#that she gave me as part of a chocolate bouquet

[wwskalisto]

I think I just committed a crime

[hedgehog-moss]

I volunteered to help the florist with her Mother's Day deliveries today, it was fun! My favourite parts of the experience:

early this morning I delivered flowers to women who were busy with morning farm chores, usually out in the barn; some had forgotten it was Mother's Day and were pleasantly surprised to see me show up holding a bunch of flowers above my head (so it wouldn't get eaten by barn animals on the way)

speaking of: one woman let a cow smell the flowers, then said "they're probably treated with chemicals—better not have a taste" with an apologetic look (at her cow)

a little boy opened the door at one point and I said, flowers for your mum! and he called her and while waiting for her to come downstairs, he said, "I learnt a Mother's Day poem at school", so I said, let's hear it! And apparently he hadn't expected that, and he lit up upon realising he would get higher returns on his poem investment than expected. He thought he'd recited it once and it was over but here was a fresh new audience!

a woman whom I found at the back of her garden hanging out with ducks deplored the fact that she didn't have a coin in her pocket for a tip, then said "Do you want to see my baby pigeons?" Yes of course I want to see your baby pigeons. That's a good tip

I delivered a bouquet to someone and a woman next door, who was in her garden, turned to the open window of her house and said, "[Neighbour's name] got flowers! For MOTHER'S DAY."

I later had to return to that street after a last-minute order was placed to this woman's address. Whomever she was talking to inside the house got the message loud and clear :)

at one point I entered a barn that seemed empty (except for cows), said "Is anyone here?" and a goat SPRUNG UP out of nowhere and poked me with her hoof and gave me a heart attack

I returned to the shop and the florist let me pick a couple of plants as thanks, and we had the usual conversation—"Would this cheerful yellow plant thrive in my house?" "No. Your house is under 10°C. Try this one instead." Me: "This one isn't yellow :( It's more austere" Her: "So is your house" (She entered my non-heated kitchen in December once, and ever since I've been trying to convince her that it's not always like that) (just six months per year)

as I sat in the shop waiting for more bouquets to deliver, a man came in to buy roses and the florist started wrapping a ribbon around the bunch and the man asked, could you put a ribbon around each rose? I said aw they're for several mums? :) And he said yeah—that he was going to visit his mum at the retirement home and he wanted to get something "for all her friends too, why not!" It made everyone smile

admiring the florist's skill as she quickly put together a bouquet for a new order, I said something like "at least AI won't steal your job" and she said "with quantum computing, you don't know... not sure what it is but I read an article and it sounded scary." I said, I heard it's still impractical because the quantum computer particles need to be kept in very cold environments, like close to absolute zero, and she said "Quantum plants would thrive in your house."

Florist: "I'll accompany you for this delivery because the person who filled the form gave a 'turn left after the third mossy rock'-type of address"

I was invited at her house for lunch, and I asked warily "Does your husband still have swans?" She said "No, we only kept the geese. We have just 3. They're evil too but not as bad as the swans"

one of my favourite interactions was when I delivered flowers in a hamlet that could fit in my pocket, and a young girl who came to the door asked me in what village I lived, and I said, it's not a village, just a lone house in the woods, and she sighed "I wish I could live away from civilisation." I looked around us. Asked, how many people live in this village? She said, "Sixty." I said, "That's too many?" She said, "Yeah."

Final stats for today: I was offered a coffee 4 times, Mother's Day chocolates 2 times, and 1 meeting with baby pigeons; was startled by 1 goat and terrorised by 3 geese; petted 2 windowsill cats, and was asked if Pampérigouste was currently in her pasture 4 times.

[synthetickitsune]

may i please request florist!san who secretly likes a regular at his flower shop, then he learns that she finally recently broke up with her ex so he does all kinds of things to cheer her up like slipping in cute notes or chocolates in the flowers she buys and to also maybe shoot his shot 🥹💕

thank youuu and no need to rush! please do take all the time you need 🫶

San (ATZ) | Flower Shop AU + hidden notes fluff | 0.9k | gn!reader

The change wasn’t immediately recognizable for what it truly was. 

You might’ve missed a few weeks, which was concerning, but San understood that life happens and sometimes there’s just not enough time, money, or even energy to come to the flower shop, to keep the house looking pretty. 

And of course he spent the better part of those weeks worried if you’ll ever show up again.

Some little part of him hoped that you won’t - the unselfish one, the one that only cared about your happiness as he tends to care about all strangers that come to his shop. If you never come again, then perhaps your manchild of a boyfriend has finally grown into a full fledged man and started buying you flowers like you deserve instead of leaving you to do it yourself.

It was just one of the few pieces of information he got from the limited amount of small conversations you had. Your boyfriend would give you a couple bucks and tell you to go buy yourself some red roses. An exact amount that would in no universe be covered by the money he gave you. Truly, San wonders why you bothered with that guy. 

You deserve better. You deserve someone like him - but that’s only what the selfish part of his heart keeps telling him.

Things are different now, though. Something changed. You’re back to getting flowers, but they’re not roses anymore, and the bouquets are smaller. They also suit you more. You seem genuinely happy getting them.

San feels torn about it, although he’s mostly curious.

Until one day he sees your phone light up just as you’re about to pay, a name briefly flashing on the screen. You decline the call with lips pressed into a thin line. It’s not the time to be nosy, it’s not his place to ask-

“Is everything alright?” he asks carefully, then upon meeting your eyes he panics, “It’s just you seemed upset and you’ve been missing before…”

He’s just making it worse, he knows, but he hopes you can just take it as him being concerned about his business and not creepy. You study his face for a moment before sighing.

“We broke up,” you say simply, “And he keeps calling so that’s a little annoying.”

“Oh,” is all he can say.

And oh is all he can think for the rest of the day. Week, actually. And then he gets it together.

‘Together’ in a way that is perhaps concerning in its own way.

It might be too much - it is too much and wholly inappropriate. But San feels like a madman on a mission, hyping himself before the final stretch as he looks at the handful of notes and another small pile of envelopes.

The notes should be fine - they’re just generic words of encouragement, some may be a little too sweet for strangers, but not too much. The envelopes, well, they hold his heart. He must be in his right mind still if he thought to start with the notes and see how you accept them.

…And that doesn’t apply anymore weeks later when he’s stealthily slipping the first envelope into the bouquet before wrapping it for you. His heart is about to burst and you’re looking at him with concern. His hands are shaking, but at least you only noticed now. 

“Are you alright?” you ask, brows furrowed.

“Yeah, of course,” he smiles. It’s easy to make it genuine. 

“I…” you hesitate and he leans closer, nodding at you to continue, “I know I never said anything, but I wanted to thank you for the notes. I mean, you probably noticed I started coming in more. They just really helped me get through the hard times.”

He did notice. He also noticed you slowly opening up, lingering, gracing him with short conversation each time.

“I’m glad,” he says and he means it. Even if nothing comes out of this, making you happy is enough.

“So I was wondering, would you like to go on a date with me?” you bite your lip, “If you’re okay with going slow-”

“Yes,” he interrupts before you can change your mind. He already saw you spiral into overthinking many times, he’s not gonna do it today. “Absolutely. Just, uh, could you give that back to me?”

He points to the wrapped flowers in your hands. You look at him with a suspicion. “Why?”

“I don’t want to embarrass myself and make you change your mind, please?” he begs. Suddenly he can’t remember what’s written in the short letter. He only knows it’s sappy and pathetic.

“Is your number there?” you chuckle.

“Among other things,” he admits. For once he doesn’t like the way your smile grows bigger.

“Then if I like the other things I will text you,” you seem so satisfied with yourself, San is in love - and shambles, “If not, I’ll come here again and pretend I didn’t see anything. You can ask me on the date again if the note doesn’t work.”

That’s not the issue, the note isn’t asking you out, he wants to say, but you’re already turned away from him and walking out. He can’t speak, his tongue feels too heavy and his mind is blank. Slowly, he feels a smile stretching his lips against his will.

Maybe you like losers, he hopes.

[little-miss-dilf-lover]

would love to see a pt 2 where he continues to give her tiny gifts because he doesn’t know reader knows! then one day she finally gives him a gift of his own and he then gets the guts to actually ask her out on a proper date :,)

this is so cute! im so glad lots of you wanted a part 2 :) thank you for requesting, hope you like it💌

secret admirer part 2

miguel o’hara x f reader

wc || 949

part 1 -> here

masterlist

It had been nearly two weeks since you found out the identity of your secret admirer, and to say you were shocked would be an understatement. You never thought Miguel would think of you in that way. Sure, he's attractive, sometimes charming and occasionally funny, but you'd never thought he'd be interested in you like you were him. 

You've always had a thing for him, but who wouldn't? Ever since you joined the Spider Society, you couldn't help but feel drawn to him. You found yourself thinking about him more often and dreaming about him almost every night. You knew it was silly as he'd never reciprocate those same feelings, so when you found out he was the one who gave you the rose, the thought of it all went to your head. 

For the first couple of days, you couldn't quite believe it. You'd find yourself thinking it must've been a mistake, a simple misunderstanding, something you were incorrectly interpreting. But all those wary thoughts were reassured when you received another gift on your desk the following day, a spider charm bracelet.

Every day since then, you found small, thoughtful presents in your office, cute little gestures; like the type of chocolate you've secretly been craving, a cup of coffee you'd desperately need when it gets to 3 pm, a fresh bouquet of flowers to brighten up your space, a new pack of pens when all your others ran out, just anything he thought you might want or need. All these tiny, considerate actions made it impossibly harder to contain your feelings towards him. He didn't know you knew, and you wanted to keep it that way, for the time being anyway. 

So for the last two weeks, you've received an abundance of gifts from your not-so-secret admirer, which has given you a little boost in confidence, like it made you want to do something bold, something in return. You want to give him something back, something that shows you care about him, something that shows how you feel. You wanted to express your repressed feelings, but though his feelings were clear through gifts, you were still uncertain of his intention. You didn't want to embarrass yourself, especially in front of Miguel. If he rejected you, you knew word would get around HQ, and there isn't a way back from that.

You didn't let those feelings deter you. You thought you'd start small, build up to something, build up to something bigger, but you didn't know what. Miguel is naturally a very closed-off man. A man with a thick exterior, rightfully so after everything, and so you were unsure what to give him, what he might like, what he might need. 

You wanted to give him something special, something thoughtful, just like all the gifts he got for you. For the moment, you settled on a generic and brief heartfelt note and a coffee, as he seemed like he needed one. 

'Thank you for all of my lovely gifts. I really appreciate all of the thought you put in. It made me feel so special

Love from your secret admirer’

You wrote the note in your best handwriting, adding hearts over your 'i's before folding it in half. You walk down to the cafeteria and order Miguel's go-to hot pick-me-up drink and a cupcake for you. You slot the note into the heat protector sleeve and pull out the corner so it can be noticed. 

Your knees were like jelly as you made your way to his office. Your nerves were unbearable, but you reassured yourself, thinking of all positive outcomes.

You flatten over your hair and straighten your clothes as you nibble your lips, adding a touch of colour to your face before knocking on his office door.

"Yeah?" he huffs in his usual way.

"Hi. Sorry is this a bad time?" you ask, cautiously making your way inside.

"Querida," (darling) he smiles, now speaking sweet and gentle. "What can I do for you?" his expression instantly softens at your presence. The moment he heard your voice, he melted inside. He'd become an uncharacteristic ball of mush around you. And it was happening right now. "You okay?" he asks, noticing the tense look on your face.

'Querida'? 'Querida'? he called you that often, but you didn't know what it meant. Why did he call you that? You shake off the feeling and walk closer to him. "Yeah—yeah. I got something for you. Thought you might need it," you smile, extending your hand. 

He softly chuckles as he strolls over to you, accidentally brushing over your fingers as he takes the cup from you. "How much?" he asks, sitting at the edge of his desk, facing you. He notices the quizzical look on your face and grins. "For the coffee, cariño. (honey) How much do I owe you?" 

"Oh—oh. No, it's free. It's on me," you smile, watching Miguel's lips sheepishly curl up. "It's a thank you,"

His head cocks to the side with intrigue. "A 'thank you'?" he repeats.

"Yeah," you smile. "Look in the sleeve," you nod towards his hand.

His eyes squint in confusion as he slides down the protector sleeve. He notices the note, and his features instantly lift, brightening almost.

He's silent for a few moments as he reads your letter. He's quiet, far too quiet, and it's making you nervous. It's only two sentences. Why is he still looking at it? Did he feel embarrassed for you?

His gaze finally meets yours, and his eyes soften, but you can still see a hint of something behind them, something uncertain, something apprehensive. 

"I want to take you out for dinner— tonight. Are you free tonight?" 

[mschievousx]

now and then | b.b.

pairing: benedict bridgerton x ofc, anthony bridgerton x ofc (platonic)

summary: loraine silva always knew she was not normal. she loves unusual things. she loves her father's guns, horses, boxing, climbing a tree, falling from a tree, engineering, astronomy... oh, and a man eleven years older.

series masterlist

v. five: lonely in your company

the young silva did not expect this at all. yes, lady whistledown wrote about quite a lengthy chat that the viscountess silva had with a certain son of the renowned pathologist, sir astley cooper, yesterday. but, for the rest of the gentlemen to flock her now? she was aghast.

while we have so far seen how she loves being in the bridgertons' companies and how she openly enjoy the things she finds fun, it is also as open she shows her distaste to the rest of the population—probably better that we haven't seen that part yet.

"i heard you like chocolates, lady silva."

"i believe we share the same interest in mechanical science."

"we have quite the collection of guns ourselves, my lady."

"a convention in astronomy is happening in the near future. if i may be so bold to have your presence when the time comes?"

honestly, she liked the last offer—had the man been fifteen years younger. it would have not mattered to her though, if only it was benedict.

the men continued to force their offers on her face. a man pulls another to the back to have his turn. a man pushed his bouquet forward. a man yelled his offer from the back. a man—

"excuse me, gentlemen. may i have a moment with the lady?"

a woman's voice stood out from the clamor, causing the men to turn and giving a space for her to take a hold of the younger one.

the ladies did not wait for the men's responses as they easily linked arms and walked away. although they could not do anything seeing as causing a scene in the queen's presence is not to everyone's benefit, they did groaned and cursed that a viscountess got away from their grasps.

"i cannot thank you enough for that, lady arnold."

loraine spoke gratefulness, her mood still marred from the encounter.

"you know there is no need for that. you act like we do not know each other." the widowed woman warmly smiled at her as she gave a squeeze on the silva's shoulder.

"i am simply grateful," she insisted, followed by a scoff, "i talk to another man and the rest of them think they could."

lady arnold chuckled at her stubborness, "i see, you still have not stopped using your father to fend off possible suitors?"

"i fend them off with anything i can. a gun, if i must."

the older woman said an immediate shush as if on reflex, something akin to a fear of being heard about using guns on suitors—although she herself would love to do so, "do you carry?"

"oh, no. the regular size is too heavy and bulky to conceal in a dress." raine said with clear annoyance that she could not carry one conveniently, "i am currently working on a smaller one."

do note that she already finished one.

at the mention of her creating a smaller version just simply because she would like to hide one made her look staggered at the young one, "and yet, you refuse to join the discussion inside."

lady silva moaned in displeasure, "i already went in. all he talks about is the principle of circular motion."

while interesting at first read, it gets boring mean you have understood it. the concept itself is significant, no doubt, in explaining various natural as well as mechanical sciences. however, she simply did not feel up to it today.

"that and i hate balloons."

lady arnold laughed at her honesty, bidding farewell to her as she continues to the dome. raine walks by herself, trying to find the bridgertons. while she did have other friends, she was not as keen to spend time with them as she did with the said family.

and so, she strolled until she found something interesting. eloise, cressida, and penelope; all surrounding the poor man.

"what do we have here?" she mouthed to eloise from the side of lord debling and penelope.

as the bridgerton girl shrugged and gestured nothing to her, the rest of the group noticed her arrival.

"ah, lady silva." the man greeted with a hidden familiarity.

"lord debling." raine tightly smiled at him in return.

miss cowper turned to the young girl, "loraine, you are an enjoyer of science just like lord debling, are you not?"

"oh, cressida," she began with a chuckle. she does not mean any offense to her though. while the said woman was indeed quite ill-natured, so was she. therefore, she is not one to judge the other, "you would be surprised by the amount of different sciences there are."

lord debling turned back to the cowper, "we do not share the same interest."

"we despise each other." raine nodded to that reassuringly, causing the man to look at her with seriousness.

"i do not despise you."

"your loss," the young silva shrugged with a hint of jest, "i despise you."

"such a strong word, my lady."

"i am petty like that." she giggled, lightly tapping the arm of the man in a friendly manner as she continued.

"do continue your conversation. i apologise for the intrusion."

raine stepped back with a smile and neared eloise, "where is your brother?"

"i did not see him. i thought he is with you?" she asked back, trying to look around herself too to catch a glimpse of her brother.

good thing she was looking around though because she had enough time to grab the other girl by the hand as the extraordinary balloon started to fly their way.

penelope, however, was stunned on their place. lord debling did not think twice to cover the girl for safety. while they did not agree with the science, she would give him points for that act.

raine turned to the men pulling the balloon, seeing colin upfront. such a personality he is embracing now, she thought. another bridgerton stole her attention though, because just meters away, benedict can be seen rubbing his palms as if in pain from pulling the ties.

she turned to eloise to bid farewell, thinking to go to him. however, as she turned back to where he was, he was now rushing to walk away.

her confusion was interrupted when cressida suddenly yelped in pain. catching on to her hidden agenda, raine rolled her eyes.

"ugh, i really hate balloons."

