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witcherslittledove · 3 years ago

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Life's a Bitch

For @jaskiersbow as part of @thewitcherbog RPF exchange! - AO3

Ship: Joey/Henry (with a side of Joey/Kal)

A lockdown fic.... but with more dog fucking.

CW: RPF, Bestiality, Dead Dove: do not eat, masturbation, Joey has a small cock, multiple orgasms, knotting, accidental voyeurism

Lockdown was a bitch.

It wasn’t like Joey was a particularly sociable person, but the one thing really did enjoy was sex. He was no stranger to one night stands, getting far too drunk at the club and falling into bed with whoever took his fancy. Having sex with strangers was easy, especially when he was too drunk to care what they might think about him, about his dick. It wasn’t exactly average, and he’d been laughed at one too many times by people he cared about, so now he had a habit of pushing people away before he could get hurt.

Henry was no exception.

Sweet, kind, loving Henry, who had offered Joey a place to stay when the electrical mains had blown in the flat he shared with Madeleine. Gorgeous, filmstar, sexiest man alive Henry, who just happened to be Joey’s biggest crush.

So, despite the fact he was desperately horny, Joey kept his co-star at a distance. Preferring, instead, to cuddle up to Kal or spend hours locked away in his room composing, or trying to compose at the very least. He really didn’t want to admit how many hours he actually spent reading porn with his fingers up his arse. Honestly, the amount of lube he’d gotten through the last few weeks was just embarrassing.

There were moments when he thought that maybe, just maybe, Henry fancied him back. The soft smiles when they danced around each other in the kitchen in the mornings, the lingering glances across the room when they were watching Netflix in the evenings, or even the rather romantic walks with Kal at dawn.

But he couldn’t risk it, not when he had to spend the next seven odd years working with Henry. If they were lucky anyway, god, he hoped it would be that long. Lauren wouldn’t kill off Jaskier, would she?

Nah…

He was fine. Dandelion was integral to Geralt’s development in the series. Joey just had to have faith that Lauren saw that too.

Of course, there was a niggly feeling at the back of Joey’s head, an anxiety that said this stupid bloody pandemic would never end and he’d never get to perform again. He kept wondering whether he should just give up, get another job; something stable.

He sighed, running both hands through his hair as he collapsed back onto the bed, his guitar abandoned on the floor. Lockdown wasn’t the most inspiring of events, but he had to be productive. It was the only way he was getting through his boredom, that and far too much gin and wine. He smiled at that, Henry had been terrible for encouraging his love of gin and tonic, the pair of them spending most evenings lost at the bottom of the bottle.

Okay, so maybe he wasn’t keeping Henry at as much of a distance as he should have been, but a broken heart would definitely fix his lack of inspiration. There was no better cure for writer’s block than a broken heart. Any artist could tell you that.

Until then Joey supposed he would just continue to be unbearably horny and get through too much lube.

He had nothing better to do.

Groaning, he leaned over to grab the bottle he kept in the drawer, and then hastily unzipped his jeans. It didn’t take long for his cock to get hard, teasing strokes along his length as he fell into the memory of Henry working out that morning, biceps bulging in the dark blue tank top, tanned skin glistening with sweat in the sun. Thick curls fell in front of Henry’s eyes, sticking to his forehead, and he winked -sort of- as he noticed Joey watching from the doorway. Joey wanted to lick every inch of Henry’s skin, lavishing him in kisses and hickies until there was no denying who he belonged to, then he wanted Henry to ruin him; fuck him against whatever surface they could find, strong arms lifting him up against the wall. Joey could ride him until his legs started to shake, Henry thrusting up into him until he couldn’t remember his own name.

God, he wanted it all.

Henry’s lips around his cock, never judging him or complaining, but loving him, loving his cock.

Sparks flew in front of Joey’s vision and he cried out as he came, spilling into his hand. The pleasure crashed over him, leaving him boneless as he fell back onto the bed with a blissful sigh, happy to bask in the haze of his orgasm and forgetting that it was all just a fantasy.

Until the door burst open and Joey was suddenly bombarded with a faceful of fur as Kal bounded into the room. It was mortifying. Joey was still covered in cum and lube, and now he had to try and force Henry’s giant hound onto the floor, but if Kal didn’t want to do something it was incredibly difficult to get him to behave. He was just so fucking heavy.

“Okay, that’s enough now, boy,” Joey mumbled, his face burning hot and he wondered if he could just die there, never having to show his face again.

Kal’s fur was already sticky with the mess of lube and cum, and Joey really didn’t want to have to explain that to Henry.

It was fine. He could pull Kal into the bathroom, nothing a flannel wouldn’t clean off. Henry never needed to know…

“Oh fuck, shit, Kal. No!” Joey stammered as the dog started to lick at his hand, dangerously close to his cock. “No, no, no. No!”

Kal ignored him, continuing to lick up the mess on Joey’s hand, before nuzzling against his cock, and holy shit, it had been so long since someone else had touched him. Despite the fact he’d just cum, Joey felt a whole new wave of arousal flood his body and his cock twitched pathetically, trying to get hard.

“Fuck,” Joey groaned, knowing he should be disgusted but he was just so fucking horny that he was struggling to keep a good grasp on reality.

And Kal really didn’t care that Joey’s cock was small even when hard.

Joey whined and closed his eyes, letting the dog lap messily at his dick. He was already so sensitive from his first orgasm but it felt so fucking good, and as long as he was already there and trapped by Kal, he might as well enjoy it. Every lap of Kal’s tongue sent fireworks through him, and Joey couldn’t help the needy whimpers that escaped his lips, his own hands running up inside his shirt to play with his nipples. It didn’t take long until he was hard again, panting and on the edge of a second orgasm.

“Joey?”

“Oh fucking cock!” Joey cursed and tried, to no avail, to push Kal off him

The door.

Kal had rushed into the room leaving the door wide open behind him.

“I- it’s… shit!” Joey stammered, trying to find an excuse that just didn’t exist.

He was caught. Life as he knew it was over. Henry would turn him into the police and he would never work again, all because he’d been too horny to stop Kal from licking his cock. It wasn’t as if he’d meant to do it. There was no pre-meditation and he hadn’t sought out the dog… but he’d enjoyed it?

“Kal, come here,” Henry’s voice was firm, and unfairly hot given the situation.

Despite his now flagging erection, Joey still wanted to climb the man like a tree. He was weak. He was desperate. He probably needed therapy.

Shit.

“I’m sorry, Joey,” Henry mumbled, sounding… ashamed?

Joey frowned, covering himself with a pillow as he sat up, running a hand through his hair. “Sorry? You just… Kal… Me?”

“I didn’t know he’d- I should have told you to lock the door.”

Henry was blushing, and he really did look apologetic, like he was the fucked up one in this situation. It didn’t make sense. None of it made sense. He should be angry, yelling, phoning the police, not apologising.

“Henry? What exactly are you apologising for?” Joey asked cautiously, chewing at his bottom lip. There was a flutter of hope in his chest that maybe, just maybe, he was the only one.

“Don’t make me say it.”

“Darling, you just caught me getting my cock licked by your dog. I think we’re beyond boundaries now. I- You should hate me?”

“You should hate me. It’s my fault. I- I trained him to- to-”

Joey felt his eyes widening as he processed Henry’s words. Not only was he not disgusted at what he’d witnessed… he’d practically been the reason for it.

“Holy shit.”

“Please don’t tell anyone.”

“Holy shit!” Joey whined, scrambling off the bed to get closer to his crush who had just somehow got impossibly hotter.

“Joey, please.”

“I liked it.”

“What?”

“Kal, I- I liked it, and- umm, well… I like you too,” Joey admitted with a bashful smile, “and you did interrupt so… you could always join in?”

Henry’s face flew through a million different expressions until he seemed to finally understand what Joey was saying. A dangerous smile fell into place and they crashed together in a heated kiss, hands tearing at each other’s clothes, their shared shame fueling the passion until it was scorching every cell in their bodies. Teeth clashed, noses bumped, breaths intermingled, the taste of coffee dancing on Joey’s tongue.

And when Henry’s hand wrapped around Joey cock, he felt like he had died and gone to heaven. He waited for the comments to come, a raised eyebrow or something, anything… but Henry didn’t seem to care that his hand dwarfed Joey’s cock considerably. All his fears had been for nought. He whined and just kissed Henry with even more fervour.

“Fuck, Henry,” he moaned as Henry’s fingers stroked the length of his cock.

The bastard just chuckled, pulling back to press their foreheads together. “Ever taken a knot?”

“W-what? No?”

“Do you want to?” Henry asked, his fingers moving to tease Joey’s rim, the sensation making Joey keen.

“I- fuck, yes. Jesus Christ! You’re trying to kill me....”

“Get on the bed,” Henry instructed, then whistled at the dog who had been sitting rather patiently by the doorway.

Joey did as he was told, pulling off the last of his clothes before crawling back onto the bed, eagerly awaiting whatever new delights that Henry had in store. Smirking, he watched as Henry stripped down, looking like a fucking god, and Christ, the size of his cock… Joey might never walk again.

But that wasn’t what really caught his attention. No, Henry had Kal by the scruff of his neck and was pulling him up onto the bed to join them. It didn’t take Kal long to understand what his owner was asking of him, and he happily let Henry guide him, his own long pink cock unsheathed.

“Fuck,” Joey breathed as he stared, transfixed as everything he knew about himself was suddenly turned upside down.

He wanted this… badly. He hadn’t just enjoyed the mindless lapping at his cock because he was horny. Fuck, no, it was more than that. He wanted it. The thought of Kal fucking him made his cock ache and he was sure he’d never been quite so aroused in all his life.

“Good?” Henry asked, tilting his head.

“Uh huh. Yup, very…”

“Good,” Henry murmured before capturing Joey’s lips in another kiss.

There was a click of the lube bottle, and he hissed as Henry’s finger pushed inside him. “More,” he whined, “I can take more. I- already…”

Henry growled, and in the next thrust, he was two fingers deep inside Joey, his lips moving to attack Joey’s neck. Teeth grazed against Joey’s skin, fire burning in his lungs as he tried to catch his breath, another hand wrapped around his cock.

“I- I, fuck!”

“God, you’re perfect.” Henry’s words caught in Joey’s neck, his collarbone, his chest. “You fit so beautifully in my hand.”

Joey keened as Henry’s thumb ran along the head of his cock, the words tingling over his skin. “Please, Henry.”

“Shh, I’ve got you.”

Another finger slid inside him, the stretch a delicious burn that soon gave way to pleasure as Henry attentively opened him up, murmuring praise with every thrust of his fingers. His deep rich voice the bassline to the melody of Joey’s gasps and moans that filled the room.

“There you go, good boy, come on Kal. He’s ready for you,” Henry finally said.

“Oh, oh cock!” Joey panted, biting against his own hand to try and stop himself from cumming.

They were doing this.

Fucking mother of god, they were really doing this.

Henry’s strong arms scooped him off the bed, flipping him with ease and guiding him onto all fours. He whined, fingers gripping at the already filthy sheets, head dropped forward so he could see his own cock red and leaking onto the bed. Kal’s nose was cold against his skin, but Henry didn’t let him sniff for too long.

“Up boy, come on,” Henry coaxed.

The weight of the dog almost had Joey collapsing back down onto the bed. Pain seared down his spine as the claws dug into his skin, but fuck he wanted more. He needed more, everything that he could get. Joey could do little more than close his eyes and hold on as Kal rutted against him, frantic and desperate until finally, oh god, finally, his cock pushed inside.

It felt strange, different to any other cock Joey had taken before, reminding Joey of just how filthy this was, forbidden, disgusting and yet so fucking good. Kal fucked like a man possessed, desperate, ruthless, uncaring, and Joey felt tears prick in his eyes. He needed to cum, already so exhausted and oversensitive, but yet he felt like he might explode if he didn’t cum again. He vaguely heard his own voice babbling, pleading, begging, Henry's voice a constant low growl in his ear, stroking and pulling at his hair.

He felt so full, and it was only getting worse with every thrust until he finally felt the pressure of Kal’s knot teasing at his hole.

Fuck.

Henry hadn’t been kidding.

He whined, hand desperately reaching out until felt Henry’s fingers lace with his own.

“So fucking, full,” he gasped.

“You’re doing so well, Joey, almost there.”

“Fuck!” he cried as the knot finally pushed inside him, the dog cumming harder and longer than any human. With just a single touch to his cock, Joey’s own orgasm burst through him, spilling over Henry’s hand as he struggled to stay upright, the energy draining from him.

“That’s it, well done,” Henry murmured and Joey wasn’t sure if he was talking to Joey or to Kal.

Kal continued to rut against him, working the cum deeper and deeper, leaving Joey to whimper pitifully as he hung off the dog’s knot, unable to move. By the time the knot finally released him, Joey was a mess, whining against Henry’s chest, covered in cum; Kal’s, his own, Henry’s. He felt thoroughly used and fucked out, dozing quite contently in Henry’s arms.

So maybe lockdown wasn’t quite so bad after all.

#the witcher #the witcher rpf #joey/kal #joey/henry #dead dove do not eat #joey batey rpf #henry cavill rpf

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letterboxd · 4 years ago

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Careful How You Go.

Ella Kemp explores how film lovers can protect themselves from distressing subject matter while celebrating cinema at its most audacious.

Featuring Empire magazine editor Terri White, Test Pattern filmmaker Shatara Michelle Ford, writer and critic Jourdain Searles, publicist Courtney Mayhew, and curator, activist and producer Mia Bays of the Birds’ Eye View collective.

This story contains discussion of rape, sexual assault, abuse, self-harm, trauma and loss of life, as well as spoilers for ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘A Star is Born’.

We film lovers are blessed with a medium capable of excavating real-life emotion from something seemingly fictional. Yet, for all that film is—in the oft-quoted words of Roger Ebert—an “empathy machine”, it’s also capable of deeply hurting its audience when not wielded by its makers and promoters with appropriate care. Or, for that matter, when not approached by viewers with informed caution.

Whose job is it to let us know that we might be upset by what we see? With the coronavirus pandemic decimating the communal movie-going experience, the way we accommodate each viewer’s sensibilities is more crucial than ever—especially when so many of us are watching alone, at home, often unsupported.

In order to understand how we can champion a film’s content and take care of its audience, I approached women in several areas of the movie ecosystem. I wanted to know: how does a filmmaker approach the filming of a rape and its aftermath? How does a magazine editor navigate the celebration of a potentially triggering movie in one of the world’s biggest film publications? How does a freelance writer speak to her professional interests while preserving her personal integrity? How does a women’s film collective create a safe environment for an audience to process such a film? And, how does a publicist prepare journalists for careful reporting, when their job is to get eyeballs on screens in order to keep our favorite art form afloat?

The conversations reminded me that the answers are endlessly complex. The concerns over spoilers, the effectiveness of trigger warnings, the myriad ways in which art is crafted from trauma, and the fundamental question of whose stories these are to tell. These questions were valid decades ago, they will be for decades to come, and they feel especially urgent now, since a number of recent tales helmed by female and non-binary filmmakers depict violence and trauma involving women’s bodies in fearless, often challenging ways.

Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman, in particular, has revived a vital conversation about content consideration, as victims and survivors of sexual assault record wildly different reactions to its astounding ending. Shatara Michelle Ford’s quietly tense debut, Test Pattern, brings Black survivors into the conversation. And the visceral, anti-wish-fulfillment horror Violation, coming soon from Dusty Mancinelli and Madeleine Sims-Fewer, takes the rape-revenge genre up another notch.

These films come off the back of other recent survivor stories, such as Michaela Coel’s groundbreaking series I May Destroy You (which centers women’s friendship in a narrative move that, as Sarah Williams has eloquently outlined, happens too rarely in this field). Also: Kata Wéber and Kornél Mundruczó’s Pieces of a Woman, and the ongoing ugh-ness of The Handmaid’s Tale. And though this article is focused on plots centering women’s trauma, I acknowledge the myriad of stories that can be triggering in many ways for all manner of viewers. So whether you’ve watched one of these titles, or others like them, I hope you felt supported in the conversations to follow, and that you feel seen.

Weruche Opia and Michaela Coel in ‘I May Destroy You’.

* * *

Simply put, Promising Young Woman is a movie about a woman seeking revenge against predatory men. Except nothing about it is simple. Revenge movies have existed for aeons, and we’ve rooted for many promising young (mostly white) women before Carey Mulligan’s Cassie (recently: Jen in Coralie Fargeat’s Revenge, Noelle in Natalia Leite’s M.F.A.). But in Promising Young Woman, the victim is not alive to seek revenge, so it becomes Cassie’s single-minded crusade. Mercifully, we never see the gang-rape that sparks Cassie’s mission. But we do see a daring, fatal subversion of the notion of a happy ending—and this is what has audiences of Emerald Fennell’s jaw-dropping debut divided.

“For me, being a survivor, the point is to survive,” Jourdain Searles tells me. The New York-based critic, screenwriter, comedian—and host of Netflix’s new Black Film School series—says the presence of death in Promising Young Woman is the problem. “One of the first times I spoke openly about [my assault], I made the decision that I didn’t want to go to the police, and I got a lot of judgment for that,” she says. “So watching Promising Young Woman and seeing the police as the endgame is something I’ve always disagreed with. I left thinking, ‘How is this going to help?’”

“I feel like I’ve got two hats on,” says Terri White, the London-based editor-in chief of Empire magazine, and the author of a recently published memoir, Coming Undone. “One of which is me creating a magazine for a specific film-loving audience, and the other bit of me, which has written a book about trauma, specifically about violence perpetrated against the body. They’re not entirely siloed, but they are two distinct perspectives.”

White loved both Promising Young Woman and I May Destroy You, because they “explode the myth of resolution and redemption”. She calls the ending of Promising Young Woman “radical” in the way it speaks to the reality of what happens to so many women. “I was thinking about me and women like me, women who have endured violence and injury or trauma. Three women every week are still killed [in the UK] at the hands of an ex-partner, or somebody they know intimately, or a current partner. Statistically, any woman who goes for some kind of physical confrontation in [the way Cassie does] would end up dying.”

She adds: “I felt like the film was in service to both victims and survivors, and I use the word ‘victims’ deliberately. I call myself a victim because I think if you’ve endured either sexual violence or physical violence or both, a lot of empowering language, as far as I’m concerned, doesn’t reflect the reality of being a victim or a survivor, whichever way you choose to call yourself.” This point has been one many have disagreed on. In a way, that makes sense—no victim or survivor can be expected to speak to anyone else’s experience but their own.

Carey Mulligan and Emerald Fennell on the set of ‘Promising Young Woman’.

Likewise, there is no right or wrong way to feel about this film, or any film. But a question that arises is, well, should everyone have to see a film to figure that out? And should victims and survivors of sexual violence watch this film? “I have definitely been picky about who I’ve recommended it to,” Courtney Mayhew says. “I don’t want to put a friend in harm’s way, even if that means they miss out on something awesome. It’s not worth it.”

Mayhew is a New Zealand-based international film publicist, and because of her country’s success in controlling Covid 19, she is one of the rare people able to experience Promising Young Woman in a sold-out cinema. “It was palpable. Everyone was so engaged and almost leaning forwards. There were a lot of laughs from women, but it was also a really challenging setting. A lot of people looking down, looking away, and there was a girl who was crying uncontrollably at the end.”

“Material can be very triggering,” White agrees. “It depends where people are personally in their journey. When I still had a lot of trauma I hadn’t worked through in my 20s, I found certain things very difficult to watch. Those things are a reality—but people can make their own decisions about the material they feel able to watch.”

It’s about warning, and preparation, more than total deprivation, then? “I believe in giving people information so they can make the best choice for themselves,” White says. “But I find it quite reductive, and infantilizing in some respects, to be told broadly, ‘Women who have experienced x shouldn’t watch this.’ That underestimates the resilience of some people, the thirst for more information and knowledge.” (This point is clearly made in this meticulous, awe-inspiring list by Jenn, who is on a journey to make sense of her trauma through analysis of rape-revenge films.) But clarity is crucial, particularly for those grappling with unresolved issues.

Searles agrees Promising Young Woman can be a difficult, even unpleasant watch, but still one with value. “As a survivor it did not make me feel good, but it gave me a window into the way other people might respond to your assault. A lot of the time [my friends] have reacted in ways I don’t understand, and the movie feels like it’s trying to make sense of an assault from the outside, and the complicated feelings a friend might have.”

Molly Parker and Vanessa Kirby in ‘Pieces of a Woman’.

