#she said italicized damn

[satorena]

( P*SSY GOT ) P☆WER !?

bad ☆ summary. converting a loser into a munch wasn’t on your yearly bingo card ( or was it ? )

content ★ warnings. explicit content. mdni. foul language. situationship!gojo. college au. cunningulus. frōtting. premature ejaculātion. fīngering. eventual smut. gojo pines for like 99% of the fic. he also studies in pornology. reader is kinda bratty. mention of death lightheartedly. a lot of italicized words. lowkey gojo centric? 6.4k words (bye).

rena’s ☆ note. SATORENA COMEBACK … sorta (・・?)

“gimme a kiss.”

your face scrunches before the words can express your distaste. with your hand on the handle of his car’s door, your fingers tighten around the metal bar, half tempted to leave the man at your left— rosy lips puckered into an obnoxious smooch.

his eyelids are shut tight as his brows furrow to the centre of his forehead, face leaned in. you chuckle at his theatrics, lifting your free hand to press your digits at his pucker. his eyelids open as his brows now loosen, “gojo, bye.”

you feel his hands wrap around your wrist, gently lifting your hand off his mouth, though your fingers hover over his lips still, “girl.” he tilts his head to the side, emitting an aura of sass you’ve yet to understand, “it’s satoru to you— i can’t even have a little one? haven’t i been good all day?”

you click your tongue, “you been runnin’ your mouth all day long actually,” and before your mind can even process your following words, you focus on the way his plump lips fall into another one of his childish pouts. cute. however he chooses to take your invitation is all up to him. your eyes dart to the rosy flesh as you hum, “mhm, if only you ate pussy as good as you talk shit.”

you feel the hold on your wrist drop, as his frown switches to a blank stare. you cock a brow, watching as the hand his steering wheel tightens.

he gulps, eyes narrowing before glancing over to the leather wheel, “i, uh, don’t eat pussy.”

oh. . . oh.

the slam of the car door speaks the rest for you.

“woah— hey!” gojo yells after you, though your figure seems to get smaller with the steps you take. in your hold is your purse, bouquet of flowers he’d bought earlier and house keys. “baby, hold on— this damn window,” he cusses, removing the barrier between you and him angrily. you hadn’t even hesitated to exit the car, as if he’d said the world’s most vile comment.

you’re not listening, and for some reason gojo feels his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach. what the fuck had he said that made you all upset with him?

he watches helplessly as you insert your key into the hole. the chiming sounds of your keys serve as a reminder that he was definitely in trouble. that and he wasn’t getting his damn goodbye kiss.

he sighs instead, albeit defeatedly. “am i at least gonna see you soon?”

the front door opens and you look back over your shoulder, and god— he really thought he had it. his lips threaten to pull into a smile, ready for your little mood to be over with.

you grin and as does he. you even give him a cute wave, thank fuck, “have yourself a nice life, baby.”

and the front door closes. damn.

☆ ☆

“you said what?!”

gojo groans into the phone, sprawling himself on his king sized mattress that suddenly feels way to big for him alone. where were you when he needed you? oh that’s right, “she ghosted me! i’m blocked on all socials— can you believe that?”

he tried reaching out to you through texts to make sure you were feeling okay, but the shade of green told him everything he needed to know— especially as an apple user. he then proceeded to go through your social media, to double check his suspicions and there it was, user not found.

“uh, duh?” geto is as judgemental as ever, and gojo doesn’t try to suppress the roll of his eyes. “bro, you just told the girl you’re talkin’ to that you don’t give head. the fuck d’you think was gonna happen?”

“it’s not even a big deal!” he argues because his pride in on the line, and he ignores the groan geto gives him across the phone. rude. his fingers pinch at the top of his nose bridge, “was it really necessary to block me? literally just tell me to kill myself at this point.”

“pretty sure that’s what she blocked you for.” geto snickers, and gojo realizes he’s lucky they aren’t in person because he would have blocked him. instead he whines, pressing the speaker button before stuffing his face in his pillow. he’s probably insane but he swears there’s a hint of your scent there, and now he’s whining louder.

“quit bitchin’. you brought this upon yourself,” and out of spite, gojo whines louder. if his legs kick against his mattress childishly, it’s nobody’s business but his own. the love of his life just walked out of his life— give him a break. “and dude, no shade but do you really not eat pussy? are you gay or somethin’?”

“i am not—” he cuts himself off once the sound of his own voice echoes loudly in his lonely room. geto winces and gojo bites down on his tongue before sighing. “i’m not gay. i love women only. seriously. how does not eating pussy make me gay?”

the line goes quiet, and gojo can tell geto’s making that face he makes whenever he’s finding the right words to say without offending gojo. it ticks him off. “alright, lemme counter that question with one of my own. why don’t you eat pussy?”

gojo pauses. he tightens his fingers around his pillow as the question ponders. he thinks about having received head in the back of his car once, the other time in the bathroom of some frat party, and another in some girl’s bedroom. from all memories, he draws a similar conclusion— they always come onto him first.

“i dunno.” his lips fall into a pout, tracing patterns into his pillowcase with his index. “they never really ask, so i never bothered. that can’t be weird, right? all of my hookups have consisted of them pulling my pants down. why would i refuse? i get my nut and that’s that.”

and because geto is genuinely never on his side, “satoru . . . eugh.” some kind of best friend is he.

“what?!” he hisses in retaliation, glaring at his phone as if it would solve his issues. there’s nothing he hates more than feeling judged. “you fucking asked!”

“calm the fuck down,” he hears geto rolling his eyes. the white haired man huffs, the blow of air pushing his bangs up before they fall back down. okay, maybe he should calm down. whatever. “so essentially what you’re saying is you’ve never been put in a position where you could eat pussy?”

something like that, “sure.” gojo nods, and he doesn’t understand why geto sighs.

“why do i even bother?” though the answer is clear, he’s pretty sure geto was talking to himself. gojo clicks his tongue, ready to bark back but geto beats him to it. “so tell her just that— it’s not that you won’t give head, it’s just that you haven’t given head. which still blows me, but whatever.”

“how? remember she blocked me on everything?” the thought makes gojo whine again, throwing his limbs all over his bed. he hits his phone, then opts to grab it. “is that not entitlement? i have to bend my back all over the damn place just to get her to talk to me again?”

“satoru, you’ve literally done the same thing. don’t act like you’re above it,” geto chuckles and gojo hears shuffling in the background. the ravenette sighs in relief, and he assumes he’s now in his own bed. “besides, you fuckin’ love women who give you challenges.”

and fuck, he’s really not wrong. “yeahhh, you know me so well.” he wipes a fake tear from his eye. he rolls over onto his back, “welp, i’m gonna log into your insta to stalk her account. i miss her so much i’m literally gonna die.”

“satoru.” geto warns him, but gojo is quicker than that. he’s already typing your name into the search bar, username memorized as if it were his cellphone number.“i swear to god if you accidentally like her shit—”

“thanks bestie, love ya lots!” and he hangs up the phone. and with a shit eating grin, he giggles, “time to start lurking.”

☆ ☆

so it’s been months (read: four days) since he last seen you. he’s thankful you’re at least in two of his courses, so he has some sort of opportunity to reach you. he’d spent the last months (hours) stalking your page, viewing your stories to see if there’d been any indicator that you missed him as badly as he missed you.

and all he’s gotten so far is that you spent friday out to dinner (with him) (it was just a mirror pic of your outfit but an outfit you wore on a date with him) (you love him so bad), you had a girls’ night on saturday with shoko and utahime (he barely registered they were in the selfie) and sunday was a study sesh you had at the cafe across the college. he had to screenshot and zoom in to ensure there were no signs of living souls in the same booth as you.

he was still in the clear. whew.

and so monday morning falls, and he’s actually rushing to get to class for once (late but as expected). the one of two classes he shares with you. he hopes he’ll find you sitting in your habitual seat, not too far up close yet not too far back, and he might pull the fire alarm if he spots anybody next to you.

he’s a man on a mission— he’s going to talk to you today. he needs to be back in your good graces. there were many things he wanted to yap to you about, many places he thought of taking you over the weekend, many moments he wanted your soft lips back on his and your gentle hand back in his own.

he misses you, damn it.

there you sit, in all your glory, shining so bright in the middle of this depressing ass psychology course in the early hours of the butt fuck morning. he sees you twirling your pen in between your fingers, your cheek leaned into the palm of your hand— and nobody by your side.

if he rushes and trips over his feet momentarily to get to you in time, it’s nobody’s business but his own (and the girl who’s backpack laid useless on the floor. hazard much.)

he so much as plops into the seat as he does actually sit in it, and he watches as you jerk in surprise. though, the look of surprise is quickly replaced by aloofness. you feel different— not entirely closed off but not as welcoming as you usually are. you’re probably still done with him.

well it’s too damn bad he’s not done with you, “good morning, princess.”

you blink at him, before nodding your head curtly. “morning, gojo.” and you turn your focus back onto the professor. just like that, you shut down another conversation.

he doesn’t like that, and so he pokes at your side and chews at his strawberry gum. “you blocked me on everything.”

“i did.” you answer shortly, though your eyes never leave the professor. he cannot be that interesting, who actually gives a fuck about cognitive dissonance?

“seen this new bakery shop down the street.” he tries again. “wanted to take you but that was impossible because somebody blocked me.”

“i mean, you know where i live.” you shrug, writing whatever the fuck the professor had mentioned in your notebook. wait, what? you turn your head to see him gaping at you in confusion, and you smirk at his silence.

“cat got your tongue?” you quip, amused by his stillness. your eyes sparkle mischievously, though your smile isn’t entirely full. don’t tell him, you’ve been— “too bad it’s not mine, though.”

ohhh, you cheeky brat.

“so. . . you were never really mad at me?” gojo blinks, his mind running miles a second. nothing was adding up, he was positively certain you were cutting ties with him. “this whole time. you weren’t mad about the pussy eating comment?”

“don’t get it twisted,” you raise a brow, crossing your arms over your chest. you lift a finger in the air before pointing at him, “you,” and then pointing at yourself “and i are done. we can still be cool but i’m not wasting my time with no bitch—respectfully.”

“so you are mad?” he asks again, disregarding the bitch comment. he knows what he’s supposed to say— to clarify the situation, to make it known that it’s not like he’s repulsed by the idea of giving head— but you make it so hard to stay on track when you’re acting defiant.

suguru was right— he does love a challenge.

“mad?” you giggle, and gojo leans back in his seat. damn, you’re confusing. stone cold one minute but all giggly the next. it’s cool, he’ll figure you out. “i ain’t trippin’ baby— if you don’t wanna eat it then don’t. another man definitely will.”

huh, “oh?” his eyes narrow just slightly, though the smirk on his lips never falter. he ignores the way his stomach just dropped to his ass at your implication— there is no way in hell is he letting another man have you. not when he’s still alive and breathing. “if you think i’m letting that happen, you’ve got another thing comin’.”

“everything seems to be coming but me,” you bat your lashes, and damn he fell right into that one. you drop your pen down, giving him one last smile before redirecting your focus to the professor before you. “the real question is what do you plan on doing ‘bout that?”

you give him no time to respond, and it’s not like he thinks he would be able to, as you begin to pack your belongings into your tote bag. you’re leaving and he barely got to say what he’d been memorizing all weekend. oh well, at least he now knows you haven’t entirely cut him off.

if he doesn’t knows better, it feels like you want him to chase after you.

god, he thinks he’s in love.

☆ ☆

gojo satoru is amazing at everything. there truly isn’t something he can do that won’t come out spectacular. he’s gifted, that he knows much, and it’s difficult to stay humble when he’s constantly reminded of so.

“i can easily do this shit.” he mumbles to himself, cerulean eyes narrowing into focus at the bright lit screen of his ipad. his airpods are in, and he’s gonna be completely honest— the pornstar’s screaming is starting to get on his nerve. however, he’s always been an exceptional student and when it’s time to lock in, it’s time to lock in.

his legs feel as though they’ve fallen asleep in the criss-cross position he’s been sat in on his bed for the past two hours. irrelevant, he decides as he picks at his bottom lip with his fingers. his device is running hot with how long it’s been since it last caught a break, but he had bigger issues to worry about. so, basically all he has to do is spread open her lips and go to town until she squirts? sounds simple enough.

he watches as the guy begins motorboating into the girl’s pussy and— “damn, that looks like it hurts.” a grimace creeps onto his face as the guy repeatedly goes ham on swollen red lips. he’s got half a mind telling him that the moans the girl’s letting out are entirely out of agony and not pleasure.

“aaaalrighty,” gojo speaks up, though to himself. “next video, that shit was ass. pussy hurts just thinkin’ bout it, eugh.”

he finds an amateur video, and the thumbnail seemed intimate enough. after an agonizing ad of ‘want a quick break from the ads?’, the video begins. the upper half of the woman’s body is cut out of frame, but she’s laid onto her side, her backside in view. her top leg lifted just slightly, the man lays on his stomach and spreads them apart further and begins to lick.

he dives his tongue inside her cunt, not too sloppy, and gently works his way in. his thumb is caressing at her puckered forbidden zone, always gently, as his tongue glides up and down her labia.

gojo gulps. the girl makes soft sounds, hand coming down to play her the man’s hair, and he proceeds eat her out skillfully. her back arches, she whines and begs for more, and he never loses control. at some point, the hand that focused on her asshole moves up to grip at her cheeks, thus spreading her pussy lips further. she’s already wet from a mixture of fluids, and the sound it creates is so damn obscene.

gojo gulps again, and his sweats feel tight.

before his mind can even allow it, he’s thinking of you. he thinks of you on your side, legs spread open for his disposition as he brings you this same pleasure. as he lays himself on his stomach, munching at your pussy in ways that’ll have you squirming all over his bed, squeezing your plush thighs around his head and begging for him to give you more.

he thinks of how good you’d smell— how good you’d taste. he thinks of how nice you smell whenever you wrap your arms around his neck and he follows suit around your waist. he thinks of how sweet your lips taste when you’re straddling his thighs and slipping your tongue in his mouth.

pheromones are a crazy thing. your scent lingering in his car alone drives him insane. he’s so prone to boners around you, it’s like he’s a dog you’ve trained.

and now he’s thinking he wants you in this very bed at this very instance, ipad be damned, pussy spread open so he can feast. so he can relish the sounds you make as you call out his name, enamoured by the way his tongue would flick at your clit and break open that dam of water right onto his face.

“shit.” he chucks his ipad onto the floor, cradling his head into the palms of his hands. how had he not ever wanted to do this before?

☆ ☆

he doesn’t expect you to pick up. it’s far past two in the morning on a thursday night, and he’s missing you. badly. he misses you and your sweet smile. he misses you and your smart mouth. he misses you and the way your lips move so fluidly against his own, as if they were made for one another.

he really doesn’t expect you to pick up.

it’s around the fifth ring that he hears your honeyed voice, “hi.” his eyes widen as he sits up from his bed in a hurry. talk about a damn surprise.

“hey.” he says back lamely, because of course he does. he feels the corner of his lips tugging into a smile and his heart is beating wildly against his rib cage. “didn’t think you’d answer.”

“mhm. so what’d you call me for?” you sound tired, and he wonders if you’d been sleeping when he called. somehow, the thought makes his stomach churn at the implication you cut off hours of sleep for him.

“just wanted to hear your voice.” gojo answers as honestly as he can, leaning down to rest his back back into the mattress of his bed. he shuts his eyes and imagines his arm falling asleep underneath your head, using him as a pillow. “been missin’ you.”

“you literally see me every other day at school,” he’s graced with the harmonious sounds of your giggles, and he can already picture the way your shoulders shake as dimples curve into your cheeks. “y’re so fuckin’ clingy.”

he supposes he is, can’t even find it in him to disagree. you’ve been plaguing his mind since you cut him off (question mark) last week. he wasn’t sure what kind of ban you were putting on him, but he’s been tiptoeing around his relationship with you for too long. the absence of your presence in the way he craves is driving him nuts. he misses you, damn it.

a longing sigh rips from his throat, “can’t help that i miss that ass,” he jokes instead because talking about feelings and vulnerability is wrong. “you still owe me a goodbye kiss, y’know? just left a poor guy hangin’, rude.”

“hmm,” you hum lazily and he isn’t sure what to expect. he’s just talking out of his ass, wants to restore that playful banter you guys had prior to this whole pussy eating mess— which he’d gladly now get on his knees and rock your fucking world. “like i said already, you know where i live.”

“you got one more time to say that before i show up at your doorstep for real,” gojo tests the waters, and swings his legs off his bed. he’s waiting for a sign, confirmation, anything to ensure you were being serious. late night be damned, he will show up to your door and flip your shit right then and there.

“the fuck i gotta repeat myself for?” you sigh, and gojo’s slipping his shoes on. he’s wasting no more time, he wants you right now. “if you really missed me you would have been come see me. you’re all talk.”

“so when i yell at your doorstep to lemme eat it, don’t start lookin’ at me crazy—i’m warning ya.” and with that he hangs up. he’s not leaving any more room for debates, enough’s enough. and shit, when the fuck had he gotten bricked?

he grabs his keys and slams his door close.

☆ ☆

you’re looking at him like he grew an extra head on his shoulders overnight. he’s looking at you like the tee you have on your body decimated his entire bloodline. there’s a heavy silence between you both, as if either one of you are expecting the other to make the first move.

“you actually came.” you blink in mild shock, neck craning up to look him dead in the eye. he’s panting heavily, he might’ve ran here the second he could, but how could he not have?

“enough games, baby.” gojo answers instead and takes a step into your apartment. you back up in retaliation, and he takes another close step. you stay still this time. his hands sneak below the hem of your shirt and slide up to your bare waist, grabbing onto the plush flesh. you feel jolts of electricity imbedded into your skin with every lingering touch. “lemme eat it, come on. please?”

“oh?” you cock an eyebrow, raising a hand to press your palm flat against the plane of his chest. you feel his heartbeat thudding wildly. “and here i thought you were too good to stoop as low as giving women head.”

gojo clicks his tongue and tightens his hold on you. “i never said that.”

“you basically did.” you bite back, tilting your head to the side. you see his nostrils flare a bit, “or does that rule apply with just me?”

“if it did, would i be here at three in the morning begging to eat your pussy?” gojo rolls his eyes. you open your mouth but snap it back shut and gojo decides you conceded. he lifts you from the ground and places you on his shoulder, ignoring your ‘put me down!’ and opts to shut you up with a firm slap on your ass.

your cheeks jiggle from the impact, and his dick twitches in his briefs. as he suspected, you’ve got no bottoms on— just a cute pair of pink lace panties he wants to tear apart with his teeth. animalistic is what you make him.

“so. . . which one is your room?” he finds himself in the corridor, arm wrapped around the back of your knees. you fall limp in his hold, defeatedly as your arm lifts to point at the door at the end of the hall. he smirks and rubs at your booty, “atta girl. look at ya bein’ all obedient and shit.”

“shut up.” you huff, and he would bet a million dollars you’ve got that adorable pout on your lips. the one you make whenever you don’t get something done the way you planned.

your bedroom is everything he expected from you, fits your personality just about right. but—respectfully, fuck your bedroom. he’s got bigger issues to address, and that can only be done with your panties on the floor and a mouth full of your cunt. his dick is twitching uncontrollably at the thought of it alone.

“if you drop me on this bed, i swear i’m gonna kill you.” tilting your head, you warn him once he stands next to the edge of your bed frame. though a moot point, because if you know gojo as well as you think you do, you’re about to meet your duvets face first.

“mhm, what was that?” cupping a hand behind his ear, he pretends innocence then proceeds to do exactly what you warned him not to do. him and his long ass limbs, manhandling you all over the damn place as if its in his birthright. and no, it does not make your cunt clench, despite your thighs rubbing one against another. “sorry shortie, think i missed what you said.”

when you’re finally able to gain composure, you sit up on your elbows and furrow your brows in the nastiest scowl you can muster. he stands right above you, his frame so large it both annoys and turns you on. “gojo, you stupid fucking—”

you want to slap the smile off his face. “yeah, yeah.” he cuts you off, before leaning down to hover over you. his arms are pinned at your side, upper body pressing against yours. you feel the weight of his hips pressing into your legs, and so you widen the space. he fits in just as perfectly as you’d imagined he would. the tip of his nose brushes yours, biceps flexing in your peripherals. you feel his breath fanning at your cupid’s bow, warm yet it leaves shivers creeping at your spine.

“think you owe me somethin’, princess.” his voice comes out in a low growl, from the depths of his chest. his presence is so dominating— his bulge pressed right up against your aching cunt, the feel of his heartbeat right against yours. it all feels dizzying, the scent of his cologne filling up your nostrils and clouding any better sense of judgement.

he’s teasing you— leans in, brushes his soft lips against yours and watches as you lean forward to capture them but pulls away just in nick of time. he loves every one of your facial expressions, especially that adorable scowl of yours. he can’t wait to see the faces you make when you’re in absolute bliss.

he tilts his head just slightly, practically mouthing the words into your parted mouth. and with a low chuckle, he speaks, “if you want it, take it.”

you might’ve folded first, but he kisses you back just as eagerly, lips moulding into one another. you feel him sigh into your mouth, as if you’d relieved him of all stresses weighing on his shoulders. you lift a hand to cup at the back of his neck, fingernails scratching at the undercut at his nape.

gojo shudders beneath your touch, rolling his hips deeper into yours and relishes in the way you moan softly into his mouth. he wants to drink up every single sound you make, wants to discover your body’s sensitive spots and maneuver them into making a mess out of you.

your neck soon begins to ache, and almost as if he can read your mind, pushing deeper into you as you fall back onto your bed. he never takes his lips off of yours— not when the hold in his hair lowers in favour to grip at his biceps or stroke his back, not even when your legs wrap tightly at his waist. at a particular grind, you moan louder than any other sound you’d made all night, and he takes the opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth.

“gojo,” you whine into his mouth, fingers clawing at his compression tee. he continues to roll his bulge into your clothed cunt, aiming at that spot that has you arching your back off the bed and into him. he grips a hand tightly at your plush thigh, his hold so hard you’re certain he’ll leave bruises. “you said y-you’d eat it. be a man of your, ngh, word.”

“yeah, that’s right,” he pulls away finally, a thin string of saliva connecting both your lips. he pecks at your kiss bitten lips, the dazed look in your eyes igniting a fire deep in his gut. “gotta keep my promise— can’t keep my baby waitin’ too long,” you feel his lips trail from the corner of your lips to the slope of your jaw, “she gets all cranky an’ pissy.” from the column on your neck to your collarbone, “starts gettin’ all mean with me.”

“oh my gosh, shut up!” you complain, though your hold on him tightens. you feel the vibrations of his chuckles at your jugular, followed by a deep plunge on his teeth at the thin layer of skin and another agonizingly slow grind against your clit. “fuckin’— shit— hurry up already!”

“tsk, see what i mean?” gojo tuts, hands sliding down the curves at your torso. you feel his large fingers play with the material of your panties, rolling the lace between forefingers. the contrast of the coolness of his rings against your heated skin adds a strange stimulation to your senses. “so mouthy, ‘m gonna have to do somethin’ about that.”

“i’m mouthy?” you squawk, watching as he lifts your tee up from your body. he taps wordlessly at your waist and you understand to remove the article of clothing. you chuck the tee across the room, before redirecting your focus on the man peppering wet kisses all over your stomach. it leaves butterflies rattling inside. “you literally cannot shut the fuck up— what’s the hold up? awe, don’t tell me you can’t walk the talk?”

he pauses for a bit. he doesn’t let himself fall bait for your words. you’re just being bratty— all hot and bothered and can’t properly ask for what you need. you don’t have to worry, he’s here entirely for your pleasure. he isn’t even thinking about the way his cock throbs painfully in his boxers, doesn’t even attempt to relieve it at all.

and so, he kneels at the edge of the bed. with two large hands cupping at your hips, he pulls you closer to him and rests your thighs on his shoulders. he watches as your chest rises up and down, and you prop yourself back onto your elbows.

your eyes are misty, your lips swollen and wet, your hair a mess and your neck littered in marks that scream gojo. you already look fucked out and he hadn’t done shit. god, he can’t wait to stuff his face between your thighs.

“i got you baby,” he drags his index finger right in the center of your cunt. he can both feel and see the material dampen with your arousal, your hips squirming as you chase for more. he licks his lips as he narrows in on the treasure, he swears he hears his stomach growling. “promise i do. just relax for me, yeah?”

“whatever.” you mumble, and comply to his order. he calls you a good girl, before stroking at your clit some more. the reactions you give will forever be imprinted in his mind, fleeting touches already granting him the opportunity to hear your delicate voice once more. you may be impatient but gojo is worse, and he decides that he wants to see your cunt now. he pushes your panties to the side, and the sight he’s rewarded with nearly— nearly, had him cumming right on two knees.

gojo gulps. “holy shit,” he feels his voice waver in excitement, eyes widened as he stares dead on. your cunt clenches around nothing from the switch of temperature, oozing more of your arousal down to your sheets. your pussy lips are puffy, clit sitting atop so prettily and damn, he wants to hump something.

he isn’t sure why but you try to close your thighs together, rude much, though gojo is much stronger. he keeps them spread wide, and shoots you a look. “do not.”

“tsk.” you click your tongue, looking away. and, oh, are you shy? “stop staring, you fuckin’ weirdo.”

he’s too far enamoured by the slick dribbling from your tiny hole down the crack of your ass. it trickles so tauntingly, that he finds himself nearly jealous. he wishes he could be there— oh wait, “just appreciatin’ my meal before i eat, sue me.”

the pad of his thumb collects your juices before popping it into his mouth. “wow,” he mumbles, more so to himself, at your taste bursting onto his taste buds. it’s so undoubtedly you, a raw and truthful you, and he gives you no warning before diving right in.

“fuckkk,” you throw your head back, hand flying to grab at the nearest thing in your vicinity— which so happens to be tousled, fluffy hair.

so, first time for everything right? but gojo maneuvers his way into your pussy as if he’d done this before. he starts off with kitten licks, teasing you some more before flattening his tongue and dragging it up and down your lips. he swallows and moans into your cunt, fingers digging deep into the back of your thighs.

he’s practically making out with your pussy. he doesn’t neglect any area, not even the clit surprisingly, as he latches his lips to the bundle of nerves and lightly nibbles. now that has your back arching and pushing his head deeper into you. if there was a way to go in life, he’d gladly take this death.

he’s so painfully hard it hurts, unable to control the way his hips grind against the bed frame. your scent is driving him feral, the way you tug on his hair harshly has his balls tightening and the way you cry out his name makes him want to imprint his name inside of you.