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ��� ━━━

after the incident, they all went home, likely to also prepare for the ball this evening. she went with the bridgertons to their home, not wanting to disturb her father for whatever work he's doing again.

the girl grumbled as she laid down on their couch, completely not listening to whatever conversation the family was having. everyone was doing something—gregory and hyacinth eating biscuits and quarreling, francesca playing the piano, colin reading and benedict sketching, and violet and eloise talking.

raine groaned once again before speaking on her own, "my father is so busy. it is almost like he is not here at all."

she continued to stare at the ceiling, only looking at the family after a prolonged silence of whatever they were doing. lady bridgerton was staring at her lovingly as eloise added, "and when he is away, you keep on saying you want him to go home already."

raine feigned ignorance to what she said, acting like she did not say that at all—which she did say, by the way, quite a lot too.

"ben," she called for the man across who seems to be ignoring the entire happenings in the drawing room.

"hmm," he replied with a hum, intent on his sketch.

"will you marry me so that someone will be with me when father leaves again?" she said as she sit up about to go to him.

"no," he replied, looking up from the pad and to her briefly before standing up himself, "i will be painting in my room."

he turned away after bidding farewell to everyone, the sound of his footsteps slowly fading. violet and eloise turned to raine after that, confusion clear on their faces as if asking what happened.

honestly, she is asking the same thing.

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

her second ball—to be honest, balls are not as fun as the ton made it out to be. with the exception of what seems to be a men's club inside, there is nothing much in it.

"the surgeon from yesterday said he will be writing you a letter." she turned to see astley cooper, looking more dashing in a ball's fit, and still lacking greetings.

she smiled at what he said, "are they really going to study my suggestion?"

"of course, your points were quite strong. why do you seem to be doubting yourself now?"

she shrugged as she placed her glass down, "i was brazen yesterday. i am not feeling like it now."

letting out a sigh, she lifted her glass again and took quite a sip with a new resolution, "well, they better do because i have already boasted to my father that i made an expert pause and think about my ideas."

he chuckled at her changing moods in just five seconds, "oh, he shall prepare to be more proud then."

"lady silva, may i have this dance?" she turned to her right, only to see the brother of who she's waiting for.

"anthony, i told you. i am not going to dance with you first."

the viscount stood straight again, slowly retracting his hand, "you have not danced yet tonight?"

she let out a small groan at the reminder, "should i have?"

he chuckled, crossing his arms as if in deep thinking before chuckling again, "you are so obsessed with him. it is just a dance. he was already your first ever dance."

raine stopped the glass she was about to drink midway. she narrowed her eyes pointedly to the older man, the latter rolling his eyes, "okay, fine."

"viscountess silva, you are needed." a footman called for the lady, gaining the attention of the pair. his voice carried seriousness, yet that is not enough to reveal what it could be about. they all spoke monotonously during working hours.

she tapped anthony's arm before walking across the room, swiftly dodging the ton.

"lady silva."

a soldier strictly acknowledged the young lady. the man was sweating considerably as he pulled a letter from his pocket. he passed it to the girl in front of him without any word.

as raine took hold of the letter, small red stains are noticeable as well as the lack of seal. she opened to see the contents of it written in a hasty manner. her eyes flew from word to word, line to line. the lack of greetings, the lack of complimentary close.

she was not sure if this was done in jest—she would like it to be. however, upon observing the man in front of her now, his hand is visibly shaking. and so, she shut her eyes closed, crumbling part of the paper on her grip.

"name?"

"morgan," he answered with no mention of his rank. perhaps, this is his way of being sympathetic to the silva in front of him. perhaps, offering himself as a fellow person rather than a soldier would offer comfort.

"tell me where they are, morgan." she stared directly in his eyes, voice now void of the festivities behind her.

"i cannot tell."

"oh, you surely can." her volume starting to increase, sarcasm, anger, fear, and grief mixed.

"my lady, i am under strict command to not tell you their whereabouts." he did not break his eye contact, believing it as a form of respect to the girl.

she stepped forward, grasping her concealed small gun inside her dress out as she start to scream, "tell me or i will—"

"raine," a man grabbed her, pushing the gun down before anyone can wander their eyes on it. he swiftly took and pocketed it on his own. he turned to the young one, putting both palms on her cheek as if to call for her, "raine."

anthony crossed the hall as fast as he could after noticing her crumbling the paper, excusing himself from mr. cooper who conversed with him after she left. he was not the best man when it comes to emotion, but he knows anger like an old friend. and raine? she was rarely angry. she despises everything on a daily basis, but never with rage. and so, he knew something was wrong—very wrong.

he looked at her directly in the eyes, seemingly finding her behind it as he whispered, "there is a lot of people present. the ton is here."

"i do not give a hell about them. where is my father?!" he pushed the viscount away, freeing from his grasp but he reached again instantly, as if knowing how to deal with her already.

"darling, do not yell," he spoke in the same warm voice, "what happened?"

"papa has been shot," her voice broke upon saying it out aloud, just as her tears from her eyes, "in the shoulder and chest!"

raine nearly dropped down, if anthony did not pull her to him in time. although they were outside, the ball is still quite crowded. they could not let this go out. they could not let people see and know of this.

"i—" the viscount could not find the right words to say at the moment, he himself now feeling the panic akin to what he has experienced before.

sergeant morgan informed them of raphael's orders, him being the second-in-command of the currently incapacitated general, "colonel montague has ordered to have you stay in the ball. this is surrounded by our men, and the people responsible are less likely to attack a crowded event."

anthony nodded to acknowledge what the soldier said as raine is starting to lose herself, muttering on her own, "papa was shot."

while the general has certainly been shot before, this is possibly the most fatal. raphael knew that the girl would prefer the exact information, even in grievous situations. she hates when people feel the need to protect her from the truth.

and so, that is what the colonel wrote. he mentioned his state in all its actuality. general has been shot four times, once in the shoulder and thrice on the chest, sternum to left. he is bleeding heavily and is currently unconscious. we will be going on another quarters. i ask you stay at the ball. after, be with major thorpe at all times.

she pushed the viscount once again and turned back to the ball inside, "le—leave me be."

before anthony could take a hold of her, she already has entered inside. forcing to assist the girl would only raise suspicions now. she walked slowly, eyes darting from point to point as if looking for something. good thing it is a ball, and people will brush off her actions as a bit intoxicated—which could not be farther from the truth.

"where's...." she whispered to herself, not knowing that she is saying it out aloud, "where is... benedict?"

raine turned and turned, left and right, but she could not find even his shadow in the dance floor or within the hall. so, she continued to walk aimlessly, only to find who she's looking for at the bottom of the stairs, with a familiar lady conversing with him from a few steps higher. her mind was wandering. she did not understand a thing anymore.

"i need to go," she muttered to no one in particular, turning to a corner where a staircase leading to another wing can be seen.

she gripped the bannister, anthony in tow, seeing his wife in conversation with his mother. he gestured for kate to come to them, offering a smile to not raise worry before disappearing from view.

raine continues to find her way to the balcony, breaths already starting to be more noticeably heavy. fortunately, the place was vacated with no other person in sight. she dragged her feet and found comfort on the corner between the wall and a balustrade, sitting down with her knees on her chest.

"an—anthony," she began after a few gasps of air, the said man leaning closer as he crouched in front of her too.

"papa... papa was shot." the young girl reiterated in disbelief and grief. she left first for the ball as armand told his daughter he had some things to work for a bit with raphael. they were supposed to arrive late in the ball.

they were supposed to arrive on the ball.

he continues to comfort her, saying that her father's going to be well. he is a general, after all. the viscountess bridgerton reaches them with a smile, but it is immediately changed with a confuse and worried one when she sees what's happening.

anthony turned to her in a rushed manner, "kate, get my brother."

she knew better than to ask why. kate has always been a smart woman. she does not know, but she understands. and so, she nodded at him and turned on her heel in a hurry.

"you... will not find him. he—he is..." the girl whimpered. she cannot even see anything, her eyes blurried intensely as she fights to hold on to herself, "with lady..."

anthony caressed her hair before leaning his forehead to hers, speaking with the smallest and most serene voice he could, "shh, it's okay, raine. i am here. you can do—"

there were so many things happening all at once. she could not focus. she could not hold on to this for any longer.

"an..." she began, her words dying in the middle as she gasps and gasps, "tony...? i cannot... i cannot hear."

the fear started to settle in more to her. she cannot even hear her own voice. she hears nothing but the beat of her heart, irregularly fast.

she fumbled, trying to find his hands, and as soon as she did, raine squeezed it tightly.

"tony, i'm..."

she does not even know if she was able to say the following words. she has thought of it before, but more strongly now. she is thinking of it now, and she hopes that the thought counts.

"i need him."

taglist: @aadu2173 @imgondeletedis @pumkiinpasties @rebleforkicks

[sunshineandspencer]

Much needed apology (Iridescent, Part 8)

Let me stress, this is not Maeve from the show, but my own Maeve just named the same to send Spencer into hell whenever he thinks about it.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!OC.

Summary: Thanks to the love and genius of one Penelope Garcia, Spencer knows exactly what to do to get Maeve to accept his apology and start forgiving him.

Word Count: 1.6k

Warnings: swearing, spencer gets over himself finally

Parts: Pt1, Pt2, Pt3, Pt4, Pt5, Pt6, Pt7, Pt9

be added to the taglist

He knew he needed to go all out. With how badly he fucked up, just turning up and grovelling wouldn’t be enough. So he took Penelope’s advice.

Rushing down - and having to walk since Ava took the car - to the nearest store that he knew sold some decent wine. Glad that they only lived about fifteen minutes from work so that it wouldn’t take too long to get back to her apartment. The less time it took to apologise, the less time she had to stew and get angrier.

Finding the best bottle of rosé that money, and taste, could buy. Dragging an attendant along with him to make sure that he’s definitely getting the right thing. All the way to the card section, which was absolutely shit, so they swiftly abandoned that and went for the chocolates instead. Of course, she’s not a fan of American chocolate since she visited the UK, and so he gets her a bar of dark mint chocolate. The poor attendant quizzed on everything for their input, barely able to keep up with the genius whirlwind.

As they finally got to the tills, and the attendant rang up his items, she gave him a look. To be fair, he was desperately begging her to tell him where the nearest florist was.

“.. just how badly did you piss off your girlfriend?”

He hesitated, only a moment, but that gave him the time to realise how bitter his mouth had suddenly become at the prospect of having to say “not my girlfriend”. So he didn’t, giving a sheepish smile as he picked up the wine and the chocolate.

“She might not let me into her apartment.”

“Good luck man.” Laughing at him goodnaturedly as she gave him the receipt. “Florist is down the street, make sure you remind her that you were stupid, she’s perfect and you love her.”

Even as he walked out onto the street, it stuck to him in a way that he wasn’t sure he knew how to shake off.

‘You love her, you love her, you love her.’

But he doesn’t, he can’t. He’d only just come to terms with liking her for fuck’s sake. Surely he can’t love her yet - he definitely would’ve realised by now. He can’t.. he can’t be that oblivious to his own feelings that he fell in love without even fucking realising, right?

Absently, he wandered to the florists and bought a bouquet of lilacs, even letting the sweet old man behind the counter wrap them in brown paper, adding a ribbon around the chocolates and the wine.

When asked if he wanted to put a card with the flowers, Spencer nodded, and the man waited patiently for the message to write.

“Write.. I’m an idiot, you’re perfect and..” I love you “.. I’m sorry.”

The man gave him a look, probably for the less-than-romantic message. Nestling the card safely between the flowers and handing the items back over. Clearly, however, the man didn’t need to be profiler to realise Spencer was going off to apologise to someone.

Patting his hand softly as Spencer tried to manhandle it all into his arms, terrified of dropping the wine.

“Good luck.”

Thanking him, he hurried back out onto the streets and started walking. Once again realising just how shit of an idea it is to piss off the owner of the car they drive into work, having to walk home as quickly as possible. Dammit, it’s their car.

It had been nearly an hour now, and that was too long for her to think that she actually thinks that way about her. He needs to make this right.

Passing the little blue mini, which he has come to adore just as much as Ava, and going straight past it into the building. Using his own fob - which he had specially made after she purposely left him out in the rain - and irritably waited for the lift to get up to her floor.

Resisting the urge to use the spare key he had, knowing that barging in uninvited wasn’t the best idea, and knocking on the door.

Waiting, heart heavy and suffocating in his throat, as her footsteps got closer. The door swung open and.. she’s already glaring. How the hell did she know it was going to be him?

Thankfully, however, he watched her eyes drift down to the offerings he had for her, softening incrementally until they nearly looked like how they had before. Carefully handing over the bouquet so that he didn’t drop the wine or chocolates. Her eyes flicked to his, accusatory.

“These are my favourites.”

“I’m so sorry.”

She blinked, clearly she didn’t expect him to apologise so quickly. Especially not without teasing her first - she knows she had flour on her face.

“Spence, I-”

“No, please, let me apologise.” If his hands were free, he would’ve already been holding hers, damn chocolate and wine keeping his hands busy. “I was way out of line. I am worried about you taking on more work that you should, especially from people only taking advantage of how sweet you are. But it all came out so wrong. I didn’t mean to shout, or do it in front of so many people, I was going to say something on the way home tonight. I was overwhelmed and lashed out, but that isn’t an excuse and I shouldn’t have done it at all. I won’t do it again, ever.. unless you deserve it.”

The way she had been looking at him, clutching the flowers to her chest and just gazing at him through the apology, morphed into her usual smile at his teasing lilt returning at the end. Just what they both needed.

It did make him feel a hell of a lot better, seeing her smiling at him again, but she still hadn’t said anything.

Until she stepped aside and held the door open for him.

“Come on, I made too much pasta for myself.”

Stepping in, he can’t pinpoint why this feels different to when he comes in the morning, besides the obvious of course. Maybe because he’s going to spend (hopefully) more than ten minutes with her. 

“You’re making pasta?”

“Yep.”

“Even when half the flour ends up on your face instead?”

Ava pouted softly and swiped his arm as he stepped into the apartment, closing the door behind him. But it was nice to have that little thing between them back. Considering he’d been pulling away from her, and then lashed out, she was sure they were going to have to go back to hating each other.

Not that she’d be able to do that now, or ever.

“Rossi gave me the recipe when I joined, this is the first chance I’ve had to make it.”

It’s incredible, really, how he’s able to hold such a casual conversation with her while his subconscious is screaming that he loves her for everything.

He follows her into the kitchen, he loves her. He sets down the wine and chocolates on the counter, he loves her. She shows him the recipe that she’s following, complaining all about Rossi’s vague measurements, and God, but he loves her.

His loving mantra being stopped short in its tracks when he spots the little pink elephant on her couch, seemingly waiting for her to come back.

“You kept the elephant?”

Once again, he gets a sharp look, as she finishes up the sauce, and he wonders what the hell he managed to do now. Giving her a soft, sheepish smile to hope that it would placate her a little - it worked.

“His name is Clementine, and he doesn’t like you right now.”

Scoffing, Spencer went through her cabinets to look for the wine glasses and plates. Giving his own little look, which she challenged immediately. What kind of idiot was he, thinking he could give her up?

“I gave him to you, he can’t hate me, I’m his father.”

“Well, you upset his mother, and I’m the favourite.”

When she caught his gaze again, he was pouring the wine, and she stuck her tongue out at him. Which he returned and made them both laugh, a sound that blended so well together and eased some more of the lingering irritation in her chest.

Oh who’s she kidding, she couldn’t ever be mad at him for too long. Him and his stupid face.

Whereas he was stuck on her words, he’d upset her. He hated that.

They’d decided to eat on the couch, their ‘child’ between them, which they kept trying to subtly drag closer to themselves and away from the other person. Each of them wanting to prove that they were the favourite. Ava switched on the tv, putting on Married At First Sight Australia, claiming it was the superior version, and he willingly indulged her this time. During an ad break, he gently nudged her shoulder with his.

“We’re alright, aren’t we?”

“You bought me wine, chocolates and flowers, you’ve been forgiven, Spence.”

“So.. we’re alright?”

She laughed softly, meeting his little grin with one of her own. Nudging his shoulder back, but staying there, leaning into him and resting her head on the shoulder as the reality show kept on playing in the background. 

“Yeah, we’re alright.”

Oh, he had to focus very hard on his breathing to make sure that she didn’t realise anything was different with him. Carefully laying his own head on top of hers.

“Great, good! I’m really sorry Ave, I take back everything I ever said that hurt you.”

“Even about my driving?”

Bastard didn’t even hesitate, spinning the spaghetti around his fork as his eyes flitted to the screen, finding himself getting into her show.

“No. You drive like a lunatic and I won’t let you behind the wheel.”

“.. little shit.”

Want more?! Good!

[lokisbiiiitch1993]

Thank you for the Request - I am sorry - it's been 200 years but to my excuse I had Writers Block for a while - and many other Requests - but I hope you still like it ❤️

The 200th Anniversary

Loki x Sigyn/Wife Reader

It's been a while since Loki joined the Avengers .

He is now a Part of the Team and spends the most time on Earth - Midgard.

You missed him and hoped he would come back to Asgard soon.

Days turned into Weeks and weeks turned into almost a month.

But today is our 200th Anniversary he will for sure show up and surprise me you thought excited.

After Breakfast you spend the next few hours on yourself - Hair and Make - Up

Next you put your favourite Dress on the one Loki bought for you many Anniversaries ago.

Remembering fondly Loki looked so thrilled the first time you wore it - the way he praised your beauty made you fall even more in love with him .

I am ready - you said to yourself - I can't wait to hug him and kiss him again .

A hour passed then the next - the more hours passed the more sad and angry you get .

It's Night and he still isn't here your Husband must have forgotten, you realized disappointed - crying yourself to sleep .

On the next Day you run into Thor by coincidence - he saw your red and swollen Eyes and asked what happened - you told him you are sad and mad that Loki forgot about the Anniversary .

"Maybe I should visit him soon and see for myself what's so important on Midgard that he forgets about me" - you said in a Threatening Tone .

Later Thor went back to the Avengers compound and told Loki that you are mad.

Brother how could you forget about the 200th Anniversary - Thor teased him.

To my Defense I didn't forget completely - Yesterday I had a feeling today is something but I couldn't figure out what - Loki tried to explain.

