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thecandywrites · 4 years ago

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Blood For Gold Part 8

Get ready for some plot, and intrigue and conflict of interest. Again, thanks to @kriskukko for lending me the amazing picture of a regency era orc and letting me run wild. Thanks to @punkhorse96 for all the amazing feedback and everyone else who likes and reblogs this story. I appreciate it. Also do you guys have any idea how hard it is to find AN AGED regency couple? Thankfully Bridgerton showed that an older woman could wear the fashions of her own youth and didn’t necessarily have to keep with the most up to date fashions. So that allowed me to go find this pic of a qeen, Glenc Close in her movie Dangerous Encounters back in the late 80′s. I have never seen it, but IT’S THE AESTETIC. taking it, using it and lo and behold, we have our Gregori and Yalin, Ramsey’s parents who have taken a shine to Audra. But will their light shine on her so warmly when they find out the truth and find they might have less to gain than they thought? And will their wills be stronger than the Morrigans? And what will the Morrigans do to keep the status quo when their own past comes back to haunt them? We shall see.

Blood For Gold

Part 8

All the way to the Windsor Palace the Morrigans had nothing but “instruction” towards you and for Jane, all about minding your manners, acting in the utmost chaste conduct so that you would not bring shame or dishonor onto the family and to not leave each other’s side while they berated you for acting so “brazen” with the Dauphin for having eaten your dinner next to him as they accused you of practically shamelessly throwing yourself at him like a common whore by dancing with him for most of the evening, even though the Dauphin didn’t leave you with much of a choice. It was the Dauphin who practically dragged you to meet his family and the King and Queen, his uncle and aunt and their children and of course the host, which was Yalin’s sister, Infanta Evinelle DeuSavance and her husband the Infante Charles DeuSavance who was the king’s cousin and their children who were very nice and charming and welcoming as they all gave Ramsey a not so subtle nod of approval. And then at dinner, Ramsey dragged you to sit there between himself and his sister and Ramsey simply would not leave your side after Demsey dared to get you away for only a moment, Ramsey wouldn’t let that incident repeat with anyone, he capitalized on your time all night.

You didn’t even get to go to the restroom without his sister Charlotte and Jane following you like puppies with Lady Whitesale not being too far behind them, and you got the impression they were sent as eyes and ears for others and you barely got into a bathroom stall to get some privacy to breathe and even loosened your corset so that you could breathe easier because after two years, you had almost forgotten what it felt like to be the center of attention in a room full of people, you garnered more attention that even Calla and Bennie because of who you were with all night and the weight of their scrutinizing gaze was particularly heavy and now you were anxious just to get to Windsor just for the chance to breathe in the privacy of your room.

Ramsey’s behavior seemed to appear as instant infatuation or for the romantically inclined- ‘love at first sight’. But the feeling was far from mutual, you were simply not attracted to him, at least not physically, also there was a real sense of desperation in his manners. He was the one throwing himself at you and trying to make himself out to be the best possible prospect for you. Which you found odd, perhaps a little worrying and off-putting because you just couldn’t understand why he was so dead set on you. He was himself perhaps a decade out of his prime and just shy of twice your age, not that it made too much of a difference to you because Edward had been over three times your age, almost four actually, when you wed him. Moura women were brought up to think nothing of major age gaps between moura brides and their husbands outside of Dorierra and especially within the culture of the stables. In fact it wasn’t unusual for mouras as young and pretty and accomplished as yourself to go through the stables at least three to four times, gaining more and more value with each remarriage because each marriage was “experience”. There were some moura women who were on their seventh and eighth marriage but the obsession of “virgin brides” also had it’s universal appeal.

But after your disastrous marriage to Edward, you shuddered at the thought of going through the process again. That and Edward had known that you were hesitant to enter into that cycle even before you married him, that’s why he “bought you outright” so that you didn’t have to go back into that cycle, that once you survived him, you would be a free woman, free to do whatever you wanted to do, it was why he insisted that you drink pregnancy warding teas, and made sure to track your own cycle to make sure you would not concieve his child and be tethered to the Morrigans any more than you already were and made sure to afford you a comfortable living so that after his death, you’d have a good life, he had spent his whole life in service to his crown, country and king and business and at the end of his life, he was looking to set something free, instead of caging it forever, it was one of the biggest things you found to love about him. But sadly, he was one of the few people who really cared about what you personally wanted for yourself because he had genuinely cared for you and you felt, loved you, to a degree, at least in the beginning. But his own senility and madness soon erased it not long after.

With Ramsey though, he projected so much onto you. Because he had gotten not just the report that Edward had gotten, which each bride in the stables got a report, tailored to fit potential prospects, like cherry picking things on a resume but he had also gotten the master resume which had everything on it.

Moura brides usually had a very vast array of qualities and talents that were universal and the moura schools had some of the best teachers and professors in the world and as a child and up to a certain age, all moura children got the same top notch education that rivaled most scholars. However after the age of 12 or 13, schooling changed dramatically for the sexes. All men were pushed into either a service trade, commerce, engineering and technology or science or medicine, so that they all had a “useful” job within the country and of course military training but they were all pushed to serve in one way or another so that they could go into the many industries within the country, making goods and providing services and only the exceptionally musically talented men got to be “entertainers” which was an important service to the Dorierrian public.

Women on the other hand, since the moura stable’s exports was solely brides for foreign dignitaries, they were taught government and more importantly, how to govern everything from a household to a country should they need to be a queen some day, they were taught all the major languages, especially the common tongue and economics, business, because all government was business, but also the art of war, including self defense so that in the case of attack, they could defend themselves and their future families, but especially psychological warfare, intrigue, manipulation for future political court life, in addition to the usual music, musical instruments of all kinds, singing, dancing, composing, arts of all kinds, including acting, ceramics, drawing, painting, sewing, embroidery, fashion, culinary arts as well as some medicine and of course- what was taught across all sexes was childcare because even after the plague, moura mothers still had a successful birth rate of 99%, with very little to no birth defects in the babes, no matter the mix of species and fathers especially were brought up to be an equal parent in the household so that in addition to their jobs, they could still come home and care for their own households and families, especially since moura mothers always seemed to have a newborn at their breast or one or even two or three in the womb at a time and both partners were brought up to be completely devoted to their families and any hint of any kind of abuse was swiftly dealt with and never tolerated and the focus was on having a happy family life. So if couples were unhappy with each other, divorce was easily attained and granted. And even with that measure in place, most moura partners, when there was a love match, ended up being married for life. It was not uncommon for women to go off through the stables once, then come back in widowhood and settle down with a moura mate and stay in the country after that.

However there was an exception. For men and women who preferred sexual relations with the same sex as themselves, they could be entered into a smaller “private” school but it was for “concubines, consorts and courtisans”, otherwise known as 3C’s. that had all the training moura brides had but it allowed men to have the same higher educations women enjoyed if it meant that it prepared them for life as a king’s courtisan and concubine on their private privy council and it was usually only through 3C’s, that moura men were ever allowed to leave Dorierra under any circumstances other than war, which considering all the political alliances Dorierra had with every other nation in the world, was very, very seldom, but that didn’t mean Dorierra was lax, the moura brides were often Dorierra’s eyes and ears on the rest of the world and reported back to them accordingly. Even in the case of revolution where some royals and aristocracy could lose their heads, it was the morua brides and their children at least, who were always allowed to return to Dorierra unharmed and could be rescued in dire situations by either dragons, pegasus’ griffins, since Dorierrians bred all three.

So because of all of this education, which was better than most universities, a moura bride’s “resume” was very impressive and thus- cherry picked to suit the individual suitor based on the suitor’s culture. However all mouras had a master resume that accompanied their pedigree’s and lineage, which listed everything they had learned and had become proficient and excelled in. But even the master resume did not show what the individual moura really enjoyed and had a passion for.

And with Ramsey, you could tell he simply went off your own master resume. Just because you knew something or even excelled at something, didn’t mean you really enjoyed it. For instance, on your master- you were taught how to be a queen, navigate court, and rule it, but that didn’t mean you had the ambition to be a queen and you did not feel it was your destiny to be one either. Presiding over Mirador was more than enough to satisfy you in that respect. You had no desire for much more than that. But Ramsey seemed intent that you should have a more active political role and couldn’t wait to see how you would advise him to gain even more power and clout in the House of Lords as well as garnering the love and admiration of the common man so that he could have more political reach than he already had, the very prospect nearly sent you running, in fact it was that, that had sent you to try to gain some solace in the bathroom in the first place because you just felt he was dragging you into this and because of “polite society” rules for decorum, you couldn’t counter, you couldn’t really speak your mind to him. All you could do was simply hum and acknowledge what he was saying to you and agree with what you could, but that was all.

However to hear that Demsey, despite being a duke, was rarely ever in politics, in fact he seemed to spend all of his time and efforts into his family business, which to you was a very noble and honorable pursuit, had you even more drawn to him and make him even more desirable as a prospect to you.

By the time you got to Windsor, you were so relieved even to see Ramsey come get you from the carriage if it meant you could get away from the Morrigans as Ramsey had you on one arm and Jane on the other which the Morrigans were happy to see before the Dauphine and the Senior Dauphin came over to have a word with them.

“Well we must assure you that we will take the best of care of Jane while she’s here. And you must forgive our son, he’s been taken with the Sultana since her wedding to your late father Count Morrigan and then when he saw her when we went to the Savoy only a couple of weeks ago he has become quite obsessed ever since, in fact we were enjoying such a wonderful dinner there from our balcony at the Savoy where we seemed to look over your family in the main dining floor, however it was a shock and quite sad to see her eat so little that night.” Yalin noted with a frown to her husband.

“Oh she’s a moura, they have the appetites of birds, she rarely has any appetite since she lost Edward.” Agnes readily answered but the look Yalin gave her said that she didn’t believe that and made Agnes’ forced polite smile falter slightly because mouras were renowned for their healthy appetites and high metabolisms despite their petite frames but excellent body conditions, having a healthy ratio between strength, stamina but still retain some softness in their hips and bellies and for women, especially their breasts because that’s what the body needed to ensure healthy offspring and a moura’s mother’s milk was some of the most nutritious of all the species.

“Well we will certainly see to it she eats properly while she’s here, can’t have her growing malnourished can we? Because malnourishment leads to weak offspring and we can’t have that at all.” Yalin insisted to Gregori.

“Quite right my dear.” Gregori readily agreed.

“Oh, oh yes of course, we will also encourage her to eat well for the sake of her future.” Agnes reassured her, catching the Dauphine’s drift.

“What I found odd is that when Ramsey looked into the Sultana just after seeing her at the Savoy a couple of weeks ago and asked the stables themselves for her master resume, the report that he got back after Edward’s death when they re-evaluated her was most disturbing, for a nescia - or princess, to be downgraded to a shakan, such a demotion had never happened before except in cases of extreme circumstances, such as revolution and anarchy, is there any reason you can give for such an extreme change?” Gregori asked them pointedly as the Morrigans looked at each other, trying not to betray how worried they were at such an intrusive question.

