#vanessa marbles

[somerandomdudelmao]

Part 15 :0

I think this is the last part of this episode ahahaha

In case you're wondering, Oscar's parents are happily married and absolutely in love with each other. All parents. All four. of them.

And he has three younger siblings he absolutely adores~

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Masterpost Ref for their fucked up villain family tree

[normalenjoyer-png]

it is simply too late to think ab this any longer+i need to converse w my marble hornets friend but here's this fucking au

[glowstick909]

Oscars siblings

just some art i did for marble sky by @somerandomdudelmao; you should check it out it’s so good

also benjamin totally wears oscar’s old shirts lol

[psstitsnynx]

Eat up tumblr-

Songs : Creeping around ( Ihascupquake ) / Fnaf 3 Rap ( JT music )

[msssayana]

[a-soup-or-noodle]

Happy Halloween!!!! Yippee!!!!

(shoutout to the 6 whole people who follow me, trick-or-treating is open, I bought way too much candy and it's all fnaf/marble hornets themed)

[moonfirebrides]

Venice Biennale 2015, La membre fantome by Vanessa Beecroft, Photography by Danica O. Kus 003

[rafeandonlyrafe]

best friends dad part two

words: 500

warnings: 18+ only!, smut, extreme age gap, aged up!rafe, p in v sex, unprotected sex, daddy kink, kinda caught?

part one / part two / part three

“my wife is in the other room.” rafe grunts, his hands planted firmly on your waist, feeling how small you are under his large palms.

“you dragged me in here.” you remind rafe, poking him in the chest, propped up on the bathroom counter, legs spread wide as you balance right on the edge of the marble.

“fuck, this is so fucking wrong.” rafe groans, immediately regretting cursing in front of you, as if his naughty words are somehow worse than his current actions.

“just put it in.” you moan quietly, his cock pushing through your folds, head of his cock rubbing against your clit with every thrust.

“shouldn't i get a condom?” rafe is trying everything to not fuck you. every excuse he can think of, because he knows once he gets inside of you, there's no turning back. it's all been grinding and sucking and fingering until now, until you came over to tan outside by the pool with his own daughter, in the skimpiest bikini you own.

“no.” you shake your head. “im not your fucking wife you're worried about not knocking up again. get inside me. now.”

rafe holds back for another minute, but you're too warm, too wet for him to resist. he mumbles another curse before lining up with your entrance, sinking inside in one smooth motion.

“oh, yes daddy.” you moan out. “been thinking about how your cock would feel inside me for years.”

“this is so wrong.” rafe shakes his head, despite pushing his hips forward, as if he can get deeper inside your cunt.

“stop whining like a little bitch.” you roll your eyes. “fuck me.”

rafe can't help but listen to your command, sliding until his cock is almost all the way out before thrusting inside, building up a quick pace, the squelching wet sound every time he pushes inside your pussy like music to his ears.

“oh, fuck, yes daddy.” you moan, too loud as rafes eyes widen, leaning in to capture your mouth in a kiss.

“shh.” he warns, mumbling the shush against your lips. “can't let anyone hear.”

“mmm, can't let anyone find out you're cheating on your wife with your daughters best friend?” rafes hips move faster at your teasing, the exact effect your were hoping your words would have. 

you wrap your arms around his shoulders as he continues to kiss you, allowing one hand to scratch at the back of his head, running your fingers through his hair with a smattering of gray throughout.

“god, you're so fucking tight.” rafe moans.

“that's what happens when you fuck young pussy, not old stretched out from kids.” you smirk. you've never liked rafes wife, the way she seemingly does whatever she pleases. you wonder briefly if there was once genuine love there.

“fuck, i love my wife. i love my wife. i love my wife.” rafe chants, as if the words can stop the fact that he's loving how good it feels to be cheating on her.

you let out a chuckle as rafes thrusts become more erratic, giggling when his eyes widen as he hears footsteps down the hallway, unable to stop his motions, knowing if someone listens too closely it'll be obvious what is happening behind the closed door.

the footsteps stop outside of the bathroom, a knock startling both of you.

“y/n, you in there?” it's your best friend, the daughter of the man currently about to cum inside of you.

“yes!” you answer, at the exact same time that rafe calls out “no!”

read part three here

taglist: @drewstarkeyslut @forstarkey @f4ll-for-you @dilvcv @drudyslut @jjmaybankswifes-blog @rafescokenostril @jjsmarijuana @seeingstarks @angelofcigs @cece45450 @babygorewhore @vanessa-rafesgirl @michelleisheres-blog @outerbankspov @drewstarkeyswifehoe @cutielando @kamninaries @buckyswhxre @rafeinterlude @bellbottombaby @deeaardiary @rubixgsworld @wearemadeofstardust0 @leighbronk @starkeysheart @pradabambie @tobesolovelysstuff @alexiskirkland @rafestar @brioffthegrid @juniebugg @magicalyoura @die4niyahhh @mysticallystilinski @https-luvvia @aerangi @folklorsweet

[matchesarelit]

Imagine If You Will... (Ocean of Grass, Colin Bridgerton x f!Reader)

The Queen opens a new gallery space, and you can barely tear your eyes form the works on the walls, until art starts pouring from the lips by your side.

W/C: ~2.8k Warnings: None I believe A/N: there is a part where writing it was like patting myself on the back, so damn strange. fear not, I am not that up myself. but reader had to simp over smtg.

Stepping onto the marbled flooring of the gallery, you struggled to keep your concentration on the task of putting one foot in front of the other. Eyes locking on the pieces adorning the walls and topping the podiums. The words of greeting hitting your ears from all directions as you began trailing the walls of the space, were forgotten immediately, muscle memory replies rolling off your tongue with ease. The same old people and same old conversations were now framed by works of detail and grace grander than you'd ever had the pleasure of seeing.

The tickle of lace over your arm was the only thing to prompt you back to the world of the Ton, as an elbow hooked through your own and a head weighed down your shoulder. Vanessa, a close family friend, had taken her place by your side, as she often did, leaning into you and squeezing your arm in a silent greeting. Taking a moment you finished following the length of a brushstroke, before you tore your stare away and with a breath, that you held for perhaps a beat too long, looked towards your friend.

'Hello' The bland greeting was all your brain could hope to form at that moment. Your mind was shaken awake as the woman by your side responded simply with a suppressed squeak and a wide-eyed grin.

Her expression held within it a great amount of glee and undoubtedly a grand quantity of gossip, only being held back by the tight-pressed line of her lips, a sight that never failed to elicit a smile of your own. Raising your eyebrows slightly, you opened the floodgates and suddenly you found yourself much more knowledgeable about the events that had preceded your arrival. 

To the best of your understanding; One young lady had swooned at the revealing visage in one of the paintings, The queen had not yet made her appearance yet would most certainly do so soon and many of the mamas and papas had retired to the adjacent tea rooms which many had taken as a sign to converse freely. The latter explained the cacophony you registered now free of your stupor, but it certainly surprised you as you surveyed the room to find the group of your peers crowding a piece only a few meters away. 

'Are they discussing that work? Come, surely this will be interesting' You tugged your friend along as you started towards the trio, Vanessa and you discussed each of your hobbies with each other at length but rarely had the chance to discuss such matters with other members of the Ton.

'I don't believe they ar-' Vanessa's warning was cut short as you greeted the small group, not registering her concern in your excitement. 'Hello!'

Looking to the women closest who turned on the spot to see you, you watched with confusion as their smiles twisted into bitter replicas of kindness, each of them giving a nod to you, a small curtsey to the art and turning to walk away.

'Where are yo-' Your words trailed off, your eyes on the receding figures of the other debutantes, as Vanessa spoke up from beside you;

'Good afternoon Mr. Bridgerton, Mr. Bridgerton' From your peripherals you watched her curtsey, you followed suit before you had thought to comprehend why.

'Good afternoo- OH' Your realization wasn't loud, but it wasn't silent either, so truly you shouldn't have been as startled as you were when a pair of matching chuckles were heard from the men in front of you.

'We did not mean to interrupt, we were under the impre-' Vanessa was silenced as Colin Bridgerton shook his head slightly, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth before he spoke up in a lilting tone; 

'No need to apologize. Who would we be to be upset with such beautiful company? We are truly a lucky pair of gentlemen.' 

A minuscule bow of your head and a flash of a smile that you refused to let within a mile of your eyes, crossed your expression before you were blinking your eyes into focus. Looking to the older Bridgerton with a gaping expression Vanessa had, long ago, coined as prized koi, you found your voice a moment too late.

'Amidst my travels-'

'Mr Bridgerton, You are an artist are you not? What are your thoughts on the collection thus far?' You had spoken at the same time and inadvertently cut off Colin. Your mind catching up with your mistake had you countering your question with a rushed apology to the man at your left; 'I am so sorry Mr. Bridgerton, please go on,' Looking up at him you matched the warm smile he sent you as best you could despite the heat in your cheeks.

'It is no problem at all, I was simply saying-'

This time it was Benedict who interrupted his brother with a waving hand of dismissal and a much too-happy-with-himself smirk, at which the younger simply scoffed.

'I am indeed, I was studying for a while but have found the natural approach to growing my abilities to be more fulfilling. I have found some of the pieces featuring the Welsh townships inexplicitly compelling, the detail and depth given to the cobblestones is startling.'  

'That sounds...' You began before pausing somewhat taken aback by the fullness of his answer.

'Compelling' you finished before shifting to the balls of your feet, peering back over the crowd to search the walls for the works Benedict spoke of. 

'And what of this one?' A new voice spoke from behind you, Viscount Edward Lowe had approached and looked to the piece that hung behind the Bridgerton men.

You felt Vanessa's arm slip from your own, as she met your eyes, tilting her head to the side, you nodded in return, assuring her you would be fine should she take her leave. 

'Mr Lowe' Benedict greeted, 'Grown a sudden interest in the arts have you?'

'Not so much as I have found in my betrothed.' Smiling to yourself at the glance the couple shared, you watched as Vanessa took his offered arm and stepped away from the three of you.

'They make a charming couple do they not?' You mused to seemingly no one, not waiting for the opinions of the brothers before shifting yourself to study to the work framed on the wall. 'I find the colouring of this one to be concerningly bland, as if the artist had naught but three hues on his palette and was unaware he could mix them.' Your words pulled a laugh from Benedict while Colin remained silent, 'I apologise if that was too cruel,' Looking towards the latter you found him shaking his head slightly as if to dismiss your apology, and still your eyes remained on his silent figure for a few moments longer even as his brother began to speak.

