goosebumps which made him giggle in adoration. His hands reached to the shoulders where the bow knots were, and he gently pulled them to untie them. He let them fall off of her shoulders, and moving towards the back, he undid the zipper that he found when he hugged her.

The dress bunched up around her waist and she got up, throwing it somewhere in the room, and sat up properly. Her fingers found his shirt's buttons and opened them and shrugged his shirt out. Her hands didn't go for the chest but the face first.

His features felt so sharp and symmetrical. Coming down toward the long neck and sharp collar bones, her warm hands wandered over his chest. His pebble nipples poked her palms and she teasingly pinched him.

"Hmm, stop teasing me," he rasped. His hands moved down to her breasts. They were so soft and plushy, he cupped her and squeezed them. He was trying hard to picture her in his mind. She was beautiful.

"Fuck," she silently moaned. "More, Joongie," she pushed her chest against his hands. He pinched her erect nipples and took the right one in his mouth, "oh!"

Hongjoong explored her while mouthing her nipple. His fingers hooked around the elastic of her lacy panties and swiftly removed them. "Lay down for me," he guided.

He carefully got on top of her and caressed her side. His hands moved to her thighs as he spread them open. He explored her legs, going through each and every curve and her feet were soft.

Hongjoong felt some stretch marks around her waist and butt when he caressed them. He traced each of them with care, trying to copy the image in his blurred mind.

"Hongjoong… please, don't," Grace felt insecure when she figured out what he was doing.

"Sh, babe. This is so perfect. So beautiful," he kissed her lips with love. "Prettiest person I have ever felt. So gorgeous for me."

Finally moving ahead, his hands gently hovered over her inner thighs and her pussy. "Please," listening to her pleas, he finally allowed himself to feel her most intimate parts. She was hot and wet. Dripping wet. He spread her labia with his middle fingers and tapped around with his index. When he poked a bumpy thing, she flinched and tried to close her thighs.

"Is this your clit?" He tapped it a few times, finding it interesting.

She dumbly giggled, "yeah… ohh," she moaned when he rubbed it with some pressure.

His one finger kept on rubbing tight circles on her clit while the other found her dripping cunt. He slipped his finger and her pussy made a squelching noise. He dipped his head until his nose touched her pussy. He took a deep sniff of her musky scent. It made him harder than he was. He kissed her clit and swirled his tongue around it and gave it a nice suck, it made Grace arch her back with pleasure. It had been a while for her.

"I wanna feel you too, Joongie," she sat up.

"As you wish," he whispered and waited for her to do something.

Grace was nervous. He didn't want to hurt him so she placed her hands on the bed and followed where the dip on the bed was getting intense. Her tips brushed against his legs and she moved up his legs towards his thighs. She went even above his pants and roamed her hands on his soft yet firm tummy.

She unbuttoned his pants and helped him get out of them. Her fingers lingered around the waistband and finally cupped his length through his underwear. Her hand moved up and down, and so did his chest. Nobody has ever touched his dick. I wanted more. He wanted to feel her hands on him without any barriers.

He recklessly discarded his underwear somewhere in the room. Bringing her hands to him, he let them explore him. He leaned back on his hands, head falling back when her tiny warm hand held his big leaking cock. She felt his hard cock. Her finger touched his cock head and swirled It around. Taking the beaded pre-cum on her fingers, she caressed the slit, making him moan louder.

"So big," she excitedly whined. Her free hand cupped his heavy and tight balls and massaged him making him moan her name. Lowering herself, she sniffed up and down his length, taking in his essence, and then took him in her mouth.

"Fuck Grace," he moaned, thighs tightening.

This was overwhelming for him. Oh, he wanted to see how she looked with her lips wrapped around him, how her pussy looked around him. He needed to be inside her.

Flipping her on the back, he pushed her legs until they touched her chest and slipped inside her slowly, trying not to hurt her. They moaned in unison.

It was good. They felt safe. They felt alive again. They felt the spark in them increasing. They were addicted. They loved each other.

"Grace, I love you," he confessed when he reached his high.

"I love you too, Joongie!"

Hongjoong fell on top of her. Catching their breath. Then he moved to the side. He pulled the drawer open and brought tissues out. And tried his best to clean her up and himself.

"Thank you, Joongie," Grace whispered when he cuddled her.

"You are so gorgeous, I have no words for you," he kissed her head.

She cuddled him tighter, "you are the most handsome man ever… are you tired?"

"Kind of but still not," he hummed.

"Can you sing for me?" She asked.

He chuckled, "of course, my love." He started the song while humming the beats.

Honestly

It's kinda been a couple crazy years for me

Letting go of things that were a part of me

It just didn't seem fair, wasn't going anywhere so

I did all the things, I couldn't get away

But thinking of love, it had me so afraid

I needed time alone, I needed time to crawl

I needed time to find my way, so

This time I'm gon' give it everything

And this time I know I'm gon' do it so damn better

This time I promise that I'm gon' give her

All that I can

'Cause I know she'll be worth a diamond ring

And I'll do what it takes to keep this thing together

After all this time you turned me into

A better man

I'm doing better now

All for my emotions to come back around

I feel like I can finally let my guard down

I'm finally going somewhere

Learning how to take things slow

I did all the things, I couldn't get away

And I'm thinking of love, but girl I ain't afraid

I had my time alone, I had my time to crawl

I had my time to find my way, so

This time I'm gon' give it everything

(This time I'm gon' give her everything)

And this time I know I'm gon' do it so damn better

This time I promise that I'm gon' give her

(Whatever it is, I know I'm gon' give her)

All that I can

'Cause I know she'll be worth a diamond ring

(And I know she'll be worth a diamond ring)

And I'll do what it takes to keep

This thing together (keep it together)

After all this time you turned me into

A better man

I don't know who she gon' be

But all I know is she gon' get the best of me

It was Grace's favorite song of all time. Her smile widened from ear to ear. She could feel that he didn't just sing her a song that someone sang, but he meant the words. He chose it, to tell her that he would cross through his insecurities to be the best for her.

She understood him. She understood where he was coming from. And he understood where she was coming from. They were well aware of the fact that this was going to be a journey of healing, a journey of facing the world, a journey of being together through the hardest.

"And you will get the best of me."

~~~

It had been almost a year after the night when they opened their wounds and felt them together. The bond between the two only increased. They were annoyingly cute and adorable. Their friends would fake gag and tease them all the time.

Seonghwa and Hongjoong became part of Grace's friend's group. It was a good feeling to be hanging around everyone without feeling shy or awkward.

Mingi and Yunho moved together a month later. So with that, she moved in with Hongjoong not so long after.

Just as Grace thought, it was amazing living with him. She had someone to look forward to when she went back home. There was someone who tried to make her evenings better after bad days. There was Hongjoong who always made sure that she was taken care of at the end of the day. He appreciated her. He loved her and she loved him more than anything. They cuddled during the night and got through the scary storms at night.

Where once Hongjoong was scared, he felt safe. And where once Grace felt insecure, she felt beautiful.

"Joongie?" Grace returned a little later today.

"Hey, welcome back," he found a hold of her waist and swayed her left and right. He was always excited to feel her and sniff her scent.

"Hi," she wrapped her arms around him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine. What about you?" He pecked her lips.

"Hm, great," she smiled.

"Yeah?" He chuckled.

"Yes. By the way, we have to be somewhere tomorrow," she kissed his cheek.

"Where?" He buried his head in the crook of her neck.

"That's a secret… I hope you will like it," her hands played with his hair. "Cuddle me in the bed?"

"Sure, love," they went into the room and stripped to their undergarments. Getting under the sheets they cuddled up into each other. This was their favorite time to spend together. Just melting in the heat of their love.

"I love you, Joongie," she whispered.

"I love you more," he kissed her hair.

~~~

The next day, Grace came back home around lunchtime. She picked him up and took them to a junk food place for a quick meal so that they wouldn't get late to where Grace was taking them.

After the meal, they drove somewhere, it was sort of far from what Hongjoong felt. He didn't ask questions, he trusted her.

"We are here," Grace informed as they came to a halt after a turn.

She helped him out of the car and up the stairs at the entrance of someplace. The warmth of the place hugged him. It smelled like a new place.

"Oh, Good afternoon!" He heard a man speaking. "I was waiting for you."

"Hi, Mr. Cha. Hope we didn't make you wait for long," she greeted.

"Not at all!"

"If you don't mind, can we look around ourselves a bit?" Hongjoong was confused.

"Sure! Take your time. I'll be outside," Hongjoong heard footsteps fading.

"Where are we, Grace?" He asked.

"We are at a house that I wanted to come to with you," she said.

"Why?" He was still confused, "whose house is this?"

"No ones," she replied. "Do you remember when we were talking about houses?"

He thought about it, "yeah."

"Remember, you said that when you were a kid, you always wanted a house that overlooked the city?"

"Ah, when I was a child, I wanted to live in a place from where I could see the whole city. We went to a party once and their house was like that. I loved it there," Hongjoong said when they were cuddling.

"Yeah? How was it?" She asked.

"It was breathtaking, as far as I remember," he smiled.

"I bet."

"Yeah."

"And when we talked about moving to another house and you said that I should look out for one… I found this one, it looks over the city…" Grace held his hand.

"Grace you did not," Hongjoong gasped.

"Nope, I did not... Just yet," she said. "Here feel the house. They have the furniture but we can remove it from the deal."

His hands moved along the walls and the windows. It felt like a gigantic house. She guided him to the balcony where the cold wind hit his face and made them giggle. The railing was cold under his touch.

"Grace, did you buy it?" His voice was heavy with emotions.

Grace guided them back into the house to keep him warm. "Nope. Not yet."

"Oh," he let out.

"I can't buy this without your approval. I want this to be ours. I want to live where you feel good. And it won't be a great thing if you don't have a choice," she caressed his cheek.

"I can only trust you with this. Your choice is my choice," he said. "I can't even see. And I know, you found the best."

"Yeah, that," Grace took a deep breath.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Your vision. I- I talked to a doctor about this, your condition I mean. He said that we can get your vision back. I looked up to eye donations," it was silent.

Hongjoong's face was unreadable. "What do you mean that you talked to a doctor?"

"I–"

"And what do you know about my condition!?" He harshly said. "You are one of those, right?" Tears brimmed his lids.

"No, It's not like that!" She tried to talk.

"No, it is like that. You can't be with a blind man, right!? You must be so ashamed, right? Fuck, is it because your parents don't approve of a blind!?" He raised his voice.

"No, Joongie! I took your files from your parents, I wanted to do this for you."

"Shut up! You all are fucking mean! Why didn't you ask me, huh? It's my decision to make. I knew the ways too but have I ever talked about them? No, I understand, I'm blind, and no one wants to be with a disabled man! Everyone is fucking right, I am not enough!"

"But—"

"Please, please no," his knees felt weak so he kneeled on the floor, tears streaming down his red cheeks.

Later on, Seonghwa came to pick Hongjoong up. He was confused after seeing Grace and Hongjoong crying on the floor. None of them said a thing so he just took him with him.

His insecurity failed him.

~~~

"What the fuck, Hongjoong!?" Seonghwa raised his voice.

It had been two days since he picked him up. Seonghwa was so confused and frustrated. Finally, Hongjoong got ready to tell him what happened there.

"What? I'm sorry that I don't want to be with someone who can't accept me for me," Hongjoong huffed.

"You are such a fool!" The older one said. "She wanted to do this for you!"

"What do you know about it?"

"Because she talked to me about this! That's how I know," he barked.

"You knew that too!" Hongjoong was shocked that everyone knew this.

"Yes, she wanted to fulfill your god knows which wish," he sighed and sat on the couch and held the bridge of his nose.

"What wish?"

"I don't know… she said that she only wants to see you happy. And you, you let your insecurity win all over again."

~~~

"He is gonna come around," Yunho wiped Grace's tears. She went to their place and stayed there. She just could go back to their place.

"I don't know. He was angry. I hurt him," she cried. "I should have talked to him before. It's my fault."

"It is not. He didn't listen to you. He let his anger rule over him," he tried to calm her down.

"But now he hates me," she sniffed. Mingi brought more tissues and ice cream.

"Princess, it's alright. We will get you two to talk, oky? Then talk it out," Mingi rubbed her back.

"I hope so. If he doesn't want to be with me anymore, it's okay but at least he should know my intentions."

~~~

A week later, Yunho and Seonghwa decided to put them in the same room and leave them there until they sorted their things out.

Both were getting eaten by guilt. Hongjoong, because he didn't listen, and Grace, because she didn't talk to him before talking to the doctor.

Hongjoong could smell her comforting scent. His head lowered in shame. He realized how his insecurity can destroy his whole life. Just when he thought he was better.

"J-Joongie?" Grace carefully broke the silence.

"I'm sorry, Grace. I-I was influenced by my insecurity. I didn't mean to yell at you," he apologized hastily. He was afraid of losing her.

"No, please. It's my fault. I should have talked to you first and should have thought of a better way to approach you," his heart broke at this.

"Grace, you don't need to think twice when you talk to me. I'm sorry I made you think like that. I promise I won't do this ever again. Please, forgive me," he sobbed.

"Joongie," she got up and sat next to him and took him in her arms. "Let's talk it out, oky?" He nodded. "Remember, when you talked about your past and how you wanted to see your parents and Seonghwa?" He nodded again. He could never forget that night. "I wanted to fulfill your wish. I can't see you like this, wanting to see your parents but can't. You deserve whatever you wish for. I wanted to give you that. I didn't do this to offend you or because I was ashamed of you. I'm not. I love you too much and there is nothing for me to be ashamed of. And I approached your parents after we met them. They were happy about it. So I planned everything out. And then found a great doctor with whom we talked. And finally, we are getting somewhere. But if you want to, I understand that. I will cancel—"

"I'll do it," he interrupted. "I'll get the operation done."

Grace's heartbeat increased. "Are you sure? You don't have to do that."

"I want to. I thought about it. There is nothing I can lose from this operation, so why not?" He smiled and held her face in his hands and caressed her cheeks. "If I get the chance to see my parents, Seonghwa… And you, I won't let it go…"

Her own tears dripped down her cheeks. She joined their lips in a feverish kiss. It was mixed with their salty tears.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

~~~

A month passed by waiting for a call for the operation. And it finally happened when the doctor informed Grace that they had eye donations in and that they should get it done within twenty-four hours.

They drove to the hospital, where Hongjoong's parents and Seonghwa were waiting. He was silent, worried about the whole procedure. He would be lying if he said that he didn't dream about seeing the people he loves. He held Grace's hand tightly when he walked into the hospital. He had to leave her hand when they asked him to go into the surgical room.

They all wished him luck and then the door closed. The worries fell on all of them. They wanted everything to go fine. Grace was wishing hard for this to go how she was expecting.

The operation took a few hours. Finally, the main doctor walked out with a wide smile. "Hongjoong's operation went well, without any problems. But his bandages won't come off until two weeks from today. We will keep him in the observation room for today. But you can't meet him right now. He is resting and it would be better to not give him much stress. Only one attendant should stop back."

"Thank you so much, doctor. Thank you for giving us good news!" Mrs. Kim said with tears in her eyes.

"Well, let's hope when he opens his eyes, he doesn't face any difficulties," with that he left.

Mrs. Kim turned toward Grace, "Thank you for doing this, Grace. You are just like your name!" Mrs. Kim hugged her.

Grace wanted to cry. Her words were in contrast to what her father thought. "No, you helped so much. Thank you."

"Grace, no one does this for anyone these days. We owe you a big one," Mr. Kim said.

"No, Sir. As long as he is happy and fine, it's all fine," she said.

"Dad, call me dad."

~~~

As much as these two weeks were filled with excitement for Hongjoong, it was stressful for Grace.

The day wasn't far when Hongjoong could finally see her. Her insecurities came running back. Haunting her.

Currently, Hongjoong was taking his afternoon nap and Grace was standing in front of the full-length mirror only in her undergarments. She looked at every inch of her body and hated it. She hated how she looked. She hated how her stretch marks were so visible. She hated how her stomach looked. She hated how her face looked. She hated it all.

Her tears were rolling down silently. Fear was rising in her guts. He was gonna leave her after he came to know how ugly she was. She was sure that he would be devastated. He deserved the doll-type girls. Someone like a kpop idol. Someone perfect. Someone who wasn't her.

She bit her lip until she could taste the metallic of her blood.

This was going to end soon. The Hongjoong and Grace chapter was coming to an end sooner.

~~~

It was the day when Hongjoong's bandages were coming off. He was nervous but excited. He couldn't wait to see everyone. He was bubbling with happiness.

"Ah, I can't wait to see you, Grace," he said while they were driving to the hospital.

"Me too," she said.

Grace looked horrible. She was feeling insecure. The sleepless nights gave her dark circles under her swollen eyes. She covered it up with makeup. She didn't want to show him that when he will look at her for the first time.

When they reached, the nurse guided them to the private room where the doctor was gonna treat him. His parents and Seonghwa were there, all dressed up nicely. They had brought fresh flower bouquets for him. Some gifts as well. The room was decorated with minimalist decorations.

"Best of luck, Joong," Seonghwa said.

"Yup, my boy, I can't express how happy I am," Mr. Kim said.

Hongjoong giggled, "thank you."

The doctor knocked on the door. He came in with a wide smile, followed by a nurse. "Hey, Hongjoong, ready?"

He nervously chuckled, "yes."

"Alright then, let's get over this, shall we," Hongjoong sat on the chair and nodded.

Grace felt her anxiety building up. She quietly walked out of the room and looked inside through the slight gap.

The doctor started unwrapping his bandage. Each role made their heartbeat faster. It reached the end. The doctor removed the cotton pad from his eyes.

"Now, slowly open them. It will take time to focus so don't freak out," he said and waited for Hongjoong to open his eyes.

Hongjoong slowly opened his eyes. When the first ray of light fell in his vision, he gasped. His chin wobbled and his eyes felt like tearing up. Everything was blurry but he could see the colors. He let out a choked noise.

His eyes blinked for a couple of minutes and finally, he could see. It was his mother. His sweet sweet mother. Her tears were streaming down her cheeks, and so were his.

"M-mama?" He violently cried with his mouth wide open. "Mama!"

She came forward and hugged him tightly, "yes, it's me," he held her face and looked all over her features. She was so beautiful. He couldn't believe that he was seeing her again.

He cried loudly, he saw his father crying. He opened his arms for him who immediately took him in a crushing hug. "Dad!"

"Yes, Joong. Yes," he cried.

Grace was looking at the scene unfolding. It was the first time she saw his eyes focusing on someone or anything. She cried too. She was so happy at the same time her insecurities made her afraid to go back in.

Hongjoong looked at the other presence in the room. A tall handsome man was standing. Just like everybody he was crying too.

"Seonghwa?" The older one nodded and let out a choked sob. He too took Hongjoong in a hug.