Thor laughed and wished his younger Brother good luck .

At first Loki was mad and disappointed in himself - how could he forget but then it turned into Panic because he knows his Wife will show up soon .

Hey Loki ,are you alright? What's going on with you? - someone asked but he just ignored it not wasting a moment to see who dared talking to him.

He devoted the next hours to finding the Prefect Anniversary Gifts .

Loki brought so many Bags with Presents back to the Compound -the others didn't know what to say - he bought the most beautiful Flowers Bouquet, different Chocolates , Jewelry,Shoes ,Bags and Clothes he knows you would like - he hopes that will calm you down.

Suddenly he had an Idea and went to his Room.

Two hours later you appeared at the Compound still visibly mad - everyone watched you

Tony was the first to ask "Who are you and what do you want" but before you had the Chance to answer Thor was by your Side answering instead happily "That's Loki's Wife - my Sister in Law ".

Meanwhile after many Attempts Loki finished writing a Love Letter -putting all his Feelings for his Wife into words.

After hearing all the noise he left his Room to see what's going on.

As he saw her standing in the living Room - he couldn't believe it- She is really here he thought .

Crossing her Arms ,she stared at him still angry and Loki looked at her with apologetic sad Eyes .

"My Darling Wife , please let us talk,I am really sorry for forgetting our Anniversary,please let me make it up to you " - he plead.

For the other Avengers in the Room he looks like a Lost Puppy - not threatening , scary or dangerous at all.

Some of the Team even smiled mockingly at him others were just shocked and speechless how different Loki is when his Wife is around.

Tony said teasing " So all we had to do to save New York,was bringing his Wife here ?"

"Looks like his Wife wears the Pants " another Avenger said

How funny Loki answered sarcastically,he took his Wife's hand and guided her to his Room.

He showed her everything he bought , gave her the Love Letter and apologized sincerely.

I only forgive you if you don't make me miss you so desperately all the time - I yearn for you - I need and love you - you confessed

"I promise,my Love,I missed you too and I love you so desperately"he replied with softly

You both spend the Night loving each other unable to get enough of the other.

My Masterlist

[hp-hcs]

(Fine, I’ll do it my damn self: part 6 of my silly lil mlm stories <3)

love triangle — rival! ron weasley x male! reader

solving a love triangle in the only correct (and gay) way

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Hey, Hermione,” you said with a cheeky grin, sitting across from her.

She glanced up. “Hey, Y/N..?”

“D’you wanna go to the Yule Ball with me?”

“Oh! Uh, that’s very sweet of you to offer-”

“-but I’m sure Hermione would much rather go with someone else,” interrupted the annoyance that was Ron Fucking Weasley.

You glared at him. “But of course, going to a dance with a platonic date is rather pathetic, wouldn’t you agree, Granger?”

Ron opened his mouth to snap back, when Hermione interrupted the both of them. “Boys, boys, you’re both pretty, stop fighting. I’ve already got a date.”

You turn to look at her quizzically, saying at the same time as Ron, “Who?”

“Well, if you must know, Viktor Krum.”

~~~

The Ball crept closer, Hogwarts’ halls alive with excited whispers and laughs. It seemed like everyone had a date except for you. And Ron, you supposed.

(And Ron’s friend, Harry. Although you had sneered in passing to the ginger, “looks like he’s got eyes for your sister, Weasley,” which had almost led to a fight breaking out in the halls as he hollered for you to “shut your bloody mouth!”)

((Sure enough, within the week, Harry Potter had a date to the Yule Ball—Ginny Weasley. You took great pleasure at smiling smugly at Ron whenever you saw him.))

Hermione’s rejection hadn’t deterred either of you though. Ron seemed determined to outdo you. When you gave her a tiger lily you’d picked in Herbology, Ron sent a bouquet of flowers to her dorm. When you split a Chocolate Frog with her, Ron took her to Honeydukes. Anytime you saw each other in the halls, you glared daggers sharp enough to make the paintings rattle on the walls uncomfortably. It was all-out war.

Even the teachers seemed to notice, for better or for worse.

“I’m taking your girlfriend to Flourish & Blotts this weekend, Weasley,” you whispered casually under your breath to your elbow partner in Potions.

“I swear to Merlin, L/N, I’ll-”

“Mr. Weasley, Mr. L/N, if you’d care to pay attention rather than chatter about your meaningless weekend plans,” Professor Snape drawled, glaring his beady little eyes on you both. “Ten points from Gryffindor.”

You stifled a giggle under your breath, accidentally making eye contact with Ron, whose embarrassed expression and red-tinged ears made you just absolutely lose it. You had to clamp one hand over your mouth to prevent any laughter from escaping.

Then, much to your surprise, Ron started chuckling quietly too, cheeks still flushed from the reprimand.

“Pay attention,” he drawled under his breath in a mocking imitation of Snape. You snorted, clearing your throat to disguise the noise when the Professor in question whirled around to see who dared disrupt his class.

~~~

After class, you elbowed Ron in the hall. “Man, Snape’s such a dick, right?”

“Totally. He’s got it out for me, I swear.”

“I think he’s just got it out for Gryffindors in general. Remember when he antagonized Longbottom so bad that he was his boggart?”

“Yeah, that was brutal,” Ron shook his head, as you both walked to your next class together. “Hey, look, I just wanted to say like, sorry? I’ve been kind of an ass to you this whole year…” Ron trailed off.

“Nah, it’s fine, man. I haven’t been much better. I think we both kind of got caught up in the competition of asking her out,” you shrugged. There was no reason to clarify who her was. “Truce?”