Benedict was fast to fill the silence, eyes trained on the artwork as he shifted to fill the space to your right,

'I agree, it makes the work come off hollow, as if he, himself felt disconnected from the scene he stood amongst, which if that is the case I would ask him why he desired to commit it to canvas.'

'Perhaps his intention was indeed to spur discourse over that distant feeling?' You mused, attempting to refrain from overly critical comments going forth. 'What do you think Mr Bridgerton?' As you addressed the younger of the two, you watched him glance towards the art, eyes roaming the surface with some obscure purpose.

'The- um, the reds are a strange choice for such trees that don't shed with the seasons' He was softspoken yet the charm of his tone was absent, a vulnerable air to his persona that was rare to see amidst Society. 

Nodding to yourself as you let your own eyes fall back upon the art, you attempted to consider the implications of such a choice. Benedict, on the other hand, seemed not similarly inclined as he started his assertion, 'The warm shades are a strange choice but I doubt it was a pensive decision. He seems unable to make use of any cooler tones. The brush strokes in that area, however, are not dissimilar to that of a toddler with their fingers dipped in mud. Pure chaos. So perhaps he aims to discuss the unpredictability of the natural world.' 

Colin's face was more unsure than ever, clearly out of his comfort zone and flanked by two enthusiasts was surely not the easiest position to be in.

'Perhaps the red of the trees work to add to that chaos Mr. Bridgerton, the artist certainly could have made them brown. Most trees do reach that colour as they die.' You had averted your eyes to the older of the pair, hoping to give the younger a moment to collect his confidence which, to all appearances, he managed, as within moments he spoke again.

'I-I also find the textures... quite... realistic' His voice was still low and somewhat unsure of himself, this was of course not helped by the immediate response, once again, of his brother nor the brow quirked in amusement that accompanied it.

'You find the flat orange expanse of grass, with no discernible brush strokes, accurate?' 

'Mr Bridgerton, if that is how your brother experiences the work is that not a testament to the nature of art itself as a concept that is entirely subjective' Your rebuttal, if it even counted as that, was weak and somewhat irrelevant, even so when Colin spoke next his voice was notedly more settled.

'It follows memories of mine of hills of grass in the wind, moving as the ocean does not as singular blades but as a fabric of silken thread.'

To say his words caught you off guard would be inadequate to describe the buzz and ache that filled your mind and chest at his observation. Everything aside from the artwork and his presence by your side fell from thought. Benedict's lips were moving, that much you were sure of, although that wasn't much of an accomplishment as even the man in the painting could surely hear his opinions.

Colin's words were still floating through your mind, drifting in and out, painting the picture within your head, the image, as clear as it was beautiful. He had set out the details so masterfully you doubted more than a select few painters could compete at rendering such a scene.

Looking up at the man by your side you watched as he rolled his eyes, exasperated as a bright blush crawled over the peaks of his cheekbones. You were startled when his observation fell on you once more, this time partnered with a touch of confusion as he glanced to his brother and back. 

'Are you quite alright?' You watched his lips form the words and still they took comparable years to reach your ears, not to mention the decade it took for you to splutter out a response.

'Oh, I'm quite alright, thank you Mr Bridgerton.' Shifting on your feet you glance to the art before settling your attention on the elder brother, hoping to remain grounded in conversation, 'Art has a way of consuming my attention, although usually, I can maintain focus on the discussion and not drift into thought'

A bright smile broke over Benedict's face in jest as he clasped a hand on the other man's shoulder, 'It seems we are boring her dear brother,' 

'Oh, I assure you that is not the case. You have both given me so much to consider I simply couldn't stop my mind from wandering.' Looking up to Colin you hoped he knew you spoke of his words, and as his eyes met yours you watched his signature smile bloom on his face.

Nonetheless, breathless, you spoke up again, 'I apologise for my rudeness.' His expression melted every ounce of tension in the air and like a windswept hill allowed you to breathe easy.

Keeping his gaze on yours he leaned closer, barely an inch, un-noticeable from afar but up close it was enough to have your breath catching in your chest as his lips parted in a whisper; 'Best to save that for the art hm?' His smile, was now a full-blown smirk as he straightened himself. You could swear his movement had stolen the heat from your skin as he retreated those measly few centimetres to stand back by your side, this time, however, he extended an arm for you to take.

'Shall we move on to the next one? I am eager to hear how you shall tear it apart-' the last second of his speech was cut short by the blaring trumpet that announced Her Majesty's arrival, 'We shall have to save that for later...' Your words, although a whisper, were stronger than you thought you could manage given the nerves plaguing your chest, and surprisingly, your composure was strong enough to allow yourself to retreat to the other side of the room. Stopping short of the wall you stopped, finding yourself alongside your friend and her husband-to-be, stationed by the refreshments... exactly what you needed.

The queen had not spoken for long, but the air in the room had grown hot, so aching for a breeze you stepped outside the moment her speech concluded. Walking clear of the tiled path that hugged the exterior of the gallery you landed amongst the grass of the gardens, traversing the plains your eyes hovered around the horizon, cloaked in statues, hedges, and shrubbery it trapped your attention. You charted the curves of green, trailing your hand against the leaves as you strolled, turn after turn until hedges eight feet high were all you could see.

The maze was not a difficult one to escape, you had surely only rounded a few corners, but the peace was difficult to pull yourself away from. It was simply you, the wind, the trees, and a single set of footfalls.

'Mr. Bridgerton' Startled yet relieved, you stepped to the middle of the path, away from the branches and towards the approaching figure as he rounded the turn. 'What are you doing out here?'

'Am I not to be?' His question was teasing and the smirk across his lips broke the charade of his concerned tone as he continued, 'In that case, you shouldn't be out here either...'

'I-I only meant-' your words were forced out through breaths that grew ever more shallow as he drew closer.

'Why am I here? That's what you meant isn't it?' Now, standing mere inches from you, his voice was quiet, barely audible above the rustle of the leaves and the whistle of the wind. 

'Yes, that's what I meant. Why are you out her-' Feeling small under his gaze you set your stare on somewhere through his chest, a far-off distance blocked by his being just as your question was halted by his voice,

'Guess.' 

'The wind is moving today, the grass, the trees, they do as you said. You came out to feel it for yourself?' The guess was the best you could produce that wasn't corrupted by the heaving of his chest and the depth of his voice. His lips parted though you beat him to it as you questioned him further, 'Why are you breathing so heavily?'

Reaching forward at a snail's pace you sought out his eyes only to find them affixed to your hand as it drifted nearer, 'Mr-'

'"Colin", please' his correction was soft as he inched forth, his chest leaning into the touch as he sighed at the contact.

'Colin, why?'

Encasing your hand within his own as he held it to his breast, he parted his lips once more, 'Listen to the trees, the branches, the leaves. They breathe as we do, as one. Like waves crashing upon the shore,' With a deep breath in his chest pressed into your fingers, 'before returning to the depths,' With a shaky sigh you found yourself emptying your lungs alongside the man in front of you.

Holding his eyes with your own you slipped your hand free, the flash of pain across his eyes faded instantly as you turned his wrist, pressing his palm to your skin.

'Waves crashing down on the sand' your voice is low yet resolute as you breathe in, Colin following suit, 'Before finding its way to the depths...' Raising yourself to your toes you press your lips to his. Releasing your breath, no sooner have your heels returned to the grass than his hand has found your waist and pulled you back to him.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in March 2024 🌈

🌈 Good afternoon, my bookish bats! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

❤️ Shift: A Memoir of Identity and Other Illusions - Penny Guisinger 🧡 Tempting Olivia - Clare Ashton 💛 Monilinia - Free Mints 💚 Guillaume - Aurora Dimitre 💙 The Marble Queen - Anna Kopp & Gabrielle Kari 💜 The Baker & the Bard - Fern Haught ❤️ Rainbow! - Sunny & Gloom 🧡 The Safe Zone - Amy Marsden 💛 The Weavers of Alamaxa - Hadeer Elsbai 💙 The No-Girlfriend Rule - Christen Randall 💜 A Different Kind of Brave by Lee Wind 🌈 Cirque du Slay - Rob Osler ❤️ Wizard’s Debt - Niranjan 🧡 One Last Breath - Ginny Myers Sain 💛 Nothing Special - Katie Cook 💚 I Feel Awful, Thanks - Lara Pickle 💙 The Tower - Flora Carr 💜 Be the Sea - Clara Ward ❤️ What Grows in the Dark - Jaq Evans 🧡 Heirs of Bone and Sea - Kay Adams 💛 The Haunting of Velkwood - Gwendolyn Kiste 💙 Thunder Song - Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe 💜 Mona of the Manor - Armistead Maupin 🌈 Like Happiness - Ursula Villarreal-Moura

❤️ Ellipses - Vanessa Lawrence 🧡 Saint, Sorrow, Sinner - Freydís Moon 💛 Blood & Brujas - Mikayla D. Hornedo 💚 Infinity Kings - Adam Silvera 💙 Really Cute People - Markus Harwood-Jones 💜 How You Were Born - Kate Cayley ❤️ These Bodies Between Us - Sarah Van Name 🧡 Icarus - K. Ancrum 💛 The Emperor and the Endless Palace - Justinian Huang 💙 How Not to Date an Angel - Lana Kole 💜 Enemy Colours - R.M. Olson 🌈 Broken Parts Included - Alyson Root

❤️ Who's Afraid of Gender? - Judith Butler 🧡 The Duke’s Cowboy - Andrew Grey 💛 The Secret Something - Emily Wright 💚 Colstead & Andie - Olivia Janae 💙 Play It Again, Ma’am - Sienna Waters 💜 Love Is…? - K.J. Wrights ❤️ Welcome to Forever - Nathan Tavares 🧡 Just Another Epic Love Poem - Parisa Akhbari 💛 The Phoenix Bride - Natasha Siegel 💙 These Letters End in Tears - Musih Tedji Xaviere 💜 Truly Home - J.J. Hale 🌈 Monster Mixer - Robin Jo Margaret

❤️ The House of Hidden Meanings - RuPaul 🧡 Promised to the Queen - Barbara Winkes 💛 A Conclave of Crimson - Nicole Eigener & Beverley Lee 💚 A Hunt of Blood and Iron - Cara Nox 💙 The Fealty of Monsters - Ladz 💜 Ariel Crashes a Train - Olivia A. Cole ❤️ Those Beyond the Wall - Micaiah Johnson 🧡 Dancing Toward Stardust - Julia Underwood 💛 Heir to Dreams & Darkness - Ben Alderson 💙 Comet Cruise - Niska Morrow 💜 Dead Girls Walking - Sami Ellis 🌈 Blackout - Carlos E. Rivera

