#ursula held

[garadinervi]

Jumana El Husseini (جمانة الحسيني), Untitled, (mixed media on canvas; scan), 1996 [Institut du monde arabe, Paris. © The Estate of Jumana El Husseini]

Bibl.: Artistes palestiniens contemporains, Edited by Eric Delpont and Laila Al Wahidi, Graphic design by Hans-Jürg Hunziker, Ursula Held, and Didier Mutel, Translation by Dennis Collins and Mohamed Maouhoub, Institut du monde arabe, Paris, 1997, p. 57. Published on the occasion of a group exhibition organized by the Institut du monde arabe, Paris, March 27 – May 25, 1997

[impostorsshow]

I would never have thought that playing Disney: Dreamlight Valley would make me ship Merlin and Ursula but here we are they're definitely a divorced couple you cannot change my mind

[iphigeniacomplex]

i have since my earliest years held so much love for cruella de vil as a character like. sorry. scarlet opera gloves an enormous fur coat with red lining bright green eye shadow drawn on diva brows two tone hair before people did that a form fitting black slip dress to counter the coat's volume a cuntiferous cigarette holder with green smoke a kind of vaguely european put-on affectation absolutely no ability to drive two hired goons a falling apart mansion and a repulsive inappropriate and abject desire around which the entire film revolves that she makes no attempt to excuse or justify. just this visually striking entirely one-note evil woman and her name is cruella. de vil. no one is making characters like this anymore and i really mean that

[railway-roundhouse]

Our performances of The Little Mermaid happen over the next three days and we're probably gonna have to replace our Triton bc he literally refused to learn any of his lines and proceeded to argue with one of our teachers 😔

Anyway wish me luck I am SOOO scared I'm gonna fuck up and fumble my lines. But I have hope.

[windrunner]

Last night I had a dream about meeting someone outside of a local market (one of the ones with a section for fishing goods, a deli, and a small grocery; no gas pumps in the tiny parking lot) and while I don't remember the exact words they said to me, I woke up feeling content with the fact that I don't owe anything "love" that I can't or don't want to feel.

I can still have an incredible passion for things, I can still feel emotion the way I do, but I need to stop subconsciously forcing myself to be something I'm not anymore. I can still be part of the world and have deep bonds with other people, but I have to let myself just exist as I am and I have to let those bonds just be what they are naturally.

[sour-leminies]

Helloo! Can you do a James Hook x reader in which the reader is like Kitty Cheshire (From Ever After High) But a more nicer person who’s bestfriends with Bridget since they’re both from Wonderland and Ella.. Hook and her meets at the Life is Sweeter scene and maybee you can think of the rest! Thank you!!

Smile

Paring: James Hook x Cheshire Cat Daughter F!Reader.

Summary: Growing up you were always told to put a smile on your face. It’s your motto, your mask. It first instinct to smile through anything. Though when a certain pirate says you should smile, every bone in you wants to defy him. However this always makes him more curious.

Warnings: None I can think of but lmk otherwise!

Taglist: Just comment and ask!

A/N: Ahhh, this was such a good idea — more thoughts on writing this at the end!

I smiled brightly at the sight of Bridget started to sing. She was working with the red haired girl beside her — making flamingo cupcakes.

She turned around offering me one before starting to sing — her voice kind and gentle. I grabbed one off the tray, biting into the delicious treat.

“It’s not really a secret recipe.”

I walked beside her, smiling as I sing out with her. “A little butter, flour, sugar, and a lot of positivity.”

We started to walk around the campus, people grabbing cupcakes as they were walking past. Part of them turning pink, Bridget’s color.

“Honestly, it always works for me.”

I smiled as she started to get more into the song. I held out my tray full of sweet treats as well, watching as they quickly started to fly off and into people’s mouths.

Me and Bridget smiled at each other before singing together, “cause the sun shines a little more brightly.”

“When you take things a little more lightly.” People around us also started to get into the vibe, dancing with us. Having fun.

I squealed as someone lifted me off the ground and spun me around.

As we walked up to Aladdin and Jasmine I couldn’t help but cringe at their pda. This school was full of it — but they tended to take it up a notch.

I fall into routine with the others, dancing in sync making sure to not fall. I handed Bridget the cupcakes again as it started to settle down.

“So your friends with everyone?” Red ask, making me wince. “Gosh no,” Bridget spoke. “My only friends are Ella and Y/N.” She said her time full of hope as she went on. “But with time and more delightful treats — they will be.”

I smiled at the two new girl, smiling widely despite the akward situation. Though my attention was stolen as a bunch of Vk’s made their way into the court yard.

I watched intrigued as they moved out the way — showing the captain. James Hook.

“Look for a hand, find a golden hook.” I crossed my arms, he had a nice voice. However the vibe I got from him rubbed me wrong in every direction. Which was weird cause normal I was fine with everyone.

“Captain of the seas I got ‘em all shook.” I watched as the rest of their group introduce themselves. Setting it up for Uliana — Ursula little sister to make her way. The Queen of bullies.

“Say Uliana and watch them flee!”

I looked over to their confused faces as Bridget informed them. “She’s Ursula’s baby sister.” Uliana rolled her eyes, while the Vk’s started to walk into us.

I watched as the pirate started to take a few steps towards me. Thankfully we all pushed back. “The sun sines a little more brightly.”

Hook and the rest off them pushed back as well. Though I felt my breath hitch at how close he got. “The darkness is a little enticing.”

Circling each other — we started to dance again. Though as I went to spin, a hook grabbed onto my wrist.

Getting pulled back I bump into the chest of the man responsible. I pulled my hand back away from him — though he used in hand to grab it again.

Before he could say anything I gave him a sarcastic smile. Disappearing leaving only my smile for a second.

I reappeared beside Ella — and continued to dance.

Once everyone was calmed down I made my way closer to Bridget, watching as Uliana took one of her cupcakes. “Thanks.” Though I could tell she was not being sincere.

Bridge started to be polite but she cut her off. “For all of them!” Grabbing the tray. Ella was the first to jump to Bridge’s defense. “Give that back to her.”

My smile dropped as they started to make fun of both Ella and Bridget. I looked down to the person beside me. I grabbed his tourney stick and pointed it a Uliana.

“Listen her sea freak. You’re going to give them back.” I could hear one of the new girls, Chloe I think list off the rules.

A hook pushed away a stick before Hook walked into my personal space. “Easy there lassie. Don’t know where you come from.” He took another step closer, and this time I could practically feel his breath on my face. “Don’t know where you come from, but her we fight after school.”

He pushed some of my hair out my face. “Meet me them.” I grabbed onto his hook for a hand. I took the gum out my mouth, pressing it to the sharp point. “You wouldn’t stand a chance.”

I pushed him back, causing him to smile. Though I wasn’t expecting him to lift the sharp hook to his mouth. Biting off the gum from it.

I glared at the pirate, as Red pushed in front of me treating the sea witch. “I only wanted the feathers.” She threw the tray onto the ground, causing a few people to jump. Rude.

Uliana was about to take a bit of all the feather — but kind Bridget was nice enough to warn her. “You really shouldn’t, that’s way too many.”

Not heading her warning Uliana placed them into her mouth — eating them. The sea witch started to brag about her self, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the flamingo screech she did.

“What was that?!” She looked around — trying to find what was responsible. I crossed my arms once again. Watching as she slowly started to turn pink, into a flamingo.

“You alright Uli? You’re looking a little pink.” I turned my heated glare back to his stupid face.

“No really?” I asked him, no duh genius. You would think a sea witch would know what too many feather would do.

“Easy there kitty. Don’t go starting fights.” He turned his full attention onto me instead of his boss. While everyone else watched as Uliana turn pink all over.

I couldn’t help but scoff. “You started the fight.” I look past him to see a flamingo Uliana glaring a Bridget and I knew exactly what she was thinking. I push past Hook and started to push Bridget to run. “Bridge go. Go!” Bridget, Ella, and me all rushed to run away and Uliana started to chase the three of us.

We almost made it into the dormitory when Maleficent and Hook blocked the door way.

“Hello again lassie.”

“How did you?” I started to question trailing off as I pointed to the court yard than to here. “I know my way around.” Is all he told me before the two of them started to chase us.

Running to the next door, Hades and Morgie blocked us next. We ran over to the fountain and once Ella pulled Bridget away I pushed the sea witch into it.

“She warned you.” I spoke to her, but she couldn’t hear me since she was underwater. Grabbing Bridget and Ella we all ran past the other kids. Making our escape.

⎈

I sighed as I collapse onto my bed. Luckily, I had a dorm to myself. Where I could finally drop the smile and relax.

I rested my eyes, finding myself comfortable before a knock on the door made me reopen them.

For a second I thought I just let them think I’m not home. I teleported in here anyway, it’s not like they say me come in.

Another pound at the door made a groan free from my body and I pulled myself up off my comfie mattress.

Yanking the door open I spoke before I even saw them, “yes?” Aggravation laced in my tone.

“Well aren’t you a nice kitty?” The teasing voice was one all to familiar.

“Hook.” He smiled before forcing himself in. “I was wondering when you were going to get home.”

“What?” Confusion made me furrow my brows, the hell was he talking about? “Worry not about that. I’ve come to properly introduce myself.” He grabbed one of my magazines ripping out the hot guy.

“Hey!” I snatched the paper from him trying to piece it together.

“I’m James hook. Captain. Villian. Charming, dashing, skilled fighter, amazing—.“ I cut him off before he can continue. “Alright that’s enough. What do you want?”

My arms cross and I lean against my table. “A smile for starters.” I felt my lips, only to realize I wasn’t smiling. There’s never been a time where I wasn’t at least smirking in front of people.

I try to find my smile — except I can’t find nor force it this time.

“What do you want? Hurry up.”

“Uliana is not a fan of you or your pink friend.” I kept my gaze on him as he strolled around my room. “Maybe you’d like to make a deal.”

“My protection, for your powers.” I tilted my head confused. “What do you need my powers for?”

He walked over to me, invading my personal space once again. “Well I hear sneak kitty is the best thief.”

“I’m not stealing anything for you.” I said simply. He gave a low up, bringing his hook up to push back my hair. “How about a date then?” I felt the air leave my body. Heat rushing back and all over.

I grabbed his arm and dragged him to the door, “no way, not until wonderland makes sense.” I was about to shut the door but his hand stopped it.

“Can I get one conversation at least? Tomorrow at the enchanted lake. Noon. And if you don’t show up I won’t stop trying.” He walked away causing me to roll my eyes. Pirates and their determination.

⎈

I had spent the day contemplating on weather or not I should go. I eventually decided to do so. I’m just curious.

Opening my door, I was surprised to find the pirate I was supposed to see at the lake at my door. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to walk with you, wouldn’t want someone to take advantage of you.” In a place full of royals and goody kids?

And villian kids.

Right. Rebels too. Deciding to just go with him, we walked quietly to the lake. Well I was quiet, and he kept talking and talking.

By the time we had gotten to the refreshing water cliff I had found myself started to enjoy his voice.

“So what now?” I asked once we had passed the bridge. “Well, now we cool off.” I looked at him confused before he shrugged off his jacket.

My eyes widened and I grabbed his hands, stoping him from continuing to unbutton his shirt. “What are you doing?!”

“Going swimming? You alright kitty cat?” His accent was very noticeable as he finished unbuttoning his shirt.

My mouth wet dry at the sight of him throwing it onto the ground with his jacket. His tan skin looked delectable, and I for some reason felt a desire to rub my hand down the slope of his abs.

“I’ll uh, I’ll wait here for you.”

He tiled his head, looking me up and down. Studying me. He gave a low hum before walking to the edge of the cliff.

“Sure you don’t want to jump with me.”

“I’m sure.” A part of me wanted to give the reason; I can’t swim, but a bigger part of me knew his kindness now was an act. He was still a bully.

He took a step off, falling with a smile. I leaned over the edge, watching as he splashed into the water.

I sat down, letting my feet dangle as I watched him swim around. Laughing when stubbed his toe against a rock.

I walked down the cliff meeting him as he walked out the water. “You’re soaking wet.”

His smirk widened as he shook his hair — getting the water out. Like a cat. I snaked his shoulder when he got sprinkles onto me.

“Watch it.”

“I’ll make sure of it, kitty cat.”

We sat on the shore, I made sure to not let the water touch my feet while Hook didn’t mind it. Classic pirate.

I laughed as he told the story of Hades throwing a fit when Uliana took Maleficent away from him for an hour.

“That’s nice.” I squint my eyes curiously. “Your smile. Your real smile, not that forced one.”

“I—“ I honestly didn’t know what to say. I just came up blank. “Thank you.” It was the safest option. The only thing I could really think of.

“Perhaps I should walk you to your dorm now.” I nodded quietly, just as quiet as we walked back. It wasn’t awkward either, it was comfortable.

⎈

I walked up to Bridget smiling, “How are you, your highness?”

“Ugh Y/N I told you not to call me that.” I laughed at her rolling her eyes, before linking arms with her. “Should we go dress shopping today? I asked.

“Omg, yes! But I hear there’s someone waiting in the court yard for you. Wanting to ask a very specific question.” She smiled knowing, and I know what her tone was hinting at.

“Someone’s trying to ask me to castlecoming?” I hated that the first person to cross my mind was a certain devious pirate.

We walked out the doors, and I lost my breath at how many people were out here.

Standing on a table with a sign saying ‘Castlecoming? Yes or no?’ Was Peter Pan. One of the royal popular boys only rivaled by Charming.

I looked around, Bridget had dropped my arm. Everyone was staring — expecting. Everyone was staring demanding. I knew the look all to well.

Always put on a smile

Papa’s voice waved through my mind at the same time I locked eyes with Hook. He was out here as well. Only a few Vk’s were out and about.

I felt like i couldn’t breath as I forced my smile.

Your real smile, not that forced one.

I gave everyone what they wanted, I said yes.

⎈

I didn’t see Hook the next two days. I hated that it got to me, I barely knew him. I had just met him for the white rabbit sake.