“s-satoru!” oh god, you’ve done it. you finally said his first name and he’s this close to painting his briefs white in shame. he continues to flick his tongue inside your hole and similar strokes to his humping. “you’re doin’ s’gooddd baby, shit!”

keep praising him and he’s gonna bust. he lifts himself away from your pussy, eyeing the gooey center almost offensively, “why the fuck do you taste so good?” he lands a wad of spit down, as he brings two digits to properly rub his saliva into your essence. the sounds it produces are so wet, it’s damn near filthy. he clicks his tongue, “seriously. ‘s makin’ me mad almost.” he slaps at your cunt twice, watching how your spray down his wrist.

“you s-sure this is your first, hnng, time?” you accuse, to the best of your abilities, as you feel him slip a finger in. you’re so lubricated, the slip inside was easy. pushing past that first ring of muscle, he’s pumping in and out of your cunt with precision, curling his digit as if he’s aiming to find a specific area. “y’know too much— mmph, fuckin’ liar.”

when he thrusts into a specific angle, your thighs tremble terribly around his head. he smirks, found it. “watched a lotta porn.” and he isn’t lying, he thinks back to how he studied the arts of cunningulus, and recalls the double combo. he has to try it, so he’s back to sucking and nibbling at your clit while adding an extra finger inside.

“oh my goddd,” you whine, feeling your limbs liquify in heat from every extremity. he pushes your knee further into your chest, and so you grab ahold of both your thighs. he hums approvingly, dragging his free hand along the soft skin of your legs. “don’t— don’t stop, please don’t stop,”

your toes are curled, back off the mattress and the pain in his scalp is shooting straight down to his cock. he’s rutting and rutting into the wooden frame, the flat surface painfully teasing though it does do the job. or maybe he has you to blame.

he feels saliva dripping down his chin, the way his tongue slides into your folds and feels his knuckles in there. his fingers move in scissoring motions, rotating circles, in and out— all the while repeatedly attacking your golden spot.

you severely underestimated him, and can barely process the orgasm that rips through you when he presses a hand onto your lower belly, “‘m cumming, fuck, ngh, don’t stop—” and you wail, fingernails clawing intensely into his tresses, torn between pushing him away and pulling him in closer. he decides to make that decision for you, stuffing himself as deep as possible to not miss a single drop, and your thighs clench against his ears.

so, gojo satoru is a shameless man. as you flood into his mouth and onto his face, grinding out your orgasm and using him as nothing but a toy for your own high— somewhere along the lines, he feels his briefs are sticky. he moans sluttily into your pussy, hips twitching incessantly as his cock shoots loads of nut into his boxers.

it feels like an eternity yet simultaneously a second when you’ve come down from your high, body twitching as gojo slows down his movements, his finger pumps gradually lessening in intensity and the kitten licks on your abused clit coming to a halt.

his face is soaked. his skin feels moist and damp, a thick air of humidity beginning to grow in the room, but he genuinely couldn’t care less. his eyes are stuck on you, limbs sprawled out limply against your bed, your chest heaving, tiny breaths coming out of your mouth.

he slides out his aching fingers, and pops them back in his mouth, tongue wrapping around his digits so eagerly, basking in your taste once more. absolutely divine,

“christ, i’d make a nasty pornstar.”

gojo won the poll. . . everybody act surprised (°_°)

[worldlxvlys]

OMG I HAVE AN IDEA ABT CHRIS DEALER !!

the reader doesn't respond because of some reason (you can make it up) and he starts panicking and saying cute things to the reader(in "I don't want to lose you" mode..)and when he arrives at the reader's house after a few hours without the reader responding, she is not there and you can invent the rest because I have no idea for the rest but I love you sm I love your stories and how you write and marry me i love you sm

texts w/ dealer w benefits! chris (part 19)

chris sturniolo x reader

warnings: just cursing

a/n: thank you so much, i’m so glad you like my writing :) also 💍 when’s the wedding ???

hope you like <333

dwb! chris masterlist

(thoughts are bolded + italicized)

CHRIS’S POV

i knocked on the door repeatedly, but there was no answer.

i dug into my pocket, searching for the spare key she gave me.

once i felt it, i pulled it out and opened her door.

“baby, are you here?” i yelled out.

i searched through every room in her house, starting to get even more worried.

when i got to her room, i saw her wallet on the ground, but not her.

where would she have gone without her wallet ?

why isn’t she answering her phone ?

is she safe ?

no! we’re not going there, she is fine.

she has to be.

fuck.

i opened the Find My Friends app, deciding to check her location.

yeah, dumbass, maybe you should’ve done that first.

when i clicked on her iphone’s location, my heart dropped to my ass.

NO LOCATION FOUND.

fuck . fuck. fuck.

why is her location off.

what do i do?

suddenly, i heard a loud bang from the front of the house.

heheheehe cliffhanger 😈

NAHHH IM JUST KIDDING LMFAOOOO

(i thought about it tho)

ok continue reading 🤗

*****

my head snapped towards the noise, my heart racing.

what the fuck was that.

before i knew it, there she was, standing right in front of me.

READER’S POV

chris stood in front of me, looking worried.

damn, that noise must’ve scared him.

“sorry, baby, i literally just walked straight into my front door, didn’t mean to scare you” i chuckled.

suddenly, he came rushing towards me, giving me a big hug.

surprised, i hugged him back.

“you ok, chris?” i asked.

“fuck, ma, you scared me. why didn’t you answer your phone?”

i looked at him, confused. then, a realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

“oh my gosh, i completely forgot to tell you! it wouldn’t turn on so i took it to get fixed. it’s still there, i just forgot my wallet so i came back real quick”

“i’m so sorry if i worried you, baby. i should’ve-“ he cut me off with a hard kiss to the lips.

he kissed me with so much love and passion, as if he thought it was going to be our last. it was an emotional kiss and it made me realize

i really scared him.

when we pulled away, he pressed his forehead to mine.

“no need to apologize, baby. i’m just so fucking glad that you’re ok, i was starting to go insane”

he gave me a peck to my nose, then another to my lips.

“does this mean when my phone is fixed it’s gonna be filled with spam texts from you?”

his eyes widened a bit, “yeahh, there’s no need to even read those” he said, his voice getting a tad bit higher in pitch.

i tilted my head, now amused. “oh? now i’m definitely reading them” i said, laughing at him.

he laughed with me, shaking his head.

“and by the way? i’m not going anywhere anytime soon” i told him “your ass is stuck with me”

“wouldn’t have it any other way” he smiled at me “even though you annoy the absolute shit out of me”

i rolled my eyes at him, “you were literally quivering when i walked in” i teased him.

his face scrunched up “that is not true”

i grabbed my wallet, starting to walk away.

“hey” he said as he started to follow me out “that’s not true, don’t start telling people that!” he said.

i love this goofy ass kid.

————————

heheheehe 😇

hope you liked <333

masterlist

tag list: @lovingsturniolo @lustfulslxt @gwenlore @flowerxbunnie @sturnssx @mattslolita @its-jennarose @chanelsturn @sophssturn @bernardsleftbootycheek @queen161718 @chrisdevora @cupidsword @nickmillersn1gf @stramboli4life @mattsneezing @chrisstankyleg @sturniolobltch @vib3swithanuk @ciarasturn1 @bethsturn @bernardenjoyer @mbbsgf @soursturniolo @rac00ns-are-c00l4

[arlana-likes-to-write]

I Do

Part 2 of Marry Me

Summary: It's your wedding day and as you are getting ready you can't help but remember how you got to this point. But sometimes even on the happiest days, anxiety can be the biggest enemy.

Note: italicized sections are flashbacks

Warning: Angst with Fluff, dirty talk, almost office sex but getting caught, mention of death, toxic past relationships, panic attacks, drinking

Word count: 8.8k

“I can’t believe you're getting married!” Tony exclaimed probably for the hundredth time during this whole process. “I’m more nervous than I was for Vision’s wedding,” you fought the urge to roll your eyes as you sat in front of the makeup artist. You felt bad for the poor woman who had to endure your family’s antics.

“Honey, have a drink,” Maria pushed a glass of whiskey into Tony’s hand. “You are going to stress out the bride.” You weren’t stressed. You were 100% content and ready to marry the woman of your dreams. All you had to do was get through a silly little ceremony and it would be official. You told Yelena that you would settle for getting married in a courtroom but she wanted a wedding. So you gave her a wedding.

“You look like the day you told me you had a crush on her,” Howard said, coming from the balcony with a cigar in his mouth. “All flustered and nervous. If I knew any better I’d say you were getting married.” You chuckled slightly at the light blush creeping up Tony’s face.

“Well then I learned that she was gay,” he pointed at you. “You were my first heartbreak.” You chuckled.

“I think you did well for yourself,” you smiled.

“Damn, right he did!” Pepper said and your bridal party cheered. This was the only thing you cared about, having your family together. Well, not everyone. Damn, you missed your parents.

*   

 God, you had to have a long talk with Natasha about your last drink. Your head was throbbing. At least the newlyweds had the forethought to book a place with continental breakfast so everyone could nurse their hangovers. “Someone got laid last night,” Tony said, slamming down a cup of coffee and sitting in the chair next to you. The sound echoed in your head. 

“Fuck Stark,” you groaned. “Why are you always so loud?” He chuckled at your expense. The man was never hungover, it was annoying. 

“So are you going to tell me who it was?” He took a piece of toast off your plate. “Because I’m all your boss so I will find out,” you kept your mouth shut, sipping on your coffee. “I bet it was with Carol. She eyefucks you at every gala,” you smirked. You knew the former Air Force pilot was with Val, maybe they were looking for a third. “Monica is attractive, was it her? Please don’t tell me you joined Romanoff and Barnes.” 

“Shut up,” you laughed. You sighed. “Fine I’ll tell you but you have to keep it quiet. Can you do that?” He nodded. You glared at him. 

“Scouts honor. Now come on tell me,” he whined. You smiled, biting your lip as you remembered lasted night. 

“It was Yelena,” Tony stared at you, mouth slightly open, and blinked a few times at you. 

“Romanoff is going to kill you,” he deadpanned. “At least leave me something nice in your will.” You rolled your eyes, smacking the man slightly on the chest. 

“She knows,” his face scrunched in disgust. “Oh my god, ew, not like that,” Laughing pulled your attention away from Tony and you watched as Yelena walked into the dining room with Kate and America. She was still wearing the long-sleeved shirt that you let her burrow. It made you smile. Tony hit your leg. “Sorry,” you snapped out of it. “Natasha gave her stamp of approval for me to pursue a relationship with her.”

“Why did you make it sound like a business proposition?” He asked. You huffed out a sigh, crossing your arms. “I’m kidding,” he laughed. “She’s the one that has put a smile back on your face,” you nodded. Yelena sat down at a table with her sister and her green eyes found yours, a playful smirk on her lips. You wanted to go over and kiss her again. “Well, I’m glad she’s making you happy.” 

“Yeah, she is.” 

*       

Maria and Howard asked you to join them when your hair and makeup were done. It was a light look as you didn’t wear makeup in your normal day-to-day life. So you stood with them on the balcony that overlooked the winery. “You are making me kind of nervous,” you chuckled. It reminded you of when you and Tony ‘burrowed’ Howard’s 1960 red Mustang. He wasn’t happy.

“There is nothing to worry about, sweetheart,” Maria said, sitting down at the small patio set. Her husband remained standing behind her. You sat down in front of her.

“We have a small gift for you,” you groaned. “Hey, lose the attitude squirt,” You fought the couple tooth and nail during this process. They wanted to help pay for the wedding or gift you something extravagant, but you declined both.

“It’s tradition for the bride to have something old, new, burrowed, and blue on their wedding day,” Maria explained. You and Yelena weren’t having a traditional American wedding with her being Russian and both members of the LGBTQ community but there were some things you were doing. You weren’t seeing each other until Yelena walked down the aisle, Yelena would be throwing her bouquet (you were hopping Natasha would catch it), and you had two flower girls (Lila and Morgan), and Nate and Cooper were your ring bearers.

“For your something burrowed,” Howard took off his cufflinks and handed them to you. “I expect those back in perfect condition.” he teased. You rolled your eyes but took them.

“For your something old,” Maria handed you a pin. “And it counts for your blue.” It was a blue jay pin that your mother gave her. She never took it off. You felt tears form in your eyes. “So they can be there with you while you walk down the aisle.”

“Your father gave me those,” Howard added. You choose Howard and Maria to walk you down the aisle in place of your parents. “They would be proud of you, kid,” you cleared your throat, trying to push down your emotions not wanting to ruin your makeup.

“Thank you,” you whispered. “Both you. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

“It has been a pleasure to watch you grow up,” Maria stood up and kissed the top of your head. “Here is something new,” she pulled out a small box and a letter. “From your soon-to-be wife. We’ll let you open it in private.” You thanked the couple and they returned to the suite as you opened the box. Inside was a new pair of earrings. They were simple golden studs with a small diamond. You smiled and put them in, now you understood why Pepper told you not to wear earrings. You opened the letter.

‘Darling, There are so many things I wish to write in this letter but I’ll keep it brief and save it for my vows. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together. As for the earrings, Maria told me a story of a family vacation you took with the Starks around the time of your parent's passing to Cape Code. You wore a pair of earrings that your mother gave you into the ocean and unfortunately lost them. I know these won’t be able to replace the ones you lost. But I hope they provide you with a sense of comfort along with the mementos Maria and Howard gave you. I love you and see you soon.’ 

You reread the letter a few more times before folding it nicely. You fiddled with the earrings. You were a mess that trip even more so when you lost your earrings. You missed them so deeply and you wished they were here with you.

*   

“Are you sure they want me here?” Yelena asked, anxiously twisting the rings on her fingers. You were sitting in the driveway of the Stark Family Home. It was Maria’s birthday. Tonight was the small gathering for family and a few close friends and tomorrow was the bigger party. The Starks never needed a reason to party. You took her hand in yours, bringing it to your lips. 

“They asked for you specifically,” it was true. When you told Tony about your new relationship, he couldn’t wait to tell his parents. They’ve met the blonde but you knew it was at a work event when you were introducing the new group of entrepreneurs. It was different now. She was just another Stark employee now she was a Stark employee and your girlfriend. “If you don’t want to go we can turn around and we can hang out at my place.” Yelena shook her head. 

“Is Wanda going to be there?” You sighed. 

“Yes,” the blonde tensed up. “But I don’t care about her. I’m with you and she made her choice.” You haven’t run into your ex-girlfriend since her wedding and your new relationship with Yelena. But you knew she knew. Vision seemed quite interested in your relationship, especially with how it would affect the workplace. It wasn’t a coincidence that an email from HR was in your inbox regarding relationships with coworkers. 

“Alright, let’s do this,” you turned off the car and walked over to Yelena’s side to open the door for her. “My knight in shining armor,” she said, kissing your cheek. She had the small gift bag in her hand, that you knew Maria was going to be livid about. You held onto her hand as you led her up to the massive doorway. “I sometimes forget how much money the Starks have,” Yelena mumbled, looking at the house. “Tony is so..”

“Stupid, cocky, a pain in my ass,” the blonde laughed, pinching your sides. “Ouch, rude.” 

“Don’t talk about our boss like that,” she teased. You rolled your eyes, ringing the doorbell. 

“He was a brother to me long before he was chairman of Stark Industries.” It wasn’t long before the door swung open. 

“There she is!” Howard said, pulling you in a hug. Your hand was ripped out of Yelena’s hold. “I guess you only come around when you know we’ll have food.” He teased. 

“Let me go, old man,” you pushed him off of you as he messed with your hair. 

“You did not just call me old,” he gasped. You stepped into the house and Yelena closed the door behind you. “It ain’t my birthday, sweet cheeks.” 

“I’m telling your wife you said,” you smiled, fixing your hair and polo. “Howard, I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Yelena-”

“Yelena Belova,” the man cut you off, extending his hand for her to shake. “I know all about you. You are the reason Stark Industries is branching overseas to work with the Wakandans,” Yelena shook his hand. You saw the tension leave her body. “It has always been my dream for the company to expand so we can help more people. I’d love to hear all about it.”

“Darling,” you saw Maria walk over. “You promised there would be no talking about work.” She scolded her husband. “Hello, Yelena it’s wonderful to meet you.” The matriarch hugged your girlfriend. Over his wife’s shoulder, Howard mouthed, ‘We’ll talk later.’ 

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Yelena smiled. “And Happy Birthday.” She handed Maria the gift bag. The woman glared at you but you held up your hands. 

“Wasn’t me,” you defended. “That was all her.” You were throwing your girlfriend to the wolves but when it came to Mama Stark it was for the best. Inside were two stained glass blue jays that she could hang in the window. 

“Oh, I love them. Thank you,” she hugged your girlfriend again. Your mouth hung open slightly. 

“How come when I get you a gift you threaten to kick me out of the will.” 

“Hush you,” Maria teased, lopping her arm with Yelena. “Come. Dinner is almost ready so we are having drinks in the sitting room.” Maria dragged Yelena in the direction of the room, leaving you alone with Howard. 

“Women,” he said, hitting you with his elbow. “Am I right?” You rolled your eyes. 

“You always are,” You grabbed him by the shoulder. “Come on let’s not keep everyone waiting.” When you joined the rest of the guests, Yelena was standing with Tony and Pepper. You excused yourself and joined the trio. 

“About time you showed up,” Tony teased, as he leaned closer to you. “Someone has been sending dirty looks to your girlfriend.” You saw Wanda standing with Vision and Bruce, another close friend of the Stark Family. You chuckled. 

“Maybe she’s upset I got lucky on her wedding night and she didn’t,” Tony gagged, punching you in the shoulder. 

“Children,” Maria warned and Tony mumbled a ‘sorry mom’ under his breath. “Dinner is ready.” The group filled into the dining room, and each person had a personalized name plate to designate where everyone was sitting. You pulled out Yelena’s chair for her. 

“Why don’t you do that for me anymore?” Pepper teased as she sat next to you. Tony huffed. 

“They are in the honeymoon phase,” he said. “They’ll grow out of it.” You smiled, placing your hand on Yelena’s thigh. 

“How are you doing?” You whispered. 

“Good,” she smiled. “Really good.”

*    

Once dinner was over, you joined Tony, Vision, and Howard for a glass of whiskey on the balcony. The Elder Stark would pass out cigars but you refused one. It was tradition. You remembered begging your father to join because you wanted to be with him and Tony instead of your mother. You haven’t been on this balcony since you broke up with Wanda. You missed it. Sitting back in your chair, you sipped on your drink and listened to the three Starks talk with one another. Your mind wandered to Yelena. You knew Wanda wouldn’t try to do anything to save face with Maria but you were worried nonetheless. “So,” Howard said, looking at you. Oh boy. “You’ve been oddly quiet. Most nights we can’t get you to shut up.”

“Cool thanks,” you smiled, wrapping your hands around the glass. “I liked listening to you guys talk,” you admitted. “It reminded me of when we were younger and my father was here to join us.” That shifted the conversation and you were grateful until Vision directed it back to you.

“How are you and Miss. Belova?” He asked. You almost choked on your drink.

“We are good,” you smiled. “Just taking it slow and learning more about each other.” You were not giving this man more information to feed to his wife.

“That girl is smart,” Howard praised. “She is going to go far in that company.” Oh, you knew that. She was helping you, Sharon, and Natasha create a branch in California. You were waiting on approval to go ahead with the project.

“Is your relationship affecting your workplace dynamic?” Vision questioned. “You are technically her superior.” Your jaw clenched. You heard Tony shift in his seat, ready to defend you but you held up your hand.

“It has not,” you answered. “If she has any issues, she reports it to Sharon, and then Sharon reports it to me so there is a non-biased party in the middle,” you sat up in your chair. “Now I have a question for you, Viz. Did you have these same levels of concern with Pepper and your brother’s relationship? Or do you just have a problem with it because it’s me?” You smiled. “Excuse me gentlemen but I need a refill.” You stood up and walked back into the house. Walking into the empty kitchen, you dumped your drink in the sink and washed the glass.

“I’m guessing my son said something to upset you.” You chuckled at Maria’s statement.

“He didn’t upset me,” you said. Besides you knew Tony was giving him an earful. “Are you getting a cup of tea? I can make you some.” She nodded and sat down. You began to prepare it. Your mother and Maria were the ones that taught you how to make it. Maria said you could win anyone over with the perfect cup of tea.

“I like her,” Maria broke the silence. You looked at the matriarch. “I like the smile you get when you look at her.” You nodded.

“Yeah, she’s great,” you leaned on the counter as you waited for the water to boil. “Do you think my parents would have liked her?” You asked Maria the same question about Wanda.

“Take my hand,” you did. “As long as you were happy they would have loved whoever you brought home,” the kettle began to whistle. It was the same answer she had given before. You turned around to pour the water into the mug. “But yes, they would have loved her.” That was new. You smiled, loving the warm feeling that covered you.

*      

“Let’s have a toast!” Sarah said, pushing an empty champagne glass in your hand. Laura came up behind her to fill it with a smile.

“She’s been waiting for this moment all day,” you chuckled and thanked the mother of 3. You became close to the Barton Family because of Yelena, you loved going to their house in Iowa. Once everyone had a drink and Lila and Morgan were given apple juice, Tony raised his glass.

“To a beautiful ceremony and a reception we’ll all forget.” You rolled your eyes. Sarah raised her glass next, and you gave her a pointed look to be nice.

“To picking someone that loves you as hard as you love them.” You mouthed a ‘thank you’ to your best friend.

“To looking hot and feeling hot.” Pepper cheered.

“To a long and happy life to the beautiful bride-to-be,” Laura added.

“Cheers!”

*     

It was the Gala of the year, the anniversary of the day Stark Industries was founded. Everyone would be dressed to the nines, the best catering company would be hired and paired with the right drinks. At the end of the night, awards would be given, and there would be dancing, laughing, and sharing stories. Most importantly the press would be there. So much press. Everything had a place and a reason behind it. The type of food, the partners and competitors that were invited, and the way people arrived. It was the biggest headache for those who planned the party but when you stepped out of the car with flashing lights it was worth it. You arrived third to last, in front of Tony and Pepper and Maria and Howard. You rested your hand on Yelena’s thigh. It was the first big event you two were attending as a couple. She was wearing a high slight, dark blue dress with spaghetti straps. You were dressed in a black suit with a dark blue pocket square. Before you left, you gifted your girlfriend a diamond necklace which she was wearing. “Are you excited, sweetheart?” You asked, glancing at her. 

“Fuck yeah. I’m ready to eat until I burst and drink alcohol I didn’t pay for,” you rolled your eyes, stopping the car and putting it in the park. A valet attendant would park it for you. You could hear the paparazzi and see the lights from their cameras. 

“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” Yelena smiled before capturing her lips with yours. It was a slow kiss and she pulled away before you could ruin her makeup. You could kiss her for hours if she let you. Every time you kissed her your stomach flipped. 

“About 100 times, darling,” she said. 

“Well I’ll tell you 100 more,” you kissed her again. “Let’s go woo the crowd, baby.” You got out first, waving to the crowd before running over to the passenger side. You opened the door and held out your hand. Yelena took it and you helped her out. The camera lights began to go crazy but your eyes were only on your girlfriend. You stared at each other for a moment before heading to the entrance. Then the questions started. ‘Y/n, how long have you been dating Yelena Belova?’ ‘Is this why you pushed so hard for the Wakanda Project?’ ‘Has this affected your working relationship?’ ‘Can you comment on Wanda and Vision’s relationship?’ But you paid no mind to them. 

Oh, you remembered the headlines from the first event after your break up with Wanda and she attended it with Vision. ‘Maximoff is after a REAL Stark.’ ‘Y/n loses to the Starks again.’ It was brutal. Maria, the company’s PR, had to put out a lot of fires. You made it your mission to make her job as easy as possible. So you ignored the questions and you had a statement ready to go live tomorrow. You and Yelena stopped for one more picture before entering the venue. You felt a weight lifted off your shoulders, feeling safe within the building. Only selective reporters were allowed during the actual event. “I hate the press,” you mumbled, holding onto Yelena’s hand. She chuckled as her sister and Bucky walked over. The redhead was wearing a floor-length black strapless dress and Bucky wore a suit with his tie red that matched Natasha’s lipstick. 

“I see you both made it through alive,” Natasha said. 

“Barely,” Yelena teased. 

“I don’t know how you deal with them all the time,” Bucky mumbled. 

“With a lot of alcohol,” you smiled. “Let’s go drink.”

* 

You were at the founder's table with the Starks plus Wanda, Pepper, Natasha, and Bucky. It was…special to say the least. You kept your hand on Yelena’s thigh while Wanda kept sending daggers your way. It was amazing to see how jealous she was as her new husband ignored her. You noticed Yelena’s drink was getting low as she was in a deep conversation with Pepper. You stood up and took her drink, whispering, ‘I’ll be right back,’ to your girlfriend. Before you could leave the table, Yelena turned to kiss you. You smiled and walked over to the bar. As you waited for the bartender, you heard a set of footsteps approaching you. You knew it was Wanda without having to turn around. You sighed. “What do you want Wanda?” You asked. “You’ve been starring daggers at me all night.” 

“I don’t think Yelena is good for you,” She said, standing next to you. You gave yourself whiplash on how fast you turned to look at her, not hiding the shock by her blunt comment. “You both are in different stages of life. You are well established in your career and she’s just getting her footing. It’s not fair to you that she’s using you to get ahead.” Your jaw clenched. Oh, you were so close to losing your cool. 

“It’s so nice that Vision looks like a loving and doting husband,” you deadpanned as the bartender put your drinks down. “Oh, I’m sorry I thought were saying things that aren’t true. Stay out of my relationship and I’ll stay out of yours.” As you grew into your career you learned to ignore what people said around you. It was damaging to your mental health to follow every rumor or lie spread about you. Even though your relationship wasn’t out to the public those you worked with knew. They were respectful at face value but you heard their whispers. They questioned the validity of your relationship with Yelena and you were only together to benefit the company or each other. It was ridiculous but your anxiety-induced brain made you question everything. Yelena was so far out of your league, that you wondered why she picked you. 