Hongjoong looked at them. He couldn't stop crying. It was the first time in years that he got to see them. He had lost hope. But here he was today, looking at the people he loved dearly. It was only possible because of Grace. Grace?

"Where is Grace?" He asked through his cries.

"She was here just now," Mrs. Kim said.

Grace hid away when she heard them talking about her.

"I'll go see where she is," Seonghwa patted Hongjoong's back and walked out.

When he walked out, he couldn't see her. He walked around a bit and found her in the cafeteria. "Grace?"

She flinched and looked at him. "Y-yea?"

"What are you doing here? He is looking for you."

Grace hesitated and lowered her head. Seonghwa could see through her. "Hey, don't worry. He is gonna love you. You are so gorgeous, come on. Let's show him what he got to show off," he held her by the shoulders and pushed her toward the room.

Hongjoong was talking to his parents when the door opened and showed Seonghwa. The older man smiled and moved aside to show a girl who was standing there with her head hung low. Hongjoong's heart ran faster than ever. His parents said something about privacy and walked out, closing the door behind them.

Grace took a deep breath and looked up at Hongjoong who stood up, mouth falling open. Tears rolled down again. They both sobbed and he came toward her. His hands found their way to her jaw as he tilted her face up. He cried again and looked deep into her crying eyes.

"Gorgeous. Just gorgeous," he looked at her forehead, her pretty eyes, her nose, her bitten lips. He chuckled and pulled her in a kiss. Grace let her loose and hugged his waist. "What did I do to have such an angel for myself? Fuck, I'm so lucky."

"I'm the lucky one, Joongie," buried her head in his chest. He hugged her close.

"Show me your face please?" She looked up. "So beautiful. I can't believe my eyes that I'm seeing you. My mind's image can never justice you."

Grace found herself crying even more. She was so lucky to have him in her life. He made every second better. He was her only ray of light. And she was the only one who brought the rays back into his life.