However every second that I didn’t see him, felt like a cruel laugh. One wrapped in a British accent.

The hours ticked and ticked and before I knew it Peter was knocking on Bridget’s door. I had gotten ready with Ella and Bridge but I would be arriving with Peter.

The carriage ride was quiet, and I had attempted conversation, but Peter in nice words was dry. I blended into the backround as Peter chatted and laughed with his friends.

Once they and all gotten to absorbed into each other I had made my way across and over to the drink stand.

“All alone kitty cat?” His voice wrapped around me, and it felt warm. “Hook.” I clipped my voice, not wanting to show how much I had actually missed his presence.

“Miss me?” Yes. “No.” I had only met this man recently, and yet he had such an effect on me. Like he was the moon while I was a star. Blindingly in awe of him.

“I missed you.” I searched his eyes for the lie, but instead found honesty. “I will say I’m upset you came with Peter Pan.”

“Are you angry at me?” My eyes pleaded for him to say no. “Not with you.”

He brushed my hair out my eye with his hook, taking a step into me. Leaning close to my ear, I could feel his breath fanning across my skin , leaving a burning fire.

“Rest assured kitty cat you may have came with him, but you will be leaving with me.”

I was sure I looked like a fish out of water with the way my face burned and the way my mouth wide open.

“Now,” he offered his hand, “will you dance with me?” I didn’t say anything, but I just took his hand. Letting him lead me out onto the floor.

“Is this a bad time to say I don’t know how to dance.” I whispered, kicking myself for being to wrapped up in him and not being focused.

“Don’t worry,” she placed my hand on his shoulder, the other in his good hand — all while his hook rested on my hip. “Just follow my lead.”

The music started, he took steps and I followed him. Every twirl I laughed, and every dip I smiled.

By the time struck midnight, I had left with Hook. Forgetting all about Peter Pan.

Walking across the bridge we were quiet until I spoke up. “I’m sorry I upset you. I didn’t mean to.” He kept quiet, I had walked in front of him — the moon light lighting my way.

“And I know how much you dislike Peter Pan, so I’m sorry that it was him—“ my hand was yanked back and before I knew it Hook had trapped my lips with his own. Taking my words away.

For the first time, I finally felt relief. I stepped into him as he placed his hook on my waist. His hand getting trapped and tangled in my hair as he pried open my lips.

He was so consuming, his lips demanded the attention he thought he deserved.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, lifting my up slightly, as wind started to blow.

Not to sound to on the nose, but it honestly felt like a fairy tail.

⎈

“Thank you for walking me home.” I shrugged off his jacket, handing it back to him. “Nothing to mention.”

He grabbed it from me, his gaze on mine. Searching. I went to walk into my room but his voice stopped me.

“Keep it.” Handing me his jacket he continued on. “You can give it back to me on our first date.”

“I dont remember asking for a date.”

He smiled and kissed my cheek. “That’s because I’m asking you.” Not demanding, but asking.

“I’d love to go out with you Hook.” He wrapped his arms around me and twisted the door nob. “James will do.”

I walked into my room, turning to shut the door. Right before it closed I whispered out, “goodnight James.”

“Good night Y/N.” He had waited until I was fully safe inside.

⎈

A/N: Ahhhh, I loved this idea. I can’t help but feel like this was rushed but I hope you enjoyed. James Hook is my soul mate trust 🤞

Navigation — other works!

[choppeddreamworm]

Can I get something where fem reader/(Y/N) is in the school musical/play and they are secretly dating James Hook and his crew don't want to go to the show cause it's "stupid" or something and James sneaks into the musical/play and sits in the back just to watch his secret gf.

Musicals have a special place in my heart so I loved when I got your request! I feel like my writing fell a bit flat towards the end but I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

-nini 𓄿

One Act play

Pairing: Captain hook x fem! reader

Warnings: none, just hook being rude :] not to you though Word count: 2.2 k (not proofread apologies for grammar/writing mistakes! )

———————————————————————————————————

Song used:

———————————————————————

       "15 minutes till opening!" your directors loud voice notified the cast. The people below you conversed amongst each-other as they tried to fix the bottom of your dress. You held your arms up subconsciously trying not to block them, the puffy shoulders not helping. Before the director had come in and interrupted your train of thought you were running over your lines even mouthing some out loud if needed to fix your pitch. But now you could feel how overbearing your quick pulse and butterflies in your stomach fluttered enough to feel them in your throat. were.

This was the day you'd actually perform the musical you and your classmates had been working on for weeks. You put your heart soul into the auditioning process and your effort paid off because you got the lead role! To add to the overwhelming pressure you had invited your pirate boyfriend to come watch. Which gave you a whole new reason to take this play seriously. He had assured you to not over stress your little head about it but you wanted it to be perfect. No one knew the love you shared with the villain and this was the closest it would come to both of you seen in the same room without suspicion arising.

"Come on Uli it won't be so terrible," hook wasn't one to actually beg with the sea witch but he was trying to keep true to the promise he made you that he'd be there. It would be less weird if him and the Vk's arrived maybe cause some havoc afterward his leader would just have to agree to it. Uliana had other plans though she was too focused on fixing her appearance. It was fitting her room having a big mirror just for her. "I don't want little royals in my ears, singing songs about sappy true love or happy endings!" She puts her hands close to here face as she purposefully makes her voice whinny, mocking the overdone perfect fairy tale stories told. Hades and Maleficent can't help but chuckle at Ulianas   Sarcasm from across the room. Both laying on Mals bed since Uliana and Maleficent shared a room. Hook tries to not seem tense over the unknowing  jab Ursula's sister had taken on his royal girlfriend. Uliana rolls her eyes seeing that hook didn't bite back and goes back to her reflection instead. Hooks eyebrows lift, trying to give Mal a knowing look of "help me out" since she was the only one who knew of you being his lover. To which she ultimately just shrugs her shoulders at him going back to making heart eyes at hades. He looks towards Morgie knowing he'd jump on the bandwagon but for once he was actually focused on doing his biology homework. Something about different dog breeds...

He sighs, opening his mouth before Uliana cuts him off. "-While all of you are blinded by futile ... desires," she turns back around taking in Morgie actually doing homework like some good student at Mekong Academy and the two love birds doing nothing but gazing into each others eyes. She immediately belittles them in her head, "I have better things to tend to". Her tentacles push Hook as she stomps towards the front door. He bites back a snarl,not helping but at-least let a snarky remark leave his lips before she leaves, "don't let your tentacles get caught on your way out!". Which only earns him a little shut up from Uli. He laughs to himself mumbling how good the joke was only to be met with defeating silence now taking over the room. His other friends so caught up in their own personal "adventures".

"Yeah.. I'll just be going as-well, I love all of you too!" He whispers to himself as he follows Ulianas actions by walking out of the room. If he'd have to go alone then so be it.

"Giselle! you're up in five" One of the backstage managers gave you a smile along with small nudge as she called you by your characters stage name. You could only give a pitiful excuse for a grin back. A few tremors going through your body, clammy hands playing with the stage curtains. The people playing narrators were already on stage giving the intro to the audience. From your nervousness you couldn't help but peep in behind the curtains. A theatre half full, with many faces you recognized from classes except one... 

Your eyes desperately scanned each row staring with hope but ending in disappointment. While your heart seemed to try to beat out of your chest and eyes trying to start streaming like a faucet you stated to focus on evening your breath. It would be a shame if you had to force the makeup team to give you a last minute touch up. So instead of focusing on the missing villain in the crowd you started playing with your fingers. He would surely show up soon.

"ticket please," the female student located behind the table declared to a stumped Hook. "admissions should be free this is a school event,"  he answered back in frustration. The ability to afford the entrance fee was not of question it was the fact his valuables would not match school accepted currency. "yes should be, but tonights the opening night for the play though," she sticks her hand out more obviously. He shouldn't have used you as an excuse but he was grasping onto last resorts here plus he didn't tell the complete truth so your relationship was safe, "look lass my... friends in the play, main lead actually-". His words were cut short by the girls obnoxious snort, "your girlfriend- the main lead?" yeah sure!". She jeered looking him up and down not believing a pirate let alone a villain was associated with any person in the musical cast. "maybe you're just mistaken so I'll say this once, your holding up the line.. move" her demeanor changed from taunting to serious, hand no longer stretched out instead now holding a firm position down on the table. Hook leaned down, trying to see if he could intimidate his way in, but he remembered it wouldn't look so good on his part, dulling your staring moment and not seeing you act. "That hair looks awful on you darling maybe ask Fay to bippity bopitty fix that for you yeah?," he let the hook drag on the table a little too hard, ripping the table cloth just a good amount till deciding it was enough. While he strides away from the table towards the outside of the building the ticket girl that had attend him cant help but grab at her hair starting to doubt her own appearance.

He was trying to do things right and the universe seemed to be throwing it back in his face. Many scenarios played out in his head, his love distraught and hurt. There was no way he'd let that happen, he was sure there were other entrances not just so openly disclosed to the public. Presented perfectly to him while walking outside near the backside of the building was a door labeled 'storage', slightly opened, letting only a wisp of light out many people would probably miss but, not him.

The audiences claps brought you back to reality along the narrators walking off the stage towards you giving you a small 'break your leg'. Your breath caressed your teeth watching the lights dim exponentially, being able to conjure only the light silhouette of the props crew setting your scene up. A cozy forest with a castle far in the background. Last thing they did was talk into their mic, giving a thumbs up before leaving the stage. The darkness only teased you with going back in your head the blasting music with the violins and drums made you tense back into your senses. Your feet walked forward in airplane mode until reaching next to the prop mannequin created by you. A few thumps followed behind you, turning towards the dark audience you were met with the other cast kneeling in front of you dressed as animals. Lights slowly coming alive.

Hook was traveling through a dark room quietly before the loud music spooked him making him run into something. He was left cringing more as the objects falling caused a commotion. A few muffled voices made him sprint to the other end of the room where another door was. His eyes deprived of light were blinded when instantly met by the harsh bulbs. As he tried to recuperate people passed by him some dressed in office work clothes, others as animals and one specifically as a squirrel. He tried regain his posture realizing he was backstage. One passer by not helping but say, "I thought pirates weren't supposed to happen till the last act?". Deciding against asking for help since he must've already attracted attention dressed as he was, he tried finding his way cutting across many corners. Until he heard your voice traveling through the walls. He immediately grabbed some unsuspecting victim immediately, "you! where the door to the theatre seats?!". Too afraid to even speak they pointed to a door directly in his sight. He let them go without another thought dashing to the entrance.

"when you meet the someone, who was meant for you" you perked with a bit of faultiness, still struggling with getting into character. "Before two can become one theres something you must do...." your eyes were stuck on the audience still searching for hook. The character was gleeful and confident not unsure and meek.

"do you pull each others tails?" one of the cast members dressed as a bunny pulled on your arms while delivering their line. Which wasn't part of the act but it successfully made you remember your next steps. "Do you feed each other seeds?". You gently took their hand off you, your response along with your next words made it seem intentional. A small chuckle fought your lips , "No, there is something sweeter, Every-body-needs". With every jingle you touched each actors nose. A little sadness lingered in your heart when you looked up to the mannequin with dark hair dressed in red and a fork in his hand per your request.  "Ive been dreamin' of a true loves kiss, and a prince I'm hoping comes with this," the longing in your eyes as you looked at the inanimate object were real and . "Thats what brings ever-aftering, so happy," you gave fork a light touch with the tips of your fingers. Your head went back towards the "animals" who were supposed to be learning from you,"thats the reason we need lips so much". You made small motions with both your fingers connecting them, "for lips are the only things that touch".

"So to spend life of endless bliss.. just find who you love through true love's kiss,-" towards the middle of the singing you looked up with closed eyes feeling the words in your heart. Then with the last few words you looked up onto the crowd, hands out, a small figure towards the back side of the theatre cutting your last note short. You could recognize the frame of your lover anywhere even when you had blasting white lights rendering you blind. He raised his arm, dismissing any doubt in your mind was a shadow of a hook. When James had first laid eyes on you while singing your third verse he had to do a double take. The dress was so dramatic yet you looked so beautiful like A true princess indeed. Even more heartwarming was the fact he came in when you were singing those romantic words to a mannequin that suspiciously resembled him. 

Finally having his eyes on you made you miss your queue to riff, too focused on the way your pulse skipped and how embarrassing your wardrobe must've looked. Big, puffy and white to imitate the wedding taking place in the act. A big true grin now on your face played perfectly into the next sequence, the animals singing about you, repeating your own words. "She's been dreamin' of a true love's kiss," they start circling you. "And a prince she's hoping comes with this," you follow their gestures to the dummy next to you, making your advancements towards it. "Thats what brings ever-afterings, so happy,"  once they finished the verse and onto the next you started swaying with them, "and thats the reason we need lips so much For lips are the only things that touch".  

You gave a wonderful spin letting the artistry of the fabric be shown while your cast members last note rang out. A foot in-front of the other you step closer towards the edge of stage, hands clasping each other  on your chest. " So to spend a life of endless bliss," you cheeks puff, eyes finding the pirate in the audience once again as if singing to him you let passion flow out of you. " just find who you love through true loves kiss"

James didn't hide the big mushy look on his face, he spent every moment in public hiding his feelings for you but the darkness in the auditorium offered him hide out. Where even in everyones eyes you were just acting only two hearts shared their emotions out in public with no one having a clue just them. Ulianas words did make him want to laugh though, this play had just been "little royals in my ears, singing songs about sappy true love or happy endings". Except it was like a dedicated love letter to him and only to him by his theatre loving girlfriend. He would cherish it till his death bed, "embarrassing" parts and all.

———————————————————————

[ms-cartoon]

Alastor as a powerful demon is a little disappointing.

No really . . . he was honestly lame this season. Viv really hyped him up to be this scary, strong, intimidating overlord who's not to be f**ked with under any circumstances only to show him off as a joke, like the rest of these villains.