“Well you see the Sultana is actually very, very delicate and mentally very weak, she took the decline of Edwards health so hard, and suffered so greatly from that loss that the stables gave her that, we surely didn’t have anything to do with it, in fact, we have done everything in our power to help her, including- moving her to Mirador and even increased the living that Edward afforded her so that she can live in the utmost of comfort, she even got to take her pick of servants from Broadcove that she grew fond of.” Richard tried to excuse as Gregori also gave him a look that he didn’t believe that either as Richard felt himself wither by Gregori’s intense gaze.

“Well then we will have to be careful with her as well. Ramsey has quite made up his mind about her which is a relief to all of us. And of course as long as there is no interference, especially on your end, it can go smoothly, and of course there might be a promotion of rank if it goes well, I’m thinking a Marquise at least, if not Duchy.” Gregori offered and the Morrigans practically had their jaws on the floor of their carriage and were drooling a river at the prospect as they gave each other a giddy look.

“Oh of course, of course, we will be giving every encouragement we can.” Agnes eagerly reassured them, because it was not uncommon for that to happen and it was just the opportunity they were looking for, because while they were disappointed that such a thing would be coming from you instead of Jane, they wouldn’t turn their nose up at such a prospect. Finally having a moura in the family would be paying off and worth it if it meant they could be Duke and Duchess and Jane of course could be eligible to be courted by all kinds of prospects and make the Dauphin Ramsey look like a lowly lord or knight, and a promotion such as that would push them onto the international Europa marriage market and could amasse even more power and money but from a much larger scale on an even larger stage.

“Well if that is the case, then it’s a very curious thing, why did Duke Voyambi insist to Ramsey that his whole family saw and heard you dictate a list to the Sultana about suitors to avoid. In fact when Ramsey pressed the Sultana for such a list, she was able to produce this very one, where Ramsey’s name is at the very top of the list of suitors to avoid. I understand that both of you dictated this list for Jane to write down. And then when we made other inquires of those who happened to be around you at not just the Savoy but all over London at various shops that you snubbed half the court. Of course if such a thing were to be handed over to the King and Queen I’m wondering how they would react?” Gregori asked his beloved wife as Yalin smirked at seeing the Morrigan’s pale and nearly shit bricks right there in the driveway as Gregori pulled the list from his own breast pocket and looked it over and pointed to where his son’s name was written down with a deep scowl before looking expectantly up at them to answer for it.

“Or heaven forbid Lady Bagum in the papers, surely if she got a whiff of this matter, she’d whip it up into quite the scandal, and if she ever got ahold of the list and if that ever got printed in the papers, I’m afraid what the repercussions of that would be, I would hate to see half of the court, and by that point, half of parliament, snub you publicly for such a thing.” Yalin added as Agnes and Richard looked worriedly to each other while they flushed with shame as Agnes and Richard both scrambled to find an excuse as they both instantly regretted everything they had said all evening and wishing they could take it all back and knew that the next time they got to speak with you, they would have to apologize and take it back and humble themselves before you, which was an act they loathed but it would save their skin. To gain a duchy in the future, they would make peace with being humble now.

“Well you see we did that because every suitor the Sultana does not go after is a suitor we can have for our sweet Jane, we were not trying to snub half the court, we were simply trying to keep the best of the best for our own dear sweet Jane, that is all, but who are we to stand in the way of love? If your Ramsey has set his heart on the Sultana, then so be it, please disregard that list and please tell the Sultana to disregard all instruction from us to withhold herself from the Dauphin, who are we to stand in the way of destiny? Please won’t you beg her on our behalf to forgive us for being so short sighted and so ignorant? Really we should have seen the Dauphin’s actions for what they were tonight, we were under the impression it was the Sultana who was pursuing the Dauphin too strongly and we didn’t want her embarrassing herself for others thinking she was too eager but we see now that was simply not the case and we will by no means stand in the way of the Dauphin and we will offer every encouragement possible to the Sultana.” Agnes quickly explained which those seemed to be the magic words that turned Gregori’s scowl into a pleased smile.

“Excellent, with your complete cooperation and no further interference, such a thing as this list and your simple misunderstanding could easily be forgotten, be dismissed as rumor and such evidence would surely find its way into a remote, abandoned trunk somewhere in a garbage heap or be ash in a fireplace, we wouldn’t want such damning evidence fall into the wrong hands would we?” Gregori offered as he put the list back into his breast pocket of his vest under his coat as Agnes and Richard knew that as long as you agreed to Ramsey’s proposals, it would be ok and forgiven.

“Oh, of course, we would never dream to presume to be anything but compliant.” Richard offered as Agnes nervously laughed as she nodded emphatically with her husband.

“Then you won’t be opposed to us looking into the Sultana’s welfare while at Broadcove, then will you? Because it is Ramsey’s dearest wish that she gain halmana status, which is for English- that of a dowager, like the queen dowager, or dowager empress, which surpasses even my own status of nescia and he can’t marry a moura with a status less than sayida actually. Also there is the very curious and honestly alarming and downright shameful fact that the Sultana’s correspondence with the stables and her friends within them has gone by the wayside and even their correspondence to her has gone awry, practically vanished into thin air and there has been a complete disconnect from the Sultana to her homeland.” Yalin began.

“According to Ramsey and the Czarina’s brothers that, even the stable masters have not heard anything from her since she wrote that she arrived safely to Broadcove immediately after the wedding, but absolutely nothing else ever since, even now at Mirador, her correspondence is going missing both too and from the stables and her friends within them, I wonder what kind of sum could be offered for every single piece of correspondence to be produced from wherever they might be at, we have investigators that are going through the Royal Mail Service as we speak, immediately dispatched the moment it was made known, in fact when it was made aware by the Czarina’s brothers and The Princesses brothers, they almost immediately pulled them both out of the ball and demanded to go home because such atrocities would never be tolerated and are demanding that such a thing be a crime punishable either in prison or public whippings and demotions which the royal family had no choice but to agree to.” Richard continued where his wife left off as Agnes and Richard gave each other a worried glance.

“And that’s because they had to pay a hundred and fifty thousand pounds just to get the new mouras out here, which was a non refundable fee, and one that the guilty party, when they are found, could be made to pay as well should that happen and the King and Queen immediately ordered for the matter to be investigated by the best detectives in the country along with Scotland Yard who at the very mention of bribes will immediately arrest and brought to the tower and will be investigating everyone who could possibly be involved, how many letters would you think a person can write in the span of two years?” Yalin wondered aloud and smiled wider when Agnes and Richard both faltered guiltily as they both seemed to fluctuate between pale and impossibly red.

“Of course if any of it has been ordered to be burned by either you or anyone in your household, even if that order were to be carried out within the Royal Mail Service, the royal family will have no choice but to hold you personally responsible and I believe that a sum of at least a hundred pounds up to possibly a thousand pounds, per letter, per every little piece of correspondence will be demanded from you since you are the Lord of the estate and it is you who is solely responsible for all things that happen within the estate. Especially since you are so rich, I’m inclined for the higher price, since you surely can afford it.” Gregori insisted to Richard whose eyes were about to pop out of his head and his own buttons on his waistcoat were about to pop off from the heaviness of his instant laboured breathing at such a prospect.

“But surely you can’t imagine that we would have anything to do with her correspondence going missing. We would never dream of doing such a thing or implicating the Royal Mail Service. Such a thing is madness and to hold us responsible for other’s mistakes.” Agnes pleaded, trying not to betray her own guilt.

“But this matter still involves the Royal Mail Service, which answers to their majesties and that they take immense pride in and is the mark of civilization in fact it was a charge of uncivilization that the Royal Mail Service was so profoundly broken that such a thing has occurred, such an oversight of one or two to go missing is understandable considering the volume, but for every single one to go missing, surely nothing but malicious intent is to blame and their royal highnesses are taking it as an affront and a personal attack and insult that a system that the monarchy put in place would fail it’s most valuable of subjects because they view that every moura in their society is a precious treasure and they immediately made that sentiment known to the Sultana and the other moura guests when they asked the Sultana about it directly and got confirmation directly from her.” Yalin countered firmly.

“Also in talking with the Sultana just this evening, she was completely unaware that there were moura social clubs in England, much less London, and had no idea of their existence, of course the belief that if you alienate one from others that you weaken the individual is completely false, if anything, it galvanizes the individual and can have very long lasting and far reaching negative effects because it’s the socialization that makes mouras more pleasant to be around and work with, but to deprive one of socialization is abject cruelty and will be something that their majesties are also looking into as well as the stables and such accommodations will make their ways into all future contracts instead of being implied because the honor of every Englishman is now called into question that we can’t even uphold our own rule of law and contracts which the Royal Family was affronted that such a thing has obviously been failed by you, which is why they are so intent on holding you personally responsible. So really, I can’t imagine the cost the royal family will demand for each piece of correspondence.” Gregori firmly insisted and his tone was almost snarling and had the Morrigan’s quaking in fear because he was after all, the brother to the King and had the commanding presence of his station as Yalin simply beamed proudly at her husband.

“H..how would you know such a thing of how many pieces of correspondence?” Richard paled as Gregori and Yalin simply smiled smugly.

“The Royal Family asked the Sultana directly to estimate how many pieces of correspondence, she estimated it in the thousands. So since it is the possibility of someone burning them, there are some magic practicing persons who can still be found, in fact they were sent for tonight during the ball and should be here in the next day or two and since the correspondances still at one point existed to begin with, they can be conjured up still. Such a thing is very costly but viable, and of course such a means can be used to pinpoint exactly who is responsible and of course if that is the case, the price for each one will double, even triple in value and be taken out of your income and out of your nobility since again, it is you who is responsible for all things at Broadcove and all your other estates and especially since it was your own servants that followed the Sultana to her new residence, they are now highly suspect as are you. And in such a case, may the gods themselves have mercy on your pocketbooks, much less your souls. And of course whoever else was involved in such a crime, is still viable to be denounced in court, all of their property go to the victim which in this case is the Sultana, and then they could be flogged, drawn and quartered in the public square, because the crime was committed against not just the Royal Mail Service but also against their majesties and a royal moura who after tonight, is closely associated with the royal family who just upon looking at her this evening have welcomed her into their fold and have gotten the nod of approval and the Queen herself said how “perfectly precious and exquisite she was, a sign of impeccable breeding”.” Gregori recited proudly.

“Oh yes, to get that kind praise from her, there are now two diamonds this season and one of them is halfway to being securely in Ramsey’s hands, really no safer place could be found in all of the court. And Ramsey is extremely protective of what is his.” Yalin practically cooed.