* * *

A newborn dies. A character is brutally violated. A population is tortured. To be human is to bear witness to history, but it’s still painful when that history is yours, or something very close to it. “Some things are hard to watch because you relate to them,” Searles explains. “I find mother! hard to watch, and there’s no actual sexual assault. But I just think of sexual assault and trauma and domestic abuse, even though the film isn’t about that. The thing is, you could read an academic paper on patriarchy—you don’t need to watch it on a show [or in a film] if you don’t want to.”

White agrees: “I’ve never been able to watch Nil by Mouth, because I grew up in a house of domestic violence and I find physical violence against women on screen very hard to watch. But that doesn’t mean I think the film shouldn’t be shown—it should still exist, I’ve just made the choice not to watch it.” (Reader, since our conversation, she watched it. At 2:00am.)

“I know people who do not watch Promising Young Woman or The Handmaid’s Tale because they work for an NGO in which they see those things literally in front of their eyes,” Mayhew says. “It could be helpful for someone who isn’t aware [of those issues], but then what is the purpose of art? To educate? To entertain? For escapism? It’s probably all of those.”

Importantly, how much weight should an artist’s shoulders carry, when it comes to considering the audiences that will see their work? There’s a general agreement among my interviewees that, as White says, “filmmakers have to make the art that they believe in”. I don’t think any film lover would disagree, but, suggests Searles, “these films should be made with survivors in mind. That doesn’t mean they always have to be sensitive and sad and declawed. But there is a way to be provocative, while leaning into an emotional truth.”

Madeleine Sims-Fewer in ‘Violation’.

Violation, about which I’ll say little here since it is yet to screen at SXSW (ahead of its March 25 release on Shudder) is not at all declawed, and is certainly made with survivors in mind—in the sense that in life, unlike in movies, catharsis is very seldom possible no matter how far you go to find it. On Letterboxd, many of those who saw Violation at TIFF and Sundance speak of feeling represented by the rape-revenge plot, writing: “One of the most intentionally thought out and respectful of the genre… made by survivors for survivors” and “I feel seen and held”. (Also: “This movie is extremely hard to watch, completely on purpose.”)

“Art can do great service to people,” agrees White, “If, by consequence, there is great service for people who have been in that position, that’s a brilliant consequence. But I don’t believe filmmakers and artists should be told that they are responsible for certain things. There’s a line of responsibility in terms of being irresponsible, especially if your community is young, or traumatised.”

Her words call to mind Bradley Cooper’s reboot of A Star is Born, which many cinephiles knew to be a remake and therefore expected its plot twist, but young filmgoers, drawn by the presence of Lady Gaga, were shocked (and in some cases triggered) by a suicide scene. When it was released, Letterboxd saw many anguished reviews from younger members. In New Zealand, an explicit warning was added to the film’s classification by the country’s chief censor (who also created an entirely new ‘RP18’ classification for the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which eventually had a graphic suicide scene edited out two years after first landing on the streaming service).

“There is a duty of care to audiences, and there is also a duty of care to artists and filmmakers,” says Mayhew. “There’s got to be some way of meeting in the middle.” The middle, perhaps, can be identified by the filmmaker’s objective. “It’s about feeling safe in the material,” says Mia Bays of the Birds’ Eye View film collective, which curates and markets films by women in order to effect industry change. “With material like this, it’s beholden on creatives to interrogate their own intentions.”

Filmmaker Shatara Michelle Ford is “forever interrogating” ideas of power. Their debut feature, Test Pattern, deftly examines the power differentials that inform the foundations of consent. “As an artist, human, and person who has experienced all sorts of boundary violation, assault and exploitation in their life, I spend quite a lot of time thinking about power… It is something I grapple with in my personal life, and when I arrive in any workplace, including a film set.”

In her review of Test Pattern for The Hollywood Reporter, Searles writes, “This is not a movie about sexual assault as an abstract concept; it’s a movie about the reality of a sexual assault survivor’s experience.” Crucially, in a history of films that deal largely with white women’s experiences, Test Pattern “is one of the few sexual-assault stories to center a Black woman, with her Blackness being central to her experience and the way she is treated by the people around her.”

Brittany S. Hall in ‘Test Pattern’.

* * *

Test Pattern follows the unfolding power imbalance between Renesha (Brittany S. Hall) and her devoted white boyfriend Evan (Will Brill), as he drives her from hospital to hospital in search of a rape kit, after her drink was spiked by a white man in a bar who then raped her. Where Promising Young Woman is a millennial-pink revenge fantasy of Insta-worthy proportions, Test Pattern feels all too real, and the cops don’t come off as well as they do in the former.

Ford does something very important for the audience: they begin the film just as the rape is about to occur. We do not see it at this point (we do not really ever see it), but we know that it happened, so there’s no chance that, somewhere deeper into the story, when we’re much more invested, we’ll be side-swiped by a sudden onslaught of sexual violence. In a way, it creates a safe space for our journey with Renesha.

It’s one of many thoughtful decisions made by Ford throughout the production process. “I’m in direct conversation with film and television that chooses to depict violence against women so casually,” Ford tells me. “I intentionally showed as little of Renesha’s rape as humanly possible. I also had an incredibly hard time being physically present for that scene, I should add. What I did shoot was ultimately guided by Renesha’s experience of it. Shoot only what she would remember. Show only what she would have been aware of.

“But I also made it clear that this was a violation of her autonomy, by allowing moments where we have an arm’s length point of view. I let the camera sit with the audience, as I’m also saying, as the filmmaker, this happened, and you saw enough of it to know. This, for me, is a larger commentary on how we treat victims of assault and rape. I do not believe for one goddamn minute that we need to see the actual, literal violence to know what happened. When we flagrantly replicate the violence in film and television, we are supporting the cultural norm of needing ‘all of the evidence’—whatever that means—to ‘believe women’.”

Ford’s intentional work in crafting the romance and unraveling of Test Pattern’s leading couple pays off on screen, but their stamp as an invested and careful director also shows in their work with Drew Fuller, the actor who played Mike, the rapist. “It’s a very difficult role, and I’m grateful to him for taking it so seriously. When discussing and rendering the practice and non-practice of consent intentionally, I found it helpful to give it a clear definition and provide conceptual insight.

“I sent Drew a few articles that I used as tools to create a baseline understanding when it comes to exploring consent and power on screen. At the top of that list was Lili Loofbourow’s piece, The female price of male pleasure and Zhana Vrangalova's Teen Vogue piece, Everything You Need to Know about Consent that You Never Learned in Sex Ed. The latter in my opinion is the linchpin. There’s also Jude Elison Sady Doyle’s piece about the whole Aziz Ansari thing, which is a great primer.”

Sidney Flanigan in ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’.

Even when a filmmaker has given Ford’s level of care and attention to their project, what happens when the business end of the industry gets involved in the art? As we well know, marketing is a film’s window dressing. It has one job: to get eyeballs into the cinema. It can’t know if every viewer should feel safe to enter.

It would be useful, with certain material, to know how we should watch, and with whom, and what might we need in the way of support coming out. Whose job is it to provide this? Beyond the crude tool of an MPAA rating (and that’s a whole sorry tale for another day), there are many creative precautions that can be taken across the industry to safeguard a filmgoer’s experience.

Mayhew, who often sees films at the earliest stages (sometimes before a final cut, sometimes immediately after), speaks to journalists in early screenings and ensures they have the tools to safely report on the topics raised. In New Zealand, reporters are encouraged to read through resources to help them guide their work. Mayhew’s teams would also ensure journalists would be given relevant hotline numbers, and would ask media outlets to include them in published stories.

“It’s not saying, ‘You have to do this’,” she explains, “It’s about first of all not knowing what the journalist has been through themselves, and second of all, [if] they are entertainment reporters who haven’t navigated speaking about sexual assault, you only hope it will be helpful going forward. It’s certainly not done to infantilize them, because they’re smart people. It’s a way to show some care and support.”

The idea of having appropriate resources to make people feel safe and encourage them to make their own decisions is a priority for Bays and Birds’ Eye View, as well. The London-based creative producer and cultural activist stresses the importance of sharing such a viewing experience. “It’s the job of cinemas, distributors and festivals to realize that it might not be something the filmmaker does, but as the people in control of the environment it’s our job to give extra resources to those who want it,” says Bays. “To give people a safe space to come down from the experience.”

Pre-pandemic, when Birds’ Eye View screened Kitty Green’s The Assistant, a sharp condemnation of workplace micro-aggressions seen through the eyes of one female assistant, they invited women who had worked for Harvey Weinstein. For a discussion after Eliza Hittman’s coming-of-ager Never Rarely Sometimes Always, abortion experts were able to share their knowledge. “It’s about making sure the audience knows you can say anything here, but that it’s safe,” Bays explains. “It’s kind of like group therapy—you don’t know people, so you’re not beholden to what they think about you. And in the cinema people aren’t looking at you. You’re speaking somewhat anonymously, so a lot of really important stuff can come out.”

The traditional movie-going experience, involving friends, crowds and cathartic, let-loose feelings, is still largely inaccessible at the time of writing. Over the past twelve months we’ve talked plenty about preserving the magic of the big screen experience, but it’s about so much more than the romanticism of an art form; it’s also about the safety that comes from a feeling of community when watching potentially upsetting movies.

“The going in and coming out parts of watching a film in the cinema are massively important, because it’s like coming out of the airlock and coming back to reality,” says Bays. “You can’t do that at home. Difficult material kind of stays with you.” During the pandemic, Birds’ Eye View has continued to provide the same wrap-around curatorial support for at-home viewers as they would at an in-person event. “If we’re picking a difficult film and asking people to watch it at home, we might suggest you watch it with a friend so you can speak about it afterwards,” Bays says.

Julia Garner in ‘The Assistant’.

But, then, how can we still find this sense of community without the physical closeness? “It’s no good waiting for [the internet] to become kind,” she says. “Create your own closed spaces. We do workshops and conversations exclusively for people who sign up to our newsletter. In real-life meetings you can go from hating something to hearing an eloquent presentation of another perspective and coming round to it, but you need the time and space to do that. This little amount of time gives you a move towards healing, even if it’s just licking some wounds that were opened on Twitter. But it could be much deeper, like being a survivor and feeling very conflicted about the film, which I do.”

Conflict is something that Searles, the film critic, knows about all too well in her work. “Since I started writing professionally, I almost feel like I’m known for writing about assault and rape at this point. I do write about it a lot, and as a survivor I continue to process it. I’ve been assaulted more than once so I have a lot to process, and so each time I’m writing about it I’m thinking about different aspects and remnants of those feelings. It can be very cathartic, but it’s a double-edged sword because sometimes I feel like I have an obligation to write about it too.”

There is also a constant act of self-preservation that comes with putting so much of yourself on the internet. “I often get messages from people thanking me for talking about these subjects with a deep understanding of what they mean,” Searles says. “I really appreciate that. I get negative messages about a lot of things, but not this one thing.”

Michaela Coel in ‘I May Destroy You’.

* * *

With such thoughtful approaches to heavy content, it feels like we’re a long way further down the road from blunt tools like content and trigger warnings. But do they still have their place? “It’s just never seemed appropriate to put trigger warnings on any of our reviews or features,” White explains. “We have a heavy male readership, still 70 percent male to 30 percent female. I’m conscious we’re talking to a lot of men who will often have experienced violence themselves, but we don’t put any warnings, because we are an adult magazine, and when we talk about violence in, say, an action film, or violence that is very heavily between men, we don’t caveat that at all.”

Bays, too, is sceptical of trigger warnings, explaining that “there’s not much evidence [they] actually work. A lot of psychologists expound on the fact that if people get stuck in their trauma, you can never really recover from PTSD if you don’t at some point face your trauma.” She adds: “I’m a survivor, and I found I May Destroy You deeply, profoundly triggering, but also cathartic. I think it’s more about how you talk about the work, rather than having a ‘NB: survivors of sexual abuse or assault shouldn’t see this’.”

“It’s important to give people a feel of what they’re in for,” argues Searles. “A lot of people who have dealt with suicide ideation would prefer that warning.” While some worry that a content warning is effectively a plot spoiler, Searles disagrees. “I don’t consider a content warning a spoiler. I just couldn’t imagine sitting down for a film, knowing there’s going to be a suicide, and letting it distract me from the film.” Still, she acknowledges the nuance. “I think using ‘self-harm’ might be better than just saying ‘suicide’.”

Mayhew shared insights on who actually decides which films on which platforms are preceded with warnings—turns out, it’s a bit messy. “The onus traditionally has fallen on governmental censorship when it comes to theatrical releases,” she explains. “But streamers can do what they want, they are not bound by those rules so they have to—as the distributors and broadcasters—take the government’s censors on board in terms of how they are going to navigate it.

“The consumer doesn’t know the difference,” she continues, “nor should they—so it means they can be watching The Crown on Netflix and get this trigger warning about bulimia, and go to the cinema the next day and not get it, and feel angry about it. So there’s the question of where is the responsibility of the distributor, and where is the responsibility of the audience member to actually find out for themselves.”

The warnings given to an audience member can also vary widely depending where they find themselves in the world, too. Promising Young Woman, for example, is rated M in Australia, R18 in New Zealand, and R in the United States. Meanwhile, the invaluable Common Sense Media recommends an age of fifteen years and upwards for the “dark, powerful, mature revenge comedy”. Mayhew says a publicist’s job is “to have your finger on the pulse” about these cultural differences. “You have to read the overall room, and when I say room I mean the culture as a whole, and you have to be constantly abreast of things across those different ages too.”

She adds: “This feeds into the importance of representation right at the top of those boardrooms and right down to the film sets. My job is to see all opinions, and I never will, especially because I am a white woman. I consider myself part of the LGBT community and sometimes I’ll bring that to a room that I think has been lacking in that area, when it comes to harmful stereotypes that can be propagated within films about LGBT people. But I can’t bring a Black person’s perspective, I cannot bring an Indigenous perspective. The more representation you have, the better your film is going to be, your campaign is going to be.”

Bays, who is also a filmmaker, agrees: representation is about information, and working with enough knowledge to make sure your film is being as faithful to your chosen communities as possible. “As a filmmaker, I’d feel ill-informed and misplaced if I was stumbling into an area of representation that I knew nothing about without finding some tools and collaborators who could bring deeper insight.”

Carey Mulligan and Bo Burnham in ‘Promising Young Woman’.

This is something Ford aimed for with Test Pattern’s choice of crew members, which had an effect not just on the end product, but on the entire production process. “I made sure that at the department head level, I was hiring people I was in community with and fully saw me as a person, and me them,” they say. “In some ways it made the experience more pleasurable.” That said, the shoot was still not without its incidents: “These were the types of things that in my experience often occur on a film set dominated by straight white men, that we're so accustomed to we sometimes don’t even notice it. I won’t go into it but what I will say is that it was not tolerated.”

Vital to the telling of the story were the lived experiences that Ford and their crew brought to set. “As it applies to the sensitive nature of this story, there were quite a few of us who have had our own experiences along the spectrum of assault, which means that we had to navigate our own internal re-processing of those experiences, which is hard to do when we’re constructing an experience of rape for a character.

“However, I think being able to share our own triggers and discomfort and context, when it came to Renesha’s experience, made the execution of it all the better. Again, it was a pleasure to be in community with such smart, talented and considerate women who each brought their own nuance to this film.”

* * *

Thinking about everything we’ve lived through by this point in 2021, and the heightened sensitivity and lowered mental health of film lovers worldwide, movies are carrying a pretty heavy burden right now: to, as Jane Fonda said at the Golden Globes, help us see through others’ eyes; also, to entertain or, at the very least, not upset us too much.

But to whom does film have a responsibility, really? Promising Young Woman’s writer-director Emerald Fennell, in an excellent interview with Vulture’s Angelica Jade Bastién, said that she was thinking of audiences when she crafted the upsetting conclusion.

What she was thinking was: a ‘happy’ ending for Cassie gets us no further forward as a society. Instead, Cassie’s shocking end “makes you feel a certain way, and it makes you want to talk about it. It makes you want to examine the film and the society that we live in. With a cathartic Hollywood ending, that’s not so much of a conversation, really. It’s a kind of empty catharsis.”

So let’s flip the question: what is our responsibility, as women and allies, towards celebrating audacious films about tricky subjects? The marvellous, avenging blockbusters that once sucked all the air out of film conversation are on pause, for now. Consider the space that this opens up for a different kind of approach to “must-see movies”. Spread the word about Test Pattern. Shout from the rooftops about It’s A Sin. Add Body of Water and Herself and Violation to your watchlists. And, make sure the right people are watching.

Brittany S. Hall and Will Brill in ‘Test Pattern’.

I asked my interviewees: if they could choose one type of person they think should see Promising Young Woman, who would it be? Ford has not seen Fennell’s film, but “it feels good to have my film contribute to a larger discourse that is ever shifting, ever adding nuance”. They are very clear on who can learn the most from their own movie.

“A white man is featured so prominently in Test Pattern as a statement about how white people and men have a habit of centering themselves in the stories of others, prioritizing their experience and neglecting to recognize those on the margins. If Evan is triggering, he should be. If your feelings about Evan vacillate, it is by design.

“‘Allies’ across the spectrum are in a complicated dance around doing the ‘right thing’ and ‘showing up’ for those they are ostensibly seeking to support,” Ford continues. “Their constant battle is to remember that they need to be centering the needs of those they were never conditioned to center. Tricky stuff. Mistakes will be made. Mistakes must be owned. Sometimes reconciliation is required.”

It is telling that similar thoughts emerged from my other interviewees regarding Promising Young Woman’s ideal audience, despite the fact that none of them was in conversation with the others for this story. For that reason, as we come to the end of this small contribution to a very large, ongoing conversation, I’ve left their words intact.

White: I think it’s a great film for men.

Searles: I feel like the movie is very much pointed at cisgender heterosexual men.

Mayhew: Men.

White: We’re always warned about the alpha male with a massive ego, but we’re not warned about the beta male who reads great books, listens to great records, has great film recommendations. But he probably slyly undermines you in a completely different way. Anybody can be a predator.

Searles: The actors chosen to play these misogynist, rape culture-perpetuating men are actors we think of as nice guys.

White: We are so much more tolerant of a man knocking the woman over the head, dragging her down an alley and raping her, because we understand that. But rape culture is made up of millions of small things that enable the people who do it. We are more likely to be attacked in our own homes by men we love than a stranger in the street.

Mayhew: The onus should not fall on women to call this out.

Searles: It’s not just creeps, like the ones you see usually in these movies. It’s guys like you. What are you going to do to make sure you’re not like this?

Related content

Sex Monsters, Rape Revenge and Trauma: a work-in-progress list

Rape and Revenge: a list of films that fall into, and play with, the genre

Unconsenting Media: a search engine for sexual violence in broadcasting

Follow Ella on Letterboxd

If you need help or to talk to someone about concerns raised for you in this story, please first know that you are not alone. These are just a few of the many organizations and resources available, and their websites include more information.

US: RAINN (hotline 0800 656 HOPE); LGBT National Help Center; Pathways to Safety; Time’s Up.

Canada: Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centers—contacts by province and territory

UK/Ireland: Mind; The Survivors Trust (hotline 08088 010818); Rape Crisis England and Wales

Europe: Rape Crisis Network Europe

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spidernerdsblog · 4 years ago

Text

Love Is The Biggest Spell

A/N : Chapter three is here. Lingering feelings are getting too strong to handle as the dynamic of some relationships starts changing. Hope you like this chapter. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

Pairing : Warlock Tom Holland x half mortal reader

Summary : Witches are forbidden to fall in love with mortals. But what if your long lost love returns to you as a mortal, can you defy your heart? Any spell any magic seems useless in front of the magic of love. Let's join our lovers in their magical conquest beyond life and death as they fight for their love unraveling dark mysteries of the past along their way.

Warnings : 18+,mention of sex, light smut, mature content, language

Mini Playlist : Tick tock by Mabel.

Next day at your college you and Jane were standing in front of your lockers talking about some stuff whilst Tony dropped in.

"Hey girls what's the tea?"

"Jane over here was hit by a truck named Harrison yesterday and since then she has been gushing about his icy blue eyes, golden hair, perfect jawline and most probably on point dick game." You explained with a dramatic voice.

"How can you not? Have you ever looked into his eyes? I just felt like I could drown in those ocean blue eyes." Jane gushed with dreamy eyes.

"See?" you said proving your point.

"I really wish I could meet him again." And as soon as those words rolled out of Jane's tongue your eyes were met with those familiar blue orbs with spects across the hall and right back at him you caught a glimpse of that luscious mop of brown hair and honey brown eyes walking right at your direction. Jane followed your gaze and turned around to look at the guy she was fantasizing about a few seconds ago. She thought she might faint, her legs felt wobbly.

