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blakeswritingimagines · 4 months ago

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Blossoming Bonds

Summary: Who would've thought that your best friend had the love of your life so close.

Word count: 11k

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Bridgerton's characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

One sunny afternoon, a young Eloise was curled up in her favorite spot in the library, absorbed in a book as usual. Meanwhile, you were outside, helping Colin with his archery practice. Their laughter and chatter drifted through the open windows, catching Eloise's attention. She couldn't help but smile at the familiar sound of her older brother's best friend. You were always easy to talk to and made her feel safe, almost like an older sibling. As Eloise glanced at them, she caught a glimpse of your smile, and her heart skipped a beat. Colin and you continued the archery practice outside, your laughter and conversation drifting through the open windows of the nearby library. Eloise, tucked away in her favorite spot, found it hard to concentrate on her book as the familiar sound of your voice caught her attention. Your laugh and easy banter with Colin brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't help sneaking glances in your direction. Every time Eloise caught a glimpse of your warm smile, her heart fluttered. She had always found you charming but tried to keep her feelings in check, knowing you saw her as more of a younger sister than anything else.

Oblivious to Eloise's gaze, you continued chatting and laughing with Colin, the arrows finding their marks with practiced ease. The sunlight streamed through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the grass beneath you. Colin, always observant, glanced towards the library window and smirked when he noticed Eloise peering out at them. Eloise couldn't resist the pull any longer and closed her book, setting it aside. She made her way towards the open window, leaning lazily against the frame, watching your archery practice with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "Is it as easy as it looks?" Eloise teased, her voice carrying a hint of playful challenge. Colin continued practicing his archery, his focus still on the target, while you turned your attention to Eloise's unexpected presence. You chuckled at her comment, a mischievous grin spreading across your face. "Oh, it's easy enough for me, not for everyone," you replied, twirling the bow in your hand with a flick of your wrist. "You think you can do better, little one?" Eloise smirked at your playful jab, her competitive nature bubbling up. "Oh, I think I could give you a run for your money," she retorted, arms crossing defiantly. "And don't call me 'little one.' I'm not a child, you know."

Your smirk widened at her feisty response. You liked it when she showed her feisty side. It was endearing. "Oh, is that so?" you replied, taking a step closer to the open window and motioning for her to come outside. "Well, let's see how you do, then." Colin chuckled beside you, watching the exchange. "You're in for it now," he teased, enjoying the banter between you and Eloise. Eloise let out a small huff of determination at your challenge. She pushed off from the window frame and sauntered out to join you on the archery range, feigning nonchalance. "Alright then, prepare to be impressed." She took in the sight of the archery equipment, a hint of uncertainty in her expression as she picked up a bow, weighing it in her hands. She tried to hide her lack of experience, pretending she was a natural as to impress you. You watched with amused interest as she sauntered towards the archery range, trying to maintain her casual demeanor. You noticed the doubt behind her facade, but you decided not to call her bluff just yet. As she picked up the bow and fidgeted with it awkwardly, you raised an eyebrow, secretly enjoying the fact that she was out of her element here. "You sure you know what you're doing, princess?" you teased, a playful smirk on your lips. Eloise shot you a defiant glare, refusing to back down. "Of course, I do," she said, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. She fumbled with the bow, clearly struggling to figure out how to string it. Colin, who had been standing off to the side, couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Eloise's clumsy attempts. "Looks like she might need some help," he snickered.

Colin's chuckle drew your attention, and you couldn't help but stifle a laugh yourself as you watched Eloise struggle with the bow. You and Colin exchanged an amused glance before you sauntered over to her, a smug grin on your face. "Looks like you're all tangled up there, princess," you teased, taking the bow from her hands. "Let the expert show you how it's done." Eloise huffed, her cheeks reddening with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. She crossed her arms, watching as you confidently took the bow from her. "I could have figured it out on my own," she muttered, though secretly relieved that you were here to rescue her from further embarrassment. You smirked at her stubbornness, amused by her protest. You stepped closer, standing behind her, gently grabbing her shoulders to adjust her stance. "Of course, you could, princess," you teased, your playful sarcasm ever-present. "That's why you're struggling so much." Colin couldn't help chuckling from the side, enjoying the show of you taking charge. He gave you a knowing look, silently egging you on. Eloise stiffened at your proximity and the touch of your hands on her shoulders. She tried to keep her focus on the archery but was acutely aware of your presence behind her. Her heart skipped a beat as you guided her into the proper stance, your touch sending a small shiver down her spine. She shot a glare at Colin, silently cursing him for his amused smirk.

You positioned her feet, standing so close that your chest almost touched her back. You could feel the heat radiating from her body, and it took every ounce of self-control not to pull her closer. The scent of her hair, a mix of lavender and something distinctly her, made your head spin. Colin's smirk widened as he caught the subtle change in your gaze. He knew you too well. He continued to watch the scene unfold, enjoying every moment of it.

As the clock struck twelve, the grand ballroom of the Duke's estate burst into life with music and laughter. Well-dressed guests mingled about, engaged in animated conversations, and whispered gossip. The room was a kaleidoscope of colorful dresses, elegant tuxedos, and glittering jewelry. You were expected to attend various social gatherings, and this evening was no exception. You were dressed in your finest gown, your hair perfectly styled, and you had a polite, well-practiced smile on your face. The event was being hosted by the Duke of Harcourt, a wealthy and influential man known for his lavish parties. The grand ballroom was adorned with opulent decorations, and the air was filled with the buzz of conversation and the soft notes of live music. You mingled with other guests, exchanging pleasantries and polite banter, but your mind was not fully present. Amidst the glittering crowd, Eloise found herself standing to the side, sipping on a glass of punch and watching the other guests with a mixture of curiosity and boredom. She'd never been one for formal occasions like this, but her mother had insisted on her attending this particular event. She scanned the room, her gaze falling on you as you mingled with the other guests, and a small pang of something she quickly dismissed as jealousy tugged at her heart.

You, meanwhile, were engaged in conversation with some of the guests, your usual charismatic smile in place. But occasionally, your eyes drifted towards Eloise, lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. Seeing her stand-alone, a bit out of her element, stirred an unfamiliar protectiveness within you. Despite the crowd around you, you found yourself drawn to her like a magnet. As you navigated the room, talking and laughing with the other guests, a distinguished-looking duke approached you. As you moved through the room, a distinguished-looking duke approached you. He gave a gracious nod, before offering a small, polite smile. "Ah, young lady," he began, his tone smooth and refined. "You appear to be quite sociable tonight." He gave a gracious nod, before offering a small, polite smile. Caught off balance by the duke's unexpected approach, you managed to compose yourself with a charming smile. "Good evening, Your Grace," you responded with practiced grace. "Indeed, I do enjoy mingling with good company." The duke chuckled, his gaze flickering toward Eloise, who was standing a few steps away. "It seems you have a particular companion in mind," he observed, his tone a touch sly. You turned to the duke, returning his nod and smile. "Good evening, Your Grace," you replied with a polite bow of your head. "I do enjoy the company of others, yes. It makes the evening more enjoyable, don't you think?"

The duke chuckled again, amused by your diplomatic response. "Ah, but perhaps you are more selective than most. I can't help but notice that you seem quite taken with that charming young lady over there." He gestured subtly towards Eloise, who continued chatting with Penelope a little further down the room. Your eyes followed the duke's gesture towards Eloise, and you couldn't help but notice the way you gaze lingered on her a little too long. You quickly composed yourself, realizing the duke's sharp observation, and chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, I suppose I do find her quite captivating," you admitted, trying to keep your tone casual. "She is a dear friend, after all." The duke's eyes gleamed with a hint of knowing as he noted the lingering gaze. He gave another small chuckle, his tone laced with subtle amusement. "Indeed, a 'dear friend'," he echoed your words, a subtle knowingness in his tone. "I must commend you on your subtlety, but it seems your eyes betray a deeper admiration." Your heart skipped a beat as the duke's knowing words hit home. You cleared your throat nervously, feeling a wave of discomfort wash over you. You tried to play it off with a lighthearted chuckle. "Oh, you give me too much credit, Your Grace," you replied, your voice slightly strained. "We've known each other since childhood, and she's always been like a younger sister to me. You're reading too much into it."

Despite your attempt at diverting the conversation, the duke's eyes seemed to twinkle with a hint of knowledge that he was all too familiar with the situation. He chuckled once more, his tone a little more knowing now. "Oh, I apologize if I've misinterpreted," he said, feigning obliviousness. You continued to force a smile, feeling slightly flustered under the duke's astute observation. You chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of your neck. "No need to apologize," you replied, trying to maintain composure. "It's just… She's important to me, her brother Colin is my best friend, and I care about her well-being. That's all." Your growing unease grew as the duke continued to probe, his knowing look and veiled chuckles making it evident that he was not as oblivious as he was trying to appear. You shifted uncomfortably, racking your brain for a subtle way to change the subject. "So, um, how goes the political…uh, scene in the capital these days?" you asked, your tone a little forced. The duke arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement still dancing in his eyes but he followed along with your attempt at diverting the subject. "Ah, the political climate," he mused, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness. "Well, it's as tumultuous as ever. Power struggles, alliances, and endless negotiations. Quite frankly, it can be exhausting." He paused, his gaze still keenly observing you before he continued. "But enough about that. I must admit, I'm curious about something else."

You released a sigh of relief as the duke moved on to the new subject, all the while keeping his watchful eye on you. You forced a smile, feigning interest. "Oh? And what would that be, Your Grace?" you asked, bracing yourself for the inevitable line of questioning. The duke chuckled at your quick thinking and subtle deflection. He then decided to change tack and offered you another graceful bow. "Speaking of dances, would you do me the honor of a dance, dear lady?" Relief washed over you as the duke changed the topic back to something more mundane, yet your heart still raced with anxiety. You smiled politely, nodding in response. "Of course, Your Grace. I would be delighted to dance with you," you replied, maintaining a gracious demeanor despite the turmoil of emotions swirling inside of you.

The months had flown by in a blur, and somehow you'd found yourself courted by the duke as your relationship progressed. Despite your lingering feelings for Eloise, you had to admit that the duke had been a charming companion. One evening, after a particularly romantic dinner at his estate, the duke pulled you aside into the secluded garden area, a serious expression on his face. The evening air was filled with the soft fragrance of the garden, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on the surroundings. The duke led you to a secluded corner of the garden, where a small stone bench was nestled under a flowering trellis, offering a degree of privacy. He turned to face you, the look on his face serious and contemplative.

The garden's quiet beauty and the moon's silvery light created an intimate atmosphere, adding to the weight of the moment. The duke's serious expression sent a small pang of trepidation through you as he led you to the secluded stone bench and sat down, motioning for you to do the same. You settled beside him, the silence between you heavy with anticipation. The duke took a moment, gathering his thoughts before finally speaking. His voice was soft and thoughtful, yet the seriousness of his tone was palpable. "There's something I need to discuss with you," he began, turning to face you fully. "I've enjoyed spending time with you these past months, and our relationship has developed in a way I didn't expect…" You sat up a little straighter, your heartbeat quickening as the duke's serious tone indicated the importance of the conversation. The words he spoke sent chills down your spine, a mix of anticipation and trepidation coursing through you. "I've enjoyed our time together as well," you replied, your voice steady despite the nervous anticipation building within you. "You've been a charming companion, and I've grown quite fond of you."

The duke's gaze softened slightly, but the seriousness remained in his eyes. He reached out and took one of your hands in his, the warmth of his touch reassuring yet making the moment feel all the more intense. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice a gentle murmur in the quiet of the garden. "What we've built together has been special, but there's something I need to ask you, something that's been weighing on my mind." The touch of his hand on yours sent a new wave of tingles through you, and you swallowed hard, bracing for the question you knew was coming. The soft glow of the moon above illuminated his face, making him seem almost regal in the serene setting, yet you couldn't shake off the feeling of anxious anticipation. "Ask away," you said, your voice surprisingly steady considering the storm of emotions raging inside of you. The Duke took a steadying breath, his grip on your hand tightening just a little as he prepared to ask his question. His voice was even softer, "I've found myself… developing feelings for you that go beyond mere companionship. I find myself wanting more, wanting something deeper and more significant than what we have now. And I was wondering…" he paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on you with intense scrutiny. "I was wondering if you feel the same way."

Your heart skipped a beat as the duke voiced his feelings, your breath catching in your chest at the gravity of his words. The sincerity in his gaze and the slight tremble in his voice tugged at your heartstrings, stirring up a myriad of emotions within you. You took a deep breath, trying to quell the storm of feelings whirling inside of you. You wanted to say yes, to give him the answer he desired, yet there was a part of you that held back. A part that belonged to someone else. "Yes." The duke's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of hope and surprise flashing in them as he heard your answer. He released a shaky breath, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That's…that's wonderful to hear," he said, his voice betraying the mixture of emotions he was feeling. He paused for a moment, studying your face closely as if trying to read the emotions behind your eyes. "But… I can see there's something holding you back, isn't there?" Damn, he was perceptive. The duke's perceptive gaze caught the subtle hint of reluctance in your expression, his instincts correctly picking up on your inner turmoil. You shifted nervously in your seat, avoiding his gaze for a moment before reluctantly meeting his eyes once again. "There is," you admitted, your voice just above a whisper. "I…I do have feelings for you. I truly do. But…"

The duke's smile wavered ever so slightly as he noticed the shift in your demeanor. He knew there was more to your answer than you were letting on, and his grip on your hand remained firm yet gentle. "But…?" he prompted gently, his eyes searching your face for an explanation. The duke studied your face for a few moments, his gaze filled with a mixture of hope and a slight edge of trepidation. His voice was soft yet firm as he decided to take a leap of faith. "Marry me," he said, his eyes locked onto yours. "I know there's something holding you back, but I can't deny how I feel about you. I want us to share a future together, to make a life, and to build something more profound. Say you'll marry me. Say yes." You closed your eyes, a moment of silence passing before you finally spoke again. "Y-yes, I'll marry you," you said, your voice slightly shaky yet resolute. "I can't deny that my feelings for you are genuine, and I want a future with you as well." A wave of relief washed over you as you spoke the words, yet a pang of guilt gripped your chest at the thought of Eloise.