“Which Ramsey is looking to bolster up the protections for mouras in general, so that any abuse whatsoever will never be tolerated no matter the soil they stand on and no matter the status of the moura in question and of course we will also have to investigate all of your relation, for any evidence and any dishonesty will also have the same outcome. As we speak, Scotland Yard are on their way to your estate at Broadcove and to all of your other houses along with a special team of investigators who have come in from Dorierra just for the occasion. And any interference on your part will have some very serious, grave consequences.” Gregori warned.

“But of course, if you and your family are innocent, then you have nothing to worry about, just keep on encouraging the Sultana towards our Ramsey.” Yalin encouraged sweetly.

“Of course, of course.” Richard and Agnes shakily agreed.

“Goodnight then, safe travels, also if either you or any of your family try to flee the country, you will be hunted and brought back and imprisoned in the Tower of London and absolute guilt will be assumed and a public trial will immediately ensue and all details will be printed in every newspaper from here to Dorierra.” Gregori offered lowly as he stuck his head into the window to be eye to eye with Richard before he pulled his head out and patted the carriage and told the driver to drive the Morrigan’s home as Agnes nearly fainted.

“How long do you think it’ll take for them to start screaming at each other?” Yalin murmured as she and her husband waived them off and watched as the carriage drove away from their home.

“Oh they’ll probably wait until after they leave the gate.” Gregori mused with a chuckle.

“Have I told you that nothing is sexier to me than watching you flex your own power My Love?” Yalin cooed to Gregori.

“You can show me.” Gregori purred into his wife’s ear before he started kissing down from her ear down her neck which got her to giggle and gave her gooseflesh.

“Oh Gregori.” Yalin sighed dreamily as she pulled him into the palace.

“And?” Ramsey asked as you and Jane stood in the foyer with everyone else as you introduced Jane to all of your friends from the stables after Bennie and Calla had introduced their own brothers to Jane and the Voyambi’s as you were sure all of the Voyambi sisters were staring in awed wonder at Calla’s and Bennie’s brothers because they had never seen more handsome men in all their lives as even Kiera was hard pressed to find a single fault in them and staring at one had her ignoring every grudge she had accumalated against mouras.

“Well they didn’t sing like canaries, but we sure did dangle the carrot and practically walked themselves into a box to get it. And they will not be an obstacle anymore.” Gregori beamed happily.

“But we will still be pursuing it right?” Ramsey asked.

“Oh absolutely, they’re incredibly guilty and if Scotland Yard is on it, they won’t return without results, it’s probable cause at this point, and the fact that they made the Sultana sign a nondisclosure is proof that something very serious and most likely, very dangeorus to the Morrigan family name and honor transpired and I know the Morrigans will do anything to keep it buried and concealed, including continuing to pay the Sultana’s living after her marraige to you of course, and that dowry will set this family up nicely, give us a good chance to build for a glorious future, and with your verile seed in her young and ready womb, you’ll be father to a future King or Queen, because with the Sultana’s bloodline, that will keep us well out of too much inbreeding within the family. And give the DeuSavance’s a run for their money and give them some competition to put their heirs on that throne.” Gregori reassured his son with a firm clasp on the shoulder as Ramsey nodded nervously.

“It’s certain that the game is afoot and I’m wondering how many delightfully juicy scandalous things we’ll uncover and it would be a shame if any or all of it made it into the papers after it’s settled, everyone does love a good scandal after all, we will need some good gossip after all this business.” Yalin giggled as Gregori chuckled.

“For now, I think it best we keep the Sultana here for as long as we are keeping the Czarina and the Princess and of course we should keep the young Countess Morrigan here as well, since the Sultana insists on her innocence. We can’t go upsetting the Sultana now can we?” Yalin suggested to Gregori.

“I agree. It’s going to be a full house.” Gregori cooed before they decided to address the group.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you all for accepting our invitations, Sultana, you especially are more than welcome to stay here at Windsor for as long as the Princess and the Czarina are here as well, we know it’s been a very long time since you were with your friends and we want you to enjoy their company as much as you can.” Yalin announced as beamed a happy smile.

“Thank you, your excellencies!” You readily called back as Calla and Bennie were both on either side of you, all three of you hugging each other tightly.

“Also, we understand that the differences between Dorierra culture and English culture are stark and can be jarring, which is why for the six weeks the Dorierrans are here, the first two weeks will be spent in the Dorierra ways the following two weeks we will slowly shift from Dorierra manners to proper English manners and the last two weeks will be spent in English manners so that should any or all of the moura brides choose to stay, you will know what’s expected of you, also for our English guests, I petition you to keep an open mind and not take any offense in the difference in manners and culture but be respectful, and of course what happens here at Windsor stays at Windsor.” Gregori announced as all the Dorierrans beamed happily and excited smiles at each other.

“With that being said, it is quite late and we all should get some sleep. However if we may have a private word with Sultana Audravienne,” Yalin urged before the housekeepers came and took the group to their rooms that had been prepared for them as you bravely walked up to them.

“We just had a private word with Richard and Agnes Morrigan and they beg your forgiveness for advising you against the Dauphin and misunderstanding his actions and attributing them to you. They also agreed to no longer be a hindrance or an obstacle for you.” Gregori relayed which made you frown.

“May I ask what induced them to change their opinion?” You asked as you looked from Gregori to Yalin.

“Once they were made aware of Ramsey’s intentions towards you.” Yalin answered.

“I see, well, then their apology is accepted. Thank you so much for letting me know.” You thanked them before you curtsied again respectfully and returned to the group.

“What was that all about?” Jane asked.

“I’ll tell you later.” You promised her as you were shown your own room as you stole away in it and breathed in relief when you were finally alone as you happily stripped out of your clothes and slipped into your night gown and collapsed on the comfortable bed and barely got under the covers before you heard something click open which made your eyes snap open before you pulled a shall around you. If it was Ramsey you were going to lose your patience and beat him off with a candelabra. You couldn’t take another minute of him tonight.

“Who’s there?” You demanded because you sensed you weren’t alone anymore.

“It’s just us, Ramsey told us of the secret passages in this place, we wanted to talk to you without other eyes and ears listening and watching.” Calla informed you in marinai as she and Bennie came out from a secret door in the wall in the corner.

“Well come on in, the water is nice.” You laughed in relief before Calla and Bennie both climbed into the bed with you, leaving a candle by the secret door but otherwise left the other on the night stand as you hugged each other tightly.

“It’s so good to see you again.” Calla sniffled into your shoulder as you held her the tightest while Bennie hugged your back as three of you cuddled together in the bed.

“It’s good to see you too, and it’s great to see the boys too, I never knew how precious my time with my siblings was while I was at home, now, seeing them, makes me wish I could see my own brothers. I would give anything to see them again, even Axal.” You confessed as Calla finally withdrew from you as you all laid on your backs, admiring the mural on the ceiling.

“Why is a country so obsessed with propriety, show nothing but nudes on their ceilings?” Bennie asked.

“Psh, I don’t know, I’ve been here two years and English culture makes just as much sense to me as it probably does to either of you, which isn’t a whole lot.” You admitted as you burned with wanting to tell them more but you promised Ramsey that you wouldn’t. But at the same time, you couldn’t scare them off with horror stories just as they are getting here and getting to know these people, part of you still held out hope that your experience was a Morrigan thing, not an English thing.

“I broke into the stable master’s office.” Calla suddenly blurted out which made you and Bennie snicker a laugh.

“Why would you do such a thing?” You asked her.

“To read the report as to why you were demoted to a shakan. I almost didn’t answer the call to come here but once we found out it was to London and that you would be present, I couldn’t say no, not hearing from you, most of us have assumed the worst and with all correspondence to you going missing, because your parent’s health has declined dramatically since your demotion, when they demanded to know why they got different answers each time they asked, one was “it was in your contract not to return” another was “she has no wish to return” one even claimed that you requested that demotion so that you couldn’t return, which was clearly a lie, no one knows what to think.” Calla confessed as you guiltily bit your tongue.

“So what happened?” Calla pressed and you knew you would have to chose your words very, very carefully.

“While it is true that it was in my contract with Edward that he bought me outright and that when I survived him, I was free to do as I pleased, he afforded me a living of 15 thousand pounds a year, which is a very comfortable sum of money a year and more than enough to live on and I’ve managed to save a good portion of it, I’m able to live in comfort and peace with a whole house of my own. And if I were to go back to the stables, the cycle would just begin anew and I have no heart or stomach for it. I’m content with where I’m at and what I have. Besides, Edward stated in his will that when and if I choose to remarry, it will be love and I have every intention of honoring his wishes because they are my own.” You calmly answered.

“So why did the contract with Richard state that he would pay you thirty thousand a year?” Calla asked with a deep frown.

“Because of what transpired between him and I while I was married to Edward. If you read it then you know I can’t talk about it because it’s a non-disclosure. I’m surprised you came if you read it.” You returned.

“Ok, but just because you signed it and can’t talk about it, Calla, spill the beans, all the beans, I need to know now.” Bennie insisted as she sat up in bed and stared determinedly at Calla.

“Edward went mad shortly after Audra’s marriage to him. I consulted the new medical books after I read it, he had dementia, which is becoming common among the older ones and with dementia, comes aggression and violence, Audra suffered greatly at Edward’s hands. But Richard forbade Audra from telling anyone for fear of “tarnishing” the family honor.” Calla answered.

“And that’s why Richard doubled my yearly living, to buy my silence.” You sighed tiredly.

“But the Morrigans are rich, they could have hired doctors and nurses and caretakers to take care of Edward in that state.” Bennie argued.

“At first Edward did, but the more mad he became and the worse he got, the more the nurses demanded to care for him and instead of paying it, Richard dismissed them and viewed me as his already bought and paid for nurse and companion. But his decline was out of my depth. And all Richard did was imprison us both into Broadcove, I couldn’t reach out to anyone, even my messengerari wouldn’t work or reach out to anyone. He had some kind of disruptor in the house. But thankfully I was able to get some insurance against him, so that if he ever decides to stop paying for my silence, I can have a measure of revenge, so you see, never again will I ever be anyone’s pawn or play thing. And never again will I ever tolerate abuse of any kind. If I am to remarry it will be for love, no madness, no abuse, no control over me, no secrets, no intrigue, no disloyalty or unfaithfulness, I am a free woman, I do not answer to anyone and I have freedom. And I can’t go back to my old life, I refuse. I would rather be a free shakan than a caged nescia, no matter how big or gilded the cage may be. Even as one as nice as this palace. All I want is someone to love me for me, even as broken and jaded as I am, who won’t look at me and see wealth, or my dowry or even look at me and desire me for the sole reason that I am a moura, but will see just me, and be content with that.” You insisted sleepily as all three of you got comfortable cuddled together.