They walked making heads turn. It looked like one of those slow motion college movie scenes where the hero makes an entry and everyone is gaping at the hot and dashing newcomers, boys getting envious and girls going crazy.

"Is today make a wish day? Then I would really like to be a billionaire." You joked.

"Hi Jane nice to see you again." Harrison came up to her. Jane was dumbfounded.

"Jane, honey will you speak up?" you teased.

"Please don't mind, she is a little out of order today." You joked.

"Y/NN!!"

"What?! you were the one being numb."

"Sorry I was lost in my thoughts."

"Of yours." You chuckled. Jane elbowed you hard. ''Ow!"

"Hi Y/N nice to see you again too." Tom greeted you with that ever adorable smile. Now it was your turn to get the jitters.

"Yeah Hi" you said timidly. If you weren't to lie you yourself felt your heart flutter seeing Tom. You know it was wrong, so wrong you have a boyfriend who you love dearly but that smile that damned smile did things to you.

They walked away to the principal’s office.You all went for your history class. After sometime Tom and Harrison walked in your class escorted by Professor Brown.

"Students I would like to introduce you to our new transfer students. Tom Holland and Harrison Osterfield." your jaws dropped seeing your new classmates. Tom and Harrison walked past you and took a seat at the back. The class started as Professor Brown made some announcements.

"So class as per your assignments are concerned you are going to work in pairs. And I'll be making the pairs."

"Boris and Lucy.." Mr Brown continued announcing the pairs.

"Jane and Harrison." You and Jane exchanged glances amused.

"Damn, you lucky bitch!!" You punched her arm lightly. Jane giggled, turning her head around shyly to glance at Harrison. He raised his eyes from his book and gave her a subtle wink, her face turning red.

"Next is Y/N.." Cole turned back towards you smiling.

"And Tom." Mr Brown announced shocking you both. You looked at each other puzzled.

"What?! but Sir we used to do projects together every time." Cole protested.

"Cole this time you do with Tony. Tom and Harrison have joined in the middle of the semester. It will be better if my best students help them through the assignment. Is it okay with you Y/N?"

"Yes sir it's absolutely fine with me." The class ended after sometime.

"Can't believe professor Brown would do that." Cole muttered.

"It's just an assignment, you will be fine. Tony isn't that bad a partner." You rubbed his shoulder comfortingly and then walked to the back where Tom was sitting.

"So hello new partner! Let's get to work shall we?" Tom shut his notebook turning his attention to you.

"Yeah sure." You took a seat in front of him.

''We need to decide on the topic we will be doing our assignment, any suggestions?"

"How about the witch trials?"

"You want to do the assignment on witch trials?" You were a little taken aback.

"No, I was just suggesting we can do whatever you want to do." He said nervously.

"No it's fine I had always wanted to do an assignment on that but unfortunately Cole never agreed upon doing that. Why do you want to do that?"

"Umm I just feel that those witch trials were barbaric and many innocent women and men were killed."

"You think that too?! That’s awesome! So what are we waiting for? C'mon let's get started” You pulled him by his hand and dragged him to the library. The mere touch of your hand on his sent electric impulses through his body he just followed you as if he were in a trance. You went to the history section of the library and pulled out the books you needed to take home for research.

"Okay then we can go to my house. Oh sorry or you want to go to your house?"

"Your house is fine."

"Here give me some, they seem heavy." Tom extended his hands to take a few books from you.

"Yeah thanks." While you were walking to your home you tried have a conversation with him because you knew very little about him.

"As far as I remember you said you were done with your studies then what brings you in our history class?"

"I said I was done studying in London, not completed, my family needed me back here for our business so I had to return."

"Okay."

"So you guys are brothers or something?"

"Oh no Harrison is my best friend, our fathers are business partners you see."

"Who are there in your family?"

"Mum,dad, three younger brothers and my lovely dog Tessa."

"You have a dog?! Great! I have a cat!" You chirped.

"Not to be rude but not a fan of cats."

"That's fine nobody's judging you."

"So what about your family?" he asked.

"Mom and dad. I'm their only daughter. My cousin sister and aunt live with us after their husbands passed away. We were the only ones they had as family."

"Sorry to hear that."

"It's okay we are past it.''

Reaching your house you rang the doorbell. Your sister opened the door.

"You are early today." She remarked as she let you in.

"Yeah have some research to do for an assignment."

"Oi why are you standing out there? come in!" You called out to Tom. Erica turned to see whom you have brought in with you and as she saw Tom a smirk formed on her face.

"You finally dumped that dumbass?" She teased. You rolled your eyes.

"Unfortunately no, Cole is still my boyfriend. This is Tom, he is a transfer student and my project partner."

"And this is my very nosy cousin Erica." You introduced her to Tom.

"If being concerned about your well being is nosy I have nothing to say. Nice to meet you by the way." She turned to Tom.

"The pleasure is all mine."

"Boy you don't know what you have signed up for she is a bit of a crackhead sometimes."

"Erica!!"

"I think I can handle a little bit of crazy." he looked at you smiling.

"That's enough for today, if you would excuse us we need to start working on our assignment." You slipped your hand in Tom's arm dragging him up the stairs.

"Yeah sure unless the topic of the assignment is jumping on his bones."

"You're seriously unbelievable!" you glared at her ushering Tom to your room.

"Sorry for my sister, she's a bit outspoken." You apologized.

"It's okay she seems to be a fun person. And she should be in a happy mood at this time. How far is she by the way?"

"Five months can't wait to be an aunt you know."

"Though I really feel bad for them. That poor baby will never get to see his dad."

"What happened if I may ask."

"Car accident he was returning from work on a rainy night. The car skidded and toppled on the road near the mystic forests; he was severely injured but couldn't make it to the hospital." there was a moment of silence in between you two.

Your cat meowed at the doorway startling you both.

"Madeleine, come here baby!" You cooed as she slowly walked to you and started growling as soon as she looked at Tom

"No bad kitty." You scolded her but she continued to pur at Tom.

"Strange she never does that to anyone." You frowned picking her in your arms.

"I think she doesn't like me"

"I'm sorry."

"It's ok the feeling is mutual dear." He brushes her fur and Madeleine jumps off your hands.

"Where did you buy this cat? Black cats with red eyes are really rare to find."

"Oh no I didn't buy her. I found her toiling alone near the forest on my 21st birthday. She seemed a bit weak and hungry, I really felt bad and brought her home with me. And since then she's part of our family."

"That was very generous of you. 'As always' he said that in his mind.

"Thank you"

"Okay I'll just go and quickly freshen up you sit here for a while."

"Yeah sure."

It was the perfect chance he thought to carry out his plan. The whole assignment thing was an excuse. The sole reason he came to your house was something else. He got up and went near your dressing table and stood in front of the mirror. He sucked in his index finger and then traced it on the edges of the mirror. Then he went downstairs and did the same in all the mirrors of your house casting a scrying spell on them. So that he can watch over you anytime.

Madeleine was hovering in between his legs. He lifted her and she was still hissing at him.

"I thought you were dead because familiars cannot stay alive without their masters." Madeleine purred again. Tom arched his brows amused.

"Why am I here? You know it very well why am I here Madeleine." She purred.

"You also know she doesn't belong here and I'm going to take her back to where she actually belongs, to her home."

He heard the unlocking of the bathroom door as Madeleine jumped from his arms and ran away.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting"

"It's okay." You both worked together doing a case study on various journals, articles and books you brought from the library. Tom left in the evening though he didn’t want to leave you but he had no other choice.

.......................................

"The power of persuasion always works doesn't it? Was quite easy to get into that Principal and that dumbass Professor's heads." Harrison remarked cockily.

"Yeah at least now we can be near them and get our work done." Tom agreed.

"So how was your day?"

"Quite insightful to be honest. Tom exhaled.

"She has her familiar."

"What! Madeleine is alive?"

"Yup, she had been around her all these years protecting her against all possible threats. And keeping her existence hidden from us."

"That sly cat!"

"How was your day?"

"It was quite adventurous for me."

"Don't tell me you did…"

"No not yet but Jane is totally smitten by me." Harrison stated proudly.

"See Haz we just need Jane to get close to Y/N that's it. Nothing more than that."

"Yeah, yeah I know and that is what I'm doing, apparently your lady love is having visions from her past life."

"What?! really??"

"Yes that is what Jane told me" he shrugged.

"Now that's a good head start, now she just needs a little push and our work will be done."

"But Harrison please don't get involved with Jane in such a way that she or you have to regret later." he warned.

"I know but if she keeps throwing herself at me how do you expect me to control myself?" he said cockily.

"Then try to control, you were the one giving me the lecture on that we shouldn't mingle with the mortals then what is this?"

"Yeah what's the big deal anyways. I don't love her." he replied nonchalantly.

"But what if she does Haz?"

"Once Jane finds out the truth she will hate me anyways. Let me have some fun dude."

Tom's phone dinged and his eyes lit up seeing the text.

Y: Hey it's Y/N.. you reached home?

He replied instantly.

T: Just did.

You didn't know what to say next , should you say goodnight? bye? Or just a smiling emoji with heart? no, no, no not heart. You wrote the text and everytime pressed backspace.

T: You needed something? You were relieved that he texted something back.

Y: Yeah actually just thinking of if we got something more than the library books I feel they are quite one sided we need to know both sides' stories to come to a conclusion.

T: I got some books in my house which might be useful. I'll bring them tomorrow at your house.

Y: Great! See you tomorrow then. Goodnight.

T: Goodnight love.

You blushed a little at the last text.

Your life went through a smooth transition. You got to see more of Tom and Harrison as they became your regular customers at your cafe. You were spending more time with Tom than Cole. Though you both had your reasons Cole was busy training for the upcoming intercollege basketball tournament and you were busy with the project you took up. But you were happy with Tom. How much ever you wanted to go away something pulled you back towards him. He seemed a mystery to you, a mystery you were dying to solve. He intrigued you in many different ways that you couldn't describe.

"Where did you even get these books? These are just so full of valuable information.'' you turned the pages.

"My mom is an antique curator she bought these from a woman back then."

"Thanks to your mom we are gonna nail this assignment!" You sat next to him at the table.

''By the way our varsity basketball tryouts are going to happen tomorrow you and Harrison can totally give it a shot.''

"I don't think I can. Plus your boyfriend seems to have a special dislike for me."

"Cole is just a little bit reserved around new people he will be fine and anyways our team sucks could use some new talents like you"

"Will you come to cheer for us?"

"Why?"

"Then I may give it a thought."

"Maybe who knows?" you said cockily. Your faces were so close, his breath fanning your face. You zoned out looking into his eyes as your gaze dropped to his lips, it looked so tempting, you wondered how they would taste, feel in your mouth. Tom cleared his throat and you were snapped out of the daze moving away from him averting your gaze. Your cheeks heating up at the inappropriate thoughts you were having. The tension in the room was so thick that it could be cut through a knife.

"Uhh I must get going, it's already quite late." he said awkwardly breaking the silence.

"Yeah right." you agreed. Tom got up and you followed him to see him off. As you were passing by the fireplace something dropped from Tom's hand making a metal clinking sound and jumped right into the fire.

"Oh shit! My ring!" Tom exclaimed.

"Let me bring water to put out the fire." You offered.

"No the ring is antique it will rust with slightest contact with water." That was the lamest reason you have ever heard.

"then how do you wash your hands?"

"I take it off." You still weren't satisfied with the answer but decided not to argue. Taking a deep breath you looked at him furrowing your eyebrows.

"Is it really that important to you?"

"Yeah it's a family heirloom."

"Okay I'll get that for you. But whatever you are about to see just don't freak out ok?" You bent down near the fireplace and were about to put your hand in the raging fire.

"Wait! What are you doing?!"

"Getting your ring dumbo! As we can't use water." you sassed.

"But that's fire you'll get burned."

"Trust me I'll be fine." You assured him and put your hand in the burning wood and retrieved his ring easily without a single burn on your hand. A wide smile spread across Tom's face, you passed the test unharmed. What more does he want? He is ready to look like an idiot in front of you to make you realize your true identity. When you turned around he quickly changed his facial expression, his mouth forming an 'o' pretending to be shocked at what you just did.

"I know just don't tell anyone ok you will be the first one to know except my family."

"I have a condition" you shrugged

"I have no sense towards anything hot that means fire. But actually I don't get burned either, which nobody is aware of, not even my mother because she is already so worried about me and I don't want her to get stressed out more. You'll be the first one to know. So your silence will be appreciated."

"My lips are sealed." Tom assured you, he was about to take the ring from you but you moved it away.

"I wouldn't touch it if I were you. It's still hot I guess" You were inspecting the ring and frowned.

"Hey it's quite similar to the one I have."

"You also have one?"

"Yeah, see?" you extended your hand showing him your ring. He held your hand.

"Where did you get this?!" he exclaimed, clutching on to your hand.

"Uh my mother gave it to me." You looked at him awkwardly. He let go of your hand.

"Oh sorry!"

"She brought it from the church, said that it's blessed and I should not take it off. Will kind of protect me from what I don't know." You rolled your eyes.

"Your mother loves you."

"Yeah I know that is why I'm wearing this or else I wouldn't if anyone else asked me to."

"I think you are being late, you should get going now."

''Yeah bye see you tomorrow during class." Tom left saying that.

…………………

''I told you Amber would never do anything without any reason and that enchanted ring on Y/N's hand is the proof."

"Amber was really way ahead of us. But if Y/N's mother gave her that do you think she knows about who Y/N really is?"

"I believe Y/N's mother knows something that none of us know, she might also know what exactly happened that night before Amber disappeared."

Tom waved his hand across the mirror in his room and your room became clearly visible on it. He smiled like a child glancing at his ring.

"Can't believe she's actually wearing our engagement ring."

Suddenly you and Cole stumbled into your room. His hands roaming around your body as you kissed frantically, teeth clashing, sloppy and messy kisses. You fumbled with the buttons of his shirt pushing him onto the bed and got up to straddle him around his hips. He sat up propping on his arms, your lips meeting again for a hot kiss, you kept grinding yourself on his crotch. He moaned in the kiss his hands went under your sweatshirt drawing lazy circles on your skin. You took the hint and pulled off your sweatshirt.

"Oh missed this view so much." Cole gasped.

"Me too." You said biting your lips breathing heavily.

"Thank god your family is out of town."

"Yeah you should actually thank my uncle who got a heart attack so that is why they went to see him." You both giggled sealing your lips together, you couldn't get enough of each other as you grabbed on to each other.

Tom clenched his jaws while Harrison had a grin plastered on his face as they saw you through the mirror.

"Damn she really has a crazy sex drive. I don't remember Amber to be so aggressive." Harrison joked. Tom couldn't take it anymore, fuming from inside.

"A little impotence will not harm I guess.'' Tom mumbled something under his breath gazing at the mirror.

"Mmmph" Cole pulled away from the kiss

"What happened?" You asked with concern.

"I don't know but I can't get it up."

"What??" You had a puzzled look in your eyes.

"I can't get hard"

"Oh" you got down his lap sitting beside him.

"Sorry babe."

"Hey it's okay, it happens sometimes in old age you know, performance issues. It's gonna be fine don't worry." You burst out laughing putting back your sweatshirt on.

"Seriously Y/N it's not funny." He grimaced.

"Okay I'm sorry, let's cuddle?" You extended your arms pouting . He took them welcomingly. You both laid down.

"You may be just tired with all the practise. You need rest."You both snuggled close to each other, he ran his fingers through your hair playing with them.

"Are you coming tomorrow?"

"How can I not? Who else will cheer for my boyfriend huh?"

"No you are just so busy these days with your project with Tom. I thought.. " You cradled his face in your hands.

"Hey nothing is more important than you to me, do you understand?"

"Yes mam." he placed a soft kiss on your forehead.

You rested your head over his chest, listening to his strong and steady heart beat lulling you to sleep.

"Man that was savage! Where did your morales go suddenly? " Harrison chuckled.

"We need to severe her bonds with the mortal world." Tom said coldly gritting his teeth

…………………………..

You had come to cheer for your boyfriend but your eyes were practically glued to that curly haired brunette the whole time. You were shamelessly staring at his chiseled body, rippling with muscles as sweat dripped off them. Never in your life have you had this strong urge to run your hand through someone's body. As for Harrison he looked no less than a Greek God. His tousled golden hair and perfectly sculpted body can take anyone's breath away. Both of them probably gave a hormonal outburst to each and every ovary present in the room watching the game.

"You're staring." Jane smirked.

"So are you." You quipped.

"I don't have a boyfriend."

"It's-- it's a healthy kind of staring you know just appreciating the piece of art his body is nothing sexual." You clarified.

They gave a tough competition to the college team scoring goals after goals surprising each one of you with their skills. After the game got over you went to Cole who was a little upset and rubbed his shoulder comforting him, occasionally stealing glances of Tom who was surrounded by a swarm of girls which made you feel jealous for no reason.

Harrison headed for the shower room to freshen up.

"I'll be back." Jane said and went away.

Harrison was still in shower, when Jane came into the room. She walked into the shower. Her lips parted as she inhaled deeply, the site was a turn on for her. The water dripped down his hair softly. And the drops slowly made their way to his body and the perfect abs he had. The water defined his well, organized and obviously worked out body.

"Darling don't you think you are at the wrong place?" He turned grinning.

"I'm one hundred percent sure that I'm at the right place." Jane said with a sultry voice. His eyes darkened with lust as he pushed her inside the shower. Her back hitting the cold wall. His lips brush her. Not innocently, like a tease but hot, fiery, passionate and demanding. In this minty moment, her senses have been seduced and she could no longer think straight. “Jane” he whispers slowly, prolonging each letter as if to savor them. She smiles, her heart fluttering at his voice as she clasps her hands on either side of his face. Never before has her name ever felt so wonderful, she thinks, as she leans in for another… In an instant she pulled away and arched up into his broad chest, moaning in the contact of body heat against my own, before she drew back into his lips.

"Are you sure about this?" Harrison asked rather breathlessly. Jane hummed in response.

"Words darling."

"Yes Haz I need you."

The next thing she knew, he had slammed his lips to hers and nearly knocked all wind from her lungs.

Jane hardly had a moment to react before he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips and, at her grant of access, delved inside her mouth. It was a very sloppy kiss, her arms reached up and tangled around his thick, strong neck. As water trickled down their bodies the dress Jane was wearing sticking to her body Harrison bunched up her dress his fingers went down to rubbing her clothed core eliciting a moan out of her, his other hand gently massaging her boobs. Harrison was already naked and Jane could feel his hard on brushing against her thigh. Harrison lifted her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands grasping onto his shoulders.

Something raw, primal was in that moment as their senses were clouded with lust and desire. Their bodies craving for each other everything just felt so good. For a brief moment of time Tom's words buzzed in his mind but he couldn't care less. He knew it was wrong he had hated mortals all his life but when it comes to your carnal desires you can't think straight and being a satanic witch amplifies these feelings to another level. Her heart was pure filled with love for him but his was sinful full of darkness. He knows he is eventually going to break Jane's heart once Tom gets you back, he doesn't have to though but some things are better to be forbidden. It makes it more thrilling when you can't have something for a lifetime.

"I love you." Jane said panting whilst Harrison put her down slowly.

"Me too." he gave a tight lipped smile and then kissed her softly for one last time.

.........................................

You were discussing something with Tony and Cole as Jane dropped in after sometime.

"Hey guys what's up?"

"Nothing, we are just planning to go clubbing tonight. It has been a long time since we went, need to loosen up a bit."

"Great! Can Haz join us?"

"Haz?" You quirked your eyebrow and suddenly frowned, examining her up and down.

''Why is your hair wet? And what happened to the dress you were wear…'' Jane gulped, your eyes shifted to Harrison, his hair was wet as well and a cocky grin on his face, you connected the dots immediately as you coughed, clearing your throat awkwardly.

"Yeah Haz can totally join us, the more the merrier."

“And you too Tom, will be really happy if you come with us.

"Who am I to say no to you, love." Tom quipped.

'Love' never have you ever thought in your life that a single word can be such a turn on for you. Everytime a pet name rolled out of his tongue for you in that ridiculously seductive British accent it sent shivers down your spine. You just wished he keeps on calling you that again and again. Your eyes were fixated at him. You were feeling guilty and annoyed at the current predicament you have got yourself into. One side is your longtime boyfriend whom you were falling out of love slowly on the other side is a man whom you barely know but he has started to live in your mind rent free, he makes your mind go haywire. You felt a certain connection with him. You were startled out of your thoughts when Cole pulled you aside.

"Why did you invite Tom?" he seethed.