The duke smiled, his expression filled with joy and relief. He squeezed your hand gently, the emotion in his eyes clear as he took in your answer. "I'm so glad to hear that," he said softly, his voice holding a hint of disbelief. "But…" he began, his smile faltering slightly as he noticed the conflicting emotion in your eyes, "there's something else, isn't there? A lingering shadow." You took a deep breath, feeling a pang of guilt as you braced yourself to lie to the duke. "No," you said firmly, meeting his gaze. "There's no one else. I'm just…just overwhelmed by your proposal, that's all. I'm just overjoyed at the idea of spending the rest of my life with you." The duke studied your face, scrutinizing your features for any hint of deceit. Though your words were firm and your gaze sincere, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to your answer than you were letting on. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice slightly laced with uncertainty. "I won't hold it against you if you have doubts or fears. I want you to be honest with me. No matter what."

You swallowed hard, the weight of your deception heavy in your heart. You didn't want to lie to him, didn't want to deceive him into believing something that wasn't true. But the thought of admitting your feelings for Eloise and hurting him was even more unbearable. "I'm absolutely sure," you replied, forcing a smile that felt far from genuine. "I'm just…just processing these emotions, that's all. I'm happy, I really am. I promise." The duke's eyes searched yours for a few more moments, his expression a mix of hope and skepticism. He knew deep down that you were holding something back, but he also recognized the look of determination and sincerity in your eyes. He gave a slight nod, his lips curling into a small smile. "Alright," he said softly, his voice tinged with a mixture of belief and a lingering doubt. "I trust you. I trust us. We can make this work, no matter the challenges." A wave of relief washed over you as the duke accepted your word, his trust in you seemingly intact. Yet, the pang of guilt and the knowledge of your deception weighed heavily upon you, making it difficult to fully enjoy the moment. You tried to compose yourself, forcing a smile that felt a bit strained as you nodded. "We will," you replied, your voice slightly shaky. "We'll make it work. We have to."

The months flew by, and before you knew it, a few months had passed since the duke's proposal. Engrossed in the whirlwind of wedding preparations and social obligations, you'd been so preoccupied with the upcoming nuptials that you hadn't seen much of Eloise. However, one evening, as you were attending a formal event with the duke, you spotted Eloise across the room, standing alone with a glass of punch in her hand. As the evening wore on, Eloise found herself growing more and more frustrated. She hated these formal events, feeling like a fish out of water among the high society ladies who seemed to effortlessly flutter about. She let out a heavy sigh, glancing around the room, her eyes landing on you and the duke across the room. A pang of something unfamiliar and bittersweet tugged at her heart. She had missed your presence, missed your casual banter and easy camaraderie. Eloise couldn't shake off the strange feeling of longing that fluttered in her chest as she watched you and the duke together. You looked happy, engaged in conversation and laughter, yet a part of her secretly wished she was the one by your side. Despite herself, Eloise watched you from across the room, her thoughts a tangle of emotions she couldn't quite untangle.

Your heart skipped a beat as your eyes met Eloise's across the crowded ballroom. It had been months since you'd seen her, and the sight of her now sent a pang of guilt mixed with longing through you. Your mind raced with a million things you wanted to say, and for a moment, you were tempted to approach her, close the distance between you, and talk, reminisce, and apologize for being out of touch. But then you felt the duke's arm around your waist, a silent reminder of your impending marriage. Eloise's eyes widened as she and you locked gazes across the crowded ballroom. A myriad of emotions flickered across her face as she tried to keep her composure, but the pang of longing and sadness was clear in her eyes. She watched you for a moment, her heart sinking as the duke wrapped his arm around your waist. She averted her gaze, trying to hide the ache in her heart. She had hoped to have a chance to catch up with you and to spend some time together before the wedding, but it seemed fate had other plans. The sight of Eloise's sad face tugged at your heartstrings, a wave of guilt and nostalgia coursing through you. You longed to walk up to her, to talk to her, to apologize for the distance that had come between you. But the presence of the duke by your side was a constant reminder of your upcoming wedding, and the reality of your situation. As the evening wore on, you found yourself unable to focus on the conversations and pleasantries around you, your mind replaying the brief interaction with Eloise over and over again.

The urge to talk to Eloise grew more and more compelling. You excused yourself from the duke's side, making your way through the crowded ballroom, searching for Eloise. Finally, you spotted her, standing near a set of tall French windows, looking out onto the garden. A mix of trepidation and longing filled you as you approached her. Eloise was staring out the French windows, her mind a maelstrom of thoughts as she watched the festivities continue inside. She was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she didn't notice your approach until you were standing beside her. She turned to face you, her eyes wide with surprise as she drank in your presence. In an instant, a mix of emotions flooded her - relief, longing, sadness, and something more that she couldn't quite place. Without a word, you stood silently beside her, watching the swirl of people in the ballroom for a moment. The silence between you was heavy, filled with the weight of words left unsaid. Finally, after a few moments, you spoke, your voice soft and tinged with longing. "I've missed you." Eloise's heart skipped a beat at the sound of your voice, and a mix of emotions flickered across her face. She took a moment to compose herself before replying, her voice soft and slightly strained. "I've missed you too," she admitted, her gaze fixed on the ballroom, refusing to meet your eyes. "I've missed our talks, our banter, our easy friendship. I thought we'd have more time before you got married, but here we are."

A pang of guilt and longing clenched at your heart as you heard the bittersweet tone in her voice. You turned to face her, your eyes searching her face. "I know," you replied softly. "I've missed all of that too. I didn't know things would move so quickly, and before I knew it, I was being swept up in wedding preparations and…and everything." You paused for a moment, gathering your thoughts and summoning the courage to mention Colin. "Colin's actually been a huge help, you know," you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. "He's been so supportive, helping with the arrangements and everything. It's been nice having him around." Eloise's heart ached at your words, a mixture of gratitude and sadness flooding through her. She knew Colin had always been there for you both, and she was glad that he was providing the support you needed. Yet, the mention of him intensified the pang of longing and guilt in her chest. "He has always been a good friend to you," Eloise whispered, her voice carrying a hint of wistfulness. "He's always there to lend a hand, even if it means he's constantly teasing me." You chuckled at her mention of Colin's constant teasing, remembering all the times you'd heard him playfully harassing her. Their sibling dynamic had always been filled with playful banter, and you'd found it quite endearing. "Can't deny that," you replied with a light laugh. "He does enjoy getting under your skin."

A smile tugged at the corners of Eloise's lips as she too remembered Colin's relentless teasing. She had often found herself caught in his playful banter, rolling her eyes but deep down secretly enjoying their sibling bond. "Oh, he does more than enjoy it," she said, feigning irritation. "I swear, sometimes I think he enjoys torturing me just for his own entertainment." You laughed again, your eyes sparkling with amusement. You could easily imagine Colin finding joy in teasing Eloise, knowing just how to push her buttons and rile her up. "Well, you're his little sister. It's his duty as an older brother to annoy you senseless, isn't it?" Eloise rolled her eyes, though her lips curled into a smirk. "Yes, I suppose it is his divine right as an older brother," she conceded. "But just because it's his duty doesn't mean I have to like it." A mix of mock irritation and amusement played across Eloise's face as she rolled her eyes at your words. "Duty, more like a cruel sense of entertainment," she retorted, her tone playful but hinting at irritation. "He's always finding new ways to torture me, like some devious mastermind. It's a wonder I don't have grey hair from dealing with him all these years," she said, her voice laced with a touch of humor. She shifted her weight and leaned back against the windowsill, folding her arms across her chest. "Speaking of annoying older brothers," she added, a hint of mischief in her eyes, "I swear, Benedict is even worse than Colin sometimes."

Months had passed since your marriage to the duke. The whirlwind of the wedding and the honeymoon phase of marriage gave way to the calm of daily life. You both had settled into a comfortable routine and soon after the wedding, you found out you were expecting a child. The pregnancy was both exciting and filled with anxiety. The duke doted on you, showering you with care and attention as your due date approached. As your pregnancy progressed, the duke's excitement grew exponentially, and he made it his mission to ensure that you had everything you needed. He doted on you, spoiling you with presents, treating you like a fragile doll, and attending to your every whim and desire. However, the duke's overprotective nature quickly turned into a stifling atmosphere. He grew increasingly paranoid about the baby's well-being and constantly reminded you to take it easy and rest.

As the weeks passed, the duke's protectiveness turned into suffocating possessiveness. He insisted on being by your side at all times, constantly worrying that something might happen to you or the baby if he wasn't there. You, on the other hand, were beginning to feel smothered and restricted. You tried to reassure him that you were perfectly capable of taking care of yourself and the baby, but his concerns only seemed to intensify. As the days went on, the duke's protectiveness continued to escalate, leaving you feeling suffocated and anxious. You found yourself wishing for a familiar face to provide respite from the overbearing environment. A few days later, a familiar knock echoed at the door, and when you answered, the sight of Colin standing there brought a wave of relief. You felt a pang of relief as you opened the door to see Colin standing there, his familiar face a welcome break from the stifling environment of the house. A smile tugged at your lips as you greeted him. "Colin," you said, your voice tinged with both surprise and relief. "What brings you here?" Colin's eyes scanned your face, taking note of the fatigue and stress etched on it. His heart clenched at the sight, and he forced a smile to mask his concern. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd pop by and see how the soon-to-be mother of my future godchild is doing," he replied a hint of playfulness in his tone.

You smiled at his playfulness, grateful for his attempt to lighten the mood. "Well, I'm doing as well as a heavily pregnant woman can do," you replied, resting a hand on your swollen belly. "Your future godchild is certainly giving me a run for my money these days." Colin chuckled, his eyes lingering on the hand resting on your belly. "Ah, the little mischief-maker is growing and stirring already, huh?" he teased. "Can't blame the kid for keeping you on your toes. After all, it takes a lot of energy to be a future godchild, you know." You rolled your eyes at his remark, a small smile playing on your lips. "Future godchild or future troublemaker, I think there's a high chance this child will take after their uncle Colin," you teased back. "All the chaos and cheekiness of a Bridgerton." Colin feigned offense, pretending to be hurt by your jab. "Hey now, I'll have you know I am the epitome of good behavior and manners," he protested, though the smile on his face betrayed his mirth. "I would never dream of passing on any mischievous tendencies to the precious little one. I'll be a perfect role model and influence, I swear."

You laughed, shaking your head at his mock-offended expression. "Oh, of course, because we all know Colin Bridgerton is a paragon of virtue and respectability," you teased. "I have no doubt you'll be a model godparent, perfectly embodying the virtues we all admire in you," Colin smirked at your sarcastic remark, placing a hand on his heart. "Exactly," he agreed, pretending to puff out his chest arrogantly. "I'm glad we're on the same page. I mean, I practically wrote the book on virtue and good behavior. The child will have no choice but to follow in my noble footsteps." You shook your head at his exaggerated display, unable to suppress a laugh. "Right, because your extensive knowledge of virtue undoubtedly includes sneaking out after curfew, gambling away family heirlooms, and instigating duels," you teased, listing off a few of his past misdeeds for good measure. You chuckled, unable to resist the charm and humor that laced his playful arrogance. "Oh, and I suppose being the epitome of virtue and good behavior comes in handy when you're relentlessly teasing your sister, right?" you remarked, raising an eyebrow in a playful challenge.

Colin chuckled, his smirk widening at your list of his past mischief. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "Hey, I'll have you know those were all perfectly justified actions," he defended, feigning innocence. "And as for teasing my sister, well, it's my duty as an older brother to keep her humble. Can't let her think too highly of herself, you know." You rolled your eyes once more, a small smile playing on your lips at his unapologetic deflection. "I see," you replied, feigning seriousness, "so your relentless tormenting of Eloise is just your noble duty as a brother. How very noble and selfless of you, Colin… How is she?" Colin shrugged nonchalantly, his expression still tinged with playful arrogance. "She's fine, as far as I know. Still, the same old little hellion she's always been, of course," he replied, a hint of fondness in his voice. "Why do you ask? Worried about her?" You paused for a moment, considering his question. There was no use denying the truth. "Yes," you admitted. "I am worried about her. How can I not be? We haven't been in touch much since the wedding, and I miss her, but things have been…complicated." You glanced down, your hand absentmindedly resting on your swollen belly.

Colin's expression softened as he noted the concern etched on your face. He pushed himself off the wall, moving closer to you and taking a seat in a nearby chair. "Things have been complicated, huh?" he repeated a hint of intrigue in his voice. "In what way?" You sighed, sinking into a chair opposite him. "It's the duke," you said, lowering your voice slightly. "Ever since we got married, he's been so protective, so obsessed with my well-being and the baby's. It feels like he has me constantly under his watchful eye, and it's beginning to suffocate me." You paused for a moment, a hint of vulnerability in your eyes. "And it's strained my relationship with Eloise, too. We don't talk as much as we used to." Colin's gaze softened further as he listened to your words. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. The lightheartedness in his tone faded, replaced by a hint of genuine concern. "That sounds… suffocating, to say the least," he acknowledged, choosing his words carefully. "And I can imagine Eloise has been affected too. You two were quite close before all this."

