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thefanficmonster · 6 months ago

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Beautiful Things

Benedict Bridgerton x Reader (Female)

Warnings: SPOILERS for Bridgerton S3 part 1, Minor Period-typical sexism

Genre: Romance, Rivals to Lovers, Fluff

Summary: They're both brilliant, and brilliantly stubborn. What a pair they'd make.

Benedict tends to thread through life without as much as a worried crease on his features. There are very few matters he doesn't take to lightheartedly. That being said, it came as quite the surprise the sharp current of uncertainty that ran down his spine when he found himself standing in front of the monstrosity of a building that is the Royal Academy of Arts on his first day in attendance.

It took him and his charm less than a week to woo and work his way through the crowd of ambitious up-and-coming artists. He's always been an easy person to converse and unwind with. That aura around him naturally draws people to him like a magnet. It is a miracle the man hasn't been hunted down by a debutant already.

Not for a lack of trying, of course. The young ladies of the ton, especially the ones who have been freshy introduced into society have had their sights set on him since he himself made his way into the rhythm of the ton.

Nothing's ever fulfilled him, though.

Being the child of a marriage filled with love that has extended long past the death of his late father, he holds love to a high standard. A standard no one has even come close to reaching.

Watching his siblings find that very sort of love his parents had is a bittersweet sight to observe. It leaves him filled with joy on the behalf of his beloved siblings and it gives him a sense of hope that eventually he too might find what they managed to obtain - not without obstacles, though.

On the other edge of the sword, however, is the never ceasing worry that the problem might be his. That his lack of seriousness bordering into blatant avoidance of the ladies of the ton is to blame for his unmarried status. Perhaps it may be his overly romanticized view of love which he'd like to believe isn't the case. He's seen love of that caliber blossom time and time again in his own home. There's no reason to believe that his turn won't eventually come.

That his standard won't eventually be reached.

Speaking of standards on a lighter note, this painting he's currently standing in front of is disappointing even his lowest requirements for a decent painting.

It is absolutely atrocious, he voices his distaste only briefly and only mentally, never one to voice such critique unless it is cushioned by a smile and a quick-to-follow lighthearted remark.

"It is absolutely atrocious." There is a sharp edge to the voice that does opt to voice the very same thought out loud with far less regard for the negative attention it might garner.

Turning his head to the side, Benedict can't help the smile that immediately tugs at the corners of his mouth.

There, a mere meter from him, stands the ever so cutthroat, no-nonsense, ambitious beast of a woman that is Miss Y/N L/N. A smile rarely grazes her features, her eyes are always icy with an emotion bordering into boredom and a stature that screams authority.

And bloody hell does Benedict enjoy himself in her company.

She is the only student in The Academy he hasn't yet swayed, nor does he believe that he ever will. There are too many walls around her for him to even attempt to start breaking them down. He believes he'll sooner die of old age than succeed in reaching whatever human emotions she might exhibit around people she doesn't dislike.

When it comes to expressing distaste, however, she's not at all hesitant to share it.

"Oh, show the piece some mercy, Miss L/N. It deserves the grace of at least a spec of your kindness." Apart from perfecting his art, one of Benedict's favorite hobbies these past seven months would most certainly be pulling on Y/N's strings. Although it hasn't helped him form anything close to a friendship with her, it has aided him on the mission to get to know her better despite her being a sealed envelope of a person.

"I unfortunately do not possess plenty of it, therefore I can not be generous with it." She barely spares him a look as she speaks. That has been the case for half a year with no progress.

Still, he's willing to weld at the wax until he can pluck and read the letter inside. It is, after all, the bare minimum. He'd at the very least like to make her time at The Academy slightly more enjoyable. Being the only woman in the arts department, she's been rather ostracized which is typically the best case scenario. On the far worse end of the spectrum are the manner-less and, quite frankly, brainless 'gentlemen' who vary from not being able to keep it in their trousers to putting down her and her art which far surpasses their own.

If only they had that aforementioned missing brain intact, they'd see they're not even a quarter of the artist Y/N is.

That is one of the few things Benedict does not shy away from proclaiming with his whole chest. Although well aware that Miss L/N can handle herself gracefully and sharply as always, he never misses an opportunity to put the filthy men in The Academy in their place.

"I believe you possess far more kindness than you let on. Though, I understand completely why you'd rather not show it. None of these lovely gentlemen are deserving of it." The inflection of his tone on those two specific words wins him a scoff from her tightly pressed together lips.

A small win. Baby steps.

"I hope you are factoring yourself in when you use general terms of such sort. I have no evidence you are any better than them." She says, subtly motioning to the crowd of self-titled art experts around the venue where their final works have been displayed for renowned artists to come and rate in precisely half an hour.

Benedict had recognized her painting the second he stepped foot in the ballroom like gallery of The Academy. Needless to say, it put the rest to shame. Even his own, he has no problem admitting that. The emotions relayed in the painting, each brushstroke, every color, every line - they pulled him in the second he laid eyes on it.

And no, he most certainly is not biased. He's a very objective man when it comes to art. It might be considered a conflict of interest, though, because to him she is art.

"Believe me, my lady, I would hate nothing more than to boast myself but I still do believe I stand out from this pleasant crowd. For, as I was told, mine was the only painting you gave a stellar review for."

Professor Hedingale, although a man in his late fifties with a rather intimidating exterior and a permanent frown etched into his forehead, is a major gossip. He has taken a great favor to Benedict for his warm nature and shared love of observing drama as it unfolds. That being said, it took him a total of three seconds before he informed his student of Miss L/N's surprising review. She had not given the other paintings as much as a second glance, opting to say nothing rather than tarnish them the way they honestly deserved.

Had he not been paying such close attention to each line of her face, he could've missed it. Luckily for him, he did not. That brief fleeting moment of surprise widening Y/N's did not manage to go by unnoticed.

"I have a very high standard for beauty and would never stoop so low as to give a biased and unjust review. If I find something abhorrent, I say so. If I find something beautiful, I'd never not compliment it the way it deserves." Benedict almost flinches when she turns to face him, establishing intense and quite entrancing eye contact. "I am not mean, Bridgerton. I am simply honest."

Words burn dry on his tongue, his breath dissipating in his lungs. Had she still not been facing him, he could have come up with a timely response. But something about her gaze being so focused on him has turned his brain to a pile of pebbles. Not a single thought is passing through his head other than a fact he's long established. In fact, he came to learn it the very first at The Academy. Every day since it has only been confirmed time and time again.

She's absolutely enamoring.

The moment dissolves with the loud bang of the grand doors to the gallery being pulled open, allowing in the crowd of world renowned artists that now hold the students' futures in their gloved hands.

Benedict is not surprised by the fact that all these critical artists are men. He's grateful no artist's name has been listed by the displayed paintings, otherwise Y/N would have no chance at winning their favor. Not objectively anyway. At least one would have undermined her because, although talented artists, that doesn't exclude them from being close-minded fools. And at least one would try to butter her up for a potential courtship.

Yeah, that's not happening

Upon getting a better look, he finds himself pleasantly surprised by a head of long blonde hair, undoubtedly belonging to a woman. A woman whose work he's become very familiar with knowing Y/N is quite an admirer of hers.

"Eleanor Easton." The name comes out almost breathlessly, barely getting past Y/N's lips.

Turning his attention back to her, he's rather shocked to see what the nerves have done to her. She's shaking like a leaf, all the confidence she typically exhibits has drained from her body into a puddle on the tiled floor.

"You should go talk to her, express your admiration for her work." It is more an attempt at vexing her than a suggestion but it's in no way bad advice. Even though Lady Eleanor doesn't look like she'd take kindly to the gesture, it would be a noble attempt.

"Are you mad?!" Y/N whisper-yells, her eyes wide in panic as she spreads open the hand-held fan she's carrying to provide a soft breeze to her extremely heated face. "I could never possibly do such a thing!"

"Why could you not? It w....oh, she's looking right at us....." Benedict has barely finished his sentence before he feels a gust of wind rush past him in a blur of sparkling fabric, lace and silk.

For a solid second or two, he's torn on what to do. Although his initial intention was to vex her, he's now worried she might actually be dissolving in a nervous frenzy and he can't let her tarnish months of work because of some jitters. He too would be a wreck of similar caliber if any of the artists he idolizes were to show up and he too would prefer someone snap him out of it.

So, he follows her out the wooden doors that lead to a maze of intertwined halls, the walls of which are immaculately hand painted. For a moment, he panics, worried he won't be able to find her on time in the chaos of intertwining hallways and painting rooms. But then, he remembers that he indeed knows her better than he thought.

He finds her exactly where he thought he would - standing in front of the wall painting he often finds her looking at in awe. She's never explicitly stated so, but he knows it's her favorite.

To say Y/N is not happy when she spots him would be an understatement, "Oh. for heaven's sake, can I not get a moment without you pestering me?"

He takes her words with an eye roll, "No. I am bringing you back in that gallery. You are going to stand tall and remain collected when they announce your painting to be the equivalent of the Diamond of the season. Do you understand?" He surprises himself with the tone of seriousness his voice has taken on.

See? He can be serious when he wants to be.

She lets out a frustrated sigh, vigorously waving the red fan in her hand in a pointless attempt to collect herself, "Bridgerton..." She closes her eyes for a second as to not spit everything she'd very much like to say. Still, she is a lady, though. "I am asking you to leave my sight in the next five seconds, for you are getting on my nerves."

With two long strides, Benedict minimizes the distance between them, passing the social boundary for respectful space and bordering onto a scandal if someone were to see them. He doesn't care, though. Most romances he's witnessed, if not all, began with a scandal.

Now it's his turn.

"Oh, is that so? Am I getting on your nerves, Y/N?"

"You're getting on my nerves, Benedict-" Her words come to a sharp end when he swipes the fan from her hand, halting the consistent motion. That seems to have been her last straw of composure, seeing as how the hand that formerly held said fan is now clenched in a tight fist and her eyes are squeezing shut. "You pesky, vex...-"

How rude of Benedict to interrupt the lady yet again, is it not? This time he does so by busying her lips with his own. He braced himself for a potential slap on the cheek before even leaning in but the impact never comes.

What he did not prepare himself for was her rather welcoming response, allowing herself to momentarily forget everything else and melt into the rhythm of the kiss. Melt into him. Her arms instinctively wrap around his neck while his hold her waist, fearful of her dissipating like a dream before his eyes.

It pains him that he has to end a moment of such culmination. A moment that the seven months they've known each other inevitably led to. However, they can always pick up this conversation later. For now, Y/N has credits to earn and a painting to be prized.

So, against his instincts, he pulls away.

"This isn't over." He says, his lungs catching up on minutes worth of air they didn't properly receive, "But for now, we have other matters at hand." With a tilt of his head, he motions down the hall - a clear insinuation.

With a similarly disappointed expression and an even more disappointed sigh, Y/N brings herself to nod. She reaches out to retrieve the fan from him which gives him the opportunity to sneak one more quick kiss just as a door opens further down the hall, rudely tearing them apart from one another.

Smacking him lightly with her fan, Miss L/N can't suppress the laugh that Benedict's smug prideful expression provoked from her. She accepts the arm he's offered her and allows him to lead her back the way they came from.

"What you said about beauty and how it should never go uncomplimented..."

"Yes?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to say you're ravishing."

Another laugh breaks the illusion of her icy demeanor, "Why, thank you, Mister Bridgerton. Your painting was quite easy on the eyes as well. Professor Hedingale did not lie. I must say I'm impressed."

"Although I will accept the compliment, I'll have you know there's plenty you are yet to see. This is nothing. Prepare yourself to be truly impressed."

Giving his arm a subtle squeeze, she flashes him one last smile before they enter the gallery once more, "Doubtful."

That's the thing about rivalry, dear reader, it brings out the good, the bad and the beautiful.

The rest is best kept behind a close door, if you know what this author is alluding to.

#bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton x you #benedict bridgerton x y/n #benedict bridgerton fanfiction #benedict bridgerton imagine #benedict bridgerton smut #benedict x reader #benedict x you #benedict smut #polin

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fangirl-dot-com · 8 months ago

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Across Every Universe - Part 2

Well, I didn't expect this work to get this long. It was only supposed to be short but then I worked on it all day and for multiple hours on end?? I guess I just enjoy this concept so much! These are basically the stories I wanted to put in last time, but they needed their own chapter to truly shine.

I know people asked for Arthur and reader romance, but To Do Is To Dare has always been a racing fic first and romance second. I tried to add in all the people I could without going crazy with the plot line or it would have gotten out of hand (or more than it already is). There is a lot of Max and Charles (my two favorite boys on the grid).

If anyone has anything against Lestappen - there's the door :)

Please enjoy :)

Earth 33891

“Please stand for his Majesty King Max Emilian Verstappen, King of the Netherlands and Prince of Orange.”

Max always hated these announcements. Like, why did they have to always say his middle name and all the titles that came with it? He put on a gentle smile and waved to the crowds around him. Thankfully, his dressers had decided to forgo the kingly robes and opted for a nice suit with his pins. Definitely fitting for the Dutch Grand Prix.

This would be his ninth to attend since taking the throne at 18-years-old after his father passed away. The kind always enjoyed seeing the Orange Army at the home race.

After greeting everyone, he was led to the special box. Apparently, more than one royal had decided to attend as well. Max’s shoulders loosened when his eyes landed on a familiar figure.

“Charles!”

Charles Marc Herve Perceval Leclerc, The Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Monaco. Max was always glad that his mother only chose one middle name for him instead of three.

The prince’s green eyes widened at the sight of the Dutchman. He waved off whoever he was speaking to and all but glided across the room. The two forwent the formalities and brought each other into a hug.

Max leaned back a bit to look the Monegasque in the eye.

“What are you doing here? Monaco not enough for you?”

There was a playful glint in his eyes as Charles rolled his. The brunet gestured to a plush couch in the corner, one that Max was excited to sit in.

Charles began to speak, a small smile on his face, “Well as you know, my brother is currently dating one of the drivers on the grid. And it is her home race so Arthur wanted to come watch.”

Max nodded, understanding perfectly. He knew exactly who Charles was talking about.

Y/n L/n, the only female driver, who currently was working on her fourth World Champion.

“And where is your brother now?”

“He’s in the garage,” Charles rolled his eyes. He had wanted to go, but an ambassador had insisted that he needed to talk to the prince.

“Why don’t we head there. I always want to say hello to my race winner.”

Now, Max and Y/n had a very loving sibling relationship. The king had watched her grow up karting and made sure to sponsor her and support her through her career. Without his support, the girl would not have been able to continue. Yet, when you put the royal Dutch crest on your Formula 3 car, someone has to know that it means something.

This would be her 4th season in Red Bull, having been 19 when she joined in 2019. She was only 20 when she won her first World Championship, breaking the record for the youngest ever to dominate the sport.

Now she was 24 and is on a path to win her fourth in only five races if she keeps up the winning streak. Max was only older by 3 years, yet he watched over her like a very protective older brother.

He and Charles had made their way down to the pitlane, much to their advisors’ chagrin. They passed by the Mercedes garage to say hello to King Lewis Hamilton III and then George Russell, Duke of Sussex. The two Brits had been friends or well, colleagues, with the other two reigning monarchs for quite some time. They were currently backing Kimi Antonelli and Mick Schumacher, the current driver line up for Mercedes.

Right next to the silver garage stood a very orange and bright one. Max was excited to see Lando Norris, Duke of York also in attendance. He was very close with the two Aussie drivers, Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo.

Down the line was Williams, who was attending to a very eager Logan Sargeant, the President of the United States’ kid. Max was fond of the blond and often said hello to him whenever he got the chance in diplomatic settings.

But finally, they were able to reach the big navy garage. Max could definitely pick up Arthur’s almost French accent everywhere. But, his ears were tuned to the sound of your Dutch accent that was similar to his.

“Geitje!” he called out, finding your blond hair against the navy racing suit.

You looked over your shoulder, pausing the conversation with your boyfriend. You rolled your eyes when you saw Max in his kingly splendor. You took a few steps toward the fellow Dutch and gave him a hug.

“I told you to quit calling me that. I’m not a kid anymore, or was never a goat for that matter.”

Charles took this moment to catch up with his brother.

Max looked down at you fondly. “You’ll always be that small kid whose suit was two sizes too big on her.”

You honestly wanted to cry, but you kept the tears in. There was a race that you needed to win.

“Are you going to give me my trophy this year?”

“Don’t I every year?”

You looked up in mock thought. “Well, there was that one year that you had appendicitis and your mom gave me my trophy.”

Max lightly nudged you. “That was one year, let it go.”

You grumbled. “Well I hope that someone won’t break my trophy this year.”

Your teammate, Ollie Bearman, popped his head up from where he was looking at his tyres.

“It was one year Y/n! One year!”

You giggled at the disgruntled yells from the British Driver. Ollie had been one of your favorite teammates.

Your first year, you were paired with the golden boy himself, Sebastian Vettel, before he retired with one last championship. And then your first year as world champion, you were paired with Oscar Piastri before he left for McLaren. Ollie had been your teammate for the past two years, but you had a feeling that he’d stick around for more than a year.

You got the heads up that the race would be starting soon. You turned back to Max.

“Are you staying here or do you have to go?”

Max had a mischievous glint in his eyes and was about to reply before being interrupted.

“Actually, their royal highnesses need to return to the royal box.”

Max fought the urge to roll his eyes. You only laughed and pushed him in the direction of the exit.

“Go, I’ll see you at the top.”

“Blijf veilig, alsjeblieft,” Max softly pleaded.

He really hated that you put your life on the line every weekend for the job that you loved. He remembers the first time you had a terrifying crash when you were unconscious until they got you to the hospital. He was told that you probably wouldn’t wake up. However, you defied the odds and were back in the seat for the next race.

You responded, just as gentle, “Voor jou, mijn koning, altijd.”

When Max left, he turned around one last time and witnessed you giving Arthur a quick kiss before he put your helmet on. It was something that the two of you had been doing since you started dating almost two years ago.

The Dutch king was back to walking with Charles to the box.

“So, when is he proposing.”

He hadn’t expected an answer, but was surprised when he got one.

Charles gave Max a look. “They’re actually going to a restaurant, and he plans to propose tonight.”

