#so in my dream I was crying about missing Daphne and then I woke up and started crying about how much I was going to miss Daphne lmao

[xoxoemynn]

how am I supposed to work today when Daphne is resting her little head and her little paw on my thigh and snuggling in closes just how

[ilalos]

Worth it (Anthony Bridgerton x reader) Part 2/2

Summary: Your arranged marriage to Anthony seems fine, until it doesn’t.

Warnings: marriage, implied sex, angst-ish, fluff, pregnancy, crying, if you notice anything else let me know :)

Word count: 2.5k

The season passed in a blur with countless flowers and conversations that filled you with expectations about your marriage to the Viscount, you truly felt like love was around the corner for both of you and it was a matter of time for that corner to be turned. He was everything you had expected and more, you could tell he was wary about letting you in but didn’t want to push him so you let him open himself to you at his own pace. The had been some stolen looks, kisses on your knuckles that had lasted a little longer than they should and hand a bit lower than what was acceptable when you danced. To say the courting had been successful was the understatement of the season in your opinion, by the time the wedding day came you were counting down the minutes before you finally became Lady (y/n) Bridgeton.

Your wedding ceremony was short and the carriage ride to Anthony’s bachelor townhouse was even shorter. The wedding night had come with a surprisingly low amount of events, your virginity had been taken the sweetest of ways, with many kisses and whispered promises of pleasure that came true. By the end of the day, you were as happy as can be, laying on your husband's chest, feeling his heartbeat slowing down and smelling the sweet vanilla scent of his skin.

When you woke up the next morning the bed was empty and he had already left to work in his study back in the main Bridgerton home. He didn’t return until late in the evening and you were waiting for him so you could have dinner together.

“Thank you for waiting for me,” he said while taking a sip of his wine.

“It’s nothing, I like that we are finally spending some time together”

Anthony just nodded and continued eating in silence.

“How was your day?” You pushed for conversation, you had been alone all day and could really use some conversation with someone different than your maid, who was terrified of speaking freely.

“It was busy” he answered simply “how was your day?” He asked after seeing the face you made at his short answer.

“It was also very busy, I reorganized the books in the library, had the kitchen staff do an inventory on the pantry, and send the maids to the market to get some flowers for the table tops” you narrated proudly, hoping he might appreciate the way you ran the home.

“Good to see you’re settling in, darling” his small praise made you smile a little.

“You don’t mind that I changed some things?” You asked somewhat concerned by his silence.

“It is your home, you’re free to do whatever you please with it,” he said dismissively.

“It’s our home, Anthony, I want to make it perfect for you too”

After dinner, he walked you to the bedroom and after a couple of heated kisses you fell in his arms once again, the pleasure he gave you was addictive. Despite his cold attitude towards you in other aspects of your life, it was in the bedroom where you felt hopeful for a future where you both might learn to truly love each other, and then he would sneak out every morning making you feel like a worthless whore.

And so your days continued like this, every night was filled with passion and every day was lonely. You couldn’t even go to the Bridgerton home, you had been taught that a married lady was not to go out without her husband, so your heart slowly filled with sadness as you spent day after day alone in the townhouse. Anthony was none the wiser because he simply thought you enjoyed being by yourself, so it never occurred to him to invite you to his family’s home or anywhere else.

A month into your marriage you found out you were with child. You were extremely happy and Anthony had shown himself to be happy as well, but then that night he didn’t come home for dinner and didn’t make an appearance in your bedroom. He was more and more distant until four months had passed and he disappeared for two full weeks before you saw him again.

It was on the day of your birthday, and he had only gone to your room because the butler told him you had been very sick that day. When he entered the room he found you seating on the bed hugging your knees close to your chest, your eyes puffy from crying and silent tears still streaming down your face. You weren’t upset he had forgotten your birthday, you had never celebrated it so it didn’t matter he didn’t remember it.

“What happened? Is everything well? Is the baby-“

“Your child is quite well, Lord Bridgerton” you interrupted in the coldest tone he had ever heard from you “to what do I owe this joyous visit?”

“I apologize for my absence, I have been very busy” he answered measly.

“I figured out that much, husband” the word was said with venom.

“Are you upset with me?” He asked offended, you had never treated him so coldly.

“I am upset with myself” you started with a pained chuckle “I don’t need you to try and comfort me because you did nothing wrong, that is the reason for my anger” a small sob escaped your lips “I was taught to be a good wife, that my only job was to give my husband heirs and to keep the house running and I understood that and I didn’t fight it because at least I would have children to fill my life with love and a husband who at the very least would acknowledge me and my efforts”

“I-“

“I don’t want you to feel like you should change or apologize, this is not your fault, I feel miserable because I filled my heart with hopes and dreams of love but that’s just not how life is, at least not mine” you harshly wiped your eyes before finishing “I understand my place now, I’m nothing but a child-bearer for you and that’s fine because you didn’t even pick me in the first place” you got up from bed and opened the door for him “please leave me alone, I will be fine”

“I can’t just leave you here alone, have you even eaten today? In your condition-“

“Your child is perfectly well, my lord” your tone had turned icy once again “please go, I am tired and want to rest”

Unable to do anything else, Anthony left the room and went back to his family’s home. His mother had insisted for him to take you there that night, but seeing your state he didn’t even bother asking if you wanted to go. When he got there he was surprised to see the dining room fully decorated, his whole family dressed in their best clothes, even Daphne and Simon had paid a visit.

“Where is (y/n)?” Asked Violet.

“She’s not feeling very well” answered Anthony looking at the table that was filled with all his wife’s favorite food “What is happening? Why are you all here dressed as if you are attending a ball?”

“Anthony, please for the love of God almighty, tell me you didn’t forget your wife’s birthday!” Violet couldn’t keep his composure, how could Anthony be so clueless.

“I-I’ve been so busy lately supervising the building of the new house, it didn’t even occur to me that it was her birthday” Anthony felt terrible, as he should.

“It’s bad enough she doesn’t like us, son” Violet sighed, seating on the table “And now she thinks we don’t care for her birthday”

“Where did you get that idea, mother?” Daphne couldn’t help but ask “When she writes to us she says wonderful things about our family”

“Then why hasn’t she visited since the wedding?” This time it was Colin asking “Mother sent a tea invitation shortly after they got married and she never showed up, sent a poor letter apologizing but did not explain why she didn’t show”

“I might have an explanation for that” Simon spoke up “My aunt was a terribly strict mother, taught her that a wife was nothing more than a child-bearer and had no liberties like men do, for example: going out unaccompanied”

“Has she been out of the house since you married, brother?” asked Eloise, turning to face Anthony who was still frozen at the doorstep.

“I don’t believe so” he entered the room and sat defeated “I just thought she enjoyed being at home by herself, god!” he rubbed his hands down his face.

“I can’t believe it, the poor thing” lamented Violet.

“She hasn’t left the house in almost half a year” concluded Benedict.

“And here we were, refusing to visit thinking she had rejected mother,” said Colin.

“I would like to clarify, I never agreed with losing contact with her over one missed invitation” added Eloise, gaining the glares of everyone present.

“It matters not what we thought nor does it matter what has happened in the past” began Violet “right now I want you to go pick her up and bring her here, she deserves to be celebrated, especially after everything we put her through,” she told her eldest child, pushing him to stand and go to the door.

Anthony mounted the carriage and urged the coachman to hurry home and as soon as he got there he ran up the stairs to your room and burst through the door, jolting you awake.

“I am so sorry, love,” ha said kneeling on your bedside “I never knew you didn’t leave the house because you thought you couldn’t, you are free to do as you please, darling” he grabbed your hand and kissed your knuckles “I didn’t mean to make you feel trapped in your own home, and I am sorry if you felt like I abandoned you” he caressed your face and wiped some tears that had fallen without your notice.

“You did abandon us,” you said, trying to pull your hand from his grasp with your other hand protecting your belly.

“I was merely supervising the building of our new home, I was hoping I could surprise you before the baby arrived” he explained, now seating by your side “I can’t possibly ask my family to leave their home but I know how much you love that house, and so I chose to build a similar one not too far from here”

“You are building me a house?” You asked incredulously, hardly anything could justify his absence but this was in fact a reasonable explanation.

“Yes, love” he once again caressed your face “A home for our family” at that your eyes filled with tears, this time from happiness.

You sat up and wrapped your arms around his neck, crying with your face buried in his shirt. He wrapped his arms around you, kissing the top of your head and shushing you softly to calm down your cries. You spent a while holding each other until he suddenly broke you two apart, remembering his family that was still waiting for you both to show up.

“My beautiful wife, I must take you out of the comforts of your bed” he began, apologetic “My family is expecting you in their home to celebrate your birthday with a lavish dinner”

“Heavens! You should’ve started with that” you ran to your door and called out for your maid “I don’t think I have a dress for such occasion, non that would fit me now, that’s certain”

You opened your trunk and began taking out your chemise and all other items you had to wear under your dress in such cold weather. You took off your nightgown not caring Anthony was there, he had seen it all before, after you had put on your chemise your maid ran in and help you put on the rest of your garments and helped you squeeze your small baby bump in the dress you had worn for one of the first balls you attended when Anthony was courting you. She put your hair in a quick updo and even managed to coerce Anthony into putting on your stockings and your shoes while she did your hair. With all that rush and hard work, you managed to be ready in under an hour and still made it to the dinner at a reasonable hour (half past 9 is reasonable, right?).

At the Bridgerton home, you were welcomed with warm embraces and merry wishes on your special day. You all sat around the table and ate the feast that had sadly grown cold. Colin didn’t seem to mind as he devoured everything in sight, prompting Violet to chastise him softly. You, however, ate small bites because the pregnancy had caused your stomach to be upset easily and you didn’t wish to offend anyone by running out of the room to empty your stomach. Anthony watched you eat and held your hand atop the table, smiling as he watched you laugh and converse with his family.

“Is the food not good enough?” Asked Violet seeing your plate almost full.

“It is just perfect, my stomach has just been iffy since the start of the pregnancy” you answered smiling apologetically, Anthony choked on his wine because he realized at that very moment that he had forgotten to tell his family about your condition.

“You’re with child? Those are wonderful news!” Exclaimed Violet with a large smile “When did you found out?”

“Four months ago” you turned to glare at Anthony “I assumed your son had told you”

“How could you conceal such joyous information from your mother?” Violet then noticed her eldest daughter had become quiet, as well as her husband “Did you know, Daphne?”

“I was aware of it, yes” Daphne admitted ashamed “I too assumed Anthony had told you”

“You assumed my eldest son had told me about his wife’s pregnancy and I had decided not to mention any of it in our letters?”

“I-I’m, yes?” Benedict and Colin snorted with laughter hearing their sister’s answer.

Violet only shook her head with a small smile, her children were truly a wonder. Anthony was nervous that you’d get mad at him for not telling them, but one look at your laughing face told him he didn’t need to worry.

Later that evening you both laid in bed after yet another passion-filled encounter, your breathing slow and even making Anthony think you were asleep. He was caressing your naked back with feather-like touches, kissing your sweaty forehead every few minutes.

“I love you” you sighed, kissing his chest “You need not feel the same, I just want you to know how I feel”

He took a shaky breath before answering.

“I also am in love with you, darling” he placed a finger under your chin and tilted your head so you’d look at him “sometimes I’m scared of just how much I love you” he kissed you slow and deep, pouring all his love into the action.

The kiss was unlike any other you had shared before, this one was full of promise and hope. It filled you with love and certainty, you were now sure that no matter how difficult the road to Anthony’s heart had been, even if you didn’t want it at first, it had all been worth it.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Hi! Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. If you like it let me know.

Tag list:

@alaizaaa02

@awesomebooklover17

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Long Distance Love - Part 4: An Unusual Date

Author's note: I know this took me forever to finish but, I did! This is my last submission to @choicesnovchallenge2021​ and from the OTP ask I received a while ago. One last thing: if you’re a Twilight fan, you might not going to like this fic. Sorry not sorry [Original characters are creations of this author. The others are owned by Pixelberry Studios] Book: Desire & Decorum (modern day AU) Characters: Prince Hamid, MC (Daphne), F!OC (Malak), F!OC (Sevim) Pairing: Prince Hamid x MC (Daphne) Rating: T Word count: 2115 Reading time: ~8min Summary: Away from each other, Hamid and Daphne search for ways to have fun together and Daphne comes up with an idea to lighten up the mood. Based on the prompts: OTP question meme #28: What do they do when they’re away from each other? / Choices November Challenge - day twenty seven: idea

The phone buzzed on the side table, waking Hamid from his peaceful slumber. As his left hand rubbed his eyes, he considered ignoring it and going back to sleep. Just then, his alarm clock song played and he remembered why he had to wake up early on a Saturday morning. He then turned off the alarm, got out of bed and left the master bedroom.

As he stepped into the living room, Hamid greeted his housekeeper, thanking her for setting up breakfast on the coffee table. He then tapped his phone screen a couple times and made a video call.

"Günaydın, bir tanem!¹" Daphne beamed and waved to the the screen.

"Good evening, my dove." He smiled at the screen, his eyes drinking in every possible detail he could see. "I see your new winter pyjamas arrived today."

"Yes! It's so warm and soft. And look at this!" She pulled the hood of her Totoro pyjamas by its long furry ears.

He chuckled. "You look adorable."

"Thank you. Did you sleep well?"

"I did. I was having the nicest dream about cuddling my girlfriend when the alarm woke me up."

"You thought about going back to sleep, didn't you?"

"Yes, but then I remembered I had a date."

“Aw… I miss you."

"I miss you too, aşkım²."

"So... What would we have for breakfast if I was there with you?"

He switched to the rear camera and showed her to the table. "This would be our breakfast," he said as he grabbed a croissant.

"Wow, Mrs. Meral outdone herself! My mouth is watering.” She moved closer to the screen. “But I think she missed your chai."

"I'm not drinking chai this morning," he answered before switching cameras again and lifting a cup of cappuccino to his lips.

"Why not? You love chai in the morning."

"I do... But cappuccino reminds me of how kissing you tastes like when we have breakfast together."

Her eyes welled up and she looked away.

"Aşkım."

"Yes?"

"Did you forget what we agreed for this date?"

"No crying because both of us would be sad. But I didn't expect you to say that..." She replied, brushing away a tear.

"You're right. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. That was really sweet."

"I'm glad you think so. Now you tell me what we would have for dinner if I was there with you."

She lifted a large hamburger stuffed with lamb meatballs and his favorite beer and smiled coyly. "I was coming back from uni, passed by that one restaurant you like and I pictured you so stoked about having a Turkish dish for dinner, arriving here with a brown bag full of köfte burgers... I miss that..."

"Me too..." He smiled wistfully.

"I'm ruining our date again..."

The two of them chuckled.

"Let's change the subject then. Have you thought about the movie we will watch? It's your turn."

"I did. But I was thinking we could try something different this time. How about we roast/watch a movie we both hate?"

"A movie we both hate?" He raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued... What's your pick?"

"Open quickflix on your laptop. I'm sending you the invitation now."

As he turned on his laptop and opened the streaming service app, a notification popped on the screen. When he accepted the invitation, a chat room opened and a poster of Twilight showed up.

"What do you think?"

"I think you're trying to get me in trouble."

"Why? Did Malak sleep in the guest room of your flat again?"

