#to shinee: thank you for showing me how beautiful and colorful life can be

[satorisoup]

UWAHHH NIA MY PRECIOUS !! (˃̣̣̥ᴖ˂̣̣̥) SOBSOB this is the cutest thing EVER omigoodness, my heart is melting !! <3

look at me & sho WAHHH we look absolutely ADORABLE !! T^T our little outfits !! THE BACKGROUND !! everything is just so cutieful i might cry SNIFFLE !! >//<

the letter… nia what if i told you i had tears falling from my eyes right now ?? this is just the most endearing and precious thing i have ever received SOB !! <3 you absolutely flatter me, your sweet words & encouragement have truly made my heart warm and i can’t express how much i absolutely cherish you !! (つω`｡)

the amount of detail and pure preciousness you have put into this is absolutely out of this world, THE THINGS I REMIND YOU OF ?? MY HEART ?? IS A PUDDLE RIGHT NOW ?? WAHHHHH im so honored to of met you and to be perceived this way by you is such a dream </3 THE WITTLE PLUSHIES AT THE BOTTOM !! BOKUTO !! REDS AND CREAM COLORS !! TMNT !! DAISIES !! <- yes, they are my favorite !! you are an absolute angel, a pure light, a true admirable and incredibly wonderful person nia <3 i adore you with my whole being and i can’t thank you enough for this !! THANK YOU SOSOSO MUCH FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART !! T^T will be rereading this every day to remind myself how precious you are and how special you’ve made me feel <3 I LOVE YOU PETUNIA !! ◝( ´ᗜ` )◜ 🍓 /p

must scream in taggies… i have soso much to say… I WUV YOU SO DEARLY !!

🍒🥭 for @satorisoup from my fruits basket ^__^ (will post 🍙 separately!! ended up supah long...)

🍒 chibi ship drawing

SHOLENE!! yeagh. so cute.... beauty marks barely visible girl My bad omg they R There

🥭 personal letter (typed ver. below)

underestimated how much i'd be writing < picked graph size & started writing before finishing the draft or realizing the square size. obvi Not Ur Fault btw but i was like Omg.

HAI LENE ANGEL!! we haven't known each other for long in the grand scheme of tumblr bUT! what a friendship we have now... i still remember the first ask you sent and getting to know you! what a world. u could never post writing again or suddenly get into... grey's anatomy?... and i'd still follow u and be like yeass!! he grey my ana til i tomy etc etc. UM. i didn't realize how small my writing was until rn. hope u can read this. wuh oh.

you're gen srs one of if not the sweetest friendliest person i've ever met. when i go LENE MY ANGEL! that's not an exaggeration that's just nia realness(?). i hope you always remember you brighten people's days with every post and interaction. NEVER STOP SHARING & TALKING! i think yap has a negative connotation but. we can be yappers together 💯 i will always be happy to read about your self ships, tmnt thoughts, shopping sprees, etc etc. PLS FEEL SAFE & FREE TO MSG ANYTIME! 👍 i say this sincerely & also it's the least i can offer you when you offer the same excitement to me and everyone you meet.

i hope you're taking care of yourself and putting yourself first! you deserve to be happy & treated with the same love & kindness you put into the world, and even when it feels like it doesn't exist, i promise it does & it will find you! ^__^ 🩷

p.s. thank u for ur message & every edit link & ur bkak doodle. they/u mean the world 2 me.

THINGS THAT REMIND ME OF YOU!

bokuto

strawberries and shortcake

little round plushies

^_^ , ₍ᐢ..ᐢ₎ , :3

shades of red, redish pink, cream

daisies <- r they ur fav flower btw.

demon slayer

tmnt

[iomoru]

A Glimmer of Sunshine

A/n: here's your request! @michi3001, I'm sorry it took long, but hey it's better late than never ͡° ͜ʖ ͡ –

Genre: Canon Verse, Fluff, Gn! Reader/Fem! Reader, Sunshine! Reader, Grumpy x Sunshine Trope, Second Person, Proofread

Chars: Capitano, Alhaitham, Diluc, Zhongli

Summary: He’s stoic, reserved, and notoriously grumpy — yet somehow, you manage to bring out a gentler side of him. Whether you’re tugging him toward market stalls, teasing a smile from him over drinks, or showing him beauty in the simplest things, your warmth shines through his chilly exterior. In moments when his walls seem unbreakable, you’re the sunlight that softens him, one unrelenting smile at a time.

Capitano:

The Fatui Harbinger, tall and intimidating, stood stiffly beside you. His mere presence was enough to send chills through others, yet here you were, greeting everyone in passing with a warm smile and a cheerful wave.

“You look like you're thinking about something serious, Captain,” you chirped, tilting your head with a smile. “Care to share?”

Capitano turned slightly, the slightest glint of amusement hidden in his otherwise stoic demeanor. “Nothing of concern. You...have an unusual energy for someone in our line of work.”

You beamed up at him, undeterred. “Well, someone has to keep things bright around here! Besides, I think you’re a little softer than you let on.”

His posture tensed, and he huffed. “I assure you, I am not soft.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I won't tell anyone,” you teased, giving him a playful wink. “Your secret's safe with me, Mr. Tough Guy.”

Against all odds, he found himself biting back a chuckle. Perhaps, just this once, he could allow a small smile to slip under his mask—for you and your cheerful demeanor alone.

Alhaitham:

The scholar sat silently in the library, his gaze fixed on his book, attempting to ignore your bright laughter and energy that seemed to fill every corner of the room.

“Alhaitham, look!” you said, pulling a flower from the garden you'd picked on the way in. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

He glanced up, giving it a brief look. “A flower,” he said flatly, before returning to his book. “A common sight in the Akademiya's gardens.”

You shook your head, unfazed by his indifference. “It’s more than that! It’s...well, look at the colors! They’re so vivid. Doesn’t it make you feel something?”

Alhaitham peered over the book again, giving you a longer glance. Your eyes were practically shining, and though he didn’t show it, he felt a subtle warmth in his chest.

“Perhaps,” he replied, his tone softening just a bit. “But it would hardly compare to your...vividness.”

You blinked, surprised. “Oh? Is that a compliment?”

He rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the faint smile that tugged at his lips. “Don’t let it get through your head.”

Diluc:

The usually stern bartender of Angel’s Share was busy preparing drinks when you entered, beaming from ear to ear as you greeted him with a cheerful wave. “Diluc! It’s been a busy day, huh? How’s my favorite bartender doing?”

He gave you a quick nod, avoiding your gaze as he wiped down a glass. “Fine. There’s much work to be done tonight,” he muttered.

But you weren’t about to leave it at that. “C’mon, Luc, don’t you ever take a moment to relax?” you teased, reaching out to brush an invisible speck of dust off his shoulder. “Life’s too short to always be so serious.”

He tensed, clearly unused to such casual contact. But he softened, if only slightly, at the sparkle in your eyes. “Perhaps...not everyone has your boundless optimism.”

“Well,” you said with a soft laugh, “I’ll just have to share some of it with you.” You held out a small basket of his favorite snacks, a small peace offering. “Here, you can have this instead!”

Diluc's expression softened further, and he took the plate, lips quirking into a faint smile. “Thank you...for this.”

Zhongli:

It wasn’t often that Liyue’s most composed and dignified consultant found himself at a loss for words. Yet, as you babbled on excitedly about the city’s lanterns, the stalls, and the festival, he couldn’t help but feel...captivated.

“And look at this, Zhongli!” You pointed to a stall filled with colorful trinkets, your enthusiasm drawing the attention of passersby. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

Zhongli glanced down at you, his usual calm demeanor softening. “You find wonder in such simple things, don’t you?”

“Of course! That’s what makes life beautiful,” you replied, grinning. “Not everything has to be grand to be meaningful.”

He paused, the faintest glimmer of a smile gracing his lips. “Perhaps I could learn something from your perspective,” he murmured, half to himself.

Zhongli’s eyes softened, and as he watched your bright, genuine smile, he felt his heart warm. For you, he supposed, perhaps a little wonder in the simple things was worth the experience.

Without hesitation, you looped your arm through his, tugging him toward the stall. “Then let me teach you!” you laughed. “We’ll start with picking out something that makes you smile.”

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

A/n: Ngl, I too, would fall for a sunshine lady. (I already have one<3)

© ²⁰²⁴ ɪᴏᴍᴏʀᴜ ✰ do not repost, translate, plagiarize, use to train ai, or share my work on other social media platforms.

[icyg4l]

PAC: What Do You Need to Let Go Of?

Hello beautiful people! Today is Saturday aka Saturn Day. In honor of Saturn Day, the day associated with banishment, protection and responsibility. Today is the day we let go of what no longer serves us; the day where we can no longer ignore what sits heavy on our spirits. So without further ado, please choose your Saturn.

**If you really loved this topic then you should book a reading with me, please read my guidelines and then message me privately! Also, if you had received a reading from me, don’t be afraid to leave a little feedback! Please and thank you in advance. 🫶🫶🫶

Top Left-to-Bottom Right: (1-6)

PILE ONE: “No More Mr. Nice Guy” is what I heard. I feel like you tend to have a lot of love & compassion for people. This doesn’t necessarily translate over to the other person/people though. You need to stop being so nice, Pile One. I think you have a lot of growing up to do. There is good and bad in everyone but what really matters is how this person makes you feel. Stop caring about the feelings of other people if you aren’t going to take yourself into consideration. This is why you always get taken advantage of. It’s okay to be a moody bitch sometimes. Having a sunny disposition 24/7 just isn’t realistic. Don’t act naive when you know the truth about certain situations. Move intentionally and with wisdom. If you don’t think they won’t do that, think again.

Cards Used: The Star, King of Cups, 7 of Cups, The Fool, The Moon, The Tower, Judgment.

PILE TWO: The movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind may resonate with you. I feel like you need to let go of your ex, seriously. You don’t have to forget about them but you do need to move past this person. They have caused much turmoil in your life, especially when it comes to your mental health. They could have indirectly negatively affected your finances as well. But there is someone else who is on the horizon. They want you to see the bigger picture. They want to show you better. If you have been writing notes about what you would like to see in your future partner, expect for these qualities to show up in someone that will soon approach you. They have a beautiful, colorful aura and they will let you shine. Your ex fucked you up bad but you can recover from this. Don’t be afraid to see what love has in store for you, my love.

Cards Used: King of Cups, The Magician, 2 of Cups (RX), The Star, The High Priestess, 5 of Wands, Judgment, Strength, The Fool.

PILE THREE: You’re a Virgo/Sagittarius, aren’t you? You don’t have to know and control everything, honey. Let go of the need to be involved in everything. You have been neglecting your soul’s needs. You have a lot of potential to grow but you don’t know how to accept help nor do you allow yourself to just be. You’re so uptight and burnt out right now. It would benefit you to just walk away from stress-inducing situations. If you know you can’t take that extra shift at work, why even bother? Who are you trying to please? You are making it hard for yourself to maneuver through this world peacefully because you do not know how to enjoy what’s in front of you. If only you could see the beauty of your labor. Slow down. Why are you going so hard for? You’re so used to making things happen that you get frustrated when things don’t work out your way. A word of advice: Please just allow time to do its thing. Don’t work against it.

Cards Used: The Sun (RX), Ace of Cups, Strength, 2 of Discs (RX), King of Wands, 7 of Wands (RX), 3 of Discs, 10 of Swords, The Magician, The Hierophant.

PILE FOUR: Christmastime must be your favorite time of the year, huh? I feel like you could also have a strong connection to Mariah Carey as well. Her book is on my mind heavy as I’m reading for you. I feel like you are so used to dysfunctional relationships. You have the tendency to move fast with people. I’m going to hold your hand when I say this, they ain’t going nowhere! Let go of your lovebombing tendencies and show up as your real self. I don’t think you see this as that but it is. You don’t seem to be big on communication. I don’t think you had the best role models for any kind of relationship so you just do what you know. But this does not translate well with other people, which results in chaos. Unpack why you interact with others the way that you do. You too, have a lot of growing up to do, my friend.

Cards Used: Knight of Wands, King of Swords, Queen of Cups (RX), Four of Wands (RX), Ace of Wands (RX), The High Priestess, 8 of Wands, 3 of Cups.

PILE FIVE: “Shut up and dance.” No seriously, shut up and dance. I feel like you are someone that refuses to be seen dancing in public or just in general. There is no need to feel like that. Let go of your shyness, babe. I feel like you actually have good dance moves, you just don’t want to be seen for some reason. Dancing will help you get more comfortable in the spotlight. You have gotten too comfortable in your little bubble. The next time someone asks you to dance, accept the offer (especially if it’s zydeco, salsa or kompa 🙈). You’re never too cute to dance, pookie.

Cards Used: The Hermit, Knight of Discs, The Chariot, 6 of Wands, The Empress, King of Discs (RX).

PILE SIX: Why are you wasting your time arguing with everyone? You need to master the art of preserving your energy. Let go of the need to prove yourself/defend yourself to other people. You exist just like everyone else on this planet but somehow you always end up in a verbal altercation. Is it worth it? I’m sure there’s plenty of alternative options you could choose. Just walking away could do you some good. You are the type of person to catch someone in a lie. Instead of cursing them out, you could just laugh in their face or block them. You could channel this energy into something else. It is normal to experience anger. But just know that you could always get in trouble if you never control it properly. Get a handle on your emotions. Be more logical & cutthroat. I think you definitely could benefit from taking the high road. Your soul is tired. Give it up, babe.

Cards Used: Knight of Swords, Queen of Swords, The Lovers, 8 of Cups, Ace of Swords, The Hermit, Justice, The Moon, The Star.

[snghnlvr]

6:28 pm. / yang jungwon

yang jungwon x fem!reader

synopsis: jungwon can’t stop kissing you!

includes: 1.5k words | FLUFFY FLUFF | jungwon is a simp | so is the reader so who’s at fault? | tooth rotting scenario that makes me cry about my single life | lots of kissing but i hope you can tell lol | jungwon in a tuxedo? plz sign me up!!

extra: this was supposed to be a short drabble but i think i got carried away .. | jungwon is bias wrecking me help me | i can imagine jungwon doing this to his partner and it dreads me | thank you taylor swift for motivating me to do this instead of my homework rn <3 | someone pls agree that jungwon is taylor swift coded - he’s written by a woman!!!

likes, comments and reposts are appreciated! <3

[below the cut]

i want to wear his initials on a chain ‘round my neck not because he owns me cuz he really knows me, which is more than they can say.

“jungwon!” you called out to him, holding a necklace that had his initials in it.

after jungwon fixed his tie, his figure approached to you immediately when you called out to him.

you’ve been trying to put your favorite necklace for the past five minutes and you realized it’s been almost time for prom in your high school.so you were rushing.

jungwon actually decided to match with you, sending you pinterest inspo when texting you, “us?🥰”. he never failed to make you blush in public. you had to immediately hide your phone from your teacher, putting your hand on your mouth to prevent a smile from being noticed.

jungwon picked a dark, emerald green dress on you since green is his favorite color on you, especially his green sweater. you chose a regular suit on him, but his tie would have the same emerald color. he thought it was the best choice, yet you were happy with the results.

when jungwon picked you up from your house with a bouquet of your favorite flowers, you were in awe. he looked really good in a tuxedo that you can’t believe that he’s your boyfriend.

you’re were so mesmerized.

he looked godly charismatic because it emphasized his body well, his golden skin radiating under your door light and his perfect middle part presented to you. you can still see his natural curly hair at the ends but it made you fall in love. jungwon looked so mature that you wonder if this is how he will look like in a couple of years.

after staring at jungwon, you felt your legs getting jelly.

you were starstruck at his appreciation that you felt like crying but before you do so, you hugged him tightly with your arms around his neck.

you heard jungwon chuckling, imagining his whisker dimples appearing as he stumbled at your sudden action. his hands immediately flew to your waist incase you would trip.

when jungwon arrived to your house, he was really nervous. he thought he will be a stuttering mess when he sees you, imagining your beauty in front of him, him only. his heart was beating so fast, that he thought he will get a heart attack. he took a deep breath and rubbed his chest to ease his anxiety. you opened the door and he felt like a mess. you were shining - glowing - twinkling like a jewel.

you greeted him with a smile as usual and he almost fell down like those cartoons when the male lead faints, but thank the heavens you grabbed him before he could do so.

your parents behind you captured the moment with their phones behind the wall of the door entrance. jungwon waved to your parents, shooting them a small smile as they gladly did the same. their hearts were warmed at the sight they were witnessing.

jungwon pressed his head to the crook of your neck, taking a whiff of your body wash; a combination of cherry blossoms and blueberries. he closed his eyes for a moment before pecking your neck. it slightly tickled you.

he removed himself, still holding you by the waist. he looked down at you with a smile, “hi my pretty girlfriend.” his dimple couldn’t help themselves from showing.

you couldn’t stop smiling at his cuteness. “hi my boyfriend.” you replied back with a cheeky grin. jungwon thought you were too gorgeous. he leaned down to steal a peck, maybe three pecks. making you frozen and hoping that your parents didn’t witness that.

now here you are in the hallways, where both of you didn’t show yourself in front of others yet. you can hear the faded music but you weren’t close to the entrance where people could easily spot you; more like both of you were at the exit.

you stood in front of a circular mirror. you wanted to present yourself, jungwon didn’t mind how long you were gonna take. as long as he’s with you, he couldn’t ask for more.

your frustration didn’t help you in putting on your necklace and you felt getting sweaty from the stress, so you called your lovely boyfriend who has been inspecting the decorations all over the halls with his hands in his pockets and his boba-like eyes wandering around. you find the situation very adorable.

jungwon noticed it what you were asking for even if you verbally didn’t say it. he took your necklace, realizing that it had his initials and he smirked at your wise choice.

you looked in the mirror, seeing your boyfriend easily towering behind you and it made your heart shake. you moved your hair to one side so he can easily put it on.

jungwon slowly opened the chain as you eye his every action. you kept getting distracted by him that it was making you insane.

jungwon took a step closer to you, putting the necklace in front of you. you held your breath when the gold touched your skin.

jungwon was so attentive in making sure that the adjustment was making you comfortable. “is that alright?” he suddenly whispered, making your neck get goosebumps not from his breath but his deep voice.

you nodded and whispered, “yeah that’s fine.” you smiled at him. he couldn’t see you across the mirror but he felt it in your tone.