Alastor is not intimidating at all. If anything he's more predictable. . . Or I guess predictable is not the right word, but it gives off the feeling like an "I've seen it all before" kinda deal. I mean- I would expect little more than this-

I mean seriously writers?? . . .A giant with tentacles??!! He's not even all that different from his usual appearance?? It doesn't feel original. It's like Viv thought "Yeah, you guys remember when Ursula from The Little Mermaid turned into a giant. Let's do that with Alastor but with less effort." Hell, at least with Ursula, it was scary. Alastor just felt . . . lazy.

And not only that, but his fight with Adam left a sour impression too-

Granted he did better than the scene where he turned into a giant out of nowhere, but this whole fight was left with a rather unsatisfying result. Alastor's fight with Adam lasted for like- a minute and now all of a sudden, he wants to melts into ooze and disappear somewhere??

So you're telling me this so-called "OvErLoRd" got whacked with a guitar ONCE and that was enough for him to bleed and get weak??? He suddenly can't use magic like he's been doing since fighting Adam?? And he just leaves like a sore loser??? I don't care if the guitar was an angelic weapon, it didn't leave that much of an impact. Alastor could've held his own a little bit. It wasn't like he was STABBED to death.

Don't even tell me that it's because his staff was broken that he's suddenly weak, cuz he magically reappears in the final song and is all healed up like nothing happened (cuz pretty much, nothing did happen).

Overall, for an overlord, Alastor is not as strong or intimidating as Viv wants us to think he is. It just looks like he's trying to hard.

[bridellashiper]

You're Submission's what I need/ Queen of Hearts (Bridget) x fem Queen Reader!

Characters included: Queen of hearts (Bridget), Cinderella Charming, King Charming, and Uma

Queen of heart's (Bridget) x fem Queen reader!

Why did I create this? Simple: the Queen of Hearts is attractive, and I strongly believe she's a lesbian. (I think all cold, ruthless, baddie queens with a sad backstory are lesbians.)

Prompt: You are the Queen of the Seas, Uma's aunt and elder sister to Ursula and Uliana. When word reaches you that your niece is being held against her will by the ruthless Queen of Hearts herself, you decide to pay a visit. After all, nobody messes with your family, right? However, things take an unexpected turn when the Queen realizes just who you are.

TW! Before reading this, note that there is no use of Y/N or '(Y/N)', and you have a name. This will be written in the third person POV, with mature language and subtle implications of sex as a bribe.

---

Ursa, Queen of the Seas, was a name that struck fear into the hearts of those who spoke it. You were feared across all sea lands, and for good reason.

However, that didn’t mean you were cold to your flesh and blood, including all of Uma's mates.

So, when you received a message that your niece was being held against her will, along with others, you were angered but also curious.

Who was foolish enough to hold someone dear to you against their will, knowing who you are?

Was it Hades? Surely not. The old beast had better things to do than provoke the Sea Queen. Maybe it was Morgie or even Hook? They weren't very fond of you, and the feeling was mutual.

They were the worst set of mates you’d seen your younger sister crew with, but you had no say in that. You did, however, warn them once: you'd find them, skin them alive, and then proceed to drown them if they ever hurt Uliana.

Needless to say, you weren’t too happy to learn your niece was being held against her will.

What the fuck happened here?

That was all you could think as you stepped into the dry lands of Auradon Prep, brushing off any sand and dust that clung to your dress. It had been years since you last willingly set foot in Auradon (though you weren't invited back; you were just here to make sure Uma was okay).

Everything was... different. Not that you were complaining; the place needed a makeover, even if it was a bit unusual. In a way, you found it oddly fascinating. The skies seemed darker, a crimson shade of red, and it was eerily quiet.

Quietly making your way through the empty halls of what you assumed was Auradon Prep, you found yourself at a dead end, large cards blocking all views and ways into where the people resided.

You huffed in annoyance, retracing your steps back to the sea to see if you could get in through the top, and luckily, you could.

Using your tentacles to lift you upwards, you quietly observed from above.

Your steely gaze swept over the crowd of cowering, fearful, and hateful eyes until they landed on a certain green-haired woman—there she was!

Held against her will,indeed, but no harm had come to her. Sighing in relief, you felt as though you could finally breathe properly.

After a few seconds, Uma caught your gaze from where she knelt, her eyes lighting up when she spotted you. Winking at your niece, you placed a finger to your lips, signaling her to stay quiet. Heeding your silent warning, Uma sent you a playful eye roll and a slight pout.

"Let me go!" Snapping your attention back to the drama unfolding before your eyes, your interest piqued as you set eyes upon a redhead.

So it was the Queen of Hearts who had your niece. Though you can't say you remember her like this—villainous and evil—it suited her.

"Oh, Charming. So nice to see you again," Bridget spoke, her voice steady and so unlike the girl you vaguely remembered (the version your sisters used to tell you about: bubbly, sweet, nice, and oh-so-desperate for a friend or two).

"Where is she? Where is Cinderella?" Shoved to the ground, Charming groaned from the fall, and Bridget seemed to relish in it all.

Turning, she picked up a pair of glass shoes that belonged to Cinderella.

"Why—"

"No..."

"Are you looking for these?" she taunted, dangling the glass pair on the tips of her fingers as she stared at the kneeling man. You shifted a little, now watching the show unfold with keen interest.

"What have you done?" His voice broke and cracked a little, and for a moment, you felt pity for the poor guy—after all, he did just lose his happily ever after.

Throwing the glass shoes against the ground floor, they shattered, pieces flying everywhere. The black-haired man broke at the sight.

"Not so funny now, am I?" Bridget retorted, watching as the man fumbled forward, hands trembling as he attempted to pick up the pieces of the broken shoes. She smiled, wicked and evil in every sense.

Hot. Fucking. Hot.

"No... What... No... No... No!" he shouted, and she continued to laugh, relishing in his brokenness.

"Guards, take him away. I want him out of my sight," the redheaded Queen ordered firmly, gazing into the eyes of each of her faithful yet fearful guards, and they nodded without a word.

"Well, that was interestingly brutal," you muttered to yourself with a soft chuckle. However, it died down when Uma sent you a look.

The kind of look that said, "I'm telling mom if you don't hurry up and turn this shit-show around," and you groaned softly to yourself.

With an eye-roll, you dove back into the depths of the sea, a swirl of water circling around your form, drawing everyone's attention as expected.

As you landed on the hard surface of the floor, people made space for you, and guards stepped back, armed and alert as your figure became clearer.

You wore a beautiful deep blue mermaid dress, with a plunging neckline that complemented your body perfectly. As the water completely disappeared, you emerged from the depths.

"Alright, as much as I loved the show, I have to put a stop to this... whatever this is," you spoke up, gesturing towards the crowd and the scene in front of you.

"And who are you to demand that?" Bridget replied, her gaze curious and wary, eyeing you from head to toe before they landed on your face.

"Ursa, Queen of the Seas. Though I doubt any of you have heard of me," you murmured the last part, glancing around at everyone—the parents, the fearful children, and then the guards. They wore cool masks, but they didn’t fool you.

You knew fear when you saw it.

"I don't think I've heard of you... Hmm..." The redheaded woman hummed thoughtfully to herself for a while, seemingly lost in her world of thoughts.

While she was, you glanced towards your niece, quietly making your way towards her. Uma smiled, slowly and brightly. You'd come to save her, and she was thankful for it.

When two guards stopped you, you stared up at the two men and scoffed. Tentacles emerged from within you and effortlessly lifted them off the ground, throwing them elsewhere.

As you came face to face with your niece, you sighed in relief and silently pulled her into a tight hug.

"Excuse me—"

Turning away from Uma towards the redheaded queen, who was smiling tightly, you nodded.

"I don't think I've heard of you before..." Repeating her words once more, it felt like a demand, as if she commanded you to tell her who you are.

Giggling lightly, you crossed your arms over your chest, giving her a once-over to appreciate the beauty standing before you.

"I said my name's Ursa, didn't I? Wait, I forgot to mention I'm related to someone you may or may not dislike—" Humming to yourself, you shrugged. Oh well, she’d come to know who you are one way or another.

"—Uliana. Does that name ring a bell?" you asked, taking a confident and taunting step forward, not too close to invade her space but enough to smell her perfume.

"You..." she murmured, her gaze suddenly turning darker and colder. A slow smile crept its way to your mouth, and you sighed.

"No, no. I'm not the younger sister; I'm the older one, not Ursula. God no, that idiot wouldn’t last a day being Queen. Like I said before, I’m Ursa, Queen of the Seas and firstborn daughter of Aquarayna."

Gasps and whispers spread among the crowd, but your gaze stayed fixed on the wicked beauty in front of you.

"I see now. I assume you're here for the Uma girl then. Well, that’s too bad. I don't give, I take. Now, kneel."

Inwardly, you cursed up a storm. Of course, she’d say something like that. What could you say to sway her? Then, a dirty and wicked thought crossed your mind. Why not bribe her with something she—hopefully—couldn't refuse?

Sex.

It was risky and stupid but consequences be dammed when the life of your niece in the hands of Bridget.

Instead of heeding her warning, you took another step forward, invading her personal space as the others watched on, breaths held, waiting for your answer.

"What if I give you something else instead, something you very clearly need, hmm?" You murmured, hand brushing against her soft skin as she stared down at you.

''And what would that be, Hmm? what could you possibly have that I would want?'' She scoffed, a bitter sound as she shook her head.

Leaning forward, you whispered in her ear, your breath hot against her seemingly cool and cold skin. ''Indulgence, pleasure I doubt you've felt in a while. Only, if you release Uma and keep her unharmed''

A/N: If you want a part 2 dm me ideas bcs after writing this shit-show I have literally no ideas for anything else for a bit (literally put my tears blood and sweat into this shit. I also wanted to apologise fornot be active in literally MONTHS.)

[twisted-wonderland-but-gayer]

Request: Short or Long if you want; but the Great 7 reaction to Overblot in this world and their counterparts Overblot?

The Blots vs The Seven

Only did the one available in the en version

Riddle Rosehearts/The Queen of Hearts

Horrific ink-stained roses formed from the strange blot that surrounded Riddle. As he floats up, ink overtakes him, giving him a new form. An ink covered dress went over his usual clothes, a black simmering crown rested on his head, and even more disturbing was the creature that seemed to lurk behind him.

[What is that?] The Queen of Hearts asks, horrified within your head. The ink monster took form, its inky figure taking on the likeness of the queen within your head. Its inky dress was patchy and its head was replaced with a glass heart, filled with a black substance. You swallowed and held your ground, getting into position to dodge an attack Riddle and that strange monster would throw at you.

You could feel the Queen of Hearts rage build within you, before disgust overtook. [What a horrific mockery of me!] The queen yells within your mind. [Rose, destroy it at once!] She commands, and then with a softer voice she whispers under her breath. [But be careful]

Leona Kingscholar/Scar

[Be prepared, cub] Scar snarled in your head as he glared at the sight in front of you, ink encompassing Leona and engulfing him whole before he emerged. With him a four-legged inky monster hovered around him before standing to the side of him.

It’s tail flickered side to side as the lionesque screature let out a shriek. [And strike him down.] Scars voice was eerily calm, his face showed pure focus and nothing more. You couldn’t help but obey as the cackle of hyenas in your head laughed maniacally as they emerged, ready to fight with you.

Azul Ashengrotto/Ursula and the Eels

Ursula's face dropped at the sight. [Careful Angelfish, a cornered octomer can become quite dangerous…] You know she must be speaking from experience by the tone of her voice. [Boss! He’s transforming!] The eels whispered

Before your eyes, the man emerged from ink, tendrils swaying in a deadly rhythm. Behind him, another Octomer emerged, warped, and twisted into the image of your mother. The seven whispered amongst themselves as the creature lifted its trident. [That's it, get ready boys, were taking this thing down.]

Jamil Viper/Jafar

“I WILL BE FREE!” You pitied Jamil as he blotted. He was absolutely right for it too. He did deserve to be free, to no longer serve Kalim. What was terrifying is how absolutely right he was. Even more terrifying is how similar his story was to your fathers. Should you… Should you let him win? [No, child.] Jafar speaks in your mind. [He will die in this state.]

You could only stare as he transformed into a form eerily similar to you father, along with a new monster emerging from behind dressed exactly like him, the only difference being the inky bottle that makes up its head. [Defeat him, diamond. And free him.]

Vil Shoenheit/Queen Grimhilde.

[Is that supposed to be… me?] The feminine voice sneered with disdain. The beautiful man before you floated amongst the ink that surrounded him, the monster behind him holding him up as it snarled at you.

[What a mockery!] The Evil Queen spoke coldly as she stared down the beast that was nearly an exact clone of her body, with a terribly warped face. [Child, I demand you destroy them at once for their insolence!] She tutted, [And because they dare to threaten you as well…]

[garadinervi]

Jumana El Husseini (جمانة الحسيني), Untitled, (mixed media on canvas; scan), 1994 [Institut du monde arabe, Paris. © The Estate of Jumana El Husseini]

Bibl.: Artistes palestiniens contemporains, Edited by Eric Delpont and Laila Al Wahidi, Graphic design by Hans-Jürg Hunziker, Ursula Held, and Didier Mutel, Translation by Dennis Collins and Mohamed Maouhoub, Institut du monde arabe, Paris, 1997, p. 57. Published on the occasion of a group exhibition organized by the Institut du monde arabe, Paris, March 27 – May 25, 1997

[elaratyrell]

Poor Unfortunate Souls {Part 1/3 -> Part Of Your World}

*All images found on Pinterest. Moodboard made by yours truly*

Dark! Ursula! Aemond x Fem! Eric! Reader x Ariel! Jacaerys

Warnings: Nothing in this chapter.. reader almost drowns but is saved. Daemon’s an asshole. *Divider from Firefly Graphics*

Synopsis: Jacaerys Velaryon, the reluctant heir to Atlantica. The moment he saw you, he knew he would never see someone who could capture him with their beauty again. You would haunt him eternally. In a desperate attempt to meet you, he turns to Aemond Targaryen, an outcast from the merfolk, to help him walk amongst the land dwellers. But when Aemond lays his eyes on you, he knows he has to have you. By any means necessary.