"Yes."

"But she won't wake up any time soon. I saw her posting on Pictagram around 3 am. Briar is in the next room with Arthur very much awake and she might hear me."

"They get easily distracted with each other."

"Exactly. That's why we should watch it now."

"I don't know... This is a dangerous idea. Nesrin is coming here and she's much worse than Malak. Not even her husband could convince her to step away from Twitter after a random person said Edward is emotionally constipated."

"This stranger wasn't wrong..."

"I know, but shhhh..."

Daphne giggled. "Come on... You can survive a little yelling."

"All right, but if they get violent, I'm blaming it on you."

"Okay. If something happens, we abort our mission," she answered with a grin and pressed play.

As the movie started, the couple placed their phones in holders to start digging into their meals and went silent for a few minutes. But it didn't take long until they started talking.

"I don't understand why people are so crazy about her. Bella is so boring."

"She's the pretty new girl. People from small towns might find that appealing, don't they?"

"In real life, that would mean becoming the new target for bullies. Especially with that awesome personality of hers."

"You just described every single teenager movie about high school."

"I know, right?" She giggled. "Oh, man! Look at R. Patz hair..."

"A hair higher than the sky with its own supernatural power of resisting the humid weather of Forks."

"Jealous?"

"A little."

The couple snickered and took their time to watch some more and eat.

"Get ready, Hamidciğim. Their meet cute scene is coming."

"Is there a meet cute in Twilight?"

"Yep." Daphne nodded with a devilish smile. "Wait for it."

On the screen, the main character walked into the classroom and a fan spread her smell in the air, making her love interest cover his nose.

"There it is!"

The two of them laughed.

"How romantic..."

"His reaction is so strange though. Isn't the 'you intrigue me, yet you smell delicious and I want to drain all the blood from your body in one single bite' his entire conflict in this movie?"

"Precisely."

"Then how come his reaction is like 'my goodness, girl! Go get a shower'?"

Hamid threw his head back as he laughed out loud.

"Hey, I made a joke, but I kinda want a serious explanation. I only know Jacob's side of things."

"Then you're fortunate you've never witnessed a Jella versus Bedward fight."

"You have?"

"I still have scars to prove it."

Daphne giggled.

"Anyway..." He cleared his throat. "According to Nesrin, Bella's smell is a constant reminder to Edward he's a murderer, that his need for human blood is big part of who he is. So that's why he initially feels repulsed by her presence."

"So his reaction to bloodlust is repulsion?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"That's disappointing..."

"It's not how other pieces of media portray bloodlust, otherwise it wouldn't be a book and movie saga sold for teenagers."

"That's true. I prefer Dracula from Bram Stoker and the movies based on Anne Rice books. But I had to hide in the attic to watch them because none of them are suitable for minors. And it's not just because of the violence."

"Bella's physical reaction to the bite though..."

The couple chuckled and had some more of their meals. Just then, the main character and her love interest began an argument in the hospital. Daphne grimaced as she stared at the screen.

"Are you okay, aşkım?"

"I'm not sure..." She lifted her beer to her lips, as in an attempt to get rid of a bad taste in her mouth. "Did he really just said 'nobody's going to believe you?'"

"Yes."

"Oh, god..." She shook her head. "How is this relationship seen as romantic?"

"I don't know. I asked the same thing to my sisters and both of them said it's not that bad because 'the line isn't used in a context of sexual abuse'."

"But it doesn't matter! It still is abusive."

"Exactly! Thank you!" He sighed in relief. "I knew I fell in love with you for a reason."

She giggled, but then averted her gaze for a moment.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah. I saw a shadow near my door, but it was just Drake."

The dog immediately plopped on her lap and she idly scratched his fur.

"Are you scared of getting caught mocking Edward's hair, aşkım?"

"More like 'not willing to argue once again with my best friend about how Bella Swan has the charisma of a mushroom'."

He chuckled. "You say it because you never watched Fifty Shades of Grey."

"You did?"

"Veronica, Yusuf and a former girlfriend kept talking about it. I wanted to know what the fuss was about."

"And...?"

"The theme is appealing, but the execution was terrible. Besides, the author didn't explore some of the best parts of BDSM."

"Oh, I have soooo many questions about that.”

“Of course you do.” He smirked.

“But let's go back to Twilight because there's something we need to talk about."

As a scene in a green room began, another spat between the main character and her love interest started.

"Did you know that was kind of an attempt to emulate Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's dynamic?"

Hamid choked on his cappuccino for a second. He switched to a glass of water then cleared his throat. "Excuse me?!"

Daphne covered her mouth as she giggled.

"I demand an explanation, Daphne."

"Okay. Observe the dynamic between them for a moment. He's a handsome jerk and she's supposed to be the beautiful main character with the strong personality who constantly defies him. And for some reason, they still feel drawn to each other."

Hamid made a face. "I guess you have a point..."

"But of course, Elizabeth and Darcy's dynamic is poorly executed in Twilight. Edward never changes and reveals himself as a guy who has a heart of gold like Mr. Darcy. He continues to be just a good looking jerk throughout the entire saga. In spite of it, Bella still falls in love with him because the truth is she doesn't need him to change. She's in love with the idea of Edward she made up in her head. And the Edward in her head is perfect."

His forehead creased. "This must be the best definition of Bella and Edward's relationship I've ever heard. It reminds me of Tristan and Isolde opera."

"Does it?" Daphne then narrowed her eyes. "You'd better elaborate that because if you ruin Richard Wagner for me, I'll rat you out to your sisters." She pursed her lips.

"You almost ruined Jane Austen for me and I can't ruin a Wagner opera?" He tsked.

"Elaborate!" She demanded.

"Okay.” He nodded. “Along the series, Bella and Edward follow the same pattern Tristan and Isolde did. They're willing to make the biggest sacrifices and even die for each other, but they don't love each other. Because, like Tristan and Isolde, they don’t know each other that well. And when they do, they don’t seem to understand each other or make any efforts to do so. They love the idea of love, of being in love, but they're not truly in love."

"Oh my goodness, it's so true!" But as realisation hit her, Daphne grimaced. "Oh, god, the Romeo and Juliet reference... Ugh, Hamidciğim! You ruined a Wagner opera and Shakespeare for me!" She whined.

"I take responsibility for Wagner, but Shakespeare wasn't my fault. Stephanie Meyer did that on her own." He raised his hands defensively.

"You know what? I'm ratting you out to your sisters."

"Aşkım..." He fake pouted.

"I don’t care how cute your pouty face is. I'm telling on you."

Just then, she leaned to the side and a pillow appeared on the screen.

"Daphne?"

"Are you trash talking about Bella again?!"

Daphne feigned shock at the accusation. "Who? Me?"

"Is that Briar?"

"Yes."

*"Who are you talking to?!"*

"Abort mission?"

"Is that Hamid?"

"For both of our sakes, yes."

Daphne bit down her lip as she tried to suppress a laugh and another pillow flew next to her.

"Well, that was fun while it lasted..." He joked.

"Oh, it's fine. We can continue later."

"I cannot believe you’re trash talking about Bella with Hamid!" Briar yelled.

"Okay, I think I have to go now."

Daphne giggled and waved to him.

As he ended the call, Malak walked into the room wearing an old T-shirt with the cover of Twilight first movie. "Morning, abi³!"

He looked up and closed the laptop. "Good morning."

"Are you working on a Saturday?" She sat next to him and grabbed a croissant.

"I doubt that. He looks suspiciously happy and we have croissants for breakfast instead of simit and cheese," Sevim chimed in, plopping herself on the sofa.

"I was on a movie date."

"I knew it!" Sevim smiled proudly and grabbed a croissant.

"But it was too fast. You guys usually talk until the battery of both of your phones die." Malak arched an eyebrow.

"Daphne had to leave."

"Aw, that's too bad..." Malak then smiled at the housekeeper, who placed a tray with chai for the girls. "What were you two watching?"

"Romeo and Juliet."

"The 1996 version? Oh, I love that movie! Some of the lines remind me so much of New Moon."

"Don't I know it..." He mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing. Wanna watch a movie?"

"Sure!"

"Then I'm picking! I've had it with those sappy romances you like." Sevim grabbed the remote control and turned on the TV.

"Hey!" Malak protested. "Why is she so annoying?"

Fighting back a chuckle, Hamid finished his breakfast glad that, despite the distance, he had a fun date with his girlfriend.

—

¹ Good morning, my one and only!

² My love

³ Older brother

[only-one-brain-cell]

Treacherous, A Bridgerton story Chapter 13

Summery: more feelings being repressed on both ends, Aurora takes a little (unwanted) dip in a fountain and Daphne is clued into the dirty little secret.

Word count: 3.2k

Warnings: none

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12

"Welcome" Anthony said opening the door for me.

"Thank you." I took the time to look around, Anthony had told me in a letter one time that he had purchased his own lodge. He wanted to have somewhere that was just his, he wanted a sense of privacy a rare thing in a house with 8 other people. I had yet to see the place myself, until now.

"Finally we are alone." Anthony said closing the door behind him. "Completely alone" he cupped my face with his hands and bent down for a kiss. I thought it would be frantic and eager but I was mistaken. This one was slow, like he was saving every moment. I moaned into the kiss wrapping my arms around his neck one of my hands in his hair. We stood there just kissing no urgency to go forward, I wasn't being shoved against a wall or a door just simply kissing. Anthony slowly broke the kiss to steady his breathing and looked in my eyes, I gazed back and saw what I could only describe as love in his eyes. For the first time I didn't second guess myself, I let myself be content with the fact that my feelings for Anthony aren't one sided.

"Come with me." Anthony took my hand leading me to his bedroom.

That night was amazing, not that every other night with Anthony wasn't but there was something different about tonight. Something different about Anthony, he was slow, sensual like he was saving the moment never wanting it to end. He would whisper compliments in my ear, "your so beautiful, Aurora your so gorgeous, I want to be the only one who gets to see you like this." The last one caught me off guard a bit, I tried not to think about it too hard especially when my nails where digging into his back and he was taking me at a very slow pace. Multiple times we went at it until I was completely spent curled up in his arms catching my breath.

"Wow" Anthony said his head tilting back

"Yeah, wow." I replied,

"I couldn't stand seeing you with those men today." Anthony admitted, his head tilting forward again, his gaze on me. I felt one of his hands slowly stroking my hair.

"No?" I asked a smile on my face. I'm surprised he didn't punch anyone today.

"I wasn't jealous, if that's what your thinking." I raised my eyebrow at him.

"I just-

"Anthony you have nothing to worry about." One of my hands rested on his cheek.

"I promise."

"I trust you." We didn't speak for a moment, I honestly couldn't say how long it felt like time has stood still, I gazed deep into Anthony's eyes feeling for the first time loved.

"I have to go." I said regretting the words the minute they left my mouth. I saw the hurt in Anthony's eyes

"Oh ok." He tried not to sound hurt.

"No" I put a hand on his arm "I don't want to go, but I fear if I say I will never want to leave, I'll fall asleep and while I would love more then to fall asleep in your arms everyone will have questions concerning my whereabouts." Anthony sighed,

"Your right." I slowly got off the bed feeling his eyes on me as I dressed.

"I shall see you tomorrow?"

"Of course, I smiled.

"See you tomorrow Anthony."

"Sweet dreams Aurora." I fear I won't be getting any sleep tonight, already missing the feeling of his arms being wrapped around me.

Daphne

The sound of Auggie crying woke me and Simon up. I placed a gentle hand on his arm

"I'll go." Not having the energy to protest Simon nodded and fell back asleep. I sighed walking to Auggies nursery, after gently luring him back to sleep I was halfway out the door when I saw Anthony and Aurora holding hands and looking around every corner. I walked back into the room and watched them sneak out of the house. I ran back into my room to glance out a window and saw the two of them step into a carriage.

"Daphne?" Simon asked

"I think Anthony and Aurora are hidding something, I do not know what though."

"What makes you think that?"

"I caught them holding hands and sneaking out of the house and into a carriage, what are they doing and where are they going?" Simon burst out into laughter, I turned to him unamused "I fail to see how this is funny."

"After a year of marriage I would think you would catch on faster to matters like this."

"What sort of matter are you talking about?"

"Nothing, I've said to much come back to bed."

"No, there is something going on between them and you refuse to tell me about it."

"It is not my place."

"But it is your place to not keep secrets from your WIFE." Simon sighed

"I have reason to believe that they are engaging in...." I looked at him eager for him to finish his sentence.

"You seriously don't know? The sneaking around in the middle of the night or the hiding? For gods sake Daph they were holding hands." Then it it hit me "oh. So you mean to say they are-

"Yes."

"You mean to say you've seen them?"

"I caught them kissing at the ball last night." I was fulled with rage how could Anthony do that to Aurora?

"How could Anthony dishonour her like that!?! He was raised better then that."

"Daphne I do not wish to go into detail of your brothers affairs right now and I'm sure you do not wish to hear it."

"But what about Aurora!" Simon sighed, "let's just  say I do not think this was the first time that Lady Hathaway has kissed a man." I was appalled at the accusations coming out of Simons mouth.

"She is my friend! A very dear friend at that and while she is a very independent lady I do not think she would be so rash as to-

"We had relations." I froze unable to speak.

"It was a long time ago, I admit when she told

me her name it sounded familiar but I did not realize it until you introduced us."

"Oh,"

"Daphne it ment nothing." Simon extended his arm across the bed to grab my hand.

"You think, there were others as well?"

"I do."

"I see."

"Please do not be angry."

"I'm not angry." I said trying my very best to remain calm.

"Forgive me but I do not believe that."

"It's just." I sat down on the bed "I fear I do not know her anymore, first I find out that she does not wish to marry and not even from her and she's told Anthony about it! I knew she was never keen on the idea but I had hoped she would find someone and change her mind, now this!"

"Go talk to her then," I scoffed. "As if I could, Anthony has had her undivided attention since she has arrived."

It all made sense to me now. The closeness of their relationship, the looks they would give one another, Anthony always putting her needs above anyone else's, the reactions Anthony would have whenever another man so much as even looked at Aurora.

"Simon, do you think they are in love?"

"Now I didn't plague you for the gossiping type." He teased.

"I'm usually not it's just, he cares for her at a level that I never thought about it being more then friendly until now."

"I admit I do not Lady Hathaway as much as you do, but I do know your brother. I know he does not speak about a lady outside of his family as much as he speaks about her." I smiled and got back into bed, Simon immediately wrapping his arms around me.

"The first thing you should know about Aurora is that she hates being addressed so formally by her friends. Call her Aurora next time, you insisted she call you Simon."

"I did didn't I." I fell asleep shortly after that, promising myself I would talk with Aurora about this tomorrow.

Aurora

"It's a beautiful day" I said over breakfast, I was sad that Anthony was not there but apparently it is normal for him to not break fast with his family, Violet informed me he usually spends the nights working on ledgers and that causes him to sleep in. My heart broke at the thought of Anthony being held up in his study for all hours of the night alone. I made a mental note to talk to him about this and recommend a schedule for him to follow, allowing more time for his family, I use recommend very loosely more like kindly forcing.

"He must get lonely." I responded

"I would imagine he would be more bored then lonely," Colin said.

"Yes I imagine so." I replied "I am thinking of taking a walk this morning, anyone care to join me?"