Max’s eyes widened at the confession. But, he got over it quickly before gently smiling. You deserved happiness, and you found that in his closest friend’s brother.

“So will she have to stop racing for royal duties?” the blond questioned.

Charles shook his head. “Non. Arthur will step down.”

Max clapped him on the back. “Guess you and Alexandra need to start with some heirs huh?”

Charles squinted up at him. “Says the man who currently needs to propose as well.”

The prince got the last laugh as he left Max stuttering for a comeback.

You won the race like Max knew you would. The king watched as you held your head up high as the Dutch National Anthem played loudly through the crowds. He saw the crowds of orange, the only ones rivaling the red Tifosi at Monza.

The crowds were shouting, “De Langverwachte! Onze kleine leeuw!”

The Long Awaited.

Their Little Lion.

Max had always wished for a champion from his home country. Something to ode back to the sport he loved as a kid. His wish came true in the form of you. People talked as the king publicly backed the only female driver on the grid. But he knew that you were something special. He was there as you took the championship from Vettel in the last lap of the 2020 season fair and square. Obviously he was thankful that there was no safety car to ruin your race of any kind. You had coped brilliantly against your older teammate and your talent truly showed.

Max was given the signal to head out with the hand painted trophy. He was honestly kind of scared to drop it. But he made it across the stage and handed it out to you.

You proudly took the trophy from Max after you bowed in respect. He may have been your friend, but he was your king first.

The ceramic trophy was held high once it was safely in your hands. Jokingly you hugged it tight as you gently stepped down off the podium. Ollie gawked at your childishness before spraying you with the champagne.

With trophy set down a nice ways away, you took your own bottle. Except, instead of spraying Ollie, you pointed it at Max, whose jaw was on the floor as you came after him with the liquid.

If you were having fun now, you wouldn’t expect what was coming later that night.

And you said yes.

Earth 12399

“Zusje!”

Your eyes widened at the familiar squeaky and young voice. You turned your whole body away from your race engineer to only be taken down in the knees. Once you were on the floor, you laps was immediately filled with a small body that had bleach blond hair and bright blue eyes.

“Maxy, Ik heb je gemist Kleintje!”

“Uh Y/n, is everything good?” Charles’s voice sounded from above. You stared back at your teammate in the red overalls. You grabbed under the child’s arms and hoisted him up along with yourself.

“Yep! Charles meet Max. Max meet Charlie.”

Max’s small eyes widened before he tucked himself in your neck. Your hand came up and rubbed his back as you cooed. You turned back to Charles.

“He’s a bit shy in front of his favorite driver.”

You poked Max’s side and his giggles filled the room. The small one turned his head and peered at the Monegasque whose eyes were wide, looking at the child in his teammate’s arms.

“Didn’t know you had a kid.”

Your jaw dropped at his statement.

“He’s not my kid, idiot. He’s my brother,” you hissed, lightly bouncing Max up and down as you swayed side to side.

“Oooohhhh.”

You rolled your eyes. “Yeah oh. I’m younger than you.”

“One night stand?”

“Charles!”

The brunet laughed loudly, making Max giggle a bit with him. You looked down into his blue eyes.

“Oh so you think that’s funny hm? I’m getting bullied.”

Max only giggled more before pointing at Charles.

“Rari?”

You lovingly stared at him in your arms. “Yep, Rari.” You saw how Charles was staring at Max. “You want to hold him?”

Charles dropped everything (only his water bottle) and reached out to take Max. Once he was in Charles’s arms, Max immediately rested his head on his shoulder and gripped the red suit. You smiled fondly at the two.

“He’s so small,” Charles whispered after seeing the kid’s eyes close in slumber.

You ruffled the spiky blond hair. “Yeah, he’s only 3 though. Full of wonder.”

“Y/n!”

Ah, there was your mother. You looked over and saw Sophie walking with your other sister Victoria. Thankfully, your dad was nowhere to be found. After you found out what he had done to Max, you put in a restraining order against him immediately.

It was a hard discussion with your mom when you told her that she needed to divorce him. Tears were shed and hearts were broken. But, you never wanted to see another bruise on your younger brother again.

It was fine if he did that to you. But to Max?

Jos wouldn’t stand a chance against your anger. He had shaped you to be like him.

A racer. A winner. The best.

But being the best wasn’t supposed to be the most important anymore. And if he wanted you to be like him, then he’ll get his own anger thrown back into his face. You remembered how your fist met his eye after you found Max alone with him one night. An ugly purple thing covered Max’s tiny wrist and there was a scratch on his face.

You had just returned home from a triple header and wanted to surprise your family. Only, you came home to Max’s screams of terror and Jos Verstappen yelling. You didn’t think, you just did. Sophie and Victoria returned home to multiple police cars and an ambulance in front of the house. When they finally were told what happened, they found you covering Max’s body with your arms as you spoke to one of the paramedics. A blanket was draped around your shoulders and a bruise was forming on your face as well.

After that, you moved your entire family to Monaco with you. Your house was plenty bit and you only shared it with Charles whenever he came over to play FIFA. But now, whenever he wanted to play, you insisted on going to his house.

It might have been to protect your family. Or it might have had to do with a certain handsome brother that Charles had.

Definitely the first one.

Hence why Charles had never met Max beforehand. But that also didn’t stop the little gremlin from choosing Charles as his favorite driver and not his sister.

It’s not like you were bitter or anything.

You walked toward your family and gave the two women a hug.

“I’m glad that you could come today!” you told them, truly happy at their arrival. It wasn’t like it was a big race. You had already won the championship last week, which sadly they weren’t able to make it. But Max was still up past his bedtime when you got home after. The kid sleepily muttered that he was glad you won, even though you had beaten Charles. Yet, you reminded him that Charles had won the year before and it was sissy’s turn.

Sophie looked at Max in Charles’s arms. “He’s so comfortable. I honestly thought he’d be scared of men after what happened.”

Victoria nodded in agreement.

You crossed your arms. “I think that Max knows that dad wasn’t a good man. And well, he still loves Lando though.”

“Is that Max?”

Speaking of.

Max’s head jerked up from Charles’s shoulder at the familiar voice. His little head swerved in the direction of the papaya clad driver.

“Lanno!”

Max started to squirm in the captive arms. Charles quickly set him down, not wanting him to fall. Max immediately ran to the Briton, who picked him up with ease. At the sight of the two, Charles pouted.

You knocked him with your shoulder. “Don’t’ worry, you’re still his favorite. He bought Max a toy McLaren for his birthday and Max demanded that I paint it red and add a 16 on the side.”

Charles seemed to gleam with pride at the confession.

“Don’t tell Lando though. He’d be devastated.”

What Lando didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.

“Hey little man. You ready to watch the race?”

Max’s head bobbed quickly.

“Are you going to watch Lanno win?”

At that, Max shook his head making Lando’s eyes widened.

“Little Verstappen I am hurt.” Lando clutched his hand to his heart in mock hurt. Max only stared at him while the McLaren driver put on a bit of a show.

Charles piped up from beside you. “Max, is Charlie going to win?”

Max, once again, shook his head. Now that made you confused, because Max always cheered for Charles. You cocked your head as you looked at your brother.

“Then who Maxy?”

The boy shyly pointed at you before muttering, “Zusje gaat jullie allemaal verslaan.”

Not that made you laugh out loud, causing even more confusion to the two male drivers. You covered your mouth as you continued to laugh. Sophie and Victoria laughing as well.

You smirked at your rival and teammate.

“He said I’m going to kick your asses.”

Max gasped as he heard your words.

“Bad words!”

Max pouted as he was put down by Lando. His little legs ran to you and his arms stretched out wanting you to pick him up. You squatted and scooped him up. Your arms tightened around him as he tried his best to hug you.

“Sorry for the bad words kid.”

“’S ok,” he slurred, getting even more tired. It was definitely his nap time. And it was time to get in your car. You handed him back to Sophie, who gave you a kiss on your head as you stooped. You gave a quick hug to Victoria before going back to kiss Max’s head.

“I’ll win for you ok?”

Obviously, he couldn’t hear you, but you would say it anyway. You turned away from your family to get ready.

“Going soft on me L/n?” Lando quipped, making his way out of your garage.

You discreetly flipped him off, to which he laughed at as he left. It took about 30 minutes to get in the car and get everything ready. You swerved your head, making sure the helmet was tight. Your eyes flitted about the garage and caught sight of your family again. Max was now wide awake and waving at you.

Your gloved hand reached out and displayed your fingers wide. The little boy reached over in his mom’s arms and clapped your hand with his small one. You were given the signal that it was time and drove off once Sophie was out of the way.

Her and Max watched as you rounded the corner in your red Ferrari, out of sight.

Sophie leaned down and kissed her youngest’s head.

“Mijn baby, zal zus winnen?”

Max’s small voice was just loud enough for her to hear.

“Ja mama, sij is kampioen.”

Earth 9596

(btw - I made the max pic because no one has good edits of him in a ferrari suit)

“Scuderia Ferrari Signs Y/n L/n for the 2024 Season”

“Ferrari Mistake? The Formula 1 Team Signs the Youngest Driver to Date”

“Ferrari Becomes the First Formula 1 Team to Sign Female Driver”

“Former F1 Champion Lorenzo Alessandrino Backs Goddaughter as Her Race Engineer”

“How Will Verstappen React to His Younger Teammate on the Track?”

You hadn’t known what to expect when you arrived at the paddock first thing on Saturday morning. You had convinced Lorenzo to bring you early so you could at least avoid some of the crowds, if not all. However, it seemed like everyone else liked that plan as well, and the paddock was full.

You hung back near Enzo as the two of you walked side by side. Your hands gripped your backpack straps hard, turning your knuckles almost stark white. Thankfully, your sunglasses kept your wide and scared eyes from the public. It wasn’t that you were scared of people. It’s what you thought that they thought about you that made you nervous.

Just 17 and baby faced.

Something that wasn’t heard of in 2024. Yet, with older drivers retiring back and forth, the FIA had to make new changes to deal with the need of rookie drivers. Hence why Lorenzo pushed to have Ferrari sign you as early as possible. You basically went from karting, to Formula 2 and didn’t even start your second season.

It came as a shock when Lewis Hamilton finally retired after only one year at Ferrari. You had thought that he’d want to get one more championship to make it to 9. But, life throws curveballs and it was headed straight to you.

Now you had to face your new teammate, a champion himself, Max Verstappen. You let out a sigh of relief when you noticed that he was talking to Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso. The two black Mercedes polos stood out in contrast to Max’s red one. You took a quick glance at the two drivers and realized that they were already watching you.

Your cheeks heated up as you quickened your steps to get to the garage faster. Once you were in the safety of the garage, you let out a deep sigh.

Lorenzo looked at you with a sad smile. He knew you were going to be overwhelmed for the entire day. He took his backpack off and reached down in, fingers feeling for your headphones. He took them out and handed them to you.

You immediately put them on, connected them to your phone, turned on the music, and got to work on your racing journal. You wanted to go over your notes before the race. While you were distracted, Enzo took a little walk, trying to find some coffee.

He ended up walking past the group of three drivers and smiled at Charles. The Italian knew of him growing up and was excited to see him in a team that gave him a good championship winning car.

He nodded his head toward your new teammate. “Max.”

Max’s eyes lightened at the familiar face. “Enzo!”

The two bro-hugged before parting, letting Enzo greet the two Merc drivers. When he was done, Max had a teasing attitude.

“Can’t convince you to stay as my engineer? Don’t get me wrong, I love GP, but you knew me better.”

Enzo smiled and shook his head. “No can do. Gotta take care of my kid.”

Fernando entered the conversation. “Where is she? We saw her walking but then she disappeared.”

The older man scratched his head. “Yeah, she tends to do that. She’s a bit nervous.”

Charles scoffed. “I’ll say. They shouldn’t have said anything until Wednesday. Sky Sports announced it way too early.”

The Monegasque had something similar happen to him when he first joined Mercedes. It had all been planned that he would take Valtteri Bottas’s seat mid-season. Yet, Sky Sports announced it before Mercedes had a chance to even say that Bottas had wanted to retire early due to an illness. The media had made Charles into a seat-stealing villain his first season.

The engineer nodded sadly. “I think she’s also nervous about the team.”

Max looked at him with a shocked expression. “The team?”

Enzo waved his hands. “She has full confidence. Y/n’s a bit nervous about trying to be on your level Max.”

Well, that didn’t settle well with the Dutchman. Great, he was excited to have such a young teammate: someone who he could get along with and help them grow in the sport. But now, you were afraid of him?

“She’s not scared of you Max, just nervous.”

Oh. He said that out loud.

Max glanced back at the garage. “Can I go talk to her.”

Enzo nodded before handing him a pen. “I forgot to give this to her, she’ll be looking for it. You don’t mind giving it to her right?”

“Not at all,” he responded, thankful for something that could break the ice between the two of you.

Max grasped the pen and made his way to the overly bright red garage. He really wished Ferrari would take a page out of Mercedes’s book and make everything black. But no, they had to show off the corsa rosso red.

You were too busy writing some notes down, with the wrong pen, to notice Max’s shoes now in your line of sight. The Dutchman lightly nudged your own shoe, which had your head jerking up to look at him.

Your eyes widened and your hands reached to pull your headphones off.

Max only smiled down at you. He thought that you looked like a scared mouse. He wondered if you were quiet like one as well.

“Mind if I sit?” he asked.

You could only shake your head no and scoot over as Max sat down on the concrete near you. The two of you sat in silence as you continued to scribble. Max suddenly remembered the pen in his hand.

“Here. Enzo wanted me to give this to you.”

Your fingers lightly touched his as you grabbed it from him.

To Max, you also reminded him of his sister at this age. Shy, meek, quiet. But he had seen your videos and your impressiveness on the track. Your overtakes were nothing to be overlooked. He heard you sigh as the pen now nicely glided over the pages.

The Dutchman let his eyes wander over the pages. He noticed that you were even taking notes on him as well.

You didn’t look at him, but you spoke, “If you break a bit later on turn 4, you can cut off another tenth.”

Your voice gave Max whiplash as he wasn’t expecting you to talk to him without being prompted. His mind ran as he tried to remember turn 4. When he did the calculations he was surprised to find that you were correct.

“How did you..”

“I watched your onboards from last season. You’re very, what’s the word,” you gave him a smirk, “predictable.”

Max’s jaw dropped, which caused you to laugh a bit. Max, although shocked, was glad that you were coming out of your shell a bit.

He leaned over to whisper, “Are you overwhelmed with the red as much as I am.”

You smiled as you whispered back, “It is positively draining. Why can’t they do black like Mercedes?”

Max threw his hands up. “That’s what I’ve been saying.”

You pretended to think. “What if we gang up on them. They can’t resist both drivers.”

Max put on a weird accent, making his voice higher. “It’s either change the garage and everything to black or we walk.”

That made you snort which caused Max to wheeze.

Enzo was just on his way back with two coffees (both for him) when he heard the sound of you laughs mixed with Max’s. He smiled fondly at the two drivers. He took a sip before putting on his bright red headphones that he needed for qualifying. He coughed a bit, but it was soon over. Nothing like the sickness that he barely beat back in 2019. He was thankful that he got to continue to watch you grow.

Max asked, “How far do you think you’ll get in qualifying?”

You thought for a moment. “Uh, I hope to make it to Q2 if possible.”

The Dutchman lifted his hand to ruffle your hair. Your hands swatted at him as you pouted.

“I think you can get farther.”

You only shrugged. “We’ll see.”

The car was definitely your safe space. You felt as though you could finally breathe easier.

“Radio check please.”

“Loud and clear Enzo.”

“Ok, let’s get this bread.”

You shook your head as you sat in the car. “Please never say that again.”

Much to your and the team’s delight, you made it past Q1 and Q2. And you ended Q3 in the second row in P3. Max had just missed pole by mere hundredths. Charles Leclerc always had scarily good one lappers in the third session.

Max gave you a giant hug at the end of the session, very glad at your positioning.

As he had his arms around you, he thought to himself.

“Yeah. You were going to be great.”

Earth 331649

The big letters stood out to Max as his eyes began to water.

“Not Applicable for Adoption at this Time” was all the top said. He hadn’t bothered to read the rest. He knew what it was going to say. It’s what every letter said for the past few months.

They weren’t approved.

They traveled too much.

There weren’t any in their preferred age group that were adoptable right now.

They wouldn’t be able to take care of a baby.

They were…Max didn’t even want to mention the word.

He glanced at the gold band that adorned his ring finger on his left hand. The sight made his eyes water more. The paper was quickly crumpled and thrown to the side. The Dutchman leaned forward and put his hands over his face and just sobbed.

They had been trying for so long. The conversation had started two years ago as they lied in bed one night. They were nearing the ends of their careers, but they hadn’t wanted to wait until they were retired. They were sure in their marriage enough to where they both could handle a baby in their lives.

A mini them running around, playing with Jimmy and Sassy. The thought was too much to bear right now though.

The door clicked but Max hadn’t heard, he just continued to sob.

“Amore, I’m back from the shop. They had the pastries that you really liked. Amore?”

Max started sobbing harder. Before he heard knew it, strong arms wrapped around his shoulders. He heard a big sigh as a head rested against his back.

“Another one?”

Max didn’t even reply, but his sobs had subsided into quiet sniffles. Charles glanced over at the crumpled paper that had been tossed to the side. He’s told Max time and time again to wait until he gets home to read them, but the older was always a bit too excited or anxious to wait. He bit his tough, not wanting to say anything that could upset the Dutchman even more.

“It will be all right.”

“Will it?” Max bit back, full of sadness and anger. But, it wasn’t anger at Charles. He was angry at the world.

“It will,” Charles hummed. However, the Monegasque was also getting run down by all the rejection letters. He didn’t know how much more he could take. But, he wanted to be strong for Max. For himself. For their hopeful future child.

“Every time Charlie. Every time, it’s always a different excuse.”

“Our time will come.”

“But what if it doesn’t? We aren’t getting any younger Charles.”

The Monegasque harshly inhaled. He stopped rubbing Max’s back. Although, he really didn’t know when he started.

He went to say something, yet his phone rang loudly, breaking the silence of the room. Charles muttered something about wanting to hang up, but his breath hitched at the sight of the name at the top of his phone. His thumb had never pressed the answer button.

