#serena | ❛ i will either find a way or i will make one. ❜ ( character parallels. )

[ursemma]

Guilty as sin

Nate Archibald × F!reader

Summary: How can I be guilty as sin? Without ever touching his skin?

Warning: angst, masturbation, little smut.

We're just bestfriends right? So why do I imagine him being on top of me, or holding my hand while walking down the streets of nyc?

I looked at him as he arrived with Blair at the kiss on the lips party, they looked so happy together. But I can't help but imagine myself with him.

I shook my thoughts away as I see Blair making her way towards me, she's my bestfriend I can't do this to her, "heyy y/n! You look fabulous!" She compliments me and pulls me into a hug.

"thanks B! You look fabulous too!!" I returned the hug, and we pull away as we see Serena making her way into the party.

"what is she doing here?" Blair asks as she glares Serena's way. "I don't know but whatever it is it better not ruin the party" I sighed feeling defeated, their catfights honestly gets my energy drained.

I watch as she goes to find chuck, and Nate stands besides me, "hey everything's fine? You look tired." He asks as he offers me a glass of champagne, "yeah I'm fine, just drained from everything you know?" I looked into his eyes as I answered him, and saw his gorgeous face, those eyelashes, those blue eyes, the little freckles, and his lips- omg.

I looked away as I felt those feelings creeping into my mind, "you know you can count on me right?" He reassured me, while pulling my face towards him to face him.

"I know Nathaniel, it's just, you know those catfights between Blair and Serena, and how I'm the one left hanging in between them needing to make a choice when I just want everything to be back as it was before." I took a deep sigh and replied as I felt butterflies in my stomach. I wasn't lying but I wasn't telling the truth either.

"yeah i know but it's not going to be how it was before, atleast not anytime soon. But don't worry, you have me okay?" He said with a sincere look in his eyes, "I know" I gave him a weak smile.

Soon Charles and Blair came, "care to dance with me Nate?" Blair asked him for a dance and he joined her.

"you should tell him you know" chuck said as he watched me look at him with a longing eyes.

"he doesn't feel the same." I sighed as I took one more shot, only chuck knew how I felt about him, how? I don't know.

"you never know." He encouraged me, that's what he's been doing since a long time.

"he's with Blair, Charles and they look happy!" I protested, honestly when it comes to confessing, I'm not good at it.

"are they though? We all know Nathaniel doesn't feel a shit for Blair, he's doing it for his family's sake." He instead me and tbh he wasn't wrong, but what about Serena, now she's back he'll be with her ofcourse.

"Charles, Serena is back. We all know he loves her. I don't stand a chance, unless and until I'm willing to be a rebound which I'm not."

"okay fine, I won't force you but promise me to do something about it."

"only if you tell Blair how you feel" I said with a smirk and I watch his face turn pale.

We both knew alot of things about eachother, including our secret crushes, which no one knew.

We're like brother's and sister's, shocking right? The first girl who Charles bass didn't tried to bang out of respect?

I gasped as I felt wet kisses trailing down my neck, and then sucking my skin leaving a hickey.

"oh my" I tried to breath when the kisses went down to my Naked breasts and nibbling my skin and sucking my nipples as they harden.

The heat in between my legs was growing and so was the tension.

"I need you" I moaned louder as I felt my panties get wet, "yeah what do you want darling?" He said while going down on me.

"you, everything give it to me." I said while breathing heavily, "okay" he smirked and started to tease me with his mouth.

"don't tease!" I gasped when his mouth met my clit, stroking and sucking it slowly.

He started abusing my clit with his mouth, while his hands were circling my skin.

"oh my Nate I'm gonna cum" as I reached my climax I felt the door being knocked.

"miss y/n!! Wake up you're going to be late!" Dorothea shouted.

I groaned as I woke up from my slumber, and I remembered what I dreamt of.

Flushing in embarrassment I pulled my duvet over my face, "miss y/n!!" Dorothea shouted again.

"yes dorthy I'm awake!" I responded her letting her know that I'm alive.

I felt the heat between my legs growing hotter and hotter.

Should I? Fuck it.

I went into the washroom and put two fingers inside my clit massaging it, hoping for some relief.

I imagined Nate touching me, and I left a moan at the thought.

As I was pleasuring myself I suddenly heard my phone ringing and I groaned at it, and picked up without looking at the number.

"y/n?" Fuck it was Nate, in his morning voice. I felt myself getting wetter and gasping for air.

Even his voice had this effect on me.

"y-yes Nathaniel? You need something?" I tried to maintain my composer.

"hey what happened to you? You sound not so fine?" He asked with his voice filled with concern.

"nothing just the morning workout you know" I replied quickly, "okay if you say so, I was actually wondering if you want to come with me and Blair in our limo? The route of her and your house is same that's way" he asked me, I thought for a while and decided it's better to stay away, "actually I'm running late today so you guys go ahead I'll come on my own" "okay I'll see you then" "yea" and I hung up.

I decided to get freshed and leave for school.

I got out of the limo and looked around and saw Blair and Nate walking together.

"sight to sore eyes isn't it" I turned to see Chuck looking at them, "indeed" I replied and we started walking together.

I felt rush of emotions. Embarrassment, love, lust, heartbreak and mostly guilt.

He's my bestfriend's boyfriend and one of my bestfriend and yet I'm here imagining us together.

But mostly, without ever touching his skin, how can I be guilty as sin?

Is he written mine only in my mind? Is there not even 1% of hope for us?

I shook my thoughts and sat near Blair, looking at her exchanging looks with Nate and chuck and I eyed eachother knowingly.

I sighed and thought about everything, why does my life has to be complicated.

.

.

[callyourose]

match point, chapter four.

↳ masterlist

— In which Art and Patrick find themselves intertwined with the relationship of tennis superstar Tashi Duncan and her best friend, Lennon Caddel.

TASHI DUNCAN WASN'T CONTROLLING LENNON CADDEL.  She knew that Lennon was an adult, she was fully capable of making her own decisions. It wasn't like she was holding her at gunpoint. She could do what she wanted. Tashi truly did just want what was best for her. Lennon was incredible at tennis. Like, really, really fucking good. Tashi would never admit it, but she knew Lennon was better than her. She knew that she had never lost to her because Lennon had let her win. And she knew, deep, deep down, that Lennon didn't want to go pro. She was fucking miserable. She hated playing tennis. Sometimes, in the dark of her bedroom late at night or early in the morning, Lennon would contemplate declining her scholarship off and dropping out of school completely. She would stare at the screen of her computer, Stanford's student portal staring back at her. But tennis was the only thing that Tashi and Lennon knew. It was the basis of which their friendship was built on. If they were hanging out and didn't know what to do? They'd go out to Lennon's backyard and play a match. They wanted to watch a movie but couldn't decide on which one? They'd turn on Serena Williams or Lindsay Davenport's most recent match. Lennon hated playing tennis, but she knew that they needed it. Who would she be if she wasn't playing? What would her and Tashi even talk about? Would Tashi even like her if she wasn't winning? She didn't know. But she didn't want to find out. 

Art and Patrick were fighting for their lives on the tennis court. With Lennon and Tashi in the stands, it made the stakes that much higher. As the girls were leaving last night, the duo once again begging for their numbers, Tashi told them that whoever won their match could have Lennon's. Whoever lost could have hers. Both boys were ok with winning or losing. It was a win either way. Regardless, neither of them wanted to lose in front of the two greatest women in junior tennis.  

When Tashi had said that whoever lost the match could have her number, Lennon looked at her wide-eyed. She almost thought she was punishing her. In some weird, twisted way. Because why would Tashi Duncan want to be pursued by a loser? It was something that haunted Lennon all night long, the leftover fear of being a disappointment and the confusion of Tashi's promise to the boys making it impossible for her to sleep peacefully. 

The sun was beating down on all of them. Lennon's hair was pulled into a ponytail and tucked into a Stanford baseball cap, at the recommendation of Tashi. "I don't want you to get a sunburn," she had said, "Plus, hats are super cute on you."

The stakes were high and the match was almost over. And Art was losing. Lennon didn't know if she was rooting for anyone specifically, she was really just enjoying the game. If there's anything Tashi and Lennon can agree on, it's good tennis.

As soon as it had started, their final match was over. Patrick had won. Lennon and Tashi were on their feet, cheering, and he was bowing in their direction. Across the net, Art's hands were on his hips, feigning disappointment. But that didn't stop him from flashing an award winning smile when he caught Tashi's eye. She rolled her eyes, unable to stop the small grin that was blossoming on her face. 

Later that night, there was a knock at Lennon and Tashi's hotel room door. The girls were busy packing, their move-in date at Stanford was two days from then. They were going home for the next full day before packing up again and heading off to school. Their parents had been packing their bedrooms at home for them during their time at the US Open, so all that was left to do was to get home and then immediately leave. 

Tashi told Lennon to get the door and so she did. Patrick Zweig was standing in the hallway. He was fiddling with a pack of cigarettes, with a singular flower in his back pocket. 

"Hi, Patrick," she smiled, leaning against the door frame. She was in her pajamas, clad in a pair of black shorts (Tashi's) and her own oversized hoodie. She was toeing at the ground, her sock covered feet doing the work of distracting her. Tashi, although out of view, was peaking around the wall. She would tell you she wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but she was. 

"Hey," he replied as he eyed her up and down. As if just remembering it was there, he tucked the cigarette package into his front shirt pocket before reaching around and grabbing the flower out of his back one. "This is for you."

It was a rose. It looked like it had just been ripped off the bush. He had definitely stolen it from someone's garden. Still, the gesture was enough to have Lennon blushing and stumbling over her words. 

"Oh! Uh.. thank you, that's so sweet," She was trying so hard to suppress the blush and smile that were trying to take over her face. 

"Do you want to come somewhere with me?" He was grinning. He had reached into his front pocket and brought a cigarette to his lips. 

"You can't smoke in here," She raised her eyebrow and 'tsked', feigning mock disapproval. She was trying so hard to fight the urge to turn around to make sure Tashi wasn't watching. Not that she would've been mad at her for talking to Patrick, Lennon just wanted this all to herself for a minute.

Patrick smiled, his lips curling around the unlit cigarette. "I wasn't gonna light it, silly," He rolls his eyes, mocking. "Do you wanna come with me or not?"

Finally, Lennon looked back. Tashi was nowhere in sight. She looked down at her outfit and then back at Patrick and then back into her room. "Sure. But let me change."

"Where the hell are you taking me?!" Lennon giggled and she watched Patrick hop a wooden fence. After re-entering the room and convincing Tashi that she would be perfectly safe, she had left with the brunette boy and was letting him guide her. She was wearing the same shorts as before, but her previously socked feet were now covered by her beat up converse and she had forgone her hoodie in favor of a cropped t-shirt.

Patrick was stood on the other side of the fence and was smiling wide as he offered her his hands, helping her vault over it. "Just come on."

They walked side by side a little further, Patrick occasionally bumping his hip with Lennon's, causing her to giggle. She knew deep down that he was taking her somewhere that she wasn't supposed to be. After they had hopped the fence, the grass beneath them almost instantly became softer and well taken care off, almost as if they had stepped onto turf. The trees that had surrounded them for the first 5 minutes of their walk were nonexistent. By the time Patrick had lead them to where he wanted to be, plopping down on the grass and patting the space beside him, she had figured out where they were.

"Patrick..." She began, hands on her hips as she stood above him, "Is this a golf course?"

He leaned his head back, flashing her the same award winning smile that Art had used earlier. "There's no trees over here, okay? And you seem like the type of girl who likes to stargaze." 

He was right. She did like to stargaze.

Hesitantly, she sat down on the grass beside him and brought her knees up to her chest. She was resting her head on her knee as she turned to look at him. He was already looking at her.

"Do you like it?"

Lennon turned to look up at the sky, eyeing the stars Patrick was so desperate she see, and then back at him. "I do. As long as we don't get arrested for trespassing."

He chuckled at her, looking away. She rested her head on knee before turning to look at him again. "I wouldn't let that happen. I don't think Stanford accepts fugitives." 

At the mention of Stanford, and by association her tennis scholarship, she stiffens and her smile falters. She was tired of talking about it. For an hour, or however long her and Patrick would be out here, she didn't want to think about tennis. But she had met him at a tennis tournament. Obviously they were going to talk about tennis.

Just as she was about to fake a smile and reply to his joke, he knocks her leg with his. She lifts her head and turns to look at him fully, and he's looking at her with his eyebrows furrowed.

"Why don't you want to go pro?"

She was taken aback. She thought that the answer she had given last night was enough. Lennon was tired of discussing the thought of her playing professionally and why she wanted, or didn't want, to. So she said, "I do."

Patrick smiles softly and shakes his head. "No you don't."

"Yes I do. I told you last night that I did."

Patrick, who was leaning on his hands, sits up fully to turn his whole body to face her. "No, you didn't," He cocks his head at her, gauging her reaction before continuing. "You said that you didn't think that you were good enough to go pro and that you wouldn't be happy. And then Tashi got mad at you and you backtracked. Why?"

Lennon just stared at him. This was the first time in so long that anyone had asked her what she wanted. What she was thinking and what she wanted to do with her life without Tashi nearby to sway her answer. She honestly didn't know what to say. Part of her wanted to get angry with him. Why would he bring her here, alone, under the impression that he was here to get to know her, and then try to turn her against her best, and only friend? The other part of her, the part she didn't listen to very often, was almost relieved. Finally, for the first time in so long, she could just be Lennon. She didn't have to be Tashi Duncan's best friend or Steven Caddel's daughter or a Stanford scholarship recipient. She could just be her. Without the threat of Tashi's wrath or disappointed face. But still she looked over her shoulder, making sure they were alone. 

"I don't..." Lennon sighed, turning away from him. "I don't know." She was suddenly teary, as if the weight of the life she's built for herself has finally settled. She's set up to have the perfect career. She was born into the perfect family, she's going to the perfect school, her game is perfect. She could be known as one of the greats. Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer. And Lennon. 

She sniffles, which Patrick hears, and he's immediately apologetic. 

"I'm so sorry, Lennon," He's trying not to stumble over his words. He's got one of the most perfect people in the world next to him, and he made her cry. "Genuinely, I didn't mean to upset you."

She shakes her head and blinks away her tears before turning back to him and smiling warmly. "It's fine, Patrick. Really."

He doesn't believe her. But he moves on anyway. 

[falconfate]

Hello ranger’s apprentice fandom can we talk real quick about the stupidest thing Flanagan ever wrote

It’s about the bows. Yanno, the rangers’ Iconique™️ main weapon. That one. You know the one.

Flanagan. Flanagan why are your rangers using longbows.

“uh well recurve arrows drop faster” BUT DO THEY. FLANAGAN. DO THEY.

the answer is no they don’t. Compared to a MODERN, COMPOUND (aka cheating) bow, yes, but compared to a longbow? Y’know, what the rangers use in canon? Yeah no a recurve actually has a FLATTER trajectory. It drops LATER.