Part Two Jace's Ending Aemond's Ending

Jacaerys Velaryon. The son of Queen Rhaenyra and the heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the home of the merfolk. An adventurous young merman, he was often found exploring sunken shipwrecks or the deepest sea caverns in search of treasures and trinkets…

Even when he was supposed to be attending his royal duties.

He couldn’t help it. He knew his mother wanted him to step up as her heir and become the prince he needed to be for his people, but he knew he wasn’t the prince they wanted. He wasn’t the prince they needed. He lacked the drive and ambition for ruling as king. He wasn’t interested in politics, or ruling over the merfolk.

In fact, he often felt conflicted between two worlds.

His home, the ocean, was where his family and his people were. And even though his four younger brothers and two sisters often drove him insane, he loved them dearly. And he loved his mother… his stepfather, Daemon, on the other hand, he barely even tolerated. He disliked how much of an influence he had over his mother, and how much power he held in the kingdom.

The other half of him, however, wished to be above the surface of the waves, where he could feel the full warmth of the sun, the softness of the sand on the shore and the cooling sea breeze…

He wanted to be where the people were.

Out of the water and living among them.

He knew it was outlawed to travel to the surface after his father, Harwin, was murdered by humans. He was incredibly young, barely over five years old, and his brothers Lucerys and Joffrey were too young to even remember, but that didn’t stop him from sneaking off to watch them from a distance. And besides, he was certain the kingdom was so against humans because Daemon seemed to loathe them, often spreading his rather false horror stories over humans and their prejudices against merfolk. There were even whispers of him trying to convince Rhaenyra to go to war with the surface world. Jacaerys disapproved of this, but knew his mother was wiser than that.

And while Jace certainly resented the humans who murdered his father, he knew not all humans were that cruel, just as not all merfolk were like Daemon. He still found himself greatly intrigued by the surface dwellers. Whether they were sailing on their great ships, or frolicking on the beach, or dancing… he wanted to try dancing…

But he knew he could never trade his tail for legs.

And so he spent his days exploring with his companion since birth, a fish with glittering olive green scales and bright orange fins called Vermax, eagerly taking any trinket or human object he could find at the bottom of the seabed or in a long abandoned shipwreck.He would take it to the surface to have it inspected by a seagull, Cannibal, before taking it to his secret grotto, a deep sea cavern where he stored his treasures.

He was often scolded by his mother for forgetting his duties, often arriving late or failing to show up at all sometimes, just like earlier in the week, when he failed to show up to a royal concert when he and Vermax had an unfortunate encounter with a shark while exploring a shipwreck. He had completely forgotten about the concert, going to Cannibal about the two interesting objects he’d found to add to his collection. When he had returned to rather sheepishly apologise to his mother, he had both her and Daemon lecturing him over duty and his careless and reckless behaviour whenever he opened his mouth to try.

It had even gotten to the point where Rhaenyra was now sending Syrax, her golden crab companion, to watch him and make sure he wasn’t getting into trouble, reporting back to her over whether he’d been to the surface. Jace had visited the surface world far less frequently as a result, only managing to do so when he out swam the crustacean. It wouldn’t surprise him if she sent his younger brother Lucerys or his uncle Aegon after him next. Or, heaven forbid, one of his sisters.

It was after one such scolding that Jacaerys found himself at his grotto, admiring his growing collection and daydreaming about being among the people on land. Being where he could walk, run, dance… where he could ask them the thousands of burning questions he had… where he could stay all day in the sun.

Where he could be part of their world.

He smiled to himself at the thought of walking on two legs, but found that fading into a disappointing frown as he looked down to see his tale, scales glittering scarlet and ebony in the fading sunlight.

Everyone assumed he had everything anyone could ever need in life. But he didn’t. He felt torn, ad though he didn’t belong under the ocean, but above the surface.

He wanted more than this.

He let out a soft exhale of disappointment, allowing himself to float down to the bottom of the cavern and landing on a slab of rock jutting out from the stone floor.

“I just wish to be part of that world, Vermax. Up there. All these treasures I have… they’re neat. And it seems as though I have everything… but it’s not enough. I want to live among them. I have everything I could ever need, and yet I want more…” He murmured, too caught up in his own thoughts to notice the stone entrance to his grotto sliding open.

A low whistle of mild impressment did, however, catch his attention, followed by a amused voice.

“Mother’s going to kill you.”

Lucerys was leaning against the closed entrance to the grotto, his arms crossed. Both Velaryon boys were rather similar, with dark curls and deep brown eyes. But Lucerys’ hair was shorter, and a slightly darker brown, and he had more black scales than Jacaerys, whose tail was mostly red, like their mother.

Jacaerys shot up, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Luke-“

“What is all of this stuff?” Luke asked, looking around the grotto rather amusedly.

“It’s… it’s just my… collection…”

“Impressive. I always wondered what you were doing when you constantly snuck away,” He mused. “But like I said, if mother finds out about this, you’re dead. She’s worried about you, always obsessing over the surface world and neglecting your duties...”

Jace rolled his eyes at his younger brother. Above him he heard a distant booming noise. Glancing up through the hole in the cavern roof where the surface of the water was visible, he saw a thousand colours light up the sky in a flurry of sparks and fizzing. He ignored his brother’s continued chattering, transfixed on whatever was happening in the world above.

“I told her that you were either crazy, or this is a just phase…”

“What do you suppose…?” Jacaerys muttered to himself, ignoring his brother’s teasing antics and swimming up to where the noise and bright flashing colours were coming from.

“But I didn’t realise you were this obsessed- where are you going? Jace! You can’t go up there! Humans are trouble! Mother said so!” Luke called after his brother, but he was already gone, Vermax hurrying after him. Luke glanced over at where Syrax was perched on a nearby ledge.

“So… should you follow him or should I?” He asked.

Syrax, realising Luke didn’t want to be the one to do so, hopped off the ledge and hurried after the older prince, who had now reached the water’s surface.

Jace gazed up in sheer awe at the great ship sailing towards him, the illuminating the night sky in a flurry of sparks in the most vibrant shades of scarlet, blue, emerald and gold. The sails billowed in the ocean winds, the largest of which was imprinted with what Jace could only assume was a royal sigil.

As Jace moved to get closer to the ship, he let out a yelp, feeling a sharp a pinch on his arm, Looking down to the culprit, he flicked Syrax off him and rubbed his arm, the skin slightly reddened from where the crab pinched him.

Diving back beneath the waves to move closer to the ship, Vermax hot on his tail. When he reached the great vessel, Jacaerys hoisted himself up and managed to climb up the side of the ship. He knew it was a risky move. If he was caught by the sailors, he would be captured or even killed. If was caught by his mother or Daemon… it might be even worse. But his curiosity had gotten the better of him.

He kept hidden in the shadows, peering through a gap on the side of the boat. There was cheering, dancing, drinking and singing, a celebration of sorts, and it somewhat relieved Jace that the sailors were probably too occupied with the festivities to notice him.

A sweet melody filled Jace’s ears as the sailors danced. A flute, he believed, was playing. He remembered reading about them in an old book he’d recovered from a shipwreck. He’d always imagined how their tune sounded, and he wasn’t disappointed.

He wasn’t sure what was being celebrated, but it seemed to be a most joyous occasion. Everyone seemed in the highest of moods and the most joyful of spirits. It was wonderful to see this side of the surface dwellers, and he couldn’t look away.

In fact, he was so entranced by the humans that he found himself jumping back in shock as a rather strange and hairy creature, a dog he believed came bounding over to him. He had read about them but had never seen them in person before, but it seemed friendly enough, sniffing him with interest and wagging its tail.

Jace smiled, rather tentatively reaching out to the animal, only to shrink back into the shadows as a female voice called out to the creature.

“Max! Here boy!”

Jace cautiously peered back around, his eyes widening as he laid eyes on who might possibly be the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

You.

He watched as Max eagerly bounded over to you, jumping up to lick your face in greeting. You laughed, gently pushing the dog away from you slightly and patting his head.

“Down boy. Good boy. C’mon what’s got you so excited?” You smiled, looking over in Jace’s direction and causing him to duck back into the darkness again. His cheeks were flushed pink, his mouth slightly agape. He knew if Luke were here, he would never hear the end of it. But after having seen numerous paintings and drawings of human women in books he’d found, as well as meeting with countless potential matches organised by his mother, be found that none of them, even the most notoriously beautiful mermaids, compared to you.

He found himself peering back around to admire you once again as you sat down with Max, rubbing the dog’s stomach and watching the ongoing celebrations. You were dressed rather simply in a white linen shirt with the top two buttons undone and a pair of blue breeches, a pair of black knee high leather boots on your feet. Your hair was down and loose, fluttering in the nightly see breeze.

You were absolutely beautiful.

A sudden loud screech to Jace’s side caused him to reluctantly tear his gaze away from you, sending the culprit a nasty glare.

“Quiet, Cannibal.” He hissed, not wanting to draw attention to his hiding place. Cannibal edged closer to Jace, seemingly wanting to see what- or who- had caught the young prince’s attention. When the bird laid eyes on you, he let out an even louder screech that sounded a little like a squawk of amusement, only to have Jace grab him by the beak to shut him up.

“I said quiet.” He shot the gull another glare before returning his focus to you. “I’ve never seen a human up this close before.” He breathed as he watched you play a small, cheerful melody on a flute, the flute he must have been hearing earlier, Max running around in circles around you as you twirled around, the both of you almost dancing together to the tune.

“She… she’s very beautiful…” He murmured, shooting yet another glare to the bird as he let out a slight muffled wheeze through his closed beak. Jace followed Cannibal’s gaze to where Max continued to dance around you. “No, not that thing.” He muttered, using the hand wrapped around Cannibal’s beak to move the bird’s head upwards to look at you. “The human.”

“Silence! Silence!” A man suddenly announced, his arms outstretched as he stood in the centre of the deck. “It is now my deepest honour and privilege to present our esteemed Princess Y/N with her birthday gift.”

“Y/N…” Jacaerys murmured dreamily, watching you step forward with a chorus of cheers from the crowd onboard. “Princess Y/N…”

The man stepped to the side to present a large object concealed by sapphire blue cloth and tied with a scarlet ribbon. “Happy birthday, Y/N.” He smiled, and with one tug on the ribbon, the cloth fell to reveal… a statue of you.

You were dressed in an extravagant gown, your arm raised in the air, your gleaming sword pointed towards the sky. Your expression was not warm as it was in reality, but one of hardened steel.

It was a warrior’s statue.

Jace tilted his head, his brows furrowing. The statue captured your beauty, that much was certain, but there was something missing from it. Maybe it was lacking your smile that sent a swarm of butterflies to erupt in his stomach, or the sparkle in your eyes. Whatever it was… it made the statue seem… unlike you.

“Wow… Grimsby you shouldn’t have.” Your voice sounded rather exasperated. “It’s… truly something to behold.”

Jace smiled. He could tell you were struggling to muster a compliment, but didn’t want to seem ungrateful.

“You like it?”

“It’s… really something…” You muttered, staring up at the statue, your lips pressed into a thin line and your eyes crinkled at the edges as you winced slightly, looking physically in pain at the sight of the gift. “Although it seems rather-“

“I commissioned it myself,” Grimsby declared rather proudly, his hand placed over his heart and making you immediately close your mouth. “Although… I had hoped it would be a wedding gift…”

“Oh don’t start, Grimsby,” You groaned, turning away from him and leaning on the side of the boat, just above where Jacaerys was hiding. “Are you really still sore that I rejected the proposal from that Dornish prince?”

“It isn’t just me, Y/N,” Grimsby sighed, stepping forward. “Your parents, the entire kingdom wishes for you to happily settle down with the right man-“

“Exactly, Grimsby! I need to find the right man,” You argued, sitting down on the side of the ship with one hand holding the rigging of the boat to prevent yourself from falling. “I know he’s out there somewhere. But I don’t want to marry for duty. I’ve always devoted myself to that. I want to marry for love. I want to find someone who… who has the same ambitions as me. Who… wants to see the world and sees past the fact I’m a princess. Someone who understands what it’s like to yearn to be out there exploring the world. Someone who understands freedom, and who wants to break free… and who understands that a part of me belongs out there in that world. Out there in the seas.”

Jace’s expression brightened at your words, his heart fluttering in his chest at you possibly sharing similar struggles to him.

It was like you were too good to be true.

That could be him… he could be that man for you…

“I’ll find him one day. He’s out there somewhere I… I just haven’t found him yet.”

“Well, perhaps you haven’t been looking hard enough.”

“Not helpful, Grimsby.” You grumbled, rising to your feet and looking out at the ocean, as black as the clouds brewing overhead. “Believe me, when I find him, I’ll know. Without a doubt.” Your words were firm, your expression one of clear resolve. “When I see him, it’ll… it’ll just hit me like… like lightning!”

No sooner did those words leave your mouth, you and Jace looked up as the deep growl of thunder rumbled overhead, a flash of lightning lighting up the sky.

“Hurricane!” A sailor yelled. “Stand fast! Secure the rigging!”

You immediately sprung into action, leaning forward to pull on the ropes as the waves lapped against the ship more aggressively than before, the wind whipping through your hair and rain beginning to pelt down from the sky as though the heavens themself were opening.

Jace grabbed ahold of the ship, failing to grab Cannibal as the gull was blown away by the wind torrents with a loud screech of protest. While the others focused on untying the lifeboats, Jace watched as you leaped up the stairs two at a time to reach the steering wheel of the ship that was spinning out of control, trying to stop the ship from capsizing into the water. A large surge of water passed over the ship, drenching you completely and those onboard.

Despite gripping onto the ship as tightly as he could, Jace soon found himself falling back into the water, barrels, crates and even the sailors following him beneath the surface. He swam upwards as quick as his tail could move, breaking through the surface to see a jagged flash of lightning hit the main sail of the ship.