"I would." Benedict said

"I shall accompany you both, gives me a time to meet the famous Lady Aurora Hathaway." Simon said

"Just Aurora then." I responded.

I was walking through Hyde Park with Liz by my side. My mind drifting to me and Anthony riding through the park, I smiled at the thought.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Benedict asked walking alongside me.

"Just admiring the scenery, I admit I missed it here."

"Then why didn't you come back?" Before I could answer I saw Sienna walk past us.

"Excuse me." I said walking away before anyone could protest.

"Beautiful day," I said walking up to her after finding her by herself standing in front of a fountain.

"It is, Lady Hathaway."

"You know me?"

"Of course, it's all Lady Whisledown speaks- I mean writes about." Apparently I'm popular with Anthony's mistress or maybe mistresses.

"I understand we have something in common." Sienna seemed shocked, "he mentioned me? Or rather our... time together."

"Well from what I assume it seemed like a long time." She nodded, "it was. I thought it would be longer." Sienna laughed "how naïve I was." She turned to me, "be careful."

"Excuse me?"

"Be weary of your time with Lord Bridgerton, you are nothing but a distraction to him as I was once."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I understands it sounds harsh but-

"You think you can just tell me about Anthony and our relationship which is just a friendship by the way and you have the nerve to say I'm nothing but a distraction?"

"You may have everyone else fooled Lady Hathaway but you can't fool me, I know what it's like to be with him. One day he promises you he will always be there for you and then one day he tells you it's over."

"Because he has duties and responsibilities, something you will never understand and that's why it never worked out with you too oh and." I smiled "he will always be Lord Bridgerton to you but to me he's Anthony." I put my foot forward having every intention of walking away and making a grand exit after my particularly witty comeback however I did not expect her foot to be there, causing me to trip and fall face forwarded into the fountain.

Thankfully the fountain wasn't too deep so all I had to do was to grip both of my hands on the edge of the fountain to hoist myself up, I wasn't sure if it was the splash or me screaming at Sienna and calling her a bitch that had Simon, Benedict and Liz come running to my rescue.

"Looks like your rescue party is here, nice seeing you Lady Hathaway." Sienna walked away without another word. I stepped out of the fountain and walked over to my rescue party, "Aurora are you injured?" Liz asked,

"just my pride." I responded. Benedict immediately took off his jacket wrapping it around me.

"Do I want to know?" He asked,

"No." I responded "but knowing you I feel like you will find out anyways."

"Aurora we have to get you back to the Bridgetons! You must get out of that wet dress before you catch a cold!" Liz exclaimed.

"I shall send for a carriage." Simon declared

"How long will that take? Last time I checked I'm more then capable to walk." I started walking back towards the Bridgerton household Liz hot on my heels.

"But- Benedict started but I walked past him before he said anything else.

"Will you two hurry up? I don't particularly like walking around soaked."

"What happened anyways?" Liz asked,

"I... fell."

"Into a fountain?" Simon asked raising his eyebrow,I have a feeling he knows more then he's letting on. Simon and Anthony probably sat around discussing their mistresses at one point or another.

"Yes," I replied, hopping to stray from the topic. Lucky we did and little else was said the rest of the walk back. I didn't miss the looks people gave me knowing full well this will be in Lady Whisledown tomorrow.

Liz bolted into the house immediately heading to run my a bath. Francesca was the first one to approach us when we arrived,

"Aurora what happened?"

"I fell, into a fountain I'm afraid."

"How did you manage that?" Before I could try to come up with a excuse Collin and Eloise ran down the stairs both as concerned for me.

"Aurora what happened?"

"Why are you soaking wet?"

"I fell into a fountain." I responded "now if you all will excuse me I would love nothing more then to change out of this dress, Benedict thank you for your jacket." I reached to pull it off but Benedict stoped me.

"Keep it, for not anyways you can return it when your dry." I smiled

"Good to see someone is a gentleman around here."

"Hey!" Collin and Simon exclaimed I walked away without responding but instead of going to my room like promised I knocked on the door to Anthonys study allowing the rage I had hidden come out with each knock.

"I'm coming!" He shouted "what's the hur- he opened the door and saw me soaking wet with my arms crossed across my chest.

"ry, Aurora what happened!?"

"Sienna Russo happened." Anthony's face fell,

"oh."

"Yeah oh, she had a few choice words for me too. She warned me, said I was nothing but a distraction to you."

"You believe her? Aurora looking back she ment nothing to me. I was simply using her to...

"Distract yourself? From your duties?"

"Yes."

"And me? Are you using me as a distraction as well?"

"No! Aurora I care to much for you to think of you like that."

"Oh you care for me I understand." I don't know why I was so upset, I never expected him to say that he loves me I can barely confess my feelings about him to myself much less say it out loud.

"Yes! I've known you practically my entire life of course I care for you."

"But just as friends? Friends who.. have relations whenever everyone's backs are turned?"

"No that's not- is that my brothers jacket?"

"Yes Benedict is a true gentleman unlike some people."

"Take it off." Anthony said,

"you really think your in a position to be giving me orders?"

"Take. It. Off." Anthony repeated his voice deeper. I fought my arousal to take off the jacket along with everything else right in the entrance to his room.

"No." I stepped back,

"I think I will retire to my townhouse after my bath. Take notice and measurements for any furniture that needs replacing, good day my lord." I walked away without another word.

Anthony

I sighed once Aurora was out of my sight. I tried to think what I said to upset her, well upset her even more so. Maybe demanding she take off Benedict's jacket wasn't the right thing to do but I couldn't help it. Seeing her dripping wet her dress ruined and practically see through with my brother's jacket on stirred something inside me, seeing her with another man's jacket on made me want to tear it apart and if it wasn't my brother beat the man to a pulp. No I can't be jealous I don't have that privilege, she does not share the feelings I have and we agreed that our... arrangement was to be kept as it is.

I spent the rest of the day held up in my study, I've been ignoring my duties and many things require my attention and my signature. Or at least that's what I told Colin when he walked in not even as much as a knock.

"Alone tonight?" He asked a smug smile on his face, "Aurora tire of you already? I gave it at least a week, Benedict 3. Well the good news is I won that bet."

"For your information we don't need to be with each other all night every night." Colin snorted, I rolled my eyes.

"She has business at her townhouse, she is looking to get new furniture so it made sense for her to sleep there."

"Why? Its not far away and she must get lonely." I  put down my quill, “because as much as we enjoy her company Colin she doesn't live here."

"But why would she just leave like that?" Colin then first took notice of  appearance, my sleeves rolled up, hair disheveled, a glass of whisky beside me. Not the first glass of the night and won't be the last.

"We're you smoking in here?"

"No." I said appalled that Colin would suggest such a thing even if it was true.

"Then why is the window open?"

"I can't have a window open?"

"If it's not reaching midnight then by all means open every window in the bloody house for all I care!"

"What is this really about Colin?"

"You know what it's about," I sighed. "You've been spending to much time with Benedict."

"Maybe but if you would stop being so infuriating for one second, the both of you then you would be married to her by now."

"Do I have to remind you all time and time again about why that will never happen? Drop whatever little game you and Benedict are planing it's a waste of your times." Colin was silent for a moment a part of me thought he'd actually listened for once.

"Why doesn't Aurora wish to marry?" Of course he didn't listen. "I know she told you, she would have had to for you to be ok with this."

"Who says I am ok with this?!"

"Then go do something about it! For once you have developed actual feelings for someone and yet you just ignore them? Why??"

"I can't tell you, or anyone out or respect for Aurora."

"Very well but Anthony you can't keep doing this to yourself," I scoffed.

"Now you sound like mother."

"At the very least apologize to her."

"For what?!"

"For whatever you said that made her leave, knowing you it could be anything," I sighed.

"I do owe her a apology, and I should get her a new dress," Colin smiled.

"Good night brother, don't stay up to late."

[scoobydoominuscoobydoo]

Can you write and example of "good shaphne angst?"

Oh there are so many different categories of angst that could be considered good but this tends to be my default so here you go!

(This was a slow process and I’m super sorry for the wait but writers block was intense the past couple of weeks!)

-

Daphne was no novice when it came to being tied up.

The whole routine of getting constricted by a bunch of rope and tossed into the nearest crypt or sarcophagus had gotten old and the amount of time it took for the gang to find her again was shrinking. It gave her just enough time to assess the damages done to her manicure or wonder how well she did on her chemistry test that Monday. It had all become rather lighthearted to her (at this point she had to get used to it the poor girl practically carried a big neon sign begging criminals in rubber masks to kidnap her).

That is - when she didn’t sense any immediate danger.

Men in masks had the tendency to just toss their hostages (Daphne) somewhere (see previous crypts or sarcophagus) and then forget about them which had worked out in Daph’s favor for the most part.

She’s really trying to separate herself entirely from the situation she’s in now. Being handcuffed to a lead pipe was not the same as being tied up with rope. The rope would start to scratch and burn her skin at this point if she was still struggling to get out of it. She usually wasn’t, just to avoid the aforementioned scratching and burning. The handcuffs however, started digging into her wrists right from the get-go and even if Daphne was perfectly still she could feel how raw the skin was becoming.

She wasn’t stowed away in some abandoned storage shed behind the creepy house at the end of the street that nobody talks about. No - Daph was actually cuffed to a lead pipe and sitting right behind the man who had captured her. That was all she was able to discern about her captor; the broad shoulders and large hands couldn’t belong to a woman. Although she has been surprised before. The space seemed to be some sort of rinky dink office with file cabinets and a big mahogany desk in the center of the room.

The man in the mask was currently sitting at this desk.

It sounded like he was shuffling through papers, Daphne would occasionally hear the scratch of a pencil. She noted that he was very careful not to speak around her - she wondered if she would recognize his voice if he spoke. I wasn’t much of a clue but Daph was doing anything she could to not let the nerves get to her.

‘Amazing that being tied up and alone in a crypt is more relaxing than this.’ Daphne thought, joking about the situation made her feel a little more at ease.

Shaggy was a lot better at it but he wasn’t here and Daph kept being plagued by the terrible thought that him and the rest of the gang had no earthly idea where she was.

If her mouth wasn’t sealed by a strip of duct tape than you would see her lower lip tremble. The image of Fred breaking down the door to this office was becoming more and more akin to a hopeless dream. Daphne was losing hope and she was losing it fast.

She ran scenarios in her head of the worst possible things this man could do to her and shuddered at all of the ones she genuinely feared. Over and over again, on repeat in her mind. Daph had no clue how long she was in that office but by the time her captor had stood from his chair and pressed the foul smelling cloth to her nose - Daphne’s legs had gone numb.

The last thing she remembered before darkness were vibrant green eyes. Eyes she had definitely seen somewhere before.

Daph awoke to a jarring change in scenery.

The cramped office was now what looked to be an abandoned warehouse. Although her vision was semi-blurry and her head was killing her, Daphne knew where she was. They had been here once before while investigating the case but had quickly ruled it as a dead end and crossed it off the map. She then noticed a second thing - it was nighttime.

Daph had first been taken in the late afternoon and thrown in the trunk of an old  blue Mustang. She stayed there for a little bit (she actually fell asleep at one point because this wasn’t her first time being locked in the trunk of a car) and when she was eventually taken out night had already fallen.

‘I’ve been missing for at least two days then...’ She thought as her head began to clear up.

She, once again, had both hands cuffed to a lead pipe (this one was a little bigger though) and was resting on her knees. The concrete floor of the building was a little too cold to be comforting and that was the first time Daphne noticed her shoes were missing.

‘Ugh and I just bought those too!’

The tape was still over her mouth, although Daph didn’t see much point in shouting for help since there wasn’t much of a chance anyone would hear her. It was at that point that Daphne realized she was currently alone.

‘Has that asshole finally decided to ditch me?’

She barely had time to consider it when a loud creaking echoed throughout the area. Her heart leapt for a moment, against all odds somebody had decided to investigate this seemingly inconspicuous location. Then everything in her went cold when she saw the familiar white coat of the man who kidnapped her.

The culprit’s whole shtick was somewhere along the lines of zombie mad scientist. Which - as dumb as it sounds - is surprisingly intimidating. Maybe it’s just how realistic the details of his mask are.

‘Nothing is truly creepier than the uncanny valley. And mullets.’ Daphne could almost picture the eye rolls that comment would earn from the gang. It embarrassed her since humor wasn’t exactly her forte but it never stopped Daph from giving it a shot. Plus, every so often her attempts at jokes would earn a soft laugh from Shaggy. And those laughs sent butterflies storming in her stomach.

Suddenly, the lump is back in her throat.

She misses him. She misses them. And she’s worried that they’re pulling their hair out trying to find her. Daphne hates seeing her friends so distressed.

She almost jumps out of her own skin when she sees that Zombie Albert Einstein is standing directly in front of her, just staring down at her.  

Without missing a beat, Daphne glares up at him and desperately hopes that it doesn’t look like she’s a step away from bursting into tears. Those green eyes seem to crinkle in amusement - evidently her anger wasn’t all that convincing. Daph’s shoulders droop and she tries with all of her might to swallow the lump in her throat.

And most likely with the desire of prolonging her suffering, Albert decides to rip the tape off her mouth.

The sudden sting is just enough to bring tears pooling in her eyes.

“Ouch...” she murmurs with a shaky gasp. Biting down hard on her lip with the hope of pulling it together. When Daphne let herself go hysterical then she went hysterical to the highest degree and then she wasn’t any help to anyone.

But then she hears a chuckle; it’s low and gravelly and so dang familiar that it’s killing her. And it’s telling her one thing:

She’s giving him exactly what he wanted.

All of her efforts to remain calm and collected have failed because he can still see how she really feels. He can see how hopeless Daphne feels.

She sucks in a deep breath through her teeth, trying desperately to hold onto that composure; trying so hard to put a face to that laugh. And it’s just not working - he’s still looking down at her like the game is finished and she never had a fighting chance.

As he turns his back to her and walks away, Daph bows her head and tries her best to cry silently. Not that there’s any point to it, Mr. Einstein already knows that she’s given up. She coughs out a laugh at the nickname she’s christened her kidnapper with in between her sobs - she can still find the humor in the situation and that brings her some comfort.

Shaggy did that all the time without any effort at all, boosting moral without even realizing it.

Daphne wonders how worried he is, if he’s able to keep the mood light so that Fred and Velma can stay focused. God she hoped so.

He was always the one to keep everyone grounded despite not ever being grounded himself. Daph couldn’t help but wish she tried more to be that for him; wish she was brave enough to say all of the things resting on her tongue.

Not just that she loved him (even though that was a biggie) but that he was valuable and mattered so much to not just her but the rest of the gang.

It was hard not to just force him to gain the self-confidence he lacked (since that was her main way of solving problems) but she knew that wasn’t what he needed.

Damn it she wished she knew what he did need.

If she ever made it out of this alive, she was gonna figure it out.

She sobbed softly through the night and eventually woke up to sunlight pouring in from the large windows and skylights above her. Leaving Daph to wonder when exactly she fell asleep and how long she’s been out.

Her decomposing captor was nowhere to be seen which fills her with a small amount of relief.

Judging by the color of the light and the angle that it was shining in on it had to be late afternoon-ish.

‘It’s been three days...’