“Yeah,” Ron smiled. “I’d like that.”

~~~

So here you were, alone at the Yule Ball, your friends having left you to dance with their dates. You leaned against the wall, watching the couples twirl around with a mild tinge of jealousy. Sipping your drink, you surveyed the crowd, appraising everyone.

When your eyes landed on Hermione, who was being lifted up and spun around by Viktor Krum, your first thought was not one of envy, but rather, she would’ve looked much better in blue. Your gaze drifted to her date, and lingered on Krum for a moment too long.

Damn, he looks good, you thought to yourself, blinking quickly at the thought. Where did that come from?

Ron sidled up to you, looking rather smug for someone wearing such an ugly outfit. “She’s having the time of her life, isn’t she?”

“Huh? Oh- yeah, yeah, I guess,” you mumbled, your gaze drifting back to Viktor.

How can someone look so hot? That ought to be illegal.

Ron’s eyes narrowed, and he followed your gaze. “Merlin, dude. Are you staring at Krum?”

“What? No! S-shut up!”

He snickered, patting your shoulder patronizingly. “S’alright, man. I’ve been watching Diggory all night myself.”

Your eyebrows raised in surprise. “You’re-”

“Yeah,” he cut you off, lips thinning a bit. “That bother you?”

“Not a hypocrite, Weasley.”

He glanced at you, clearly taken off guard. You kept his gaze for a long moment, finding the way his blush matched his hair to be rather cute.

“Care to dance then, L/N?”

“If you can keep up, Weasley.”

You two took to the dance floor, twirling around like idiots and laughing loudly. Neither of you noticed your respective friends, and the teacher chaperones, watching on in morbid fascination.

And when you kissed at the end of the song, neither of you noticed Harry scowling as he handed both Ginny and Hermione a galleon each.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

[livingdreams97]

Eloise Bridgerton - "The Prince" (Part 3)

Eloise Bridgerton x Male reader/oc

Summary: Two people who have never seen each other before, with the same need and desire to be free in different ways. What could come of that when both people meet each other?

Words: 4.181

PREVIOUS /// NEXT

Masterlist

POV You

Just as I had discussed with Eloise that night in the maze. I have been showing my interest towards her in a more noticeable way and she towards me too.

Four days have passed since that night and on each of the days I have gone to the Bridgerton house, had tea and thus could spend more time with Eloise in front of her mother. Of course, I have never appeared empty-handed, because if anything it is etiquette and manners regarding situations like these.

The first day I showed up with a lemon cake, along with a bouquet of Eloise's favorite flowers which were daisies, blue roses and blue dahlias. Also along with a bouquet of violets for her mother. It goes without saying that the matriarch was impressed and Eloise gave me a subtle wink as a sign of success.

The second day I turned up with some cakes and Lady Bridgerton 's favorite sweets. Since having a detail with the mother is always well seen and adds points at all times.

On the third day I was a little more daring, bringing a carrot cake made by myself; with the help of the cook and Eloise 's favorite chocolates.

And today I had decided on a book on the natural sciences and their use in medicine, since my studies had come to light in one of my conversations with Eloise and she had shown an interest. So I thought it was a good idea to give her a basic book on the subject, because she likes to read and I'm sure she'll appreciate it more than the desserts.

While for her mother, I brought her favorite sandwiches so that she can accompany the tea with them.

I knock on the door of the Bridgerton house , making sure my black tailcoat is tied securely, my khaki slacks are wrinkle-free and my tie is tied just right.

I put my hat back on and take a deep breath. The door opens, letting me see the housekeeper of the place and she, recognizing me, allows me to pass.

Before entering the house, I receive the gifts from my coachman and I thank him by entering the site. I follow the woman into the living room, where I immediately see Lady Bridgerton sewing something, Eloise reading a book sitting on the sofa in a tomboyish manner, and the younger members of the family playing chess.

XX: My lady, Prince Y/n of Hanover is here. - she informs her of my arrival and I see how the matriarch gets up from the couch immediately.

Violet: What a pleasure to have you back here.- she walks towards me excitedly, passing by her daughter and giving her a light blow to make her sit good; causing a small amused smile from me.

Y/n: The pleasure is all mine Lady Bridgerton .- I assure her, greeting her with a kiss on her hand. -I hope I was right when i choose them.- I commented, extending the box with the sandwiches .

Violet: It wasn't necessary my lord.- she denies with a small smile receiving the box.

Y/n: Don't tell me my lord Lady Bridgerton, we are not in public and honestly I feel a bit old when it comes to it.- I say with a certain humor. -As long as you calls me by my name, we will be more than fine.- I assure her with a smile.

Violet: Okey Y/n, are you coming to have tea with us? - she asks with some emotion and illusion.

Y/n: If you are so kind as to accept me, then I would like to have tea with you. - I respond politely and without imposing myself.

Violet: I'm going to tell them to prepare it outside, since it's a wonderful day and the garden is beautiful. - she warns and leaves the room with a huge smile.

Gregory: When my sister marries you, will I be a prince too? - he asks running towards me, as soon as his mother disappears and with his sister by his side.

Hyacinth: And can I be a princess? - questions excited. - Because if Gregory can be a prince, I want to be a princess too.- she says confidently, receiving a push from her brother and she returns it.

Gregory: You're a copycat.- he reproaches her and I can't help but think about my absurd and childish fights with my brother when we were just kids.

I watch as they playfully push each other, poking each other and can only look longingly at them. I long for when life was as simple as copying your brother or playing a prank on him to annoy him.

Eloise: Stop fighting and making a fool of yourselfs.- she tells them, separating them by the heads. -Second, like "when my sister marries you"? - she asks his little brother.

Gregory: Mom says you're getting married, because Y/n comes every day for you and because he likes you.- he answers as if it were obvious and that causes me to laugh without being able to avoid it.

Eloise: Mom said that? - asks with a surprised expression.

Hyacinth: She and Lady Danbury have commented on it, they compare you with the work they did with Daphne and the Duke.- the youngest of all responds this time and I can't help but look at the oldest with a raised eyebrow.

Eloise: And what makes you think that I will marry him? - she points at me and I pretend to be offended; causing the children to laugh.

Hyacinth: Because you talk to him for more than a minute and you don't complain about him like you do with the rest of the suitors.- she answers as if it were the most obvious.

Y/n: So you don't complain about me? - I ask with amusement . -It's interesting to know.- I assure her, seeing how she kills me with her eyes.

Violet: We can go outside, they are already organizing the tea.- she warns us happily, entering the room and seeing the four of us standing together. -What are you talking about? - interested question.

Gregory: About how Y/n and Eloise are going to get married and I 'll be a prince.- he answers with total sincerity, causing the matriarch to open her eyes surprised and somewhat curious.

Eloise: Don't pay any attention to them, mother, the dwarves are just saying nonsense and commenting on some unimportant things they've heard.- She brushes the matter off with her hand.

Violet: Okay.- she nods not very convinced. -Let's go out.- she points out and placing her hands on her children's shoulders pushes them out.

I laugh at the attitude of the youngest and the conspiracies of Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton about my possible relationship with Eloise .

Eloise: Are you okay? - she asks me after a few seconds.

Y/n: Yes of course, why wouldn't I be? - I ask somewhat confused, starting to walk out with her.

Eloise: When my brothers have started to fight, you made a sad and somewhat thoughtful face.- she answers me with a small grimace. -And I wanted to know if you were alright.- she comments and I nod with a slight smile.

Y/n: I just remembered what it was like to be his age and fight with my older brother for any trifle.- I answer with a slightly sad face. -But I'm fine.- I assure her with a small smile.

Violet: Y/n and Eloise sit together on that side.- she points to the two free seats at the round table outside.

I take Eloise 's chair out for her to sit in, tucking her in nicely, then I sit to her right and across from the Bridgerton matriarch .

As soon as we sit down, tea and sandwiches along with other sweets are served on the table. And it is at that moment that I remember the book in my hand.

Y/n: Before I forget.- I speak turning to Eloise and stretching her the book. - The other day we talked about my studies and since you showed some interest regarding natural science and its uses in medicine, I have brought you this book for you to read.- I informed her seeing the smile appear on her face.

Eloise: Thank you.- she thanks me by receiving the book and opening it immediately. -There are things written.- she comments confused.

Y/n: It's my book; well it was, now it's yours. - I pointed out a bit nervous. -I asked my father to send it to me, since it is quite interesting and something basic so that you can understand it better.- I comment with a small smile. -What is written are my notes, which I wrote at the time to better understand the concepts and I have believed that this way it would be easier for you to understand everything too. It took me a while to understand everything, but to be honest; You're smarter than me and I'm sure you won't need the notes. But I wanted to make sure and that's why I'm giving you my old book and not a new one. - I explain to her, pointing to the small paragraphs written by hand on some pages.

Eloise: Thank you very much Y/n, it means a lot that you give me this book.- she assures me with a smile, looking into my eyes and I can see how her beautiful blue eyes water slightly.

Y/n: It's nothing, I know how much you appreciate books; I thought you would like and appreciate a book more than another dessert. - I explain somewhat embarrassed, scratching the back of my neck and feeling observed.

I couldn't tear my gaze from Eloise 's, feeling that if I look away from her I'll miss the happiness and excitement that sparkles in her eyes at the gift. And that's something I don't want to miss for the world.

POV Narrator

What he wasn't aware of, and neither was Eloise , was the look that Violet Bridgerton was giving into the interaction between his daughter and the prince. As she watched with a smile full of happiness, her daughter's face lit up at the detail and the prince's own detail towards her daughter.

Her daughter could deny it all she wanted, but she was falling in love with the Prince of Hannover and her eyes or the way she looked at him couldn't hide it. And for the first time, the former viscountess felt calm about the future of her rebellious daughter. Because she had someone who cared and would take proper care of her.

And Violet Bridgerton didn't just see that look on his daughter, She could also look at the look the prince was giving her daughter and the slightly reddish color of his cheeks. She just hopes that she and Lady Danbury are right and that the proposal is close.

Because her daughter had never looked at anyone like she was doing at that moment with Prince Y/n and she didn't want anything or anyone to get in the way of her happiness.

Eloise's POV

I was determined, I was going to accept the proposal and marry Prince Y/n. Sure, if the offer still stood.

After weighing it carefully for almost four days, I have realized that I win much more than I can lose. And not only will I end up winning, but my family and Y/n will also win; so it's the best I can do.

Also, that Y/n is not so bad and every day I am enjoying his presence and company more. The truth is that I never imagined that I would get married, but it was because it went against my ideals and my growth as a human being.

But I know that with Y/n my growth as a human being and as a woman will not be crushed or reduced in any way. The freedom that I would have is also something that has pushed me to accept, since that is something that has made it clear to me and I can do what I want as long as it is not something that puts my "marriage" at risk.

And lastly, Y/n was a nice company and I can have an intellectual discussion with him . Without feeling insulted by my sex and my "few" studies or level of knowledge.

He had been really great to me. My mother, like every day, has not stopped asking the prince questions and talking to him in an animated way. Like my little brothers, who have not stopped asking questions about the crown and royalty like every day.

Leaving little time for me to talk to him and tell him in a hidden way that I accept the proposal.

Just before he leaves, I stop him and look around making sure no one sees us. Once I make sure that my mother is busy with my brothers and they with my mother; I have the green light.

Eloise: I accept.- I tell him directly.

Y/n: Accept what?- he asks a bit confused.

Eloise: You are supposed to have studied and gone to the university.- I reproached him amused, giving him a light blow to the back of the head.

Y/n: That's not a reason to hit me.- he claims, rubbing the affected area.

Eloise: Exaggerated.- I say because of her reaction to the light blow. -But I accept your proposal.- I clarify and after a few seconds he opens his eyes in surprise.

Y/n: Are you serious? - he asks excited and with a certain illusion shining in his precious emerald eyes.

Eloise: I'm not kidding, you don't see how I laugh.- I say sarcastically causing him to laugh.

Y/n: I don't care about your horrible humor.- he downplays it with a smile. -I have to think about how to ask your mother for your hand, in the ring and in the house.- he enumerates and opens his eyes. -Where do you want the house? - he asks me with interest.

Eloise: Near Aubrey Hall, it's my family's country house and I don't want to be far from them, but I don't want to be in the center.- I answer. -In addition to the fact that my family is only here during the social season, then they live at Aubrey Hall for the rest of the year.- I explain and he nods in agreement.

Y/n: Perfect, well I guess I'll be back tomorrow for the I 'll ask your mother for your hand.- He nods according to his own plan.

Eloise: I'm afraid we won't be here tomorrow.- I comment with a grimace and I see how the smile disappears from his face.

Y/n: And why is that? - he asks confused.

Eloise: We're going to Aubrey Hall for the weekend, to bond with the family and spend time together; and blah blah blah.- I downplay any kind of importance.

Violet: What are you two talking about? - she asks appearing out of nowhere and scaring us completely.

Eloise: For God's sake mother, don't appear like that.- I ask with a hand on my chest and feeling the accelerated beating of my heart.

Violet: Sorry dear, I didn't know you were so engrossed in your conversation and that you hadn't seen me.- she apologized with an amused smile for my reaction.

Y/n: It's okay, the scares help keep the heart beating.- he says with an amused smile.

Violet: So? What were you talking about? - she returns to question too interested from my point of view.

Eloise: About the fact that tomorrow we're going to Aubrey Hall and that we'll spend the weekend there, so we won't be here for the prince Y/n to come for tea.- I answer my mother and see how the gears of her head begin to move.

Violet: Maybe Y/n can join us and be our guest this weekend.- she offers and it doesn't seem like a bad idea to me.

Y/n: I don't want to impose myself on your family weekend.- he denies with a small smile.

Violet: Don't say nonsense, you don't impose yourself and I'm also inviting you.- she assures him happily. -In addition, the Sharmas and Lady Danbury will also accompany us for another year. In fact, I'm surprised that Lady Danbury hasn't told you anything.- she says a little confused and thoughtful.

Y/n: It will be because of Edwina and her possible relationship with my cousin Friederich .- he comments a bit insecure. -From what I know, they spend a lot of time together and since my aunt can't be supervising all the time, it's Lady Danbury's turn to be watching.- he shrugged at the information.

Violet: Then we'll see each other tomorrow at Aubrey Hall.- she assures Y/n. -Let's go out, so I tell one of my drivers to give directions on how to get to your coachman.- she says threading her arm through the prince's and pulling him towards the entrance of the house.

I just laugh, when he looks at me over his shoulder with a face between surprise and amusement at my mother's attitude.

I shake my head and sigh calmly, knowing that many of my problems will be solved as soon as Y/n asks my mother for my hand. And the rest of my problems will be solved when the prince and I give each other the "yes, I want".

Because something is clear to me, if my mother believes that Y/n is going to ask me to marry him and that we are in love; the rest of the world will believe it too. Because if there is something that my mother is in this life: she is insightful.

None of my brothers have been able to deceive our mother, since she always knew when something did not quite fit and we hid something. So if Lady Danbury is being talked to about my possible marriage to the prince; it means that she believed it.

POV You

As soon as I get to the palace after being at the Bridgerton house , I head towards the tea room and where I'm sure my aunt is.

Now that Eloise has accepted the proposal to marry me, I have to start organizing the proposal and I need my aunt for it. I know that Eloise is not her favorite person after the last season, since at first she was sure it was Lady Whistledown and then she dismissed it; when her political position came to light.

Y/n: Aunt.- I greeted entering the room and making a reference. -I have to talk to you in private.- I ask and I see how she nods giving her servants a look.

Charlotte: Sit down dear.- she asks me pointing to the hole next to her on the sofa . -Tell me what do you want to talk about ? - she asks me interested when I sit next to her.

Y/n: You know that I have come to London with one intention, which is to fall in love and marry a woman from high society, right? - I ask a little nervous, because my aunt is the key to making everything believable and if she doesn't accept my engagement; neither will my father.

Charlotte: I am aware of this and that is why I put Lady Danbury as your supervisor, so that you could be successful in this first season. - she nods with a serious face.

Y/n: Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, aunt.- I point out the interest in her eyes. -I have found the person I want to marry and I want to have your blessing to ask for her mother's hand.- I comment with all the confidence in the world.

Charlotte: So soon? - clearly surprised question. -We've barely been in the season for three weeks.- she says, somewhat impressed.

Y/n: I know, but I can't explain what I feel when I see her or when I'm with her aunt.- I start to say to make it sound credible. -Besides that you have always told me that love does not have a predestined time.- I remind her with a small smile.

Charlotte: Are you sure dear? - she asks me and I just nod. -Do you love her? - she asks staring into my eyes and I stay for a few seconds thinking.

Y/n: Yes.- I answer without taking my eyes off his, trying to look sincere and credible.

Charlotte: Then I give you my permission.- she nods with a huge smile. -And can you tell who is the lucky one? - she questions interested.

Y/n: Eloise  Bridgerton, aunt.- I answer confidently and I see the surprise and a hint of annoyance appear on her face.

Charlotte: No.- she denies immediately.

Y/n: Aunt please, I love her and I want to marry her.- I ask, grabbing one of her hands and looking at her with pity.

Charlotte: Can't you choose someone else? Someone who doesn't hang out with political radicals? - she asks in the form of a complaint.

Y/n: She's not a radical girl, she's intelligent and has something on her mind besides the pianoforte.- I defend her without thinking. -The hours fly by when I talk to her, I feel comfortable and I feel that she really wants to be with me because of who I am; and not for being the prince aunt.- I say honestly.

Charlotte: And I'm glad you feel that way about someone dear nephew. But couldn't it be anyone else? - she asks in surrender and I smiled knowing what it means.

Y/n: I'm sorry aunt, but she's the right one for me and I'm sure that if you meet her you'll like her too.- I assure her smiling and seeing how a slight smile appears on her face.

Charlotte: I'll accept her because for me you're like a son and if she makes you happy I can't oppose it.- she finally accepts and I jump on her to hug her.

Y/n: Thanks aunt, you don't know how much this means to me.- I tell her when we parted from the hug.

Charlotte: And how do you plan to ask for her hand? - question interested and excited by the event.

Y/n: Lady Bridgerton has invited me to spend the weekend with them and Lady Danbury at Aubrey Hall; and tomorrow when I arrives I'll ask for her daughter's hand and if she accepts I'll ask her after dinner. - I reply a bit nervous, due to the possibility that she refuses and the plan is spoiled.

Charlotte: And you already have the ring? - she ask and I deny. -Well, come with me dear.- she asks me getting up and I walk next to her.

We walk towards her dressing room, where there is a table full of precious stones on a table in the center and as soon as we stop in front of her she opens a box in the center.

When she opens the box, I widen my eyes to see what's inside and look at her in astonishment.

Charlotte: This was one of the first rings that King George gave me as a gift.- she comments showing me the ring. -The king discovered that emeralds were my favorite stone and he thought it would be a good gift for me; and he was right.- she tells me looking at the ring with a certain sadness and affection.

Y/n: It's beautiful aunt.- I compliment seeing the brilliant stones of the ring.

Charlotte: It has a lot of meaning to me and that's why I want you to have it.- she tells me, offering me the box.

Y/n: No, aunt, as you think, I can't accept something so important and with so much emotional value.- I deny immediately.

Charlotte: I insist.- she says pushing the box in my hands. -I want you to ask that girl to marry me with my ring, for me you are my son and I want this ring to pass into your hands.- she explains and I nod, looking at the ring more carefully .

Y/n: It really is precious. - I whisper, looking hypnotized at the great emerald in the ring.

Charlotte: And valuable, that's why I want you to ask her to marry you with that ring and pass it on from generation to generation.- she assures me and I nod safely.

Y/n: Thank you very much aunt.- I thank her again and hug her again; immediately being wrapped in her arms in an almost maternal way.

Charlotte: I am very proud of you my little one and of how much you have matured; your mother would be proud too. - she whispered safely against my ear and I can't help but tighten the hug feeling the itch in my eyes.

I'm sure you wouldn't be so proud if you knew the truth and the reason for my marriage. She always defended love and from the first day she told me to marry for love. That I would never marry for any other reason than love and here I am, marrying by agreement with my father.

Y/n: Thank you.- I whisper feeling the guilt invade me.

Charlotte: Also, I understand that that girl also likes emeralds.- she assures me amused when we part from the embrace.

Y/n: Let's hope for the best.- I comment amused and looking again at the ring in my hands.