Flames blazed through your royal seal emblazoned on the sail, burning through the cloth and spreading to the mast of the ship.

Jace gasped as he saw the ship uncontrollably heading towards a cluster of jagged rocks jutting out from the sea, you still at the wheel struggling to gain control of the ship. He wanted to scream at you, to climb onto the boat and help you steer the ship to safety, or to just grab you and get you off the ship, but he knew he couldn’t. He watched with a horrified expression as the ship rammed against the rocks, throwing more sailors and cargo, including you and the statue, overboard and into the depths below. The mast snapped, falling forwards and spreading the fire to the rest of the ship.

Jacaerys swam forward to see you help Grimsby onto the lifeboat to join several other of your crew mates. He felt a small sigh of relief to see you safe as you hauled yourself into the small boat, but it the feeling was short lived as you frantically looked around the small cluster of life boats, your gaze ultimately returning to the raging inferno consuming the ship.

“Max!”

No, no, no, no.

You couldn’t go back.

Jace couldn’t watch you do that.

To risk your life and possibly lose it.

He followed you as you swam back to the burning ship, hauling yourself back onboard to save your beloved dog.

“Jump, Max! Come on, you can do it. Come on, boy, just jump!” You desperately cried out to the animal, unable to move further forward thanks to the flames and the collapsed mast.

Jace squinted, trying to see you through the billowing smoke, his breath caught in his throat. As he saw your silhouette emerge through the smoke, he released the breath he was holding, but it got caught in his throat as your foot suddenly fell through the deck and out of his sight.

Max fell off the boat and into the sea where he was pulled onto the lifeboat by the surviving sailors, who cried out to you as you desperately tried to free yourself from where your foot was stuck, the flames flickering higher and higher around you, the smoke filling your lungs and choking you from any oxygen.

You managed to loosen your foot enough to pull it out of your boot as the inferno raged on, but it proved feeble as a barrel of gunpowder rolled past you and into the flames. As soon as the ship exploded, Jacaerys surged forward to where the ship wreckage was sinking beneath the waves, frantically looking around for any sight of you, the flames providing enough light for him to see clearly. Upon seeing no sight of you, he rose back to the surface. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw you, unconscious, balanced on a plank of wood from the deck. No sooner did he see you, the violent waves caused you to slip from the plank and under the water.

As you sank deeper and deeper, Jacaerys swam after you, managing to grab ahold of you and heading in the direction of the shore. He made sure to keep your head above the water so you could hopefully breathe, not even caring whether you were dead or alive at that moment. He just needed to get you to safety.

His arms ache as he finally reached the shallows, struggling to drag both you and himself onto the beach. He cradled you in his arms, his chestnut eyes scanning your form for any sign of life. For any slight twitch, any movement, any breath. Yet your eyes remained closed, your skin pale and your mouth slightly agape.

“Is she… dead?” The word almost got caught in Jacaerys’ throat as he turned to where Cannibal landed beside them on rather shaky legs.

Please don’t be dead… please don’t be dead…

“She… she can’t be dead…” Jace murmured, a finger gently opening one of your eyes. Upon seeing them up close, he realised how beautiful your eyes were. Cannibal hopped between you and Jace, pressing his head against your foot, letting out a small, sorrowful caw.

“Wait… wait look! She’s breathing!” Jace exclaimed as you let out a small exhale, your chest beginning to gently rose and fell. He sent a small disapproving look to Cannibal. “You know that’s not where they breathe, right?” He muttered as Cannibal leaped the air and landed on a nearby rock.

Jace rolled his eyes, looking back to where your breaths were becoming less shallow and more even. “She’s so beautiful…” He whispered as he looked down at you. Your clothes were torn, and one of your boots was gone, your dripping wet hair plastered over your forehead. Jace reached over to gently brush it away from your face.

As his hand moved to gently caress your cheek, he found himself humming a small tune his mother used to sing to him at night. It was an old tune from generations long since passed, sung in an ancient language that was no longer spoken by merfolk other than the royal family, although Jace’s was a little rusty at best after missing so many lessons. It was a lullaby that always soothed him after a night terror when he was young.

His humming soon evolved into him softly singing the song, and a smile spread onto his face as he saw your eyelids flutter and open ever so slightly, your soft, small hand reaching up to place over his. When your hand made contact with his, Jace felt his heartbeat quicken, his skin feeling as though it were on fire from your touch.

A loud bark made him flinch back away from you, spotting Grimsby and Max on the horizon. He dived into the water as the dog bounded over to you, eagerly greeting you by slobbering on your face as you slowly sat up, one hand- the hand that touched Jace’s- resting on the side of your head as you groggily looked around.

“Y/N! Oh thank goodness,” Grimsby breathed in relief, his hand reaching into his pocket and taking out his slightly damp handkerchief, which he used to dab his clammy forehead. “You really delight in these sadistic strains on my blood pressure, don’t you?” He muttered, leaning down to help the princess to her feet. “Are you alright, my dear?”

“I… I saw… a boy. He… he rescued me…” You muttered, one hand still clutching your head as you regained your balance. “He was singing to me. He had the most beautiful voice…” You trailed off, swaying slightly.

”Oh, Y/N,” Grimsby sighed. “I think you’ve swallowed a bit too much seawater.”

“No, I saw him.” She protested, looking out at the shore. “I heard him.”

“Of course you did, my dear,” Grimsby sighed, wrapping an arm over the girl’s shoulders. “Come on. Off we go. Come along, Max- Max! What is that dog barking at now?”

“Max!” You called out, followed by a sharp whistle that got the dog’s attention from where he was barking in Jace’s direction, the prince hiding behind a rock.

As you, Grimsby and Max left the small beach and headed towards your castle, Jace watched you go, Cannibal perched on the rock in front him.

“I don’t know when, I don’t know how… but watch and you’ll see, someday I’ll be part of that world. I know I will be!” He declared to his feathered companion, a steely determination set in those deep brown eyes of his. “No matter what it takes.”

A short distance away, Jacaerys was being watched by an ancient beast. A large, bronze eel, one eye a glittering green and the other glowing a vibrant sapphire blue. She watched him silently for a moment before dipping beneath the surface to return to her master.

It was only a matter of time before the young prince sought him out.

“You summoned me, mother?”

Queen Rhaenyra smiled fondly at her second born son as perched regally on her throne, her golden trident, the source of her power passed down from her father, resting beside her.

“Yes, Lucerys. I wished to ask you about your brother.”

“J-Jacaerys?” Luke stammered.

“Yes. I tasked you with watching over him but you have yet to report back to me. Your sisters have noticed certain things…”

“O-oh?”

“Apparently he’s to himself, daydreaming even more than usual, not swimming to sunken shipwrecks looking for trouble… it’s almost as though something has consumed his mind completely.”

“Well… he seems normal to me mother.” Lucerys chuckled nervously, making Rhaenyra raise an eyebrow.

“Rhaena and Baela said he swam past them in very high spirits this morning, putting flowers in their hair and singing to himself.”

“Well… well I-“

“Lucerys, I know you’re keeping something from me, sweet one.”

“Ke-keeping something, mother? I would never.”

“Really? Because Rhaena and Baela told me something else rather interesting.”

“They… they did?”

“About Jacaerys… his mood. His high spirits and his daydreaming. It’s as though he’s come alive. I’ve seen the signs before, both in myself and others.”

“You… have seen what?” Luke visibly gulped as Rhaenyra beckoned him closer.

“Isn’t it obvious? Jacaerys is in love, is he not? Or at least infatuated?”

“I… I don’t know mother-“

“Come now, Luke. I understand that you and Jace are at that age where you don’t feel the need to tell me everything, but this is important…”

Luke felt face flush slightly. If Rhaenyra found out, she’d be furious. But what would be worse is if Jace got captured, or killed.

“Mother… I do not know-“

“I only wish to know who the lucky mermaid is…”

“Mother-“

“Or merman perhaps? He is rather good friends with Cregan of the Arctic waters, is he not?”

“I- I wouldn’t know, I-“

“Unless you simply do not wish to fulfil the task I have given you and have been neglecting your duty-“

“I tried to stop him mother!” Lucerys suddenly exclaimed, making Rhaenyra raise her eyebrows in slight surprise at her son’s outburst.

“Stop him? From what?” Rhaenyra’s expression changed from one of mild amusement to immediate concern.

“I tried to stop him from doing it but he never listens to me. Just because he’s older, he thinks he can swim to the surface even though I warned him about the humans-“

“Humans? What about humans?” Rhaenyra demanded, gripping her trident harshly and making Luke stop in his tracks.

“Hu-humans? Why mother, who said anything about humans?” He chuckled, glancing away from his mother.

“Luke…” Rhaenyra warned, rising from her throne. “What has your brother been doing? Tell me. Now.”

“I… I don’t know what happened mother. He saw these flames in the sky and he followed them to the surface. I tried to stop him, I promise I did. When he returned the next morning he was a completely different person. Happier. And yet somehow more annoying-“

“Luke…”

“Anyway,” Lucerys cleared his throat. “I asked him what happened and… and…”

“And what? And what, Luke?”

“He said he’d saved… a human…” Lucerys muttered. “A princess.”

“He saved a human? Those murderous savages.” A voice spoke from the shadows.

Lucerys felt his heart sink as he realised he’d failed to notice Daemon’s presence, too focused on trying to protect his brother’s secret from their mother.

“I…” For once, Lucerys had found himself at a loss for words.

“I think that’s everything we need Lucerys… you may leave.” Daemon ordered, but Lucerys stood his ground.

“No. I want to know what you’ll do-“

“Luke, go to your chambers.”

“But, mother-“

“Lucerys. Go.” The sternness of Rhaenyra’s words and the fire within her eyes made Lucerys reluctantly comply, swimming off with his heart sinking at what he’d done.

“Humans? Love? He’s going to get himself killed.” Rhaenyra sighed, looking over at her husband. “What do you suggest I do?”

“The only way we can save Jacaerys is if we rid him of these absurd thoughts. We need to act quickly.”

“I do not want to push him away more than I already have.” Rhaenyra said as Daemon swam over to her, resting a hand on her shoulder.

“If we don’t act now, you’ll lose him to the surface. You of all people know what they do to our kind. He’s your heir, Rhaenyra. Your first born son. To protect him, we may need to hurt him.”

“But, Daemon-“

“Do you want him to resort to extreme solutions like your brother did? Do you want him to suffer that same fate as Aemond? Or turn to him for a solution?”

“Jacaerys isn’t like Aemond in any way. He is not cruel, or cunning like him. He would never seek him out. He knows better.”

“For now.” Daemon replied. “But love can cloud and deceive the mind in ways that can make the greatest of men fall.”

“Vermax, what’s going on?” Jace asked as the small fish attempted to herd him in the direction of the grotto. Jace rolled the stone away, moving forward to enter, but his companion stopped him in his tracks, swimming right up go his face and turning, flicking his tail into Jace’s eyes.

“Ouch! Vermax,” Jace rubbed his eyes, wincing slightly at the small sting. “Okay, it’s that important of a surprise.” He sighed, complying with Vermax’s wishes. “If you wanted me to close my eyes you could just ask nicely.” He muttered, feeling himself being gently nudged slowly into the grotto, his arms held out in front of him in case Vermax decided to steer him into a wall. Again.

Jace had been in his grotto so many times he knew where he was when Vermax moved in front of him again, this time flicking him on the hand to stop him in his tracks.

“Really? Again?” Jace sighed. “At least it was more gentle that time.” He muttered. Vermax nudged his hand, and Jace opened his eyes, letting out a small gasp at the sight in front of him.

There, placed in the centre of his grotto, the new centrepiece of his treasure collection… was your statue. He turned to the small fish, a wide smile growing on his face.

“You’re the best, Vermax,” He grinned, swimming over to the statue. “It’s perfect. How… how did you find this- how did you get this in here?” He asked. “Nevermind, I know I’ll never find out. Oh gods, it’s perfect- she’s perfect. It looks just like her- well, her eyes have more sparkle in real life, and they’re kinder too…”

He swam circles around the statue, analysing every angle. “It really is a work of art,” He murmured, a hand reaching up again to rest on the statue’s stone cold cheek. “If only it were real. Then we could run away from all our troubles… and find a place where we can belong. Don’t you think that would be the best thing, Verm-“ As he turned to address his closest friend, he was instead greeted by the face of his mother. A face that was half concealed by shadows and that was twisted in both sorrow and fury.

“M-mother. I can explain-“

“I think everything is quite clear to me, Jacaerys,” Rhaenyra interrupted, swimming out of the shadows, golden trident glinting in the fading light. Jace felt himself wince at the harshness of her tone when she spoke his full name.

“I consider myself a reasonable mermaid. A reasonable queen. And a reasonable mother,” She continued, her voice although soft in volume, was also cold in time. “I set certain rules to protect my people. To protect you. And I expect those rules to be followed.”

”But, mother, it’s not what you thi-“

“Is it true you rescued a human from drowning?” She demanded. Jace felt his mouth dry up. She knew? Luke… or Syrax, somehow?

“I… I had to. She… she would have died…”

“Contact between the human and mer worlds is strictly forbidden. You know this, everyone knows this. And I thought you of all people should understand this.”

“She would have died mother!”

“And that would only be one less human to worry about,” Daemon spoke up, emerging from the shadows behind Rhaenyra.

“You don’t even know her!” Jace protested, placing himself in front of your statue, as though he was protecting you.

“Know her?” Daemon let out a mocking laugh. “We don’t need to know her.” He snarled. “Humans, they’re all the same. Spineless, savage, harpoon, fish- eaters who are incapable of any feeling-”

“I love her.” Jacaerys blurted out, stopping Daemon in his tracks and making Rhaenyra’s expression morph into one of horror.

“No…” She breathed. “No, Jacaerys it… it cannot be true… have… have you lost your senses completely? You haven’t even met her! She’s human.”

“And you’re a merman.” Daemon sneered.