At that thought, Daphne suddenly realized how hungry and thirsty she was. Her head was pounding her tongue was almost totally dry (which she was sure was really bad). She remained dizzy after waking up even after waiting for around an hour and Daph wondered if Albert had any intention of keeping her alive.

‘Ugh and I had just cried all night too! I just want to waste water and die of dehydration.’

She also noted that her body was still sweating, or at least trying to. This was not good, Daphne knew that she could survive for a while without food but water needed to be going through her constantly.

‘This is gonna make my skin look awful.’ Daph thought, finding it harder to make jokes about the impending doom her body was facing.

She could feel herself trembling and her stomach began to twist in knots as the whole warehouse seemed to start spinning.

Suddenly, she was shaken awake by the sound of one of the huge doors creaking open. Her whole body felt as if it was frozen inside a huge ice cube even though she knew it wasn’t cold. A shaken examination of the area showed that night had already fallen. The fact that she had lost consciousness without recollection was seriously concerning but she didn’t have time to worry about her health. Because Albert was dragging in another body.

The room may have been spinning and noises sounded a little echoey but she didn’t need to be at full strength to recognize that familiar shade of green.

Instantly her body became alert and she leaned forward, being stopped by the damned handcuffs. She’s soon able to process all the muffled noise as Shaggy talking a mile a minute.

“Listen- I-.. I don’t think you understand dude. Like we’re living in the 20th century and kidnapping minors - and probably eating them - is totally not okay! Look I get it... Entering into the workforce as a respected American citizen is hard and seems like a... like a major sacrifice of your time - not to mention your social life - but I promise you - anything is better than eating people!”

He’s being dragged in by his ankles and - despite the fact that he isn’t tied up - he isn’t making any move to escape. Which doesn’t seem on brand for the gang’s own Harry Houdini.

As Shaggy continued to nervously ramble, Albert dragged him to the center of the room beneath the largest skylight where most of the moonlight was pooling in. He was about 20 feet directly in front of her and right when Daphne was about to announce her presence to the highly distracted boy, she choked.

Daph fell into a violent coughing fit as her throat complained about the lack of moisture.

She begins to tear up and bows her head as she tries to calm the whole situation. When she looks up again, lungs on fire, her eyes lock onto Shaggy’s brown ones. He’s seen her.

Instantly his eyes widen and he begins to struggle with Albert for the freedom of his legs, “Daphne! You’re alive!”

Daph finds herself filled with so many conflicting emotions that she isn’t sure if she should laugh, cry, or yell at him for getting captured. Especially since it’s almost impossible to catch him.

Not that it matters anyway, she’s afraid to try and speak again. That fit had caused her head to pound even worse than before and now she could barely hear Shaggy over the drumming.

The fight for the freedom of Shag’s legs is brought to an abrupt end when Albert simply lets go. Shaggy’s heels crash hard into the concrete and Daph can barely make out his face contorting in pain. She pulls against the handcuffs again and this time she is aware of how irate the skin of her wrists is. Ignoring it, Daphne continues to try and lean further toward him only with the hope of seeing him in a clearer focus.

“Sha-...Shaggy...” She just barely rasps out and after a moment she can tell he probably didn’t hear her.

Perhaps because he’s a tad distracted, what with the massive demon in a lab coat pinning him down by pressing a knee right to the center of Shaggy’s chest.

“Alright! Agh- Okay!” He coughs, “You’ve made your point! A-And who...who am I to argue really?! Especially when you outweigh me by like 800 tofu dogs!” He lets out a nervous laugh and Daphne wants to cry again because she can just hear the trembling in that laugh.

She presses her forehead down against the cool warehouse floor; she can’t handle watching one of her best friends get hurt while she remains powerless to do something.

“Like, do you really wanna add assaulting a minor to the list of charges stacking up against you buddy?” Now the shaking in his voice is so clear it’s making Daph’s toes curl, she bites her lip.

A few seconds pass and Daph finds that she doesn’t hear anything, no cries of pain or anything. She has no time to deliberate if this is a good or bad thing because another few seconds go by and suddenly warm hands are gripping her shoulders. She gasps and looks up before shoving herself roughly against the wall in an effort to distance herself from whoever grabbed her. This doesn’t entirely work out in her favor because she forgot that there was a large lead pipe behind her and she had just slammed her lower back into it head-on. A loud clang echos throughout the building.

Daphne lets another shaky gasp, this time in response to the pain running all over her body.

“Jesus Daph... Like are you alright?” The warmth is back on her shoulders and it sends a wave a relief that almost overpowers all of her other senses. Evidently, Albert had been swayed by Shag’s persuasive words.

She nods slowly, “How-” Did you find me? Instead of choking out the rest of that sentence, Daphne rests her forehead on his shoulder.

Not that she even needed to finish the question - Daph knows that he understood. Shaggy just barely whispers out his answer against her ear and my God she is just so happy to hear his voice.

“Well we had gone back to ask the HR guy some more questions when we saw your shoes just chilling under a chair in the waiting room. Professor Freakenstein over there had left a note demanding some things in exchange for your location.” He said with a touch of annoyance at the end.

Daphne nodded against him, “I-... I was wondering where they were...” Whispering is so much easier than talking

“Yeah, like mystery solved.” He deadpans, she smiles in response, “Anyway... I wanted to go to the fucking police but you know how Mr. and Mrs Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands answered.

Her body tensed, “Is that why you’re here?”

There was silence for a moment and Daphne was building up quite the lecture when she saw Fred and Velma again. If she saw Fred and Velma again.

“Like, to be fair we all thought Fred’s trap was gonna work...” He mumbled. He explains that the note had a time and location for a meeting and so Fred and Velms had spent the day setting up a trap in the area. But she isn’t listening.

Daphne groaned, “I thought we agreed that ransom notes were when we actually get qualified adults involved. The vote was unanimous on that movement!”

“I don’t really think they pay attention during our staff meetings.” He replies with a lilt of amusement.

“They’re not staff meetings! They’re discussions on our code of conduct, we need rules Shags! Order!”

He lets out a short laugh before wrapping his arms around her neck and saying, “Shit I was so worried about you...”

Daphne feels her chest go warm and her cheeks heat up - she nuzzles further into the crook of his neck.

‘Shit I am so in love with you...’

She thinks.

And then... blackness.

When she awakes she hears the almost heavenly beeping of a heart monitor.

The second she opens her eyes three teenagers and dog practically jump on top of her. All of their words are overlapping and Scooby is licking at her face ferociously so Daphne doesn’t even bother trying to glean anything. The one thing she does do is reach out and grab onto Shaggy’s hand in a sort of death grip - something she wasn’t able to do with her wrists cuffed.

Fred and Velma both excitedly recount the details of tracking down Shaggy all the way back to the warehouse through tire tracks and corresponding surveillance footage. It truly was a riveting tale that Daphne couldn’t be bothered to listen to, she was way too exhausted. Plus, Shag was looking down at her with those beautiful eyes and how the hell was she supposed to look away.

“And! And - you’re gonna love this Daph - we called the police!” Fred stated proudly, eyes glittering like he was a child who cleaned his room without his mother asking him to.

Daphne’s eyes widened and she smiled, “Wow! I’m really proud of you two!”

Velma rolled her eyes, picking up on the sarcasm, “Whatever the big issue is that asshole got away.”

“Albert Einstein?”

“Professor Freakenstein?”

Daphne and Shag inquired at the same time, they both looked at each other and Shaggy smirked. Daph blushed.

“Riiigghtt... I’m sticking with that asshole.” Velma stated.

Suddenly, Daphne perked up, “Shags... You said that you guys found my shoes at the office building where Mr. Griesling worked right?”

Shaggy nodded and squeezed her hand; she squeezed back.

“Well before he moved me to the warehouse, I was kept in a private office-thingy. And this whole time I swore I had recognized the guy’s eyes before. I mean they were practically glowing green there is no way I would miss them!” She can feel her voice shake as she recalls the way those eyes pushed down on her when she believed she was gonna die.

Shaggy squeezes her hand again.

She takes in a breath and then says, “Well I was thinking about it for a moment and I remember that I saw one of the interns that worked for Mr. Griesling’s department had these gorgeous eyes and I was this close to complimenting him on them!”

Velma and Fred’s eyes widen and Shaggy gasps before saying, “Oh my God that fucking gigantic college sophomore! We’re idiots!”

Velms plants her face in her hands and Fred sighs, “Good thing we had Daphne and her attention to seemingly unimportant details.”

Daph smirks and shrugs, “Just make sure to keep me far away from him.”

“Like we will Daphne.” Shaggy says gently and the tone is enough to soothe all of the dread latched onto her.

[laurelleghuleh]

OCAF | Ch. 6 “Homecoming”

Warnings: read the masterlist first and check Ruth’s chart.

Songs: "Hello My Old Heart" by The Oh Hellos, "Broken Bones" by KALEO, "Streets" by Doja Cat.

LEVI'S POV

I couldn't figure out where I was.

I was surrounded by the green hills and a boundless land loomed all around me. Nevertheless, I kept walking in the meadow, without a precise goal. I thought it was a farm. There was a light breeze caressing my skin and the sun was high in the sky.

All of a sudden, I heard a voice. "Levi, my sweet Levi"

"Mom?... Mom... Is that you?"

When I saw her, she was already running towards me with her arms outstretched and her hair swaying in the air. I hugged her tightly, lifting her from the ground and I felt my body naturally responding to hers like I remembered every inch of her.

"Mom..." I whispered burring my face in her hair, placing my chin on her shoulder. For a moment a sweet feeling of peace made me feel light. I felt at home.

"My sweet little angel," she said. I believed I'd forgotten that sound, lost somewhere in my mind... But no, deep down inside of me, I knew it was her.

"Mom..." I inhaled her scent as we stayed like that, embraced. After a while she moved away a little and, staring intensely at me, she started caressing my face and hair.

Her glassy eyes looked all over my face, observing my features, my contours.

Her lips twitched as she tried to say something. I rested my head on her hands and took a breath of relief. I felt so in peace there, in her hands.

Watching her carefully, she was actually different from my memories. Her face was full, her hair strengthened, her expression quiet. She seemed in good health.

"I see you are in shape. I know you're a soldier now" she said "Look at you, all grown up, Levi..."

"Mom..." I kept babbling.

"We don't have much time, Levi. I have something to tell you...Listen to me... Don't be afraid"

"Mom, what are you talking about? I'm not afraid"

"Oh, Levi... Yes, you are... Let yourself go, fearlessly..."

"Mom?"

"Don't be afraid, Levi" As she repeated my name, the sound of her voice changed, altered, and got lower, warmer, younger. Whose voice was that?

"Don't be afraid Levi"

Her face started to blur "Mom, what's happening?" Her features faded away until I couldn't recognize her anymore. Now someone else was in front of me and that's when I saw her "Daphne? Is it you?" I asked. "Don't be afraid, Levi" she said.

A strange sensation flooded all over me. I was still overwhelmed with tranquility, still serene in those hands, even if they were Daphne's. My mother's face seemed to appear again and I was more confused than ever. I shook my head and she disappeared again, suddenly replaced by a blurred image and then definitely by Daphne's features. I attempted to touch her face, trying to stop her from switching. Their voices overlapped "Don't be afraid, Levi"

I finally managed to grab her cheek and her face stopped. Daphne was now in front of me. She was wearing a long, white and plain dress, something like a tunic.

"C'mon Levi, they're waiting for us..." she said taking my hand in hers.

I didn't protest and simply asked "Where are we, Daphne?"

"Stop it with these silly questions and follow me, Levi"

We started running across the lawn, towards what seemed to be a big farmhouse. She repeatedly turned to look at me, smiling and gesturing me to hurry up. Her smile shined brighter than the sun behind her figure. She looked happy and I was at peace.

All of a sudden, the loud noise of the military alarm violently woke me up. What was that dream? As I washed my face in the sink, I tried to rewrite my dreams and rebuild all the pieces of those blurred memories I had.

My mom. Daphne. A farm. What the fuck was that supposed to mean? I had never felt so confused and rested at the same time. After all, sleeping was not so bad.

Fuck, I am late.

I went down to the cafeteria where I found Hange and Daphne animatedly chatting.

"Morning sunshine!" shouted Hange at me. Here we go again.

"Good morning, captain" calmly said Daphne, handing me a warm cup of tea and then sliding on the table a small plate with some biscuits. A faint smile appeared on her face and I politely nodded in response.

"Did you sleep well, captain?" she then added. I knew she was referring to our last encounter. If only she knew what happened in my dreams...

"It's true, Levi, you're glowing today!" Hange stooged her.

I gave both of them a dirty look and then, burring my face in the cup, I said "Yes, thank you, I slept well". If you only knew...

While I was drinking my tea, I couldn't stop thinking that maybe what happened the night before could have been the start of something. We could have been friends, or at least not jump at each other's throats at any time. We could have tried. And yet I still couldn't figure out what that dream meant, and between one cookie and another the images buzzed in my head, to the point that I could no longer stay at the table.

As soon as I was done, I tried to leave, but my attention was caught by their conversation. Hange was trying to convince her to participate in another of her goddamned experiments with the titans. Therefore, I spoke. "Daphne serves me today," I said, grabbing her by the shoulder, urging her to stand up with me, "I'm sorry, four-eyes, next time".

"Ooooh c'mon Levi, didn't they teach you the noble art of sharing?" protested Hange.

I didn't even bother to answer her, while Daphne and I were rushing off. She turned to Hange a couple of times as if to apologize, and I pulled her out of the cafeteria by the arm.

"Thanks for the rescue, Captain" she said smiling.

What is it now? First, she calls me Levi, then captain again?

"There's no need to call me Captain when we are alone. You can call me Levi" I extended her an olive branch "But not in front of the other brats. They'd get carried away" I corrected myself.

"Ehm... Ok, thanks... I'll see what I can do about it... So, what do you need me for... Levi?"

"What?" I asked her.

I had lost track of our previous conversation as I contemplated her face asking me: "You said before you needed me today"

"Ehm...Yeah. Sure. That" I pulled myself back together "So... today we'll train with the 3D maneuver gears. Since you're already pretty skilled with that, you'll help me with the brats. And after that, you'll put them away where we usually keep them"

"Oh, great. I'm looking forward to it!" she said enthusiastically.

"I see you're in a good mood today" I told her.

"Actually, I am in a good mood..." she replied, shyly.

The training went smoothly. Except for some of them. Hopeless cases.

Daphne helped me throughout the whole session. She even showed some tricks to the other cadets. I noticed she had a peculiar way to move her blades. She rotated the blade's grip with only one or two fingers, never losing control of it. Fascinating. Rather fascinating.

When I was on my way out, I walked up to Daphne and I said, "Gather all the devices and bring them down. It'll take you a while. When you're done, meet me for lunch"

She nodded, mimicking a military salute. I almost laughed.

In the meantime, I went to do some paperwork for Erwin and after I headed down to the cafeteria. Later, Daphne joined us and we all started to eat.

At one point burst into the room Hange. She threw herself into our table, crying and breathing heavily. Daphne promptly asked her, "Hange, what's going on??"

"Sonny and Bean" she kept babbling, "Sonny and Bean... somebody killed them... somebody killed them..."

We were all shocked by that news. How was it possible? No one could have killed them without the three-dimensional maneuvering devices...