You sat back down with your and Yelena’s drink. “Thank you, dorogoy (sweetheart),” she smiled but frowned suddenly. “What’s wrong?” She asked. You forced a smile and shook your head. 

“Nothing,” you said, putting your arm behind her chair. “Don’t worry about it.” Yelena watched as Wanda returned to her seat, you could see the gears turning in her head. “Don’t,” you whispered in her ear and kissed her neck. “She’s not worth it.” She looked at you, her lips were inches from yours. 

“Come with me,” she said. You knew there was no room for argument. You both excused yourself from the table as Tony cat-called you both. You fought the urge to flip him off as Yelena dragged you to a hallway. “What did she do?” She asked once you were alone. 

“Nothing important,” you said, leaning against the wall. “Nothing that I know that isn’t true,” you looked away from the blonde. She sighed, closing the space, and used her finger to force you to look back at her. 

“It’s bothering you. So I want to know how to help,” she smirked. “Or I can go over there and force her to tell me, you know I’ve been looking for a reason to kick her ass,” you chuckled. That would be a sight to see. You hated the idea of keeping stuff from her but you didn’t want to upset her. You sighed. 

“She said you aren’t good for me,” you told her. “That you are just using me to advance your career.” Her green eyes went wide. 

“You know that isn’t true, right?” She whispered. “I-I would never do that.” Tears began to swell in her eyes. 

“Hey,” you brought her in for a hug. “I know you wouldn’t. No tears, okay? Don’t let that bitch ruin your makeup,” she laughed against your chest but you kept her in your arms when she didn’t pull away. “Sometimes,” you continued. “I can’t believe that I get to call you mine. You are so far out of my league that my mind likes to be my biggest enemy.” Yelena looked up at you. 

“Have you looked in a mirror, detka (babe)?” She questioned. “Or hear what some of the newer associates say about you or read what the press writes?” You remembered the article that Tony joked about. You were New York City’s most eligible bachelorette for a while. “You have the looks, power, and money, and I’m out of your league.” 

“Yes because you see as me and not as a Stark without the last name.”

“And I love you with or without the responsibility that comes with that name.” You stared at her. 

“I love you too,” you said without hesitation and captured her lips. Someone coughing broke you both apart. It was Maria. 

“As cute and disgusting as this is,” she smirked. “The award ceremony is about to start.” Ugh, that meant it was time for your speech. 

“Thank you, Maria,” Yelena smiled. “We’ll be right out,” the brunette left, playfully pointing to her watch. “Ready?” You weren’t. You were dreading to go back to that table. As your girlfriend turned to leave, you pulled her back towards you. “What-?” you kissed her. 

“Tell me again,” you whispered against her lips. She looked confused. “Please baby girl,” you pleaded. “Tell me again.” Her confusion disappeared and she smiled. 

“I love you,” the blonde said. “I am yours and you are mine.” Your heart fluttered. 

“I’m yours.” 

*       

“Are you excited?” Pepper asked, helping you put on Howard’s cufflinks. You waited for the click of the camera to go off before answering.

“I am,” you smiled. “I think I’m more excited for the reception than the ceremony.” Another photo. Pepper laughed.

“I was the same way,” she moved behind you to fix your collar and lay your bow tie flat. “I want you to know Yelena has helped you a lot but you’ve done amazing as well.” If Tony was the brother you never had, Pepper was the sister. You smiled. “It wasn’t easy but you opened up your heart again.”

“It was worth it,” you told her. “It was worth all the growing pains and hurdles we went through,” Pepper hummed. “And thank you for being there when I wasn’t. You have a lot on your plate and I’m sorry I added onto it.”

“Never apologize,” she placed your hands on your shoulders. “You are family,” you watched her smile through the mirror. “Now you are wedding ready.” You were wearing a cream three-piece suit. The blue jay pin was attached to your breast pocket and the color of your bow tie matched the sage green of the bridal party. You smiled back at her.

*  

 You loved your job. Loved it so much. But there were moments that you hated it. You figured that was common for any job. There was a pile of new hires, project requests, and yearly reviews that needed to be done. It seemed to be never-ending as the company continued to grow. You sighed, rolling your neck to release some of the tension, and got back to work. The hours seemed to keep passing but the piles of paper were never ending. A gentle knock on your office caused you to look up as Yelena walked in. “Hi,” you said. She looked concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Are you?” She countered. “We were supposed to meet at Kumos and you weren’t answering your phone. I was worried,” you glanced at the clock. 

“Shit,” you stood up suddenly, knocking against your desk. The lamp rattled from the impact. “I’m so sorry. I lost track of time.” You rushed out. Your hands shook as you began to organize the papers on your desk. 

“Hey, it’s okay.” But you shook your head. 

“I should have been paying attention to the time,” you said. You felt the panic build in your chest. “I got busy with all this,” you gestured to the mess on your desk. “I’m not creating excuses,” you added on. “I-”

“Dorogoy (sweetheart),” she cut you off, raising her hands to stop you. You flinched from the sudden action. Yelena frowned, the worry evident on her face. “Baby,” she said slowly. 

“I’m sorry,” you apologized. You needed to get out of here. Quickly, you ran into the bathroom and closed the door behind you. You locked it and slid down the wall until you hit the ground. It felt like there was a thousand pounds of pressure resting on your chest. Every breath you tried to take got caught in your lungs. Everything felt too small and too big at once like you were sinking and couldn’t get out. 

 *     

 Yelena watched as you quickly ran into the small bathroom and slammed the door shut. The sound caused the blonde to snap out of her haze and rush to the door but she heard the door lock. “Fuck,” she mumbled. She knew banging on the door and pleading for you to come out would send you deeper into a panic attack. She’s had to calm her sister down from them. Fishing her phone out of her pocket she scrolled through her contacts. Tony was out of town. She wasn’t sure if she could get her sister involved and she sure wasn’t hell going to call Wanda. That left Pepper. The Russian has texted the CEO a handful of times, mostly regarding takeout when they were at the office late. She was running out of options and hit call. The CEO picked up on the second ring. 

“Yelena,” she said slowly. “What’s wrong?” The blonde sighed and began to pace in front of your bathroom. 

“I’m in Y/n’s office and she had a panic attack and locked herself in the bathroom. I didn’t know who to call or what to do,” Yelena rattled off. Pepper was silent on the other end. 

“I’ll be right down,” she sighed in relief. 

“Thank you. I owe you one,” Pepper chuckled. 

“Don’t be ridiculous,” the CEO said. “You don’t owe me anything.”

*       

You were still on the floor, back against the wall, and knees to your chest. Everything you tried to calm your breathing down didn’t work and you felt yourself panic all over again. “Hey, it’s me,” you heard Pepper say. “Can you open the door for me?” You couldn’t move. “Or do you want me to use Tony’s spare key?”

“Key,” you said. The door unlocked and Pepper slowly opened it. You watched with tears in your eyes as she closed it behind her and sat down next to you. 

“When was the last time you washed this floor?” She joked. You laughed as the dam finally broke. “Come here,” she pulled in a side hug as you cried against her. 

“Is-is she mad at me?” You asked. 

“No, she’s just worried but we aren’t going to talk about that right now. I just need you to breathe.” You’ve been plagued by panic attacks all of your life and you were prescribed medication at 10 years old. Sometimes the pill didn’t help and your anxiety got the better of you. But this helped, being fully hugged by another person grounded you. You focused on the way Pepper slowed down her breathing and the scent of her floral perfume. “Tell me,” she finally said, drawing circles on your back. “What’s going through your head?” You let out a shaky breath. 

“I got caught up in work,” you told her. “And I missed a date with Yelena. I panicked.” 

“Why did you panic? Yelena told me you flinched when she raised her hands.” You did?

“I thought she was going to be mad at me,” you said slowly. Pepper pulled away from you to sit in front of you. She pulled your legs down so you could get more air in your lungs.

“Can you be honest with me for one question?” You nodded. “Did Wanda hit you?” Your eyes widened at the accusation. 

“What? No, never,” Pepper didn’t look convinced. “I promise. Sometimes she would get upset if she thought I was prioritizing work over our relationship. It was my fault,” you defended. “I should have done better. I should have been better.” Pepper sighed. 

“Honey, you and Tony are so much alike I have to remind myself you aren’t a full-blood Stark,” you smiled, wiping away some of your tears. “Do you know how many times he has missed a date because he was too busy? I’ll answer, a lot,” you chuckled. Half the time you were in the lab when Pepper came looking. She never got angry with him, a simple roll of her eyes and she asked what he was working on. You would order pizza or Chinese and the three of you would sit and talk and laugh. It was some of your favorite memories. “I knew he didn’t love me any less. His brain is just a little scattered just like yours.” That was an underestimate, you had so many thoughts and ideas running through your head it was a little overwhelming. “My guess is when you missed a date with Wanda you made it up to her an extravagant way the next day.” You nodded. 

“Yeah,” you whispered. “I just didn’t want her to be upset with me. I-” You cleared your throat. “I sometimes flinch when someone raises their voice or moves their hands quickly. I love my parents but they argued a lot.” 

“Have you told Yelena this?” You shook your head, looking down at your hands. “Why?”

“Wanda didn’t seem interested in helping me through it,” you shrugged. “I learned to manage it by myself.” Wanda was your first real girlfriend. You didn’t count quick flings in high school and college or random hookups here and there. You were too busy with work or school or managing your public image. 

“Look at me,” you did. She was pissed. You’ve seen her with this dark look in her eyes when she was speaking to Stark’s competitors or dealing with the press. “I need you to listen to me, okay?” You nodded. “Yelena is not Wanda and I know it’s gonna take time for you to trust her with this part of you but doesn’t seem better to have some help with this,” you nodded. It was lonely, swimming in the dark cavern looking for a way out. Pepper smiled. “Do you want to speak with Yelena?”

“Yes, please,” you were surprised that she was still here. “Thank you, Pepper. I appreciate it.” The CEO stood up and walked over to the door. 

“We are family, always have been, and always will be, got it?” You nodded. “Now follow up question, do you want me to kill Wanda?” Your jaw dropped but soon your laugh echoed against the bathroom walls. “I’m serious. I don’t care if she’s my sister-in-law or whatever.” 

“No need,” you smiled. “Besides I think that list is pretty long.” 

“Ain't that the truth,” Pepper winked at you before exiting that bathroom. 

The door wasn’t closed for long as it reopened and Yelena walked in, taking the spot where Pepper sat. “Hi baby,” you whispered, holding out your hand. She took it. “First, I’m sorry I hid from you. I was just scared and stressed with work. Second, thank you for calling Pepper.” She nodded as she stared at your connected hands. 

“What can I do to help?” She questioned. You raised your eyebrows in question. “Your panic attacks. What do you need?” Oh. Wanda never asked. “For me, I don’t like to be touched and the 5 senses counting down works best for me,” you frowned. 

“I don’t know you got panic attacks.” Yelena chuckled. 

“I bounced around Russian and American foster homes of course I have panic attacks.”

“Why haven’t you told me about them?”

“Why haven’t you told me about yours?” She countered. You sighed, looking away from her. “Not sure when the best time to talk about my past.” She squeezed your hand. 

“Wanda didn’t bother to help me,” you admitted. “So I’ve learned to keep it to myself.”

“Hey,” she said softly. You looked at her. “I’m not Wanda. I’m here for the good and the bad, okay?” You nodded. 

“Okay,” you whispered. 

*  

You were sitting on the couch while you listened to Sarah and Tony bicker back and forth. According to Maria, you were ahead of schedule so you had a few moments of peace before it got crazy again. “Knock, knock,” the door to your suite opened. Natasha walked in wearing a sage green dress.

“Looking good, Romanoff,” Tony whistled. The redhead rolled her eyes.

“You clean up nice, Stark,” she looked at you. “Can we talk?” You hated the way your stomach dropped.

“Yeah, of course,” you stood up and walked over to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you gave her a pointed look. “Okay, Yelena had a small panic attack and locked herself in the bathroom. She’s refusing to come out.”

“Take me to her.” You said to her without hesitation.

“I can’t,” she sighed. “She doesn’t want you to see her.”

“I can speak to her through the door,” you reasoned with her. “Natasha, please.”

“Come on,” Natasha gave in. You left your suite without a word to your bridal party and followed her to her room where Yelena was getting ready. You were grateful for Natasha. If it wasn’t for her gentle push you knew you would have danced around your feelings for her sister, too scared to mess up your friendship with her.

  *       

 “Just send it over to me,” you said, pacing behind your desk. “No, I trust you completely but you have your hands full and I can help,” the door to your office quietly opened. You smiled at your girlfriend and put your finger up to tell her you would be done in a minute. “Hope, I promise it’s not that big of a deal.” Yelena pushed your chair out of the way and sat on top of your desk. You smiled. “I know the next time I’m in California we'll get drinks. Give my love to Scott and Cassie. Bye,” you hung up. Yelena spread her legs to make space for you. You through your phone onto the chair and placed your hands on her thighs. “What are you doing, baby?” You asked. She placed her arms around your neck. 

“I was missing you,” you smirked. 

“You saw me at the all-company meeting.” She huffed. 

“Not the same and you know it,” she pouted. You chuckled, kissing her shoulder and up to her neck. She pulled you closer. 

“You can’t stay long,” you mumbled inches away from her lips. “I have a meeting with your sister.” The blonde rolled her eyes, groaning slightly. 

“Please never mention my sister and kiss me.” You obeyed because you could never deny her. You kept the kiss slow, not trusting yourself to get carried away. Yelena was intoxicating, that was the best way to describe her. You could get lost in the way she kissed and touched you. 

“Yelena,” you warned when you felt her tug your hair slightly. “We can’t do this here.” You wanted to push all your work off your desk and take her right here but you couldn’t. The morning wasn’t enough for you. 

“Your meeting with your Chief of Staff isn’t for another 45 minutes,” Yelena mumbled. “You can make me cum before then.” You groaned, resting your head on her shoulder. 

“Baby girl,” you whispered, kissing her neck. “You can’t say stuff like that.” You heard her breathing hitch when your lips grazed a sensitive spot on her neck. 

“Clocks a ticking, moya lyubov’ (my love),” the last of your restrain flew out of the window and you crashed your lips against hers. She smiled, grabbing onto you tightly as your fingers fiddled with the belt of her pants and unzipped the zipper. 

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” You asked, hands skimming underneath her shirt and goosebumps erupted on her skin. “It’s so hard to keep my hands off of you.”

“Pozhaluysta (please), don’t tease me.” You chuckled, nipping at the skin underneath her ear. You were careful to not leave any visible marks. 

“I got you, sweetheart,” you promised. “I’ll always have you.” You trailed your hand down her chest and trailed your finger underneath her pants, the door of your office opened. Yelena jumped, zipping up her pants. 

“Ugh,” Natasha groaned. “Not you two too,” she walked over to your desk with the paperwork for your meeting. “I already have to worry about walking in on Carol and Val.” Yelena burrowed her face in the crook of your neck unable to look at her sister. You chuckled. 

“Please, I’ve walked in on you and Bucky so many times,” Natasha smirked. 

“A little tip, lock the door,” she hit Yelena on the shoulder. “Come on sestra you can get laid on company time after our meeting.” You felt the blonde let out a small huff and jump off your desk, kissing you softly. Your girlfriend flipped her sister off before leaving your office and closed the door behind her. 

“Shut up,” you said, sitting down in your chair. 

“I have to go bleach my eyes after this meeting,” you rolled your eyes as Natasha sat down. But that smirk was still on her face. “Or drink it so I can forget the image of you having your hand down my sister’s pants.”

“My hand was not down her pants,” you deadpanned. Natasha glared at you. “Whatever, let’s get this meeting going.” Natasha chuckled. 

“Of course, someone has a meeting to have an orgasm.” 

*     

Natasha opened the door to the suite and it was empty of Yelena’s bridal party. She opened the closed door. “Thank you.”

“I’ll give you space. Call me if you need anything,” you nodded and walked over to the bathroom door, gently knocking on the door.

“Go away,” her voice shook. You fought every nerve in your body to break down the door and wrap her in your arms.

“Sweetheart, it’s me.” She was silent on the other side.

“You're not supposed to see me.” You smiled.

“I’m behind the door, my love. I can’t see you, I promise. Can you tell me what’s going on?” You could hear her breathing begin to pick up. “Hey, hey,” you cooed. “Count for me, baby. 5 things you can see.” You wondered if she heard you as she was so quiet.

“Natasha’s makeup bag, a hair dryer, my towel, Melina’s robe,” she laughed. “And a bottle of vodka Alexei left.” You laughed along with her. You loved Melina and Alexei, the odd couple who always made you laugh.

“Good job sweetheart. 4 things you can touch.”

“Bathroom mat, the door, the tile floor, and the silk of my robe.” You praised her each time she counted something in the bathroom that went along with her senses until her breathing slowed down. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “You shouldn’t have to deal with me like this,” you shook your head even though she couldn’t see you. You sat down with your back against the door.

“Nonsense,” you said. “You will always be my number one priority. So why did you lock yourself in the bathroom?” You asked. You heard her sigh.

“People are going to be looking at me,” she finally said. You kept the snarky comment at bay; ‘Well it is your wedding.’ You knew there was more. “And I started to panic because what if I fall or mess up my vows or Alexei embarrasses me.” You smiled.

“Well, he’s already going to do that so that’s a given,” she chuckled. “Do you want to call off the wedding?” Yelena gasped.

“No, no. I think Natasha would kill me,” You knew she would never do that. “And I’m not doubting I want to marry you,” well that was a relief. “I just panicked.” You hummed. “You must think I’m stupid.”

“Never, baby, I understand anxiety better than most people. There are going to be a lot of eyes on both of us but do you know where my eyes will be?”

“Where?” Yelena questioned.

“On you. I don’t care about anybody else,” you truthfully said. “And you just have to keep your eyes on me. Nobody else matters,” she was quiet as you brought one leg up to your chest and chuckled. “Do you remember when I asked you to marry me?”

“Before or after I punched you,” she deadpanned. You laughed which caused Yelena to laugh along with you. You asked her to marry her on parent’s farm. She was in disbelief at the question her instinct was to punch you. It got a laugh out of everyone that was there to witness it but she said yes.

“Happiest day of my life,” you admitted. “Well, that is a lie, every day spent with is the happiest day of my life.”

“That was disgustingly cute,” you rolled your eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you smiled. “So are we going to get married today?” You heard rustling on the other side of the door, you figured she was standing up. You mirrored her actions. The clicking of the door unlocked and it opened slightly. She brought out her hand and you took it.

“See you are the alter,” you kissed her hand.

“See you there.”

*     

Oh, you were going to throw up. You wanted to take back everything you said. You were nervous as Maria kissed your cheek and Howard hugged you, and they left you at the altar. They took their seats next to the empty ones you left for your parents. Next was the wedding party and you felt Tony grab onto your shoulder. “You are going to cause an earthquake for how much you are shaking,” he mumbled. “Breathe.” You nodded as Cooper and Nate walked down the aisle followed by Lila and Morgan. The music changed, the crowd stood up, and there she was.

“Holy shit,” you said, smiling. You heard Tony and Pepper chuckle at your reaction. It was the first time you saw the dress. Yelena went dress shopping with Melina, Natasha, Laura, and Pepper when you were on a work trip. The dress had a lace top and the style hugged every curve. It had a beautiful train behind her. Every guest's eyes were on her, she was the star of the show but her green eyes were only on you. Alexei kissed Yelena on the top of her head when they stopped in front of you and he turned to face you.

“You hurt, my little girl, I will kill you,” he deadpanned but you saw the joke in his eyes. “I have the skills to do it.” You rolled your eyes at the man.

“Dad,” Yelena warned but Alexei ignored his daughter and hugged you tight.

“You are good for her,” he whispered. “You keep her heart good.” He let you go and joined Melina at his seat. You took her hands and smiled.

“Hi,” you said. “You didn’t fall.” Yelena chuckled softly.

“No,” she whispered. “My eyes were only on you.”

*     

With the ceremony over, changed into your reception suit, and a plate full of food, you made your way back to the sweetheart's table. You stopped as you saw Wanda walking with Carol. You knew she RSVP you still weren’t sure if she’d come. Placing your bowl of mac and cheese down and took a sip of your drink. Damn your wife for getting you addicted to the cheesy pasta. Wife. Yelena was your wife. You loved the sound of that. You walked over to your ex. To your surprise, she smiled when she saw you. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.” You admitted.

“You are the one that invited me.”

“Well, you invited me to yours. I was just returning the favor,” You looked around the venue. “Where’s the hubby?” You questioned.

“Watching the twins,” you raised your eyebrow.

“He doesn’t like me very much does he?” You asked. She didn’t answer but her smile told you everything. There was a time you hated the man too but you learned to let that emotion go. It was better to move forward and not get stuck in the past.

“I wanted to apologize to you and at some point Yelena.” That was odd. “Natasha knocked some sense into me.” You chuckled. “So I’m sorry.” You crossed your arms.

“For what exactly?” There was a lot she needed to apologize and you wondered what she was going to pick. Wanda sighed.

“I have a lot to apologize for but I’m sorry for everything I said about you and Yelena. It was done in poor taste and I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness.”

“I’m not giving it to you,” her face showed the shock she was in. “I don’t think you realize how damaging your actions and words hurt me and the person I love.”

“Why did you invite my family?” She asked.

“I could ask you the same question,” You moved to stand next to her to overlook the party. Yelena was doing a shot with Natasha, Bucky, and Alexei. She changed out of her wedding dress into a white jumpsuit. You loved the way she was smiling. “I don’t like how things ended between us,” you stated. “At one point you were my best friend but it got us to where we needed to be. You with Vision and me with Yelena. I guess it counts for something,” You looked at Wanda, who was frowning. “You aren’t happy with Vision, are you?” Wanda sighed, shrugging her shoulders.

“Not as happy as I thought I’d be.” You wondered what was going on behind closed doors. You hummed.

“Maybe that’s your problem, Wanda. The talent behind happiness is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don’t have.” You walked over to Yelena, wrapping your arms around her waist. “Having fun?” You asked. She excitedly nodded her head.

“I beat Bucky at Pennies,” she said, smiling at you sheepishly. You squeezed her waist to get her to tell you what she was hiding. “You are going to need more mac and cheese, I ate yours.” You gasped.

“Baby!” You spun her around in your arms as she laughed. “We have an all-you-can-eat mac and cheese bar and you eat mine.” Her laughter continued as she rested her chin on your chest. “Why did you eat mine?”

“Because it was just sitting there and I like how you make yours and I couldn’t let it get cold so I ate it.” She giggled.

“God, I fucking love you,” you mumbled, kissing her.

“ya tozhe tebya lyublyu, moya zhena (I love you too, my wife)”

“Moya zhena (my wife),” you repeated and kissed her again.

_

Taglist: dogtamer415, justyourwritter69, marvelogic, upsidedowndanvers, theenglishswiftie, dark-hunter16, marvels--slut, janstevenswife, casquinhaa, marvelwomen-simp, dmenby3100, sleeperthelazy, rioheartz, mmmmokdok, wonrius, gemz5, ctrlamira, wandasmarley

[dreamyvill]

Happy birthday to me ꨄ

Synopsis: two’s company and three’s a party, luckily it’s Onys birthday.

An: as always thoughts will be italicized, without further a due hold on to your panties

Prompt: “this is beyond sex I’m high on you.” Dance for you by Beyoncé

Warnings and parings: blk!Ony x blk!reader (Junie) x stripper(Gina), drinking, smoking, descriptions of a strip club, making out, sloppy kissing, pussy eating, dick sucking, scissoring, doggystyle, cursing, and probably more that I didn’t catch

You and Jabari wouldn’t consider yourselves swingers but you liked to have fun, more often than not you had fun by yourselves but other times you’d invite others into your sexcapades. You guys had rules that you both stuck to make sure that everything was clear and everyone was safe.

1. Both parties must be attracted to the invitee

2. All parties would get tested before any fun took place.

3. Be open and honest at all times to all parties

4. There is no feelings other than sexual to be exchanged

It was simple and since you’d opened the door for these things, you guys had shared one person, it wasn’t that Jabari and you didn’t fulfill each other, far from it this was just fun for you both and if anyone wanted to close the relationship and stop then you would.

You and Jabari had started this after having an amazing night with a girl after getting lit at a club both agreeing to take her home. Afterward you’d both talked about doing it again leading to your agreement.

Standing in your section, front row of the stage the club was dark and lit up with the stage lights and the leds around the stage as beautiful women, strutted done-up and and pretty and did their best tricks on the stage. The floor littered with money the bouncers on the floor bagging everything and you plopping your juicy ass on Ony lap facing him looking him deep into his red and low eyes as he did the same.

Placing his hands on your ass, his fingers playing with the black thong you had on peaking at your waist from your brown shirt mini skirt that matched the cropped top and jacket, with some long black boot, leaning in pecking your lips three times pulling part feeling your lips buzz from both the henny and the kisses. Wrapping your hands around his neck leaning closer to his ear so he could hear you in the loud club.

“You enjoying your birthday papa.” You said in your sultry voice low, playful way that made his dick jump, he loved many things about you but your voice was number one. Nodding his head he gave a “yea baby you look so good tonight I can’t wait until we get home.” He said making you squirm in your seat (which was his lap).

Looking around as the music on the main stage got louder you saw a beautiful women slowly taking the stage her full body hugged by her gold outfit that criss crossed over her breasts and belly and wrapping around her plump thighs her belly piercing gleaming under the orangey bright lights that made it look like a sunset.

Her silky black hair with little pieces of glittering tinsel flowing around the pole getting to the very top before she spun around to the floor eyes singed with mine on her hands and knees she katwalked on her hands and knees to the very end of the stage biting her plump lips at you both. She was so close you could smell the Chanel on her amazing body. Damn looking over to Ony as if to say “I want her can we have her” he wasn’t to far behind already looking at you with the same eyes. Reaching over and placing a stack hundreds into the bands of her pretty outfit.