He kissed her inviting lips again, "I am so in love with you, Grace."

~~~

Hongjoong went around to meet all of his friends. They were shocked as most of them didn't know about this. Yunho and Mingi were the only ones who knew this.

He felt so good to see everything. He loved looking at Grace the most. He swore that she was an angel. He felt like crying every time he looked at her. Her beauty was blinding.

Later on, they went back to the house Grace had brought him to. He had to pinch his skin to know that he wasn't dreaming. It was a modern house. Everything looked so expensive and beautiful. His eyes couldn't get away from the scene on the balcony. The whole city looked so beautiful.

Hongjoong was happy. He got more than what he ever asked for.

Seonghwa gave him a gift that contained many pictures of him and everyone. They all were so memorable. He loved the fact that they all looked at him with love. There was a separate section in that album in which there were pictures that Seonghwa took sneakily. There were pictures from the Yungi engagement party. From their first date. And even the one from the date when they told each other about their past.

That one was his favorite. They were standing with Grace's arms around his neck. His hands were on her waist and their foreheads were touching. The picture was taken from a low angle. The yellow street lights were reflecting on the wet footpath. It was a perfect picture. Her dress looked so pretty and fluffy. Their skin was reflecting the yellow of the light. Hongjoong got it framed in a bigger size and hung it up in his– their room.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arms that were wrapping around him from the back.

"Hey," Grace said.

He turned around and found her naked. "Fuck, you gonna kill me someday." He pulled her in a hug and cupped her ass.

"You look handsome," she whispered, lips brushing his lips.

He smirked and wrapped his hands around her thighs and picked her up, bringing her to the bed, he threw her on it and got on top of her. "You are so sexy."

Hongjoong kissed her bare chest and took her nipple in his mouth. It was so hot to see her naked. He loved her like this, wiggling and moaning under him. He loved missionary but with her knees touching her ears. This way he could see the whole of her.

Her swollen pussy, her puckered hole, her tits, her pretty and fucked up face with tears running down her cheeks and mascara staining her skin. The best was when she had his cum all over her.

He removed his boxers and took a hold of his hard cock. He pumped him and brought his cock to her entrance. "I just fingered and ate you. Still hungry for me?"

Grace whined, "please."

"Whatever my sexy lady wants," he entered her.

He felt lucky. He fell in love with everything. Even darkness didn't scare him anymore. As long as he had Grace by his side, everything was better and more beautiful.

Grace felt like the most beautiful girl ever. Hongjoong never forgot to show her off to his new friends and to the people he worked with. He started his career as a musician. His fan following blew up the moment he released his first song. Bigger companies wanted him to work with him. It didn't take time for him to get a big spotlight. He still gave motivational speeches. He helped many people and invested in charities.

He had indeed given her the best of him.

They came down from their high and were cuddling. Grace's head was on Hongjoong's chest. He relaxed her the best. He was her safe place.

"Joongie?" She called.

"Yeah?"

"Sing for me," he smiled and picked his guitar up off the floor.

He started playing a beat.

~Mm-hmm

Mm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm

Mm, hmm-hmm

Mm-hmm

Mm, mm-hmm, mm-hmm

We finally found our home

A place where we both belong

Somewhere we can be alone

And dive into each other's worlds

We'll fade away

Out of the blue

We can stay

It's up to you

Watching the stars, they shine

I think I might stay for a while

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

I think I might stay for a while

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

I think I might stay for a while

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

I think I might stay for a while

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

I think I might stay for a while~

Grace looked up at him with teary eyes. He looked down and cupped her cheeks and pulled her in an innocent kiss. There was nothing better than being in each other's arms. They found a home in each other's eyes. A world too. Their whole entire world.

"You are so gorgeous," Hongjoong said the millionth time.

"Joongie, I can never be thankful enough. Thank you for feeling the real me and looking at the true me," he smiled and wiped her tears.

"Thank you for looking at me through your mind. Thank you for accepting my…

Blind Beauty…"

Fin...

.....

Sanaa's note:

It's done. I hope you liked it. I have never written this much in two days, tbh. But it was worth it, I guess.

I really appreciate your feedback💓

The behavior of all the characters is visualized.

Taglist:

@veneziamadness @cheline @jhmylove @sansmilkbread @jayb17

@glitterhongjoong @wtfjongseong @flowerxsin

*lemme know if you wanna be tagged to the permanent or specific taglist*

*original pictures are not mine, I just edited them*

Have a nice day/night💓

112 notes · View notes

juminsmysticmc · 4 years ago

Text

Pregnancy Series - Part 6

Meeting the baby for the first time

⚠️ Sensitive content -> mention of: labor pain, blood, fluids ⚠️

Pregnancy Series: Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4.1 // Part 4.2 // Part 5

Last chapter! So, I hope you all enjoy this one! Feel free to tell me in the comments or send me a message ( even as anon if you want ! ) Soon new requests will be posted again...it was a nice time with the series....I will miss it, you too?

BTW! The request was that the baby doesn’t look like them despite being their baby!

jumin

Your husband stroked your head after the hard time you had giving birth to your first son.

Well, the labor itself didn’t really last long but you still had a hard time.

You were sleepy and at some point you had the feeling that you couldn’t even breathe, almost giving Jumin a heart attack.

But when the both of you finally heard your baby cry for the first time, you all relaxed.

,,IT’S A BOY!’’ the midwife announced happily, making Jumin cry as he praised you, proud to be finally able to call himself a father.

The nurses and medics around you guys got everything ready and you were carried into another room so that the maid could tidy up the room. Your baby was also weighed and checked up on.

Jumin was really happy that you guys decided to give birth at home. Of course, this was only possible because everything was alright with you and the baby.

,,So, meet your mommy and daddy,’’ the midwife whispered as she approached you, softly giving you your baby boy.

,,Oh,’’ you gasped, surprised by the beauty of your boy.

But your eyes quickly met Jumin’s.

,,Was your mom blonde?’’ you asked him.

He looked over to you. He was smiling and not even a bit concerned that the baby wasn’t looking like him at all.

Maybe it was even better that the baby was totally different.

Jumin shook his head.

,,Don’t worry, I can already feel the bond between us. I trust you,’’ he whispered and kissed his baby on his head softly since he was still so soft.

,,Wanna hold him too?’’ you whispered and waited for his response.

Jumin nodded excitedly, wanting to hold his own little baby in his arms.

Finally his wish came true.

Jumin held him and cradled him, just like a real father.

,,Mr Han,’’ Jahee softly called him. ,,I informed your father as well as the RFA and will take my leave to prepare everything in the company,’’ she whispered.

,,Jaehee,’’ you called your friend.

,,It’s impossible that the aunty goes without seeing the baby! Step in!’’ you called her.

Nervously, Jaehee stepped in and looked at what Jumin held between his arms.

,,He looks so handsome…’’ she gasped.

You chuckled as you laid back. ,,It’s our son after all,’’ you yawned and slowly fell asleep…

Three years later, you once again were pregnant. Your son by now was almost turning three.

He was blonde and had blue eyes. Apparently your mother’s family was blonde.

And even though no one could believe at first that this was Jumin’s son, as soon as they saw how he acted, they all knew that this was indeed a Han. The bloodline was still in the heir of C&R.

,,Father, I believe that the maid made a mistake with organizing my toys. I think we need someone better!’’ he whined, pulling his father.

Jumin took his son seriously, but of course he knew that his son was still three. What didn’t hold him back from making everything possible was his might.

Zen

You heard how Zen nagged at someone, but before you could try to concentrate on what he was saying, another wave of pain hit you, making you scream in pain.

,,I‘m here, baby, I‘m here,“ Zen whispered, holding your hand.

You turned around to him and smiled with the last of the strength you had.

,,I wanted to have a barbecue,“ you whined, making him chuckle.

,,As soon as you give birth, I will send them to get you food,“ he promised.

,,I can’t wait to eat kimchi,“ you laughed, breathing the pain away.

Zen smiled apologetically. ,,You can’t eat spicy food while you’re breastfeeding,“ he told you.

,,AHHHH!“ you hissed. He wasn’t sure if you screamed in pain or because you were angry that you still couldn’t eat spicy food, but whatever it was, he was scared.

,,It’s open by four centimeters. Soon we will be there,’’ the midwife smiled.

Well, that soon changed into an hour, two, three, and finally four hours.

,,You’re doing so well,’’ your boyfriend told you. By now you had to wear an oxygen mask because you couldn’t breathe.

,,Maybe we should do a C-’’ before the nurse could even end her speech, you moved your head, pressing Zen’s hand stronger as you pushed.

,,Mc!’’ he called you, holding onto you stronger.

You pushed and pushed. You sometimes had the feeling that air was missing, but you kept pushing until finally a cry was heard, making you collapse onto the bed.

,,MC?!’’ Zen whined, but the nurse next to you calmed him down as she checked your vitals.

,,It was hard. She will sleep for a few minutes, don’t worry,’’ she smiled.

Zen nodded and looked over to his baby. She had a little dark hair and also her skin was a bit darker than his, but she was still the most beautiful baby he had ever seen.

,,Would you like to cut the cord?’’ the midwife asked, explaining to him how to do it.

Just when he was about to take the baby, you weakly called him. ,,Hyun, let the mother hold her first!’’ you whined.

Zen smiled as he nodded, observing how the baby was placed in your arms.

,,Princess, hello,’’ you whispered, tearing up at her sight.

,,She is so… perfect,’’ you whispered.

Zen couldn’t help but kiss your head and his baby’s as he decided to go out to tell everyone the news.

Of course he saw how shocked they were, maybe because he was crying like an idiot, but as soon as he told them that your baby girl was beautiful, they all looked so happy.

,,Take her! Show us!’’ Jaehee hissed as she began to cry too.

A few seconds later he and the nurse stepped out, a pink bundle in his arms as he showed the RFA his newborn girl.

,,She doesn’t look like you. She must be happy,’’ Jumin teased Zen.

,,She looks even better,’’ he whispered.

,,I really thought that your DNA would be stronger,’’ Yoosung commented.

,,It’s okay, I don’t mind. She’s still mine,’’ Zen said and smiled. He already loved her so much…

A year later, you and the RFA finally could do what you missed last year - the korean barbeque.

And this time, a special guest had her appearance too.

,,Say, cheese!’’ Zen blabbered as you held your daughter in your arms, her long dress fit perfectly with the big birthday cake she had on her face, liking her little chubby fingers.

,,Say, Daddy come too!’’ you whispered, taking her hand and waving at Zen while Jumin tried to take not so blurry pictures of you…

Thank God Jaehee used her phone too...

Yoosung

,,Dr Kim! Finally! A dog was hit by a car and needs medical assistance immediately!“ a co-worker of Yoosung said as he cut the call.

He looked inside, seeing from the windows that a young girl sat on the floor, her dog in her arms, crying over a pet.

If he didn’t know about Rika‘s and Sally‘s death, he would believe that this was his cousin.

The young man hesitated, his phone still in his hand.

At a totally different place, you were trying to keep your breath in rhythm as your mother stroked your hair.

Half an hour passed ever since you finally arrived at the hospital with the ambulance you called, your‘s and Yoosung’s mother with you in the room.

It was a kind of stressful situation. Your mother was happy, but at the same time a bit disappointed that Yoosung was still missing and his mother, your in-law, was worried over her son as he still wasn‘t there.

It was his first born. He fought so hard for this son that there was no way he would miss this opportunity.

,,I‘m going to call him again,“ she said as she was about to open the door to your room as it suddenly opened by itself.

,,I‘m here,“ he said, out of breath.

,,Where- why did you take such a long time?“ you asked him, worried and annoyed at the same time.

,,I- I was almost fired because they didn’t seem to understand that I wasn’t running away from work, but on my way to support you,“ he gasped.

,,What did I miss?“ he asked you, as you smiled, telling him that he was just in time.

Again, a wave of pain hit you as you gasped and tried to breathe through the pain.

Yoosung was a good support, telling you sweet words, stroking you, everything went well.

Finally, you were ready to push and from then on everything took about five minutes.

Yoosung was there when his first born took its first breath, when she cried for the first time. Yoosung was there to cut the cord, he saw how the little, also bloody, human being

to wash the baby for the first time and give her to you, making her stop crying as soon as her skin met yours.

,,She’s so beautiful…’’ you whispered. The tears didn’t want to stop falling as you held her in your arms.

,,But she has blonde hair. You still can’t match her,’’ you chuckled.

Yoosung nodded. ,,She doesn’t look like me at all. Maybe that’s why she’s so beautiful?’’ he asked you.

You laughed as you heard your comment, but your eyes never left your baby's little body.

,,Daddy is handsome, right?’’ you whispered, stroking your newborn's arm.

A few moments later, the nurse asked if Yoosung would like to hold her and wash her, since you were in too much pain to do it, something he agreed to immediately.

With the nurse telling him what to do and how to do it, Yoosung gave his baby their first bath, slowly and softly and with so much love.

,,You need to be really careful with the head,’’ the doctor explained and also told him the reason.

After your baby was fresh, you were allowed to have it again and just when you felt your baby's warmth again, your mother and mother in law entered the room, crying over their first granddaughter.

,,You looked exactly like her, Mc!’’ your mother proudly said as Yoosung’s mother looked at the baby with lovely eyes. ,,I hope my next grandchildren will also not get a single DNA from your looks!’’ she teased him.

Jaehee

The car ride was a rather calm one. Luckily, you were a bit in pain, but nothing like in the movies where the women cry and groan in pain.

,,Everyone reacts differently,’’ Jaehee told you as she stroked your arm, proud of you for handling this pain.

,,We’re here,’’ Seven announced, stepping out of the car and opening the door for you to help you.

Just when you stood next to the door, both feet on the ground outside the car, you felt a fluid coming out, running down your legs and wetting the ground below you.

,,Shit, this almost landed in my car!’’ Seven gasped as Jaehee climbed out of the red car, seeing that your water just broke.

,,Oh my god, the baby will come soon, Seven. Please call a nurse and bring us a wheelchair!’’ she whined and helped you walk a bit as Seven began to run towards the entrance.

,,Are you still okay?’’ Jaehee asked you worriedly and helped you to keep moving.

You nodded. There was a sharp pain indeed, but you could still handle it.

All you wished for was a hospital bed because for sure you wouldn’t give birth on the street.

,,Please sit down here. A midwife is already on her way!’’ a nurse called and helped you to sit down on the chair, rolling you quickly towards the entrance, followed by Jaehee with her bag.

Indeed, you all really had to hurry. As soon as they helped you change and laid you down on a bed, the contractions began to hit you.

You felt the urge to push and you moaned in pain.

,,We can begin!’’ a midwife announced and looked at Jaehee. ,,She will give birth now!’’ she told her.

Jaehee got nervous and finally the time came.

Holding your hand, she nodded. ,,Mc, you can do this!’’ she encouraged you while you spread your legs apart, pushing and leaning forward to put pressure on your belly.

,,UGH!’’ you groaned and laid back, gasping for air.

,,Okay, another push!’’ the midwife said, the same game again, you groaned again when you felt something slowly coming out.

,,I can see the head! Keep pushing!’’ she laughed.

Jaehee looked over to the midwife. She could also see the top of the baby, feeling more excited when the baby moved again.

,,The last push!’’ the midwife called and you did what she said.

Falling back, you gasped for air as the room was filled with a loud baby's cry.

Immediately, they handed you the baby boy, where you put your arms around him, holding him.

,,Oh gosh, he is so tiny!’’ you whined and looked at him.

Jaehee was also sobbing by now. ,,I’m so sorry that he looks nothing like you, but I am so thankful that you are here. He is your son too,’’ you told her.

Her lips were pressed together as she nodded.

,,Our son,’’ she whimpered.

A few days later, the three of you were finally ready to go home. Jaehee was carrying the baby in her arms and buckled him good in the back seat of the taxi as you slowly got in yourself.

,,Let’s go home,’’ you whispered to Jaehee, holding her hand.

,,Let’s go,’’ she said as she took yours, smiling.

Saeyoung

The red haired man didn’t come much later than you to the hospital room and was quickly by your side as your belly was connected to some tubes and wires.

They were monitoring the baby. Saeyoung knew that they weren’t there because something was wrong or bad, but still, it kind of scared him to see it all.

,,How are you?’’ he asked you while you had your eyes closed, opening them a bit to look at him.

,,Good, now that you’re here,’’ you whispered and squeezed his hand with your fingers, making him endure the pain.

,,Sorry,’’ you groaned when it got better, making him shake his head.

,,You are enduring much more than I am, so feel free to squeeze my hand,’’ he told you and stroked your head.

Suddenly, the machine made some beeping sounds, making him shriek and look at it, not understanding what was happening.

,,Move aside!’’ a nurse called as she entered, followed by your midwife and a doctor.

Saeyoung was quickly pulled aside as they told you something.

He was so overwhelmed by all his feelings that he forgot to listen to them.

He just somehow came back to life when he heard you cry and scream.

,,Once more!’’ the nurse said loudly and made you exclaim some words he didn’t get while you were pushing.

Saeyoung watched the whole scenario as you were pushing a little, brown haired baby out of you, covered in blood.

He began to sob when he realized that it was his daughter you just gave birth to.

,,The first girl is here!’’ the nurse happily laughed.

Saeyoung just focused on the baby and saw how she carried the crying baby away.

When his eyes couldn’t follow the nurse with his daughter anymore, Saeyoung focused on you again, seeing that you were still pushing and giving your best.

He also noticed that by now, some of your fears had come true. He had to press his lips together to not laugh and to not make you feel bad, but even though you were giving birth to a second girl, you saw him and seemed to understand his thoughts.

,,CHOI SAEYOUNG! ONE WORD TO ANYONE ABOUT ME POOPING AND I WILL KILL YOU!’’ you screamed and finally, a second scream filled the room.

,,There’s no need for me to do that! You did that yourself,’’ he laughed and came to you, kissing your nose.

The first baby finally came back and was immediately brought into your arms, followed quickly by the second twin.

,,Both are brown haired. I can’t say Tomato Girls anymore,’’ Saeyoung whined as he observed them.

,,Nope, you can’t tease my girls indeed,’’ you chuckled.

,,They totally don’t look like Saeyoung, I’m happy,’’ Jaehee commented in the chatroom when Saeyoung posted a picture Saeran took holding his babies.

,,I am too,’’ Saeran commented, teasing his brother.

,,They look just like Mc,’’ Yoosung said, but Saeyoung put his phone aside since right now his top priority was to observe his three ladies sleeping. ,,I know that you three are all mine, so I don’t care about your looks,’’ he mumbled and enjoyed the sight of his family.

Saeran

And so, as soon as you cut the call, you dialed the ambulance’s number, hoping that they would be there just in time to help you.

You were happy that you were finally giving birth, but on the other side, you were more than scared.

You knew that twins arrived earlier, but as a mother, you still were concerned.

Unable to think of anything else, you felt as if you drowned into your fears until the door rang, showing you that help was already there.

,,I honestly didn’t think that this would hurt so much,’’ you whined as Saeran was next to you. You knew that he had to keep himself together to not cry with you as you endured the pain.

Saeran looked down to your trembling hand as he sighed.

Hours passed and the pain just increased. Saeran was now massaging your temples and cleaning your sweat.

Suddenly, a loud sound made him turn around and look back to you, noticing that you were really pale.

,,Mc?’’ he called you, making you look at him.

,,It hurts,’’ you gulped and closed your eyes, hoping that it would get better.

,,No use, we need a C-Section!’’ someone said and roughly pushed Saeran away.

He couldn’t follow the medical words as you were suddenly brought away from him.

,,Wait, MC!’’ he tried to run after you, being held back by a nurse who was trying to calm him down.

More hours passed and Saeran was left alone in the big room, waiting for you and some news of you and his boys.

,,I can’t believe that three years passed so quickly already,’’ you laughed as you kissed one of your son’s heads, watching them eat their breakfast.

,,I know, back then those hours I was waiting for you were the worst. I’m happy that they could help you and at least stop the pain for a bit,’’ Saeran sighed as he thought back to that time when the nurse came up to him with one of the babies.

,,At first I thought it was a joke when the nurse told me you didn’t want to hold him!’’ you chuckled.

Saeran blushed.

,,He… first of all she just brought me one baby! I couldn’t have known that the other boy was too weak to see his daddy,’’ Saeran said, not so loud and observed his second son who apparently was too weak that day.

,,Our Haru was still too weak while Haneul was eager to see daddy,’’ you said, smiling.

,,Besides, I expected them to be red haired. He didn’t look like me at all. I thought she mistook the baby!’’ Saeran defended himself.

Maybe the next baby will have your looks,’’ you said, patting your belly and observing your sons making a mess on the table.

Jihyun

You were breathing heavily after the third push as nothing seemed to move forward.

The doctor kept telling you that you were doing great, but you didn’t trust him at all.

You felt impatient, nervous, frustrated, and in pain.

Jihyun seemed to feel that you were unhappy with the situation and kept stroking your head and patting your arm, encouraging you.

,,I love you so much,’’ he whispered.

Suddenly the doctor said something that gave you new hope. ,,I see the head, come on, we will be finished soon!’’ he smiled and gave you another push of strength as you finally let go of the tension.

You were just enjoying the cries of your baby. Finally, you could meet the little baby you were carrying for so long under your heart.

The baby was placed on your chest and immediately stopped crying, making you tear up.

So this was the connection between a mother and her child? You asked yourself.

You looked over to Jihyun who, too, was crying, enjoying the sight of the both of you.

He was probably implanting the sight of the both of you in his head.

Later on, Lucy too was allowed to visit you and her little sibling.

,,But he doesn’t look like daddy at all!’’ the little girl exclaimed, making you laugh.

Well, she was right.

But you all knew that this was for sure Jihyun’s baby, even though no one would say so.

Days passed and finally you guys were allowed to go home, something that made you more than happy. Sleeping, or at least laying in your own bed, made you feel much better than you thought.

,,Is he asleep?’’ Jihyun asked you when you stepped out of the room. It was three pm and you were honestly also ready for a little nap.

Laying your head on his shoulder, you nodded in response and felt his warm hands on your back.

,,Lucy must feel neglected,’’ you whined, feelings overwhelming you since you noticed that these days you didn’t do much. It was either sleeping, eating, or taking care of the baby.