This from an article comparing the two:

“Both a longbow and a recurve bow, when equipped with the right arrow and broadhead combination, are capable of taking down big game animals. Afterall, hunters have been doing it for centuries with both types of bows.

However, generally speaking and all things equal, a recurve bow will offer more arrow speed, creating a flatter flight trajectory and retain more kinetic energy at impact.

The archers draw length, along with the weight of the arrow also affect speed and kinetic energy. However, the curved design of the limbs on a recurve adds to its output of force.”

It doesn’t actually mention ANY distance in range! And this is from a resource for bow hunting, which, presumably, WOULD CARE ABOUT THAT SORT OF THING!

Okay so that’s just. That’s just the first thing.

The MAIN thing is that even accounting for “hur dur recurves drop faster” LONGBOWS ARE STILL THE STUPID OPTION.

Longbows, particularly and especially ENGLISH longbows, are—as their name suggests—very long. English longbows in particular are often as tall or taller than their wielder even while strung, but especially when unstrung. An unstrung longbow is a very long and expensive stick, one that will GLADLY entangle itself in nearby trees, other people’s clothes, and any doorway you’re passing through.

And yes, there are shorter longbows, but at that point if you’re shortening your longbow, just get a goddamn recurve. And Flanagan makes a point to compare his rangers’ bows to the Very Long English Longbow.

Oh, do you know how the Very Long English Longbow was mostly historically militarily used? BY ON-FOOT ARCHER UNITS. Do you know what they’re TERRIBLE for? MOUNTED ARCHERY.

Trust me. Go look up right now “mounted archery longbow.” You’ll find MAYBE one or two pictures of some guy on a horse struggling with a big stick; mostly you will actually see either mounted archers with RECURVES, or comparisons of Roman longbow archers to Mongolian horse archers (which are neat, can’t lie, I love comparing archery styles like that).

Anyway. Why are longbows terrible for mounted archery? Because they’re so damn long. Think about it: imagine you’re on a horse. You’re straddling a beast that can think for itself and moves at your command, but ultimately independently of you; if you’re both well-trained enough, you’re barely paying attention to your horse except to give it commands. And you have a bow in your hands. If your target is close enough to you that you know, from years of shooting experience, you will need to actually angle your bow down to hit it because of your equine height advantage, guess what? If you have a longbow, YOU CAN’T! YOUR HORSE IS IN THE WAY BECAUSE YOUR BOW IS TOO LONG! Worse, it’s probably going to get in the general area of your horse’s shoulder or legs, aka moving parts, which WILL injure your horse AND your bow and leave you fresh out of both a getaway vehicle and a ranged weapon. It’s stupid. Don’t do it.

A recurve, on the other hand, is short. It was literally made for horse archers. You have SO much range of motion with a recurve on horseback; and if you’re REALLY good, you know how to give yourself even more, with techniques like Jamarkee, a Turkish technique where you LITERALLY CAN AIM BACKWARDS.

For your viewing enjoyment, Serena Lynn of Texas demonstrating Jamarkee:

Yes, that’s real! This type of draw style is INCREDIBLY versatile: you can shoot backwards on horseback, straight down from a parapet or sally port without exposing yourself as a target, or from low to the ground to keep stealthy without banging your bow against the ground. And, while I’m sure you could attempt it with a longbow, I wouldn’t recommend it: a recurve’s smaller size makes it far more maneuverable up and over your head to actually get it into position for a Jamarkee shot.

A recurve just makes so much more SENSE. It’s not a baby bow! It’s not the longbow’s lesser cousin! It’s a COMPLETELY different instrument made to be used in a completely different context! For the rangers of Araluen, who put soooo much stock in being stealthy and their strong bonds with their horses, a recurve is the perfect fit! It’s small and easily transportable, it’s more maneuverable in combat and especially on horseback, it offers more power than a longbow of the same draw weight—really, truly, the only advantage in this case that a longbow has over the recurve is that longbows are quicker and easier to make. But we KNOW the rangers don’t care about that, their KNIVES use a forging technique (folding) that takes several times as long as standard Araluen forging practices at the time!

Okay.

Okay I think I’m done. For now.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Has Meghan ever been invited to the Met Gala that you know of?

I have a feeling that she and Harry can’t actually afford a ticket - plus she is very greedy and cheap, so even if they hypothetically had the money I just can’t see her willingly parting with such a large amount. What I can envision though, is her mercilessly pestering the absolute hell out of Anna Wintour since she is completely shameless and has zero manners or class - and always expects someone else to pick up the tab for her sponging arse. I would be completely mortified if I had a reputation of being a known cheapskate and grifter like her.

But, back to my original point: knowing how petty and childish she is, it must infuriate Meg immensely that people who also dress like crap *cough* *cough* Serena - and also Mindy Kaling or any of her other so-called ‘friends’ get invited while she is repeatedly shunned year after year. One thing about Meghan is that she absolutely lives for this kind of superficial and glib BS and I would think she is very offended that she’s persona non grata in such elitist circles. TBH, I would only want her to be invited exactly once because of the potential gossip that would come out about her, otherwise she’s undeserving. I’m sure she would give nothing and wear boring beige like nearly everyone did last night. Initially I was excited for the theme, but most of the outfits were quite underwhelming and fell flat, unfortunately!

Meghan has an open invitation to attend as long as she attends with Kate, and only Kate. This is straight from the mouth of Anna Wintour.

Allegedly Meghan was invited as Edward Enniful's guest in either 2018 or 2019. We talked about it here a few months ago but I can't find that post. C'mon, Tumblr! Get your act together.

But to recap: The national editors of Vogue get tickets to the Met Gala as a perk for working at Vogue. Enniful got some tickets and allegedly, he planned to take Meghan as his +1. Ultimately it didn't happen and the speculation why includes Meghan pissing off Anna in her usual entitled way so Anna struck her from the guest list, Enniful gave Meghan the UK Vogue cover as a consolation prize, and Meghan having Archie on May 6th in an attempt to steal headlines from Anna and the gala as revenge.

I also covered in that now-missing post how one attends the Met Gala. You can:

Be the +1 of someone who gets invited (e.g., Andy Cohen, who is usually Sarah Jessica Parker's guest).

Work for the sponsors, including Vogue, or be the +1 of someone who works for the sponsors.

Work for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Be a huge donor to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Fashion/Costume Insitute (e.g. Sarah Jessica Parker, I believe).

Be besties with or have a contract with the designers that attend the Met Gala (e.g., Meg Ryan and Michael Kors). In this case, the designer will dress you and you'll sit at their table.

Buy your own ticket. An individual ticket is $75,000. A table starts at $350,000.

Be an "it celeb" of the moment.

Meghan and Harry definitely don't have the money for a ticket to the Met Gala. Meghan also doesn't have the fashion contacts or the reputation in the fashion industry to be dressed by a designer. She could probably have been dressed by Carolina Herrera back in the day, when she was wearing her. I don't think she had a chance to be dressed by Dior to attend the Met Gala, not when people like Jennifer Lawrence, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rihanna, etc. have Dior contracts.

My personal theory is that as much as Meghan wants to go to the Met Gala and be in the room with all those celebs, she doesn't *really* want to actually be there. I think she's terrified to be around that kind of powerful, respected, talented people because she knows they know she's not one of them and they'll ignore her, making her the one to go up to everyone when she wants everyone to be coming up to her. I said this around Oscars time when we were talking about whether she'd go or not and again, I can't find the freaking post!.

But it is very telling, isn't it? Like you've pointed out, everyone in Meghan's circle these days - Mindy Kaling, Serena Williams, Kris Jenner, Tracee Ellis Ross, etc. - is going to the Met Gala. Everyone but her, that is. I wonder why...

[virgoilluminati]

WORLD CLASS

Chapter 6

previous chapter |next part

A/N: Hey guys, long time no see. Happy 2024! I hope everything is going the way you wanted this year to go so far. Apologies for being M I A. Cannot promise that it won't happen again, but I'm trying honestly. Here is the next part of the world class fanfic - currently posting archived posts so hopefully my posts will be a bit more frequent. Anywayysss enjoy :)

ps: i know that one of the photos y/n is wearing an orlando kit, please just imagine this as if its the england kit (i tried looking at couldn't find a single photo.)

y/nmorrison_

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y/nmorrison_ semi final jitters. First starting lineup for england!

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judebellingham - proud boyfriend moment ❤️

ellatoone game time! ⚽️

leahwilliamson my arsenal girl 🔴⚪️

lucybronze: well done lil sis. ✨💕

As the trio—Y/N, Russo, and Toone—receive a summons to meet with Serena Weigman, the tension rises once again.

Seated side by side in Serena’s office, the trio exchanges anxious glances, awaiting Serena’s decision. Before the manager can delve into the details, a sudden commotion outside the office draws her attention.

In Serena’s absence, Russo and Toone begin to whisper to each other, casting furtive glances in your direction. The mystery surrounding their hushed conversation only fuels your confusion.

Finally, unable to contain your curiosity, you ask, “What’s going on, guys? Why the secret conversation?”

Toone hesitates, exchanging a glance with Russo before breaking into a grin. "Okay, here's the deal," she begins, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "If either of us gets the chance to replace James, we've decided we'll give it up for you."

Your eyes widen in disbelief. "What? Why would you do that?"

Russo chimes in, "Because, Y/N, we genuinely believe you deserve this opportunity more than anyone. You've been giving your all on and off the pitch. It's your time to shine."

You, humbled and slightly overwhelmed, stammer, "But... I don't understand. Why me?"

Toone smiles, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Because we're a team, and we know you'll make the most of this chance. We believe in you."

Russo nods in agreement. "You've got the heart, the spirit, and the skill. This is your moment, Y/N."

As Serena returns to her office, the trio—You, Russo, and Toone—shifts their attention back to the manager. Serena, her expression serious yet compassionate, begins laying out the scenario.

"Alright, girls, here's the situation," Serena starts, her eyes moving from one player to the next. "As you know, James is out due to the red card. It's a crucial match, and decisions have to be made."

Your stomach churns with a mix of nerves and anticipation. You exchange glances with Russo and Toone, both of whom share a silent understanding.

"We've got options, and I need your input," Serena continues. "Toone, Russo, both of you have been in excellent form. But here's the catch—we can only pick one."

Serena pauses, letting the weight of her words settle. Outside the office, the buzz of activity hints at the significance of the moment.

"Toone," Serena turns to the forward, "you've been a force up front. Your agility and goal-scoring prowess are invaluable."

Toone nods, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the decision at hand.

"Russo," Serena shifts her focus, "your ability to create opportunities and your strategic play have been crucial for us."

Russo acknowledges Serena with a determined nod.

"And then, there's you, Y/N," Serena says, turning to you with a hint of a smile. "A versatile player, a team player, someone who's demonstrated resilience both on and off the field."

You feel a mixture of pride and nervousness as Serena acknowledges your contribution.

"Before we make a decision," Serena continues, "I need your honest thoughts. Speak up. What are your strengths, and how do you think you can contribute to this crucial match?"

Toone and Russo take turns expressing their confidence in their abilities, emphasizing how they could make a difference on the pitch. You, though still battling the lingering nausea, speak about your adaptability, teamwork, and the determination to give your best, regardless of the position.

Serena listens attentively, weighing your words. Just as the discussion reaches a pivotal point, another commotion from outside interrupts the conversation. Serena excuses herself briefly, promising to return to finalize the decision.

In Serena's absence, Toone and Russo exchange glances, and you can't help but feel the intensity of the moment. The unspoken camaraderie among the three players resonates in the room.

Finally, Serena returns, her expression resolute."The decision is made," Serena declares. "Toone, Russo, thank you for your commitment. But today, Y/N, you're stepping into James' position. We believe in your ability to make a difference on the field."

A mix of surprise and gratitude washes over you. Toone and Russo, true to their whispered agreement, nod in support. The trio, now united in a shared mission, leaves Serena's office, ready to face the challenges that await them on the pitch.

jude's story.

In the early morning light, the Madrid football stadium stands quiet as your voice echoes, phone pressed against your ear. On the other side of the world, you pace the field in Australia, cleats clicking, engaged in your conversation with Jude.

"I did it jude, I'm on the lineup!"

"Ahhh! Congratulations my love, I am so proud!"

"I'm shitting myself though. What if I mess up?"

"Y/N, you won't." Jude's frown is evident through the screen.

"But what if-" Jude interupts you, knowing her common weakness of self doubt.

Jude: "You know, Y/N, I've been thinking. I really want to get a dog."

You chuckle, adjusting your kit, "A dog, Jude? Seriously? That's your way of making me feel better?"

Jude, excitement in his voice, "Well, yeah! Imagine having a loyal companion to share the victories and defeats with. Plus, I could use some unconditional love."

Your tone shifting, you sigh, "I love the idea, Jude, but you know our situation. We have a tiny apartment in London, and with our careers, we aren't home much. A dog might not fit in."

Jude, thoughtful, responds, "You've got a point. But think about it, Y/N - a dog could bring so much joy into our lives. We could make it work."

You chuckle, "I can just see us trying to fit a dog bed next to all our football gear. It's a charming image, but practicality might get in the way."

Jude: "Practicality? Since when did footballers worry about that? We'll figure it out. Maybe hire a dog walker or recruit teammates for puppy play dates."

You smile at the mental image, saying, "You're optimistic, Jude. I love it. Let's make a deal: if we ever get a dog, it has to be an arsenal fan. No exceptions."

"how about England fan, as a compromise?"

"Deal!"

Jude laughs "Now, speaking of dogs, while you're preparing for your World Cup match, I'll start researching local shelters here in Madrid. We might find the perfect furry friend."

You grin, "In Madrid? That's ambitious, but I like it. Just make sure it's a dog that can keep up with both our busy schedules."

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Jude hesitates, "You know, Y/N, we've been talking about this dog and our hectic schedules. What if... What if you moved in with me in Madrid? We could find an apartment here, and maybe that way, we can make having a dog work."

You, on the other end of the line, feel a mix of surprise and panic. "Move to Madrid? I mean, it sounds tempting, but that's a huge step, Jude. My club is in Arsenal, my family's in London. It's not just about football; it's about my whole life."

Jude, realizing the impact of his suggestion, softens his tone, "I didn't mean to upset you, Y/N. I just want us to find a way to make it work, you know? The dog, being together more, all of it."

You, taking a deep breath, reply, your voice wavering, "I appreciate that, Jude, I really do. But moving to another country, leaving everything I know behind, it's a huge step."

And with that, the conversation ends on a somber note, leaving you to gather your thoughts and prepare for your match, while Jude grapples with the realization that his suggestion has brought unexpected tension into your relationship.

Feeling the weight of the conversation, you take a deep breath and reply, your voice strained, “Jude, this is a lot to process. I’ve got a match to get ready for, and we both need time to think. Let’s talk about this later, okay?”