The dance had you both in a trance her eyes going between the both of you. Tension thick the way you were looking at her made her pussy wet the jewels in your mouth glistened along with your glossy lips that were smiling gently at her shifting back over to ony she left her heart beat faster at how he was looking at her having to remind herself she was at work she had to get herself together and finished out her dance before seductively walking off feeling eyes on her until she appeared into the dressing room.

“Girl what was that?” Cherry, Gina’s closets work friend asked her as soon as she stepped off stage and made it to the back.

“Girl they fine as shit and they both was looking at me.” She said giddy thinking about what just happened standing up and grabbing the money from out of her outfit.

“Girl that say 10 racks!” Cherry said looking at the two stacks in her friend’s hands. Smacking her teeth “damn girl I should’ve popped out tonight.” She said.

“Girl you would’ve popped your damn stitches.” Gina said locking her money in the portable safe said had it her locked locker. Cherry had gotten into a fight a few days ago with another stripper, strawberry over some money and long story short cherry ended up stepping on a broken bottle and splitting her foot open (true story).

“Journey you got a private group dance in the pink room.” Claudine the house mom said.

“After this can I be cut I gotta get home.” Gina said (Journey is her stage name).

“Yea you can go make sure you pay your stuff before you go.” She said walking off making Gina jump for joy. She had been at the club since seven pm and it was now going on three in the morning. Let’s get this over with her thought taking a quick shot at the bar.

Standing up and swishing her mouth with some mouth wash she had on hand she spritzed some more perfume and went to the pink rooms.

Walking in the room she saw the usual pink velvet couch and the white carpet floors with a pink glowing pole about a foot off the ground it sat on a heart shaped platform that was bolted to the floor.

She saw the couple from earlier and instantly felt bubble in her stomach, body buzzing at the sight of him how good the guy looked and how the girl already had her pussy wet.

“H-hey yall I’m Journey” it was cute to them show shy she was being after putting on such a show a few minutes ago.

“You ain’t got to be nervous Journey” the guy said Gina could tell that he was tall and had tattoos, looking at him in closer lighting her had plump lips, dimples and he was handsome.

“Yeah we just wanted another show just for us. I’m Junie and this is Ony but I call him papa.” She introduced looking me deep in my eyes I wished I didn’t take that shot of henny before coming back here.

Shaking off the nerves she fell into the music, her body just doing its on thing she felt good tonight she’d reached all her goals. She was really that girl swaying her body with Beyoncé.

“Wanna show you how much you got your girl feeling good”

Sliding up the long pole as she opened her long legs open like a split and slid am the way down slowly landing in the front of the couple legs still waiting for the best best before she popped her ass as she stood up.

“Wanna put my body in yo body

Promise not to tell no body.”

She was on one tonight sitting on Junie placing the girls manicured hands on her butt and grinding slowly and against her thighs it just felt so good she couldn’t stop. Locked into Junies eyes as they felt going as the song played out.

“Wanna make that body rock

Sit back and watch

Oh yes”

She needed to get out of here

[ja-stuff]

Ghost

Note: Zhongli narrates this POV italics are his initial thoughts, normal fonts are just him narrating less important details. Bold-Italicized lines are Y/n’s line calling for Zhongli

Genre: angst

Character: Zhongli x Reader

Zhongli’s POV

9:05

(Years:Months:Days:Hours:Minutes: Seconds) 

(00:00:00:08:03:48) (time countdown with reader’s clock)

Time feels so fast today, and the day felt short even when the sun has just risen in the land of Liyue… It feels weird, why does it feel like the clock is weighing so much on me? It’s as if something is chasing me, it’s like I know what it is but could not put my finger on it. Could this unpleasant feeling be an omen(?)… Something terrible might happen during this year’s festival, I should order Xiao to double stroll around Liyue and ask the traveler to do so to keep in check groups of hilichurls roaming around. Keeping the peace and letting everyone be at ease is the utmost priority.

“How are you liking the newly brewed tea of the day, Master Zhongli?” - Fan Er’ye, the owner of Heyu tea house came up to me with his usual smile. 

“As always coming in for tea as I watch the people of Liyue walk around, feels nice,” I said as I took another sip from the tea.

“I see that it has come to your liking, as you have requested one of the staff, here’s the chamomile and green tea leaves I picked from my homegrown garden...” Fan Er’ye reached his hand out to me, giving me two jars of tea leaves I requested to give Y/n when I go back to the hill.

“Many thanks, Fan Er’ye.” Bowing his head, he walked away from my table. 

<don’t know if will use>

As I proceed to watch the busy people preparing for the festival, the familiar light vibrations of the ground whispered at me “Zhongli, my love, I wish you would come home early today...” 

My grip on the teacup tightens a little. They used it again. The secret way to call for me. It’s not that I don’t like it, but I wish they would just use it for emergencies, and not order me to come home, especially after the discussion we had last night… So I’ll just ignore it. I am planning to go back to the hill after I finish this tea to give them the leaves anyway.

13:35

(00:00:00:03:25:00)

Damn. I did not expect the time to go by just like that after I dropped by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to have a few chats with the locals who had visited and ask Director Hu about lighting lanterns from their passed-away families and friends at the Border in Wuwang Hill to wish them a new year at the afterlife. 

“Our good consultant, your job here’s finished. I thank you for dropping by the Parlor even when today’s our no-work day.” Director Hu thanked me while she tried to bid goodbyes to the people who entered the Border. 

“In which case, I’ll go back to the hill and give Y/n these leaves.” 

“Oh. You haven’t gone home yet?” Director Hu questioned with concerned eyes. This is my first time seeing her concerned eyes over something that I wasn’t sure of.

“But, Y/n– oh, I don’t think I’m allowed to say that, it feels like she’s–.” 

“Say what?” I asked,  feeling a little uneasy with how Director Hu was about to tell me something that seems to be important slightly bothers me.

“Hm. Nothing? Ahehe. I just don’t think that you’ll mind it though, it would be pointless if I ramble about it..” She nervously smiled with her eyes wavering with something like ‘guilt’ written on them, but I couldn’t be bothered if Hu Tao says it is ‘nothing’

“Okay? Well, I guess if it’s not something important then it is time for me to be on my way.” 

…

Arriving at Liyue’s teleport waypoint, I saw a familiar silhouette walking from the distance… Seeing them walking around Liyue, feels like I was back in the past when I saw them at Ningguang’s parade across Liyue back to the Jade Chamber’s Palace– It would be nice to follow them, but I know it’s going to be awkward. I still don’t feel like facing them after last night’s fight, but I’ll be back on the hill in a few minutes, so maybe I’ll just meet them there. 

15:00

(00:00:00:01:59:00)

“My Morax, come home. I’m tired.” Again, with the unnecessary calls. I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. ‘If this is going to spark a new discussion which I wouldn’t like, I’m not coming to the hill earlier.’ I whispered in my mind.

“Zhongli-daren…” Xiao’s voice beside me made me look in his direction. 

“How has it been? Are you through combing the lands of Liyue safe from danger?” I asked, curious at the little box he was holding, this looks like the one Y/n has been keeping in their room for quite some time now. 

“It is indeed safe from the dangers that may occur on tonight’s celebration, Zhongli-daren.” 

“I see. Good work, Xiao.” 

“Y/n– I lit up a lantern with Y/n a few minutes ago.” He started, which made my brow raise “They lit it up at the back of your shared home.” 

“This early? With the sun still actively rolling across the land?” Xiao nodded, 

“Yes. They told me they wanted to light it up for me first this year.” I hummed

“Did they say they will attend the festival? Are they coming down from the hill?” I asked, curious if we’ll watch the lanterns on the streets of Liyue with everyone like in the past years. I might just apologize later, I hope they said they’ll come…

“They did not mention.” Oh.

“Hm. I see. Well, good work with ensuring Liyue’s safety.” As Xiao and I part ways, I tried to shrug off the weird feeling I felt when Xiao did not add more any answers Y/n should’ve provided like they always do.

16:55

(00:00:00:00:05:10)

The whole of Liyue gathered as soon as the sun set,  the lighted lanterns illuminated the whole Liyue harbor, the fleeting noise created from exchanging conversations and the waves of laughter radiated visible excitement and joy among the attendees of the Lantern Rite Festival echoed through the whole city. Everyone expresses their thrill in welcoming the new year, but here I am turning my head 360 degrees, eyes searching for someone in the crowd hoping that Y/n will arrive later than the past year– *throb throb*

Oh, wait, I’m feeling it again, a sudden pain in my chest…

A feeling which never left me since I parted with Y/n last night. I am sure that what bothers me is related to them, but just like any other day they’ll be able to understand me like usual, and we can just go on with our days. They know how to make everything fine. Yes, that’s just how they are. So when I get to them I’ll just make them tea and start our New Year ‘right’ this time.

16:59

(00:00:00:00:00:30)

A few minutes had passed, and here I was finding the path back to the hill. I don’t even know why I am doing this, but I was running as soon as I felt the ground shake differently from what I am used to, the air smelled so sad giving me a heavy feeling when I breathed in the air as it makes my heart pound in a light but painful way.

The festival started, and loud booms surrounded the area, the colorful light lit the sky as its reflection bounced on the ground lighting my path back to the hill. Somehow, the anxiety I am feeling right now must be the guilt of not apologizing sooner to Y/n as my mind went clear watching the fireworks up in the sky. I recalled Y/n’s smile while watching the lanterns every year, maybe I have been feeling this bothered earlier because, maybe I just do miss her so much, and did not mean to do that last night like how I always regret fighting with her every single time in the last 10 years. 

I admit, I am always in the wrong but my pride doesn’t allow me to come to apologize first which–

“Y/n?” I called once I reach the house. 

“Y/n? Where are you?” I entered the house and put the bag from the teahouse on the living room table. “I have tea leaves. Let’s brew some.” I voiced out through the hallway of the house. Opening the doors I can see, only to find no traces of them inside. She could be in the back garden, admiring the lights from the city.

“Y/n…” Oh, I am right.

I called standing still from where I am, expecting them to stand up and welcome me with a smile, yet there was no movement. “Y/n?” I called them a little louder, they might not hear me since the sounds of the fireworks and the voices of the people can be heard from this hill.

“Y/n?” yet there’s no response. 

*throb* My chest started to hurt again. 

“Y/n? I know I– okay, I am back?” nope, they’re staying still as if like stone.

I watched their back for a few seconds and realized their shoulders– were not moving… not… moving. I walked slowly not to startle them– they must be asleep, right?

*throb* I could feel my heart sink as I got closer and closer until I was standing an inch closer to them…

“Hey? What’s up?” I voiced as softly as I could, “What’s wrong, Y/n?” I re-asked.

Yet no answers… I froze as the cold wind hit my face, feeling the ground as if it was too soft rather than solid and it made my knees weak… 

I feel like sinking…

“H--hey? Y/n, stop this.” I walked on my knees, closing what made little of our distance,

And there I saw the lights reflecting on their unblinking eyes… unblinking lifeless eyes… 

(SN):

Zhongli pulled Y/n from the bench and lightly placed them in between his embrace, carefully tapping their face as he repeated the words,

“Y/n, please. Don’t do this… I’m back, I’m sorry I’m late… Please, don’t do this…” 

Zhongli’s POV

My hands became busy, trying to check on their body if they were harmed or anything, yet there were no signs of being harmed but they were not waking up!

  “Y/n wake-up, please. I beg you, please… I apologize…” I hugged their body, forcing their arm to hug me back but it just fell on the ground creating a soft thud… 

“No… No, please no…” I can feel the time stopping as soon as a tear escapes my eye, realizing that they’re– no there’s something I can do… I am an archon, I must– shit… I don’t know what to do!

Could this be what was weighing on me since I left the house after the argument we had last night? I don’t understand, I know that I said that the time feels like it stopped, but this– what happened just came in unannounced, it never gave me an idea that this could happen– I never thought that this could happen– now, I– 

“Y/n, please? Tell me this isn’t true…” I whispered in their ear, hoping that they’d whisper back at me, “Come on baby, wake up…” 

I– feel hurt, no– what was that again, something that I haven’t felt for a long time? Ah, Grief… 

Memories of the past during the Great Archon War

“Y/n– Zhongli-daren!” 

“Y/n!”

“What happ– oh archons!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Again, hope you enjoyed it and see you on the next post!

This one is for those who haven't seen Part 1

Sorry, this took longer to upload. Short story time, so I was busy with work lately and did not know that Zhongli's banner was on the week of my birthday, I only get to log in on the exact day of my birthday which left me 4 days to wish for him, and he did not come home to me! I'm so mad, that's why the next part titled "Regrets" will be his suffering just cause I want him to suffer for hurting Y/n and for not coming home to my party. Kidding aside, I hope that you liked this one, I really tried my best to keep it subtle and not let everything spill before the next part.

Love,

Ja♥

[pxgeturner]

Miguel O'Hara is a world-renowned professional boxer, and Hobie's other best friend. One night he finally makes the two worlds collide and sparks immediately fly between the two of you. But will he distract you from meeting your publisher's deadline? And will you distract him from getting World Champ?

before you follow. m.list. Iron Fist gfx library. series m.list. tag list.

Prologue. I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. Epilogue.

wc. 1.5k

an. hi. its me! Giselle, or gi, or gigi to few (not to be confused w gg, that is one of my moots. she makes really cool art.) n e ways here is the awaited Prologue for Iron Fist. Oh goodness I'm so nervous. I just want to make a few things clear. the reader is an author (obvs). She's recently graduated uni and is Latina! I write with a woc!r in mind always. I try to be as inclusive as possible, pero porque soy Mexicana, r might lean towards being more Mexican but I'll try to keep her Spanish standard and not be too specific to my family's culture. much love! hope you enjoy <3

please don't forget to reblog! likes do nothing to boost engagement.

Your foot taps against the floor. The damn blank document stares back at you. Mocking you is what it’s really doing. Fuck you, you think, I achieved my goal. I published a book and it is a damn bestseller! Only problem is that the readers want more. It’s been… some time since your first book. And sure, Jess said you can take a break before starting a new project. But you also know that it’s good to ride on existing publicity. At least be able to make an announcement that you’re writing something while all this excitement lasts. Maybe you should write something about vampires. You love vampires and how they fit into romance and how them drinking blood is a euphemism just a bit away from, the whole cannibalism-equals-all-consuming-love trope and how when a vampire attacks it’s often an allegory for rape and— but you have nothing to add to the conversation. You have nothing new to say, no new perspective or hot take, or twist. You have nothing. No ideas.

Not a single word on the page.

You have an idea, leaning forward to peck the keyboard. “F-u-c-k. T-h-i-s!” You highlight the text and italicize it.

Fuck this. At least it’s words on the page.

You reach for your cup and take a sip. “If all else fails I can ride on the rest of the signing bonus and royalties for a bit since the book is doing good, and once that dries up, I can apply to be circulation assistant at a library or something.” You sigh and take another sip. “But nobody has to know for now.” You get up, searching for your phone. You find it resting on the arm of the couch, you grab it, sliding onto the cushions, resting your head where your phone just was. “God, don’t make me a one hit wonder, I wanna be a star. I wanna be the one to push that bitch Colleen Hoover into obsoletion. Please God. Please.”

You open your phone and look for your mother on speed dial.

“Hola, nena!” Your mama’s voice is happy, she must be having a good day. You move into the kitchen. You need a snack.

“Hey, mama, how are you?” You hold the cell with your shoulder as you look through your pantry.

“Good, good,” you find a pack of roasted seaweed snacks and grab it.

“I went on a date anoche.” Your shoulder drops and the pack of seaweed slips out of your grasp.

Mi mami fue a una cita. Con un man! You stand there, trying to process that she is actually back on the dating scene.

“How did it—” you aren’t holding your phone anymore. You use the wall as support to lower yourself to pick up your phone and snack.

“—ay, mami, lo siento, mi cellular se cayo de mi mano.”

“Todo bien, hija! I’m glad you’re ok.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m ok, I’m ok. Anyways— how was the date? What’s he like? Am I going to have a stepfather soon?” you joke.

“My time for marriage is gone, muñeca, I’m just looking for companionship, pero, tu lo sabes.” You hear some subtle clinking in the background of the call, she must be stirring her coffee. You open your snack and park yourself on the couch. “Are you writing?” Ugh. Not you, too.

“I was, just finished for a bit before I called you.”

“You called me to procrastinate.” You choke on your seaweed from the accusation.

You clear your throat, “I called to check in with you. I call you practically every day.”

“But right now you called me to check up on me as an excuse to not write. Nena, I know you.”

“Okay, fine. I might be having some writer’s block,” you admit, sighing.

“And that’s okay, nena, but then you need to get out, get some inspiration. Allow the world to give you a story.” There’s mama, with her easier-said-than-done advice. But, maybe you should get out of the house.

“Alright, I’ll go out soon.”

“Tonight,”

“—I will go out to the Chinese place across the street and nothing more. I’ll talk with Hobie when he gets back to see if he has any ideas.” You hear your mama make a noise in her throat.

“You still live with that boy?” Here it comes. You’ve lived with Hobie Brown for three years and have known him for five. She’s always been apprehensive of him, since he’s radical and looks like he’s been in jail, with all the metal in his face, and why does his hair look like that? But Hobie is the one who’s kept you sane all these years. He’s held you while you cried and pushed out of your comfort zone when you were getting too stuck into your routines, most likely by dragging you to a concert or a protest. You help him thrift and flip clothes and ever since that one time his stylist had an emergency and canceled, you now help him tighten his wicks every so often. On days like that the two of you stay in, watching nostalgic movies and listening to any demos he’s recorded recently. He’s like a brother to you at this point.

“Yes, mama, I still live with Hobie. Nothing’s changed.” You move the phone down to your chest and take a deep breath.

“I didn’t like him when I first met him,” you clench your jaw as she continues— “…and although he’s one of those kids, I can tell he is a good boy. I’m glad he takes care of you.” You relax. “But it wouldn’t hurt to have someone you could kiss.” “It would be nice, but right now it’s not happening.” “Alright, muñeca. I’ll leave you alone for now, but keep your eyes open for a nice man.”

“I will, con cuidado, mami, besitos.” You make a kissing noise into the phone, and she responds with a goodbye of her own, and you wait for her to hang up the call.

You sigh, and look at the coffee table. Hobie left his song book at home, weird. It’s open to the song he was working on the other day. It’s a slower song, you can still hear the melody. You drum your fingers to the tune. He’s on an unfinished verse. You pick up a pen from the little catch-all dish and scribble down a line or two.

…

Hobie weaves through the roar of chattering, anticipating fans and into the tunnel, and walks past employees and into Miguel's prep room to see him tying his shoes. “Hey,” Miguel looks up. “Hey.”

“Are you excited?” He moves to sit by the boxer, shimmying up against his shoulder.

“Haven’t really been excited for one of these in a while.” Miguel breathes.

“Well, one step closer to retirement!” Hobie bounces out of his seat. He turns to face his friend, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You’re gonna do great, you big fuckin’ bear of a man.” He ruffle’s Miguel’s hair.

Miguel gives a half-ass hum in response.

“Well then, I’ll be out there, mate, cheerin’ you on.” He puts his hands in his vest pockets and walks out the room.

As he reaches the empty doorframe, Miguel speaks up. “Thank you, Hobie.”

“Anything for you, mate.” Hobie nods and goes to join the audience. Miguel fastens his gloves and puts on his robe. He warms up waiting for his coach.

“Ready, O’Hara?”

Miguel turns around. “Always ready for a fight.” He clenches his jaw. Walking down that hallway, the festive colors lighting up his path and the music blaring, he does his little bit, the movements molded into muscle memory.

This is it. This is his last year fighting. If he gets world champ again, he’s free.

Soon, he gets to fight his last fight. And dammit, the world championship will be his last match. Then, he’s never gonna have to come back.

He weaves under the ropes, entering the ring. Sitting on the stool, he shrugs off the robe and lets Carlos put the mouthguard in.

“You are going to show this guy exactly why people call you el oso!” Miguel beats his gloves together and nods. He might not like his job right now, but he really wants to hit something and goddammit if his opponent doesn’t look so beatable right now.

Coach Carlos steps out of the way, and Miguel stands to walk to the ref as he calls for him to center.

“We went over the rules in the dressing room.” Right before Hobie got here. “I want to remind you to protect yourself at all times, and obey my commands.” Ring the damn bell already. “God bless you both,” I don’t need it but this kid might. “Touch up,” here we go. He touches gloves with his newbie opponent and each goes back to their respective corners.

Miguel takes an orthodox stance.

The bell rings.

Miguel lands the first punch. He also lands the last.

[unitchiefs-blackbirdphoenix]

17x03 Spoilers/Thoughts

(Not very long of a post tbh. There’s just too much to kinda unpack tho)

(TWs bc the show doesn’t really give you much, but self-harm (around 32:00) and talks of p*rn and online exploitation) I think I might make the tws italicized in my spoilers to give that heads up.

This is directed by Adam Rodriguez!

The whole case basically isn’t connected to Gold Star, I don’t think it is. There’s a mask involved now and Tara and Rossi take on the case. Rossi trying to get through the window was pretty funny tho.

Emily is off with her old neighbor (played by Paul F. Tompkins), Brian Garrity. She is trying to get him to take down some misinformation. It’s pretty funny seeing those two actually.

Also Brian gets beaten up by a group of men and Emily finds him and tries to protect him, but the police come in and see her with her gun out, so now…

Emily gets arrested and framed

I kinda barely paid attention to Tyler at this first watch but uhhh he meets a guy named Sebastian Gasper

JJ and Luke team up together but Luke is feeling absolutely guilty of what Emily and Voit told him.

Voit said from ep 2 that there is a BAU Gate, which is a site full of memes and pictures and stuff about the team. But Emily says there’s something that involves JJ in it that Luke couldn’t believe was true.

BAU p*rn. And all of it is of JJ.

JJ and Luke talk to Sydney and on their way, they talk about what’s been bothering him. It’s just so hard for him to not keep it quiet and I feel for him.

JJ talking about how good of a leader Emily is and that she knew it would be for the best anyway.

And her saying whatever Luke doesn’t tell her will be protecting her and what he does tell, she will get hurt.

JJ is aware of the BAU Gate thing since before she was a profiler, so during her liaison days. She thought it was a lot of anime on it and ridiculous stuff of the team, but something on her face the more they talked about it seems like her fear of what Luke tells her later is affecting her when she suspects it.

There’s stuff with Sydney and Voit’s daughters.

Really cute moment with Luke playing soccer which… for the sake of this being the happy thing of it all, Luke and JJ playing soccer together 🥺

Holly(?) is the one having a hard time grappling with the fact that her father is a criminal.

In one scene, she cuts herself before her mom comes in to stop her.

Sydney talks with JJ and Luke after about going into witness protection and everything they need to do.

After that…. Luke finally tells JJ.

It’s honestly better for people to watch the scenes for this upcoming storyline for JJ bc I have no other way to describe it.

But Luke tells her everything he learned from the secret, that the site was flagged by Homeland Security in 2014 (said by Emily) and Voit and his network has an updated version of it.

He tells JJ that it’s not the other agents that were on the site but just JJ.

She was the focal point of it all.

The absolute heartbreak in JJ’s whole being. Everything is just sucked out of her. And if you thought this was bad, the next scene of this is worse.

After everyone leaves the office, JJ closes the blinds to the roundtable room and checks the website for herself. It’s just…. Heartbreaking and haunting are the two words to describe it.

There’s a bunch I have on this probably on a separate post but damn CM. They really went there. And it’s the worst of the worst. (Not to compare storylines or trauma but nothing can really go beyond that)

[khoicesbyk]

The Royal Romance.

Forevermore.

A/N: this is the next chapter in the journey of my OTP. Follow along for the fun.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 9,875 words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or DM me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 10.) Dèja Vu.

Shanelle couldn't believe what she had just heard. Again. 

"I'm sorry but what did you just say?" Shanelle asked her doctor.

"The urine test you requested came back. You're pregnant ma'am." Dr Andersen replied. 

She stared at him. 

"Again?!"

"Yes, my Queen. You're pregnant again."

"But! But! I just gave birth! To twins!"

"Yes, you did. Over a year ago. And now you're pregnant again."

Shanelle felt like she couldn't breathe. 

"Your Majesty?" he asked. 

"And you're 100% sure doctor?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. Your test was positive," he replied. 

"Should I take another test?" she asked, "Maybe this one was a false positive." 

"We can take another one ma'am but it more than likely won't change the result."

Shanelle let out a defeated sigh. 

"I can not believe this is happening again." 

Dr. Andersen looked at her sympathetically. 

"I know that you might not want to hear this but this is a happy time. For you and The Royal Family. You and His Majesty are great parents. I've seen it with my own eyes. And I am happy for you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"Thank you, Dr. Andersen. I appreciate it."

"Of course My Queen. I will contact your Obstetrician."

"Thank you again."

Dr. Andersen nodded before taking his leave. The reality was finally hitting her. 

"Oh my God! I can't do this again! I can't be pregnant! Not now! I have way too damn much going on to be pregnant!" she thought to herself. 

To make matters worse, she found out she was pregnant two days before her father's birthday. She was so in denial, that she snuck out of the palace and headed to a local pharmacy and bought as many drugstore pregnancy tests as her arms could carry. When she got back to her office she took every last one. And they were all positive. She is indeed pregnant. 

"Damn it all to hell! Of all the times to be pregnant, Mother Nature chooses to do this to me now?!" 

Shanelle let out a frustrated sigh. 

"I can't believe we're doing this again," she said out loud but not alone, "doing what again?"

She was startled by her husband's voice.

"Don't do that!" she said as she caught her breath, "You scared me half to death." 

"I'm sorry."

He took in the look on her face. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

"No. Yes? Maybe? I don't know?" she replied. 

"What's wrong?"

"Umm..." She struggled to come up with words. 

"Okay, now you're starting to scare me. What's wrong? Why do you look like that?"

Shanelle took a shaky breath as she sat down at her desk.

"Close the door and have a seat."

He closed the door and then took a seat across from her. 

"Okay, I'm sitting down. What is going on? What's wrong?"

Shanelle sighed. 

"You're about to be a father again," she said quietly. 

"What?"

"You're about to be a father again," she spoke up. 

"What?!"