You nodded, a pang of sadness and regret filling your chest. "We were," you whispered, your voice tinged with resignation. "We used to talk and laugh and bicker like old friends. But ever since the wedding, it's like a wall has come between us. I've tried to reach out, but the duke…he doesn't approve of our friendship." Colin's frown deepened his expression now one of anger and concern. "He doesn't approve?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "And why exactly does he think he has the right to dictate who you can and can't be friends with, especially someone as dear as Eloise?" You sighed, a mixture of frustration and helplessness welling up inside you. "He sees her as a bad influence, I suppose," you replied, a bitter edge to your voice. "He believes she'll distract me from my duties as a wife and a mother. Plus, her feisty and independent nature is at odds with his vision of a proper, submissive wife." Colin clenched his jaw, his hands clenching into fists. "That's absolute nonsense," he growled, his voice firm and tinged with anger. "Eloise is one of the most loyal and spirited people I know. She would never do anything to harm you or jeopardize your life. The duke is merely projecting his own insecurities and archaic expectations onto your relationship. And as for you… You are your own person, with your own mind and decisions to make. Nobody has the right to dictate who you can and can't be friends with."

A mixture of relief and gratitude filled you as you listened to Colin's passionate defense of your friendship with Eloise. His words echoed the same thoughts that had been swirling in your mind, feelings you hadn't dared to voice aloud. "Thank you," you said quietly, your voice tinged with gratitude. "It means a lot to hear someone say that. Sometimes I feel so alone in this house, with the duke's constant presence and his need to control everything. It's…suffocating." Colin's expression softened further at your words. He reached out and patted your hand gently, offering a small gesture of comfort. "You don't have to thank me," he reassured you, his voice filled with empathy. "I understand how suffocating it must feel, being under the duke's constant watch and control. It's not right. You don't deserve to feel alone or smothered like this." You looked down at his hand on yours, feeling a wave of gratitude for his understanding and support. It was comforting to know that someone recognized your struggles and didn't dismiss them as trivial. "It's just… I don't know how to stand up for myself," you admitted, guilt and frustration lacing your voice. "I tried to express my thoughts and feelings to the duke, but he always dismissed them. He says he knows what's best for me and our child, and I should just listen to him."

Colin's jaw clenched again, anger flaring in his eyes. "That's the problem," he pointed out, his voice laced with anger. "He's asserting his authority over you like you're some mindless puppet following his every command. You're a wife, a mother-to-be, and a person with your own mind, dreams, and desires. He has no right to ignore your thoughts and feelings because they don't align with his selfish desires and control issues." Your chest tightened as you heard the truth in Colin's words. He was voicing the very thoughts you'd been too afraid to acknowledge. The pressure and guilt you'd endured for so long began to dissipate, replaced by a flicker of righteous anger. "He treats me as if I'm his property like I'm incapable of making my own decisions," you confessed, your voice trembling. "And it's not just about Eloise. He wants to control every aspect of my life, from my diet to my interactions since he says I shouldn't overexert myself." Colin's expression darkened, his eyes reflecting a mix of anger and concern. "That…is absolutely unacceptable," he said, his voice filled with anger. "He's treating you like some sort of object, a mere extension of himself. A husband should be supportive and understanding, not overbearing and controlling. You are not his property, and you have the right to make your own decisions, especially when it comes to your well-being and the baby's."

His words echoed through your mind, and a wave of anger and determination washed over you. Colin was right. You were not a puppet, a mindless object to be controlled and molded. You had the right to live your own life, to make your own choices. "You're right," you said, an edge of newfound conviction to your voice. "I've been walking on eggshells for so long, trying to please him and avoid any argument. And look where it's gotten me… isolated and suffocated." Colin nodded, his gaze fixed on you with a mix of satisfaction and support. "Exactly," he agreed, his voice firm but gentle. "You've been sacrificing your own happiness and autonomy for the sake of appeasing him. But guess what? You don't have to do that anymore. You don't owe him blind obedience and submission at the cost of your own well-being and sanity." Something in his words sparked a fire in your chest, a small flicker of defiance and determination. You had spent too long being a passive spectator in your own life, allowing the duke to dictate and control every aspect of it. No more. "I… I don't know how to stand up to him," you admitted your voice a mix of vulnerability and frustration. "He's so used to getting his own way, to having me follow his every command. I feel like I've forgotten how to be strong and assertive."

Colin's expression softened, and he reached out, taking your hand in his, his gaze reassuring. "You haven't forgotten," he assured you. "You've just been suppressed for so long that it seems like you have. But you are strong, and you are capable of standing up for yourself. I've seen you do it before, and I know you can do it again." His words and touch provided a grounding anchor amidst the storm of emotions swirling within you. He reminded you of a time before the duke's influence had taken hold, a time when you had stood up for yourself and others without hesitation. "But what if…?" you began, uncertainty creeping into your voice. "What if he doesn't listen? What if he gets angry or refuses to change?" Colin's grip on your hand tightened, his eyes locking onto yours. "Then that's his problem," he said firmly. "But you can't let his reaction deter you from standing up for yourself. You deserve respect and autonomy in your own life. And if he can't understand or appreciate that, then maybe it's time to reevaluate the dynamics of your relationship." His words hit home, striking a chord deep within you. He was right. You couldn't continue to sacrifice your happiness and sanity for the sake of pleasing the duke. If he refused to listen, to acknowledge your needs and desires, then perhaps there was a deeper issue at play in your relationship. "You're right," you conceded, your voice a mixture of determination and trepidation. "I can't keep living like this, always walking on eggshells. I need to take a stand, even if it means facing his anger or disapproval."

Taking a deep breath, you stood up and walked to a nearby cabinet. You opened a small drawer and retrieved several letters, neatly tied with a ribbon. Turning back to Colin, you held the letters out to him. "These are the letters I've been writing to Eloise," you confessed, your voice tinged with a hint of guilt and sadness. "The duke doesn't know about them. He wouldn't approve of me maintaining any contact with her, so I hid them here in this drawer." Colin's expression softened even more as he took the letters from you, his eyes flitting down to the tied bundle before looking back up at you. He could see the guilt and sadness in your eyes, and his heart ached for you. He knew how much Eloise meant to you, how much your friendship with her mattered. The thought of how you've been forced to hide these letters, like precious treasures that needed to be concealed from the duke, angered him. You watched as Colin's fingers carefully untied the ribbon, his touch so tender and gentle as if handling fragile treasures. The sight filled you with a mixture of relief and unease, a sense of vulnerability that came from revealing your secret. "I've been writing to her, telling her what's been going on with me," you explained, your voice low and tinged with a hint of guilt. "I miss her. I miss our talks and laughter, our shared inside jokes. But the duke … he disapproves of our friendship. He thinks she's a bad influence on me."

Colin's eyes darkened with anger as he heard your confession, but he held back his true thoughts, focusing on offering you comfort and support instead. "She isn't a bad influence," he said firmly, his voice steady and reassuring. "She's a good friend, one who cares about you deeply. It's not right that you've been separated from her because of the duke's narrow-mindedness and possessiveness." You nodded, tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. Colin's steadfast support and understanding were a balm to your weary soul. It was a relief to hear someone else confirm Eloise's value as a friend, to know that you weren't alone in your longing for her companionship. "I know," you murmured, your voice filled with a mixture of sadness and frustration. "But the duke… he won't tolerate even the mention of her name in this house. He's determined to cut me off from her entirely." You took a deep breath, recollecting the memories of the past. "It was… a while ago now," you began, your voice tinged with nostalgia and warmth. "Back when we were younger. I was sleeping at the Bridgerton estate and…. one night I couldn't find rest so I figured some air couldn't hurt and might help. Elosie and I, we found ourselves alone, and… well… we decided to play a daring little game."

Colin's eyebrow lifted with intrigue as you shared the memory, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He leaned back in his seat, his eyes locked on you as you spoke, eager to hear more. "A daring game, you say? Sounds like something you two would come up with," he remarked, a hint of playful amusement in his voice. You chuckled softly, a nostalgic smile spreading across your face. "Always finding ways to cause trouble and push boundaries when I wasn't hanging out with you. This game was something we'd heard about from a friend, a way to add a bit of excitement to the night. It was… a kissing game." Colin's eyes widened slightly, his intrigued expression now tinged with both surprise and something close to mischief. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, as he gave you a devilish grin. "A kissing game, huh? Now that's quite the revelation," he said, a hint of disbelief and amusement in his voice. "And you two actually went through with it? How on earth did you manage not to get caught?"

You feel embarrassment and nostalgia as you recall that night. "We were careful," you admitted a hint of mischief in your voice. "We found a secluded corner, away from everyone else, and decided to go for it. We were both… curious, I suppose. It seemed like a thrilling idea at the time. We didn't care about getting caught. In that moment, all that mattered was our little game. We found a secluded spot in the garden, away from the prying eyes of our friends. It was supposed to be a secretive, spur-of-the-moment thing… but things didn't exactly go as planned." Your eyes met Colin's, a mix of amusement and caution in your gaze. Colin's eyes widened, and his lips curled into a wicked smile. He was practically leaning off his chair now, eagerly awaiting the rest of the story. "Go on," he encouraged, his voice laced with anticipation. "What happened next? Don't leave me hanging like this!" You chuckled at his eager response, enjoying the playful banter that passed between you. You couldn't help but tease him a little, drawing out the suspense. "Patience, Colin," you teased, a small smile playing at the corners of your lips. "But I suppose I can't keep you in suspense much longer." You took a breath, your eyes meeting his once more. "We were in our secluded spot, and we began the game. It was… sweet and innocent at first. Light, awkward kisses on the cheek and forehead. But… then things escalated."

Colin's smile widened, his eyes glued to you, his every muscle tense with anticipation. "And how did it escalate, exactly?" he prompted, his voice tinged with equal parts curiosity and anticipation. "Don't leave out any juicy details," he added, a hint of playful mischief in his tone. A flush crept up your cheeks, the memory of that night still bringing a mix of emotions to the surface. "Well… we had initially agreed to keep the kisses platonic, innocent," you started, your voice slightly shaky. "But as we continued, the atmosphere changed. The light, playful kisses weren't enough anymore. We… we started exploring each other a bit more through it." Colin's eyes widened further, his curiosity now reaching a fever pitch. He was hanging on your every word, his interest evident in the way he leaned forward, completely engrossed in your story. "Exploring each other?" he echoed, his tone holding a mix of surprise and interest. "Sounds like things got a whole lot more than innocent at that point." Your cheeks blazed with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement as you continued, recalling the events of that night. "Things… things escalated quickly," you admitted, your eyes glancing down briefly before meeting Colin's gaze once more. "The kisses became deeper, more intimate. Our bodies… they seemed to react on their own... like magnets being pulled together."

Colin's lips parted slightly, not having expected to hear of his best friend and his little sister together in such a way. "So it was more than just a game, then," he mused, his voice thick with a mixture of excitement and understanding. "You're saying there was a genuine attraction between you." He leaned closer, his eyes never leaving yours, his body practically on the edge of his chair. "Then why marry the duke?" You sighed, the question cutting through the air like a knife. "It was… complicated," you explained, a bitter edge to your voice. "Eloise and I… we were young and foolish. It was just a moment of spontaneity, of recklessness. We never spoke about it, never acknowledged what it actually meant. And then… life happened." You took a deep breath, the memory of that night mixing with the harsh reality of your current situation. "The duke pursued me, offering me stability and Security. And I… I foolishly accepted."

Colin's eyes softened, his earlier amusement replaced with understanding and compassion. He could see the pain and regret in your eyes, the weight of your decisions bearing down on you. "You were young, and you were in a different place in your life," he said gently, his voice filled with empathy. "We all make decisions we regret, especially when we are young and influenced by others." He reached out, his hand finding yours and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You can't blame yourself for the past." Your eyes flickered up to Colin's, and the sight of his empathy brought a well of emotions to your heart. "I know," you murmured, your voice tinged with guilt. "But… but sometimes… sometimes I can't help but wonder what would have happened if our lives had taken a different path. If we had had the courage to explore what we felt for each other… if…" Your voice trailed off, and you shook your head, trying to clear the lingering thoughts. "No, no sense dwelling on what-ifs. It's in the past now." Colin's expression softened further, his brow furrowed with empathetic understanding. He leaned closer, his eyes locked on yours, his grip on your hand tightening slightly. "It's human nature to wonder and explore those what-ifs, but it can often be more painful than enlightening," he acknowledged, his voice a gentle reminder. "You made your choices, and you have to live with them. But that doesn't mean you can't find happiness and love in your current circumstances, albeit in a different form."

Weeks had passed since your conversation with Colin, and your life had taken a drastic turn. The duke's possessiveness and control over you had reached new heights, and you felt more isolated and suffocated than ever. But amidst the darkness, there was a glimmer of light. The baby's arrival had been unexpected but welcomed, bringing a mix of excitement and anxiety. You found yourself lying in your bed, drenched in sweat and exhausted. The duke was by your side, supporting and guiding you through each contraction. The pain was intense and overwhelming, but his presence by your side gave you strength. Finally, as the day slowly gave way to the cool embrace of night, you gave birth to a healthy baby boy. His eyes widened in awe, a tear escaping from the corner of his eye as he gently took the baby from the midwife, cradling him in his arms. The duke held his son, his eyes widening in wonder at the sight of the newborn. His grip on the baby was gentle and protective. He was a father now, a responsibility he had long been preparing for. The birth had been difficult, but he had been there, supporting you, and guiding you through the pain and exhaustion. He glanced over at you, your body worn out from the experience, a mixture of pride and relief on his face. "You've done brilliantly, my dear," he praised, his voice carrying a hint of amazement. "Our son is perfect."

You offered him a weary smile, your body exhausted and aching from the childbirth. The delivery had been much harder than you had anticipated, taking a toll on both your physical and emotional well-being. "Thank you," you responded, your voice soft and weary. "I'm… I'm glad it's over."