As you navigate the tumult of emotions, Jude, sensing your struggle, starts to respond, “Y/N, I didn’t mean to make this–”

Before he can finish, you interrupt, “Jude, I’ve got to go. Lucy’s coming into my room, and I need to focus. We’ll talk later, okay?”

Jude, left with his thoughts and the unresolved conversation, reluctantly agrees, “Yeah, sure. Take care, Y/N.”

The line goes silent, leaving Jude to grapple with the weight of the discussion. On the other side of the world, you face the challenge of compartmentalizing your emotions and preparing for the match ahead. The distance, both physical and emotional, lingers as you each retreat to your respective worlds, carrying the burden of a conversation that has taken an unexpected turn.

As you sit there, attempting to process the unexpected turn in your conversation with Jude, Lucy walks into your room, concern etched on her face.

Lucy: “Y/N, everything okay? You seem a bit off.”

You, forcing a small smile, reply, “Yeah, just… unexpected news from Jude. We were talking about getting a dog, and then he suggested I move to Madrid. It’s a lot to take in.”

Lucy, sensing the weight in your words, sits down beside you, “Move to Madrid? That’s a huge step. What are you thinking?”

You, staring into the distance, admit, “I don’t even know, Lucy. Arsenal is my home, my family is here, and I can’t just uproot everything. It’s overwhelming.”

Lucy, offering a supportive hand, says, “Take your time, Y/N. You don’t need to make any decisions right now. And if you ever need to talk about it, I’m here.”

As you sit in contemplative silence, Lucy gently reveals, “You know, Y/N, I was actually considering mentioning you to FC Barcelona. But I held back because I knew how close you are with Leah at Arsenal. However, things have changed now.”

You, looking at Lucy with surprise, ask, “You were going to mention me to Barcelona?”

Lucy nods, “Yeah, your talent deserves recognition, and Barcelona is always looking for top-tier players. I didn’t want to complicate things, but now that Jude has brought up this move, maybe it’s worth exploring. You could commute from Madrid and play with me and keira. No pressure, though. Just a thought.”

You, processing the unexpected turn of events, say, “That’s a lot to consider, Lucy. I appreciate your honesty and support. Let me think about it.”

Before Lucy leaves, you ask her quietly, “Please, Lucy, don’t tell anyone about this. Not yet.”

Lucy, with a reassuring smile, responds, “Never. Your decisions are yours to share when you’re ready. I’ve got your back, Y/N.”

And with that promise hanging in the air, Lucy leaves the room, leaving you to contemplate the potential paths ahead, the weight of the conversation still heavy on your shoulders.

england & lionessess

liked by y/nmorrison, englandfan1, and 150,000 others

england: kick off in 10 minutes, some of the cutest scenes in australia today, including this precious little mascot Tilly.

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user105 so cute 💕

englandfans06 it's coming home 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

In the bustling waiting area, players clutch their mascots, standing alongside their Australian opponents. You, battling persistent nausea, can't pinpoint the cause. A quick, vivid flashback engulfs you - you remember feeling queasy and unsettled just after your meeting with Sarina..

You take a deep breath, trying to compose yourself. The vivid image of the office, the faint scent of paperwork, and the subtle anxiety that lingers in the air become etched in your memory. You shake off the unsettling thoughts, determined to focus on the task at hand - the World Cup semi-final.

Returning to the sidelines, your eyes catch the glimpse of your little mascot - a charming girl with braided hair named Tilly. You greet her with a warm smile. "Hello there, what's your name?"

The little girl beams back, "I'm Tilly!"

Kneeling down to Tilly's level, you create an instant connection. "Hi, Tilly! Who's your favorite football team?" you ask, genuinely curious.

Tilly hesitates for a moment, then responds, "Arsenal."

"No way! Who's your favorite player? Is it Leah, 'cause she's brilliant-"

She shakes her head.

"Meado?"

She shakes her head.

"Then who?" You giggle. Tilly hesitates for a minute before pointing at you.

Taken aback, you chuckle. "Me? Really? That's so special, Tilly. Thank you!"

You compliment Tilly on her adorable braids, expressing genuine admiration. Standing up again, you take Tilly's hand, leading her toward the pitch. The exchange transforms the waiting area into a moment of connection and inspiration.

As you step onto the pitch, the roar of the crowd intensifies. You, still feeling nausea, twirl Tilly around, creating a moment of joy. Your laughter echoes, a delightful contrast to the tense energy of the impending match. Your teammates, witnessing the scene, join in the merriment.

The referee's whistle signals the start of the match. You, still holding Tilly's hand, guide her toward the center circle for pre-game rituals. Tilly, wide-eyed, takes in the enormity of the stadium.

During the national anthems, you stand with Tilly, singing along proudly. The little girl, mimicking the anthem, adds charm to the solemn moment. You exchange a knowing glance with Tilly, a silent acknowledgment of the shared experience.

As the anthems conclude, you crouch down to Tilly's level. "You ready to watch an amazing game, Tilly?"

Tilly nods enthusiastically. "Yes! And you're gonna score, right?"

Y/N grinned. "I'll give it my best shot. And I have you cheering me on, so that's like having a secret superpower."

With a final exchange of smiles, you part ways momentarily as the match begins. Fueled by Tilly's infectious enthusiasm, you dive into the game with renewed vigor. Throughout the match, you steal glances toward the stands, where Tilly waves her miniature flag, cheering wholeheartedly. The documentary crew, capturing every emotion, immortalizes this heartwarming chapter of the World Cup journey.

Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson gather the team for a powerful pep talk. Lucy's embrace envelops each player, setting the tone for unity and determination.

"Ladies, today is special," Lucy declares, her voice ringing with authority. "We're welcoming you onto this grand stage for your debut. We've seen your dedication, and now it's time to show the world just how brilliant you are."

Leah steps forward, her words infusing the air with a mix of authority and camaraderie. "Today, we beat the Australians not just for a place in the finals but for the pride of wearing this jersey and for the legacy we're building together."

The team absorbs the intensity of the moment, a shared resolve forming as they prepare to face the formidable Australian opponents.

"The Australians are tough, relentless," Leah warns. "This won't be easy, but we've faced challenges before, and we've conquered them. Today, we fight for each other, and we fight to win."

As they disperse to their positions on the field, Lucy and Leah's words linger, becoming a driving force for a team ready to turn challenges into triumphs. The pitch awaits, and with your debut adding an extra layer of significance, the England Women's National Team stands united, ready to leave their mark on the journey to the finals.

During half-time, you, overwhelmed by emotions stemming from the recent decision to consider moving from Arsenal to FC Barcelona, run out, seeking solace. Unbeknownst to you, Lucy, who knows the source of your distress, observes your hurried exit and decides to follow.

As you find yourself in the bathroom, tears streaming down your face, Lucy enters, concerned. "Y/N, what's happening? You seem upset."

Surprised by Lucy's presence, you try to brush it off. "It's nothing, Lucy. Just need a moment."

Lucy, aware of the underlying issue, insists, "Y/N, I know there's more to it. You don't have to face it alone."

Meanwhile, Leah, approaches the bathroom to check on you. Lucy intercepts her, blocking the entrance. "Leave her be, Leah. She needs space."

Leah, puzzled and concerned, insists, "Lucy, Y/N is my best friend. I can't just leave her alone when she's upset. What's going on?"

Lucy, torn between loyalty to you and the desire to protect your privacy, hesitates. "This is not something for everyone to know. Y/N needs time."

Leah, feeling the tension escalate, demands, "Lucy, I need to know. What's bothering Y/N? She doesn't keep secrets from me."

Lucy, frustrated and grappling with the conflicting responsibilities, finally blurts out, "She was considering a move to FC Barcelona. But nothing's confirmed—"

Leah, stunned by the revelation, looks at Lucy with disbelief. The confrontation shifts from concern for you to a heated exchange between Lucy and Leah, each grappling with their roles in your life and the challenges of balancing personal matters with the demands of the game.

Leah's eyes harden with frustration and confusion. "Wait—What?!!"

Lucy, defensive yet determined, replies, "Because she's trying to protect you, Leah. She knows how much you care. And you would also convince her not to go."

Leah, not satisfied with the explanation, shoots back, "Y/N and I share everything. What gives you the right to decide otherwise?"

Lucy, now equally frustrated, retorts, "I'm trying to do what's best for her, Leah. Sometimes that means making tough decisions."

Leah, her emotions bubbling over, exclaims, "Best for her? You don't get to decide what's best for Y/N without considering how it affects the people who actually care about her!"

Sarina, hearing the heated exchange between Lucy and Leah, steps into the bathroom, her presence commanding attention. "Enough of this," she declares.

The confrontation between Lucy and Leah intensifies, and you find yourself caught in the crossfire of conflicting emotions. Finally, you can't take it anymore. "Enough! Both of you, just stop!" The weight of your emotions spills over as you storm out of the bathroom, leaving Lucy and Leah in stunned silence.

Lucy and Leah exchange a tense glance but follow Sarina back into the main room, where the team is gathered. Sarina swiftly transitions into discussing the plans for the second half of the match, redirecting the focus to the task at hand. "As I was saying," Sarina begins, her tone authoritative, "we need to tighten our defense, capitalize on their weaknesses, and keep the pressure on. You, Y/N, are key in this; I want you to exploit the gaps in their formation."

Determined to contribute despite the emotional turmoil, you nod in agreement. The rest of the team, sensing the underlying tension, focuses on Sarina's strategic instructions, trying to maintain the morale built throughout the tournament.

The second half begins with renewed intensity. The team, despite the recent upheaval, channels their energy into the game. You, amidst the emotional turmoil, push yourself to deliver on the pitch. Lucy and Leah, recognizing the need to set aside personal differences, demonstrate a united front in their positions.

The opposing team notices a shift in the England Women's National Team's dynamics but can't exploit it. The players, committed to their roles, continue to execute the game plan, rallying together for a common goal.

As the match progresses, the team's focus becomes more pronounced. The exchange of glances and unspoken tensions are momentarily set aside for the collective pursuit of victory. The pursuit of victory resonates with every skillful play, and the once-challenged morale finds its way back, fueled by the shared determination to advance to the finals.

At the crucial moment, as the ball finds its way to you, Leah's words echo in your mind - a reminder of the strength that comes from leaning on your teammates. Your legs burn with exhaustion, but the goal beckons like an elusive dream slipping through your fingertips. With a burst of determination, you unleash a powerful, swerving kick that sends the ball soaring through the air.

Time seems to slow as the ball arcs towards the goal, every heartbeat resonating with the collective hope of the team and the echoes of the crowd. The goalkeeper, stretching in vain, can only watch as the ball, driven by your unwavering spirit, slams into the back of the net.

A thunderous roar erupts from the stands, the celebration echoing through the stadium. You, momentarily suspended in the bliss of triumph, are engulfed by your teammates, the weight of the match and the underlying tensions momentarily forgotten.

With the scoreboard now reading 2-1 in favor of England, the atmosphere in the stadium crackles with anticipation. The England Women's National Team is on the verge of securing their place in the World Cup finals.

In a strategic move, Russo enters thepitch, replacing Kelly. The team, riding the momentum of your earlier goal, senses the opportunity to solidify their lead. You, eager to contribute further, seize an opportunity near the sideline.

As the clock ticks down, you skillfully maneuver the ball, evading defenders with a series of deft moves. Russo, positioned strategically in the box, makes a decisive run, anticipating your intention. With precision, you deliver a pinpoint cross that arches gracefully into the penalty area.

The stadium holds its collective breath as Russo, timing her approach perfectly, leaps and connects with the ball. A resounding thud echoes through the stadium as Russo's header sends the ball hurtling into the net. The crowd erupts into ecstatic cheers as the scoreboard now proudly displays 3-1, marking a significant advantage for the England team.

You, having orchestrated the play, share a triumphant moment with Russo. The teammates, their connection evident in the precision of that crucial play, are engulfed by the jubilant celebrations of their colleagues. The dramatic turn of events showcases the resilience and teamwork that define the England Women's National Team, solidifying their position in the World Cup finals.

Amidst the celebratory chaos, as you and Russo revel in the glory of the goal that solidified England's lead, Lucy approaches with a compliment. "Y/N, you'd make a great addition to Barcelona," she remarks, a smile on her face.

While you reciprocate the smile, a sudden gut punch of realization strikes you. The prospect of moving to another team, even if just in conversation, reopens the emotional wounds stirred by earlier discussions. Despite the outward composure, your internal struggle intensifies.

Feeling the weight of conflicting emotions, you seek solace in the familiar embrace of Leah, who, overwhelmed with emotion, has tears streaming down her face. The joy of reaching a World Cup final, an elusive dream for Leah until now, has rendered her speechless.

You, sensing Leah's vulnerability, attempt to apologize for the recent bickering, but before you can utter a word, Leah pulls you into a tight hug. In that embrace, the unspoken apologies and the weight of your recent conflicts seem to dissipate. Leah's words ring clear, breaking through the noise of the celebration. "Bickering or not," Leah whispers, her voice choked with emotion, "none of it matters right now. We made it, Y/N. We're in a World Cup final."

The significance of the moment hangs in the air as you hold each other, your shared journey filled with struggles and triumphs culminating in this monumental achievement. The team, once fractured by personal conflicts, finds unity in the pursuit of a common goal. In that embrace, you and Leah celebrate not only the victory on the pitch but also the resilience of your friendship amid the challenges of elite football.

As your and Russo's celebration echoes through the stadium, the commentators seize the moment to emphasize the historical significance of this match for both the women's and men's teams. "Incredible scenes here as Y/N's goal propels the England Women's National Team to a 3-1 lead, securing their spot in the World Cup final. But, folks, let's not overlook the broader impact of this moment. For years, both the men's and women's teams have tirelessly pursued the elusive World Cup, and today, the women have showcased their prowess on the grandest stage."

The echoes of the celebration and the commentators' reflections merge into a symphony of triumph, resonating far beyond the stadium, marking a defining chapter in the history of women's football.

In the midst of the roaring crowd, the commentary captures the essence of your journey. As the England Women's National Team secures a 3-1 lead, the commentators emphasize the historical significance of this moment for both the men's and women's teams.

"Your goal, Y/N, propels the England Women's National Team to a 3-1 lead, securing your spot in the World Cup final. This moment isn't just about a match; it's about breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and proving that women's football deserves recognition and celebration. Your journey is a testament to the strides made in the pursuit of global glory."

Leah's emotional reaction becomes a powerful symbol for the women's team, transcending the boundaries of just a match. "Leah's emotional reaction speaks volumes. For the women's team, this isn't just about winning a match; it's about paving the way for future generations and showcasing that women's football deserves every bit of recognition."

The unity between you and Leah is highlighted as symbolic in the grander scheme of things. "The unity between you and Leah is symbolic—a reminder that, regardless of gender, football is a sport that unites, inspires, and creates history. As you head to the World Cup final, you're not just competing; you're paving the way for future generations."