❤️ Monster Crush - Erin Ellie Franey 🧡 Blessed Water - Margot Douaihy 💛 These Fragile Graces, This Fugitive Heart - Izzy Wasserstein 💚 Kiss of Seduction - Rawnie Sabor 💙 Sunbringer - Hannah Kaner 💜 Evacuation to Love - C.A. Popovich ❤️ Sin - Brooke Matthews 🧡 Falls from Grace - Ruby Landers 💛 Lean in to Love - Catherine Lane 💙 A Small Apocalypse - Laura Chow Reeve 💜 Cascade Failure - L.M. Sagas 🌈 The Mars House - Natasha Pulley

❤️ All This Time - Sage Donnell 🧡 The Romance Lovers Book Club - MA Binfield 💛 View from the Top - Morgan Adams 💚 Number Call - Nagisa Furuya 💙 Crossing Bridges - Chelsey Lynford 💜 The Boyfriend Subscription - Steven Salvatore ❤️ Love the World or Get Killed Trying - Alvina Chamberland 🧡 Synthetic Sea - Franklyn S. Newton 💛 The Prince & His Stolen Groom - J.E. Ridge 💙 Chrysalis and Requiem - Quinton Li 💜 Where Sleeping Girls Lie - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé 🌈 A Botanical Daughter - Noah Medlock

❤️ Wednesday Nights - by Donna Jay 🧡 The Woods All Black - Lee Mandelo 💛 Song of the Huntress - Lucy Holland 💚 Rainbow Black - Maggie Thrash 💙 Spirits & Sunflowers - A.D. Armistead & Austin Daniel 💜 Floating Hotel - Grace Curtis ❤️ Far From Camelot - Rylee Hale 🧡 This Way to Change - Jezz Chung 💛 Mexican Bird - Luis Lopez-Maldonado 💙 Android Affection: Unveiling - Beau Van Dalen 💜 Welcome to the Damned - Astraea Long 🌈 She Came for Blood - Darva Green

❤️ Cover Story - Rachel Lacey 🧡 The Poisons We Drink - Bethany Baptiste 💛 The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist - Sophie Gonzales 💚 In Walked Trouble - Dana Hawkins 💙 Never Leave, Never Lie - Thea Verdone 💜 Guardian: Zhen Hun - Priest ❤️ All the World Beside - Garrard Conley 🧡 Rainbows, Unicorns, and Triangles - Jessica Kingsley Publishers 💛 The Feast Makers - H.A. Clarke 💙 Synthetic Sea - Franklyn S. Newton 💜 All the Painted Stars - Emma Denny 🌈 A Hard Sell - Jennifer Moffatt

[starysky1289]

Toxic!Sorority!Vanessa X Reader. Dior.

A/N: sorry if this isn’t fantastic, been having a lil trouble writing, fics may be coming fewer and farther between, only because I wanna post stuff that’s good and worth reading. But I do hope yall enjoy this.

TW: Toxic relationship, Manipulation, Gaslighting

“ You did what? “

“ I got myself a job at the mall!! I’ll be working at Dior!! I’ll be able to pay off my student loans easier now. “

Vanessa’s icy eyes stared at you. This job was a bit of a last resort, your loans where piling up and you felt that if you didn’t start paying now, you never would. You knew Vanessa was upset, but why would she be? She didn’t have to spend any more money on you, she wouldn’t need to baby you.

“ and you did this. Without telling me. You just decided to go and get a job?? Why don’t you talk to me! “

“ cause I wanted to surprise you Vanessa!! And now, I’ll be more independent, you won’t need to spend money on me anymore. Plus, right now I’m only working Thursdays,Fridays, and Saturdays, so we’ll still have plenty of time to hang out. “

Vanessa’s gaze shortened, as she grabbed your wrist, pulling you closer to her. You where lucky you where on the campus, who knows what she’d do to you if you where at the house.

“ I don’t want you independent. You should be spending your time with me. God knows why I let you live in the dorm. I can’t with you right now y/n. “

Vanessa let go of your wrist and stormed off. You sighed, turning back to your dorm building. She was just protective of you, she didn’t want people near you. You’d be fine, she’ll get used to it soon.

*~*

You wore a simple beige shirt and black cardigan, as well as some simple jeans. It was your first official day on the floor, and you were simply assigned with fixing displays and putting the new bags out on the floor.

You were going through the boxes, pulling out the beautiful leather bags, gently placing them them onto the displays. You heard the click of heel’s against the marble floor, figuring it was just your manager checking on you.

“ well, if it isn’t my princess. Look at you, working. “

You turned around, your heart almost skipping a beat. Vanessa stood before you, wearing a pink checkered coat and black crop top, along with a white skirt. A bit more revealing than what she’d normally wear in public, but she probably had a party after this.

“ Vanessa! It’s great see you! Yes I love this job, it’s so simple and the people are great. I’m really happy I did this “

“ I don’t like how you’re not home. With me. But I suppose I’ll just, get over it. Never-mind that….don’t you just look gorgeous~ “

Vanessa stepped closer, and cupped a hand against your clothed heat. You gasped, trying to push her away.

“ n-no Vanessa. Not h-here! I’m working….”

“ im just making sure she’s alright dear…I haven’t played with you in a while, huh dear? “

“ n-Nessa….”

Vanessa snickered, pulling back and glancing around the store. You turned back to the bags, red hot in the face.

“ I think I’ll just look around, make sure no one messes with you dear. “

“ there’s security, I’ll be fine Vanessa… “

Vanessa only clicked her tounge, before walking off. You sighed, turning back to your work. You knew she’d keep bothering you at work, even if it messed you up her own schedule. You saw your manager walking over and tried to busy yourself again

“ hey, y/n. Everything ok? Saw something happen with that girl. “

“ alls ok, that was my girlfriend. She just came to check up on me, I’m getting back to work right now. “

“ alright,well, just make sure she dosnt keep interrupting you. “

“ yes maam…”

You sighed, looking at the hand bags you’d never be able ti afford by yourself. You didn’t wanna admit it to yourself, but you wanted this job, needed it. You just wanted to be yourself around people, and not the quiet, shy, obedient girl you were for Vanessa. But that’s just how you were, always willing to listen, desperate to please.

*~*

Vanessa would always come and visit almost every day you worked. Be it just passing by or coming in. And everyday something was off. One day some of the wallets where tossed around the display table, another the bags where out of there color coded order, which put your manager is tizzy.

One day, Vanessa came in with half the soroity. Why wouldn’t they, it was the yearly sale, and they all needed a new bag.

“ y/n, baby, why don’t you help me hold all this. And why don’t you choose something you want, for working so hard “

“ V-Vanessa I have to- “

“ Y/N. I told you to be restocking the shoes, there practically flying off the shelf’s. If you can’t- oh! Ms Shelly! I’m so sorry to interrupt your shopping. “

You looked between Vanessa and your manager bewildered.

“ it’s no issue, y/n was just going to help me and the girls shop, I hope you don’t mind “

“ not at all maam! Y/n. Ms Shelly is one of our top buyers, you’ll be best behaved for her and help her and her party with whatever they need. “

You knew better than to argue, and simply nodded, following Vanessa around the store, standing silently besides her as she and the girls shoped throughout the store.

“ your such a good little helper y/n. Here, I’ll get you this, it’s cute, isn’t it “

Vanessa tossed you a little pink wallet, 560 dollar, although on sale it would only be about 450, not like it changed much. A roar of laughter distracted you, you located it coming from the group of girls by dresses.

“ n-ness will you quiet them d-down…there disturbing the peace-“

“ don’t make me get your manager, sweetheart. You’ve been so obedient now, let the girls have fun “

Vanessa kissed you gently, and snickered, pulling you away to the next section. Something about this job made you feel even more worthless than you were before. People where rude to you, and you where taught that putting yourself first in this job was rude and horrible. You’d rather be home with Vanessa, listening to her talk about the latest gossip, and having someone to ramble about your writings, even if she didn’t listen.

You helped carry the bags and shoes to the register, leaving Vanessa to her own for now.

“ baby, real quick. “

You turned around, Vanessa slipped you the wallet and smirked.

“ all payed for, you keep it. I love you baby..thank you for helping me~ “

“ oh, t-thank you nessy. I love you too, I’ll see you tonight. “

You kissed her gently, and turned back to your work, feeling warmer and bubblier than usual.

*~*

“ Y/N!! My office, now! “

You quickly turned from your work, you’d never hear your manager this angry. You made you way over your her, and followed her into the office. You sat in the chair across from her, trying not to seem scared.

“ your fired. “

“ W-what?? No, n-No why?? “

“ why? You’ve stolen from us, and you carry it around with you like it’s nothing! “

You quickly understood what she ment. You pulled out the wallet, staring between it and your manager.

“ no, Vanessa bought this for me! She gave it to me- “

“ now your blaming our top customer? You were the one working that sector! Give me the wallet. And get out! “

Tears swelled around your eyes, you saw it, Vanessa brought it up to the register, than gave it to you. She wouldn’t steal, she’d never.

You pulled your cards and money out of the wallet and handed it to her, before walking out of the office, and out of the store. You were already sobbing before you even got out of the mall, there wasn’t a bus to take you back to the college yet, so you’d have to call Vanessa.

“ what. “

“ V-Vanessa….i-I need you to come pick me up…t-they fired me. “

You sobbed into the phone, Vanessa went on mute for a moment, before comming back.

“ I’m coming baby. I’m so sorry, what happened? What could you have done? “

“ t-they think I stole the wallet…a-and didn’t belive it when I said you got it for me..”

“ my lord. I’ll be there soon baby, I knew this job would be too much for you. We’ll…snuggle…when we get home, ok baby? “

You sniffled, whipping your face and trying your breath. Vanessa was on your side, she belived you. She’d even comfort you when you’d come back. You needed her. She was the only person who could help you cope with this.

“ ok…thank you Vanessa…I love you..”

“ I love you too sweetheart, I’ll see you soon~ “

[katerinaaqu]

Calypso the Beautiful Goddess

So after I made my sketch of Odysseus the other day as you can imagine I couldn't help but also add Calypso, the beautiful goddess (or the One with the Divine Look) or Fair-Tressed Goddess of Ogygia! So this is how I imagined her to look like or at least tried to! Hehe!