“Then I hope you get what you wish for.” Calla insisted sleepily too before all three of you drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile Demsey stared up at his own ceiling and huffed indignantly because he knew he was already beaten. How could his own estate of Whydahh had no hope of competing with the palace of Windsor. It had a hard enough time competing with Mirador and that was only because it had been built in just the last ten years and had all new, modern convenciences. His own London townhouse of Graveston didn’t really compare to Mirador at all. The Dauphin had...well everything, he was royalty for crying out loud and outranked him. What did he have that the Dauphin didn’t? What could he possibly offer a woman of taste and refinement and accomplishment such as yourself that the Dauphin couldn’t offer twice or three times over? Other than his own love, care and devotion? But call him a hopeless romantic, he wanted to try to woo you anyway. He had watched you all night and you didn’t give one genuine smile to the Dauphin all evening. You were polite but still so subdued. According to Amara when she too had followed you into the bathroom, you couldn’t even go to the bathroom in peace. And Lady Whitesale was so rude to Amara and all of his sisters. Before she had purposefully tried to befriend them as “sisters” but now that that seemingly was no longer a possibility, she immediately showed her own true colors to them and had turned all the other orc women in the court against them and had them shunned once they took up company with the jewel orc mouras. But what really sold him on you was how gracious you were in your own perceived defeat. You were still so kind and treated everyone in his family so wonderfully and respectfully and engaged with all of them while they were waiting in the foyer, especially his younger siblings. And even though Kiera had been begrudged against you, you were still kind to considerate to her. You were above reproach and you proved with your words and actions what an excellent woman you were and what he would give if he knew it wouldn’t start a scandal or call into question your own honor of just going to room and confessing all of his feelings to you this moment.

But as tempting as that sounded. That would surely insult your honor and compromise you, plus it would be unkind. He knew just by looking at you, that you were beyond exhausted. And having battled Ramsey’s affections all night and dodging the Morrigans meanness, it would be too much to try to battle his own advancements if you didn’t return them. You looked like you were ready to bolt out of the Morrigan’s carraige and you had sadly looked so relieved to even see Ramsey rescue you from their company, he wondered if you would have looked at him with equal relief if he had been the one to get to you first, but sadly he had been helping his Ma’ma out of her carriage.

But at the ball, just as you were leaving his side for the brief moment he was able to steal you away for, the way you held his hand, even for as brief of a moment as it was that evening, that simple touch had conveyed so much that words never could, but even now, he couldn’t put words to it’s meaning as he traced the outline your hand had been on his own hand, he almost didn’t want to wash his hands for fear it would wash your magical touch off, while it was true that the gold plague had ridden mouras of their magic, he could almost sense that at least a little bit still lived in you, it had sent the most delightful electric shocks through his whole being and had his soul craving more contact, just another touch, another glance, another anything. But Ramsey blocked him, all night. But despite Ramsey’s best efforts, the few looks you shared, especially over dinner, he was sure he saw longing and affection and dare he hope desire in your eyes when you looked at him. It had him feeling like you were the only woman at that ball that existed, let alone that mattered.

That being said he was keen to see you behave the way you were raised to and wondered what kind of differences there was between Dorierran customs and English ones. His brothers had talked about the Dorierran national sport, something that involved flaming swords. If he got to see you weilding a flaming sword, the Dauphin be damned, he was going to probably fall head over heels in love with you and probably propose to you as soon as he could. because at least in orcish culture, weapons were sacred and a shieldmaiden weilding a sword or a battle ax was seen as the epitome of sexy. Of course just thinking about it had his shaft rock hard, again, great, something else to satisfy again before he could get some sleep.

#Blood For Gold #Blood For Gold Part 8 #Oh yeah #now we are getting into intentions and interests and how those are gonna clash #mwahahaha #Regency orcs #regency era orc period drama #orc fantasy love story.#orc love story.#moura

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hanawrites404 · 4 years ago

Text

Wynne’s Birthday Diary - Lunie Laurenze

"I really hope they make it here on time. But the chances seem to be so thin of them even arriving considering our relationship is...... convoluted" I sighed, placing the cookies inside. I was really regretting why did I even plan this for her. And why am I stressing out so much because of it. All of this was fucking frustrating and tiring to me.

"Chillax, Winnie. Lunie will definitely come. Her sister promised me that" The brown haired man propped his legs on the table in front of him and relaxingly leaned behind the couch.

I sighed, turning to the laid-back person with crossed arms. "Lunie can force her mind onto Ink very easily. Sad thing is that even after you literally bribed Ink with shiny sparkling feathers to bring her sister here, who knows if she would succeed" I coolly replied.

"You.....You saw that?!!" Nathan (@utopia-t) stiffened, and there was a pink tint on his umber cheeks.

"Yes I did. Very disgusting of you to greed a child like that" I teased him, a smirk on my lips. Nathan turned even more pink by my mockery, but then he scrunched his nose and growled and slammed his fist on my poor couch.

"Hey! First of all, I am older than you. I know what is right and what is wrong more than you. And two, bribing is not wrong. It's just like business. You just get extra good stuff out of them just like that. And Ink surely deserves some spoiling" he defended himself.

I chuckled and went over him to sit beside him, patting his shoulder. "Relax, Dear. Of course there is nothing wrong in spoiling kids over good jobs done. Just don't make it so frequent. You would then owe them a lot that you won't be able to even repay".

"Ugh jeez Wynne. Of course I know my limits. I practically raised two kids by myself, come on!!" He threw his hands while I rolled my eyes.

"Right right. And also let one of them almost choke in the quicksand" I smirked at him even more, and just like I expected, Nathan turned even more pink and speechless. I then started laughing heartily and wipe the tears of joy from the corner of my eyes.

"Stop, Damnit. Stop teasing me" he snarled. He has his fist balled up again and I could see his veins pulsating in his arm. Though it was far from scaring me, I obliged to his request.

"There there, calm your nerves down. We don't want you smashing my lovely table on someone's birthday, you know" With a wide threatening smile I rubbed his shoulders.

"Tch whatever, Woman" he punched my shoulder lightly, earning a laugh from me. Salette was really lucky to have a brother whom you can tease 24/7 but won't lift a finger on you. The only difference is that I on the other side was in a bit danger, but that's alright. It's not that I am scared of his mindless threats. Also I heard that he likes to charm women?? Hmmm....how am I not surprised haha!!

"Ugh you should be lucky that you are cute. Otherwise I would not have hesitated to destroy your fancy expensive house" Nathan huffed. I raised my eyebrow, glancing at him as he rested his head on the couch and behind his arms.

"Pardon me. Cute???" I asked from minor bewilderment.

"Ummm yeah. That's what I said" he replied.

I stayed silent, still not opening my mouth. Nathan clearly noticed it as he clicked his tongue, annoyed.

"Oh come on. You heard me nicely. You have clear ears" he elaborated. But still that didn't solve my problem.

Nathan then being the stubborn impatient kind grabbed my shoulders and pulled me closer to him. My hands landed on his chest with a thud and my eyes jerked up, a gasp escaped my lips.

"So you don't believe me huh, Blueberry?" His crimson eyes looked directly into mine. Oh no.........

"E-Excuse me?? But what do I have to believe??" The confusion was still on my face. But then it all got sorted when he lifted my chin up, our noses touching and our lips just inches away.

"Want me to tell you?" His whisper, huskily reached my ears. This just made me even more nervous than before.

I gulped, adjusting my position, but he was holding onto me by my waist now. He had a stern grip. It seemed impossible to withdraw.

Nathan closed up to me, our lips were almost going to meet. I wasn't ready for it, but didn't hesitate to close my eyes as well and brace for the kiss. The tension was hot, it was hitting my skin and arousing goosebumps on me. Nathan looked like it wasn't affecting him, because of how he still had his hold on me and his hands weren't shaking like mine.

I was not scared, I was rather bubbling from anticipation of what would Nathan do, but my expectations were destroyed when we were interrupted by the tingling classic London chime.

Of the doorbell.

"Oh fucking goddamnit!!" Nathan cursed, letting go of me and slumping back on the couch. While I just blinked twice, trying to get my system back, and then got up to walk to the door.

"Excuse me Dear" I simply sighed. Poor Nathan. I actually felt bad for him. I promise to compensate his disappointment later.

But nonetheless, I opened the door, and being half-surprised to look at the visitor, I greeted both of them.

"Well Good Evening Ink, Lunie" I said. Lunie (@boiling-potato), as usual, dismissed my salutation and looked away with a 'hmph', but her sister on the other hand, happily returned the hello.

"Good Evening Wynne! It's really good to see you. And you are looking really nice today ^w^" said said. This lit up a smile, as I let both of them com inside my house.

"Why thank you Dear. It's lovely to hear from you too" I grinned back, closing the door. Hmmm....it was kind of warm outside. Maybe due to spring change.

"So....why are we here again??" Lunie crossed her arms and looked around. She sounded as if she was forced to arrive here. Nothing out of unusual at all, actually.

"We are here to celebrate your birthday, Lunie! Wynne and Nathan organised it for you ÒwÓ" Ink replied. Lunie was unamused, as she just sat on one of the couches and kept her head on her hand, disinterested.

"Whatever" she said. I didn't even care actually, because I had already given up and tired. Jeez, edgy kids these days.

But suddenly Nathan appeared behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He had a bright smile on his face.

"Hey come on now. It's your birthday! Birthdays are nice! You get to party, have fun with friends, get drunk and might even find a nice boy to-"

Before he could even say anything further, I slapped his mouth shut. Seriously this man bitch doesn't even know how to talk to children sometimes. Ugh Stupid Human.

"And do what?? What do we do with a nice boy OwO?" The ravenette asked. Oh shit, here we go again. Come on Wynne, think of something.

"W-We just greet him a good night, that's all haha!" I smiled at her, but on the inside was boiling from pique.

"Oh! Ok! ^w^" Ink thankfully didn't question it further and settled down. I then let Nathan go, glaring at him for a second, before I went to the kitchen to get the cake. I knew Lunie didn't want to stay here much because of how much we both pissed each other, so I wanted this to get over with quick.

Meanwhile I kept hearing Nathan talking with both Lunie and Ink. He kept entertaining them with chats and jokes, and was doing surprisingly well. That was good. Looks like it was a nice idea to bring him over. Otherwise it would have been pretty awkward if I was by myself.

"What's a cat's favourite colour??"

"What? -_-"

"Ooooooh what OwO??"

"Purr-ple!!"

"ರ_ರ"

"HAHAHAHAHAHHAA nice one, Nathan (≧▽≦)"

Hah......dorks...................

Soon the cake was brought on the table, and the birthday girl was settled right in front of the spongy dessert. The cake had the flavour of chocolate cookies and sugary cream, and it was adorned with dark chocolate musical notes. The cake was white and dark brown, and it had seventeen blue candles on it.

"........The cake looks good" For the first time I heard Lunie saying one positive thing for the whole day. It brightened my mood quite a lot, and so with Nathan. Since we both were the ones who made the cake, and our star for tonight was satisfied. And nothing else could have fulfilled us more.