“done.” jungwon smiled proudly with his dimples. you exhaled as you were touching his initials on your neck, proudly displaying.

jungwon swore that you looked extra attractive.

“you’re so beautiful y/n.” jungwon suddenly wrapped his arms around your waist, hugging you tightly as he kept his head in your neck just like earlier. it felt perfect like a puzzle piece.

you chuckled at his sudden touchiness. “and you are handsome too, jungwon.” you put your hands on where his hands were on your waist, slowly rocking side to side.

“jungwon that tickles!” you pulled away slightly when you felt his kisses on the side of your neck. jungwon pouted when you pulled away.

“awe i can’t kiss my princess anymore?” you rolled your eyes at his childness. “you know what i meant.” you eyed him at the mirror.

jungwon shook his head, making his hair do a little bounce. he pulled you back in which you easily obliged. he continued planting little pecks, sometimes longer on your neck. your stomach was tingling at his lips touching your skin and the noises made your heart flutter.

you love his kisses.

you looked at the mirror at what was happening. you bit your lip at the attractive scene like it’s a manhwa. your breath was getting heavier each second has passed.

“alright you’re having too much fun now.” you removed his hands from your waist and turned around, your back pressed against your mirror. you fiddled with jungwon’s fingers.

you were about to say something, along the lines of, “let’s go” but jungwon kept staring at you with an affectionate face with his head tilted to the side, not caring about what you were saying. he was gonna to continue.

his lips were pressed into yours once again, making your legs feel like jelly. jungwon held your waist to keep you still as your arms slowly made way towards his neck to make the kiss deeper.

kissing before prom wasn’t apart of your bucket list but you didn’t mind it.

jungwon let go, leaning his forehead against you as he stared at you.

you giggled at his lips, it’s now stained in your lipstick. “now your lips are stained.” you tried wiping your lipstick from his lips with your fingers but jungwon didn’t care. he didn’t care how filthy or disgusting comments he would get from getting lipstick stains from you. as long as it was from you, he couldn’t careless. maybe that’s why you love your boyfriend a little too much heh

“you’re so touchy today, i wonder why..” you asked, eyes focused on his lips. you were making sure the lipstick was fully removed but you can’t tell if that’s his natural lip color; being swollen from your kiss or your lipstick.

jungwon tapped his fingers on your hips, slightly gripping them. “because i have the most beautiful girl in front of me.” he smile with a smug that made you laugh lightly. “mhm couldn’t help myself.” he looked proud acting like a prince.

“stop it jungwon, you gonna make me a mess before we take a step inside.” you jokingly pressed your hands against your cheeks, lightly tapping them to indicate your blushing.

jungwon smiled, staring at you with shining eyes as he grabbed your hand from your cheek, intertwining with his and pressed them against his cheek.

your lips were slightly open as it caught you off guard but you smiled from ear to ear when he pecked your hand, staring at you. his eyes were smiling.

“i love you y/n.” jungwon whispered against your lips. “i love you too.” you didn’t hesitant to reply, pecking him one more time before finally fixing yourselves to go inside of your school’s auditorium.

“hey what took so long!?” your classmate heeseung noticed the both of you at the entrance, his voice slightly irritated because both of you said 7:00pm. it was currently 7:30pm.

both of you blushed and looked away.

[sparklingchan]

Serendipity || Seo Changbin (Stray Kids)

Pairing: Reader(fem.) X Changbin

Word Count: 5.4k+

Warnings: Suggestive, mentions of pregnancy (the reader is not pregnant) , mentions of poison, Changbin is sweeter than sugar. Set in the Joseon Era.

Genre: Royal AU, Arranged marriage AU, fluff with very slight angst.

Description: The King of Joseon had chosen you as his queen. But there are those that wish for this union to fail. Will your love be enough to overcome the competitiveness of the Palace?

A/N: Hello everyone! Back with another installation of the SKZ Royal AU. I am genuinely in love with this one ngl. King Changbin is a rizzler y'all. Hope you guys have fun reading this <3

Do check out the other fics in the skz royal series. (The stories are not interrelated)

Here's the link to the masterlist.

Being a woman in this country is not an easy task. Especially when one is a candidate for the position of the country's Queen.

You'd dreamt of this for years, the idea sewn into every thought by your father even since you were child. With time, you'd welcomed the thought without a complaint.

"My lady, the Royal messenger is here." Somi informs you, and your nervousness just goes up by a thousand.

Did you manage to become the Queen and make your father proud? Or did you get disqualified and were now just a daughter of some minister and free to marry any other commoner like yourself?

You run down the hallway and enter the pavillion in front of your house, the colorful banners of the Royal entourage shine under the bright sun.

You straighten your robes and kneel down, head almost touching the ground, as a mark of respect for the King's verdict.

The chief Eunuch opens up the scroll in his hands.

"Please find enclosed the Royal Edict from the King's Court:

I, Seo Changbin, the King of Joseon, have chosen Miss y/n of House Kim as my wife and, by extension, the Queen of our beloved country. I have consulted the three High State Councilors and my mother- the Queen Dowager about the same and we have all unanimously agreed that she would be the best choice for the country as well as the Royal family, owing it all to her wits, beauty and manners.

Congratulations to Miss y/n and her family.

The Royal family would also like to extend an invitation to the bride-to-be to shift into the Detached Palace at the earliest as part of the customary pre wedding ritual. "

It feels as if someone had punched out the air from your lungs, you couldn't speak nor stand, while your parents and brother continuously thanked the Royal Eunuch, accepting all the gifts sent by the Palace for you.

But you couldn't move. You just stayed there, frozen. For life as you had known it has come to an end.

And thereafter begins a new, Royal chapter of your life.

*

"I'm going to miss you, my child."

The days since the Edict pass by in a heartbeat. All the members of your family were busy with packing your belongings while you were busy with mentally preparing yourself to leave your family and house behind forever.

Yes, you'd always wanted to be a Queen. Yes, you'd spent years getting ready for this role. Yet when the time finally comes, it hurts you to think about leaving behind twenty three years of your life.

"I'm going to miss you too, mother." On hearing your words, your mother cries harder.

But as usual, your father shows no emotion. His face is calm.

"Remember, y/n, there are no friends in the Palace other than your husband. You cannot confide in anyone but him. The other concubines will do anything to gain his favor, but you shall always be a step ahead. Be vigilant and loyal. You will make a great Queen." He says. Like the strategist he'd always been.

"Yes, father." You reply, swallowing the lump in your throat.

Your mother clinges to your arm.

"We will try and visit you whenever we can. I'm sure his Majesty will allow."

"Yes, of course. You can visit me anytime. The Palace is only a few hours from here."

"Oh, my child! How will I ever live without you!" Another sob tears out from your mother's throat. You hug her with all the love and care you could muster up in that moment.

Your father walks out of the room, hands behind his back and face twisted into a frown.

*

The Detached Palace is to be a temporary residence for the bride-to-be. For over the next thirty days, you would be receiving lessons on various subjects like history, Royal Etiquette, sewing, cooking and most importantly- lessons on intimacy. The last lesson is considered most important, according to Somi, since it allows you to birth as many healthy heirs as possible.

After helping you dress up for the night and setting up your bed, your maids take your leave for the night, only Somi remaining by your side.

"Do you think I'll see the King tomorrow? It's queer but I'd like to know what my future husband looks like, at least."

Somi sighs, "I don't think it's allowed, my lady. I believe you can only see his Majesty on your wedding day. A month from now."

You're oddly disappointed. You had dreamt so many nights of seeing the King, holding his hand, being by his side, yet the King in those dreams often never had a face.

Was it wrong to yearn to look at your future husband's face? Just once?

A subtle knock on your door startles the both of you.

"Yes?"

"My lady, the King is here to see you." Your handmaid almost whispers the words through the door.

With unparalleled urgency, Somi helps you straighten your clothes and rushes off towards the door.

"Your majesty." The maids and Somi greet him with the customary bow, while you purse your lips in a line, head hanging in a subtle bow.

Your heart hammers against your chest. It's so loud, you're sure even the King could hear it.

"Please give us some privacy." The King commands.

And you heart beats faster on hearing his voice for the first time. Gentle, yet authoritative, just like you'd dreamt.

When Somi closes the door behind her, you almost regret wishing to see your future husband. The proximity makes you nervous and you could only hope you'd not faint in front of him.

"My lady, you may rise."

You'd almost forgotten you were still bowing to him. You mentally slap yourself.

"Y-yes, your majesty. " your voice comes out as an embarrassing squeak, your eyes still on the ground.

You'd prayed for this moment for years, y/n. Why couldn't you just meet his eyes?

As if sensing your inner conflict, the King takes two long strides towards you and hooks his index finger under your chin, sending a chill down your body.

"My lady, please look at me."

And you do.

And he's like everything you'd ever wished for.

Perfect, like a beautifully crafted sculpture.

His soft brown locks, his rosy lips, the subtle mischief in his eyes. Everything is perfect.

"Y-yes, your majesty. Sorry." You mumble.

The king smiles, rubbing circles into your cheeks.

"You may call me Changbin when we're alone."

You nod.

"I just came to ask if you're finding your new residence comfortable. We both shall be busy with lessons tomorrow onwards so I figured tonight would be a good time to visit my bride."

His bride? His bride?

Your legs feel weak.

"I'm finding it extremely comfortable, your majesty. Thank you for your hospitality. "

Changbin let's out a low chuckle, leaning towards you. His lips hover inches above yours. And when he speaks, you feel hot air on your lips, "I told you, y/n. Call me Changbin."

You frantically nod.

"Good. Better be careful next time, my bride."

*

When you wake up the next morning, you're sure you'd dreamt everything that happened last night.

But apparently not.

"The King is a dashing young man." Somi teases as she lathers a concoction of herbs into your hair. "You're lucky, my lady. He seems to be a gentleman."

But you are too caught up in your thoughts to reply to her.

Did the king of Joseon really come all the way to the Detached Palace to see you? What if he's disappointed with how you had reacted? But he shouldn't blame you at all.

You had not been expecting anyone yesterday night, especially not him. But he did come to you. And he touched your chin. If you focus hard enough, you could feel his touch lingering in the area.

"My lady?" Somi clicks her fingers in front of your eyes, "Come back to earth. We have to get you ready for the classes today."

Blushing, you reply, "What classes do I have today?"

You had three classes today: Palace etiquette, literature and what Somi insists most important: lessons on reproduction.

While Palace etiquette mostly includes lesson on how to behave with Royal elders, ministers, maids, the King, literature includes important pieces of literature that are important for a woman.

And lastly, the most dreaded time arrived.

The reproduction lessons.

The tutor shows you all sorts of obnoxious hand movements and some drawings of couples in intimate positions. You feel uncomfortable from the beginning till the end.

A woman at least five decades older than you is teaching you about intimacy? Very awkward, to say the least.

But you heave a sigh of relief when the classes end for the day and you make your way to your room in the Detached palace.

"It's just the first day, Somi and I'm already tired to the bone." You say, kicking your shoes off.

"Well, it's going to be a lifetime of time this now, my lady. And you best be prepared for it."

You reply Somi with silence. But her words make you wonder. If this palace life would ever be less tiring someday? Would it even be worth it?

Perhaps not.

But King Changbin 's face flashes in front of your eyes; his sparkling eyes, mischievous grin, his feather like touch- maybe he is what will make everything worth it.

That night, after your maids get your bed ready while Somi is combing your hair, a familiar announcement echoes through the corridors of the Detached Palace.

"My lady, the King is here to see you."

His smiling face peeps through the doors as your maids hurry out of the room. He wears blue silk robes, and you feel weaker in his presence than you did yesterday.

"Did you miss me, y/n?"

And thus begins a month of secret nightly visits by the King of Joseon to the Detached Palace.

Everyday, you wake up looking forward to the time when King Changbin would come knocking at your doors, always up to some jesting.

Sometimes, he brings you fruits you'd mentioned you liked or he tells you stories from his childhood. At other times, he tells you about that one teacher he will hate till the end of time.

But most times, he spends his time listening to you talk- about everything and everyone, about the skies and gods, about ghosts and afterlife, about favourite foods and literature. After you'd overcome the initial shyness, opening upto Changbin was as easy as breathing, almost natural. Of course, you were still nervous around him, but it's a feeling you'd come to like.

Is this what the writers and poets describe as 'butterflies'?

"Do you think I'll make a good Queen?" You ask him one night. He sits in front you on a cushion, across the room, a position you told him is appropriate for two unwed people (although he did not agree to it initially).

If your nightly shenanigans were to be ever discovered by anyone, you would not want to be found in close proximity to each other even though you were betrothed to each other. He's breaking Palace rules everyday as it is.

He hums, "Of course! I think you'll make a great Queen. You're so good at your lessons already."

"That does not guarantee anything. I might not be good at taking the responsibilities."

"Do you trust my judgment, y/n? I think you'll make a great Queen. And even if you are overwhelmed, I shall always be here."

That night he leaves earlier than he usually does, owing to the fact that tomorrow is the day where his concubines are to be welcomed into the palace. Five of them.

The thought leaves you feeling bitter and dejected, but you make sure to not make those feelings obvious. This is a rule for Kings, to take as many concubines as possible to ensure the continuation of the blood line.

"Don't worry, my lady. Your rank in the palace is above these petty concubines. They will not mess with you." Somi comforts your thoughts the next day.

"But what if Changbin favors them more?"

Somi does not reply to that question.

*

On your 18th birthday, your father had promised to you that he would make you the Queen of this country. He kept his promise because here you are, after five years, getting dressed to be married to the most powerful man in the country.

Your father always insisted that powerful men do not love but Changbin's sparkling eyes always contradicted everything your father had taught. Nevertheless, you know the competitiveness among the concubines for the King's affection is mad. More often than not, even the Queen gets involved in petty fights.

But you try to remove all thoughts of your father and the concubines today. Because today, you are to be married to King Changbin. From today, your name will be written in the historical logs of the Royal family. From today, a new life begins.

"Are you okay, my lady?" Somi asks, "You look worried."

"I'm fine. Just hope the ceremony goes well."

The ceremony does go well and in all honesty, you were not worried about the ceremony itself. You were worried about the aftermath.

The maids guide you to your new palace, and get you dressed in white robes for the wedding night. The night when you will finally meet Changbin as his wife. The butterflies swim around in your belly.

The bed is decorated with flower petals and a few candles are lit. Everything is perfect.

"The King is here." One of your ladies in waiting announce and you get up to greet your husband.

The maids leave the room as the doors slide open and Changbin steps in, also dressed in white robes. He looks dashing, but his signature grin is nowhere to be found.

When the doors close behind him, he walks past you to the bed, the scent of liquor evident in his breath.

"Have you been drinking, your majesty?" You ask him, worried by his odd behavior.

What was wrong with him? Why wouldn't he even bother to meet your eyes?