"What is with you and Tom? He's a really good guy Cole, just relax."

"Seriously Y/N how can you be so naive? Don't you see? he's trying to woo you."

"Am I sensing some male rivalry." You narrowed your eyes mischievously. Cole scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"You know what life's gotten really boring for me with just one man in my life for the past 15 years. It will be fun to watch two men fighting for me. So best of luck" you joked.

Later in the evening you all met at the local club of the town. As you entered the club Jane pointed out.

"Seriously you have to wear that necklace with everything? It just kills the look girl." Jane remarked pointing to the antique necklace with an amber colored stone pendant on your neck.

"What choice do I have?" You scoff. "My mom will kill me if I take this off and I've been wearing this since I was 5." You tucked the necklace inside the seam of your dress.

Harrison and Tom joined in after sometime.

“Hi darling” Harrison pecked Jane’s cheek.

“Hi babe.” The boys went away to order their drinks.

"Two bourbon neat." You ordered the bartender taking a seat at the bar.

"So you guys are a thing now?" you quirked your eyebrow.

"Mind telling me what were two upto today?''

"A lady never kisses and tells Y/N."

"Oh I see now things are like that huh?" you smirked.

“Hey no! It’s nothing like that. I’ll tell you everything later.”

"No need I'm not interested in your little sexcapade in the shower rooms anyways" you shrugged having a little sip of your drink.

“So how’s it been with you and Cole lately?”

“We are good, just a little caught with personal stuff.” your eyes wandered off to Tom checking him out through the rim of the glass.

'' I know you and Cole have been together for all these years but are you really together?"

“What- what makes you say that?!”

“Honey you and Cole claim to be together but you both are so far from each other with no emotional attachment. You really don’t have any problem when he is flirting with other girls.” Jane pointed at his direction.

“Because I’m not a clingy or an over possessive girlfriend we are not engaged or married so let him live his life.” you reasoned.

"Then why aren’t you living yours? You know it's okay if you have started to have feelings for someone else. Y/N the more you try to resist it the more you'll get pulled towards it." you understood whom Jane was referring to and you were baffled at the confrontation. You can’t admit it, not yet because you yourself were confused with your lingering feelings towards Tom.

"You know what you're totally drunk, that is why you are blabbering all this bluff. I'm very happy with Cole and I'm gonna go and dance with my boyfriend." you finished your drink before making your way to the dancefloor. Jane tsked, shaking her head seeing your denial towards your true feelings. You danced to the song playing and smirked when you felt a familiar pair of hands around your waist. Cole turned you around, your hands went on to hold on to his shoulders. You were looking around the club when your eyes went to Tom staring at you. Tom was quite amused at your free spirited nature. You were a totally different person to him right now. A contrasting image of yourself with less inhibitions and raw emotions. Who didn't care much of the world.

You winked at him, smiling mischievously. He averted his gaze from you flustered. You laughed internally.

Tick Tock starts playing…

I don't need no other, I'm satisfied

Doing it on my own

Only takes one lover to change your vibe

Ain't that the way it go

"Hey Cole!" Some of his friends called out.

"Come here man!"

"Yeah coming! Gotta go babe." He pecked your cheeks and left. You huffed on the way he ditched you.

I don't need nobody, but you on replay

Caught in the memory

When you touch my body and you say my name

Giving me what I need (tick tock, tick tock, tick tock)

You felt a light tap on your shoulder.

"You know if you want I can fill in for your boyfriend. I'm not that bad a dancer."

"Wouldn’t be that bad I guess.” you looked at him with flirty eyes.

Every minute, so lost in it

Like you're in my bed

Every hour, give you power

I'm losing mine instead (tick tock, tick tock)

"You sure your boyfriend will not mind?" you looked at him occupied with some other girls annoying you.

"Screw him." You said and pulled Tom dangerously close taking his hands and placing them on your waist. You rested your palms on his chest lightly holding on to his jacket.

24/7 got you on my mind

Think about you all the time

My body wants you night and day

But my head is screaming, "go away" (tick tock, tick tock, tick tock)

You gazed in his hazel brown eyes the purple lights dancing on his face highlighting his features,the alcohol kicking in as you swayed to the beat. Your hands creeping up to his broad shoulders as you nuzzled your head in the crook of his neck inhaling the intoxicating smell of his cologne. Your head was reeling as you felt so good a warmth creeping inside your heart. You didn't want to let go of him caring less of the fact that Cole is right there in the club with his friends. You felt like you were under some kind of spell. Tom held you close to him placing his hands on your back. Both of you lovedrunk.

24/7 got you on my mind

Darling, I don't have the time

My body wants you night and day

I'm losing all control of me

Song continues……….

…………………………

"Good for nothing you all are!" Agatha Layman yelled. Zendaya, Laura and Angourie flinched in fear.

"The only job you had was to keep an eye on Thomas that too you couldn't do!"

"But mother I did everything you asked me to do." Zendaya stated.

"If you did what I had asked you to do then why am I getting to know now that Amber is alive!"

"What!? That's not possible." Zendaya frowned in disbelief.

"Yes my dear. She has returned in the form of a human though she has no recollection of her past life nor she has her powers."

"If she has returned and if Tom knows about her then he will do anything to bring her back here." Laura remarked.

"No, no, no this can't happen. All these years of planning, plotting can't go to waste!'' Agatha paced across the room panicking.

"The only dream I had was to see you as the high priestess of the coven. And take over this coven and lead the way according to the Dark lord's wishes." She cupped Zendaya's face.

"Amber has to die and if you girls can't do that then I'll do it myself!"

"Mother, give us one last chance we will not disappoint you this time."

"Go then I want that half breed dead." Agatha ordered with a deep menacing voice.

.............................................................................

@sleepybesson @sophs-library @spideyparkerstark @itstaskeen @milli86 @biebsmylife95 @quaksonhehe @hannahholland1811 @awhollandx @joyleenl @greatpizzascissorstaco @tomhollandsotherpinkytoe @jjandreidsgirl @brighterthanthesunx @adevilallthetime @panicattheeverywherekid @onewithnomightypowers @itsnotmeh24 @bitchinwpei @astridcommings @hollandprkr @hollandsobrien @timotayswriter @kiki-hines @casualprincess77 @spideyth @perspectiveparker @thevelvetseries @tempo-rary-fix @onebigolemess @itsbqueenthings @chingonaconcha @yoongi-holland @l0lmk @itsemohours @fanficscuziranout @allthisfortommy

Taglist:To be added send me an ask or message I’ll be happy to add you in the following chapters.

#tom holland #tom holland imagines #tom holland fluff #tom holland smut #tom holland series #tom holland x reader #tom holland x y/n #tom holland x you #haz osterfield #Warlock! Tom holland

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queerchoicesblog · 4 years ago

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Epilogue: Underwater (SC Titanic, Zetta x Adele Series)

As promised, here the epilogue of the Zetta x Adele Series, folks.

This is the very end of a project that meant me quite a lot to me and got me through the last terrible year. Thanks to all those who supported it: hope you enjoyed it and will enjoy this ending.

In case you were wondering, this song inspired the whole series, particularly the last chapters:

youtube

I will skip the tag list for once since it’s pointless anyway.

➡️ Ch. 1, Ch. 2/1, Ch. 2/2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 7, Ch. 8/1, Ch. 8/2, Ch. 9, Ch. 10/1, Ch. 10/2, Ch. 11/1, Ch. 11/2, Ch. 12, Ch. 13, Ch. 14, Ch. 15 , Ch. 16, Ch. 17

_________________________

Almost a century after the sinking of the RMS Titanic and to celebrate Canada becoming the first country outside Europe to legalise same-sex marriage, the Canadian Film Institute decided to work side by side with several LGBTQ+ organisations across the world to put together an exhibition focused on the early queer cinema and the many queer stars who were forced to hide their true selves in the Golden Age of cinematography, spanning from 1890s till the aftermath of Second World War. "A testament to the role the LGBTQ+ community played in the history of cinema and that we have always been here, even if people hardly saw us" as a journalist wrote on a queer magazine. After the recent discovery of some private documents, the curators were overjoyed to include an icon of the 1900s - 1910s cinema like Zetta Serda into the retrospective and cast a new light on her extraordinary career sadly soon forgotten after the advent of the sound era. Yet, the silent picture star was mentioned as a model and 'endless source of inspiration" by many queer movie stars like Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, Greta Garbo all part of the retrospective. Rumor has it that as soon as she landed in America, Marlene Dietrich demanded his agent a meeting with Mrs King.

A curator drove all the way to Montreal to meet the last known heir, a certain Mrs. Julia Nowak, who greeted him on the threshold of a cosy downtown apartment. She offered him a coffee and a slice of a Polish sweet bread: the recipe was a family heirloom, she explained, beaming. She was in her late fifties, a therapist, she said. Her hazel eyes gleamed when she added, in a pleasantly soothing voice that betrayed a hint of excitement: "I must confess I am so incredibly happy that you contacted me about the retrospective. I adore the idea and I will make sure to attend it. Also" she nodded to a wedding picture hung to the wall "did you know that my wife is in politics? She campaigned for the legalisation...yes, Madeleine Fournier: see, you know her! We got married right after the law passed. If anything, your call and project made me twice as happy". She took a pause, smiling over her coffee in remembrance. "Anyway, back to the matter of your visit...yes, as far as I know, I am Zetta's last heir. As you probably know, my family wasn't officially related to her but she stated otherwise in her will". She moved to the couch and gestured the curator to follow her as she opened up one of the boxes and chests piled into the living room and picked out an old album, the leather cover worn at the edges. Dust waltzed in the air as she opened it with caution and gentle care. She showed him a slightly discoloured black and white picture of a young couple kissing for the camera in front of a church. Another wedding picture, from a different era. "Nana Hileni and Papa Maciej's wedding picture. I still remember them even if they both died when I was barely a teen...as if one couldn't bear to live without the other. Or so I like to think. She would help me with the homework, mathematics particularly, and he baked this bread for me till he was too weak to do so. He always claimed that he won Nana's heart with his pastries but she always denied it laughing". She passed another picture of the same couple proudly standing in front of the Nowak family bakery in Hoboken. "Frankly, I believe that Papa's broad shoulders and Marlon Brando smile are more likely to blame for this coup de foudre" she laughed. "And he knew how to deal with her no-nonsense attitude and vice versa. They...balanced each other, if you wish". She picked another picture and handed it to him. A woman was looking down in tender adoration and awe to a baby nestled in her arms looking up at her, outstretching a tiny arm in an attempt to touch her face. "There! This is Dad" she pointed at the baby before turning the picture where someone wrote 'Alex meets Auntie Adele'. Turning it again, she pointed at the woman. "This is Adele Carrem. Or Auntie Adele as I've always heard calling her. Nana's sister and Zetta's publicist and companion" Putting it back into the album, she carefully picked a bunch of other old pictures. "You surely know who this one is" she smiled, handing out the one on top. The photo was rather grainy but you could still recognise the same kid, slightly older, around two, sucking his thumb, cuddled up in Zetta's lap. The actress had aged a little but her features were unmistakable and it was endearing to see her sitting by the fireplace to read that kid with the sleepy face a bedtime story. "Sadly, I have never met them. I wish I did, oh you have no idea...but stories of them lived through in our family" Julia continued. "My Dad loved his Aunties - as he called them - dearly and by what I've heard and read, they loved him in manner as if he was their own. He knew little of them or Zetta's career back then...to him they were just the sweet ladies who would buy him ice-cream in Central Park or take him to see his favourite pictures over and over again at the movie theater. He said he will never forget the afternoons he used to spend with them in a Manhattan cafe that no longer exists around Christmas: Nana and Papa worked like crazy as the festive season approached and the glorious cup of hot chocolate with an elegant puff of cream on top with the Aunties became a tradition to him. He kept it alive somehow as he did the same with me". She handed the curator a bunch of other pictures: Zetta cleaning up Alex's face smeared with jam, the both of them laughing; Zetta posing with Maciej and her Dad at a table in the Hoboken bakery. He eventually mirrored her smile seeing a five years old Alex at the beach all engrossed in building a sandcastle with Hileni and Adele, and he standing at the water edge hand in hand with Miss Carrem, looking out into the distance. "These are family pictures. I'll show you the Zetta's private memorabilia we cherished". Julia searched a little, opening an old chest and handling every item inside with tender care. When she found what she was looking for, she showed the curator an elegant set of smaller boxes containing letters, dried flowers and photos. "I have already received an offer to get these published. I'm still pondering it. Before agreeing, I want to consider throughly if this is a thing they would have wanted, even if they're no longer here" The curator nodded as she kept searching. He skimmed a few letters and smiled as his eyes fall on the photos hidden away in those boxes: the two women sitting together and chatting at Hileni's wedding, Zetta's reading a script, lazily sprawled on a chaise long in her apartment. Some had short lines handwritten on the back, like a promotional picture with "Missing you" written by Zetta herself. The curator showed another to Mrs Nowak: a visibly excited Miss Carrem proudly showing to the camera a document announcing her voter registration. On the back, in Zetta's penmanship: "On the way to vote...my sweet Adele won!". "Oh you didn't know? Auntie Adele was a suffragette! I couldn't believe it when I first heard it! Nana told me that she was in and out jail when they lived in London because of protests. You know, like those suffragettes you read about in history books but less famous. Yet she fought for women's rights and kept fighting for them even in America. She was quite disappointed though by some major decisions of some feminist movements and eventually joined a socialist Union 'more rightfully welcoming working class individuals, immigrants and black brothers and sisters'. It's all in those letters but yeah, you couldn't possibly know. So little is known about her outside family". A little smile drew on her face as she put back the photo. "That photo was taken the day of the first election open to women. I checked the date. I suppose Zetta wanted to immortalise the moment...it was sweet of her, huh? Auntie Adele must have been so proud and overjoyed that day! You know, my Dad was born in 1920 when women's right to vote was legalised nationally and Nana once told me that Auntie commented the lucky coincidence saying she was incredibly happy her nephew would get to live in a fairer world. She was a true force of nature...she never talked much of the sinking of the Titanic just like Zetta and Nana actually but when one day Dad asked...he was barely a child and probably found an old article about the tragedy...Auntie Adele minimised but Nana assured him that her sister saved her life that night, risking her own to go down to the belly of the sinking ship to bring her to safety. Auntie simply shrugged, saying that it was what sisters do and that they made it to the lifeboats only thanks to Zetta, who shouted protests to stubborn officers and eventually found them a spot on a boat. I cannot even bring myself to imagine how scary that must have been: I cried so much when Madeleine took me to see Leo and Kate...to think they were there and it was all real!" She picked a few other objects out the box: a Shakespeare Sonnets book in a leather cover with golden engravings, with a little handwritten dedication 'To Adele, my sonnet 116. Happy birthday! With all my love, Zetta'; old scripts with annotations, a framed photograph of Adele and Zetta slow dancing barefoot in the living room of a gorgeous Long Island mansion. "These have a sentimental value" Mrs Nowak noted, her voice betraying the flicker of emotions as she picked it up. She took a deep sigh and continued. "I remember the day I told Dad I was gay as it was yesterday. We had always been quite close so it came natural to tell him first. We were in his car, he had come straight from college to pick me up at ice-skating practice. I..I dropped it in the middle of a conversation, bracing myself for the worst. I heard so many bad stories about coming out to your parents I was terrified of the consequences but I couldn't hide it anymore. I mean, yes, in public: bullies get even nastier if they know and I didn't want people shouting me "dyke" at school. But I needed to get it out of my chest...with someone at least. He kept quiet for a moment and I felt like drowning in shame. But then he spoke". A nostalgic tender smile formed Julia's lips. "He said he had two amazing Aunties that contributed to make his life a wondrous adventure. It was thanks to them that he, the son of a baker, could attend a prestigious college, for instance: they offered to pay for it without asking a penny back. They also helped him write his first romantic letter to his childhood sweetheart and consoled him when the little girl turned him down. But his Aunties had a secret, he added. He said: to my kid eyes they were no less a couple than Mom and Dad and at home we all treated them in manner but one day Mom made me promise to behave differently when we were in public. In public I would refer to her sister as 'Auntie Adele' but call Zetta by her name. He didn't get it and it took some getting used to. He soon noticed that even the Aunties behaved a bit differently out in the sun: they wouldn't hold hands or use endearing words in the street or when other people were around. They simply behaved like good friends did. He understood it later when he, as stubborn as a mule, asked them directly". Julia gently grazed her fingers on the glass of the framed photograph, caressing it. "And they told me everything, he said. That they were in love, just like mom and dad were, but people out there could be uncomfortable and extremely rude to women loving other women and men loving other men. That they kept their companionship a secret in public because those people had no problems with women being friends and they didn't want to have bad words or worse happening to them. I remember asking him what he thought about it. He smiled. 'I cried. Since Auntie Zetta mentioned people claiming that women like them were sick and would burn in hell, I actually started crying. I sobbed desperately in her arms, crying that I didn't want them to burn in hell, I loved my Aunties and I was happy they loved each other. Eventually they explained me it was just a vile lie spread my malignant people. But I got quite a scare and kept staring at them with puffy red eyes and my face wet with tears for a while. It required lots of cuddling to bring a smile back on my face'. He shook his head, laughing of his endearing naivety. Then he pulled over and looked at me. He continued: 'I still don't get why people keep spreading those mean lies but I know for sure that my Aunties weren't sick and didn't end up in hell and so won't you. Don't believe bullshits like that for a split second, okay? And I also want you to remember that it doesn't change a thing for me and mom too. You will always be my little girl, our little girl and we love you'. We shared a long hug before driving back home. On the way back he insisted to buy my favourite chicken and waffles for dinner, saying mom's veggie soup could wait. For my birthday, a month later or so, he asked me to follow him to the attic and showed me this chest. To meet the Aunties that 'would have surely been there for me'". She tipped away a tear. "I told you I married Madeleine right after the legalisation of same-sex marriages. My wedding was also the last public event Mom and Dad attended together before his health worsened irremediably. He passed away last year". For a moment she looked on the verge of tears but she recovered quickly. "Sorry...anyway, that day Dad insisted on walking me down the aisle even if he was getting weak. He beamed with pride when a friend fixed a rainbow ribbon to his jacket. Later at the lunch he read a speech he had written for the day, his hand shaking. He shared the story of his Aunties. He said that despite the hardships their situation forced upon them, they had quite a happy life together, a happiness carefully hidden from the world. He wished us to find something similar to what they shared without needing to hide anymore. He said Adele and Zetta would have been so happy and proud to celebrate with all of us that day" Mrs. Nowak picked the Shakespeare Sonnet book and gave him a fond look. "He brought this to the wedding. And he read for us the sonnet 116, the one Zetta mentioned in her dedication. You know, the one that starts with 'Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments..." ----------------------- A few months later the exhibition on old Hollywood queer cinema and artists opened. Each artist had a room that soon filled with a crowd of enthusiastic visitors. In the first half, in a room arranged as a turn of the century nickelodeon with velvet chairs, all the memorabilia of Zetta Serda's public life: panels explaining the various stages of her career and the birth of her myth, promotional pictures of her performances, articles about her and a copy of a gazette announcing her wedding with the director Richard King. On the wall, on a screen her entire filmography rolled up in loop, bewitching spectators after a century. In display cases: the gorgeous sapphire necklace she wore on her last night on the Ship of Dreams and at the movie party of Surviving the Titanic, and a replica of her Cleopatra costume. The aging Queen of Egypt with a tragic love and destiny immortalised by Shakespeare was her last role back on the theater stage before retiring from the scenes. Old scripts with her personal annotation were displayed with photographs taken on sets and mundane events. The wall hosting the motion-picture screen cut the room in half. On the other side, the hidden half of her life. Her life with Adele no one suspected back then. A life kept secret that now unveiled in front of the eyes of the visitors. The curators discovered that finding public pictures of Miss Carrem was nearly impossible, true to the nickname she acquired as time went by: The Shadow. She stayed at Zetta's side until and even after she stopped acting, showing rare loyalty and devotion, but ever surrounded by this mystery allure. No one, even the most stubborn reporters managed to know anything about her and she was soon dismissed as a Titanic survivor, possibly a fan, who worked as Zetta's secretary and somehow gained her respect. Little they knew about the depth of their relationship and what stacks of secret letters and family memories revealed of the life of Miss Carrem. A panel finally told her story and her secret achievements: Adele, or better Adal, kept fighting for a fairer world and society her whole life and marched for women's right to vote on the famous parade in 1915. She also passed the teaching of Edith Garrud to her American sisters. The only pictures of her came from the Nowak family, except for one. The only photograph of a public appearance of Miss Carrem as well as the only known public appearance of Zetta and Adele. An old grainy photo accurately framed showed Adele shaking hands with The Unsinkable Molly Brown on a podium. In her free hand a shiny medal and a few steps behind the mayor of New York. According to the panel, the survivors' committee founded by Mrs. Brown decided to award Miss Carrem a medal for bravery and a generous check "to help her and her sister starting a new life in America". With great surprise, Miss Carrem received the medal and the check, thanked the board but refused the honors. Instead, she asked to deliver them both to the family of a certain Charlie Stoke, a stewart that lost his life in the sinking to save her life and those of many passengers. She added that her friend expressed the desire to study naval engineering one day and she wished that the money kindly offered to her would be enough to establish a scholarship for boys like him across the ocean. In another picture, Miss Carrem and her sister chatted with Moll Brown in company of Zetta. Eventually, other philanthropists and wealthy socialites signed checks for her cause so that the Stoke family received a generous contribution too. And today, as another picture confirmed, the faculty of naval engineering of the University of Newcastle hosts a marble engraving of Charlie Stoke: to his memory a scholarship had been instituted one year after on the anniversary of the sinking. Since 1913 it has been helping students of poor background to get an education and improve their life. Zetta herself became a philanthropist during her Renaissance and ever since. The first act of her new phase of her life was joining the Moll Brown survivors committee to provide help to the second and third class passengers families and survivors. Some said that the tragedy she witnessed touched her heart, other claimed that it was to be attributed to the influence of her publicist. Jokingly, she used to say that after all, she had too much money yet all she could have wished for in her life, so why not doing some good with it? A considerable donation under her and Mr King was received by the main hospital during the Spanish flu pandemic; she was particularly active in providing financial help to struggling neighbourhoods and female education institutions. In the middle of the room, a long glass display hosted the Shakespeare Sonnets opened at sonnet 116 and a selection of the private correspondence between Zetta and Adele. My darling, You will receive this letter tomorrow morning when I'll be already off to Chicago. The suitcases are ready and packed, this is a goodnight note scribbled the night before leaving you to remind you how much I love you and care about you. How much I'm going to miss you even if - thank God! - we won't be parted for long... Do not forget you promised me to write every day! Write to me, Adele, write to me whatever thought crosses that gorgeous mind of you: you know I could you rambling for hours without getting tired of the sound of your voice, of your sparkling wisdom. I wanna know everything. So don't be shy: I'll be waiting your letters with tender impatience. Can't wait to be in your arms once more. Adoringly yours, Zetta - Dear, dearest Zetta, I went to Central Park today with Hileni. It was a gorgeous spring day, sunny, a gentle breeze blowing: 'simply too beautiful to be wasted inside' as my sister put it. Did I tell you that she's still exchanging letters with the delivery boy from the hat shop? I thought they were over but apparently he invited her to the nickelodeon next week. Anyway, walking in the park with her I suddenly realised how I wanted to share that spring wonder with you. When are you coming back to New York? Tell me soon, please. And even 'soon' won't be soon enough: you're always on my mind since you left. But yes, tell me soon so I can make you promise we will go for a walk before the weather becomes too hot. Do you think I can wrap my arm with yours? Is it professional enough for a publicist? Even just for a few steps: oh you have no idea how I would love that! Or maybe you have? I hope so: it'd mean you miss me as much as I miss you when we are apart. Oh, I almost forgot: all settled with that magazine you mentioned before your departure! I negotiated a two pages long interview, plus pictures. And a cover mention. Hope I did well: you have already fired me as your secretary, I must prove you I am just what you're looking for in a publicist... Can't wait to see you again! Loving you always, Adele Only one letter was copied on a panel of its own on the main wall side by side with a blow-up of the picture of Adele and Zetta slow-dancing barefoot and free, for a blessed moment immortalised in a discreet shot. Adele pressing a tender kiss on Zetta's forehead, drawing a soft smile on the acrtress' lips. Many visitors commented it was heartwarming to see such a photograph that conveyed the intimacy and the warmth of affection radiating from the dancing couple. Some said that Zetta was even more beautiful like that: free, hair slightly askew and genuinely happy, loved. What stole their hearts away though was the letter attached to it. It was no surprise that the curators decided to name the retrospective Underwater. Dearest Adele, Forgive me for the tone of this letter. I am writing it down in bed while I cannot sleep and my mind runs back to you as if we could meet halfway between the miles separating us, in a world of fantasy of our own. It's ridiculous how much I miss you! I want you near, I need you near all the time. Take tonight: if you were here with me, I would be heavenly sleeping in your loving embrace. Most unfortunately, you are not and I'm lying here, insomniac, thinking of you. And about my life. No, don't frown. I am not getting all sad again. It's...bittersweet. And - I'll spoil you the ending so you will stop worrying, hopefully - it gets better the more you proceed. Have you ever felt trapped underwater? I did, my whole life. Always hiding, always measuring words, gestures, gazes not to let them see, not to let them know...so little time to go up and break the surface. Drop the mask and breathe. In, out. Once, twice. In my lowest moments I repeated to my myself: how are you gonna survive? One day an acquaintance with a remarkable passion for the sea explained me and the other bored commensals that you can keep someone alive by breathing oxygen into their mouth underwater. Pretty much like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation helps an unconscious person to regain consciousness. I found it interesting but doubted his words. Then I met you, Adele. My dearest, wondrous Adele. And I learnt that yes, you can't breathe if you're constantly underwater...but you won't drown if you have the right person swimming by your side in those deep waters. Put your lips on me, Adele. Touch me, hold me in your arms. And I can live underwater. With your love, I can live underwater. We can live underwater. I love you. I want to cover a full page of these three simple words: I love you. I want to cry them out and entrust them to the winds, to the night. But what for? Who cares if the world knows or not? I'll whisper them over your lips when we will be reunited. So you can breathe underwater. Counting down the hours separating us, my love. Eternally yours, Zetta