,,No, she is such a caring child and understands, don’t worry. I am with her,’’ Jihyun tried to calm you.

,,Actually, while you and the baby were sleeping, she helped me with something. Come with me,’’ Jihyun whispered and led you to his working room, making you gasp.

,,It seems as if someone took a picture of us,’’ you gasped, again in tears as you saw the moment you held your son for the first time in your arms from the view of someone behind you.

He also managed to insert Lucy into the portrait as if she was there in that one, special moment.

,,She really helped you?’’ you asked him again and couldn’t believe what your eyes were observing.

,,I indeed have the best family,’’ you sobbed as Jihyun hugged you firmly.

Vanderwood

,,Are we all sure that this isn’t a false alarm?’’ Saeyoung asked loudly so that even you, in your room, where you were currently being examined, heard him.

By now you were somehow nervous, agitated.

You glared at Vanderwood who seemed to understand.

As soon as the doctor told you that you were doing well and that you didn’t even need an epidural, Vanderwood went out of the room for a short moment to tell Saeyoung to ,,Either shut the heck up or go and buy your bed on your own!’’ making you feel kind of bad afterwards, but you just needed it.

,,I’m honestly so happy that you aren’t in pain,’’ Vanderwood said when he returned. It was amazing how quickly he could change his mood.

You smiled at him and took his hand.

,,It’s a bit painful, but not that bad. I’m managing,’’ you smiled and looked down to your belly.

Soon you would be able to hold your girl.

,,Three more centimeters are missing,’’ Vanderwood whispered and put his head on yours, smiling as you closed your eyes to feel the warmth your body was sending you.

Time quickly passed and you were finally able to push.

You were rather quick and everyone in the room was positively surprised.

You didn’t scream or cry like most women, you just pushed and gave birth to your sunshine.

The midwife quickly took the baby while you and Vanderwood heard her cry and all your fears of any possible complications vanished.

,,The father can cut the cord if he wishes,’’ the nurse said and of course, Vanderwood didn’t wait and did what he was told, already tearing up.

The baby was quickly put in your arms where you could finally take a good look at her.

You chuckled when you saw her. ,,She is yours, I swear,’’ you told him as you looked at Vanderwood.

,,I know. I feel it even though she doesn’t look like me at all,’’ he smiled.

,,You know, she will probably only have my looks and be totally you with your characteristics,’’ you told him.

After a while, you decided that Vanderwood, too, had the right to have his baby in his arms and while he did so, holding that little miracle in his arms, you decided to take a hidden picture of him and his little girl. The first picture.

,,Why are you crying? Are you in pain?’’ Vanderwood asked you when he looked at you again.

,,No,’’ you sobbed. ,,It’s just that… you again look like a handsome man and… with the baby you look even better and I… I look like shit!’’ you hiccuped.

Vanderwood chuckled when he heard your words and handed you the baby. ,,You look like this baby. You’re still saying shit?’’ he asked you, calming you down.

The day was pretty emotional for you, which was a reason why Vanderwood decided to send the boys, who were waiting for you guys, home after greeting you shortly, to a shop for a bed for the whining grown up man while he could enjoy time with his own little family.

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writing-red · 4 years ago

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The Onyx Ring | 6

Draco Malfoy x Reader

Summary: Chapter six of the Silver Letter series. It’s their sixth year, Draco and the reader are placed in an arranged marriage by their pureblood families, expected to follow through they navigate their feelings for each other amongst the many other social pressures at Hogwarts.

Warnings:

Word Count: 8.2k

A/N: So, I am middle-eastern and I rarely find the opp. in fics for that to fit, and since I talk about family history in this chapter I wanted to make the reader’s ethnicity open ended. Just keep that in mind when the reader’s family history comes up. Also note that I made some changes here and in chp. 5 to incorporate titles because I can ;)

You spent Wednesday and Thursday holed up with Draco in his room healing. The wounds on your back pertinent and angry; the pain there to remind you of your sins against the family no matter what you did or what you took. Not only that but you knew the scars he left would last, layered atop the old. In order to gain some privacy, Draco had told Narcissa that you’d broken your leg and that you were just waiting on the potion to do its job, it usually took two to three days, so the lie served its purpose, and Narcissa left you both alone in order to allow you to heal. The entire time you virtually didn’t leave Draco’s bed, he’d go to your room if you wanted a book or a particular sweater, although admittedly, you were using the situation as an excuse to wear Draco’s. Zilsey would bring you both food and magically tend to your wounds so that Draco wouldn’t have to risk getting in trouble for using magic outside of school.

Throughout Thursday, you laid in Draco’s arms as he read your classic muggle books aloud to you, although you were keen on forcing him to read your favourite, Pride and Prejudice. Less because you wanted to read it, which you certainly did, but more because you wanted him to read it.

“‘Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.’

‘Which do you mean?’ and turning round he looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly said: ‘She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with me.’” Draco paused after reading the section aloud

“Mmm,” you breathed as you looked up at him. “Why have you stopped?”

“Well, doesn’t he know that Elizabeth can hear him? I mean, that’s quite rude,” Draco huffed, and you giggled despite the pain it caused in your ribs.

“Draco, it is just a story,” you smiled, amused by his investment so early into the novel.

“Yes, but Elizabeth is clearly too good for him,” he said, still frustrated with the fictional Mr. Darcy’s actions.

“Merlin, I wonder how she feels,” you teased him, lightly referring to your own situation.

“I wasn’t ever this mean to you,” he huffed.

“Draco, don’t challenge me on this. As you will indeed lose. Now, unless you want such a lecture, I suggest that you continue reading,” you said playfully.

“Is that all I am to you, an audible library?” Draco asked, mocking pain.

“Yes, dear, that is the only reason why I lie here so that I can use you for that deeply, handsome voice of yours.”

“Fine then,” he said as he returned his gaze to the book. “Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off; and Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings toward him.”

“Draco,” you interrupted, your voice plainly displaying that you were not paying attention.

“Yes?” he asked, looking away from the book again.

“Come here,” you muttered as you propped yourself up on your elbows in an attempt to get closer to his lips.

“Are you trying to distract me from Jane Austen with physical affection?” he asked, sounding as you had truly hurt his feelings.

“Just one?” you asked, “Then I will let my library get back to his very important duties.”

“Fine,” he huffed as he leaned down and caught your lips with his. The kiss was warm and pleasant, and it made you forget about your pain for a moment as you were happy to lose yourself in his soft lips. “Is that what you wanted?” He asked after you both pulled away.

“Precisely,” you said, an entirely satisfied smile gracing your face.

“Good,” he said, smirking, but glad to see you in such good spirits considering you spent most of Wednesday in and out of panic attacks and nightmares. It pained him to see you in such a state, yet it comforted him that he was able to be there for you through it.

You lowered yourself back down and laid your head on Draco’s thigh as he cleared his throat and continued reading. “She told the story, however, with great spirit among her friends; for she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous.”

The two of you spent the rest of the day reading, Draco pausing anytime he had questions or a vote of confidence for Elizabeth, becoming increasingly excited by Lizzie and Mr. Darcy’s interactions. While you continuously had to remind him that you did not intend on spoiling the book for him. You found it interesting how things had shifted between the two of you since just yesterday; you didn’t know that you’d had it within you to trust him the way that you suddenly did. You were sure that you would hate him till you were on your deathbed, and you had been determined to push away any feelings for him. Somehow you now found yourself laying in his lap, essentially trusting him with your life, your secrets, and your traumas, essentially handing your heart to him on a golden platter. And you were nervous to go back to school, that the petty drama, secrets, sneaking around, and lies would return to your relationship, but you refused to dwell on that for the time being.

Friday morning, while you were still asleep, Draco snuck out of bed to find his mother, he was determined to protect you from your parents, and after what they did to you, he didn’t want them back in his house. Aside from the wedding, he didn’t want them around you at all. He was sure that if he told his mum the truth about what happened, she would feel the same way. Draco dressed and made his way downstairs to the kitchen, where he knew his mother would be. Since his dad has been in Azkaban, she had stopped eating in the dining room instead, taking her breakfasts early in the kitchen.

“Mother,” Draco greeted as he entered the kitchen.

“Draco dear, how is Y/n’s leg?” Narcissa asked, setting down her copy of the Daily Prophet when she noted her son’s entrance.

“That’s what I was hoping to speak with you about,” he said as he leaned against the kitchen island. “Leave us, elf,” he assumed the traits he was raised to bear easily around his mum, and Zilsey quickly skittered out of the kitchen.

“Is something wrong?” She asked.

“Well, she didn’t break her leg mum, Wednesday when Sir Y/l/n pulled her away from lunch, she didn’t trip and break her leg, her father beat her nearly to death, he used the splitting curse on her, she had nearly bled out by the time I found her,” Draco explained. “Now, I don’t want either of them over again except for the wedding, and even then, I don’t want them having any contact or control over her.”

“Draco, it is not our place to interfere in the way William and Layah choose to discipline their children,” Narcissa said, hiding the pain she felt for her future daughter-in-law with complete neutrality.

“Excuse me? You’ve got to be joking! You should see her back; it’s been ripped to shreds by that bastard, she’s got a bloody scar reaching from her eye to the bottom of her face, and no potion or spell has been able to get rid of it,” exclaimed Draco in anger.

“Draco,” Narcissa warned, her voice remaining low and quiet.

“Don’t do that. Just because you can’t stand up for me when father reprimands me doesn’t mean you have to let the same thing happen to her.”

“Draco,” Narcissa repeated, her voice tighter this time, rising from her seat. “If her parents have decided that she has done something that demands scolding, then they will handle that as they see fit. It is not our place to interfere. And you shall not be referring to your future father-in-law with such language.”

Draco pushed the tears that were pooling in the back of his eyes away, he refused to show such weakness in front of his mother. “How could you simply turn a blind eye to this?” He questioned. When he was met with dead silence, he nodded, “I see, mother, I will be retiring to my room then,” he said, turning to leave.

“Before you go,” she said, stopping her son in his tracks although Draco did not turn to face his mother. “I expect you to propose to Y/n using the family ring tomorrow night as is expected in our families traditions, I believe you have the ring?”

Draco simply nodded in confirmation before striding out of the kitchen.

Narcissa remained standing with her head held high, only collapsing into her seat when she was sure that Draco was half-way back to his room. She pushed all thoughts of the torture you endured at the hands of your parents, her friends, out of her head.

When Draco made his way back to his room, he found you out of bed and nowhere to be found, which he thought to be a bit worrisome.

“Y/n?” He called.

“I’m in your closet,” you called, and he let out a sigh of relief and collapsed onto his bed.

“It sounds like you’re feeling better,” he commented, although you could hear the distress in his voice.

“I am, it still hurts, but it’s nothing I haven’t felt before,” you said as you stepped out of his closet in a perfectly oversized white knit sweater of his and one of your pairs of jeans. “Although it sounds like you have something going on, does it happen to have anything to do with where you disappeared to this morning?”

“I just had a conversation with my mother,” he said as he dropped his head into his hands.

You sat next to him and put a kind hand on his shoulder, “do you want to talk about it, or do you want to go walk around the gardens?”

“Let’s get outside, the sun is out, and it’d be nice to show you around out there,” he said as he met your eyes and matched your smile, trying his best to put his conversation with his mum out of his head.

“Sounds lovely,” you said as you stood up and reached a hand out to him.

Draco took your hand and stood up, but before he really could think about anything, he pulled you into a tight embrace, only knowing that he wanted to hold you as close as he could.

The hug surprised you at first, taking you off guard, but after a moment, you felt yourself melt into his arms, your two bodies fitting perfectly with one another’s as if you were meant to hold one another. He rested his head on your shoulder and continued to hold you, you could feel his desperation, and you swore to yourself that you wouldn’t be the one to let go. Although eventually, he slowly released you, taking a moment to observe you and take in your beauty.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice now somehow lower.

You simply nodded as he took your arm in his and the two of you made your way downstairs and out onto the platform that led out into Malfoy Manor’s extensive and stunning gardens. Despite the beautiful spectacle displayed before you, again, you were affronted by a cold and unnatural thing. The gardens and mazes were filled with the darkest colours nature could serve, and overlooking them were statues of cruel-looking men whom you often found stalking around in the portraits within the manor, and each of their statues was accompanied by snakes and peacocks.

The two of you silently descended into the gardens, and Draco led you into the towering maze.

“I used to run around through here when I was little. I know it like the back of my hand,” he said as he led you down one of the forks in the maze. “I don’t think anyone else in my family knows it so well.”

“It’s intimidating,” you admitted, to which he responded with a nod. “This whole place is.”

“I think they built it like that on purpose,” he admitted, leading you down another twist in the path. “Apparently, the first Lucius of our family acquired the land, and when Queen Elizabeth I rejected his hand in marriage, he retired from court and focused on the building of the manor.”

“My great-grandfather burned any proof that our family ever fraternized with muggles, although I’m sure they were title obsessed back when they could be. However, I do know that our family didn’t come to England until 1889.”

“Our families certainly are interesting,” he said with a certain level of distaste.

Since your first year, Draco had proudly boasted that his family was better than so many others, something you had always despised about him. Therefore, it amused you to see him refer to his family in any way that didn’t display reverence. You would continue with the topic, but you were sure that the trees could hear you.

Draco continued to lead you through the maze until you found yourself in a peaceful little clearing covered in an assortment of small wildflowers, the clearing resembling a small meadow, and with the clouds gone and the sun shining, you found it to be particularly lovely. In the middle lay a blanket, a basket, and a series of foods and teas laid out.

You looked over at Draco once you registered it, “How in the world did you manage this?” You asked in disbelief of what was before you.

“House-elves are pretty crafty, Y/n,” he said, a proud smirk rising to his face, and you shook your head as you laughed.

He led you over to the blanket, where a floor pillow was situated amongst all of the treats. “Draco, this is too much,” you said as he sat down on his own cushion.

“Impossible,” he said, his smirk returning to his face. “Entirely impossible to be ‘too much’ when it comes to you, darling.”

The two of you broke into the expertly prepared food and tea as you continued talking about whatever came to mind, Draco complimenting you at any opportunity he found, about how the sun made your eyes sparkle, how he loved your laugh, and so on; and with every word he spoke to you, you found yourself falling further in love with him. His voice was a perfect melody you wished would never stop playing, his eyes twinkled when you were around, and he just had you absolutely entranced. And what was even better than watching his perfectly crafted hands pour you tea was watching him finally open up to you. For a while now, you had firmly believed that there was something more to him, that he was hiding his real self from you, and now you finally had proof. You planned on talking about it more when you got back to school as you were both afraid that the walls, the trees, and the paintings were listening in on you, but you were excited to see Draco Malfoy turn into the truly good person you knew existed within him. The person that existed out of his parents control.

As you finished eating, Draco placed all of the dishes into the basket before you, exchanging them for your still unfinished copy of Pride and Prejudice. Excited, you laid down with your head in Draco’s lap, basking in the sunlight, which you hadn’t seen since you left school, as he cracked open the book and begun to read. You only had a few chapters left, and you were quite excited for him to reach the end of the novel.

You listened attentively as he read; as always, you were able to refuse yourself the indulgence of listening to him speak, “Her father had most cruelly mortified her, by what he said of Mr. Darcy’s indifference, and she could do nothing but wonder at such a want of penetration, or fear that perhaps, instead of his seeing too little, she might have fancied too much,” Draco read, turning the page and moving on to the next chapter. You cracked a smile, knowing that he would just adore what was to come.

“‘If you will thank me,’ he replied, ‘let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.’” you were excited by the joy and intention Draco was carrying in his voice, almost as if he had read ahead and practised, but when he skipped ahead a line, you knew something was up, “‘You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.’” Draco read as he delicately placed a silver ring decorated with curving leaves and set with a small amber gem in the centre on the top of your hand, which was resting lazily on Draco’s calf.

In contrast with the warm sun, the cold metal shocked you as you realised that he was using Jane Austen to propose to you. Draco closed the book while keeping his thumb in between the pages as to not lose your place. He looked down at you with a smile that rivalled even the sun.

“My mother is going to make me propose in front of your parents during Christmas dinner,” he admitted as you rose into a sitting position and twisted to face him, immediately making and maintaining eye contact. “I wish we could wait, that we could have more time but, I have fallen too hard for you to allow anyone to force me to propose to you, you don’t deserve it in the least, and this is a moment that our parents shouldn’t be allowed to control.”

You placed the ring between his thumb and forefinger of his right hand and then guided it onto your ring finger on your left hand. “‘Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances.’” You quoted the passage from memory in response to Draco, and as a way to say yes to his proposal. “Thank you, Draco, and I want you to know that if the situation had been different, I still would have said yes.”

Despite his bright smile, a tear slipped from the platinum-haired boy’s eye, startling you. You really hadn’t ever expected to see Draco Malfoy cry, even a solitary tear.

“Draco, dear, what’s wrong?” you asked as you wiped the tear away with your thumb, leaving your hand to rest on his cheek.

“Y/n, you’re being forced to marry someone who could get you killed,” he said, his voice lowering and becoming melancholy.

You sat up and turned to face him, taking his hands in yours, “It’s the opposite, you’re the one saving me from my parents. I don’t know what you mean,” you said, concerned at his sudden change in demeanour.

“He knows, he knows that I love you, and he’ll kill you if I don’t do what he’s asked me to do,” Draco said, his eyes cast down.

“Who, Draco?”

“Voldemort,” Draco whispered, barely audible. “He’s demanded that I kill Dumbledore by the end of the year in order to make up for my father’s mistakes at the ministry,” he admitted. “And if I don’t do it, he’ll kill you.”

Your eyes widened in shock as you processed what Draco told you, all of Harry’s theories finally making sense. Even more so, all of Draco’s nerves and mood swings over the year finally coming to light, why he had been so hesitant to admit his feelings for you, his possessive nature finally making sense.

“Y/n, you’re so good, such a good person,” he said as another tear slid down his cheek. “You are so much braver than I am. You were able to denounce all of this while I let them turn me into one of them.” You felt the pain in his voice resonate in your chest. “While I terrorised you and your friends, and even now as I plan to murder our headmaster, you continue to find a way to show me more kindness and love than I have ever experienced.”

“Draco, I love you, and you’re wrong. You aren’t them,” you whispered as you gestured to the manor. “If you were, you would have left me to bleed under my father’s boot. You wouldn’t have tried to protect me from him,” you said as you placed your hand on his shoulder. “I know that what you’re doing comes not from a place of evil but from necessity and that all will be right in the end because we will find a way to come out on the right side of the war. I promise that as long as we have one another, things will be okay.” You promised with all sincerity. “Now, the sun is setting, and it’s about to get frigid out here. I say we head back up to your room, and I finish reading Pride and Prejudice to you.”

“I thought that was my job,” he said, the smile slowly returning to his face.

“Well, I think that it is fair of me to want to cheer up my fiancé,” you said, matching his smile.

“Admittedly, I’ve wanted to hear your Mr. Darcy interpretation,” he teased.

“I don’t think it’ll be half as good as yours,” you admitted, glancing down at the ring on your finger, which wasn’t a symbol of the life you were losing but the love you were gaining. “Thank you for this, Draco.”

“Anything for you, my darling,” he said as he reached a hand out to you, which he used to pull you up to your feet and into a kiss in which you melted into Draco. His lips were still warm from the sun and so soft on yours. When he pulled away, you sighed from the loss of touch, yet also in satisfaction.

You collected the remnants of the picnic, along with the book, which suddenly held so much more value in your eyes, and you followed Draco out of the maze and back to the Manor. You were so engrossed in your thoughts and in Draco that you completely forgot about the other residents of the mansion. Although, you were swiftly reminded as when you entered through the large, French style, doors you were affronted by a stoic-faced Narcissa occupying the centre of the room, clearly anticipating your return.

“Good evening, Narcissa,” you greeted warmly.

“Good evening,” she returned coldly. “Glad to see that your leg is better,” she said despite the terrible red scar that now obviously occupied your cheek. “Since tomorrow is Christmas, and essentially our final day together, I have the day planned to the minute. Throughout the morning, we shall be finalizing wedding plans, which require both of your thoughts. Then Draco, you will have time to complete your errand before you return to get ready for Christmas dinner with the Y/l/n’s. Sunday, the two of you will pack and prepare for your return to Hogwarts. We start our day at precisely eight.”

“We will see you at the dining table at eight then,” Draco matched her tone, clearly unfazed by his mother’s sudden coldness, which had uniquely caught you by surprise. This was a side of the woman you hadn’t seen yet.

“Good night, Narcissa,” you said, trying to push aside your shock as Draco pulled you out of the entryway and upstairs to his room.

When you made it inside, Draco closed the door behind you and looked you dead in the eyes, “tomorrow, you don’t get a second of alone time with them. No matter what, I’m by your side.”