"Changbin." He slurs, wrapping the blankets around him, "Call me Changbin."

He turns away from you and is snoring away in no time.

The butterflies in your stomach flutter around before dropping dead.

*

You did not sleep that night. Even though you were sleeping next to the man you love, you felt lonelier than ever.

Many times during the night, you consider walking out of the bed chamber to the servants quarter so you could talk to Somi. But you couldn't do that. Because you were now the Queen of this country and every single step you take will have its repercussions.

When morning comes, Changbin wakes up in a haste and greets you with a subtle nod and walks out of the chamber in long strides.

You well the tears back. It's your first day as Queen and hadn't he always promised to be there when you were overwhelmed? Had he lied? Or was it Changbin's doppelganger who visited you every night in the Detached palace?

Somi comes in a few minutes later with an excited smile on her face.

When she does your hair for the day, she asks, "So, how was the wedding night?"

You want to answer her truthfully - how cold Changbin had been, how he had not even looked at you let alone touch you, how you think he had changed almost overnight. But you see the prying eyes of the other palace maids and swallow your sadness.

"It was perfect. Like everything I'd ever hoped for."

"He was gentle, I hope." She says through a grin, but it feels like someone pouring alcohol on an open wound.

"Yes. He was."

As part of royal customs, the new bride is supposed to visit the senior most female member of the family and greet her. In your case, the member happens to King Changbin's mother.

Somi dresses you in the most exquisite silks and adorns your hair with the most precious flower but you feel nothing at all when everyone compliments you on the way out of your new Queen's palace.

Your mother in law's palace is a little far from the Queen's palace yet it is as beautiful as any other palace. From inside as well as outside.

"Greetings, your majesty. It is nice to meet you." You bow in front of the Queen Dowager.

The woman-not more than sixty years of age- looks at you with a gentle smile.

"Come in, y/n. Please be at ease."

You're seated in front of her on a cushion while the Queen Dowager's maids serve you breakfast.

"I hope your first day here goes well, my child. Our family is thrilled to have you." She says.

"The pleasure is all mine, your majesty. I am honored to be a part of this family." You say.

In the back of your mind, you wonder if Changbin is thrilled to have you or not. Probably not.

The mere thought of yesterday's rejection stings.

"Y/n, truth be told, my son is a quite a troubled man. His father was murdered in front of his eyes. He was made the king when he was only 16 years old. It's been 7 years since then, but the burden only gets worse. I hope you, as a Queen and as his wife, can help him lessen these burdens. Can you do that?" The Queen Dowager asks again, sipping tea from a small cup.

"I will do everything I can to help him." If only he'd let you.

"Good, good. I'm glad. And one more thing, y/n, you know as Queen one of your primary duties is to produce an heir for Changbin's throne. I hope you're working on that, yes?"

Heat reaches your cheeks. If only the poor woman knew what her dear son had done last night. If his behavior continues, perhaps it will be long before the Queen Dowager sees the face of a royal grandchild.

"We are trying, your majesty. We will not disappoint you." You reply, sipping tea from your own cup.

"Great! I shall send all types of herbs and tonics to help you conceive as fast as possible. I shall also draw up a chart after consulting the astrologer..." the Queen Dowager's voice fades into the background as your mind drifts off to the nights in the Detached palace, when Changbin would come and spend all his free time with you, against the rules of the palace. At that time, you had been sure that producing an heir would be a beautiful process, not a chore.

But Changbin does not even treat the thought like a chore.

Did he not love you? Did his Royal duties burden him too much?

When you leave the Queen Dowager's palace, you walk past The King's palace. It is as beautiful and majestic as they say. But you wonder if you'll ever be able to set foot in the same.

As if on cue, you see Concubine Jung walking out of the King's palace, her maids behind her. The butterflies in your stomach burn with jealousy.

She has a smirk on her face when she sees you.

"Eun, did you know there's a rumor around the palace that the King refused to sleep with the Queen last night? Sad, isn't it?" Concubine Jung says.

One of her maids giggle and nod, "Of course! How could the Queen even live with this shame?"

You cry yourself to sleep that night, while Somi does everything in her abilities to soothe you.

Needless to say, nothing worked.

*

"My lady, wake up. The King has invited you to breakfast with him." Somi informs one morning, six months after your wedding.

"Tell him I have a bad stomach bug. I cannot go."

You'd be found dead before sharing a meal with him and that obnoxious Concubine Jung. You'd shared enough meals with them already.

The past months, the King had not visited you even once but often you'd see him walking the gardens with Concubine Jung at his side.

After the first few weeks, you had no tears left to shed anymore so when the rumor came in last month that Concubine Jung might be pregnant, your eyes do not water no matter how much you force yourself to cry.

"I do not wish to congratulate them." You say, true and plain.

"My lady, he's invited only you. Not anyone else."

So you agree. As a last attempt to make your marriage work, even if it's just for your own sake.

Somi dresses you in green robes- The King's favorite. You quickly make your way to his palace, as if someone else would take your place if you didn't hurry. It's sad your thoughts had turned so negative in just half a year in the palace.

Your father had told you the King would take in many lovers during his lifetime, and that being Queen is about having power, not being loved.

But you think he didn't warn you enough. He didn't warn you how lonely it would be to sleep on the cold bed every night, how painful it would be to see the King smile at someone else.

Even if you did wish for a child, how could you produce you a child without Changbin?

"Good morning, your majesty." You say to him when you enter his bed chamber. It smells like cinnamon, a smell he'd often carry with himself back when he used to visit you at the Detached palace. Back when you were sure the king had been in love with you.

"Hello, my Queen. Please have a seat."

The butterflies dance around for a split second.

"Did you sleep well last night?" He asks, taking a seat in front of you.

"Yes." Lies. "Thank you for inviting me over."

When the maids leave the both of you alone, his demeanor changes.

"Actually, y/n, I had something to talk to you about." He says, casually, as if he hadn't been hurting you everyday for the past few months.

"What is it?" You ask.

He sighs, "It's mother. Ever since that rumor of Concubine Jung being pregnant spread. She wants the first grandchild to be of the Queen."

His words do not faze you, "How can I help you, Changbin?"

He frowns. Since when had your tone become this melancholic?

"Um, so if I have your consent, I'd like to try for a child tomorrow night. We'll see how that goes, yeah?"

"Okay. I will be honored." You say.

You finish up the food quickly and almost slide the doors open when he grabs your arm from behind.

"Y/n, what is it? Did something happen? Are your parents well?"

"My parents are well enough, thank you for asking." You say, keeping your eyes on the ground.

"Then? What happened? Is it Concubine Jung? Really, you did not have to be jealous of her. She's not pregnant. I can assure you of that. I have not consummated my marriage with any one of the concubines."

His words seem to have an effect on you. Your heart blossoms with hope but you keep your face and voice neutral.

"I am not jealous, Changbin. If one of the concubines get pregnant, I shall wish you both well."

You force your arm out of his grip and walk out the palace, not looking back once.

Changbin's stares at your leaving figure, now worried beyond relief that he might have broken the one person he cared for the most by his pursuits of a greater good.

*

While the past few months for you had been filled with loneliness, for Changbin it was almost the same-if not worse.

The first night of your marriage was filled with as many butterflies for him, as it was for you.

He had fallen in love with you and he wasn't afraid to show the world how much you meant to him. He wanted to hold you, kiss you, make love to you. And he had all plans to do that on the first night.

But that was until he had overheard a secret conversation between Concubine Jung and her father- Minister Jung.

For all he knew, Minister Jung had always wanted his daughter to be the Queen but being the dim-wit that she was, Concubine Jung could not even get through the first stage.

"Father, it's been two days since I'd been in the palace and that man has not visited me once. He had not even asked for my name the day of the welcoming. What kind of man is he? And you say I am to be Queen!"

"Hush, child. In this palace, even the walls are listening. Be careful. And as far as the position of Queen is concerned, you need not worry. If the King does bed the Queen tonight and she get pregnant, we shall make sure her pregnancy terminates before maturity. I have connections with all sorts of medicine vendors in the country, be assured, she shall never see the face of a child. After we weaken the Queen, we can take her throne as easily!"

Changbin had wanted to laugh at the man's foolish plans but deep down, he was worried as well. For you.

Which is why he pushed you away for so long and kept Concubine Jung close. While she tried everything in her power to seduce him, he refused her under the pretense of keeping an oath of abstinence for a year.

Every time she tried to even hold his hand, Changbin thought of you; your innocent eyes, your talks, your wit, your hands, your beautiful hair. No woman could make him feel like you do.

Changbin's secret informants had confirmed that Minister Jung had not one but two houses full of gold and cash he'd collected as illegal taxes from the local people. He'd also sometimes force husbands to send their wives to him in exchange for money. Even the thought nauseated Changbin.

Every time Concubine Jung visited, he made sure to collect some sort of evidence through her. He even visited her every night and while she snored away, he stole some of her gold jewlery and clothes to get them checked as evidence of the illegal taxes her father had been collecting.

And sure enough, after a few months of spying on her and her father, Changbin had gathered enough evidence by now to expose both of them at the court.

But he realised quickly that Minister Jung had a few tricks up his sleeves as well. The rumor of his daughter's pregnancy would make it difficult for Changbin to expose him easily, and so Changbin waited every night that the rumors would die down so he could run to the Queen's Palace and hug you with all his might. You were not safe unless the father and daughter were deposed.

And for some selfish reasons, Changbin had hoped you'd understand the reason behind his distance. But no woman could find a logical reason behind her lover being absent and it was horribly wrong for him to expect you to do the same.

"Are you stupid?" His friend, the eccentric dancer Minho had asked him.

Changbin had told him how coldly you'd behaved this afternoon when he'd asked you if you wished to try for a child. Most women would giggle and blush. But you were like a statue.

"You push her away for months and make her feel lonely and not loved and what not and you have the audacity to ask her that?"

"Well, yes. Mother had been pressuring me for a child and obviously, even with the pressure, I would never do anything that y/n would not have wanted but I thought it would be a great way to reconnect with her. Even if it didn't end in child making or whatever."

Minho let's out a frustrated groan, "You have to learn so much, Bin. But let's start with this- be honest with her. She's your wife and you ought to tell her everything. Give answers to all her questions and hold her hand if she let's you. Small steps first, a child can wait."

Changbin nods, " Okay, should I go to her right now?"

"Yes, you idiot!" Minho says, earning a slap on the arm from The King of Joseon.

He should be glad he's not being beheaded for calling the King an idiot.

*

You're almost done getting ready for bed when the lady in waiting makes an unexpected announcement .

"My lady, the King is here to see you."

Your heart leaps and the butterflies come alive again only to die down once you realise why he might be there. For a child. Isn't that why he's here? Isn't that why people get married in the first place?

"Y/n." He sighs when he enters the room, almost out of relief. He purses his lips.

"Is there anything I could help you with?" You ask.

Oh, how badly he'd hurt you. He could see the hurt in your eyes, in your voice, in your mannerisms.

"Y/n, I'm sorry. I really am. I know I have caused you pain and I cannot imagine how lonely it must have been. But I hope you know that I really do love you and only you."

"Then why the distance? Why visit Concubine Jung every night?" You ask, hands on your hips.

The tears that had left you threatened to return again.

And he tells you everything. From the conversation he overheard to how insistently Concubine Jung asked him for a child to how much solid proof he'd collected over the months and how he'd sent those evidences to the Minister of Security, who in turn ensured that by tomorrow the Jungs will out of the palace and be imprisoned for life.

It all makes sense to you now, of course it does. Yet you feel guilty. He'd been trying to protect you, all this while.

"I'm sorry, Changbin. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. I only-"

"Don't apologize, y/n. It's me that should apologize. I should have somehow tried to contact you and tell you about everything. I'm-"

"No, no, Please. Don't. You only tried to protect me and-"

"No, y/n, it's all my fault, please-"

Somi overhears the entire conversation through the door, her mind finally relaxing after the misunderstanding had been solved between you and the King. She could no longer stand you being this sad. And she somehow knew King Changbin had his own reasons for his behavior.

She hears soft sounds of kissing through the door and takes it as a sign to move away from the door, and join the other maids waiting outside the palace door. She smiles to herself.

The butterflies burn with passion.

"I do not wish for a child this early. I want to be here like this with you for a while, just y/n and Changbin and maybe two or three years later, we could try for a child. What do you think?"

When he kissed you initially, you half expected this to end up in the bed. But it did. And you're glad it did.

The butterflies bloom more than ever.

You're wrapped in his arms, tightly. The nakedness no longer bothering the either of you.

"I agree. I want to be this close to you every night, not as a Queen or the mother of your child. But as y/n. As your wife."

Changbin draws his face closer to you, pecking you on the lips, "And so you shall, my love."

And so you shall.

[kairiscorner]

watching fireworks with nanamin pls?

✭・.・ holiday headcanons event (new years) !!

day 5.2: watching the fireworks with nanamin 🎆

🍰 genre: fluff !! ✒️ word count: 769 💭 summary: watching the fireworks with nanamin 🎆 📣 thanks for requesting anon! if you'd like to request any other prompt for any other character, please refer to my holiday headcanons event and send me an ask!

"hurry, hurry ken!" you exclaimed as you clutched his hand, running out to the balcony with him, a huge, beaming smile on your face. nanami reminded you to slow down, there was no rush, the fireworks show would start in five minutes. "we don't have to hurry, my love..." nanami told you as you awaited the flurry of lights in the sky with a grin on your face.

"but i've waited months for this moment, kento!" you chuckled out, with nanami sitting down on a chair on the balcony, admiring how you looked from behind with a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "and why's that?" he asked you curiously, pouring himself a glass of wine. you turned to look at him, an unmistakable shine of excitement and joy in your eyes that allured nanami even more to you, compelling him to gaze back at you with undivided attention.

"because... this is the first time i'll watch it with you," you pointed out, your voice cracking with euphoria. nanami's eyebrows raised, you were right, this was the first time you two would be watching the fireworks together; this was the first night in his life where he hasn't thought of the workload he'd deal with after the new year's, about how nothing new has changed about his life, how... everything felt lighter somehow after you entered his life.

nanami's face softened, and he shut his eyes for a little while, setting his glass of wine down and extending his arms towards you. "...and y'know what? i'm more than happy to share this moment with you now, dearest," he tells you with a gentle voice, his eyes holding that very same glint of love and affection you had whenever you looked at him. "can i have a hug? to celebrate the beginning of a new year with you," he mumbled, blushing a bit at how shy he must've sounded right then and there.

you nodded and giggled under your breath, wrapping your arms around nanami's neck, with nanami wrapping his arms around your waist. "could i... sit on your lap, ken?" "of course," nanami replied almost immediately, with him blushing a little more in response. "you're blushing..." you teased, with nanami kissing your cheek, chuckling. "it's the alcohol, love," "sure it is..." you say in a sarcastic tone, grinning at him, leaning a little against him as you got slightly more comfortable on his lap.

nanami held you closer to his chest, wrapping his toned arms around your waist, resting his chin on the crown of your head, sighing. "i'm glad that, even if i didn't start the year with you... i'll start another year of my life with you," he whispered in your ear, making your face feel hot as his lips touched your ear. "thank you for everything, my beloved..." he murmured in your ear, smiling against it, kissing down your earlobe.

at that very moment, the first few sparks of orange, pink, and yellow streaked across the dark blue sky; people exclaimed, "happy new year!" from across their homes, down the streets, with some blowing on horns, others honking their car horns and hitting on pots. "it's the new year already..." he muttered, looking down at you as opposed to the numerous colorful sparks flying in the sky. nanami ran his hand through your hair as you stared up into the night sky, laughing under your breath like a child as the colors filled the once empty canvas of the sky before you two. "look, a blue one, kento!" you exclaimed, pointing to one, with nanami looking upwards and nodding as he watched the fireworks go off with you in his arms.

"they're beautiful... just like you," he whispered, kissing the back of your head, making you squirm on his lap. "ever the tease under that tough guy mask... the one thing i hope will never change about you come the new year," you replied, turning around and gazing into his eyes. under the light of the fleeting fireworks, with the sound of the neighbors and townspeople clamoring and celebrating the new years, you placed your hands on both sides of nanami's face, pulled him in close, and kissed him softly into the new year.

he may not have begun the previous grueling years of his life with you, but was he glad to have you in the new chapter of his life with you; he was more than happy to celebrate the new year with you in his arms, your lips on his, and his heart thumping along the beat of your own.

[crssvjb]

Stages - Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo x model!reader

Summary: Stages of your relationship with football player Cristiano Ronaldo. From the moment you met until your first child.