Years had passed since the birth of your first child, and life had continued its relentless march. Your child has grown into a lively, energetic young boy, bringing moments of laughter and joy into your life. But amidst the joy, there was sadness. The duke's passing had left a void in your life, and you found yourself grappling with a mix of grief and uncertainty. And now, with news of your pregnancy, the weight of responsibility and worry hung even heavier on your shoulders. The Bridgerton estate was bustling with activity as the Season approached. Eloise, ever the skeptic of society's norms, was hiding away in the library with a book when she heard an unexpected knock at the door. "Eloise! Eloise, come quickly!" called Hyacinth, her youngest sister, with excitement in her voice. Eloise sighed, putting down her book reluctantly and making her way to the entrance hall. As she arrived, she saw her brother Colin embracing a familiar figure. You, Colin's childhood best friend, stood there, looking tired but relieved to be in the company of friends.

Eloise's heart skipped a beat at the sight of you. "It's been too long," Eloise said, trying to keep her voice steady. She hadn't seen you in years, not since your marriage to the Duke and the birth of your son. Now, You were a widow and expecting another child. "Indeed it has, Eloise," you replied warmly. "I thought it was time to return to London, and I need some help during this time." Violet Bridgerton, ever the gracious hostess, stepped forward. "Of course, my dear. You are always welcome here. We'll make sure you're well taken care of." You couldn't help but feel a wave of comfort and relief wash over you as Eloise spoke, her words bringing a small smile to your weary face. Being back in the Bridgerton home, surrounded by familiar faces, eased your anxiety a little. "Thank you," you replied softly, your voice still carrying the exhaustion from the journey and your current condition. "I'm truly grateful for your hospitality." Eloise's eyes softened as she took in the sight of your weary face. She understood the toll your journey must have taken on you, both physically and emotionally, and she felt a pang of empathy in her heart. "Of course," she murmured, her voice gentle yet firm. "You're always welcome here. Please, make yourself comfortable. You must be exhausted."

"I am," you admitted, your shoulders slumping slightly. The journey had been long and draining, both mentally and physically. Pregnancy hadn't made matters easier, leaving you feeling weary and drained. Colin, who had been standing beside you, placed a comforting hand on your back. "You look tired," he observed, his voice laced with concern. "Come, let's get you settled in and comfortable." Eloise couldn't help but notice Colin's concern and attentiveness towards you. It was clear that he cared deeply for your well-being, and it warmed her heart. She smiled gently at you both, her eyes filled with understanding. "Yes, please do," she chimed in, gesturing towards a bedroom. "You're in the blue room, as usual. Colin will show you the way and make sure you have everything you need."

As the days passed, You settled into the Bridgerton household. Your presence brought a different kind of warmth to the family, especially to Eloise as if nothing had ever happened. You both spent hours talking, reminiscing about old times, and sharing your thoughts on life and society. One evening, after a particularly lively family dinner, Eloise and You found themselves alone in the drawing room. You looked at Eloise, a wistful expression on your face. "Do you remember when we were children, Eloise?" You asked softly. "We used to climb trees and talk about our dreams when you pulled me away for Colin." Eloise smiled, her heart aching with a mix of nostalgia and something deeper. "I remember. We were quite the pair, weren't we?" Your eyes met hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away. "We were each other's first kiss," you said quietly. "I've never forgotten that." Eloise's breath hitched at your words, her heart racing in her chest. Memories of that night in the garden, the first taste of a kiss shared between two unsuspecting girls, flooded her mind. She had never forgotten that moment either, the taste, the feeling, the electric charge that had coursed through her body. She looked at you, her eyes searching your face, a mix of nostalgia and something more intense welling up inside her. "How could I forget?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As the days turned into weeks, Eloise found herself growing closer to You. Your friendship began to evolve into something more profound, something neither of you had the courage to name yet. Eloise also grew close to your young son, and as your pregnancy progressed, she became a constant source of support and comfort. One evening, as you sat together, Eloise felt a flutter of hope. "I want to be here for you, for your child. I care about you deeply," Eloise confessed. You reached out, taking Eloise's hand in yours. "I care about you too, Eloise. More than I can say." The connection between you and Eloise deepened with each passing day. You found yourself spending more time together, sharing laughs and conversations, their bond growing stronger. As Eloise's words echoed in the room, a rush of emotions coursed through your heart. She cared about you, not just as a friend, but more deeply than even she could express. You reached out, your hand grasping hers, a small, touched smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "You have no idea how much that means to me, Eloise," you murmured, your voice soft and affectionate.

Eloise's heart skipped a beat at your touch, the warmth of your hand against hers sending ripples of electricity through her. She leaned closer, her eyes locked on yours, brimming with an intense mixture of tenderness and admiration. "I can't help it," she confessed, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I care about you, perhaps more than I should. It's… it's like you've become the very breath I draw. Without you, everything seems… empty." Your heart thumped wildly in your chest as Eloise professed her feelings with such intensity. Her words left you breathless, the rawness in her voice sending a shiver down your spine. You couldn't help but respond to her confession with an equally heartfelt response of your own. "I feel the same, Eloise," you murmured, your voice thick with emotion. "You've woven your way into my heart, becoming a fixture I can no longer imagine being without. Your presence brings a light into my life I didn't know was missing." A small, shaky gasp escaped Eloise's lips as she soaked in your words. Her eyes widened, and a mix of elation and disbelief washed over her features. She had been carrying these feelings inside her for so long, unsure if they were reciprocated, and now, hearing your confession, it felt like a floodgate had opened.

"You… you feel the same?" she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "You need me as much as I need you?" As the words left your lips, Eloise felt her heart fill with a bittersweet mixture of joy and pain. She had longed to hear those words, to know that your feelings mirrored her own. But the pain came from the realization that their lives, shaped by circumstance and duty, held barriers they may never overcome. But at this moment, all she could do was savor the moment, the knowledge that you cared for her as deeply as she did you. She squeezed your hand, her eyes glimmering with a mix of sorrow and hope. "What are we to do, then?" she asked softly. Your heart ached as you witnessed the emotions swimming in Eloise's eyes. The joy of finally expressing your feelings was tinged with sorrow, as the reality of their current situation settled upon you. You squeezed her hand back, a silent reassurance that you wouldn't let go. "I don't know," you admitted, your voice quieter now, a whisper barely above the silence in the room. "Our circumstances… they're complex. Society, duty, expectations… they all stand in the way of what we feel."

Eloise's hand trembled slightly in yours as you spoke, the weight of your words settling heavily on her heart. She knew you were right; the world around them was not an easy terrain to navigate, especially when feelings as deep as theirs were involved. "We're caught between what we want and what we're supposed to do," she whispered, her voice quivering. "It's not fair. Why should society dictate our happiness?" You felt a lump in your throat as you heard the pain in Eloise's voice, the frustration of their situation reflected in her words. It wasn't fair, you agreed, that they had to suppress their feelings for the sake of society's expectations. It was a cruel, twisted game they were playing. "It's as if the world doesn't want us to be happy," you murmured, your voice tinged with bitterness. "As if our feelings are somehow wrong just because they don't fit into the neat little boxes society has built for us." Eloise's grip on your hand tightened, her fingers clinging to yours as if you were her lifeline in a storm-tossed sea. The raw emotion in your voice mirrored the turmoil in her heart. "It's maddening," she whispered, her eyes blazing with frustration and helplessness. "Why are we expected to bury our feelings, to ignore the very things that make us come alive? Why is the pursuit of happiness sacrificed at the altar of societal norms?"

As the days pass by, Colin, ever the observant brother, begins to notice the growing closeness between Eloise and you. He saw the way you looked at each other, the secret smiles you shared. One afternoon, he walked into the garden and found you both sharing a tender kiss. His eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself and approached you two. "Eloise, Y/N, we need to talk," he said gently. Eloise and you exchanged a worried glance before turning to Colin. You explained everything, from your childhood bond thanks to him and to your current feelings. Colin listened carefully, his expression softening. "I understand. And I support you both. We need to tell the rest of the family." You felt a rush of fear and relief as the truth spilled out, the words tumbling from your lips. But to your surprise, instead of anger or disappointment, Colin's expression softened, his understanding making the burden feel slightly lighter. "I trust you, both of you," he said sincerely. "But we have to tell the rest of the family. They deserve to know the truth." The reality of divulging your secret to the rest of the family hung in the air, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. With Colin's help, Eloise and Y/N came out to the rest of the Bridgerton family. To their relief, the family was accepting and supportive. Violet, ever the loving mother, embraced them both. "You have my blessing," she said, her eyes filled with tears. "Love is love, and I want you both to be happy." Eloise pleaded with her mother to let her stay with Y/N and the children instead of participating in the Season. Violet agreed, understanding the depth of Eloise's feelings.

The weight lifted off of both of you as you told the rest of the family and their overwhelming acceptance eased the tension in your shoulders. The support and unconditional love from Violet and the rest of the family meant the world to you both. Eloise felt a wave of relief and gratitude as her mother agreed to let her stay with you and the children instead of participating in the Season. She gave her mother a tearful smile, the weight of the world having lifted from her shoulders. Eloise moved in with you, and together you prepared for the birth of your second child. When the day finally came, Eloise was by your side, offering comfort and support. The birth was difficult, but with Eloise's unwavering presence, you gave birth to a beautiful daughter. You named her Hope, a symbol of a new beginning. The Bridgertons visited often, growing close to your children and embracing their expanded family. Life seemed to fall into a beautiful routine. You and Eloise raised your children together, surrounded by the love and acceptance of the Bridgerton family. There were still the occasional whispers and stares whenever you went out together, but you both chose to ignore them, focusing instead on the love you shared and the family you had built. Hope was a ray of sunshine in your lives, bringing new laughter and joy to your home. She became a symbol of the love you and Eloise had dared to embrace, even in the face of societal norms.

Months after Anthony and Kate's wedding, the Bridgertons gathered once more, this time for a special ceremony in their own backyard. You and Eloise stood together, surrounded by your loved ones. Colin walked you down the aisle, his smile proud and loving. Benedict did the same for Eloise, beaming with happiness for his sister. As you exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other, the sun set behind you, casting a golden glow over the garden. The Bridgertons cheered, and Violet wiped away happy tears. They celebrated love in all its forms, united as a family. Eloise and you, hand in hand, looked at the children and then at each other. You had found your way back to each other, and now, you were ready to face the future together, surrounded by love and acceptance. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and cheers as the sun set behind you both, casting a warm, golden glow over the garden. The happiness and love that surrounded you were palpable, flowing from the family members present to the very air you breathed.

As you looked at Eloise by your side, hand in hand, the realization that you finally had what you wanted settled deep within you. Your children, your family, and the love you had found, not just with Eloise but with the Bridgertons as a whole, was more than you could have ever wished for.

#eloise bridgerton #eloise bridgerton x reader #eloise bridgerton x you #eloise bridgerton x yn #bridgerton imagines #bridgerton x reader

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poppadom0912 · 1 year ago

Text

Together (VI)

Warnings: Mentions of violence, blood, injuries, abuse, kidnappings, shootings, and scary men.

Summary: Everyone in Chicago knows the signature Halstead stubbornness, but the Murray's only smell delusion.

A/N: A Levels are kicking my ass but enjoy!! This was also written on while I was at school so there might be a few mistakes. The angst in this is too good to be true if you ask me so buckle up ;)

Previous Chapter / Series Masterlist / Next Chapter

The effects of the drugs were still present as Will came back to, vision blurry and body in agony as he re-adjusted himself on the cold floor. Everything came rushing back and he tried his best not to panic when he couldn't find Jay.

However, his panic became clear as day when he caught your unconscious figure laying almost too still on the floor, too far from him to reach you.

Despite calling out to you, trying his best to nudge you with his feet, you never moved, remaining immobile. Will swore he heard you groan but it was so silent he could easily blame it on delusion.

Trying his best not to jump to conclusions, Will tugged and moved his hands tied to metal pipes, trying as hard as he could to release himself so he could get to you.

And it might've taken what felt like years, resulting in his wrists to bleed out a bit too heavy than normal but he was already in so much pain that it made no difference.

As carefully as he could so not to aggravate any of his more serious injuries, Will brushed your hair away from sticking to your forehead to behind your ears.

On instinct, he checked for a pulse and choked back a sob when he felt it. It was definitely weak but it was there and that was all that mattered right now.

"Y/N? Y/N open those eyes for me." Will whispered, gently picking your head up and placing it on his thighs, letting them act as a pillow.

"I know you're in there so don't even try it with me young lady." He said, semi strict tone that he used to use when you were a teenager and he was the only fatherly figure in your life besides Jay.

Once again, you groaned from the sheer amount of pain you were in, tears pricking your eyes and falling down your cheeks when you didn't bother holding them back.

"There she is." Will continued whispering, a smile gracing his lips as the two of you made eye contact. He felt his chest tighten at the sight of your silent tears. "Hurts... It hurts Will." You said huskily, voice cracking and breaking, an indication that you were going to lose it soon. "It hurts so much."

“I know, I know it does.” Will whispered, swallowing harshly as you shivered in his arms. “I’m so sorry but you have to stay awake for me.”

Despite being in a haze, you let out a sound that indicated you were listening to him. As you did so, you forced your eyes open and studied your oldest brothers scar filled face.

“You're hurt Will.” You said, trying to raise your voice in sternness but it only cracked further. Mustering as much strength as you could, you lifted your hand and gently poked his face with your own bloodied and worn out fingers.

Slightly wincing, Will held your wrist, his touch as light as a feather as he moved it away back onto your lap. “Don’t talk to much okay? You need to preserve your energy and try not to lose your voice.”

You were never a sticker for the rules, always foregoing your brothers advice whenever they lent it to you. "Tell me a story, something I don't know... please?"

The desperation soaked into your words, it almost brought Will back to a time where innocence was all the Halstead siblings knew. The image of a toddler you, wobbling along like a penguin but ambition shone bright in your eyes as it always did whenever you heard the boyish shouts of the only kids who'd have to become men too quickly

For the sake of you.