"Do NOT make me say it to you a third time!" she snapped at him. 

Marquise blinked in realization. 

"Wait! You're pregnant?" he asked. 

"Yes, I'm pregnant. Ya, happy now?" she asked in a frustrated tone. 

Shanelle closed her eyes to keep tears of frustration from falling. 

"Shanelle, look at me," he said to her. 

Shanelle exhaled and then looked at him. 

"You're absolutely sure you're pregnant?" he asked. 

"Yes. I had Dr. Andersen do a pregnancy test and it came back positive. Then I went out and bought my own. They're all positive." she replied as her voice hitched. 

Marquise reached across her desk and gently took her shaking hands in his. 

"If this is true, why do you look so upset?" 

"Because I don't have time to be pregnant! We have two one-year-olds and a six-year-old to raise already. On top of the fact that two cocky idiots are gunning for our thrones. I can't be pregnant now. It will derail my entire year not to mention that it would derail my life! I can't afford that!" she replied as tears started rolling down her face. 

Marquise stood up and brought her to her feet. 

"First of all, I need you to breathe."

"I am breathing."

"No, you're stressed out and upset. I need you to breathe!"

"Is that an order?"

"Yes. Now breathe."

Shanelle closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

"Good. Now I want you to hear me. I know you're upset because of the timing of this but my love this is not something to be upset about."

"You don't understand Marquise!"

"I do understand. I understand that you don't want to be inconvenienced. I understand that you don't want to stop. I understand that you'd rather not have to think about being pregnant. I understand that you feel we have enough to deal with. Between raising our children, running and governing our kingdom, and especially having to deal with this god-forsaken challenge. I know what you're feeling. I know you feel like being pregnant will get in the way of all we're doing. But this is not a bad thing. We will do what we always do, we will breathe, straighten our shoulders, hold our heads high, and rule together."

Shanelle felt him rub his thumbs in circles on her knuckles. 

"This is great news, my love. Our family is growing again. Our parents will be thrilled. Our nieces and nephews will be over the moon. And God knows Khari will be insufferable."

Shanelle chuckled. 

"And our boys, they will be big brothers. Can you imagine how adorably hilarious they will be?"

Shanelle nodded. 

"Yeah, I can."

He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him.

"I know this isn't what we expected. Especially you. But this is the hand we've been dealt. And like all things we do in love and life, we will handle this head-on. Because you know I would never allow you to walk this journey alone."

"But I don't know that I'm ready. I don't know if I can devote time to this."

"The woman I married. The woman I share a life with. The woman who gave me my three beautiful children. The woman who has had my heart since the first time I laid eyes on her. The woman I will always say I love you to. The woman who leads one of the greatest nations in the world. The woman I will lay my life down for. The Queen of Cordonia...is always ready."

Shanelle exhaled slowly. 

"Okay okay. You win." Shanelle said before taking a shaky breath, "While I wish the timing of this was much better, you're right. I can do this. We will do this."

Marquise nodded. 

"Never forget. You are a fantastic mother. The way you love, nurture, protect, teach, and defend our children always leaves me in awe. You are gentle, silly, firm, and caring. Our children are blessed not because of me but because of you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"I wanna wait to tell people though. I want to take one last test. Just to be extra sure before we start telling everyone."

Marquise nodded. 

"When do you want to tell everyone?"

"Next week. Since my parents will be here to celebrate their birthdays."

"Alright. For now, only we will know. So go ahead and order one more test."

"Okay." 

"And don't worry, my love. You'll see that this is a good thing. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now. You'll see, it will be alright."

"I know it will be. I'm just..."

"Still in shock and disbelief?"

"Yeah."

He pulled her into a loving embrace. 

"Listen to me, I know it's a shock. But once it settles, you'll see the joy in all of this." 

"I know I will."

"So let's breathe then get ready for the madness this is about to cause."

Shanelle exhaled slowly. 

"Thank you for talking me off a ledge."

He chuckled softly. 

"It's what you married me for."

Shanelle smiled at him. 

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She kissed him. 

"Thank you."

"Keep that up and you'll be pregnant twice."

"And...he ruins the moment."

"You love meeee."

Shanelle shook her head with a small smile before she took one last look at the pregnancy test on her desk before putting it away In a drawer and then leaving her office with him. 

The couple was able to keep Shanelle's pregnancy to themselves until her parents arrived that weekend. And that Sunday was the big reveal. After Khari and her brothers sang Happy Birthday the best they could to their Grammy it was time for cake and presents. While Marquise got the cake with the children, Shanelle gave her parents the news. In the cutest way possible. 

"Got an early present for you and Daddy before the kids get cake everywhere," Shanelle said as she handed her mother a small gift bag.  

"What's this butterfly?" her mother asked.

"Open it and find out." 

Shantel gave her daughter a look. 

"It's not bad. I promise."

"I don't know, this may be revenge for that gag gift we gave when you were 9." her father piped up. 

Shanelle rolled her eyes. 

"Your father has a point." 

"Oh my goodness! Just open it!"

Shantel set the gift bag down and began taking the tissue paper out of it.

"Is there a present in here or is this just a bag of paper?" her father asks. 

Shanelle merely shrugged. 

"Honey, you may be right. Your daughter may have finally got her revenge." Shantel said to her husband.

"Good Lord! You two are impossible."

Her parents laughed as Shantel continued taking out more and more tissue paper. When she finally got to the bottom of the bag, she pulled out a small box. 

"What's this?" Shantel asks.

"You have to open it to find out," Shanelle replied. 

Shantel looked at her and then at her husband before opening the box. She nearly dropped the box after opening it. 

"Oh my God!" she gasped out loud. 

"What? What is it?" Damien asked. 

Shantel held up a positive pregnancy test for her husband to see. 

"What?!" Damien asks. 

They both looked at her stunned. 

"Happy Birthday?" Shanelle said to her parents. 

"Are you serious?" her mother asked. 

"Yeah. It's real." Shanelle replied. 

"You're really pregnant?" Damien asked Shanelle. 

"Yes, Daddy. You and momma get to be Grammy and Pop Pop all over again," she replied. 

Their shock slowly turned to joy. 

"Oh my God! Congratulations baby!" her mother said to her as she hugged her. 

"Thank you, momma."

"Another one? When did you find out?" Damien asks. 

"Yes, Daddy, another one. I found out I was pregnant two days before your birthday." she replied, "I hope you and Momma aren't mad that I didn't tell you right away."

"Of course not my darling," he said as he hugged her. "We couldn't be happier for you."

Shantel dried her eyes. 

"Does Margo know you're pregnant?" Shantel asks. 

"No, I don't think Marquise has told her yet," Shanelle replied. 

"Hasn't told me what?" Margo asked as she walked up grabbing everyone's attention, "I apologize to everyone. I didn't mean to startle you all."

"It's quite alright Margo." Shantel said to her, "This is what your son hasn't told you yet."

Shantel handed her the small gift box. When Margo looked into the box her eyebrows shot up. 

"Oh my goodness!" 

"Oh God no!" Shantel said with a laugh, "Not me Margo." 

"Then who?" Margo asks. That's when Shantel nodded to Shanelle and it dawned on her. 

"Wait! You mean?" she asks before looking at Shanelle. 

"Surprise?" Shanelle replied sheepishly. 

Margo's jaw dropped. 

"Welcome to the Grammy for a third-time club sweetie," Shantel said to her. 

"My goodness! Congratulations my dear!" Margo said as she hugged Shanelle. "I am so happy for you and my son!" 

"Thank you, Margo. I just hope I didn't steal His Majesty's thunder. He wanted to tell you himself."

Margo shook her head with a tearful smile. 

"My heart is so full. I am thrilled for you and him. And especially my grandbabies. They'll be thrilled."

"I'm not too sure the boys will understand."

"This is true. But they can learn." Margo said with a happy sigh, "I wish George was here. He would be over the moon with happiness."

Shanelle smiled at Margo. 

"I miss him. I remember how happy he was when we found out I was pregnant with Khari." 

Shantel hugged Margo. 

"Oh, sweetie. He's here. I can hear his laugh now."

Margo smiled. 

"I can too."

That's when Marquise popped his head in. 

"I was sent here to ask if we are ready for cupcakes."

Margo gave him a look. 

"What? What's that look for?" he asked Margo. 

"When were you going to tell me?!" she replied. 

"Tell you wha—" he asked before seeing his wife mouth the words "She knows", "Ohhhhh! That."

"Yes. That," she said with her hands on her hips. 

"I promise I had every intention of telling you."

Margo shook her head with a smile. 

"If only it wasn't considered treason to pop you." she playfully warned before hugging him, "Congratulations my love. I am so happy for you."

"Thank you, mama."

"Daddy! Are they ready yet?!" Khari asked from the other room. 

"Yes, my love! They're ready. Bring the cupcakes in." he replied. 

"Otay (okay)! We toming (coming)!" Kylo replied. 

The kids brought in a cart full of cupcakes with lit candles in them. 

"Alright boys! You ready?"

"Ready!" they replied. 

"Okay. One...two...three!"

"Happy!" Zyon said. 

"Birthday!" Kylo followed. 

"To Pop Pop and Grammy!" Khari cheered. 

Everyone clapped. 

"Okay, now Grammy. You and Pop Pop gotta make a wish and then blow out the candles."

Everyone watched as they blew out the candles. 

"And now the best part!" Khari said. 

"Cupcakes!" the twins said together. 

As everyone was enjoying a cupcake, Khari noticed the small gift box. 

"What's that Grammy?" Khari asked. 

Shantel chuckled softly.

"That is a very special gift from your mother and father to me and Pop Pop," Shantel replied. 

"What kind of gift?" Khari asked. 

Shantel looked at Khari's parents. 

"I'll let them tell you." 

Khari looked at her parents. 

"Looks like the jig's up," Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"Yup," Marquise replied before clearing his throat, "Come here, my love. There's something your mother and I have to tell you and your brothers."

Khari brought her brothers with her. 

"What is it, Daddy?" Khari asked. 

"Yeah? What?" Zyon asked. 

"Well, it's about our family," he replied. 

"Huh?" Kylo asked. 

"I don't understand Daddy," Khari said to him, "what's wrong with our family." 

"Nothing's wrong baby. This is a good thing." Shanelle replied. 

"Oh okay. So what is it?" Khari asked. 

"Our family is going to be getting bigger," Shanelle replied. 

"Huh?" Zyon asked. 

"What dat (that) mean Mommy?" Kylo asks. 

"Hmmm..."

Khari thought for a minute then gasped. 

"Wait! Is mommy pregnant again?!" she asked. 

"Yes, my love. Your mother is pregnant." Marquise replied. 

"Oh my goodness! I'm gonna be a big sister!" Khari said. 

"You already are a big sister sweetie. But your brothers will be big brothers now." Shanelle said to her daughter. 

"Big brudder (brother)?" Kylo asks. 

"Me and Kyyo (Kylo)?" Zyon asked. 

"Yes, my boy. You and Kylo will be big brothers." Marquise replied. 

"What's that?" Kylo asks. 

Shanelle shook her head with a smile. 

"I don't think they understand."

"That's okay mommy. I'll teach them everything I know!"

Later that evening after telling the rest of Marquise's family, Shanelle was out on her balcony before she was joined by her husband. 

"How are you feeling my love?" he asked her. 

"I'm relieved. Part of our family knows. I still have to break the news to a certain group of women."

Marquise snorted. 

"They will eat you alive."

"I don't mind them. It's the rest of the world that I'm worried about."

He kissed her forehead softly. 

"We will reveal to the world when you're ready and not a moment before."

"Are you sure that we can?"

"Of course. This isn't the first time we've hidden a pregnancy."

"But what about my appointments?"

"You and I both know that there are a million and one ways in and out of this palace. And in terms of your Obstetrician's office, there's a service elevator that we can take to avoid detection." 

Shanelle shook her head impressed. 

"You really do think of everything."

"Any way that I can alleviate any of your stress and keep you at ease, I will employ." 

"I don't know what I'd do without you but I'm not willing to find out."

Marquise chuckled. 

"I do it because I adore you. That's why." 

"Well, you've certainly set the bar high for your daughters' future suitors."

Marquise scoffed. 

"It's cute you assume she'll have any."

Just then, there was a knock at their bedroom door. 

"Now who could that be at this hour?" she asks. 

"I'll go find out," he replied. 

He walked to the door and when he opened it there was an attendant on the other side. 

"Apologies for the late intrusion sire but this just came for you and Her Majesty." the attendant said as she handed him an envelope.

"Thank you. That will be all."

"Of course, my King." the attendant replied with a curtsey before leaving. 

Marquise curiously turned the envelope over in his hand. 

"What is it?" Shanelle asks. 

"Let's find out, shall we?" he replied. 

Marquise broke the seal on the envelope and then pulled an invitation out. He read the invitation with an eyebrow raised and finished with a scoff. 

"What does it say?" she asked. 

"Your presence is hereby formally requested to be in attendance at the official Welcome Ball of Lord and Lady Aldon Douglas Joseph of House Gallagher. Saturday, May 19th at 5:00 PM at the Palace of Dalevandon." He read aloud. 

"No, they didn't." Shanelle hissed. 

"They did. And they're having this ball at King Elgin's old palace."

Shanelle scoffed. 

"So this is bait?"

"Mmmhmm. They want a public spectacle and have sent us this in hopes that we'll reject their invitation." 

"Well, they're right. We are not going."

"Oh yes, we are."

"What? Have you lost your mind?"

"You have to remember, this is about optics. If we don't go, the people will wonder why we're letting them intimidate us. Also, I am not about to be intimidated by a couple of amateurs."

"Ugh, I don't want to go."

"We don't really have a choice, my love. By sending us this they're forcing our hands. And if we don't go, they can say that they tried to extend an olive branch and we refused it." 

Shanelle groaned. 

"I hate courtly politics", Shanelle muttered with a frustrated sigh, "Fine. We'll go but we're not staying all night. I want to tuck our kids into bed at night."

"Deal. I'll have word sent that we'll be in attendance."

"In the meantime, I'm getting in the shower."

"Hey! Wait for me!" 

Shanelle rolled her eyes playfully.

The couple spent the next week flying under the radar until her first appointment with Dr. Ramirez that following Wednesday morning. After coming through the service entrance, they were taken to a private room where they waited for her doctor. 

"How are you feeling my love?" Marquise asked her. 

"Everything all at once. I still can't believe I'm pregnant. But here we are about to have another baby." Shanelle replied. 

"I'm sure. But this is an exciting time for us and our family. I know you're nervous but I am always with you."

"I know. It's just all the changes that are gonna happen. With us. With the kids. With the kingdom.  I don't want to not be present and available for them."

"You have my word, my love. I will make sure that no matter what happens, you will always be seen, heard, and felt. Understood?"

Shanelle nodded just as there was a small knock at the door. 

"Well, this is it," he said to her. 

"Time to get this show on the road." 

Dr. Ramirez and her nurse entered the room. 

"Hello, and good morning Your Majesties. It's good to see you both again."

"You as well Dr. Ramirez," Marquise replied. 

The doctor smiled at Shanelle. 

"And a very good morning to you my Queen. Let me say congratulations to you and His Majesty on your soon-to-be newest bundle of joy." 

Shanelle smiled softly at Dr. Ramirez.

"Thank you, doctor."

"So how are you doing? How are you feeling?" Dr. Ramirez asked. 

"So far I'm okay. No early signs of pregnancy or morning sickness yet." 

"That's good to hear. As always we'll check in periodically to be sure."

Shanelle nodded.

"Okay."

"In the meantime, we have an ultrasound to get started. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so. Even though I hate this part."

Dr. Ramirez chuckled.

"I understand why my Queen. But I assure you that this won't take too long." 

"Alright."

"Now I need you to lie back so my assistant Mara can apply the gel."

Shanelle laid back while holding her husband's hand while Dr. Ramirez turned on the ultrasound machine and her assistant applied the gel. 

"Eek! Cold! Still cold!" Shanelle squirmed while Marquise stifled his laugh. 

"I'm sure it is but the chill will dissipate soon." Dr. Ramirez replied as the screen came to life.

"Now, let's find that heartbeat."

Dr. Ramirez gently pressed the wand to Shanelle's stomach, moved it around, and then stopped when the heartbeat was heard. 

"Say hello to your little one Your Majesties," she said gently to the couple. 

The couple was in awe. 

"Oh my God. They're real. Our baby is real." Shanelle with tears in her eyes. 

"They're real. This is real. This is actually happening." Marquise spoke up. 

They watched as Dr. Ramirez moved the wand around a little more. 

"And this time, it's only one baby."

Shanelle let out a sigh of relief.

"Oh thank God! I would've died if you said it was twins again." 

Dr. Ramirez chuckled. 

"No no. Just one."

Marquise nodded slowly. 

"At least now we know. Thank you, Doctor." 

Dr. Ramirez smiled at Marquise. 

"Of course Your Majesty. Again I am happy for you both."

"We appreciate that," Shanelle said to her. 

"We'll get you cleaned up then we'll give you two a moment alone. But so far we're off to a great start."

After cleaning the gel off Shanelle's stomach, the couple sat together in shock and love. 

"Life loves playing jokes on us, doesn't it?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Indeed. How are you feeling?" he replied. 

"I think reality is finally setting in. I think I'm slowly coming to terms with all of this," she replied. 

Marquise nodded. 

"It's a lot. Like a whole lot. But I know you. I know your strength. I know your perseverance. I know your tenacity. And God knows I know your love. I promise this will go smoothly. Unlike everything else in our lives."

Shanelle snorted. 

"Well, when you put it that way, bring it on." 

"There ya go! That's the spirit."

He rubbed circles on the knuckles of her right hand. 

"You never cease to amaze me."

"You always say that."

"Because it's true. Every single day that I get to spend in your light is a blessing I will never take for granted. That's how much you mean to me. That's how much I adore you."

Shanelle smiled softly at him. 

"Hey."

"Hmm?"

She leaned over and kissed him sweetly. 

"I love you."

"I love you too, my love."

He smiled against her lips. 

"I'll call the car."

Shanelle nodded before he stepped outside. When he did he was greeted by Dr. Ramirez. 

"Your Majesty. I'm glad I caught you. I wanted to know if we should do the monthly check-ins that  we did the last time Her Majesty was pregnant."

"Yes ma'am. I would. Again it's not that I want to hide anything from her but if something should arise."

Dr. Ramirez nodded. 

"You will always be my first call."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Marquise stepped away from her to call their car. Later that day, it was time for Shanelle to tell the girls. 

"Now that I have you all gathered here today I have something to tell you lot."

"What is it, Princess?" Nina asked. 

"Now before I tell you girls what I have to say I just wanna preface what I'm gonna say with this, it's all Nina's fault! Y'all can blame her for what I'm about to say." Shanelle replied 

"Me?! What did I do?" Nina asked. 

"You were breathing on me! This is all your fault!" Shanelle replies, "You infected me with your cooties! I blame you!" 

"Oh my God! I haven't seen you since January!"

"That's how long your cooties have been on me. And now..."

The girls were stuck. They didn't know what Shanelle was talking about. 

"What are you rambling about Nelle?" Nina asked. 

Shanelle shook her head with a hand covering her smile that's when it dawned on Nina. 

"OH MY GOD! YOU'RE PREGNANT!" Nina guessed. 

"What?!" the rest of the girls asked. 

"Told y'all it was Nina's fault. She was spreading her pregnancy germs around and I caught them."

The girls cheered. 

"Congratulations baby!" Robin said to her. 

"Thank you, babe."

"I can't believe you're pregnant again!" Bron quipped. 

"I know right?" Shanelle said to her. 

"How are the kids?" Dee asked. 

"Well, the boys don't quite understand what's going on just yet. But Khari? She is...excitedly insufferable." Shanelle replied. 

The girls laughed. 

"Stop that! My Princess is allowed to be happy." Nina said to her. 

"We're so happy for you," Chutney said to her. 

"Thank you, my love," Shanelle replied. 

"How are you feeling?" Aly asks. 

"I am...everything, everywhere, all at once. Honestly when I found out I didn't believe it at first. Hell, I didn't want to believe it. But when it was confirmed that I am indeed with child...I couldn't deny it anymore." Shanelle replied. 

"When did you find out?" Nina asks. 

"Two days before my dad's birthday," Shanelle replied. 

"And you're just now telling us?" Robin asked. 

"Again I was deep in denial. At first, I thought the first test I took might've been a false positive. But when I took at least 8 more tests, they all said the same thing. And well here we are." Shanelle replied. 

"So are you having twins again?" Bron asked. 

Nina cackled. 

"No! Thank God! Besides, my uterus would've staged a mutiny if it was revealed I was having twins again. Thankfully for me, there is only one bun in this oven." Shanelle replied, "this time around the only one having twins is your sister-in-law."

Bronwyn laughed. 

"Well, congratulations anyway. You're a great mom."

"Thank you, baby. Thank you all really. It means a lot to me that you all are happy for me."

"Of course we're happy. Our family is getting bigger." Robin said to her. 

"Some might say that we're the mob." Aly quipped.

The girls all laughed. 

"Nah. The mob is way too disorganized. Besides, they never get away with it. Unlike us." Shanelle said. 

"True!" the girls agreed. 

After speaking with the girls Shanelle found herself out on her bedroom balcony and was joined by her husband who was just ending a phone call. 

"Yeah yeah. Asshole. Thanks again. I'll talk to you soon. Love you too." he said as he hung up the phone. 

"Who was that?" she asked him. 

"Leo. I told him you're pregnant," he replied. 

"Oh good. How is he?" she asks. 

"He's good. He's excited for us. How are the girls doing? How'd they take the news?" 

"They're good. They're excited."

"You didn't blame Nina for you being pregnant did you?" 

"It's her fault. And you know it."

Marquise shook his head with a smile before wrapping his arms around her waist. 

"And now it'll soon be time to tell the world." 

"We will tell the world when you're ready. Not a moment before."

Shanelle sighed contently. 

"So we're really doing this again?" she asked. 

"Mmmhmm. We are doing this again. We will be welcoming a new little one into our family." he replied. 

Shanelle smiled softly. 

"I swear I'm not in denial. It's just..."

"You're still in shock?" he asks. 

"Yeah. I keep thinking I'm dreaming. But nope! I'm wide awake."

He kissed the back of her left shoulder. 

"I'm excited for us. I know I could never go through the changes that you'll go through but I will always be with you and at your side."

"You'd be sickening if I didn't have such a giant praise kink."

"That's why I do it," he said before kissing the back of her left ear. 

"I guess I'm still struggling with the timing of this pregnancy. Well, that and the fact that we're being forced to attend this Welcoming Ball in a few weeks."

That gave Marquise an idea. 

"That gives me an idea."

"What?" she asked. 

"Since we are discussing timing, why don't we announce your pregnancy on Mother's Day? Which is also a week before their so-called ball," he replied. 

"That would certainly steal their thunder. And would force them to share their spotlight that night with us." 

"Precisely."

Shanelle nodded. 

"Okay. We'll announce it then."

"I love it when a plan comes together."

Over the next few weeks, The Royal Couple was able to keep Her Majesty's pregnancy quiet until their announcement on Mother's Day. It took the kingdom by storm and as Marquise predicted, stole the momentum from Lord and Lady Gallagher. Many were happy and excited about the soon-to-be newest royal baby. 

On the day of the Welcome Ball, the couple got ready. Choosing to go with a 20s glam. Shanelle picked a strapless navy blue crushed velour dress that fit and flattered her beginning baby bump with long white gloves. Marquise whistled low when he saw her. 

"Now what is a fine-looking filly such as yourself doing in a place like this?" he asked, showing off his Boston accent. 

Shanelle snickered. 

"You've been working on your Boston accent again." 

"You like it?"

"I certainly do," she replied in a southern belle voice, "well sir, if you must know I happen to enjoy the very finest things in life."

The couple laughed before saying goodbye to their children and making the journey to Dalevandon in what was once West Cordonia. The ride was quiet and pleasant, taking them through the Gianko Valley. As they arrived in the former capital of West Cordonia, Marquise took a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" Shanelle whispered to her husband. 

"Yes, I'm fine. It's just been a while since I've been here. I have...mixed feelings about this palace."

"I'm sure. You spent a lot of time here. After all, your ex grew up here. It's perfectly okay to feel conflicted about being here."

Marquise nodded as they pulled into the motor court. 

"Well, we're here," she said to him. 

Marquise peered out of their limo window. 

"Indeed. And so is the press."

"Hmmm...with us announcing my pregnancy last Sunday, how do you think Lord and Lady Gallagher will react?" she asked. 

"Forcibly polite," he replied as he fixed his watch, "now shall we go dazzle the masses?"

"Lead the way, Your Majesty." 

Marquise was the first to step out of the limo, shielding his wife from the various camera flashes. Once she exited, he took her hand in his and smiled at the cameras. 

"Good evening everyone!" Marquise said to the members of the press. Many clamored to the King. 

"Your Majesties! Your Majesties! Over here!" many were heard shouting at the couple for their attention. 

"Your Majesties! Giacomo Torres here! First off let me say congratulations to you and Her Majesty on your new bundle of joy." He said to Marquise. 

"Thank you kindly," Marquise replied. 

"With Lord and Lady Gallagher challenging for the throne, many want to know why you're here tonight?" he asked the couple.

"We were invited by Lord and Lady Gallagher and it would be incredibly rude to refuse such an invite," Shanelle replied. 

"Agreed. Speaking of you Your Majesty, how are you feeling?" he asked. 

"I'm doing good, thank you for asking. No early signs of morning sickness so far."

"And how are the heirs? Are they excited?"

"Our boys are still very young so they don't really understand what is going on. But their sister is ecstatic at having another sibling." Marquise replied. 

"Thank you both for your time. Do enjoy the ball." Giacomo said to them. 

Both smiled and waved at the members of the press before making their way into the palace. 

"Well that was fun," Shanelle said to her husband. 

"It always is a fun time to show you off, my love. Now let's go steal the show from the idiots." 

The couple was led to the doors of the grand ballroom for their entrance. 

"Introducing His Majesty King Marquise Rys and Her Majesty Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys!" the herald announced as the doors opened. Their entrance grabbed everyone's attention. 