Now all I have to do is pack for this weekend and have Lady Bridgerton accept my marriage proposal to Eloise. I just hope everything goes well.

[summ3rg4l]

HIII I was wondering if you could do some Craig x reader dating hcs?💕(some smut too but only if you feel comfortable <3)

Sorry it took me literally forever to write this 😭😭😭

Cw/Tw: None

❀✿❀

Relationship:: Established relationship

Note:: I didn’t feel in the mood to write the smut part but I might some other day sorry. Also if you want to request anything please read the pinned post on my blog!

Reader pronouns:: She/her

Type:: Just fluffy headcannons!

Craig Tucker—★

When I look at Craig he seems like the type of person to bite reader for no reason (thats probably why his teeth are fucked up). He would be cuddling with you and then you suddenly him bite your shoulder.

He loves it when you flip him off after he flips you off. Like you ate one of his fries or something then you get the middle finger but you do it back, got him thinking “yep she’s the one.”

He gets jealous sometimes but he’d just ignore you and go pout in a corner till you ask what’s wrong, but even then he wouldn’t tell you so you’d have to push

If you buy/make little outfits for stripe he will literally marry you right then and there

Let’s be fr Craig is a bully so he’d be covered in bruises and cuts so you have to be his personal doctor <3

If you wear makeup he would want to watch you put it on but call you dumb for wearing it. He’s constantly asking what stuff is

“What is that tube of clear stuff? It looks dumb.”

“The lip gloss???”

You share your stuff with him but he doesn’t let you lay a finger on his

He would be shy to kiss you because of his braces but after you two date for a while he would give you little pecks all over your face for no real reason 🥹

Craig really reminds me of a cat so he would knock over stuff that’s just sitting there

*Knocks over water bottle*

“Why did you do that?”

“Why not?”

He likes to hold your hand when you guys are walking somewhere in public. He gotta make sure people know you’re taken 😈💪💪

He’ll come up behind you and give you a hug then lay his head on your shoulder and whisper something like “I missed you.”

He’s not really a nickname kinda guy. He wouldn’t care if you gave him one but the best he could do is “honey”

He’s surprisingly good at comforting you. You could be crying about anything and he’d instantly make you feel better

He’s actually pretty romantic! He’d pull up to your house with a bouquet of roses and a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day

“These are for you honey.”

“I’m allergic to it roses.”

“…”

Before you guys get together he would talk about you to his friends ALL THE TIME

“If (name) was my girlfriend I’d be sooo happy..”

[stevesbipanic]

Steve always gave Eddie flowers.

It was one of his moves from his old King Steve days, giving the person he liked flowers. He just thought it was a sweet thing to do, he always tried to make sure it was their favourite flower or a flower that reminded him of them. When he was sixteen he had borrowed a book from the library about the meaning of flowers so he could make them swoon telling them that the flowers meant beauty or kindness or grace.

He had asked Wayne what Eddie's favourite flower was, he said sunflowers he thinks it comes from Eddie's mother she always loved sunflowers before she died. Steve had remembered sunflowers meant loyalty and adoration, he thinks that fit Eddie Munson perfectly.

He wished Hawkins had a sunflower field, he knows there's one a few towns over, he and Robin drove through it once on the way to Indy. The florist in town flirts with him telling him how romantic it is to go to a flower field.

"You buying your sweetheart some flowers for Valentine's Day?"

"Yeah, they deserve something special today."

The girl seems a bit disheartened but covers it well, "A lucky gal having a gentleman like you."

She asks if he needs a card for the bouquet but Steve tells her there's no need, he can tell Eddie everything he wants to say. Any other year Steve might've gotten his valentine a box of chocolates or a teddy or balloons but he knew Eddie wouldn't appreciate those, the sunflowers would be perfect.

He took a deep breath as he parked his car before making his way up the hill to where Eddie was waiting for him. He smiled when he got to the top.

"Hey Eds, sorry I'm late, but I got you these, I know they're your favourite."

He sat down beside Eddie and softly placed the flowers on the dirt.

"I know I didn't technically ask you to be my valentine, but I like to think you'd say yes. Maybe we would've been coming up on one year together instead of one year without you. Could've taken you to that diner that Wayne said you liked to go to as a kid. He talks about you a lot ya know, I worry one day he's going to run out of stories and it'll feel like losing you all over again."

Steve takes a moment to lean against the stone and gather his thoughts.

"Robin worries about me, but I think she gets it in a weird way. I just wish we'd had more time. I mean you had just asked me out when all this went to shit with Chrissy and Vecna. I never wanted you to get in the middle of this, I should've protected you Eds. Part of me wonders what would've happened if we had planned to go out after the game, maybe you would still be here."

A light wind blows, softly during the tears on Steve's cheeks. If he closes his eyes he can almost imagine Eddie is the one wiping them away. Steve thinks about what Eddie would say if he was here. He'd probably blush at the flowers, pull his hair in front of his face to hide it but that bright look in his eyes would give him away. He'd probably giggle at the holiday, talk about how it's such a straight persons day but secretly love it when Steve kisses his cheek. They'd probably share a milkshake at the diner and hold hands under the table.

They'd probably do a lot of things if they'd had more time. Probablys don't bring back Eddie, so Steve will sit with him on the hill, the bright sunflowers laying stark against the bittersweet backdrop of their lost potential. Steve places a soft kiss on top of the headstone.

"I hope you enjoy the flowers, sweetheart, I'll be back tomorrow."

[klausysworld]

hello can you do a second part of "Please go away" of klaus's soul mate, where y/n is regaining his confidence and starts to go out and lead his normal life but he continues to receive gifts from klaus, maybe he will meet an old friend at the grill, and Klaus sees them and gets jealous, and when he leaves with his friend he tries to attack her and Klaus saves her and she forgives Klaus, but they are not together, she just accepts that they are soul mates and that they will go slow so that klaus earns your trust.

Please leave pt 2

PT1

Y/n had been terrified of leaving her house for weeks.

The unbearable fear that Klaus would be round every corner.

It took her ages to feel comfortable in her own garden.

Forever to be able to go out to the actual shop instead of online.

She was checking over her shoulder constantly and sometimes she would even catch a peek of him.

It took a while but eventually she seemed to realise he wasn’t trying to hurt her, he wasn’t getting too close to her. So she began to call out to him, not always when she wanted to.

Like when it was dark and she was walking home alone but she knew he was there

“Klaus?” She called softly “can you just walk with me? Please?” She asked nervously.

But when he came to her and brought her home, she couldn’t help the small amount of security she felt from it.

He walked beside her but didn’t touch her, he respected her need for her space and remained a reasonable distance away from her, only getting closer when he heard people talking and worried they would get near her.

It was soon after that she began to receive gifts from him. Simple things to begin with: bouquets, chocolates, little notes.

He didn’t want to overwhelm her. He just wanted to show her that he was more than a monster who she was afraid of.

That he truly wanted to be with her and love her like a soulmate should.

He found that his smaller gifts were more appreciated than his extravagant ones. Giving her a bouquet of glazed strawberries earned him a hug and a kiss on the cheek compared with the heart shaped diamond pendant he gave her which she panicked over and forced him to take back.

He made sure to protect her, whether it was walking her home or throwing someone to the ground when she cried out for him to help her. And although furious that someone dare lay a hand on her, he refused to frighten her again, he just wanted to keep her safe.

She was still a little anxious whenever he engaged in physical contact. The sliver of fear in her eyes that he would grab her again always visible in the back of her mind but at the same time, she knew he wouldn’t.

He knew she had accepted their bond, he could feel it. But he knew she wasn’t ready for the extent he was. She hadn’t been waiting a thousand years like he had.

He tried to slowly ease her into the relationship, his hand just gently holding hers as he walks her home so she felt safer. Until eventually his arm could be around her waist.

His leg just touching hers when they sat beside each other. Until eventually she would have her head against his chest and arms around him.

Pressing a feather like kiss to her hair when leaving her or greeting her. Until eventually she would have her lips to his.

The relationship was a slow build up but entirely worth every second when he got to look down at her, curled up in his arms and he kissed her head lovingly.

[imagine-a-life-like-this]

Always Him : Chapter 27

Word Count : 3.7k

Warnings : swearing, food mention, hospital, drinking, alcoholism, death mention, blacking out, brief mentions of sex

A/N : Minor spoiler in this note, but if you are uncomfortable or triggered by alcoholism or someone drinking themselves (almost) to death, please stop reading after the moment with Mae and Wooyoung. I'm serious, do NOT read passed that part if it triggers you. It will not ruin the rest of the story if you do not read it, I promise.⚠️⚠️⚠️

            “Are you sure you don’t need me to stay? I’ll cancel with Hwa.” Y/n smiled and shook her head, pushing Kayla towards the door when there was a knock. Kayla had spent the last 2 or so hours jumping between getting ready for her date and saying she’ll cancel so she can stay there with her girls. “Okay but promise to call me if you need me.”

            “I promise. No go. You look hot as fuck. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kayla furrowed her brows together.

            “I’m coming home tonight.”

            “No you’re not. Hwa is definitely going to want to fuck his kitten good tonight. Now go!” Seonghwa knocked on the door again as Y/n continued to push Kayla towards it. Kayla took one last look at Y/n with a softness in her eyes. She knows Y/n is putting on a brave face, knows that the smile on her face, the giggles falling from her lips, are fake.

            “I love you, Y/n. Seonghwa may be my boyfriend, but you’re my soulmate, okay?” Kayla saw the tears that Y/n blinked back but she didn’t say anything. She just gave her hand a quick squeeze before reaching to open the door.

            “You’re my soulmate too.” Y/n said before Kayla opened the door, revealing Hwa standing there with a bouquet of Kayla’s favourite flowers and a box of chocolates.

            “Flowers for the love of my life. And chocolate for the love of my life’s wife.” Seonghwa said with a smile, handing the flowers to Kayla and the chocolate to Y/n. “I promise I will return her to you in a couple of hours.”

            “Return her to me tomorrow. Fuck her good tonight Hwa. Bye!” Y/n giggled, pushing Kayla out the door, and shutting it behind her.

~

            “Is she doing okay?” Seonghwa asked as the couple walked hand in hand towards their destination. He tried to pay attention to his surroundings so he knew when they were getting closer to the picnic he set up with the help of Yeosang and San. But Kayla just looked absolutely stunning, like a model out of a magazine but better.

            She made him nervous in the best way possible. Ever since the day they first met. A day he would remember forever because despite the commotion of the day, he met the love of his life, the woman of his dreams.

            Seonghwa was awoken from his sleep by the commotion going on downstairs. He practically jumped out of bed, worried to see what San was getting up to this time. There were multiple people downstairs. He could hear their voices, which sent him down the stairs as fast as his legs would take him. “What the fuck is going on?” His sentence slowly trailed off when he noticed the boxes littering the living room.

            “Hyung! I found a new roommate.” San said excitedly as he brought in another box. Wooyoung was behind him, talking a mile a minute with a girl beside him.

            “It better not be Wooyoung. I don’t think I could handle you both under the same roof.” Wooyoung heard this, snapping his head towards Seonghwa.

            “I make your life more exciting and you know it old man.”

            “I’m only a year older than you.”

            “Formalities. Anyway, meet Y/n, your new roommate.” The girl Wooyoung was talking to moments before turned towards Seonghwa, holding her hand out for him to shake. Seonghwa looked down at her hand, then back up at Wooyoung, and then towards San.

            “You didn’t talk to us about this San. What if Hongjoong and I aren’t comfortable living with a girl?” Y/n slowly lowered her hand, chewing on her lower lip. She should have known it was too good to be true. That Wooyoung would have fucked something up.

            “Okay hear me out.” San began trying to defend himself, but another voice cut him off.

            “You guys are the worst movers oh my god. Look at the mess. If I hired you, I would fire you.” Wooyoung chuckled as he looked at Seonghwa’s face as Kayla walked in, mumbling about the mess San and Woo made. “I told you guys to keep everything organized! Oh hi.”

            “Hi.” Seonghwa’s breath was taken away. In all his years, he’s never seen someone as perfect as her. And in that moment, he finally understood what people meant by love at first sight. It wasn’t as shallow as he originally thought. It was deeper than that, stronger than that. The stars were aligned, angels were singing, the universe was whispering This Is The One in his ear.

            “I’m Kayla. And don’t worry about the mess, I’ll make sure the two menaces clean it all up.” She said with a smile, hoping her nervousness wasn’t noticeable. She knew Y/n was moving in with 3 men, which worried her at first but San helped ease those worries by promising to keep her safe, but she never expected one of those 3 roommates to look like a God.

            Love at first sight was something of a fairytale to Kayla. Something that doesn’t happen in real life. It’s made up, an exaggerated form of lust. But this, the feeling she was feeling in her heart, there was no better way to describe it. She looked at him and she found home.

            “I don’t mind a little mess now and then.” Seonghwa said with a lovesick smile. “And I’m Seonghwa.” The 3 others standing in the room all exchanged knowing looks before getting back to work. The future couple didn’t even notice the 3 of them leave, too entranced by each other and the feelings they were feeling.

            If he knew living with Wooyoung’s friend would have brought him the love of his life, he would have asked him to move her in before, just so he could have met Kayla sooner. So he could love her longer.

            “Blanket for 2?” San asked with the worst French accent they’ve ever heard. Kayla giggled at the effort Hwa clearly put in for this date. Her heart swelled and she fell more in love with him in that moment.

            “You really thought this out.” She said with a smile, looking up at her boyfriend with so much love in her eyes. He always makes her feel so loved, like she’s the only person in the world to him.

            “Today is special. Any day with you is special, my love.” San lead them to the picnic that was set up, her favourite foods spread out, making her heart swell further. Seonghwa sat down first, patting the spot beside him for Kayla to sit, which she gladly did, immediately resting her head on his shoulder.

~

            Food was eaten, sun was setting, and Seonghwa knew this was the perfect moment. There wouldn’t be a better moment to do what he was about to do. “Kayla, my love, you are everything to me, you know that, right?” Kayla looked over at him, nodding her head. “Ever since the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were going to be important to me. I didn’t know how important, but I knew I was going to spend my life loving you. Love at first sight seemed so shallow to me until I met you, and I realized just how deep it could run.” Kayla’s eyes began to water the more Seonghwa spoke.

            “Why does it feel like you’re about to propose to me?” She giggled, trying her best not to cry. Seonghwa chuckled as he pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket. “Hwa.”

            “I’m not proposing yet, kitten. I want to wait until we graduate. But I know that you are my future, my forever. So I was hoping you’ll accept this ring as a promise to you that as soon as we graduate, we’ll begin planning that forever.”

            “Of course I will you cheese ball.” She could no longer stop the tears from falling down her cheeks. But she didn’t care because all that mattered was the gentle way Hwa took her hand, sliding the ring on her finger before pressing a kiss to it. “I love you so fucking much.”

            “And I love you so much more.” He pressed his lips to hers in what was meant to be a sweet, passion filled kiss, but it quickly turned heated, Kayla moving to sit in his lap. “Fuck kitten, you’re perfect.”

            “Okay guys you’re still in public. Please celebrate the happy news at home.” San interrupted, emerging from his hiding spot. Seonghwa and Kayla both laughed but exchanged knowing looks before standing up.

            “Clean this up. We’re going to go celebrate.”

~

            “I fucking hate him. I hate him so fucking much.” Mae cried as she came out of her room, joining Y/n in the living area of the dorm. Y/n turned to her, asking what happened as she opened her arms for Mae to crawl into. “He asked me to help him with an outfit for a date he has.” She said as she curled into Y/n’s open arms.

            Y/n wrapped her arms tightly around Mae, slowly petting her hair as a way of comfort. “I’ll kick his ass. How dare he play with my wifey’s feelings like this. You don’t need him anyway, you have me.”

            “I know and I love you.” Mae sniffled. Before Y/n could tell her she loved her too, there was a knock on the door. And both girls knew who stood on the other side. “That fucking-“

            “I’ll answer the door baby. You just sit here.” Mae nodded, allowing Y/n to get up from the couch and answer the door. Wooyoung stood there with a playful smirk on his face that quickly faded when he saw Y/n instead of the girl he was looking for. “You fucking asshole.”

            “Hey wait, wait.” He held his hands up in defense, hoping it would stop Y/n from hitting him. She cocked her head to the side, waiting for an explanation as to why he would take Mae out on so many dates over the last little while, just to ask for her help for his date with someone else.

            “I’m waiting.” He nodded, peering behind her to see if Mae was lurking nearby.

            “There is no date. She confessed to me when we all went drinking that one night, and I confessed to her, but she clearly forgot. So I’ve been trying to get her to confess again so I can ask her to be my girlfriend.” He whispered. Y/n giggled. Kayla was right all along. Something did happen between the two that night, but none of them remembered because of the amount they drank.

            “Okay fine. I’ll let you in, but you better fix this because she’s fucking crying right now.”

            “Fuck okay. I’ll fix it. Thank you Y/n. I’ll mention you in my wedding speech.” She rolled her eyes and moved aside to let him in, much to Mae’s dismay.

            “Get him the fuck out of here. I don’t want to see him.”

            “Just help him out one time, Mae baby.” Mae’s eyes widened as she looked between the two of them, connecting the dots that weren’t there. Reading between lines that didn’t exist.

            “Oh my fucking god. You’re going out with Y/n aren’t you. Hongjoong ends things with her and you swoop in to pick up the pieces.” Woo realized in that moment just how stupid this idea was. “I can’t believe you guys would do this to me.” He was about to ruin a friendship and he knew he had to fix it quick.

            “Mae, you know I would never do that to you. Please don’t think that way about me.” Y/n choked out. Mae’s face softened at the sound of Y/n’s choked back sobs. She knows in her heart that Y/n would never, but her heart was hurting right now. She spoke without thinking.

            “Why don’t you want to help me with this? You’re my best friend.” Woo egged her on, hoping these would be the words to end this game. He was tired of her not being his. Since the day they partnered up in class, he knew he wanted her.

            Wooyoung was a known flirt, no one would deny that. He loved and appreciated women and he was going to let them know that. He never meant for it to become a thing, but he wasn’t going to stop. Or so he thought.

            First day of class he was talking with a group of people, mostly women, flirting as he usually did, not realizing that everything was about to change for him. That his life was about to become 10x as chaotic and so much more beautiful.

            Chatter buzzed around the classroom as everyone waited for the professor to come and start the class when the door slammed open. “Fucking made it.” Mae said with a smile on her face. Woo stopped talking mid sentence, turning his entire body towards the girl that just walked in.

            He pushed through the group he was with to approach her, introducing himself to her with his signature smile. “Hello beautiful. My name’s Wooyoung in case you wanted to know what I’ll have you screaming later.”

            “If you don’t step back, you’ll be screaming for your mommy.” This was it. This was the moment that Wooyoung knew he met his perfect match.

            “I’ll call you mommy if that’s what you’re into.” She narrowed her eyes at him, cocking her head to the side, and resisting the urge to smack the smirk right off his face. His very pretty face. His unfairly pretty face. “But I’d rather call you bunny.” She shivered. She couldn’t help herself. The nickname hit her in just the right way.

            “You’re disgusting.” Her voice came out a lot softer than she would have liked, causing Wooyoung’s smirk to grow. He had her exactly where he wanted her, hook line and sinker.

            Before either of them could say anything more, the professor walked in behind them, telling everyone to partner up and take a seat. Wooyoung looked at Mae with a smile, not noticing all the other girls staring at him, hoping he’d choose them. But none of them were an option for him. Not when the most perfect woman stood in front of him. “Shall we grab our seats, bunny?” He held out his hand and she rolled her eyes.

            “Fine.” She couldn’t reject him even if she tried. Within seconds he had her wrapped around his finger, and she hated it. “But don’t flirt with me anymore. I have a boyfriend.” A boyfriend that doesn’t make her feel the way Wooyoung does. A boyfriend that she’s falling out of love with, despite being with him for 3 years.

            The power Jung Wooyoung has.

            “Answer me Mae. Why won’t you help me?”

            “BECAUSE I’M FUCKING IN LOVE WITH YOU OKAY? I don’t want to be your best friend. I don’t want to watch you go out with someone that’s not me. I want you to only look at me.”

            “Good. Now I want you to march your sexy ass into you room and get dressed. We’re going to be late for our date, bunny.” Woo smiled.

            “What?” Y/n smirked as she watched the scene play out, excited that the two of them were finally getting their shit together.