#titanic storyscape #sc titanic #zetta serda #adele carrem #zetta x adele #zetta x adele series

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im-hqlover · 5 years ago

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Arranged marriage/Royal AU - Chapter 1 - The wedding.

A / n - hey, today I bring something that I was planning to do for some time, but I never had any inspiration on how to do this, until I read a fanfic about an arranged marriage between Jason and the reader, and that inspired me, so credits to @writingblock101 , who was the fanfic writer that I read. I hope you don't mind me being inspired by your fanfic. (and I must say, it was very good, I just loved reading)

Hope you like it!

(none of the images used on the aesthetic belong to me, credit to their creators)

Warnings: arranged marriage, maybe some bad words, assault, sex mentions, rape mentions, death mentions, angst, war mentions, cry (Idk if it is necessary, but I will put anyway), maybe english errors/mistakes.

important details to mention:

-This is kind of a Royal AU, but time kinda mixes with middle Ages and current time, so some technologies exist and others don't, it's kind of confusing, maybe, but I hope this isn't a big problem.

-The reader is 20 years old, Jason is 22 y/o

-The reader is female.

Pairings: Jason Todd x reader

Y/n = your name

F/n = father name

M/n = mother name

Kd/n = Kingdom name

F/f = Favorite flower

Words count: 5591

Next chapters: Chapter 2, Chapter two’s alternative ending, Chapter 3

Y/N's INFO:

Gender: Cis-Female

Sexuality: Straight

Height: Shorter than Jason

Weight: Not Defined

Skin Color: Not Defined

Hair Color: Not Defined

Eyes Color: Not Defined

Other details? Y/n is myopic

(I hope I have put all the information, let me know if i forgot something)

There I was, wearing a wedding dress while the royal seamstress was doing the last details. The mirror was facing me, where I could see my reflection, and my face was not at all well, my eyes were still red from crying.

This moment should be happy, it should be with my beloved Hunter, but unfortunately he ended up being brutally killed in that war. I begged him to flee, to go to a distant place, but we to stay together, but he said that he swore an oath, and that as a warrior, he would never run away from battle. He said he would come back alive, and that as soon as he came back we would be married, but I knew he would never come back from that war, hardly anyone did, and when the news came that he had been killed, I spent days crying.

That war was destroying our kingdom, it was destroying lives, it was destroying everything. I just wanted it to be over soon, and it seems like my wishes were heard, but not in the way I would like it to be.

The kingdom of Gotham, which had the kingdom of Metropolis as an ally, accepted the agreement to end the war, but that meant that I would have to marry one of the sons of the Gotham's king. They just told me that my future husband was an indomitable warrior, who killed several cruelly, it might not be much information, but I was sure I already hated him.

- The dress is ready princess, if there is something bothering you just let me know.

- It's all right Madeleine, I think there is nothing that is bothering me in the dress.

The seamstress nods in agreement, she opens her mouth to say something, but ends up being quiet, then someone knocks on the door.

- You may come in. - I answer in a monotone voice.

I can see by the reflection of the mirror that it was my mother at the door, and as soon as the old seamstress saw the queen, she immediately left my quarters. I don't say anything, and just look in the mirror as my mom approaches me.

- You are so beautiful.

I don't answer it and just ignore her.

- I know you don't want this daughter, but you know this is for a greater good.

- You promised me you would never force me to marry.

- I know we promised that daughter, but that was the only solution found to stop the war.

- No! that was the option that was best for the kingdom and for you, because the other agreements you and father would lose territory, resources, money and more! Already with an arranged marriage the only one who suffers is me! - I say sharply and angrily, and soon tears come again, I leave her side and go towards the window.

- You aren't the only one who will suffer, do you think that your father and I aren't upset about this too? We know how much you loved Hunter, and we know what we promised. But situations have changed, think for your people, how many lives are you going to save, that's the only way.

- No, it's not! There must be thousands of other possibilities, but this is the easiest! Now get out of my room.

- Daugh-

- I TOLD YOU TO GET OUT OF MY ROOM, NOW! - She was silent and left, I could see there were tears in her eyes, I never fought with my mother, but after that, things changed.

I took off that dress, and put on a more comfortable outfit. I lay on my bed and started to cry again. What's the use of being a princess, having luxuries and everything you can imagine if you can't have your own life? I just… wanted to be free.

I get up from the bed after a while, I wipe away the remaining tears, and went to the window. I loved seeing that landscape so far, after the village, there was a beautiful open field perfect for horseback riding, and further away, there were several mountains where the sun disappeared, and when it set, the landscape was even more beautiful. I even made a picture with that landscape, it wasn't as incredible as the real one, but it was still cool. I get out of my daydreams when I hear a knock on the door.

- Who is it?

- It's Juliet your highness, I came to tell you that dinner is on the table.

- Okay. Tell them I'm not hungry.

- Are you sure, your Highness? You haven't eaten right for days.

- Yes Juliet, I'm sure. - My voice gets angrier, and then the maid leaves my room. I lay on my bed again trying to sleep, but my thoughts wouldn't let me.

Tomorrow we will depart for the kingdom of Gotham, and then the journey will take about three weeks if we have no unforeseen events. The trip would be long, and I was tired of just thinking about it.

I will miss my kingdom.

The next morning, I was awakened by the rays of sunlight that appeared outside. I sigh tiredly and put the pillow in my face, I try to sleep a little more, but there was a little bird that kept singing and it was driving me crazy, so I decide that it would be best to get up soon, since apparently I wouldn't be able to sleep again. I choose some clothes from my wardrobe, and I go to my bathroom to shower, and after that I go towards the kitchen and get some coffee along with a piece of cake, but I refused to sit by the table with my family.

The hours go by being arranged clothes and various other things and placed in the carriages, all day I avoided talking to people, and only spoke when my answer was very necessary. Before I leave, I take a hot shower and put on comfortable clothes, neither screwing up that I would wear tight or extravagant clothes on this exhausting trip.

The trip was long, especially when there was nothing to do, most of the time I was thinking and sometimes listening to music, and sometimes when I got tired I ended up sleeping, the good thing was that the carriage I was in was just me and the driver, so I didn't need to interact with my family. The days passed slowly, but we finally arrived at the famous kingdom of Gotham.

I’ve never been there before, but I must say it was interesting, the kingdom was made up of some islands and the castle was on the mainland, along with some nearby villages, in battle mode it was interesting to note that they had certain advantages on account of the islands.

I sigh as I realize that we were soon arriving at the grand castle of dark stones like the night sky of the Wayne royal family, and wow, that was huge compared to the castle I called home, and a little bit scary to be honest. Through the carriage window I could see the sun going through the clouds, I look at the phone to check the time and it was already 3:37 pm. As soon as the carriage stops I open the door, and oh, the outdoors, I couldn't stand being confined anymore.

I look back and notice that the other carriages were also stopping, I think I must mention that there were many carriages that came so much from my kingdom, as for the allied kingdoms, not to mention that there were other carriages that appeared to be guests from the kingdom of Gotham.

I don't know how long I stood looking at the whole place, but I came back to reality when I noticed that the driver was calling me.

- Is your Highness okay? - He looked concerned as he unhorsed the horses.

- Yes Matt, everything is fine, and please call me y / n. - I give him a half smile, while responding in a gentle way, or at least as much as I could do with my bad mood.

- Okay, y/n.

I realize that my family was near the grand entrance to the castle, waiting for me to join them, and this is what I did, even if against my will. It was not long before soon what I assumed to be King Bruce Wayne appeared to welcome us, and wow, as all of this was not at all fake, two kingdoms that were at war until a few weeks ago act as if they were always friends, that was unbearable and made me sick.

- King f/n, queen m/n! It is a pleasure to have you in our kingdom. - A pleasure? A pleasure to have your enemy here on your land? How I hate politics and this blatant falsehood.

- It is a pleasure to finally talk to you diplomatically King Bruce. - My dad shook his hand, and Bruce hugged my mom and kissed her hand.

I was the one behind, preventing people from seeing me, I am simply taken out of my "comfort" when my father calls me to approach and greet the king.

- So you must be the princess y / n, it is a pleasure to meet you. - He says as he kisses my hand gently, and I could feel my face heat up, both nervousness and shyness, how, urgh, seriously did he have to be so handsome? I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but see that detail, even though I hated him, I had to admit that he was a very handsome king.

I mentally punched myself for having these thoughts, first: you can't fall in love with him, no, not even thinking, that would be absurd, second: AGE AHEM. third: um, I don't, just no, that wasn't right. But what's wrong with finding someone good-looking, isn't it? Was your son that handsome too?

Y / N, REMEMBER EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAVE DONE, THEY BE GOOD-LOOKING DOESN'T CHANGE IT, FOCUS AND RESPONSE THE KING BEFORE SHIT HAPPENS.

- I-It's a pleasure to meet yo-you too. - Damn, why do I have to stutter just now, y / n, get yourself together!

- I'm sure Jason will be very happy to meet you. - Jason? I didn't remember exactly the name of my future husband, in fact I don't remember even if they told me his name, but from the way the king spoke, it is probably him.

- Hope so. - Actually my desire was to answer: Ah, what a pity, I don't have that same pleasure, and I'm almost sure that in fact he won't be happy to meet me. But diplomacy, I didn't want to be the cause of a new war.

King Bruce also shakes my brother's hand, and then invites us to enter his "humble" castle, he didn't say that, but well, never mind. I was impressed, not only was the outside of the castle impressive, but inside, it was just magnificent, they had good taste.

The king gave us a brief tour of the places we passed until we reached our rooms, he said that we would see each other later.

My nerves were on edge, there were so many feelings, nervousness, anxiety, fear, maybe anger too. I was not able to spend much time alone as soon as several different servants came bringing my things, so much so that I would get ready for the wedding, so much my personal belongings that would probably stay there from now on.

After they left I went to the bathroom to take a shower, and then I got dressed, while I was still wearing a towel I just looked at the white dress in front of me, it was beautiful, made with the best fabrics, and made just for me, the way I always dreamed.

I always imagined wearing a dress like that at my wedding with Hunter, and knowing that I was marrying a complete stranger knowing only what people told me about him, which I must say, weren't very good things, they disturbed me even more.

Until now, reality had not reached me as much as that moment, and soon I began to think not only about the wedding that would take place in a few hours, but the one after. It was tradition for the couple to have sex right after the wedding, and it made me even more nervous, not just because I never did it before, but also because I didn't want it to be forced, I wanted… to be passionate, even if it was clumsy, but it was good, and I'm sure that something forced and that neither wants, isn't really a good thing. And I was sure he would probably want me to have sex with him, and it terrified me.

But there was nothing I could avoid, the only thing I could do was to accept it, what if he wasn't so bad? What I heard were rumors, what if they were a lie? I really wanted to believe that, but I knew that maybe I was just lying myself to think about it.

I look at my bags, what if I ran away? I mean, nobody there in that village knew me, so they probably wouldn't recognize me, and that would give me an opening to escape, where to? I don't know, but it sure would be better than here.

I put on some clothes that nobody thought a princess would normally wear, I grab a hooded sweatshirt to try to hide my face, I also go back to the bathroom and turn on the shower, when I leave I close the door, it wouldn't last long until someone realizes , and I'm sorry planet for wasting this water, but it will give me some time.

When I leave the room I look everywhere, I didn't know anything about it, but I was sure I could find a way out. I was careful that no one noticed me, and as I often go unnoticed, it helped me.

It took a while, but I found a way out, and soon I headed towards the village that was there. I didn't have a plan, what would I do now? Maybe that idea was stupid, of course it was, but desperation does things to people, and I was really desperate.

I walked calmly through the crowd of people who were there, it seemed like there was a main street or something. As I walked I heard two women about my age commenting about the wedding.

- Hey, did you know that Prince Jason's wedding is today? - Said a woman with light blond hair to a shorter woman with black hair.

- Yes, it's a pity that he's getting married like that, I'm sure his wife must be awful.

- Clearly. I would certainly be a better wife, he certainly doesn't deserve this marriage.

- Yes, but she is a princess, and we are simple citizens, we would never have a chance.

- Yes, you're right. I wanted to have the chance to stay with him, have you seen those muscles? And those scars just make him hottest.

- Really do you think so?

- Of course. A man with scars is very sexy.

- Well, maybe.

- Ah, whoever she is, even if the prince doesn't deserve her, she is someone lucky. I would give anything to have the same chance.

I couldn't help laughing lightly and rolling my eyes, if she wanted to be with the prince so badly that she switched places with me? I'd be very happy. The two women realized my presence when I laughed and then look at me in bewilderment.

- Why are you laughing? - Asks with blond hair.

- Were you listening to our conversation? - Says the black-haired one.

- I'm sorry, I just heard by chance. - I shrugged

- Sure, tell another one. - The blonde says rolling her eyes and crossing her arms.

- How can you like this Prince Jason so much? - I ask curiously meddling in the conversation at both.

- It's none of your bitch business. - The black-haired one says.

- Huh, ok. But I’m pretty sure he’s not that great. Have you heard of the terrible murders he did? - If the two of them were already outraged and angry with me, they managed to get even more.

- Who are you to talk about Prince Jason? You certainly don't know anything about him. - The blonde says sharply, and clearly offended.

- Maybe. But what good could he have?

- What you heard was half true, because what he murdered were enemies and very bad people who deserved death and who threaten our kingdom, what he did was to protect the citizens. - The blonde replies, it looked like she was going to make a huge speech now about her dear Prince Jason.

- Of course. - I say rolling my eyes.

- Even more, Prince Jason is very kind to those who deserve it, is very protective and gives his life to save innocents and his people, he is sweet even if he doesn't seem at first. - The blonde continued to talk about the qualities of the prince that I doubted were real, until the sound of horses is heard not far from there, and his knights, masked and not very friendly people.

I don’t realize when a masked man attacked me from behind, I struggled and tried to scream, but he had covered my mouth, he then pushed me against a wall, grabbing my right arm which was hurting me, and with his other hand still covering my mouth, I was paralyzed for a few seconds, until I managed to react by kicking the weak point of the men, I run as much as I can to the furthest away.

There were a lot of people running and horses around, it was suffocating me, until someone hit me causing me to fall to the ground and a horse almost stepping on me, but he just stepped on my side, but it was still terrifying, I got up staggering, but as soon as I get up I come across a sword which was being wielded by one of those bandits. I swallow hard and raise my hands to try to protect myself, even if it was flawed.

If I stayed there he would probably attack me, but if I tried to run it would be useless, since he was on a horse, I didn't know what to do, and I didn't even know if I could do anything since I was paralyzed with fear.

But before that bandit could do anything I hear someone say: The royal cavalry! And then that guy who was pointing the sword at me had to defend himself against one of the royal knights. I walk backwards trying to get out of there, but guess what, I ended up stumbling on the sidewalk behind me and ended up falling on my ass.

I almost never participated in the fights because I didn't feel well being in these situations, the only times I ended up participating were some rare training sessions and a small invasion that took place in my kingdom many years ago.