When they got to the center of the grand ballroom, they were greeted in the receiving line by Lord and Lady Gallagher as well as their parents. Prince Dante Laurent and Duchess Josephine Grimes-Laurent and Duke Allastair Joseph and Duchess Daphne Ballenger-Joseph. 

"Your Majesties. It is good to see you both. Our son wasn't sure you'd be joining us this evening." Duke Joseph said in greeting to them both. 

"Thank you, Your Grace. Your son's challenge aside, I would never miss a good party." Marquise replied. 

"Thank you for joining us, Your Majesties." Lord Gallagher said stiffly. 

His mother cleared her throat. 

"Yes, it is good that you're both here," she said to Marquise. 

Marquise nodded politely then looked over to Lady Makenna's parents. Who bowed and curtsied in his direction. 

"Your Highness. It's good to see you and the former Headmaster again. It's been quite some time since we've seen each other," he said to them.

Prince Dante nodded politely. 

"Indeed it has. You were His Highness the last time my wife and I saw you." he said to Marquise before turning his attention to Shanelle, "Hello Your Majesty. It is good to meet you. And let me congratulate you and His Majesty on your pregnancy."

Shanelle smiled politely. 

"Hello, Your Highness. It's lovely to meet you and Her Grace. Thank you very much for your kind words," she replied. 

Lady Makenna rolled her eyes. 

"You and Mama don't have to be so formal Papa. They won't be royals for very much longer." 

Prince Dante gave his daughter a withering look. 

"Makenna! You will show respect! You are not Queen yet! So until you are, you will represent our family with dignity! Now fix your face!" Prince Dante snapped at his daughter. This caused Shanelle to laugh quietly. 

"Do excuse our daughter's lack of manners Your Majesties. She forgets herself sometimes." Duchess Josephine said to them. 

"It's quite alright. Tell me, Your Grace, how is Elgin?" Marquise asked. 

"He is well. Well as well as he can be." Prince Dante replies. 

"His dialysis treatments are going well, yes?" Marquise asked. 

"Yes, Sire. They are going well. My brother is still stubborn but he's still alive." Prince Dante replies. 

"Papa! That is none of his business!" Makenna fussed. 

Prince Dante gave her daughter another withering look. 

"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm glad His Majesty is doing well. I think it's time that Her Majesty and I should take our seats. Be well, everyone." Marquise announced before walking Shanelle to their seats. 

As they walked away, light bickering could be heard from Lord and Lady Gallagher to their parents. 

"Well, that was awkward," Shanelle said to Marquise. 

"Indeed but it was also informative," he replies. 

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked as they took their seats. 

"Because Prince Dante lied to me. That's what I mean. He's not supposed to be within miles of the old palace," he replies. 

"Why not?" Shanelle asked. 

"Because Prince Dante is the reason why King Elgin owed a debt to my father in the first place. He had a gambling addiction when he was much younger and stupidly he risked his entire family's fortune on a race during the Royal Regatta one year and suffered a devastating loss to my father. And he seized on the opportunity." Marquise replied. 

"Yikes!"

"And when King Elgin found out about his younger brother's blunder, he had no choice but to pay my father. Because of this Elgin banned his brother from ever stepping foot back in this palace. That's why Makenna was mad at him. Because she knew he would be lying to me. Truth is I doubt he's seen his brother in years. The last time he was here I was maybe 12 at the time. He hasn't been back since to my knowledge."

"So do you think King Elgin knows his brother is here?"

"Hard to say but with the state he's in, I don't think there's much he can do about it." 

"Curiouser and curiouser. Do you think she's playing on her uncle's sympathies?" 

Marquise shrugged.

"She wouldn't be the first noble to do so. And I doubt she'll be the last. That's probably why Dante sent Makenna to court. She was meant to be a peace offering. But I don't know if it worked."

The room quieted down as Lord Gallagher gave his opening remarks. 

"Good Evening everyone! On behalf of my wife Lady Makenna Laurent, I want to welcome you all to our first of many balls here at my wife's family palace. I know some of you are loyal to Their Majesties. And I understand why. I don't blame you for your loyalty to them. I will be honest I didn't think Their Majesties would have had the decency to join us this evening. I am glad to see I was wrong. It is good to have you both here with us tonight. And my wife and I do wish you a warm and sincere congratulations on your new baby-to-be."

Marquise raised an eyebrow and then nodded at him. 

"Now I understand that many of you don't know us. Therefore you're not sure you can trust us. My wife and I understand that. We also understand that we must earn the trust of the noble houses and the people. That is our goal for tonight. And let me just say, we are not challenging for the throne because we want to overthrow the monarchy. While it is hard for me to admit, I will give the current monarchs their credit. They have indeed done things for Cordonia. Many nobles and commoners alike have prospered under their leadership. Her Majesty's overhaul of the healthcare system of our kingdom alone is a feat that should be marveled at and celebrated. Because of that overhaul, many of our people were able to afford the life-saving healthcare they needed. My wife's uncle included. I thank them for that. But I am not blind to their misfortunes either. It was because of them we all were threatened by the Via Imperii."

Shanelle rolled her eyes quietly. 

"And the unfair taxes many of us have had to pay. While yes, I can admit that money goes toward the healthcare system, education system, and emergency services and yes, none of it goes directly to either of them, we are well off now. We don't need to keep paying higher taxes. We don't need to keep doing trade, especially risky trades with hostile nations. And we certainly don't need to involve ourselves in petty squabbles between other nations. As many of you know, Kasnia is at war with Sulovaria and your King wants to involve us in that. That is military resources we don't need to expend. Not to mention he and the Queen spend more time gallivanting across the globe than they do at home."

His Majesty set his jaw. 

"That is the irresponsibility my wife and I are trying to avoid. Unnecessary and costly wars and useless vanity points. We need leaders who have common sense solutions for everyday problems. They don't have common sense solutions. They don't have Cordonia's best interest at heart. But my wife and I do. That is why we are throwing this ball. It is our hope that tonight we will be able to change your minds about us and them. With that, let dinner be served!" 

Servants busied themselves serving the first course of dinner. While they ate, Their Majesties discussed Lord Gallagher's opening statement. 

"Well, what did you think?" Shanelle asked her husband. 

"Not as bad as I expected. I knew they would take shots at us, but they played well to the crowd by keeping them at a minimum." Marquise replied. 

"This is gonna be a long night isn't it?" 

"Unfortunately but we're here and you are still pregnant. Which is something they didn't account for. We can still use that to our advantage."

"I love it when you get all political strategist."

"It's literally my job."

The main course, which was venison medallions in a wild boar ragu with chanterelle mushrooms and roasted Brussels sprouts, turned Shanelle's stomach. 

"Are you alright?" Marquise asked. 

"I don't think I can eat any of this. The smell of the mushrooms is making me queasy." Shanelle replied. 

"Hmmm...let's see if one of my favorite of King Elgin's staff is working tonight."

Marquise was able to flag down one of the staff. 

"Your Majesty! It is so good to see you again! I haven't seen you in ages!" the staff member said to him. 

"Thank you, Tarlov. It's good to see you as well. Listen I don't mean to be a bother, but could I get something else for Her Majesty to eat? With her being pregnant, her senses are sensitive, and the mushrooms of the entree are making her feel sick. Perhaps you could indulge me just this once and have something lighter prepared for her." 

"Oh dear! Of course sire. Right away!"

"Thank you again, Tarlov. Give Winnie my regards."

Tarlov nodded before taking Shanelle's plate away to the kitchen. 

"Ugh! Thank you. Another second and I would've ruined the china." Shanelle said with a groan. 

He rubbed the knuckles of her right hand. 

"You're welcome. I'm surprised Tarlov is still here after all these years."

"You two greeted each other like you knew each other."

"Tarlov has worked in the palace for years. He's one of the last bit of loyal staff that Elgin has left." 

With a new entree delivered Shanelle was able to eat. After dessert was served it was time for dancing. Lord Gallagher took to the middle of the dance floor. 

"After what I said earlier this evening, this may seem surprising but if Her Majesty would be so kind as to join me for the first dance?" he asked the gathered crowd, "I promise you, Your Majesty, I mean no harm."

With all eyes on her, Shanelle took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and walked onto the dance floor. 

"Thank you. And I mean what I said, no tricks. Just a dance." Lord Gallagher said to Shanelle as he offered his hand. 

"One dance. That's all you get," she said to him as the music started to play. As they began to dance Lord Gallagher regarded Shanelle with an appraising eye. 

"I saw you had your entree switched. Was the food not to your liking?" he asked. 

"No. The mushrooms made me queasy and rather than have me ruin King Elgin's fine china, His Majesty asked if a different entree could be prepared." Shanelle replies. 

"Well you'll have to forgive me. When we planned this menu we had no idea you'd be pregnant by the time we threw our ball. Also, you could've asked me. I would've happily had another dish prepared for you." 

"No thank you. I'd rather not eat rat poisoning."

Lord Gallagher rolled his eyes. 

"Despite what you may think—", he began to say before she cut him off, "save it. I'm just here to dance. Not have a conversation."

"I am trying to be polite," he said through clenched teeth. 

That's when Shanelle accidentally stepped on his right foot on purpose. 

"Why you!" he hissed. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my Lord. How very clumsy of me!" 

As they danced, Lady Makenna took the time to sidle up to Marquise. 

"That was quite a speech your husband gave Kenna. It was almost convincing albeit a tad bit boring."

Lady Makenna let out an exasperated sigh and then cleared her throat. 

"As much as I don't want to do this, Your Majesty would do me the honor of dancing with me?" she asked.

"No," he replied. 

"No?" she asked. 

"You heard me the first time. But for the sake of appearances and because I want to get my wife as far away from your husband as possible," Marquise said as he adjusted his cuff before offering his hand, "shall we?" 

Lady Makenna huffed before taking his hand and going out on the dance floor. They danced until it was time to switch partners. Shanelle couldn't get away from Lord Gallagher fast enough 

"My knight in shining armor!" Shanelle said to her husband. 

"That bad?" he asked. 

"Let's just say there are only so many times I can accidentally step on his toes on purpose." 

Marquise chuckled. 

After an hour of dancing and mingling with others, it was time for Lord and Lady Gallagher's closing remarks. 

"Here we go," Marquise said to Shanelle. 

"Can we just get this over with?" Shanelle replied. 

"Once again, my wife and I would like to thank all of you for joining us tonight. It is our sincerest hope that we were at least able to change some of your minds. Now—" Just as Lord Gallagher was giving his speech there was a loud pop. 

"What was that?" Shanelle to Marquise. 

Her question was followed by another larger explosion that rocked the room and knocked the giant chandelier off its chain sending it crashing to the ground. Marquise pulled Shanelle out of the way of the falling chandelier just in time.

"Guards! Guards!" Marquise called out to his guards. 

"Fire! Fire! Everyone out!" a staff member ran in yelling. 

"Your Majesties! This way!" one of his guards called out. 

"Guards! Get everyone out of here now!" Marquise ordered as he and Shanelle ran out of the ballroom. Without looking back the royals ran outside. When they got outside they watched as smoke billowed out followed by shooting flames. 

"Oh my God!" Shanelle gasped. 

A guard came running up. 

"Your Majesties! Are you alright?" the guard asked. 

"Yes. Her Majesty and I are fine. Gather as many guards as you can and get as many people out as fast as you can. And get emergency services out here to get those flames back!" Marquise ordered. 

"Oh my God! Oh my God!" Shanelle whispered in shock. 

Marquise took his jacket off and wrapped it around his wife. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

"I'm fine. I just..." she replied clearly shaken up. 

"I know. But you're okay. We're okay." he said as he held her close to keep her calm, "we're safe. I promise we're safe."

"Back! Back! Everyone back!" a guard instructed the gathered crowd. 

Everyone got as far back as possible. Many watched in horror as the old palace burned. Once emergency services arrived Marquise decided it was time to leave. 

"Come on. Let's get you home," he said to Shanelle. 

He led her to a waiting car. As he got in, a dark figure watched from the trees. As they drove away, the flames from the burning palace lit up the sky. When they returned to the palace, they were greeted by Margo and her parents. 

"Oh my God! Are you two okay?" Shantel asked, "We saw the news."  

They both nodded.

"What happened?" Damien asked. 

Shanelle nodded numbly as Marquise spoke. 

"There was an explosion while we were inside. And when we got outside there was heavy smoke and flames."

"Oh my goodness! The staff!" Margo said. 

"Do you think there will be any casualties?" Damien asked Marquise. 

"It's too early to tell. But when I hear something I'll be sure to let you know." 

Damien nodded before turning to Shanelle who was shaking. 

"You're shaking my darling. Maybe you should get to bed."

Shanelle nodded. 

"We'll take her." Shantel said to her husband, "Come on sweetie. Let's get you down the hall."

Margo helped Shanelle up. 

"Come, Your Majesty, gently now. That's it. Nice and slow." 

Marquise and Damien watched as they walked down the hall. When they were out of earshot Damien spoke. 

"Are you alright son?" Damien asked. 

"I'm alright. It's just been quite the night." Marquise replied. 

"I'm sure. I won't keep you long, go check on her and have a restful night."

"Goodnight Damien. You do the same." Marquise said to him before turning to walk down the hall to his bedroom. When he got inside Shanelle was sitting on their bed with her mother and Margo. 

"Thank you ladies. I'll take it from here."

Both mothers nodded before leaving. Marquise sat down next to his wife and wrapped his arms around her. 

"Are you alright?" he asked. 

Shanelle took a deep breath. 

"I'll be alright. I'm just in shock. That's all."

"I'm sure. Thankfully we got out of there safely. And hopefully, I'll know more in the morning."

Shanelle nodded. 

"In the meantime, I've had enough excitement for one day. I'm going to bed."

"Good. Let's get some rest." 

The next day, Shanelle stayed with their children, while Marquise was in his office on the phone with the authorities. He had just got off a call when Shanelle came to check on him with food. 

"Hey, you," she said to him. 

"Hey, beautiful," he replied. 

"You look like you haven't eaten yet." she said to him, "So what have you heard so far?"

Marquise sighed deeply. 

"Unfortunately the old palace has burned down," he replied. 

"What?!"

"It's a total loss. Nothing could be saved."

"Oh my God."

Marquise shook his head before taking a bite of his food. 

"It's such a shame. I really did enjoy that old palace."

Shanelle raised a questioning eyebrow at him. 

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked. 

"Whatever you decide it to mean," he replied. 

Shanelle crossed her arms and gave her husband a challenging look. 

"Marquise."

"Hmm?"

"Did you order that explosion?"

Marquise shrugged. 

"Are you insane?! You could've killed someone! And what about King Elgin?" 

"King Elgin wasn't even there last night."

"What do you mean?" Shanelle asked. 

"While we were all in the ballroom, he was being safely evacuated. By the time the blast happened, he was on his way to his summer home on Lake Gianko," Marquise replies. 

Shanelle shook her head. 

"And what about Naya and her daughter Bernadette?"

"They are already at her father's summer house. I had them moved last week then I had His former Majesty moved. So it wouldn't look too suspicious." 

"Well, that explains why he wasn't at the Welcome Ball."

Shanelle sighed. 

"This is about to be a PR nightmare," she said with a groan. 

"Agreed. But it's a PR nightmare we don't have to deal with."

"Tell me something."

"Anything."

"How did you do it?" she asked him, "And don't you dare lie to me."

Marquise looked at her coolly before snapping his fingers. Soon an opening in his bookcase opened and one of his guards stepped in. He was dressed in black and silver. He was one of Marquise's Crown Shields. The guard knelt down on one knee with a fist over his heart. 

"My Queen." the guard said to her with his head still bowed, "My Liege."

"My love. You remember the Crowd Shields don't you?" Marquise asked. 

"Mmmhmm. You only employ them in emergency situations or at least that's what you're supposed to do." Shanelle replied. 

"True indeed. But since you wanted to know, now you know. This is Captain Desmond Emilo Felix. He's the current Head of the Crown Shield." Marquise explained. 

Shanelle nodded then looked at Captain Felix.

"It's good to finally meet you, Captain," Shanelle said to the Captain. 

Captain Felix rose to his feet and executed a perfect bow. 

"You as well, my Queen. I'm glad we could finally meet."

"Captain Felix is how I was able to pull off the explosion. You see, Captain Felix is a former member of the US Military." 

Shanelle nodded before looking at Captain Felix. 

"You're American?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. I'm as red-blooded as you are. I'm originally from Kansas City. My parents still live there. I served for 6 years in the US Navy as a SEAL before transferring to the Cordonian Army where I rose through the ranks. And was selected by Captain Nevrakis to lead in her stead when she retired." Captain Felix replied. 

"And now you're my husband's official unofficial right hand?" she asked. 

"Yes ma'am. I am at his beck and call and yours if and when need be," he replied. 

"He is the one who started the blast while we were in the grand ballroom," Marquise explained. 

"How?" Shanelle asked. 

Captain Felix cleared his throat. 

"It's quite simple. The Crown Shield has schematics of every noble house and palace. Including this one and the former palace of South Cordonia. It was just a matter of overloading the circuitry and turning on the gas. And making it look like a mere accidental gas leak." Captain Felix replies. 

"The goal was to scare and distract people. And I'd say we succeeded."

Shanelle sighed deeply then nodded. 

"Well, I guess I'll take your word for it." she said before turning to walk out of Marquise's office, "oh! And one more thing, touch my palace and I'll kill you both."

"Understood," Marquise said to her. 

The next day, after getting their daughter off to school and leaving their sons with her mother, Their Majesties returned to the old palace in Dalevandon to inspect the damage. When they arrived at the old palace, the devastation was clear. Where the former palace of West Cordonia once stood, there was now nothing but ashes. 

"I know your plan was to scare and distract people. But I think your plan worked a little too well." Shanelle whispered to her husband as they took in the damage.  

"Perhaps. But as long as the goal was attained, I'm satisfied," he replied. 

They were led to a podium where members of the press were waiting. Marquise held up a hand to quiet the murmuring crowd.

"Good morning everyone. Today is a sad day for us all. The Great Palace Of West Cordonia has been lost to a terrible accident. This is a heavy and personal loss for many. Myself included. But I want the people to rest assured that no one else will suffer. Thankfully there were no human causalities. Everyone from the guests to the staff to His former Majesty were all safely evacuated. The damage is being assessed and for those on staff who are now out of work, you will be compensated for your loss of work, your health insurance will continue, and resources to find other work via the Monarchy will be provided to you at no cost."

The reporters all clamored at once. 

"Your Majesty! Donnie Brine of the CBC here. It has been reported that the explosion was due to a gas leak. Can you confirm that?" Donnie asked Marquise. 

"Yes, I can. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast was due to a gas leak. While the investigation into the blast is still ongoing, the early reports confirm that a gas leak is the cause of the blast." Marquise replied. 

"Or maybe it wasn't an accident at all!"

The crowd turned to see Lady Makenna marching up to the podium with her parents. When she got to the podium she got in His Majesty's face. 

"You did this! You set the fire that burned down my family's home!" she accused. 

"Be careful with how you speak to me, my lady," he warned her. 

"I am not afraid of either of you! This is what my husband and I are talking about! You're so afraid of losing your throne, that you will destroy any and everything to keep it!" she yelled at him. 

Shanelle looked at her. 

"And just what are you and your husband doing to assist in this tragedy?" Shanelle asked Lady Makenna, "Other than accusing His Majesty of causing the fire that is."

Lady Makenna glared at Shanelle. 

"Because for the last 48 hours, the only people who have remotely done anything to assist in any way outside of the locals, are His Majesty and myself. What have you contributed hmm? While assisting those in need should never be a competition, I will not stand here and listen to you accuse your King of any wrongdoing."

As the press whispered fiercely, Marquise held up a hand to silence them. 

"She's right, my lady. Because challenge or not I am STILL your King! And you both are still subject to my rule! But since you're here now, why don't you tell us all what plans you and Lord Gallagher have for the people in the wake of this tragedy hmm." Marquise said to her as he gestured to the podium, "Go ahead, my lady. This is your chance to one-up us." 

Lady Makenna backed down. 

"Oh, so you don't have a plan? That's not surprising. Perhaps your father can come up with one. Oh! Wait! That's right I forgot. He isn't supposed to be anywhere near the palace. After all, the reason why your uncle owed a debt to my father was because of him and his gambling and that foolhardy bet where he risked your entire family's fortune." Marquise said to her, "See, I knew he was lying to me this past Saturday night when he told me King Elgin was doing well. When the truth is, he nor your mother or your siblings have seen King Elgin in years. So why would you host a ball in a palace your father was banished from? It is quite a curious thing." 

That sent the press into a frenzy. With many trying to get Lady Makenna's attention. With the media distracted, Their Majesties stepped off the podium. They finished their tour of the remains before departing for home. When they got to the palace, they headed to the throne room where they were greeted by Captain Felix and a few members of the Crown Shield. 

"Your Majesties. There's something you need to see."

The couple looked at each other.

"What do you mean Captain?" Marquise asked as a side door opened. 

"He means me..." a voice spoke up. 

The couple froze and when they turned around. Shanelle gasped and Marquise was beside himself. 

"Hello, Your Majesties. It is good to see you both again."

It was Lord Tariq Sauvageon. Alive and well. 

But how when he's been dead for years?

[fear-is-truth]

a/n: i deeply regret having written this (anyway, this is all in good humor. please don’t take anything to heart. i really love your fanfictions--this was just for the sake of the storyline).

ENEMIES TO LOVERS. ── jackie (fear-is-truth) x f!reader

YOU COULDN'T QUITE PINPOINT what compelled you to read her fanfiction. Perhaps it was a sick curiosity to see how dreadful a story could become when one utterly disregarded the basic rules of English grammar. Maybe it stemmed from sheer boredom. Or, more unsettlingly, it might have been a masochistic urge to subject yourself to something so atrocious it made your eyes involuntarily twitch.

But there it was, in all its overwritten, excessively italicized glory: "Business Cards & Bloodstains: How I Fell for Wall Street's Deadliest Yuppie (Pt. 13)."

You despised every word of it. She misinterpreted every bit of his character. Patrick Bateman would never be a fan of New Kids on the Block. And yet, you were her most consistent reader.

"This," you typed furiously in the notes section, "is an abomination to the English language. How does blood 'pour from the heavens like tears of angels corrupted by mortal sin'? What does that even mean?"

The reply came almost instantaneously, as though she had waiting for your comment: "It’s called style, Y/N. Ever heard of it? Not that I’d expect a basic grammar cop to understand."

Your eye twitched. This was not the first time she had publicly called you out in the notes section of her torturous fanfictions. Her username, fear-is-truth, was indelibly burned into your retinas. Jacqueline, dubbed as 'Jackie' for short: nineteen years old (an INTJ, Virgo, and Slytherin?), a law student, a member of numerous fandoms, a bookworm, a cinephile, a cat enthusiast, Kai Anderson's lamb, and very loquacious? She had a cult following of equally misinformed fans, who consumed her absurdities. Damn her. Damn every one of her followers. Damn all of them.

"Style? You mean the literary equivalent of setting a dumpster on fire?" you replied.

The exchange stretched on for weeks and it turned into a full-blown online fued. You dissected her fanfictions. You dismantled every mixed metaphor and stagy monologue. In turn, she said unprintable things. She called you a talentless troll devoid of any creativity. The notes section was a strident and hateful scene. However, somewhere between the criticism and banter, something gradually changed.

One night, as you were composing your latest critique, a private message popped up in your inbox. fear-is-truth: "Hey, I'm bored. How about you call me out on voice chat instead of the comments? Bet you won't."

You stared at the screen. This was something unfamiliar--uncharted territory. It was a poor idea, but your curiosity won out.

The voice on the other end was entirely different from what you had expected.

"I thought you'd sound more like some troll living under a bridge, not . . . whatever this is." she said mockingly. "And I thought you'd sound like an edgy theater kid, which, honestly, you totally do."

She laughed--a genuine, unrestrained laugh that took you by surprise. It was deep, slightly raspy ("raspy" by comparison of consumption of one too many cups of coffee).

"So, Y/N," she said. "What’s your deal? Why you gotta hate on me so much? Not that I don’t enjoy our little back-and-forths, but you’re putting actual effort into this."

You paused. Why had you despised her so much? Or, at least, why had you believed you did? "It’s not hate," you said, albeit reluctantly. "it’s frustration. You’ve got all these . . . ideas, but you bury ‘em under so much flowery nonsense and drama that it’s just painful. You could be good if you actually tried."

Pause. "You think I could actually be good?" (softer now, more vulnerable) "I mean, yeah. If you stopped describing eyes as 'orbs' and comparing feelings to 'shattered starlight on the edge of oblivion.'"

Pause. "You're not as insufferable as I figured you'd be." "Neither are you."

(like for a part two???)

— 💋ྀིྀི

I AM SO PLEASANTLY SHOCKED THAT YOU ACTUALLY WROTE A FANFIC ABOUT ME ?! and the fact that my voice is kinda raspy rn because i caught a small cold convinced me that you live in my walls… ANYWAYS. i love this with my entire heart and soul; enemies to lovers is my favourite trope EVER.

thank you, this is the best gift 🖤

[saintmouthed]

dtcfdp chapter 1 (author commentary)

I fear it is time to Reread dtcfdp Again and I'm going to be so annoying about it, actually. Anyway I'm gonna basically reread my own fic and liveblog the experience. Getting started under the cut:

TBH most of the time I just skip to the end of this chapter when I reread bc it the exposition is cute but makes me cringe. But I'll do it. I'll reread it. I'll reread it for you.

What are you doing that you don’t want Musichetta knowing about, then?  Same as you. Something stupid.

Grantaire/Éponine friendship is something that can be so personal.

oh GOD the DEMOS...somebody remind me to write the boot scene epilogue one of these days. It was supposed to bring everything Full Circle.

“Good. I do love interrogating the new faces.” “You’re free to interrogate my face any time.” Grantaire says, unable to help himself, cracking a smile. “Oh, God, that’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard.” Lark says, groaning and covering her face with her hands, even though she’s laughing again. “Please tell me you’ve got a little more game than that. You’re way too cute not to have better game than that.” “Well, I’m flattered you think so.”

I have no canon or tbh fanon basis for making Cosette and Grantaire friends but I LOVE that I did. They're so funny. Goth lesbian queen and Bisexual disaster.