            “Mae, ever since the day you barged into the class, my attention has only been on you. I am literally in love with you and only you. There was never anyone else. So, go get dressed before we miss our reservations.” Mae walked up to him and slapped him on the arm, causing Wooyoung to chuckle.

            “You’re a fucking ass town! How dare you make me cry!”

            “I’m sorry baby. I will make it all better though.”

            “You better.”

~

            Alone again. Needing something to take the edge off, to make her forget that she can’t crawl back to Hongjoong. She just wanted to call him and have him call her pretty girl. Tell her that he was hers. She wanted to be with him in anyway he would have her, even if it meant tossing her feelings to the side and pretending she wasn’t in love with him.

            “Come on. There’s got to be alcohol somewhere.” She mumbled to herself as she looked through the cabinets. When she opened the last one, she hit the jackpot. Bottles upon bottles of booze filled it. “Perfect.” She grabbed the unopened bottle of vodka, smiling to herself as she made her way back to the couch.

            She chugged some. Once. Twice. Thrice. Loving the burn as it went down. It still hurt less than knowing that Hongjoong was no longer hers to love. Another chug. She got an idea. Setting the bottle on the table, she ran to Mae’s room where her stuff was, tearing open her bag and pulling out her favourite pair of fishnets that he bought for her. She was going to have him crawling back.

~

            She sat on the couch, chugging back more and more vodka as she waited for Hongjoong to show up. The once full bottle was half empty now, and she could see the edges of her vision darkening. It was a familiar feeling. A feeling she felt not all that long ago. When everything with Jeongin drove her over the edge. But she promised Mae and Kayla she wouldn’t let it happen again.

            Yet she couldn’t stop. The more she drank the happier she felt. She felt lighter, like nothing hurt her. She felt invincible.

            The bottle was reaching the end when she heard the knock. “Y/n, pretty girl. Let me in please.” She couldn’t move. She was stuck to the couch as if something was on top of her holding her down. He knocked again and she finished off the bottle, allowing it to slip from her hand, and it shattered on the ground. And then she was out. “Y/N?! FUCK SHIT. PLEASE OPEN THIS DOOR.”

            Hongjoong pulled his phone out of his pocket, looking for Mae’s contact with shaky hands and blurred vision. “What the fuck do you want onion man?”

            “Something’s wrong with Y/n and I can’t get into the dorm.” He could hear rustling on the other end of the line, knowing she was running from wherever she was to save Y/n.

            “I swear to fucking god Hongjoong if you did something to hurt her again, I will send you to the morgue with no remorse.”

            “I know. And I’ll deserve it. But please hurry. I need to know she’s okay.”

~

            Minutes later, Mae was running up to where Hongjoong was pacing, pushing him to the side to unlock the door, running in to find Y/n passed out on the floor, laying on the broken vodka bottle. “Fucking hell Hongjoong!” She yelled, storming over to him, shoving him as hard as she could, tears blurring her vision. “Do you see what you fucking did? She could fucking die because of you!” She didn’t wait to hear what he had to say, pulling out her phone and calling for an ambulance.

            Hongjoong stood there frozen, unsure of what to do. He stared at her lifeless body, crumbling to the floor in tears. What did he do? Why couldn’t he just love her the way she deserved? How could he ruin the most important person to him to this point?

            It’s like everything was going in slow motion when the paramedics rushed in to save her. He couldn’t hear anything but the pounding of his heart in his ears. Mae followed the paramedics to the ambulance, trying to get a hold of Kayla, screaming into her phone when it went to voicemail. Still, he heard nothing.

            “Let’s go. Yunho is coming to pick us up and take us to the hospital.” Wooyoung said, helping Hongjoong to his feet.

~

            “Now you fucking answer.” Mae said when Kayla finally answered after calling her hundreds of times. “She did it again, if you even fucking care. They’re pumping her stomach right now.”

            “Fuck. I’m on my way.” Kayla jumped out of bed, searching for her clothes as best she could with tears streaming down her face. “Seonghwa we need to get to the fucking hospital right now.” He wasted no time it getting up and getting dressed, rushing the both of them to the hospital.

~

            Hongjoong stood outside the door, unable to find it in himself to go inside the room. He could hear the beeps of the heart monitor, and it was the only thing keeping him grounded. She was alive, and that’s all that mattered. She was alive and surrounded by her friends.

            Jongho and Yeosang stood outside with him, blocking him from Mae who was seeing nothing but red. Jongho wanted to be in the room with her, holding her hand, begging for her to wake up and be okay. But another part of him knew he wouldn’t be able to see her like that. Lifeless on the bed, connected to all sorts of machines.

            “Please let me just see her. Even for a minute.” Hongjoong whispered.

            “It’s your funeral.” Jongho said, stepping aside. All heads turned to look at him. Mae stood from her seat, storming over to him.

            “No, you don’t get to be in here. You need to go far and fucking stay there you grey sprinkle on a rainbow cake! You’re the fucking reason she’s like this.”

            “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. I never wanted this to happen. Fuck, I love her so fucking much I can’t put it into words. But she deserves better. Deserves more. Fuck.” Everyone was silent, taking in his confession as he left the room in a mess of tears.

            “She better fucking wake up or you’re all visiting me in prison for the rest of my life.” Mae said before taking her seat again. “Please fucking wake up, Y/n.”

            No one spoke another word, all just standing around the room, listening to the heart monitor. Kayla and Mae sat on opposite sides on the bed, holding her hands and staring at her face, watching, waiting, for her eyes to open. Or twitch. Anything to show that she’ll pull through. That this isn’t goodbye.

            Fuck, please don’t let it be goodbye.

back to masterlist

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[ohhappyday123]

Office Dynamics - Part 4: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day at Dunder Mifflin was always a big deal. The office was adorned with red and pink decorations, and there was a palpable buzz in the air. Michael, of course, was over the moon, running around the office spreading Valentine's cheer in his own unique way.

You arrived at your desk, greeted by the familiar, warm smiles of Stanley and Phyllis.

“Morning, Y/N. Happy Valentine’s Day,” Phyllis said, offering you a heart-shaped cookie.

“Thanks, Phyllis. Happy Valentine’s Day to you too,” you replied, taking the cookie and savoring its sweetness.

Stanley looked up from his crossword puzzle, giving you a rare smile. “Hope you’ve got something fun planned.”

You smiled back, grateful for their kindness. “Just taking it one step at a time, Stanley.”

The camera caught you giving a small wave to Jim, who was engrossed in a conversation with Pam. As you settled in, your thoughts turned to your best friend. Pam and Roy had agreed not to do anything big for Valentine's Day since they were saving for their wedding, but you knew Pam secretly hoped for a little surprise. You decided to take matters into your own hands.

Interview with Y/N: “Pam’s my best friend, and she deserves to feel special today. So, I’ve ordered some flowers in Roy’s name, with a note that’ll hopefully make her day.”

You placed the order online, choosing a beautiful bouquet of roses and writing a note: “A rose for every week that I have to wait to marry you. Love, Roy.” You smiled, feeling a warm glow knowing this would make Pam’s day.

As the morning went on, Michael burst out of his office with a megaphone. “Attention, everyone! It’s Valentine’s Day! Let’s spread the love, people!”

Dwight rolled his eyes but went along with it, distributing heart-shaped chocolates to everyone. Pam gave you a grateful smile when she received hers, and you couldn’t wait for her to get the flowers.

Jim walked over to your desk, leaning against it with his usual playful grin. “Got any special plans for today?”

You shrugged, smiling back at him. “Just seeing where the day takes me.”

The flowers arrived just before lunch. The delivery person walked straight to Pam’s desk, handing her the bouquet. Pam’s eyes widened in surprise, and she blushed as she read the note.

“Oh my gosh, Roy!” she exclaimed, looking genuinely touched. “This is so sweet!”

The office erupted in murmurs and smiles, everyone glancing at Pam with approval. Roy, who had come by to take Pam out for lunch, looked confused at first. As he approached her desk, you were standing by the printer nearby. You caught his eye and gave him a wink, hoping he’d understand.

Roy blinked, then smiled, playing along. “Yeah, babe. I thought you deserved something special.”

Pam threw her arms around him, her face glowing with happiness. “Thank you, Roy. This means so much to me.”

As Roy and Pam left for lunch, Jim walked up to you, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Playing Cupid, huh?”

You shrugged, a playful smile on your lips. “Just making sure my best friend has a great Valentine’s Day.”

Jim chuckled, leaning in a bit closer. “You’re really something, you know that?”

Interview with Jim: “Y/N has the biggest heart. She’s always looking out for everyone, especially Pam. It’s one of the many things I love about her.”

The rest of the day passed in a flurry of Valentine’s activities. Michael held a makeshift “Cupid’s Corner” in the break room, where he dispensed love advice to anyone who would listen. Dwight tried to enforce “Valentine’s Day Protocol,” which no one followed, but it was amusing to watch.

As the office began to wind down, Jim approached your desk, a thoughtful look on his face. “So, Y/N, I was wondering… would you like to grab dinner tonight? Just the two of us?”

Your heart skipped a beat, and you nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. “I’d love that, Jim.”

Interview with Y/N: “Jim asked me to dinner tonight. I can’t wait. Today’s been amazing, and it’s about to get even better.”

After work, you and Jim headed to a cozy little restaurant, the perfect spot for a quiet Valentine’s dinner. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories. You felt a deep connection with Jim, one that seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

As the night came to a close, Jim walked you to your car, his hand slipping into yours. “Today was great, Y/N. I’m really glad we did this.”

“Me too, Jim,” you replied, your heart full.

Jim leaned in and kissed you, a sweet, lingering kiss that made your heart soar. As you drove home, you couldn’t stop smiling, knowing that this was just the beginning of something truly special.

Interview with Y/N: “Today was perfect. Jim and I are figuring things out, and it just feels right. I’m excited to see where this goes.”

The next day at the office, things felt a little brighter, a little more hopeful. Pam was still beaming from her surprise, and you felt a sense of satisfaction knowing you had made her day. Stanley and Phyllis greeted you warmly as always, and Michael continued to play his role as the office’s overenthusiastic cupid.

Interview with Pam: “Roy really surprised me yesterday with those flowers. It was so sweet. I’m so lucky to have him… and such amazing friends.”

As you settled into your desk, Jim walked over, giving you a playful grin. “Ready for another day of office chaos?”

You laughed, feeling a warmth spread through you. “Always.”

With friends like Pam, Dwight, Stanley, and Phyllis, and a growing relationship with Jim, you felt incredibly lucky. Whatever the future held, you knew you’d face it together, one day at a time.

[vickyyoon]

Last day

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Paring : hyunjin x fem!reader

Genre: Angst, smut ( not described just mentioned)

C/w: hyunjin cheats on reader, angst, break up

Synopsis: there were rumors about your boyfriend who couldn't move on from his old arts teacher,and you were just an escape but you too blindly in love to see the red flags.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Everyone told you rumors of your boyfriend, that he was a not loyal and trustworthy. But you were madly in love, ever since you became the new teacher at an arts academy for part-time. His exotic paintings charmed you and his words baffled you and his body never failed to amaze you.

He became your favorite student, everyone was happy for you but they feared the worst for you aswell. It always went by that " awe they're dating and no way they're student teachers"

But it was an academy not a school, he was older than you too so there was not much people who belittled you for it. He also made sure you made him your favorite student by making his art always stand out.

.

You came into class looking for him but he wasn't there, you asked the other students if they knew where he was but no one could tell you. Something felt off about the students and they started to suspect whatever that was most apparently likely to happen.

Days went by and his membership was almost expiring, so knew day ou went to see him, you wielded a bouquet of flowers, gifts and chocolates at his door step.

You knocked on the door but it was taking long for him to arrive, maybe he was in the shower? To your surprise an elder lady around her early 40s opened the door in a robe, you were so confused.

" are you looking for someone?" she asked you politely.

The you heard something that tore your heart into pieces. " baby who's at the door? Hurry up I need you ."

It was him! No doubt it was him! The lady in the robe? It didn't take you too long to realize what was happening right now.

The rumors were true, you boyfriend still couldn't get over his old arts teacher, your heart burned and you were horrified. With tears forming in your wide eyes you shook your head.

You left without saying anything, you threw whatever you bought in the trash, not caring how much money you've spent on those expenses but how much love you've wasted.

The next day he suddenly attends his class and you don't seem to give him much attention, you started to act much more formal and this was very weird for him, he thought you were just so biased just by the way you would stare at him while he painted and started to sketch, everyone else in the room could feel the tension, they could tell something was wrong.

Not long enough he was craving attention and he pulled out his phone trying to text you to meet him in the bathroom because he wanted to ask you what was the matter but to his surprise the text went green, you blocked him?

Soon it was presenting time and today was the first day you decided to give others a chance, another student seemed to put his heart and soul into the picture he painted and you gave him the credits and compliments he rightfully deserved.

His confused hyunjin alot and it was burning him, was he really jealous now? The way he glared at that boy and how his jaw bone flexed he was burning for sure.

That day you went home to have him follow you, so you just walk on without looking at him, the more he tried to talk to you the faster you went further.

He grabbed your wrist. " why did you block me?" he stared into you with desperate and innocent eyes.

You only glared at him, furrowing your eyebrows and giving him a look filled with hatred. " what's wrong? Why are you ignoring me?" he was still calm.

" Don't act so naive! You know what you've been upto! They were right!" you yelled at him.

You were at the brink of tears but nothing could stop you from walking away, you did not want to stand on his ground, you did not want breathe his air, you did not want to hear what he heard, you didn't even want to see what he was seeing. You hated him and everything around him.

Your heart drops every now and then thinking about that day you found out that you were just a temporary escape, nothing more and nothing less. You probably meant nothing to him...

[uzumaki-rebellion]

"King Killmonger: The Golden Jaguar Chapter 3"

Need to catch up? Masterlist HERE.

"I don't see no limits so I strive and I shine twice

I ride around and get it, just listen for a minute

That was only one thought let me finish...

Competition I'ma beat 'em so relentless

I'ma be legendary when I end this

They rise when I arrive in this

"All Hail The Supreme Ice Princess!"

Tell the carriage, hurry up and come and get me

Tell the haters run along you can miss me…"

Azealea Banks – "Ice Princess"

N'Jadaka walked into the sun room filled with a quiet pride.

His favorite family room in the East Palace was decorated and set up for an intimate lunch for two. Elaborate white, blue, and yellow flower bouquets were brought in and the scent of the royal garden saturated the air. He stepped to the window view and peered down at the golden city and felt a connection to the beautiful space. It was his father's favorite room too. The heavenly hue of the sun lit up everything with a soothing glow and the atmosphere was always filled with love whenever he entered that part of the palace.

"Hi."

Yani swept in wearing a different outfit from the one she had on earlier. Her hair had been washed and braided in straitback cornrows decorated with small mauve and light purple flowers at the nape. The puffy sleeves of her purplish-blue dress gave off a matronly feel.

"Hey, baby," he answered.

He held out a hand for her and they kissed before gazing out of the window together. Their servers entered and they took their seats at the lovingly decorated couple's table. Their meal consisted of gourmet seafood, seasoned rice and a salad named after one of N'Jadaka's great-grandfather's creations that contained numerous Wakandan fruits and veggies that had become popular to many outside of the palace.

"I'm starving," Yani said.

She poured a light vinagrette over her salad and they tucked in after their servers left. The ambiance was perfect. Just two busy adults being alone together. The children were with Umama. Dante and Disa's family were getting a private tour and lunch party out on a luxury river boat cruise organized by Twyla and Bibi, and all of their other diaspora relatives were out and about shopping and enjoying life in Birnin Zana.

"I have a surprise for you," N'Jadaka said.

"Oh yeah? What?"

"I can't show you yet. You'll see it at the Court of Nobles banquet. Twyla is keeping it for me until then."

"Hmmm, she didn't even mention anything about it."

"Of course not, I told her not to say anything until the banquet."

They ate more food, stuffing their bellies with seconds. A male server brought in a three layer tray that held various bite-sized desserts and chocolate candies. Yani gobbled up two lemon custards, and three chocolate honey balls. She poured herself a glass of pale amber wine from Umama's personal vineyard and sipped.

"That hit the spot," Yani said.

She rubbed her stomach and N'Jadaka popped a chocolate treat into his mouth.

"Guess who came to my office today?" he asked.

Her bright eyes held a smile in them and her glossy lips peeled back in a grin.

"Is it another surprise?" she said.

"Yeah, in a way it was. Ramatla…your old nanny."

Yani's expression tensed. Normally she would roll her eyes, but instead, she wrenched her gaze away from his face and took another sip of wine. A cool creeping sensation inched up N'Jadaka's core and he pressed her further.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

Yani blinked several times and ran a hand across the back of her neck.

"What did he want?"

He heard the strain in her voice. Placing his hands on the table he tapped a linen napkin with his right thumb.

"He tried to return a gift that you gave him."

He poured more wine into her glass to give her a moment. It looked like she needed to get her words together. He sensed embarrassment and fear.

"I spoke to Umama before I came here. I know what the earrings meant, Yani. I'm surprised you would give him any notice for anything. I thought you hated him."

"Because he tried to kill you."

"Unfortunately, it was his right. No different than me going after T'Challa. I could understand you giving him and his fiancé a harmless token on behalf of our family for appearances sake and cool points among the nobles, but that vine symbol…you must want more trouble," he said.

"It was an impulsive thing to do."

"So why do it?"

She glanced at him and he placed his hand over hers.

"Don't be scared to tell me."

"Zola and Ilana picked it out for me. I wasn't going to give it to them, but I ran into him at the West Palace after Ilana showed me the gift she bought for my wedding. He said some things and it upset me. So I gifted the earrings to him as a warning."

"What did he say?'

She took a deep breath and traced a finger along the stem of her wine glass.

"Please don't get angry."

"Say it."

She flinched at his tone. He hadn't meant to sound gruff, but his intuition jumped into his throat. Her hesitation told him that Remy said something inappropriate.

"He told me he loves me."

Her words floated between them. His jaw tightened. N'Jadaka already knew that. Knew it the moment he stepped into Yani's old suite when the younger man cared for his children. The eyes and tone of voice always gave people away easily to the king since he had been a toddler. He could look at anyone and immediately discern their intentions.

"What else?"

"There's nothing else to say. I was pissed that he would say that to me."

"There's more to it. Men being in love with you is water down your back, girl."

Her energy shifted. He had forced her into talking about something that she wanted to bury, however, he needed to know everything when it came to the slicksters among the nobles. A server approached with a new bottle of wine. He waved his hand signaling he didn't want them disturbed.

Sighing, he leaned back in his seat. He wanted a simple lunch and time to sneak up to their home for some afternoon delights. Yani always made his dick feel heavy in her presence and that feeling grew knowing that Remy approached her in the West Palace to talk slick to her. The urge to carry her away and put it down grew in his gut. Someone wanted what was his and became bold enough to speak out loud.

"He told me that he wanted the kingdom for himself…tried to explain away his reasons for acting how he did at Warrior Falls. Then he said he would've taken me as his wife and put his babies in me."

A bitter laugh erupted from N'Jadaka.

"What did you say to that?" he asked.

"I gave him the gift and congratulated his future marriage."

A silence fell over them. He looked out of the window and thought of a way to ease her nervous energy.

"I never had feelings for him like that—"

He held up a hand to her.

"I don't care about the relationship you may have had with him after you left me. That's the past. His feelings mean nothing to us now. Understand?"

She nodded and smiled.

"If he ever approaches you with some bullshit like that again, tell me. I'll set him straight. He obviously needed to get some shit off his chest so I'll let it slide for now."

Yani's head lowered and she stared at her empty plate.

"When I was in a bad place emotionally and mentally, he helped me get through it."

"Let it go. No need to explain it to me when it obviously hurts you. I know what I did and you taught me a serious lesson. I almost lost you…I'm not letting that happen again."

A slow anger rose up in him. He wanted to kick himself for ever hurting his beautiful sun. The anger bubbled over into a shame that he carried, unable to shake the feeling that he would never quite bury what he had done inside of her heart. He could only imagine how a young virile noble would swoop in and wipe away the sorrow of a fine ass princess. Closing his eyes, he tried to shake away the unease and vivid images that played out in his mind of Yani writhing under a determined suitor all because of his indecisiveness.

The touch of her hand on his forehead brought him back to the world. Yani sat on his lap and hugged him.