My heart was beating so fast it felt like it would leave my body at any moment. I looked in the direction of the knight who had attacked the bandit in front of me, he looked different from the other warriors, while the entire cavalry wore black and white details on their armor, he wore a red that looked like the color of blood.

The bandits retreated and disappeared from the village, and as soon as they were gone I heard the voice of one of the knights announcing:

- Princess y/n, from kd/n kingdom is missing! And it's probably in the village! If you find a young woman who doesn't seem to be from here, let us know!

If my heart was already beating fast for the whole situation that just happened, somehow I was able to beat even faster, and I felt my face getting hot for some reason.

Obviously, sooner or later they would realize that I was gone and would go after me. I was still on the floor, without reaction, and soon I put on my hood to try not to be recognized, I notice that a crowd is forming near where that guy reported about me.

What did I do now? If I ran out, it was more than clear that they would notice me and talk to me, but if I stayed there, someone would soon find me. I didn't realize when that same knight with red accents came up to me, and wow, he was incredibly tall.

- Are you alright lass? - He speaks with his voice being muffled by the helmet, he extends his hand to me, offering his help for me to get up.

- Uhum. - I just hum in response and take your hand and get up. If I spoke he would notice my accent, and my "disguise" would be over.

- Are you sure you're okay? You are shaking. - I didn't even realize until he spoke, it was true, my body was shaking with all that adrenaline, I felt like my legs weren't going to hold my weight for long. I take a deep breath, trying to control myself, and answer a rather low yes, looking away from the crowd that was still forming not far from there. - Wait, princess?

I freeze, and look at him, how did he know? I was sure that no one knew about my appearance, maybe I was wrong about that.

- What? - I ask trying to disguise, but to no avail. - Stay here. - He spoke and then he went to the crowd, towards that other knight, he said something to him and then went to his horse, I knew there was no escape, so I just sighed and waited for that guy to come back.

What was I thinking? It was obvious that my plan couldn't have worked, it was silliness, it was reckless, it was very stupid. And now I wanted to hit my head against the wall for such idiocy.

The red knight turned his horse next to where I was, and then offered his hand so I climbed on the horse, I sighed upset but didn't resist, and soon climbed.

- Better hold on tight. - He said, and I could have sworn that under that helmet he was smiling, just a hunch. I did what he asked, even if a little hesitant at first.

It didn't take long for us to arrive at the castle, and as soon as we stopped at the entrance my parents were waiting for me, and with a not very happy face, of course, there was no way they would be happy after what I did. My dad helps me out of the horse, I almost fell, but it was close.

- What do you think you were doing y/n? - My mother asks angrily to me.

- I wanted to see the village, to get to know a little. - It was a lie, but should I say that I tried to escape? It was stupid, and I wasn't going to admit that I was going to do that.

- You might as well do that after the wedding! - She says even more angry, and clearly not believing my lie.

- Don't you understand?!? I feel suffocated all the time with this whole wedding thing here, and there, I just ... I just wanted to be alone for a while, or at least enjoy my last moments of freedom. - I say as tears of frustration start to fall. This part wasn't exactly a lie, I really just wanted to be alone for a while, just hoped it would last longer than it actually did.

- We were worried y/n! What could have happened? And why didn't you tell us? We would have let you go. - My father says approaching me.

- Of course, being followed by a guard all the time!! What a freedom huh. - I say looking away.

- This is for your protection! You aren't just anybody, you know very well what could have happened. - My mom comes over touching my arm.

- Don't touch me. - I walk away from them.

- There are only a few hours left before the ceremony begins, it is better to get ready. - My father says stiffly and soon he and my mother enter the castle again and I follow behind them, they took me to my room and left me there alone. In the end, all I did was in vain, I decide to take a shower again and get dressed soon.

After I put on the dress, some maids came to make up and do my hair. I was quiet all the time, just holding on to all the bitterness that I was felt. But this time I took the opportunity to think about the reason for this marriage, this was what would stop the war at once, people would be saved, blood will be prevented from being spilled even more than it already was, I had to do this for my people, who was the one who suffered the most from the whole war, even if I didn't want to, it was for a greater good, and I hoped it would really end the differences between our kingdoms.

After they finished doing my hair and putting a beautiful wreath on top of my head, I put on my white flats, I insisted that I keep flats because I found high heels uncomfortable, besides I don't balance myself very well in them. My mother insisted at first that I try, but I refused.

I looked in the mirror one last time, I was really beautiful, and I was happy about it. I soon hear a knock on the door, it was probably now.

- It's time, daughter. - My mother said entering the room, she was wearing one of the dresses that I had designed.

- Okay. - I sigh and go to the door, my mom takes me to where the ceremony would be and my dad was waiting for me at the big door that would soon be opened for me to enter.

- You look stunning daughter. - I wrap my free arm in my father's arm, and of course, in my left hand was a beautiful bouquet of f/f.

- Thank you dad. - I say a little discouraged.

- Come on, I'm sure your future husband isn't as bad as you think he is.

- Pff. - I say cynically, obviously not agreeing with my father's speech.

- Give him a chance. - He looked at me, begging me to at least try to make it work.

- Maybe. - I answer looking at the giant wooden door in front of me. I see out of the corner of his eye that he smiled at me.

The sound of the orchestra begins, and soon at the doors open, the bridesmaids with the boy who I supposed took the rings, entered in front of us, the boy passing by following the big red carpet to the altar where the priest and the bridegroom was, and the bridesmaids were soon after throwing flower petals.

I swallow hard, now it was my turn.

Everything there was so beautiful, everything adorned with the things I always dreamed of, thousands of people lifted from their seats in fancy clothes, looking at me as I passed the corridor, chandeliers that illuminate the whole place, and there at the end of the big rug was he on the altar, the man I didn't even know and who would be my husband, when I approached the altar my father kissed my cheek and soon went to join the other guests.

My heart was beating very fast, and I could feel my whole body shaking, my fiance took my hands and he must have noticed that they were shaking, he smiled at me to try to reassure me, I try to smile too, but I hope I have been a smile and not a grimace.

While the priest spoke a lot of things I was able to analyze the appearance of the man in front of me, he was much taller than me, he had a very muscular body and had some visible scars on his face, he had black hair that you could tell they were kind of curly, and his eyes, when I had the courage to look into his eyes, they were so pretty, a bluish green, that I even felt hypnotized, he must have realized I was analyzing him and smiled confident, my face soon starts to heat up and I look away from him.

I had to admit, he was really handsome. If what that woman had said about him was all true, maybe it wasn't so bad... was it? I expected it, but there was no way I could be sure now, and who knows when I would find out. Some more time passes and finally the time comes for the vows, where I started to get even more nervous, if that was possible.

- Jason and y/n, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? - When priest said, I wanted to answer, obviously it was not my will, this is an arranged marriage!

- Yes. - Jason and I answered at the same time and soon the priest continued.

- Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?

- I will. - Sometimes I stutter to answer, and try to look away.

- Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church.

- Yes, we will.

The priest looked at Jason so he could speak his vows.

- I, Jason, take you, y/n, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. - He seems to have trained a lot, because at no point in his speeches did he stutter or appear to be uncertain about that.

I take a deep breath, remembering the words I had to say, please don't stutter now y/n. I hesitated for a moment, I looked at my mom and dad quickly, and then I looked at Jason.

- I, y/n, take you, Jason, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

- To show the commitment of both, to alliances. Alliances are physical symbols of a couple's commitment and their emotional and spiritual connection. They are considered a perfect circle, with no beginning or end. - The boy with a red pillow gives the rings to the priest, who before giving the rings, speaks.

- y/n and Jason, may these rings be a visible reminder of your feelings for each other right now. - Only if it is out of hatred for each other, because love I am sure it is not. - As you look at them, remember that you have someone special to share your life with. Remember that you have found each other and each in other, and that you will never walk alone again.

I could not prevent a tear from falling out of the corner of my eye, and every time I remember me "it is for the good of the people".

- y / n, I give you this ring as a sign that I chose you to be my wife and my best friend. Receive it and know that I love you. - I looked at my left hand while he put on the golden ring, it hurt to know that those words were false.

I took the other ring, and did the same with Jason.

- Jason, I give you this ring as a sign that I chose you to be my husband and my best friend. Receive it and know that I love you. - I stammered in parts, but that's okay. I looked at him awkwardly.

- Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - The priest did a little pause and then continues. - y / n and Jason, no one but yourselves has the power to proclaim you husband and wife. However, you chose us as advertisers for this good news. And so, having witnessed your exchange of vows before everyone who is here today, it is with great joy that we declare that you are married. And to seal that moment, you can kiss.

Jason puts one hand awkwardly at the beginning around my waist, and the other holds my face, my hands wrap around his neck and so we kissed. It wasn't exactly a kiss, and there was certainly no passion, just nervousness and something awkward.

When we kissed I could hear the sound of the guests clapping. When we finished the kiss we smiled awkwardly at each other, Jason offers his arm for me to hold, and that's what I did, the bridesmaids went ahead of us, throwing more petals, while we both went out into the great hall.

Now it was official. I was married.

A/n - Phew, I finally finished. It took a long time, in fact, I was so entertained writing that I spent 5 hours writing non-stop, consequently I had a huge headache, but it was worth it, because I loved writing it, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

This was very hard, especially the translation part, since it has more than 5000 words, so it is very likely that it have English errors, and if you have found some, please let me know!

I would even divide this chapter into two or three parts, but I decided to leave it all together. So I hope you enjoy a long chapter.

I plan to start the next chapter soon, as I’m really inspired to write this, so it’s better not to lose the inspiration to write while it is here, isn’t it?

See ya!

Until the next cap!

- Ina -

Masterlist

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flutistbyday-1 · 4 years ago

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John Deere Green: Chapter 11

Soooooo uhhhh don’t hate me—

I’m so sorry that this took so long. If you don’t know, I took a spill in April that made me bed-bound for six weeks and my mental health took a nosedive. I’m trying to get better, and part of that is writing.

Unbeta’d cause 🤷🏼‍♀️

Word count: 1539. Short! I know.

Riley’s heart began to pound as she pulled up to Liam’s house. Her heart ached. She felt bad for how she acted around Drake. It wasn’t fair to anyone, especially Liam.

Liam was at the top of the porch stairs when she pulled into his drive. She could see the concern on his face.

Riley parked in her usual spot and waited for Liam. He opened her door and immediately pulled her into a hug.

Riley inhaled his cologne and wrapped her arms tightly around him.

“Are you okay?” Liam whispered. “You worried me.”

“Much better now that you’re in my sights,” Riley said as she backed away from Liam. She nodded her head at her car. “Grabbed you a burger.”

“You are a gift from heaven,” Liam gushed as he swooped into Riley’s car.

Riley laughed. “Come on. Let’s go eat and I can tell you all about that text.”

“So what’s up, Riley?” Liam asked before he shoved more fries into his mouth.

Riley chuckled at him but sighed deeply. Tears stung her eyes. The guilt was eating her alive. “Well, as you know, Drake and I have gotten close lately.”

Liam nodded.

“Last week, I found him in the drive after he’d had a long day and we went to a bar. We played a drinking game, and I got drunk. One thing led to another, and... I kissed Drake.” Guilt was eating Riley alive. She was crying as she spoke. “I’m so, so sorry, Liam. I don’t know why I did it, but it felt right until Drake looked at me. I feel so bad,” she rambled. She was looking down at her hands that were tangled in her lap.

She and Liam sat face-to-face on his bed. He was quiet while Riley talked.

Liam thoughtfully wiped the grease off his hands before putting one under Riley’s chin and lifting her face. “I know, Riley. Drake told me the next day. He said it was all him and not to be mad at you.” He smiled sadly. “I knew you’d tell me when you were ready.”

Riley’s lower lip quivered. “You knew? You aren’t mad?”

Liam moved the food and trash onto his nightstand before taking Riley into his arms. He pulled her onto his lap. “Darling, you have gone from a long-term relationship in New York to an engagement that is short for established couples. You’re allowed to feel dazed. You’re allowed to mess up.” Liam pulled Riley close to him. “I don’t care as long as you don’t do it again.”

Riley nodded and snuggled into the crook of Liam’s neck. “I won’t kiss anyone but you. Promise,” she giggled.

“Good,” Liam said as he looked down at his fiancée. “Love you,” he smiled.

“Love you too,” Riley said as she leaned in to kiss Liam.

Riley snuggled into Liam, all thought of food behind him. He wrapped his arms protectively around her.

“Are you ready for next week?” he asked.

Riley nodded. “Yeah. I feel like I’ve known you forever and this was just meant to happen.” She smiled dreamily. “You’re my own Prince Charming,” she giggled.

Liam acted offended. “If anything, I’m a King.”

This sent Riley into a fit of laughter.

They spent the rest of the evening talking about their wedding, their families, and their future. When Riley left that night, she was more than confident that Liam would never hold that kiss against her and that she was, indeed, marrying the right man.

Liam had bought Riley a 60-acre property on which a gorgeous two-story Victorian-style farmhouse set, draped with a wrap-around. There was a small “in-law” house behind the main house, a swimming pool, a barn, a greenhouse, several flower gardens, and land that had already been tilled for farming.

Liam surprised Riley with pictures of the house and property the night after she confessed her sins of kissing Drake, and she had tears of joy in her eyes as Liam scrolled through his phone.

“It’s more than perfect, Liam,” she sighed as she leaned into him.

“Anything for you, my love,” he responded.

Riley’s bridal shower was on a Wednesday— who would have thought that her social status as Liam’s fiancé meant that she could reserve a fancy hotel on a Wednesday and people would show up?— and almost one hundred women were in attendance. On a Wednesday!

Riley only recognized a handful of the women at her party: her bridesmaids and some of Liam’s friends.

Kiara was dutifully making rounds and introducing Riley to women of her status or just below, in Kiara’s words. You don’t need to know everyone’s names, Riley. Just the ones who will help you find charities.

Riley desperately tried to hold onto reality, but it was hard when one didn’t feel like they belonged. I’m just a waitress from New York, Riley whined to Hana. A waitress who fell for one of the most eligible bachelors in America, Hana had retorted. Riley sent death glares to Hana as she danced away, claiming to do some maid-of-honor duty or something like that.

Riley was glad to see that Madeleine was in attendance— she’d grown close with the woman. She wasn’t nearly as bitchy as some had claimed, and honestly, with the way Leo broke her heart, Riley didn’t blame Maddy one bit.

Madeleine smiled at Riley from across the room, a “come save me from this person” smile, and Riley was more than happy to cooperate.

Riley walked to Madeleine and made a noise of distress, clutching to Madeleine’s arm. “Madeline, my florist just called and said that the roses for my attendants will be more pink than red!” Riley made her voice waiver for dramatic effect, and the woman Madeleine was speaking with let out an honest gasp.

“How horrible!” The woman gasped.

Maddy nodded solemnly. “I’ll call them at once, Riley!”

Madeleine walked away like she had a purpose and Riley looked at the woman. “I’m so sorry, ma’am, you know how us brides can be.”

The woman clasped Riley’s hands. “To a bride, every detail is important. You go fix your flower fiasco, Riley.” The woman nodded in affirmation and Riley nodded back.

“Thank you,” Riley said.

Truth be told, she didn’t even know what colors her flowers would be, or even what kind. Hana and her mother had planned every detail. Riley had given them an idea of what she wanted and found her dream dress. The rest was on the Dream Team, Riley called them.

Riley’s bachelorette party was okay— Riley wasn’t a fan of the party scene.

Hana had ordered the bridal party to bar-hopping, and everyone was buying shots for Riley. Thankfully, most of the patrons were too drunk to notice that the shots the bartenders were pouring were water instead of vodka.

It was nearly two AM when Riley broke down and called her fiancé. She wasn’t drunk by any means, thank you very much, but she had just enough of a buzz to miss Liam.

Riley stumbled out of the bar and plopped on the curb before calling Liam.

He answered quickly. “Riley? Love? Are you okay?”

Riley giggled. “I’m fiiiiiiiine, Liam. Just bored.”

Liam could hear the pout in Riley’s voice. “Isn’t Hana keeping you company?”

Riley snorted. “Hana is playing tonsil hockey with some stranger.” She gagged.

Liam laughed. “How drunk is she?”

Riley whined. “Stop talking about Hana and talk about me!”

This earned another laugh from Liam. “Okay, what about you?”

“Well, for one, I miss you. And, two,” Riley said, but didn’t continue.

“And, two?” Liam prompted.

“I don’t know. I forgot. Come get me,” Riley said pitifully.

“Where are you?”

Riley craned her neck to see the sign of the bar. “Kismet.”

“I’ll be there in five.”

It was the night before the wedding. All of Riley’s things had been moved to her future in-law’s house— they’d stay in the big house until a property had been established for them in a small town just south of Cordonia, Valtoria.

It was just a 15-minute drive from the Rhys homestead, close enough for Liam’s parents to rely on him, but far enough for the couple to find independence.

Riley paced in Hana’s front room. It was well past 11 and Riley should be asleep, but she was just so damn nervous.

Things had been going well with her life. Too well.

Riley was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“Riley,” Hana murmured. “I promise everything is going to be okay.”

The knot in Riley’s gut tightened as she shook her head.

Riley pulled out her phone and glanced at the notification bar. She could just call Liam as he said, but he’d probably be asleep by now and—

Her spiraling was stopped by a sharp knock, knock, knock at the door.

Riley’s eyes snapped to Hana.

Hana shrugged. “It’s probably Liam checking on you.”

Riley didn’t consider who else it could be until she had flung the door open, a stupid grin on her face.

The grin fell when she saw who it was.

“Hello, Riley. I think it’s time we talk,” Justin said as he pulled Riley into his arms for a crushing embrace.

***********************

PERMA

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#trr riley brooks #the royal romance #pixelberry #riley brooks #trr liam rys #trr mc x liam #trr drake walker #trr liam #choices #trr #trr au fanfic #trr john deere green #flutistbyday writes #flutistbyday john deere green #jdg #trr riley x liam

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nazariolahela · 5 years ago

Text

Something Domestic: Chapter 12

A/N: Hey y'all! This story is told in first-person narrative, from Riley’s (MC) POV. There will likely be smidges of canon in this, but not too much. Thanks for reading, and please leave feedback, and/or if you would like to be tagged.

Catch up here

Series Tags: @burnsoslow @aworldoffandoms @dcbbw @ladyangel70 @texaskitten30 @sunandlemons @jlynn12273 @indiacater @jared2612 @rainbowsinthestorm @drakesensworld @badchoicesposts @msjr0119 @katurrade @blackcoffee85 @cynicalworlds-blog @hopefulmoonobject @beardedoafdonutwagon @cmestrella @sugarandspice-milkandhoney @superharrietsuper @custaroonie @lady-calypso @ritachacha @olympianpantsuit @desiree-0816 @the-soot-sprite @kate-mckenzie @narrytheworld @octobereighth

Synopsis: When Riley Brooks takes a new job as a nanny for the affluent Rhys family in New York’s Upper East Side, she assumes she’s just going to care for the children of the couple who hired her. But instead of just school pick-ups and afternoon snacks, she also finds herself spending time with Liam, the handsome divorced dad. Can Riley control her feelings for Liam while still performing the job she was hired for?

All characters are the property of Pixelberry Studios. Thanks for allowing me to borrow them.

Chapter Summary: Riley and Liam become “official,” but a shocking revelation threatens to destroy their relationship.

I stand in the kitchen of Liam’s penthouse, going over my plans for today. It’s only been a day since the divorce became final, but it feels like things are starting to look up. Liam and Madeleine worked out a schedule to take the kids every other week. This week is Madeleine’s week. She dropped them off at Liam’s house this morning before heading to work. I showed up for my shift shortly after. The schedule is set up for me to take Charlotte to school, spend my day with Philip, and then she picks them up at 5:30 p.m. Everyone agreed this would be the smoothest transition for the kids.

As I put the final touches on my itinerary, my mind wanders to last night with Liam. I’ve been replaying it over and over again in my mind all morning. His touch. His passion. How good our bodies felt together. I almost orgasm just thinking about it. I hear Liam’s footsteps approaching and turn to find him entering the kitchen. He wraps his arms around my waist and whispers into my hair. “You busy tomorrow night?”

“Oh, you know. The usual. Comfy pants. Junk food. Real Housewives.”

He smirks. “Sounds good. But what if I can offer you good food, good company, and really good sex?”

I blush. Is it hot in here? Or is it just him? “I’m listening.”

“Let me take you out on a date. I’ll wine you, dine you…” he grins seductively. “...well, you know the rest.”