He quickly put the call on speaker.

“Bonjour?”

“Ah, Mr. Verstappen?”

“This is he.”

“Is your husband here with you?”

Max perked up at the question. His eyes were bloodshot, but he was now paying attention. He scooted even closer to Charles, face almost in the phone.

Charles chuckled at Max’s closeness.

“Oui, he is here.”

“Ok, so we just got a call from the Princess Grace Hospital. We think you want to come here for this.”

Max gulped before whispering. “It is what we think it is?”

Charles held his breath as he and Max waited for the answer.

“Why don’t you come find out.”

The two of them could hear the playfulness as the their adoption agent hung up the phone. They looked into each other’s eyes before they dashed around, getting their shoes on. Max almost tripped as he hopped on one foot, his shoe getting caught on his finger. Charles chuckled as he bent to tie his own shoe.

Max was halfway out the door, still waiting.

“Come on Charlie.”

“Mon amore, are you forgetting something?”

Max patted his pockets and realized he forgot the key that were now dangling on Charles’s finger.

“Oh.”

Charles rolled his eyes as he walked toward the door, grabbing Max’s waste as he walked. The Dutchman quickly followed him to the Monegasque’s Ferrari Purosangue. He bought the SUV when he and Max put in their first adoption profile.

Max huffed as he noticed that Charles was going below the speed limit.

“Baby, can you maybe, hurry up?”

Charles only hummed as a reply. He did step on the gas a bit, but the Monaco speeds were slow as it. It wasn’t their fault that they drove ridiculously fast cars and his husband was currently high strung.

Charles put his hand on Max’s thigh and started to rub small circles, which in the long run did help Max calm down a bit.

The Dutchman had calmed down some by the time they parked in front. Charles started to get out of the car, but Max’s hand grabbed his arm before he got far. Charles recognized the look of fear on his husband’s face. His pointer finger found the golden band on Max’s finger and started to rub it.

“What if- What if- What if it happens again.”

Charles’s eyes drooped a bit at the sadness in Max’s voice.

“But what if it doesn’t?”

A glimmer of hope came back to Max’s eyes as he places a chaste kiss on Charles’s lips.

“Let’s go.”

With an unbuckle of his seatbelt, Max was out the door. Charles had to catch up to Max’s larger steps. His hand soon found Max’s as they walked in. He squeezed three times, and got three in return.

Charles look the lead as they approached the front desk. The lady at the computer had a nice attitude as she gave them a smile when she looked up from her screen.

“May I help you gentlemen?”

“Ah, yes, my husband and I got a call from our adoption agent, Mitch Walker.”

The lady’s eyebrows raised as she started to type on her computer once again. Max bounced in his place, willing the lady to type faster.

“Ah, floor three, room 89.”

“Thank you,” Charles stated, already watching Max walk toward the elevator. He chuckled as he slowly followed, knowing the elevator would arrive when he got there. Inside the contraption, Max read the list of floors.

His finger traced them until he got to the third floor.

“Charlie.”

Charles looked where his finger had landed.

Delivery floor.

Before Charles could react, the elevator doors opened. They both bolted into the hallway.

86.

87.

88.

89.

They both paused in front.

“Ready?”

“Ready.”

Charles grabbed the nob and slowly twisted. The room was a bit dim and Mitch was standing in the middle of the room. She turned at the sound of the door and a smile made a way on her face.

“Hi guys,” she whispered. She stepped closer and pulled a curtain that cut the room in half.

“Hi,” Charles replied, also whispering.

Mitch put her hands together. “So, we have a little someone who was given up today. If everything goes well, you two might be going home with a baby today.”

Tears welled up in Max’s eyes at her words. He choked down a sob and bit his knuckle.

“I just need you two to wash your hands and then you can meet her.”

Charles whispered, “Her?”

Mitch only nodded.

This time, Charles was the one to let out a small sob. They gingerly walked over to the sink, hands bumping into each other as they rinsed under the water. Once dry, Mitch dragged the curtain back over.

In the middle of the smaller section near a couch, lied a bassinet. With bated breath, Charles and Max peered over. Tears now welling in both their eyes. Max’s finger gently moved towards the baby’s face.

He lightly grazed the soft cheek, causing the baby to squirm. Max had never jerked his hand away from something faster. Charles let out a small and quiet laugh. The baby’s hand was open, inviting Charles to put his finger in the tiny palm.

The baby suddenly curled her fingers around the one finger, eyes suddenly opening. The Dutchman wanted to cry once again. Her green eyes peered up at him. Max’s eyes caught a tuft of hair and he gently pulled back the tiny hat. Blond hair appeared in a small bit. He gently pulled the hat back into place.

His blond hair.

Charles’s green eyes.

Charles turned to Mitch.

“Can I hold her.”

A single nod had Charles scooping the baby in his arms, and he placed her on his chest. His body leaned back just a bit to accommodate her. Max immediately took his phone out and took a picture. He was definitely going to use that as his lock screen picture from now on.

Max watched as Charles sat on the small couch in the corner. Max followed suit and sat next to him.

The baby was looking right at him.

“Hello little one,” he whispered, finding the courage to graze her face once again. A small smile appeared on the girl’s face, but it was short lived. But, Max had seen it and he was happy that it was directed at him.

“-ax, Amore.”

His eyes shot up to Charles’s face.

“Yes?”

The brunet rolled his eyes. “I asked: Do you want to hold her?”

Max could only nod. Charles gently handed her over to his husband and watched as his big hands cradled the baby. One hand was gently placed on her bum and the other on her head. He cooed at the man and baby, seeing tears stream down his face.

Mitch quietly approached the couple. “So, it seems like everything is going well. I can almost read your minds and I got your application approved. It’ll take a while for everything to come in but you are good to take her home.”

Charles stood and gave her a giant hug: big enough for the both of them. She patted Charles’s back before grinning widely again.

“You know, she doesn’t have a name yet.”

Max’s head whipped from the baby to the woman.

“We get to name her?” he questioned, heart filling with so much love. There were so many names that he and Charles had picked out. The first name would be something special, something not used before. The middle names would be in honor of loved ones past and present. And then, the baby would take both last names.

Mitch came over with a certificate and pen in hand.

“Do you two know or do you need a moment?”

Max nodded at Charles and then looked back down at the beautiful green eyes that stared up with him.

Charles did the honors.

“Her name is Y/n Julia Sophie Pascale Antoinette Leclerc-Verstappen.”

Little Y/n. Oh how the world wasn’t ready. But it would welcome her with open arms.

Earth 959589

“Shit!” you yelled, tumbling out of bed. You were late, oh you were so late. Max was going to kill you and you could say goodbye to your seat.

Before the season even started.

You tripped as you pulled on a shoe, face planting back into the bed. Your phone was currently blowing up with notifications as it rested on the side table. You hastily pulled on your Red Bull polo and grabbed your jeans. Your foot got stuck since you put your shoes on first.

Great move Y/n, great move.

You finally got a hand on your phone and answered the call.

“Where are you? Max is close to having an aneurism,” your race engineer hissed through the phone.

“I know Charles, but my alarm never went off!”

Your head was pressing your phone to your shoulder as you talked and walked toward the elevator.

“Just please get here ASAP,” he sighed. You could see the man rubbing his eyebrows, even if you couldn’t see him.

“I’m getting in the car now.”

“You better be thankful. I’ll see you here.”

When you arrived to the paddock, you went directly to the interviews, which you were late for as well. You winced as you walked in front of everyone and sat down, face ablaze in red.

Lando poked your side. At least he went with the polo so you two could be matching some. He leaned over when a question was directed to Arthur.

“Max is going to kill you.” He smirked as he leaned away. Your microphone accidentally picked up the smack to his shoulder. Some eyes landed on you as you tried to duck away.

Arthur looked over at you. “Nice of you to join us champ.”

You shrugged. “My alarm didn’t go off.”

“Sure.”

Your jaw dropped. “Excuse you?”

Before you could get any farther, a journalist asked a question directed toward you.

“Y/n, if I may, how is this season a bit different than last?”

Your eyes looked up as you thought of a good answer. “Uh, well, there was a lot of change within Red Bull this past winter break. My old teammate went to being my team principal. And then he somehow convinced Charles to join as well and be my race engineer.”

A scoff came from Arthur that cause you to lean to look at him.

“Are you all right Leclerc?”

The Monegasque rolled his eyes.

“I would like to have my brother back please.”

“Well, too bad I got him first. And then back to my question. Lando became my teammate and he’s giving me a run for my money.”

Lando smirked at that statement.

“Ah yes, the cheeky little bugger he is. But, I’m really on track for my second championship. Maybe next year I’ll let Lando get one.”

The journalist thanked you for your good answer.

Fortunately the press conference ended after that. Yet, it was unfortunate for you since you could feel Max’s glare from miles away. You stopped, causing Arthur to bump into your back.

“Any chance I can come hide in your driver’s room?”

Arthur shook his head yes, giving you some hope.

“No.”

You visibly deflated as you watched him walk toward the bright red garage.

A sigh left your lips as you stalked toward the garage. Charles gave you a sympathetic look as you walked past. His hand rubbed your shoulder until he gently pushed you toward Max. You winced under the Dutchman’s glare.

“My office Y/n.”

You could only follow him into the office. You took the first seat you passed in front of the large desk. Max rubbed his eyebrows and sighed. But, you panicked.

“I’m so sorry Max. I swore I turned on my alarms last night, but I was up late going over data again because I can’t let the team down again like last race. I know that I can make up the speed. And then my phone was on silent and then I tripped on my shoe and the car got stuck in traffic. I swear I went straight to the conference. I won’t be late again I promise, just please don’t take away my seat.”

Max watched in horror as you lost your composure right in front of him. This monologue only told him that you were truly scared that he’d kick you off the team because of a little DNF last race. His heart dropped as he saw tears stream down your face as you visibly shook.

He stood up quickly and rounded the desk. His hands dropped on your shoulders.

“Kid, kid. Listen to me. You’re not going to lose your seat. I was just worried when you didn’t show up and when you didn’t answer mine or Charles’s calls.”

“Oh.”

Max wanted to laugh. “Yes, oh. Do you remember all the times I used to show up late? The times that Charles showed up late as well?”

You let out a chuckle as you remembered both Ferrari drivers would show up a bit late. No one ever seemed to mind. You let out a sigh of relief.

Max stood up and walked toward the door. “Now, let’s go out there and what do we do?”

“Kick names and take ass!”

Max rolled his eyes. “Sure kid. Sure.”

Earth 1218 - Present Earth

You gasped as you sat up in your bed.

“Kid?” Max questioned, head popping up from the couch. Vegas had been super early again and you and Max didn’t want to go back to the hotel when you had FP2 soon. So, the two of you just curled up in his driver’s room. His voice was groggy as he had just gotten up from an interrupted nap as well.

You clutched your head and groaned.

“I had such weird dreams.”

“Oh. Tell me?” Max’s head was already back down on his pillow.

“You were a king, and then you were my younger brother?”

Max snorted but let you continue. He knew that you wouldn’t remember in the morning anyway.

“And then you were my teammate at Ferrari and Charles drove for Mercedes, Enzo was there. Oh, and then you and Charles were married.”

“Kid you have been watching too many Lestappen edits on Twitter and TikTok.”

You only grumbled.

“I do not. Finally you were my team principal.”

“Strange. Go back to sleep.”

Max never got an answer back, because you were already zonked. He chucked and turned back over, phone clenched in his hand as he watched the edit of Charles’s 2022 sunset lap into his 2023 pre-storm qualification. However, he didn’t know that his volume was so loud.

“He was sunshine, I was midnight rain…And I could see it all in my mind…”

“I KNEW IT! YOU WATCH THEM TOO!”

“GO TO SLEEP!”

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ri-writes-if · 10 months ago

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Intro

LINK | 4 chapters, 177K words (last updated 08/08/24)

BONUS CONTENT (2 stories for now) | PINTEREST | PROGRESS UPDATES | SNEAK PEEKS | SNIPPETS

In the underworld kingdom, where demons fight for survival against the abyssal monsters, you are just an Oracle. In the distant past the Oracles were at the top of the demonic hierarchy, but those golden days are long gone. You did what you were most afraid to do and now sit under arrest in the royal palace.

When the Abyss sends you a vision of a terrible disaster that will happen in the future, you make an inevitable “deal” with the Sovereign to try to change the future and improve your abilities, not only to become stronger and learn more about the coming disaster, but also in an attempt to achieve mind stability.

However, what has been happening to you since you received the vision makes you think that you are already slowly but surely losing your mind.

Will you be able to maintain your sanity and help others protect the kingdom, or will you become just another name in the long list of Oracles gone mad?

This is an interactive fantasy story with a heavy focus on friendship and romance (with strangers to lovers or enemies dynamic). The story is rated 18+. Content warnings: violence, death, loss of sanity, trauma, avoidable sexually suggestive/sexual content, and more (the full list is in the demo).

Customize your Oracle: pronouns, traits, and appearance. Choose your full ✨ demonic form. ✨

Build friendship or romance with five different characters. (Allo and ace routes available.)

Learn more about the Oracles’ past and what truly drove their royal clan into ruin. Uncover the secrets of your abilities. Chat with the Abyss?

Decide what you do for fun. Do you sing, dance, paint, play a musical instrument, or write?

What you did cannot be undone. Your reputation forever ruined, how will you handle the public’s new attitude toward you?

Maintain your sanity. Depending on your choices, you’ll either move closer to loss of control and madness or further away from it.

Decide what fate awaits you. You’ll have to make an important decision that will open two very different paths for you, influence the plot’s progression, and your relationships.

Will the victory be sweet?

✨ Vezriel, The Sovereign (m / f)

Vezriel seems a perfect ruler: they’re smart, calm, patient, know moderation, and always put demons’ well-being first. But you’re not so naive as to think this is their real face—many secrets lurk under the golden shell of the nobility. You never thought of meeting them in the past, but now spending some time with them is inevitable. Perhaps you will find out what lies beneath their mask?

They have dark brown skin, long curly black hair, and black eyes with pale white flecks. Tall and of strong build, Vezriel cuts a robust but elegant figure, usually dressed in beautiful robes.

✨ Osara / Osaron, The Heir (f / m)

Vezriel’s only child and heir, O is their Chief Counselor, and they have a consistently good reputation. Their character reminds of their parent, though O is much more cold and reticent. Nothing seems to touch or shake their emotions, despite the known long list of ex-lovers. You don’t need their attention, but the circumstances have put you right under it. What will you make of this opportunity?

They have warm brown skin, long wavy black hair, and silver, almost white eyes. O is tall and strong, their expression impassive most of the time, which makes them rather intimidating and unapproachable to some demons.

✨ Lazarus / Lazaris, the General (m / f)

L rose from the bottom of the ladder and made a name for themselves, though judging by old rumors, their clean background wasn’t always so clean. They’re charismatic and popular but keep others at a distance—everyone except their friends… and you. L treats you especially well, but you’re not foolish enough to blindly play their game. What do they want from you?

They have beige skin, short/medium-length wavy blond hair, and golden eyes. Many small and big scars can be seen on their hands. L is tall and has a strong build. Despite their high station, they seem friendly and laid-back.

✨ Ashmedai, the Royal Healer (f / m)

Ashmedai was sent to observe your condition after the incident and to help you with mind stability if needed. They performed their duties without showing any displeasure or impatience no matter how you behaved. Ash is secretive and reserved, and you guess their restrained temper is connected to the dark rumors surrounding them. Will they open up to you?

They have pale skin, long straight black hair, and bright red eyes. A large scar runs on the left side of their face, from their forehead along their eye and to their chin. Ash is tall and slender.

✨ Azarias / Azaria, the Royal Musician (m / f)

Ash’s younger sibling, Az somewhat resembles them in appearance, but their characters couldn’t be more different. Az is bold, humorous, and fickle. They know everyone—and everything about everyone—and enjoy a special favor from the Sovereign, which has allowed them to retain their place in the royal palace for many years. You’re concerned about their peculiar attention to you because there’s no reason for it—you two have never met before. Or… is there a reason after all?

They have pale skin, long white hair, and black eyes with narrow silver pupils. A tattoo of a snake with flowers curves around their neck. Az is tall and lean.

#interactive game #interactive fiction #interactive novel #twine game #if wip #interact-if #intro post #fantasy #romance #twine wip #the abyssal song

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ponderingmoonlight · 7 months ago

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Chapter 3: Entangled Ambitions - A Pact Sealed in Royal Halls

Pairing: Gojo x fem!reader

Warnings: reader's death, language

Genre: Isekai, Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis: Your life takes a tragic turn as you perish in a car crash, only to awaken in a whimsical world of fantasy with none other than Jujustu Kaisen characters as its main protagonists. But as if that wasn't enough, you're about to marry the prince version of Gojo Satoru. How will you navigate through this world of history and fantasy? Does your life take the same sudden twist of fate as that of your favorite characters?

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Satoru’s heart stops beating for a moment, eyes widen at the harsh words you just spit at him. How would someone like you know about his powers? He was always keen to hide them, never used his abilities in the presence of someone apart from Suguru and his family. He doesn’t even know you that well. You, the daughter of Naobito Zenin. How on earth did you find out?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

You clear your throat, nerves threatening to fail you. This is the only chance you have left. If Gojo Satoru doesn’t rethink his decision…No, there is no way you’ll die again.

“I am talking about your ability to manipulate the area around you freely, the fact that you can distort space. You are also able to create barriers and voids that nullify any incoming attacks, which makes you almost invincible in battle and is responsible for your great reputation as a fighter. But if your followers get to know about the real reason behind your skills…You know how great the fear of people with special powers is in this country, that all of them get executed. Not even Your Majesty will be spared from this.”

You are walking on thin ice. He is the prince, after all. So much higher in his rank that it would be easy for him to get you executed due to false accusations. But this might be the only card you have left, your last spark of hope. If Gojo Satoru won’t marry you, your father will let you get killed. And apart from that, this might be the only chance you’ll get to meet your favourite characters. What about Geto and Nanami? If Naoya and Gojo exist, they are definitely somewhere in this world as well. You are literally living the dream of every anmie and manga fan.

