#waiting for arthur to rise again 🥺

[devilishlydumb]

So about the fics you’re writing… the larthur one is very appealing tbh😭 but I’d die for landoscar???

Could we have a snippet of both? Pretty please🥺

hiiiii! i'm gonna assume you want the landoscar harry potter au snippet because i'm very proud of this one hehe but if you meant the agents of shield one, just let me know!

anyways, both snippets under the cut! ♡

landoscar harry potter au, but make it oscar staring from afar while ignoring his friend group (the friend group in question: arthur, logan, dennis and an oc meant to represent the audience)

“There’s no way Max Verstappen is that funny,” Dennis says, scrunching his nose at the sight, “I see the guy on a daily basis and he’s never even tried to crack a joke.” They all focus on the scene before their eyes. Max keeps talking animatedly, everyone around him completely enraptured. Lando giggles, Alex laughs, George looks like he wants to rip out his own ears and Charles is just a mix of confused and fascinated. It checks.  “My brother says you just, and I quote, have to look past the cover. Whatever that means,” Arthur has his mouth full, making the words not as clear as he probably thinks they are, “I think he’s just been pining for years unable to say a thing to the guy. So.” Oscar’s eyebrows rise very comically if Nora’s reaction is anything to go by. His attention goes back to the group, zones in on Lando despite Charles being the reason why he looked again.  The thing is: he doesn’t like Lando Norris. He’s never liked him. Or. Well. That’s just not true. He used to. Like him, that is. And then the whole third year prank happened and Logan cried, Nora spent a night in the infirmary and Oscar decided that he hated the guy. Dumb teenage crush be damned. And yet… Everyone seems to like him. Adore him. He’s seen people from other houses cheer for Hufflepuff during matches dressed up in Lando jerseys, girls and boys alike swooning every time he spots the snitch. Oscar doesn’t get it, he’s literally just some guy. Sure, a somewhat funny and ridiculously charming guy, but… Just some guy at the end of the day. At least that's what he keeps telling himself.

and larthur being soft and tentative because that really is just their whole dynamic in this fic, so, yeah.

Dinner started approximately half an hour ago. Give or take ten minutes. And Lando is still finishing getting ready, Arthur waiting for him by the door, shoulder leaning against it. He had insisted on waiting despite the Brit’s reassurance that he would be fine on his own, that it was indeed part of his brother’s wedding weekend and while Lando could afford to be a little late, Arthur couldn’t. Not really. It hadn’t mattered. “On your left.”  Lando’s head snapped in that direction, finally seeing the shoe he had been looking for. They were late. So late. He was sure Max would be planning his death by now. Deserved. Truly. “You have the keycard? I think I lost mine. Who loses a keycard? S’not like we did much today! Where…? I don’t get it. Should be somewhere… Around here.” Lando’s voice is high-pitched, stress flowing through his veins.  Last thing he wants is to ruin their weekend. Which he won’t, but he’s nervous, so. Not like he can properly think things through. It’s not until Arthur is standing right in front of him, hands on his shoulders, worried expression on his face, that Lando allows himself to take a deep breath.  “I texted Charles. They know we’re late, it’s okay. Just, uh… A few threats about tomorrow’s dinner being the most important and all that.” He says it like it’s nothing, but Lando feels his insides churn. He nods a bit, looking at him, truly looking at him. Arthur’s brows are furrowed, like he’s worried Lando might snap at any time now. The weight of his hands on his shoulders is comforting, makes him feel centered, stops his mind from going into a spiral of “what ifs”. Lando manages a small smile in his direction, his hands traveling to the other’s forearms, squeezing lightly.  Thank you. I don’t get it. Thank you. Arthur smiles back, softly, before letting his hands fall down his arms until they’re not touching anymore and Lando’s taken back to Croatia.

hope u enjoy them both, let me know if you want to see more! ♡

[theshelbyslimited]

so I've minorly kept up w this series bc I've been a bit anxious about the possible angsty parts of it, however I promise I will give it a full read eventually. for now, please just know it has been absolutely stunning so far and I will forever be in awe w your talent angel ❤️

"Here's your tea, mom. I didn't need help. I did it all by myself." CHARLIE YOU ABSOLUTE SWEETHEART, he deserves the world 🥺

"Smiling, Ada glanced at the two, at mother and son, and realised she had never seen so much love in a child's eyes." MY HEART. CHARLIE TRULY HAS STOLEN MY HEART throughout this little series 😭 the adoration he has for his mother could truly bring one to tears.