"We are glad you liked it" I replied. "Thanks Lunie! I hope you would love how it tastes too!!" Nathan beamed. Ink was amazed by the cake, her eyes were literally sparkling. It was adorable to watch. Lunie just nodded to us, as she closed her eyes next, ready to make her wish.

"Let's get this over with" and then she blew the candles.

Happy birthday to you~

Happy birthday Dear Lunie~

Happy birthday to you 💙💙💙💙💙~

The cake was cut, and was shared. We all enjoyed the dessert. It was pleasantly sweet, not too sugary and not too bland. It was perfect with the soft cream and cookie crunch.

Ink was the happiest one among us all. No surprise again. She loved the cake and the other food me and Nathan had prepared. And she had a lot of fun during games and the present time.

And speaking about presents, Nathan gifted Lunie a recipe book of making different types of desserts. So that she could be self-reliant and learn how to bake what she loves. I actually knew the book, because my father used to have it. Obviously he never followed it, and even if he did, something always went wrong. Lunie seemed pleased though, and that's all that mattered.

At last it was my turn to gift her. And for my part I had given her a navy blue oversized shirt with white musical notes. Come on. Fashion is how I roll, and considering Lunie loved baggy clothing, I had to create one for her with every love I can put into it. And to be candid, I had much delectation with weaving every fibre of it, and truly hoped that she would love to wear it once.

Lunie might be unnecessarily audacious, however she was still relatable to me because she somewhat felt like myself. Those broody eyes, that lethargic expression, the introverted testy approach, reminded me of me. All I had to say was, Lunie is like my sister too. No matter how much we hated each other's guts.

But the most surprising thing for today was how Lunie actually enjoyed the occasion. She said that it wasn't too loud or crowded, and it was rather diverting and a nice distraction from annoyance. This was of course a compliment, even though Nathan didn't look really satisfied by it haha!

But I had fun. And so did the others. The rest of the night went well, with all of us chilling and talking about the early days and future nights. At the very present. All of it together.

#the arcana #the arcana game #fan apprentice #wynne toprak #arcana mc #arcana apprentice #arcana oc #ink #lunie #lunie laurenze #🥔#nathan dahab #what I wrote

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lovelyirony · 5 years ago

Note

“Let me help you.” for Clark and Bruce please?

i’m making these rounds of prompts au so i present: new neighbor au (note: i know next to nothing about the bat fam pretty pretty please do not kill me i’m begging)

Bruce Wayne already hated moving into the house, although the house itself wasn’t particularly bad. Jason and Dick were already fighting over who got the corner room (they didn’t know Cass had already started to set up a vanity there) and he had already heard at least one bad crack from a kitchen box.

But it was fine.

This did not explain why there was a strange man in his house, talking to Jason as if this was a regular occurrence.

“Who are you?” Bruce asks bluntly. “And what the hell are you doing in my house?”

“Dad!” Jason hisses. “This is our new neighbor, Clark Kent. Be nice.”

“It’s okay, I technically did come into the house without his knowledge,” newly-named Clark Kent admits. “I’m sorry, I just noticed that your son was struggling with a box labeled ‘dishes’ and figured it’d be better to help than to schedule a trip to the store for more plates.”

He was right. This was the problem.

(This guy was also ripped, had on a pair of thick, black frames that somehow looked good, and looked like he probably ripped logs in half when he was bored.)

“Thank you,” Bruce says curtly. “But I think we have it from here.”

He hears a yell from the yard, and it’s Dick and Tim fighting over a box that got dumped over.

Inside is the office computer, which is now not an office computer but scraps for one of the kids to use for some project that hopefully isn’t world domination.

(It’s not like Bruce can’t replace it, it’s just that...well he doesn’t want to go monitor shopping.)

“Let me help you,” new-neighbor says. He’s too damn earnest.

“I’m fine,” Bruce grits out. “Believe me, I can handle it.”

“You just moved in with more kids than I think I’ve seen, it’s been a long day. At least let me make you dinner.”

“Please?” Duke asks.

Clark gestures as if saying “I was right.”

“Your cooking kind of...sucks.”

“It’s not that bad.”

Jason pokes his head out now to yell for pizza.

Bruce pinches the bridge of his nose. “Fine. Dinner is fine. Thank you. It’s not necessary. You will spoil my kids. But thank you.”

“Um...how many are exactly in your family?”

“Shoot for ten, that’s probably good,” Duke says.

To his credit, Clark only blinks once.

“Gotcha,” he says. “Dinner will be ready in two hours, give or take. I have a...store trip.”

Bruce slips him cash.

“Here. I know it’s a pain. You can back out of it or order pizza. If you order pizza, that’d probably work.”

“Pizza sounds good. I’ll get pizza. Any allergies?”

“Don’t put mushrooms on it!” Cass yells out the window. “They suck!”

“No they don’t!” Damian yells back. “You have no taste!”

Clark grins.

“I think I’m gonna like having you guys as my new neighbors.”

Clark thinks his new neighbors are fun. He can sometimes hear yelling and the boys are chasing each other around the kitchen. They practice what looks to be a game of tag but with consequences in the backyard.

Their father is very interesting. He leaves the house at five each morning for work, and Clark only knows that because he’s on a run every day with Diana, who is also as insane as he is.

“He looks nice,” she says, craning her neck.

“Way to be obvious,” he comments.

“Like you aren’t,” Diana says, laughing. “Catch up to me before I lap you again.”

Clark rolls his eyes. “Fine.”

“When was the last time you dated?”

“You know the last time I dated,” he responds. “I’m fine with not dating.”

“And yet I think you’d actually want to date a man who has what seems to be an infinite supply of children,” Diana responds.

“You make it sound creepy.”

“I can’t keep track of them. I keep seeing new ones.”

Clark tells her all about the kids. How he sometimes talks to Tim about school over the fence, or he’ll bring over dessert since Cass mentioned no one knows how to bake besides Alfred, but Alfred retired.

(Note: find out who Alfred is.)

Who he doesn’t talk much to is Bruce. Which is odd, considering he knows that he’s home quite a bit.

(Windows are clear, you see things through them. That’s his reasoning.)

Bruce is a very interesting man, because he’s always out with the kids throwing around a ball, or taking at least one of them around the neighborhood learning how to drive.

(Clark is scared for Cass to actually have a car she’s run over about seven different mailboxes.)

It’s when he gets his doorbell rung and standing there is Duke and Damian.

“You’re coming to family dinner,” Damian says. “We figure we owe you for always climbing your fence to get the baseballs and for sometimes probably keeping you up until two a.m. because we’re debating on food.”

“I’ve learned much about pineapple on pizza,” Clark says. “What time should I show up? Do you guys want dessert?”

“Dessert would be great, and dinner is at six-thirty,” Duke says, grinning. “Still remember those lemon bars you made. Best things I’ve ever had.”

“I’ll bring some over then,” Clark says, grinning.

Unofficially, the kids have noticed that their dad needs someone.

Well okay he doesn’t but occasionally he looks at their neighbor a second longer.

(Tim did the math.)

So Clark gets invited to dinner. Besides, they’re tired of simply talking over a fence. And Alfred suggested knowing at least one neighbor just in case one of them got in trouble and Bruce was away on business or the like.

Bruce does not know that Clark got invited to dinner.

Or that he can actually casually wear t-shirts.

(He wonders if he tailors his t-shirts.)

“What are you doing here?” He asks.

“Was I...not invited?” Clark asks.

“Oh, you definitely were,” Dick says. “We decided to be neighborly. We followed Alfred’s advice, Dad. You know how good that is.”

Bruce knows he cannot argue against Alfred.

“Welcome,” Bruce says. “I hope they didn’t badger you into bringing another dessert.”

(Oh let it be known Bruce is a liar, he was hoping for a dessert.)

“Duke requested lemon bars, so I had to fill a need,” Clark explains. “Thanks for letting me crash your dinner.”

“It isn’t a problem,” Bruce says. “Tim, go get another chair.”

“Why do I have to get the chair?”

“Damian, go get the chair.”

“I am hated in this family,” Damian declares, getting up from his seat. “But I’ll go get it.”

“I appreciate you!” Clark calls, navigating through the kitchen easily. “Mind if I set the dessert down?”

“Not at all, let me squeeze past you to get the water glasses.”

Okay so maybe Tim scoots his chair back and Bruce is used to just moving out of the way and avoiding getting the back of a chair shoved into his stomach but then he runs into Clark.

“Sorry!” he says.

Bruce is against his back.

“It’s fine,” he says, straightening himself up. “Tim, quit moving your chair at ill-opportune times.”

“Sorry,” Tim says, looking not-sorry-at-all.

Bruce sends him a dirty look.

Damian shows up with the chair, grinning.

“Sorry about the kitchen, tends to be a hard-to-get place with all of us. Anyways, water?”

Bruce hates his kids. They are not slick about anything. Cass cannot look him in the eye without smiling.

Clark is oblivious.

Dinner is...good. Better than good. Clark is surprisingly good with dry humor, and entertains the kids with stories of his greatest journalism feats.

(Bruce is impressed.)

He also handles the sheer volume of kids with a certain amount of grace. He listens carefully when Tim’s talking, even when Jason yells over him for someone to pass the dessert.

After dinner, Clark is invited to the backyard porch to have a drink while the kids play outdoors.

“You do a nice job,” Clark says. “It must get pretty crazy, all by yourself.”

“It can be,” Bruce admits. “Although the kids have grown up enough to know when they need to quit it. Mostly. Sometimes they still fight about things like ice cream.”

“The great flavor debate,” Clark nods. “Your stance on chocolate chip cookie dough.”

“Oh god, you’re that guy?”

“It’s the superior flavor!”

“That is the most boring answer you could’ve given.”

“And what is your answer?”

“Peppermint.”

Clark stares at him.

“What?”

“So you only have ice cream, like, once a year?”

“Sure. Don’t really like any other flavor.”

Clark shakes his head.

“Not mint?”

“Mint is still good, but not the best.”

“And your stance on the lemon bars?” Clark asks.

“I hid some in the fridge so I could get more,” Bruce admits. Clark laughs.

Bruce likes the sound of that. He likes how Clark looks under those stupid fairylights that Duke and Cass had snuck into the cart when he wasn’t looking. (They looked good, he had to admit.)

He looks away for a moment.

“It’s getting dark,” Clark says. “I have an early day tomorrow, I better head home.”

“Feel free to come any time,” Bruce says, nodding. “I mean that.”

“I get the feeling you never say things you don’t mean,” Clark answers.

Bruce smiles slightly.

“How’d it go?” Dick asks.

“Do not ask me.”

(That means it went well.)

Clark comes over to the house a lot more after that, as well as having the Wayne family over to his.

Lois makes fun of him when he has his phone background a picture of him and the family in the backyard for Tim’s birthday.

“You need to marry in,” she says. “Enough of this.”

“We’re just neighbors.”

Lois starts humming music from The Sound of Music and Clark gives her a look.