My first description of hers can be found to my story Survivor's Guilt and Survivor's Duty (Part2):

"Odysseus weakly looked up to see a magnificent woman. She was tall and slender with dark sun-kissed skin and dark hair carefully arranged in braids adorned with gold and seashells which cascaded down her back like a cape. Her face was heart-shaped and completely clear and pore-less; looking more like the magnificence of marble rather than flesh. Her large almond-eyes had the color of rich honey and her lips were full and shaped like a shell. Odysseus was stunned by her beauty and much more by her soothing voice."

My description was massively inspired by the amazing Vanessa Williams who enrolled the role of Calypso in The Odyssey (1997)

Since sources place her isle in various places, including Gozo island in Malta or to the coasts of Tynisia I wanted to enroll this information to the character's design. While I was drawing I also drew massive inspiration by the beautiful face of Aaliya from the Queen of the Damned for this pore-less skin as well as the skintone of hers which I found simply perfect for Calypso.

I wasn't sure how to achieve that beautiful look Vanessa had and incorporate the multiple braids that I imagined for Calypso so I gave her an extra bun and in a way it works given that I imagined Calypso having very long and very rich black hair.

Her makeup was inspired by Egyptian contexts especially the Malachite over the eyes and the khol around them. The rest of it was inspired by the Queen of the Damned as well as my random details. I know I am not very good with blending I know! But I did try to see how her makeup would work. For her lips I also wanted this classic coral/red shade.

For her dress I didn't have something specific in mind. I did have some images of mycenaean dresses as well as some classical egyptian shapes from New Kingdom but I ended up with a more simple design, partially also inspired by the color I make her wear in the second part of my story.

I was thinking about giving her accessories like jewelry but I wasn't confident I would do it properly so I just gave her a piercing to her ear or something similar and just imagine she wears her bracelets or rings for this one! Haha! Anyway drawing hairstles is also not entirely my forte but I am quite satisfied with this one. Could be worse! XD Some of the beads I colored to resemble corals or something but yeah! Hehe I was apso inspired for her seashell by the classical seashell Cypraea

Hope you like it!

My other sketch with Diomedes can also be found here. Again sorry guys ain't very good at drawing and my marker-pen has a very bad tip so it was a bit hard to ink the lines but I enjoyed making that one!

[madeline-ronpa-ask]

Welcome to Madeline County!

Welcome welcome! This is a silly blog I thought about making based on a discord server RP that was based on an AU of The Mandella Catalog! If you’d like to know more on the AU, please see this link to a doc made by @/pristina29! (You’ll need it to understand most of this lmao)

We are currently on the 2nd Season of the game, so there’s that bit too. (when that doc drops I’ll link it aswell dw :3)

If you’d like to join the server, just jump on in and join the fun!

(TW: THE SERVER HAS MENTIONS OF CANIBALISM (Mentions of such topics will be avoided as much as possible on the blog))

ASK RULES:

No NSFW. I feel like this is a given but still. This blog is being run by and asks are answered by minors. Dont.

No RP/M!A asks please! The answerers would rather not RP on Tumblr due to already having the server RPs /lh

Please be sure to clearly address the chars you’re asking! Nobody likes their ask being mixed up w/ another char!

Please be patient with responses! It can be a lengthy process as we all have our personal lives/answering styles!

I’ll edit the rules as I see fit

~ Admin Cookie :3

——————————————————————————————————

CURRENT ASK ABLE CAST (Including Represented Deserts and Living Status):

S1:

Hosts:

Cesar Torres ~ Strawberry Cheesecake - Deceased

Mark Heathcliff ~ Blueberry Muffin - Deceased

Adam Murray ~ Apple Pie - Deceased

Jonah Marshal ~ Lemon Tart - Deceased

Participants:

RED Spy (TF2) ~ Cherry Chocolate Bûche De Noël - Alive

SMG4 ~ Vanilla Cake - Alive

Elizabeth Afton (FNAF, Casronpa!AU (Another server lmao)) ~ Strawberry Ice Cream - Deceased

Jay Merrick (Marble Hornets) ~ Keylime Pie - Deceased

Ludwig Beilshmidt (Hetalia) ~ Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte - Alive

Daniel Mattews (Saw) ~ Forest Cake - Deceased

Hansel Strudel (OC) ~ Candied Green Apple - Deceased

Googleplier (Markiplier Ego) ~ Blue Artificial Doughnut- Deceased

Meta Knight (Kirby) ~ Custard - Deceased

Melodie (Brawl Stars) ~ Starburst Candy - Deceased

Alastor (Hazbin Hotel) ~ Strawberry Shortcake - Alive

Peter Spankoffski (Hatchetfeild) ~ Hot Chocolate - Deceased

S2:

RED Scout (TF2) ~ Boston Cream Doughnut - Alive

Mario (Mario and the Music Box) ~ Spaghettiesis Ice Cream - Alive

Marchionne Evangelisti (MATMB) ~ Chocolate Bunny - Alive

KAITO (PJ:SK, Base Vocaloid) ~ Blueberry Ice Cream - Alive

Cielomort (Fragaria Memories) ~ Starry Toffee Cake - Alive

Abbiy (Among Us OC) ~ Pockys - Alive

The Witch (AKA Trixie) (Slay The Princess) ~ Poison Apple - Alive

Alex Evergreen (OC) ~ Chocolate Chip Cookie - Alive

HABIT (EverymanHYBRID) ~ Dark Chocolate Mousse - Alive

Robin (Teen Titans, Fears to Fathom!AU (Another Ronpa lmao)) ~ Blueberry Yogert Parfait - Alive

Feliciano Vargas (Hetalia) ~ Banana Gelato - Alive

Robin (Batman/Superman: World’s Finest) ~ Apple Crumble - Alive

Poppy Skies (OC) ~ Rose Latte - Alive

Izumi Sou (ARSMAGNA) ~ Blueberry Cheesecake - Alive

Celestine (Pokemon S/V Protag OC) ~ Blue Raspberry Snowball - Alive

Kiku (Hetalia) ~ Dango - Alive

King DeDeDe (Kirby) ~ Strawberry Blueberry Shortcake - Alive

The Tailor (Rain World HUMAN!AU) ~ Raspberry Lemonade Ice Cream Float - Alive

Magolor (Kirby) ~ Gâteau Invisible - Alive

Peri (FO:ANW) ~ Ube Cake Roll - Alive

Folly (Regretavator) ~ Black Licorice - Alive

Fridge DJ (It’s Time For The) ~ Tootsie Roll Pop - Alive

Spectators (under cut due to lenghty list):

Scout’s Mother (TF2)

RED Heavy (TF2)

RED Medic (TF2)

BLU Scout (Jeremy) (TF2)

BLU Scout (Jenny) (TF2 OC)

SMG3 (SMG4)

Luigi (MatMB)

Mario (SMG4)

Mario (OG)

Luigi (OG)

Cassidy (FNAF Movie)

Evan (FNAF, Casronpa!AU)

Vanessa (FNAF, Mascot!AU)

El Tigre (Yes, from the Nicktoon)

Alfred F. Jones (Hetalia)

Rin Kagamine (PJ:SK, Base Vocaloid)

Len Kagamine (PJ:SK, Base Vocaloid)

Willmesh (Fragaria Memories)

Lauren (OC)

Kirby (Kirby)

Bandanna Dee (Kirby)

Sailor Dee (Kirby)

Grusha (Pokemon S/V)

Kieran (Pokemon S/V)

Tim (Marble Hornets)

Patrick (MLAndersen0)

Collector (The Owl House)

Akira Kurusu aka Joker (Persona 5)

Raven (Teen Titans)

Starfire (Teen Titans)

Lists will be edited as more chars become available to interact with.

[vilandel]

Silver Cats & Black Roses

Chapter 27 – Ball like a Volcano

A/N I love this title^^ Yes, the infamous ball is finally here and our main boys are so mesmerized by how beautiful their girlfriends are 💙💜 And there is also a cute bonding moment between Nozel and Noelle.

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

It really felt like a volcano.

Everyone in this gigantic ballroom looked like they were having a great time, laughing and enjoying the beginning of the ball, but ignored the tension that was just everywhere in this room.

Between the golden pillars, covered with expensive imitations of royal ivy for the occasion.

In front of the high windows, through which still shined the last light of sunset.

Above the marble floors, rare black marble to accentuate the shades of white and gold in this ballroom.

Under the artistically painted ceiling, covered with clouds full of light, angels playing violins and harps, decorations of green and golden clovers for the frames of each painting, chandeliers made of crystal hanging down from it.

It was really like living just next to a volcano. Everyone was aware of the danger and tension, but ignored it in order for the silly happy life, even though the volcano might explode from any moment from now on.

This had been the feeling Nozel had since he entered the old ballroom of the three royal houses. Of course each royal house had their own ballroom, but for some reason he could never find the reason for, they also had a common for all three. As if Kiras, Vermillions and Silvas had ever been able to ever share something in past history.

But well, exceptions often confirms the rule, even for old and stupid rivalry between royal families.

Nozel had come with all of his siblings, even Noelle had decided to accompany them. Like almost every Magic Knight who came from a noble or a royal house, Finral and Noelle came with their respective family instead of with their squad.

Of course, Nozel had told Noelle that if she preferred to appear alongside the Black Bulls, he would never dare to hold her back. He knew how much she cared for them, just like Vanessa. But his baby sister insisted to come along with them, claiming that she was a Silva too and she cared for them as well. And since Nebra had been responsible for her dress, it would only be fair towards their sister.

Noelle also didn’t want to leave him alone in his whole situation with this ball and his love for Vanessa. Nozel had no words to tell his sister how much this meant to him, so he just hugged her, to her biggest delight.

He had also be put in charge by Nebra to watch that Noelle would get properly dressed. Apparently, Nebra had to spend the whole afternoon making sure that Solid would be properly dressed and asked at least five servants to get a hold of Solid.

Nozel decided that he should better never ask for details.

After all, it allowed him to spent lots of hours with Noelle, something he refused to miss.

Nozel looked at his youngest sister and he felt his heart filled with pride and affection. Nebra and Soie Velours did a marvellous job with Noelles dress.