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him down to meet my lips. “You had me at good food.”

He groans and grabs my ass, lifting me up, and sets me on the kitchen island. His hands slip under my blouse, his fingers tracing up my sides, and toying with the lace of my bra. I tug on his tie and take his bottom lip in my teeth. “Where are you planning on taking me, Mr. Rhys? So I know what to wear tonight.”

“Well, if all goes as planned, you won’t be wearing anything. But if you must know, I’m taking you to Masa, so dress accordingly.”

My eyes widen. Masa is one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. It’s also considered one of the most expensive restaurants in the world. One meal will set you back around $500-$600 and the waitlist for reservations is at least three weeks out. I wonder to myself how he was able to score a table at a place like that, but then I remember his family pretty much owns the city. He notices my expression and smiles.

“Don’t give me that look. You’re worth it and I want to spoil you. Let me have this.”

“Fine,” I sigh. “But just this once. You don’t need to spend that much money on me. We could hit up the drive-thru at McDonald's and I’d be happy.”

“I know. That’s what I like about you. Now, get your sexy ass upstairs and get my kids up. I’ll pick you up at your place at 8 p.m. tomorrow.” He steals one more kiss before helping me down off the island. I make my way upstairs and get the kids ready for the day. Once they’re both dressed and fed, we head off to school.

After dropping off Charlotte, Philip and I hit up the “T.Rex: The Ultimate Predator” exhibit at the Museum of Natural History. The place is buzzing with groups of school children chaperoned by adults. I keep Philip close to me as we make our way through the crowd. As we walk by a 12-foot-tall skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, he tugs on my hand to get my attention.

“Riley? Do you think he comes to life at night?”

“What?”

“T-Rex. Does he come to life and play fetch?”

I give him a confused look. “He’s extinct, buddy. And has been for about about 65 million years.”

He looks back at me and gruffs in annoyance. “In Night at the Museum, he comes alive and plays fetch with Larry. He also drinks from the fountain.”

Whoops. Guess I didn’t see that movie. Feeling like a total dumbass, I grab Philip’s hand and guide him to the next exhibit.

After our daily ice cream stop, we pick up Charlotte from school. She tells me about an upcoming field trip her class is having and hands me a permission slip looking for chaperones. I wonder if nannies can even chaperone school field trips. When we get back to the penthouse, I set the kids up in the playroom with art supplies and watch them paint. Philip paints images of dinosaurs and Charlotte paints a dog. My mind wanders to my date with their father tomorrow night and the butterflies in my stomach start fluttering up a storm. Holy shit. I need to find something to wear. I fish my phone out of my tote bag and give Hana a call. She picks up on the second ring.

“Ohmygods, Hana. I need your help. Liam is taking me to Masa tomorrow night and I have no idea what to wear. What’s the dress code like for a place like that? Is it black tie? Can I wear my sponsorship dinner dress again?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Calm down. What time is he picking you up?”

“8 p.m.”

She chuckles. “Okay, we can work with that. Meet me at Carmina at 6 p.m. tonight and I’ll help you pick something out that will blow his mind.”

“You’re a lifesaver, girl. What would I do without you?”

“Well, your rent would be much higher, that’s for sure,” she says with a laugh.

We say our goodbyes and hang up, and I return to the kids. When Madeleine arrives home a few hours later, I bid farewell and hail a cab to Carmina. I pull up outside the store and see Hana and Meghan leaning outside the store, locked in a loving embrace. My heart bursts at the sight of my best friend finally finding her happily ever after. Hana notices me approaching and smiles.

“You ready to find a gown that will make this guy fall in love with you?” she asks.

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but I want to find something that will make him want to skip dinner altogether.” She rolls her eyes and turns to Meghan and the two share a knowing look. “Okay, Lovebirds,” I laugh. “Let’s go inside and find me a dress.”

The three of us enter the boutique and began browsing the racks. While Hana continues to search for a dress, Meghan approaches with a few draped over her arm and ushers me to an open dressing room. As I begin to disrobe, I hear her speak from the other side of the door.

“Hey, Riley? What are Hana’s parents like?”

I stop dead in my tracks. Oh shit. “Uh...they’re ...they’re interesting.”

She sighs. “You don’t have to sugar coat it for me. She told me they don’t know she’s gay. It’s just that she wants me to meet them tomorrow night and I think she wants to tell them about us. I want to know what I’m walking into.”

Half-dressed, I open the door and move toward her. “Honestly, they’re kind of overbearing. They’ve been trying to set her up with this guy for the better part of a year. She’s told them numerous times that she’s not interested, but they keep pushing this narrative that she needs to be a wife and a mother to be happy. Especially her mom. I think she’s afraid that Hana’s going to die an old maid, so she’s trying to find her a husband before it’s too late. It’s not an excuse, but I wonder if she thinks Hana isn’t capable of finding happiness on her own.”

Meghan nods. “I remember how it was for me when I came out to my family. I guess I’m just wondering how they’re going to react. I’m glad Hana has someone like you to support her.” She leans in and gives me a bone-crushing hug then walks out of the dressing room to find her girlfriend.

After trying on half a dozen dresses, I finally decide on a sexy sequined charcoal gray number with a plunging neckline. Liam is going to lose his shit when he sees me in this. And the best part; it’s on sale, so if it gets “damaged” at the end of the evening, at least I’m not out that much money.

***

It’s just before 8 p.m. Friday night when I hear a knock on my apartment door. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and make my way to the door. He stands on the other side, looking absolutely breathtaking in a dark suit. His blue eyes sparkle as they travel the length of my body. So glad I went with this dress.

“You look beautiful,” he says in a low voice.

“So do you.”

He takes my hand in his and leads me downstairs to the limo. He opens the door for me, but stops me before I enter, pulling my hand to his mouth and kissing the back of it. I feel my cheeks heat. His eyes study me, taking in every detail of my face. Suddenly, he looks away and clears his throat while adjusting himself. “We should go. We don’t want to miss our reservation.”

I smirk and climb into the limo. He climbs in behind me, and once we’re driving, I find myself trying not to stare at him. He notices me watching him and gives me a wink as he takes my hand in his and sets it on his thigh.

Twenty agonizing minutes and one steamy make-out session later, we arrive at the restaurant. The maître d' greets Liam like they’re old friends and the hostess shows us to our table. The tables are lit by single candles and soft music fills the air. A bottle of champagne sits in a bucket next to our table. Liam grabs it and pops the cork, pouring two glasses.

“Wow...this is fancy,” I say, sipping my champagne.

“I’m glad you like it.”

I look around, noticing servers taking orders from the other tables. “Where are our menus? What’s good here?”

Liam smiles. “Actually, there are no menus to order from. Only chef-selected meals prepared by Chef Masa Takayama himself.”

I nearly spit out my champagne. Oh, gods. This is one of those restaurants. I suddenly feel extremely uncomfortable. Liam notices me shifting in my seat and reaches across the table, placing his hand on top of mine.

“Hey. It’s okay. I know this seems like a lot, but you’re important to me and I want to show you that.”

“You didn’t have to bring me to a place like this though. I’d be happy at Applebee’s.”

He fake scoffs. “Applebee’s? Only peasants eat that crap.” I roll my eyes and he brings my hand to his lips, placing a kiss on it. “I’m kidding. If you’re really that uncomfortable here, I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Just say the word.”

I smile. This man is willing to give up his exclusive reservation for me. How did I get so lucky? “No, it’s okay. We can stay here. I already got dressed up. It would be a shame for it to go to waste.”

The reflection of the candlelight dances across his face and he watches me intently as I sip my champagne. He leans in and whispers in my ear. “What do you say we order our food to go and take this back to my place?”

We stumble into the penthouse, kissing and running our hands along each other’s bodies when a voice interrupts us.

“Is this what you do when you’re supposed to be watching my kids?” I turn around to see Madeleine standing in the kitchen, a look of pure rage on her face.

Liam steps away from me and addresses her, his tone laced with anger. “What are you doing here? And where are Philip and Charlotte?”

“They’re with Rashad, and don’t worry about what I’m doing here. What are you doing? The nanny? Really, Liam?”

“At least it wasn’t with one of my co-workers. While I was still married.”

“No, just the woman entrusted to look after our children,” she sneers.

Awkwardly, I make my way toward the door. “I...I think I’m gonna go.”

“I don’t think so, bitch!” Madelene snaps. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you will not jeopardize my children’s safety for a fucking payday.”

“Excuse me? What the hell are you talking about?”

Madeleine snorts. “Don’t play dumb. It’s unbecoming.” She retrieves a magazine from her purse and slams it down with force on the coffee table. “This,” she says. Liam’s eyes go wide. I look down at the magazine and feel the color drain from my face. No, please no.

Ohmygods, this is my worst nightmare. How could this happen? I look at Liam and his face falls. “Riley? What is this?”

“What do you think it is?” Madeleine says. “She sold us out to the fucking tabloids.”

“What? No! I-I swear… I had nothing to do with this.” I turn back to Liam. He continues to stare at the magazine, his face void of any emotion. “Liam? Liam, listen to me. I don’t know how this got out, but I didn’t leak this. I swear on everything we have.”

Madeleine laughs dryly. “You expect me to believe that? You were the only person besides our families who knew about this. Don’t think I don’t know about your little obsession with these trash rags. You left one laying on the kitchen table a few weeks ago. And Mara said she buys them for you every week. What? Did you think you could just sell details of our private lives to the tabloids, and then fuck my ex-husband and everything would be cool? How much did they pay you? I hope it was worth it.”

My voice shakes. “Ma-Madeleine. I swear. I didn’t leak this.” A lone tear escapes and rolls down my cheek. “Liam, please. You have to believe me. I would never do this to you. To Philip and Charlotte. I care about them. I would never put them in danger.” He continues to stare at the magazine, not speaking or making eye contact with me.

“I want you out. Turn in your keycard. You are officially relieved of your duties.”

“Madeleine, please...”

“I don’t want to hear it. You’re fired. You’re lucky we don’t take your ass to court and sue you for publishing private facts about our family. And you are to have no contact with my children or I will have you arrested for stalking.”

Mara appears to escort me out and I sob loudly, losing all control. I retrieve my keycard from my purse and hand it to her. She frowns and places her hand on my arm, guiding me to the elevator. The ride down to the lobby is quiet except for my cries. I wonder why Liam didn’t come to my rescue. Does he actually believe that I leaked the story to the press? It’s hard to tell when he just stood there and said nothing as Madeleine ripped me a new one.

“I’m so sorry, Miss Brooks,” Mara says as she escorts me out of the lobby and into the street. She stands guard until an Uber arrives to take me home.

I get into the car and break down. The tears stream down my face as I lean my head against the glass, watching the penthouse disappear into the distance. Before tonight, I had a great job and a man that I could possibly see myself falling in love with.

Now, I have neither.

#something domestic #trr au #nanny au #trr fanfic #riley brooks #liam rhys #playchoices fanfic #nazariolahela fanfic

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badchoicesposts · 5 years ago

Text

Loyalty Or Royalty

Prologue

Summary: Mia Bhatt spent years trying to escape her past, trying to escape the feeling of betrayal that was left in her heart after the fire, and she finally had. She was marrying the King of Cordonia and was finally going to get her happily ever after. But, after a momentary lapse in judgement caused her to send a wedding invitation to someone she was sure had forgotten about her, she realizes that sometimes the past has a way of crawling back to you.

Author’s Note: Okay, so I honestly have no idea with this is. It was inspired by the lovely @flowerpowell‘s fic Honeymoon Adventure which left me needing a TRR/ROD crossover. Special thanks to Blanca herself for encouraging me to continue writing this and just being all around amazing!

Pairing: Liam x MC (Mia Bhatt), Platonic!Colt x MC, MC x The Mercy Park Crew

Taglist: @flowerpowell

If anyone would like to be added to the taglist and would like to see me continue this please let me know!

Mia smiled at herself in the mirror as she smoothed down her dress, her long black curls falling over her shoulders and standing out against the white fabric. She was actually getting married in an hour. After everything she and Liam had been through together, the social season, the sexual assault, his engagement tour with Madeleine, Anton and the Sons of Earth, Constantine’s death, it was all over, and she was finally about to walk down the aisle and marry the love of her life. Liam had been both everything she ever dreamed of and everything she never thought she deserved. He had the biggest heart of anyone she had ever met, and he made her feel so loved. He made her feel like she was the luckiest woman in the world, and truly she was to have someone as amazing as him in her life. She was going to walk down the aisle and become a wife and a queen. The thought terrified her and excited her all at the same time, and she couldn’t be happier.

“You should really get better security. You’d think after all the assassination attempts you would have already done that.”

Mia’s smile immediately dropped off of her face when she heard his voice. Her heart began beating rapidly in her chest, and her palms immediately began to sweat. She turned to look at him, taking in that same black leather jacket that he had thrown over her shoulders countless times and the long black hair that hung ungelled around his face. There was a small smirk on his face, but the tender look in his eyes told her that he was happy to see her. That he had missed her.

She wanted to smile at him and run into his arms, the arms that had made her feel safe countless times while they were growing up. The arms that had held her comfortingly when she was at both her lowest and her highest. She wanted to run to her best friend and tell how much she missed him and how happy she was to see him, tell him how happy she that he was here for her wedding, and ask him to walk her down the aisle. He was always supposed to be the one to do it after all. She had decided that a long time ago, after she found out how much of a monster her father could actually be. He would never be the one to give her away. No, her best friend would. Colt would. It had always been the two of them against the world. Had.

As much as she wanted to be happy that Colt Kaneko was alive and well, standing right in front of her, she couldn’t because an even bigger part of her was mad. It was angry, furious. Her eyes trailed over the stubble on his jaw and his wide shoulders, and she felt tears well up in them. She remembered how terrible it had been seven years ago.

After her parents’ death, she was sixteen years old and facing the chance of getting thrown into the foster system. Her father was an asshole that worked for none other than Teppei Kaneko, which resulted in her and Colt being inseparable since they were in diapers. However, after a job had taken a nasty turn and gotten both of her parents murdered, that same man had taken her in after months of Colt’s begging and had given her a home. He gave her a job answering the phone at the front desk of the auto shop, strictly keeping her away from any of his more dangerous dealings, and she had been okay with that. She had been perfectly content and carried on that way for two years.

When Teppei had started pushing Colt away, it was her who had gotten in the middle and kept the peace, talking sense into the son to keep him from doing anything too rash and reasoning with the father to keep him from ruining their relationship. In the end Colt had gone away to college on the east coast where his mother lived, and Mia had stayed at Kaneko Auto Body to finish her last two years of high school. She was going to have to attend community college because no matter how good her grades were, she just couldn’t afford to go anywhere else, and then she would figure out a way of making things better for herself.

However, that changed all at once when Logan started bringing Ellie Wheeler around. It was a dangerous game Kaneko was playing, but despite all of her warnings, he made it very clear that he wanted her nowhere near his shadier dealings. So, she stayed away. Then, when Colt came back into town she pleaded with him to do the same thing. She pleaded with him to stay away from all of it. He was one of the smartest people she knew, and there were so many things he could do with his life that didn’t include organized crime. But, he didn’t listen to her. He was determined to follow in his father’s footsteps.

She still remembered the night of the fire vividly. She remembered Toby running up to the loft and pulling her out of bed and through the smoke and flames that had begun to fill the air. She remembered watching in horror as the place she lived went up in flames. She remembered Colt and Ellie catching up with them, and how the young girl explained everything shakily to her. Ellie told her about The Brotherhood, she told her about Teppei Kaneko’s death.

She remembered feeling as if all the air had been sucked out of her lungs as she and Colt clung to each other, mourning him. Teppei was far from perfect. He could be harsh, mean, manipulative, and downright terrifying, but he had still taken her in and given her a home. She remembered watching as everyone from the crew began to flee in the night. She remembered dragging Colt to one of her friends’ house and the two of them falling asleep after a long night of tears only to wake up to him gone the next morning. She remembered calling him, only to find the number disconnected, and then having the police show up to bring her in for questioning.

After days of intense interrogation, she was finally released from custody when they realized that she truly had no idea about any of Kaneko’s business. She really did only answer the phones, and she was so happy that Teppei had kept her away from it all. All she knew for sure was what Ellie had told her the night of the fire. After that day, she moved across the country to live with Colt’s mother in New York. The woman was kind enough to let her stay with her until she graduated high school, and together, the two of them worried about Colt.

They worried about where he was, how he was doing, if he was even still alive. Colt had disappeared along with the rest of the crew, and there was no word from him. No calls, emails, letters, or even postcards. Nothing to indicate that he was still breathing.

Mia hadn’t seen or heard from her best friend, Colt Kaneko, in seven years, and here he was now, standing right in front of her. And she was mad.

#the royal romance #the royal heir #trr #trh #ride or die #ride or die: a bad boy romance #rod:abbr #colt kaneko #colt x mc #liam #king liam #liam x mc #teppei kaneko #my fics #choices #choices fics #playchoices #playchoices fics #colt kaneko x mc

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camillemontespan · 5 years ago

Text

she wolves [part six: heartbreak for only one witness]

Part Five if you want to catch up.

Warnings: Aftermath of character death.

NSFW (Penelope and Thomas, I’m looking at you)

@jovialyouthmusic @sirbeepsalot @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @moonlightgem7 @burnsoslow @ibldw-main @emichelle @katedrakeohd @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @mskaneko @nazariortega @dcbbw @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake @notoriouscs @star-spangled-eyes @rainbowsinthestorm @stopforamoment @pedudley @drakesensworld @pug-bitch @msjr0119

*********************************************

Kiara

'Duchess Kiara! Emergency!'

I wake up to one of the servant girls screaming at my door and bolt out of bed. Wrapping my silk dressing gown around my body, I open the door. The servant is pale with wide, terrified eyes. 'Prince Leo!' she gasped.

I race to Leo's assigned room. My heart is racing. Something has happened in my home, I have no idea what but I dread to find out.

The door to Leo's room is unlocked. I burst through the door and see Leo lying on top of his bed, still.

I edge closer to him, trying to keep calm. Assess the situation. Don't jump to conclusions. Read the room.

It smells of vanilla in here. The morning light filters through the window, casting a glow onto Leo.

He is pale, his golden skin lost its sheen, and his eyes are shut. He looks like he is sleeping except he isn't breathing.

I feel tears burn in my eyes and I let out a horrified sob.

My diplomat father's advice doesn't work for dead bodies.

**********************************************

Olivia

There's a rapping on my door. Groaning, I look at my clock and see it's 6am. Who wants to see me at this ungodly hour?

'Wait a second!' I snap, throwing on my dressing gown. I throw the door open and come face to face with Kiara.

'Kiara -'

'It's Leo,' she says, her voice thick. 'He.. He's..'

She can't find words. Dread fills my heart and I push past her to run to his room. She follows close behind.

I enter his room and stop short.

Leo is lying on the bed, eyes closed. I rush forward and shake him. 'Leo? Leo, wake up.'

No response.

I take a shakey breath. I've seen enough dead bodies to know the signs but I can't accept this. I won't accept this.

I climb onto the bed and not caring that Kiara is watching, I shake Leo some more. 'Leo, honey, please,' I beg. 'Wake up for me.'

'He's dead, Liv..' Kiara whispers.

'Get out!' I scream, my voice sounding like it's being ripped from my body. Hot tears course down my cheeks, dropping onto Leo's bare neck, and I am only vaguely aware that Kiara has now left the room. It's just me and Leo.

My hands clench onto his shirt as I cry. I never cry, never. It feels like all of the tears I have never shed in my 27 years of existing flow from my eyes in one moment.

I allow myself to feel this visceral pain. I allow myself to feel this deep ache and the empty hole in my heart that I know will never heal.

Leo was the only one who ever saw my true colours. His brother never realised my true nature or even bothered to find out. But Leo did. He wanted to find out my flaws. He wanted to find out what made me happy, what made me sad, what turned me on. Leo wanted to find out everything.

Which is why I hold him as I cry. Only he, despite being a shell of himself, a vessel, will know I've reacted this way.

This is heartbreak for only one witness.

**********************************************

An hour later, I dry my eyes and wash my face in Leo's bathroom. When I come back out, I study him with a detached feeling. I need to think rationally now.

I know how he spent his last night alive because he told me his plans.

He was seeing Madeleine.

I move towards the bedroom door but stop abruptly. Quickly, I turn back and pace towards Leo again and I press a kiss on his cold lips.

'I love you,' I whisper in his ear. 'She will pay for this and I will become Queen for you.'

**********************************************

Kiara

I gently knock on Olivia's door. The police arrived earlier and the body was taken away to the morgue. Cordonia has not been notified yet because nobody knows who should announce the death.