Erwin rapidly commanded everyone to not move from the cafeteria and ordered his team to patrol the castle.

I turned to Daphne, who was trying to comfort Hange, and I asked "Did you see anything odd after putting the devices back?"

She shook her head "No. I recounted them several times to be sure. They were all there. And when I came back upstairs, there was no one around the hallways. They must have taken one of them while I was already here...".

I trusted her.

"All right..." I sighed deeply "Hange, you can go to your room and calm down. Daphne, if you want, go with her. I'll join Erwin in the research...".

We had already combed half the castle and actually a couple of gears were missing, but there wasn't a shred of evidence of what happened.

Soon after I met Hange, alone.

"Weren't you with Daphne?" I asked her. "I was about to ask you the same thing... When I calmed down, she told me she'd come looking for you, to help-"

It took me a second to understand. You fucked up big time, girl.

I don't know how, but my instinct told exactly where I would have found her. I took my device with me and went quickly down to the basement.

Please tell me you didn't. Please tell me it wasn't you, I kept saying in my mind.

Once there, I found a hatch on the ground half opened and, unfortunately, I realized that I was right. You fucked up big time, Dafne. You fucked up.

I still remembered vividly that time when I rescued her down there and after a while, I heard the noise of a device, her device. There you are.

"So, you decided to get yourself killed today" I said, catching her off guard.

She was about to jump off a manhole after she supposedly had broken its sides to make it wider.

"Levi..." she said, backing away from the hole and then standing up "Levi, wait..." she continued. She looked frightened. You better be.

"You know, I must admit I fell for it, lock, stock and barrel. I believed you... I wanted to believe you. And then... And then you decided to make this huge mistake right under my nose..."

"Levi, it's not what it looks like..." she began to say.

"So tell what it looks like, Daphne? Tell me!" I yelled at her, almost growling.

"I did not kill Hange's titans! I swear! I would never do that to her, you have to believe me..." she shouted, close to tears.

"Really? And you think I'll buy it now?"

"Levi, I beg you. I'm telling the truth. I just took advantage of the situation to run away, but it wasn't me! I'm just trying to get back to the Underground... I just want to see my sister again... just for a second...I beg you Levi..." she cried.

Were you really about to leave? Like this?

"While everyone's looking for the responsible, looking for who stole the device and killed the titans, you thought it was a clever choice to run away. To steal a gear to escape down here? Have you lost your mind?" I ranted as I approached her, through the filth of the slums.

"I didn't steal anything! This device is mine!" she yelled at me "I earned it! I didn't steal it from anyone!" she kept shouting.

"This device? The device you earned by putting out to half the Underground? You mean that device?"

I didn't mean it that way, but I was too angry with her to think straight.

She suddenly attacked me, driven by an uncontrollable rage. She got bloodshot eyes and she was grinding her teeth, in a rage. Not making a special effort, I only parried her punches.

Once she noticed I didn't resist, she eyed me, confused by my reaction. Therefore, she stepped backward and fell down the hole, never looking away from me. And I didn't stop her.

I felt again that strong frustration growing inside of me. I don't know what to do. I never know how to act around her. What should I do now?

I sat there for a while, contemplating the underground from the hole. Its pungent smell came up to my nostrils and brought back to me some memories I thought lost.

You don't even understand what you've just done to me, Daphne. I can't sit here and do nothing. I have to go find her. Now. Before she gets in trouble.

Fortunately, I hadn't lost sight of her and following her, I made my way over the roofs of the capital, thanks to the gear.

She went down the street, covering herself with the cape she was already wearing before. I guess she doesn't want to catch anybody's attention.

So as soon as I touched the ground, I walked around to steal a cape and hide my device and uniform. Luckily, I found a small market stall where, after threatening the owner, I got a pretty big one.

At one point I saw her entering a small road on the left, so I hurried to reach her before I lost sight of her. Where is she now?

Around the corner, I felt a knife at my throat. "Where do you think you're going?" That was her.

DAPHNE'S POV

"Where do you think you're going?" I threatened him pointing a knife on his throat.

As usual, Levi remained calm, even if I had definitely caught him off guard.

"I'm coming with you," he said.

"Forget it" I told him and then got back on my track "You're just gonna get in my way, so get the hell out of here."

"Say whatever you want. I'll follow you anyway" he stated.

I turned around and said "Look, Levi, everybody around here knows who I am, so..."

"Then, we will keep a low profile..." he interrupted me, looking at me with a serious expression painted on his face.

"What do you think you're doing, uh? First, you called me a whore and then-"

"I never said that" he interrupted me.

"Tomayto tomahto" I mumbled as I started to walk away, leaving him back.

He followed me, so I turned back again "Stop following me"

"No" he only said. I rolled my eyes and walked away again. "Then hurry the fuck up" I commanded.

He didn't complain much, but after a few steps, he told me "But I'm warning you, as soon as we're done here, I'll bring you back up to the castle and this is not up for discussion".

"Whatever..." I replied.

However, we were already close to the brothel. Therefore, I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him up a ladder, from which we would have had a better view of the building. We put ourselves on the last step. It was rather small for both of us to sit straight and he was literally breathing down my neck. But neither of us seemed to mind it.

"See? Over there. That big mansion. My sisters are there" I said.

"Why such a big place? How many of you are there?" he asked.

"Do you mean my sisters? When I was still there, there were eight of us: me, Abigail, Nina, Ruth, Saejin, Tabitha, Eve and Chadia. Chadia was very old and had a few affectionate clients. She died the year before I left. There are Miss Martha and the Master. His minions, about a dozen, the stableman and many other patrons. On the ground floor, there are two betting rooms. I can't tell you how many people usually hang out there, but not a few, especially at night. Looking at it now, I'd say there are even more than I remember..."

He nodded, analyzing the building "Yes, I already see a dozen only through the windows, four at the entrance, two in front of the gate...What were you thinking, uh? Let's ring the bell and say hello to everyone, perhaps?"

I twisted around to confront him. How dare you...

Turning my face, I realized how close we were. Our eyes locked under the hoods and for a moment I forgot what I wanted to say. I swallowed as I couldn't take my eyes off his. I hate the way he makes me feel.

"So?" he asked me, bringing me back down to earth.

"There is a passage..." I coughed " There's a passage I know that's gonna take us to the back of the brothel. If we're lucky, we might not find a lot of surveillance and be able to get upstairs".

He nodded and once back on the road we descended into a small and old aqueduct and finally we arrived right where I wanted. We hid behind a fence covered with weeds to inspect the building.

"Great. It's packed with these pricks. Lucky us" he commented sarcastically.

"Shut up or we'll get caught" I whispered at him.

"Look, I see someone coming outside..." he told me turning my chin in the direction of the building. At the back door appeared two men carrying a body, a dead body, and throwing it to the ground, next to the trash.

I froze up. That's not possible, I thought. Ruth.

They had thrown that body in the trash, as if it were garbage.

I would have recognized her among a thousand. It was Ruth. My poor little Ruth.

Her ebony skin was covered with pustules and various wounds, her little face was swollen. But I knew it was her. Her figure, her clothes, her hairstyle. It was her. Ruth.

For a moment I felt myself fainting. My head was spinning and my heart was pounding, crushing against my ribcage. "Ruth... Ruth..." I babbled.

Then suddenly, blinded by the pain, I shouted her name, crying desperately.

Apparently, someone heard me and those two men turned in our direction. I suddenly felt Levi picking me up and taking me away from the fence.

"No, Ruth... How dare they... How... Ruth..." I kept talking incoherently, screaming and wriggling in Levi's arms.

I couldn't even properly walk, Levi had to carry me away. I was panting and shaking. I couldn't see straight. The images of Ruth's body thrown out of the door repeated in my mind nonstop. I was only able to whisper her name or "Levi, Levi..." as he continued to carry me away from there.

"I'm not sure but I think they are following us now... Please, Daphne, move" he said still holding me tight under his arm.

"I-I can't..." I managed to stutter. I felt like everything around me was spinning and I couldn't regain my composure. Luckily, Levi was supporting me all the way.

"Ok. Now, they are definitely following us and I have bad news for you. They have the 3d maneuver gear too. We can't afford to pick a fight here. We need to change our route and find a quiet place to use our devices without being seen... C'mon Daphne, you can do it" Levi said.

I was still shaking as Levi suddenly turned right. He had practically lifted my whole body from the ground and as soon as we got there, he gently put me back down.

"C'mon I think we made it..." he whispered.

But at some point, a pair of men came out from an alley and we had to rush and change our route again. We ran away from them, hiding between the flock of people and we made it again in another deserted lane.

"Play along, I think I have a plan" announced Levi.

After getting into another street, Levi suddenly pushed me against the wall. He put his forearm over my head, hooding my figure under his coat. I still couldn't stop panting.

"Levi... Levi" I continued babbling.

"Shh, be quiet, they are coming" he whispered getting closer to me.

"Levi... Ruth is dead, t-that was her body... and she-" I stuttered, still shaking.

"I know, but please Daphne, calm down, calm down..." he said placing his forehead on mine "Shh... they are coming" he kept saying.

"Levi... Levi...I-I...Ruth..." I stuttered.

I was trying to pull myself back together, but everything seemed to blur. I couldn't slow down my breath and all I could feel was a deep pain in my chest. I put a hand on my heart and I whispered again "Levi..."

"Please, shh..." he hushed me again.

I felt one of his hands hooking mine on my chest, he looked into my eyes intensely and all of a sudden, his lips found mine.

My heart was pounding so fast in my chest I could only focus on how soft he felt against my mouth. He was gently pressing his lips on mine, but as soon as I squeezed harder his hand, he inhaled soundly and let a warm breath out of his nostrils. He immediately pulled me in and now we were glued to one another.

It felt so addictive I couldn't allow that moment to end.

As soon as I felt him slightly moving away, with my free hand I grabbed his coat and crushed my lips against his, again and again. He didn't protest and rather lowered his forearm, sliding his hand under my hood, running his fingers through my hair. I felt my knees getting weaker as he parted his lips allowing my tongue to slip inside his mouth.

Nothing else existed, all my senses were absorbed by how intoxicating he tasted.

My hands found his chest and then his neck, so I pushed him even closer to me. I was kissing him like my life depended on it.

A suffocated moan slipped out of my mouth as I felt again his hot breath and he almost lost it. I suddenly became aware of how aggressively he was responding. It felt like he wanted it so badly. As much as I wanted it too. So, I let myself go, completely, and the air got thicker. I felt my cheeks flushing, I was out of breath. None of us dared to break off that kiss. When his hands found my waist, I felt lightheaded. His touch was so gentle while his lips were hungry, possessive, consuming.

All of a sudden, he stopped and pressed his forehead on mine. We eyed each other, both out of breath. Our lips were swollen and our cheeks red. I didn't know what to do or say.

Levi swallowed noisily and then whispered, still pressed against me "I think they're gone. We have to head back now...".

[alindakb]

Letters to my Parents - Saturday 18 February 1995 - by Alinda

Saturday 18 February 1995

Dear mom and dad,

I don’t want you to worry, but the last couple of days have been hard. For a couple of hours, I thought of ending my life again. I didn’t and I’m fine now. It was all about this second task. As I told you in my last letter, Draco and I had figured out the clue of the egg with a little help of Myrtle. So Draco, Hermione and I spend hours and hours in the library to research. I even asked professor Snape for a permission slip to search the books of the restricted section. But it was all for nothing. We hadn’t found any spell or charm that would enable me to spend an hour underwater and live to tell the tale.

Draco told me he was worried when I started to stare out of the window of the common room all the time we were there. He would take my hand and tell me we would find a way. Greg thought it was funny that I was obsessed with the lake all of a sudden until Draco told him to shut up if he wanted to live another day. This was around the time I also struggled to concentrate in class and stopped eating if it wasn’t for Draco pushing food on my plate during dinners. I also think I didn’t smile that much. This because Draco said he was glad to see me smiling again during our last Care of Magical creatures lesson. Hagrid had managed to capture two unicorn foals who were pure gold. Draco loves the animals and for the first time, he really enjoyed the lessons. These young unicorns don’t mind boys that much and Draco volunteered to pet them all by himself. It made me smile to see Draco enjoy the animals and forget his fear of magical creatures for a moment.

On the evening before the task, we still hadn’t found a way for me to breath underwater. Hermione, Draco and I were buried between books that all seemed useless. And even if we would find a spell, I would still need to learn it overnight. If it wasn’t for the fact that I had no choice but to go into that water I would have given up. Especial when Greg and Daphne stopped by, saying that Professor Snape wanted to see Draco in his office. Draco kissed me and told me to take as many books with me to the dormitory, that we would look the entire night if have to. And then he left, leaving just me and Hermione. Until Fred and George Weasley told Hermione that Professor McGonagall wanted to see her. I kept looking until Madam Pince kicked me out of the library. I took as many books with me that I could carry and settled at a table in the common room to try and find an answer to the most pressing question of the day.

And that’s when everything started to go wrong. Draco didn’t come back. I kept looking at the clock, watching time slip by and still no Draco. I could feel that something was wrong, that Draco was upset. I checked the Marauders Map, but couldn’t find Draco on it anywhere. And even though it was already past curfew I still went to see Professor Snape. He was the one that had wanted to see Draco. Maybe Draco was still there. But when I arrived at Professor Snape’s office Draco wasn’t there. Professor Snape told me to go back to bed, that there was nothing to worry about and that I would need my rest. And I tried to get some sleep, only the bed was so empty with just me in it. I tossed and turned until I couldn’t stand it anymore. Draco was missing and nobody seemed to care.

I took out my invisibility cloak and started to look in all the usual spots. I searched the library, in the hope Draco would be there still trying to find a way for me to breath underwater. I searched our favourite spots around the castle, I even tried the Prefect’s bathroom and Myrtle’s bathroom. Only Draco was nowhere to be found. It reminded me of the dreams I used to have in second year. You remember, the ones in which Draco kept disappearing as he’d never excited. It scared me. In the end, I sat down in an alcove and cried myself to sleep.

It was Dobby who woke me up the next morning. And as soon as I opened my eyes I wished I’d never woken up. I couldn’t feel Draco like I had since that night after the first task. He was gone, truly gone and I was alone. I wanted to die with him. Dobby told me I had to hurry, that I had to go safe master Draco from the merpeople. He gave me some Gillyweed, said it would make me breathe underwater. I tried to explain to Dobby that it didn’t matter anymore, that Draco was already lost. I’d never felt that incomplete in my entire life. I told Dobby to go and let me grieve in peace. But Dobby wouldn’t have it. He said I had to go save master Draco, that I could do it. He pulled me to my feet and dragged me along the corridor until I agreed that I would go to the lake.

On my way out of the castle, I couldn’t stop thinking about how Professor Snape had said that all was okay, that there was nothing to worry about. I got so angry, I wanted to hurt Snape. He lied to me. Nothing was right. All was wrong. Once I left the castle behind me I ran towards the lake, spotted Snape and confronted him. I screamed some horrible things at him. I think Snape tried to calm me down, to tell me it really was okay, but I didn’t hear a word of what he said.