In the broader context, the significance of England's journey is acknowledged. "As we savor this moment, let's acknowledge the magnitude of what's happening here. England, with its storied football legacy, is on the verge of etching a new chapter in the annals of the beautiful game."

The shared dream between the men's and women's teams becomes a powerful narrative. "The men's and women's teams stand side by side in pursuit of a shared dream—a World Cup triumph that transcends gender boundaries. This moment isn't just important for England but for football as a whole."

leahwilliamson

liked by lucybronze, y/nmorrison & 500,000 others

leahwilliamson world cup finalists! 🌏🏆

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lucybronze - so proud of this team ❤️

milliebright - come on girls! ✨✨

no.1englandfan - its coming home! 🎶🎵

[oh-saints]

sweetest devotion (prologue)

it was only supposed to be another one night fling for mason. being married was never the aftermath he'd imagined himself to be, not when he's nothing but proud of his hit-and-run reputation around the town.

playboy!mason mount x princess!oc

word count: 1.5k

tw: as mentioned in the masterlist only

note: i know, i know. i'm not supposed to make this rabbit a bad guy but the tatler interview still rang well in my ears. and he won this poll anyway, so here it is. and the country name's taken from ana huang's twisted series teheeee but as usual, i happen to write at dawn so this is yet to be beta-read.

tag list: @mehrmonga who'd told me to do it anyway <3 (but lemme know if you wanna be added!)

this series' masterlist here part 1 here! >>

it all happened so fast.

as fast as the sound of his pen carving the cursive of his signature against the papers. as fast as the sound of mason mount giving what felt like his entire life away to a bunch of papers.

mason mount was only supposed to find another rebound to pale his heartache from being left behind by his girlfriend. he was only supposed to find another rebound to fuck before deserting them like a used piece of clothing that was covering his body against the cold of the night, and against the cold of his frozen heart.

he was only supposed to find another rebound to numb his recurring pain, just like a dozen of times before.

he thought he did exactly that in the morning, his modus operandi. and she never contacted him back either, despite knowing where to reach him. they were still following one another in Instagram anyway.

so of course, he didn’t expect anything drastic when the owner of the club he loves asked for his presence on one fine day at the cobham.

however, as he stepped inside the four walls made of glass, he certainly didn’t know what to make of himself. hell, he could guarantee any common living thing that they’d have no clue what to do when it was you and the king of eldorra himself.

a seething king of eldorra, mason should rather add.

the monarch didn’t waste a single breath as soon as the owner stepped out of the room for some privacy. “my daughter’s pregnant, mr. mount, and it’s yours.”

“I’m sorry?” mason had to mask his nervousness behind the pathetic excuse of a laughter. “I’m actually not following.”

“of course you are not,” the king sat up straighter, his posture telling everyone he wasn’t mad, except his eyes blaring fire so big it could burn down the amazon. “you don’t keep track of your one night stands, after all.”

if that was declan, mason would’ve heeded no mind. but coming from the man before him… mason couldn’t lie if that comment didn’t place a deep claw on his pride.

“father…”

“I suppose you might not remember her,” and mason couldn’t fault the king flaring his nostrils at each words spat. mason would probably be acting the same way, had this involved his own daughter. “you met her at a nightclub in london before you took her to your home and bed her.”

it didn’t escape mason, the disgust slipped into the last two words of the king’s sentence.

you’d be surprised to hear your daughter’s reaction to my cock was everything but disgust, mason smirked inwardly as he scanned the distinctive face of the said daughter. who, by the way, sported a faint hint of displeasure—at and of what, he didn’t know. he could only pray she wasn’t thrilled about the whole ordeal, so he could make a pity party out of them both.

of course, he remembered her—serena, final year student in king’s collage. he remembered her because no one as smart as her had pulled the same face card, and he was drawn in by the classic beauty she sported in her face and the royal elegance she exuded before he could help himself.

he remembered her because in bed, she was a beast long waiting for someone to wake her up. and mason loved nothing more than a duality striking on and off the bed.

“father, I appreciate if you grant us some space,” contrary to the faint warning she gave earlier, she was firm—rather stern, even—this time. “I’m sure it’s not an easy news for him either.”

the king spared his daughter a momentary glance before he stood up from his seat, buttoning the lapels of his suit back to its immaculate place. all while throwing lasers at mason’s way. if the footballer didn’t have his life at stake, he’d definitely succumb to the pressure.

there was a reason why the salt-and-paper man was the king, after all.

as soon as the powerful man went out of sight, mason shot his own daggers. “how are you so sure it’s mine?”

mason was only met by the profound proof that she was the king’s daughter and the princess. the woman in black slid a manila envelope towards his way ever so calm—as if the tension around them was as high as spending a mere summer together—without compromising his personal space. “your DNA test, as well as your contract.”

“contract?”

now, mason didn’t see this one coming.

“my father expects nothing less than you to man up and marry me,” shit, mason knew where this was heading. “it’s actually a crime in my country to be pregnant out of wedlock. combine that with the fact that you accidentally knocked up a princess, you can imagine the mess you’re about to ensue in my country,”

despite knowing the direction of this conversation, mason’s heart still dropped at the sight of marriage contract written in big, fat bold letters.

“however, I understand you have another life outside the well-being of your… child and mine,” if this wasn’t a dire situation in need of immediate attention, he’d praise her for how well she chose her words to simplify matters at hand. “so I took the liberty to construct this agreement so it will benefit us two. feel free to add your own terms.”

“what do you get out of this… arrangement?”

“I get to live another day, which means your child does too,” right, a punishable crime in the eyes of eldorran law. “and I get to provide only the best for my child. bar the father, of course, should you choose to walk away from the child’s life after this contract ends.”

dagnabit, she’d covered that part too under the agreement. she certainly had thoroughly thought about this. “is this what you both are planning from the beginning?”

“my father knows nothing of this existence and I wish to remain that way,” that’d explain why she asked for privacy for both of them, and somehow that relieved some parts of mason. “except for our lawyers, it’s only going to be between us until the end—whichever end may be—so I need you to put on some excellent acting when needed.”

rights and obligations… dang, mason should have a day off to discern all this. mason inwardly cursed himself for putting himself through this, all rooting from letting himself swayed and distracted by her sultry voice that he forgot to tap before he dabbed. wait, did I have a way out of this…

nope.

mason was raised better than to desert his own flesh and blood. and he was also certainly raised better than to have the mother of his child to be punished severely on her own when the child was obviously a joint creation of them both.

“we’ll figure out the nitty-gritty along the way,” sensing the footballer was weighing his thoughts, the princess stood up this time, reaching for her purse along the way. “after all, time is what we’re going to have until deaths do us part.”

mason could feel the tip of his mouth curving up slightly—credits when it’s due.

“have a thorough look at them and give me your answer when you’re ready. for now I will tell my father that you’re figuring out how to break the news to your kin first before saying yes.”

but before mason could bid her goodbye, the woman fourth in the throne line of eldorra had closed the mahogany door shut behind her, leaving mason alone dealing with the aftermaths of his rendezvous immediately and the tears of the girlfriend he recently rekindled later into the night.

“I promise you we can be together again, my love,” mason repeated those words like a mantra, in hope to soothe the heartbreaks both he and his girlfriend were respectively having inside. in hope it could build a foundation, a purpose for him to truck through a year of hell with a stranger he never dreamt of having to share his ultimate dream with. “I promise you that. we’ll figure it out meanwhile, okay?”

but mason didn’t get to hear whatever it was that came out of his ex’s mouth as a reply, as he took the hardest steps away from his girlfriend’s house. and he couldn’t seem to be able to recall them now, especially when the priest standing before him asked him the million-dollar question in front of thousands of people important for the existence of the eldorran kingdom.

“do you, mason mount, take serena, princess of eldorra, to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

his wife.

the woman standing in front of him, who was staring back at him with a pair of eyes he couldn’t read at all. the woman standing in front of him, who actually enticed a bit of fear in him for such uncomprehensive orbs she owned.

the woman standing in front of him, whom everyone dubbed as calm beauty like her name, was to be his wife.

the woman standing in front of him, who he had no idea about aside from her name and her reputation of a princess from a conservative country, was to be his wife.

all because a stupid, drunken one-night stint.

he let out a sigh that might be perceived as letting of the nervous steam. just when he wanted to organise his life and start fresh…

“I do.”

well, at least the princess was an exquisite sight to wake up to every day.

[eliteseven]

Can I request a little angst for Shadowheart and Tav? It doesn't have to be death, maybe a fight or misunderstanding?

😭 you’re so sweet haha pls don’t get me wrong, I will answer all asks- even the angsty ones!

Here’s an angsty alternative to our NLS series timeline that I was JUST discussing with a friend:

Tav chooses to help Karlach in Avernus while Shadowheart stays behind at the cottage to care for Emmeline and Arnell:

In my original playthrough, I HC that Serena is best friends with Karlach, so it makes sense she’d want to go to Avernus to help

Shadowheart wants to join them (she wants to be where Tav is 🥺) but Tav begs her to stay behind because she JUST got her family back!

They don’t see each other for some time. Tav wonders if perhaps Shadowheart has moved on. (They have quite an argument about this- Tav encourages it! Shadowheart doesn’t want to hear of it. She’s already in love, why would she even dream of finding someone else?) Tav argues that her human lifespan is short enough- Shadowheart deserves better. It’s a good thing Shadowheart is stubborn as hell.

Tav dreams of Shadowheart every night, just as she dreams of Tav. Tav wonders if Shadowheart has moved on. Shadowheart wonders if Tav is dead 🥺

The night of Withers’ reunion party is magical. I would imagine they miss most of the gathering lmao 😭

The moment they see each other, they’re all over each other. Shadowheart doesn’t even mind the smell of metal and smoke in her haste to devour her lover in the small window of time they’re allowed

They make love under the stars like they used to 🥹 it’s rushed and messy, they are beautiful and breathless and just happy to feel each other’s heartbeats. Then they do it again. And again. Each time a little more desperate than the last, knowing Tav will have to go soon

Tav brings herself to ask if Shadowheart has found anyone else. Shadowheart informs her that she has. In fact, she’s found forty 💀 Tav nearly has a stroke before she specifies that they are her animal companions and they keep Tav’s side of the bed warm for her. Tav realizes Shadowheart is dead serious about Tav rejoining them when she’s done in Avernus. 🥹 there was a part of her that had her doubts. Shadowheart can- and should- have everything or anyone she’s ever wanted. Tav can’t quite believe that’s HER 😭

(Shout out to my friend for the idea!!) one day, perhaps months down the road, Tav will come up the windings steps that lead up to the cottage. She’s nervous as hell, exhausted, but successful. She finds a familiar figure knelt by a bed of night orchids, tending to them. She glances up because Buttons is howling and barking like crazy…and she sees her girl 🥰

Shadowheart takes so much joy in showing Tav all her progress. She shows Tav their room (Shadowheart even organized and kept all of Tav’s belongings 🥹💕)

She introduces Tav to the animals, who immediately take a shine to her. Tav has her arms full of kittens and Shadowheart when she’s told what is perhaps the most shocking news of all

Perhaps it is then that Shadowheart either reveals: 1. She is pregnant (we all know the story behind that one lmaooo) or 2. The orphan Shadowheart ran into on her way coming from the city one day.

You asked for angst and I made it happy 😭💀 my bad lol

[vro0m]

You don't want to post the ask because you're getting cooked in your own ask box. 😏 You're satisfied with everyone disrespecting an anon, who's actually making sense, that's why you're very manipulative about what you choose to share.

So you don't want to post the link to the RESEARCH that concluded that men generally have better hand-eye coordination than women? And there's plenty more research like that one, you know. the crazy part about this is i wanted to see a woman in F1(still do, esp if she's truly competitive), but the more push-back you gave, the more I started to look into it and learned that there really ARE a lot of biological differences that really WOULD give men more of an advantage in f1. I thought the difference was just testosterone, which is why you never see male and female runners, swimmers, MMA fighters, athletes in general, compete against one another.

But apparently, it's so much more than just the ability to build muscle mass. Spatial awareness, hand eye coordination are the cornerstone of F1 driving(many sports, tbh), and anyone who could have a weaker set of either skill is is at a huge disadvantage. I acknowledge that this skill can be developed, but would it be enough if biology is driving the disparity? You don't find it weird that Danica Patrick is celebrated the way she is, but only won a single race her entire career? If she raced against only women, she would be like the Dale Earnhardt Jr or Lewis Hamilton of the sport. Or, for a more accurate reference, she would be the Serena Williams of her sport. Instead of fighting to include women in a male-dominated sport, where they could be at a disadvantage, what if WOMEN supported women in f1a the same way they support men in F1, yourself included? But you don't want to because you'd rather be a part of something that's already established, instead of helping women build something that puts them at the center. 🤷‍♀️

You'll never post this because this is an extremely fair point and you're just as much of a sexist as the men you accuse. Having a different set of abilities does NOT make you weaker and worse off. I'm sorry you've internalized this mentality, while appearing to support women. 😒

Sure honey.

[irishcoyote]

Inflamed Sense of Rejection: Chapter One

~~~~~~~~~~~ Author's Note: This is that Angel Face backstory I was talking about. His name is Caleb Handover because I'm not going to call him Angel Face the whole time. There will be no "spice" because I type this on a school computer and honestly I want to expand my writing abilities. ~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a horrible way to start a journal, probably the most over-done and unintriguing sentence used to start a story, but my name is Caleb Handover. I’m 16 years old, and I live in Wilmington, Delaware. I go to Mt. Pleasant High School, class of 2001. That makes me a Junior.

It’s boring. Every single day is the same. The ducks pass over the sky when I’m walking to school, and it looked cool when I was nine, but nowadays it just feels like I’m watching someone drive to work. 

Delaware duck schedule: 6 AM, wake up to the same alarm as everyone in the neighborhood. 7 AM, fly to the pond for breakfast and a bath. Pass by that blond kid again. 

My hair was born white. People on the street asked my mom while she was pushing the stroller, why do you bleach your baby’s hair? 

She never did. 

 First period is Advanced Placement Calculus. I’m thinking about ducks. Derivatives, ducks, hyperbolas, ducks, factorials, ducks, integrals…

My mom called my hair duck-fuzz.  

I like math, but I only say that because high schoolers have to like something. If you say you don’t like any subjects in school, you sound like a wannabe-dropout loser. I’m 16 years old and taking AP Calculus. I don’t think I’m a wannabe anything, but I don’t think I’m genuine, either. I’ve already done the warmup question on the board. Find 34! It’s just a factorial. Does anyone see me?

“Caleb Handover?”

Only during attendance. 

I raise my hand until my elbow is about six inches off of my table, parallel to the smooth, fake-wood surface. Not high enough to seem like a geek, but still giving effort.  

Invisibility is a science.

“Here.” 

There’s a pause. My hand stays in the air.

“Caleb Handover?” my teacher tilts his chin up and surveys the room, his pencil hovering over my name, ready to write truant. 

“I said I’m here,” I said louder as I raised my hand higher. My pen balances between my peace-sign fingers. My teacher flicks his eyes to me, and his eyebrows soften. He adjusts his glasses. The sad taste of desperation lingered in my mouth after essentially begging to be accounted for.

“Oh, hello Caleb. Sorry I didn’t see you.” My teacher laughs dryly and clears his throat. “Serena Hofstadter?” 

She has mono. 

“Gordon Jacobs?” 

That’s how Serena got mono.

For a moment I picture Serena and Gordon as Romeo and Juliet during the final act. Gordon drinks from a tall, crystal vial of mononucleosis extract and collapses. Serena, covered head-to-toe in orange spray tan and blonde highlights underneath her Shakespearean garb, discovers him on the floor and gives a tearful soliloquy before kissing him feverishly in an attempt to drink the mono from his lips. In the end, they’re both bedridden, and everyone knows. 

In fair Delaware we lay our scene.

I don’t know why, but I’m angry at them. Serena and Gordon. My knuckles turn white as I grip my pen harder, gritting my teeth and thinking about my peers who go to parties to drink and kiss and do drugs. I didn’t even think parties were a real thing until I started listening to rich kids’ conversations. 

“I got home so late last night…” quote from the boy wearing the same clothes as yesterday.

“I’m, like, so hungover.” quote from the girl wearing sunglasses indoors at 8:30 AM.

“Her house was so tacky.” quote from the girl whose locker is head-to-toe in sequins and leopard print, who uses perfume to cover the smell of anxiety pheromones. 

I’m not jealous, and I’d rather have lifelong diarrhea than be in the same boat as these kids, but it would be nice to have a life. 

It would be nice to be a part of something bigger than myself.