Swallowing down the lump in his throat, he continued to bring you comfort with his feather light touches as to not add any more gasoline to to fire your body was set on.

"Well." Will blinked away his tears, refusing to show both his pain and fear in a moment that he needed to be the big brother he's been since the early age of two. "I was going to tell you this at your wedding but when you were seven..."

And with ease, something Will hadn't felt since he was in Jay's truck earlier today or maybe it was yesterday, time slipped away from him; Will delved into what sounded like angels singing hymns.

The great blue earth that spun ever so gracefully felt so insignificant right now. It felt like hell was here in the room with you because this pain was otherworldly.

You would never let them know, but you craved sweet release.

*****

Jay felt like he was going crazy, which he was, both figuratively and literally.

Here he was in the bullpen, not in the best of states taking into account the cuts and bruises littering his body, his thigh pulsating whenever he moved an inch but just as he felt the pain, he remembered you and Will. He remembered your battered body and your helpless screams and despite never seeing it, he knew Will had been hurt but the man was too stubborn and selfless to show his younger siblings.

There was no new evidence since Jay's unexpected arrival.

Everything had been thoroughly sifted through and no rocks had been left unturned. Things were so uneventful that Kelly had been convinced - *cough cough forced* - back to work with the promise he was their first call when they found something. And of course, Jay wasn't going to deny his future brother-in-law.

The middle Halstead sibling sat at his desk, picking away at every miniscule detail he could remember. His siblings lives were literally in the palms of his hands and he'd be damned they were ripped out of his grasp. He wasn't a Halstead for nothing. It was the only good thing they all inherited from their father and that was his godforsaken stubbornness that Voight, Goodwin and Boden cursed out on a daily.

His eyes stung, salty tears blurring his vision for mere seconds before they were extinguished. This was not the time nor was it the place for Jay to start contemplating and start thinking the worst. He knew that as long as neither of you were alone, as long as the two of you remained together then he had no reason to worry and his only job was to find you.

The Jackson brothers had already taken so much from the Halsteads and just as life was running smoother than silk, they barged in and tore it all apart with no care for the feelings of others. Jay didn't understand just how cruel people could be, even in his line of work some people were just beyond evil just for the sake of it.

Apparently, according to Antonio who had been in touch with a few of his people, Jackson's escape was so clean not a single prison guard could recollect when or how it happened and Ezra had been in hiding for the past four years. There were no explanations to their appearances and Jay felt himself going mad.

Maybe he was beginning to get delirious from the endless dead ends they came upon or maybe it was the blood loss catching up to him added with the adrenaline finally dying down. No one would know but Jay could live with that if it meant getting a single hint or clue as to where his brother and sister were kept locked away from his itching fingers.

In Jay's opinion, Voight wasn't being fair when he denied giving Jay his backup gun that was usually kept in the draw at the bottom of his desk. He'd confiscated it and refused to give it back till this entire ordeal was over as he claimed Jay's behaviour to be unpredictable even when on the verge of fainting.

"Thanks Kim." Jay thanked the brunette with a tight lipped smile when she placed a coffee and sandwich in front of him on his desk. He could practically feel the concern oozing off his colleagues but he simply ignored it, shoving it far away because that was the least of his problems right now. Deep down, he knew he needed medical attention but then he heard your gut wrenching cries and suddenly his eyes were stinging again.

According to the numbers on his computer screen, it would be 24 hours since the Halsteads kidnapping in approximately three minutes and gosh did it make Jay want to scream, shouting out to any higher power that was empathetic enough to help.

His favourite coffee sat peacefully in its paper cup but the brown liquid only made him feel queasy. For some reason, the common beverage made him think of the thermos sitting in his truck that belonged to Will, his older brothers complaining about how the ED had tired him out. God, Will must be so tired.

Swallowing back the rising bile, Jay sighed, his entire body deflating into his chair. His head was pounding and the bandage Ethan tightly wrapped around his leg was soaked through, his blood was soon going to start dripping onto the wooden floor and he didn't need that on his mind too. Sitting up, Jay nicely asked if Kim could help him redress the wound which she nodded without a second thought. Besides the two of them and Voight in his office doing God knows what, the bullpen was empty despite the occasional team member moving in and out with an urgency that never left since they heard Jay's audio from Trudy.

Screwing his eyes shut, Jay bite back a wince when Kim knelt down and touched his thigh with practiced gentleness that reminded him of the tenderness his first responder siblings showed whenever on the clock.

All of a sudden, his heart lurched out of his chest when Kim's phone alarm went off, a notification popping up and going as soon as it came. It was very short lived but Jay caught of glimpse of the words on her phone and felt dread taking over his body.

Dragging his eyes back over to his computer screen, Jay could only feel the weight on his shoulders increase tenfold and if he listened closely, he could probably hear his bones creaking under the pressure.

It'd officially been 24 hours since the Halsteads went missing.

Series Masterlist:

@mads-weasley @sowrongitslottie @elite4cekalyma @senjoritanana @hufflepuff-blackwidow @mrspeacem1nusone @kmc1989 @goth-cowgirl-03 @daggersquadphantom @photographerkaiya0306 @jamie0515 @samanthavitale

#one chicago x reader #one chicago imagine #jay halstead x reader #onechicago #chicago fire #chicago med #chicago pd #will halstead x reader #halstead sister #halstead brothers #kelly severide x reader #jay halstead x sister!reader #will halstead x sister!reader

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dsireland86 · 7 days ago

Text

There Is Beauty In The Pain

Chapter 6 Part 2

18+ below the cut

Tag list: @philomenie @supersquirrel1996 @foliosgirl @angelmarie89 @fadingintothegrey @thisbicc @lma1986 @dominuslunae @shayzillaaaa �� @mrsnoahsebastian @flowery-mess @iloveyoutodeathbutimdrowning @stardustsirenmelody @romanreigns-supreme @anything-more-than-human @into-the-grey @rumoured-whispers @myownthoughts12 @sister-sebastian @nyxthedestroyerofworlds-deactiv @missduffsblog @bngurngheart @somebodyllelse @xxkittenkissesxx @fadingangelwisp

Sophie:

I brushed my teeth, placing my brush in the holder once finished and turned out the bathroom light. Climbing into bed, I sat for a moment, thinking about the day and all that had happened. I was still in a whirlwind of emotions about it, feeling like it was a first time thing, even though it certainly wasn’t.

Noah’s hands on me, exploring places only one other man had ever gone, was the last thing I ever expected, especially after the fight we had the other day.

To start with, Perry’s texts came out of nowhere, blindsiding me to the point that it made me panic. It had been almost three months since I’d last seen him, since those last horrible, fucked-up texts and video (which were still on my phone), were sent to me.

I’d blocked his number, but he must have gotten another number, because that morning, a text came through that said “I miss you and I’m sorry” from a random number I didn’t recognize, automatically thinking they had the wrong number.

I wrote back and said such, but another text came through quickly that read:

“No, I don’t. But I have yours memorized, Baby.”

I knew then I was screwed. The conversation with Perry was brief, but the things he told me were different than the other times before. Even his tone sounded different. I wanted to believe him, but after the night before with Noah, I just couldn’t.

I told Perry to go away and leave me alone, instantly blocking the number, but keeping the texts just in case. And then it happened. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t control the corrupted thoughts running through my head, and that morning, Noah could tell how wrecked I was. He thought it was his fault and it crushed me that he felt that way.

I just couldn’t explain it the right way to him, yet, because none of it made sense in my head yet. Then I made the mistake of calling him Perry, and man, that made things go south real fast.

I stayed to myself for a few days, eventually opening the prison gates in mind and allowing myself some freedom. Noah was there, waiting for me with a smile, a hug, and an apology which I accepted gratefully, ready to put the past behind me and move on.

The moment Noah touched me for the first time, my skin screamed. It wasn’t enough to just have his hands on me. I wanted him in me, molding me to him and allowing him to evade every single crack, corner and crevice of my body. And he did; mostly.

His finger inside me was something I never thought would be so addictive. He knew what he was doing when he twisted or hooked, or inserted another finger, almost filling me.

The way he softly yet confidently circled my clit, making me say things I’d never said before because I was never allowed to speak during sex with Perry. He said it broke his concentration, when really, now I knew he was probably thinking about somebody else.

Then came the moment when Noah went fully down on me, holding nothing back as he licked, sucked, and kissed my center like it had always belonged to him. In reality I guess it did because Perry, never once, did even a quarter of what Noah was doing. Even though I was forced to pleasure him and make him happy and content, Perry said that sort of thing wasn’t for him.

Noah brought me to such an unreal climax, that the way I came for him was out of this world. It gave me such a high, I was literally seeing stars, even making him cum in his jeans.

All of these little things Noah did to me earlier in the day attached themselves to my memory, refusing to forget any detail. They would stay there forever, buried deep in a secret place. But the best part of it all was how Noah made my heart feel through it all.

He was sweet and gentle and made me feel completely worthy of everything he did to and for me

I had never experienced an orgasm like that, nor being praised and worshiped in the way Noah had. The entire experience was euphoric, almost ethereal, and I hoped it wasn’t just a one time thing.

The subtle knock on the door brought me out from reminiscing and it opened slowly. Noah stood in the entrance, looking so fucking delicious that I had to squeeze my legs together, trying to suppress the strong sensual, wet feeling cascading between them. I knew Noah noticed because of the way he smiled at me.

“I just came to check on you and see if you were okay?”

“Well, that was sweet of you,” I answered, patting the spot next to me on the bed. Noah’s eyes met mine as he made his way over to the bed, dropping on the mattress next to me.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I replied.

I wasn’t oblivious to the way Noah’s eyes raked over me. I was in my sleepy pants and a tank top and didn’t have the chance to grab my hoodie before he walked in. I was chilly, goosebumps spreading over my skin for proof and making my nipples harden. Noah’s eyes lingered on my breasts a little longer than I think he meant to because when he looked up at me, a slight reddish hue graced his cheeks.

I reached out and caressed his cheek, feeling the weight of his head leaning into my palm. He looked at me again, this time a little sleepier.

Noah had a face that could fit anywhere. Sometimes he was hot as hell, other times cute. Right now, he was absolutely adorable, but then other times, I’ve seen him look so angry that it scared me. But I knew I was safe with him. I knew Noah would never, ever hurt me.

“Sleepy?”

He nodded slowly.

“Did Matt mention anything about earlier,” I asked, quietly. Noah shook his head, slipping his hand between my knees.

“I think he was too embarrassed to,” he chuckled, letting his hand slide down my thigh. Even through the light fabric of my pants I could feel the heaviness of his touch, sparking a sudden need inside me. I sighed, indulging myself in the feeling of Noah’s hands on me again.

Without taking my eyes off his, I lowered my legs and let them fall open, hearing the strangled groan leave his chest as I did so, proving he wanted me, just as much as I wanted him.

“Round two,” Noah smirked, leaning over and laying his lips on me, kissing me softly. I took his hands, lacing his long, tattooed fingers with ming. My mouth fell open with his, our tongues pressing together as Noah let go of my hands and wrapped his arms around my waist, lifting and pulling me into his lap, where he continued to kiss me. I bit back and swallowed the moans that were begging to escape. I didn’t want to sound so needy and desperate.

Playing with the hair at the nape of his neck, I settled comfortably in Noah’s lap, unintentionally wiggling against the hard bulge pressed against my heated center.

It was Noah who moaned first, separating us for a moment to look at me.

“You’re so fucking beautiful, Sophie,” he said with absoluteness. I knew he was telling the truth. I could see it in his eyes.

“You’re pretty hot yourself,” I giggled, running my fingertips up and down his back, feeling his muscles relax beneath my touch.

“What are we doing?” he asked, his deep chocolate eyes searching mine.

“I don’t know,” I answered, lowering my gaze.

Noah lifted my chin and kissed me again, slipping his hands under my tank top and placing them on the skin of my back. His hands felt like fire to my icy skin, making me shiver. I welcomed his touch, though. It melted away every unwanted touch from my past every time I felt it.

His fingertips danced along my spine as memories began to unfold, images that had my eyes filling with tears. I threw my arms around his neck and rested my cheek against his shoulder.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded, unable to answer for fear he’d hear the tears in my voice.

“Hey, look at me,” Noah said, pulling me away from him.

I Didn't.

“Look at me,” he repeated, tone calm.

But I couldn't. I didn’t want him to see me feeling weak again.

His fingers were on my chin, lifting it to look at him. His eyes darted between mine and I could see the worry behind them.

“You're safe,” Noah whispered, cupping my face in his large hands, eyes boring straight into me as if penetrating my soul.

“I promise.”

That word. Promise. God how that word could break me.

He pulled me against him, wrapping his arms around me tightly.

“I'm sorry.”

“For what?”

“For not being easy,” I whimpered, wiping the loose tears that trickled down my cheeks

“Well, I don't want easy, I never asked for it. I just want you.”

I started to shake my head, but Noah stopped me by grabbing my face.

“Just the way you are,” he said, confidently.

I stared into his eyes, waiting to see that same look I would see in Perry’s eyes when he would lie to me, but I didn’t see it.

“Really?”

“Really,” Noah repeated, without missing a beat, running his thumbs over my lips. I frowned in confusion.

“Even the broken pieces?”

I wondered how that was even possible; to love someone, broken pieces and all.

Noah pecked my lips. “Especially the broken pieces,” he winked.

My heart suddenly felt ten times lighter as my head hit his chest and I laid it against it, relishing the sound of his beating heart.

Folio:

I knew the risk of it happening. I knew it was possible. I just didn’t think it would be so soon, so fast.

Sophie fell for him; Noah and all his charm. Of course she did. Why wouldn't she? After all, they shared a unique moment with each other and given everything that happened to her in the last month, Noah was the one her heart felt safe with. They weren't officially together, but all of us knew there was something there.