"Yes, he is. Men should learn from him.” NO BUT REALLY. THIS.

 "Charlie has forgiven his father and he is already looking forward to his sibling. He talks about her all the time and he's even thought about names. I think I've heard every name imaginable from Anna to Sophia but he wants his sister to be called Charlotte because Charles and Charlotte sound very similar." he is going to be the best big brother, I just know that him and his sibling are going to be best friends 🥺😭

"feeling tears trying to blur her vision as she remembered the early hours of the morning when she opened her eyes and saw Charlie sitting on the edge of the bed with a pancake on a plate, waiting for the moment when his mother would finally wake up from deep slumber." OH MY HEART. WHAT A LITTLE ANGEL 😭

"With quickening steps, Charlie ran past his father and went towards the table and grabbed one of the many biscuits Ada had brought and nibbled on it with a joyful smile." HE REALLY HAS STOLEN MY HEART THIS FIC. he's so damn adorable 🥺

"Of course, Charlie. I would love to. I've finished my work for today and tomorrow I have a day off. If you like, we can play the board game you got for your birthday." MY HEART. I know it'll take time for things between Charlie and Tommy to be fully healed but this progress is truly so heartwarming and I am rooting for this father/son relationship 🥺

"Is she troublesome again? Do you want me to talk to her? I already told her yesterday to stop," the care + concern Charlie has for his mother is so adorable and I cannot stop raving about how much I appreciate the importance you've given Charlie in this series. he is the sweetest little prince and I love him so much 😭

"Can I stay with you tonight? I don't want to sleep alone and I'm sure my sister would love to hear a story. I know her." AKSJHDJSLH I AM SO DECEASED 🥺

 "I don't think you understand. You are the one who should keep his mouth shut. I have come to take what is mine, what has always been mine." LORDDD. this bitch is actually loco 😡

"Arthur and John with raised guns stormed down the hall, expecting the worst, but then they saw Ada and then the smoke rising from the gun and then Grace lying lifeless on the floor." FUCK YES ADA, THAT'S MY BESTIE GIRL 👑🙌🏽

"Carefully Y/N placed her palm on her husband's chest, right above his heart, the one thing Grace could never possess, claim as hers, even if she were to take her place." HELL YESSS 🙌🏽😭

this chapter had me going through the ringer. the fluffy softness and wholesome Charlie + family content had me deceived, believing that perhaps things were finally coming full circle for this little family. BUT NO. the Grace part had me so on edge and I could truly feel the intensity of the confrontation just through your writing. THANK GOD FOR ADA bc I was about to lose my mind if Y/N or Charlie ended up getting hurt. what an absolutely stunning update and I look forward to however many more parts are left of this stunning series. brilliant writing as always you talented angel and thank you for all your hard work ❤️

I forgave him,

Pairing: Thomas Shelby x female/Pregnant/Reader

Summary: Finding out Thomas has been secretly seeing Grace, Y/N leaves with Charlie.

Warning: Pregnancy, fear, anxiety, Angst, fluff, guns, death

Word Count: 4.1k      

a/n: Requests are open.

Part One Part Two Part Three

Branches, twisted and turned, tried to reach for the grey heavens and the birds were chanting a delicate serenade. The sun escaped the oblong clouds, travelling across meadows and fields in the hues of spring. The day was waning slowly and colours faded, peaceful and tranquil and the early twinkling stars were scarcely visible.

Silence reigned in the mansion, and raucous laughter broke the pleasant calmness. Softly, the gramophone played in the background, but Y/N paid no attention to the loving words the singer sang in the name of love. Lovingly, she stroked the curve of her stomach. The gentle smile gracing her lips grew as her heart melted like gold in the heat of flames, catching sight of Charlie walking slowly towards her with a cup in his hands. He was biting his tongue, trying to hold the cup cautiously, fearing he would spill the liquid.

            "Here's your tea, mom. I didn't need help. I did it all by myself." Charlie pronounced proudly.

Grinning, the young boy set the dotted cup down on the corner of the dark wooden table next to the open book with a bronzed binding.

            "Thank you, Charlie, but you don’t have to take care of me. It is no longer necessary. I can stand and I don't have to lie all day on the sofa or in bed. You don’t have to worry about me anymore, we are healthy and fine.", "But I have to look after you. I promised it, didn't I?" Charlie interjected.

Shock lingered in his voice as his hand rested on his mother’s stomach.

            “I know you promised it, Charlie, but you should play with your toys and not be my nurse,” Y/N murmured.