~~~~~~~~~~~ Author's Note: Please let me know what you think, and if I should keep writing this. It would be appreciated :)

[mamaluigi2018-commsopen]

Could you tell us more about the Pokegirls Roommates AU? Why did each of the girls choose the majors they did? What's their life gonna be like after graduation?

Sure! So for like half the girls, what they choose as majors are legit careers and passions they want to look into, the other half choose just whatever just to have a degree in something

Leaf: (Music) So the reason why Leaf choose music was cause she's the defacto party gal. She's like to have fun and just go wild with her friends. She wants something just to have so that as a way just to "Flex" on people, but if she doesnt end up with a degree, she'd most likely flip off the teachers and still just preform small gigs on her own

Kris: (Health) For Kris, this was influenced by her depiction in the Adventures Manga were she was very atheltic out of the protags, so I made it so she's just someone who likes to be in her best shape. She's another example of, If she gets a degree she gets a degree but if she doesnt eh no harm no foul. She can prob still be a personal trainer on her own or just get a job at a gym to still keep fit.

May: (Drama) May is depicted as, while very ditzy and an airhead, is the most romantic of the group, is very emotional and is suppose to be a reference to Anime May who enjoys performing in Pokemon Contests. So May is one of the few actively does have a passion for her major and when after graduation, while most likely not a big hollywood star, would be doing lots of local plays and musicals.

Dawn: (Business) This Dawn is taking major points from Platinum of the Adventures Manga. Here, Dawn is the daughter of a large jewelry conglomerate so she's taking Business as a focus so that she may be able to take up the company her family has been maintaining. And this isn't like those kinds of having to live up to expectations, Dawn legit enjoys what she does and does find the value of maintaining a business. For the moment til she does become the next CEO, she'll most likely be a manager at a smaller side business or have a high level job in the company.

Lyra: (Teaching) Lyra is the most gentle of the group and the most patient with kids, so she wants to be able to be someone that kids can look up to so for her she wants to be become either a kindergarten or elementary teacher. That would be what she'd want to once she graduates.

Hilda: (Mechanics) Mechanics was the one I choose for Hilda because I wanted to enforce more on the "New Yorker" aspect of her since she is from Unova. She's a bike rider so she decided on something that gives her an excuse to just work on her bike and give it the maintenance she needs. If she graduates, she'd most likely go work at an auto shop and if she doesn't get a degree, she can still ride her bike and prob become like a courier rider.

Rosa: (Sociology) Rosa's always been an empathetic person and always a person willing to listen to people's problems and wants to be able to help. So she's pursuing sociology to become a counselor for people, help them out with any mental issues or are troubled.

Serena: (Fashion) Massive fashionista she is. Always have to be the most glamour gal in the room. Looking your best is her top priority. So she wants to be someone who makes outstanding dresses and clothes and have them up on the walkways. Though she prefers her designs to be on HER instead of just some random model.

Selene: (Art) Selene just has an extremely overactive imagination and growing up from Alola has many beautiful scenic shots that she loves recreating them. And she's also the person that if she gets a degree, cool, if not eh not gonna bother her, she's still just gonna draw and paint what she likes. Maybe some will like em and buy it from her, some wont and she's cool with that.

Gloria: (History) Literally chose it cause she knows Sonia was able to get her degree in it no time at all. So she thinks its easy and you just have to remember dates. She actually despises it alot and has no way to get out of it without having to spend alot of money and more time at school changing majors so she has to put up with it. Very unlikely she gets a degree but if she does, she's doing nothing with it. Probably go work a retail job or go work an intern with Sonia and Hop just to do something.

Juliana: (Library Science) Juliana is the very studious type and loves to learn about many types of trivia and cultures from anything. She chose this major so that she can become a librarian and always have many books to read and to help educate others on knowledge.

Hope this helps out answering your question!

[bellaxgiornata]

Below the cut is an unedited and very rough excerpt from chapter one of yet another side project I'm currently working on. It is a Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader story where Reader can travel the multiverse and is being hunted because of that ability. It is tentatively titled Keep Coming Back to You. There's also a world of intelligent zombies Reader gets pulled into whenever she really panics which she calls Nightmare 1. In the story, she starts out meeting college Matt and Foggy but because of her ability and her need to hide, she obviously disappears often. So she eventually meets a slightly older Matt (season 1?) as time passes. And this story will be an angsty slowburn after some initial romance (all thanks to you Elektra).

This is a very, very rough concept I'm still working on which will also probably involve Doctor Strange at some point.  And I'm going to say it's 18+ for some smut (because we all know I write smut) and violence/gore (I mean...there's zombies). Just curious who is even interested before I invest too much time in this one.

Anyway, below the cut is a raw snippet from the middle of chapter one!

_________

"You can't hide forever, girl," they called out again. 

You tried to ignore them, your eyes searching for the thread that you had always felt a slight draw towards, though lately it was getting harder and harder to find through the multitudes of universes. Home–that thread meant Home to you. Or at least lately it had become something like Home. You figured you’d jump there and then quickly find somewhere else to jump to lose them for good for a while.

"The others couldn't hide from me either," they told you, their voice closer. 

Their words caused you to pause, momentarily distracted as the threads glittered before you, varying shades of colors and lights softly reflecting along your jeans. 

"You’re not the only one, Serena," they continued, smug satisfaction in their tone. "And I know that's not your real name, girl."

Your head snapped to your left. They were standing at the bottom of the playset’s slide now, staring right at you through the dark with a menacing smile. The teeth of the young man they were currently possessing flashed at you like a warning. A terrified shiver ran down your spine at the sight.

"I always get them eventually," they called up to you. "Just like I'll get you."

Ice cold fear shot its way through your veins. Before you could control it, something was tugging sharply at your body. That horrifyingly familiar feel of cold hands gripping your shoulders and yanking you forcefully backwards hit you hard. 

And then you were falling. 

Your stomach felt like it was flying up into your throat, your organs shifting and squeezing unpleasantly inside of you as you were pulled–the second worst possible thing that could have happened to you in that moment. 

Just as fast as it had started the sensation stopped. You landed hard on your knees along cracked pavement, wincing in pain at the rough drop. Your hands instinctively flew forward, scratching roughly along the broken cement as you tried to steady yourself on all fours. Panting hard, you looked up and surveyed your surroundings while hoping against all hope you weren’t where you thought you were. But your heart fell to the demolished road beside you the moment you took in the sight of the plant life overtaking the decrepit houses around you. Eyes closing, you tried to fight back the sting of tears.

Not here again. 

A fresh wave of panic rolled through you as you quickly and quietly rose to your feet. It had been awhile since you’d been to this world, but you remembered exactly what you needed to do. You needed to be silent. You needed to remain calm. And you needed to get the fuck out of here as fast as you possibly could. Before one of those things found you. You just needed a second to catch your breath and scan your surroundings to make sure you were safe and alone. Then you would find a safe universe and jump again.

That's it, you told yourself. Just calm down. I'll get out of here, I always do. Just need to stay calm.

You tried to take a steady breath, keeping your eyes open while you scanned the area around you. Carefully you expelled the breath as gently as you could, your eyes taking in the sight of the apocalyptic neighborhood. There was a gaping hole in the roof of the house just in front of you, the front door entirely missing. Both houses beside it had broken windows and ivy snaking its way up the front of them. The exterior paint had long since faded and the mailboxes out front were rusted and tipped to the side. But at least you didn't see any movement. As you observed your surroundings, you kept an ear out and listened to every single noise around you. For now, the soft whistle of wind through the copse of trees nearby was thankfully all you could hear. Everything else was quiet.

Good. Silence was good here. Silence met one of those things weren't about to jump out and try to savagely rip you to shreds and eat you like you were their last meal.

Or infect you.

Fuck, I hate this place.

Cautiously you made your way through the tall grass as it brushed against your jeans, the soft swish of it hitting your ears. The overcast light from the sun sneaking through the cloud cover overhead was a sharp contrast to the dark night you'd just been running through moments ago. 

Traveling through worlds was incredibly strange. It could be broad daylight in one place, but then you could jump and end up somewhere where it was pitch black seconds later. Same with the weather–it could be springtime somewhere, with birds chirping and flowers blooming, and then another moment you were landing in three feet of freezing cold snow in a pair of shorts. 

Your concept of time was entirely fucked at this point.

Moving on the front of your feet, you tried to make as little sound as possible as you walked. It was difficult to catch your breath, trying in vain to keep your labored breathing steady and quiet after that chase you’d barely escaped. You just wanted to get your back against something solid and search the threads for a universe that felt safe to jump to. That was your focus right now.

You moved slowly, careful to be as soundless as you could and grimacing at the stains of old blood you saw splattered along the panels of the house as you walked. You crept your way gradually around to the side of the house, glad that it was windowless. Very carefully you turned, stepping backwards until your back hit the wall. At least nothing could sneak up behind you while you worked now.

With a sharp exhale through your nose you tried to focus on the space before you yet again. Gradually the threads of multiple universes appeared, shimmering in the overcast light of the day. This time there was a rush of blues and purples that came forward. You squinted, reaching two fingers tentatively out and trying to get a feel for a few threads of light. 

Maybe you needed to find somewhere new. Somewhere that they wouldn't easily think to find you. But you hated finding new worlds. You never knew what you would be walking into every time you jumped. Though usually if you trusted your instincts you would end up in a world similar to your Home. Right now that's what you needed to find.

A noise came from not too far away, cutting through the silence. You froze instantly at the sound, your fingers holding onto a thread as your eyes darted to the side. And then the jarring, guttural, screeching noise that plagued your nightmares rang out through the trees nearby. The hair along your arms instantly rose, a prickling feeling growing at the base of your skull.

Your jaw clenched, your heart rate rising again. Time was up. You needed to get out of here now. You didn't need to encounter one of those again. You had nothing to fight it with and you sure as shit wouldn't manage to outrun it. 

As the terrifying, rasping growl cut through the air around you yet again, you knew exactly what that sound meant from the time you’d spent here before. It was searching, probably having caught onto the fresh scent of the blood on your scraped hands. But before you could pull the thread of light between your fingers and jump, it disappeared. All of the colorful lights before you suddenly vanished.

"Shit," you whispered. 

That loud, rasping roar reverberated through the air again and shot another spike of fear and adrenaline through you. 

It had gotten closer. 

As you turned, trying to remain calm, you prepared to hide in the house behind you. But that’s when you heard it. Something like a high-pitched shriek in response. There was a second one. And they were communicating with each other. You knew what that sound meant.

They knew something was here.

[terrainofheartfelt]

Dair + 9

Dair + 9 …in public.

(because they did in fact go to Rome bc the show ended at 5x21 right)

After years of living under a microscope, being in Rome feels like hiding in plain sight. 

In the mornings and afternoons when Dan is in session, she goes to historical sites alone, walks up and down the Via del corso, lets the crowds of tourists and Romans and countrymen ebb and flow around her, and enjoys how little it all matters. 

Back at home, even months removed from the royal divorce, Blair felt like she couldn’t walk outside without looking over her shoulder. Here, no one cares that she’s a divorcee, a failed princess, a college dropout or a national embarrassment. Here, Romans only care if her fashion game is up to snuff, which it always is. 

In the evenings, she retrieves Dan from whatever hole he’d written himself into over the course of the day and steers him to one of the restaurants in her spreadsheet. She's been very methodical, starting at the villa where they were staying and systematically moving counterclockwise around the city. 

Tonight, they’re at an outdoor table in the Piazza Navona. The square is crawling with tourists of every kind, from the earnest history pilgrim to the apathetic phone photographer, but Blair forgets to be aware of them, because Dan is trying to make a point about another institute attendant’s painting technique and Blair is busy formulating her rebuke. 

The cramped patio dining room has them seated more side-by-side to each other than across, so while Dan is talking with his left hand, it feels perfectly natural for Blair to take hold of his right. 

He tenses for a second, but knows she notices, his mouth quirking up in a crooked, apologetic smile. 

“You okay?” she asks. No use avoiding it now. Plus, something about Rome makes everything less avoidable. Or at least, less daunting to address. 

Dan’s smile stays, and he moves his hand to lace their fingers together. “Not used to being without an audience, I guess.” 

Blair nods, a small knot of guilt twisting in her gut. She had laid down so many rules when they got together, twisted and constrained first by her marriage, then by not wanting to rub anything in Serena’s face. It didn’t help that Gossip Girl seemed to find them anytime either of them went outdoors, especially with each other. 

Dan went along with it all, because he wanted her more than he wanted to control her—a nice change—but Dan is not suited for the clandestine. Utterly indiscreet, he doesn’t know how to be and act any way other than he already is, and Blair does not want to make him. 

And here, in this city, she doesn’t have to. 

She meets his eye, then leans into him slowly, letting her lips land on his jaw, then his chin, before kissing his lips, not knowing nor caring who saw them. In their own world. Hiding in plain sight. 