But there was an undeniable pull between me and her, one that came and went like a hot summer storm.

There were moments that were simple and mundane, our friendship blossoming into something I never knew I needed.

But then there were moments when the fever between us was so hot, so incredibly strong, that it felt like we could burn the world down around us.

I couldn’t explain it. I knew Sophie felt something whenever we were together. I could always see it in her eyes, especially when we touched, but neither one of us ever said anything.

So, I kept all my feelings to myself because of how worried I was about losing her for good. If I confessed the way I felt there was a chance she'd be angry with me or worse I'd scare her away and that wasn't something I was willing to risk.

There were hints, though that spoke loudly; the way she would watch me so intently and her reaction when I played my drum kit, or the way she would cuddle up close to me on our random fishing adventures.

But my favorite was when I took her out on my bike a few times while Noah spent the morning with Ash at the gym. The warm California air rushed through us both, making the space between hot and sweaty as she clung to me tightly.

Sometimes she'd rest her head on my back and I would hold her arm pressed tightly around my waist. It was magical, being with Sophie that way. It always felt right and I often thought I'd maybe stand a chance.

But each time we got home and I watched her and Noah hug and greet each other, it felt like I'd been punched in the gut or worse, had my heart ripped out of my chest. I'd pretend I didn't notice, only to hide myself away in my room for a while, sometimes getting high or just stareing at the ceiling thinking about what it would be like if it was me she had fallen for instead of Noah.

The answer was always the same, too; I'd be the happiest man in the world.

Six Months Later

Noah:

The warm liquid seeped through my shorts, creating a large grayish stain to appear. Luckily, we were the only ones home, so I didn’t risk the chance of getting shit from any of the guys before getting the chance to change.

“See what you fucking do to me,” I smiled after Sophie pulled me in between her thighs, wrapping her legs around the back of mine.

Her arousal made me aroused and right after her orgasm hit her, mine came crashing into me before I could stop it.

Sophie held my face between her hands and kissed me, slipping her tongue into my mouth and pressing it to mine. The way she kissed me fully had me wrecked. My legs were still shaking.

She ran her hands through my hair, wrapping them behind my neck.

“I fucking love it when you do that,” I moaned, lowering my head to her shoulder.

“What, this?” running her hands through my hair, her nails raking against my scalp.

“Yup. That.”

Sophie chuckled.

I raised my head and looked over her face, taking in all the sweet little imperfections I noticed: a few small scars on her cheekbones and under her eyes, proof of all the hard months of physical abuse she lived through.

“So beautiful,” I whispered to myself.

Sophie shook her head and instantly looked away, refusing to meet my eyes.

“Hey, look at me,” slipping my finger under her chin and turning her face towards me.

“You are,” I assured her. My lips formed a thin line and curved into a smile, but Sophie covered her face with her hands as if she was embarrassed. I pulled them away, and brought them to my chest instead, holding them there tightly.

‘Don't you dare cover your face, especially not from me,” I scolded. “You've spent too much of your life hiding that beautiful face because of…”

but I didn't finish my thought. I didn't want to say the asshole’s name that was responsible for all of Sophie’s trauma in the past. I didn't like bringing up the abuse either and all the shit he put her through.

“Yeah, well, you know,” I huffed, I mumbled.

I bushed the loose hair out of Sophie’s face, forcing a smile. I was fighting hard against the urge of wanting to finally be inside her, filling her and worshiping her body the way it deserved to be.

But I was the one choosing to wait for sex. I wanted to give her more time to adjust to everything that was happening in her world and all around her and not feel forced or pressured just to satisfy me.

The soft touch of her fingers as they slid down my cheek when she touched me spoke louder than words. It was refreshing and I couldn’t resist leaning into her touch.

I had so much to tell Sophie. Over the last nine and a half months, I'd learned everything about her, yet I hadn’t been fully transparent with her.

I had secrets of my own that I wasn't sure I was capable of telling her, things about my past that still haunted me, but I knew I had to try. And soon.

"I'm ready Noah, I'm ready for you to have all of me.”

Was she serious? My forehead creased and I knew Sophie could easily read the expression on my face.

“Sophie, are you sure? Don't you think,” “I have been thinking, Noah! That's all I've been doing! I want you, Noah. I need you, now.”

She stared up at me with her doleful eyes, making me weaker by the second. “I’m through with waiting.”

My hands ached to touch her, my arms to hold her. “Are you sure?” I whispered, sinking down closer to her lips. They were a mere inches apart from each other when she whispered back, “Yes.”

Fuck.

Our lips crash together in a cry of desperate eagerness. Sophie pulled me into her causing me to have to straddle her lap as my hands tangled around her face and then her hair. I wanted to devour her and suffocate beneath her kisses, consuming as much of her as I could. Her hands found my ass and I uttered a low grumble the moment I felt them attach to me, gripping and tugging on my shorts.

“Fuck, Sophie,” I breathed, almost falling into her. “Noah, I want you,” she pleaded.

The way she whined, pulling part of my shorts down and running her hand over my skin had me buckling at the knees, weak as hell.

“Sophie, baby,” I mumbled against her lips, dropping to my knees and cupping her face to kiss her better. I couldn’t resist her intoxicatingly strong need for me anymore.

I didn't want to. I wanted to give her every part of me, including every dark and dirty secret I had buried deep inside my head.

“You own me, baby. You fucking own me; body and soul,” I confessed to her, no longer caring how fast any of this was moving. She whimpered again, making my hard, throbbing cock twitch against the zipper of my shorts.

“And everyone is going to know it.”

Sophie stopped, pulling away to look at me.

“Noah, are you sure?”

I smiled at the way she seemed so worried about it. “I’m sure. I’ve never been more sure about anything before in my life.”

She threw herself back into my arms, clinging to me tightly.

“Noah, let's go upstairs, please,” she begged me, and my heart started pounding even harder than before. I pulled her to her feet, about to do just that, when my phone went off. The ringer was fucking loud, making both of us jump.

“Motherfucker,” I groaned, pulling it out of my pocket to see who it was.

“Fucking Matt.” I ignored it, and slid it back into my pocket. “He can wait,” I said, cupping Sophie’s face again, kissing her already bruised, wet lips. Picking her up bridal style, I head towards the staircase, just as my phone went off again.

“Seriously,” I growled in frustration. It was Matt again. Sophie sighed. “Just answer it. And go clean yourself up,” she laughed, pointing down at my shorts still stained with my release from earlier. “No, I'm just going to ignore it again,” I stated, taking her hand, but she pulled away from me.

“Don't. He's just going to keep calling or worse show up. Just answer it. We'll have time for us later.”

Sophie laid her hand gently on my arm, standing on her tiptoes to kiss me. I grumbled and answered the phone, knowing she was right.

“Okay, what? Someone better be dying Matt, I swear to god. You just interrupted the most significant moment in the history of me and Sophie.”

“Noah.”

The somber tone in Matt's voice made stop halfway up the stairs.

“Matt, what’s wrong?”

There was a brief pause.

“Noah, I've got some really fucked up news that you're not going to like. I only found out a little bit ago myself.”

I hadn't heard the kind of tone in Matt's voice since… fuck.”

“She's back, isn't she,” I stated, pausing halfway up the stairs. My heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest and I felt like I might throw up. The world around me started to become a little bury as I carefully sat down on the step below me.

“Yeah, she is, Noah. Sarah's back.

#noah sebastian #noah sebastian fanfiction #bad omens band #bad omens cult #bad omens #bad omens fanfiction

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thesweetroro · 14 days ago

Note

Hi I was wondering could you do one showing how Uno, Rock, Liang, Upa, and Samon act like when they are sick?

Sure thing, sorry for being late again >◽️<!!

im also sick, wish me luck!

꩜ Request 🩰 .

── .✦ 🎠 5-13

── .✦🏷️ the inmates + guard

ꪆৎ

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧 (Uno)

he is so spoiled when he gets sick he actually loves it because he can be dramatic as much as he want and you probably wouldn’t complain because he’s just your poor boyfriend and all he needs is love and care .

He’s so clingy and if you left his site for five minutes you’re gonna hear the loudest cry out ever and you will regret the time that you decide to go out he kinda does it on purpose and in the same time not because Uno gets some extra stuff than most people when he is sick,mostly all of his body hurts and his muscles are ao sore and weak he will whine about it because even turning left or right painful for him so you have to massage him with Voltarol gel as he cries a little.

Cant sleep with out ear cleaning because he becomes more sensitive to every noise and wants a real life asmr , when you guys are out to check on him and give him his medicine he lay on you the whole session and would even hide himself in your neck.

Loves loves worm drinks specially tea and milk Soup and whatever that’s more like a babies food that you make for him he will lick the plate he says that your food is so gentle that it can fix his illness.

Wont be able to do his daily routine so he count on you to do his skincare or even get him to the bathroom it’s kind of actually sad because he used to always wake before you and he was the one to tickle you while he was picking you up to the bathroom in the morning so you wont get even a little mad and just kiss his forehead and ask him if had a good sleep.

He usually grits his teeth as he’s asleep but when he is sick he don’t do that because he focused on breathing so you won’t hear any noises but his little breath trying to get in , will wake up in the middle of the night and call your name whining until he sees you “baby..y/n babe?..” cough “love?mmm!” just so you will put him to sleep and go back to your bed.

ꪆৎ

‧₊˚ 🍔 ‧₊𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖🪻(Rock)

Like uno like being spoiled but also has a self control sort of when it comes to express his pain he won’t whine that much but he will be all over you .

Another surprising thing about this guy that he loses his appetite so you have to force him to eat all three meals also on top of that his medicine and warm drinks, he would feel discussed about the food that he usually eat there’s something about the sentence of every dish makes him want to throw up .

He loses half of his energy plus urge to fight and won’t be very active with anyone unless it’s you and when you are gone he just skipped it by sleeping until you get back.

He’s not too clingy but he is more attracted to you than ever like you could just get this man his medicine with a spoon and he will just stare at you with a puppy eyes and play with your hair and tell you that you look so pretty.

More able to recover from it in such no time and won’t make a big deal out of it, appears to be less chatty than the usual.

will definitely ask you to get on top of him and just cuddle him I think this is the time that he is more insecure and so he would probably ask you about the things that you like about him.

ꪆৎ

⊹ ࣪ ˖🧧୭˚. ᵎᵎ🧘🏻(Upa)

A big denier that he will not accept that he was able to get sick and even if he finally couldn’t move anymore or just on the bed all the day he will think it’s a curse and somebody cursed him.

Will not accept any treatment from you or favouring he doesn’t even believe that he is sick so why the need ? , Deep down his heart he doesn’t want you to get sick so he’s trying to push you away from him but of course you will never leave him like this.

He even tried to kick you out of there but Simon saw that absolutely wasn’t happy about it did try talking to him that even if he didn’t want your care at least be polite when refusing it and surprisingly he did listen.

Isn’t a much for complainer or whiner until he slowly gives up on being completely fine as bad as it goes for him he will be all over you and asking for love and gentle treatment because after all all he needed is a shoulder to lay on.

Will not stop you from going anywhere but will be very sad if you weren’t by his sight also misses you a lot , he take his medicines on the time as you do to him and be careful when you are not around.

Will eat literally anything from your hand at the moment because he could be a little bit picky sometimes but all he thought he was gonna be able to eat some tea and sandwiches or whatever you feed that boy like a grandmother.

When he is finally will again he forgets everything about what happened and even if someone told him and approve it with video of him cuddling you and sticking to your chest he will break the phone and not believe it.

ꪆৎ

𐙚‧₊˚🐉✩ ₊˚🏯⊹♡(samon)

10 out of 10 was prepared of this day his whole life he isn’t the type of guy that would like to show his soft side but for you it’s a different story He was mad that he wouldn’t be able to go with you like the most of time around the building he was happy that he could be stuck to you all the time and all over you because he is just poor sick little thing.

He wasn’t like that on his job site because that would lead him to a ton of leftover paperwork and because everyone else in this building can do a better job like him or be trusted enough to do so they will rotten there for awhile.

Very respectful man that he is so quiet about him getting fever like you won’t even know until he woke up before you and you hear something from the kitchen and he was coughing so badly felt so heartbroken and the moment so just basically throw him on the bed and didn’t even hear a single word.

Also very annoying a little bit because you could cover him with 16 blankets and three socks on top of each other and you can just turn your head back to the kitchen and grab him some tea and come back he is half naked for God know why Then even if you stare deeply in his soul he will just say that he got overheated and couldn’t breathe in the same second will say that he got cold.

It’s everything literally everything you wanted to have a little snack and put it beside the table that’s close to your bed you’re gonna go back with licked plate and you can’t blame him he got hungry There is this one time when you placed a bath bomb and he thought it was sour candy so he took a giant bite out of it because he felt the needs of sourness.

basically act normally and it depends on him if he want to be clingy or not or whiny or not like you get it, but most of all he has the mind for five years old.

but because I wanna spoil you I’m gonna tell you when he is clingy and tiny, clingy is mostly stuck on your stomach or neck or chest and if you dare to walk out of that bed he will hug the soul out of your thighs .

And if he was whiny he will complain about his work and calls your name a lot or that he is sorry that he ate your food or that he is hungry.

ꪆৎ

. ݁₊ ⊹ 🥋. ݁˖ . ݁݁🪭(liang)

his reaction would likely be a mix of stubborn pride and hidden vulnerability. At first, he'd probably brush it off, insisting that it's "no big deal" and trying to stay as upbeat and energetic as usual. He'd downplay his symptoms, possibly even making jokes about how sickness can’t keep a martial artist like him down.

you will absolutely catch on that because it obvious from the way he is talking and repeating himself a lot and even he is more clumsy than ever more luckily to hit his nose every corner and fall with each steps so now you have to handle this because you cannot deny him anymore from what he is truly going through.

everything you would do for him he would respond with” oh honey it doesn’t have to do that” or “it’s not even a big deal I can take care of my own you go have your fun” what a glorious king that we have chat.

isn’t clingy isn’t whiny isn’t picky, he is so calm about it but he was genuinely touched by the fact that he was well taken care of specially by you his loved one he was appreciating it a lot.