He’s listening with a mix of rapt fascination and complete horror as they describe something called ‘fire-flogging’ to him, when Lark returns with a friend.

this happened to me. THIS WHOLE FIC IS JUST...me Processing huh? really is something.

Recognizing someone in the local kink scene from IRL is ALSO something that has happened to me. bless.

let's all ignore the fact that I italicized all the Japanese rope words that aren't in English bc I was an early 20 something and so stupid. Same goes with periods instead of commas. I still don't care about the periods instead of commas LMAO it literally makes no difference to me but I do know the difference now.

"Grandeur, with the last R capitalized.”

catch me giving R all the most INSUFFERABLE usernames

Together they do make a god-like image, separate from the rest of the room, Dionysus and Apollo holding court in the middle of a fetish club.

damn that's a good line. I wrote that? damn.

He’d remember that face. 

I said oh i'm sure

WAFFLE DAY...

waxplay was my first scene too awww newbie R you're just like newbie me fr

AWWW NEWBIE R YOU'RE JUST LIKE NEWBIE ME FR...

okay okay that was cute I'm glad I reread it again. if anyone cares.

[prettyyoungandbored]

Dork - Danny Cordray

Pairing: Danny Cordray x Fem!OC

Author’s Note: This was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever written. I love this show so much and never did I think would do write an Office fic. So, because this is The Office, yes the OC will have a camera interview. Anything that is bold and italicized is her giving the on-camera interview. I hope you enjoy!

P.S. Any direct quotes from the show belong to the writers.

NOT MY GIF

Surprisingly, Danny Cordray being handsome was the second thing people were talking about. The first was the fact that he and Pam went on two dates two years ago.

And man, did the office run wild with that. Even if somehow Michael Scott strangely didn’t.

For Tessa Connelly, she felt bad that it was all people were talking about. She was friends with Pam and Pam was happily married with a kid. She moved on. Why couldn’t everybody else?

“I wanna say they’ll get over it, but you and I both know that will take forever,” Tessa chuckled, as the two women stood in the kitchen. “How were the dates though?”

“I had fun,” Pam replied. “But he didn’t call me after the second one so, I don’t know. Guess he wasn’t having as much fun.” She paused. “Not that it matters.”

“No, but I would question it too,” Tessa assured. “I’ve been in that position before and it’s the worst. How’s Jim handling it?”

“He’s frazzled but won’t admit it.”

The brunette chuckled. “Color me shocked. He’ll get over it. At least he will before everyone else does.”

Just as Pam was leaving the break room, Danny entered and his eyes met Tessa’s. She gave him a small smile.

“Hi, I don’t think we’ve met yet,” he said, holding out his hand. He flashed a million dollar smile that elicited butterflies in her stomach. “I’m Danny. I just joined the team.”

“Tessa,” she said, shaking his hand.

“And what do you do here?”

“I’m a customer service rep.”

He hummed, leaning on the counter. “Well, I can promise you you’ll only get glowing reviews about me.”

Her lips pursed as she nodded.

She pointed at him. “Lemme guess, salesman.”

“Traveling salesman,” he corrected politely.

She hummed. “Not much of a desk guy, huh?”

He shook his head. “I don’t like being tied down a whole lot.”

Ok, NOW I get why he only went on two dates with Pam. It all makes sense now.

She raised her mug. “Well, Danny, it was nice to meet you.”

“It was really nice to meet you as well,” he replied.

She just nodded and continued walking.

=================================

The next day was the Halloween party. Tessa decided to keep it simple with a basic cat costume. She had the ears and drew the nose and whiskers, donning a black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a black pencil skirt.

She walked into the break room to get coffee at the same time Danny was.

“Nice costume,” he remarked. “I, uh, didn’t realize people took Halloween here seriously.”

“There’s a costume contest today,” she said, pouring coffee into her mug.

“I assume you’re entering?”

She shook her head. “I don’t care to.”

“But you’re dressed up.”

“Thats the fun of Halloween,” she said. “You dress up to be whoever or whatever you want.”

He nodded. “I didn’t think about that. Then again, I’ve never been a costume guy.”

“You’re missing out.”

“Well, for what it’s worth I’d vote for you in the costume contest.”

She couldn’t help but notice Danny Cordray’s smile and how it complimented his overall charming demeanor. She wondered if his looks was what made him a good salesman. He could sell meat to vegetarian with one single look.

Then she remembered his words. “I don’t like being tied down a whole lot.” He was obviously flirting with her just to get her in bed and then continue on to the next woman.

The worst part is how much she liked it.

“MeOW! Look at you dressed as my favorite thing in the world!”

She groaned, knowing damn well who that voice belonged too.

“Packer, I will stab you with my pencil,” she retorted.

Todd Packer, dressed as a pregnant nun, meddled in between her and Danny.

“Fiesty and violent, just how I like ‘em,” he smirked.

Before she could say something, Danny stepped in between.

“So, I need help finding the conference room for the meeting,” he said, looking at Tessa. “Can you show me where it is?”

She smiled at him gratefully. “Sure. Follow me.”

She walked out into the office with Danny right beside her. Once they were out of Packer’s sight, she turned and said, “Thanks for that. He’s a traveling salesman who truly has no business being in this office. Or even just existing.”

“No problem,” Danny chuckled. “I can promise you, not traveling salesmen are like that.”

She smiled. “I sure hope not.”

“So, um, I already told everyone else but my buddies and I are having a Halloween thing at our bar,” he said. “You should come.”

“You co-own a bar?” she asked. “Why am I not surprised?”

He made a face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing at all. You just have a bar owner vibe about you.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Yes, it is,” she laughed. “Don’t overthink it. What’s the name of the bar?”

“Public School.”

She cocked her head back. “That’s quite a name. I’ll definitely-.”

She turned to see the office staring at her, including Pam who was the only one smiling.

She looked over back at Danny. “I’ll think about it.”

Just because I’m being nice doesn’t mean I’m flirting with him. You can talk to an attractive man without flirting with him.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s cute. But I just…I mean…guys like him, you know. He’s a bachelor. He prefers the bachelor lifestyle. And it seems to suit him. Like he seems nice and he smells really nice and has a great smile-.

Oh [BEEP] off!

=======================================

“You going to Danny’s bar tonight?”

She glanced up from her computer to see Andy and Kevin standing there.

“I don’t know yet,” she shrugged.

“Is it because he went out with Pam two years ago?” Kevin asked.

She sighed. “Ok, you guys have got to cut it out with that.”

Andy laughed. “Sounds like someone’s a little bit jealous.”

“How am I-you know what?”

She got up from her desk and walked into the break room where Danny was talking with Jim and Pam.

“Do you honestly wanna know why I didn't call her back on a date over four years ago?” Danny asked.

“Hey, she had a nice time,” Jim said defensively.

“I did,” Pam chimes in. “Yeah, and it's one of those things that's just gonna keep gnawing at me. Like, gnaw, gnaw...’Why? Why didn't he? I have no idea why.’”

“Okay, honestly,” Danny sighed. I didn't call you back because I just thought you seemed a little dorky.”

Silence fell. Tessa’s heart sank to her stomach as she watched Pam’s demeanor soften into embarrassment.

“Hey, man,” Jim stepped in.

“Thank you!” Pam cut him off, over enthusiastically. “Thank you. I got it. Now I know. You thought I was a little dorky.”

Tessa couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.

“You know what, I don’t think I should come tonight,” she spoke up.

Danny, Jim, and Pam looked over at her.

“I don’t want to be around people who don’t appreciate how awesome us dorks are,” she snapped.

Danny opened his mouth to say something when Tessa turned around, heading back to her office.

I said what I said. Look, yes, he’s gorgeous but…it’s not worth entertaining. Not with someone like him.

====================================

Tessa spent the rest of Halloween in the annex working. She figured with the costume contest and whatever conflict Michael and Darryl were dealing with, she could get her work done and slip out of here without dealing with Danny ever again.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

She looked over to see Pam standing by Tessa’s desk.

“It wasn’t right,” Tessa shrugged. “Besides, if you’re a dork then I’m a loser.”

Pam chuckled. “He actually apologized to me and Jim. It was actually really sincere.”

“That’s nice.”

“Tess, cmon. You should give him a chance, you know. He means well, and he clearly likes you. And I know you like him too.”

She sighed as she set her pencil down. “It’s not worth it and quite frankly, I don’t see it ending well.”

Pam pulled out a folded scrap of paper. Tessa unfolded it, revealing name written on it.

“I didn’t even-.”

“He wrote it,” Pam said. “It was the only handwriting I couldn’t recognize.”

Tessa sighed, the knot in her stomach tightened.

“Don’t not do it because of me,” Pam said. “Just…you know, think about it.”

Tessa nodded as Pam grabbed her arm. “C’mon. Jim brought Cece and she’s all dressed up.”

===================================

When Tessa walked out to the office, the first thing she noticed was Jim, dressed as Popeye, holding baby Cece.

“Oh my god, she’s Sweet Pea!” Tessa beamed.

She made her way over, holding out her arms. Jim handed her the baby as she continued to coo at Cece.

“What a cutie you are in your costume!” she said. “Best one I’ve seen today!”

“I actually like the Popeye cartoons.”

She looked over to see Danny standing there. He continued. “I always liked cartoons. Still kind of do. The old school Looney Tunes make me laugh.”

Tessa pulled back her lips. “What if I were to tell you that sometimes I still watch those cartoons? Is that too dorky for you?”

He smiled. “I would say that sometimes Public School has the old school Looney Tunes playing on one of TVs and if you don’t believe me, you should come check it out for yourself.”

Tessa looked at Cece.

“You know, Cece,” she began, “Danny here really wants me to go to his bar. Give me a smile if you think I should go.”

Cece smiled and began babbling. Tessa looked over at Danny.

“What time should I be there?” she asked.

I guess I figured I’d been too judgemental. Besides, Pam gave me her blessing. I’m just going to go for a couple drinks. See what happens.

[magicmumu2]

Idk why I’m not following you????

Anyways.

If you don’t write it, I will. Add to my long list of stories to write.

(Okay last minute, on my phone, and using a text to speech reader 10 minutes after I woke up at ass crack of dawn in the morning. All I'm saying is this is not going to be classic literature here. You're more than welcome to do your own thing and expand on this idea or write your own version of this concept, because I'm sure I could read a dozen stories like it. Anyway here be the "fic?" and I hope it makes you feel better.)

Okay, so maybe they went through a period of stagnation or some kind of tragedy in their lives or they just stop being Power Rangers - something along those lines. Their marriage had not really been the same after whatever happened and they seem to be almost roommates for a while. And one day, nothing in particular happened. Kim just looked over at Trini who is probably doing something she's done literally every day for years, and Kim just struck with this italicized 'oh'. there's a little spark, a little fire. Something familiar yet almost forgotten. And suddenly Kim just wants to be where Trini is, or wants Trini to be wherever she is. She can't stop staring at her wife and she can't believe that this woman exists and can be called hers. At first Kim is almost shy about it. She's not sure why she feels this way suddenly, but why shouldn't she feel this way about her own wife, right? She finds herself going from room to room, pretending she isn't following her wife around the house as she does chores like a damn needy house cat. Sure, she got an eyebrow raise or two, but she didn't care because she got to stare at the most beautiful woman she's ever seen. Kim remembers jumping through the quarry, chasing after this girl. Now the chase isn't so difficult, at least not physically, the end goal more rewarding if she could get this woman to really talk to her again.

"What has gotten into you?" Trini asked her days later after Kim sat next to her on the couch and subtly moved closer throughout the course of the show they were watching so that eventually she was nearly in Trini's lap. "If you wanted to cuddle, all you had to do was ask. "Or just... cuddle me."

Could she? Kim had forgotten. Kim had forgotten again that this woman was hers. Her wife, her soulmate. She wasn't sure how long she had forgotten this. Still, there was something that felt wrong about feeling the way she felt now, like she should have felt this way all along or she shouldn't feel this way now after everything, after all this time of being married. She didn't know any happily married couples, and those who were happy together didn't last as long as her marriage was Trini, so she didn't know who she could ask about this. She took to the Internet, but wasn't sure exactly how to ask her question and instead decided to ask Reddit. (She wondered what Trini's reaction would be if she told her she was a simp for her now.) Mean comments, trolls, and posts making fun of her for even asking the question aside, Kim took the heart some of the people who were serious in responding to her. She even got a response from a marriage counselor who told her that relationships do go in and out of difficulty, but if the love is there, things can be worked on. The marriage counselor stated that obviously the love was still there and that the marriage is worth working on and Kim completely agreed. Other comments under that post continued on in that vein, advising Kim to enjoy the ride and take advantage of how she feels now by building on that. She placed her thanks on that post to anybody giving her advice on how she could go about doing that, and then she closed her laptop and went to their bedroom.

"Hey," she said after a moment of watching Trini, who was laying in bed reading a book.

Trini looked up, her eyes somewhat perplexed as they always were the past few days since what Kim calls her 'Awakening'. "Hey," she answered tentatively.

"So... I was thinking, maybe you and I can grab dinner tomorrow after work? I don't know what's playing these days, but maybe we can see a movie or something afterwards? It's kind of been a while."

"Kim, are you asking me on a date?"

"Yes, I am."

Trini's lip quirked at the side in a small smile. She looked shy, the way she did many years ago at the beginning of the relationship. It reminded Kim of the first time she had asked Trini out, shy and nervous despite them knowing each other for a while by then. Like that time, Kim didn't think she would be rejected, knowing how Trini felt the same for her, but she worried she would somehow fuck it up, because Kim seemed to always fuck it up.

"Yeah, okay." Trini closed her book after marking her place. She turned so that she was leaning on her side now and patted bed next to her. Kim obeyed, sitting next to her on the bed. Trini leaned upwards as much as she could on the awkward angle she found herself in, and Kim met her halfway in a kiss. Kim stared into Trini's eyes before she leaned in for a deeper kiss. She may not have understood how she felt, but she was not afraid to tell her wife then in that kiss. The words, simple enough, hopefully also conveyed the same. "I am stupidly in love with you, Trini Hart."

"You're just stupid," Trini teased.

"Rude, but stupid for you. Even if you are mean to me."

Trini smiled and then wrapped her arms around the back of Kimberly's neck. She pulled her down again for another kiss. "I love you too idiot. I'm stupidly in love with you too. Always."

The two women spent the rest of the night in each other's arms, and Kim remembered once again that this was where she belonged.

[wipethetape]

Native Tongue

Charlotte Field x Reader

Summary: You met Charlotte during one of her international conferences as the person assigned to chaperone her if she intends to tour around the country. Years after, you're her personal secretary—one of her staffers—and still pining for her.

A/N: Italicized sentences with quotes are you speaking in your language. Did not choose any in particular so you have the freedom to apply it in your own.

You got too wasted to your own liking in one of the most important formal gatherings for the House. Maggie had already stopped you from drinking, but you whined before fakely accepting the order. You went under the radar, entertaining some columnists and politicians who force small talk and don't know when to shut up and go while stealing glances on the woman of the night—Charlotte Field. The very reason why you decided to get drunk.

That damn Prime Minister. You know Charlotte is simply tolerating him, but that doesn't stop you from getting jealous when he gets too close to the sun.

When Maggie was nowhere in sight together with Tom, you stared at the waiter coming in your direction, grabbed and downed two glasses of champagne, and made your way to the bar asking for a strong cocktail. Halfway through your drink, you realized it was only a matter of time before you got unconscious from too much alcohol so you had to escape the party.

"Hey," someone softly called out from behind. You thought your mind was making it up, until the calm voice repeated it.

"Hey," they said, louder.

You turned around to see a woman in red standing behind you. Your vision is blurry, but you recognized that it was Charlotte.

Noticing your tipsy demeanor, she immediately pulled your drink out of reach. You tried reaching for it, making muffled noises and whining that you still have to finish it.

She giggles. "Honey, you've had too much." She cups your cheek while playfully shoving you away from getting the drink in her hand.

You didn't know if you're hearing or seeing things right, but she was smiling and giggling you thought if you will still have the chance to witness it again sober. Pretending to still get the cocktail, you spread your arms then wrapped it around her waist. 

The barista gets the drink from Charlotte while she asks you if you can get up. You nod, tightening your embrace. She giggles once again, helping you to stand up and guides you out to the room.

You keep mumbling to yourself, which Charlotte didn't mind at first but she is curious. However, your mumbles are getting louder and more incoherent, so she starts to carefully listen. Much to her dismay, you were speaking in your native language, so she cannot understand you no matter how hard she tries to listen.

You look up at her, remove your arms from her and wrap it on her arm. You just kept staring in her eyes, so she also did the same while minding the hallway through her side eye. 

"Have I ever told you how beautiful your eyes are?"

This time, she did understand some words, like beautiful. She picked up some words and phrases before in your country during her visit, and also from you when you talk on the phone or when she asks you to teach her sometimes. It perked her interest and frustration since it's been going for a few minutes now and she really wished to understand what you had just said.

She calls your name, then says "I have no idea what you're saying."

You both reached Charlotte's room, which was beside yours but she opened hers and guided you inside. 

"Your eyes remind me of the ocean and more beautiful than all that can be seen!" You excitedly said, giving her what you think is lovesick eyes but you don't really know if you were. You think you were looking more funny than you intended. 

When she successfully makes you sit on bed, she observes you quizzically. She tries to comprehend the meaning of your words through your body, and it seemed like you were saying something about her—like a compliment. 

"Seriously sweetheart, I have no idea what the fuck you're saying," she playfully complained, standing up and is about to walk towards the closet when you grab her hand. 

She turns around, and sees your posture and expression changed more seriously and sober (which she doubts but you can pass like you are). 

"I fucking love you, madame president," you declare, finally in English, drawing a shock from Charlotte. 

She tries to reply from what you said, but her mouth was only hanging and cannot seem to form any word. 

"You— is it real?" She finally let out. 

"I just hope you feel the same thing." You followed, mixing both English and your language, which made Charlotte half understand it. 

She will have to wait for your high to subside and bring it up the next morning. For now, she will take care of you and not get her hopes high. 

[abstractdiagram]

I’ve reformatted chapter four three times now to get it to Ao3 with my italics intact. I’m not going through it a fourth time. So stuff for Harry thinking to himself should be italicized but I’m not doing it here. Please see Ao3 for correctness. That being said. Holy forking shirtballs! This one is loooooooong. But we leave the hospital and meet more people and use more magic. So yay!!

Love you darlins!!!! Leave me comments and kudos so I keep wanting to write for people!

Chapter 4

It took three days for Dippet to get in touch with Harry, which pissed him off slightly. It wasn’t that the hospital wasn’t nice. The food was decent once they let him have any; they’d started so slowly with what he could have “‘cause, ye ‘aven’ been eatin’ in four months an’ yer body don’ likely know what t’ do wi’ food, ye ken?” The nurses were nice enough - Meranda especially took extra time with him and the older night nurse made sure to refill his water and check in on him she her shift started before “leaving you to your rest dear.”

It was Thursday night and Meranda had told him it’d be a colder one so he was tucked in under his blankets on his side with his long legs curled up. The tap-tap-tap on the window first registered as Aunt Petunia’s thud-thud-thudding on his cupboard door and he groggily hunkered under his pillow. Tap-tap-tap. “It’s too early for breakfast” he muttered. Finally the owl outside let out a short but loud and frustrated HOOT before he startled awake. His wand was in his hand before he finished sitting up and he huffed when he saw the feathered silhouette. It held its leg up as if to say “take the damn thing and let me go hunt you wholloping great tosser.” Or maybe that was just Harry’s mood after waiting for so long and dreaming that he was back under the stairs.

The window opened, surprisingly. Maybe because I’m in a storage room? No hospital he knew, including St. Mungo’s had windows that could open at any rate. “I don’t have any treats. I’m sorry. But this is a muggle hospital and I’m a patient. They’re not generally equipped for owls.” Harry untied the letter and the owl fluffed itself indignantly before taking off. The light whap of its wing against his head telling Harry without doubt that the owl was displeased. “Oh, sod off you feathery git!” The owl, though out of sight, was not too distant to hoot back with a distinct air of “bite me, magic boy.”

Great. Arguing with and losing to an owl. Just great. Harry closed the window, turned on the bedside lamp and settled to read. The script was a spidery slant written on parchment with the Hogwarts crest and motto across the top.

“Dear Mr. Shelby,

We must say, we were quite shocked to receive a corporeal Patronus from so great a distance sent by such an as-yet-unknown and young wizard. As such we took our time to do our due diligence in researching you and your circumstances before reaching out in response.

We are saddened to learn of your situation - we send deep condolences for your losses - and wish to express the reassurance that had we been aware of your family’s entrance to the country we would have extended a thorough and warm welcome. As it is, we wish to extend to you this welcome at this time.

Please note that a representative will be making himself known to you and the Muggle Caregivers at Whitchurch on September 22nd, 1944 at ten in the morning. Also be advised that you should have your things ready to depart. The representative will be bringing you to Wizarding London to the Ministry of Magic for evaluation and planning for the future. This is not a formal matter, but a way to assess your needs and what help can be provided in what ways.

We look forward to joining you and our representative at the Ministry on September 22nd.

Sincerely,

Headmaster Armando Dippet”

The 22nd. Today. I’ll be getting out of here today! Harry was excited by this aspect but also newly worried. He’d expected to be whisked away right to Hogwarts given his age and orphan status but this letter made it seem like he’d have to answer questions and complete evaluations before perhaps never even setting foot in the school. Well then. He’d just have to play along and give the answers that would get him to Hogwarts.

Why he wanted to go back to the castle so badly he wasn’t entirely sure. Mostly to help himself become grounded in this new body and new time frame in a familiar setting. Maybe a bit to put off having to re-enter adulthood in what was admittedly a semi-daunting situation. But mostly to reorient himself and get a better grip on his new life he told himself.

When Meranda came in early that morning he told her that he’d be leaving. She was shocked and concerned, “Bu’ ‘Arry, ye’ve no’ got yer strength back! And where’d ye be goin’ wi’ who?” He felt guilty about lying to her but the story he wove about a distant relative discovering him and coming to take him to a hospital nearer his family members - helped a tad by a Confundus charm that he felt absolutely gutted to have had to do - mollified her quickly and she gave him a long hug. She left soon after to fetch him some toast and he winced when she bounced her shoulder off the door frame as she went. “Oops!” She laughed to herself as she walked down the hall. “Didn’ see tha’ comin’ did I?”

When ten o’clock came he was wearing grey trousers that were too big at the waist and a white cotton undershirt that Meranda promised had “been washed enou’ ye can’ tell they were a right mess when ye came in.” -Dudley’s duds all over again these pants are. Ah well. It’s better than meeting a representative in an arseless hospital drape.

A double knock sounded and the door opened. Harry’s jaw almost dropped but he schooled himself into lesser shock as the man entered.

“Professor Albus Dumbledore, pleased to meet you Nathaniel.” He was so much younger than Dumbledore Harry knew. This Dumbledore had greying hair and beard but not nearly as long. And he wasn’t dressed in robes but a smart muggle suit. He shook his head to jostle his brain into gear before extending a hand to meet the one Dumbledore was extending as he crossed the small room.

“Nice to m-meet you professor. But you can call me ‘Harry’ please. Sir. From my middle name.”

“Right, right my boy. Harry then. Well. Have you gathered your things?” He looked around expectantly.

Harry raised the paper bag containing the wands and other things he’d yet to properly go through. “Here sir. Not much I’m afraid.”

“Ah; of course of course. Well. We will have time to remedy that when we get to London. Here, drink this up. And this one too.” He pulled first one potion vial and then a second from the suit coat pockets.

Harry took them without hesitation; he trusted Dumbledore not to poison him. He caught the bemused look in the older man’s eyes as he gulped them down though. He supposed he had just showed some quality or characteristic that would surely be tucked away and evaluated by that brilliant mind and he winced inwardly. He probably should have been more wary. After all, he was supposed to have no idea who this man was, much less trust anything from a Wizarding world he was not supposed to be very familiar with. Too late now. As it turned out it was a variation of a Pepperup potion and a Strengthening Solution. Harry felt instantly less fatigued and much more able to face the coming ministry interrogation.

“Thank you sir.” Harry was ready. He stood and crammed his feet into the shoes Meranda had brought. “My brother’s. ‘E… well. ‘E don’ need ‘em and ye do, righ’?” Her momentarily melancholy made her eyes glossy with tears and he realized that her brother must have also died in the muggle war. Before he could say anything she had chirped brightly that she’d be back to see him off and hurried out the door.

He grabbed his bag and Dumbledore led the way out into the hall. It felt odd to be walking and he knew he probably shouldn’t be able to do so yet without the vials he had been given. Thank Merlin for magic.

They stopped at a desk that sat at the junction of three hallways and Dr. Basil tottered around it to shake Harry’s hand. He didn’t seem too perturbed by Harry’s newfound strength. In fact, Harry was almost sure he heard the doctor mumble “Goodbye Daniel” instead of “Nathaniel” and he cast a side-eye at Dumbledore who was picking through a small dish of wrapped taffies.

They were almost out the door before rapid footsteps behind them made Harry pause. When he turned he smiled to see Meranda headed his way. She had a small knapsack with her and she pushed it into his hands. “I nipped down ‘ome on m’ break. ‘Ts no’ much bu’ is more than ye ‘ad. Don’ open it ‘ere. ‘M no’ sposed t’ give th’ patients things, ye ken?” Harry took closed the distance between them and wrapped her in a hug. She was shorter than him and rested her cheek briefly to his chest. “‘M no’ sposed t’ do tha’ neither.” She said when she pulled away.” She smiled at him and took two backwards steps away before turning from them, calling over his shoulder. “Lovely t’ ‘ave met ye ‘Arry! Keep gettin’ well, yeah?”

He had to wipe his eyes as he too turned back and, settling the knapsack’s strap over his shoulder he started back to the exit. Dumbledore watched quietly and said, “You’ve made a friend. Lovely young woman, I’m sure.”

“Yes sir. She is.” He spoke quietly and stared down at the floor. Less than a week he’d known her but he knew she’d be in his memories forever.