When I was done screaming all I could do was cry. I sank to the ground and cried into my knees. I felt so hollow, as someone had stolen a part of me when they took Draco away from me. I think Professor Snape yelled at the Headmaster. Something about how he had warned him that this would happen. And then he sat down next to me on the ground and hugged me. He rocked me while he explained all that was happening. He told me that Draco was just under an extremely deep sleeping spell and that is why I couldn’t feel him or see him on my secret map. He promised me again that Draco was perfectly safe and that no harm will come to him. And he said that even like it feels like he’s gone forever, Draco is still here and all I needed to do was go into the water and find him. I chocked out ‘what if I can’t find him?’ and professor Snape assured me that even then Draco would be safe and would get returned to me.

We sat like that until the task was about to start. Mr Bagman blow on his whistle and I walked into the water. I tried to believe Professor Snape’s words and forced myself to set one foot in front of the other. Later I heard from Blaise and Greg that I looked like a ghost. They both knew something was wrong and they even made it towards the judges' table to make sure I was fine.

I stopped walking when the water reached my middle. The water was cold and I wanted it to swallow me. I looked at the Gillyweed in my hand and wondered if I should take it or not. I could just dive down and never come back up? Or I could take it, swim as far down as I could and wait there until the Gillyweed would stop working. That way nobody would be able to stop me and I could be with Draco again.

That was the moment Professor Snape was suddenly next to me. He took hold of my shoulders and made me look into his eyes. He warned me not to do anything stupid, that it would be for nothing. He again said that Draco was still alive and that I just had to find him. I nodded and started eating the Gillyweed. Professor Snape smiled at me and said that he would not give me detention for stealing the Gillyweed from his office. Later I told him that Dobby had gotten it for me and asked Professor Snape not to take it out on the elf, that he had just wanted to help me and Draco. But at that moment, I didn’t care where the Gillyweed came from.

The Gillyweed worked and I was able to breathe underwater. I didn’t pay any attention to my surroundings when I swam around. I kept repeating Professor Snape’s words in my head: Draco is still alive, you just need to find him’.  But where was I supposed to look? The lake was so big, there was no way I could find him. I swam down and hoped to see any clue of where to go, but there weren’t any. Professor Snape’s words were slipping from my mind and the feeling that Draco was gone forever took full force again. I let myself sink to the bottom and though that it would be a nice place to die.

If it hadn’t been for Myrtle showing up and showing me the way, I think I would have stayed on that spot and died there as soon as the Gillyweed stopped working. She led me almost all the way into the Mer-people’s village but had to turn around just before because she and the Merpeople don’t like each other. I continued by myself until I found Draco. He was tied to a statue of a Merman, and I sped towards him. I took his lulling face in my hands and just wished for a sign he was still alive. I hugged him and told him I was sorry, only no sound came from my mouth, just bubbles. I cried into Draco’s shoulder. I had found him, but he was still gone, the whole inside me was still there.

It was Krum who gave me a knife a little time later. He was holding Hermione. I hadn’t even seen she was down in the lake too. He pointed at the weed holding Draco in place, motioned for me to cut it and swim up. And then he swam away with Hermione. I cut Draco free and started to swim to the surface. Some of the Mer-people followed me to the surface. I think they understood I was extremely upset. It wasn’t until we reached the surface that things became better. Draco woke up as soon as he was out of the water. It was strange how suddenly the empty feeling I’d had ever since I woke up that morning disappeared. I kissed Draco there, in the water. He held on to me and told me he was fine. A boat came to lift us out of the water and Madam Pomfrey wanted to check both of us for possible injuries. Only I wouldn’t let go of Draco, kept hugging him close to me.

Professor Snape escorted us both to the castle, all the way to the hospital wing. He said something about giving us some privacy, that today was already hard enough for me. Madam Pomfrey followed us and checked us out at the hospital wing. Later I heard that I came second in the task, this because the Mer-people had explained to the Headmaster that I had arrived second at the statue but had been to upset to act when reunited with my hostage. Blaise told me that the Merpeople had been furious with headmaster Dumbledore. I asked Professor Snape if he knows why and he explained that the Mer-people had sensed what he had suspected, that Draco and I are connected in a way that is more than just love.

This morning Professor Snape explained it all to me and Draco. We were still in the hospital wing. Last night I had curled up against Draco’s chest and fallen asleep straight away. I’m feeling better now, but I did ask if I could go and see Mrs Davis soon, that I needed to talk to her. I hadn’t wanted to die for so long and I thought I was doing better, but yesterday I had almost killed myself just because it had felt like Draco was dead. So maybe I’m not as better as I thought. Professor Snape said that he would make sure she would come by this afternoon.

But back to how Draco and I are connected. Professor Snape didn’t go in too many details. He just said that sometimes two wizards or witches share one soul and that the connection between these to persons is stronger than anything. It is very rare and Draco and I have to go through some test, ordered by the Ministry of Magic, to make sure we are soul mates. Well, not really soul mates, that apparently is less rare and points to two souls that match perfectly with each other. What we have is one soul in two bodies. I’m not sure what this all means, I’m still a bit shaken about all the events of yesterday. Draco keeps patting my hair and telling me not to worry, that he’s here and that he’s never leaving me.

Headmaster Dumbledore even came by today in the hospital wing. He came to apologise, said he hadn’t realised that we had finished the connection. It is in that moment that Sirius had raced into the hospital wing. He first checked if I was okay and then turned to shout at the Headmaster. He yelled that Dumbledore should have warned him, that he should have known that this task would affect me more severely than the others. He even muttered that he should have listened to Snape. He was shaking his head when he said that. I know Professor Snape and Sirius don’t get along and hearing Sirius say that professor Snape isn’t all bad was a big thing. It even made Draco laugh.

That was the moment Sirius seemed to realise that Draco was here. He pointed his finger at him and told him that they would have a word about how Draco deflowered James son. Draco turned pink and said that James and Lily already know, that I had already told you in my letters. Sirius smiled at that, saying he might be wrong about Draco too, but that he still didn’t like the thought of us having sex at this young age.

He left just before I started this letter. He promised to come when the Ministry is going to do their test to prove that Draco and I have this special soul bond. I keep forgetting the name and Draco is asleep right now so I can’t ask him. I’ll tell you the next time I write to you.

Love you both.

Harry James Potter.

[wings-of-a-storm]

It’s been fun realising after Saturday’s clips that a lot of things are being set into the perfect position to hurt us all as anticipated! I am so thrilled that the time is finally upon us (/sarcasm).

Eliott’s early absence / Lucas’ absence at Basile’s birthday party

In other versions, Lucas’ character completely forgets about Basile’s party because he is occupied with Eliott in their cozy world. I guess you could say that in Skam France, Lucas is still preoccupied with Eliott but this time not in a good way…

It’s so hard knowing that Lucas was actually free to go to Basile’s party in this remake but still didn’t -- not because I want to see more Basile, but because the party slipping his mind goes a long way to show us how emotionally out of sorts Lucas must be feeling right now after Eliott left to go back to his own world again. We all saw his face when he heard Lucille texting Eliott, and when he woke up alone… I imagine that expression hasn’t left his face for a while now…

It is such an awful situation. Lucas is the Home Wrecker (even though it takes two) and he knows it. He knows Eliott can’t be ‘his’ while he is still involved with his primary relationship. It’s hard when that poisonous reality slips back into your little bubble of happiness. It’s hard to see it written on an otherwise sweet drawing (3000+ Eliotts were all doing something other than actually spending the day with Lucas? It makes their relationship feel so impossible).

And it would be even harder to suddenly be alone without Eliott after the night and morning they spent together! Lucas was made to feel like he was worthy of a Polaris love for Eliott; he finally got to kiss Eliott; he was able to spend the night in the same bed with him; he was able to see his body; he was able to lie on top of and underneath that body, almost naked; he discovered that Eliott had noticed him long before he ever realised, that he had made a huge impression on Eliott; he had had Eliott cuddling him for god knows how long; and he heard Eliott choose to stay with him that day over Lucille when Lucas had been feeling so secondary to other people in his life (his father, bloody Mika and Lisa, his friends if they knew his true self).

And he woke up alone.

Eliott did try to prolong things, but the reality is that he does have someone else he is seeing, whom he badly hurt last night, and at some point he did have to leave to go back to her and sort that all out. (Among other things, but that hasn’t come into the plot yet even if his ig has hinted at it.)

It is a shame that Eliott had to leave early (thanks David, I hate it!). Lucas would have needed more time with Eliott alone, especially after all the lost time with him that week when Eliott stood him up! It would have been so bitterly disappointing that Eliott slipped away without Lucas even being able to say goodbye to him or ask what the next step for them is…

I can’t stop thinking about how amazed Lucas would be feeling about everything they had done together that night and morning, but equally how upset he would be in Eliott’s absence, knowing he was probably with Lucille now…

And to make matter’s even worse, Lucas has an irate Chloe coming for him. Between missing Eliott like hell and stressed that he has yet another mess to clean up with Chloe, it’s no wonder he wants to just stay inside that weekend and avoid all the shitty things waiting for him outside. He either ignored all social media and forget all about Basile’s party in that funk (very likely), or he remembered but couldn’t face leaving his apartment.

Chloe is going to be coming hard for Lucas

Lucas really doesn’t help himself, does he? To actually type and send “…” in response to someone utterly irate at you for absolutely doing the wrong thing and being a dick to them… Oh boy. He just drew a big target on himself. I know he is just a teenage boy and the concept of deescalation might not register so much for him right now but it is just common sense not to piss someone off further.

I’m not going to lie, I laughed outright when I saw the nerve of Lucas to actually send “…” to Chloe. I am on Chloe’s side with this but holy heck, the audacity is pretty hilarious. Chloe sent a Men Are Trash post about him after just one infringement and he thinks “…” is a good idea? Lucas, mec, you are so effed.

Sidenote: I think Chloe has a right to give Lucas sass to her friends for the way he treated her. If she does what she is set up to do though, it goes beyond that and I don’t condone it.

As an extra sidenote: Although I haven’t warmed to Lucille in the admittedly tiny amount of time we have seen her (it doesn’t help that she seems to have a Resting Bitch Face like at Kiffance), I got a pang in my chest when Chloe revealed Eliott’s comments had made her cry. This whole situation suuuuuucks.

Anddd more fun under the cut.

Arthur fighting Lucas eventually?

It is interesting to see how Lucas’ absences are affecting his friends. (I guess you never know how much of a core you are to your group until you mysteriously stop being as available to them?)

The instagram videos were setting us right up for an eventual open Gang conflict with this new absence from Lucas. Lucas’ strange absences (and changing behaviour) are clearly already an issue for Arthur with that passive aggressive joke in their chat, and then they sure enough couldn’t get in contact with him at the grocery store. (Where they were so sweetly trying to buy his favourite food anyway! Thanks David, I love being set up for extra hurt).

Then the issue of Lucas ghosting them culminated at the party where it seemed to become more of a focus for them the drunker they got. Arthur seemed to be particularly affected while Yann was slightly more chill (‘He’s not answering his phone’ as opposed to WHERE THE EFF IS HEEEE). I understand that you’d be upset on behalf of your friend whose birthday is being ignored, and that you’d be worried (or frustrated) because it seems to be a pattern now, but yikes. I guess also that the party was clearly a flop and maybe they were thinking that if only Lucas would turn up, he’d somehow have this magic ability to make it great? That Chloe would come along and bring more people? I dunno. But all the ‘WHERE IS LUCAS’ from Arthur is probably why I actually dreamt last night that Arthur’s instagram was hacked open and it was full of Lucas photos hahaha. I wish I was joking. That was a bizarre dream.

But yes, Arthur seems to be really perceptive and not shy to speak his mind; he certainly has the right personality to call Lucas out about his behaviour to his face later. And like generally all of you, it kills me that Arthur is being set up to do it and not Basile (who isn’t the type to start fights unless it involves his virginity?!!). I would love Lucas to shove Basile around instead of Arthur… It’s awful of me, I know. Violence is bad, etc.

Those ig stories definitely upped the ante with the pressure it puts on Lucas to maintain the control that has started slipping from him with his conflicting worlds. He now has to deal with his friends after ghosting a friend’s birthday as well as dealing with Chloe. School on Monday will be fun...

Basile’s obsession with Daphne continuing at an even more alarming rate

The imagery of Daphne completely drunk and being lead away from everyone (ie. from safety) by a very creepy boy who doesn’t seem to understand boundaries was chilling. Just chilling. It actually looked sinister, like the start of a true crime documentary.

Normally I would say ‘Surely Basile wouldn’t do anything because she is drunk as anything’ but we did see him trying to touch a very drunk Maria in episode one. He doesn’t understand boundaries or how to respect a someone’s right to their own body. He is such a wild card. And it was disheartening to see that he was being egged on by his drunk friends, who were also trying to stop Daphne’s actual friends from interrupting them. It’s such a toxic culture… And while I am glad the writers seem to be covering it, it’s still hard to watch. I just hope they keep calling it out overtly!

(For the record, I don’t think Basile will do anything but the fact that he even tried to lead Daphne away from everyone else when she was severely intoxicated was awful enough.)

[sincerelybluevase]

Didn't think all questions from 'Asks' could be proposed, so there you go: all the questions (1 to 96) or as much as you can!

Well thank you, nonny! I shall put these under a cut. 

(1) Do You Sleep With Your Closet Doors Open Or Closed? Closed, because you never know what might be in there!

(2) Do You Have Freckles? I wish I did, but alas! My sisters do have them so jealous much. 

(3) Can You Whistle? I can, but I can’t carry a tune I’m afraid. 

(4) Last Song You Listened To. Almost by Hozier. 

(5) What Is Your Favourite Colour? It’s a tie between blue and red. 

(6) Relationship Status. Taken, and happily so!

(7) What Is The Temperature Right Now? 16 degrees Celsius, so that’s about 61 F.

(8) Did You Wake Up Cranky? I woke up from a nightmare, so it wasn’t really the best sort of waking. That said, I’m not cranky per se, just a bit sleepy still.

(9) How Many Followers? 438

(10) Zodiac Sign. Aquarius

(11) What Is Your Eye Colour? Blue!

(12) Take A Vitamin Daily? Not daily; I take vitamin D tablets you have to take every few days. Before I used to take a different vitamin D tablet daily, though!

(13) Do You Sing In The Shower? No but I do talk to myself haha. 

(14) What Books Are You Reading? The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien for a course at university, and Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel for fun. 

(15) Grab The Book Nearest To You, Turn To Page 64, Give Me Line 14. I don’t think you have to worry about Bilbo. 

(16) Favourite Anime? Hm, probably Howl’s Moving Castle. 

(17) Last Person You Cried In Front Of? I’m trying to remember when I last cried. Either in front of my gf, or in front of my sisters. 

(18) Do You Collect Anything? Books and crystal skulls!

(19) What Did You Have For Lunch? Nothing yet, because it is still morning. 

(20) Do You Dance In The Car? Our car isn’t big enough for that haha. 

(21) Favourite Animal? I think I would have to choose otters. 

(22) Do You Watch The Olympics? I watch parts of it.

(23) What Time Do You Usually Go To Bed? Well, I usually go up at 9.30, but that doesn’t mean I’m actually aiming for sleep at that point, haha. 

(24) Are You Wearing Makeup Right Now? I’m allergic to make up, so no.

(25) Do You Prefer To Swim In A Pool Or The Ocean? Neither, because I hate swimming. 

(26) Favourite Tumblr Blog? How could I ever choose?