He was told that the shape was called A-linen and he had no reason to doubt his sisters words. A tight bodice that accentuated Noelles fine waist while leaving her shoulder free and a skirt that flowed rather widely around her, but not too much. Almost like water…

The dress was water-themed, a shining blue looking like the ocean on a bright sunny day. At the bottom of the dress was a bright silver pattern, looking exactly like when waves were crashing. Nebra even managed to find Noelle in their family’s jewellery a suitable diadem, made of silvers and with aquamarines in the shapes of seashells. Nozel had put it himself on her head. According to aunt Océane, that diadem had belonged to their late aunt, Pluie Silva, who had been captain of the Silver Eagles and had died in a battle when Nozel still had been a baby. A true family heirloom.

Noelle had let her hair down, falling like a waterfall on her back and only hold by the seashell diadem. It really suited her. But she still insisted to wear the pink ribbons and so, she wore them on her wrists in sophisticated bows.

He and Noelle had been the first to be ready and had to wait for Nebra and Solid for quite a while. But both of them, especially Solid, had been perfectly dress when they finally came down, so he didn’t scold them this time for their usual lateness.

Nebra had managed to find a marine blue ornate waste for Solid, with embroideries of silver snakes and trousers in the same shade of blue. His brother had apparently refused to wear a jacket as well, but Nebra had put a white silk shirt with long puffy sleeves on him, which made the whole outfit rather elegant and simple.

Nebras dress though had rather surprise him. Instead of her usual choice of Silva colours or teal, her gown was black, with deep blue embroideries on her bodice and at the top of the skirt. For some reason, those patterns reminded a lot of the usual circles so common for trap spells and for some reason, there were also bugs here and there. Not spiders though, which was surprising, since spiders were Nebras favourite animals. He couldn’t recognize the bugs on this dress.

And the diadem she choose to wear was also a strange choice for Nebra. It was made of silver, of course. But the gems were rubies, not a gem that Silvas would use to wear. Nozel wondered if Nebra borrowed it from Océane or if she ordered it from a jewellery for the occasion.

Was Nebra going through some kind of rebellious phase? It was strange, especially since she was the Silva with most diplomatic skills and etiquette knowledge out of the four of them. But at the same time, her temper was fitting for a bit of rebellion.

And if it was against Lac Silva, Nozel would give Nebra all the blessing for it.

So many people were already here and the ball hasn’t even really started yet. But all three royal families were already present. The only royal not present was Damnatio Kira, but he was well-known to never enjoy such parties. He was certainly working on some parliament stuff.

With the presence of the Black Bulls and despite the fact that he declared Asta innocent right after Spade, it was probably better that Damnatio wasn’t present.

All the other Kiras, main members and those from secondary branches, were present. The king was in the gaudiest golden outfit, waiting for compliments, while Finral and Finesse had joined the Black Bulls at the buffet, because of Charmy. He didn’t know the other Kiras well and that was certainly for the best.

From the Vermillions, everyone was now present, even the ones he didn’t that much and even Mereoleona had dare to make an appearance. Nozel was surprised to see her, but he could imagine that Julius had asked to come here in case there’s a drama involving the nobles. He saw Leopold talking with Fragil Tormenta and his aunt laughing with Kirsch and Mimosa. Océane was wearing a gorgeous white dress with golden lilies, while Mimosa looked really good in emerald green and patterns of pale golden plants. As for Kirsch… well, his pale pink and golden ceremony suit was very sparkly. There was no other way to describe it.

His Vermillion relatives all looked very happy and Nozel was actually glad that his cousins didn’t lost their mother.

Fuegoleon was not too far away from them, standing with his own beloved, Lital Lys, wearing a dark red dress with patterns of golden and orange flames at the bottom. Nozel frowned as he saw the ceremonial suit his rival was wearing. A new one, but unusual colours for a Vermillion, especially a fire Vermillion. It was night blue, with some silver embroideries which looked like they represented stars.

Wasn’t it star magic Lital Lys had? And her dress represented flames, which was Fuegoleons magic affinity… Were they wearing each other’s colours in order to show that they belong together?

There would have been a time when Nozel would have find this kind of idea ridiculous. But today…

Nozel sighed while he looked discreetly around again. He saw so many faces, some he knew, some he didn’t know. Some he liked, some he could barely take the mere sight. Speaking of, he didn’t see Lac Silva yet, but this was a relief for now.

No, the only person Nozel wanted to see tonight wasn’t here yet. Vanessa hadn’t come with the Black Bulls, which had surprised him and honestly, he was rather worried. Was she fine? Did she felt ill and couldn’t come? Did Vanessa had problem with nobles or worse, had Lac Silva something to do with her absence?

Nozel felt like he was agonizing without Vanessa. Just a mere sight of her and he would be able to calm down. He hadn’t seen her since early this morning, it had been very difficult to let go of each other. He missed her so much, he wanted her here, with him.

He wanted to see her, to hold her, to dance with her. Not only tonight, but for the rest of his life. What would he do if he would lose Vanessa just like he lost his mother? What if… what if…

A hand was placed on his arm before he could definitely start to panic…

Noelle looked up to him, a reassuring smile on her lips.

“Don’t worry, Vanessa will come soon. Apparently, auntie Dea, uhm, I mean, lady Orchidea invited her to get ready for the ball, so she will appear with her, captain Charlotte and another Roselei I sadly forgot the name already.”

“It sounds like the introduction to a noble lady to society.”

“Yes, it does. I don’t why auntie Dea, argh, sorry, lady Orchidea invited Vanessa over, but we can trust her, so don’t worry, brother.“

“It’s just… I miss her,” Nozel admitted in a whisper. Thankfully, only Noelle heard him, Nebra was too focused to scold Solid about the inelegance of blowing his nose loudly in the middle of a ball.

“I understand, big brother. But I’m sure you won’t have to wait for too long. I haven’t seen her dress yet, but I’m sure she’s going to look amazing. And… you’re quite dashing as well, Nozel.”

Nozel looked down at his new ceremonial suit he had ordered just for the occasion. Made of burgundy satin with a few silver Silva emblems embroidered especially at the borders, it was rather simple. But it matched perfectly with the one shoulder cape Vanessa made months ago.

A few months already… It felt so far away, but Nozel knew that actually it hadn’t been too long ago. But it had been before Vanessa and himself got together.

It was also a very special day Nozel would never be able to forget. That day, he had realized that he was hopelessly in love with her.

And today, he finally got the occasion to wear that wonderful gift she made him. Nozel had specifically ordered that the embroideries of his new ceremony suit had to be few and as simple as possible. That way, Vanessas cape would be in a way standing out.

“Has Vanessa done this?” Noelle asked in a whisper while softly stroke his cape with respect.

“Yes, she did. That had been a while before we started to be a couple.”

“I can’t believe that the two of you have been spending time together even before becoming a couple and I haven’t realized one thing ever. How blind was I?”

“You’re not blind, Noelle. It’s just a surprising occurrence, it had been for Vanessa and me as well. Back then, she made this cape for me as token of gratitude for the sewing box I gifted her.”

“That was a really thoughtful gift. Speaking of… Nozel, have you been the mysterious person to give me presents all those years?”

Nozel felt himself flinch. It reminded him of those years of being a distant, cold older brother, of his mistakes with how to take care of Noelle. And still, it didn’t stop him to secretly send her gifts for each of her birthdays…

It had been of secret, because already back then he felt ashamed of himself and was convinced he didn’t deserve to make her happy with presents. How wrong he had been…

“Did… did you know?”

“No, I never knew. And the Black Bulls were always curious about who would give me those mystery gifts. I only started to have suspicions after I found out about you and Vanessa. That sewing box was a thoughtful gift and yours were very thoughtful as well. And… I’m glad that you always gave those to me. We both never had real birthdays after mother’s death, as far as I can remember.”

No, neither of them didn’t. The only time there had been some kind of party for Noelles birthday, nobles started immediately to talk about her reputation and Nozel was still so imprisoned in his cold soul that the only solution he saw to stop this was to never celebrate that birthday again. As for him, he was feeling so guilty after losing his mother that he started to believe he didn’t deserved to have his birthday celebrated and over the years, only a few people remembered. Like Noelle…

Wait a minute!

“Noelle, were you the one to anonymously putting birthday presents in my room all those years? Even after you joined the Black Bulls?”

“Yes, how did you find out?”

“It was just a guess…”

Noelle just looked at him with big, surprised eyes, before she gave him a soft smile. So, Nozel smiled back. This was actually something just between the two of them and it was actually a really nice feeling.

After a few moments, Noelle said again, “It’s a really great cape Vanessa made you. And it was bold of her to choose burgundy, but Vanessa was always rather bold. I actually find it quite romantic that you’re wearing her colour.”

Somehow, his sister looked sad saying those words, which made Nozel frown with concern. “Noelle, is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything is perfectly fine with me, don’t worry for me, big brother. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Noelle.”

“Ugh, okay. Honestly, I love this dress, it’s practically the first gift Nebra EVER gave me and it looks amazing, not to mention the seashell diadem from our late Silva aunt, it’s so fitting. And I’m happy I wear your ribbons in a different way, on my wrists. It’s just… I would have loved to wear at least one item that could remind of Asta. But at the same time, unlike you and Vanessa, we’re not together and Asta isn’t even aware that I’m head over heels for him, despite his ability to read Ki. So, maybe I shouldn’t wear something that reminds me of Asta, at least not yet… if he ever falls in love with me, since there’s also Mimosa and Rebecca.”

“Don’t say something like that,” Nozel replied softly, while looking over at Asta, who was somehow trying to get between Magna and Luck who apparently seemed to try to attack each other with golden spoons. At least, Luck was, Magna looked more like he was trying to defend himself.

He was glad that Noelle, while still being a bit jealous of Mimosa and whoever Rebecca was, loved Asta truly enough that she would be happy for him he would fall for someone else than her, even though it might break her heart.

But for his baby sister’s sake, Nozel hoped that one day Asta would fall for Noelle. It was a bit difficult for him to imagine that young peasant but promising knight as a potential future member of his family, but surprisingly, he wasn’t against it at all. Well, Noelles happiness was important to Nozel and thanks to Vanessa, he actually started to be more open.

“I think that if you want, you can still wear an item that reminds you of Asta,” he continued while taking a small black velvet piece out of his pocket and handling it to Noelle. Surprised, she opened it and gasped when she discovered what was inside.

It was a small necklace, with a little silver ribbon instead of a chain and with jade stone as a pedant, shaped into a star.

“It belonged to mother. I find it again when I went through the stuff I got from her after her death. I think you should have it. After all, you too shall have things that belonged to our mother. And Astas eyes have the same colour as jade.”

“Thank you so much, Nozel…”

Noelle had now teary eyes while she smiled at him as if he had given her the whole world. Nozel smiled back as he took the necklace himself to put it on her himself. It fitted perfectly around Noelles neckline.