She opens the door and I blanch at how awful she looks. I don't mean to be unkind, she has a reason to look this hollow, but I'm not used to seeing her like this. She looks raw.

But when she speaks, her voice is anything but.

'I know who killed him,' she says bluntly.

I close my eyes. 'Can I come in?'

She beckons for me to enter and she gestures to the drink trolley. 'Alcohol?'

'Scotch,' I say quickly. Olivia nods and pours two glasses, handing me one. I sit down on the chaise lounge and we both sink our drinks. The alcohol burns my throat.

'You say he was killed?' I ask delicately.

'I know he was,' Olivia tells me, her voice steady and strong. 'Madeleine.'

I exhale.

'The room smelled of vanilla when I went in,' I say quietly. 'Madeleine has told me in the past that she wears vanilla as a scent to seduce men.'

Olivia smirks but there's no humour. 'Of course she does. She can't rely on her sparkling personality or sexual prowess, can she?'

Olivia stands up to pace the room, glass of scotch in her hand. 'Leo had arranged to meet Madeleine in his room,' she tells me. 'He was going to break it off with her.'

'He chose you?' I ask.

Olivia stares at me in disbelief. 'How do you know that? How did you know we were fucking?'

I turn red and take a sip of my drink. 'I can read people,' I say quietly. 'I just had a feeling that things were going on. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause offence -'

'None taken,' she interrupts. 'I didn't realise you were so in tune with things. It's.. Interesting.'

We watch each other for a moment and I can see the cogs turning in her head. She downs her drink and pours herself another.

'We need to announce that he's dead,' I tell her, feeling more confident. 'Then we work out how to go from there.'

'I'll do it,' she says quickly. 'Only I can pay tribute in the way he would want.'

I nod. 'And afterwards?'

She grips her glass and her knuckles turn white.

'Leave that with me.'

**********************************************

Madeleine

A press conference is organised to announce the passing of Prince Leo. I have my speech prepared as his ex-fiancée and have applied powder to my face and made sure that I look innocent.

I do feel guilty. Really guilty. I didn't mean for it to go this far but what else was I supposed to do? He would have let her take the throne and she would have convinced him to rule by her side. I can't have her win. Leo is mine.

Leo was mine.

The press conference is being held at Kiara's Manor as its urgent that this news is relayed to the nation. We can't wait. To do so would look like it's a secret.

Media are already assembled and the rest of court at gathered around with bated breath.

I am backstage when I see Olivia standing, head down, reading notes.

In this unguarded moment, she looks like she could break. I would feel sorry for her, had she not been fucking my childhood sweetheart.

I clear my throat. 'What's that you're reading?'

She turns around and her eyes narrow. 'My notes. I'll be speaking.'

I scoff. The audacity. 'You really think you're going to address the nation?' I ask in disbelief. 'Are you kidding?'

Her lip curls in contempt. 'I don't see why not. It's what Leo would have wanted. Besides, you don't tell me what to do. Nobody does.'

I step forward with my fists clenched. 'I was engaged to him,' I hiss. 'I am the woman Cordonia associates with him, not his side piece-'

'I was never his side piece,' Olivia interrupts, her voice laced with acid. 'We had something. He told me he loved me.'

I can't hide my shock at this. ‘No, he didn’t!’ I protest. ‘He loved me. Only me. Nobody else -’

But there's more as she interrupts me. Edging closer, she whispers very quietly with a warning in her tone, 'Is that why you killed him?'

I step back but her hand reaches out to grip my wrist. She pulls me back towards her and she hisses, 'I know you were the last person with him last night. He told me he was seeing you and he was going to end it. I imagine you couldn't face the harsh reality so instead decided to murder him in cold blood. Is that right, Maddie?'

I push her away, hot tears stinging my eyes. 'Don't call me Maddie. Only he was allowed to call me Maddie -'

'Don't you dare act like you still love him even after you murdered him in his own bed!' she spits. Her eyes narrow and she looks at me like she could kill me right there. 'I'm not going to let this lie,' she says. 'Because as of now, you have a target on your back.'

I will my heart to stop pounding against my chest. It does. I then throw my shoulders back and smirk. 'What exactly are you going to do, Liv?' I ask. 'Nobody will believe you. I'm his sweetheart. Which is why I'm going to address the nation of this news and you, like the whore you are, will stay in the shadows where you belong.'

With a triumphant smile, I push past her and stride from backstage to the waiting media.

**********************************************

I stand at the podium and clear my throat. Cameras flash and everyone waits with bated breath. This moment is vital. How I deliver this news will show Cordonia the kind of Queen I will be.

'Cordonia,' I begin. 'It is with a heavy heart that I address you today. This morning, Prince Leo was found in his bed. He passed away in the night.'

There's gasps around the room. I blink back tears and carry on. 'As you all know, I was his fiancée. He was my first love. In fact, he was my only love.'

I look out to the back of the room and see Olivia, with a face of thunder, standing next to Kiara, Drake and Camille. Drake looks ashen while Camille's mouth is shaped like an O.

'The world will be a much darker place now that he has gone,' I say. 'He always carried a little sparkle, didn't he?' I smile waveringly. 'My Leo.'

More camera flashes.

'I will miss him forever. I will never get over this but I know he would want me to move forward. He would want all of us to move forward. He was always one for wanting to see the best in things and to that end, we must honour him. We must continue to move forward as a nation in light of this terrible tragedy and be strong. We must be strong for Leo. There will be a state funeral and everyone is invited to pay their respects. He loved this country and he loved all of you. Thank you.'

I leave the stage and deliberately walk towards Olivia who is near the exit door. I lean in to whisper in her ear, 'I think I did him justice, don't you?'

Her eyes lock on mine. 'You barely knew him.'

**********************************************

Camille

Drake wants to take me back to Valtoria straight after the press conference. He guides me to our car where our driver Geoffrey is waiting for us.

I rest my head on his shoulder as he strokes my hair. I'm thinking about Leo. He was always friendly to me and warm. He was the kind of person who made you feel like you were the only person he was interested in speaking to. He had that charm.

'Promise me you'll pass away when you're an old man,' I whisper to Drake. 'I couldn't take it if you left me now.'

Drake takes me hand and kisses my knuckles. 'I promise I'll die a happy old man in my bed when I'm ninety. I'm not leaving you just yet, Camille.'

I smile weakly and place my hand over my stomach. I do it a lot now without thinking. My maternal instincts have already kicked in and I'm not even showing yet. Drake sees me do this and rests his hand in my stomach too.

'How about we talk about baby stuff when we get home?' he suggests, trying to cheer me up. 'Like which room will be the nursery, that sort of thing.'

I squeeze his hand. 'That sounds perfect.'

********************************************

Penelope

That night, I'm back in Portavira. I made my excuses to my parents, saying I wanted to go for a walk to clear my head after today's events, which was partly true, but walking isn't going to help my mindset.

Having Thomas's body on top of mine, however, is the perfect remedy. I showed up at his apartment and he took one look at my worried face and guided me inside, kissing me gently. We were gentle at first, talking quietly about Leo. But gentleness gave way to something more primal and he carried me to his bedroom, knocking over lampshades as he did so.

He kisses me desperately and rakes his hands through my long hair as he bucks against me. I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him in tighter so I can feel all of him.

'Fuck, Penelope..' He groans in my ear. 'You're so tight, I love it.'

'What else do you love?' I whisper, feeling the heat in my core as he drives further into me, filling me up entirely.

'Your mouth,' he gasps, kissing my lips. 'Your skin,' his hands travel down my waist towards my hips. He pulls me up so the lower half of my body is suspended above the bed and he grinds into me harder. 'Your pussy. Fuck, I love your pussy.'

I love it when he talks like this. I love it when he only wants me, when he is mad for me. It's like nothing else in the world matters except for me. I feel like the person I want to be whenever I'm with him.

'I love your breasts,' he whispers, his left hand roaming towards my chest while his right hand keeps me supported off the bed.

'What else?' I gasp, feeling my body beginning to jerk.

His eyes meet mine. 'I love you.'

**********************

Camille

I'm straddling my husband and he's groaning my name over and over again as I ride him. We spent the evening talking about the baby and planning our doctors appointments before we wandered to bed to be together.

His hands cup my stomach. I know he's proud of this little life we have created. I know he already loves it.

He gently rolls me onto my back and kisses my stomach, his lips hot against my skin, until he travels down to between my legs. His tongue circles against me and I arch my back, crying out his name as he worships me.

I tug his hair with my fingers and he lets out a groan. I want us to be together like this forever. No worries, no fear, no sadness. Just us and our family, happy.

******************************

Olivia

It is 2am and I’m not sleeping.

Instead, I am plotting.

Madeleine’s speech today made me feel sick. I’m disgusted with her. The way she acts like he was hers makes me want to run my favourite dagger across her throat and watch the crimson pour down her neck.

I will bide my time while plotting. I know Leo would tell me to take the high road, to move forward, but I can’t. The high road is not in my nature and it never will be.

I grew up being taught that survival is the only way to live life. Laying down or rising above something was never part of my education; I was reared to always believe that when someone is smiling at you, it is because they are holding a knife behind their back, ready to strike. The best thing you can do is to strike first with your blade and cut the danger off at the source.

I don’t think she realises how far I’m willing to go to avenge him.

I don’t think she believes I truly love him and that is her weakness.

#trr fanfic #olivia nevrakis #drake walker #drake walker x mc

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flowerpowell · 6 years ago

Text

Meet-Cute (Drake x MC)

PART FIVE

A/N: So… after almost three months part five is finally here. Does anyone even remember this series?? I’m sorry it took me so long but also thank you for your patience! I hope this part will bring you the answers for questions you had after part four! I dont own the characters, they belong to Pixelberry. As always, feedback is much appreciated!

Rating: PG-16 (nothing bad but just in case)

Word count: 2050

Tagging: @agent-bossypants @mysteli @gardeningourmet @annekebbphotography @mymandrake @butindeed @walkerduchess @brightpinkpeppercorn @choicessa @violinist3121 @blackcatkita @jlouise88 @innerpostmentality @tmarie82 @darley1101 @littleeeepeach @ooo-barff-ooo @sleepwalkingelite @traeumerinwitzhelden @jovialyouthmusic @nikkis1983 @notoriouscs @melodyofgraves @zaffrenotes @fluffy-marshmallow-heart @rhymesmenagerie @emichelle @drakesroyalromance @drakewalkerisreal @mrsnazariowrites @furiousherringoperatortoad @lynne1993 @drakesensworld @iplaydrake @thequeenofcronuts @confessionsofabrokegirl @xxcaptainchrispowellxx @carabeth @ao719 @gibbles82 @be-still-my-aching-heart @symonde @choices97 @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore ♥ (I’m sorry if I’ve missed out anyone, it’s been so long and I forgot who asked to be tagged!”

“Because they all think I killed Liam,” Drake said avoiding Riley’s widened eyes.

“You….WHAT?” She couldn’t believe it, maybe she misheard something?

“Killed Liam,” he answered calmly finally risking a glance at her. She was shocked.

“Wait, what do you mean you killed Liam?!”

This didn’t make any sense, they were friends! And even if something changed, Drake would never kill anyone. Never.

Or would he?

How much could change since she last saw him?

“I know what you’re thinking. But for the record, I didn’t do anything. I was apparently the last person who saw him alive so I was accused of his death.”

“Wait, wait, stop!” she waved her hand, shaking her head trying to understand. “I’m not following. Liam’s dead? You’re accused of his death? What the heck happened in Cordonia since I left?!”

“A lot of things, actually. You wanna know everything or just the key points?”

“Everything, I have time,” she replied wrapping herself in a blanket and making herself comfortable.

“Well,” he sighed running his hand through his hair, “it all started the day you left. You weren’t in your room so I assumed you were somewhere with Hana or Maxwell. I tried to call you but you didn’t answer. And then I saw the letters. I read mine and when I realized you were really gone I ran to find the others hoping they’d know more. But they didn’t, no one knew anything and we all were surprised to learn you decided to take off. We started looking for you, in the middle of the night, knowing you couldn’t be far away. I don’t know where you spent the night but you hid well, no one, not even the royal guards, could find you. Anyway, Liam was furious. He blamed me for your disappearance and to be honest, I blamed myself too. Liam shut me off completely, I think he was still hurt after I told him about us. I hired a detective to find you but he couldn’t find anything. When we came back to Cordonia, we started getting ready for Liam and Madeleine’s wedding. But he didn’t want to marry her. He was getting rebelious, didn’t want to listen to us, to anyone. His father was getting worse too. And then, Bertrand told us they had found Tariq. And if you think everything got better you’re wrong. It only made Liam more upset. He was free of Madeleine but the only person he wanted to marry, that is you, was gone. He blamed me for his ruined future, for his ruined chances for marriage. We barely spoke since then, I lived in my cabin, far from the palace to avoid him, or anyone for that matter. I sent another detective but still nothing. I called Daniel a few times but he swore he never saw you. Finally, Liam’s father died. There was an attack in the palace and I think it was Liam who was targetted. A few weeks after, Maxwell told me what a mess Liam was. He didn’t talk to anyone, he barely eat anything. I decided to visit him, I was his friend after all and I cared for him. He wasn’t happy to see me. He told me to get out, I could see he was drunk and tired with everything. I told him I was worried but he only shrugged and said he was doing perfectly fine.”

“Liam… we’re worried about you, you don’t go out, you don’t talk to anyone, you–”

“I. AM. FINE.”

“Liam… I’m concerned..”

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have taken MY woman, if you’re so concerned!”

“She wasn’t yours! And it’s not my fault she had feelings for me!”

Liam snickered, “Of course. She loved you so much that she left.”

“Liam!”

“Get out. I don’t want to see you ever again!”

“Liam, we’re friends, please,let’s talk.”

“I do not want to talk to you! You have taken away everything from me. You have taken the only chance for love I had. You took her, you made her leave, you–”

“Liam, please–”

“GET OUT! Get out before I do something I shouldn’t do as a King!”

“Our meeting didn’t go well, he yelled at me and I decided to leave before we both say things we would regret. That was the last time I saw him. And unfortunately, the last time he was seen at all. Somewhere around three in the morning I got a call from Bastien saying Liam was found unconsious and people claim I wanted to kill him. They heard us arguing loudly and the camera footage clearly shows me as the last person who came into Liam’s room. Bastien told me they were going to investigate me and advised to hide somewhere until they find the real reason for Liam’s condition. He didn’t believe I did it, neither did Savannah, Hana, and Maxwell. And then a whole lot of mess happened. Liam was pronounced dead and I guitly. Bastien gave me fake passport and helped me get out of the country and I’m glad he did because I would be in jail now. No one wanted to listen to me, they all assumed I did it because I wanted to be with you. Some people claimed I killed you too. After I left, I still got updates on the situation and guess what. Your press secretary, was not, in fact, a press secretary, but a fucking pretender to the throne in case the King of Cordonia died childless. And since both, Liam and Constantine, were dead, Anton, that is Justin for you, was pronounced a new King and Olivia, who was his wife according to the will, a Queen.” He took a deep breath before continuing.

“Anton put Bastien and some other royal guards in jail for not taking enough care of Liam and issued a wanted notice after me. No one was safe with him, not even his own wife who suddenly disappeared. Anton accused me of kidnapping Olivia and promised to find me. Now, he’s ruling alone and I think that was his plan all along. I have no idea where Olivia is but I’m sure her kidnapping was his doing. I went to the States to my mom, already changed my name, but they came there looking for me too. I was wandering across the U.S. in hope to find you, find anyone who didn’t hate but after ten months I gave up. You didn’t want to be found for a reason. I remembered I obtained a degree a couple of years before and decided to start teaching. Went to England and was lucky because they needed a history teacher after the previous one had to go on a sick leave. And here we are,” Drake finished sadly.

“Wow,” was all she could say in that moment. She didn’t know how to comment on that, so much information is so little time.

“So… Liam’s dead?” her eyes welled up with tears. “And Justin, I mean Anton, is the King now? With Olivia as his wife but she disappeared? And Bastien’s in jail? What about Maxwell? Hana? Betrand?”

“I don’t know, I didnt want to contact them in case someone caught that and they would be in trouble,” Drake shrugged nonchalantly and Riley felt angry he was so calm about it.

“And that’s it? You just ‘don’t know’? Never tried to look up for any information about them? You talk about it as if you don’t care at all!” she yelled at him and he winced slighly.

“I do care!”

“Liam is dead and you’re telling me as if it was nothing, no emotions, nothing!”

“What am I supposed to do?! Cry in front of you? Get drunk? It’s been a year, I already did all of that before.”

Riley shook her head and got up, slowly collecting her clothes. “It’s too much for me, Drake. I need a moment. I can’t believe you’re here while they are all…there. I can’t believe you don’t care.”

Drake stood still watching her getting dressed. She looked at him with this well-known disappointed look in her eyes. “You won’t say anything? Won’t start another argument? Yell at me about how wrong I am?”

“Nope, not doing that,” Drake answered walking up to her and putting his shoulders around her, locking her in his embrace. “I’m not arguing with you ever again and I’m not letting you go ever again either. You’re staying with me.”

He pressed a kiss to her cheeck and she rolled her eyes. “Gee, you’re no fun when we’re made up. I can’t even tease you! What have I done!”

He chuckled in response but his face fell slighly when he realized something.

“You know we have to keep this private, right? No one can know or we’ll both be kick out.”

“I know,” she sighed, “and you can’t be kicked out because that would cause a scandal and you have to avoid scandals so no one can find you. Maybe we should just get back to hating each other again?”

“No!” Drake pulled her closer, trapping her in his arms. She laughed.

“I’m not letting you go,” he whispered into her hair before placing a soft kiss on her temple. “It’ll be hard but we’ll manage. If I managed to hide my feelings towards you well enough that even you thought I didn’t have any for you causing you to leave, then I think I’ll be good with hiding them before the rest of the world too.”

“We’ll see about that, Mr Stagger.”

~~~~

He wasn’t joking. Hiding what was between them was hard.

Riley had to remind herself not to smile or talk to him. Luke was getting suspicious and was constantly studying her face during the classes. She cursed herself for choosing psychology as her major because that made her classmates only more observant.

Drake was trying too, he never complimented Riley on the right answer but decided to let go of bombarding Luke with difficult questions.

Not being able to spend much time with each other wasn’t easy either. Riley had classes when Drake had breaks and vice versa. Evenings beloged to her hanging out with her uni friends and Drake could only message her. They met up for weekend trips only, far away from the campus, where they would make up for the lost time and simply, where they could enjoy each other’s company.

They never came back to the conversation from weeks ago, Drake seemed to have dropped the topic but Riley couldn’t stop thinking about it.

During her evenings alone, she tried to find any information about what happened on the Internet but there were not many articles and she was sure then those that were left, were somehow controlled by Anton. She wanted to call Maxwell or Hana and ask them but she knew it’d only cause more problems. She needed to know some more but she didn’t know how.

On one Monday evening, while she was thinking of some ways to obtain information, her phone rang and she smiled seeing who was calling.

“Spenc! How are you, sweetie? I miss youuuu so much! I wish you would come here already!” Nadia kept talking on the phone and Riley could almost see her pouted face.

“I’ll be home in a few weeks, remember? Besides, you have other friends too, they can keep you company.”

“I do. But I miss you anyway. I’m dying for some new gossip! How are you and Luke? Does this awful professor stopped treating you like this? In my opinion he was jea-lous! Anyway, have I told where I am going in a few hours? To the embassy! For dinner, can you believe it?? I wish I could say ‘I made it!’ but it’s not me, Damien, you remember my friend, helped the ambassador solve a complicated case that’s been going on for ageeees and he invited us all to thank him. I’m so excited! I wish you were here!” Nadia was chattering when Riley was hit with an idea.

“Nadia… Your friend Damien, he’s–”

“He’s single, yes!”

“No, I didn’t mean it like this.”

“Oh, good, cause I think he might be into my cousin Kai!” Nadia said relieved.

“He’s a private investigator, right?”

“Yes, why?”

“And if I, hypothetically, hired him to work for me, internationally but in total secret, could he do that?” Riley asked biting her lip. She had the idea but she wasn’t sure if that would help.

“Hypothetically, yes. He’s the best and he would solve any case in no time! Is everything okay?” Nadia asked suddenly concerned.

“Nadia… do you have a moment? I want to tell you a story of a beautiful country Cordonia and of a girl named Riley and how everything changed from a fairytale to a nightmare.”

#trr #the royal romance #choices #choices trr #drake walker #drake x mc #drake walker x mc #playchoices #its been 84 years #whooooops

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