Well, except for the stinging fact that you call Naobito your father and Naoya your stinky brother.

“That are some heavy accusations you’re throwing at me, Lady (y/n). You know as well as I do that I could get you executed right on the sport for your unwise words despite the fact that you are a daughter of the Zenin family”, he replies.

The way he crosses his legs while smiling down at you arrogantly makes the urge to fall onto your knees and beg him for forgiveness grow louder and louder. But no, this is exactly what he wants. At the moment, all Prince Satoru does is playing and testing you. You can’t allow yourself to be messed with. After all, he has absolutely zero clue about what he is in your old world, that you actually died and reincarnated here. He definitely does know that your life depends on his mercy, though. And that your proposal benefits both of you.

“Why did you decide on marrying me in the first place? Was it because you fell in love with my portrait or rather because your family forced you to choose a wife and you thought I wouldn’t cause trouble because I’m a Zenin, because you considered I would urge to get away from my possessing family as soon as possible?”

Threatening him any further has no use. After all, Gojo is aware of the fact that you know about his hidden talent. Instead, you should focus on things you can actually prove, things that are obvious.

“You are a very loudmouthed young lady. I expected you to be more sublime. As a member of the famous Zenin family, you sure got taught etiquette and obedience from a young age, didn’t you?”

He can’t help himself. Just one look into your glimmering lavender eyes makes him provocative you even further. Of course, every little thing you said is true. Yes, your words are a serious threat on his way to the throne. Yes, his family does in fact urge him every single day to decide on a wife. Your proposal is the best solution for both of you, allows him to carry on with his unbothered life without the responsibility to satisfy his finance’s needs. But still…

“I couldn’t care less about my ancestry, Prince Satoru. All I care about is my own freedom”, you clarify, determination dripping from each and every pore of your face.

“And if you don’t decide on helping me, I have to find another gentleman who suits my requirements better.”

“Another gentleman? You are aware of the fact that I’m the prince, right?”

Out of all the arguments you brought up in this conversation, this one is the one that bugs him the most. Out of some strange reason, the sheer thought of you getting promised to another man doesn’t sit right with Satoru.

“As a prince, you are far above my status anyway. If it weren’t for politics and the reliability when it comes to the advanced weapon technology of my family, I wouldn’t even be considered as your fiancé”, you argue in all seriousness.

“What if I don’t allow you to marry another man?”

“Then I will find my ways to do so.”

“Fine, I will propose to you at the ball this weekend.”

Wait…what? After all the arguments, the discussions and the stinging fact that he stares at you with narrowed eyes, he actually agreed on it? Just when you’re about to thank him and leave, he gets up and opens his full mouth.

“But I want to re-arrange the conditions to suit my needs as well.”

Your pounding heart almost stops inside of your chest. For a moment, you just sit there and stare at him plainly like an idiot. Gojo Satoru, having conditions? This definitely doesn’t sound appealing at all. But do you really have another chance? It might be true that you are able to find another gentleman, the anger of your father will carry on, though. And who knows if he wouldn’t kill you even if you marry another wealthy man. No, this engagement is your best and eventually only option.

“What conditions are we talking about, precisely?”

“Once a week, I am allowed to present you as my fiancée in a way I will decide on my own. As the prince and future ruler of this country, I need to reflect a strong relationship with my future queen to the outside. It has to be credible. Everyone must think that we are deeply in love with each other, Lady (y/n).”

Shivers run down your spine before you’re able to stop them. Just one look into his blue thirsty eyes…This man won’t touch you even in your sleep. Doesn’t he have multiple young women just waiting for a chance to hit on him? Playing his wife for an additional day of the week. How wasteful, considering that you’ll never be more than his fiancée, that this engagement will get cancelled the minute it doesn’t benefit both of you anymore.

“I will fulfil my role over the span our engagement last and accept your addition, Prince Satoru.”

“Great! Now that this is out of the way, let me tell you one last thing.”

Before you’re even able to react any further, he grabs your arm and pulls you close. For a moment, you forget how to breathe, your nose tingling by the exquisite scent that radiates from him. You actually never wondered about the way he smells. But now that he is so close you would be able to touch him, so close that you can feel his breath brushing over the bare skin of your face, heat begins to crawl up your spine. Suddenly you feel like fainting, the immense presence of him standing this closely to you simply taking your breath away.

“If you decide on betraying me by telling anyone about my secret, I will execute you. There are no real feelings between us, I won’t even bat an eyelash.”

“First, make sure you keep your end of the bargain, Prince”, you bite back out of instinct, holding his gaze without any mercy.

Does he really think you’re scared of him? He might be Gojo Satoru, the honoured one, the strongest, the prince of this country. You might have been surprised by the way he grabbed you out of thin air. You are still (y/n), still you.

Instead of backing up, you take another step towards him and grab the collar of his elegant jacket. But you know all of his dirty little secrets, parts of his past and future. You are definitely no one to be messed with as well.

“And make sure you don’t disappoint me.”

You let go of him as sudden as you grabbed him, creating a safe distance between both of you by crossing the room and coming to a stand in front of the exit.

“Send me an invitation to the ball along with a pricy bouquet of lavender flowers. It was an honour to visit you, Your Majesty. I am looking forward to our next meeting.”

One last polite curtsy, one last elegant smile. But just when you’re about to call the waiter in order to open the door for you, it swings open by itself.

And your cheek clashes into something particularly hard.

“Oh no, I am beyond sorry My Lady! I wasn’t aware of your presence!”

That voice…You get greeted by a pair of the manliest hands you’ve ever seen, hands gliding up his definitely toned arms. He lifts you off the ground as fast as you stumbled onto his, arms holding you into place tightly.

“You must be Lady (y/n), what a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Sir Geto Suguru, the steward of Your Majesty.”

“S-Suguru?”

Your widen eyes focus on his face in an instant, heart almost beating out of your chest. All those times you admired his drawing, the way he acted so elegantly. The countless fanfictions you’ve read with this exact first meeting.

Only to end up with him in bed later on.

“That is my name”, the man in front of you replies along with a small laughter.

That smile. That oh so charismatic smile. And that manly smell, a mix of mint and leather. You force yourself to gift him with a smile and create a safe distance between both of you. So this is him, the best friend of Gojo Satoru. Even in this world, you can tell how close they are to each other.

Will it stay like this, though?

“I’m sorry, I must have hit my head a little too heart”, you comment, finally ripping your eyes away from his brown ones.

“Do you know each other?”, the firm voice of Prince Satoru interrupts.

A look into his face tells you that he isn’t amused by this sudden meeting at all.

“I’ve never seen Lady (y/n) apart from the portrait that was sent to you, Prince Satoru. But may I say, you look even more mesmerising in person.”

“Weren’t you about to leave when Sir Geto arrived, Lady (y/n)?”

Gojo smiles at you without his eyes, a cold glare decorating his face that is definitely supposed to intimidate you.

But instead of backing up, you take a risky step towards Geto Suguru and bow oh so sweetly.

“Oh Sir Geto, I don’t deserve your kind words. After all, it is you who is a feast for my eyes. No excuse me gentlemen, I still have lessons to attend. I hope we’ll meet each other again this weekend, Sir Geto. Have a nice week, Prince Satoru.”

Without gifting him another single look, you turn on your heel and walk out the door.

You did it. You convinced him to propose to you. But…is this really what you want? Is Gojo Satoru really what you want? Just the way he stared at you with arrogance dripping from each and every poor. Urgh, you fucking hate him. There’s no way to deny that he’s driving you over the edge. Why on earth does it have to be him? Why not Geto, what about Nanami?

Why does it have to be Gojo Satoru?

“She seems like a really nice young lady”, Suguru comments visibly amused while sitting in your former place.

“What your tongue, Suguru. She will me my fiancé after this week is over.”

Tags: @m0k0k0 @lees-chaotic-brain @sanicsmut @risuola @fire-loving-siren

@sunshine7queen @gatitam @kentocalls @hellkaiserinphoenix @skylarlyn823

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hellinistical · 28 days ago

Text

fem! reader x rafayel. royal! au. sea horror! au. heavy angst. minor and major character death. slow burn. romance. fluff. explicit smut. trauma. religious themes. gore; hinted torture, cannibalism, decapitation, self-cannibalism. violence wc: 3945 | status: on-going

III: COLLECTION

"Are you really happy about this?" Y/n whispered, her voice barely cutting through the excited chatter as Caleb exchanged handshakes and congratulations with her father. Caleb turned, his smile softening, but his eyes remained determined.

“Of course I am. This is our chance. You’ll see,” he said, the words hanging in the air with a strange finality. Y/n forced a smile in return, but inside, her stomach twisted. She nodded mechanically, her mind wandering as the celebration buzzed around her. Her mother was already talking about the wedding, Eva was prattling on about flowers, and her father stood tall, a rare look of relief on his face.

But Y/n felt none of it. The ring on her finger was a foreign weight, and every time she glanced down at it, her stomach sucked itself in a little more. Her mother pulled her out of her spiraling thoughts, cupping Y/n's face in her hands and kissing both her cheeks warmly. The sudden affection brought Y/n back to the present, and she blinked, realizing the room was still alive with excitement.

"Look at you, my sweet girl," her mother said, her voice thick with emotion. "I always knew you’d find a good man." Y/n tried to offer a genuine smile, but it felt weak. "Yeah... good man." Her mother’s eyes glistened with pride. “You’ll be married before the week’s end, and soon, we’ll be rid of all this uncertainty.”

Y/n swallowed hard, the words ringing hollow in her ears. The celebration around her felt surreal, as though she were watching it from outside her own body.

“Caleb, my boy, I thank you kindly for taking my daughter,” “It’s nothing to thank me for. I should be the one thanking you.”

“Mama, I need to talk to you,” Y/n said, her voice low but insistent. She gently tugged her mother away from the crowd, leading her inside the house. Caleb’s watchful gaze followed them, a brief flicker of concern crossing his face, but he quickly masked it with a smile as more congratulations poured his way. Once they were inside, Y/n closed the door behind them with a quiet click. The muffled sounds of celebration from outside were drowned by the sudden silence of the room. She let out a deep, tension-filled sigh, running a hand through her still-damp hair.

Her mother turned to face her, a questioning look in her eyes. “What is it, darling?”

Y/n hesitated, chewing on her lip before speaking. “This… this whole thing with Caleb. It’s happening too fast. I don’t—” She struggled to find the right words, her voice shaking. “I don’t feel right about it.” Her mother’s face softened, but there was a firmness in her eyes. “Sweetheart, I know this is overwhelming, but you’re doing what’s best for the family. Caleb is a good man—”

“I know,” Y/n interrupted, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “But it’s not about him being a good man. He... he’s talking about the farm like it’s some kind of business deal. Like I’m part of the exchange. It doesn’t feel right, Mama.” Her mother sighed, rubbing her temples as if trying to gather her thoughts. “Marriage is always a balance, Y/n. It’s never just about love—it’s about securing a future, and stability. And Caleb can offer you that.”

It’s quiet momentarily, and all Y/n can do is stare. “Are you serious-” Mrs. L/n clapped her hands, a bright smile on her face. “Well, enough of that, dear. How about some roast? We’ll need to get some meat on your bones for the wedding!” Y/n blinked, taken aback by the sudden change. Her mother bustled past her, heading towards the kitchen.

Standing in the doorway, she watched as her mother hunched over with the oven mitts, pulling out the roast that was staying warm. “Mama, what? We didn’t eat all that too long ago. Why would I want roast now?”

As she got up, she busied herself with the pots and pans, her movements quick and deliberate. "You can always eat more. Besides, we have company, and it’s a special occasion."

"Special occasion?" Y/n raised an eyebrow, her voice heavy with disbelief. "I just agreed to marry Caleb for the sake of—" She stopped herself, not even sure how to describe the situation. "And you're talking about roast?"

Her mother sliced through the roast with a quick, practiced motion, cutting a decent-sized portion and slapping it unceremoniously onto a plate. “Yep,” she said without missing a beat. “I’m talking about roast.” The smell of the cooked meat wafted into the room, rich and savory, filling the awkward silence that followed.

Y/n stared at the plate, her frustration building, but all she could muster was a sigh. “I don’t think eating roast is going to fix this, Mama.” Her mother didn’t respond immediately; instead, she pushed the plate toward her with a firm hand. Y/n grabbed the fork, stabbing it into the roast and tearing off a piece. The meat was tender, practically falling apart as she lifted it to her mouth. She chewed slowly, the rich, savory flavor doing little to soothe the knot of tension twisting in her stomach.

Just as Y/n took another bite, they heard the sound of horses' hooves approaching, the rhythmic clipping getting louder by the second. The energy in the room shifted. Her mother stopped moving entirely, her hands gripping the edge of the table. The tension was palpable. Suddenly, the front door burst open, and her father, siblings, and Caleb rushed inside. Her father’s expression was tight, the worry lines on his face deepening. Eva looked pale, and even Caleb, who had been all smiles earlier, now seemed uneasy.

"They're here," her father said, breathless, glancing at Y/n and then back at her mother. "The carriages. It’s time." Y/n’s heart pounded as she stared at her family in disbelief. "What do you mean, 'they're here'?" she asked, her voice rising in panic. "I thought we had till midnight!" Her eyes darted to Caleb, searching for an explanation. He quickly put his hands up in defense. "That’s what they told me! I swear!" he said, his voice edged with confusion. "I thought we had more time too."

Her mother stepped forward, her face unusually calm. "They change the schedule sometimes, child. There’s nothing we can do about it now. We need to get you ready."

"But—" Y/n started, her mind racing as she processed the sudden shift. "No 'buts'," her father interrupted. "You have to go, Y/n. If you don't show up, they'll come for you." His voice was serious, a stark contrast to the warmth from earlier. Lucy started to cry, reaching for Y/n. Her mother scooped her up, trying to soothe her.

Y/n felt her own panic rising, but before she could respond, Caleb's grip tightened around her arm as he guided her up the stairs. His steps were quick, and he didn’t look back, his expression hardened with determination.

Eva followed close behind, her worry evident, but as they reached Y/n's bedroom, Caleb quickly shut the door and jammed the vanity chair under the knob. The soft click of the door lock sent a shiver down Y/n’s spine.

"Caleb, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice wavering as she glanced between him and the door. Eva knocked from the other side, her muffled voice calling Y/n’s name Y/n’s heart raced as Caleb’s hands framed her face, but his chuckle sent an icy chill down her spine. She felt her breath hitch in her throat as his expression shifted, a stark contrast to the excitement they had shared moments ago.

“What are you doing?” she repeated, her voice trembling. Caleb’s gaze was piercing, devoid of the warmth she had grown used to. “I really didn’t want to do this,” he said again, almost to himself, as if he was weighing a decision she had no say in. “But it’s too late for second thoughts.” He leaned in closer, and for a moment, she thought he might kiss her, but instead, he pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing.

“You’ll have to forgive me,” he continued, his tone cold and calculated. “I’m not wanting to stay in this town. And unfortunately for you, your time is up.” Y/n’s heart raced as she processed his words. “Caleb, what are you talking about?” she breathed, confusion and dread washing over her. The room felt smaller, the air thick with tension.

Caleb’s grip on her face was firm, but there was an unsettling glint in his purple eyes, one that she had never seen before. “I didn’t want to do this, but things have changed. I need you to go to the capital; tell me where the deed is.”

“Protect yourself?” she echoed, disbelief flooding her voice. “What are you saying?”

“I mean you’re a liability now, sweetheart. With you engaged to me, I thought I could keep the potential profits safe, but I never intended to stay here. This was just a way to secure my own future. But now?”

“You dick!”

“Don’t take it personally. This is just business.” He leaned closer, the warmth from earlier now replaced with cold calculation. “I’ll make sure everyone believes I’m still the loyal fiancé, hopelessly in love and heartbroken, while you’re whisked away to whatever fate awaits you. It’s what’s best.”

He kisses her, and if it weren’t for the fact that he moved his hand to her lower back, she would have recoiled. “Here. A gift from me to you.” The words dripped with a mocking sincerity. His eyes danced with a mixture of amusement and something darker, and she found herself recoiling from his touch as reality sank in.

She wipes her mouth, spitting. “You bastard! How dare you!” She raises a hand to strike him, but he easily sidesteps, shrugging, his casual demeanor grating against her frayed nerves. “Caleb, how can you think this is okay?” she exclaimed.

“It’s just the way things are done. The world doesn’t care about feelings, Y/n. It’s about survival.” He paused, his tone shifting. “You should be thanking me; you’ll get to go to the capital, wear pretty dresses, and not smell like animals.” “Oh fuck you!”

Caleb’s expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. “You’re not understanding. I’m doing this to ensure my own future. If that means you’re sacrificed, so be it. It’s nothing personal. Just business.”

“I thought you were my friend!” “And I thought you were a means to an end,” he shot back, the mask of indifference slipping just enough to reveal the truth beneath. “You’re smarter than you let on. You’ll find a way to survive. You always have.”

“You’re a coward,” she whispered, the weight of the word heavy between them.

Caleb smirked, unphased. “Call me what you want. But I’ll be free while you’re left to fend for yourself. Just remember, Y/n, you’re not the only one who can play the game.” With that, he turned and strode towards the door, leaving her breathless and reeling, the world outside now a cacophony of laughter and celebration that felt completely out of sync with the turmoil within her heart.

And that’s when someone knocked on the front door. The loud, authoritative knocks echoed through the house like thunder, cutting through the tense atmosphere that lingered between Y/n and Caleb. Her heart sank as she turned toward the door, dread pooling in her stomach.

Caleb, who had been moments away from leaving, froze in place, his confidence faltering. The muffled voices of her family and the chatter from the gathering outside faded into silence, replaced by the ominous sound of heavy boots shuffling on the wooden floorboards.

“They’re here,” Y/n whispered, her voice barely audible as the reality of the situation began to settle in. The collectors had come, and with them, the fate of her future lay precariously in the balance.

“Don’t panic,” Caleb said, his earlier bravado returning as he straightened his posture. “Just stay calm. We can figure this out.” Before she could respond, her father’s voice boomed from downstairs, a mixture of confusion and fear. “Who is it?”