Suddenly, Noelle looked back to the black marble stairs that led to the entrance of the ballroom. A big smile spread upon her lips. “Nozel, look. Vanessa is finally here.”

Of course, Nozel turned immediately towards the stairs, but he couldn’t immediately see his beloved at first. He saw one of Charlottes cousins, Josephine or Joselin, almost running down the stairs, wearing a dress in autumn shades. Then there was lady Orchidea with a wide gown that looked like storm clouds. Charlotte was right next to her mother in a spectacular black dress, which was already commented by Nebra and her fashion sense radar.

And then, right behind Charlotte, he finally saw her…

Vanessa was beyond beautiful in her bright purple dress, flowing gracefully around her perfect body. White and pale pink roses were scattered around her dress, as well as some embroidery of silver, looking exactly like vines covered in frost. In fact, the whole dress seemed like to have a very subtle silver shine, it accentuate Vanessas beauty and grace perfectly.

Her hair was falling freely on her back, it was only held back by a diadem. His mother’s water lily diadem, her favourite. Vanessa was wearing it!

And it looked so mesmerizing on her rosewood curls. Almost as if it was made for her especially. She certainly was very aware of the emotional symbolism of the diadem, as she caressed the gems respectfully for a second.

Vanessa looked over the ballroom, before her gaze met his. And she started to smile, the brightest smile he ever saw.

And in this moment, nothing else existed in the whole world.

Nothing else those rosewood curls falling like a waterfall on her porcelain shoulders, those eyes shining like amethysts, this gorgeous smile…

The most beautiful woman in the entire world, both outside and inside. The woman he felt hopelessly in love with, the best thing that ever happened in his entire life, especially after his mother died.

Nozel smiled back.

He felt like they could do this forever. Looking at each other with love, smiling as if only the other existed in the whole world. But it would be even better if he could hold her hand, hug her tightly in his arms, dance with her… Honestly, anything would be fine for him. As long as it was Vanessa he could do all of these things with.

As long as she would be the one he would spend the rest of his life with and no one else…

Nozel barely noticed how other guests arrived, how some ladies looked at him with some sickening superficial longing. Only Vanessa mattered for him right now, as she started to descend the stairs gracefully, as she always was.

Was it just him or did she walked very slowly for some reason? Why does everything and everyone felt so blurry except her? Did it matter? No… What mattered was Vanessas mere present and that his love for her got even deeper than it already was. Apparently, this was possible.

“You’re glancing at Vanessa as if she is a goddess of beauty and love or a queen from a fairy tale book that stepped out of the pages,” Noelle whispered, bringing him just barely back to reality.

“She is the queen of my heart,” Nozel whispered back, not caring at all how corny it sounded very corny and that it was his beloved baby sister who heard him talk like a lovesick poet. For a second, he was relieved that Noelle loved poetry just as much as him.

“What are you two whispering over here.”

Both flinched at Nebras voice and Nozel was so in pain to turn his eyes away from Vanessa to look at his other sister. He tried to stare at her as blankly as he could. But maybe his glare was too harsh, as he felt Noelle pull slightly at his sleeve and Nebra arching a brow at him, clearly surprised.

Thankfully, Noelle was able to diffuse the growing tension immediately.

“Vanessa finally came and we were just commenting about how good my squadmate looks in her dress from Soie Velours.”

Okay, Noelle sounded very, very nervous. But thankfully Nebra didn’t seemed to notice, turning towards Vanessa, who now stood at the bottom of the stairs. Nebra let out a whistle.

“Damn, she really looks good. I already knew that out of you Black Bulls, she is probably the one with the most decent taste for fashion. Honestly, this is such an excellent choice of fabric and colours and patterns… It really does suit her, especially how it flows around her.”

Solid turned towards the stairs as well with an uninterested glance. One second looking at how beautiful Vanessa was and he lost all interested already.

“Yeah, I guess she looks pretty good for a witch.”

“Solid.”

“What? What did I said wrong.”

Nozel, Noelle and Nebra just stared at him with the typical stern, cold Silva glare. Solid still looked confused, but thankfully was now quiet.

Sighing deeply, Nozel glanced back at Vanessa, locking his eyes with hers. He saw in those amethyst orbs the same longing he was currently feeling. They needed to be cautious. One wrong move and their mistake could be used against them, especially by Lac Silva.  Océane had warned, while also giving multiple little plans and strategies to follow tonight. Playing the game of nobility, but with their own rules.

But he wanted to hold her so much right now! To seek comfort, but more importantly, to reassure her. Vanessa was the newbie in this complicated dark golden world of nobility and royalty, not him. Of course, he was not good at playing this games of minds and traps and gossip, this was more the brand of his Vermillion aunt.

But if he wanted to fight against his father and more importantly, to fight to be with Vanessa, Nozel needed to know how this game was working. By knowing it, he could play with his own rules and if he did it right, he could win. No, he will win.

It really felt like being near a dormant volcano.

Vanessa gave him an encouraging smile, while not hiding her longing for him in her eyes. This alone made Nozel feel like he got wings. Majestic wings like an eagle, able to fly against the wind of expectations.

And now he was getting poetic again.

Noelle gave him a small squeeze with her hand. He responded to it. Nozel knew that he wasn’t the only who needed to be on guard during this ball full of traps.

Suddenly, a crystal clear sound was to hear, as if someone was poking a glass of champagne with a spoon.

Nozel turned around… And saw his father in the middle of the ballroom.

He wasn’t standing on a pedestal or a chair, he didn’t looked like it was his intention to have every person present in this ballroom focus on him. But Nozel knew better. Lacs nonchalance was one of his weapons, he built a lot of his immaculate reputation thanks to this.

Lac Silva had his white hair styled in a complicated hairdo, that might be become a new fashion for noble men within the next week. His moustache was perfectly oiled and curled, he was wearing a fine silvery white suit with a middle long black cape and golden buttons, he even put the elegance so far to wear gloves of finest silk and a monocle on his right eye.

His smile was so bright that only those who knew better would see that it wasn’t genuine.

“My dearest friends, despite not being worthy of having such an honour, our beloved king, Augustus Kira Clover the XIII gave me the joy of opening this ball. To celebrate the victory against the devils in Spade and in honour of our hard-working Magic Knights,” – there was an emphasis of hard-working, because Lac know how most nobles considered work – “this ball had been organized by nobility as token of our gratitude for the assurance of our future. I wish that everyone here tonight will find the perfect match to celebrate this victory and the future of our kingdom as it should be. I am eternally grateful to all of those present today who knows how to protect and to secure this precious gift. And hereby, I officially declare the beginning of the Three Leaves Glory ball !”

A wave of applause followed those subtle manipulating words, but neither Nozel nor his siblings gave in. There would be a cold day in hell before they would cheer for their father and one of his speeches.

Nozel could feel Lacs glare on him, but he didn’t give that man the honour of looking at him. Instead, he glanced again at Vanessa, who hasn’t stop to look at him with love and longing. But now, with the official start of the ball, there was also determination in her amethyst orbs and he felt exactly the same.

Their battle for the other and against the expectations of the status quo started now.

♣♣♣

Gosh, he hated to be in a suit. Okay, Blue Rose Mama had compromised of course and managed to find him an ensemble that wasn’t tight on the body and the skin, so that it was actually comfortable to wear, which also meant that he wouldn’t ruin it with his sweat, and which most importantly, it wouldn’t be a torture of acrobatic measures to put down his trousers in case he needed to take a dump.

Still, Yami absolutely hated to be in a suit.

Okay, he was elegant and the suit his future mother-in-law found him wasn’t ridiculous. It was of good taste, Yami had enough knowledge in arts and such to recognize that. He didn’t know if ceremony and fancy party clothes should be considered as art, though. But this was another debate.

Well, usually Yami hated to be in fancy clothes like that because it was always miracle if they were at best more or less kinda decently comfortable. This one was even more than decently comfortable. No, Yami still hated to be in a suit because he hated that he had to look fancy for those stupid nobles and their sticks in their asses. Honestly, he would have preferred to come in his daily clothes or his festival outfit from his home country. Those were comfy on many levels, his brats were used to see him that way and his captain colleagues wouldn’t have minded, even Nozel.

Gosh, their surprised faces when his brats and his fellow captains saw him in a suit, he might would never hear the end of it.

Even more so, his suit was blue. Blue! Not even his colour, one more reason to never hear the end of it. Yami could already hear Nacht and Zora mock him back at the Hideout for the next six months, as well as Jack and Dorothy, when she would be awake, tease him about it during captain meetings.

Okay, it was a very dark blue, which was fine, honestly. But it was still a reason to complain! At least, he would have complained if it weren’t for Blue Rose Mamas actually more than excellent argument.

You’re not doing it for the nobles, my dear future son-in-law. I’m sure that Charlotte would be happy if you’re elegant.

And that was the only reason why he accepted to wear an elegant suit for this stupid ball and probably also why Orchidea had choose the colour blue. Yami might thought that Prickly Queen knew him enough to not have been offended if he would have been wearing his usual clothes. But she certainly would appreciate the effort he took to be elegant for her. Okay, her mother helped him, but still.

It was worth the figurative pain to be in a suit and the weird glances his brats and his fellow captain colleagues would gave him on occasion.

Okay, Kaiser had been surprised as well, but he immediately gave him an encouraging glance. Yami had to give it to the Purple Moustache Grandpa, he was clearly one of the best nobles out there. And one of the most normal people amongst the Magic Knight Captains, honestly, which wasn’t such a bad thing, actually.

Kaiser was in the company of a slight chubby but kind looking woman, certainly his wife. Yami vaguely recognized her from the portrait that had was on Kaisers office desk. From that day he went to see his purple moustache colleague for some love advice concerning Charlotte. Advice that had been really helpful, he had to admit.

Damn, this was a while ago already… Yami sighed. It was also thanks to Kaiser he finally got the final grip on himself and actually started his relationship with Charlotte. In a way, he might owe something to his old Purple Moustache Colleague.

Kaiser had been so free to introduce him to his wife, lady Isabelle Granvorka. Who proved herself to belong to the rare kind nobles, just like her husband, Finesse or Blue Rose Mama. And Charlotte of course.

Isabelle Granvorka had a lot of positive things to say to him and at the end, she even invited him for dinner one day.

Just because apparently her husband had a lot of good things to say about him and that she already appreciated him.

Damn, why did he stumbled upon so many surprising kind nobles after Spade? In a way, it was certainly a good thing, but Yami still hoped that it wouldn’t bite him back in the ass one day.