Kind of knowing what he wants to eat or drink in the moment because he believes he knows himself better that’s a fact so he is more into green tea , meat soup or vegetable soup, and also add honey and black seeds.

In those quieter moments, he’d likely let his guard down, enjoying the extra comfort his partner provides, whether it’s with tea, a warm blanket, or just some company. He might even surprise you by admitting that having someone around to take care of him doesn’t feel so bad, giving them one of his rare, soft smiles. And after he’s better, he’d probably insist on returning the favor tenfold, ready to repay any small acts of kindness he received.

And as always thank you for reading and requesting

if you are sick try take care of yourself if you could take a shower take it and drink warm tea and I would recommend a warm water isn’t like a boiled way it could be on the temperature of the room and just squeeze some lemon and drink before you go to bed that would really help your throat in the morning also honey and black seeds are a real trick too that’s the end stay careful warm loved and have a blessed night XOXO.💗💗💗

#nanbaka #nanbaka fan #nanbaka jyugo #nanbaka uno #nanbaka x reader #nanbaka nico #nanbaka the numbers #nanbaka headcanon #nanbaka rock #nanba prison

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frangipanilove · 8 months ago

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More Pharmakon: Why Alcohol/Ethanol Is Sirius Symbolism

This time illustrated by Denise and the Danville Bridge Whiskey in TWD 6x14 Twice As Far

We learned about "pharmakon" in TOWL 1x3 Bye, when Major General Beale explained how it was an ancient Greek word, meaning "a poison and a cure". We saw cans of ethanol in the back of Richonne's yellow escape car in TOWL 1x4 What We, and I've since explored, in a series of posts, the connections between pharmakon, ethanol/alcohol and fire, and how they all tie into the Sirius symbolism we've seen around Beth and Rick for years.

Read about how FTWD season 4 established the ethanol=cure symbolism here. Read the "Fighting Fire With Fire" posts on how the ethanol, fire and pharmakon symbolism all ties together here, here and here.

We learned in TWD 4x12 Still, that Beth would come to be deeply connected to the symbolism around alcohol/ethanol. And we learned as far back as in 1x6 TS-19 that Daryl wasn't exactly opposed to it either.

Resurrection symbolism in TWDU is about "fire", and Beth has always been all about fire, she's a fire starter, she’s quite literally an arsonist, she’s a Light Bringer:

As we remember from Still, Beth established a direct connection between alcohol/ethanol and the eh... issues relating to eye sight. And in 6x14 Twice As Far, we watched Denise become intextricably linked to the same symbolism, when she was killed by Dwight, who shot an arrow through her eye:

The issues surrounding eye sight are of course tied to the Sirius symbolism from 4x13 Alone, when Beth and Daryl were visited by a "celestial being", a one-eyed dog, representing Sirius the Dog Star, or in the words of poet Robert Frost, the "heavenly beast with a star in its eye":

As I explained in the "Fighting Fire With Fire" posts, fire/Sirius symbolism is connected to the alcohol/ethanol symbolism.

In 6x13 Twice As Far, we saw this connection illustrated by the tragic death of Denise. She was shot through the eye with an arrow, marking her as a Sirius character in a nod to the one-eyed dog from Alone, which is ultimately a clue to Sirius the Dog Star.

Denise's death affected Daryl deeply, and in what to me is one of the most heartbreaking scenes of the entire franchise, we saw Daryl, numb with pain, bury Denise, his angel wings laying on the grass next to him.

A few notes on this tragic tableau: the angel wings on Daryl's vest represent the bird symbolism (wings=birds because, well, birds have wings, for the most part). The Danville Bridge Whiskey is a reference to the notion of bridges, elevators, ladders and stairwells as metaphorical "passages" through which the characters can pass between “the realms”.

I wrote about this symbolism after TOWL 1x4 What We.

Of course, for TD, the most notable exemples of the bird symbolism came in the form of a painting, the Blue Heron, seen around both Beth and Rick:

I've written many posts on bird symbolism, here's a selection: (X) (X) (X) (X)

And just as a reminder, after TWD 10x11 Morningstar, one of the wings on Daryl's vest is now blue, further cementing the wings as blue bird symbolism:

We also saw Daryl empty a miniature bottle of Danville Bridge Whiskey, which they had found earlier that day:

It might be worth remembering that Denise had specifically rejected Rosita’s offer to drink the whiskey, claiming alcohol was her parents thing, which is why it wasn’t hers:

While that’s an admirable position in real life, one can suspect the symbolism of TWDU works according to a different logic. It might seem as though Denise's refusal to drink the Danville Bridge Whiskey is what, at least on a symbolic level, sealed her fate.

If FTWD season 4 is to be believed, drinking alcohol/ethanol is the "antidote" to "death" in TWDU, it represents the "cure", the pharmakon:

And we saw that theme revisited in TOWL 1x4 What We, when Rick and Michonne escaped in an electric/bio-ethanol hybrid truck, with cans of ethanol in the back seat:

Sadly, it seems like Denise, by refusing the offer of a drink, set herself up for a tragic outcome in 6x14 Twice As Far.

Beth, on the other hand, spent the entire episode of 4x12 Still searching for booze:

In Denise’s case, there was therefore no “resurrection” involved. The arrow pierced her brain stem, and she was sadly dead, in the most permanent sense.

In contrast, we’ve seen how this symbolism has allowed Rick to recently “resurrect” in TOWL. The symbolism doesn't guarantee resurrection, but it allows for it. Remember, death and resurrection are two sides to the same story. Resurrection symbolism will be found around both "deaths" and "resurrections". The metaphorical "passages" between the realms are ever present, regardless of whether a character "chooses" to utilize them or not.

Rick “died” on a bridge, and he “resurrected” in TOWL, in an episode where we saw him choose life with Michonne and his family, over remaining “dead” in the CRM.

And as @bethgreeneprevails pointed out here, “echelon” as in the "echelon briefing", refers to "the rung of a ladder", indicating that the echelon briefing we kept hearing about in TOWL, would eventually be heavily tied up in resurrection symbolism. That's a post for another day, but it's a super interesting observation worth mentioning.

In episode TWD 8x2, the episode that had been foreshadowed by Noah's T-shirt with the stylized heron, we saw the Blue Heron painting around Rick. It was the same painting we had seen behind Beth in Still, and the bird symbolism of the heron foreshadowed his resurrection.

In the same episode, we also saw Rick and Daryl climb through elevator shafts, illustrating the presence of the aforementioned metaphorical "passages", allowing characters such as Rick (and Beth) to move "between the realms", from the "realm of the living" to the "realm of the dead". And sometimes, such as in Rick's case, they allow him to go back again, to "return" to the realm of the living, as we recently saw in TOWL.

For TD, this is of course interesting because we saw an elevator shaft feature prominently in TWD 5x4 Slabtown:

Again, we see that Beth is consistently surrounded by the same type of resurrection symbolism we see around Rick, a man who has now "died" and "resurrected" twice.

I also recently wrote about the bridge/elevator/ladder/stairwell symbolism in relation to Alicia from FTWD, who, as the first person ever in TWDU, was "cured" from the infection and subsequent fever she suffered following her walker bite in season 6. Her "transition" from someone with one foot in the grave, to someone who was competely healed, happened in a stairwell, one of these metaphorical "passages" between the realms.

In Denise’s case, there wasn't ever going to be a resurrection. Maybe drinking the Danville Bridge Whiskey instead of rejecting it could have changed that. But we see from the symbolism present at her burial that the ritual of “death” and burial in TWDU is always accompanied by an abundance of resurrection symbolism. Death and resurrection are two sides to the same story. The presence of the whiskey tells us that resurrection symbolism is always afoot in TWDU, but in this case, the character in question “rejected” it. It serves as a counterpoint to Beth’s intense hunt for alcohol/ethanol back in 4x12 Still, an episode named after the apparatus used in the production of alcohol/ethanol.

The "bridge" in Danville Bridge Whiskey refers to the "death and resurrection" symbolism we saw around Rick's "death" in TWD 9x5 The Bridge. It’s the same symbolism that has allowed him to die and resurrect twice now. It represents one of the metaphorical “passages” through which selected characters can travel between the “realms”, along with elevators, ladders and stairwells.

The “whiskey” in Danville Bridge Whiskey is an ethanol reference, which in turn plays into the symbolism around pharmakon and "fighting fire with fire".

And fire symbolism is Sirius symbolism. It refers to Sirius the Dog Star, the brightest star on the night sky, that returns one morning before dawn, after having been gone for some time. The word "Sirius" comes from Greek and translates to "glowing, scorching".

In other words, fire!

Fire born from ethanol/alcohol, as illustrated below by Beth and Daryl in 4x12 Still:

Beth has been at the center of this symbolism ever since the one-eyed dog visited in 4x13 Alone.

And as Denise was buried as a one-eyed Sirius character, the Danville Bridge Whiskey was there to remind us that "death" in TWDU is never far removed from "resurrection”.

#team delusional #bethyl #daryl dixon #beth greene #the walking dead #twd #twd towl #twd the ones who live #ftwd #beth x daryl #daryl x beth #team defiance

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youcouldmakealife · 11 months ago

Text

LBTE: Jared (155-157)

The Fallout.

We're in the final 20 now!

If you'd like to follow along, the series page is here.

155. On the Record

“So,” Sharma says. “Can you tell us about the blanket?”

Jared, freshly showered and straight out of practice, blinks at the red light of the camera, probably looking like a confused guppy, then blurts out, “How do you know about the blanket?”, which, as far as responses go, is terrible.

Jared Matheson Julius wore that blanket as a cape.

Twice.

“Uh,” Jared says, scratching his neck awkwardly. “No, it was — it just kind of, y’know, became a thing.”

Jared doesn’t know why he becomes the least articulate guy in the world the moment a camera is turned on him, but you’d think he would have gotten over it by now.

How dare you imply you’re articulate without a camera on you.

Jared looks absolutely ridiculous when he’s taken aback. More like a startled owl than a guppy, but a very unfortunate startled owl. So good to know: he should never allow himself to be surprised by anything ever again. Well, at least not in front of cameras or anyone whose opinion he cares about. Who could takes a startled owl seriously? Not Jared.

Guess you’re not Eeyore anymore, huh?

“I think you look cute,” Bryce protests.

“Your comments about my appearance can’t be trusted,” Jared says. It’s all ‘oh you look great Jared’ no matter what he does. Which Jared appreciates, he does, but seriously: startled owl is not cute.

Bryce pouts, then scrolls through his phone for a moment, before saying, “Aw, look at his little face when he realizes the media’s caught onto the feud. Adorable.”

Love that Bryce hears ‘can’t trust your opinion, you are obviously biased’ and then immediately goes to get supporting evidence from the comment section.

“Fine,” Bryce says. “Your surprised face isn’t adorable.”

Jared warily waits for the catch.

“It’s terrible,” Bryce says. “Embarrassing. If I were you I’d never leave this room again—“

Not the height of chirping, but I’m proud of Bryce for managing it without breaking into ‘except it’s amazing, you know it’s amazing right, you know I love your face??’.

Jared is trying to figure out a way to say ‘you should have a nap with me instead of going with our captain to cheer up hospitalised children’ that doesn’t sound monstrous, and he is having a very hard time.

Another great example of Jared taking a moment to think before speaking and therefore NOT saying anything to that effect.

“Yeah,” Bryce says with a sigh, then leans down and kisses Jared’s temple. “Want me to pick up dinner?”

“Sure,” Jared says. “Can you stop by the grocery store? We’re out of almond milk.”

Bryce makes a face.

Bryce offered to do an errand and then you added ANOTHER errand? He can’t do two errands. Jared, you know this about him. One errand at a time. (I would say he could pick up dinner at the grocery store, but Bryce would just make a face, so it is two errands)

“Fine,” Bryce mutters, then tells Siri to remind him to get almond milk. Jared figures there’s a fifty-fifty chance he’ll come home with it or dinner, about a five percent chance of him returning with both. Since they currently have leftovers in the fridge, and Bryce can grumble through cow’s milk coffee if needed, that’s fine by Jared.

At least Jared’s considering the odds.

When his phone buzzes he reaches for it almost gratefully, though he doesn’t stay that way, frowning at the I am so sorry from Julius. It could be the start of a prank or something — Julius isn’t a prank person, but then, Jared wouldn’t have said he was a ridiculous bet person either, and look at them now

Julius also isn’t an apology person, which Jared should factor into this.

Fuck, Julius broke up with Erin. Or maybe she broke up with him? Except no, if she broke up with him Julius wouldn’t be apologising. Unless he did something that made it the right call to break up with him, but still, him being the breaker-upper seems more—

And now he has an incoming call from Erin. Jared eyes his phone, refusing to pick it up. He doesn’t know whose side to be on yet.

Jared is the worst. And the best. Hedging his bets for now, waiting for more context before anyone can convince him to show solidarity.

He wonders if it was because Erin bet on the Canucks winning, especially after Jared accidentally blurted that out, made it a public thing. She said Julius was cool with it, but like, Jared would be deeply offended it Bryce bet against him on something.

Julius is getting a delicious home cooked meal out of this, Jared. He could not care less.

so a breakup isn’t a big deal, except for the whole Jaredian implications of things, which really should have been considered more seriously—

This is one of my favourite lines, for Jared unironically creating an adjective for ‘what about ME, guys, have you not thought about ME?’

“Julius is on the phone with his agent, who’s going to call your agent and I guess Bryce’s but he wanted you to know right away but also I think he’s terrified of being the one to tell you—“

Wait back up, Jared didn’t think ‘what about me’ went so far as to involve his agent.