Charlie did not respond, focusing, hopeful his sister would touch his hand with her foot in a moment. He breathed silent promises of playing together when she would be old enough, but Y/N couldn’t understand a word. Again, biting his tongue, he caressed her abdomen. Sorrowfully, he noticed his sister was asleep again. Y/N stroked his hair and glanced up. Footsteps echoed through the house and Y/N greeted Ada carrying a tray with various plates of fruit and cookies towards the table next to the sofa. Smiling, Ada glanced at the two, at mother and son, and realised she had never seen so much love in a child's eyes. She settled the tray down, but Charlie paid no attention to the sweets and fruits.

            "How are you Y/N?", "Charlie, I thank you for the tea but you can take the rest of the day off, go to your room or go to John's or Arthur's, they will surely be pleased if you visit them upstairs," Y/N said.

Confused, the boy looked up, but then after a minute of thinking, he nodded and with quick steps left the women and ran up the stairs in great haste.

            "He's a good boy," Ada said looking after the boy.

No longer focusing on Charlie the young woman settled down on the sofa next to Y/N and rested her hand on her leg not covered by the blanket.

            "Yes, he is. Men should learn from him.” Y/N answered.

Greyed memories returned and Ada leaned back and took a bite from the apple. A grey shadow crept across her face and a bitter taste spread in her mouth, nevertheless she did not spit the fruit out, aware of the fact the apple was not bitter.

            “I will never forget how he spoke to Thomas, we heard it all and I was shocked.” Ada continued.

Y/N nodded with a grave expression but pain didn’t paint her features kissed by the gleam of light.

            “Charlie has forgiven his father and he is already looking forward to his sibling. He talks about her all the time and he's even thought about names. I think I've heard every name imaginable from Anna to Sophia but he wants his sister to be called Charlotte because Charles and Charlotte sound very similar." Y/N laughed.

Shadows shaped into terrifying faces faded away, banished by the hushed laughter.

            "And what do you think? Are you sure it's a girl?" Ada asked.

Y/N shrugged her shoulders, unsure yet sure it couldn’t be a body, felt it in every fibre of her body, remembered clearly the symptoms she had during her first pregnancy. The smell of cigarettes used to upset her stomach, disliked the taste of eggs and the flavour of tea, but this time she didn't mind any of those things. And Y/N vaguely recalled how Thomas had ceased to smoke in her presence.

"I think you can never be sure, Charlie wishes a sister, but I don’t care if it’s a body or a girl, I´ll love the child anyway,” Y/N reported continuing to caress her stomach.

            "Everything is fine between you two?", "I trust Thomas. He is my husband. The letters continue but he doesn’t open them, burns every one of them. And when he meets new partners, he takes John or Arthur with him." Y/N reported.

Ada nodded understandingly, gladdened no anger nor hatred was dwelling in the heart of her dear friend. Ada gazed at the ground, blaming herself for what had happened and then she tried to disguise her emotions but Y/N noticed. She placed her hand on Ada's and instantly the eyes met.

            "You don't have to worry Ada, really, everything is alright. The child and I are fine. Arthur called the doctor because I fainted, the child is healthy. Charlie, he's like a nurse. You should have seen him this morning." Y/N joked.

Laughing, Y/N placed her hand on her chest, feeling tears trying to blur her vision as she remembered the early hours of the morning when she opened her eyes and saw Charlie sitting on the edge of the bed with a pancake on a plate, waiting for the moment when his mother would finally wake up from deep slumber. At first glance, Y/N thought he was wearing a white T-shirt, but then quickly realised the boy was covered in flour and batter. Ada chirped in, had heard everything.

            "Arthur told me the kitchen mirrored a battlefield, worse than a crime scene. It took him almost two hours to clean it up.”, "But the pancakes were very delicious and Tommy preferred to avoid the kitchen and left rather hurriedly, allegedly needed to solve a problem in town." Y/N added grinning. 

            "Where is Thomas anyway?", "Upstairs in his office. He works from home now and leaves rarely the house except today." Y/N said in reply.

With her outstretched hand, Y/N pointed up the stairs and Ada nodded.

            "Thomas refuses to leave the house, cooked for me and calls the doctor if I show any signs of discomfort. Charlie and his father won't let me out of the sight and he doesn't want to sleep in his bedroom anymore.” Y/N said.

            “Thomas or Charlie?” Ada laughed with a raised brow.

She knew the answer yet she asked.