Getting To Know Him

In 2006, at a fashion event where renowned model Y/N looked stunning on the catwalk, Cristiano Ronaldo, the football star, was fascinated by the model's beauty and magnetic presence. After the parade, Cristiano, determined, approached her to meet her.

– "Hello, I'm Cristiano Ronaldo. I loved your fashion show. You looked stunning." – He praises her.

Y/N smiles, impressed by the player's bold gesture.

– "Thank you, Cristiano. My name is Y/N. It's a pleasure to meet you."

– "Your presence on stage is mesmerizing. I would love to know more about you. Will you have dinner with me?" – Cristiano invited her.

- "Glad to."

The Dating - 2006-2007

Over the course of the year, Cristiano and Y/N began a serious relationship. Everyone could see how much the two were in love with each other. The relationship blossoms and, in 2007, Cristiano decides to make a significant statement.

Cristiano decides to create an unforgettable moment to ask Y/N to marry him. Plan a special night out at a beachfront restaurant, where the moon reflects off the crystal clear waters. – "Y/N, since we met, my life has turned into a dream. Today, I want to turn that dream into an eternal reality." – Cristiano began analyzing Y/N’s expression, changing from calm to curious and excited.

– “Cristiano, what are you doing?” – Y/N asked

Cristiano gets down on one knee, revealing a dazzling ring.

– "Y/N, you are everything to me. Will you be my wife, share your dreams with me, grow together, build a life full of love with me?"

Y/N can barely contain her tears of happiness.

– "Cristiano, yes! Of course yes." – Y/N responds through tears.

The restaurant explodes in applause as they embrace emotionally, marking the beginning of a new phase together.

Wedding - 2008

Cristiano and Y/N opted for the tradition of a church wedding, a ceremony that evoked a timeless charm. The church, with its colorful stained glass windows, was the perfect setting to seal their commitment.

Y/N walks down the church aisle, stunning in her wedding dress. The dress is a princess model, with a voluminous skirt and subtle shine. The fitted bodice enhances the elegance of the design, while the skirt flows gracefully with each step.

The long lace veil adds a touch of tradition, creating a fairytale aura. In her hands, Y/N holds a bouquet of fresh flowers, matching the soft colors of her dress.

Cristiano waits for her at the altar, his eyes shining as he sees her approach.

– "You look incredibly beautiful, darling." – Cristiano praises her, as soon as their hands touch.

After the “yes” pronounced with conviction, Cristiano and Y/N leave the church as husband and wife, receiving warm applause from friends and family.

The party takes place in a nearby room, where the tables are covered with white tablecloths and delicate floral arrangements. The dance floor is the center of attention, with twinkling lights lighting the way for the bride and groom's long-awaited dance moment.

Cristiano leads Y/N on the track. – "You look so beautiful, my love."

– "You're making me blush, Cris." – You looked away.

They dance slowly, lost in each other's gaze. Y/N's dress glows delicately under the lights, reflecting the couple's radiant happiness.

The party continues with laughter, lively music and exciting moments. The wedding, simple and elegant, is an authentic celebration of Cristiano and Y/N's love.

The News - November 2009

One peaceful morning, Y/N wakes up feeling a little different. A subtle sensation, but one that does not go unnoticed. She decides to talk to Cristiano.

– “Cristiano, I’ve been feeling a little strange lately, I’m feeling a little sick.” – Y/N said as she entered the room where Cristiano was.

Cristiano, attentive to Y/N's concerns, responds: – "Maybe it's something you ate last night. Let's take care of it, darling."

However, the days pass and the symptoms persist. Worried, Cristiano suggests a visit to the doctor. At the doctor's office, Y/N expresses her concerns and the doctor decides to run some tests.

– "Y/N, let's do some tests to understand what could be causing these symptoms." - The doctor said.

After some tests, Y/N and Cristiano anxiously await the results.

– "Well, here are the results... Y/N, congratulations. You're pregnant."

The office is filled with momentary silence as the news arrives.

Y/N, with tears in her eyes, looks at Cristiano, whose face lights up with a smile.

– "Pregnant? Cristiano, we're having a baby!" – Y/N smiles.

Cristiano stands up and pulls Y/N with him. She hugs her, while whispering in her ear:

– "I'm happy, love. This is amazing! We're about to be parents."

The doctor congratulates and gives guidance, and the couple leaves the office hugging each other, beginning to absorb the news.

– "We're going to be parents. I'm surprised, but happy." – Cristiano murmured.

– "Me too, Cris. This is the beginning of a new journey for us."

The Birth - July 2010

On a summer afternoon in Madrid, Cristiano and Y/N are in the living room of their house, anxious, knowing that their son would soon be here.

Y/N, who had already been having contractions since waking up, felt another one, deciding to get up to drink water.

– “Honey, is everything okay?” – Cristiano asked, a little worried, helping her to get up.

– "Yes, I'm just going to drink a glass of water." – As Y/N headed to the kitchen, something happened.

– "Cristiano, stay calm, okay? I think my water broke." – Cristiano, trying to remain calm, approaches quickly.

– "It's okay, my love. Let's go to the hospital. Stay calm, okay?"

– "I'm calm, love. Calm down. Help me go up to our room and get the bags." – Y/N said, while patting him on the shoulder.

Cristiano helped his wife climb the stairs and go to their shared bedroom, helping her change her clothes.

Cristiano was nervous and anxious, Y/N could see right through him. He went to the baby's room and took his and his wife's suitcase.

They get ready and head to the hospital, where the medical team promptly receives them.

In the delivery room, Cristiano remains next to Y/N, holding her hand affectionately.

– "You look amazing, love. We're about to meet our son." – Cristiano murmurs, kissing your forehead.

Y/N, between deep breaths, smiles at him. - "I look forward to meeting you."

The medical team guides Y/N, while Cristiano remains by her side, offering words of encouragement.

– "I'm here to support you at all times. You are strong, love."

The newborn's cries fill the room, and Cristiano and Y/N exchange an emotional look as they hold little Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

- "He's so handsome." - Y/N murmurs, looking at the baby in her arms. – “I carried it for nine months and it looks like you.”

Y/N joked, earning a soft laugh from her husband. Cristiano takes his eyes off his son for the first time and looks up, finding his wife with a tired expression on her face, but he doesn't take his eyes off his son.

– "Thank you for everything, Y/N. He's perfect. I love you."

Y/N, exhausted, smiles as Cristiano gently caresses her face.

- "I love you."

It's been a month since Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.'s birth and the family's Madrid home is filled with baby babble. Júnior's grandmother, Dolores, is on her way to meet her grandson for the first time.

Dolores arrives at the family home in Madrid, eager to meet her grandson for the first time. The relationship between Dolores and Y/N dates back to 2006, when Cristiano introduced them, creating a special bond since then.

Cristiano welcomes his mother with open arms. – "Mom, I miss you! Come, you have to meet him."

Y/N, smiling, approaches and greets Dolores. – "Nice to see you again. I missed you."

– “From the moment Cristiano introduced us, I knew you were special.” – Dolores says kissing her daughter-in-law's cheek.

The three enter the room, where Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. is comfortably in his Moses-style bed, awake, curious about the visitor.

Dolores, moved, reaches out to take her grandson.

– "Hello, little Jr. You are the most precious jewel in this family."

Cristiano, looking at Y/N, expresses his gratitude. – "Mom, he's amazing, isn't he?"

– "Yes, Cristiano. And Y/N, I want to thank you. Since 2006, when Cristiano brought you into our lives, I always knew that you would be an essential part of this family."

Y/N, with tears in her eyes, replies: – "Dolores, it's a privilege to be part of this family, really. Cristiano and Jr., they brought more joy to my life."

– "You're not just part of this family, Y/N, you're like a daughter to me. Thank you for making my son happier and for giving us this incredible gift."

Y/N hugs Dolores from the side. – “Your words mean a lot to me. I am grateful for all your generosity and love.”

Cristiano approaches Y/N, placing a kiss on the top of her head as he watches his son in his mother's arms.

⎊𝙘𝙧𝙨𝙨𝙫𝙟𝙗 - ²⁰²⁴

[luvxoxo]

❀ OCEAN EYES

gojo satoru x fem!reader

billie eilish - ocean eyes

you don’t understand. you simply just dont. how on earth is it possible to be born with a pair of eyes that were so mesmerizing? you would be unstoppable if you were him.

you can choose to visit the sea at any time of the day, and yet it still remains beautiful. day or night, the time or hour of the day, doesn’t matter. if you had to choose between getting lost in his eyes or the ocean view, we both know which option would easily triumph the other.

they say ‘beautiful things dont ask for attention’ and perhaps that’s the best way to describe his eyes. more specifically, satoru’s eyes.

you stare at him intensely. not at him. but at his eyes. ‘he’s doing absolutely nothing’ you think. he’s just resting on the sofa, watching the reality show with you. smiling and occasionally lightly slapping you on while laughing. it’s not that you only find his eyes marvelous. satoru himself is the definition of a celestial being. he shines even when the sun is hiding away. however, something about his eyes just pull you in, leaving you weak and wanting more. if satoru asked you to commit arson and flashed you his blue gems at you, you’d agree to it without a second thought.

you’re snapped out of your thoughts when you see satoru gently shaking you by holding onto your arms, concern written all over his face.

"you okay? i’ve been calling your name for a while now, but you spaced out"

you nod your head, still feeling dazed "they’re so" you pause gazing deeply into his irises again.

"your eyes are breathtakingly beautiful, satoru," you whisper softly.

satoru visibly flushes. he smiles widely and looks down shyly, suddenly not wanting to meet your eyes. he’s a confident man. he knows he’s attractive. but when he’s around you, or with you, satoru’s heart flutters. only you would say such things to him and leave him feeling flustered. to say he’s wrapped around your fingers would be a huge understatement.

"dont do that" you voice trails off. you cradled satoru’s face in your hands and brought them up so that he’s forced to face you. thumbs gently grazing his cheekbones. you look into his eyes again, knowing deep down you’re 100% under their spell. and you certainly don’t mind one bit.

"as cheesy as this sounds satoru, your eyes are like crystals. they reflect light and color in a way that seems to hold the world within them" by the time you finish talking, you notice satoru's entire face turning scarlet.

"bet you say that to every guy with blue eyes huh?" satoru teasingly says

you nod your head no "of course not. they can't compare to the oh-so-great satoru, can they now?"

satoru let's out a small laugh and fondly looks at you with the utmost attention

"thank you" he mumbles "i don't think my eyes are particularly special but-"

you immediately shush satoru with your index finger.

"im gonna stop you right there" you smile "not only are your eyes strikingly fascinating, they show how kind you are, how warm and compassionate you can be"

you bring his face closer to yours "so don't ever, even for a second, think that your eyes aren't special. because they are to me. everything about you, is addicting. im completely enamored by you, satoru"

satoru closes his eyes as you softly kiss his eyelids. taking the time to let your lips linger for a few seconds before moving on.

for the first time in his life, satoru feels true peace and genuine love in his heart. satoru knows you're smitten with him, just as much as he is with you. perhaps that's why he always strives to be the best. for you, that is.

[respectthepetty]

Dear Respect the Petty,

I have long enjoyed your posts about colors etc (like, to the extent that when you went on vacation I was legit sad), but I don't usually notice those details in shows by myself.

However, today, in Only Friends ep 4, something was so blatant that I finally picked up on it, and I have a question.

When Ray came to apologize to Mew for kissing him without consent, Mew was in the kitchen in this warm lighting, whereas Ray quickly moved into a dark blue space. The contrast was wild. And then Mew came closer to Ray and hung out in this half-and-half space with some blue on him.

I'm proud of myself for noticing something, but I don't know what it means about these boys/their colors/their mental states/their relationship.

Got any thoughts?

Thanks for sharing your insights (about this and also in general)!

@sorry-bonebag, this ask was so formal in structure, that I got a little scared. I felt like I had to answer it even though I have no less than ten other asks chilling in my inbox about the colors in Only Friends. But, honest moment here - I don't notice the colors when Khaotung is on my screen because I'm mesmerized by his beauty.

Like, LOOK at him!

I didn't even know what color that background was because my sight stopped at his face, and yellow is my favorite color! The jawline, the hair, the lips, the face, THE MAN! LOOK AT HIM!

So unlike Boston and Nick, who favor being in the dark together

Even when they have the opportunity for light, (God, I love their toxic asses)

I don't recognize color when Ray enters the room, not really at least. Of course, I noticed my little red flag being a demon ruining Sand's night by stalking him and breaking Sand's bottles, but only because Ray's lips really popped with that red background.

Just like the bar sign really made his lips pop that other time he was ruining Sand's night by suggesting a threesome at his house.

And because I like Boss "No Boundaries" Ton being lit up with the red lights while looking at photos, I did notice the transition into Ray's room focused on the red which then shifted to Ray pouring drinks.

But it's really because the opening credits only show the bar, the photos, and the alcohol in red because they are the dangers of this show.

So, like I was saying, I don't notice the colors because I'm captivated by Ray's glowing skin, which is why it pisses me off every time he is with Mew because Mew gets the Linda Evangelista treatment while Ray is forced into the shadows EVEN IN HIS OWN HOME!

Ray is usually watching Mew from the shadows or being overshadowed by Mew, literally! Mew is always sitting in front of Ray cutting him off from the light source.

Which is why I like it when Ray is with Sand because my little Ray of sunshine thrives. Even in the darkness, his skin is glowing!

The car ride the first night when Sand stopped him from driving drunk? Angelic like the heavens are shining on him! *bites knuckles*

But then again, that's how we were introduced to the boys in class. The spotlight was on Mew, Ray was in his shadow, and Boston was in the dark. (Chuem, you're doing great, hon!)

So you telling me that Mew, once again, gets to be in the warm light, while my visually stunning man who has never done a bad thing in his life (except, you know, the laundry list of bad shit he has done) gets the cool light even though they are IN THE SAME APARTMENT . . .

*takes a deep breath* It tracks.

But I'm glad that Mew stepped into the cool light with Ray as Ray apologized.

Because they are friends, and Mew has proven that although he can't give Ray light, he is willing to share some of Ray's darkness.

Which tells me that it isn't really Mew stealing light from Ray

But instead, Ray needs to step out into the light and embrace the warmth that others openly give him.

So I'm very proud of you for noticing this, and know that I'm really rooting for Ray realizing how good Sand is for his skin, I mean heart . . . no, I mean skin, so I can continue to enjoy the radiant being that is Khaotung when he gets that good lighting.

Thanks for the ask, and I'll try not to get entranced by Khaotung's flawless features, so I can notice cool visuals like you.

Wish me luck!

[opheliawillowbrook]

Im never gonna get over the letter Damian wrote for Raven in chap 3 of the boy in black it’s literally my Roman Empire it’s so good and so in character holy fuck I can’t get over it it’s just perfect

Like this right here… WOW

Dear Raven,

I fear the words I write upon this page now may never reach you, but I feel pressed to write them even so. For if I don’t, I fear I will be swallowed by these thoughts that plague me in this ripe and fleeting age. I do not mean to sound so forward. I know it’s not entirely among my nature, but my feelings for you have opened me to a side of myself I’d never given much thought to. Or better yet, avoided. I’d be a liar if I said I’ve never thought of you. I meant what I said, you’re beautiful, but you’re also so much more than that: you’re brilliant, the very moon of my night, and I admire you for all that you have and are to become.

As a child you often held my gaze with a tender fascination: An opponent worthy of being my greatest conquest, a mistress all mine. One I courted the only way I knew how, through wit and sport across a black and white chess board. Still now, I sport with you, diligently playing this game, wondering which of us might win the other. For years I geared up and went to war with you each day, fighting to show you the man I was for no other reason than that you may one day notice me. I may have geared us up for war, but now I wish to take the war to your bed.

As any man faced with death, I’ve longed and quaked at the thought of intimately knowing you. To feel you tremble at my fingertips and hear my name burn like fire from your lips. To be entangled in the act of one of your off-color jokes I blushed at as a boy. I fear that if anything, I’ve thought about this more often than is probably respectful; I feel both ignoble and intoxicated by it. But beholding your quiet beauty leaves me wanting and enticed: I can barely help myself when I catch the smell of your perfume. The way the lavender rolls off your elegant white neck draws me to you. And I think about how that very perfume tastes on your skin. I want to know how it feels to have nothing between us, only bare skin. To press my mouth against your supple lips and taste the raw honey of your most forbidden fruit. To play this war game the way Adam and Eve intended.