“You still need to meet your deadline by tonight!” Lois calls back. “I know you can do it!”

He sighs, turning back to his desk.

Tonight was his turn to host dinner, and it was all of them. He still had to leave work early (if he could) and get the makings for the rest of the meal.

Dear Clark, Duke mentioned that you have an upcoming deadline at work. I am aware this could impede your timing for tonight’s dinner. I am going to the store with Cass. What do you need for dinner? From, Bruce Wayne.

Clark snorts. Bruce always texts like that, no matter who it is. He texts his own kids like that, no matter the circumstance.

Thank you, Bruce. I need one more pound of ground beef and some drinks (juice and stuff like that.) I will pay you back when you get back.

Dear Clark, Payment is not necessary. All of my children have subjected you to debates about “pineapple” and “government conspiracy theories.” No problem. From, Bruce Wayne.

“Why I’m attracted to you, I have no idea,” Clark mutters, rolling away from his desk to get another coffee.

“You should get him flowers,” Cass says, looking at the bouquets lined up.

“Why?” Bruce asks.

“People like flowers,” she says. “And they’re used when you like someone.”

Bruce slowly swivels his head.

“Would you like to pretend that I never heard you?”

“Not really. You’re the one grocery shopping for our neighbor that’s your type and refusing payment.”

“How do you know what my type is?”

“When Tim and Jason get bored it gets bad.”

“Remind me to rescind talking privileges in-house.”

“Noted, but disregarded. We need gummy worms.”

“We do not need gummy worms.”

They still get thrown in the cart.

And now Bruce is nervous for a dinner that is literally just a dinner but maybe he should get flowers.

He gets sunflowers. Because Clark is a Kansas boy and roses are overrated anyways.

Clark gets flowers from Bruce,who by all means looks quite flustered.

“They’re wonderful,” he says, smiling. “Cass help you pick these out?”

“Nope, his idea,” Cassie says, digging into her pockets. “I bought gummy worms.”

Clark blinks as she steps off to go see her brothers.

Bruce winces.

“Sorry if that’s a bit...forward. I figured you’d like the sunflowers.”

“Not too forward at all,” Clark says. “In fact, I’d like an after-dinner conversation, if you don’t mind.”

Bruce blinks.

“Um. Yes.”

That is the first time he had ever said “um” in Clark’s presence, so this is a pretty momentous occasion.

Dinner is still nice. Bruce is a bit lost in thought and Clark has to refocus in on the conversation of Dick bitching about his new floor routine and the coach who’s making it impossible to practice.

The kids have enough sense to offer to either a.) go work on homework or b.) do the dishes.

Clark leads Bruce to the backyard, sitting on the patio furniture. They overlook his garden.

“I don’t know why I kept the fence,” Clark says. “Not like anyone’s to the right of me, and your family comes over often enough we don’t really need one. Wanna help me remove it?”

“Is that what your after-dinner conversation consisted of?” Bruce asks.

“No,” Clark says. “But I needed to say something else so I got courage to say what I want to say.” He takes a breath.

“Bruce, you are without a doubt the strangest man I have ever met. You send text messages like you’re sending business emails, yet you always participate with Jason’s internet dances and even, on occasion, help prank other siblings. You pretend like you never know anyone’s interests but you have gotten me my favorite jam at least once and make the kids’ favorite desserts for dinner.

“Furthermore, I think I am incredibly in love with you because you look nice in suits and you got me sunflowers because you know I like them. You are also one of the best people I’ve ever met. So I would like to take you on a date.”

“A real date?”

“As opposed to what, taking you to a meeting with my journalism team?” Clark asks.

Bruce smiles softly.

“I am joking.”

“Nerd.”

“Where is the date going to be?”

“I figured we actually go to that restaurant we always order takeout from instead of ordering enough for twenty people,” Clark teases.

“Sounds good to me,” Bruce says. “We’ll need to not tell the kids or they’ll want to spy on us.”

“Obviously. What day works for you?”

“Wednesday?”

“We both tell them it’s a late night at the offices, start without us,” Clark says, grinning.

“I can’t wait.”

The date goes quite well. The kids are very sad to have missed it, although they make sure everyone knows that they were the ones who set the two up in the first place.

“You have to say it in your wedding vows,” Dick says. “I was the one who planned it.”

“I was the one who pushed my chair!” Tim yells.

Cass rolls her eyes, shares a look with Duke.

Bruce shakes his head.

“You are not getting credit for Clark asking me to go on dates with him, Dick. You get credit for not unloading the dishwasher this morning, however.”

“Ugh.”

Damian snickers from his position on the couch, and gets a flowering look from his older sibling.

“Where’s your date tonight?” Duke asks his dad. “Going somewhere special?”

“Maybe,” Bruce answers. “It’s Clark’s turn to choose. I never know with him.”

(He knows. They’re going to a farmer’s market. Barbara Gordon also knows this and has told Jason, who finds it hilarious that his dad, who usually is very Stern and Serious will be pulled into conversation on different strains of heirloom tomatoes.)

150 notes · View notes

briefololtragedy · 4 years ago

Text

Wooden Blocks Ch 3

Chapter: Baby Steps

Pairing: MinaSaku

Rating G

Summary: Minato and Sakura meet outside of the clinic without Naruto. Word count 5500

Posted on AO3

Her feet hit the pavement hard. She could feel her muscles contract allowing the blood in her to pump faster. Her heart was beating out of her chest and she could tell her face was beet red. The music in her ears drowned out some of the noises around her as she ran down the streets. This was her weekend morning ritual. Wake up, put on her running gear, and run to her heart’s content. It was one of the few times she was able to shut off her brain. Well she tried to shut off her brain. She thought back to coffee with Ino a few weeks ago.

“Come on Forehead tell me how the art gallery was. Did you guys have fun afterwards?” Ino kept wiggling her eyebrows.

“The art was different. We walked around and then we got dinner. He took me home and then left. “ Sakura sipped her coffee. Allowing the aroma to fill her senses. She just couldn’t see Kakashi as more than just a friend. She couldn’t handle the fact that he was late. She understood the first time, but this time he was almost an hour late and no proper excuse. Then when she was around him it always felt off. When the highlight of the evening is talking to a patient’s father that’s a sign.

“Seriously! That’s all you're going to give me. I need more details.”

“There is not much in the way of details. He was late by almost an hour. Showed up with just an ``I'm sorry'' and then we went on our date.” Sakura made sure to do her best man voice impression with the ‘I’m sorry.’

“Seriously Sakura, you need to stop finding fault with every guy you date. Don’t just focus on one small flaw.” Sakura did not see how wanting a date to be on time was a bad thing. There interests didn’t seem to mesh well.

“Plus he brought you food that day. Wasn’t that so romantic?” Sakura rolled her eyes. Yeah romantic if you get judged for being hungry and not being ashamed to eat. She did thank Kakashi profusely for the kind gesture.

“Give it more than just a couple of dates.” Sakura huffed into her coffee.

She was trying to look past a few hiccups in her time with Kakashi. They seemed to do well talking over text, but when it came to being in person together the click just didn’t happen. She asked him to lunch yesterday and it just keeps falling flat with him. Sakura also didn’t care for his favorite reading material, Jiraiya was a class A pervert.

Sakura forced her legs to go faster. Her mind wasn’t supposed to be overthinking. Its only job was to help her function in her run. After running for a little while longer she looked at her watch. Five miles. She slowed to a stop. Her muscles twitched in rhythm with her music. She needed food and coffee. Sakura lived close to the downtown area and her runs usually had her circling the heart of the city. She looked around and noticed she was in one of the more hipster areas.

A smile found its way on her face when she saw the antiqued green door to a coffee shop. It had recently opened and she had been dying to try it out. Sakura had almost thought to ask Kakashi to come with her to the shop last week but he didn’t like coffee. He also didn’t like mornings, so meeting before she had to go to work was a no go.

The small bell on the top corner of the door chimed as she entered. The shop was decently packed for 9am on a Saturday. She easily made her way through the store to the counter. ‘Hmm all of this looks so good. I want to order everything.’ One of the reasons Sakura ran so much was because she enjoyed eating. Most days she ate so healthy a fitness nut would say to take a step back. However, those days were to balance out when all she wanted was carbs, sugar, candy, and chocolate. Yes, Sakura at times ate like the elf her patients thought she was.

“I’ll have a White Chocolate Mocha with a pump of raspberry sauce and an order of blueberry pancakes, please.” Sakura could feel her blood sugar start to spike with her order, but she didn’t care. She wanted her sugar and no one will stand in her way. Her usual black coffee just wouldn’t cut it today.

After paying she took her number and looked for a seat. She scanned the coffee shop looking for an open seat. She hoped to get one by the windows because the thought of drinking her sugar and people watching really appealed to her. However, she paused when she saw a familiar mess of blonde hair.

“Mr. Namikaze?”

_____________________________

Over the last few weeks Minato felt like he was going at turbo speed. They were finally going to submit the proposal for the bank tower and he really wanted to get it. His desire to beat everyone else is what brought him into work on a Saturday morning. Well Naruto waking up at 6am this morning and then not wanting to go back to sleep also played a role in the decision as well.

Minato dressed Naruto in a simple outfit with a baby Yoda top and light jacket. It was such a beautiful morning that Minato strapped Naruto in a baby carrier and walked to his office downtown. The streets were peaceful as he strolled down the streets. He passed a few runners, saw some people on their stoops getting their morning paper. Mornings were one of his favorite times of the day. He always enjoyed the stillness that came with mornings. How things didn’t have to be rushed. Kushina could never understand his love for mornings.

“Why can’t you just go back to sleep. There are more hours in the day that you could be awake. Be lazy with me.”

Minato loved their lazy mornings, but he didn’t want to waste a day when there was so much work to be done. He soon found himself walking into the lobby of the building his office was in.

“Morning Mr. Namikaze. You just can’t escape this place it seems.” The security officer gave him a warm greeting. Minato just smiled and held Naruto closer to him.

“Is that Naruto?” The security officer, Jin, had come over to take a peak. He would never forget all the conversations he had with Jin when he found out he was going to be a father. Jin had 3 older children and provided a lot of advice. However, it was one of his lowest mornings that Jin was there for him.

It had been a month since Naruto was born and Minato went into work on a Sunday morning. He just sat in his office. For the first time tears fell from his eyes.

“I don’t know how I am going to do this.” He just wanted to wallow in his misery. Minato wanted to be alone, but Jin was checking the floors on his daily rounds.

“Mr. Namikaze is everything alright?” Minato wanted to say that no nothing was alright. Everything was wrong. How the hell was he going to raise a child on his own. Kushina would be able to do it without batting an eye. Minato didn’t read all of the baby books. He didn’t look at preschools and daycares before Naruto came into the world. Minato could barely put a diaper on in the baby classes.

Jin seemed to read his thoughts and he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry about Kushina. She was a wonderful woman.” Jin paused. Minato found the tears falling faster.