            "Be glad, I don't know any man who would behave like this.”, "I know and you can't imagine how grateful I am but I can assure you that some days it can be very exhausting. Yesterday I wanted to eat a piece of the chocolate cake and you can't imagine how long it took to convince Thomas to let me eat it. Also, we have small arguments about if I can walk, he wants to carry me around the house even if I'm perfectly capable of walking and don't have to lie in bed all day," Y/N said.

Ada laughed, imagined her brother carrying his wife around the house and forbidding her to consume her favourite cake.

            “I love him dearly and I am grateful for his endless support yet sometimes it is very exhausting.” Y/N clarified.

            "Speak of the devil," Ada said low.

The stairs creaked, announcing his arrival. Eyes fixed on the stairs, and witnessed Thomas dressed in a black suit. The dark tie was loose around his neck and the pair of round glasses rested on his nose. Ada saw the pride in his eyes gliding around the room and witnessed the relief spreading across his face as he saw his wife resting on the sofa under a fluffy blanket, as promised. The buttons of his suit jacket were undone and the weapon he usually tried to hide from the prying eyes of enemies reflected the light of the lamps. A smile adorned his face. It was honest.

            "You have finished your work?" Y/N asked, and Thomas nodded.

A mischievous grin spread on his lips and immediately Y/N knew what Thomas wanted to say, reading his eyes like an open book.

            "I can go again if you like. I'm sorry I want to spend more time with my wife." Thomas said what Y/N was thinking.

"But maybe your wife doesn't want to keep you from your work, because she knows how much her husband loves his work," Y/N said.

Confused, Ada looked up, heard the laughter and thought for a moment someone else was laughing, but as her eyes travelled around the room, she saw it was Thomas who was laughing in delight.

Swiftly, Thomas descended the stairs, went to his wife resting on the sofa, greeted his sister but paid her no further attention but then he stopped, fixed his gaze over his shoulder and saw Charlie walking down the stairs with quick steps and every time Thomas caught sight of his son his heart ached. The deep wounds were not healed, aching terribly if memories returned, still remembering the words Charlie had spoken in a terrible rage, unspeakable hatred, trying to banish his father, but the clouds heralding a storm were gone. Charlie no longer despised his father, could not, but he was cautious, fearful for his mother and unborn sister. With quickening steps, Charlie ran past his father and went towards the table and grabbed one of the many biscuits Ada had brought and nibbled on it with a joyful smile. His eyes rested on the half-full dotted cup, and sat down as he realised, he didn't need to make tea for his mother.

            "Can you read me a story today?" Charlie asked.

His heart ached, and Tomas hoped Charlie was addressing him. The man faced his son. He feared Charlie was talking to someone else, but he realised he was speaking to him.

"Of course, Charlie. I would love to. I've finished my work for today and tomorrow I have a day off. If you like, we can play the board game you got for your birthday." said Thomas and the wounds healed.

Charlie beamed and nodded hastily, wanting to lie down in his bed and quickly fall asleep and quickly get up again when the sun kissed the end of the world.

            "It is late. I'll be on my way, have a good evening." "Don't you want to stay? It's getting late and the roads are dangerous by night." huffed Y/N, but Ada shook her head with a grin on her lips.

            "Shelby-blood runs through my veins. The night fears us and you should know. You live among us." joked Ada as she arose.

            "You're right about that and my lovely child lets me know every day when I want to sleep. When I close my eyes, she plays soccer.", "Is she troublesome again? Do you want me to talk to her? I already told her yesterday to stop," Charlie huffed.

His eyes widened, was shocked, couldn’t believe what he was hearing, was sure after yesterday's conversation his sister wouldn't dare to draw attention to herself with her hands and feet. Charlie jumped to his feet and stormed in great haste towards his aunt, past her, and looked down at his mother, trying to suppress a laugh like the other adults.

            "Do you want me to talk to her? She is my sister and will surely listen to me or should dad speak to her? She will listen to him. Everybody listens when dad talks," Charlie pointed at his father.

"Charlie, you don't have to worry and you don't have to be angry with your sister, she probably can't hear you at all and if she does, she is far too small to understand you, you don't have to be upset," Y/N interjected in a loving tone, trying to sound as serious as possible.

Charlie nodded and pointed with his gaze he would like to sit down and Y/N placed her right hand on the free spot at her side, and thanking, Charlie settled down at his mother's side. Ada grinned, glad she was still there and looking forward to telling the others about the conversation between Charlie and his unborn sibling.

            "I wish you a good night. I'll be on my way,", "I'll walk you out, Ada." Thomas interjected.