“You don’t have to convince me,” you smiled grimly, and he sighed in relief. “Now, lay down, dear. We have a book to finish.”

The two of you cuddled up into one another’s side as you finished reading the book aloud. To your satisfaction, just as you finished the book, Draco started prompting you to softly run your hands through his perfect platinum blonde hair, which in the days without styling or care had begun to curl into soft waves. At some point, you fell asleep with the light still on and your precious copy of Pride and Prejudice open on your lap. Yet, you slept that night without a nightmare or a negative thought, your mind and body entirely at peace wrapped up in Draco’s arms.

You awoke to bright morning light flooding into the room, which startled you as you still felt Draco by your side. You slowly drew yourself up and looked over to see Alexis, your wedding planner standing by your bed, assuming it had been her who had opened the curtains.

“Alexis?” You asked groggily, confused by her presence in your fiancé’s room. “Why aren’t you home? It’s Christmas.”

“Lady Malfoy asked me here,” she said. “She also asked me to retrieve you, miss, as well as Master Malfoy.”

You nodded, “we’ll get dressed and be down shortly.”

She responded with a bow of her head, then she swept out of the room, closing the door fast behind her.

“What in the world was that about?” Draco groaned, eyes still closed.

“Your mother sent the bloody wedding planner up here to wake us,” you said, in complete disbelief of Narcissa’s decision to do so.

“Mm-alright,” he said as he sat up, kissing you on the cheek before sliding out of bed.

“I’m going to slip into my room and grab a dress,” you said as you stretched out your arms before standing.

“Alright, darling,” Draco said as he disappeared into his closet to get dressed himself.

The two of you got ready relatively quickly, donning appropriately formal clothing and descended downstairs and into the dining room together, where Narcissa and Alexis were already talking, papers, linen samples, and photographs spread out amongst tea, fruits, and other miscellaneous breakfast items.

“Good morning,” you greeted as a polite way to announce your arrival.

“Oh, good, we’ve been waiting for you two,” Narcissa said, looking up as you entered the dining room. “Sit, we have a lot to get through.” While she wasn’t as cold as she was last night, she wasn’t the same kind motherly woman who had offered you her dress for your wedding.

You and Draco assumed seats next to each other as Narcissa occupied the head of the table and Alexis sat across from you. Immediately, you were bombarded with questions, confirmations that Draco liked the choices you had made last week, ornate changes Narcissa recommended, and series more decisions you had never considered went into wedding planning. Occasionally, you would lean over to Draco and whisper some joke or terrible comment into his ear, and he would have to stifle his laughter which inherently bothered both Alexis and Narcissa as they were suddenly convinced that neither of you was taking this seriously. As afternoon approached Narcissa dismissed Draco, much to your dismay you were left alone with the two women who buckled down on you the second he was gone.

Eventually, Narcissa dismissed you and Alexis, allowing you to go and change and for Alexis to finally make her way home. Although, you were convinced that she didn’t care about that, instead sticking to her oh-so-important schedule. You made your way up to your room, Draco nowhere to be seen, you slipped into your room where you found the black gown your mother had packed for this exact occasion; it even had a note on it that read, ‘wear for Christmas dinner.’ Not in any particular mood to disobey, you donned the dress. While it did not come with a corset, it was quite tight and held your core in as if it were one. After dressing, you sat in front of the vanity to don the face that would get you through the night. Despite the time you took on your hair and makeup, hoping you would waste enough time so Draco would be ready and you wouldn’t have to face whatever was downstairs alone. However, when you made your way down, you found both the entrance hall and the few sitting rooms to be empty, leaving you to admire the decorations that had gone up in the last hour you had been spending getting ready. Classical music was drifting through the first floor, and the decorations which were already there had been accompanied by more lavish ornaments circled throughout the space, which was almost entirely lit by warm candle-light. Had the manor not been another prison for you, you may have some capacity for admiration of its beauty.

“Oh, well, hello there,” you heard the sharp and twisted voice you hadn’t heard since the battle in the Department of Mysteries.

In response, you shot around to see Draco standing next to his Aunt Bellatrix Lestrange as they were standing in the entryway before you. “Lady Lestrange,” you said, bowing your head respectfully.

“Draco, this is the girl?” she asked her nephew as she crept towards you.

“Yes, Aunt Bellatrix, this is her, Y/n Y/l/n,” he spoke formally.

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am. I’ve been told that you’re a great witch,” you said, your head still bowed. To say that Lestrange intimidated you was a grand understatement.

“Enough flattery, girl, it will get you nowhere,” she said as she circled you, inspecting you.

“Bella,” Narcissa greeted warmly as she descended the stairs into the hall.

“Cissy,” Bellatrix responded, turning away from you to greet her sister.

You used the opportunity to make your way to Draco’s side, Bellatrix’s appearance at the dinner, both shocking and nerve-racking. Having to deal with your parents was one thing; Bellatrix Lestrange was a whole other beast.

“Watch your mind,” Draco muttered in your ear as he snaked an arm around your waist, pulling you into his side. “She’s a powerful Occlmens.”

You nodded in response, watching as the sisters greeted each other. “How were your errands?” You asked.

“Fine, we can talk about them later.”

“What are we waiting for?” Bellatrix asked her sister, clearly unaware of the plans for the evening.

“The Y/l/n’s, Y/n’s parents are set to arrive in a matter of moments,” Narcissa said. “Then it will just be the six of us, an intimate affair.”

Perfect timing as always, your parents popped into the room through the grand fireplace, green smoke billowing around their feet.

“Hello, Narcissa, Bellatrix,” your father greeted the two witches. “Happy Christmas.”

“Yes, Happy Christmas, William,” Narcissa greeted, her warmth and kindness suddenly flooding back.

“Bellatrix, oh, I haven’t seen you since the summer. How have you been?” Your mother greeted.

“I have been quite well, Layah,” Bellatrix said, a note of sadism to her voice. “Lovely to see you both.”

“Let us make our way to the sitting room. I know we have quite a bit to discuss,” Narcissa said as she eyed Draco, likely referring to the proposal he was meant to make.

Everyone followed Narcissa into the sitting room, sifting out to where they were meant to sit. You and Draco on a loveseat near the Christmas tree, Bellatrix and Narcissa sitting on armchairs adjacent to one another, and your mother and father on a couch together. As you all situated yourselves flutes of champagne appeared at everyone’s side.

“Now, Narcissa I know you said that we weren’t focusing on gifts,” your father spoke up. “But I was thinking, and since Draco is to be my son-in-law, I thought it would be appropriate for me to give him this.” William rose and crossed over to where the two of you were sitting to hand Draco a long, elegantly wrapped, box.

“Thank you, sir,” Draco said, accepting the box.

“Go ahead and open it,” your father said jovially as he returned to his seat.

Draco split the wrapping along the seam, leaving a black jewellery box, opening it he revealed a silver wizard’s watch, the one your father had given to William for his seventeenth birthday. You swallowed your shock, refusing to show the pain that echoed in your heart on your face. Yet, you weren’t surprised at your father using Draco as a replacement for what he killed.

“Thank you, sir. It’ll be an honour to wear this.”

William beamed, twisting his face into a nasty smile, “I’m glad you think so, boy.”

“How kind of you, William,” Narcissa piped.

“Actually,” you chimed in. “While Draco and I were out last week, I picked this up for you. It’s small, but I thought it’d be nice for you to have them for the wedding.” You made your way across the room to hand Narcissa the impeccably wrapped, tiffany blue box. “And Draco got something for you as well, mother,” you said, then walking to her to hand her the black velvet jewellery box.

“Darling, you didn’t have to do this,” Narcissa smiled kindly as she opened the box.

You returned to your spot next to Draco, taking his hand in yours.

Narcissa pulled out the drop pearl earrings, the smile remaining on her face. “Y/n, this is so sweet, thank you.”

“I’m so glad you like them,” you said, returning her smile.

Layah opened her gift, revealing a fine diamond and emerald decorated bracelet that fit into her jewellery collection well. “Draco, this was quite thoughtful of you,” she said, her lack of gratitude bothering you.

“You’re welcome, ma’am,” he said, nodding his head.

“Well, this is quite boring, isn’t it?” Bellatrix chimed in. “It’s a bit of a drag.”

“Is that because no one got you a gift, ma’am?” you asked sarcastically, quickly taking on the ‘ma’am’ as you noticed the gravity of you using such humour in that room.

Silence fell upon everyone in the room, and you could feel your parents sharp glare fall upon you instructing you that you had made a-

A shrill laugh erupted from Bellatrix’s throat, interrupting the concern that fell upon your shoulders, “Oh, maybe I underestimated you, seems you’re not so boring after all,” she said, then continued to giggle, causing Narcissa and your parents to join in with uncomfortable chuckles and false smiles.

“I’m glad you think so,” Draco said, standing up from his spot next to you. “If no one minds I would like to steal this moment to do something quite important.” Once he received looks or nods of recognition Draco turned to face you, bending down onto one knee, he looked up at you and knowing that only you could see his face he shared a bright, kind smile you had only seen when the two of you had been alone. “Y/n Y/m/n Y/l/n, throughout our years of knowing each other, growing up with one another, attending school together I only ever imagined a life with you. When my mother informed me of our arrangement I was overcome with delight at the prospect of joining hands with another great Wizarding family,” You were not surprised by the loveless and prideful nature of the proposal, this was not for you, it was for your father and for his mother. Draco pulled out a ring, something dark, ornate, and clearly ancient. “Now, it is with great admiration for you and your family that I ask you to be my wife,” he said, looking up at you expectedly.

“It would be my honour to uphold the noble name of Malfoy, and therefore the name of Y/l/n, through becoming your wife,” you said, the acceptance taught to you, forced down your throat, word for word by your mother. While you accepted, Draco slipped the engagement ring onto your bare ring finger, the one he had given you yesterday residing on the opposite hand for the time being. As he did so light, polite applause filled the room.

“The two of you do make a handsome couple,” Narcissa smiled, and you couldn’t tell whether or not the curving of her lips was genuine.

“Absolutely,” your mother hissed. “Draco, we are pleased to be inviting you into the family.”

Accolades for Draco, for you, and for the two of you as a couple continued on until dinner was announced. Dinner itself droned on for hours, and drinks afterwards droned on for hours, you felt as if you were a puddle by the time the evening was over. As usual, you spent most of the night silently observing those around you, although Bellatrix would occasionally drag you into conversation in an attempt to read you. The dinner was like the lunch before and the dinner before that, and every, single, individual, societal event you had attended in your life. You yearned to return to Draco’s room fall into his arms and shed the night, the terrible forced proposal, and the stank of society from your shoulders. Eventually and thankfully you did, both of you quick to wish ‘Happy Christmas’ and ‘Goodnight’ to your parents as well as his mother and aunt. Then, of course, swiftly retreating to Draco’s bedroom. Both of you exhausted trading the confining clothing you wore throughout the evening for sweaters and pyjama pants, then collapsing onto the mattress and into one another’s arms.

The next morning you awoke first to find Draco’s arm draped over your torso, and his face nuzzled into your neck. You smiled, happy to see him so peaceful, and terribly sad that you would have to disturb that peace. You slowly started running your hands through his wavy platinum blonde hair, taking in how handsome he looked as he slept.

“Merlin, it’s Sunday, isn’t it?” Draco asked.

“Yes, darling, it is.”

Draco emitted a pained groan and curled his arms around you to pull you tightly into him, “that means I won’t get to hold you like this ‘till June.”

You giggled at his pain, “I’m sure we will find a way, Draco.”

“You know, this is the worst thing about you being a Gryffindor,” he said with distaste. “If you were a Slytherin we wouldn’t have this issue.”

A pleasant smile rested on your face, “Draco, we wouldn’t have this issue if you were a Gryffindor,” you countered.

“As if, Y/n,” he scoffed, you laughed again, and Draco was sure that your laugh could rival the brightness of the sun. He drew away from only for a second so that he could kiss you and experience that brightness for himself. The kiss lasted for a blissful moment before he pulled away to take you in for just a moment.

“You’re beautiful, Y/n,” he said, brushing a piece of hair out of your face.

You smiled up at him, “you’re too nice, Draco.”

“I am the complete opposite,” he countered and your smile widened.

“Come now, we have to get you packed,” you said, gesturing to his closet.

“Y/n, that sounds miserable,” he lamented.

“Darling, as badly as I want to lay in bed with you all day, I also wish to return to school.”

“Fine,” he said, dramatic as ever. “But only because I love you.”

“Thank you,” you said as you planted a swift kiss on his cheek before rolling out of the bed.

It didn’t take you long to get your things together since you didn’t bring much and because most of your things were staying at the Manor considering you were essentially moving in. When you finished, you helped Draco pack his things up, and you were sure to include some of his sweaters which you had come to love so much. After you were both done, you made your way downstairs where Narcissa was waiting.

You stood in front of the fireplace, excited to finally be leaving the terribly dark home. “Narcissa thank you again for having me. I am truly excited to return for summer,” you lied through your teeth, doing your best to make the statement as believable as possible. At the end of the term, you would go to your home for a day in order to pack up whatever you wanted to bring along with you to your new life. From then on you would reside at Malfoy Manor, at the very least until the end of the war, then it would be expected for you and Draco to live alone until Lucius handed the Manor over to his son. Unless of course, the war turned against Voldemort’s favour.

“Y/n, it was lovely getting to know you. I am incredibly excited for the wedding,” she responded and you smiled.

“So am I ma’am, and thank you for including me in so much of the planning.”

Narcissa nodded, a tight smile on her lips.

“Well, you two have a good semester, and Draco, please write,” she said as she brushed her son’s shoulder as many mother’s do.

“Of course, mother,” he said before turning to you. “Y/n, would you like to go first?”

You nodded, “thank you again, Narcissa.” And with that, you stepped into the fireplace with floo powder in hand, “Hogwarts!” You shouted clearly, disappearing in a green cloud with Draco not far behind.

To your surprise, you found yourself in Professor McGonagall’s office. You quickly became aware of your surroundings, and dusted the powder off of your jeans before stepping out of her fireplace and onto her carpet. “Hello Professor, I hope you had a happy holiday.”

“Thank you, Miss. Y/l/n, it was nice, quiet without Mr. Potter around to stir the pot,” she said as she looked up, a warm smile on her face.

“Well he is known for that, isn’t he,” you conceded, knowing you were often a part of the trouble.

“Dear, Y/n, your face, what happened?” McGonagall’s face twisting into concern as she noticed the still fresh raised red scar reaching across your face.

“Oh,” you raised a hand to touch the scar, having forgotten to come up with an excuse for the visibly wound. “Just a freak cooking accident, it seems I-I manage just as much trouble when I’m home as when I’m here,” you said, adding a fake laugh to try and convince her that all was fine, although you were sure she could read right through you.

“Y/n, if you need anything,” she said, her eyes falling on the engagement ring on your finger. “Please feel free to speak to me.”

“Thank you, Professor, I’m going to go unpack now,” you said, wanting desperately to get out of the awkward situation.

“Of course,” she said. “I’ll see you in class Tuesday.”

You nodded, and swiftly left her office, making your way to the Gryffindor common room in the hopes of finding Harry, Ron, and Hermione, knowing you had a lot to explain. When you got to the common room, you were disappointed to discover that you were the first to arrive. You sufficed yourself to grabbing some food in the Great Hall, figuring if anyone was looking for you that would be an easy place to find you. However, your journey downstairs was swiftly interrupted.

“Y/N!” You heard Harry’s voice, and you turned around, excited to see your friend.

“Bloody hell, Y/n, what happened to your face?” Ron asked as you turned to face them.

“Seriously, Ronald?” Ginny scolded her brother.

“No, it’s fine, it was just my father,” you explained. The three of them knew plenty about your parent’s abuse.

“Merlin, he’s never-” Harry started, but you cut him off.

“I know, I’d really rather not get into it, it’s not like it’s a happy memory.”

“Yeah, of course,” he said, scratching the back of his head, unsure of what to say.

“Holy shit! Y/n is that an engagement ring?!” Ginny exclaimed, rushing over to you and grabbing your left hand to examine your ring finger.

“Why don’t we go to the common room and we’ll talk about the holiday there,” you said firmly, uncomfortable having this conversation in the middle of a hallway.

“That's probably a good idea,” Harry said, and the four of you made your way back towards the common room, and for extra precaution, you went up to the boy’s dorm which was empty, and thankfully didn’t smell as it often did since the boys hadn’t had the opportunity to stink it up just yet.

“So, how was Malfoy Manor?” Ginny asked teasingly as you all found places to sit around the room, you and Ginny taking Harry’s bed; mutually refusing to trust Ron’s.

“Well to make a long story short, the scar was caused by my father finding our letters, and according to tradition, Draco had to propose to me with our families present, and with his family ring. So, they had him propose last night,” you explained. “Malfoy Manor is a terrifying place, but I have been before,” you thought, and you knew you couldn’t just say that Draco was assigned by Voldemort to murder Dumbledore which is why he had been acting so weird, but you weren’t sure otherwise how to explain to your friends why Draco acts the way he does, and that he really is a good guy.

“What did Malfoy tell your dad about the letters?” Ron scoffed.

“No, of course, he didn’t,” you bit. “My father just spies on me. Draco is actually the reason my father didn’t end up killing me, and he really isn’t such a bad guy.”

“I’m sorry, but there is no way we are talking about the same guy who terrorised us at dinner and announced to the entire school that you were snogging Harry just a few weeks ago,” Ginny countered, and Harry’s face turned beet red.

“We’re talking about Malfoy, I presume?” Hermione asked as she entered the room.

“Hermione!” you greeted her warmly, excited to see her.

“Hello everyone,” she said as she assumed a seat near you. “So, what did I miss?”

Ginny quickly summarised the conversation thus-far, "And I don’t trust Malfoy in the least,” she said, shooting you an irritated look.

“Well I do, and considering it is my life I have no control over, I think that I get to at least decide whether or not I trust him. Anyways he’s proved himself over the holiday, and that’s all that matters, eh?”

“I still think you’re marrying a Death-Eater,” Harry said, confident in his accusation, which you of course knew was correct.

“And what if I am?” you asked. “Harry I am also the child of Death-Eater’s. Not only that, but my parents made it very clear that if I don’t marry him, I’m dead. And wouldn't you rather, when this war happens you have someone on the inside with your interest at heart? Harry I would rather die fighting for a cause than fighting myself.”

Everyone paused for a moment, it was oftentimes easy to forget the gravity of the situation you were all in, but your words made your friends conscious of everything for a moment.

“You all know where I stand,” you said, your eyes were watering, but your voice was firm. “And I intend on fighting with you; I just won’t be able to do so by your side. I assume you already knew that.”

“We just always hoped it would somehow turn out differently, Y/n,” Hermione said honestly. “But of course we understand.”

“Then you’ll also understand that this is likely my last term at Hogwarts,” you said, your voice lower this time.

“Yes,” Harry said quietly.

“So you’ll understand why I want this conversation to end and why I just want to spend time with my friends?” You asked as a tear dripped down your cheek.

Ginny wrapped you in a hug, Hermione quickly joining in, and you wiped the tear from your face. “We love you,” Ginny muttered, and you squeezed her tightly in response.

“What are you two doing over there?” Hermione chided Ron and Harry, ignoring her own tears. “Get over here and join the bloody hug!”

The boys both shook their heads, trying their best to push back their own emotions and joining the three of you in the hug which was quickly turning into a dog pile.

“Anyways, Draco is on our side,” you breathed.

Part 7 - Coming Soon

Tags!

Everything - @sarcasticallywitty15 @fred-love-bot

Silver Letter - @hidejeon @Ravenclawgurl137 @unexpectedly-slytherin @missmercurymoon @herequeerandstressed @lordfxxker@pillowjj@pointlesscoconut @lovelylangdonx @fire-in-her-veinz @morelovemorepeacemoretattoo-blog @oi-itsemily@lukehemmingslut831 @peachybeannn @lovebynorth@bubblesam06@voidnarnia @bethii1 @arthemis-o-negative@roseyrams@treestarrrrrrrr @streetfighterrichie @dreams-in-blxck @psychramt @dracofeltonmalfoy @weasleydream @rottenhexrt@daringvixon @thatguppienamedbae @lord-byron

#draco malfoy fanfiction #Draco Malfoy #draco x reader #draco malfoy x reader #draco fanfiction #harry potter fanfiction #the silver letter #red writes #arranged marriage fic #arranged marriage au

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prettyinpymtech · 4 years ago

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For My Heart Finds You

Part 1

Poe Dameron x fem!Reader (Regency AU)

Summary: Impressed by your cousin’s prosperous engagement, your parents arrange for you to stay with your aunt with the hope that she may find a proper suitor for your hand. Your arrival is met with spitefulness, however, and you are forced to endure her cruel words alone. But an invitation from Leia Organa soon changes your prospects and offers encounters with many kindly acquaintances, including a handsome young man named Poe Dameron.

A/N: I’m so excited to share this one with all of you! Poe is not featured in this chapter, but this gives some insight into Leia’s role in their meeting. I hope you enjoy it!

Perfection, much to your aunt’s credit, continuously emanated from within the small confines of her mansion. Every bend of the surrounding expanse followed such an ambition-from the perfectly trimmed hedges below the windows to the rows of flowers in the garden. No existence could deter such an appearance.

Well, except for your own presence.

Your seemingly rebellious nature was hardly the result of pure spite, though the accusation had been brought before you on more than one occasion. What was often mistaken for disobedience was no more than an attempt to define your own happiness, rather than surrender it for the sake of visiting guests.

Such an assessment had been frowned upon, however, and it had not left a very commendable impression among your hosts. You suspected that your aunt would have sent you away without a moment’s hesitation if it had not been for the praise of her friends as they applauded her efforts. Every last person in town had failed to recognize her family’s vanity and you were ashamed to admit that you had also been misled by her pretense.

It was an arrangement that had commenced as an earnest affair. The sudden engagement of your cousin had impressed your parents and they had written to your aunt with the hope that she could achieve the same triumph for your regard. It was her pride that had compelled her to accept your company in her household and you had believed in her deceitful reception.