Once they stepped out into the blustery morning Dumbledore took the lead. They headed for the car park and Harry momentarily wondered if he had driven a muggle car to pick Harry up. He was quickly dissolved of that notion when they stepped around a corner to an unobserved patch of grass. Fumbling through his pockets Dumbledore muttered to himself, “now where did that portkey go… where is it.. aha!” He pulled a paper clip from his trousers. “Now, you hold this tight. We took a bit longer to exit than I had planned so any second now we’ll be - oh ho!” The hook-behind-navel feeling yanked into him and the hospital and grounds spun away.

They popped to in an alley full of bins of rubbish, startling a scraggly tabby cat that bolted under an upturned carton. Harry didn’t stumble, long ago having got used to portkey travel. Again, Dumbledore seemed to be filing that information away somewhere.

“This way my boy.” Dumbledore strolled down the alley in his suit and shined shoes looking for all the world like he was entering an office and not traipsing through old cabbage leaves and detritus. They stopped at the corner of the alley. There was a half brick wall here, jagged and showing that it hadn’t -always- been a half wall but part of a building. A wooden door was hanging crookedly ajar in its frame and Harry could see that there was nothing on the other side of it but an empty room. Without hesitation Dumbledore clapped a hand on his shoulder and led them through the door and into

“The Ministry of Magic! We have a meeting with a few minor officials to settle what will be done with your situation. This way.” Harry followed the hand still on his shoulder. He didn’t see anything familiar; it was too crowded and it was noisy and he was moving too fast until they stood before the golden grille of the lifts. “Minister Spencer-Moon, of course, won’t be part of this little meeting. Just myself, the headmaster of Hogwarts, whom you seem to know of, and maybe two or three others from different departments invested in keeping Wizarding youth out of harms way.”

Harry almost snorted. Out of harm’s way. That’s rich considering what happened to Nathaniel and his family. And what happened at Hogwarts every year I attended. And how the Dursley’s treated me while I was there. And Tom Riddle’s whole existence. And Circe knows how many dozens or hundreds of others they don’t and never will know of.

When the lift stopped they got out into a hallway he’d never seen before. There was less foot traffic here and it was quieter. They entered a room a few doors down and everyone rose to shake Harry’s hand.

“Headmaster Armando Dippet of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.” introduced himself first before sitting at the far end of the table.

A squat witch with a crooked smile was next. “Dorietta Thomas. I’m from the Introduction and Reintegration department. I’ll be assessing what type of help you may need to get settled into your new world.” She sat to the left side.

A very tall, painfully skinny middle-aged man with a wheezy voice shook Harry’s hand next. “Ignatious Hornwald.” He gave no title or clue as to what he was there for but Harry shivered as the man stepped away and took his seat on the right, nearest the back corner as he could get. An Unspeakable maybe? Why?

Last but not least was a woman who sounded like what he imagined a poodle would sound like if it could talk. French accented and almost a barking voice. As kind as he was sure she was trying to be, it still sounded like an irritated dog was yapping at him. She was “Belinda Strongholm. I’m just taking notes.” When she sat she rested her hands on a stack of blank parchment and readied her quill and ink. She sat on the same side as Mr. Hornwald had, but much closer to Harry, almost as if she didn’t want to be near the skeletal man. When Dumbledore took his seat next to Dorietta, Harry was left at the last spot at the head of the table.

He sat and tried to not squirm uncomfortably. He may look seventeen but he was a twenty-five year old Auror and these men and women didn’t scare him. Ri-ight they don’t.

“Mr. Shelby -“ Professor Dippet started.

“Harry please. Just Harry.” He interjected. He wasn’t sure he could sit through the whole meeting being called “Mr. Shelby.”

“Harry. If you could please state your name and date of birth?”

Belinda’s quill scritched quietly as he recited “Nathaniel Harrison Shelby. January 3rd, 1927. And before you ask: my mother and father and I lived in Cardiff. We were surprised when shelling from the muggle war came to town. They were killed. I was found and taken to a muggle hospital in Cardiff where I have remained unconscious since May until a few days ago.” He looked at each of them in turn as he spoke but avoided meeting the eyes of Mr. Hornwald. He felt an odd slow skittering sensation in his mind. Like a spider trying to tickle its way into his brain. Harry threw up his Occlumency shields at once. He’d been practicing for years, both during and after his school years. Once his teacher no longer actively hated him, he found that he was quite good at sussing out when Legillimency was being directed at him and blocking it out. Hornwald sat back abruptly but minutely in his chair and Harry knew he was right - the man was Unspeakable and probably there to ascertain how much, if any, threat Harry posed. Harry sent a brief smirk towards the man. No, you don’t. Not to me.

No one else seemed to notice and Dippet carried on.

“How is it that you have never been to Hogwarts, or any other wizarding school, given your age?”

Harry paused a moment, listening to the memory whisper. “I was homeschooled. We moved around too often and my folks were adamant that I could learn as much as I needed with a mixed muggle and wizard education. I attended muggle schools throughout the years, sporadically but I did well enough that were I so inclined I could have graduated secondary school. I am proficient enough in the areas of magic that my parents always said were ‘main curriculum’ for testing students.” Here he injected his own ideas on the matter. “Having been unconscious for months, and waking up to no home, no immediate family and no prospects in either the muggle or Wizarding world I reached out to Professor – Headmaster I mean - Dippet as his was a name I had heard from my parents in passing as being someone of note and ability to ‘help sort things out’ as it were.”

Belinda took down his every word. Dorietta looked misty-eyed at his semi-sob story, as did Dippet. Hornwald and Dumbledore stared at him as if waiting for The Truth or some such was to be forthcoming. Harry resisted the urge to smirk again.

Dorietta spoke but her voice was thick and she had to cough a little to clear it. “Ha- *cough* Harry. You’ve been exposed to various magics throughout your childhood and teens as you say. Do you have a wand and is it present?”

He reached a hand under his shirt to pull his holly wand from his waistband. Dumbledore looked surprised, perhaps thinking he had stored it in the bag that now sat on the floor at his feet with the knapsack Meranda had given him. But Harry hadn’t been without his wand within reach more than a handful of times in years, the most recent exception being that he was, oh, say, in a coma.

“I do. Eleven inches, holly and phoenix feather. I’ve had it as long as I can remember.” He fibbed the last bit but no one seemed to notice.

“If I may see it dear?” She held a hand out and he looked at it reproachfully. “Only for a moment. And I won’t do anything untoward. I merely wish to make sure it is of working order.”

Stiffly, he placed the wand in her hand. She ran through a few spells causing sparks and stars and water to pour out and then making Belinda’s inkwell dance. Belinda slapped a hand to it and her nostrils flared at Dorietta.

“Fine fine. One more spell…” She concentrated and a tiny wispy blue stag half emerged from the wand tip. She was using Priori Incantatem. Shitballs what spells did I do before that? He was worried that a stunning spell or shield charm would pop up next, thinking of his Auror moments. Or what if it channels Nathaniel’s last spells? What had he been up to? But a new trickle of water and some confetti came next instead. Spells from his birthday party. The wand remembered.

Dorietta chuckled and passed it back to Harry who’s visible relief at having it back made Dumbledore squint and Hornwald twitch.

“Could you perhaps show us how you produced the water, Harry?”

He nodded. “May I, Ms. Strongholm?” He motioned to her no-longer-dancing inkwell and she slid it to him, confused. With a soft spell he transfigured it into an empty pitcher. “Aguamenti.” Water poured into it from his wand. When the pitcher was full he carefully made a swish and flick motion. “Wingardium Leviosa.” The full pitcher rose a foot off the table. “I could make it dance but I’m afraid it would spill.” He lowered his wand and the pitcher landed with a small thump. Another spell and the pitcher was gone; Belinda’s now very-full inkwell sat in its place.

“Remarkable!” Everyone was staring at him now. Dorietta was beaming. She turned to Headmaster Dippet. “I’m sure with a little help and a few weeks he’d be ready to start his seventh year at Hogwarts!”

Dumbledore hmmmed softly but Dippet was nodding slowly.

“Perhaps. We need to discuss this as a group.” Dumbledore interjected, now watching Mr. Hornwald’s expression.

Harry wasn’t surprised when they dismissed him, asking him to please wait in the hall for a few moments. He was pretty sure he’d secured a spot in Hogwarts, at least on a trial basis. He was very sure that Dumbledore was wary of him and once the Unspeakable spoke about Harry shutting down his Legillimancy the old wizard would trust him even less. It hurt in some ways to know that they wouldn’t be so close as they had been years ago. At the same time though he had to remember all he had learned about Dumbledore and the plans and fibs and mistrusts after he had died and how maybe they’d never been as close as Harry had wanted to believe. It lessened the sting somewhat. It would be what it would be and this time he would live for himself and not as The Boy Who Lived until it was convenient for the greater good.

Harry leaned back against the wall and waited.

[transkingcobra]

Okay I got this idea while trying to sleep last night and then proceeded to write most of it until 3am instead of just noting it rip

Finished this scenario and I actually mostly like it for not having written in ages and I never feel like I capture others’ characters correctly

Halsin x m!named!Tav

(x2 but mainly focusing on one in this)

Diex finds himself jealous and then proceeds to panic about it. Halsin snaps him out of it and talks him through it.

Mainly angst I guess, ‘tis sfw, moment of jealousy not aimed at other current partner if that matters to anyone, anxiety/panic attack, going nonverbal for a bit, I think that is everything?

A little background/explanation before the lil fic because I know I’ve shared not a damn thing about these two but it should be completely skippable, just know that Diex is a changeling in his tiefling persona to start this. If you’re confused you can always go back to read it after and/or send asks, was trying to keep it short I’m already rambling

Background info:

First and foremost, Nix and Diex are changeling brothers who both fell for Halsin. I want to emphasize there is nothing between the brothers other than being brothers, no incest, they do not share Halsin in those moments.

Nix (ranger) is mute and solely communicates via signs or writing (I think I wrote it understandably but the quotes that are italicized are signed). Diex (druid) is with him 99% of the time so he’ll translate signing to spoken language for ease/speed of communication to others.

They’re technically not “Tavs” as in neither of them is the leader and they’re not worm-wielders, another bean is in the “Tav position” but I didn’t even mention him in this. They were hanging out to help out with the tieflings in the grove (as their tiefling personas) before joining the group.

Context for slight mention of their past, Diex was on the run for 10 years where both brothers were completely alone before finally finding each other again.

The brothers usually use their tiefling personas to travel with the group since that is the one the party knows and met them in, and drop it at camp since they prefer to just be themselves.

I think that is all but let me know if something feels missing?

————

Today was a prep day, everybody gathering potions and ammunitions, sharpening weapons, preparing spells. Halsin and Diex wandered vendor stalls together in the city, looking for anything the others had need of. The two became lost in their own worlds and drifted a few stalls apart before the changeling started to notice a woman’s obnoxious flirting.

“I’ll bet those strong hands of yours can do far more than that.” The woman’s advances earned an amused hum from the man she had her sights on. Wait. Diex lifted his gaze and turned to where the voices had come from and, sure enough, there she was standing and staring at Halsin. He didn’t hear anything else that was said; his feet took him over to his bear immediately. Arms wrapped around Halsin’s waist, Diex flashed the woman a dirty look, made worse by his morphing face but angled so the much taller druid couldn’t see.

“Well, I should uh, be getting home!” The woman grew visibly uncomfortable at his show and left in a hurry. He didn’t move, just watched her leave as his tiefling tail swayed behind him.

“Diex?” Halsin’s voice is all it takes to snap the clingy changeling out of it. He’s suddenly out of his head and in the market again, clung to his large elf. Embarrassment and shame hit him like a tidal wave. Halsin isn’t only his.

His arms fell away from the other druid and he took a step back, not sure he wanted to look Halsin in the face.

“I- I am so sorry- …Halsin I-“

“Calm, my heart. I am not angry.” A gentle hand found Diex’s chin and lifted his gaze. Halsin’s face was that of gentle concern, not anger, although Diex wasn’t sure if that was better at the moment. “Are you alright?”

“I…” He couldn’t hold the eye contact anymore, couldn’t form words, and suddenly he realized his heart felt like it was ready to escape his chest. He wanted to run, but he knew he couldn’t. Or well, shouldn’t. Not this time. He wasn’t doing that again. Not again…

The caress on his chin left only to take his hand with a gentle squeeze.

“Let us go back to the tavern.”

Diex nodded silently in response, letting Halsin guide him through the city. His mind spun like a hurricane only to crash and fall completely blank, then spin again.

Halsin was being calm, gentle, concerned even. Yet, Diex had just gone against what he had agreed to, to let the bear roam. He acted a clingy, possessive teen to their first love. Well… Halsin was his first, but he’s no kid. He should’ve known better. Been better. Halsin didn’t deserve to deal with this. Diex should’ve just said no before. Let Nix lie with Halsin in camp alone. The quiet brother was more level-headed. Mature. He thought before he acted, didn’t make stupid mistakes. Some days Diex still wasn’t quite used to living around so many people, but Nix adapted well. He lived the way he hunted, patiently with no missteps. Yes, he should’ve just said no. The minor ache of losing a crush would’ve been far more manageable than what was going to happen when they made it back to the tavern.

The Elfsong… Diex’s stomach twisted as they entered the establishment. The noise of the tavern’s crowd barely felt like it reached his ears. The stairs felt like far too many to climb yet not nearly enough to keep him away from what was to come. The common area around the main fireplace and hallway felt like he had only taken two steps before they made it to the room Halsin was using. The one he usually shared with one or both of the changelings. Diex heard the door close and felt it in his heart. He dropped his tiefling persona and stood feeling bare in front of Halsin.

The room felt suffocating. The first moments felt like hours. Every fiber of his being wanted to run again. To leave the room, the tavern, the city, the people behind. Instead, two strong hands found his shoulders, gentle but steady, and a low voice brought him back to himself.

“My love, you’re shaking…”

Halsin was right; Diex had been so wrapped up in his own thoughts he didn’t notice how unsteady he was. Did the others see? Was anybody even there as they passed the common area to get to the room? Was Nix there? Although the shaking wouldn’t have made a difference for Nix, the two knew each other far too well. The elder brother would have known something was wrong anyway.

Halsin gently sat them both down, holding Diex close but gently enough he could pull away easily. They had fought countless foes on this journey and had more than a few terrifying encounters. Diex had never flinched at those dangers yet here he was a near mess and panicked.

“My love, speak to me…” Hands left Diex as Halsin signed a broken “Please, what are you thinking?”

Bless Halsin, the man had taken up learning as many signs as he could during their travels and the brokenness pulled Diex a little more out of his own head.

“I’m stupid.” Diex couldn’t remember teaching that sign, Halsin is far too kind to need use of it, but maybe Nix did for whatever reason. The larger druid wiped a newly fallen tear from the changeling’s cheek before signing a request for Diex to spell the word he signed. “…stupid.” His voice cracked and was barely a whisper.

“I disagree.” A warm kiss graced the pale man’s head. “But you do have yourself worked up terribly, so when you are able I hope we can talk about where your mind is right now.”

By the gods, how can a man be so gentle? Diex leaned into Halsin’s chest, letting himself be held once more.

“I just… sorry I chased her off.” A low hum rumbled in Halsin’s chest.

“I am not angry, my heart. And I was not returning her advances.” A chuckle lightly shook them. “You and Nix keep me very occupied in that regard.” Diex couldn’t help the faintest hint of a smile start to form on his lips, but it quickly faded.

“…but if you did? Want to…return them? And I ruined it…” As much as he was certain it was over, Halsin felt safe. He curled himself into the bear, wrapping his arms around Halsin’s waist.

“I would still not be angry.” Halsin’s answer was soft, steady. Patient.

“But I-! We agreed that-“ Calloused fingertips hushed Diex’s onslaught of worry. He finally lifted his gaze to meet Halsin’s, those hazel eyes obviously choosing his next words.

“Nix told me I was his first in every way, and that I was more than likely yours as well. I do not expect either of you to know exactly how you are going to feel and react to a new lover. Nor do I expect you to hold yourself to that agreement should you discover it doesn’t work for you. But, I do, however, expect and ask you to be honest with yourself and with me.” Halsin’s hand lowered to caress the changeling’s cheek. “I do not wish to see you so worried. I would not want to lose you as a partner, but I would hate to see you go against your nature for me. If you ever find this does not work for you, please say so.”

“I…” For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Diex’s mind was calm. Halsin’s words comforted him but those eyes soothed his very soul. He was allowed the space to just be. Love and learn, wherever that took him. “Thank you.” He realized he’d honestly not put much thought into sharing Halsin beyond his brother, or even beyond the tadpole party just outside the door. Gods know they’d each bed him in the right situation. Though, now he’d really need to consider Halsin with a complete stranger, however odd a thought that felt to him at the moment. But he didn’t have to figure it all out immediately.

Diex stared into those gorgeous eyes a moment longer before pressing his lips to Halsin’s, soft and knowing, a promise he’d keep. Halsin gently rubbed a thumb over the pale cheek.

“Your eyes are beautiful.” Halsin spoke with a sense of gentle awe, and the comment caught Diex so off guard that he felt a blush rise to his cheeks. His eyes were beautiful? They were but a blank slate; Halsin’s eyes were beautiful. The way they glimmered as he chuckled only proved the point even more.

“What?” Diex huffed half a laugh, not seeing what his bear found funny now.

“Your eyes turned hazel. Mine, I presume?” Oh. Well, if he wasn’t visibly blushing before, his face was red now, quickly turning away and actively dismissing his unintended eye color.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” It’s been a long time since he’s morphed unintentionally, and never had he mimicked someone, even purposefully.

“You’ve nothing to apologize for, my heart.”

“Gods… that’s twice today I’ve felt like a child.”

“Perhaps I could read you a bedtime story and tuck you in tonight?” Halsin chuckled as he teased, although something in Diex said the bear would do so if he genuinely asked.

“No! If you must read someone to sleep with bedtime stories, I’ll sleep alone and let Nix have you to himself tonight.”

They laughed and held each other close. Halsin was content Diex had settled back into himself, reassured in his arms.

There was a knock at the door, a pattern familiar only to Diex. He returned it tapping on the wooden floor, loud enough for Nix to hear outside. The ranger walked in, closing the door behind him before sitting next to the druid pretzel.

“I didn’t interrupt, did I? Are you alright? The expressions the two of you had got Karlach pacing.” Ah, so they did see. Diex habitually released Halsin to sign his response.

“Yeah, I’m good now. Do I have to let Karlach squeeze me so she doesn’t burn down the Elfsong?” The younger changeling’s smile and soft chuckle at the thought seemed to relieve Nix of some concern.

“It wouldn’t hurt. Well, maybe a little for you. Maybe wildshape first.” The two druids laughed at Nix’s idea, who let out his own amused breath.

The three of them eventually joined the rest of the party for dinner. Karlach got her hug, of course, after much assurance that Diex was fine. Most of them were confused about what she was even concerned over, much to his relief. He knew Shadowheart and Astarion could be nosy, but even they let it drop when he said it was between him and Halsin. Although, Nix’s blank stare from behind his younger brother may have pushed them to stay quiet.

The three would talk more later, if not just the brothers. Nix might have advice for how he’s been navigating the relationship. Then again, he may not know what he’s doing either. But that was for later. Right now, he had good food to enjoy and even better company to enjoy it with.

————

I hope Halsin felt like Halsin, I never feel like I write characters correctly anyway and trying to write about a relationship where one of them literally says that word is “unfamiliar to [his] lips” feels weird, but also a friendship is a relationship so 🤷‍♂️ and some shit just felt weird using any words, fanfic wiggle room I guess. Hope I did him justice in any case lol.

I do wanna write/draw more about these guys, funny enough I have more ideas about Nix with Halsin than Diex, but the writing demons possessed me for this specific idea last night lmao. Their dynamics are fun in my head plus the idea of exploring the brothers running into another changeling who is very not nice and everything they avoid being is something I wanna do as well cough even if orin has bs abilities for a changeling cough Nix was my first dnd character I made without help and a few years later played his brother, while now bringing them into bg3 has been living in my head rent free lol

[etirabys]

book review: she who became the sun

Woohoo, this stacked well with reading the "end of Ming, early Qing" stretch of The Search for Modern China. It's set in a similar time period, and Zhu, the "random peasant who turned out to have an amazing knack for leading a rebellion" protagonist, fits neatly into the historical period where many peasants or failed bureaucrats were discovering that this was their calling.

GOOD novel. Chewy. It's good. Had enough crazy brilliant protagonist energy to remind me of the Vorkosigan saga:

"That monk knows exactly what he wants. The night before the battle at Yao River, he asked me to make that gong for him. I made it, he used it, and he won,” Jiao said. “I’ve met his type before. They either go far or die early. And either way, they have a tendency to make collateral damage of normal people.” He raised his eyebrows at Yuchun. “Are you special, little brother? Because if you’re not, I’d watch out."

Will definitely be buying the sequel.

(At this point the review becomes spoilery.)

One of the most gorgeous blood feud I've ever seen! The players in the blood feud are:

- Ouyang, the sole survivor of the massacre of his Han family – begged for his life as a child, was spared but castrated, and has grown up into a fearsome Mongol general

- Chaghan, the high ranking Mongol military commander who did the massacreing

- Esen, Chaghan's son who conforms perfectly to Mongol masculine warrior ideals. Loves Ouyang as a best friend but fails to see, at all, how bitter Ouyang is with his life and how set he is on revenge.

- Wang, Chaghan's half-Han nephew whom he adopted as a son.

Each pair of the above either outright hates each other, OR is plotting the other's destruction despite great love, except Chaghan and Esen. It's fabulous! Ouyang is... oh, just read this short post about CS Lewis's definition of damnation. Ouyang is very damned.

Oh, Ouyang. Women are terrible! The politics.” He groaned. “Consider yourself lucky you’ll never have to suffer this kind of torment.” Esen never meant to hurt, and Ouyang had always taken care to pretend matter-of-fact acceptance about his exclusion from family life. Why should he blame Esen for not reading his mind to see the anger and pain there? But the truth was: he did blame Esen. Blamed him even more than he would a stranger, because it hurt more that someone so beloved should not see the truth of him. And he blamed and hated himself, for hiding that truth.

Ouyang's arc is a superbly executed tragedy. The climax, I think, physically winded me slightly.

And Wang –

This book is primarily about people-who-are-not-fully-men by the Mongol standards of manhood, and of the GNC characters, Wang was the one who struck me as queerest by nature/volition rather than circumstance. His gender is Accountant Who Loves The Arts, and his Manchu relatives HATE him for it. His gender noncompliance seems like "I'm doing this because I really want to and anything else is painful" rather than "I'm doing this because I was castrated" (Ouyang) or "I'm doing this because I was going to literally starve to death unless I latched on to the niche that was meant to be my dead brother's" (the protagonist).

Said GNC people sniff each other out quickly and feel Weird Magnetism. "Like calls to like" is an italicized refrain. In fact, Zhu's nonbinarydar is so advanced that she intuits Ouyang's emotional damage within minutes of meeting him, and feels a magnetic pull to him for the rest of the book. As a shipper, I'm a huge fan. (What I want: Ouyang/Zhu/Ma triad fic.) As a person who yearns for anyone to understand Ouyang, I'm a huge fan. But I'm an anti-fan of "these two people who are very different are of the Same Kind because they don't fit into mainstream culture". Such groupings are politically expedient but I feel allergic to seeing them painted as intrinsic similarities – to say, these two things are the same because they are not X, seems to ontologically center "X vs not X" when the political project should be to dissolve the salience of that division.

Through that strange quiver of connection to the Yuan’s eunuch general, she had seen beneath that carved-jade mask to his shame and self-hate and anger. He had a wound for a heart, and that made him a more dangerous opponent than anyone here realized.

I feel weird writing a paragraph about this, but the book is really explicit that these radically different GNC people are on the same wavelength and I'm like, NO, they're really not!... they could have grown into the weird intense soulmate enemy bond they immediately have in book 1, and that would have felt narratively rewarding to me – recognition through inquiry and (reluctant) empathy and reflection, not, Nonbinary Frog Pheromones

Finally: I loved Zhu's romance arc and childhood trauma and fucking everything. She's ten years old when her father is kicked to death by bandits for not offering them enough food (the whole region is some years into a famine), and by the time she's an adult this feels so faraway that... well, as an adult she sees a food seller at a market being extorted, and the scene goes like this:

“Hey, granny!” Well, less hope for some. Zhu, observing the unfolding human drama, felt a stirring of unease: the memory of something witnessed so long ago that it might as well have been in a past life.

Seriously, the kicked to death thing never comes up again, and the elision is vast and leaves a lot of room for echoes. Similarly – several minutes before being kicked to death, the desperate father, who devalues girl children in a culturally unexceptional way, offers ten year old Zhu as food for the bandits so they'll leave him and his son alone. (This whole scene is amazingly written, and does not get in the way of the inherent intensity and awfulness of this event.) Zhu does not process this onscreen At All. Once her entire family is dead she starts rolling on her journey to becoming a warlord like a polished marble. Said journey involves her taking her brother's place at a monastery and playing at being a not-girl so well that even the heavens won't notice that she's of the Grindable To Nothingness gender, all while having ZERO thoughts about the "eat my daughter and leave us alone" incident. Fucking fantastic.

Anyway, at the beginning of becoming a warlord, she meets Ma, a Girl Who Is Somehow Nice Despite The World Making This Very Hard:

in her face there was such a depth of raw and innocent emotion that Zhu’s eye was drawn as if to the scene of an accident

and

Zhu, watching Ma with an alien ache in her heart, saw the girl turn away at the critical moment [of someone she cares about being executed]. There was nobody to comfort her. She simply folded over onto herself in the middle of that empty bubble in the crowd, crying. Zhu felt a strong protective urge rise up in her at the sight. With alarm she realized it was a new desire, already rooted alongside that other desire that defined everything she was and did. It felt as dangerous as an arrowhead lodged in her body, as though at any moment it might work its way in deeper and cause some fatal injury.

and marries her. I love this, because I'm a huge sucker for "I am a very bad person and I love you and hope you will keep me in line" ships, and this is explicitly part of their deal!

However, after fights about less taboo atrocities, Ma comes back to Zhu after Zhu kills an eight year old Ma is attached to (for being a ?dalai lama? who is inconvenient to Zhu's goals), so it's a little unclear to me how much Ma is going to keep this function.