“He didn’t mean to,” Erin says. She sounds miserable, which is frankly sort of terrifying.

Considering she found the last two minor debacles hilarious, not a good sign, but also Jared doesn’t like hearing her upset for…other, familial reasons. Don’t press this.

And someone in the scrum either knew something or just made a joke that was way too close to the truth about Bryce actually being my big brother, like, legally.”

“He’s not your brother,” Jared says. “He’s your brother-in-law, that’s different.”

Jared, she added ‘like, legally’ at the end. How is that not in-law, but with an extra like involved (‘with an extra like involved’ is half the dialogue of this series, thanks to both Jared and Bryce)

“Nothing,” Erin says. “Not like — nothing, but it was the way he said it.”

“The way he said nothing?” Jared says.

“Jared!” Erin says.

“I’m not being oblivious!” Jared says. “You’re not making any sense!”

“You’re so—“ Erin says, then makes a wordless sound of rage.

I see sibling relationships in fiction sometimes with affection and banter and calling each other ‘bro’ and ‘sis’ but frankly, I think ‘makes a wordless sound of rage’ is a good description of how it works on a day to day basis.

(I have never called my brother bro. I have, however, called him broseph, bruh, and ‘wordless sound of rage’)

“I don’t even know,” Erin says. “You try getting a coherent statement out of someone who’s speaking a mix of English and Finnish and terror.”

Try playing broken telephone in three languages, two of which you do not speak, then get back to her.

The clip starts with, “So we hear there’s a certain bet involving a blanket,” which could be directly Jared’s fault, them seeing his interview earlier, or could be the result of the same sort of research on their end.

He. Wore. It. As. A. Cape. Jared.

Twice.

“It must make the rivalry with the Canucks a little more interesting, your girlfriend’s brother on the other side.”

“Jared is a good friend,” Julius says. “And of course we played together. It’s always fun to play him.”

Jared continues to be impressed by just how little personality Julius shows to the media.

What do you want him to say here, Jared, ‘Jared is a petty bitch who stole my blanket’?

“Yes, but Jared said he was not going to get me a Christmas present,” Julius says, which is — okay, Jared did say that, but it makes him look bad.

How dare you directly quote me.

“It must be easier with Marcus out,” someone says. Jared doesn’t recognise the voice, so they probably weren’t on the beat when he was on the Oilers. “Is that going to change the stakes when he comes back?”

“Marcus?” Julius asks, starting to blink rapidly, Halla for confusion, looking a little like a startled owl himself. Jared shuts his eyes.

Julius hates media. It’s not in his first language, and he's been learning English at a breakneck pace in the previous years but still isn’t comfortable in it, there are lights, people are in his personal space, phones and mics are in his breathing space, and the vast majority of the questions he finds to be completely asinine. So when something goes off script it goes VERY off script.

“Well, it’s two against one, right?” the reporter adds. “And you’ve got two protective older brothers on the same team. I don’t envy you those family dinners or those board battles.”

So, Julius, completely overwhelmed at the mo, hears ‘protective older brothers’ and ‘family dinners’ and does not think of a ridiculous article written up some time ago, he thinks ‘fuck’.

So quiet the mics barely pick it up, but with a lot of feeling, Julius says, “Fuck.”

And that’s precisely what comes out of his mouth.

156. Knife Edge

Jared tries to think of what assumptions people are going to make about why Julius panicked, any explanation that could be innocent but still prompt that reaction. He can’t think of any, but then, he can’t think.

Nobody’s thinking straight in this chapter. Except maybe Andreas.

Julius mumbles something. Jared gets ‘sorry’ out of it, but not much else. He doesn’t think it’s Finnish, so this must be the terror Erin was talking about.

This is contrition. Terror was slightly louder and much faster.

“It’s okay,” Jared says. “It’s okay, Julius, okay? I’m not mad at you.”

“You should be,” Julius says.

“Well too fucking bad, I’m not,” Jared says.

Julius is quiet for a long time, other than some too fast breathing.

Julius did not plan for Jared not to be mad at him, and now he’s adrift.

“You’re really not mad?” he finally asks. He sounds very small. It makes Jared want to shake him until he doesn’t sound like that anymore.

No takebacks, please.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Jared says. “Bryce’s agent will figure out some semi-plausible excuse again.”

Wishful thinking, maybe, but he’s done it before, so.

“You haven’t looked,” Julius says, “have you?”

OH. Says Julius. He’s not mad at me because he doesn’t know yet. Okay. I will prepare for anger again.

Jared hangs up the phone, then he chucks it across the room. Then, extricating himself from the stupid fucking blanket still twisting around his legs, he goes to retrieve it — safe in a pile of laundry, he’s pissed off, but he doesn’t want to buy a new phone over it — because he has to make some calls, even if he’d really rather not.

Maturity is making sure your phone lands in something soft when you chuck it because you gotta make some calls.

“Can you tell mom and dad,” he says.

“Yeah,” Erin says.

“Thanks,” Jared says, and hangs up while she’s mid-apology. Then texts her Not mad at you just can’t.

Feel you no worries Erin replies.

The Mathesons obviously give each other a lot of shit, but not when it matters (mostly).

Jared tries to calculate when Bryce is going to get home. Depends if he had to make his excuses, wait for a polite time to cut out. Depends on whether he sent his reply from inside the hospital or from the parking lot. Depends on traffic, and — there’s no real way of knowing, but it’s nice to accompany his pacing with some mental math to keep his brain busy so it isn’t speculating on just what’s being said right now, and just how many people are saying it.

Jared will take mental math over helpless speculation any day.

“Yeah,” Bryce says, stone-faced, phone to his ear. His voice is clipped, expression set, so Jared’s going to guess management or his agent. He wouldn’t talk to media or any of the guys right now, and he always looks a little soft when he talks to Elaine, no matter how upset he is. Apparently that’s also true when it comes to Jared, because his face eases into something softer when he meets Jared’s eye.

The two people Bryce drops all his defences around.

“Julius Halla is your sister’s boyfriend?” Summers asks.

“And one of my best friends,” Jared says. “And former linemate.”

He doesn’t care if that sounds petty: Julius is not first and foremost Erin’s boyfriend. And it’s relevant to the situation. Probably.

On the one hand, it is indeed relevant information. On the other hand — Jared.

“Fuck, he’s not funny, is he,” Summers says.

“He is,” Jared says. “But like — in a dry way?”

“Marcus, you think Halla’s funny?” Summers asks. “He make you giggle?”

Bryce looks at Jared.

Bryce is concerned he’s going to get in trouble with someone, and he’s not sure which is worse.

“Stop looking at your husband,” Summers says. “I’m asking you.”

Jesus, no wonder Bryce is terrified of him.

Dave knows the ‘don’t get mad at me’ pause.

“Alright, we’re not doing that then,” Summers says. “Stay by your phones, but don’t answer shit if the call isn’t from me or Greg. If it’s the Canucks, tell them to call me, then get right off the phone. They’re on their side, you understand me? Not yours. Greg and I work for you guys. The Canucks work for the Canucks.”

“If my mom calls and I don’t pick up she’ll—“ Bryce says.

“Jesus Christ, Marcus, you can pick up the phone if your mom calls,” Summers says.

But you just told him he couldn’t! Bryce is so confused.

“Just don’t answer any calls from unknown numbers.”

“Nobody under thirty does that anyway,” Jared says. “Like, just on principle.”

I’d go with under 40 in many cases.

“He calls you Jared,” Bryce says accusingly.

“You do too,” Jared says. “Because Jared is, in fact, my name.”

“How come he doesn’t call you Matheson,” Bryce complains.

Jared pats his wrist. “Bigger problems right now, babe.”

“You’re not even his client,” Bryce mutters.

Bryce knows why you are Dave’s favourite, and agrees, but also: no fair.

“You seem — calm,” Jared says. He also probably seems calm, but he’s balanced on a knife’s edge between eerie calm and complete hysteria right now, whereas Bryce seems legitimately calm. Not happy, but not panicking either. Jared was expecting a lot more panicking.

Bryce has had some time to think between sulks.

“I knew this was a possibility when I signed with the Canucks,” Bryce says.

Also this. When Dave asked him if he still wanted to sign if this was a possibility, and Bryce said yes, that was it. Bryce doesn’t tiptoe into shit, he dives headfirst. He’s been mentally preparing for it to happen since, especially after the team found out.

“Fuck,” Bryce says.

“Yeah,” Jared says.

“No,” Bryce says. “Fuck. I forgot the fucking almond milk.”

He also forgot dinner, but I think these are reasonable extenuating circumstances.

157. Conclusive Evidence

It takes awhile to get the hysterical laughter out of their systems. Long enough that Jared has tears in his eyes and Bryce wheezes out a plaintive, “My ribs,” between shuddering breaths.

“Ow,” Jared agrees, thumbing at a tear track on Bryce’s cheek.

“Fuck,” Bryce says. “Fuck, J.”

“Yeah,” Jared says, wipes the tears off Bryce’s other cheek, then lets Bryce haul him in, wrap himself around Jared, tacky wet face tucked against Jared’s neck. It feels half like he’s shielding Jared with his body, half like he’s using Jared to hide. Both are probably equally true.

<3 teammates

They could just order some delivered, he guesses, but and going out and doing something sounds way better than sitting at home trying not to think about, well — anything. There are way too many things currently in the ‘do not think about this’ portion of Jared’s brain, and sitting with his own thoughts feels like tempting fate right now.

Grocery shopping also beats helpless speculation.

Jared��s in and out as quickly as possible, since aimlessly wandering around Vancouver is also tempting fate, gets back back home after barely twenty minutes. He was expecting Bryce to still be on the phone — Bryce and Elaine chats have a tendency to go on for awhile no matter the circumstance — but instead he’s greeted by Bryce hovering right at the door, a little wild eyed.

“What,” Jared says. “Did you think I ran away?”

Intellectually he didn’t, but emotionally: sheer panic.

“I got you a Coffee Crisp,” Jared says, but Bryce has already discovered this, and is happily mulitasking walking the almond milk to the fridge and unwrapping it so he can shove it in his mouth.

It’s a chocolate bar that tastes like very sweet coffee. It was the GOAT of treats come Halloween, and is up there with nanaimo bars, poutine, and all-dressed chips as Elite Canadian Treats.

“You want some?” Bryce asks, belated and reluctant.

“Ate mine on the walk back,” Jared says. He’s a little touched that Bryce is even offering — fuck knows Jared would not share chocolate right now. Bryce, looking relieved, stuffs the remainder into his mouth.

True love right there.

“If it’s paparazzi I’m going to be so mad,” Jared says, as the knock repeats, insistent.

Do they even have paparazzi, really? Like, they’ve got a few irritating beat journalists, but Jared can’t see any of them hunting down their address and knocking on their door to get a scoop.

I feel like there has to be some level of paparazzi in Vancouver because so many TV shows are shot there? But two Vancouver Canucks wouldn’t even be on their radar.

“I brought you a fruit basket,” Stephen says. “And wine. You’re going to want me to be here when you talk things through with your agents. Gabe’s still trying to find a spot — what the fuck is up with the street parking around your building? Take this stupid basket, it’s ridiculously heavy.”

Stephen’s here to save the day with wine and advice. Gabe provided the ride and the snacks.

“Summers said to let him field all the communication with in the meantime.”

“He’s is the exact person you want handling this right now,” Stephen says, sounding approving. “That or his assistant, I know him, he’s very good.”

Stephen and Andreas’ acquaintanceship makes me happy to think about.

When Jared nudges a knee against his, checking in, Bryce gives him a small, tired looking smile, then offers him a piece of chocolate.

<3333 team

“This is not a cat back in bag situation,” Stephen says.

“Such a cruel metaphor,” Gabe murmurs.

I’m with Gabe. Why has the idiom about drowning cats survived to present day?

“General consensus seems to be that you guys were toying with the fans, dropping hints about your relationship to see if anyone would pick up on it,” Gabe says. “That or that you wanted to tell the world but the Evil Flames Management got in the way and the article was your S.O.S. to the wider world but everyone missed it. Those are the two prevailing theories, at least.”

The internet loves itself a conspiracy, and with hindsight, a lot of Jared and Bryce’s stumbles in hiding their relationship look like bread crumbs rather than fuck ups.

But regardless, cat is very much out of bag, stop looking at me, Gabriel, I’m not hurting cats by saying it.”

“You could use a different metaphor,” Gabe says mildly. “A more humane one.”

Love you, Gabriel.

It’s not actually all that late when Stephen and Gabe head out, but between the situation and the information overload Jared’s gotten from Stephen, and Summers, and Greg when he interrupted shoving pizza into their mouths to reiterate most of what Summers had said, except sounding kind of panicky the whole time, well —

Poor Greg. He’s doing this best.

“Is it bad that I feel, I don’t know,” Jared says.

“Relieved?” Bryce asks.

Jared turns his head, meets Bryce’s eye. It wasn’t the word he was going to use, but it feels like the right one.

Other shoe dropped. World didn’t end.

“I never told you this,” Bryce says, “but before he pulled the strings to get me to Vancouver, Summers told me he was going to ask me a question first, and if I said no the entire deal was off.”

Jared rolls over to look at Bryce. It’s too dark to see him, really, but this feels like the kind of conversation to have face to face.

“He asked if I was still willing to come to the Canucks if coming here lead to me getting outed,” Bryce says. “I didn’t even hesitate, J. He couldn’t even finish getting the question out before I said yes.”

Oh Bryce.

“I wouldn’t have hesitated either,” Jared says. “I just — I wouldn’t have either.”

There’s a flash of teeth in the dark. A grin Jared doesn’t even need to see properly to be a sucker for.

“Yeah, babe,” Bryce says. “I know.”

Not a doubt in Bryce’s mind.

#liveblogging the end

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