But, as you continued your stay, you soon found that she was far too cruel and calculating-and her daughters were no different. Martha, the eldest of the two, placed her pride on her recent engagement to Ben Solo, a cold man that only seemed to find interest in his wealth. Madeline had yet to find a husband to match her sister’s, but she still took great pride in her mother’s stature.

You tried to avoid their scornful gazes as often as possible, and found comfort within the narrow walls of your uncle’s library. Your aunt had found very little use for the room after his passing, but the room offered an escape that no other corner could provide, particularly when your aunt brought home a rather boorish parade of guests to rid her of her charge.

All of your meals were enjoyed in the library with little interruptions and that had lasted until a month after your initial appearance.

You had busied yourself with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in another early one morning when an excited chatter compelled you to wander into the drawing room. Ben Solo sat in a chair not too far from his wife, while your aunt and Madeline conversed with an older woman. You did not recognize her, but you recognized something warm and familiar in her gaze as she turned to greet you.

“Marie, you have not introduced me to your guest.”

Your aunt hurried to meet you with an exaggerated smile. “Forgive me, Leia. This is Y/N, my niece. I have been trusted with her care until I am fortunate to find a proper suitor to marry her.”

Struggling not to grimace at her overstated attempts, you caught Leia chuckling to herself almost as if she could read your thoughts, though whether that was a result of understanding or sheer coincidence, you could not say. But her gaze held no malice and you felt a sense of warmth in her presence as she beckoned you to take a seat next to her.

“And where do you hail from, child?” she asked.

“My family owns a small cottage near the lakes of Naboo.”

“Is that so? A lovely place, though I must admit it has been some time since I last visited. Tell me, are the summers still as enchanting as I remember them?”

“Oh, yes, quite so. Our gardens had only started to blossom before I arrived here and I am sure they are even lovelier now.”

You felt a small twinge of longing as you spoke of your home and you tried to hide the tears that threatened to emerge. Taking notice of your gloom, Leia reached out and placed her hand on top of yours.

“I am sorry you have had to miss such a beautiful sight.”

She continued to provide a sincere affection as the discussion was changed to an entirely different subject. You learned that Leia was Ben’s mother, but you would not have guessed such a fact if it had not been for her revelation. She did not carry herself with the unfriendly manner that her son so often possessed and instead spoke of fantastic adventures and friends.

In a matter of hours she had reluctantly agreed to Ben’s insistence to leave before dark. She bid a courteous farewell to Marie and her daughters, but a look of excitement appeared in her eyes as she stopped in front of you.

“Our gardens are not quite as wonderful as yours, but they certainly offer a pleasant resemblance. You must come and see them!”

Her request surprised you. “Do you really mean it?”

“Of course! It has been too long since I last welcomed guests in D’Qar and I would love to show you the place! The preparations should not take too long. Please tell me you will come!”

“Oh, Leia!” interrupted your aunt. “Nothing would bring us more joy than to visit your home!”

Leia turned to your aunt and smiled, but you noticed the surprise in her features as if she had forgotten of your aunt’s presence altogether.

“Oh, well, I suppose I could find room for the rest of you.” Returning her gaze to you, she added, “I will await your arrival. Perhaps I shall even arrange a dinner to celebrate such an occasion. Kes has finally returned to D’Qar and I have been informed that his son will soon be joining him for the summer. I am sure they would be delighted to meet you.”

A gasp of surprise escaped your aunt at the mention of Leia’s friends. “I had no idea Poe planned to return home.”

“Indeed, he has! I have no idea how long he intends to stay, but Kes has hopes that he may find someone that will convince him to delay his leave.”

She gazed in your direction as she voiced her friend’s expectations, but you had no time to ponder her meaning as she was escorted to her carriage. Ben soon followed her outside, leaving Marie to revel in the excited chatter of her daughters.

“This is wonderful news, girls! Just think, Madeline, in a matter of days we could very much find you engaged to Poe Dameron!”

“I must prepare at once!” cried Madeline. “Surely, he will not find me appealing in this terrible garment!”

“You’re quite right. We shall leave for town at once to find you something much more suitable.”

Their excitement amused you, but you failed to understand such fuss.

“Poe Dameron,” you muttered, “I’m afraid I have not heard of him. What is he like?”

Your aunt scoffed. “The Damerons are a noble family and quite prosperous in their fortunes. It does not surprise me that you are not familiar with the name. After all, why should he have crossed paths with someone so pitiable?”

Martha and Madeline giggled at her remark, but you ignored their spitefulness. Retreating to the comfort of the library, you held to Leia’s kindness and allowed, for just a brief moment, a chance to fantasize of all the splendid opportunities her invitation could present for the coming days.

#poe dameron x reader #poe dameron imagine #poe dameron #star wars imagine

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fallin-4-ya · 4 years ago

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but beautiful

But Beautiful

cedric diggory x malfoy!reader part iii

summary: life wasn’t particularly easy being the older sister of draco malfoy, but a certain boy from hufflepuff had the power to make all her troubles melt away.

warnings: none in this chapter! non-voldy au! no triwizard tournament! (gif is not mine, credit to owner!)

words: 1.9k

part i, part ii, part iii

‘And you have to believe me when I tell you that no one could ever be as beautiful as you are at this very moment, because I could never want anyone more than I want you right now.’ -Mariella Muffarotto

The night of the Yule Ball arrived promptly, every girl was excitedly getting dressed and every boy practicing their greetings in great nervousness. Y/n pulled out the box sent to her by her mother; it held a dress, jewelry, hair potions and shoes.

Y/n laid down the stain black dress, passed down from Narcissa. The silky material hugged every curve and accentuated her best assets. Her hair hung in loose curls, gathered in an updo, exposing her shoulders and neck. A careful sweep of makeup coated her skin, perfectly highlighting her favorite features.

Y/n gazed into the mirror, she looked like a princess. Well, her mother really. She imagined what Narcissa was like in her youth, reckless and carefree. Y/n saw beyond house, beliefs and riches; and for the first time she saw herself as something beyond blood, beyond Malfoy. She saw herself as a daughter made in the likeness of her mother. That raised her spirits and gave her a new found hope for the ball. She was so capable. And so, what if some boy didn’t see her enough to appreciate that? But this, she was entirely wrong about.

Y/n exited the Hufflepuff common room, late as always. The only sound to be heard was the clicking and clacking of her shoes as she made her way to the Great Hall. She peaked off the sides of the wall, a huge corridor leading to the ballroom caught her; she stared at the people down below.

Her breath shuddered as she caught a glimpse of Cedric. His hair was tucked neatly and his curls seemed to fall at all the right places. His dress robes hung graciously, tailored to perfection. His cheeks were as rosy as they were on the first day they had met. And his eyes. His eyes were as deep as ever, as they stared at Cho Chang as if she was the finest piece of artwork. Her heart dropped, yet y/n gathered her breath and courage. She held onto her heart as it was sinking and began her descent to the crowded room.

As if by magic, her held had been held higher than it ever was, her hair bounced with every step she took and the silk of her dress fell softly behind her. That’s when Cedric Diggory looked up and saw her. He watched her with every step, every single movement. She looked more beautiful than anyone he has ever seen before. She was an angel, descending from the clouds. Suddenly all eyes went to her. She smiled shyly to herself, she had never felt this wonderful.

Cedric only stopped staring when George Weasley approached her and took her soft hand in his. ‘You look nothing short of stunning, y/n.’ George exclaimed, ‘How lucky am I to have the most beautiful girl at my side tonight.’

‘Very lucky, indeed.’ She responded with a giggle, ‘Not to mention you look devilishly handsome as well, Weasley.’

She wasn’t in the presence of George Weasley for five second before Draco came up to her with a camera. Practically throwing the redhead out the way, he admired his sister’s beauty, ‘Wow, you look just like Mum! Hold still, let me take a photograph!’

A bright flash went off in her eyes and she giggled. Draco, she whined before going into another fit of giggles when he made her stand next to George to get another one. Draco must have taken five dozen photos before she put an end to his photographic agenda, eager to join her fellow students.

The night passed quickly, on and off the dance floor with George and the other Gryffindors. Y/n was having the time of her life with her best friends. Except something was missing. Or someone. Gazing across the room was Cedric, smiling with Cho. Y/n pouted to herself, he was so happy. She couldn’t possibly have been mad. A fingertip tapped her shoulder, she turned around to see herself with George. Y/n smiled, ‘Hey, Georgie.’

‘You know, you can always go talk to him.’ George said with a grin on his face. She rolled her eyes at him, because it was so much easier said than done. Before she had a moment to object, George continued, ‘I’ll tell you what, me and Fred are going to go prank Snape. You go out there with Angelina and Katie Bell, and have some fun. You’ll see what happens.’

He threw her a wink, the ran out of the Great Hall with his twin. She sighed, getting up from her seat. George is right, she told herself. Y/n joined her friends in the center of the room, where they all began dancing and having a good time. She became lost in the music, lost with her friends. Letting go of the worrisome that held her down.

‘Hey, y/n.’ A voice from behind her said. She turned to see herself face to face with Cedric.

‘Hey, Ced.’ She replied, trying hard to put a smile on her face.

‘I just wanted to tell you that you look great tonight,’ he paused for a moment. ‘And any guy would be lucky to be your date tonight.’

‘Thanks.’ y/n responded stiffly. Did he really not get it, she thought to herself. ‘Having a good time?’

‘Yeah, loads.’ Both parties became awkward, as if neither one of them could find it in themselves to carry the conversation.

‘That’s great. How’s Cho?’ y/n asked with a smug smile on her face. Looking over to where the other girl was dancing with her Ravenclaw friends. Cedric’s smile dropped, only focusing on the girl in front of him.

‘Could be better,’ He chucked nervously. ‘How’s George?’

‘Well, he just spiked the punch and is now pranking Professor Snape, so it’s pretty safe to assume I’ve had plenty of entertainment for the night.’ She smiled back at him. A lull in the conversation silenced the two. Y/n looked into his gray eyes. They were just as deep and intoxicating as they were when she had first met him six years ago. She wanted nothing more than to dive into the, allowing herself to become fully vulnerable. But, she turned from him, breaking the spell she had put herself under.

‘You know why I want to talk to you, don’t you?’ He nearly whispered.

Y/n sighed deeply, the hurt she had been covering up had reached its boiling point. ‘Do enlighten me Cedric. Because if it’s what I think it is, then don’t even bother,’ she snapped at him, turning on her heels and walked out of the Great Hall.

‘Y/n wait!’ Cedric called out, running after her. ‘Please, just hear me out.’

Y/n turned to face him. He took her in, in everything that she was. She was still that outspoken, kind, confident girl her had grown to love since the very first day he met her.

‘Your eyes, I get so lost in them.’ He spoke slowly and y/n cocked her head in confusion. ’Every time I see you, you speak to me, you look at me, my heart shudders. I have become completely entranced by everything you do.’

An anger left her body, that was quickly replaced by confusion. ‘Then why didn’t you ask me to the ball, Cedric?’ She questioned.

‘Because I couldn’t mess it up.’ Words spilled from his tongue. ‘I couldn’t mess it up.’ He repeated more softly and slowly. ‘I have been in love with you for so long. And you just have to believe me when I tell you how beautiful you are. How much you have taken me by storm. And I have never seen you more perfect than you are at this very moment. So, I am telling the truth when I say that I could never want anyone more than I want you right now.’

Y/n gazed at him, unable to find the words she was feeling in this very moment. She knew him and his eyes, and they had told no lies.

‘Not to mention,’ He continued. ‘I thought you we’re going with a Slytherin from your brother’s year.’

Y/n snapped her head up and came quickly back to reality, ‘What?’

‘Yeah, a few weeks ago in the library your brother told you his friends wanted to go with you. So, I had just assumed you had a date already.’

She cursed herself mentally, Draco is so dead, that son of a bi-

‘But, anyways, I know how stupid I was, I didn’t think you would ever feel the same. But, when I saw you come down those stairs remembered how much you mean to me. And if you want me I’m all yours.’ He continued, looking at her with a gaze so liberating. She stayed silent for a moment before walking towards him.

She crashed her lips onto his, melting everything away. All of the pain, all the confusion, all the anger and she and Cedric were both left with only happiness. She pulled away softly, ‘Does that answer your question?’

The moment, however, was soon crushed by loud footsteps and panting. They both turned to see Draco stood in front of them. He looked at Cedric with rage in his eyes, ‘Get off her, Diggory. Or else.’

His nostrils flared and Cedric turned about ten shades paler than is complexion. Y/n stared at the two and brought her hand up to her mouth to cover her amusement; but it was to no avail. She snorted loudly at her brother, who in turn immediately whipped his head around to her.

‘What’s so funny, y/n? I thought this guy was bothering you.’ Draco said with confusion in his voice. His eyebrows turned inwards and his upper lip twitched. ‘He’s the dumb Hufflepuff who didn’t ask you to the ball. And now he’s going around trying to kiss you? Not on my watch.’

Y/n could help but to burst out into laughter, ‘Draco, no!’ Her brother turned to her with a vague loom on his face.

‘Wait, so then what was all that?’

‘We um,’ she looked at Cedric, still white as a sheet, and blushed. ‘We talked things out.’

‘Talked things out? That was snogging if I’ve ever seen it!’ Draco yelled.

Y/n could help but to laugh at her brother. Never had she seen him this overprotective, and it was quite the sight. She sighed turning towards her brother, ‘Draco, everything is fine.’ Then she turned to Cedric with a sly grin forming on her face, ‘Not to mention the whole of this is your fault, my dear brother.’

‘Me? What did I have to do with any of this?’ Draco said, taken aback.

‘Well,’ she started. ‘Cedric only didn’t ask me because he heard you talking to me in the library that day, asking me to go with your slimy friends.’

‘You’re joking right?’ Draco deadpanned.

‘Not at all, my little brother. So, if you’ll excuse us,’ she grabbed Cedric’s arm. ‘We are going to enjoy the rest of our evening.’

Cedric’s hand found y/n’s as they walked back into the Great Hall together. He looked into her eyes, in a way that he never had before. ‘I’m not going to lie,’ Cedric stared, ‘I thought your brother was going to kill me.’

‘Nah, he’s a big softie,’ She sighed sweetly. ‘A real sap when it comes to love. But, don’t tell him I said that.’

‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’ Cedric answered with a smile. She took a dive off the deep end, swimming in his grey eyes, unwilling to return to real life. She knew in this moment that she loved him, and he loved her.

‘I’ll never let you go, Ced.’

‘That would be but beautiful, my love.’

(a/n: ah hope you all enjoyed part 3 of this series! thank you so so so much for reading! i really loved this one and i had a lot of fun writing it. requests are open! sending positive vibes -xo mari)

taglist: @destourtereaux @truly-insatiable @sunles @mingyuahjumma

#Harry Potter #harry potter fanfiction #cedric diggory #cedric diggory x reader #cedric diggory x you #cedric x reader #cedric x y/n #cedric x you #Draco Malfoy #malfoy reader #malfoy!reader #cedric diggory x hufflepuff #hufflepuff reader #Fred and George #george weasley #george wealsey x reader #fred weasley

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ldanbury · 4 years ago

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The Bridgertons

Or perhaps one is more fortunate. Admirably proportioned, impressively refined? Then perhaps... One is a Bridgerton... A total of eight children in thismost prolific of broods. The rather industrious viscountess and late viscount having produced four perfectly handsome sons and four perfectly beautiful daughters. Yes. Perfect, indeed.

#bridgerton #bridgerton netflix #julia quinn #anthony bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #colin bridgerton #daphne bridgerton #eloise bridgerton #francesca bridgerton #gregory bridgerton #hyacinth bridgerton

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sirensmojo · 4 years ago

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“Remember The Missing” - Ivar The Boneless x Reader x Ubbe

Summary: You're sent to Kattegat by your uncle for settling a deal with King Ragnar. No need to mention as soon as your feet touch the dry ground, it's the Ragnarsons' eyes you caught.

Pairing: Ivar the Boneless x Reader x Ubbe (but All the Ragnarsons make an appearance)

Warnings: fluff, light smut, angst at the end

Word Count: 3,394

*Masterlist*

The brothers didn't have the same taste when it comes to women. Whenas Ivar and Sigurd fell for thralls, Hvitserk for simple woman, Ubbe for athletic shieldmaiden, when you dropped off the boat, their mouth surely dropped too. That's the first thing that caught your eyes, four tall men, dressed in fur, clean and braided hair with eyes as blue as the sky. Those piercing eyes were pointed right at you, although you were quite used to being stared at. From your tamed hair falling perfectly around your face shape, highlighting your complexion to your reddened cheeks from the cold that underlined Y/C eyes, making your pupils scintillate, every detail seemed to mesmerize them.

Once out of the boat, you readjusted your large and dark cloak that didn't allow the Vikings to check up on your body features but they'd bet their life everything about it was perfect. Your eyes sweep the areas without dawdling on things, as you found out what you looked for. You started to walk towards them, each of your step arousing their desire deep into their core, and stopped in front of them.

"King Ragnar, I surmise," your soothing voice purred in their ears like honey. You held your hand to the man and instead of shaking it, he pecks your fingers. You slightly raised your brows but didn't make any comments.

You soon noticed the stares still on you and glanced at the men standing beside the King, tilting your head to the side in curiosity, the rumors were true. Men of the North were, indeed, handsome. Their features, the care accorded to their looks, even your nostrils betrayed you, as they curled up a little, their spicy wooded smell fondling your nose. "Here are my sons, from right to left: Ivar The Boneless, Hvitserk, Sigurd Snake In The Eye, and Ubbe." The bearded men spoke, lifting the veil on the identity of your seemingly new fans. You didn't miss how the four pairs of eyes have been devouring you but chose to ignore it for the sake of the alliance. Thus your clenched jaws indicated your displeasure.You had quite a temper, that was the exact reason why you were the one sent by your uncle. He tried many times to tame your ways... In vain. Although you promised him this time, you'll behave on behalf of everything he has done for you since the death of your late mother.

"I'm Y/n Of Stilfhel, pleasure is mine." You quickly bowed, gripping onto your dress for it not to meet the soil. The ragnarsons remained silent, not that you expected something else from them, seeing how focused they were to ogle you. You knew better. Everywhere you walked, people would stare at you, In your own kingdom it was because of your status, or so you'd like to believe. In foreign countries, you accepted it was because, for some reason, men found you pleasurable to look at. No need to mention that whenever you'd open your mouth, they would instantly lose interest in you, for you sounded nothing like a princess. When it wasn't you cursing, the problem was the topics on which you conversed. War, fights, battles, swords, economics, trading.

No men of your homeland needed or wanted a woman that had an opinion of everything.

But you were no princess, indeed, your uncle took you as his own daughter at the request of your mother back on her deathbed. This was her last wish, and your uncle being a good man led to you living in the palace without having the weight of duties on your shoulders. Maybe you grew too comfortable, thought your uncle at first, but he soon enough found out it was only you being you.

***

Once installed in the Great Hall, you take off your cloak and give it to the thrall waiting for it, exposing a beautiful azure dress made out of thick fabric. A single thin leather belt tightened it at your waist, revealing your curved hips and generous chest. Your sober dress didn't need any jewels or extravagance as your own body was already doing the job. An abnormal cut departing from your thighs down to your ankles betrayed your cover of "naive princess". If only they knew under that dress was hidden tones of small weapons, that thought making you smile. The man sat right in front of you did not miss any of your lips curling up as you brushed down your hands on the side of your dress, trying to hide the cut you made.

Traveling in that get-up was far from comfortable, you had to do something, right?

You thank the thrall with a small smile and finally sat down. "Is everything alright?" Asked Ragnar at the sight of your grimace. You forced a smile and nodded, "Yeah, of course. Everything's fine, my King" you succeed at answering. Glancing quickly around the table you slide your hands under your dress and straightens both your legs, trying to grab the hilt of your swords that buried itself into your ribs. When Hvitserk and Ivar abruptly turned their head towards you, both confused and satisfied, you firstly ignore them, but as your fingers finally grip onto your sword, their stare only grew more ravenous. At this exact instant, you understood what was happening, you were playing footsie with both of them. Your left foot caressing the inside thigh of Hvitserk whereas your right one got dangerously close of Ivar's core. A nervous rictus drew on your lips as you thought of something to get out this situation. You completely slump on the table to bridge the gap between your palm and the handle of your sword. Once you got it, you slowly push it out the piece of leather holding it and slide her against your bare skin before placing her on the ground. You fold your feet back to their initial position. Ivar was still looking at you, lips slightly parted with astonishment and desire twinkling in his eyes whereas Hvitserk's look was less shy in demonstration of what was going on in his mind.

"I've heard tones of stories about you Y/n," Ragnar let out as he motioned to a thrall to fill your cup with ale. Your eyes dawdled on the cup, as you kept your bottom lips in between your teeth. "Of me?" You faint not to know what he was talking about. "How so?" You added, your eyes still fixed on the liquid purring down in the container. If you start drinking now, you'll still be there in the morning, completely drunk but still wanting more ale. You will not be able to control yourself anymore, and the pretty princess will be gone."That you'd never been beaten by ale," The king continues with a defying tone. "Oh yeah? You're sure it's about me?" You raised a brow at him, glancing at the people around the table. You'd be ready to receive ugly stares by now, but they didn't come, to your surprise. Usually, as soon as someone used to put that subject on the table when with your uncle, grimaces could be seen on the surrounding faces while murmurs could be heard.