(27) Bottled Water Or Tap Water? I live in the Netherlands, which has the cleanest tap water in the world. Therefore, drinking bottled water is almost criminal. 

(28) What Makes You Happy? Many things! My gf, my sisters, my dog, good books, writing, playing the piano, petrichor, warmth, hot tea...

(29) Post A Gif Of What You’re Currently Feeling Right Now.

(30) Do You Study Better With Or Without Music? It depends on what I am studying, truth be told. I do both, though I always use instrumental music. 

(31) Dogs Or Cats? Both. 

(32) If You Were A Crayon What Colour Would You Be? I don’t know. Probably a pastel blue, maybe orange?

(33) PlayStation Or Xbox. Sadly, I have had neither. 

(34) Would You Swim In The Lake Or Ocean? Not if I can help it. 

(35) Do You Believe In Magic? Define magic. 

(36) What Colour Shirt Are You Wearing? I’m wearing a dress. It’s denim, therefore blue. 

(37) Can You Curl Your Tongue? I can!

(38) Do You Save Money Or Spend It? I’d like to say both, but I mainly spend it. 

(39) Is There Anything Pink Within 10 Feet Of You? Yes; my phone case. 

(40) Do You Have Any Obsessions Right Now? I wouldn’t call it an obsession, but I have been listening to Lana Del Rey’s new album on repeat, and I’ve found myself craving gothic books.

(41) Have You Ever Caught A Butterfly? I haven’t. 

(42) Are You Easily Influenced By Other People? No. 

(43) Do You Have Strange Dreams? All the freaking time!

(44) Do You Like Going On Airplanes? No; the air is super dry, the seats are cramped and uncomfortable, the food too little and not very good. I do like I’m going somewhere, though. 

(45) Name One Movie That Made You Cry. The only thing that comes to mind right now is Shrek the Fourth, which is somewhat embarrassing, but really I cry easily with films.

(46) Peanuts Or Sunflower Seeds? Sunflower seeds, though both are lovely when salted. 

(47) If I Handed You A Concert Ticket Right Now, Who Would You Want The Performer To Be? Hozier. 

(48) Are You A Picky Eater? I can’t eat gluten and I’m also lactose intolerant, so in that sense I am picky. If it boils down to what I actually like, I’m not. 

(49) Are You A Heavy Sleeper? Not at all. 

(50) Do You Fear Thunder / Lightning? Nope!

(51) Do You Like To Read / Write? Yes and yes!

(52) Do You Like Your Music Loud? No because I am perpetually afraid I will damage my ears and go deaf. 

(53) Would You Rather Carve Pumpkins Or Wrap Presents? I have only ever carved a pumpkin once, so I am going to go with that because it is so new. 

(54) Put Your Music On Shuffle, What Is The First Song That Came Up? Mrs de Winter bin ich! From the German musical adaption of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

(55) What Season Are You In Right Now? (Weather) Transitioning from summer to autumn. 

(56)What Are You Craving Right Now? Some free time so I can finish my first draft and finish the book I’m reading. 

(57) Post A Screenshot Of Your Tumblr Feed. No.

(58) What Is Your Gender? Female.

(59) Coffee Or Tea? Tea.

(60) Do You Have Any Homework Right Now? If So, What Is It About? I’m doing an English literature master, so I have homework all the time! I have to write a little essay about the letters of Margaret Cavendish, read LOTR, and choose a topic for an essay for my course on British and Irish fantasy novels.

(61) What Is Your Sexuality? Lesbian.

(62) Do You Make Your Bed In The Morning? Yes.

(63) Favourite Pokemon? Bulbosaur.

(64) Favourite Social Media? Tumblr.

(65) What’s Your Opinion On Instagram Stories? They can be fun!

(66) Do You Get Homesick? As a rule, no, but it depends on where I am and most of all with whom.

(67) Are You A Virgin? What a personal question!

(68) What Shampoo And Conditioner Are You Using Right Now? I don’t use conditioner, but I am using a shampoo bar by Lush which I don’t remember the name of, but it is for blondes and has chamomille and smells like lemon. 

(69) If You Were Far From Home And Needed To Sleep For The Night, Would You Choose To Rent A Crappy Motel Room For $60 Or Sleep In Your Car For Free? What an American question! It is not really something I will have to deal with, living in the Netherlands. Still, if it came to it I suppose my car is less dirty than a crappy motel room.

(70) Are Both Of Your Blood Parents Still In Your Life? Yes.

(71)  Whats The Next Movie You Want To See In Theaters? Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

(72) Do You Miss Your Ex? I don’t have one. 

(73) What Is Your Favourite Quote Right Now? I don’t really have one. 

(74) What Eye Colour Do You Find Sexiest? That fully depends on the person those eyes belong to. As a general rule, brown eyes.

(75) Did You Like Swinging As A Child? Do You Still Get Excited When You See A Swing Set? I do, and yes!

(76) What Was The Last Thing You Ate? I’m eating a sandwich as we eat. 

(77) What Games Do You Have On Your Phone? Microsoft’s solitaire collection. 

(78) Would You Give A Homeless Person CPR If They Were Dying? Why Or Why Not? I can’t give CPR, but if i could, I would, because I damn well hope someone would give me CPR if I was in that situation. 

(79) Been On The Computer For 5 Hours Straight? Yes.

(80) Stalked Someone On A Social Network? No.

(81) Do You Like Meeting New People? Again, depends on the context. 

(82) Do You Wear Rings? If You Do, Take A Picture Of Them. I wear one on each thumb and one on my right middle finger. Can’t take a picture ATM

(83) Do You Sleep With Your Bedroom Door Open Or Closed? Closed.

(84) What Are Three Things You Did Today? Brushed my teeth, made breakfast, talked to my gf. It’s 7.45 in the morning, guys.

(85) What Do You Wear To Bed? Nothing. 

(86) List All Of Your Different Beauty Products You Have Right Now. I have face moisturiser and that is it guys.

(87) Are You A Day Or Night Person? A day person.

(88) List All Of Your Video Games On Your Phone, Console Etc. Candy crush friends, and Microsoft solitaire collection.

(89) Tell Me About A Dream That You Had And When It Happened. Well this morning I had a nightmare where I had to perform an exorcism on a loved one, and it didn’t work. Come to think of it, I did try to bless them with ‘the father, the mother, and the holy ghost,’ so that may have had something to do with it not working. 

(90) Favourite Soda Drink? Fanta or 7-up.

(91) What Sounds Are Your Favourite? My gf laughing, rain on leaves (I am not that much of a rain person though), birds. 

(92) Do You Wear Jeans Or Sweats More? Sweats are more comfy, Jeans look better. 

(93) How Do You Look Right Now? Tired. 

(94) Name Something That Relaxes You. Music. 

(95) What Tattoo Do You Want? I don’t want one. I am too fickle; I’d grow bored of it after a while.

(96) Favourite YouTuber? I don’t have one favourite since I use youtube for different things. 

[smoking-mercenary-archive]

A Moonlit Night

The night was long, the elemental of Wind and Earth had been asleep in his bed, a comfortable large one he shared with his fiancee, though she was not one to sleep too much due to her energy output and jobs. However, Dymek still needed the rest like much others on the planet, his system didn’t store energy to let him power through the day. The longest he can stay up for was... about two weeks at a time before his battery drained completely. 

A long time, sure, but this was one night where he simply wanted to rest his body from the aches and hardships of the world around him. A peaceful sleep... until a certain cry was heard coming from nearby. This sound woke the feline up immediately, a drowsy state though fully aware, he clumsily gets up, throwing the blanket off to the side.

Grabbing a spare robe to cover himself up, he groggily wobbles over toward the source of the sound. His daughter, Daphne, was crying out in the night and was one such thing he was used to, though was draining his body from proper rest when he decides on it. Approaching the cradle he made for her, he reaches down to hold the child carefully.

Though it’s been a year of her being around, it was hard to get her on a schedule for proper sleep. He carefully bounces his child in his arms, attempting to soothe her. Though it was proving difficult, which was common. His eyes were heavy, barely able to focus on his daughter.

“Shhh... Little miss, little miss... it’s alroight. Ayme here, here.. Oooh, why tonight, love..?” He rocks his arms softly to hopefully aid in soothing her. “Daphne... please.. oh what’s got ye in such a fuss?” He lifts his arms huddle her closer to his chest, and with that Daphne reaches up to touch his face, grab his horns and pull his head down toward her.

He catches himself slightly, letting her pull him around a little bit before she stops, her crying softening, though not stopping. “Little miss... please, it’s alroight. It’s okay, shhhh. Gods, ye need tae give some attention tae to mummy. She deserves just as much... but aye’ll sing ye a song, if ye want.” he takes a breath, still rocking his baby girl to calm her down. Her cries were sudden through the night, but this is not new. He had many songs to choose from to help with this, though sometimes he would have the aid of his fiancee to ease her back into the slumbering land.

“Moon river... wider than a mile. I’m crossing you in style, some day... oh dream maker, you heart breaker. Wherever you’re going, I’m going your way.” He takes a moment to softly put a finger next to her face, Daphne’s hands grabbing a hold of the large fingers in front of her as she had quieted down, once hearing the song being sung by her father. Her eyes entranced on him, though eyelids were slowly gaining weight.

“Two drifters... off to see the world. There’s such a lot of world, to see. We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waiting round the bend. My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me.” He sang softly, a hush of a whisper, humming tunes to keep a melody going. He repeated the same lines, over and over, soothing the little one more and more into a peaceful sleep. Until finally, his daughter lay sleeping in his arms, as he sang the song one more time.

Traveling back to her crib, to set her gently down on the plush bedding, putting a blanket over her tiny body and gently prying her hands from his fingers. His humming was soft as he slowly went away from the room, to let her sleep peacefully. Stopping by the door to softly say

“Goodnight once more, little miss. Yer a true blessing, given to me through an amazing partner. ...I’m so happy, to have this chance... to be with something that I could forge myself. A family of my own... a family to protect and cherish.” His eyes water at the thought, swiping with a thumb to rid himself of that dampness. “May you grow up strong, Daphne. Along with any siblings you get along the way.”

[swanky-batman]

Savior Part 6

Draco Malfoy x Reader

Warnings: violence, maybe some swearing and deaths mentioned

Part 6 continues immediately after the last portion of 5. I hope you all enjoy, I have enjoyed writing these soooo much! :D

Masterlist

Beginning- Previous

———————-

Neville hugged you, patting your back and trying to comfort you. You held strong- Voldemort would not see your pain.

“You know- you could join him!” He screeched from across the way.

You tried to steady your breath before yelling out, “I would never join you- even if the man I…” You paused, flashes of your adventures and last weeks coming back to you, “Even if the man I love just did.” You shut your eyes, unable to look ahead and turned around, moving towards the back of the crowd.

Then there was a noise and laugh and you turned back to see Neville stumbling forward with Voldemort screaming, “I must say I’d hoped for better.” A laugh fell over his cronies as you all fell silent. “And who might you be, young man?”

“Neville Longbottom,” He stated, and you wanted to speak up- to stand up for him, as another laugh engulfed their people.

“Well, Neville, I’m sure we can find a place for you within our ranks…”

“I’d like to say something.” He spoke again, renewed courage in his voice.

“Well,” Voldemort started yet again, “I’m sure we’d all be fascinated to hear what you have to say.”

Another small silence before Neville spoke again, “It doesn’t matter that Harry’s gone.” Someone else tried to speak up but he cut them off, “People die every day!” He exclaimed, turning around. “Friend, family… yeah-” He breathed, trying to remain calm, “We lost Harry tonight-” He fought back emotions, “But he’s still with us- in here.” He spoke, grabbing his heart, “So is Fred. Remus. Tonks. All of them.”

You muffled a cry from all you had missed while people were out here protecting you. You missed a whole battle while you stood in silence.

“They didn’t die in vain.” He continued, coaxing more emotions from you as he turned back to Voldemort, “But you will. ‘Cuz you’re wrong.” Voldemort started to laugh, “Harry’s heart did beat for us- for all of us!” He yelled, unsheathing Godric Gryffindor’s sword, “And it’s not over!” He proclaimed- and, to everyone’s shock, Harry fell from Hagrid’s arms.

You were pushed inside, meeting- for a brief moment- Draco’s. If felt like the wind got knocked out of you and you fell, holding your side and trying not to cry out.

After all he had done, all he had said- he couldn’t escape them. He had fought back so much of them that you had dared to hope…

It didn’t matter, you realized as you tried to stand. You were all going to defeat them- they couldn’t have you, they couldn’t have your school and they couldn’t have your friends. You raised your wand, readying for a fight- you ran towards a line of defense. You fought with everything you had- tears running down your face as you remembered all of those that had fought for you- all of the moments Draco saved you.

You had drawn attention, a lot of attention from his troops and they surrounded you in another instant as you defended yourself. You saw Nagini coming in to strike you down, permanently and you peacefully closed your eyes.

You waited, what seemed like an eternity for it to happen. You felt something around you and you dared to open your eyes, looking straight into Gray eyes that you knew.

“Draco?” Escaped from your lips before you could stop it and you realized it was him. He was in front of you, all of the others had been knocked back on the ground or worse- Nagini had been destroyed.

“I will no longer follow my father’s orders- I am yours, body and soul.” He whispered towards you before turning around and using spells out on fellow members of Voldemort’s army.

The rest of the fight continued but you were in a daze- was he really there or was your subconscious imaging him?

Hours went by until finally, there was a cheer.

“We won.” You exclaimed, looking back at Draco before passing out.

—

You woke with a start, some hours later, when there was a head pressed against yours.

“What happened?” You asked, looking around before your eyes focused on the figure before you.

Draco gave you a small smile and your heart leapt, “You all won.”

You sat up and your body groaned for it, “You mean, we won.”

He gave a slight chuckle and turned away from you. You let the silence sit for a moment before continuing.

“Why did you come back for me?” He remained silent for a moment, and you asked again, “I saw your mother dragging you away. You were gone- and then you weren’t. Why did you come back?”

He gave a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. Your face remained serious and he tried to explain, “I- well…” His breath caught and he rushed the last bit out, “Were you serious about what you said?”

Another silence fell in and you waited, trying to think back. Your cheeks turned deep red when you remembered and you decided to speak, “You mean when Voldemort asked me to join?”

He remained quiet but gave a slight nod to you before turning his head towards the windows in the room.

“I wouldn’t have said it in front of everyone if I wasn’t.” You breathed, closing your eyes. You were scared of his reaction, what if he hadn’t been telling you the whole story? Or had been lying to help you?

“In none of my wildest dreams did I think you would see me in a different light- nevertheless think of me as something more.” You felt the bed shift a little and thought you felt his hand close to your face. “I wouldn’t be mad even if you were, you know. Making it up, I mean.”

Your eyes snapped open, making his look away- blushing as you remembered the things he told you in the woods, you gently stroke his cheek. This action seemed to fluster him and he snapped his attention back towards you.

You lean forward, pulling him in. “Draco Malfoy, you are many things. So much more than I could have ever imagined. You said you weren’t brave- but that isn’t true. You are the bravest, most courageous person I have ever met. You saved me- a basic stranger- from your family, who hates my kind. You went against all of your friends and families ideals for a mudblood-”

He raised his finger to press against your lips, “You are not that awful word-” His face distorted in pain, “No one is.”