Well, at least encountering the lady wife of Purple Moustache Grandpa had been a nice encounter, he couldn’t say that for the majority rest of the nobles though. Especially those who weren’t Magic Knights. He could perfectly feel some glares on him and his brats. Glares he was used to, of course. The Black Bulls were never those who cared about what others think of them, especially jerks.

But for some reason, this very night, those glares were actually putting him on edge and he didn’t like that feeling.

It didn’t help that Finral had decided on his own to go with his beloved wife and his brother to the ball, leaving the Black Bulls with no other option that to use their own brooms to go there and even on time, as they promised Blue Rose Mama. Well, except Noelle who went with her siblings and so spent the whole day with them. And Vanessa, who for some reason decided to accompany Orchidea, Prickly Queen and some random Roselei cousin girl to the ball.

Witches were really difficult to understand with their special view on logic, he saw that enough with Miss Sleepy Hat.

So yeah, he was already feeling on edge, it hadn’t been easy to gather his wild brats to make them ready for this fucking ball and ready to fly away. It only worked in the end because Nacht had… done something. Something Yami most certainly never wanted to know, given how his friend had mysteriously grinned.

And to crown this upsetting feeling, he even got a glance at Charlottes bitchy aunt Rosamund, wearing a poison green puffy dress with scarlet roses, who was talking with Reggie. That stupid suitor that thought making Prickly Queen his wife number six would be an excellent idea. He was wearing some purple suit with a lot of golden patterns. There was so much gold on the fabric that the original purple colour was kinda underwhelmed.

What were those two jerks talking about? Trapping Charlotte into engagement? Oh hell no, not on his watch!

If there was one person in the world allowed to woo his Prickly Queen, it would be him and no one else! Reggie and auntie Rosabitch are going to bite their tooth out on him! Of course, after Charlotte would beat them while Yami would probably enjoying the show with a good booze.

Now that sounded like plan. Even though Yami had no clear idea how this would look like, but well, that was future Yamis problem.

Actually, speaking of Prickly Queen, where was she? She was the only person he really, really, really wanted to see tonight and she was still not soothing his poor delicate eyes with her presence.

Damn, he really hoped that nothing went wrong with the preparations for the ball. If Charlotte won’t appear, he would have put on this stupid blue and comfy suit for nothing! And more importantly, what was he supposed to do when his Prickly Queen wasn’t here!

His brats must have felt how tense he was, because they were leaving him alone. Even Nacht who just… went somewhere, who knows the place. Yami had his eyes practically glued on the stairs that lead to the entrance of this stupid black and white and golden ballroom. The same entrance he would certainly use a second time pretty soon already if his Prickly Queen wouldn’t appear in the next five minutes.

Maybe ten minutes.

Make that fifteen.

Damn, what was taking them so long? Yami knew he should have never tried and come early or on time.

Finally, Blue Rose Mama appeared. Which was a good sign, his future mother-in-law would probably never come without her daughter nearby.

She was wearing some neat dress, from what he could tell. Two different shades of grey, one dark and one bright, almost looking like different storm clouds gluing together as one, with very light blue patterns that looked like lightning.

Yami couldn’t help but grin. It was very obvious who this dress was more or less honouring. Damn, Blue Rose Mama really fully embraced and adopted Luck as her son. No wonder it was so difficult to hate a noble like her.

There was some young brown teenager next to her, already running down the stairs in some gown with autumn colours. The random Roselei cousin, probably. Vanessa was just behind Blue Rose Mama, wearing some kinda nice dress, metallic purple with some flowers. Since when was she choosing a cold colour instead of a vibrant one, like a wine coloured dress?

And who cares about that anyways? Where was Prickly Queen?

Finally she appeared next to Vanessa. And Yami finally see the true queen of this ball. A queen always made her people wait for the best, he should have known that.

The dress Charlotte wear surprised him though. Yami had been so certain that she would wear some shade of blue or even multiple shades of blue, since it was her colour. Heck, why else would he have to wear a suit of the same fucking colour?

But Charlottes dress wasn’t blue. It was black, with golden patterns. And it was perfectly truly breath taking, accenting her fine waist perfectly while it made her look like a black rose, with golden dew.

Damn, did she choose those colours to honour him? Was this the real reason why Blue Rose Mama insisted that he should wear a blue suit?

Why hadn’t he thought about from the start?

Charlotte was now going down the stairs very slowly, at least for Yamis taste. He just couldn’t wait to be at her side. But at the same time, while she was going so slowly, he could admire her elegant walk, like the true queen she was.

He barely even noticed how a lot of men, including that Reggie jerk, also were mesmerized by Charlottes appearance. Why would he even waste his time on those losers while he could just glance and admire his Prickly Queen finally becoming the queen of thorns she always had been? She really needed to wear more dresses from time to time, it suited her so well.

“Isn’t she beautiful?”

Yami jumped immediately, but relaxed as he saw that it was just Blue Rose Mama, grinning up at him.

“She choose those colours for you. But she still decided to keep the rose and thorns theme.”

“That sounds so much like her…” Yami mumbled while looking back at Charlotte, who was now finally down the stairs and looking around, certainly searching for him.

Orchidea sighed softly, before putting a hand on his forearm. “Good luck to the both of you. You’re going to need it this night.”

With those words, Blue Rose Mama turned around to greet Luck, who was for once not excited for a fight, but because of the dress his second mother was wearing.

Charlotte finally saw him, looking relieved. She started again to walk towards him, still too slowly for his taste.

But maybe it was just him being weird, because something was definitely wrong. Why does it seemed like the light was mostly shining on Prickly Queen and why did everyone looked so blurry except her? Also, why did it seem that the other ball guest were for some reason making a path for her towards him?

It must be something with his eyes. And it didn’t really stop when she was finally standing in front of him.

Charlotte had a small, naughty grin as she looked at him, amused. “I hope you’re not going to say that I will catch a cold with this dress, because that would also be insulting towards you, regarding the colours.”

Yami grinned. This was normal, definitely sounding like the Prickly Queen he knew and loved. She became rather bold, even teasing while being with him and honestly, he liked this a lot.

“I wouldn’t dare, your thorny Majesty. This is a very fitting gown for her rosy Highness and the colours are made for only a true queen. I had no idea that the Queen of Roses and Thorns herself would grace Clover nobility with her mere presence today.”

“A compliment from you? I guess miracles can still happen every day, in this case. Is there a possibility to see you alone, handsome stranger?”

Damn, Charlotte must have missed him quite a lot already if she was flirting like that with him. Not that Yami complained and to be fair, they haven’t seen each other since very early in the morning. Okay, it hadn’t been like a separation for thousand years, but still. It should be an official crime to separate him from his Prickly Queen!

No one was paying attention to them, as they all got focused on some white haired jerk who started a stupid speech. Great, this was the perfect occasion. Yami took Charlottes hand and lead her behind a pillar, where no one was and practically no one could see.

Charlotte didn’t even let him do the first move, as she cupped his face and literally crashed her lips on his. Yami put his arms around her waist to hold her closer and more firmly, while he still was cautious enough to not make her pretty diadem fall.

“Damn fuck, you really missed me.”

“Goodness, did you just kissed me with that mouth?”

Yami grinned wolfish before kissing her again, teasing her lips with his tongue. Well, if it was only up to him, they would have left this stupid stick-ass party and go at her place for a good old beddance, either naked or still wearing their ball clothes. That would have been a perfect plan for tonight, maybe even with some bedroom dinner afterwards, just the two of them. Yami promised to remember this for a later date.

They made out for a short moment, before some music from the orchestra was to be heard. Charlotte sighed as she break their kiss.

“The dances are about to start.”

“Do we have still some time before the betrothal trap waltz?”

“Probably, as it would be neither at the start nor at the end.”

“Good to know. By the way, your bitch aunt Rosamund and that five-wives-suitor jerk Reggie are nearby, certainly searching for you. Rosabitch might wanna try to reserve all the dances with you to that stick-ass wife hunter.”

“Rosab… Um, aunt Rosamund already tried this when I was still at home to prepare, but thankfully mother and my cousin Josephine had the grip on me and then Vanessa came, so everything went fine for now.”

“Why was Vanessa with you in the first place?”

“You might find out later today… In the meantime, even though I refuse to dance with Reginald Évantail, I certainly intend to dance in general. Shall I wait until you invite me or…”

“May I have this dance? This is how nobles use to ask or shall I be a bit more ridiculous?”

Charlotte just giggled before she took his hand and both appeared from behind the pillar to join the dancefloor. Well, it was the first time Yami would fight a battle while dancing. But it was definitely worth it. For Charlotte, he would even surpass the limits of his pride.

[oskea93]

☨ Fire Away ☨ Chapter Nine (Part two) ▾ Caius Volturi x OC ▾ ▲ Warning: Cursing, physical abuse ▲

⍏Taglist: @xoxoindigo @vampluv3r @ladysybilchronicles​ @badkitty83 @volturgeist​ @theplagueworm​ @dogmom2014  @hybridlamb @clandestine-nerd  @yourfamilyfriendsatan​ @yourlocalrockstarsimp @violetlilites​ @quennconstanceuniverse​ @soraththefallenangel  @cancankiki​ @jamiebowerslut @okimreadynow​ @R2quellyz @historyandfandoms50  @dogmom2014 @kaitieskidmore1​​ @quinnswife86 @wooya1224​ @e-munson666​ @nessaisboring​ @j-herondale121109​ @greatfandom​ @fayythe _______________________________________________

“You going to shoot me, nephew? Kill me in front of everyone – your wife, friends, unborn child?” Aro smiled. “Would be a shame for poor Vanessa to explain to the Volturi heir that his father is in prison or perhaps dead because he killed his poor, defenseless Uncle Aro. You don’t want that for your son.” Caius’s hand shook as the barrel of the gun pressed against Aro’s forehead. “Vanessa, darling-“His eyes shifted towards me. “You don’t want your son to be without a father, do you?”

I watched as he walked into the bathroom – his bruised eyes focusing straight ahead. It had been almost nine hours since I last saw him – Aro and his goons “setting him straight” after the stunt he pulled at the funeral. He said very little as he entered our room – the sight of his appearance causing my jaw to drop in shock. Blood stains splattered across the white shirt he wore underneath the suit jacket – his dress pants covered in dirt and dried blood. I removed myself from the bed as I followed his steps, slowly opening the door as the steam from the shower poured out. His dirty clothes littered the floor as his silhouette shown through the fogged glass.