Here, stares were fixed on you, but without any grimaces nor disgusted sounds. The men around the table were quite intrigued, maybe they didn't know what their father spoke about. You grabbed the cup hungrily, some of its content escaping the cup to drop on the oak table. You sipped a mouthful of liquor, squinting your eyes at the feelings of the liquid spreading into your body.

"Y/n Of Stilfhel, there's only one, isn't it?" Ragnar bantered as you finished your cup sooner said than done. You glanced at the thrall standing near the doors and motioned her to come. Once she presented herself before you, you carefully took off her hands the carafe and spill some more liquid into your cup. "So you heard about my superpower," you nonchalantly replied. "You must've traveled a lot to have found out. I've never put my feet on that ground before." You pointed the spot with your cup. "I have, but let's not dawdle on my idle stories, please tell us more about your presence here." "It is said, the agreement you share with my uncle must be sealed someway," Hearing your words, the heart of the men surrounding you fluttered. The first thing they thought about when hearing "sealing" was marriage. Of course, it was. Why else letting a princess journey by herself to a foreign country?

They glanced at their father, then at you. Soon their eyes flickered from on to another's face. It was to who will seduce you first. You were a challenge atop of being a mystery.

***

Ubbe leaned in your ear and murmured a joke about Sigurd, which make you choked on your drink. You glanced at the poor target of the man sitting beside you and shook your head both sides giggling. He instantly scowled at his brother, wondering what he could've said. Minutes passed before Hvitserk dared to approach you, he tried to be subtle but, hard luck for him, you weren't that naive. He fainted to join your side of the table to serve himself some more ale, glancing at you here and there. This whole scene made you laugh but you tried to muffle it, as you didn't want to lose all the fun. "Is the ale good?" He tried. "I don't know, you tell me," you raised your brows, as he neared his cups to his lips. He chuckled as he sips some of his drink. "How is that you're never drunk?" "Gods, believe me, I am, most of the time, but I can stand still, even play strategic games!" You heartedly let out as you leaned toward him. "Yeah? We should test that then, I'll wait right in my seat for you to come when you'll be very drunk," he winces at you as he got up from the chair beside you. "Count on it," you flirted back with a soft voice. You attentively followed his moves until some lips encountered your ear. Ubbe, this man really wasn't afraid of anything, his extreme proximity surprisingly warmed you up. Even if wasn't winter yet, the nights were cold, your skin being very sensitive did not help.

"I bet a night with you he'll be sleepy drunk in exactly 4 more cups," the man mutters in your neck, as a shiver spread from your back to your arms. Gods only know how, but he noticed it, looking down and grabbing your hands in his. "Bet held," you exhaled, trying to get away from his grip, but he didn't let go. Your eyes go to both his hands squeezing yours to his face. You didn't realize how close he was, only few inches away. If he turned his head to you at this precise moment, your lips would practically touch. The warmth emanating from his fondles spread to both your arm before dangerously nearing your guts, the center of your aroused desire. Now that he was so close, you noticed the straightness of his jaw, the plumpness of his lips, and how soft his skin seemed to be. When he turned his face, you managed to slip your hands out his grip and move your head backward, a nervous laugh escaping your gritted teeth. He was more than enticing, no doubt.

But you didn't come for that...

Speaking of your duty, your brows knitted as your eyes were searching the place for Ragnar. He wasn't there anymore. "Told you," Ubbe chuckled pointing out his little brother Hvitserk, face down to the table. "Yeah, he seems a bit dead, but I guess he's okay. At least, I hope," you grimaced, tilting your head. You needed to get some fresh air, some hours ago you were in a boat, almost alone, only with a few guards that your uncle forced you to bring and now you were surrendered by a bunch of handsome men. You excused yourself to Ubbe and walk perfectly fine to the doors. The man slid his head to the side, his mouth forming an "o", as he watched you walk away. He was more looking at your body than anything, your curves bouncing from a foot to the other. Once out, you exhaled deeply, closing your eyes a few seconds. "A bit overwhelmed?" you heard a voice, knocking you out the bubble you were in. "I'm not going to lie," you admitted, looking down. "I see you can stand as straight as if no ale oozed in your system. So it was what my father was talking about," "I know you can do better than that." You cut him off, making Ivar turns his head to yours, while you were looking faraway before you. "Huh?" He pondered, still gazing at you. "I love to talk about battles and war. Not about me being okay with drinking ten dozens of cups of ale," you confessed. "Than I wondered what you were talking about with my brother," he bluntly let out, shrugging. "He's got some move" you tried to convince him. He perfectly understood you were talking about Ubbe's ability to seduce women and riposted as soon as your words left your throat. He certainly knew what he was talking about. "Oh, I don't doubt that. I only thought you wouldn't let yourself be trapped in it," "I'm not," "So why you got out?" "I--I..." you stuttered, without being able to invent anything. Perhaps the ale was starting to get to your head.

"My name's Ivar, not 'I--I'," he mimicked your pout and voice. You hassled to chuckle and nudged him. "Stilfhel is an interesting name," Ivar let out, loudly breathing out. "As interesting as Y/n?" You gauge his reaction with a small smile at the corner of your lips. "See, you are flirty with me now,"

"Arrrgh, you're too quick for me," you faked being offended. "I bet you knew the way of sealing the alliance between both our lands have nothing to do with marriage." He nodded to himself, slowly understanding your games. "True, but I couldn't restrain myself to play a little with the minds of your brothers..." You paused, closely looking at the Viking. A genuine smile brightened your face, your eyes crinkled. "I'm glad it didn't get on you,"

"Sigurd didn't try anything,"

"Because he saw Hvisterk kind off failing," You tilted your head to him, only to encounter his eyes. They were as blue as your dress. You soon drown into them as he didn't move his stare. "Ivar The Boneless, right?" "Hmm," he agreed, clearing his throat. "I'll remember it," you mutter for yourself.

***

You tried to remember the words of the thrall when you asked her about the chamber of the Prince. You were drunk, the ale was deeply rooted in your system, but that doesn't stop you from walking through the corridors before you opened a door. "Y/n? Wha--t" "Shhh", you responded as you got closer the bed. You finally crawled into it, dangerously getting nearer the man. As you approached, Ubbe leaned his back on his pillows, intently watching your gestures. You finally got on top of him, leaning onto his chest, your lips dropping feverish kisses on his lower belly. His eyes didn't leave yours, he was concentrated in the twinkle in your eyes as if he looked away, you'll vanish in a cloud of smoke. You slowly started to kiss your way up to his neck, which you bite before playing with his skin in between your teeth. His silent groans directly reached your ears making your desire for him grew stronger each time his hoarse voice resonated in your head. When you straddled him, after benching up your dress to your hips, he exhaled deeply, relieved the space between you has been filled. His hands ceased your hips, slowly sliding to your ass as he nuzzled his way to your face, making you look at him. Your mouth was open, your eyes getting lost together. "You're so beautiful," he slurred, incapable of letting go of your stare. "You're even more," you offered him a smile that made his heart skip a beat. He swiftly crashed his lips on yours, making moan. He kneaded your skin with so much strength, you were sure to found bruises wherever he touched later. You ground down on him, feeling his growing bump right in between your tighs, where you were already ready for him.

***

After you make out, Ubbe directly fell asleep, you didn't know if it was because of your little sport session or the alcohol. Whatever, you weren't asleep, unlike you. It wasn’t enough. You wanted more, you needed more than sex. You planned on going back to your room, but instead, you stopped before another door, his door. You remember the blue of his eyes, his expression when you were face to face around the table earlier, and the way he articulated your name: with such harmony and softness. You pushed open the door, entering a total black room, "Ivar?" you ask loudly, making sure the door was closed behind you before asking for him. At first, you were welcomed by a silence, but as your eyes got used to the darkness, you could glimpse of two light sparkles turned right at you. "I--hum..." you couldn't find the right words, how did you find yourself so nervous when not even an hour ago you were entering Ubbe's chamber so confidently? "Can I stay with you?" your voice echoed in the room as if it was empty. Still no response. You moved forward the bed, aiming at the opposite side of where you glimpsed the scintillating eyes. "I take that as a yes," you continued to talk, even if he didn't want you or even talk to you, you couldn't help but feel the need to be in his company again. "I'm coming under the furs, alright? Welcome me there." you encouraged him. "You lied," he finally spoke. You were shifting your body inside of the shits, under the furs when you stopped in track. Did he recognize you? "Earlier you said you never put a foot down this soil, you lied," he finished, quite bluntly.

You wanted to speak but the saliva in your mouth was too thick, even making it hard to swallow. You gave-up your chance to give him an explanation.

"I knew I already saw your face before, not too long ago actually. You left me waiting for something that would've never happened," his tone was firm but not angry. "Why?" His voice broke to silence. "I knew I wasn't staying for long, I didn't want you to wait for me. You were supposed to forget me, Ivar..." You murmured, without trying to justify yourself. "How could I forget what I gave you, what we shared?" "I don't know," you allowed."Me neither, but still you lied to me back then, about your name, your status, everything!"

"I didn't lie when I came sneaking close to your body every night. I didn't lie when we were meeting in secret in the woods to look at the sunsets and lying on our back watching the forms of the clouds," you lowly let out as you got closer to his chest. Your palm patted his torso before going up to his cheek. Now you're holding his face so his eyes stick with yours, unable to escape from your hold, just like you used to two years ago. "When my uncle asked for a messenger I volunteered," you started to be swoon. His ablaze stare would kill you right now if they could. Instead, Ivar lifted his rough and huge hand to your face, wiping away the few tears that have filled up your eyes. "I wanted to see you again, feel you again..." you added as he pulled your head toward his bare chest. Your eyes closed, and your mind eased in less than a minute, soothed by the rhythm of the Viking's heartbeats.

"Don't leave," he managed to articulate despite the nervousness inhabiting him at this instant. His arms closed around your weak body as he held you tightly against him, to your greatest pleasure.

Ivar Permanent Tag: @youbloodymadgenius

#King Ragnar #ragnarsons #ubbe x reader #ubbe ragnarsson #hvitserk x reader #ivar the boneless #ivar the boneless x reader #Hvitserk #vikings #vikings imagine

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starrenorth · 3 years ago

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Here comes a short description of my fic When kids grow up and a preview of chapter one:

The haikyuu boys have grown up into adults and are enjoying the family bliss with their teenage kids. However, it is well known that when teenagers start their journey into adulthood, life can turn quite chaotic and troublesome for everyone involved...

Chapters: 7/?

Fandom: Haikyuu!!

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Underage

Relationships: Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru, Akaashi Keiji/Bokuto Koutarou, Kozume Kenma/Kuroo Tetsurou, Sawamura Daichi/Sugawara Koushi, Miya Atsumu/Sakusa Kiyoomi, Miya Osamu/Suna Rintarou, Tendou Satori/Ushijima Wakatoshi, Hinata Shouyou/Kageyama Tobio, Tsukishima Kei/Yamaguchi Tadashi, Azumane Asahi/Nishinoya Yuu, Shimizu Kiyoko/Tanaka Ryuunosuke, Hanamaki Takahiro/Matsukawa Issei

Characters: Iwaizumi Hajime, Oikawa Tooru, Akaashi Keiji, Bokuto Koutarou, Kozume Kenma, Kuroo Tetsurou, Sawamura Daichi, Sugawara Koushi, Miya Atsumu, Sakusa Kiyoomi, Miya Osamu, Suna Rintarou, Tendou Satori, Ushijima Wakatoshi, Hinata Shouyou, Kageyama Tobio, Tsukishima Kei, Yamaguchi Tadashi, Azumane Asahi, Nishinoya Yuu, Terushima Yuuji, Hanamaki Takahiro, Matsukawa Issei

Additional Tags: Family, Family Fluff, Family Drama, Parenthood, Post-Time Skip, Family Dynamics, Teen Angst, Teenage Drama, Rival Relationship, Fluff and Angst, Underage Drinking, Implied/Referenced Underage Sex, Established Relationship, Mild Sexual Content, Mild Language, Alternate Universe - High School, Alternate Universe - Parents, Marriage, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Married Couple, Married Life, Teenagers, Teen Romance

Series: Part 1 of the chaotic life of the Haikyuu boys and their teenage kids.

Chapter 1 - summary:

- Iwaizumi Eiko is secretly dating Ushijima Ryouta, the son of her father´s most despised rival, behind her fathers' backs.

Eiko couldn’t help but admire how cute her boyfriend looked where he sat moping. She crawled over to him and took his face in her hands. “Ushiiii” she cooed again, nudging his nose playfully with hers. “Pleeease?” And when she placed a kiss at the corner of his mouth, his resistance melted away quicker than snow on a hot day. And before she knew it, he was laying on top of her, their lips pressed together.

“You´re so damn beautiful, you know that?” Ryouta murmured, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Oh I know,” Eiko answered shamelessly.

An amused chuckle found its way out of Ryouta´s throat. “No need for me to say it then it seems.”

Smiling, she tilted her head and blinked innocently at him with her lashes. “What? Did you expect me to argue against you? Thank you for stating the obvious?”

Laughing, Ryouta gazed down at Eiko in complete awe. “So this is what you get for trying to show your girlfriend some appreciation. Remind me to never try and compliment you again.”

She smirked. “Don´t get me wrong – I appreciate your sweet words. I´m just reminding you that I do not need them to know that I´m fucking gorgeous.”

“Wow princess. You have rendered me speechless.”

“In the words of my sometimes very wise father: ´Never let anyone but yourself determine your worth, especially if that person is an Ushijima´.”

“Very wise indeed,” Ryouta chimed in cheekily. “And has he said anything about dating one then?”

Eiko grinned sheepishly at him, eyes sparkling mischievously. “No. But I´m pretty confident in what he would say.

“You know princess, judging by that expression of yours, I´d almost dare say that you´re only using me so you can piss off your father the day he gets on your nerves,” he said smirking.

“My father gets on my nerves often. And when he does, I simply tell him that I´m considering transferring to Shiratorisawa and he will ignore me for a whole day. So there´s really no need for me to tell him about you…yet anyways.”

“And when will you?” he asked jokingly, but the sincerity in his question shone through nonetheless. This was not the first time he had brought it up.

“Tell me Ryo, do you have a death wish or something?” Eiko laughed half-nervously. “Or do you just want to make it official so you can brag to your father that you managed to secure an Oikawa?”

Knowing that this conversation wouldn’t lead anywhere, Ryouta just gave Eiko a lazy smile and continued to kiss her. But when the sound of a door suddenly being slammed open rumbled through the house, they both froze.

“Shit!” Eiko swore through clenched teeth as the distant bickering of two familiar male voices reached their ears. She quickly pushed Ryota off her. “My dads. You need to get out!”

“Get out?! But my shoes are downstairs.”

“That is the least of your concern right now!” she spat out. “I´ll bring them to school tomorrow.”

“Are you fucking kidding me!?”

“No, get out before my father storms in here.”

“Doesn’t he knock? Can´t you just tell him not to walk in? That you’ll be down in a second?”

“You clearly don’t know my father very well.”

“And who´s fault is that?” he said, narrowing his eyebrows accusingly at her.

“We´re not having this conversation now. Hurry up and get out before he finds us in here and kills us both!”

“But how?!”

“Through the window.”

He glared at her discontentedly, eyebrows raised high in his forehead. “The window? Really Eiko?”

Panic rose in Eiko´s chest as the humming sound from her father closed in as he ascended the stairs.

“Yes, the window! Are you deaf Ushiwaka? Get out!”

Ryouta gave her a displeased look but realized that this wasn’t the right time to argue.

“You owe me for this Princess,” Ryouta said as she roughly heaved him out on the roof.

“Yeah yeah,” she agreed before quickly shutting the window after him. The moment after her door shot open with a loud bang.

“Yoohooo! Guess who´s back home! and we brought dinner!”

Her father, Iwaizumi Tooru, former Oikawa, stood in the opening with two plastic bags in either hand and a big smile on his face.

“I thought you were going to eat out tonight?” Eiko said trying not to sound as if her heart was about to jump out of her chest.

“We were,” her father´s mirthful voice rang. He put his hand behind his head and grinned sheepishly. “But I may have mixed up the dates, so your dad is not very happy with me right now. And sure, I can understand why he would be upset, but you should have heard the rude things he said to me! And he continued to lecture me all the way home – even after we had picked up food at Momoya´s instead, which If you ask me is better anyways.”

Eiko had no problem at all imagining the words her father Hajime must have used. After all these years, she had probably heard them all. “Sounds well-deserved if you ask me. Dad had been looking forward to that date you know.”

“Ei-chan! And here I thought that you, my sweet and perfect daughter would take my side. But you´re just as cold-hearted and judgmental as your father.” He answered with a pout.

Eiko stared at her father and shook her head in disbelief at how a man of forty-five could act so childish. Probably because he still denied the fact that he was growing old, arguing that he was `no more than twenty-five in mind. ´ More like fifteen if you asked her. But to be perfectly honest, more often than less she enjoyed her father´s youthful spirit. Because although he could be a bit overbearing at times, there was nothing she couldn’t talk to him about. Or well, almost at least – Ryouta was the exception to the rule, but for obvious reasons. There was no other man that his father despised as much as Ushijima Wakatoshi, so she knew that he would not take the news about her and Ryouta dating well. Which was stupid, because besides his physique and talent for volleyball Ryouta was nothing like his stoic and blunt father Wakatoshi.

Thinking about her boyfriend, Eiko´s thoughts wandered back to the fact that she actually had forced him out of her window. And she suddenly felt incredibly annoyed with her father. Had he known some boundaries, Ryouta could have hidden in her room until they had gone to bed, but no. He had just stormed into her room like a pompous king with no regard of what she might have been doing.

“Hey Ei-chan, what´s up with that cross look on your face right now? You will get wrinkles like Iwa-chan if you keep furrowing your eyebrows like that. And that´s not cute at all. Although, your dad is still the second most handsome man in the world, after me of course.”

Normally, Eiko didn’t mind her father´s presumptuous comments, mostly because her own utterances tended to have a similar nature, but right now – already stressed and irritated – she couldn’t help her annoyance from spilling out: “Have you ever thought about knocking papi?”

“Knocking?” he asked, eyebrows raised in both surprise and confusion before his face formed an amused expression. “Tell me Ei-chan, why would you suddenly want me to knock? Got something you wish to hide from me?” he added with a wink.

She crossed her arms defiantly. “No, but some privacy would be nice once in a while.”

Tooru´s eyes narrowed slightly at that and when he eyed her suspiciously Eiko remembered just how intimidating her otherwise childish father could be. “Privacy you say…so there is something you´re trying to hi-”

Luckily for Eiko, her father did not have the time to finish his sentence before a darker and rougher voice cut him off: “Oi, are you bullying my daughter again shittykawa?” Her father Iwaizumi Hajime appeared in the doorway; a small grin visible on his face.

#haikyuu #haikyuu au #haikyuu fanfiction #iwaoi #iwaoi au #iwaizumi x oikawa #iwaizumi hajime #oikawa tooru #iwaoi parents #iwaoi family #iwaoi lovechild #iwaoi daughter #haikyuu children #haikyuu kids #haikyuu family #post timeskip #ushiten #ushijima x tendou #ushiten lovechild

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royalblue-star · 4 years ago

Text

helpless- zuko

Pairing: Zuko x Raeder

Summary: This pic was based off of Helpless from the musical Hamilton! Zuko and the reader have been secretly engaged for a long time. And the secret starts to come out once the Gaang notices that reader is wearing an engagement ring.

(gif not mine)

"So (Y?N)," teased Sokka. "Who's the lucky man?"

His gaze was set on my ring finger, and I had forgotten to remove the ruby ring that Zuko gave me.

See, Zuko and I had been secretly dating for years now. My father and I had worked closely with the Fire Lord when the two of us met. We had only been dating for a year before his banishment, and even then we managed to keep our relationship strong. I would send him letters using one of my father's hawks, and he would reply as fast as he could. When he returned, our relationship became a little rocky. But when he found himself and asked me to escape with him, it began to blossom again. He knew of my hatred towards the war and of how poorly I was treated among other court members. This way, we wouldn't have to be apart any longer. He gave me a ring as a promise of the proposal once the war was over. But neither of us had actually told the rest of the Gaang about our relationship.

"Oh, I-'

"Is it some guy who works for the Fire nation?"

"No! He doesn't work for them!" I blushed, trying my best to not look at Zuko.

"How did you two meet? Oh! That must be an interesting story!" The water tribe boy exclaimed, gaining the attention of everyone else in the Gaang.

"What are you going on about Sokka?" questioned an exasperated Katara.

"Somethin' about (Y/N) being engaged," Toph said nonchalantly.

I sent the earthbender a glare she couldn't see. This was not how I intended to tell the group about Zuko and I. Honestly, I hadn't intended to tell them at all.

"Well, I could use a story." Aang chimed in, his eyes wide and full of an innocent curiosity.

"That's a good idea!" joked Zuko. "Why don't you tell us how you two met (Y/N)."

'Traitor.' I thought, glaring at the fire nation boy. He knew what he was doing. He was egging them on because it was me who was being questioned, not him. Oh, if it was him, he'd be singing a different tune.

"Well, we met a few years ago. The Fire Lord's advisors thought that it would be a great idea to hold an evening gathering, or party, for all the members of the court..."

"We are going to break so many hearts tonight!" exclaimed my sister, Angelica.

"You are, that's for sure." I grinned at her, looping my arm through hers.

"Shut up! Have you not seen yourself! You look gorgeous!"

The two of us made quite an entrance, entering the party. It seemed as if all the eyes in the room had turned toward us. I glanced over at my sister as we descended the steps. She looked as if she was glowing under the candlelit room. Her gown as a simmering gold that caught the light perfectly every time she moved. I chose to contrast her with a simple dark red gown. Hers had long gold sleeves, while mine had a thin pair of straps. Her dress was light, and mine was dark, a perfect way to reflect our personalities at a party. One sister living in the spotlight, while the other shies away in the corner.

The room was beautiful. There were sets of golden tables and chairs around the outskirts of the room for people to sit and talk at. The center was completely cleared, and couples were dancing gracefully together. There were assorted tapestries hung around on the walls. Most of them barred the symbol of the fire nation while others had various designs on them.

"Come on, let's find somewhere to sit." I urged my sister, trying to stop her bounding off into the party. As soon as we found a table, however, she was off of my arm and racing towards the dance floor, grabbing some poor gentlemen along the way. I laughed as he quickly accepted his fate as my sister's current dance partner.