“Y/n L/n!” came a deep, commanding voice from the other side of the door. “We’re here on royal business. Open up!” Her breath hitched in her throat. The collectors, tasked with selecting girls for the kingdom, had come for her. She felt trapped, her body frozen in place as the reality of her situation crashed down around her like a wave, drowning her in panic.

Caleb stepped closer, urgency in his eyes. “We need to hide you. Now.” “Where?” she asked, desperation creeping into her voice. “There’s nowhere to go. They’ll find me!”

He glanced around the small room, and in that moment of panic, she noticed the vulnerability behind his façade of control. “Under the bed,” he instructed, pointing toward the wooden frame. “Hurry!” Before she could argue, he crouched down, yanking the bedspread up and making space beneath the bed. “Get in! I’ll talk to them.”

“Y/n! Where are you?” her mother called from downstairs, her voice laced with panic. With no time to spare, Y/n dropped to her knees, crawling beneath the bed. Dust tickled her nose, and she held her breath as she squeezed herself into the narrow space, heart racing. Caleb glanced at her one last time before standing, his expression hardened. He opened the door, putting on a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes as he faced the collectors.

“Good evening, gentlemen,” he greeted, trying to exude confidence. “What brings you to our humble abode?”

“Is Y/n L/n here?” the lead collector asked, his voice cold and authoritative.

Caleb hesitated, his eyes darting toward the door, wishing he could shield her from the fate that awaited. “She’s… she’s in the washroom. But I can assure you, she’s not ready for your visit.”

“Step aside,” the collector commanded, pushing past Caleb with an air of authority. “We have orders from the crown to collect her.” Caleb opened his mouth, but the collector shot him a sharp glare, silencing him. “It’s not a request.”

Y/n held her breath, feeling the weight of impending doom as the collector moved deeper into the house, calling out her name. She could hear her family’s worried murmurs, the tension thickening the air.

As the collector’s footsteps grew closer, Y/n squeezed her eyes shut, praying they wouldn’t find her. Would they even care? Would they simply take her, leaving her family behind, their tears and fears forgotten?

“Where is she?” the collector’s voice rang out, sharper now, demanding.

Y/n could hear the rustle of her mother’s skirts, and the tremble in her father’s voice as he tried to defend her. But all she could think about was the cold weight of the ring on her finger, a symbol of a promise she hadn’t wanted to make. Caleb again tried to stall. And was promptly met with a punch to the stomach.

Caleb doubled over, gasping as the breath was knocked from his lungs. Pain shot through his midsection, and he struggled to regain his composure. The collector's imposing figure loomed over him, a smirk of satisfaction playing on his lips.

"You're a foolish boy," the collector sneered. "Thinking you can meddle in royal business. We don't have time for your games."

Gritting his teeth, Caleb forced himself to stand tall, defiance flaring in his eyes despite the pain. "I’m not playing games. You can’t just barge in here and take her without explanation!"

The collector stepped closer, towering over him. "We’re not here to discuss, boy. We have orders from the crown to collect Y/n L/n. Now, if you want to avoid further injury, you’ll step aside."

Behind the bed, Y/n’s heart raced. She wished she could hear what was happening, but all she could focus on was the muffled sound of Caleb’s voice and the low rumble of the collector’s threats.

“Do you think you’re protecting her?” the collector continued, his voice dripping with mockery. “She’s not safe here. Once she’s taken, she’ll be under the protection of the crown, where she belongs.” Caleb's jaw clenched, frustration radiating off him. “She doesn’t belong to anyone but herself! She deserves a choice!” The collector rolled his eyes, dismissing Caleb’s protest with a wave of his hand. “Choices are for the privileged. In case you haven’t noticed, the kingdom is in need of sacrifices. You’re just prolonging the inevitable.”

Caleb’s breath quickened as he took a step forward, determination flaring in his chest. “I won’t let you take her. Not like this.” “Enough!” the collector growled, lunging forward and grabbing Caleb by the collar. “You want to test your strength against the crown? You’ll end up in a cell next to her.” Y/n’s heart sank further as she pressed her back against the wall, desperate to disappear. She could hear the shuffling of feet as the collectors spread out, searching for any sign of her. The tension in the room escalated, and the weight of her fate loomed ever closer.

“Let go of him!” Her father’s voice rose from the hallway, filled with anger and concern. “You have no right to lay a hand on my family!” “Stay back, old man!” the lead collector shouted, his grip tightening around Caleb’s collar. “This is none of your concern.”

Y/n winced, realizing that her father was stepping into dangerous territory. “Papa, please!” she whispered under her breath, but it was drowned out by the chaos unfolding.

Caleb, though momentarily pinned, locked eyes with Y/n, a silent message passing between them. She could see the determination in his gaze, the desperation not just to save her but to stand up against a cruel fate. Suddenly, the collector’s hand released Caleb, who stumbled back, gasping for air. “Enough of this nonsense. We’ll take her ourselves if you won’t cooperate.” Before Y/n could process what was happening, she heard the heavy footsteps of the collectors approaching the bedroom door, each step resonating with authority. Panic surged through her as she realized they were closing in on her hiding spot.

“Don’t you dare,” she thought desperately, wishing she could will herself to be invisible. She could hear her heart pounding in her ears, a frantic rhythm echoing the chaos unfolding outside. Caleb stepped forward again, a fierce protectiveness in his stance. “You will not lay a finger on her!”

The lead collector turned, annoyance etched across his face. “You’re playing a dangerous game, boy. This is your last chance—step aside, or face the consequences.” Y/n’s heart raced, a mixture of fear and anger flooding her senses. She wanted to scream, to run, to fight for her freedom, but all she could do was lie there, trapped in the darkness beneath the bed, paralyzed by the weight of the moment.

The lead collector moved closer, a predatory glint in his eyes. “Last chance,” he repeated, his voice cold and unyielding. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Caleb's expression hardened, and he took a deep breath, ready to make his stand. “I won’t let you take her.”

The collectors exchanged glances, and in that instant, Y/n felt the world tilt beneath her, the ground shifting as their confrontation reached a fever pitch. Would Caleb’s bravery be enough to protect her? Or would they both be swept away into the tide of royal orders and cruel destinies?

Y/n, hearing the grunts of pain, rolled her eyes. Caleb really was a fucktard. And though it was stupid, she got out from under the bed; she didn't want her father to get hurt or locked up. She dusted herself off before opening the door for the men. "Apologies gentlemen, I was finishing getting dressed." She added a curtsey.

“Thank you for your patience,” her voice was steady. “I’ll just need a moment to gather my things.”

The collectors exchanged wary glances, clearly assessing her sudden appearance and demeanor. The lead collector cleared his throat again, his expression unyielding. “You will be given thirty minutes. Do not waste our time. We have other duties to attend to.” Y/n nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. “Of course.” She glanced back at Caleb, whose face was a mixture of surprise and frustration. His lip was busted. Served him right.

‘Rat.’

One of the guards stepped forward, blocking her path. “I will accompany you while you gather your belongings.” “Of course.” she quickly began shoving clothes into her worn leather satchel, her hands trembling with the urgency of the moment. She could hear the guards murmuring amongst themselves in the hallway, their voices low and conspiratorial.

Once finished, she secured the strap of her satchel over her shoulder. The weight of her belongings felt heavier than usual. Whatever. “Time’s up!” the lead guard barked, his tone brooking no argument. “Let’s move!”

Y/n took a deep breath and stepped back into the dimly lit hallway, her eyes scanning the scene before her. Her family was gathered at the entrance, their faces a mixture of concern and resolve. Lucy, still in her mother’s arms, looked up with wide, innocent eyes, unaware of the gravity of the situation. Y/n’s heart clenched at the sight of her youngest sister, and she fought to keep her expression steady.

“Everything will be fine, I promise,” Y/n whispered to Lucy, brushing her fingers against her sister’s cheek. Lucy’s small hand instinctively reached for Y/n’s, and she held on tightly. Y/n kissed her fingers, forcing Lucy to let go.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Her father nodded, eyes glazed. He came over and hugged her, kissing her forehead. Eva glared at the guards as if that would stop them. The lead guard cleared his throat, signaling for Y/n to move. With one last look at her family, she turned away, the pull of her heartstrings nearly unbearable. Caleb stepped forward, a desperate plea in his eyes.

“Y/n—” he started, but the collector interrupted him. “Let’s keep it moving, boy. She’s got places to be.”

Caleb’s expression hardened, but he held his tongue, frustration simmering beneath the surface. As Y/n walked past him, she made sure to knock into him where he was hit. The guards led her out of the small home, the world outside cloaked in an ominous gray. The carriages, adorned with the emblem of the crown, were waiting just outside. The horses stamped their hooves against the cobblestone road, their breath visible in the chilly air. Other women were being ushered out, as well. The sight sent a chill down Y/n’s spine, each carriage representing an unknown fate, a path she had never envisioned for herself.

“Get in,” the collector ordered, gesturing toward one of the carriages. Y/n hesitated, glancing back at her family one last time. Their faces were etched with worry, and she felt a pang of longing. Lucy babbled something akin to a ‘goodbye’. Y/n didn’t look though, not as she climbed into the carriage, the door closing with a resounding thud behind her. The interior was dark and cramped, with only a single window- still blocked with a curtain. She settled into the corner, clutching her satchel tightly. It was an hour before someone else joined her. The neighbor from two houses down- Harlow Bianchi.

But before she could say anything, the carriage lurched forward.

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queensharotto · 5 months ago

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Brittle Doughie’s Cookie Run x Reader Masterlist (Part 7: Spring 2024)

A masterlist of @brittle-doughie’s Cookie Run stories organized by month.

Genre Emojis

😞 is for angst, 🎃 is for Halloween, 🎄 is for Christmas, 🍪 is for Cannibalism, 💗 is for Yandere, 💝 is for Valentine’s, 👻 is for Horror, 🎂 is for Birthday, 💚 is for Yandere!White Lily Cookie

The Indents are related to the featured cookies. If there are numerous cookies (Over 10 Cookies Featured), I’ll make a note on that as well. Additionally, I’ll categorize various cookies if they’re associated with a specific hobby, location, food etc.

Also, the ⭐️ will indicate a story featuring one of Brittle’s OCs while ✨ will indicate someone’s interpretation of Y/N Cookie.

Additionally, many people proved art to showcase to Brittle, which will be indicated by this: 🖌️. I will also mention who provided the art.

April 2024 ☔️

• “Meeting White Lily Cookie” 💚

Featuring: White Lily Cookie

• “The Sound of a Divorce” ⭐️

Featuring: Crowned Cupcake Cookie

• “Angry or Grateful”

Featuring: The Five Beasts

• “The Perfect Vessel Doesn’t Exi-”

Featuring: The Five Beasts

• “Harbinger’s Bride” ⭐️

Featuring: Crowned Cupcake Cookie

• “Intolerance for Malevolence”

Featuring: The Cookies of Darkness

• “A Brave Advice”

Featuring: Gingerbrave and Friends, Pure Vanilla Cookie and White Lily Cookie

• “Legendary Group Chat”

Featuring: Legendary Cookies

• “Flirtatious Margarine”

Featuring: Royal Margarine Cookie

• “Frosty Affection”

Featuring: Frost Queen Cookie

• “Dessert Report” 🍪

Featuring: The Ancient Cookies

• “New Lock”

Featuring: The Time Balance Department

• “Hail Deity”

Featuring: The Weather Deities

• “Who Touched Y/N?!”

Featuring: The Ancient Cookies

• “I Know You”

Featuring: Stormbringer Cookie, Wildberry Cookie, Black Raisin Cookie, Crunchy Chip Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie

• “Goddess of Apathy”

Featuring: Mystic Flour Cookie

May 2024 💐

• “Remember Who?”

Featuring: Starch Noodle Cookie and Pitaya Dragon Cookie

• “A Date?”

Featuring: Crunchy Chip Cookie and Wildberry Cookie

• “Letters from the Three Houses”

Featuring: The Triple Cone Trio

• “Deliciously Evil Banquet”

Featuring: Gingerbrave and Friends, The Cookies of Darkness and Pure Vanilla Cookie

• “Under the Castle” ⭐️

Featuring: Dumpling Cookie, Blueberry Pie Cookie, Financier Cookie, White Lily Cookie, Moonlight Cookie and Pure Vanilla Cookie

• “How NOT to charge your phone”

Featuring: Stormbringer Cookie

• “Gotta Go” 💗

Featuring: The Ancient Cookies, Black Raisin Cookie and Princess Cookie

• “The Wishful or the Regal”

Featuring: Lotus Dragon Cookie and Longan Dragon Cookie

• “Important Talks”

Featuring: Dark Fondue Cookie

• “Destined to be with You”

Featuring: Mystic Flour Cookie

• “Cocooned”

Featuring: Mystic Flour Cookie

• “Don’t Leave Me”

Featuring: Caramel Arrow Cookie and Dark Cacao Cookie

• “Late Arrival”

Featuring: The Cookies of the Dark Cacao Kingdom

• “Browned Butter Cookie”

Featuring: Financier Cookie

• “Such Drama”

Featuring: Romance Cookie and the TBD

• “Return to Flour”

Featuring: Dark Cacao Cookie and Mystic Flour Cookie

• “I thought we were friends”

Featuring: Shadow Milk Cookie and Mystic Flour Cookie

• “Longing Tide”

Featuring: Sea Fairy Cookie

• “No Escape” 💗

Featuring: Mystic Flour Cookie

• “Disintegrate” 🖌️

Featuring: Dark Cacao Cookie

Art by sei-cookie

• “Plans of the Harbinger”

Featuring: Dark Enchantress Cookie

• “Uh Oh” 💗

Featuring: Longan Dragon Cookie, Pitaya Dragon and Starch Noodle Cookie

• “Bitter Enemies”

Featuring: Chocolate Frosting Cookie and Street Urchin Cookie

• “The Lone Giant”

Featuring: St. Pastry Order

• “Broken” 😞

Featuring: White Lily Cookie and Silent Salt Cookie

• “Living Legend”

Featuring: The Ancient Cookies

• “Picked Up”

Featuring: White Lily Cookie

• “Sacrifice”

Featuring: White Lily Cookie

Divider Source l Next Masterlist l Previous Masterlist

#brittle doughie masterlists #cookie run kingdom #cookie run ovenbreak #cookie run #yandere cookie run kingdom #yandere cookie run #Yandere cookie run ovenbreak #yandere cookie run kingdom x reader #crk #crob #cr kingdom #cookie run angst #cookie run x reader

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elixirfromthestars · 2 years ago

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My Dearest

Pairing: Duke!Bucky Barnes x Lady!Reader (Regency Era AU — Bridgerton Inspired )

Summary: On the night of Lady Maximoff’s ball you find yourself in the gardens, troubled by your emotions. As if by fate, the rain pours down reuniting you with the one who is the very object of your troubles.

Word Count: 3k

Warning(s): heartbreak / angst / longing / implications of cheating / rejection / creative liberties for this era (yes I did do research, but bear with me if there are any inaccuracies in this piece of fiction 🤍) / a surprise cameo / female reader

a/n: This little piece has been in the works since I got into the Bridgerton series. Binge-watching the spinoff Queen Charlotte this weekend gave me the motivation to finish this piece. Thank you for reading! 🤍 Likes, comments, and reblogs are appreciated!! ❤️

for ambiance 🌧️

Your fingertips poked at the surface of the water in the fountain. Unstemmed red carnations danced along the water to the rhythm of the ripples. The faint music of the ballroom was ever so slightly drowned out by the stream pouring from the fountain at the center of the garden. You were sitting on the edge of it, hoping to ease your nerves with some fresh air. You wished you had brought a coin with you to throw in the fountain and wish your worries away.

Wishes, however, were for children and the fairytales they believed in. You were no longer a child nor were you in a fairytale—much to your dismay. Your father made sure you knew of this, reminding you of your duties at every possibility. As the only child of the one and only Earl L/n, you were expected to marry into a higher status. Your mother, on the other hand, wished for you to marry for love and nothing more.

You thought you had found both—you almost had both.

Unfortunately, the one you truly desired broke your heart before he even fully had it. You pushed the thought of him away, for he was the very reason your emotions were an entangled mess.

You looked down at your ball gown, its baby blue color muted by the lack of lighting in the approach of nightfall. You tugged at the ends of it lightly, wanting nothing more than to be at home wearing your nightgown instead. One of your favorite romance novels in hand, basking in the warmth of the fireplace. You always dreamed of having your own happily ever after, and for a while, you thought you had. A love story any poet would be over the moon to muse over.

You were sadly mistaken.

A few droplets of rain plopped themselves onto your arm. You scanned the sky above you, the once royal blue evening turning a smoky grey. A clear sign it would soon start to rain. It was only a slight drizzle, making you realize a few of those fallen droplets weren’t from the clouds above, but from your very own eyes.

You couldn’t let the prince see you like this.

You rose from your spot and searched the garden for a place to compose yourself. In the near distance stood a greenhouse decorated with overgrown ivy, obstructing the view of the inside. A perfect place to hide away from your troubles and the rain.

You lifted the ends of your ball gown, making sure to not muddy or tear any part of it, as you made your way to the greenhouse. You stepped inside, immediately enamored with the various flora surrounding you. You knew Lady Maximoff treasured her garden, but never in your wildest dreams could you have conjured up the breathtaking view before you.

You strolled along the path, taking it all in. The rain started to come down in a pour, ridding any outside noise from coming through. Thus making it harder to hear the footsteps that were approaching you.

“ Y/n? My dearest, what are you doing here?” You froze in your spot, recognizing the voice of the one who broke your heart. You turned to see James Buchanan Barnes the Duke of Brooklyn standing a few feet away from you, drenched from head to toe. It seems he too was caught in the rain.

“ Your grace, my apologies. I did not know you were here. Please excuse me,” you attempted to remove yourself from the situation, but he wouldn’t let you. Stopping you by your hands, holding them delicately.

A frown overtook his features,“ Why do you address me so formally? Have we not grown past this?”

You swallowed hard, not wanting to dwell on this topic of conversation for long,“ We did, but like anything that grows, there comes a time when it withers. We have withered.”

You yanked yourself from his grasp, his mouth parting in disbelief, “ Y/n, what are you saying? Is this because of the prince? Have you indeed traded your love for me for the status he can bring you?” He threw the accusation in your face with such disdain you felt as though he had struck you.