These thoughts are lustful, I know, but if lustfulness is truly such a sin, then I hope I find my salvation very late in life. Until then, I promise to wait for you beneath that old apple tree, for the day in which you allow myself to lay within your lap and free you from the chains that keep your most perfect, unspoiled flesh from my touch.

Again, I apologize for my forwardness, but I know I’ll never lend you this confession. Though I wish I had the courage to, and quell any doubt you have of me. But in the face of doubt, let it be known: Your beauty shines as the stars do burn. You can doubt those flames as each sun’s day grows short and burns to nothing. Shakespeare once wrote, “Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt thou the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.” Only the sun does not move, which makes that declaration all the more fraudulent. So I’ll leave you with this: You can doubt all the facts of science, but never doubt that I love you, Raven.

—Damian

Lol that's one hell of a compliment. Thank you, Darling I really appreciate it. Thanks for making my day. 😘

[the-fandom-is-now-my-life]

Forced fairy tail

Every fairy tail needs an evil dragon to set the scene and malleus knows that silver and the prefect will make the best shining knight and royal in distress

Read also:Even if he doesn't show malleus loves silver and wants his happiness regardless of how moral lying is.

WC: 800

Cw: malleus puts reader under a spell; silver pulls a sleeping beauty and kisses reader while unconscious; malleus playing matchmaking to the extreme

Malleus remembers when Lilia brought a little bundle of silver hair and spit. Even if at the beginning he believed it to be quite disgusting, when his little hands grabbed at his robes and called him 'maweus' with a lazy smile he couldn't help but pick it up like he saw Lilia do.

Ever since silver was a toddler Lilia feared he might become a spoiled brat, from how often his little whims might get given to him by malleus, thankfully after a chat he started being more subtle with his gifts

As a kid Silver loved chocolates, whenever he followed his father and malleus in tte briar valley and passed by a chocolatier his eyes couldn't help but focus on the colorful and cute chocolates. How lucky that later that day they would be in the tin can that he hides under his bed.

He didn't catch that Lilia seemed annoyed when he went to say thanks, too busy munching on the sweets.

When he was a preteen, silver started doing more house chores and odd jobs to get a brand new sword that he saw on the forge. He was so happy he didn't notice how he reached his goal faster than expected, his father did

And now, in night raven academy, his eyes can help but drift to the visitor from another world when they pass by, feeling his cheeks heat up

Even as much as Lilia would like to tease him about how his son got his first spring, he wouldn't want to give any ideas to malleus.

As he accidentally fell asleep on a couch on the common room in diasomnia he had a strange dream

"you know, the fun thing about love is to chase and to be chased, the subtle pinning" said a bat

" So what? I'm only pushing him towards his happiness. Their lives are oh, so short for them to deal with sadness and heartbreak, if one can help it." Said a lizard standing on two feet " that child is at a similar stage at 17 as me at 178. Look at me and tell me his life isn't short"

" °°°, don't dare to intervene"

When the prefect pricked their finger on a plant during biology and fell in a deep slumber, when malleus asked for him to accompany him to check what happened and he saw his father grimace silver had a hunch.

When as soon as arriving he saw malleus make his way towards the prefect and grab their wrist, feeling the magic poisoning their blood and said

" this type of magic is similar to the witch of thorn's, a deep slumber curse only broken by the kiss of true love" as he chewed the inside of his lower lip, a habit silver noticed when malleus lies, similar to when he ate all the ice cream and blamed sebek and him

Even amidst the mess that was the botanical garden with friends, teachers, housewardens coming in and out, even knowing this was set up, silver couldn't help but want to try

Sitting next to you on the bench you got laid on, silver grabs your hand, now up close he can see the faint green tint on your knuckles and the tip of your fingers, and the typical petrichor smell of the briar valley's magic. His father's, sebek's and malleus' magic smells like that.

Giving a quick kiss on your hand before getting close to your face, looking at your greenish tinted lips, your eyelashes and the hair falling down your face. He closes the distance and kisses you.

As he gets away, he sees your face again and your nose no longer has a green undertone, nor do you smell of the familiar petrichor. When a few seconds pass and you don't open your eyes his heart drops, was this really not meant to be? It isn't until you open your eyes and try to sit up that he breathes calmly again.

Even as he gets pushed away from you thanks to your multiple friends as they try and explain what happened, he can't help but touch his lips softly as Sebek yells at him for being uncouth and kissing you in front of everyone.

Before he leaves the botanical garden he turns to see you and meets your gaze, before you quickly look away, touching your lips causing him to blush

This time the disapproving look on Lilia's face doesn't get lost, nor does malleus' pleased grin. Neither does the suspicious quantity of money malleus gives Crowley each month or the missing books in the library

The fact that the mirror that was supposed to take you back home was found broken isn't either, he thinks as he consoles you, a clean hit on the middle of the glass shattering all hope of returning home. A hand slides up and down your back as you both sit on his bed at the dorm he wonders if you will like his hometown

There are many things Silver doesn't want to admit outloud, like he is happy about the incident, or the fact that malleus seemed especially proud of himself lately, even excusing him from training to go on dates

[gabykatttt]

Don’t leave me

Trigger warning ⚠️ ‼️

Death

Velvet was in the hospital coughing in blood.

How are you feeling? Orchid asked

Not so good I don’t think I’ll make it Velvet said began to cough again.

Oh god Velvet Orchid said started to cry.

The door opened. Orchid turn and saw KidRitz along with the trolls.

How’s Velvet doing? KidRitz asked worrying.

Not so good Ritz she’s getting pale Orchid said crying.

Oh no Poppy said.

Hey guys Velvet said weakly coughing in blood again.

Oh glitters Velvet you’re dying Viva said.

You’re getting more pale Velvet Floyd said.

I hope you make it Bruce said.

Hopefully Veneer doesn’t find out about this Branch thought.

Velvet began to cough in blood again.

Ohh Velvet I hate seeing you like this Orchid said crying even more.

I wish we can do something but we can’t you’re in your last life KidRitz said.

Where’s Veneer? Velvet asked.

He’s coming I promise John said.

I want to see him I need to talk with him Velvet said coughing again.

You will we told him to come and see you Poppy said.

Ritz please promise me that you will take good care of my brother I don’t want him to suffer like this please stay with Veneer he truly loves and you love him so please protect him when I’m gone Velvet said.

I will with all my heart Velvet KidRitz said starting to cry in tears.

Hey guys Veneer’s here the nurse said.

The gang nodded.

Come on guys let’s give the twins some space time alone Branch said getting on Orchid’s shoulder.

Poppy and the others agreed and left the room.

Veneer entered the room and sat next to his sister crying.

Hello Veneer Velvet said smiling weakly.

Hi sis Veneer said.

How are you feeling? Veneer asked.

Not so good brother I’m dying and I won’t make it Velvet said coughing.

No don’t say that sis I don’t know that Veneer said crying seeing Velvet in bed suffering from cancer.

Hey don’t cry I’ll be in a better place Veneer Velvet said coughing in blood again.

No no I can’t lose you Veneer said crying again.

Veneer please don’t cry I’ll be okay in heaven Velvet said.

Veneer couldn’t help but cry even louder banging on the walls.

Veneer will you sing one last song for me Velvet said coughing.

Veneer looked at Velvet still crying but took a deep breath and started singing.

Veneer🎶🎤

And I see your true colors

Shining through

I see your true colors

And that's why I love you

So don't be afraid (don't be afraid)

To let them show your true colors

True colors are beautiful (you're beautiful, oh)

Like a rainbow

Oh oh oh oh oh like a rainbow

Mmm mmm

Velvet smiled and cried coughing one last time.

Thank you Veneer I love you Velvet said as she started closed her eyes knowing that she’s gone.

NO NO VELVET PLEASE Don’t leave me HELP Veneer said yelling and hugging his sister’s lifeless body crying.

The nurse entered the room and touched Velvet’s lifeless body.

With the others waiting for the news

Veneer walked out of the room crying knowing what happened to Velvet.

Did she make it? Orchid asked.

No she’s gone she’s dead and it’s all my fault Veneer said crying blaming himself.

Branch and Floyd got on Veneer’s shoulders comforting him.

I didn’t got a chance to say goodbye to her Veneer said.

KidRitz pulled Veneer and hugged him crying.

Orchid began to cry as Poppy and Viva got on Orchid’s shoulders comforting her.

Oh no poor he just lost his sister Brandy said. Bruce got on his wife’s shoulder and kissed her on the cheek.

It’s not your fault Veneer you didn’t know that Velvet was horribly sick Floyd said.

He’s right you shouldn’t blame yourself Branch said.

Veneer kept on crying and crying until Ritz lifted Veneer’s chin and kissed him.

Don’t cry baby I promised your sister that I’ll be there for you and never leave you suffering like this I love you Veneer and I always will KidRitz said smiling with tears.

I love you too Ritz Veneer said kissing Ritz on the lips crying.

Aww so cute Viva said bursting into tears.

I’m know but I’m gonna miss Velvet so much Poppy said crying.

I loved her so much and now she’s gone Orchid said crying again.

Poor Veneer he truly loved his sister so much Delta said wrapping her arms around John.

Veneer it’s going to be okay we’ll get through this together you and me Ritz said kissing Veneer’s forehead.

Promise? Veneer asked.

I promise Ritz said smiling.

I love you Ritzy Veneer said kissing Ritz’s on the cheek.

I love you too baby Ritz said kissing Veneer’s head again.

I’ll miss you sis I love you Veneer said looking at Velvet’s lifeless body and cried again.

[miyaniacs]

Corrupted by Darkness

- Chapter 9 -

Chapter 8 ; Wattpad ; AO3

A/N: I know it‘s short and not good but its an update? Sorry I‘ve been too exhausted the past days to get myself to start writing again. The ideas are there but the energy isn’t. I try my best tho :) The next chapter will be Noctis POV :) Thank you so much for reading and supporting me! I appreciate it so much <3

Nea's POV

I see Noctis opening his mouth again. 

That's it. This is how my life ends now...

The flames start to spill out of his mouth. I close my eyes. The last thing I hear is Sanguis laugh. 

"NEA!" A scream, blue lighting and strong arms warping around me. 

Carefully I open my eyes and see no other than Azriel himself. 

He came... he heard me. He came to save me. 

I look at his beautiful brown eyes, which show nothing but worry. 

"Azriel." I whisper... but my mouth doesn't open... Sanguis is still controlling my body. 

"Ohhh...no. You're not appearing here like her knight in shining armor and destroy my whole PLAN!" She hisses and I can feel the power running though my veins. 

"NO! Sanguis no please! I'm begging you stop." I happen against the invisible wall. Throwing my whole body against it, ignoring the flaming pain of my burned skin. 

"Oh no, that's your fault for bringing him here." She snarls and I can feel my hand reaching out, cupping his face.

"Oh Azriel." She smiles at him, "You shouldn't have come here." 

"But you called..." he whispers his eyes searching for something in my eyes he can't seem to find, "No... Nea called me... not you." He corrects himself and moves out of her grip, getting closer to Noctis. 

"Sanguis.. STOP NOW." He growls and takes a step closer to Azriel, trying to shield him off with his body and own shadows. 

"Oh make me." She smirks, but before Noctis can react, Azriel interrupts him: "No don't, you're killing Nea. Her body's not inflicted by your flames, but her soul is." 

"I- Is that true?! Was plan all along?!" Noctis eyes throw daggers at the smiling women in front of him.

"How would you know, that she's still alive?" She smirks. 

"I can still feel her." Azriel says quietly. 

"Oh yeah.. that matter." She rolls her eyes and I feel the power rushing through me again. 

Blood starts to run out of Azriels nose.... And his eyes... and mouth. And all I can do is scream. Scream in pain. The pain he feels because of something I do. I'm killing him. 

Then I hear her laugh again. 

No... She is killing him. 

She is using my body and my powers to kill...my mate.

"Nea." Azriel whispers, "It's okay, I know it's not your fault. I'm just glad to die, knowing that I wasn't meant to stay alone." A soft smile spreads on his face, while he falls to his knees. Then to his side. His wings spread over the ground, now colored in a deep red. 

Inside of me is a small tug.

And then I feel it. 

A power that I've never felt before. 

One last time I get up and throw myself against the wall. 

And it shatters. 

Finally I have control over my body again. Dropping my hand I stop the power flowing trough my veins and rush immediately rush towards Azriel. 

"NO!" I hear a scream in my mind, "You're not ruining my plan!" Sanguis screams and I feel her claws burring the self's inside of my mind. 

Falling down on the ground next to him, I place his head on my legs. 

"Azriel?" I whisper and stoke his soft dark hair.

"Azriel... can you hear me?" I ask him again and focus on the golden line inside of my chest, tugging on it. But there is no response. 

"Az? Az, please answer me." Tears run down my face and I let myself fall down, crouching over his body. His blood mixes with my tears as I call his name over and over again. 

Sanguis claws burry deeper and deeper inside of my mind and I know that I can't withhold her any longer. 

"Mine." She hisses, yet before she can take the final push, a deep, powerful voice echos though my mind. 

"LEAVE." Noctis commands and I feel his darkness spreading out inside of me, while my vision gets dark. In the distance I can hear a soft scream and I tug one last time on the golden line.

While drifting off into the darkness, I imagine feeling a soft tug on the other side. 

[teachmenari]

11 Teach me! - flower language

Tighnari x GN reader

▪︎WARNING(S): mentions of child abuse and bad parents▪︎

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

3 pics - 901 words - 3 pics

___

"So… Are you going to tell me where you're taking me?" You ask, eyes scanning the unfamiliar scenery in front of you. Tighnari chuckles.

"What, so close to the surprise? No, that'd be a waste. You'll see once we get there."

You fake-scoff, not mad at all. "I just hope you're gonna murder me somewhere pretty."

"Oh yeah," he says. "So pretty. Lots of flowers." He turns to you for a second. "It's to die for."

You both burst out laughing.

________

A few minutes before you reach the location, Tighnari asks you to keep your eyes closed. You assume it's because there's signs on the side of the road or something, and you oblige.

Once you arrive and find a spot in the parking lot, Tighnari gets out first and opens your door. "Here you go, y/n. Worth the wait?"

You finally open your eyes - and your mouth falls open. You're left speechless.

He wasn't lying when he said there'd be lots of flowers.

Fields of tulips surround you, bright colors all neatly arranged in rows. White, red, pink, orange… The sunlight makes them pop out even more. It kinda reminds you of the first time you saw Tighnari's eyes.

It's so beautiful.

"So, this is the place," he finally says, breaking the silence. "I've known there was a tulip farm near us for a little while and I wanted to go, but I never had the opportunity. Then, you passed your test, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and take you here to celebrate."

"Wh- Wait, is that your favor? Me accompanying you here?" You ask, stunned.

He laughs nervously. "It's cheaper if you bring someone," he explains.

"Oh! Smart move." You smile, and you can see his shoulders relax a bit.

The thought of how cute he looks when embarrassed quickly flashes in your mind, but you ignore it.

"Anyways," he says, handing you a basket he was hiding behind his back. "Shall we?"

_______

You admire the freshly picked red tulip in your hand, dewdrops still littering the petals, its sweet smell surrounding you.

You place it gently in your basket alongside the other flowers you previously picked. You decide to pause to take a picture, and you jump when Tighnari taps your shoulder from behind.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you," he says, and you can tell he's trying his best not to laugh. You groan and a snicker escapes him. "Did you find any color you like?"

You nod and show him your loot. His eyes shine at the sight.

"These are all very good quality, y/n! You have a knack for choosing them." He then rummages through his own basket and hand you two tulips, one pink and one orange. "And I got these ones for you."

You take them, a bit surprised at the gift. In exchange, you hand him the red one you just picked. "Then, this one is yours."

He takes it and pauses for a few seconds before adding it to his bouquet. He mumbles a thank you and you almost miss the very light pink on his cheeks.

Tighnari then clears his throat. "Uhm, actually… I had a question."

"Hmm? Shoot."

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to, but… why did you pick a major with so much math and science, when you seem to hate it?"

It's your turn to pause. You let out a heavy sigh.

"I… I'm not on good terms with my parents. They're very strict and even toxic at times. They've put a lot of pressure on me all my life, isolated me from my friends, treated me like trash when I dared have my own opinion, and, uhm… one day, I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to get away."

Tighnari places a warm hand on your shoulder for comfort. You smile weakly and continues.

"The Akademiya was the furthest away I could realistically apply, and I was so desperate to leave that I picked the first thing available. I got in, and as long as I don't cause trouble, then… they're paying for my studies."

Your voice breaks a bit.

"If I fail this year, I'll have to go back."