[saphirafoxgirlspost1]

(Open Rp) Something's wrong with Sunny day jack in "Sleepless In Cloudy Town"

It all started With A Nice Decent town Called "Middleton", Saphira had Been Together with Ron For 7 years But During the time..She was Suspecting ron acting Strange lately ever since after 8th grade..including The Missing out on the Whole Summer cruise and dates as well..She was been stood out by him..The More He changed..The More Suspicions saphira has to investigate him to see whats going on..Until one day, Saphira Caught Ron and Kim Kissing…She was Shocked and betrayed, so She comes to Ron and Slammed The Locker Door and she said,

Saph:"RONALD!! So this is How you disappeared on me and Stood me out as well too?…You were Cheating on me with Kim!? cross her arms What are you have to say to yourself?"

Ron gasp..and try to explain..and Saphira said,

Saph:"I don't want to hear it Ronald!, Now..I'm giving you an Ultimanum Right here! Right now! You know damn well that I'm 3 months pregnant With our daughter…So..you got two Options..and you Better Chose 1…It's Either "Break-up with Kim, Forbid you to See her again, Step up and be a father Of Our Daughter" Or! You "get out of my Life and my daughter and pay Child support! And I'll be Suing you and Kim For Emotional Distress." Oh! and Either ways, I'm Still going to tell your parents about this and I Hope you better chose..Its Either "Me" Or "HER!"…Your choice and you have until Midnight!..So better think long and hard ron…because your not going to Worm your way out of this one."

She is pretty angry at ron..but he begged her..but She refused to let him in..and what she said..will made him think long and hard.

Saph: "Oh! and If you Don't Decide by the time midnight came, I'm Kicking you out of my house! and you will be sued along with that red headed whore! Because "I" Will not allowed Cheaters In my House!"

Saphira Snapped In anger..letting him Know How much trouble he is in when it comes To Ultimanum. Then that night..Saphira got his Stuff to make sure to be ready to kick him out…until Ron came home..and Sees Saphira sitting down with her leg cross and her arms across her chest..and she said" Well, What do you chose Ronald?" Then..Ron told Her that he decided to chose her…So Saphira Nodded..and Told him that he can sleep on the couch for a Week..She was pretty angry at him still… Months later, Her beloved Daughter Serena..Died a Stillborn..She was devastated… Her parents and Rons parents was heartbroken. Then in Funeral…Saphira was Looking for Ron to see if he shows up…She was furious when the Funeral started…and after that..he showed up at the Wake party..and Saphira scolded him and telling him that He needs to be there for His own Daughter..but he Smacked her…But Her Father Punch Him dead in the face and Chewed him out, telling Ron that He better not lay hands on his daughter again..or else..his hand will be Chopped off clean out…as Ron was scared of her fathers rage… as Saphira asked where was he when the ceremony started…but ron started to lie…and saphira glares at him…but then time of the prom…She was crown prom Queen and Ron the prom king..until..Her friends and wade..shows everyone the true colors of Ronald Stoppable…Saphira saw it…and Boy..She is Shocked, She saw ron and Kim and "Bonnie"..Screwing eachother, Stealing money…and also..Wade shows the cause the death of Serena..was this Illegal drug as her eyes widen..and then..hearing the voice recording…then..She Turns to ron and gives him the "Is this true?" look in her eyes…She is in rage and Hurt and betrayal… After that…Saphira threw Ron stuff out of her house..and she Tear ron into a new one..calling her a traitor, cheater, Man whore, and a Slut as well… His parents was Furious as well..and they apoligize to Saphira Perfusely..and Ron was force to apoligize as well..including kim and bonnie..but she didn't forgive them..and suing those 3 For damage..and murdered of her beloved daughter…After Graduation, Saphira went to Court..and Find Ron, Kim, and Bonnie guilty for all the Emotional distress on saphira, murder of her daughter and Embezzlement Of her family money and Her fathers buisness money…So they have to work in prison..and Spend 50 years in prison…So after that, Saphira Decided to move away to a Nice town Called "Cloud town".

6 years later

On the 6th of November, Saphra Went to the Garage sale..and saw a Video tape..and it was a "Sunny day crew" video tape…She decided to buy the tape and all…and brought it home..She lives in the Nice Luxury manor…and she sees the beautiful door..from the second floor..still locked..with a name.."Serena" on it..she felt heartbroken..until..She began to put tape in the VCR..and press play and then..it starts..and saw sunny day jack..She Giggles and said," Damn..he is pretty good looking but..familiar.." But then..it happened…

[bleachedjuice]

'To Whom The Bells Toll' pt.3

👹 oooggggaaa boogggaaa

Warnings: Foul language, and pure angst/ mutual pinning(cause im just slick like that)

Enjoy 😌🫡

Staring at the mirror, you felt like hurling your lungs out, 3 in the morning, and here you sat. Or well stood. Utterly aching for breath and not finding it, tears burning your eyes.

The call came to you just moments ago, awaking you from your futile tossing and turnings to try and rest in order to face a day of paperwork for today's morning and afternoon training.

They wouldn't allow you to go.The family got the news last night, after you filed proper paperwork in the middle of the night,and the government received it from Laswell... and then the family was almost immediately notified. But Laswell denied your request to go to her service. Claiming, "that there is bigger things at hand that need you to be here and present y/n. I can not allow you to leave, I'm sorry."

You remembered just grinding your teeth to the point that they still ached, or perhaps that's from your bruised tongue that now was sour and sore with aches from how hard you had bitten down on it whilst she had told you.

Sorry.

She was fucking sorry.

Scoffing you then glared at your disheveled self. Eye bags...hair a mess. And your eyes utterly bloodshot, either from crying in your sleep or the lack of sleep in your system now. Either way, you're livid and exhausted

Almost shoving the sink away from your body, you resumed into motion, away from that small snippet of time that held you, and now here you were. Trudging to your bed, aching, hoping. For any kind of relief that a small amount of sleep would give to you, even for a mere moment. Just a small relief from that reality you had to face in the longer hours of the mornings bitter attitude and feeling in your bones.

Your socked feet padded on the floor quietly, and once your bed came into view as you exited the private bathroom of your barrack, you slammed into its thin cushioning and felt yourself utterly groan into your pillow before a couple movements and later. And here you were. Passed out cold. Saving the last of your strength from yesterday for today.

And out you went, drifting yourself to a somewhat comfortable rest that caused your bones to stop aching the mourning grief that you now felt.

Awakening to your quiet hum of an alarm, you found yourself on autopilot, dragging yourself out of your warm cocoon and into the bathroo where you brushed your teeth and washes your face until you put on deodorant. And only then did you walk out and quiet literally yanked your clothes on, simple black sweats and a tight light clothed under Armour green tee-shirt, before stomping out of your barracks to retrieve the piles of paperwork from Prices office. Yours and Serenas dogtags clinking as you marched.

Your boots scuffed on the cold pavement of the tiles floor as congregating soldiers and privates slid past you in the halls, you were intimidating. Stared at. Gaucked at. Because of the way your face looked, knurled and angry. A scar that proved one thing, you where alive.

And Serena was not.

Groaning at the though, you shoved it down the throat of your brain and back into the pit of your stomach, and felt it sink in the dephs of your chest, making it difficult to breath let alone stand at the moment. And yet you swallowed it and held it and marched your way to Prices office.

Once arriving at the end of the hall, you stood at the dark wooded door. And knocked, your knuckles rapping against the wood three times in a rhythm. And then a low voice awnsered.

"Come in."

Price.

Letting out the breath you've been holding, you twisted the knob, almost retracting at how cold it was. Before entering, and there you stood, eyes locked with fucking König as he sat in one of the two chairs before Prices desk. Pursing your lips and narrowing your eyes at him, you then directed your attention to Price, your voice low and guttural. Like a snarling animal.

"Came for Laswells paperwork that she sent for me."

And you read Prices expression, stuttered, but coarse. An acknowledging look. He knew what it was like to lose men, soldiers. Brothers and sisters. He gave a slight tilt of his head that seemed to ask, 'Are you ok?' And you gave him a slight knod. And with one tilt of the head of König, who sat man spread with arms crossed, revealed that he noticed. Narrowing your gaze, you felt your hackles raise,more so the hair on the back of your neck stood right up. And so did your eyes. You could just feel them dilating as you snapped your gaze to him from the corner of your eye to Prices hand, which now held plenty of thick files that needed to be done. That Laswell needed done. Giving a short "Thanks, Price." You left and practically slammed the door behind yourself and slid through the halls like a snake, avoiding conversation, avoiding confrontation. just avoiding. Anyone and anything. And made your way to the kitchen. And with a sweet bliss of one thing going right in your life, your Case of 20oz coconut redbulls laid untouched. With a quick swipe, you held two in one hand, and your paperwork was in the other and solely slicked to the quietness of your "office" that they placed you in for the time being while being out here. Holding all the materials you'd need and file cabinets holding all the information you needed to have. A small corner office,tucked away from everyone and everything with a simple desk with three drawers on each side and a slim long one above the space your legs go, a bulletin board with maps and photos of a trace board you created whilst trying to connect certain things to certain people that you needed to find out. A filling cabinet behind your left side of the swivel chair that was in the room, an simple office chair, and then a lamp in the corner of the room and one on the desk And a simple cacti you placed on the desk to keep you company, placing your files down and then your redbulls you situated your seating in your chair and dove into a quick swig of a energy drink and then into the paperwork you went.

Rubbing your eyes, you then hummed in content, seeing that you now were done. But utterly miserable. Glancing at the clock you gazed at it, your visions blurred before a quick blinking moment stroked it away. 2:45pm.

Not bad. Gave you give or take two hours to have an hour and a half workout or two hours to yourself. With a quick stretch out of your seat, you slammed the rest of the remaining last redbull and tucked your chair in before organizing the folders and made your way to drop them at Prices office. Once doing that, quick and bitter exchange you made your way to the gym area, aching for a good workout to get your mind off of what happened the day before. Anything to get the feeling of her blood and breath off of your mind.

It seemed like eternity,your body aching with sweat and burning from the workout you had encased yourself into. And now here you were, pushing out the still remaining aggressiveness you had over yourself that seemed to never end.

And mid push up, you heard footsteps, and with a quick glance..König. Ignoring the presence of the mountain that had just entered the room, you then felt yourself feeling no use... three hours and no sign of your anger burning out. Nothing. Grunting, you then went to push yourself up only to hear quick steps your way, and before your reflexes could kick in due to the fogged up aggressiveness that haltered it. A knee firmly slammed you down and knocked the choked air out of you.

Laying your palms flat and gritting your teeth, you let out a hiss. You expected it to be someone tolerable. Someone close, Soap or even Simon.

"Get up ."

König. Glaring at him over your shoulder, you felt your nostrils flare as you spoke, guttural. Growling.

"Get. The. Fuck. Off. Of. Me."

"frech, get me off- "

Cutting himself off, he glowered down toward your ear, and before you could snap back at him, he wrapped his thick forearm around your throat, cutting your air off in a threatening, uncomfortable manner. Reminding you of the ice cold water enveloping you from the night before. Choking you.

"König I'll fuc-"

"Get me off, or else perhaps something like last will occur at the next mission, hm? A dead teamate and then an attack on your own personal? Fix it."

He seemed just as pissed as you. Maybe even more.

Sour nerve. You felt your eye lid twitch before a rumble of a yell erupted from you as you shifted your left knee up and used your palms to push up, thwaking your head back like a rearing mad horse, and struck him right on the head, and off your pushed him before you twisted and practically leapt on the man before colliding a harsh swipe at his chest with the base of your knuckle and gripped his shirt, your legs straddled his mid waist area as your used both your hands to hold his white shirt by the collar and gripped him up, your body to blinded by rage as you barreled down at his gaze, some red tint gleaming through his snipers mask.

"Do not think for one fucking moment that I don't utterly drown in last night's events. Her blood. Her breath. DO YOU FUCKING THINK THAT IT DOESNT FUCKING HAUNT ME?! EVEN FOR A MOMENT? ONE DAY ITS BEEN, AND YOUR ALREADY HOLDING IT OVER MY HEAD."

Your voice cracked with pain, hurt. You felt a burning sensation creep its way to your eyes.

"Do you not think for a moment that I want to go back in time to prevent it? Fuck you König."

Your eyes narrowed as your chest heaved, and you stared at his shocked expression before his gaze narrowed, and before you knew it he left hand had socked you and sent you sprawling as he threw you off of him with his hips and like a bear he was upon you,dragging you toward him by you upper knee area and under him he held you, only invoke you lunging at his loose held figure and sent him and you sprawling backwards, and with the momentum you thrashed forward with, and with him one reflex using his legs to push up, you both did a flip,and your back hit the ground with a thwack as he stared you as he held your shoulders down and his one leg pressed down on your knee. Holding you there. Hissing the words out to you like a panicked mother would to a child.

"Do not think for one moment Y/n that I don't see it. How you are today. I noticed it in Prices office."

And he lowered himself to your level, his gaze holding yours. Mere inches away from your noses touching. His bloodied spot spreading even more on his mask.

"So do not think that I want you to forget it. But now it is time for you to try and get better, to bot let it happen again. That is why I'm here now, that's why I'm here forcing you to feel it. To relive it."

And with a defeated huff, you glowered at him and thrusted your legs up forward and knocked his knee that held your legs down to the side with a swift sift of your weight before shoving him to the left before rolling ontop of him and straddled his hips before gripping his shoulders back at him.

"Do not think I will let that happen again."

"Gut."

And then you realized the position you were in, panting heavily against him. His one large, thick hand holding just above your knee area and the other flat palmed on the ground to brace his upper body. His gaze. And then you felt something below you.... You snapped off him like he had burned you before you spoke harshly, almost nervously at the mere moment.

"Your bleeding, go to med bay König."

"Hm. Fine liebling."

He spoke the last word that you didn't know with a tainting tone. And as you marched out of the gym door, he scoffed and got up,his pants suddenly feeling tight and his body too warm.

And then a mutter.

"Scheiße."

[bluewavesofchange]

The girl and the dragon

I don't own Yugioh or it's characters or Beauty and the beast

Chapter 10

Serena’s hands squeezed the reigns tightly as she tried to guide Gaia through the dark forest, spurring him on as the horse galloped along the path, swerving between the trees. She was trying her best to calm herself down as her body was running high with adrenaline, the only thing thought in her mind being the need to get away from the castle as quickly as possible. She wanted to go home to her grandfather and brother and move away from this place…to head back to Japan and hope that the beast wouldn’t find them…

She kept going until Gaia abruptly stops, rearing into the air, Serena nearly falling off before the horse settles back down. Something was wrong as a howl echoes through the forest, Serena looking around as a new fear started to fill her senses, seeing a bunch of glowing red eyes appearing from the darkness before a pack of horrifying looking wolves started to emerge from the shadows, foam and drool leaking from their muzzles as they snarled at the woman, their growls echoing through the cold air before letting out a chilling howl, charging at Serena and Gaia.