“I don’t care.” Jace retorted defiantly. “I’ll find a way.”

“Jacaerys, so help me, please do not escalate this.” Rhaenyra warned.

“Escalate it? What can you do mother? I’m not a child anymore!”

“We clearly aren’t getting through to him,” Daemon said. “You know what you have to do, Rhaenyra.”

“W-what’s he talking about, mother?” Jace asked, backing up so he was blocking the statue completely, a weary edge to his tone.

“I need to get through to you Jace,” Rhaenyra’s voice was solemn. “And if this is the only way…” She looked away from her son, raising her arm so the trident was pointing to an upper shelf of the grotto. “…So be it.”

“Mother, don’t!” Jace exclaimed, the realisation finally dawning on him. But it was too late. The trident was now glowing with lightning and flames, casting the grotto in a harsh orange light. Beams shot from the trident, perfectly landing on their targets.

His entire book collection? Gone.

His paintings, his jewellery collection, his candlesticks and compass? Reduced to dust.

Everything, from his gadgets and gizmos to his whozits and whatzits, were completely destroyed.

“Mother, mother please stop,” Jacaerys pleaded, desperately grabbing onto Rhaenyra’s arm, his eyes glassed over with tears threatening to spill at any moment.

But he wasn’t going to give Daemon the satisfaction of letting them fall.

“Mother- mother no, please no!” He yelled, following her gaze to where she aimed the trident at your statue, reducing it to rubble mere seconds later.

Jace let go of his mother, letting himself float to the grotto floor in front of where your statue was standing so proudly moments ago.

Rhaenyra, tore her gaze away from her eldest son, quickly swimming away from the irreparable damage she’d caused, both to herself and Jace. She too didn’t want to let the cracks show. Daemon stayed where he was, admiring the destruction of the treasures created by the beings he despised so.

“If you truly loved the humans, Jacaerys, if you truly wanted to be where you belong, you should go to them,” He said coldly, cruelly. “Because you certainly don’t belong here.”

As Daemon swam from the grotto, followed by his companion, a blood red moray eel called Caraxes, Jace finally let the tears spill, his chest heaving with the sobs that racked through his body.

“Jace…”

“Go away.”

“Jace, I’m sorry-“

“Sorry? Sorry that she destroyed everything?” Jace exclaimed, turning to glare at his younger brother. “Look what she did Luke. Look what Daemon made her do.” He turned away again as his voice cracked, another wave of realisation hitting him that his pride and joy, his wonderful collection that had taken him years to put together, was gone.

And your statue along with it.

“Jace, I didn’t know this was going to happen. I thought you might get in trouble and-“

“Just go away,” He whispered.

Luke hung his head low, reluctantly leaving his brother alone and joining Syrax, Vermax and Arrax, an infant ray who shimmered a pearl white, with the exception of his golden underside and eyes to match. Like Vermax, he was not yet fully grown.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I can’t leave him, and… I hate seeing him like this, annoying as he is. It’s all Daemon’s fault, that son of a-“ Lucerys’ ranting was cut off as Syrax pinched his lips between her claw. Before he could prize her off him, a large shadow loomed over the group, and the three sea creatures ushered the younger prince behind a rock, hiding him from sight.

It was an eel, but it was considerably larger than Caraxes, by two times at least. She looked more like some ancient sea serpent, for she was an ancient creature. Her bronze scales that once gleaned brightly had dulled with age, but her eyes still gleamed just as bright, as did the small clusters of blue and green streaked along the top and underside of her body. One eye was a vibrant green, like grass in the height of springtime. The other was an unnaturally vibrant blue, glowing brightly in the night like a sapphire.

Vhagar was surely an fearsome sight to behold.

Lucerys watched the beast slither into the grotto. He went to follow her, but Syrax stopped him by pinching his side.

“I can’t let him be eaten, can I?” He hissed, rubbing the reddened skin. “I have to do something!” He protested, but Syrax and Arrax blocked his path adamantly. Even Vermax was more focused on keeping the younger prince hidden than going to Jace, grabbing long stems of kelp and dropping them over Luke, who brushed them off him immediately.

“You have to let me help him? It’s just some old eel, right?”

Jacaerys had wiped his eyes, but was still staring down at the rubble, not wanting to lift his head to be greeted with the sight of his former grotto, once a proud collection, now reduced to nothing. He didn’t want to cry again.

He let out a deep, shaking breath, trying to slow his hammering heart and calm the tremble in his hands. And yet every time he closed his eyes, all he saw was the princess he saved.

“Mijegindita riña… Mijegindita dōna riña…”[Poor child… poor sweet child…]

Jace’s head shot up to be greeted with the sight of Vhagar circling him like a constrictor about to suffocate it’s prey, her blue eye glowing violently in the darkness. He recognised the language as High Valyrian, the ancient language of merfolk. But he was far from a fluent speaker. In fact, he was rather terrible.

“I-I’m sorry I… I don’t fully understand…”

“It seems as though you have a very serious problem… if only there was something that could be done…”

The beast continued, this time in a modern tongue. Her voice was more of a deep, ancient rumble, coming from within. She didn’t move her mouth when she spoke, but Jace saw the glinting of those dagger like teeth. It was as though she were a vessel for someone else to speak to him. As though someone was speaking through her.

“Perhaps there is something that could be done for you…” Vhagar continued, circling closer and closer around Jace, turning her head towards him so he could clearly see her in the silvery glow of the moon above.

“I… I know you…” Jace breathed, and she retreated back into the inky murkiness of the shadows. “But that’s impossible… you… you and him… you were both banished… after what happened with- with Luke…”

He was only young when his uncle Aemond was banished, and Lucerys was too young to properly remember everything, but the memories still stuck with the elder prince vividly. He remembered the glint of the blade in the torchlight, he remembered Lucerys lunging at Aemond, and the young man’s screams wailing through the kingdom.

That was many years ago. Over a decade.

“Don’t be scared…” The voice spoke. “I represent the person who can help you. Someone who can make all your dreams come true…”

“I don’t think-“

“Just imagine-“ The voice cut him off, Vhagar’s head slithered past him, that piercing blue eye focused entirely on the prince. “You and your princess. Together, forever.” There was a slight mocking edge to the voice as it spoke, making Jace frown.

“No… no I can’t.” Jace faltered, knowing the offer, although tempting, was surely tainted with something far more sinister in return.

“Aemond has become incredibly powerful. He can use his power to help you...”

That stopped Jace in his tracks. He’d heard the rumours of his depraved uncle turning to dark magic in his exile. Some said he’d saught out the sea witch, Alys Rivers, who had mysteriously vanished months after his banishment.

“No I... I couldn’t possibly go to him. No. Get out of here! Leave me alone!” He exclaimed, lunging forwards and out of Vhagar’s reach to sit on one of his now empty ledges and facing away from the beast.

”Suit yourself,” The voice said as Vhagar retreated. “It was only a suggestion.” As she left, her tail flicked upwards, causing your statue’s face, still somehow intact unlike the rest of the statue, to land beside Jace. He reached over and picked it up, cradling it in his arms, Daemon’s words echoing over and over again in his mind.

“If you truly loved the humans, Jacaerys, if you truly wanted to be where you belong, you should go to them…”

“…Because you certainly don’t belong here.”

And for once, Jacaerys agreed with Daemon.

He was his mother’s heir, and yet he had no qualities of being a king. He wasn’t studious, or particularly charismatic in the eyes of the people. He did his royal duties when he remembered, but he had never aspired to be a king.

He remembered every little slip up, every time he’d been late to an event, every time he’d disappointed his mother and his siblings. Even little Viserys and Aegon could do a better job that he could. Even Luke with his mischievous ways, and young Joffrey, carried out their tasks to perfection. And his sisters, Baela and Rhaena were born to lead.

He wasn’t born for that.

He didn’t belong.

When he watched you on that ship, when he watched the people celebrate your birthday, and dance and sing and tell stories, he felt more at home. Like he could belong.

Daemon was right.

His mind was made up.

He was going to see Aemond.

“Wait!” He called out, and Vhagar’s face loomed into view once again.

“Take me to him.”

A/N: I know, I know, and I’m sorry to the Aemond girlies who are disappointed he didn’t show up. But I can promise you that he will be centre stage throughout most of Part Two

Masterlist

Tag list:

@thekittyxo-blog @iamavailablesstuff @eggofpower @thatbitchanna27 @aleemendoza2425-blog @ekavamonfort @rhaenattargaryen @ewwwitsel @marytargaryen @snowprincesa1

If you want to be added to the tag list for this story feel free to ask

[write-to-feel]

The way he longed for the ocean as much as she longed for land. The way their longing was fulfilled in each other. The way he cared about her when he barely even knew her. The way she just wanted to talk to him. The way he said “my little mermaid.” They way she was showing him things the same way he showed her things. The way he kept telling her about all the maps like it was his favorite activity. The way he let her drive even though she was a maniac. The way he followed her through the market letting her lead the way. The way he loved the hat just cause she picked it out. The way they danced. The way he looked at her during kiss the girl. The way he hesitated even though he wanted to kiss her so bad. The way he fell so hard. The way she didn’t remember she needed the kiss so she got to be just as nervous as him. The way he wanted to just keep talking to her forever all night until Grim interrupted. The way he looked at her walking up the stairs. The way he said her name. The way he chose her after one day with her. The way he was asking for her even under Ursula’s spell. The way he ran to her when she finally showed up. The way he held her after she turned back into a mermaid. The way he went right after her. The way he chose her again even knowing the truth. The way she saved him. The way he wanted to go right back into the ocean to get her. The way she was lying on the rock staring at the castle like she’d been there all day. The way he was so relieved to see her again. The way he rested his head on hers like she brought him an endless sense of peace. The kiss. The way he got married in the same outfit he wore the whole movie. 😩😩😩😩😩😭😭😭😭😭

[604to647]

Marine Attraction

4.3K / Detective Tim Rockford x fem!reader

Summary: When a stakeout at the aquarium does not go as planned, Detective Tim Rockford must interview all the aquarium visitors, including you.

Warnings: Fluff! Meet cute! Maybe a dirty thought or two that reader really should not be having about a (hot) man just trying to do his job 🤭 Made up Merge Mansion lore. One cute nickname because it’s me (won’t spoil).

A/N: This was written for @mermaidgirl30’s Ocean Challenge – thank you for hosting a lovely event.  Please see #Jamie’s Ocean Challenge for all the wonderful works! I’ve noticed that as of late, some of the authors that I look up to and consider mainstays in this community since I started lurking 2+ years ago have wanted to leave, needed to take breaks from the fandom or felt disconnected from the community.  This story is for you, about stepping away when you need to and maybe rediscovering how something old can still bring you joy. Xoxo, love you all.

Fishy dividers by @saradika-graphics 🥰

EDIT: Oops this turned into a series - Masterlist

You’re not really sure how this happened.

You’ve been feeling a bit off, as of late.  Nothing was wrong, per say - your job is fine, your friends are dear, your life leaves you grateful.  It’s just that you feel… untethered.  Like you should be doing something more?  Work is fulfilling enough – you achieve and excel.  Friends and family make for wonderful company, but your social battery isn’t infinite and as much as enjoy your get-togethers, they can leave you drained.  Even some of your solitary pursuits, cooking, watching tv, scrolling through social media don’t seem to be as satisfying as they used to be – you consume, but you don’t create.

On a whim, you decide to take the day off work (the first in who knows how long?) and go somewhere you’ve always loved: the aquarium.  You’ve been visiting this aquarium since you were a child – something about the gentle hum of the tanks and the darkness that’s illuminated only by the glow of the exhibits has always relaxed you.  You’re going to go specifically to take photos.  Photography used to be a casual hobby of yours; you were even featured on local news blogs and had your photos chosen for a gallery showing once – but as life got busier and your other endeavours required more of your time and energy, it had fallen by the wayside.   It’s been forever since you took a photo walk or even a picture that wasn’t for capturing a moment rather than a snapshot.  You’re actually getting excited about shooting photos again.

It had been a serene couple of hours spent watching your unhurried fish friends and the silent watery dances of the marine plants that shared their abodes.  The aquarium is playing host to a few young families and two eager fieldtrips, but otherwise, you’ve had the place nearly to yourself.  Able to loiter so you can try different lenses and play with the lighting of your shots, or wait as long as you want in order for a mixed rainbow hue of fish to swim into frame, the morning had passed quietly and contently.

But now you sit in the children’s play area, the last of today’s aquarium visitors, waiting for your turn to be questioned by the police. 

---

Detective Tim Rockford is not really sure how this happened.

It had been a simple enough stakeout operation.  He and his team had received a tip a few days ago that there would be a handoff taking place at the aquarium today: an exchange of money between one of Grandma Ursula’s henchmen and a mystery player whose identity has eluded Tim for the entirety of this case thus far.  Perhaps it was unreasonable to expect Mr. Pie (so nicknamed by the squad for the Bolton Berry pies he consumed) to show up himself, but Tim held out hope that whomever they nabbed today would provide the break in the case that he so desperately needs.

Only, Grandma’s man had come and gone and none of the six men, Tim included, posted at the various vantage points and exits had seen a damn thing.  At some point between spotting their target enter the aquarium with a briefcase in hand, they had lost track of him and picked up his movements again only when he was already leaving the gift shop, empty handed.  How was it possible they couldn’t account for what happened in the aquarium?  Did the meeting with Mr. Pie occur?  Or was the briefcase stashed somewhere?  Tim presses the heels of his palms to his eyes and grimaces – the operation had been an utter failure. 

Not only did they not get what they came for, but now the remainder of the day was completely shot.  What had followed once the police realized just how out of depth they were, was a complete shut down of the aquarium with all visitors locked in and needing to be interviewed before they could leave.  Even the elementary school trips of thirty children.  Each.  After giving instruction to the additional LAPD support he called in to search the aquarium top to bottom for the missing case, Tim had settled in for a long afternoon of what he expected to be fruitless Q&As.