A heavy silence falls on the both of you. You don't want to look at him and see pity - like every time you tell your story - but when you do look up, Tighnari's expression is nothing but concern and care. He sighs as well.

"My parents adopted my little sister when I was six, and she was two. Then, when they discovered her eleazar was too much to deal with, they abandoned us with my grandmother. I was ten."

You gasp softly.

"She also didn't like us much. I was too rowdy as a child, and she didn't really want to care for a sick toddler."

He looks away, to the distance. A couple with a child laugh in the middle of the field.

"I was basically Collei's parent, on top of school. I legally became her guardian at eighteen. Rukkha discovered that one day and helped me care for her. She was the first actual mother figure in my life."

He looks at you, and your eyes meet.

"You're not alone," he whispers.

A strange feeling squeezes your heart and you nod.

The silence that settles is comfortable, this time.

___

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

Teach me!

masterlist - prev - next

tag list: @rollingslumber @whycantscarabereal @aixaingela @toasterinabathtub @hydration-is-for-weenies @crueldinasty @ohmyfinggod @thfloating @swivy123 @loverhole @mikctp @missnella-nova @xiaomainlmao @iamlowkeycrying @lazy-sanns @vanitasbrainrot @hichi842 @shibarinu0000 @faela404 @sakkuur @lovesickfoolpia @spinninginthevoid @itsyourgirlria @chalksdreams @atlaincorrect @duckyyyx

▪︎Synopsis ➤ You’ve been attending the Akademiya for some time now, but for some reason this year is harder than the others. You’re failing almost everything regarding math and science. Your biology teacher, Ms. Rukkhadevata, offers the help of Tighnari, her TA... Let’s just hope he’s nice.

a/n: finally, we're getting a little bit of plot in- hehe :) I hope you guys like it! also those of you who know flower language, notice the colors of the tulips exchange ;) y/n doesn't know it but nari does

[written-in-flowers]

Fly Away: Pt. 7

Pairing: Young!Aemond x Young!Velaryon!Reader | Side pairing: Rhaenyra x Alicent, Aegon x Helaena

Genre: Fluff, Angst

Au: friends to lovers, childhood love, incest (duh), slight homophobia expressed, repressed feelings, mutual pining, teenage runaways, mentions of bullying, arrange marriages

Word Count: 8k

Summary: Young love overcomes all in a family full of broken bonds and broken hearts. When Princess Y/N Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen are discovered missing from their beds, their mothers must come together to find them. The search might do more for their families than a mere marriage pact can. 

A/N: want to clarify now that we stick with young!Aemond throughout the story. Ewan’s Aemond comes in at the very end. This is mainly done starting a bit before The Princess and the Queen and a little bit after the events at Driftmark. I do pull some scenes from the show, but it remains relatively loose throughout. Want to also point out that The Dance doesn’t happen in this universe, so...happy ending expected, because we need more of those.  

Taglist:  @yitish,  @imjustboredso, @dangerousbluebirdpoetry, @discowizard88, @mddieeunson , @caramelcandescence, @bookwhoresthings, @astrumark, @minteaspoon

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***

Helaena stood in the main hall of Dragonstone, her cream-colored coat contrasting with the green and gold dress she’d worn. The light coming in from the high windows shined around her, giving her a candlelight glow. It was the first thing he noticed about her as he returned with his mother. He’d waited for her and Cole in the dragon pit, recalling how her dragon soared smoothly through the skies before landing gracefully. Helaena insisted on joining him in finding Aemond rather than stay home with their grandsire. She loved Aemond as much as the rest of them, if not more. The two outcasts of his family often flew together, building a bond that Aegon remained separate from. 

“Helaena,” his mother breathed in relief, hugging Helaena even if the other did not respond. “Thank the Gods you arrived safely. Ser Criston,” she nodded at the knight who’d come with her. 

“My Queen,” the dark-haired knight bowed his head to her, “Have you had any luck?”

“None,” she replied. “The maps have no useful information.”

“Prince Aemond is a clever boy, Your Grace,” Ser Criston said. “He will not make it so easy for us to find him.”

“A fact that I agree with,” Aegon told him.

His mother might covet Aemond over the rest of them, even if she claims otherwise, but she did not know him very well. She didn’t know about all the times Aemond evaded capture from guards searching for him. She wasn’t aware about his midnight visits to the rookery to send messages to his beloved. Aegon only knew because he caught him walking in the hallway shadows with the scroll in his hand after a night of drinking. 

‘Aegon, give that back!’

‘Hm, I wonder who this is for…Aemond…Mother told you not to write to Y/N anymore.’

‘I don’t care. Now, give me my letter.’

He truly loved you. Aegon glanced at Helaena, who intently listened to Criston’s reports from King’s Landing. He wondered what it felt like having someone who loved him that way. Someone who’d risk being punished just to have a part of him on paper; someone who’d leave behind their entire life to be at his side. Aemond wrote poem after poem praising your beauty and grace, as well as the warmth you brought him. He’d risk his mother’s favor to have pieces of you, little shreds of the girl who’d stolen his heart. Aegon imagined his brother walking through dragonfire simply to reach you. Aegon could never fathom someone doing the same for him. Why would they? He’d do nothing but disappoint them as he’s done his entire life. 

The realization came to him slowly, growing clearer and clearer to him as he watched Ser Criston and his mother talk over the painted table. If Aemond tucked away letters in his room somewhere, then surely you did as well. He had a rough idea where to find your quarters, and it is not as if anyone would care or stop him. Carefully, Aegon walked backwards away from the group towards the staircase leading out of the hall. His soft footsteps went unnoticed by everyone except Helaena, who turned her head at the slight sound. He put his finger to his lips to signal her silence, then reached the stairs. He went up them silently, and found the hallway going further into the keep. He kept his hands behind his back, casually walking as he glanced into each room on his way. 

Aegon noticed her before she noticed him. A maid dressed in a red gown with a white apron busied herself with changing sheets in one of the bedrooms. His eyes scanned down her slim frame, imaging what beauty must be underneath. She had a pretty face, and a bosom that caught his attention instantly. He pictured himself pushing that lovely body onto the bed and taking her as he should, as she’d absolutely love. 

No. He needed to stay focused. Aemond was missing, and your room might have answers he needed. 

He forced himself to keep on walking until he found a closed door. Aegon stared down both sides of the corridor before slowly turning the knob and opening the door. Inside, he did find an empty bed chamber. He knew it was yours by the drawings left on the writing desk and hung on the walls. Plush furniture sat in one corner of the room with a small table for placing treats and tea. Jewelry on a vanity table convinced him that he’d found the right room. 

Aegon walked right over to the desk, scanning over the scattered papers to find more unfinished drawings. Picking up the topmost one, he saw you’d taken a stab at drawing buildings. You’d drawn the palace gardens back home, particularly the enclosed space overlooking the ocean. He saw you’d added small passing ships on the horizon, and drew flowers around the edges. You could use more practice, but he could at least make out figures in them. He found another of the strawberry bushes. A far away landscape featured two women standing with their backs to the viewer; they stood side-by-side close and possibly holding hands as they watched ships and dragons in the skies. He wondered who they were until he saw one woman’s long curls down her back. Their mothers? He nodded his comprehension. 

He found another of your brothers in what resembled a training yard, clashing swords with smiles on their faces. A study of drawing smaller bodies as opposed to adults, he supposed. Aegon could not help feeling a small ball of resentment in his stomach. Aemond had a difficult time adjusting after he lost his eye. Aegon might snort or snicker when Aemond knocked something over or bumped into a wall, but that did not dampen his guilt. A proper brother would’ve made sure Aemond went to bed, or at least went with him to find Vhagar. He recalled The Pink Dread, a pig he’d dressed as a dragon for Aemond, and felt worse. It’d been a joke, a jest as brothers do. It displeased his mother, who claimed he must maintain an image of family unity in the world. 

And that same boy is now in the world with the girl he loved. It was a tale fit for singers. 

“What are you doing in my sister’s room?” 

Jace’s voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see him and Luke standing by the door. Jace glared while Luke stared in curiosity. How could his father truly believe they are not what they are? Rhaenyra’s treason was as clear as day, but he remained willfully blind. Truthfully, Aegon did not care as much as his mother before. He hoped never to have the throne; he had no wish for it nor felt suited for the job. He preferred freedom over the shackles of the crown. Rhaenyra could keep it, as long as she left his family alone. Daeron is safe in Oldtown, but he, Helaena and Aemond are not. She’d do it so her bastard sons can take the throne after her. The two boys who’d blinded his brother. 

“Looking for clues,” he replied, returning to the pages and deciding your letters wouldn’t be here. “Aemond had a whole box of letters at home. Your sister might have one too.”

“Y/N is not supposed to be writing to Aemond,” Jace walked further into the room carefully. Aegon imagined he expected a fight. He wondered if he’d slice his eye open just for being here. 

“So? Since when does your sister care what your mother says?” he asked, crouching to a drawer and finding more art supplies and writing tablets. “She clearly didn’t if she ran away in the middle of the night.”

Jace couldn’t ignore this logic. He walked up to Aegon as the taller boy stood, then said, “She wouldn’t keep it here. This is the first place Mother will look.” 

“I know where she hides things!” Luke suddenly said excitedly, glad to have a reason to be included. “It’s the same place where she hides her sweets.” 

“What sweets?” 

Jace and Aegon watched little Luke hurry forward to a bookcase near the balcony. Grabbing the desk chair, he dragged it right up to the case and stood on it. Luke felt around on the very top shelf, dangerously standing on tiptoes to do so before he let a huff between his teeth. When returned with a wooden box in his hands. 

“She showed it to me when I came to her room the other night,” Luke informed them, opening the box. “She keeps sweets in here sometimes…yes!”

Aegon took the box as Luke retrieved a brown pouch and left for the bed. Jace and Aegon examined the box’s contents together. You kept several dried or crushed flowers on one side, a seashell, a necklace made of different colored stones, and papers. Lots of papers. Aegon recognized his brother’s handwriting on one, and pulled it out. 

“I watch ships pass in the morning,

And think of your violet eyes.

Violet eyes, which hold the world,

But dream of flying from it as well.”

Aegon did not bother with the rest. Jace picked another one, reading it and then laughing. 

"'Your hair reminds me of starlight'," he snorted. "Your brother is so strange."

Aegon agreed, but he glared and nudged Jace. "He's not strange. He's sensitive," a word his mother used often when describing Aemond. "What else does it say?"

"Nothing important. And yours?"

“Nothing.”

Aegon rifled through the box to find another letter. This appeared to be the newest of them, since it was less worn. A gasp escaped his lips when he read about his brother’s plan to meet you on a small island outside of Driftmark and between Dragonstone and King’s Landing. He told you he needed to prepare things first, which he assumed was rations and equipment. Aegon tried recalling any islands in that region, but only Driftmark came to mind. He closed the box, tucked it under his arm, and stormed out of the room with Luke and Jace behind him. 

“What did you read?” Jace asked Aegon, trying to keep up with his long strides. “What is it?”

“They ran away,” he said, his suspicions finally being confirmed. 

“Yes, we all knew that, but what else is there?”

He arrived back in the main hall where the families still stood on opposite sides of the table. “They’ve been writing to each other,” he told them when they spotted him and the boys. He walked right up to his mother, putting the wooden box on the table, “They planned it together. Look.”

His mother read Aemond’s letter, then peeked through the rest in the box. Her eyes met Rhaenyra’s, and in some secret way, they understood each other. “Does it say where?” Rhaenyra approached, taking the letter to read it herself. She then frantically searched through the maps in front of them to find no such island in the area. “Maester Gerardys,” she called to the old man, “Why is this island not charted on any of these maps?”

The maester read the letter next, then his jaw dropped. “Ah, because this island was considered abandoned several years ago.” He then lowered his head, “Forgive me, Your Grace. I thought the princess was merely interested in historical geography. It never occurred to me that she may be planning an escape.”

“Your meaning, Maester?”

“Princess Y/N came to my solar some weeks ago asking about historical landmarks. As a Maester of The Citadel, I always encourage the journey into knowledge,” he said, putting the letter down. “She asked for any books or maps containing uncharted or since abandoned lands. She told me you knew about her interest.” Aegon spotted his regret hanging on his narrow shoulders, “Forgive me, Princess. I should have suspected Princess Y/N was up to something when she kept her research secretive.”

“What can you tell us about this island?” Ser Laenor asked him next.

“The most we know is it used to be a trading post in the days of Aegon the Conqueror,” he shrugged. “It was taken off the map after the trading routes between Westeros and Essos changed due to pirate ships in the area. The last anyone knew was that pirates raided the village, slaughtered most of its people, and those who survived moved to neighboring lands. It has been abandoned since then. I have the books she might’ve looked into in the library.” 

“We will see them,” his mother urged, letting the maester lead her, Ser Criston, Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor away towards the staircase. 

Aegon, Helaena, Jace and Luke watched the adults walk away with the maester. An uneasy feeling settled into Aegon’s bones. A sudden impatience and suspicion surged inside him. They knew where Aemond was. Why were they stalling? 

 “Aemond and Y/N are missing,” he said to the group at his side, “And here they are going up to look at some old books.”

“The books might tell us more about where they are,” Helaena suggested. “We don’t know anything about this place. It’s old, like the Maester said.”

“Our sister wouldn’t go anywhere dangerous,” Jace spoke before Aegon. “She’d research more before leaving.”

“Aemond is the same,” Aegon said. “They are not fools. Wherever this place is, they’d make sure they could live there first.” 

“Y/N is missing,” Luke added. “We should be looking for her. She might be hurt.”

“She’ll be fine. So is Aemond,” Aegon replied, looking down at him. “He is a skilled huntsman and has good wilderness skills. He…He pays much more attention to things than any of us. Even if he is half-blind.” 

He let the last words sting. He saw both boys shift uncomfortably as he said it. He was glad it upset them. His own stomach churned imagining Aemond struggling right now. Aemond needed to do everything on the right side, since he cannot see it if it’s on the left. His neck must be aching from turning his head so much. The Maester said his body will adjust soon; it’s been less than a year, and he’s managing fairly well. But, he still occasionally ran into tables or chairs. Not due to clumsiness, but his disability. The two boys, dark-haired and dark-eyed, permanently blinded his baby brother, and never apologized for it. They believe he deserved it. 

Over an insult. . 

“We should go,” Jace said, breaking Aegon from his thoughts. 

“What?”

“We all have dragons,” he reasoned. “We can go now to where this island is, and find them ourselves.” 

“We do not know where this island really is,” said Helaena. “We should wait for Mother and Rhaenyra.”

Aegon turned back to the painted table, still glowing and warm, and noticed a pitcher of wine nearby. It’d been hours since he touched a cup of wine. He’d gotten in one or two during his search in the city, but he forced himself to focus on his search. His fingers itched to reach for the pitcher and cup. But, he kept his eyes back on the table. His mother appeared pleased with him so far; he did not want to ruin that. 

“We’re wasting time,” Jace continued. “Anything could be happening to them right now, and here we are, talking.”

“What do you suggest we do?” Helaena asked him, a tone of annoyance in her voice. “Do you suggest we go flying ourselves to find them?”

“Yes,” Aegon answered, standing straight to look at her. “Yes, I agree with Jace. If our families want to play ‘put-the-pin-on-the-map’ then they can do so. We have our own dragons. Why not go ahead and find Aemond and Y/N?”

“Because it can be dangerous.”

“How dangerous?”

“We do not know. That is why it is dangerous.”

“I doubt my sister would go anywhere deemed dangerous,” Luke spoke. “She’s very smart and clever.”

“So is Aemond,” Aegon added. “We’ll put it to a vote. All in favor of going to find the star-crossed lovers?” 

He, Jace and Luke raised their hands. 

“All opposed?”

Helaena raised hers. “Mother will be furious if you run off, Aegon,” Helaena said, putting her hand down. “We are all meant to be here where we can work on a plan together.”

“We are working on a plan,” Aegon shrugged. “The plan is to go to this island of theirs, find them, and then return home.”

“We should bring food!” Luke piped up at his side, “They might be hungry.”

“And wine,” Aegon smirked. When he caught his sister’s eye, he said, “To celebrate their safe return, of course.” 

She rolled her eyes and it briefly reminded him of their mother. Helaena is wrong. Their mother will be so overjoyed by Aemond’s reappearance, she’ll forget that Aegon took his nephews to go find her. Without any more discussion, the group began preparing to fly again. Jace and Luke gathered rations from the kitchens below, while Helaena followed Aegon to the dragonpit. He’ll find Aemond, bring him home, and his mother will be delighted. 

“Aegon, we should not do this,” Helaena said, briskly following him outside. “We should wait.”