A rage bubbled within you.

“ How dare you? Do you truly think so little of me? I would have given up the world for you. You, however, would never have done the same,” you turned to walk away again and he swiftly maneuvered his way in front of you, blocking your path. You felt tears prickle at your eyes, but you forced yourself not to cry in front of him.

“ I apologize. I did not mean to insult you. It is only that you have been so cold toward me lately, and I do not understand why. At tonight’s ball, all I wanted was to have you in my arms once more and instead, I had to stand there like a fool watching you dance with the prince. I left for the gardens when the incessant rumors of a marriage between you two were all anyone could talk about,” his eyes searched yours for an answer, resentfulness lacing his every word.

You looked down, not being able to meet his eyes, “ I do not have to justify myself to you. And those rumors. . .are not rumors. I believe the prince should propose any day now.” By the end of your sentence, you feigned what little confidence you had left and fixed your posture, ready to face James with a steady gaze. However, as soon as you met his eyes you found yourself taking a step back.

James looked at you like he had taken a bullet to the heart.

“ And what of us? My dearest, I do not understand what I have done wrong. Tell me, so that I may fix it. I cannot bear to lose you,” his hand reached for yours to pull you in closer. You side stepped his advances, his hand recoiling at your relentless rejection.

You took in a deep breath, a sigh escaping your lips,“ You already have. The moment you decided to entertain other women while claiming your heart was mine. I am the fool for believing your grace was honest about courting me.” Irritation crept its way back into your heart at the memory.

This caught his attention as he stared at you with a puzzled expression,“ Is that what this is about? Y/n, you must know that was merely for diplomacies—for business. ”

You bit the inside of your lip to refrain from insulting the man in front of you. “ Then that is what I was then, merely a means to a business transaction between you and my father. Did you think I would not find out? My father would have never invested in that mine of yours if it were not for him believing we were courting. It was no coincidence that as soon as the papers were signed you were seen with Lady Natasha alone in your home,” you paused for a moment, realizing you had raised your voice at James, causing you to take a deep breath before continuing, “ You should be grateful my father is not holding you to any responsibilities since he is now focused on assuring I become royalty.”

James’ fists were clenched at his sides,“ How could you doubt my honor? How could you ever doubt that my heart is anyone's but yours? My business with Lady Natasha is nothing but a misunderstanding. I swear on my honor.”

You scoffed, “ Your honor means nothing to me. Your reputation of being the most prolific Rake in town precedes you. I should have believed everyone when they warned me.” His lips formed a tight line, an impatience overtaking him, “ You should know by now my darling, I do not care what others whisper in the shadows. You are all I care about, and if that is what you truly think of me then—you wound me.”

You shook your head, ready to retaliate once more with your words when he swiftly made his way to you and held you by your shoulders. “ I love you. I am certain what fuels this frustration and hatred toward me is the love you feel for me,” his voice was gentle, his features softening. His eyes held you in your place, as your body longed to be closer to him. A mere touch and a part of you was already screaming at you to forgive him.

The two of you stood there for a moment, staring at each other’s eyes not saying a word. You had no strength to pull away from his grasp, “ Your heart will move on. It will find love in another,” your response was reduced to a whisper by the end. You weren’t sure if you were trying to comfort him or yourself with your words.

He shook his head, “ My dearest, the heart here has no say. I cannot say I love you with all my heart for it will one day stop beating. I love you with my entire soul, for my love for you will live on with it for all eternity. I am forever bound to you.” James’ declaration tugged at your heartstrings.

“James. . .” his name dropped from your lips in a pleading whisper. Whether that was for him to stop or keep going—you weren’t sure anymore. You were left speechless. Any protests or rebuttals that were initially in your mind were gone with one declaration. He pulled you in closer—if that were possible—and embraced you, planting a passionate kiss on your lips. You returned it with as much intensity.

You melted into each other, the reciprocated love burning into you. This one kiss ignited within you all of the feelings you were trying so desperately to extinguish. James tasted of wine and smelled of sandalwood, a combination you found strangely addicting.

One of James’ hands slipped down your back, your own gravitating to the nape of his neck. He pressed his body against yours, a small gasp escaped your lips allowing him to deepen the kiss. The continuous kisses he bestowed upon you grew needier by the minute. If his words weren’t getting through to you, he wanted to make sure his lips did.

His mouth moved down to your neck, continuing to show his devotion to you. Your body betrayed you as it leaned to the side giving him easier access. You held in a breath at the sensation. It was evident no one could make you feel the way James does.

This was the opposite of what you had been striving for these last few weeks. Your father made it clear to you how important it was for the family for you to rise to the status of a princess. The prince had been kind and charming, but he was no match for James. You knew there was no argument to be had with your father since now that a prince was interested in you, there was no way in hell he was going to accept a Duke as his son in law. You didn't care and figured that in time he would forgive you once he realized how in love James and you were. You hoped he would see what your mother saw and accept this path to your happiness.

That was before the incident.

A month ago you took a carriage ride to James’ home accompanied by your Lady’s maid Kate. The purpose of this escapade was to confide in James over your father’s intentions. Unbeknownst to you, his true intentions would be brought to light instead.

Your carriage was merely a block away when you spotted them. They were laughing as James’ footmen escorted both him and Lady Natasha inside. There was no one else in sight and no one else entering the home with them. This meant they were in there alone and unchaperoned. Only impatient lovers would resort to such means knowing a scandal could break out if they were caught.

You clutched at your chest, overwhelmed with the way it ached. You felt as though James had come up to you and ripped it out of your chest, exposing it to everyone to gawk and laugh at. To laugh at how stupid Lady Y/n had become in thinking the biggest Rake in town had truly, madly, and deeply fallen in love with her.

Kate took you in her arms and ordered the coachmen to take the long way back home. You sat there, crying into her shoulder throughout the entire journey. You vowed that day to never fall for James’ charms ever again.

The memories of that day hit you full force and knocked the air out of you. Your body caught up to your brain and with as much strength as you could muster you pushed James off of you. He looked shaken by your reaction, staggering back almost tripping over a cluster of purple hyacinths.

With your anger at his betrayal still fueling you, you lifted your chin in the air and spoke your final words to him,“ You cannot water what has already withered and believe it will come back to life.”

You didn’t bother to look at him this time, knowing too well the expression on his face was one that would make your resolve crumble in an instant. You quickly turned and ran out of the greenhouse and back into the garden. The rain was still coming down in a pour, soaking you from head to toe. Tears were streaming down your face and the ends of your ball gown were now covered in mud. In spite of that, you continued to run to the furthest part of the garden closest to the carriages and farthest from Lady Maximoff’s manor.

You were yearning to be home—to be in your mother’s arms and bask in her comfort. To have Kate prepare you the warmest cup of tea and sugary scones to indulge in. Anything to remove the taste of wine and the smell of sandalwood that was now deeply imbedded into your senses. This in hopes to forget the events of tonight ever happened.

“ Miss Y/n, you are soaked to the brim, we must get you home. I shall fetch the Marchioness at once,” your coachman draped a blanket from the servant’s quarters over your shoulders and helped you into your carriage. You hugged it tightly against you as the coachman walked away to get your aunt, the Marchioness of Syracuse. You had completteley forgotten she was the one who accompanied you tonight. How were you going to explain your current state to her?

“ Miss Y/n?”

That voice—you know that voice. It belonged to the person you least wanted to see at this moment. A lady should never let a prince see her like this.

“ Your Highness, I beg of you not to look in the carriage. I was caught in the rain and I am not proper,” the door of the carriage was wide open, the prince’s emerald green attire coming into view. You angled your body so that he could only see the bottom half of your ball gown, hiding your face from him.

“ Your wish is my command, my lady,” he stood by the entry of the carriage facing froward, his side profile visible to you. Your shoulders relaxed, relieved he didn’t have to see you at your worst. His personal attendant was beside him, holding an umbrella above him to ensure his royal highness was not touched by the rain.

“ I must thank you for bestowing upon me the pleasure of dancing with you tonight. I regret we did not get to spend more time together. You looked absolutely breathtaking in your dress,” he complimented you, bringing a smile to your face. “ You flatter me, your Highness—thank you. I will make sure to not get caught in the rain next time, so that our dances may continue.” You made light of your situation, bringing out a soft chuckle from him.

“ No matter if there is rain. I would gladly charge right into the storm of it if it meant I could have you by my side,” he stated, a warmth overtaking your cheeks. Any flirtations coming from another man other than James were foreign to you and flustered you easily. James’ flirtations were inviting and expected, while others were far from it. They felt wrong to hear and to accept. In doing so, it was as if you were being disloyal to James.

You would have to keep reminding yourself there is nothing more to be disloyal to.

“ You’re too kind, your Highness. I am not sure it is worth catching an illness over this weather for a dance,” you responded, trying to keep your voice gentle and light. You didn’t want any negative emotions to take charge just yet. They could do so once you were in the privacy of your bedchambers.

“ For me it is. You are worth it, Miss Y/n,” the prince had never confessed his love to you, but with this sentence, it was clear his feelings toward you were much stronger than you had previously believed. Many proposals were given on attraction alone—to have a proposal based on love was the rarest of blessings.

You stilled in your seat, his words making your heart skip a beat. From the bottom of your heart it was clear to you, you were not in love with this man. Nonetheless, you thought, maybe in the future you would. Maybe if you tried hard enough your heart could move on even if your soul refused to.

“ Oh! Prince Loki, your highness, what a pleasure to see you here with my niece. . .” your aunt arrived just in time, saving you from having to respond. Your mind wandered off, your aunt’s voice and the prince’s getting lost in the background as they spoke to one another.

You draped the blanket over your head to cover the stream of tears that refused to stop flowing. If you pretended to be asleep than you could avoid all of your aunt’s pestering questions on where you had snuck off to while the prince was waiting for you.

No, you did not love Prince Loki.

Yes, you were in love with James Barnes the Duke of Brooklyn.

However, for the sake of a love lost along with fulfilling your duty, you would have to learn how to love another.

Rake: A rake is a 19th-century term for a womanizer or a man who flaunts their exploits with women and avoids any real romantic attachments.

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes au #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #bucky angst #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes fanfiction #duke bucky #duke bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes fic #bucky x female reader #bucky x you #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes x female!reader #bucky oneshot #james bucky barnes

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beomcoups · 2 years ago

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Now that’s 90′s- A Seventeen Collab

Hosted by @beomcoups and @mingsolo

Drive in theaters... mall hopping on the weekends... confessing your watching TRL and Daria on MTV. The 90s were all about being fresh, nostalgic and keeping it real. Who better to star in this 90′s collab other than SVT? Below are the authors that are going to be taking us through the decade, one Seventeen boy at a time.

S. Coups

→ Cry-Baby by @duhnova

→ pairing: biker!choi seungcheol x fem!reader

→ genre: fluff, angst, opposites attract, drama, kind of college au, smut

→ summary: decked out in leather and riding a harley davidson like he’s got business with the devil, choi seungcheol was the talk of your small town. everyone looked down on him and when you come home for the first time since starting uni you find it hard to believe that the pouty lipped kid you tossed off the merry-go-round when you were six was some slick haired delinquent. → rating: 18+

Jeonghan

→ [he Emperor and I] by @flurrys-creativity

→ pairing: emperor!Jeonghan x Reader

→ genre: royal au, the king and I 1999 animation au, s2l, romance, fluff, humour, angst, eventual smut

→ summary: You travel as a teacher to Caratland on the request of emperor Jeonghan. Though the emperor wasn't what you expected, neither was your stay in the foreign land. Especially with Jeonghan using every chance he got to tease you.

→ rating: 18+

Joshua

→ [Stop, Kiss] by @hobeemin

→ pairing: joshua hong x poc!(f) reader

→ genre: romance, angst, drama, fluff, college au, 90s au (based on Can’t Hardly Wait)

→ summary: joshua wasn’t what you called popular back in high school, in fact, he was practically invisible. what happens when he runs into his childhood crush in college after growing into his looks? awhole lot of shenanigans ensue.

→ rating: 18+

Jun

→ Ugh! As If! by @ wongyuseokie → pairing: College Student Junhui x Female Reader

→ genre: established relationship, pwp, fluff, smut

→ summary: Your boyfriend decided to take you into a drive-in movie for date night, only problem? He looks scrumptious, and now your task is to make sure he knows just how good he looks, without the others knowing.

→ rating: 18+

Hoshi

→ [Caller #17] by @beomcoups

→ pairing: jock!Hoshi x college radio dj!reader (femme)

→ genre: 90’s au. strangers to lovers au, fluff, angst,

→ summary: You could name 10 things that you hate about him easily. But when you bond together over music, those things slowly turn into love instead.

→ rating: 18+

Wonwoo

→ [PAUSE + PLAY] by @mingsolo

→ pairing: wonwoo x gn!reader

→ genre: 90s au, fluff, humor

→ summary: Your new job at the VHS store starts to get interesting when a handsome young man comes to the counter with a bunch of interesting picks.

→ rating: nc17

Woozi

→ You Drive Me Crazy (But It Feels Alright) by @wooahaeproductions

→ pairing: Lee Jihoon x Female Reader

→ genre: angst, fluff, smut

→ summary: You and your neighbor, Jihoon used to be best friends as kids. As time passed, unfortunate events and the cliques of junior high tore the two of you apart. Several years later, you find yourselves in the same college but the two of you actively avoid each other and some people would even say you were enemies. As fate would have it, breakups lead you both to wonder if there's ever a chance to rekindle the friendship.

→ rating: 18+ read here

→ 60 Billion by @onlyseokmins pt. 1 pt. 2

→ pairing: Lee Seokmin x Female Reader

→ genre: smut, action!au, apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic!au, space western!au, enemies to comrades to lovers!au, angst, fluff

→ summary: How did a legendary bounty promised for turning in the wasteland's most infamous outlaw transform into a sick, little inside betting joke amongst your traveling companions? Though you have no idea why they're doing it… you sure as hell don't want that very same gunslinger comrade worth sixty billion double dollars to know anything about it either — but oops — looks like he already does! Damn you and your temper, some unhelpful lip-loosening alcohol, and one no-good, sorry excuse of a preacher you sometimes think of as a friend.

→ rating: 18+

Mingyu

→ Hot Wheels by @milfgyuu

→ pairing: Kim Mingyu x Fem!Reader

→ genre: 90's AU, Fluff, Humor, Smut

→ summary: There has been something brewing between you and your part-time co-worker (full-time hottie), Kim Mingyu. Endlessly flirting on the clock at Wheelies, making out in the back of the movie theater, rolling around in the sand with a mighty good man...no other 90's dreamboat could ever compare.

→ rating: 18+

Minghao

→ BREAK AND RETURN by @cheolism

→ pairing: brother's-bandmate!minghao x f!reader

→ genre: 90s au, smut, fwb/fucking your brother's friend

→ summary: last week minghao did what he thought was best and put an end to your fling. he sees you again before band practice and can't help but give in to his desires.

→ rating: 18+

Seungkwan

→ once upon a summer by @the-boy-meets-evil

→ pairing: Seungkwan x fem!reader

→ genre: 90s!au, summer love | fluff and some angst

→ summary: Every summer kind of goes the same. The population of your usually sleepy beach town doubles and you bust your ass to make enough money to last through the slow season. But a new face blows into town like a whirlwind and he’s determined to catch your eye. Only one problem: he’s here for the summer and you’re married to this town.

→ rating:18+

Vernon

→ Natsukashii by @flurrys-creativity

→ pairing: Vernon x Reader (probably fem)

→ genre: Jurassic Park AU, 90s AU, acquaintances to lovers/distant friends to lovers, Fluff, Angst

→ summary: It should have been a fun weekend trip but after the boat got caught by a storm and crashed on one of the dinosaur islands, you got separated from the group. You nearly despaired until Vernon found you.

→ rating: sfw and 15+

Dino

→ Four Page Letter by @shuadotcom

→ pairing: Lee Chan x Fem!Reader

→ genre: Fluff, smut, mild angst

→ summary: Chan has always been just one of your step-brother’s best friends. He’s also been in love with you for as long as everyone remembers, but you never paid him much mind - that is until you decide to return home after many years away and you see the man he’s become. He goes from being your little brother’s best friend to being the perfect man for you in a matter of months. Now the questions are who wants who more and will either of you do anything about your feelings?

→ rating: 18+

#that's so 90s #Seventeen collab #svt collab #svt fanfic #seventeen fics #k-vanity #kvanity #thekpopuniverse #kpop fanfic #kpop imagines #kpop scenarios #my collabs

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melaniem54 · 2 years ago

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Review: The Financier and the Sweetheart (Campo Royale #4) by V.L. Locey

Rating: 5🌈 It’s going to break my heart to say goodbye to the Campo Royale series. It’s turned out to be a moving and entertaining series based around a Wilmington, Delaware hard working drag establishment. We’ve had all types of Queens and romances, from tiny Gigi and her NHL player to aging drag Queen Mother Sitka Patel and young Yampier. Now at the penultimate story, we have Clarice Patel…

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#newbookreleases #A MelanieM Review #author V. L. Locey #drag queens #LGBTQIA Contemporary Romance #lovers reunited #m/m romance #Review: The Financier and the Sweetheart (Campo Royale 4) by V.L. Locey #Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended #second chance at love

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viviennevermillion · 2 years ago

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winged surprise

notes: just a little something i wrote before going to bed. a short scenario about malleus flying you back to the dorm after an exhausting PE exam and giving you some affection ❣️

contains: malleus draconia x gn!reader, touching malleus's wings, affection, cuddling, fluff

warnings: mention of showering together

PE was hardly one of your favorite classes; especially on exam day when you had to try your hardest to get a good grade. Who even makes up these stupid exercises to get evaluated on? You sighed and let out an annoyed groan when you glanced to your side and found that the water bottle you had brought with you was already empty. You didn't even remember that you had finished it.

Your head hurt from the exhaustion and your breath was ragged and you weren't even halfway through the test.