She seemed to light up the room, quite literally with that dress of hers. This was Angelica's scene, not mine. She was always the more adventurous one of the two of us. I admired her for that.

For most of the night, I sat back and watched Angelica entrance most of the room with her dazzling smile. Occasionally, I would talk to someone too, but it was mainly painful small talk about my father and his work.

"You are such a bore." my sister teased, plopping down into the chair next to me. "There must be someone here that is remotely interesting to talk to."

"No, there hasn't been-" My breath hitched. Across the room, someone new caught my eye. The crowd parted to reveal a tall, handsome young man. His golden eyes shined as they roamed the crowd. He held his head high, and he seemed to radiate a sort of calmness.

'What! (Y/N) what is it?" Angelica shook my arm furiously.

"This one's mine." I was at a loss for any other words, so instead, I just pointed at him.

I was so busy shamelessly staring at the mystery guy that I failed to notice my sweet sisters smirk. She suddenly stood up and, without a word, made her way over to the man.

My stomach twisted into knots. "Angelica! What are you doing?" I hissed, but it was too late. She was already across the room.

The two of them talked briefly, but it felt like forever. My heart started to sink, they looked as if they were getting along quite well. "It's okay, there are other guys here anyway," I mumbled to myself as I tore my gaze away from my sister and the mystery guy.

I couldn't help myself, I had to sneak another glance they're direction. And I was shocked to see the two arm-in-arm headed towards me. I stumbled slightly as I stood up to greet them.

"(Y/N) (L/N)," I greeted holding out my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"(L/N)?" He questioned while bringing my outstretched hand to his lips.

"My sister," Angelica explained quickly.

"I think I finally see a good reason to attend this party." His gaze didn't leave mine.

"As do I."

"Are we ever going to learn this guy's name?" exclaimed Sokka. He earned an elbow in the ribs from Katara and multiple shushings from the rest of the group.

"Well, just because you said that and interrupted me; No, you will not be getting his name." The group collectively groaned on cue.

"What the heck Sokka!" shouted Toph, throwing a rock at his head. The two inevitably started bickering.

I glanced over at Zuko quickly. He was busy laughing quietly to himself, and the sight of it made my heart warm. It had been so long since I had seen him smile genuinely. It had been long since we had been able to be formally alone together, and I missed him.

I cleared my throat loudly, and all chaos that had broken out stopped abruptly.

"Thank you. So, from there.."

"How about we escape this place and walk around the palace?" Mystery guy asked, offering me his arm.

"That sounds lovely." Taking his arm, he guided me through the crowd and out into the courtyard. It was beautiful, the perfect night. The moon shone above us, illuminating everything in the surrounding area. It was gorgeous.

The two of us talked for hours about anything and everything. It felt nice to talk to someone new. He didn't expect me to be a certain way, he was just interested in me. For years the only people I had talked to were my sister, my father, and some of the other generals. I didn't have any friends, but that was the life of the general's daughter. My sister and I embodied the two different paths that were laid out for us to take. One was to be married off to a general's son, or learn the ways of war and participate in council meetings. There wasn't any time for me to do anything but assist my father in meetings and breath occasionally.

I learned that Mystery Guy and I weren't so different in that respect. It gave us a common ground to fall on and a mutual understanding of one another. He told me of his past and his dreams of the future. His eyes lit up as he spoke about his passions. It felt as if I was the first person that he had truly opened up to.

"Let's stop here." He gestured to a small pond in the middle of the courtyard. It was cute, but the turtle ducks were even cuter.

For a moment, we sat in comfortable silence while the cool air surrounded us. It was at that moment that I regretted wearing a sleeveless gown.

"Are you cold?" He asked, noticing my small shivers.

"A little, but it's alright," I assured, trying to suppress another shiver. He scooted closer to me and closed the space between us by wrapping his around my bare shoulders.

He pulled me into him ever-so-slightly and asked, "Is this alright?"

Unable to trust my words, I just nodded. He was so warm that I couldn't resist leaning into him. And I mean, he didn't exactly stop me. If anything, his grip tightened. I felt at home next to him. Like I had finally found peace. The moment felt so perfect, I never wanted it to end.

"Do you think we could stay like this forever?"

"I think we can certainly try."

That was all I needed to hear. I moved my head to look up at him, and apparently, he had the same idea. Our eyes locked and I felt a new sensation wash over me. He had managed to break down every single wall that I had built up with a single look into my eyes.

He delicately brought his hand up to the side of my face. "May I?"

"Yes," I breathed out. And the next thing I know, his lips have crashed into mine. The kiss was gentle. My arms threaded themselves around his neck, pulling us just the slightest bit closer.

"Wow," I said once we broke apart.

"Wow indeed." He replied. "(Y/N) I-, I don't know how to say this, I'm not that good with words. I just wanted to say that there's something about you. Something extraordinary. And I want to be with you! I know we just met, but it feels right."

I pressed my lips gently onto his. "I would love that."

"..And we've been together ever since." I finished. A chorus of "aws" was heard around the campfire, but one person was laughing. It was Zuko laughing, of course. Only he would laugh at me telling this story.

"Dude shut up!" Sokka hissed at the prince. "She just told us her love story and you're laughing!"

"Sorry," Zuko managed to get out between laughs. "it's just, you make me sound so sappy. We both know that's not what I said."

"Shut up!" I gasped. "You're just embarrassed that you are extremely sappy deep down."

"You're still wrong, love."

"Okay, so I might've exaggerated a little bit of what you said, but you still got all emotional!"

"You're a dork."

"Shut up, idiot!"

Ah, how I missed our bickering. Zuko was beaming at me. He knew that he had won that fight.

"Wait a minute, he's the one that you're engaged too!" Questioned a puzzled Katara.

My eyes widened. We really did just give ourselves away.

"Surprise?" I offered meekly.

"WHAT!" Screamed Sokka. "How! How come you never told us!"

"Because," said Zuko walking up behind me. "We never told anyone. It's always been a secret."

From his position behind me, Zuko wrapped his arms around my waist. Instinctively, I leaned into him.

"So you guys have been engaged this whole time, never told anyone, and the only explanation you offer is that your relationship has always been a secret??"

Zuko and I made eye contact and the twinkle in his eyes instantly told me his next move. "Bedtime?"

"Bedtime," I confirmed. And with that, the two of us took off running towards his tent, leaving the Gaang to yell at us to come back.

#avatar #Avatar The Last Airbender #avatar: tla #avatar zuko #avatar sokka #Zuko #prince zuko #fire lord zuko #zuko imagines #prince zuko x reader #fire lord zuko x reader #sokka #toph #aang #katara

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engie-ivy · 4 years ago

Text

So, I have been listening to too many Jane Austen audiobooks lately, and needed to get this off my chest!

Summary:

The time had come for the fortunate heir of the most ancient and noble house of Black to secure himself of an advantageous marriage. A feat which should not be proven difficult for the handsome and becoming young man, were it not for the young Mr. Black to dismiss all his admirers' attentions.

The only person he seemed to find agreeable was the young Mr. Lupin, a boy solely dependent on what was bestowed upon him out of charity by Mrs. Potter, but with no fortune and no prospects of himself.

A matter of the heart

The ball was a tasteless affair. The music was awfully loud, while the band was mediocre at best, and the guests were too numerous. Lord and lady Black highly preferred gatherings with a more selective company. The only thing that was to their taste, was the fact that nothing was to their taste, which enabled them to revel in their own sense of superiority.

And superior did lord and lady Black appear. Lord Orion Black, a large, handsome man with broad shoulders and an impressive beard, wore a classic dark suit made of rich velvet, with his golden pocket watch alone being more valuable than the full attire of any of the other guests. Lady Walburga Black wore a long, dark-red gown, that was deceiving in his simple elegance, as it was hand-made from luxurious fabric and personally fitted to her ladyship. Her long, slender neck was decorated with a tasteful necklace containing a locket engraved with the weapon of the house of Black. While the lady undoubtedly possessed beauty, with her slim figure, pale skin, light eyes and dark hair perfectly crafted in a hairdo suited to the occasion, one could not quite call her lovely. It could be the coldness in her eyes or the conceitedness of her deposition, but she instigated fear as well as admiration.

Her eldest son, and heir to the Black family fortune, was a sight to behold. The young Mr. Sirius Orion Black was the personification of a true gentleman. Handsome beyond believe, with the same pale skin, light eyes and dark hair as his parents, but with a much more cordial demeanour, and also in his manner he expressed nothing but grace and elegance. His attire was equally tasteful, but of a more modern fashion than his father’s, made of a supple fabric, with a light-grey waistcoat in the same colour as his eyes. A silk scarf was tied around his neck, which was a trend among the youths. His slightly rebellious nature showed by the way he had rolled up the sleeves of his blouse to his elbows and left his top button unbuttoned, giving way of the slightest inclination towards impropriety.

His brother, the youngest Mr. Regulus Arcturus Black, was dressed in a classy and simple light-grey suit, with all his buttons neatly buttoned and an ascot around his neck, as he was strongly opposed to any unnecessary deviations from propriety. Where his elder brother wore his hair in a long, elegant braid, the youngest Mr. Black kept his hair short, partly because he had come to find long hair to be a nuisance, partly because no matter how much attention he spent on his hair, he could never get it to equal the effortless elegance of his brother’s. No one could deny that the brothers looked alike, but neither could anyone deny that the youngest Mr. Black could not quite live up to his elder brother, in either charm or appearance. While you might have expected the youngest Mr. Black to have some feelings of bitterness towards his elder brother, he has always held him in the highest regard.

Despite their general dissatisfaction, attending such societal gatherings was of utmost importance for lord and lady Black. Not only did they assume their presence to deeply honour the host and hostess, their eldest son had recently become of an age in which he was expected to further the wealth and esteem of the family by entering into an advantageous marriage. Now, you might have expected that to be a simple feat for the handsome and becoming young heir of one of the most high-ranking families in England, and indeed, young Mr. Black could have made any young lady his object, and she and her family would have been delighted to accept his attentions. No, the problem lay with young Mr. Black himself not showing an interest in any of his admirers.

Regulus had understood when Sirius had rejected the advances of Ms. Alecto Carrow, as, while coming from a respectable family, she possessed neither intelligence nor beauty and propagated an off-putting combination of ignorance and insincerity. But ever since, his brother had been dismissive of the attentions of Ms. Druella Rosier, Ms. Lysandra Yaxley and Ms. Violetta Bulstrode, all of which were agreeable young women with substantial fortune. Regulus was unsure how much longer their parents would continue to tolerate this behaviour. His brother would have to form a proper attachment soon.

“How can Mrs. Prewett allow her daughter to wear a garment like that? It is highly unsuitable, but I suppose befitting of her status.” Lady Black let her eyes wander through the room while sipping her wine, which was, naturally, not to her taste.

“Mother, please,” Sirius spoke. “Must you see fault in everything? There is no pleasing you when you are like this.”

Lady Black simply smiled, though there was no actual joy in her expression. “The truth must be spoken, even when it is displeasing.”

Sirius had to resist the urge to roll his eyes, which would have been a great breach of propriety. “If you will excuse me, mother, father. I shall go and pay my respects to Mrs. Potter.”

The Potters were generally considered to be an old and respectable family, although they were never of great fortune. Their income mostly came from a chain of pharmacies in their family's possession. However, in his younger years, the current head of the family, Mr. Fleamont Potter, invented a hair lotion that gained great popularity among men and women in the entirety of England and even beyond the English border, which quadrupled the family’s fortune. To the Black family, whose income, estates and grounds had been in the family for generations, the vulgarity of this type of profitmaking was highly reprehensible. However, Mr. Potter’s wife, Mrs. Euphemia Potter, with her commitment to charity and unparalleled hospitability, was a favourite in society, and even lady Black could not afford to scorn her.

Mr. and Mrs. Potter had been childless for a long time, and they had already been at a more advanced age when at last their only son and heir, young Mr. James Fleamont Potter, was born. Last spring, when Mrs. Potter wrote to lady Black with an invitation to have young Mr. Black spend a summer at the Potter estate, as their sons were of the same age and it would be a valuable enrichment for them to get acquainted with a fellow youth from the peerage, lady Black was in no position to refuse without causing affront to the Potters.

Lady Black mistakenly assumed Mrs. Potter wanted her son to form a connection with the Black family heir to improve his situation. In truth, Mrs. Potter could read people like no other, and when she first met young Mr. Black, she could see the goodness of heart and openness of mind hidden underneath layers of rules of propriety, societal conduct and cultural impositions. When young Mr. Black first arrived at the Potter estate, young Mr. Potter was rather displeased about having to spend his summer with the haughty, stiff and reserved aristocrat. But over the weeks, young Mr. Black progressed into an engaging young man brimming with energetic eagerness and good nature, brightening up the whole estate. Young Mr. Potter and young Mr. Black both came to find the other quite agreeable, and a warm friendship was formed.

When Regulus followed his brother to pay his obligatory respects to Mrs. Potter, he noticed she was accompanied by her ward, the Lupin boy. The boy’s father, Mr. Lyall Lupin, used to be of minor nobility, with little esteem. He had, however, lost his claim to nobility when he had a child, Remus John Lupin, with a poor, common woman. The family’s misfortune was amplified when the Lupin boy was attacked by a lost and frightened young wolf, when he was barely five years old. The boy survived, but has since been covered in unsightly scars.

Normally, that would be the last ever heard of the Lupin family, were it not for Mrs. Potter. The Lupin boy had worked in the kitchens of the Potter estate to help his parents by contributing to their income, when he caught the attention of Mrs. Potter herself with his keen spirit and pleasant deposition. She had made him her ward, giving him the opportunity to take lessons alongside her son at the estate, a great act of charity considering the boy’s poor situation. In the best of cases, he would even be able to secure himself a position as a tutor at a wealthy family’s estate, a great improvement of his prospects.

It was known that Mr. Potter was not very keen of attending balls, and usually, Mrs. Potter would be accompanied by her eldest son. It was, however, quite astonishing that she would allow her unfortunate ward to accompany her to a gathering such as these. The boy looked hopelessly out of place, anxiously fidgeting with the sleeves of his ill-fitting suit, very unbecoming of a gentleman.

“My dear Sirius!” Mrs. Potter’s face lit up the moment he came to her notice. “What a delight to see you again! Look at you, you are quite the gentleman.”

Sirius smiled at the warmness of her greeting and bowed to her. “Mrs. Potter, I can assure you that the delight is completely on my part.”

“I must convey my apologies that my dear James could not attend this evening. It was a great grievance for him to miss a chance to see you.”

“No apologies necessary. I have gathered from his last correspondence that he will be paying Ms. Evans a visit? Am I to expect a joyful announcement soon?”

Mrs. Potter chuckled. “If I have raised my boy properly, and I am quite convinced that I have, his confession shall not await long. Oh, it will be such a wonderful attachment!”

Regulus had never heard of Ms. Evans, so she could not be from a very high-ranking family. He wondered why Mrs. Potter would perceive such a connection as wonderful.

“Pray, Sirius,” Mrs. Potter continued. “I dare say you remember my ward, the young Mr. Lupin?”

“Of course!” Sirius spoke, with a charming smile, followed by a most gracious bow. “How could I ever forget such an accomplished young man?”

The Lupin boy blushed and casted his eyes downward. “You flatter me, Mr. Black.”

“Upon my word, I am not!” Sirius said. “I merely speak the truth, and if the truth is flattering, well, that is none of my doing.”

“Yes, of course,” Mrs. Potter said. “I believe Mr. Lupin has attended some lessons with yourself and my James over the summer?”

“Indeed, he has,” Sirius replied, his expression displaying fondness at the memory. “And I was put to shame in comparison with the sharpness of his mind!”

The Lupin boy looked up at Sirius through his lashes. “I do not believe anything could ever put you to shame, Mr. Black.”

Regulus had seen enough. Mrs. Potter might have been notoriously good at reading people, but he knew his brother. He stepped forward and gently touched his arm. “My dear brother, pardon my interruption, but I do believe our presence is elsewhere required,” he spoke, and thereby obliging his brother to, for the time being, conclude his conversation with Mrs. Potter and her young ward.

Sirius made another bow. “So I must go, but hopefully I shall be seeing more of you this evening, if I shall be granted such pleasure.” His attention during these parting words was mostly focussed on the Lupin boy.

Regulus gave a short, cordial nod to both Mrs. Potter and her ward, before leading his brother away to a quiet corner.

“Well, brother mine,” Sirius asked. “Would you be so kind as to tell me what the meaning is of this?”

Regulus folded his arms over his chest, not afraid to reprimand his brother for the sake of propriety. “I could ask the same of you, for I do not understand you, brother. Why would you be so inclined as to approach the Lupin boy with such familiarity?”

Sirius simply raised an eyebrow. “For I do not see any reason to not be cordial with him.”

Even though it was clear to Regulus that his brother understood him very well, he had no problem in clarifying. “His acquaintance holds no advantage, neither in means, nor in connections.”

“I do believe, my dear brother, that a person can have merits outside of means and connections. Mr. Lupin is a good man, worthy of my esteem.”

“I do not doubt that he can be quite agreeable, and even that you derive some pleasure from his company, but you must be apprehensive of keeping a certain amount of reserve and constraint in your demeanour towards him, for you must remember his situation is indefinitely inferior to yours.”

“I dare say that I have obtained a great appreciation for Mr. Lupin, and I think highly of his character. Therefore, I cannot perceive him in any way inferior-”

“Regardless of whether you perceive it or not, it is how society will perceive it. Even if you ignore how it will reflect on your person, and by extension on your family, it will do no favours to Mr. Lupin either. He will be seen as to be taking great liberties in his conduct towards a person of much higher ranking, which his place in society by no means warrant, and can only be looked upon as impertinent.”

“The people I hold dear will not be led by such misconceptions.”

“Do you think our parents will not perceive it so?”

Sirius made a dismissive gesture. “I have long since given up on trying to appease our parents.”

Regulus shook his head at his brother’s naivety. “That is not a notion you can afford to uphold, as your income is entirely dependent upon their good will. Perhaps you could act according to your own wishes regarding the choosing of your company once you have secured yourself of an advantageous marriage.”

Now Regulus did not miss the grimace that swiftly passed over his brother’s face. “Allow me to speak freely to you, brother,” he continued in a much calmer tone of voice.

“Such a thing is always allowed between brothers.”

“I have to tell you that I am worried. Worried that your... regard for Mr. Lupin might make you prone to forming an attachment to him.” Regulus held up his hand when it appeared as if Sirius would interrupt him. “As you and I both know how unbecoming such an attachment will be, it hardly needs to be said that it will bring you nothing but sorrow. Therefore, I think it better to prevent such an attachment from being formed, than to break it once it is formed, which you will surely agree with me upon. For your own good, brother, and for the sake of your own happiness, I must urge you to keep your distance from Mr. Lupin.”

Sirius just looked at Regulus with an unreadable expression on his face, before he finally spoke. “You must not worry. I can assure you that any decision I will make, shall be made with great care and consideration of its consequence.”

Regulus was put at ease. He knew his brother to be stubborn once he had set his mind on something, but he also knew him to possess a great deal of common sense. He trusted his brother to act with decency. No, Regulus was not worried.

Perhaps the youngest Mr. Black would have been more worried had he realised that his brother’s affliction had nothing to do with his mind, but everything with his heart.

The ball went on and the Black brothers fulfilled their duties as representatives of the most ancient and noble house of Black as they were taught, with charm and elegance. They were the perfect exemplifications of decorum and propriety, engaging in polite conversation and leading young ladies onto the dance floor with unmatched grace, all the while never showing even the slightest inclination towards imprudence.

No one seemed to notice that none of the conversations sparked their interest, and during each dance their only thought was how they wished for it to be over.

When the evening was getting late, Mrs. Potter approached lord and lady Black to bid them farewell, as she had just instructed a servant to prepare her carriage for her. Talking to lady Black about what a delight it had been to receive Sirius over the summer, she promptly fell into a long discourse of all the pleasant sceneries that surrounded the Potter estate, which were all the more pleasant during the summer months. In a rare moment of silence, lady Black managed to address Regulus, as Sirius was nowhere to be found. “Regulus, please go and inquire whether Mrs. Potter’s carriage has been prepared. I would hate to keep her longer than she ought to.”

Regulus stepped outside, and as he did not immediately spot the carriage belonging to Mrs. Potter, he walked away from the crowd of departing guests towards the side of the building, where he knew the carriages to be parked. However, the sight his eyes landed upon rendered him in shocked astonishment.

The young Mr. Lupin was leaning against the wall of the building, with young Mr. Black standing right in front of him, their bodies a mere inch apart. Sirius held Mr. Lupin��s hand in his, and had it securely placed over his heart. It was, however, not even the intimacy of this gesture that made Regulus feel like an intruder. It was in the way they were looking at each other. Their eyes filled with such vulnerability, such affection, that it ought not to be seen by the rest of the world.

Regulus had been wrong in fearing that his brother would form an attachment to Mr. Lupin, as it was clear that such an attachment had already been formed long ago.

Since this got way longer than expected, keep reading on AO3!

#wolfstar #wolfstar fanfiction #wolfstar fic #marauders #marauders fanfiction #marauders fic #sirius black #remus lupin #remus x sirius #regency #the most ancient and noble house of black #my tumblr writing

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