“I’m done waiting.”

“Are you truly, or are you so eager to prove yourself to Mother that you’ll behave recklessly?”

He looked over his shoulder at her, “What are you talking about?”

“Mother is always berating you. She expects disappointment from you every time,” she retorted. “Not that you have not given her cause to feel such a way. You’re always off somewhere in the city, drinking or gambling or bedding women. You are rarely home, and when you are, you ignore all your responsibilities as a prince. You’ve never shown interest in your duties. You don’t even show interest in your own family unless it is serving a purpose for you.”

“Shut up,” he rounded on her at the last line. Her words stung hard. “I do have an interest in my family. I am concerned about Aemond, aren’t I?”

“Yes, right now, but we both know once Aemond is home, you’ll go right back to ignoring us.” 

“I don’t ignore you.”

“Yes, you do. You only spend time with Aemond during lessons or sword training.” She hesitated, “You never take notice of me, surely.” When he stared back at her, she continued, “I did not ask to marry you, but I at least understand there are obligations that come with marriage. If you want Mother’s approval so badly, you can start by giving her grandchildren, at least. I thought the idea of having a woman you don’t need to pay for might be enough for you, but clearly it is not.” She kept her fists clenched at her sides, eyes squeezing tight as if she forced herself to say these words. “You don’t even care what people say about me.”

“What do people say about you?”

“That I must be so daft that I don’t know how it works,” she said, not looking at him still. “That perhaps I do not tempt you or am not pretty enough.”

“You are pretty,” he rolled his eyes, “And I’d teach you how.” 

“Then why don’t you?”

“Because…”

“Because why?”

“Because you’re…We have nothing in common, Helaena. You like your insects and have those silly dreams. I don’t believe we’ve had a normal conversation until yesterday.”

“Oh, as if you need to have common interests to bed a person. I am not asking for your love or affection. I know you are not capable of it-”

“-I am capable of it,” he challenged, getting closer to her. 

He saw the contempt in her eyes. He rarely saw such raw emotions in his younger sister; she often kept to herself at home, and never approached him. Aegon looked over her face, taking in her features and her lips. They looked soft. He shuffled forward, pressing her into a wall just inside the doorway leading outside. The small gasp she released sounded soft and sweet. Cupping her jaw, Aegon looked at her a bit longer. Helaena is beautiful, there is no doubt there. She is delicate and timid most of the time, unless provoked to stronger feelings. Perhaps he’d been wrong about her the whole time. 

“Aegon…” his name came out in another sigh. 

Her nose looked like their mother’s, round and button-like. His thumb traced her lower lip before resting on her chin. He did not hate Helaena; she is his sister. He despised the institution that chose her for him, instead of letting them choose themselves. Aegon did not ask for this. He did not ask for any of it, but the gods forced it upon him. Looking in her eyes, he knew he’d never intended to hurt her. His interest in women lied in others, not in his delicate sister. 

“Aegon, if you intend to leave, we must go before-”

Aegon leaned down and kissed her. Most of the women Aegon kissed tasted like wine or ale. Helaena tasted like neither. She didn’t have much of one, but the tongue that slid into his mouth brought out a faint moan. Aegon kept Helaena pressed to the wall as he deepened their kiss. One hand going up into her silver waves, the other wrapped around her waist. That familiar warmth rushed over his body as he continued kissing her. She soon kissed back, getting into the rhythm, and making him hard. 

“You should not listen to what others think,” he said breathily, pulling away from her. “You are a Targaryen. You are blood of the dragon, and they are little sheep. A dragon eats sheep. She does not listen to them." He kept her close to him. She smelled like dragon from her previous flight, but it did not bother him. He should care more, he realized. Just like he should have cared about Aemond more. He cleared his throat and stepped away from her, "Let us go find our brother and bring him home, hm?" 

He still felt the warmth of her lips on his as they walked to the pit. 

***

The sea breeze never reached the threshold of the forest. You felt it breeze through the canopy above, occasionally brush on your skin, but nothing like being near the house. You tugged at the collar of your shirt, wishing you could remove it, though with Aemond so close by, you decided against it. The kiss in the lake was plenty of touching for you. 

"Aemond, where are we going?" You asked him, stepping over a fallen tree as you walked on. "Do you know where we are?"

"We're on the southside of the island," he said. "We're going in the direction of the river. Animals are more likely to be near water sources. But, I'm going to set traps Ser Criston showed me."

"Will they work?"

"I hope so. I do not wish to wander too far into the island. We don't know what lives here, if anything at all. Besides," he turned to look over at you, "I have you to worry for as well."

"What does that mean? I can take care of myself."

"Not if it's a wolf or a large predator," he said. He then said, "I do not mean to say you are weak, Y/N, but you are no fighter either. If something attacks you, there won't be much I can do for you if you are hurt."

"I feel the same as you," you walked a few steps closer to him, taking his hand. "Let us set these traps and be done with them. I can look around for herbs or fruits we can eat as well."

He smiled softly. He still wore the makeshift patch you'd given him, and his shirt and breeches  but no other layers. You’d done the same with your own clothes, opting to wear a shirt and your riding trousers. You walked together further down the stream, occasionally stopping so Aemond may set up his snares. You stripped a nearby berry bush of its fruits, and even found an apple tree. When Aemond finished a snare, you'd dug up a few mushrooms and herbs you recognized from Maester Gerardys's book of medicinal herbs and flowers. You assumed if they're safe to consume in medicine, they're safe for food. Overall, you'd gathered a good haul. 

Walking a bit further inland from the riverside, you watched Aemond constructing his last animal trap before something caught your eye. A large ray of light through the trees revealed a clearing not too far from where you both stood. You could not see much other than the rim of tall grass surrounding a single tree, and knew you should stick to Aemond. However, curiosity got the better of you. Carefully, you moved from where Aemond sat crouched on the ground, towards the clearing. You gasped softly when you saw what stood in the center. 

Tall and stark white with crimson five-pointed leaves on its long branches, a heart tree stood planted in a meadow of grass and flowers. In the thickness of its trunk, a face had been etched into the bark. The red sap that often came from cracks in the mesmerizing trees resembled tears as it slipped from the eyes. The weirwood trees of the Old Gods could be found in various places around Westeros. Almost every noble castle had a heart tree, since they'd once grown everywhere until the First Men arrived and cut them down. The only ones you have ever seen were in the Red Keep and on Dragonstone. They had their tranquil, quiet place where those of the Old Gods may pray to their deities. Your family followed The Faith of the Seven, so you had no real use for a heart tree, yet you still enjoyed the seclusion of the keep's godswood. 

"Y/N! Y/N, where are you?" You heard Aemond call from afar. 

"Over here!"

In a few minutes, Aemond broke through the treeline to see you near the heart tree. His eyes widened at the tree, surprised to find it in the middle of a southern island. He walked up beside you and stared up at the tree with you. The carved face stared back at the both of you, two strangers taking in the shade of its leaves. 

“The Northerners say that the old gods can see people through the eyes,” you said, recalling the histories and cultures you’d read. “It’s why Northern people have important ceremonies in front of heart trees.”

“Ah, nonsense,” Aemond dismissed. “It’s only a tree.” 

“I don’t think so.” 

You continued staring at the white tree. You’ve never met anyone from The North because it is too far away, and not many of them come south. Yet, even at home, whenever you walked into the godswood, you felt them there. The Old Gods weren’t stone statues or stained glass windows or rainbow crystals like The Seven. You didn’t see Northerners putting their beliefs into material things, especially since many are descendants of the First Men. The Old Gods lived in the streams and the winds blowing through the trees. Even now, a soft gust blew through the small meadow of grass and flowers. It cooled your warm skin, and relieved you of the heat in your cheeks. It felt as if the gods said ‘Come here, child. Come into the shade and rest your tired feet.’ Something about the ominous tree brought a feeling of serenity and calmness. You liked it. 

“How long do you think its been here?” you asked. 

“Centuries. This island did once have people on it, so maybe some of them believed in the Old Gods.”

“Or it was here even before them, and they left it alone,” you suggested. “I like it.”

“You do?” 

“Yes. Why? Don’t you?”

Aemond thought about this. Then he said, “There is a certain magic to them, I suppose." He went silent again, "It’s…It is kind of like our dragons.”

“What?”

“I think Northern people have a special connection to these trees,” he explained. “Like we do with our dragons. I’m not a believer of the Old Gods, so I feel nothing for this tree, but I’ve met Northern people who say being in the presence of these trees is being in the presence of their gods. It’s why they pray in front of them; their prayers are not like prayers to the Seven either. It is simply speaking from their heart.” He glanced over at you, “They also have marriage ceremonies by the trees.”

“I’ve heard. I’ve never seen one though,” you continued looking at the tree, “Can you imagine what they look like up north?”

“There's surely snow, I imagine,” he smirked slyly. 

You nudged him, “You know what I meant, silly.” 

You giggled together, and then settled down at the base of the tree. You took out two apples, and handed Aemond one of them. Munching into his, Aemond said, “Would you want to do that?”

“Do what?”

“Marry like the Northerners do?”

The question stunned you for a moment, but then said, “I don’t think so,” you took a bite out of your apple, letting the juices fill your mouth and swallowed. “I find their heart trees lovely, but I do not believe in them enough to marry in front of them.” You hesitated, “I suppose I’d marry under The Seven like my mother and father. I’m sure your mother would’ve wanted the same, since her family are patrons of The Faith.”

“Aegon and Helaena were, so I guess as much.”

“Would you, if you had the choice?”

“Maybe.” He bit into his apple, chewing it before saying, “I find Valyrian wedding ceremonies intriguing.”

“You’ve seen one?”

“Obviously not,” he said, “But I read about them in a book of Old Valyria. Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives married in such a ceremony.”

“How is it done?”

“Well, both man and wife make cuts on their lips and put the blood on each other’s foreheads, and then cut their palms to put into a cup to drink it.”

“How disgusting.”

“Is not.”

“Is too. I wouldn’t want to drink your blood.”

“Why not?"

"Because it's blood, Aemond," you replied incredulously, ending with a soft laugh. "Why? Do you wish to drink mine?"

"Well…no, but it'd be for the ceremony. It'd be meaningful." He ate more of his apple, "So in a sept then? I don't believe they have any here."

"Oh, they must. All little villages have at least one somewhere." You bit into your apple, staring out into the meadow around the tree. 

"Y/N," he said after a while. 

"Hm?"

"Would you still want to marry me? Even after…my eye…and all that?"

You looked over at him in disbelief. "Of course, I would." He did not answer, but the soft hum he gave away his thoughts. "Aemond, your…you missing an eye does not bother me. It never has. You are still you, and that is-"

"-Who you are fond of," he finished for you. 

You hated how he'd phrased it. "I…" the butterflies in your stomach fluttered harder than ever and your throat turned dry. "I…" 

Why can you not simply say it? You felt it. You loved Aemond, but in a way so much more different than others. You loved him the way Jonquil loved Florian or Queen Alysanne and her Jaehaerys. You’d flown far from home to simply be with him; you would've gone across the world for him. You could never escape him even if you'd tried. Aemond Targaryen was in everything you did. He'd somehow wedged himself into the nooks and crannies of your life and there he stayed. When you'd heard the betrothal was off, you thought you might die. Being with Aemond is the only certainty you've ever felt. 

So, why is it so hard to say? 

"Aemond, I…"

"You do not need to say it if you do not-"

"-Aemond Targaryen, if you truly believe that I do not love you, then you clearly lost more than your eye," you snapped, facing him. Your shift in tone alarmed him. You continued, "Aemond, you could've lost both your eyes, your arms, and legs, and I'd still love as much now as I did before. You could sprout wings and a tail, and I'd adore you. Aemond," you grabbed his hand, catching a grip on your nerves, "I love you. How could I not when my heart always yearns for yours?" 

The three words left him silent. He surveyed your face as if trying to catch a lie, but you kept your eyes on him. “Seeing your eye may take getting used to,” you admitted, “But that does not make me love you any less. I need you to believe that. Please, believe me, Aemond.” 

“You…” he hesitated, “You love me?”

“Of course, you fool,” you laughed softly. “Would I have come here if I did not?” 

You looked at the tree behind you. No, you are not a follower of the Old Gods, but you’ve heard non-believers still swear upon them. “I swear it,” you said, almost a whisper as you gazed at the crying eyes near you, “By the Old Gods and the New, Aemond.” 

A whim took you by the hand, and you grabbed Aemond’s. An officiate should be here, but what customs and traditions matter? This island belongs to you both. You can create your own traditions. You brought him to the base of the tree, standing a few feet from the trunk of the heart tree, and took both of hands. Aemond looked puzzled for a moment, but then smiled softly. His smile always lit up his face; the missing eye never distracted from that, not to you. 

“I,” you started in a shaky breath, “Y/N of House Velaryon take you Aemond of House Targaryen to be my husband in this life and the next.” It sounded good so far. “Here in the presence of gods, I ask that my life walk alongside his. Where my husband goes, I will follow.” You struggled to find more pretty words, then said, “For there is no me without him.” Pecking his lips, you waited for him to say something. 

“I,” he finally said, “Aemond of House Targaryen take you Y/N of House Velaryon to be my wife in this life and the next.” He catches on so quickly. One thing you loved about him. “I ask that my life be forever bonded with hers, and our souls become one. I shall comfort her in times of sadness, and guide her in times of darkness. I shall follow her wherever she may go, and whatever the gods may put in our path.” He gave your hands a gentle squeeze, “Because I love her. There is no me without her.” 

The world stood still. No wind, no birds, no animals sounded in the meadow. The gods, you imagined, stopped the world to listen to your vows. They sensed the truth in your words, and accepted your prayers. It did not matter if no living person witnessed your ceremony. The Old Gods had witnessed your marriage, and gave their blessing in silence. 

Aemond smiled softly, then kissed you without a warning. Unlike the lake, this one remained chaste and soft. When he pulled away, you saw a pinkish blush on his cheeks and kissed him again. Somewhere out there, you knew your mother would chastise you for this, but she was not here. Nobody was. The only observer to Aemond laying you down in the grass and continuing kissing you was the carved face of the heart tree. 

***

“It cannot truly be that far from here,” Rhaenyra said, annoyance rising in her voice. “If Lord Corlys’s man saw Starshine and Vhagar flying nearby, then obviously this means their little hideout is there.” 

She did not contain her impatience this time. They knew where the children were, they should be setting off to find them. Standing in the maester’s solar, she looked back at the group staring at her. Alicent stood at the forefront, stern and determined, wringing her hands. Rhaenyra did not notice any picked skin around her nail beds, but she knew the queen resisted the urge. She wanted to embrace her, convince her to go with her to find their children. But, she stood a few feet away where the large, withered old book sat on a table. It detailed old trading routes during Aegon the Conqueror’s day. One of the dotted red lines crossed right onto a small island right outside the mouth of The Gullet,  miles and miles away from any other land mass. It’d been at Maester Gerardys said: when Aegon took The Crownlands, he changed routes to navigate right towards King’s Landing after many reports of pirates in the area. Aemond and you showed equal interest in this particular part of history. It is obvious they are there. 

“Princess, we’re not entirely sure that is where they are. There could be dangers that we do not-” Maester Gerardys began, but she cut across him. 

“I have a dragon,” she seethed, “Whatever danger lurks on the island will face Syrax’s dragonfire. I am not stalling any longer.” She grabbed her riding gloves from off a table, and slipped them on. “I am going to get my daughter. Your Grace,” she turned to Alicent, “Will you come?”

Alicent hesitated. She’d always refused to join Rhaenyra on flights. She told Rhaenyra she preferred to remain on the ground. But, The Queen visibly gulped back her nerves and raised her chin, “I will.” 

“Good.”

She led Alicent out of the room and down the hall. Syrax will be saddled still, and she can hold two people now. Rhaenyra remembered the last time she’d mentioned this to Alicent, who’d declined. She’d sat up in her bed, wearing her nightgown, and persuading Rhaenyra that running away was foolish. Rhaenyra first thought it was because she’d have to fly, but as the hours dwindled, she realized Syrax didn’t scare Alicent. It was Otto Hightower, who’d instilled his firm beliefs into his daughter; the man who’d convinced her that without him she is lost and alone. 

“I hope they are alright,” Alicent’s anxious words broke through her thoughts. “Aemond…His eye still pains him, and he needs to take his treatments.”

The mentioning of Aemond’s injury brought guilt into her stomach again. It’d been an unfortunate thing, a casualty in a fight amongst children. Luke only meant to defend his brother, whom Aemond assaulted; he’d never meant to take the whole eye. Rhaenyra thought back to how she’d reacted, and knew she’d behave the same way over again…But, she should have shown more sympathy. She thought back to what you’d told her after everything settled. Rhaenyra casted a glance over at Alicent. 