"You seem out of breath", a certain dragon fae noticed as the two of you walked over to the next area of the sports field where each student had to do as many push-ups as possible in a minute, "I did not think this exercise could be so taxing to someone." He laid a finger to his chin, contemplating your current state. "Says the guy with the physical advantages in the 'physical advantage' class", you let out a bitter laugh and could have punched Vargas when you heard him call out to the two of you to hurry up already.

Once the exam was over, the students packed up their things and left the coliseum. You were still sitting on the bench, letting the wind blow past you in an attempt to cool yourself. Your heart was beating rapidly and your legs were shaking from straining your muscles during the exercise. "Here. I don't need it, you can have it", you opened your eyes to see Malleus standing in front of you, handing you his own water bottle. You mumbled a barely audible 'thank you', before almost downing the whole thing in one go. Malleus sat down beside you, taking your shaking hand into his and rubbing it gently. "Do you feel better now? Can we head back to the dorm?", he asked softly and wrapped an arm around you which you pushed off immediately, checking your surroundings for any prying eyes. For a prince, who would be most affected if someone were to find out about your secret romance before announcing it officially with the approval of Briar Valley's royal court, Malleus was surprisingly careless. His desire for your affection sometimes won over his caution when it came to hiding your relationship.

"Just give me a minute", you mumbled, closing your eyes again and feeling as if you could pass out right there on the bench. Instead, you could feel yourself being lifted by Malleus; finding yourself in his arms before you could feel a shadow blocking the sun from your face. You opened your eyes again and your gaze fell onto two majestic dragon wings attached to Malleus's back. Your fingers reached for them but Malleus swatted your hand away. "You're going to fall if you turn like that", he said and then smiled down at you, "you can touch them once we're back at the dorm." You nodded, marveling at the way the scales would shine in green, purple and black colors depending on how the light hit his wings.

"You've never shown these to me before", you remarked with a smile on your face, closing your eyes and leaning your cheek against Malleus's chest as you could feel him lifting off the ground and the air around you getting a little cooler, much like you had wanted, "they're beautiful." "I'm glad you think so, my love", he held you safely in his embrace, grateful that you had trusted him this much. "So what, I'm just getting a whole flight back to the dorm?", you asked and chuckled. Malleus affirmed and you enjoyed the rest of the flight in silence; sometimes gazing at the scenery below. But most of the time you were focusing on the wind and the feeling of flying as well as the sound of Malleus's heartbeat you could hear with how close you were.

Once you had arrived at Diasomnia, Malleus had put you down on the bed gently and let you catch your breath before the two of you took a shower to wash off the reminders of Vargas's hellish PE exam. Malleus could feel you were still exhausted by the way you were leaning against him with your eyes closed the entire time, sitting down at every possible opportunity. "Are you sure you'll be okay?", he asked and you could hear a little worry in his voice. "It's sports. It's annoying and exhausting but nothing that will kill me, sunshine", you nuzzled his neck and he enjoyed the sensation with a satisfied smile, closing his eyes as well.

When you had left the bathroom, Malleus opened his wardrobe and tossed you a simple black shirt of his. You sat down on the bed and put it on as well as the spare pants you had packed for PE. Malleus looked at you for a moment, noticing once again how adorable you looked wearing his shirt. "It suits you", he smiled and reached into the wardrobe again to pull out a t-shirt for himself as well. "Well then, maybe I should keep it", you teased and Malleus smirked at you as if he was challenging you. "Did no one teach you not to steal from a dragon?", he joked and closed the wardrobe, sitting down beside you, "it's just a jest. You can have it, if you want."

He grabbed the green shirt he had gotten for himself and was about to put it on when you stopped him. "You promised to show me your wings again", you reminded him and he chuckled. "You're right, I did say that", he spoke softly and manifested his dragon wings, accidentally knocking the lamp off the nightstand in the process. You picked it up and put it back to where it stood before you focused on Malleus's wings. You knew he could summon them even while he was wearing clothes but to see how they connected to the soft skin of his back was different. There were small scales surrounding the base and you touched them carefully, eventually running your fingertips along his wing. Malleus had closed his eyes and his breathing slowed. His wings were quite sensitive, yet he found your touch relaxing and enjoyable. You ran your fingers over one particular spot on his wing and he started flapping it uncontrollably.

"My apologies if I startled you", he kissed your forehead gently, "I'm merely a little ticklish." You smirked and started tickling that area of his wing, causing that motion again and witnessing Malleus laughing desperately because of your teasing. He retracted his wings almost immediately. "Hey!", you pouted and ran a finger over the skin of his back where his wings had been just a second ago. "You brought this upon yourself", he smirked at you and put on his clothes. You raised an eyebrow, amused at seeing Malleus in a GaoGao Dragon-kun shirt. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, you thought.

As soon as Malleus was dressed for bed, he pulled you into his arms and covered the two of you with the blanket. His legs were entangled with yours and you buried your face in his shirt. He held you close, running his fingertips up and down your back. Malleus radiated a comforting warmth and being snuggled up to him like this never failed to make any situation seem cozy. "I love you so much", he whispered and kissed your lips slowly, catching up on the affection he had to miss out on during the lessons. "I love you too", you reminded him and wrapped your arm around him, listening to his heartbeat once more. The two of you fell asleep not long after, holding each other tightly.

#twisted wonderland #malleus draconia x you #malleus x reader #malleus draconia x reader #twisted wonderland malleus #malleus draconia #malleus fluff #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader

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delulu-is-the-soluluh · 3 months ago

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Scars of Flames and Wind | Chap 3

Chap 2

A Dark!Rowaelin x afab!Reader

(Temporary) Summary: Aelin and Y/N shared a deep bond since childhood, growing up together in the royal courts of Terrasen as their innocent crushes hinted at a future romance. However, the invasion of Adarlan shattered their world. Aelin was forced to become Celaena, while Y/N stayed behind, joining the rebellion and becoming their most lethal spy, never ceasing to look for the princess. That is until she accidentally meets with a famous assassin who’s eyes she knows for so long.

Warnings: Stalking, death, Sam Cortland, Yn is revealed to be morally dark gray and twisted (surprise :D); Time jumps. I changed one thing or two for the sake of the plot. Had to divide in two parts, sorry :D

Chapter 3 l As time goes by; part one

YN went back to the small apartment she shared with Ren whenever she was in Adarlan, gloom and sadness weighing heavily on her as she replayed her earlier encounter while the sun began to rise. Her heart was heavy because of Aelin's choice, bittersweet from having a proper goodbye. She could still taste her on her lips, feel her in her hands and her faint jasmine scent lingered over the lavender soap. Tears began to fall as YN promised herself she would never forget. Now that she knew who Aelin truly was, she vowed to do everything in her power to take her away from the Guild. She would use every favor she had to bring her back into her arms.

As she reached the apartment, expecting it to be empty since Ren was out of town, she was surprised to find Aedion seated on the sofa in a relaxed pose, arms open with a wide smile. “Miss me, Rocky?” he said.

She was shocked to see him there, as he was supposed to be up North at the Staghorn. She let out a breathy laugh, rolling her eyes as tears continued to fall. She hugged him, saying, “I hate when you call me that. What are you doing here?”

“And I love it when you hate it. I need to report the rebellion somethings, I’m going back north tonight.” he replied, giving her a bear hug. When he heard her sniffles, he frowned, looking at her face. “Why are you crying? Did you miss me that much?” he tried to joke, though his tone was filled with concern.

YN looked at him, vulnerable in her eyes, trying to speak but failing. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said, “I found her.”

Aedion kept a confused look. “Found her? Found who...?” Then his eyes widened in realization. “Impossible... she’s... dead, she fell into the river.”

“She’s alive, Aedion,” YN said, pulling away from his embrace to show him the dagger. Aedion looked at it, confused, and she opened the hilt with shaking hands, revealing the necklaces inside. Aedion’s breath hitched as he looked up at her.

“She’s alive, and she’s Celaena Sardothien.” Her voice broke as fat tears began to drop. Aedion's face crumbled, and his eyes teared up.

She told him everything. About Archer’s group, about Hunter and Louis deciding about Nicky, what she had done, and how she found her. As she was putting on the radiant sun necklace, she said, “I don’t know if she’s scared of the Guild coming after us or scared to reclaim the throne because of her life, but I tried,” she said in a desperate tone. “I tried to convince her, I said I’d pay her debt, that she could be with us as Aelin or Celaena, but she was adamant...”

Aedion was quiet, trying to process all the information as tears fell. After a moment of silence, YN sat on the sofa, sighing, and put her hands on her head.

“What now? Are we just going to sit here and continue as if nothing happened?” Aedion asked, anger rising in his voice.

“I’ll help her,” YN quickly answered. “I have my ways to take her away from that life, favors that I need to call in...” She took a deep breath. “She’s coming back to Terrassen with us. No matter the name she chooses.”

Aedion stood quiet. A few moments passed until he came to sit by her side. “Are you going to tell this to the Lords?”

“Absolutely not. They will find a way to blame her, accuse her of treason because of her work here... and Darrow will pull some shit about ‘forgetting her kingdom’ or ‘abandoning us.’” YN gave a dry laugh. “As if an eight-year-old could have known that fucking asshole would abuse her like that.”

Aedion grabbed her hand to ground them both as his agitation grew. Arobynn Hamel—a name that’s for certain on his kill list.

“Let’s just keep this between us, okay? At least for now,” YN said softly, looking into his eyes. Aedion nodded and kissed her temple, knowing how long and how deeply she loved her cousin.

Yn pov:

It’s been months since that night at the inn, and I’ve been working non-stop, scraping together every coin to pay off her debt and keep track of Celaena. She didn’t ask for help—she’d probably hate me for interfering—but I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. I’ve had to be careful, though. I can’t afford to be caught by the Guild, and giving them money directly is out of the question. So, I’ve had to get creative. Every job I take, every coin I earn, it’s all for her—even if she never knows.

The first bit of news I heard about her came through the usual gossip in my line of work: Celaena Sardothien freed two hundred slaves at Skull’s Bay with another assassin, Sam Cortland, ruining Captain Rolfe’s plans. The last I heard, she was with the Silent Assassins. I confirmed it through a contact in Xandria who sent me a usual report, mentioning a new face at an inn, and Celaena’s silence over the summer only solidified it.

Two hundred lives. Freed by her. I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. I hope she realizes that if she can do that, she can do anything. Like leaving that life behind for good.

But the irony isn’t lost on me. While she’s out there saving lives, I’ve been deepening my ties with the Underworld. I’ve taken on more work as a rental spy, keeping it hidden from Aedion. He wouldn’t approve, not of this side of me that I’ve kept secret—the side that takes lives for the sake of the cause. I’ve been doing this for over a year now, telling myself that all the money, all the books I’ve bought, all the information and favors, it’s for Terrasen, but since Aelin’s life has been at risk, I’ve gone even further, become even crueler.

Sometimes, my work involves clients like Farran Rouke, Ioan Jayne’s Second. Farran has his own side operations that Jayne knows nothing about, and he’s always looking for someone to spy or eliminate targets that can threaten his plan to dominate the Underworld of crime. He once told me that's why he sometimes chooses me for his more delicate tasks—because of my ruthlessness, sharp mind, and ability to blend into society unnoticed. We've developed a... partnership, of sorts. His targets serve as my experiments, and he compensates me handsomely for my “creativity”.

Right now, I’m working for Rouke, keeping an eye on the harlot at The Vaults. I discovered Jayne’s plan—he suspects that Farran is onto him and intends to drug him with Gloriella and torture him. I reported this to Farran, who then assigned me to watch over the harlot Jayne is using to set the trap.

As a wrestling match raged in the ring, Jayne locked himself in a cheap bedroom with the harlot. I was about to leave when I spotted her—Celaena. My heart almost stopped. I didn’t know she was back. Farlan had gone for more spidersilk, and Ansel hadn’t answered my last letter. But there she was, signaling with a nod toward the man who’d just won the match. I didn’t recognize him, and I had no idea what connection he had to her.

I followed them through the streets, dread curling in my gut as I watched them argue. They were close—too close. I kept tailing them until they reached a large apartment above a warehouse. I couldn’t stop myself; I climbed to the nearest rooftop,uncaring if I looked like a stalker, so I could keep hidden but having a clear vision of a kitchen half lit by moonlight. Peering towards the kitchen window, I watched as they continued to argue. My heart pounded in my throat when I realized they were living together.

She’d left the Guild—for him. He was enough. Not me.

Betrayal flared in my chest, as my eyes filled with tears when he started kissing her. Kissing my.. something shattered inside me while I silently cried my way back home, the autumn sea air refreshing the burning sensation that those necklaces brought.

Days later:

I used to relive that night at the inn in my dreams, waking each time with a renewed sense of purpose. But now, those dreams are tainted, more often twisting into that cursed kitchen, where I'm forced to watch him kiss her and bitterness takes place in my chest.

It didn't take much to find out who he was, since spying on them has become easier—which worries me because of their lack of protection with so many enemies around. They must be out of money and desperately needing a target for him to participate in clandestine fights at The Vaults.

I’m well aware that I shouldn’t be angry at Sam Cortland. Apparently, he doesn’t know a thing about who she really is or her past but how he helped her back in Skull Bay, proved him to be a man of values and true to his.. feelings towards her. One that seemed to be mutual and enough for her to leave all behind.

But anger has been stronger than my reason. And yet, it’s still not enough to make me throw away the dagger or the necklace she gave me. I’ve tried.

And it was so stupid of me for keeping my distance, for hiding away to no get caught by Arobynn, all to protect Celaena’s wishes—only for her to come back from the Red Desert and leave that fucking Guild without a second thought for a harlot’s son.

Now, as I make my way to Rouke's manor, the reality of how futile my efforts have been settled in. Everything I’ve done, every coin I’ve earned, it all feels meaningless in the face of her decision. Yet, here I am, collecting blood money once again, wondering if I’m becoming the very thing I despised—all while she’s moved on, leaving me to grapple with the consequences of my choices. Perhaps I’m losing my grip on my own morals. Have I ever had it?.

I was about to knock on Rouke’s office door when I froze to hear voices inside. He was arrogant enough to leave his house unguarded, so I stood close to listen.

“So, about the trap-offer and getting Cortland dead, I’ll charge you a little more than money. A minor, tiny favor of your pet: killing Joan out of my way and if she do a great job I'll capture her.” Rouke’s voice says, casual as ever. “Maybe even having a little entertainment with her.”

My blood runs cold as I listen to Arobynn voice slices through the air, cold and commanding.

“That’s out of the question. I want her back alive and in one piece. But I’ll speak to her first and If she doesn't change her mind, we will follow the plan.”

Rouke's laughter follows, dark and mocking. “It's quite amusing to see this side of you... Always so composed, so serious. Amazing what a little love quarrel can do, isn't it?”

The sound of chairs scraping against the floor jolts me into action. My heart races as I press myself closer to the wall, trying to steady my trembling hands.

“Careful with your next steps, Hammel,” Rouke warns, his voice turning deadly. “Or I’ll revoke our deal and handle things my way” A tense silence fills the room, stretching out until the calmer, deliberate footsteps of Arobynn finally break it.

I take a few quick steps back, pretending I’ve just arrived. The door swings open, and Arobynn steps out, his cold eyes locking with mine for a moment before he nods and walks past me. So close and yet so far from slitting his throat. I swallow my rage, forcing a nonchalant expression onto my face as I step into Rouke’s office.

“Ah, Sierra,” Rouke greets me with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. Sierra. A name I’ve chosen for these kinds of jobs—an alias that conceals my identity “always a delight to see you, even with that mask” he stepped aside so I could enter the room. "Sorry for this minor inconvenience, but I was just reminding myself how not to kill our allies.” He says as a joke while mentioning with his hands for me to take the seat in front of his desk. As I took the seat, Rouke opened a drawer and placed on the table a heavy sack full of coins.

“Two thousand gold coins for your excellent work with that harlot of Jayne, the body was unrecognizable under that sewage. It's good to see that your“anatomy classes” have borne fruits.”

A sick smile took over his face. I felt the bitter bile rise as I remembered the victim's body. I did this 'work' by taking out on that harlot all the hurt I felt from nights ago. But as the disgust for him mixed with my own, I realized I was turning into someone I despised—a creature without control, a monster of my own making.

“I know you work on a contract basis and prefer to complete your assignments away from others, but I have a proposal—no, a gift!” He says leaning back into his chair. “An exclusive, in-person 'method masterclass' with my next target. As a token of my gratitude for your impeccable work over the past year, and with my impending rise to power, I'd like you in my inner circle as my spy. I assure you, money won’t be a problem neither will your security. What do you say?”

My mind went silent for a moment. The stark realization of my choices hitting me like a stone in my head “I have to refuse. I have another assignment scheduled out of town and my distaste for formal agreements.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, come on! Still clinging to that mindset? You're talented, I’ll give you that, but in our world, people like us don’t stay hardened for long. It’s only a matter of time before a client grows dissatisfied and ruins your reputation—or worse, reports you.” Rouke leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with ambition, his voice dripping with venom. “Is that all you want? You're already a spy... why stay stuck in the same position when you could be my future second-in-command?”

My stomach churned, but I kept my face impassive, voice steady. “I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to keep working on my own and control over my choices. I have no interest in climbing any higher on your ladder, especially if it means compromising my principles or becoming entangled in your web.”

“Principles? in our line of work? He laughs, a cold, mocking sound. “ You wounded me, Sierra. I thought we were birds of a feather. I might start to think that you’re running away from me.”

I forced a smirk under my mask and crossed my legs ‘I’m not running away; it’s a favor I owe. I prefer to honor my commitments with my clients.’

He nodded, his expression thoughtful “What a shame.. we would make a wonderful duo in this world.” He got up towards the door and took the sack from the table as I went to him shortly after. “That’s what I like about you. This unyielding loyalty to your work. Admirable, really.” He opened the door as I stood in front of him, outside his office. “And that’s what is going to kill you.”

A sour taste came in my mouth. He hands me the money, and I nod goodbye and I leave. The coins feel dirty in my hands, and disgust churns in my stomach.

I head home, mind now racing as I try to think of a way to warn Celaena without getting caught. Was he planning to report her as vengeance for choosing Sam? I sighed as I walked through the door, and locked it, putting the sack in the drawer near it.