As he wearily enters the kids play area once again (an officer more considerate than he had suggested that given the number of children being held, it might be the best place to have everyone wait), Tim sees only one witness left to interview: you.  He had noticed you earlier, each time he came in to select another interviewee, in fact – if your pretty features and sweet smile hadn’t caught his attention first, your everlasting patience and kindness would have.  Several times, he spotted you playing patiently with the children – the sound of your melodic voice and gentle laughter floating above the grumblings of the other adults who had also had their days ruined. The sound eased the tense spot in his shoulders where his holster straps had started digging in a little bit.  At first, Tim thought you might be one of the teachers or a field trip chaperone, but then he noticed that you let all the school trips and families with children go ahead of you, and he overheard you tell his fellow officer that you didn’t mind waiting, that it must be much harder for the children.  He was grateful for you and he didn’t even know you.

As Tim approaches, you look up from your phone and shoot him the soft smile that’s been his one bright spot in this disaster of a day, though he thinks it seems a bit more tired than when he first had the pleasure of seeing it earlier this afternoon.

“Is it my turn?” you ask him, still in good spirits despite the circumstances.

“Sorry for the wait, miss.”

“No need to be sorry… Detective?”

“Detective Rockford.  Tim Rockford.  I appreciate that, it’s been… a day.”

You hold out your hand to shake his before repeating his name, then giving him your own.  Tim can’t decide if he likes the way his name rolls off your tongue, or the way your own name floats above the cheer of your voice more. 

“Well, hopefully I can help with… whatever has made it such a day,” you give him a sympathetic smile.

The kind of smile you might offer to him when he comes home after a long hard day.  Damn. He’s in trouble.  Focus, Rockford.

Since you’re his last witness of the day, he offers to conduct the interview right here instead of the stuffy office that the aquarium staff had lent him.  As you acquiesce to his suggestion, you stretch out your arms and legs, arching your back to work out a bit of stiffness from having sat for so long and Tim finds himself admiring your figure in a way that is decidedly not going to help him solve this case.  He tries to cover up his less than professional gaze by stretching himself – it feels good.

After collecting your information and starting with his routine questions, Tim realizes he’s pinning his hopes on you having seen or noticed something today – not only because no one else has, but so he can keep speaking with you.

When it becomes evident that you didn’t, he sighs a heavy sigh of disappointment. 

He hadn’t realized that he’s done so until hears you apologize; quick to reassure you that that you don’t have anything to apologize for, Tim places his large warm hand over yours before he can stop himself.  You gasp softly, you think only to yourself, but Tim hears the sweet noise and smirks a little – it’s nice to know he’s not the only one who’s been affected.  When he notices that you don’t move your hand away,  he lets himself revel in the feel of your soft, small hand under his for a beat longer before he removes it and somewhat begrudgingly starts to wrap up the interview.

---

Fuck. This fucking detective.  Rockford.  Tim Rockford.

Even his name is hot. 

You had noticed him earlier, of course – how could you not?  He was a hulking presence, impossibly broad and tall, and he carried himself with the authority and gravitas of a man in charge.  During the earlier hours of your wait, you had been preoccupied with helping entertain some of the young children in the waiting area who were restless with boredom, not sure why their promised day of aquarium fun had to be ruined by something as trivial as a police matter.

But once you caught sight of Detective Rockford’s handsome profile, it became impossible to not be captivated by the deep richness of his brown eyes or that strong nose that centered his face perfectly.  His grave countenance conveyed the seriousness with which he took his work (that facial scruff screamed he worked too much), but he was quietly calm and his tone gentle with all the witnesses, especially the children.  You couldn’t help but hope it was him every time an officer entered the waiting area. 

Some time between now and the last two times he had come in to call forth witnesses, the detective had lost his suit jacket, strolling in wearing only a gun holster and a white dress shirt that stretched taut over his firm chest and bulging arm muscles; you thought you were going to have to dunk yourself into one of the aquarium tanks to cool off just from the sight of him.

Your heart picks up a little when it’s him who appears when you’re the last one left to be interviewed; silently, you pray to Beyoncé to give you the strength needed to coherently answer the detective’s questions when he asks them in that honey laced baritone of his.

When Tim mirrors your big stretch, you hope you’re discrete enough that he doesn’t catch you staring: his limbs extend fantastically long, arm span wide enough to cast a shadow that reaches across the floor in front of you - he's huge.  After hearing the detective inhale a deep breath, it feels to you as if all of the air has been sucked from the room, leaving you dizzy as you gawk at his hard chest, expanding and pushing up against his crisp dress shirt, held closed only by the strained efforts of a few valiant buttons.

You feel bad that you have to answer in the negative to Detective Rockford’s questions.  Unfortunately, you hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary during your visit, too engrossed in your own photo taking, and you don’t remember seeing the man in the picture that he shows you.  You can tell that Tim tries hard not to show his disappointment and wish very much that you could please him, be the one to wipe the weary look off his face and the release the tension from his hunched-up shoulders.  Maybe please him in other ways, as well.  You have a feeling that praise from one Detective Tim Rockford would have you dripping wet and clenching around nothing embarrassingly quick. 

GIRL. GET IT TOGETHER.  For all you know, a serious crime took place here today!

You apologize.  Outwardly, for your inability to help him with his case, and inwardly, for the dirty thoughts that are wholly inappropriate to have about a complete stranger who is just, very competently, doing his job.

To try and put you at ease, Tim relaxes his handsome face and hopes to reassure you when he gently pats your hand; instead, a jolt of electricity shoots through you and you warm all over from his touch.  Maybe it’s your imagination but Detective Rockford seemingly lets his bear paw of hand linger over yours for a bit longer than he needs to, and you think you spy his plush lips curve up slightly at the corners when you gasp.  You might just melt off this bench right now.

“Oh, one last thing, did you take any pictures at the aquarium today?”

You nod, but are suddenly shy as you anticipate the Detective’s next question.  Tim nods at you matter of fact, “Good.  Could you please show me?  I just need to look through them quickly to see if there’s anything in the background that might be useful.”

He holds his hand out, not really expecting any resistance - you’ve been nothing but perfectly cooperative so far.  But when his hand remains empty, he looks over to find you adorably chewing your bottom lip while gripping your phone tightly with both hands, making no motion to hand it over.  For one ridiculous moment he panics, Are you Mr. Pie?!  He shakes his head slightly to rid himself of that ludicrous thought, and waits patiently for you to tell him what you’re ruminating on.

“It’s just that there are a lot of pictures..,” you start, “… and a lot of them are kind of duplicates…”

You know you’re being deliberately vague – sighing in resignation, you decide it’s best to just rip the band aid off.  Unlocking your phone, you go to your camera roll and filter to today’s library before handing over your phone without meeting the detective’s gaze.  Out of the corner of your eye, you see Tim scroll slowly through hundreds of photos of the aquarium’s exhibits; you attempt to avoid meeting his eye by focusing on how your phone looks inexplicably small in his big, rough hand.

“That’s… a lot,” Tim finally says when he reaches the bottom of the roll.

When you look up, you expect to see maybe a cringed look or even a mocking expression on the detective’s handsome face, but instead you find the massive man looking at you with a gentle curiosity, maybe even holding himself a little smaller in an attempt to not intimidate you.  It doesn’t seem to matter that you don’t really know him, you suddenly feel comfortable enough to tell Detective Tim Rockford this very personal thing about yourself – he might look like he's perfectly cast as the 'bad cop' in interrogations, but you have a feeling he’s got just as good of a track record playing 'good cop'.

“An old hobby of mine was… I guess they call it iPhoneography? Using apps to mimic traditional camera captures?  I used to love it, actually.  Selecting the different lenses and choosing different exposures, then seeing how the images would developed – of course, with the phone, you wouldn’t have to take it in and wait for a week or anything, it would be processed digitally in a matter of seconds.  But… editing apps are so common place nowadays, and most social media platforms have built in filters and effects - iPhoneography has sort of fallen out of favour,” you explain.  Tim is nodding along - he doesn’t really know what you’re talking about, he has three apps on his phone that he uses regularly (Weather, Candy Crush, and the app from the City that reminds him when to put out his garbage bins); the rest of the apps on his phone were preinstalled and he can’t figure out how to delete them.  But he encourages you to go on.

“In fact, I haven’t really gone out to shoot in years.  But lately… I’ve sort of wanted to get back into it?  I came to the aquarium today to fire up the old camera, so to speak.  That’s why there’s so many – a lot of the pictures are just of the same frame but where I was trying out different lenses or exposure options.  I’m not, like, super obsessed with fish or anything,” you finish up quickly, hoping you haven’t made a complete fool of yourself.

Tim hands you back your phone, still open to today’s photos, and smiles, “Why don’t you tell me about what you shot today?”

“Really?” you look up, surprised.

“Really,” Tim tries to convey his genuine interest via his eyes, and is instantly rewarded by a smile on your face that could light up the room.  It’s certainly lighting him up.

And so, you tell Detective Tim Rockford all about the photos you took today.  You swipe through your pictures and show him how the different lenses affect the lighting, exposure, saturation and even colour tinting of the resulting photo.  You proudly tell him about how you had to switch up your technique and settings when shooting the tanks where the marine animals or plants thrived primarily in the dark or relied on bioluminescent light.  You laugh, mainly at yourself, when you tell him about how long you stayed at certain attractions, waiting for a particular school of fish to swim perfectly into frame.

Tim thinks your laughter is the loveliest sound he’s ever heard.

You tell him your favourite sea creatures to photograph are the jelly fish because they’re so weird and they move with such alien grace, unpredictable yet seemingly purposeful, and that’s why there are more pictures of them than any other animal in your camera roll.

Tim finds himself enchanted watching you get more and more animated and excited as you go through the pictures you took today; while your eyes are peeled to your screen, he admires how they twinkle and the way your mouth slopes upwards, grinning wide even as you talk non-stop about your long-forgotten hobby.  Your pretty face is aglow.  He thinks he could listen to you talk about the things that bring you joy forever.

He lets you talk for an hour.  You don’t even realize until you get to the last photo (a school of clown fish weaving between the tentacles of their anemone home) and glance up at the time at the top of the screen, “…oh my gosh!  I’m so sorry!! I’ve prattled on for so long, I’m sure none of this was helpful at all!”

Tim won’t have any of that, “Don’t be sorry.  You had fun.  I’m glad you had some fun today… before I ruined it by sequestering you here in this waiting area for the entire afternoon.”

You shyly look at his apologetic face, “I’m having fun now.”

Tim can feel his ears warm and is sure they’re pink at the tips.  Darn, you’re sweet.  He distracts himself by flipping to a brand-new page in his notebook, “Me too.”  You feel your heart expand at his soft confession.

“Now, I have some good news and some bad news.”

You look at him expectantly with an innocent, doe-eyed expression that Tim thinks might be one of the most dangerous things he’s ever encountered in all his years on the force, “The good news is that I think you’re a very, very good photographer.  It’s clear you enjoy it and there isn’t a single photo you showed me today that isn’t obviously a labour of love.  I think you should get back into it if you can.  The way you were talking about your photos today, I don’t think I’ve seen that much joy on someone’s face in… I don’t know how long.  I’m grateful you shared that with me.”

You’re speechless.  His words are so, so kind… and exactly what you needed to hear today.  You’re filled with tremendous gratitude and fondness for Detective Tim Rockford.

“… the bad news is, I spotted the reflection of our man in the shadows on the glass in some of your photos, and I’m so very sorry but I’m going to have to confiscate your phone,” Tim could not be more truly sorry.

After the initial shock of being told you’re losing your phone for a few days, you quickly recover and tell Tim that you’re genuinely glad you could help.  You give him your email and use your phone to send off a message to a few of your group chats regarding how you can be reached for the next few days before dropping your phone into the evidence bag Tim produces.  Under different circumstances, you might be upset at this turn of events, but the expression on Detective Tim Rockford's face is more than enough to make the minor inconvenience worth it – he looks invigorated, energized.  Clearly, this is what he loves doing.

Walking you to the aquarium exit, Tim apologizes and thanks you again before seeing you out.  Right before the door closes behind you, you turn and see him already rushing off to brief his team, your plastic covered phone clutched in his hand and an excited grin on his face.  After the kindness and patience the detective has shown you today, you’re glad to have played a small role in putting that smile on his face.

True to his word, you receive an email from Timothy.Rockford@lapd.online.org just a few days later, letting you know your phone is ready for pick-up.  When Detective Rockford meets you in the precinct lobby, you have to suck in your breath – he’s even more handsome than you remember, and you’ve been spending nearly every waking minute over the past few days picturing his strong jawline, soulful eyes, and that charming facial scruff you’d give anything to run your fingers through.  He’s jacketless again, just another pressed white dress shirt that his broad frame threatens to rip through, bordered by those leather holsters that make you want to swallow your tongue.

As Tim takes you to Evidence so you can sign out your phone, he tries to chat amiably and not cast too many obvious and admiring glances your way; you’re all warmth and serenity in this place that he only ever associates with being loud, bustling and cold.  He simultaneously never wants you to leave and wishes to sweep you far away and keep you only for himself, distanced safely from this place where his every day is synonymous with darkness and mystery.

When you’re once again outside, Tim leans against the frame of the precinct’s front doors and you look up at him from one step down, hopeful, “Did I help?”

Yes.  You help more than you know, Tim thinks, having been unable to get your incandescent smile out of his mind since he last parted from you; finding that it’s become the image that grounds him during his long grueling hours.  Instead, he says, “I’ve got good news and bad news.”

“Oh no – not this again,” you grin.

Tim smiles back, emboldened by your cheery demeanor, “The good news is that a lot of your photos and what the tech guys called… um.. meta data?  A lot of it helped generate some good leads that we’re now following.”

“Oh!  That’s wonderful!  I’m so glad, Detective Rockford!”

“Tim.  Please call me, Tim.”

“I don’t know, I kind of like calling you Detective,” you tease, good naturedly.