"I never slept with him. I know that's what you're thinking about," she said.

"I'm not worried about that. That's your business."

"You say that, but all men, no matter how confident they are, always worry about stuff like that."

"I'm the king of Wakanda."

"And you're worried about some other man having your queen. I didn't want to say anything because I knew it would bother you…even after he gets married. You have to work with him nearly every day, and knowing he loves me will eat at you."

"I won't fire or demote him because of this confession. He's good at his job. Hell, better than good."

"Then take pride in knowing you have me all to yourself. I don't love him…never have. It doesn't matter what he feels about me."

She smothered his face with kisses. Everything she said to him had been true.

Except for one thing she omitted.

They had been intimate.

It may not have been full intercourse, but something else had occurred. He decided to let it go because she truly loved him and no one else. No matter what happened, it was his own fault and Yani didn't have to tell him anything more than what she wanted. He would focus on pleasing her and keeping their family happy.

Yani rushed into the royal sitting room with Twyla by her side and her Ladies-in-Waiting following behind. The wedding coordinator, Erd'na had been a persnickety fellow, and his haughty demeanor amused Yani to no end. He called her for a final overview while she had walked with N'Jadaka back to their home. The king was tired and planned to sleep for a few hours to wind down from his trip abroad. Yani wanted to cuddle with him, but Erd'na was eager to get last minute input from the royal couple. She messaged back letting the coordinator know that she would join him without the king.

"I'll be moved into Grandpop's suite until the wedding later," N'Jadaka said.

"Making me miss you again?"

"Build up some excitement. We'll be together for the banquet after rehearsal, and then…"

His lips pulled back into a grin and his eyes seemed to sparkle.

"Our day," she said.

They hugged and parted. Twyla, Zola, and Ilana met her on the fifth floor and they entered a comfortable room where Umama, Ramonda, Aunt Leona sat waiting in front of a holo vid that displayed several of the wedding celebration venues they would inhabit in forty-eight hours.

"Princess Yani, if there are any changes you'd like to make with this final viewing, let me know," Erd'na said.

Yani sat next to him and pretended to care about tiny details. In truth, she didn't care about changing anything. The preparations were beyond her wildest dreams come true. What she imagined as a naïve little girl back in St. Thomas was nothing compared to the extraordinary celebration the palace put together on their behalf. N'Jadaka didn't care what anything looked like. He wanted to marry her and wasn't concerned about pageantry. Whatever made Yani happy was perfect for him.

Yani loved not having to do anything. A head nod, or a wave of a hand gave her whatever she wanted and Erd'na was a dream maker. She approved the final sea-themed floral designs and scrumptious reception dinner menu. Music and entertainment was finalized and she was pleased to her heart's content. Thematically Erd'na blended the royal history of the Panther Tribe and the Udaku clan's lineage with Yani's Caribbean roots. There would be Black mermaid ice sculptors and ocean decorations for the Temple they would wed in, and the Queen Mary bloodline would complement the wondrous fire and iron art displays created for the guests to admire as the newly wed couple traveled in an ancient carriage through the streets of Birnin Zana. She started crying when she watched images of what the royal garden would look like after her vows were exchanged and Twyla rubbed her back.

"Look at you," Twyla said.

Yani sniffled and Twyla handed her tissues as servers brought in tea and snacks. Erd'na made notes with his kimoyo beads and chatted with Umama and Aunt Leona. Zola and Ilana watched Yani with comforting eyes.

"I'm so happy… I really am. This is a dream come true…no beyond a dream come true. Anything I want I can have and for a woman like me…my past…it's a lot to take in."

"I know," Twyla said. "The big man on the hill changed everything for all of us. Feel what you feel because I totally understand. My cousin is about to become a queen…and she made me a princess with my own prince charming for a husband. Without you and him…there'd be no me and Bibi…"

Twyla burst into tears and the room became a flurry of soothing words and hugs. Zola and Ilana knelt down at Twyla's feet and rubbed her knees as Umama kissed Twyla's forehead hugging her tight.

Aunt Leona cradled Yani's chin.

"I remember when you got so mad that Erik was talking to me back home. You had a hissy fit in my kitchen, but I knew that you liked him. There was something special about him and I never questioned you being with him because God has always looked out for you even when you thought you were at your lowest. He had a good heart, and he loved you from the start. Whenever you were gone he was up under me wanting to know every little thing about you. I thank God every day that he came to our island. This was meant to be."

"I don't know why I'm crying so much, though, Auntie."

"Joy comes through any way it can," Umama added.

Umama wiped her eyes, too and Yani held her hand.

"Watching you wed my grandson will give me peace. It will be like watching my son N'Jobu uniting with his beloved Califia. Bast has allowed me to live long enough to see this day."

She stroked Yani's hair.

"You will make a fine queen on the throne. I will guide you when you need help," Umama said.

Yani nodded and glanced at Ramonda. Her eyes welled up with tears too. An attendant entered the room and approached Ramonda. He whispered in her ear and Ramonda's eyes looked excited.

"Bring it in," Ramonda said.

A young woman entered carrying a large box and set it down on the table in front of Yani. Ramonda waved her hands to have everyone gather around the box.

"An early peek for us," Ramonda said.

Ramonda lifted off the lid and pulled out a gorgeous royal purple isicolo with small exquisite purple and deep blue seashells sewn into the crown that denoted Yani's ties to an island people. She palmed both cheeks with her hands and stared at her queen's crown with wide eyes. Once it sat on her head after their wedding vows, she could wield all kinds of power in their land and the world. She lifted it in her hands.

"I don't know why my hands are shaking," she said.

Umama touched her shoulder.

"You recognize the responsibility that comes with that crown, daughter," Umama said.

"Auntie," Yani whispered.

Leona lifted her fingers to her lips.

"Queen," Leona said.

Zola and Ilana lowered their heads at Leona's declaration. Yani placed the crown back in the box and had it delivered to her home. She spent the last few minutes thanking the wedding coordinator and left the other women to chat more and enjoy themselves without her.

Making her way to the East Palace game room, she caught up with Shuri and Nakia who took charge of entertaining and watching over forty children all under the age of thirteen who ripped and roared around toys, holo vid games, and a full table of snacks. The youngsters were a blend of island relatives, American cousins, and Udaku kin brought together away from the teenaged relatives who occupied another floor under strict supervision also. Attendants and various nannies darted around helping Nakia and Shuri control the joyous chaos of delighted shouts and non-stop running from every direction.

Yani watched Joba lead a small charge of girls her age playing double dutch and teaching their Wakandan relatives how to turn the ropes. Sydette stayed busy running around with a fake ray gun shooting holographic images in a far section of the room with other girls and boys trying to defeat a giant ogre that shimmered in full 3D. Riki participated in a game of Wakandan chess, his face scrunched up in complete concentration.

Shuri looked to be having the time of her life moving around and interacting with various games. She was a natural with children and she held onto Toussaint's hand helping him see the bigger kids playing. His chubby legs were ready to carry him into toddler-hood and Shuri let the one-year-old walk by himself every now and then to give him agency.

"How is it going?" Yani asked Nakia.

"The energy in this room is through the roof, but I love it," Nakia said.

Nakia seemed happier and more open than she had been in months and Yani was pleased to see it. Everyone in the family hoped she would change her mind about moving to Haiti after the wedding, but Nakia was determined to stay there even if it was for less than a year. The need to get away from Wakanda became a necessary balm for her, and Yani didn't push her to stay.

Nakia waved for Shuri to bring Toussaint over to her. She lifted the baby in her arms and rocked him.

"He looks tired," Yani said, touching the boy's thick hair.

"Yeah, we're going to head back to our suite and rest before dinner tonight."

"I'm going to do the same," Yani said.

Riki ran over to her with a frown on his face.

"What's wrong, Dumpling?"

"I lost to Luzuko. I can never beat him. Once I figure out his strategy I'll burn him next time," Riki said.

"Are you ready to come up to our home?"

"No."

"You haven't had a nap today."

"Don't need one."

"You sure? We have a lot to do tonight with our guests. What if you crash out?"

"I won't."

"Okay. Shuri will have you all here for another hour. I'll see you soon."

He hugged her waist tight, tighter than he normally would.

"What's that for?" she asked.

Riki looked up into her eyes.

"I love you and I'm happy for you and Baba getting married."

The tone of his voice sounded odd, as if something had been on his mind and he had come to an understanding. She didn't question him further. Hugging him back, she bent down and gave him a kiss on his forehead.

Yani left the playroom with Nakia and they parted ways at separate elevators. She rode up by herself to the king and queen's floor and entered her quiet home feeling good about the day.

Except…

She brushed the hint of unease away thinking about her conversation with N'Jadaka over lunch. Remy showing up in the king's office was unexpected. N'Jadaka appeared unbothered, but she did catch an undercurrent of something festering in his mind despite his assurances of letting the matter go.

N'Jadaka was a confident man. He was also a jealous man. She witnessed several times back home how he seemed to not care about other men wanting her, but would spin the block later when he got in his feelings about others wanting what he had to root out any notions of anything going further.

She went into her changing room and slipped out her clothes into a more relaxed silky orange house dress that made her feel cozy in her own private space away from the extended family and guests running all around the palace. Pulling the flowers from her hair, she placed them on her bed pillows and then walked up the stairs to reach N'Jadaka's third floor bedroom. She walked in with bare feet and studied his form on the bed.

The king slept soundly on his side, his right arm thrown around a pillow. His locs were spread out freely and his breathing appeared deep and relaxed. Yani perched herself on the chair next to the nightstand and watched him rest. He was a beautiful man in his sleep. The world rested on his capable shoulders and he worked hard to show Wakandans he was worthy of leadership. She didn't want him harboring any thoughts about other men or her personal battles with the nobles. He had enough to contend with and their wedding celebration needed to be three days of love and laughter before they took off on their honeymoon.

Yani knelt before the bed and clasped her hands in prayer. Bowing her head she prayed to her humble God that brought her from the bottom to the top of the mountain. She thanked her lord and savior for the children, her family, and for the man slumbering inches from her lowered head. She prayed to give him strength and peace in his mind.

When she raised her head up from her silent communion, N'Jadaka's eyes were open. He studied her expression and reached out to touch her face.

"How long have you been here?" he asked.

"Not long."

He stretched out and looked around the room.

"Where are the kids?"

"Still playing."

He glanced at his kimoyo beads.

"Damn, I slept longer than I intended. I was supposed to be gone from here until the wedding night."

"I'll pretend I didn't see you."

"Too late," he said, reaching for her waist and pulling her on top of him.

N'Jadaka held her and she listened to his heart beat. They snuggled for a time and enjoyed the stillness of their surroundings. There were no demands from anyone to do anything and they relished the moment.

"Okay now, you better get on outta here and let me pack up to go be with Grandpop," he whispered in her ear.

Yani pretended to fret and wiggled all over him.

"Nah, don't try that stunt…rubbing all on me and shit. Go on and get…"

He smacked her rump and pushed her away from his nude body. Yani reluctantly left the room, disappointed that they wouldn't fool around before the children returned. Slinking down the stairs to her floor, she went into her bedroom and stared at her face in the mirror. She grinned and ran to her dressing room, snatching up a cute new red wig.

The clock was ticking.

Yani slid the wig over her braids and styled it carefully before putting on seductive make-up. Changing clothes, she switched out the cozy house dress for a naughty candy apple red negligee. Instead of taking the stairs, she went across the wide expanse of the first floor to take the secret elevator past king and queens used for their unspoken paramours. She re-entered N'Jadaka's bed chamber through a hidden passageway behind an antique wall tapestry as he packed up a bag of personal toiletries on a bedroom couch.

"What are you doing, Yani?" he said.

His lips pulled back into a salacious smile when he noticed the outline of her body in the sexy outfit.

"My name is…Toya. I'm your toy to play with while your fiancé is away. I used the secret passage to remain discreet for you King N'Jadaka."

His dick jumped. Yani played coy about noticing it. She walked slowly toward him and he relaxed into the unexpected role playing.

"I like a woman who knows to respect my privacy," he said.

The tone of his voice made Yani halt in her steps.

"Turn around," he commanded.

She twirled on her toes knowing the sheer lace on the back of her negligee accentuated her ass cheeks. Turning back around she ogled the way his dick thickened and raised higher until it pointed at her.

"You're lucky my fiancé didn't catch you coming in here. She'd be mad as fuck. Bring your pretty ass over here," he said.

Yani flung back the curly flip in her red wig and stepped closer. N'Jadaka licked his fingers and stroked her vulva and she gasped at how wet she had become playing an illicit character for his pleasure.

"Pussy all nice and wet for me. I like that, Toya."

He said the fake name like it was real and she sank into the role even more.

"I'm here to please you in any way you like, your highness."

"Then get on your knees and suck this dick before my wife comes back here."

Yani's pussy easily clenched as it accepted the new portrayal. N'Jadaka reached out and ripped the negligee off startling her. He tossed it on the chair near his travel bag. His eyes didn't look at her like she was Yani anymore. He was dealing with Toya and expected her to comply with his demands. She dropped to her knees and he held the back of her head, jamming his dick in her mouth.

"Dassit, suck on that big dick. I've been thinking about your ass all day Toya. Been waiting for you to show up and take care of me."

Yani groaned on his dick feeling conflicted on hearing the way he spoke to her. His words sounded too real, like he had always had women on demand when she was out of sight. Her stomach flip-flopped with feelings of arousal and a hint of uncertainty. They'd role-played before, but this time, coming up through the secret consort's entrance had elevated the game. It didn't feel like adult make-believe anymore.

She crammed his dick in her throat and tried to keep up with the thrusts that were overzealous in her mouth. Stretching her lips wide, she sucked and worked her neck. He lorded over her, touching the hair of her wig softly, urging her to keep going.

"It's been a few days since I've had some pussy. Yani and I have been busy and…ooh shit…right there girl…fuck…you handling that pipe. Don't have that shit spittin' too soon now, Toya…you my new bitch so I gotta teach you how to handle all this right…"

Yani's clit throbbed and the wings of her labia fell open.

"Ain't got much time…keep sucking…dassit….harder…"

N'Jadaka moaned and she cupped his balls, squeezing them gently. Taking a break from sucking, she released the engorged head of his dick and caught her breath. He lifted her body and threw her on the bed.

"Open them legs!"

Yani parted her thighs quickly. He wasn't wasting time on any foreplay with her.

"This pussy better be tight. You fucking the king…pussy gotta be perfect for me," he grunted.

Gripping his dick, he pushed the head against her opening and she gulped in air.

"Ah yeah… nice and deep…"

The first thrust forced her to cry out and she clutched onto his back and held on.

"Betta not tell nobody you was up here before my wedding…hear me?" he barked.

He shouted at how good she felt and she whimpered under him trying to fathom how fast he had turned into a ravenous beast needing pussy so bad from her playful Toya persona. He fucked her like he hadn't had sex in months, not mere days. The rawness in his voice grabbed her heart.

"Work be having me stressed…nigga got responsibilities up the wall…I need a woman like you to make me feel better. I'ma need you to come back again another time. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes!" she shouted.

He lifted her up and held her against him with her ass up in the air only inches above the mattress of his round bed.

"I need a bitch that can fuck me on a moments notice. I may need you in my office…even on my throne. I ain't never fucked Yani on the throne, but I'd fuck you there…"

She started cumming.

Listening to him rant about all the places he wanted to fuck where they hadn't done before heightened the pleasure of their sexcapade. He wanted to cheat on her…with her. She laughed after the trembling of her climax reached her legs that were wrapped around his waist.

"I'ma cum in your ass!"

He dropped her on the bed and held her legs wide. Inserting only three inches into her anus, he released a thick geyser of semen and watched his dick throb as it pushed it out from his balls. Pulling out, he jerked off above her until another orgasm took over and he shot long white ropes across her stomach and chest.

N'Jadaka checked his kimoyo beads again.

"You gotta get up outta here. My kids are on their way."

His dick remained hard, and Yani knew he needed to spill into her again. She fondled his tip and stuck the top of her pinky finger in the wide slit.

"You don't want to cum in my pussy?" she purred.

"What makes you think you deserve my cum in your pussy?"

His brusque tone shocked her. She lifted up from the bed. He grabbed a pair of lounge pants from a chair and pulled them on, then tied his hair back with a leather string.

Yani found herself becoming jealous. Although she was simply playing a part, it stung to hear him talk to her in such an abrupt manner. He was truly treating her like a side concubine. He glared at her when he turned around to finish packing for their honeymoon trip.

"Why are you still here?" he asked with a tinge of annoyance.

Yani stayed put.

"Bitch, my kids will be here soon. The fuck you think you doing? We're done here."

He pulled her away from his bed and pushed her toward the tapestry secret exit. Yani smacked his hand and snatched off her wig. N'Jadaka put a hand over his mouth and looked over his shoulder before tugging her elbow over to his bedroom desk.

"What are you doing back here, Yani?"

She punched his chest and he laughed at her.

"Baby, the expression on your face right now is priceless. Why you mad?" he said.

"That was so mean! You just fuck me and kick me out so rudely?"

"I fucked Toya and kicked her out. She did what she came to do."

He cocked his head to the side.

"What?"

"I can't believe you would treat a woman like that," she said.

He turned his head to the side and made a weird facial expression.

"Sometimes that's just how it is, baby. Back in my past, anyway. C'mon now, why the pouty face? This was fun."

Yani gathered her torn negligee and pulled on one of his long shirts from his suitcase to cover herself.

"I wasn't expecting it to seem so real. For a minute, mi feel like you wasn't mine y'know? You sounded cold… like you were throwing away some used tissue."

He ambled over and wrapped her inside warm loving arms.

"I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I was just acting out a part. You made Toya fun for me. Any man would be happy to have a woman who can become any type of lover he desires for a night."

Yani puckered her lips and he kissed her softly. Much softer than when she was the other woman. He brushed a hand over her wig.

"Hmmm…I like that Toya chick. Tell her to swing that ass my way again on the honeymoon," he teased.

Yani rolled her eyes and hustled out of his bedroom and headed back to hers.

She showered and dried off before the children scampered into the house making all kinds of noise up and down the stairs searching for N'Jadaka. Before Yani joined them down in the living room, her kimoyo beads lit up with the king's signature. She checked it before leaving her bedroom. N'Jadaka left her a note and dick picture. She smirked at the note. He had written it as if she were Toya asking to see her at the family pool later that night.

"So nasty," she said.

Joba waited for her in their family room holding a manicure tray filled with purple-colored fingernail polish, cotton balls and various nail decorations.

"Come over here," Yani said, guiding the little girl toward an ottoman in front of a loveseat.

Yani took the bottle of polish and shook it while Joba spread her right hand on the tray resting on a small tea table.

"Stars or hearts?" Yani asked, admiring the nail decorations as she swabbed down Joba's nails with a cleaning solution.

"Both…stars on my right and hearts on my left," Joba said.

"Did you have fun with all your cousins?"

"Yes. Auntie Shuri taught us how to play shushu iingqalutye and I beat everyone except for Sydette and Entle."

"You have quick hands then," Yani said.

Joba grinned and watched Yani spread color on her nails.

"Did something happen to Riki today?" Yani asked.

"No."

"He seemed extra nice in the game room."

"Oh…Umama told him about himself after Baba came home this morning."

"Why?"

Joba fidgeted in her seat and Yani held the polish brush above her small thumb.

"He doesn't like all the stuff happening for the wedding because he doesn't get to be with you and Baba so much. Umama made us go to the big family room and look at all the paintings. She told us to think about what we saw there."

Yani's lips bunched up and Joba waved her hand quickly.

"Me and Sydette aren't like that. We like all the fun happening…but Riki…it makes him feel lonely for the way it used to be before now."

"I know it's been a lot for everybody. He usually likes all the fuss with everyone around."

"He's better now. We all went back to Umama and she talked to him for a long time. He was happy again."

Yani stared into Joba's eyes.

"I love you very much, Joba. If you ever want to talk to me about how you're feeling about anything happening, you can come to me at any time, hear mi?"

Joba nodded.

"I want to be the best mother for you—"

"You are."

"I've been so proud watching you grow up. It hasn't been easy for you this year…for any of us. But you are my daughter, Riki's twin really, and I will make sure you have the best life."

Joba nodded and Yani continued doing her nails until they were sparkly and made the girl grin with sarisfaction.

"Can I have a hug?" Yani asked.

Joba threw her arms around Yani's neck. N'Jadaka stuck his head in the room.

"Hey, I'm heading out with my stuff," he said.