The horse neighed in terror as he dashed off to try and escape the gnarly looking creatures, Serena holding on for dear life as her new focus was to get away from the wolves…however more seemed to appear out of darkness as they travelled along the path. Serena looked back at the growing pack, stealing her focus for a second and not noticing that they were nearing a cliff. Gaia did however and reared up, neighing loudly as Serena lost her balance and fell off as she screamed at the top of her lungs as she hit the ground, nearly tumbling off the side of the cliff.

The horse neighs loudly in distress and runs off to get away from the wolves…Serena winced as she slowly stood up, her dress covered in smudges of dirt and a few scrapes on her skin. She didn’t have time to think as the wolves started to surround her, one of them charging at her. Her eyes widened as she stepped out of the way, the creature taking a dive off the edge of the cliff, howling as it plummeted to its death. Serena looked around at the other beasts, each one of them looked disfigured, rotten pieces of flesh covered them in disgusting patches, their teeth a nasty yellow, their eyes a milky white that stared blindly into her soul. She was terrified and looked around for a way to escape but she was surrounded, the pack slowly making their way closer to her…she took a step back but her heel hits the edge of the cliff…she had two options…either fall to her death or get eaten alive by these creatures.

One gets close enough to snap its teeth at her, the dress of her fabric getting caught in its bite, pulling at it and causing Serena to stumble forward. In a panic she kicks at the wolf, her foot connecting with its mouth with a sickening crack…the lower half of its jaw coming off, leaving a horrific site before the frightened woman…distracting her enough for another wolf to jump at her, its jaws wide open as it was aiming for her throat…

And it would’ve snatched onto her had a massive figure not landed between Serena and the oncoming attacker, a clawed hand grabbing the wolf by its throat and roaring in its face making the rotting creatures eyes widen and fear before it was tossed over the side of the cliff. The behemoth turns its attention to the rest of the pack who all had taken a fearful step backwards, the monster’s piercing blue eyes stared them down, his lips curled into a vicious snarl, his sharp white teeth glimmering in the moon light before letting out another loud roar that flooded the dark forest, scaring the other creatures that inhabited it.

Serena was shocked stiff when she saw the man who had attacked her just a few moments ago, the reason she had run from the cursed place, the one who had attacked her and spoken to her so harshly…who told her it would’ve been better to let her brother die…was standing between her and the monsters that had tried to attack her. She didn’t understand why he was here but the next moment the wolves started to advance again towards the dragonoid and woman.

Kaiba growled loudly at them before glancing back at Serena, “Stay behind me.” He snapped before turning his attention back to the wolves before him, his wings spreading out to protect the woman behind him as the creatures charged them. Serena could only stand back and watch as the man fought off the wolves, slashing at them with his sharp claws or tossing them aside into the nearby trees. More and more of them seemed to emerge from the shadows, the pack growing larger by the second, some managing to bite into Kaiba’s arms and legs, piercing the skin and drawing blood as he tensed his jaw trying to ignore the pain as he kept fighting…one managed to sneak past the dragonoid and snapping at Serena’s leg but she moves out of the way quickly, losing her balance and fell off the cliff with a cry...as if in slow motion Seto turned around, his eyes widening as he dived off the edge, his eyes fixed on Serena as she had an arm reached out towards him, seeing the fear in her gaze as they were both falling…

However he was able to grab hold of her hand and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her as well as his wings, tucking her chin beneath his chin as he held her tightly as he closed his eyes tight, bracing for impact as they crash through several tree branches before hitting the ground…

Serena’s eyes slowly opened as a soft whimper left her lips, the world spinning for a moment as she looked around, the last moments before she blacked out running through her mind, finding herself staring at the unconscious face of the dragonoid man, still with in his arms. Her eyes widened as she quickly moved away, stumbling backwards as she got to her feet, trying to calm her panicked breathing as she looked herself over…realising she was unharmed, not even a scratch from the fall…she had survived…her captor had saved her…her eyes fell on him.

She slowly stepped closer, kneeling down and hesitantly reached out, lifting up the wing that was covering his body, her eyes widening as she sees the extent of his injuries, deep bite marks and scratches that were seeping blood, scrapes along his skin from crashing through the trees. She carefully sets the wing down, being as gentle as she can. She turns her gaze to his face, wondering if he was even alive…she gently rests her fingers on his cheek, moving a few strands of his hair out of his face, the man unmoving under her touch. He had saved her life…he had risked his own to save her…but…why?

He had been nothing but cruel to her and yet he had come to her aid…she didn’t understand. She rested two of her fingers under his jaw trying to feel a pulse but it was hard with the scales on his skin. Hesitantly she slowly rolled him over onto his back, being mindful of his wounds before leaning down and pressing her ear against his chest. For a moment she hears nothing…feels nothing…her eyes widening as she was actually afraid he was died but then…

Bump-bump

Bump-bump

Bump-bump

 

His heart was still beating, he was still alive. She sat up and sighed in relief. Why was she relieved? She should just leave him here and run, return home and never look back. She could be free if she left him here to die; it was what he deserved for what he had done to her and for imprisoning her, for what he did to her grandfather…

She actually stood up and was about to leave when she heard a soft groan leave the monsters lips, she froze fearing he was about to wake up but he remained still. A second later she hears something approaching her, clenching her fists as she moved back over to Seto, preparing to defend him but relaxed when she saw it was only Gaia, the horse neighs softly as it walked over her. She sighed in relief as she stroked his muzzle, “Hey boy…” she took hold of his reigns and looks back at Seto…

The world felt foggy around him, Seto looked around as he found himself floating in an empty void, the silence unnerving. Where was he? How did he get here? Why was he alone? Well the last question was easy to answer…because he preferred to be alone…it was for the best for everyone around him. Either he didn’t care about others or he hurt those that were close to him…he had pushed away the only friend he had ever known…he had distanced himself from his brother…he bossed around the servants and treated them harshly…he had no regard for anyone but himself…because no one else matter but himself.

 

Or at least that’s what appeared on the surface…deep down he knew that wasn’t the truth…it was a lie his uncle introduced and Seto just ran with it, making himself appear as the arrogant and selfish person Gozuburo wanted him to be…it made it easier to deal with the abuse and cruelty, burying weaker parts of his personality deep down while he wore a mask of indifference…protecting the vulnerable side of his heart from torment and pain…it was easier that way, not having to deal with the sorrow and grief that the world decided he deserved…

 

It started the day he lost his father, not even getting a chance to process what happened before his mother took her own life, he had been the one to discover her body in his parent’s bedroom, her pale lifeless eyes staring in his soul, the image ingrained into his mind forever. And even after that he didn’t have a chance to mourn her as his uncle had arrived to take over as him and his brother’s care taker…opportunistic care taker that is…

 

Despite all the pain and suffer he had to endure under Gozuburo he was just grateful he left Mokuba alone (that being the only thing he would ever be grateful for from the man). As long as his little brother remained unharmed, he would take every punch, every kick, every humiliation and cruelty his uncle dished out, building up the shield of Kaiba and leaving Seto hidden behind it. He had grown cold and bitter, it was easier that way than to hope for something good and only to be disappointed later when it failed, or to trust someone when they only wished to betray you and use you to gain riches or status. However there were two people in this world he still tried to hold onto even if he did keep them at a distance…

 

The one being his little brother, the one person he knew would never leave his side or betray him, who still cared about him despite the mask he wore every day. Seto hated how dismissive he had become towards Mokuba after the curse but it was for the best, he knew deep deep down that he would never be able to break it and that himself and everyone will forever remain that way and he hated himself for that, and he hated the look of hope on his brothers face whenever he came to see him…he hated seeing Mokuba as a monster like himself, his little brother didn’t deserve to be suffering for his big brothers mistakes…it would’ve been better if Mokuba had become hateful and angry at Kaiba but the boy was only kind and supportive towards him, still showing him the brotherly love they had for each other throughout the years…and that just made his failure to protect Mokuba feel so much worse…

 

And then there was Atem…annoying, charismatic, caring, way too happy and energetic Atem. Seto disliked him greatly when they first met but the prince from the distant land was hard to hate once you got to know him. Seto found him charming and enjoyed the random conversations they use to have, wondering about the universe and the lands beyond the horizon. Atem had truly cared about him, genuinely wanted to spend time with him and get to know him, finding his drawings of inventions fascinating even if he didn’t understand them, he would sit and listen to Seto go on and on about the books that he loved even if it bored him out of his mind and he would listen to Atem go off about his siblings and how great living in Egypt was…he helped to ease the loneliness Seto had in his heart before Mokuba had been born and even after that. Atem was his best friend and thus it hurt when he was no longer allowed to see him after Gozuburo took over his life…

 

The prince kept trying to see him but it was for the best to push him away and for good reason because Seto’s uncle had actually hurt Atem when he tried to save his friend…that day was both terrifying and humiliating…he thought his uncle was going to kill his best friend and he was sure he would’ve if Atem’s father and guards hadn’t showed up…he felt so useless and pathetic as he could only watch as Gozuburo tried to squeeze the life out of his friend…and then his brother had to show up and see everything as well…it was beyond humiliating and he felt nothing but shame for it even though he had no reason to.

 

He should’ve done something to get rid of his uncle after that…he could’ve done something but…he was…afraid. A stupid thing to feel but he was scared, scared of what the might do to his little brother should Seto try something…heck the man had threatened to harm Mokuba on many occasions when Seto didn’t stay in line…telling him that accidents happen and that Mokuba could easily fall down a flight of stairs or get lost in the woods surrounding the castle…bandits could sneak into the house in the middle of night and slit the small boys throat…so many horrible things could happen to poor little Mokuba and it would be all Seto’s fault because disobeyed Gozuburo…so in a way the eldest brother had a right to be frightened even if it was nothing but  assign of weakness…

 

And it remained that way for a few years…until the bastard dared to hit Mokuba simply because the young boy was trying to talk to Seto. Kaiba lost it that day, going to his uncles room, spiking his wine and tricking him to go out onto the balcony while they spoke, waiting for the drug to kick in before pushing Gozuburo over the edge and fall to his death…Kaiba remembers just standing there and looking down at the mangled corpse splattered on the ground, blood splattered on around it…the thought he would feel some kind of satisfaction for killing the man that had caused him nothing but pain since his parents died but all he felt was…nothing…no joy, no sense of pride, not even anger, just…nothing…

 

He didn’t understand it until he realized it was because something was wrong with him…that he was…broken…and that brought upon a wave of rage and aggression that still plagued him to this day…it was easier to lash out at others that to have to consider your own faults and ignore the fact that you were shattered beyond repair…it made him feel better…all until that stupid hag had arrived and cursed him and those around him…going from being a broken and an angry ass to being a broken and angry monster…knowing full well terms of the curse was near impossible to achieve as there was no one that would love a man like him…

 

He sighed softly as he closed his eyes, enveloping his sight in a different type of darkness. And there he saw another face that had come into his life and threw everything into a whole world of trouble…her vibrant blue eyes that stared right into his soul…her ebony hair that flowed like the fresh ink on a page…curling like elegant letter written by a high class monarch…her pale skin glowing with an immortal beauty that reminded Seto of his mother…the way she moved with the elegancy and grace of a noble woman…the image of her in the blue dress she wore for their dinner and fitting her like a glove, showing off her curves and fine figure…you would like she was a princess from a far off land but inside she was a normal woman from a village just past the borders of the forest that surrounded his home…

 

At first he would have considered her a witch because of how she made him feel so strange, to make him rethink his actions for the past few years…to have regret for what he did to her grandfather and for imprisoning her and permanently scaring her delicate skin…to make him feel bad for the words he spoke about her brother…and to make matters worse he laid his hands on her a second time and damaged her beautiful face…

 

She made him feel things he thought he wasn’t capable of anymore…to do things he wouldn’t even consider…what was going on with him? He didn’t know what to think or even do…she had come into his life not for him but for the family he was keeping her from…to save a brother she apparently loved so deeply that she would sacrifice her life for him…maybe he could’ve let them leave with a flower from his family’s sacred tree, let them save the dying child and be on their merry way and leave Kaiba be…to never again see this mesmerizing eyes…or he could’ve killed them all and never have to think of them again…but he would think of them again or at least her as she was the only thing on his mind at the moment…all he could think about was her…

 

His eyes slowly opened as the memories of his last few moments of consciousness fills his thoughts…he had flown to the source of the scream, the sight of Serena surrounded by those zombified wolves surrounding her and pushing her towards the edge of the cliff…the fear on her face burning into his mind as he rushes to her aid, putting himself between Serena and the pack, trying to fight them off while protecting her, enduring rotten teeth and sharp claws that managed to slice through the scales on his body…and then he remembers going over the cliff when she fell…her fear turning to pure terror, reaching out for him as if trusting him to save her…which he stupidly did…diving off the ground and grabbing her, holding her close as they plummeted, protecting her from crashing through the branches before hitting the ground with a loud thud…and then all there was was darkness…

 

Did they even survive the fall? Was this…death? Was she alive? Did he go through all that just to have her die on him? Why did he even care? Maybe this was his punishment for everything he had done…all the lives he had taken the last 5 years…how he treated those around him…to be cursed to this eternal darkness forever? Maybe it was what he deserved…

 

He felt himself falling deeper and deeper into despair…ready to give in, just wanting to be left alone…closing his eyes again…

 

“Please be ok…”

 

His eyelids flew open…he heard a voice…he heard someone in the darkness but when he looked around he saw nothing…maybe he was imaging it?

 

“Please be alright…you can’t…please…not before I get the chance to thank you…”

 

There it was again…it sounded familiar…

 

It is quiet again for a while before another voice joins the other…

 

“You need to rest…one of us can watch him while you get some sleep…”

 

The baritone voice echoing around him and he knew who it was...the voice of his friend…Atem…

 

“You have been here for days…you haven’t left his side since you brought him back here…”

 

Brought him back where? Where was he and who was the prince talking about?

 

“I want to be here when he wakes up…”

 

There it is again…that sweet low tone filled with concern and care…

 

“*sigh* One of us can come get you when he—“

 

“I said I’m staying…and you can’t change my mind…

 

He saved my life…he might never awaken because he protected me…I need to be here…”

 

Saved…realization hit him…it was Serena…She had survived and…she brought him home? He thought she would’ve left him to die, to run home and be free from his iron claw…return to her family…

 

But she didn’t…she…brought him home and from the sound of it she was taking care of him…why would she do this? She sound hate him…she should’ve run free and disappear, to be out of his reach forever…to be safe from him…and yet…

 

“Hey…can you hear me?”

 

He frowned softly, of course he could but she didn’t know that…

 

“*sigh* Of course you can’t…but I’d like to think that you can…

I don’t know why you came to my aid or why you would sacrifice yourself to protect me and I…I don’t understand…

Why would you do that…for me?”

 

Why did he do it? Because he cared? Because had told himself that he owned her and her life? Or was there a deeper reason…

 

“I want to know why…why you fought those things for me…why you willing got hurt for me…I want to ask you why but…you’re not awake to answer…and I just keep confusing myself the more I think about it…”

 

There is silence for a while and it makes him anxious…did she leave?