Ada nodded, knowing she wouldn't shake him off.

            “Stay Y/N, I know how you feel and believe me soon you won't be able to get up.", "It won't be that bad and when I was expecting Charlie, I was still running around the garden tending the plants the day he was born." quipped Y/N.

Ada rose from the couch and headed to Y/N.

            "But the offer still stands. You can stay here, you can have a glass of wine and we can chat.", "I'm expected, but thank you Y/N. Have a good evening and tomorrow I will come around by noon, I have a surprise for you." Ada whispered and hugged Y/N.

She blew a fleeting kiss on Y/N´s cheek, said goodbye to Charlie as she was ruffling his hair, and then turned to her brother. For a brief moment, Y/N looked after the siblings, but then she leaned back and rested her hand on Charlie's.

            "Can I stay with you tonight? I don't want to sleep alone and I'm sure my sister would love to hear a story. I know her." breathed Charlie.

Y/N's hand gently stroked his hair, and brushed it to one side as she gazed into the distance, pretending to think intensely about it but Charlie knew the answer, knew his mother, knew she would always allow him to sleep at her side in the bed.

            "Of course, but I hope you know that the day when your sister is born you will have to sleep in your room again, the bed will be too small for all of us," Y/N answered.

"That's no problem. I will take my mattress and sleep on the floor on your side. I will help you and not go to school. I don't have a problem with that." Charlie interjected optimistically, eliciting a laugh from his mother.

Cold filled the house, but swiftly the coldness faded away. Thomas smiled, turned his attention to the most important people in his life, and he was longing for the moment when he would find himself at their side again and forget the darkness.

            "I have to go upstairs, I'll be with you in a minute and if you want, I can read you a story after Charlie.”, "Okay, but my sister would like to hear a story too. We're all going to sleep in the same bed tonight," informed Charlie with a grin.

Thomas did nothing, did not complain.

            "Of course, give me ten minutes,” spoke Thomas and Charlie nodded happily, feared his father's reaction.

The tall man disappeared, took two steps at a time and walked up the stairs and entered his office.

            "Can we play in the garden tomorrow? Would you like something to eat? There are still some pancakes in the kitchen. Did you like them? Can I make you eggs?" Charlie asked delightedly.

Her eyes widened and immediately Y/N placed her hand on his shoulder, forbidding him to depart, to leave, to create a field of destruction in the kitchen and hid Charlie under the fluffy blanket in the hues of the forest.

            "Thank you, Charlie, you are too kind and I can't tell you how grateful I am for the way you help me, but everything is fine. I am not hungry, and the pancakes you made were delicious but I am not hungry.” Y/N answered calmly.

Charlie tried to reply, but not a word escaped his lips. His head shot up, looked in the distance, and jumped.

            "I'll open the door, it's probably Ada. She forgot something. Stay here, I'll take care of it, mom. I am a big boy now." Charlie assured his mother.

Before Y/N could reply, Charlie was on his feet and smiling Y/N greeted her husband descending the stairs.

Gazes collided, crashing waves, and Y/N lost herself in his loving gaze.

The wounds had healed and there was no more hatred, no anger, nor disgust. Y/N longed to be near her husband and one glance was enough for Thomas to know his wife wished to find herself in his embrace. The wounds were tended and healed with ointments, love, and adoration. Thomas had taken off the suit jacket and the button-down was gone and the shirt allowed to witness his tattoos visible through the gauzy material covered by dark brown suspenders. His hair was unkempt, letting her know he had run his fingers through his dark hair several times, but no traces of tiredness adorned his striking features.

"Have you finished your work? Is everything all right?" Y/N enquired.

"Yes, Ada reminded me of something, you don't have to worry," exclaimed Thomas.

Abruptly Thomas stopped, came to a halt. His lips formed into words, but Y/N didn’t understand a single syllable. His eyes became lifeless, pale as the moon, and bloodcurdling fear spread through every fibre of her body. Hectically, Y/N searched for the cause of the terror but she failed and feared for his wellbeing, but no blood oozed and no wounds tore open. Protectively Y/N placed her hands on her stomach, a reflex she could not control. Fear blinded her mind. Pain spread in her heart. A question Thomas could not hear crossed her lips, but his gaze was fixed on the opening door. Y/N had seen anger and hate, anguish and terror in his gaze, but for the first time, Y/N saw the purest form of fear and hate in his eyes.

            "Go, stay, hide," Thomas said harshly, forbidding his wife to take a step.

Tears veiled her eyes and did exactly what he commanded in the tone of a king. Steps echoed. Heels clicked.