I began to undress – my hand going over the bump as I took a deep breath. The warmth from the shower floated past the door as I stepped behind him – my arms instinctively wrapping around his middle as I rested my head against his back. His rigid body slowly starting to relax as he placed his hands on mine. We stayed like that for a few moments before he turned, brining my body close to his. We were both silent as I examined his face – bruises and cuts – all at the hand of his darling uncle.

“Don’t worry about me, love.” His voice heavy.

I reached up, gently touching his face as tears welled in my eyes. How could Aro do that to his own nephew, his flesh and blood? They were both hurting from the loss of Marcus – this was uncalled for. “I’m sorry.”

He shook his head, “You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetheart.” His hand softly resting on my stomach- our eyes locking. “I understand why you didn’t tell me.”

I stared off into the distance, tears welling in my eyes as the dishes shattered against any hard surface in the kitchen. He arrived home in a state of rage – partially due to the alcohol that he had previously ingested. His face was battered and bruised at the hand of his uncle and his henchmen. Everything was suddenly my fault – Him not being able to be there with Marcus – Marcus’s death – The strain the Volturi family was now under. All of it. All of it was my fault and bringing a baby into the mix was the straw that was now breaking the camel’s back. I flinched as his hands grabbed roughly onto my bare arms, no doubt leaving marks where his fingers dug into the skin.

“Caius!” Charlotte’s voice echoed through the room as she tore his hands off of me. “Are you out of your mind?” Her arms wrapped protectively around my body. “This is your wife – the mother of your unborn child. You have no right treating her in this manner – no right at all.” He rolled his eyes as he stumbled backwards. “Stay out of it, Charl-“

“I will do no such thing, Caius.” Her voice stern. “I practically raised you as if you were one of my own and I am ashamed – appalled of your actions.”

I stayed silent; my eyes settled on the marble flooring. “This is your wife, Caius. What happened between your uncle is not her fault and how dare you blame her for the trouble he has caused. He needs to be the one you’re yelling at – turn your anger towards him, not your pregnant wife.” I glanced up – our eyes connecting. “If I see one more bruise or hear you yelling at her again, you will not like what I do, dear Caius.”

A smirk appeared on his face, “Are you threatening me, Charlotte?” His voice dripping with venom. “

She took a step forward, “Don’t cross me, young man…”

We didn’t speak to one another for over a week. Caius kept his distance – sleeping in the guest room and doing all his business outside of the house. I wasn’t going to be the first to crack. I wasn’t the one who was in the wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I missed his warmth and touch, but I wasn’t gonna crack just because of that. I kept busy by helping Charlotte out in the garden or going around town, visiting the different shops and landmarks. Even though he wasn’t speaking to me, he made sure that I was being watched 24/7. Two men perched outside the house and three trailing behind as I ventured around town.

“So what time is the appointment?”

I placed the fork back onto the dish, “3:15 is the ultrasound and then I see the doctor afterward.”

She smiled, “How lovely!”

Today was the day I would find out the gender of the baby – our baby. I had texted Caius to let him know about the appointment but he never answered to tell me if he was coming or not. This was the visit I had been dreading the most – the fate of the Volturi family was in my hands and today was judgement day. Aro’s words ran through my head daily – A newborn male was what the family needed – a male heir that can lead the Volturi name into the next generation.

“Would you like to go with me?” Her eyes connecting with mine. “I mean –“ I paused. “I messaged Caius to let him know but he never said anything. Don’t want to experience this moment alone.”

She stayed silent for a moment, “I appreciate the gesture, sweet Vanessa but don’t you think your mother should be the one going?”

I hadn’t spoken to my mother in almost four months – not since our wedding day. She never tried to call or reach out – no one did. The only famly I had left was the one I married into – a bipolar husband and his mentally unstable uncle. Even though she wasn’t a Volturi, Charlotte was the only constant I had. She was the mother figure I now needed in my life -especially now that a baby was involved.

I shook my head, “No.” I answered. “You don’t get invited to something like this when you’ve abandoned your daughter over money. I want you to be there with me, Charlotte. You’ve been nothing but gracious and loving towards me since I’ve arrived. I consider you to be family – you’re like a mother to me.”

I could tell my words really touched her – and they were the God’s honest truth. My mother had no idea I was pregnant – and she would never know at this point. “Alright, dear –“ She paused as she untied the apron. “Let me gather my things.” I watched as she walked towards her room, the sound of another set of footprints entering from the backyard. “Dearest Vanessa.” Aro’s sinister voice sounded – my body turning harshly as he approached. “Glowing and beautiful as ever.” His eyes moving up my body, the smile on his face absolutely sickening. I instinctively placed my hand over my stomach – protecting the child anyway I could.

He circled me like I was a poor, defenseless prey in the wild – his eyes never leaving mine.

“Where you off to this late in the day?”

I cleared my throat, “I have a hair appointment.” I lied. “I’m taking Charlotte with me.” His eyes narrowed, trying to see through fact or fiction.

“Is that so?”

I nodded my head, hitching my purse strap higher on my shoulder. I wouldn’t think Caius would tell him that today was the gender reveal appointment- he didn’t even reply back to my message when I told him. Aro and Caius – from my understanding- were still not on speaking terms. Caius did his business away from his Uncle, choosing to pick up certain things that belonged solely to Marcus.

“Well hopefully not too short, darling –“His hand reaching out for the random strand that has fallen from the clip. “Us Volturi men are suckers for long hair, especially when it belongs to a beautiful woman such as yourself, Vanessa.”

I felt like I needed to take another shower as his eyes continued to rake down my body – his hand slowly running down my arm as he released the strand.

“Vanessa?”

A sense of relief washed over me hearing Caius’s voice as he walked toward his uncle and I – a protective arm pulling me into his side. “Everything okay here?” He directed the question towards Aro.

I glanced between the two men as they glared at one another – the sickening smile from before etched back onto Aro’s face. “Peachy, nephew. Just speaking with your lovely bride about her new haircut she’s getting. Told her how much we love long hair on beautiful woman.”

Caius looked down at me, his eyes searching mine. “She’ll look beautiful no matter what she does with her hair. Be a lot easier with short hair when the baby gets here.”

This was the first time he acknowledged our child.

“Oh yes – my future great nephew.” Aro smiled. “Can’t wait for the little guy to make his appearance and learn all about our family – become the future leader of the family. We have lots to teach him, dear Caius.”

Caius stayed silent, his fingers curling into my sides. “What child wouldn’t want to be born into a powerful family such as ours – loved and feared at the same time.” He paused for a moment. “Isn’t that right, Vanessa?” I chose not to answer, shifting my body into Caius’s. “Well-“ His smile fell. “Don’t want you to be late for your important meeting, darling.”

I watched as he slowly walked away, looking back as he did before exiting the room. I let out a sigh of relief as I felt Caius’s body relax as well. We didn’t say anything to one another at first – the air awkward between us.

“I got your text.” Caius spoke.

I nodded my head, “Yeah-“ I paused. “Charlotte is going with me, so you don’t have to worry.” My tone was short. “I’ll put the picture in your office so you can see when you get back.”

His eyes stayed glued to the floor as the room became silent once again. I didn’t have time to play this game again. Sighing, I started making my way towards the door, his icy hand wrapping around my wrist, turning me towards him. His blue eyes glassy as his looked at me. “I’m sorry for the way I acted, Vanessa. It was a shit thing to do, and I never meant any of those words.”

“I had to hear that you're fucking knocked up by Aro in front of God and everyone else at that fucking funeral. Do you know how that makes me look, Vanessa? Do you know how that makes you fucking look? You don’t even tell your own fucking husband that you're having a baby, but yet my uncle knows before I fucking do!”

Tears fell from my eyes as he yelled – glass shattering on the floor as he continued his tantrum.

“Not only do I have to deal with Marcus’s death and the wrath of Aro, now I have to worry about your ass and that fucking baby. I got enough shit to deal with already, Vanessa. I don’t need to worry about a fucking child right now. Sometimes I think you do things on purpose – was getting pregnant one of those things? You already had it in your mind that you wanted to get knocked up and possibly leave me and make me give you child support?”

He walked closer to me, towering over my body as I sat back in the chair. “How do I even know that’s my baby?” His eyes moving down my body. “For all I know you could have fucked around with Michael or Daniel. Fuck-“ He chuckled. “My uncle wants an heir so badly for this family, you could have fucked him just so it had Volturi blood in its body.”

My hand collided with the side of his already bruised face – the crack echoing throughout the kitchen.

“I better go.” I spoke. “Charlotte’s waiting for me in the car.”

He hung his head as I pulled my wrist out of his hold. I was still hurt by what he had said but I was afraid to just let him back in again. He was drunk when he spoke those vial words – drunkenness always brings out true feelings. I wanted to believe that his apology was sincere, but I couldn’t take that chance right now…

I couldn’t stop looking at the ultrasound picture. Tears rolled down my cheeks as the bold word on the photo mocked me. I was supposed to be happy and ecstatic after finding out the gender of my child – trying to pick out names and the design of the nursery. I had all those thoughts in my mind but either side of the coin spelled trouble not only for myself but for my child.

“Vanessa, darling –“Charlotte comforted me. “Let’s get you something to eat, dear.” Her eyes searched mine. She was in the room when the technician told us the gender. She smiled as I looked over at her but deep down, she knew what I was thinking.

Alexander was always a name I liked for a little boy. Alexander Blake Volturi was the name I had placed together weeks ago as I researched names. I had more boy names picked out – my fear being that it would indeed be a little boy. This was what Aro wanted – needed. I would often pray that it be a boy – too afraid to think of what he would do if it was a little girl. Even though I wanted a son – my heart ached because I knew what his future held. He would become just like his father. Groomed to take over the family business and legacy.

Charlotte and I stopped at a little dinner outside of town – both wanting somewhere quiet and low-key. We ate in mostly silence – making small talk here and there about how the food was and if the other was okay. The drive back home was short as the radio filled the silence. I wished Charlotte goodnight before walking towards the kitchen, the sight of Daniel and Michael shocking me as they spoke with Caius. Their conversation coming to an end once they saw me – tight smiles on their faces as they greeted. Ever since Marcus’s death, Caius had become closer to the brothers – Daniel more than Michael. My encounters with Michael still fresh in my mind – his dislike towards my husband still present in his body language. I didn’t bother sticking around, telling my husband that I would see him upstairs. The ultrasound picture feeling like a ton of bricks inside of my purse.