“How is he adjusting to it?” she asked cautiously as they walked towards the dragon pit on Dragonstone. 

Alicent did not answer immediately, but eventually said, “It is a slow process, but he is progressing. He still knocks into things on his blind side, and his depth perception is not as it was. I have not even let him fly Vhagar. I’m always worried something worse will happen to him on that beast.”

“What could possibly happen to him on Vhagar?” she asked, bemused. “Dragons have eyes as well, Your Grace.”

“I know,” Alicent admittedly defeatedly, “It’s that…After he lost his eye, I fear some other horrible act will harm him more. I constantly fear for him. I fear for him, Aegon and Helaena. I worry if I take my eyes off him for a moment, something terrible will happen and it’ll be because I was not watching. I was not there.”

Rhaenyra almost asked why Alicent feared for her children’s lives, but then remembered what else transpired that night. She recalled how Alicent pleaded with the King for justice. She’d stood, distraught and frustrated, as her husband told her the matter was done. For years, King Viserys has upheld Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne despite having a trueborn son. Should Rhaenyra wish to remain unchallenged, she’d need to make sure her siblings did not usurp her. Rhaenyra never truly thought of what she might do. She knew Alicent would never plot a coup to have her deposed, and instill her son as king. Alicent is not the kind of person to break promises. Rhaenyra would’ve let them continue living in the Red Keep. They would all be safe with her as their queen. 

Did Alicent…

Did Alicent believe she’d kill them? That she’d kill her? Rhaenyra stopped by the gates leading into the pit, and stared at Alicent. Brown met violet in this stare. 

“Nothing will happen to them,” she assured her, stepping closer.  

She then realized how long it’d been since they’d stood this close. So many years of keeping their distance at tables and in rooms, she forgot the aura of Alicent. She’d forgotten the little things she’d loved about Alicent. The faint smell of flowers that came from her hair, mostly from ages of running lavender oil through it every morning. She vividly recalled days where she used to purposefully hug Alicent simply to smell those curls, feel them brush her face and encompass her fully. She wished she could relive it again, even if for a moment, for a minute. 

“Our children are safe.” 

Alicent paused, sad eyes widening slightly with recognition. She’d moved to take Rhaenyra’s wrist before someone approached them. Then, the universe put that distance right back between them. 

“Princess,” the bald Dragon Keeper walked over to her, “Syrax is saddled and waiting for you. The princes and princess have already taken flight.”

“They have done what?” 

Rhaenyra’s shocked expression alerted Alicent. “What is it?” she asked Rhaenyra, “What did he say?”

“He says the princes and princess have…taken flight?” Rhaenyra tried making sense of the words herself, “They have gone?”

“Yes. Prince Aegon said he and his cousins would be flying ahead of you to find Prince Aemond and Princess Y/N.”

“They’ve gone?” Alicent guessed from Rhaenyra’s expression. 

“They have.” Rhaenyra growled, and clenched her fists. “I told them to stay here!” she said, guiding Alicent into the dragonpit, “I told them to stay home and we’d go find Y/N and Aemond. Why didn’t they listen? Why do children never listen?”

“Because, unfortunately, Rhaenyra,” Alicent said breathlessly, “Aegon is much cleverer when his head isn’t swimming in wine.” 

Yes, it would’ve been Aegon’s idea. He appeared quite desperate to prove himself to his mother. Perhaps they’d all underestimated him. Syrax stood on the other side of the wide pit, being held back by armed Dragon Keepers. Large and formidable, the yellow dragon immediately settled once Rhaenyra came within reach of her. She did not appear bothered by Alicent’s presence, but then again that might be from years of her smelling Alicent on Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra climbed onto Syrax first, then pulled Alicent up behind her. She saw the nervousness in Alicent’s face, how she held on tightly to the back of the saddle, giving a soft yelp when Syrax moved. 

“It takes some getting used to,” Rhaenyra explained, getting onto the saddle in front of Alicent. “Hang on to me.”

Warm arms tightly wrung around her waist, and clasped together at her midsection. Rhaenyra nodded at a Dragon Keeper, who then moved out of the dragon’s way. 

“Ready?” she asked Alicent. 

“Ready.”

And for the moment, time became their friend. When Syrax took off into the sky, Rhaenyra and Alicent weren’t Princess and Queen. They’d become the girls who’d kissed in the seclusion of the godswood, and shared every waking moment together. 

Feeling the wind blow through her hair and coat, seeing the thick white clouds above and the vast blue ocean below, they became those girls again. They might’ve just left the Red Keep in the dead of night, escaping on Syrax and flying off into a new life. They’d be together always; they could live and love as they pleased with no laws or families keeping them apart. Rhaenyra imagined it as she guided Syrax through the air. Had the fates allowed it, they’d be in a small house right now somewhere beautiful, dressed modestly and living in a house of light and love. She’d have freedom. She’d have Alicent. Tears started brimming her eyes, blurring her vision and heating her cheeks. This was all she wanted since the night she kissed her in the sand dunes. 

Her daughter. Her little dove who loved romantic songs and stories; who’d seen running from home as an escape to real happiness. She sympathized with you. She’d wanted the same. In truth, she knew you'd be safe. Not only because you are her daughter, but because you had Aemond, who loved you. His love for you burned like dragon flame, breaking down walls and bridges to be with you. She knew he’d never let anything happen to you. 

But, he is just a boy. Much like she and Alicent had been girls with silly dreams. 

Rhaenyra allowed herself to live that dream for now, in the skies where it’ll stay.

****

A/N: heeeyyy we got some kind of marriage ceremony going on lol and Kid Squad and Super Moms are on the way! Feel free to leave any feedback, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter <3 

[mickimagnum]

Devin's Dude Ranch: Episode Two (Part Two)

*as Devin reenters the house, she is immediately approached by Albert*

Albert: "Devin, hi. I'm so glad I caught you. How's your evening treating you?"

*Devin smiles widely*

Devin: "It's been good. And yours?"

*Albert flashes a boyish grin*

Albert: "Well. it's better now that I'm talking to you. Hey, do you want to go somewhere to chat?"

Devin: "I thought you'd never ask."

*the next shot shows Albert and Devin on the couch on the back deck. they're sitting with a few inches between them.*

Albert: "Why don't you move a little closer?"

*She looks at him warily, but in a playful way, before settling against him*

Devin: "Alright, but no funny business."

Albert: "Wouldn't dream of it."

Devin: "This is probably better for me anyway. so I don't have to look directly at your face."

*Albert chokes out a laugh*

Albert (confused, but lighthearted): "What do you mean?"

Devin: "Well, Albert. Frankly, you're just too damn beautiful. When I look at you, sometimes my brain just reboots."

*Albert laughs again*

Albert: "That's a new one on me. I apologize for my face. Do you want me to get a paper bag or something?"

*Albert's eyes shine at Devin*

*Devin bites her lower lip and shakes her head, on the edge of laughter*

Devin: "It might help, actually, but...maybe we should just treat it like like immersion therapy. The more I'm around you, the more I'll get used to it, that kind of thing."

Albert: "Alright, but I just want to make sure you know that I will do whatever it takes to make this work."

Devin: "Including wearing a paper bag for the rest of your life?"

Albert: "Exactly."

Devin: "This was a very helpful conversation, thank you."

Albert: "Anytime."

*they make eye contact and instantly break out into smiles*

Albert: "So tell me about you. What got you into training horses?"

Devin: "In short, my Dad. The long version is, my family has been training horses at least since my great-great-great grandfather. It's in my genes, I guess you can say. I've been doing it literally my entire life."

Albert: "That's amazing. And is this your family's ranch?"

*Devin looks steely eyed for a moment and clears her throat*

Devin: "Uh, no. It's not. This one is all mine."

Albert: "Do you not want to talk about it?"

*A weak smile flickers across Devin's face before disappearing*

Devin: "It's a bit of a touchy subject," *she sighs before continuing* "But, like I said, I've spent my entire life training horses, working for my Dad. He got sick a couple of years ago. Lung cancer. But, instead of leaving me the family ranch, who it should have gone to by all rights, it was left to his brother instead. He ranch, the business, all of it. When I confronted both of them about it, they told me a woman had no business training horses or running a business 'on her own.' My Dad died six months later and my uncle, well, he has everything except the monetary inheritance I was left, which I invested into this ranch."

*Albert exhales*

Albert: "That is seriously *bleep*ed up. I'm so sorry that happened to you. And to be treated that callously by your own family .... unimaginable."

Devin: "It was honestly the worst betrayal I have ever known in my entire life. It really is true what they say about people's true colors coming out when someone dies. But, enough about me. Tell me something about you."

Albert: "I would much rather talk about you, but if you insist..."

Devin: "I do."

Albert: "Well, I'm a chef. I used to own a restaurant in San Myshuno, but I hated the administrative side of it and missed cooking. So, I sold it and went back to the kitchen, and honestly, I couldn't be happier with my career re-pivot."

Devin: "Oh, that's amazing. What's your favorite thing to cook?"

*Albert ponders for a moment*

Albert: "I'd have to go back to basics; a good grilled cheese can be a work of art."

Devin: "Aahhh. I was not expecting that answer. I figured it'd be something more gourmet."

*Albert chuckles*

Albert: "Clearly you have some things to learn about me."

Devin: "What an exciting prospect."

Albert: "What about you? What's your favorite meal to cook?"

Devin: "Oh that one's easy. Both to cook and eat; frank and beans."

*Albert throws his head back, covers his face with his hand, and laughs*

Albert: "Wwwhhattt?"

*Devin is now also laughing*

Devin: "You're not the only one that's full of surprises."

Albert: "That is such a cowgirl answer. I love it."

Devin: "I grew up on it! It's like, a childhood comfort food. For most kids it's mac and cheese. For me was it's frank and beans."

Albert: "As long as I can sleep downstairs on frank and beans night."

Devin: "Why? You'll be eating them, too. We'll both be fartin' up a storm."

*Albert bursts out in a loud chorus of laughter*

Albert: "Oh my god, this is the sexiest conversation I've ever had."

Devin: "Hey, this is real talk. This is what you get to look forward if you want to be in a relationship with me."

Albert: "Trust me, I'm looking forward to it so much."

*suddenly Milo appears amidst the pair's laughter. it slowly dies down as they realize he's standing there*

Milo: "Hey, guys. I'm sorry to interrupt. I was just wondering if I could talk to Devin when you're done?"

Devin (who seems a bit caught off-guard): "Yeah, Milo, sure. Just give me a minute, okay?"

Milo: "Yeah, sure. Thank you. And sorry, again."

*Milo walks off*

*Albert sighs with disappointment*

Albert: "I guess it's too early get to keep you all to myself."

Devin: "That's what they tell me."

Albert: "Well then, you go do your thing. I'm going to get a drink."

*Albert and Devin get to their feet*

Devin: "I enjoyed our chat."

*the two enter into an embrace*

Albert: "Me too."

*he cradles her head and kisses her on the forehead*

*As they separate and Devin walks away, she's smiling and blushing. Albert watches her walk away for a few moments before heading inside*

Albert (in diary room): "Just half an hour with this girl and I'm hooked. She's so easy to talk to. I didn't want our time to end. It was hard to let her go. And there's definitely chemistry there, and a connection forming. I hope she feels it, too. 'Cause, man. I can't wait to see her again."

*Looks directly into the camera as a lopsided, boyish smile spreads across his face*

Devin (in diary room): "Albert," *folds her arms at her waist and smiles to herself* "Yeah, there's something about him. I definitely feel the chemistry. I like being around him. It's comfortable. I do have this nagging worry at the back of my mind though...with him being a city boy, I'm not sure if he's really down for the ranch life, you know?"

*camera cuts to Milo waiting for Devin. he looks pensive. Devin is approaching him from behind*

Devin: "Hey there."

*Milo turns see Devin approach. His eyes instantly light up and a warm smile spreads across his face*

Milo: "Hi."

Milo: "How are you? You're still okay from...earlier?"

*Devin offers a reassuring smile*

Devin: "I'm okay. I've been training horses my entire life and have had worse falls than that, trust me."

Milo: "Again, I am so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking trying to pull that off."

Devin: "You were thinking you wanted to make a grand entrance."

*Milo glances at his feet, rubs the back of his neck and reluctantly nods*

Devin: "That's alright, man. That's what tonight was all about, I suppose. But, we're past that now, so it's cool for us to move just on. You've learned from your mistake. And I've learned to dodge you if I see you running my way."

*Milo and Devin both share a short chuckle, before he shyly nods in agreement.*

Devin: "So tell me something else about you, besides the fact you're an accident prone cutie."

*Milo looks up at her startled and then tries to mask it, but only manages to blush*

Milo: "Me? I, uh, I'm a musician. Nothing big, yet. Still tryin' to make it, I guess. I still work a day job and all."

Devin: "I love that. What instrument?"

Milo: "Guitar. And I sing. I write my own music too."

Devin: "Wow. You're a triple threat. I really want to learn how to play guitar. I've just never really found the time."

*Milo's eyes light up*

Milo: "I'd love to teach you!"

*Devin smiles up him*

Devin: "I'd really like that. As long as you promise to be patient with me."

Milo (his voice soft and sincere): "Always."

*the pair stand in silence for a moment, locked in eye contact, smiling at each other before Devin speaks again*

Devin: "So, what do you do for your day job, then?"

*glances down at his feet and begins absentmindedly kicking at the ground*

Milo: "Well, that is less glamorous, truth be told. I work at a burger joint."

Devin: "Nice. Do you like it?"

Milo: "It's not my dream, but it's not bad."

Devin: "Whatever pays the bills, am I right?"

*Milo looks relieved and nods as a smile plays at the edges of his mouth*

Milo: "What about you? How'd you get into making nectar?"

Devin: "Oh, that! I took a local class here in Chestnut Ridge not too longer after I moved here, just a sort of for fun/self-improvement type of thing. Turned out I really enjoyed it and had a knack for it. I decided to use it as a way to pay for the horses until I got my first few trained up and sold, but man, the business just really took off! Now most people know me for Echo Valley Nectar and not the horses, which is exactly the opposite of why I got into it."

*Devin grasps her head for dramatic effect and laughs*

Milo: "Fate is crazy."

Devin: "You can say that again."

*her words are followed by another void of silence as the two steal glances at each other*

Devin: "So, what do you hope fate has in store for you?"

*Milo's eyes search her face as he considers his answer*

Milo: "I think you know one thing I'm hoping for," *he glances away and smiles down at the ground again, clearly embarrassed by his forwardness* "Besides my person to grow old with, a good dog, a successful music career, to see the world, and one day a small family. A lifetime supply of tacos would be nice too."

*Devin can't resist smiling and bites her lower lip in an attempt to suppress it*

Devin: "That all sounds amazing. Especially the lifetime supply of tacos part."

*Milo's laugh rings out. after it subsides he says:*

Milo: "Your turn."

Devin: "Also, my person. Also, a small family one day. Also, to see the world. And I guess just a lifetime of successful horse-training. That's really all that's left that I'm really want to spend my life doing."

Milo: "Well, it sounds like our ideal futures match-up pretty well.*

*the two stand in silence again, smiling at each other*

*Devin begins to shiver and glances over her shoulder back toward the house*

Devin: "It is getting cold out here. Is it okay with you if I head back inside?"

*Milo shoves his hands into his pockets. he looks disappointed, but nods.*

Milo: "Of course, yeah. Go warm up."

Devin: "Thank you, sweet Milo."

*they hug*

Devin: "Oh my Watcher, you're so warm."

*Milo chuckles*

Milo: "I've been told I run hot."

*Devin holds on a few moments longer*

*Milo grins to himself in the extended embrace. he is blushing*

Devin: "Mmm. That's nice," *she finally pulls away* "I enjoyed spending time with you. And I'm looking forward to more. Soon."

*Milo is still blushing*

Milo: "The feeling is very mutual."

Milo, in diary room: "Devin's incredible. She's so kind and warm. I haven't met any other girls like her. And we our vision of the future matches so well that maybe this is fate. Maybe she is the one. Watcher, I hope so."

Devin, in diary room: "Milo strikes me as being a little bit shy. Or maybe he's still in his head from earlier tonight, I don't know. It's making building a connection a little hard. But, I definitely feel like there could be something there. He's an incredibly sweet guy. I can see myself really liking him, but we just have to keep working on our connection to see."

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Albert submitted by @bakersimmer Milo submitted by @belsasim