 

“I should’ve left you there to die…to be eaten by scavengers and to be forgotten…I should’ve gone home…back to my grandfather…back to my little brother who I raised since he was too…who took care of him, who stayed of for countless nights to help him while he suffered from an illness he didn’t deserve!”

 

He can hear the emotion in her tone and if he were awake he was sure she would be crying…

 

“I could forget this nightmare and go one of with my life…to travel back over the sea and return to my real home…and not this place that has caused nothing but pain…

…and yet I brought you back…walking for hours in the bitter cold to get you to safety…to stay awake for hours tending to your injuries…trying to treat your fever and infections from the bites…

…and I don’t know why…why I did any of this…”

 

Seto felt…strange…her words hit him deeply…stung as her crying filled his ears…

 

“...and yet I’m still here…still…”

 

He feels an odd warmth on his cheek, as if someone was caressing it with such gentleness and care…

 

“…I’m still here…waiting for you to wake up…to hear your angry voice…to look into your eyes and tell you…thank you...thank you for saving me…for protecting me…”

 

Well that wasn’t what he was expecting…

 

The warmth on his face persisted and he found it pleasant…comforting even in this darkness. The filling slowly filled the rest of his body, the scales and wings on his body fading away along with his claws and sharp teeth. Everything dragon aspect of him just disappeared…leaving him human again…he stared at his hands with wide eyes, trembling at this…he was normal again…he felt something wet running down his cheek. Frowning he went to wipe at it and discovered it to be tears, he was crying…a rush of emotions filled him, things he hadn’t felt in a long time and things he had never felt before…

 

But slowly the warmth left his body, leaving him feeling cold and along again…pain covering his skin as the scales returned and wings sprouting from his back…a scream echoed through the darkness, his scream, the sound ringing in his ears growing louder and louder till he couldn’t stand it anymore…the darkness exploding in a blinding white light…

 

Seto’s eyes slowly opened, a deep groan leaving his lips as he tried to move, the world dizzy for a second before clearing, finding himself in one of the guest bedrooms, lying on soft clean sheets, a warm blanket pulled over him. A fire lighting up the room from the fireplace, the curtains closed blocking out the outside world.

He slowly sat up, wincing loudly as he felt spikes of sharp pain in several areas of his body, on being in his shoulder. He laid his hand over it to try and ease the pain and is surprised to find it wrapped in a bandage. Confused he checked the rest of his body and discovered that there were several bandages all over his body, all clean and fresh as if they had been changed recently. Who did this?

The next thing he notices is that he wasn’t along…siting in a chair beside the bed, her head resting on the beside him, using her arms as a pillow was Serena. She was dressed in another dress, a soft blue colour and a shall was wrapped around her, her hair was once again in a long braid and a bandage on her cheek…covering the deep scratches Kaiba had inflicted upon her when he struck her…looking closer Seto saw the dark circles under her eyes, her skin even paler than normal.

Seto remembered her words when he was floating in the darkness…how, how long had he been out? How long had she stayed awake to take care of him? Guilt started to bubble up inside of him…she shouldn’t have saved him…she shouldn’t be back in her gilded cage.

He tenses up when he hears a whimper leaving the woman’s lips, her fingers gripping the sheets beneath her…clearing going through a nightmare. Not knowing what to do and not wanting her to wake up, Seto reached out and rested his hand on top of her head, swallowing the lump in his throat as he gently started to run his claws through her raven hair…trying to ease the terror she was seeing in her dreams…

He didn’t think it was working until he watched as she slowly relaxed again, falling back into a peaceful sleep…a sigh of relief leaves Seto’s lips as he moves his hand to her cheek, the tips of his claws running over her skin, being sure not damage it further. He watched her peaceful expression, how easily she slept…she had saved him and cared for him…tended to his wounds and who knows what else…she was so kind and caring despite his harsh treatment towards her…and he vowed to make it up to her…

Little did he know that Atem was standing just outside the slightly open door, watching the way Kaiba was trying to comfort Serena…taking not the look of fondness slowly starting to fill his friends eyes, a soft smile forming on the princes face…there truly was still hope to save them all and for Seto to find happiness and possibly love…

[oh-saints]

sweetest devotion (pt. 6)

“we’ll figure out the nitty-gritty along the way,” serena once said. but never once did she mention anything about figuring out this alien feeling mason got whenever she was concerned.

playboy!mason x princess!OC wc: 2.2k tw: as mentioned in the masterlist only, but particularly extramarital affair to a marriage of convenience for this particular chapter note: i'm sorry this chapter doesn't contain spoilers as i've mentioned in the previous one. things changed as i was writing this down but i hope you like this one the same! <3 but as usual, i happen to write this at dawn so this is not beta-read yet. tags: @pingyu-in-wonderland @ironmaiden1313 @myreveriie @808heartz <3 (lmk if you wanna be added!) < part 5 - part 7 > sweetest devotion masterlist

“please let me know—”

mason was pacing back and forth, making sure everything was within his sister’s sight, especially serena’s meds, so when serena woke up, jasmine would be able to reach them without difficulty, considering her growing stomach.

“mason tony mount,” and the called man halted his steps. “stop moving this instance.”

the youngest of four didn’t have much choice other than to follow the instruction. the last time jasmine announced his full name, he was called out for having a mistress. whom, ironically at that time, he’d gladly choose over serena, and look where the blind devotion had gotten him into.

“you moving around doesn’t help my nausea so dear god, please help this bloody pregnant woman and stop moving,” jasmine sat down on the nearest sofa, huffing out her palpable frustration. “I know the drill of being caretaker, okay? now go,”

right, the sole reason of mason calling jasmine for help.

he could be walking away freely like he wasn’t accountable, because serena being admitted to the hospital wasn’t his wrongdoing anyway. but ask anyone in the nurse station and they’d gush over how much of a good husband mason mount was.

you could barely find him outside of serena’s room, except to go to the training ground or fetching his own portion of food, and he’d always drop something by on the nurse station’s desk whenever he came back from them. and whenever it was time for a nurse or doctor’s visit, they’d find the husband recounting what happened at work to the wife, who’d listen attentively and respond accordingly. he’d take her for a stroll to the garden at the back of the hospital before the sun set too, as per the doctor’s recommendation, complete with jackets and warm drinks sat underneath the wheelchair.

but no matter how much he played the dutiful husband the past days, he was still an active footballer by the end of the day. going for an away match was inevitable, thus the reason why his sister was in the hospital now.

jasmine didn’t know the reason why, and mason hadn’t bothered to say anything else other than “serena hasn’t been feeling well”. technically he wasn’t lying, but one look at the nasty blue marks on serena’s cheeks was more than enough of an explanation for jasmine. certainly it wasn’t mason because his brother didn’t have it in him to hit a dangerous animal, let alone a woman, but the older mount wasn’t expecting an answer until either serena or mason was ready to give her one.

what happens in one’s household should stay inside, they say.

“text me if something—”

“happens, yes, I know, mase,” jasmine clicked her tongue as she rolled her eyes, obviously in annoyance. “I thought you didn’t care about serena?”

right, the sole reason of mason calling jasmine for help.

aside from his initial worry, he thought jasmine would be the safest option to ask for help because, by far, she was the only one who knew about his extramarital affair—or at least, who admitted to mason that she knew about it and voiced her honest opinion on the matter.

yet, she hadn’t said anything since then and his entire family hadn’t cut off his ears by berating him, so surely jasmine also hadn’t spilled a thing to the rest of his kin. it was within his intuition to trust serena’s life in her hands while he was away because surely jasmine wouldn’t drop anything that could possibly worsen serena’s condition, especially anything in relation to elena.

if anything, jasmine was the first person mason should apologise to—other than serena, of course—because he hadn’t been listening well. he remembered clearly, much to his own dismay, of his annoyance when jasmine particularly called him out about elena, only for him to accuse her of being unsupportive sister when she was anything but.

“oh shit,” the silence mason entertained was enough of a reason for jasmine to sit up, now fully interested at the turn of events. “what changes?”

“please, no more foul language around my little niece,” mason sighed. from a third point of view, it was a deep breath let out to emphasis one’s frustration. but jasmine knew better, she knew her brother. “why are you smiling?”

“nothing,” jasmine hummed rather cheerily, her eyes glinting something dangerous mason didn’t want to find out yet. “just what changes, mase?”

another sigh coming from jasmine’s other end. her brother could be seen pinching the bridge of his nose, in hope to soothe his invisible confusion. confused as to how to answer his own sister because he truly didn’t know the answer.

what changed? everything.

nothing changed yet everything changed, if that made sense. but nothing was making sense in mason’s standard currently.

yet everything was making sense in jasmine’s standard. “do you love her?”

“no,” that much, mason could give out. “of course not.”

“do you like her?”

“yes,” that much, mason could give out. who didn’t like serena? aside from him, a thousand of eldorran people could vouch on their soft spot towards the princess. “if not, I wouldn’t be marrying her.”

jasmine smiled wider. she might not know whatever reason his stupid brother married the youngest monarch in the first place, but mason’s answer was enough.

at least for now.

＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊

what jasmine didn’t know was that mason had asked serena’s stay to be prolonged until he had elena under control. aka, being under police custody.

it was a rather long legal process to get her taken by the authority, and it was still an ongoing battle. so he didn’t want to risk it, not when he had two lives to protect now, until he knew all of them were able to breathe safely without being hunted by an unwanted ghost of the past.

the only people currently allowed to enter mason’s premise were only him and the house’s caretaker he’d entrusted with since the first time he moved here. maybe even longer, since she’d also worked for the previous owner. but it was also because she left the house when she was done with her work—he’d never felt so lucky she refused his offer to become a live-in caretaker a long time ago, or else mason surely had fired her too as he didn’t want to risk her life as well.

“the duffel bag for your wife is by the door, mr. mount,” the caretaker lady spoke up as mason entered the kitchen, ready to ask of her another plate of his favourite cheat meal. “please let me know if you need anything else.

“thank you, sam,” and he was truly grateful sam stayed behind the past couple of days, just until mason left the house after getting fresh set of clothes, because he didn’t know what to do about serena’s wardrobe if he was left alone. he didn’t want to intrude serena’s privacy just yet, not even when he’d be forgiven if he told her the reason why. “but could you make me that broccoli fusilli with cheese you always store in the fridge? I haven’t had the chance to grab a meal.”

“broccoli fusilli?”

mason looked up from his seat, puzzled. “yes, you usually wrap them with clear foil with some other dishes,”

maybe mason should start feeling less lucky sam previously refused to become a live-in caretaker. there were too many things that he started not knowing of ever since serena lived under the same roof as his, things that sam could’ve told him if she’d come to live with him.

when sam didn’t move from her spot, mason braved himself to ask the multimillion dollar question. “didn’t you make all those food?”

“no, mr. mount,” the older woman shook her head, as confused as he was. “your wife never lets me touch the kitchen since you both got married. it’s all her cooking.”

＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊＊✿❀○❀✿＊

since sam’s last words, mason hadn’t been the same person as he was when he returned to his house from the hospital earlier that afternoon. mason hadn’t been the same person—heck, mason hadn’t been a person at all during the entire trip to the away game.

he recalled having the fridge always stocked. with his favourite snacks, beverages, and beers—a chore he remembered giving to sam on the earliest days of the caretaker. the frozen and wrapped dishes he’d like to warm up whenever he came by the house after spending his time with elena in her home, was indeed only recently, but he never expected them to be made and left there by his wife. he only thought sam was having extra energy of some sort to cook too much for two—serena and herself—that she left some for him to heat up later.

what else did serena do for him?

“what’s bothering you, lad?”

ben chilwell’s voice snapped mason’s thoughts into a wreckage, but mason could say he needed it. they were coming on shortly, for god’s sake. “nothing, just my wife.”

“I thought you don’t have a wife?” ben’s eyebrows furrowed deeply. the left back remembered vividly mason’s admission to not having a wife yet because that title was supposedly reserved for elena. now that the other lady was tangled in a legal battle—one mason didn’t bother telling him of, by the way, that he had to find out from their common friend’s mouths—ben wondered who mason might be referring to. “do you have another mistress or something?”

if mason pulled the rug under his feet, ben was more than ready to chase the younger man down the bloody hall.

“no! of course not!” mason shook his head off rather violently, expressing his extreme distaste towards ben’s accusation. “I mean, serena.”

“how’s she, by the way?” despite sharing mutuals with elena, ben couldn’t help but become concerned towards the princess this time around. “I hope she’s getting better.”

“she is, thanks for asking,” mason threw his best friend the “formal” smile because while he was happy serena had indeed been getting better, he wouldn’t know how to make of their impending situation when he got back. “it’s just that... I don’t know, mate. I can’t believe still that elena could do such thing.”

“no one saw that coming, mase,” ben patted down mason’s knees, giving him a reassurance smile, letting the fan’s favourite know he shared the same sentiment. “don’t fret so much about it.”

“I thought she was the one, you know?” mason let out another deep sigh, a developing habit he vowed to eradicate soon, as he tied his shoes tighter. “maybe she still is.”

“if you think she is, you need to get rid of serena,” ben crouched down to put his shinpad in place. “you know that, right?”

“I do, but I can’t seem to do that to her. not after what elena did to her,” mason’s statement actually halted ben’s movement for a split second because it was all a lot to take in, honestly. “maybe I’ll purse elena again after I’ve got it sorted with serena.”

“so is it elena or serena?”

ben was expecting mason to give him a straight, direct answer but a hesitant mason was not in the cards, at all. if someone told ben about this side of mason a month ago, he would’ve laughed at their face.

“forget I asked,” ben was honestly scared of the thought mason changing overnight, not when he knew the younger footballer had been head over heels with his model, muse—whatever it is he calls her with—since the first time he laid his eyes on her. “why do you care so much about serena anyway?”

ben’s question might be simple but it was enough to stun mason in his place.

why do you care so much about her?

at that precise moment, his phone vibrated in his hands. rather violently, compared to the empty state of his mind, but speaking of the devil…

good luck for today.

same text, from the same person, on the same time. sent impeccably 30 minutes before match, just right before the gaffer’s pre-match brief.

mason didn’t know he was holding a bated breath but as he read the text once more, a small smile crept into his face. it was the text he’d been waiting for. even though he didn’t always reply to them, she never missed out on telling him what she was up to—always watching him from home was what she was conveying.

not even elena managed to pull out a routine such as.

and that was when mason knew he had the answer to ben’s earlier question; because she cares about him, always has.

it was only right to reciprocate it, no?

“I hope that’s not the guilt speaking,” mason looked up to the older englishman, who patted his shoulder just now as he looked over mason’s shoulder, only to find the text from serena. “you were so adamant to propose elena a month ago, remember?”

the word guilt rang in mason’s ears more violently than an earthquake ever could.

next chapter contains:

“mason, what are you doing here?” “I’m making sure no one barges into the house and attack you again.”