“Mr. Namikaze I have 3 kids of my own. I know you can raise Naruto and give him a wonderful life. My late wife died 2 years after our last was born. I found myself the sole caretaker of 3 rambunctious and moody girls. There are a lot of twists and turns in the life of parenting. The pain of losing a spouse will lessen overtime, but you will see her whenever you look into the eyes of your boy. I still see my wife in everything my girls do.”

Minato knew what it was like to lose his parents. It crushed him that Naruto would never have his mother.

“Do you ever feel like you were never enough?”

“All the time. But let me tell you something. As long as you love him that is more than enough.”

“Yes. Decided he should start earning money early for all the diapers we go through.” Jin gave him a deep laugh. They talked briefly and after 10 minutes, 8 of which Jin held Naruto and almost didn’t let him go, Minato ventured to his office. The moment he stepped in he realized one important fact. He forgot something for Naruto to sit in. ‘Crap’ Why didn’t he think further ahead! Minato looked around his office. He really wanted to work, but didn’t want to keep the heavy baby carrier on him. He strolled over to his desk trying not to panic. As he sat down in his chair he looked around. He then realized he had a suit jacket on the back of his door. He can lay the jacket out on the floor and Naruto could lay on that! Plus Naruto was holding his fox toy so that should provide enough entertainment for Minato to get some work done.

Within a few short minutes Minato was going over the proposal for the millionth time. Apparently in the middle of working Naruto fell asleep. It wasn’t until a knock on his office door happened that Minato realized the time. It was now 830am and he had been working for the last hour. He looked up to see who was at work today.

“Rin? Obito? What are you two doing here?” The couple were dressed casually both in jeans and simple shirts. Minato laughed when he realized they were in matching shirts. He really wanted Obito to propose soon. The last time they talked he was planning on it in the next couple of months.

“No Minato the important question is why are you at work on a Saturday morning?” Rin was taping her foot and hands on her hips.

“This proposal…”

“The proposal is perfect and will be submitted first thing Monday morning.” It was Obito who cut him off. Minato wanted to protest.

“Don’t even start Minato. You need a break, so here is what is going to happen. Obito and I will take Naruto for the morning. You will go enjoy some time to yourself. Heaven knows that you have not taken a break since Naruto was born.” Minato tried to butt in, but Rin kept going.

“And we at least won’t get pizza sauce on Naruto.” Rin was now pulling him out of his chair. Obito had gathered Naruto from the floor, he somehow strapped the baby carrier to his chest already. Soon the foursome were in the elevator heading to the lobby.

“Have a good weekend guys.” Jin happily waved as they walked through the lobby.

“You too Jin and thanks for the text.” Obito waved enthusiastically.

“What text?” Minato didn’t like what he was thinking. “Did you have Jin keep tabs on me?”

Rin and Obito looked at each other and simultaneously answered. “We plead the 5th.”

Minato tried to follow them, but Rin wasn’t having it. “Go find a coffee shop or something to sit in.” When did Rin become so bossy?

So Minato ended up slowly strolling down the streets of downtown. He realized that he was needing another caffeine hit and could use some food as well. His attention was caught by a new coffee shop with an eclectic feel. ‘This will do.’ Once he saw the menu the fate was sealed. He ordered a simple plan late and a lavender vanilla scone. He soon found his place in one of the booths by the windows. It didn’t take too long before he pulled out his iPad and started to read, Ready Player One.

He tried to shut his worrying mind off. Soon Minato became engrossed in the novel; he didn’t see a certain pink haired doctor walk in, not until he heard her sing-song voice.

“Mr. Namikaze.” Minato looked up and all the air left his lungs. Standing before him was Dr. Haruno in running shorts and a sleeveless racer back exercise top.

“Dr. Haruno. How are you?” His heart was pounding so hard he thought it would pop out of his chest.

“Sakura.” He just stared at her.

“Excuse me.” Minato was confused.

“Please call me Sakura. We are outside of work and I feel weird when people call me a doctor outside of work. And I am doing good Mr. Namikaze. How are you?” Minato felt like an idiot. She was saying to call her by her first name. He really wanted to hit his head on the table.

“Minato. Please call me Minato then. I am doing well.” Sakura smiled at him. He then realized she was holding a number card and he also realized there were no seats available. Minato weighed the pros and cons of asking what he was about to. In the end he didn’t want Sakura to leave.

“Please join me. There are no other open seats and it looks like you have ordered.” He could tell she was hesitant. The moment she sat across from him he felt the small victory.

Sakura wasn’t sure what possessed her to sit down with Mr. Namikaze. Minato, she corrected in her head. Although as she thought about it, it was the logical choice. He had an empty seat and she needed to eat. He looked more relaxed so relaxed when he was reading she hated bothering him. As she looked around she realized someone was missing.

“Where’s Naruto?” Sakura found herself a little disappointed the other familiar mop of blonde hair wasn’t present. There was something about Naruto’s smile that tugged at her heart. He was sure to be a heartbreaker.

“Two of my friends took him for the morning. They wanted to give me a break.” Minato almost felt jealous of his own son. How many women would want to be in this position? As much as he was annoyed at not being the main focus it warmed him on the inside that Naruto’s pediatrician cared so much for him.

“That’s so sweet of them. They won’t eat pizza while holding him I hope.” Her smirk caused his stomach to summersault.

“No, they are much more responsible. I’m sure Rin wants it as practice for their future. Although Obito has to propose first.” Minato was surprised at the ease of carrying a conversation with her. Their conversation was interrupted when Sakura’s order arrived. He had never seen someone so happy to see food. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her kid in the candy store look on her face.

The smell of her coffee and pancakes filled her nostrils. She could smell the warm blueberries from the pancakes and a hint of lemon. Her coffee was strong, but the white chocolate and raspberry cut through some of the bitter notes as she took her fist sip. She wasted no time drizzling the pancakes with the blueberry syrup. She had to slow her actions remembering the last time she scarfed down food in front of Kakashi. All of Sakura’s self control went to stopping herself from devouring everything.

Minato could see the struggle in her eyes as she slowly ate her food. Looking at her attire she likely spent the morning working out and was likely to be starving.

“You don’t have to hold back eating your food in front of me. What were you doing this morning?” Sakura was touched by his words.

“I went for one of my runs, so I am very hungry.” She didn’t fully unleash all her enthusiasm onto her pancakes, but did pick up the pace. They were so flaky and melted in her mouth, worth every calorie. They sat in a comfortable silence as Sakura ate and Minato read. Sakura felt like the two names she heard were familiar, but didn’t know from where.

Halfway through her food her stomach was happy enough to slow down. She then took in the appearance of the man she was sitting with. The first time she met him she realized how drop dead gorgeous he was, he still is. It’s no wonder why all the nurses swoon for him.

Soon they were parting ways. Sakura could only make it through half of her coffee, but was able to get it in a to-go cup with some black coffee added to it.

“Thank you for letting me sit with you Mr...Minato. Tell Naruto I said hi.” Just like that he watched Sakura walk away.

Minato texted Rin to see where they were. His nerves were on end until she texted back. Relief rushed over him once she said they were back home. Rin had a spare set of keys to his home and wanted Naruto to be in a familiar environment.

It was a quick walk back home. The moment Minato walked into his home he took out his phone to take a picture. Obito was sprawled out on the couch, Rin nestled into him, and Naurto played on Obito’s chest. Rin heard the snap of his phone and looked up.

“Minato! You’re back. How was your break?” Rin easily navigated over Obito and Naruto to get up. Minato thought back to his time with Sakura.

“It was just what I needed. Thank you for strong arming me into it.” Naruto startled to babble as he heard his father’s voice. Minato wasted no time in picking him up. Obito yawned and stretched.

“We should better get going. I expect to be babysitting more often.” Rin gave Minato a quick hug and kicked Obito as they walked out the door.

Minato sat down on his couch, Naruto on his knee. He bounced him up and down. After being in the coffee shop he realized how quiet his home was.

“You will never guess who I ran into today.” Naruto just tilted his head to the side and smiled.

“Dr. Haruno says hi.”

__________________________

The energy in the office was chaotic. They had just submitted the proposal and knew time would move at a snail's pace until they heard. It could be today or in the next couple of weeks. Minato wanted to throw up. He couldn’t think about all the what ifs, so started to check on the progress of their other buildings.

Currently they were working on a couple of restaurants for the Akimichi family, the Uhiha’s were wanting a revamped police station, and the Nara’s wanted a second building for their accounting firm. He also had that strange job from Nagato from a group called Akatsuki. Minato still didn’t know what the group did. All he got from Nagato was that the group represented a variety of different interests in a variety of areas.

Lunch was eaten at his desk as he worked through the hour. He didn’t want to stop. If he stopped he would just worry about that stupid proposal for Sarutobi International Bank. Minato looked up and saw Kakashi and Obito fooling around. Those two were only a couple of years younger than him, but acted like toddlers. At least Rin had a decent head on her shoulders.

He was pulled out his thoughts when his secretary called him. It was the Sarutobi group. They were calling already. They must have looked at the building proposal, laughed, and then threw it in the garbage.

“This is Minato.” His hands started to sweat.

“Minato, my boy. This is Hiruzen Sarutobi. I just wanted to tell you we got a lot of different architecture firms submitting some top notch building proposals.” Yep here came the rejection.

“Your group’s proposal was such an easy standout we didn’t have to debate for long. This was one of the smoothest meetings we have had for our buildings. Typically we take at least a month to decide.” Minato’s jaw dropped. Did Hiruzen just say…

“Congratulations Minato. Your firm has been chosen to build our newest tower. My office will send over the details in the next couple of days.”

“Tha…” He had to cough to clear his voice. “Thank you sir. I look forward to working with you.” Minato sat back as he hung up the phone. His mind was still processing what just happened. When he looked up he saw his staff looking at him. He got up slowly from his desk and walked out to talk to them.

Kakashi and Obito stopped fooling around. Rin had gone back to her own job after visiting Obito for lunch. He took in the faces of his staff.

“I’m sure you all would like to know what that call was about. As you probably heard, that was Hiruzen Sarutobi who just called. He wanted to inform us…” Minato paused wanting to build the dramatic effect. “He wanted to tell us we got the job! We will be building their newest bank tower.” Cheers soon erupted. Obito looked like he was about to have a heart attack.

“We need to celebrate. What do you think boss, how about Friday?” Obito was bouncing up and down. Minato thought about the idea. His staff deserved to celebrate the news.

“That sounds good. I’ll see if one of Choza’s restaurants could cater for us. Obito, I expect Rin to be there. Kakashi try not to be too late.” Minato went to walk away when he heard Obito speak.

“Come on Kakashi you have to bring the woman you have been seeing. Rin and I are dying to meet her. “ Wait Kakashi was seeing someone! How did he not know about this? Minato turned around and Kakashi was sending texts to someone. As Minato walked around his staff letting them know about the party he soon heard Kakashi’s phone ring. Minato didn’t care to listen to the conversation, but wondered who this mystery woman could be.