            "Grace let go of my son, he has nothing to do with this." his voice was darker than the night, dangerous as the deepest depths of the ocean.

Y/N rose, grew taller. Fear faded faster than the sun on a stormy day. Hatred flooded her body. The taste of copper spread through her mouth, but no sound of pain escaped her lips. Y/N balled her hands into fists and searched for a gun. A burst of witch-like laughter swept through the mansion, but Y/N did not flinch.

Silver glittered cold and lifeless. The woman in the long coat escaped the shadow, evil-eyed and wicked-faced.

There was no faintness in her glance. Like a wave, Y/N rushed, protecting her stomach, thinking for a brief moment about the commands of her husband, but Y/N could not hide. Her heart broke into a gazillion pieces. Tears veiled his gaze. Words overcame Charlie, stammered in fear, and even though they were spoken as softly as the whisper of the wind, Y/N heard all of them.

The polished gun was at his head. Long nail clawed deep into his T-shirt, tearing his skin, but Charlie stayed brave, but when he saw the expression in his father's eyes, he felt fear. Charlie cursed, talked in the tongue of sailors and tried to free himself, but he wasn’t strong enough and stumbled forward. A terrible grin spread across her face, touched by the amber light of the lamps, knowing exactly the woman who had taken her place, stole her life must be in her home, her mansion.

            "Grace, we have nothing more to say to each other. I have told you all." Thomas spoke as emotionless as possible.

The mask of confidence shrouded his features, but his eyes betrayed him. A storm raged them but no thunder sounded, roaring like a lion across the land.

            "I don't think you understand. You are the one who should keep his mouth shut. I have come to take what is mine, what has always been mine." her voice dripped with hatred.

Grace entered the house and Thomas wanted to chase Y/N away, saw out of the corner of his eye how she came nearer but the harsh words did not cross his lips, knew he couldn’t chase her away.

            "And for that, you have to hold a gun to my son's head?" pronounced Y/N, not fearing the mad woman.

            "If it isn't the woman who took my life away. This is my house, my dress, my family and my children." Grace sneered.

Dark, poisonous venom dripped from her lips. She was shaking violently, but Y/N stayed strong. Piercing eyes fell on her stomach nothing could cover, not even a shirt worn by a man.

            “This is all mine.”, “Then take it, take all of it, but give me my son. I don’t need the money nor the house. It is something you can replace, nothing of importance. I will leave and you can take my place, but give me my son back.” Y/N spoke in a voice unlike her.

The world was silent, dark and remote. The ticking of the clock stopped. A gunshot echoed again. Arms wrapped around Y/N, pressing her tightly against a solid body, shielding his wife, and a boy's voice broke the silence. The ground was soft. A scream left her sore throat. Her eyes widened in horror, unable to shield her stomach, to protect the unborn child. Y/N tried to break free from her husband's grip. Her eyes snapped open, looked up and caught sight of her husband's eyes flooded with fear. A prayer escaped her lips. Tears failed to take his vision. His lips formed words, but Y/N heard nothing. An awful ringing echoed. His hands slid over her body, feeling the unevenness on her skin, searching for blood, for deep wounds, but he found nothing.

Tumult broke free. Arthur and John with raised guns stormed down the hall, expecting the worst, but then they saw Ada and then the smoke rising from the gun and then Grace lying lifeless on the floor. A pile of gloom spread under her body. Guns no longer reflected the golden light, saw Charlie in the arms of Ada, forcing him not to look at what had happened, but the image had already burned into his mind like fire. He clawed his fingers into the rough material and shielded his eyes, hoping it was a nightmare. His feet didn't move, he kept his eyes shut, wanted to find himself in his father's embrace, but couldn't walk and hugged his aunt.

Thomas cupped her cheeks, forcing her delicately to look up. Glances met and life returned. Y/N did not fight back, was lost in the deep ocean and discovered hidden treasures. He smiled weakly. Thomas did not know how much time had passed, but it seemed like an eternity. Soothing words escaped Thomas, telling his wife everything was alright and he breathed words of adoration as the tears ceased to stream and the raging river dried. Thomas pressed his wife close to his body. The ring of pure gold on his finger glowed with light, similar to the one Y/N was wearing. Thomas breathed a tender kiss on her lips, kissing the dried salty stream up and down and stopped at her lips, sealing the promise he had whispered. Carefully Y/N placed her palm on her husband's chest, right above his heart, the one thing Grace could never possess, claim as hers, even if she were to take her place.