You gave him a smile as you moved his hand, “People fall in love not because of who those others represent- but because of what that person has shown you.”

He grinned as you pulled him into another kiss- getting cut off immediately by a knock at the door. Harry, Ron and Hermione popped in.

Harry turned to Draco, “Thanks for that favor.” He offered his hand out to him.

“No problem, Potter.” Draco responded with a grin.

“Wait-” You spoke, “You asked him to leave?”

They all looked at each other for a moment before they pushed Harry to speak, “Well, Y/N, I, uhh-”

“Look, I asked them not to tell you. I needed as many people to have realistic reactions.” Hermione spoke, wringing her hands, “Besides, it got you to admit things you might not have otherwise.”

You gasped as they laughed and raised a pillow out from behind your head and tossed it at them to which they left, all but Draco.

You gave him a look and he tried to smirk at you, “Oh, come on. I apologize but as I have in the past… I was trying to help.”

You stood up, moving towards him, “Was all of this a plot?”

He tried to look like he wasn’t laughing, “I went through many lengths, a lot of unsure wishes if it was- but one thing was for sure. I never planned on falling utterly in love with you.”

Your breath caught as he said it again and you moved towards him.

“You should know-” He put his hands up to stop you, “I am next to nothing. I have no family, friends, means and my education for this last year has been unsteady at best. How could I-”

“Be everything I’ve been looking for?” You smiled to him, moving his hands aside to pull him closer as you shook your head, “I don’t know, but you are. We can work it all out, together.” You grinned, pulling him in for another kiss.

The end.

———-

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[ilalos]

Lavender dreams (Anthony Bridgerton x OC)-Part 1/3

Word count: 3.1k

Anthony stormed into his office after breakfast with his mother following close. The proper introductions were made when Miss Grace, or Gigi as she preferred to be called, entered the dining room; he had ignored the little somersault that attacked his heart when he made eye contact with the young girl and instead of acknowledging the feeling chose to finish eating as soon as humanly possible and left the table in a haste.

“How could you not notify me of this visit mother? The responsibility of finding her a suitable match falls on me and I know nothing about this girl, do you?” he tried to keep his voice down, but the exasperation he felt still showed in the form of harsh whispers.

“I didn’t tell you because I know she won’t have a problem finding a suitor that would be interested in her” Violet sat down tiredly looking at her exasperated son.

“And how are you so sure of that?”

“Well, she is an only daughter to a wealthy man, she is a well-read young woman and an amazing piano player, not to mention her dowry is obviously substantial” she gave him a pointed ‘I told you so’ glare “and of course, she is beautiful”

“Even worst then, we’ll have to make sure that whoever marries her-“

“We won’t do anything but I’ll make sure she loves the man she chooses to marry and he does her, that was Rose’s wish and that’s what I’ll do” she stood up not wanting to hear any more of her son’s antics.

Meanwhile, in the drawing-room things seemed to be running smoothly as Gigi read a novel and Eloise sat next to her reading the latest Lady Whistledown, while Benedict draws the pair in his sketchbook.

“Ugh! I can’t believe tomorrow is the day where our whole future is defined by the judgment of the queen” Eloise couldn’t keep her discontent in after reading the suppositions of who could be this season’s Incomparable “Can you believe it? Tomorrow our settling down begins” she sighed dramatically.

“Stop scaring the girl, Eloise” Benedict chastised with a smile, not looking up from his sketch.

“It’s not like I have a choice on the matter, so I try not to worry too much about it” Gigi gave her a small smile as if trying to comfort her.

“Right?! Society makes us feel like we have no choice, we either settle for a boring man who will hopefully be interesting enough to-“

“I don’t think she meant that she is pressured by society, dear sister” chuckled Benedict

“Oh, then pray tell me what you meant Grace”

“My father is very ill” started Gigi with a sad look as she let the book fall on her lap “I’m his only daughter and he wishes to see me married and in love before his passing”

Silence filled the room after Gigi finished speaking, she picked her book back up and resumed her reading when Eloise’s voice suddenly cut through the quiet atmosphere.

“You could marry one of my brothers, you know?” She said it more as thought said out loud than an actual suggestion and it caused Benedict to loudly scratch his pencil against the paper of his drawing.

“I don’t think that would be a wise suggestion sister” he racked his brain trying to come up with a way to explain how adamant he was on NOT getting married anytime soon “I for one wouldn’t want to be the brother in question, no offense Gigi”

“None taken” she giggled “I understand where you’re coming from Eloise but neither of your brothers seems prepared, or willing, to get married this season”

“Well it’s your loss, these dimwits may not look like much but they are somewhat intelligent and also very desirable matches according to Lady Whistledown”

“Well isn’t this a warm welcome?” Colin's voice startled the siblings and their guest as they didn’t expect him to arrive for another month.

Benedict was the first to stand and embrace his brother while his sister seemed to be torn between welcoming Colin and running to the Featherington’s residency to notify her best friend of his arrival, she knew Penelope would appreciate learning the news before the whole ton started whispering about it or even worse reading about it the next day. Standing up she chose to run to her friend’s home and also drag her guest along to not leave her alone with her brothers who were already deep in conversation.

“Tell mother we will be back for lunch!” She ran to the door with an iron grip around Gigi’s wrist only stopping to give a quick “Welcome home brother!”

“It was lovely to meet you!” That was all Gigi managed to get out before being dragged through the streets of London towards the Featherington home.

/////Time jump\\\\\

The picnic had gone wonderfully and Violet could not have been happier, surrounded by all her children and one grandchild. For a moment she forgot the expectations, the pressure of the next day’s events that signified the start of a new season that would, hopefully, be less dramatic than the last.

The men chatted about Colin’s travels as all the older men had already taken the same voyages, in way less innocent intents than him (read: brothel tour) as he seemed truly interested in the culture, the sights, and the history of the places he visited. Of course, he had met many women on his travels and he had laid with some of them but of that, he wouldn’t speak in such proximity to his mother and sisters.

Later that evening the girls had gone to pick up their debut dresses accompanied by the duchess to get as much advice as possible in how to be the Incomparable of the season, Daphne truly didn’t know how she had achieved that and if she had to be completely honest she only went to spend some time with her sister.

When the girls arrived back at the Bridgerton home, Violet decided it would be early supper and early bedtime for everyone because tomorrow was a crucial day for everyone’s life. Lady Bridgerton knew she couldn’t control what her sons would get up to in the late-night but she would make sure that her debutants were well rested before their presentation to the queen, and she made sure of it by personally escorting them to their shared room and verifying they had in fact gone to bed.

Way past the middle of the night Gigi woke up with a start after having a nightmare about her mother’s death, tears were running down her cheeks and her heart was hammering inside her chest so fast it was almost painful. She quickly looked to Eloise’s sleeping form and breathed a sigh of relief when she confirmed that the girl had not been awakened by her. Slowly and quietly Gigi got up from the bed and grabbed her robe, she needed some fresh air to calm down and maybe some milk.

Little tears were still falling from her eyes as she walked to the kitchen but the hammering of her heart had subsided by now, as she passed the office she noticed light coming from the room and with a frown, she went to see who was there at this ungodly hour. It was Anthony who was hunched over his desk holding an almost empty cup of liquor, his other hand supporting his head and messing his once perfectly combed hair, he was looking at some papers that were carelessly thrown over the desk surface with a deep frown.

“Lord Bridgerton is everything okay?” she knew she should’ve just continued her path to the kitchen but seeing him so concerned made her feel a dull ache in her chest.

He was startled by her voice, almost dropping his cup and lifting his head so quickly he got a little dizzy. He took a good look at her and realized a couple of things: first, she had been crying, and second, even in the simplest of robes with dried tears on her cheeks she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

“Miss Gillingham what are you doing awake at this hour?”

“I could ask you the same thing” she hadn’t meant to sound so sassy but her sleepy brain couldn’t process much formality at the moment.

“It’s nothing that concerns you” he said it with no intention of being harsh but her small wince let him know it came out that way “may I ask you, where were you heading to before stumbling into my office?”

“I was on my way to the kitchen to heat some milk, couldn’t sleep”

“I could help you with that” he surprised even himself with the suggestion because he knew he couldn’t even turn on the stove “stay here, I’ll go to the kitchen, it’s no place for a barefoot lady to be in”

She blushed and looked down at her feet that were in fact bare. He got up from his desk and walked up to where she was standing by the door, he gently pulled her inside the room and guided her to sit on the couch, silently instructing her to stay there before taking his leave for the kitchen. After he left she decided it would be nice of her to refill his drink, she grabbed the liquor bottle that sat atop one of the many papers on the desk and poured it in the cup. She knew she shouldn’t be reading what was written on the papers but her eyes couldn’t help but wander around the surface and soon realized what troubled Anthony, someone was stealing from the family.

“You didn’t need to do that, I could’ve poured it myself” she jumped a little when she heard his voice.

“Nonsense, you went into the trouble of getting me...cold? Milk” she had one look at the small glass bottle he held in his hand with a small smile.

“Ah yes” he chuckled “I didn’t want to bother a kitchen maid so cold milk it is”

“I appreciate the gesture Lord Bridgerton” she took the bottle from his hands as he approached her “I understand you not wanting to wake any of the kitchen staff as one of them is clearly stealing from you”

“What are you talking about? Such accusations are not to be said in such a lightly manner”

“I apologize, sir, I didn’t mean to anger you” she looked down at her feet and tears welled her eyes once again.

“What makes you think one of our kitchen staff is stealing from us?” He was genuinely curious about her answer, not sure if he’d believe it but nonetheless curious.

“Here” she pointed to a piece of paper and his breath hitched at her proximity “it says that you bought 50 baguettes from the bakery today”

“Yes, what about it?”

“Well I saw your table this morning and there were no baguettes there, in the picnic he had croissants and for dinner, there were, again, no baguettes” she felt proud of the way he looked down at her in what could only be described as awe “Baguette is a bread that must be eaten within the same day it is bought as it will get stale rather quickly, it is also an incredible amount of bread for a relatively small family to eat” she completed her explanation and stepped back to give him room to see it for himself.

“I believe you are correct but I must know, how did you know this?” All Anthony could think about was how wonderful it would be to have a wife that could understand such concepts of family economy.

“The same thing happened at our state a couple of years back, our housekeeper claimed to buy enormous quantities of food to get the extra coin herself”

“Who caught her?”

“My mom” she smiled “She said men would’ve never noticed because they had no idea how a kitchen works, she did and she taught me that being a good wife meant not only raising the children but also making sure everything in the home is working how it's supposed to, among other things”

“She sounds like a wonderful woman” he wanted to embrace her with how small and sad she looked but he refrained from doing so, it would be highly inappropriate.

“She was” a yawn tore through her and she suddenly realized just how tired she was “Well good night Lord Bridgerton, thank you for the milk”

He took the vessel from her hand, set it gently on the table, and offered his arm to accompany her to the door.

“Goodnight to you too, and please call me Anthony”

She looked up at him one last time before turning and padding to her bedroom as quietly as she could. Meanwhile, Anthony sat back at his desk and chuckled in disbelief, he had spent the past three hours trying to know where the sudden increase of expenses had come from and she had solved it after mere seconds of looking, she truly was a wonderful woman and would be an even better wife. He couldn’t help but think for a brief moment that she could perhaps be a wonderful wife for him.

Morning came quicker than expected and the house was filled with running maids preparing baths, horses being brushed, and food being made. Anthony fired their housekeeper, Violet wanted to kill him as he chose to do so at the worst possible time and that forced her to make her personal maid the housekeeper to keep things running smoothly on such an important date. The girls came down with their hair done wearing robes so they could eat before getting dressed, Violet didn’t want them to spill anything on them but most importantly she didn’t want to have either of the girls fainting in front of the queen due to hunger, so breakfast in a robe was the solution.

Disaster hit Lady Bridgerton’s mind as soon as she saw the way her firstborn looked at Grace, he looked at her as if he was in love with her. She had no problem in her son choosing to court the young heiress but it would look terrible if he were to court her while she was staying in their home, it would certainly give the wrong impression. She rose from the table and grabbed her eldest daughter by the elbow prompting her to follow her out to the hallway where she proceeded to explain that she needed her and her husband to take Grace to Lady Dunbury’s house.

“But why? Is our presence bothering you mother?”

“Of course not dearest, but I must get Grace out of the house to avoid a scandal” at her daughter’s confused face she continued “your brother seems to fancy her and I’m afraid if he chose to court her it would look terrible if she was to be living under the same roof as him”

Daphne understood her mother’s reasoning and agreed that it would be quite scandalous for a debutant to live in the same home as the man who courted her. Back in the dining room, the Duke of Hastings was getting worried by his wife’s absence so he ventured into the hallway to find her and her mother speaking in hushed voices.

“My love! I was just about to send for you” Daphne reached her hand out to her husband and he took it with a wary look “My mother has asked us to take over Grace’s season at Lady Danbury’s house, and I wanted to know if that may be possible”

He wanted to say no, he wanted to avoid staying the whole season under the scrutiny of the ton and also that of Lady Danbury, but he couldn’t deny his wife the chance to spend this time close to her family and for her to take such responsibility was a task he knew she wished to do to make her mother proud. So despite wanting to deny such request he smiled and instead said he’d be honored to help her with such task and would make arrangements to speak with Lady Danbury and send their belongings there while they went to de debutants presentation.

The presentation to the queen goes uneventful until Eloise walks in accompanied by her mother, even though she failed to aid in catching Lady Whistledown The Queen admired the young lady and provided her with a nod of approval, which was an enormous statement coming from the monarch. Next walked in Grace with Daphne and to no one’s surprise, she was deemed the Incomparable by the queen with a simple kiss to the forehead.

The news traveled fast and as soon as both ladies arrived at the ball in Lady Danbury’s home their dancing cards were filled with prospects, well Grace’s was because thanks to Anthony’s ‘assistance’ Eloise’s was impossibly blank. Daphne and Simon had decided to allow Gigi to dance with whoever she liked and they would worry about background checks when the dances turned into gentleman callers.

Anthony spent half of his attention taking good care of his sister and the other half was put into painfully watching Gigi dancing with different men, but what hurt the most was seeing that the man that made her smile the most was his own brother. He watched Colin take her first dance and couldn’t help the jealousy coursing through his veins as he saw them smiling and laughing as he twirled her around the dance floor. Perhaps that jealousy is what prompted him to abandon his sister’s side and approach the purple-eyed girl to ask for a dance.

“I’m so sorry Anthony but my dance card is full for the night” she was truly apologetic even though she had no way of knowing the eldest Bridgerton would want her to save a dance for him.

“May I see it?” He read through the list of names and chose to scratch over Benedict’s name knowing his brother had saved himself a dance with the girl only to save her from another dance with an impossibly boring gentleman, so he wouldn’t mind giving his dance up to his older brother.

“Is that allowed?” She asked with a smile.

“It is when he’s your brother” he dropped the card and handed back her pencil “Do me a favor and save me a dance on the next ball, and all others after that” with a final smile he left her to dance with the next gentleman and went back to his sister’s side.

Part 2

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I wanted to write this in 1 part buuuuut it came out longer than expected 😬 It’ll probably be like a 3-4 part story. If you took the time to read this I appreciate you :):):):):):):):):)