Yani and Joba walked over to him. An attendant carried away his three bags and the other two children joined them.

"What's the point of you leaving when we'll see you at all the meals anyway?" Sydette asked.

N'Jadaka pulled on her hair and she grabbed his fingers back.

"You won't see me until the banquet tomorrow night and then the wedding day," N'Jadaka said.

Yani's eyebrows darted up.

"I'm building up anticipation," he said. "Y'all wanna walk me over to Granpop's or stay here with Mama?"

"I'll go with you," Riki said.

The girls opted to stay.

"Okay, see you tomorrow night then," N'Jadaka said.

He leaned over and kissed Yani on her cheek before leaving with their son.

"Mama do my nails too," Sydeytte said glancing at her sister's hands.

"Go pick your color and meet me in the family room," Yani said.

Sydette darted off with Joba and Yani's kimoyo beads lit up. Zola's form floated above Yani's wrist.

"Yani, Lady Ime contacted me and wants to speak to you in private," Zola said.

Zola's eyes looked shiny and amused by the turn of events.

"Tell her I'm busy with preparations and will see her at the banquet tomorrow night."

"As you wish."

The smirk on Zola's face grew prominent.

"You just couldn't wait to convey that to me," Yani clucked.

"This is the juiciest scandal since…well since the revelations about Prince N'Jobu…no King N'Jadaka showing up in Wakanda. I live for this type of drama, especially with Lady Ime. Do you know how long I've waited for someone to have the upper hand on her?"

Zola squinted her eyes and tilted her head.

"What will you say to her?" Zola said.

"Depends on what she wants to talk to me about."

"Well, we all know it's about the earrings."

"Goodbye, Zola."

Yani tapped her beads and wandered around her immense home. There was so much room on every floor that she wondered if they needed to move to a more appropriate suite. Queen Shuriya's former home was built for a large polyamorous family with a dozen children.

She gazed at the artwork and antiques, padded across plush rugs and polished floors and took in all the riches that surrounded her. Deep down she was still the same humble young girl who worked hard all her life to survive. Sometimes it was still difficult to accept the immense wealth she now possessed. She passed by Kora who made warm drinks for the girls and Yani went back to the family room to meet up with Sydette and Joba. Jade was the color Sydette chose for her nails and Yani painted and hummed, listening to her daughters chat about riding in a carriage.

While she placed the last gold half moons on the tip of Sydette's thumbnail, her kimoyo beads lit up again. She froze and Joba sensed the ambivalence in her demeanor.

"You okay, Mama?" Joba asked.

"It's just so busy. Every time I turn around, someone needs me for something. You two go and decide what to wear tomorrow for the banquet," Yani said.

The girls scampered away, and Yani listened for their footsteps to fade before looking at her beads again.

Remy's avatar floated waiting for her to accept or decline his call.

N'Jadaka strolled through the wide hall leading toward Dante's suite with Riki by his side. His son remained quiet for most of the walk to his great-grandfather's home and he waited for the boy to break the silence.

"Baba, do you have to stay away from us until Saturday?"

"I don't have to."

"Can I come with you?"

The yearning in Riki's voice halted N'Jadaka.

"Is that what you want to do?"

"Yes."

"Won't you miss the fun tonight?"

"I miss you."

A few loose tears fell down Riki's face. His voice became rushed.

"I didn't mean to be rude when you came home…I learned my lesson from Umama—"

"Slow down, Dumpling. Take a deep breath and then speak."

"I'm happy you and Mama are getting married. It's important to the family and I know you are the best king ever and people want to see it happen. It's hard sharing you sometimes. You're gone from home a lot, and Mama is too…even though I know you're both doing important things to help other people. I want to be selfish a lot, especially now. Umama keeps reminding me that I have to get used to this because that's a part of being an Udaku."

N'Jadaka listened and held Riki's hand.

"Things will settle down after me and your Mama tie the knot, okay? In two weeks you and the girls will join us on the boat and we'll finally have time with ourselves…no one else."

Riki looked excited about that.

"We can swim, fish, eat on the boat, snorkel, visit water caves, and see parts of Wakanda that we never knew existed. Just us," N'Jadaka said.

More tears fell from the boy's eyes and N'Jadaka hugged him. Riki wiped at his wet face.

"It's normal to feel what you feel Lil Man. I miss you all too when I have to work and take care of the country, or spend time away from Wakanda. When I was your age, I missed my Baba when he had to travel. I think about you and your sisters when I'm gone. I don't like being away from you either."

Riki appeared more relaxed after hearing N'Jadaka's words. Knowing he was on his father's mind soothed the tension in his body. The boy smiled and clung to N'Jadaka's hand. N'Jadaka lifted Riki up in his arms and bounced him on his hip.

"Your feelings matter to me, Riki. I do what I do to make the world better for you. I will always try to limit being away from us when I can. That may mean bringing you and the girls where I am or making sure your Mama is in constant contact with me no matter where I am."

"You are important, Baba. I know this. Umama is helping me understand."

"Good. Love you."

Riki gripped his neck tight and N'Jadaka rubbed his back. Dante opened his door and watched them approach.

"Hey…your stuff got here and I was wondering where you were," Dante said.

"We have an extra roommate," N'Jadaka said.

"We got lots of room in here," Dante said.

N'Jadaka put Riki down and the boy ran inside.

"Umama already filled me in about him," Dante said, "Spending time with you is just what he needs tonight. We can have our own slumber party."

N'Jadaka touched his grandfather's arm.

"Grandpop, how were you able to get through being away from my Mom for so long?"

Dante took a deep breath and let N'Jadaka into his home. They walked over to his living room wall bar and sat on low stools. Dante poured them full glasses of wine. Riki checked out the fish aquarium that ran along the far wall.

"I prayed a lot, and your mother visited me every chance she got. The quality of the time was most important because God knows the quantity was lacking. Riki only wants to know that you feel the same way he does. Try writing him little notes and putting them in random places for him to find. Califia used to love that before I was locked away and after with Nana's help. Getting my letters and calls made the separation bearable. Knowing that she was on my mind constantly gave her solace. Once she grew older, her life became busier and then it was my turn to fret."

"He's a sweet boy," N'Jadaka said. "I want him to know only happiness."

Riki pointed to a long, slinky fresh water fish with silver stripes.

"Baba, come look at Grandpop's new fish!"

N'Jadaka left his grandfather's side and looked over the additions to the aquarium. When Riki's interest waned he pulled his father over to a new berimbau Dante hadn't finished adding wire to and soon after, they played with hand drums, jamming together as three generations until it was time for dinner.

A buffet style meal setting was the order of the evening on the moon deck and N'Jadaka bounced from table to table with Riki chatting with older family members who declined to go out into the city with younger kin to have a splendid supper. He sunk deep into the comforts of elder energy and sat next to Aunt Leona and Umama who presided over a full table of uncles and mature cousins who shared tall tales. Riki became an avid listener as he stuffed himself with good food and jovial company.

At another table, Yani spent time with Sydette and Joba who seemed transfixed by Zinzi and M'Baku's wife Ayomide. He glanced at Yani from time to time and she gave him seductive eyes and knowing smiles that reminded him of the text and images he sent her. They barely interacted during the supper because of various family members being so entertaining at their respective tables. It wasn't until the dessert buffet was brought that they spent all of two minutes speaking.

"Riki wants to stay with me and Granpop," he told her.

"That sounds like fun for him. The girls are staying with Shuri later for movies in the family theater with the other children. I'm going to do some reading and rejoice in the quiet before all the rush of tomorrow."

"Guess we'll both be busy," he said.

"Yeah," she said.

He returned to his table and gave Riki a plate of soft berry cream and American-style pound cake. Back in Dante's home, N'Jadaka rubbed his full belly and talked to his son and grandfather until both fell asleep. He carried Riki into a guest room they shared for the night and watched his son sleep soundly curled against him. Love flowed out from him as he stroked his son's twisty hair. Riki was growing into an intelligent and well-behaved prince. The trickster in him had mellowed out as he grew bigger, and the steady transformation humbled N'Jadaka.

N'Jobu used to tell Califia with a surprised voice about every new discovery he made about N'Jadaka when he had been young, and in a soft bed of his father's homeland, the king understood the tinge of sorrow in his father's declarations. Children grew up so fast and parents missed so much without realizing it until it was too late. He vowed to keep his children close so he could also tell Yani about every wonderful milestone.

Riki's eyes moved under his lids and his hand reached for his chest in his sleep. N'Jadaka observed a smile come across the child's lips as he slept. Good dreams. He kissed Riki's forehead and snuggled under the covers with him until it grew late.

The alarm on his kimoyo beads warmed up his wrist and vibrated. A message from Toya. He grinned.

N'Jadaka slipped out of the bed and wandered into the living room. Grandpop stayed up late watching a Wakandan comedy show with closed captions. He still struggled with the language and slang of the Wakandan youth and needed the extra help in deciphering the jokes.

"I thought you were staying the night," Dante said.

"I am. I'm heading up to the royal library for a little bit. I started thinking about something and unfortunately, the book I need isn't digitized. Wanna go check on something I heard at dinner. Be back soon. If he wakes up, tell him I'm coming right back."

"Okay."

N'Jadaka slipped on some comfortable slides and left the suite quickly.

Toya's message informed him that the palace pool was a no-go because some younger relatives were using it for a late night swim party. Their secret liaison would have to take place on the family archive floor that many avoided unless they needed to research something.

Moving past late night staff and guards, he took on the air of doing important business. Hopping on an elevator, he opened up images sent to him that revealed the wet pink he was about to dive into.

The family library beckoned him further into the illicit encounter. The modern features of the opening vestibule changed into the more antiquated setting of the private reading room where he was headed. A warm fire in the fireplace and low amber lights created a romantic ambiance. Yani draped her nude body across a blanket-covered reading couch with plush pillows propped around her for more comfort. The saturated red of her new wig appeared muted from the light of the fireplace. A smooth wave of hair covered her left eye. Her impeccable make-up gave her the sensual allure of a stranger. He could find no trace of his sweet Yani anywhere on that couch. The transformation into a vixen was complete perfection. N'Jadaka almost felt guilty standing there staring at her breasts. From her position, he noticed how puffy her vulva looked. It even glistened in the firelight.

"You made it," she said with a soft tone.

"I can't stay long. I have my son with me."

He slowly took off his outer shirt and unfastened the silk undershirt, throwing them both on a chair across from Yani…Toya. Pulling down his pants, his dick bulged from his underwear. He tossed the garment on the floor and wiggled out of his drawers, releasing hard flesh.

She lifted from her reclining position and opened her thighs, her hand dropping to her crotch to fondle sticky labia. The jeweled piercings all over her tender parts became forbidden treasure he was discovering for the first time. Her eyes appeared as mere slits of arousal and the crackle of the fire pushed him to move closer. He wanted to smear her lipstick with his dick. Gripping the base above his balls, he tapped the head on her lips and she opened wide, giving him slow tortuous sucking that made his glutes tense. His pre-cum lubricated her mouth and her lipstick turned into slash of messy color past her lip line.

"Toya," he moaned.

Yani stopped sucking and gazed into his eyes. She studied his face with the mushroom cap tip of his length resting against her parted, swollen lips. He grabbed her head with both hands and forced her mouth back open, jamming his dick into the warm cavern, groaning as he did so. Her mouth pulsed all around his dick. He swallowed hard.

"We betta hurry…" he groaned as a shiver flew up his back.

His balls throbbed like they were ready to unleash the heavy load they carried. She licked around the ridge of his tip and kissed all over his balls. Her tongue ran along the seam under his sack and he gripped her neck.

"I don't have time to waste," he hissed.

She ignored his words and sucked his dick with careful attention from root to tip. Deep throating him, her eyes became watery and her lipstick painted parts of his meat pale crimson. He stretched her lips and she hummed, the vibration adding texture to the slippery feel of her cheeks, and the suction of her tongue.

"Ah damn…you nasty little…."

He jammed his eyes closed feeling the eruption of his cum drench her mouth unexpectedly. N'Jadaka lifted on his toes, "Toya!" he shouted, peppering the air with curses and pleased moans.

She swallowed everything.

He touched her mouth gently after pulling out. She squeezed the heft of his hardness and then made room for him on the couch behind her. The warmth of the fire bathed them in orange heat.

"Fuck me, King," Yani said.

"Shit," he gasped.

His fingers fumbled trying to get his dick in place between her thighs. She shifted to help him and he plunged into her pussy with wild thrusts. He grabbed a breast and palmed the weight before fingering her clit.

"I want you to cum all over this big, hard dick," he grunted, slamming his dick at an angle that made her pussy clench tighter.

"Fuck me, bitch," he commanded, burying his face in her neck with huffs of pleasure.

Yani pushed against the armrest of the couch to give her leverage and she slammed her ass against him, making sure she squeezed that tight pussy at the same time. He played with her wet labia and plucked at her clit with precision eliciting ragged sighs from her. She panted and whined at how big he was, filling her up with too much dick.

N'Jadaka held her by her neck and took over their raucous fucking. The old couch creaked and they both heard the noise her pussy made with his deep plunges. He lifted his thigh in a new position and took her by a force beyond his control. An overwhelming desire to dominate her body surged through his powerful hips. The loud smack of his crotch against her ass accentuated every strong thrust. Yani started sputtering useless words and her body collapsed against his.

"I feel it baby," he shouted, "Keep cumming…keep cumming…."

Yani's head dropped forward and her legs trembled. He kept right on swirling gentle circles around her clit and pressed his dick harder against the spot that wrecked her.

"Lay back for me…"

He helped her switch positions and snaked down her midsection to place his mouth over her vulva. His lips smacked and his tongue teased her all over her labia as he sopped up her orgasm into his mouth. She tugged on his locs to pull him up for more dick, but he slapped her hands away and indulged in the aftermath of her pleasure, glossing up his cheeks in the process.

He kissed and smothered his full lips all over her vulva until she came again, screaming his name and yanking on his hair. His kimoyos vibrated. The alarm he set for himself reminded him to get back to Riki. He pushed Yani's thick thighs back and buried his dick inside her pussy, never giving her a chance to catch her breath.

"I gotta go back to my son. I don't know when I can see you again," he said through gritted teeth and a hunched back.

"I want to see you after the banquet tomorrow."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

He seized her throat and pushed her down hard on the couch. With his face inches from hers, he bared his slugs at her with a menacing anger.

"I see you when I want to see you. Not the other way around. Hear? Your job is to pleasure me when I want it."

She poked out her lips and narrowed her eyes.

"Do you understand your place?" he barked.

She struggled against his hand, her anger palpable. He frowned. His dick became harder in her pussy. She was pushing his kink buttons by acting bratty. He pumped into her with long daddy strokes, the gushy sounds weakening her resolve to back chat him. His balls felt so heavy again.

"I'll tell your fiancé about us," she blurted as her head whipped back and forth.

All that threatening she did hadn't stopped her from catching deep dick. She wanted him angry. Wanted him rough.

"You won't tell her shit."

He locked Yani into position and pounded her righteously. His dick kept tugging her clit and the friction of their bodies smashed together in a fury of tangled limbs. Her ankles were up by her earlobes by the time he slowed up his thrusts to tease his release. Tears leaked from her eyes.

"Please…cum in my pussy!"

"After you acted so disrespectful to your king?"

"I want you to myself."

"But you can't."

"I'm your favorite."

"I just met you."

"You already know I am."

He grinned. She was right. Out of all of her play personas, Toya was top choice.

"Don't you need this pussy?" she begged.

She lowered her legs and peeled back her labia so he could admire the tunnel he pressed open that swallowed him in pulsing pink. Her fingernails trailed across the scars on his lumpy skin. He rocked into her slowly and her titties bounced.

"I need this pussy," he confessed in a moment of weakness.

Her smile lit up her face. Everything about her was different. She had become a new entity. Something so forbidden and taboo that his dick couldn't tell the difference. Her pussy walls seemed brand new and that excited him more.

"You 'gon' make me nut, girl," he bleated out.

His dick throbbed and she wound her hips, staring up at him with bewitching eyes, making their union hotter.

"Make a mess in my pussy…use me King, I'm all yours…whenever you want this pussy. I'm your favorite…cum…cum deep inside of me…"

Her lovemaking captivated him. His kimoyo beads vibrated again, and he was ashamed that he ignored them like he was truly ignoring his son in real life. Yani fucked him like she had never fucked him before and he found that impossible to believe, but there she was, writhing under him like some sinewy goddess he never encountered in life ever.

"She doesn't fuck you like this…does she?" Yani asked.

He could only shake his head and thrust forward, sheathing his dick in blissful heat that dragged him away from his responsibilities as a father and husband. He had never cheated before in a relationship and he began to understand the appeal of illicit unions. Getting caught was a kink he liked with Yani, but it became more thrilling with her pretending to be Toya in a clandestine relationship.

He kissed her, lolling his tongue around hers and even the taste and feel of that muscle became distinct. Lifting up on his arms, he fucked his lover until her eyes rolled back and he spurted a sea into her womb. He hollered during his release and began to laugh with her when his voice went hoarse from braying like some damn moose.

Yani jumped up from the couch and ran to use the library restroom. He fell back into the protective blanket covering and caught his breath again. His body was soaked in enough sweat to fill up his grandfather's aquarium. He heard kimoyo beads vibrating that didn't come from his wrist. Glancing around, he noticed Yani's red robe crumpled on the thick rug near the couch. A pocket glowed. He wondered if she set an alarm too, or if their daughters were summoning her after bedtime. He hooked a finger inside the pocket pulling out the beads to check them in case it was Sydette or Joba.

No avatar floated up when he pulled the beads out. The code was unknown when he looked it over. Yani returned and her demeanor changed when she spotted him holding her beads.

"It rang and lit up. Thought it might be the girls," he said, handing the beads out to her.

She took them and looked at the code.

"I don't know this number. I've been getting so many different ones popping up since I connected to my office line with the new staff working for me."

She gave a nervous laugh and he sat upright on the couch. It stopped vibrating and lighting up. He retrieved his clothes and they both dressed quickly. Yani smoothed down the hair on her tousled wig still carrying the sexy façade of Toya.

"I'll take my leave first, King N'Jadaka," she said.

He nodded and her kimoyo beads vibrated and lit up on her wrist.

"Must be important," he said, waiting for her to answer it.

She hesitated and the air between them thickened with an unwanted tension. Guilt floated in her eyes. She tapped the button and he watched her visibly hold her breath.

"This is a test of the queen's emergency messaging system…"

A nasally automated voice broke the rigid energy in the room and Yani giggled. Relief filtered through her facial expression. Her shoulders relaxed and she folded up the damp blanket they frolicked on. He left the room to go to the restroom. His urine struck the toilet bowl in a long stream that went on for a long time. He flushed then washed his hands and face. Staring at his reflection in an oval mirror, he tried to figure out what Yani was hiding from him. The only thing that would startle her like that was Remy. That first call had to be from him with an unlisted number. Who else would reach out to her late at night thinking she would be isolated to take the call in private?

He shook his head and a painful throbbing started in his left temple. They couldn't start a marriage with secrets.

N'Jadaka pounded his bare feet back into the library den and startled Yani. She had wrapped her hair in a headwrap and carried the blanket in a bag. Her body was covered in a long overcoat and she slipped her feet into dainty sandals.

"Call back that number that came before the automated message," he said.

Yani stared at him and the guilt was back in her eyes. Guilt and fear.

"He contacted you again, didn't he?"

The sharpness in his voice didn't surprise anyone. She flinched, but didn't break eye contact.

"Not with that number. I don't know who that was, but he tried to call me earlier. I didn't answer him and blocked the number."

"I told you to tell me if he ever did that."

"Lady Ime wanted to talk to me. I figured since I didn't want to speak to her that he was calling on her behalf. I blocked the call, okay? There was no need to say anything in the middle of our wedding prep time. I was going to tell you eventually. Let's not make this a big deal. I shouldn't have given them the gift."

N'Jadaka ran a hand over his locs and leaned against the couch.

"The gift doesn't even matter at this point. He doesn't care about that. It's an excuse to talk to you."

He glared at her.

"Call the number, Yani."

"I don't want to. It's late. I'll call it in the morning."

"We'll be busy tomorrow. Why don't you want to call him?"

"We don't even know if it's him or not."

"So call it. Let me set him straight in front of you so that we are all very clear on what this is."

Her lips trembled. Watery eyes watched his taut face.

"Baby, I'm not mad at you…I'm irritated with him."

Yani wiped her right eye and tapped her kimoyo. An empty white avatar circle floated above her wrist and they both waited for the call to be picked up.

Chapter 4 HERE.

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