Tim should not feel his pants tighten at this, “The bad news is, because your photos had so much useful information, there is a very good chance they will be used as evidence if this case ever goes to trial.  I don’t think you will need to testify, as you yourself didn’t see anything, and that meta data gives us the info on when and where the photos were taken.  But even so… it means I can’t ask you out until the case is over.”

“Oh no,” you’re disappointed, but somewhat mollified that Tim has just basically asked you out without asking you out.  “That is bad news indeed.”

Tim looks around to make sure no one is looking before he reaches out with his hand and gently strokes your cheek with the back of two of his thick fingers just once, whispering, “I’ve never wanted to put a case to bed more.”

You can’t let the joke pass you by, “The case?  The case is what you want to put to bed?”

The booming laugh that shakes Detective Tim Rockford’s entire torso reaches all the way to his eyes, crinkling them in the most adorable way.  It’s staggering the difference it makes – he looks 10 years younger, you think. 

He’s needed this.  A really good laugh.  He’s needed it more than he realized.  He’s needed you.  He looks at your impish grin, so proud of yourself for pulling this sound from him, a sound so rare that it’s become almost foreign to his own ears; Tim hopes he’s able to convey his gratitude for you with the way his eyes have brightened, flecked with gold and mirth. 

He thinks you just might understand him perfectly. 

When you lift up on your toes to brush your lips softly against his scruffy cheek for a goodbye kiss, he whispers low in your ear, “I’ll call you, Shutterbug.” 

A promise.

7 months later

The Grandma Ursula case has taken the nation by storm.  The TV in your workplace breakroom is permanently dialed to the court case broadcast so no one misses a minute of the scandalous proceedings, a single interview with those involved in the case, or any legal and criminal analysts’ commentary.  For someone who is billed as the Lead Investigator, Tim makes shockingly few appearances onscreen, but you feel a little thrill go through you whenever you catch a glimpse of his striking figure in the background of a news broadcast about the case, or when you see him standing stoically behind the head prosecutor while the latter debriefs the press from the steps of the court house.

You gaze dreamily at his face while the press shouts out what everyone (your friends, colleagues, the public) all want to know:

How many aliases does Grandma Ursula really have?

Can we even call it the Bolton Mansion anymore?

Why that particular number of pies?

You’ll be honest, you’re just as interested in the case as everyone else, but you have one pressing question that you know no one else is asking: Will he call when it’s over?

You’re in a departmental meeting when the verdict is read.  It takes you forever to get back to your desk, caught up in everyone’s excited chatter about the ruling, but when you finally sit down and pull out your phone from your drawer, it’s to the best outcome you could have hoped for from the Grandma Ursula case.  Positively beaming, you reread the text message sent from an unknown number only two minutes after the verdict was announced: Hey Shutterbug, take any good photos lately?

End note: The iPhoneography aspect of this fic is a bit self indulgent; some might know that this Tumblr used to be a photo blog before it became my writing blog. Just like reader, it's something I used to enjoy a lot but I haven't opened those camera apps in years - maybe I'll get back into it one day! In the meantime, yes - the aquarium photos in the moodboard are by yours truly 🤭

[mylifesjustacarousel]

the sorcerer and the apprentice - prequel

pairing: james hook x gn!reader (requested)

summary: you’re the child of merlin, and there is no one you despise more than james hook. but feelings are changed when a prank gets played.

type: angst, a bit of teasing

CW: bullying

WC: 700

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

There were definitely ups and downs to being the child of Merlin, the principal and founder of Merlin Academy. But, right at the moment, there were definitely more downs. You were very content with your life. You got to connect with your father and expand your craft while living on the beautiful campus that he had worked so hard for… and then there were the VKs.

The VKs, also known as the Villain Kids, were a nasty group of kids. They were run by Uliana, the younger sister of the infamous Ursula. She harassed anyone who even looked in her direction, trying to prove that she could be more than Ursula ever was. The group was comprised of four other members; Maleficent, Hades, Morgie le Fay… and James Hook.

You hated James Hook.

The way he teased you, the way he taunted you. If you hadn’t any self control, you would’ve turned him into a frog the first time you had even met him. He was cruel and mean, and you couldn’t imagine how anyone would ever want to be friends with someone like him.

Up, down, swish, and flick, you thought to yourself as you waved your wand. You were sat in the courtyard, peacefully practicing your magic by yourself. Well, at least you were peacefully practicing your magic by yourself. “Hello there, darling!” a voice came from behind you, snatching your wand out of your hand. You turned around immediately, your face red with pure anger.

The VKs were all standing there, Hook dangling your wand in front of your face with a laugh before handing it over to Uliana. You stood up, wiping the dirt off of your knees, “Give it back, Uliana!” You reached for the wand, but she held it higher than you could reach with her tentacle.

“Give it back, Uliana!” she mocked, the VKs all laughing and snickering behind her, “What’re you gonna do, goody two shoes? Run off and tell daddy?” One of her tentacles wrapped around your ankle, pulling your feet out from under you as you came crashing onto the ground. “You’re spineless, you’re weak. I could crush you in a minute.” she spat, throwing your wand at you with a dark laugh before she started to walk away with the rest of the VKs.

I’ll show her spineless, you thought.

You quickly shuffled onto your feet, gripping your wand in your hand. Up, down, swish, and flick. Uliana yelled, being practically knocked onto the floor. When she rose, she was covered in what looked like porcupine quills. Spines. The rest of the VKs backed away from her, not wanting to get pricked. You giggled, “I might be spineless, but now you’re full of them.”

Hooks eyes were burning a hole through your soul, but not in the way that they usually did. No, this was different. His eyes seemed angry, but there was an impressed grin slowly making way into his face. He didn’t think you were capable of something like that, and it intrigued him more than anything.

“I will destroy you!” Uliana screamed, beginning to charge at you. Hook stopped her, putting his hooked hand out in front of her, “No, I think I’ll actually take care of this one.” Morgie reached to put a hand on Uliana’s shoulder, wincing as a quill got stuck in his hand. Uliana huffed, stomping away with the rest of the VKs, leaving you there with Hook.

You grimaced as Hook walked towards you, the same grin still on his face. “I’m quite impressed, darling,” He hooked the tip of his hook under your chin, “Maybe you could teach me how to do that.”

Blushing, you grabbed his hook and yanked it away from your face. “Wasn’t to impress you, Hook. I don’t even want you in my life, and I definitely don’t want to teach you how to do anything.” you spat. He snorted quietly to himself, “Oh, you’ll come around, darling.”

“Never. Get lost, Hook.” you mumbled, sitting back down with your wand and your spell book. He started to walk away before turning back to you.

“I’ll see you around, y/n. Can’t get rid of me that easily.”

a/n: i hope you enjoyed, sorry it’s a little short! if you have any requests, my ask box is open! <3

[dovesdreaming]

hiii oml ignore this if you don't write for her... but uma x gn reader who's ariel & erics kid and lived in auradon blah blah blah and they have a kinda enemies to lovers type thing?

like "your mom tried to kill mine " and "well maybe your mom shouldn't have been more stupid!" but they realize they aren't as bad as what they thought and blah blah blah

I hate that I like you

(Is gn reader just for aesthetic of reader)

This is one of my favourite requests I’ve ever done! I’m sorry it took so long I just really wanted it to be something I was proud of but I’m not sure if it is 🤷‍♀️. I really hope it is enjoyable though <3 Definitely making headcanons with this relationship soon!

Word count: 1.7k (my biggest fic yet!!)

Warnings: none

When the barrier between Auradon and the isle was taken down you didn’t have many strong feelings either way about it, but when you saw a face you recognised just a bit too much that’s when your blood boiled at the thought of everyone disrupting the life you had built here. You also hated the way that face made your stomach fill with small butterflies.

All the villains kids were allowed to attend Auradon prep which you were curious about so you signed yourself up as a welcomer, something you would come to regret.

You were each assigned a person to welcome and show round the school and as you picked up the name of your assigned person you could already feel the annoyance that came with their presence. The name read Uma and as you walked up to her her grin only grew it was like she had planned this, she loved to taunt you.

With your parents being Ariel and Eric and her mother being Ursula it was like it was in your blood to hate each other. Your parents hatred for one another influenced your opinions of each other meaning you always bickered with each other as you both wanted the last word.

You only glared back at Uma and huffed. You hated that she could get under your skin. You also hated how you found her even slightly attractive. You just wanted this over and done with now, any curiosity you had was gone now replaced with irritation. You kept your tour brief and blunt not bothering yourself to be helpful to Uma. She of course replied to this with her own gift of insults about the school and you. Her words were along the lines of “I didn’t think Auradon could get any dumber or preppier” and “no wonder your mother was so dumb, she attended this school”. You gave her comments no response only quickly moving the tour on but this was what Uma discovered to be her favourite part of your relationship. She loved riling you up, trying to get a reaction out of you.

It had been a few weeks since umas arrival and she had somehow managed to work her way into your friendship group along with hook. This bothered you to no end and yet she seemed to be enjoying all your reactions, especially when she managed to find a weak point of yours that got a big reaction. Weak points she had found for you recently were the clam necklace you wore and your love for the sea, whenever she insulted you about these it felt like a personal attack. You grew to almost hate her, she had no remorse and showed no care for anyone but her own feelings. Yet she seemed to view it as a cat and mouse chase between you and you wanted out.

By month two of Uma being in Auradon you had tried to avoid her in every way, from staying in the library til late or going into the gardens and greenhouses yet she always found you. It was like she sought out your presence. It confused you to know end how she always wanted to be around you yet only ever through insults at you. While you very much still held anger towards Uma after two months of her being around it had softened around the edges the feelings you held for her only deepening. What once had been a blazing fire of hatred inside you for her was now a soft burning fire that only sparked when she touched a nerve. You had actually developed a love hate relationship. You would help each other out with minor things such as homework or answers for questions in class and you guessed she was ok but there were still things that were stopping you from actually being friends with her. You would be getting along with Uma and feel like you were getting somewhere and then she would throw a deep insult at you, this grated on you and confused you. You couldn’t understand why she would allow you to be so close then punch you in the gut. The feelings of hurt and anger from these insults slowly built up inside you until they came to a head one day.

You and Uma had recently been getting along again, everything was going well and something just had to happen to ruin it. Someone had brought up umas mother and she was trying to defend her saying she was a good person. That definitely wasn’t true and you both knew it. “Your mother tried to kill mine! How is she a good person?” Uma turned to you with venom in her eyes and she stuck her fangs into you with her next comment “your mother was mindless and dense to fall for that trick! It was her own fault”. You thought you and Uma could be somewhat friends maybe even more even if your parents had their differences but it seems she could not see past her mothers opinions. You felt slightly betrayed but you didn’t know why, it wasn’t like you and Uma had been that close of friends or anything more (if even you day dreamed about it regularly) yet it felt a knife in your back. You stepped back from her and turned to walk away back to your dorm. When you stepped back you saw realisation hit umas face yet she made no move to change her actions, she was stubborn and had to keep her appearance.

You made sure to keep your distance from Uma this time and it seemed like she didn’t seek you out either. It had been a few days without her presence and it had felt peaceful yet almost like something was missing, you knew what it was you just couldn’t admit it to yourself. You couldn’t be missing her presence could you? No you shook your head of the thought. You could never miss someone like uma even if she was nice to look at.

It had been five days since your interaction with Uma and she has mainly somewhat sulked in her room. She had regretted the words when she realised just what she had said. She let her mothers opinions Infiltrate her mind. She felt a weird sense of guilt, something she had never felt before. She would never admit it to anyone not even herself but her heart felt bruised at the thought of you hating her and whether she would ever admit it, it was because she had started to develop feelings for you. She didn’t know how to show love, she had never seen it only heard about it in book and stories. How could she love someone when she had never experienced it in anyway. So she pushed you away any time she felt her heart threatened by this rush of emotions she did it the way she knew best. Insulting you. She knew your week spots now and could poke all she wanted.

She decided to suck up her pride and at least try to apologise to you. She headed to your dorm and knocked on your door. You assumed it was your friends visiting you again so you just shouted that you didn’t want to see anyone. When you heard another knock you frustratedly got up and yanked the door open ready to ask what was so important yet you were faced with Uma with downcast eyes, something you had never seen on her before. There was an awkward paused before you questioned why she was her “come to insult me more?”. She didn’t removed her eyes from the ground when she quieter than usual asked if you two could talk. This shocked you and caused you to pause, you didn’t know Uma could be like this ur was so out of character for her. You stutters out a yes and moved out of the doorway to invite her in.

She finally took her eyes off the ground and took in your room. She hadn’t seen it and if it was any other time she would have laughed and teased you for it being sea themed. Once you closed the door you sat on your bed allowing her to sit next to you. You didn’t know where this conversation was gonna go and you definitely didn’t expect the next words to come out of umas mouth to be an apology. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you, for the whole time I’ve been here. I should have treated you as an individual and not judged you on your parents, especially considering who my mother is. I hope you can forgive me.” You stared at her face really taking in her remorse and decided that she was being honest. “It’s alright I forgive you. I shouldn’t have judged you on your mother either, im sorry.”

Now that everything had been cleared up there was a weird tension left in the room. Things still left unspoken about true feelings. As the silence grew you both made eye contact for the first time in days. Your eyes seemed to stick together like they were stuck with honey, seconds later hours as you stared at one another. She finally felt ready to welcome herself to new experiences and with that she slowly leaned in and you reciprocated. When your lips met it felt right like it was your destiny. Her hand came up to hold your chin by your ear. The kiss spoke truth and words that neither of you could ever bring yourselves to say. As you pulled apart and looked at each other again you couldn’t help but smile. Since her arrival you finally felt right in her presence like something had been missing before. Your relationship only grew from there onwards. You helped Uma learn to express her emotions, in turn helping her to love people one of them being you. What you shared with each other became quite a soft kind of love one of soft touches and smiley glances from across the room. No matter how shocked people were when they learned who your parents were it felt right between you both and nothing would ever change that. However you both may leave it a while before telling your parents exactly who it was you were dating.

Thank you for reading!