“Yn?” Fuck. Ren is here. He came from the bathroom, hair wet from the bath and clean clothes “What made you go out so early? I was waiting for at least a coffee brewed for me.” He joked while drying his hair with a towel.

I rolled my eyes as I took my boots off. “Has anyone ever told you that you are presumptuous?” I placed them near the door and went to hug him. While Aedion was like a brother, Ren was my closest friend. He helped with my training and whenever I was in Terrasen he offered a place to stay and a couple of books and education that survived the fire. “How have you been?”

“I’m doing okay,” he says, pulling away from the embrace “Been sober for six months now.”

“Ren, that is amazing! I’m so proud of you!” I say, genuinely pleased for him. He has been battling opioid addiction for a couple of years now. Watching him fight and now hearing that he’s managed to stay sober for this long—it’s nothing short of incredible.

I hesitate for a moment before asking, “Have you seen Aedion? How’s everything going in Terrasen?”

Ren’s expression shifts to one of concern. “Actually, I’m here to pick you up. Aedion has been called by the king for reports on the ‘siege’ in Suria. We need to get back before Darrow starts thinking he’s the one running things.”

I stared at him confused. “Out of the blue like that?” Since I’m Aedion’s right hand, I’m used to moving between Adarlan and the North depending on where he needs me. Whenever I’m here in Adarlan, it’s usually because Aedion is stationed in the North, and vice versa.

Ren sighed as he went to the kitchen “Sorscha said last letter that the king wants him near because of the growing wave of murders of some bourgeois with contact with the nobility. He thinks it's only a matter of time for someone to commit a treason.” Ren bit a chunk of bread as said with his mouth full “The king is madder each day. You should take a bath and pack your things, we’re leaving at noon.”

“What?” I turned quickly from the bathroom door. “Wait a minute, you came with him? That is dangerous, what if someone saw him with you?”

“Relax, it was too early for someone to see us! By the way, what were you doing for being out so early?” He shouted from the living room, as I opened the bathtub tab.

“What? A girl can’t snoop around, sometimes?” Sighing, I say, “I’m going to take a bath and I’ll tell the rest.” As soon as I closed the door, fear hit me like a tidal wave as I leaned onto the sink. I’ll never be able to tell her about the fake offer Sam is going to get, I’m not going to be here to help her. All that I did for nothing. Money will not help if she get reported, and I don’t know if I have a pending favor to charge.

I started to hyperventilate as dread consumed me. There’s nothing that I can do. Only hope Celaena realizes it’s a trap before it’s too late.

These past two months here at Staghorn have been challenging, to say the least. Darrow has been breathing down my neck, questioning where all my money is coming from and why I have such extensive knowledge of politics and anatomy but not a single new ally. I’ve had to roll my eyes and keep pushing forward—studying, training with Bane and Ren in the harsh winter, and building my trust with the army. I couldn’t even send a letter to Aedion while he’s at the castle, fearing it would raise suspicion. Sorscha has sent reports, but nothing that really grabbed my attention. I need to know what happened after I left.

It was a cold morning at the Murtaugh House. I stayed with Ren to brainstorm new ideas to advance and invest further in the Rebellion. As I was having breakfast in the kitchen, one of the few housekeepers handed me a letter. I thanked her, setting my coffee on the table as she left. But when I opened the letter to read Aedion’s handwriting form the most horrendous phrase:

“She’s in Endovier.”

It happened. Sam is dead, and she’s fallen into the trap. Arobynn reported her. I barely made it to the bathroom before I lost my breakfast. I knew what Endovier was, what happened there, and what’s in store for her. I tried not to collapse as the bile rose in my throat. There’s nothing I can do to save her now. No amount of money or favors will change that. Defying the Adarlan crown is too risky—no one from here will be sent there. I need to come up with a plan, something, anything. But all that came up was the bitter taste of my bile and my own despair.

I’ve found myself standing in a shadowy forest, the trees towering high above, their leaves whispering secrets I couldn’t quite grasp in the middle of the night. It couldn’t be Oalkwood but more like an ancient version of the forest: Full of magic and mysteries and tiny yellow orbs looking through the bushes. The air was thick with an otherworldly energy, as I walked through the trees and branches with only the moonlight to guide me when I felt a presence behind me.

I turned slowly, and there, half-hidden by the shadows, was a strangely familiar figure—a female fae, tall and regal, dressed in white with long bright hair but face blurred by mist. I walked toward her as if there was something pulling me to her. “Who are you?” I whispered, trying to get a glimpse of her face.

“Someone you were once supposed to know” the woman’s voice echoed, steady but with a hint of regret. “Our families are bound by more than just history and blood YN.. there are some ties that come with unseen threads.”

“How do you know who I am? What are you trying to say?”

“Aelin Galathynius is trapped in Endovier and she needs to be freed” the figure continued, stepping closer, though her features remained hidden. “You’re the only one who can help her. The only one who can set this in motion.”

My heart quickened as shock and confusion filled my chest. “How..? How do you know about this?”

The female paused, her presence growing stronger, more tangible, as if the very air around her pulsed with ancient power. “I know because I’ve been watching you, guiding you. You are an Ashryver blood and the last daughter of Montserrat lineage. That connection ties you to her in ways you cannot yet comprehend. I have chosen you, for your path and hers were always meant to intertwine but now, more than ever, they’ve become tangled in this time.”

I shook my head, trying to make sense of her words, but the weight of them pressed down on me, overwhelming and undeniable. “Why?” I said softly, too immersed in her presence and its meaning “Why me? How am I supposed to do this? I don’t even know where to begin to help her.”

“You were never meant to walk this road alone,” she said softly, her voice now filled with both sadness and resolve. “You will find allies, those who believe in the legacy of our families. Trust in the power that flows through your veins, and remember: true strength isn’t found in the absence of anger, but in mastering it. Let your loyalty guide you, but never let it blind you to the part you must take. The time has come for you to step into your destiny and bring honor to your lineage, Y/N Montserrat.”

Never, in my life have I used that name. I knew my origins, the geomancer that ruled over a forgotten land that was once full of life, rich soil and vast vegetation. It always felt more like a legend. A meek justification for the indescribable.

Before I could respond, the figure began to fade, the mist swallowing her form. Panic gripped me as I reached out, desperate to keep her there, to understand more, but she was already slipping away.

“No! Wait! How do I free her, How-” I cried, but her final words cut mine and echoed in the void as the dream began to dissolve.

“You will free her. And only then will the true fight begin.”

I woke with a start in my bed, panting and sweating with my heart pounding and the woman’s words lingering in the air like a command I could not ignore.

It took months to actually come up with a sustainable plan, no matter how many times the voice of that female lingered in my head as a reminder of my time running out. Months of cryptic letters to Ansel—who finally responded to my letter, telling me what happened during the summer and how she survived by Celaena’s pure kindness, giving two pending favors—and small visits to Aedion in Adarlan to discuss how we would approach the king.

I hated to play the long game, to waste more precious time when she was at Endovier. My deliberate optimizing faltered by the thought of the place, my only certainty of being that voice: ‘You will free her’. Of course she didn’t tell me how or who she was and it was my madness to actually listen to her. Even greater madness is the scheme we would put into action.

The king knew my existence and “work” for The Bane by Aedion’s reports, but never saw me personally. I don’t think he even knows my name. While he was “Wolf of the North”,“Adarlan’s General” or.. a name that I never agreed on, I’ve never cared for a pompous title. Not going to care right now. Hopefully he did not create one for me, he was terrible at it.

Aedion had already filled the King’s head through the months with fake information and rumors about someone in his inner circle planning on destroying him and that even though he had the guards and a well trusted captain, he needed someone from the shadows, someone who didn’t have morals or values.

He mentioned that he had one of those at The Bane and would send one to his place to stay for the Litha, the summer solstice festivities, to prove his point if it was his ‘majesty’s’ liking and emphasized that I would need to wear a mask since I was borrowed, and revealing my face would endanger our espionage in the underworld.

Somehow, this convinced the king, and he agreed to let Aedion come back to the North, so I would work directly for the crown.

My part was to spend my days infiltrating under his knowledge as a member of a guest court, giving him some information about a traitor and his head. And then, with Aedion back to fetch me up, he would suggest hiring an assassin for the court. And how to choose “such a vile creature” without opposition from the court for “having someone so dangerous” into the castle?

A Championship. WIth the most dangerous assassins having to complete tasks precarious enough that the elimination would be by death. The prize being ‘the last man standing’ and having all your crimes absolved by dispatching the kingdom’s enemies. Which gives the people a false sense of safety and entertainment and sponsorships to the court.

It wasn’t the cleanest job, since I had to kill a scapegoat: A lordling that was in fact planning something but it was a simple hustle to pay his debts on gambling. I will have to embellish a little more but nothing I can’t handle. And I couldn’t personally suggest Celaena or else it would be obvious. So I will have to convince someone to suggest her by talking about her.

So she could compete and win. Have her crimes forgiven and then be free.

A leap of faith. Lunacy. But the only thing we could come up with that didn’t endanger the rebellion, our true loyalty or my identity.

As I packed my belongings, I thought about a couple of targets for this: Lord Perrington, since he was old and losing his influence. Lord Rompier desperately wanted to fall into the king's graces. A good choice if he doesn’t sell his daughter up to marriage next season.

Or the princeling who eats like a lady. Heard a lot of things about this one and his liking for hedonistic gatherings from Aedion.

The only thing that makes me reconsider him is, apparently, the Captain Westfall of the Guard is always by his side. One more reason to convince the king.

Maybe all I need is to give a little wine to the libertine. He’ll listen.

Author's note: So, I think I got the wattpad writers' curse, bc I simply flunked my whole last semester bc the college didn't notify the system my grades, tried for the whole week to find a solution to get my degree but it didn't work, so now I have to pay for more 6 months all over again, and I want to unalive myself for I'm poor. But hey, I'm okay (I cried for two days) but updates might come slow since I have to get more income. Ily <3

Taglist <3:

@throneofsapphics @acourtofbatboydreams

#throne of glass x y/n #aelin x reader #aelin x y/n #poly!rowaelin x y/n #sjm books #tog fic #aelin x you #poly!rowaelin x reader #rowaelin fanfiction #rowaelin

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pascaloverx · 4 months ago

Text

LAST LOVE — MYG

SUMMARY: You are about to become the Queen of Murak, a kingdom previously ruled by your father, the King. But there is something wrong with you, something your subjects must never suspect. You were born with powers, one of them being the ability to transform into a dragon. Because of a curse, you are condemned to be abnormal for the rest of your life. One of the only ways to alleviate your situation is by getting married. When Prince Yoongi offers to marry you, you feel there is a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This fanfiction will be a fantasy fanfic involving royalty. As the story progresses, a love triangle may develop, but for now, this fanfic will focus on Yoongi and the reader. This story will feature scenes of violence, fantasy, and romance. Inappropriate language will also be used, so minors should not interact with this fanfic. Other BTS members may appear in the fanfic. Taehyung will be an important character. I hope you engage with the fanfic and help it move forward.

AO3 LINK ONE

PREVIEW

When you were born, there was a seven-night-long celebration. Your father was so happy to finally have an heir that he couldn't contain his joy. Your mother was recovering from childbirth but was ecstatic that her baby was born healthy. She had been pregnant three times before finally giving birth to you. The kingdom no longer believed that any child would come out of her alive. So when you were born, she felt that she had fulfilled her life's purpose.

"Princess Y/L/N, the suitor for the engagement is already at the palace. As requested by Your Highness, the King has not been informed. But I must stress that the Princess is taking a risk." Taehyung, being a good advisor to the King, is always willing to help the crown's most precious jewel, which is you.

"Remember when we were children and played hide and seek? You always found me easily, so one time I hid in one of those secret hiding places in the palace and got stuck? That's my life now, stuck with this secret that only a few people know. The people are afraid of being attacked by a beast while I am afraid of being discovered. Every time I transform, I feel my humanity fade a little. The few books that talk about creatures like me say that after marriage, the situation becomes controlled. I need this, Taehyung. More than anything. I need control, and that control can only come from marrying someone. I can't wait for my parents to decide when that will happen." You speak as you approach Taehyung, who is dressed in formal attire. You gently touch his hands, holding them. He looks at you as if he wants to embrace you, but then he seems to come back to himself and steps back.

"I dare not say that the King and Queen are wrong. But I am on your side. Prince Yoongi is waiting for you. Go see if he is the answer to your prayers. Your parents will be out of the palace for the next few hours, but try to be brief. And remember that I'll be nearby, in case the Prince turns out to be a jerk." Taehyung reassures you once again why he is your best friend and confidant. You adjust your dress once more on your body and hug Taehyung. He doesn't like it when you break royal protocol like this, but you don't mind.

The path to the garden where Taehyung left the Prince seems so short when you're almost running the distance. The guards are watching you but they don't approach. Most of the time they leave you be because they like you. But there are those who fear you. They wonder why sometimes you disappear, only to reappear injured. Or why every time you vanish, the people of the kingdom claim to have seen a flying beast. When you arrive almost out of breath in the garden, you spot a man. A handsome man with dark hair, equally dark eyes, and a mysterious gaze.

"You're different from what I imagined. I mean, from the rumors; I thought you'd have claws or sharp teeth. Maybe even breathe fire. But you seem proper." Prince Yoongi speaks while still facing away from you. You're still catching your breath as you look at him uncertain of what to say. You're aware that your parents' efforts to protect your secret have only fueled the people's imagination about why you don't interact with them much.

"I should return the compliment and say the same. From the rumors about you, I thought you'd try to impregnate me without even speaking a word to me. But I see you're capable of having a conversation without trying to grab anyone." You speak, looking directly at him as he turns to face you with a mischievous look. He smiles knowingly, as if he appreciated your response, and then approaches.

"I appreciate someone who can come up with such a quick-witted response. That's why I'll propose something to you, no beating around the bush; tell me why you brought me here without your King's consent." Yoongi gets straight to the point, seeming impatient. You sigh, thinking about how to explain your situation. Then you approach him gently to speak calmly.

"There's a secret I carry, something I can't reveal right now. But I need a husband, and I know you need a wife. Your father is ready to strip you of all royal privileges. Your brother is about to marry and produce an heir to the throne. Be my husband, and I will make you Consort King; you can enjoy the good life without worrying about ruling for the people. You just have to be a good husband." You speak, looking at him with certainty. You know he's eager to break free from the constraints of being a Prince, but wouldn't survive a day as a commoner. You've researched him thoroughly, learned every detail about him.

"Your proposal seems overly generous. However, I need to know exactly what secret I'll be guarding for you. It's not fair for me to accept carrying a burden without knowing its weight. But fear not, I'm hardly easily impressed." Yoongi speaks, smiling proudly at himself. You look at him seriously, contemplating the consequences of revealing your other form. Well, if he dares to run from you, you could easily eat him, and his father would probably thank you.

"I can't reveal the secret until we are committed. You could walk away and expose my secret. Commit to me, and I'll commit to you." You respond calmly, trying not to panic at the thought of him running away and leaving you with no options. He's the third prince you've approached. Surely he has more to lose than the others, but you're running out of time.

"Are your guards trustworthy?" Yoongi asks, pointing his finger towards all the guards who are watching us. He's perceptive, that's good. You'll need an efficient husband.

"Surely they are," you respond, not understanding his reason for asking. He then moves closer to you, gently touching your face. He brings his mouth close to yours, pulling you into a delicate and soft kiss. Nothing forceful, but still very dangerous. Your guards immediately surround you both, as if waiting for a signal to attack.

"You can take this as our commitment. Tell me your secret, I won't say a word. If I do, you can claim I'm an opportunist who stole a kiss from you, and I'll likely be exiled," he says, gently pulling his face away from yours. You feel a slight difficulty in breathing, unsure if you're filled with anger or desire. Nevertheless, you sense your dragon form signaling the need to be set free.

"Follow me," you speak with a hint of anger in your voice. You glance at the guards around you and wave your hand downward, signaling them to lower their weapons. They comply, allowing you and Prince Yoongi to make your way outside the palace walls. He remains silent as he follows you toward the "dangerous" part of the forest.

Before you could even reach the heart of the forest, your transformation begins. Within minutes, your arms morph into wings, your legs into a tail, and you, once human, become a dragon. You remain silent in your transformed state but retain your human-like thoughts. Unsure if Yoongi is still nearby, you scan the area, devoid of trees in this part of the forest.

"You've got to be kidding me!" You hear from behind you, and you turn to look. Yoongi wears a look of surprise, not horror, but utter disbelief. It's as if he can't believe what just happened.

You snort a hot breath from your dragon nostrils, giving him your best dragon's judgmental look. He approaches you cautiously, reaching out to touch your face. He runs his hand over your scales, exploring tentatively. Though your instinct is to breathe fire and end it all, you let him touch you in your dragon form.

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but you're enormous. My lord, I don't even know what to say. If it's a compliment, you're a magnificent dragon. Not that you're unattractive in human form. But wow, this is impressive. You've truly surprised me," Yoongi says, still touching you gently, as if petting you. However, you roar in his direction, and he stumbles backward, falling to the ground. It's a bit comical. Immediately, you transform back into your human form, leaving Yoongi somewhat embarrassed. You forgot to tell him that when he returned to human form he would be naked. But you have a change of clothes stored near where you usually transform. Quickly as Yoongi closes his eyes, you put some clothes.

"I accept." He speaks while still on the floor, with his fingers covering his eyes and you still finishing getting dressed.

"Accept what?" You shout since you are a little far away from him. A few minutes later you approach him and take his fingers out of his eyes.

"To be your husband. To carry this burden with you, as long as we make one thing clear. You rule the country, but you don't rule me. I will be able to do and fuck whoever I want." He looks determined as he stands up. You want to kick him for talking like that but fuck it. You just need a wedding, nothing more.

"I will see what I can do for you but I do not expect loyalty from you. As for your obedience to me as Queen, know that I can transform into a dragon and set you on fire in the blink of an eye." You don't always need to transform into a dragon to scare men. Yoongi is no different, but at the same time as he is scared of you, it seems like he is excited. And then he reaches his hand towards you and you hold his hand, shaking it.

"It feels like the beginning of a beautiful partnership." Yoongi speaks as you shake your hands, and by the look in his eyes, you feel like you're probably going to regret this.

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