___________________________

Sakura walked into the office Monday morning more refreshed than she had been in months. She felt so energized that she went for a run this morning. Usually she waited till evening to run, but with the endorphins released this morning she needed to switch to morning. Seeing that her schedule was fully booked didn’t even bother her. Bring on all of the antibiotics seeking parents for their child’s viral infection and teenage girls with abdominal pain.

It seemed like time flew because the next thing Sakura knew she was seeing her last patient. As she walked back to her office she saw she had messages from Kakashi. His last message said to give him a call when she could. She wondered what he wanted to talk about. Sakura prepared herself for ‘the talk’ as she called him.

“Hey Kakashi. It’s Sakura.” She was slightly surprised when she heard his voice having an excitement in it she never heard before.

“Sakura thanks for getting back to me. I was wanting to know what your plans are for Friday night.” That was not the question she was expecting.

“I don’t have any at the moment.” Before she could continue Kakashi cut in.

“How would you feel about coming to a work party with me on Friday. The firm I work with just got this big job and the boss wants to celebrate. I was wanting to bring you with me.” Sakura’s heart warmed at him wanting her to come with him.

“I would love to go with you. Let me know the time and if yo…”

“Great I will pick you up at 8.” Sakura could hear people celebrating in the background.

“I’ll see you then.” Sakura sighed as she hung up the phone. Mei happened to be walking by as she sighed.

“What’s with the heavy sigh?” Sakura looked at her coworker. She was drop dead gorgeous, long reddish brown hair and green eyes. Sakra couldn’t understand how she was still single.

“Oh I’m just debating how late my date will be picking me up Friday night.” Sakura thought she would play it safe and plan for him to be 30 minutes late.

“I would kill for a guy to be late, it would give me more time to get ready. I’m never ready in time. Do you want me to cover your call shift that night? I think it would be fair since you covered for me a month or so ago.” Sakura forgot she was supposed to be on call. She was thrilled that Mei offered to take the shift without being asked.

“That would be amazing.” Now all Sakura had to do was figure out what to wear. Mei bid her a good night as they both headed out.

___________________________

Sakura stared at herself in the mirror. It was currently 820 and Kakashi wasn’t here yet. She had just finished her hair and makeup. After talking with Ino she decided to do a side french braid in her hair and then gathered the rest into a ponytail. She kept her makeup in neutral tones, but used her shimmery eyeshadow palette, giving her a grey smokey eye. It was now time to put on her dress.

She had gone with Ino yesterday after work to pick out something. Sakura wasn’t fully sure about the dress code for this event, so wanted something that could be dressy or more casual if needed. They had found a deep red off the shoulder fit n flare dress. She was going to pair it with her silver wedges. She wasn’t going to wear a necklace, but decided on drop earrings that were silver tear drops. Just as Sakura was putting on her heels her doorbell rang.

“Ready to go?” Kakashi looked amazing in his simple black dress slacks and white dress shirt. At least her outfit went with his. Sakura didn’t even care to bring up the fact that he was late, again.

“Yep, all ready.”

Soon they were entering his office building and Sakura was blown away by the lobby. Arched ceilings with metal beams. There were skylights allowing for natural light to come in. They took the elevator up to the 15 floor. As they got closer Sakura could hear that the party was in full swing.

“My friends are looking forward to meeting you.” Kakashi had looped his arm through hers.

“I’m looking forward to meeting them as well.” Kakashi and Sakura entered the party. There were trays of food being walked around by some waiters. She could also see a buffet set up along the windows. Kakashi navigated her around the party. He was looking for two of his closest friends.

“Kakashi! You showed up and only 45 minutes late.” A man with black hair and eyes was talking, the first thing she noticed were his kind eyes and smile. He was about as tall as Kakashi.

“Oh is this Sakura?” Kakashi untwined their arms and placed his hand on her back.

“Yes, this is Sakura. Sakura this is Obito.” Sakura paused, that was the name Minato mentioned. It then clicked in her brain. The two who were watching Naruto were also Kakashi’s best friends. That’s why the names were so familiar.

“Nice to meet you.” Obito’s grin was from ear to ear. Soon another person joined them. She had medium brown hair in a long bob and hazel eyes. The woman gave Obito a peck on the cheek. Sakura found Obito’s blush endearing.

“You must be Rin. I’m Sakura. It’s nice to meet you.” Rin seemed shocked that Sakura knew her name, but was soon shaking her hand vigorously.

“Oh it’s so good to meet you.” Soon the four were making the rounds at the party. Sakura enjoyed talking with Rin. They found out they had a lot in common with Rin working as a psychologist and Sakura a pediatrician. It was watching Obito and Rin interact that made Sakura realize she saw Kakashi more as a friend than anything else.

“Hey Kakashi has the boss man meet Sakura yet?” The moment Kakashi shook his head no Obito was leading them to another area of the room. Sakura froze when she saw him. Kakashi’s boss was Naruto’s father.

“Hey Minato. Kakashi showed up and he brought a date.” Minato looked over to the group. The moment Sakura entered the party Minato saw her. She looked breathtaking in her dress. That familiar feeling in his stomach returned. He could feel his heart beat faster. However, it was like a bucket of cold water was thrown on him when he saw she was with Kakashi. He tried to ignore the two as they walked around the party. Sakura attracted the attention of many of the staff and other attendants. One reason was that she came with Kakashi. The other was everyone was taken by her looks. It was not everyday a person with candy hair and dazzling emeralds for eyes came into the office.

As those eyes focused on him everything else faded away. Sakura then opened her mouth. “Mr. Namikaze it's good to see you again.” Sakura was conflicted on how to address Minato. She thought the best course of action would be to take the professional approach.

“Wait, do you two know each other.” It was Kakashi who actually decided to speak. He looked perplexed.

“Dr. Haruno is Naruto’s pediatrician.” Rin looked giddy beside Obito.

“Congratulations on the new job.” Sakura wasn’t sure what to do. She could feel all eyes on her and it was making her have a slight freak out. Soon Rin was telling stories of babysitting Naruto, which Sakura smiled at. They were then going to the buffet table and sat down to talk. Obito was part of the Uchiha family and decided to go into design over the police force. Sakura then got into a story of how she knew Shisui from childhood. Minato was friends with Fugaku and Mikoto, who had recently given birth to her second son. Itachi was an adorable eight year old who she had only seen a couple of times.

Sakura found herself needing some fresh air, which meant she would have to go down to the lobby.

“Kakashi I need some fresh air. I’m going to head downstairs for a little bit and I’ll be back up.” As she went to stand up Kakashi stopped her.

“We have a balcony we use at times. Let me show it to you. That way we don’t have to go all the way downstairs.” They two excused themselves. The balcony had a stunning view of the city and the crisp air was like a welcoming hug after being in a room with so many people. Kakashi just stood beside her.

“Kakashi, I have been thinking about what we are and…” She had to pause. Sakura wasn’t sure if this was the best time to bring it up, but she feared she would lose her nerve later.

“I have enjoyed spending time with you, but I feel like we would work better as friends.” Sakura rushed the part after the but. She could feel herself internally wince, hating how cliche she just sounded. However, she was speaking the truth about being friends with him, especially after meeting Obito and Rin. He seemed to let out a sigh...of relief.

“I have enjoyed spending time with you as well, but am glad I am not the only one who thinks we would work better as friends.” Sakura couldn’t contain herself as she hugged Kakashi. His chuckle sounded deep from his chest. She felt him place a soft kiss on the crown of her head. They went back to the party both feeling lighter.

“By the way I have someone who I think you would really like. She is a coworker of mine.”

____________________

Minato watched as they walked away. The feeling of jealousy was nothing like how he felt when Sakura just paid attention to Naruto. Minato could understand that. This however. This was something different. He didn’t know much about Sakura, but enjoyed being around her. Aside from Obito, Rin, Kakashi, and Naruto she was a welcome relief to the darkness that surrounded him so often recently.

So Minato followed them, discreetly of course. He couldn’t hear their conversation, but saw their embrace. His heart felt heavy. Then he had to turn away when Kakashi kissed her head. Minato went back to the table to sit back down. He watched as Rin happily ate her dessert.

“Do you think your friend would still want to go for that date?” Minato had to move on, one baby step at a time.

#minasaku #minato x sakura #minato namikaze #Sakura Haruno #naruto #fanfic #multisaku

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talldarkandroguesome · 4 years ago

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30th of Morning Star, Loredas

It was not Nabine, but one of her acquaintances who came to get the girls. It was clear from the message, both in Nabine’s absence and verbally delivered words, that I am not in my dearest’s good graces. She holds a grudge as well as an Dunmer does and it was clear that my breaking my plans was more than a minor imposition upon her.

She said that she would not keep me from doing my share of the childcare, nor was she cruel enough to deprive the children of their father’s company, but that she did not wish to see me until I could give her assurances of what I was willing to do to make up for my broken words.

I hurried back to the Mages Guild and got back to my class. It was another infuriating day. Not only did we spend the whole of it attempting to master creating flame and build magickal stamina, the teacher refused to acknowledge me in any way for the first half of the lesson. In fact, I was not paired with anyone and when I was spoken to, it was to remind me that I was not, as of yet, a mage.

A Breton with an ego as inflated as an Altmer, a rare sight, though not one I had any celebration upon finding. This teacher is beyond a doubt the most arrogant I have met, and I know many a teacher at Shad Astula.

After a while of making flames in our hands, the teacher said everyone should rest and let their magicka replenish. I was not tired in the least. I had felt as though I expended nothing.

When I voiced that, the teacher decided to attempt to make a bit of an example out of me. A moment that I had foreseen coming, though hardly so soon.

I was told then that I should remain with the fire in my hand as long as possible and see how much I could truly do.

I thought of making an enormous flame to make it at least equal with that of the other’s as far as expenditure, but I knew this sort of person, who if you do not follow their instruction to the letter, they call you undisciplined and unable to control yourself. Instead, I decided to simply do exactly what was asked of me and let my talents speak for themselves. I did not complain, I simple stood there and held the fire.

Surely I was expected only to be able to do a little longer than the others, or even to hold it until the others were well recovered. Of course, it became a mark of pride for this teacher to try and shame me, so it was that even when the others were quite recovered, I was bid to stay. It was obvious, even as the other students were allowed to get back to things, that the teacher was keeping eyes upon me. Upon me and no one else.

A few times the other students asked for advice and they were told to just keep working at it. In the end, many of the other students stopped even trying, mesmerized by the standoff ensuing. I know that he was assuming I was somehow making this happen either through non-arcane means, or that I might attempt something to make it appear as though I was capable of more than I was.

Time after time I saw that glow in the eyes of the instructor, something I have come to learn is a sign of certain types of spell casting.

I think it was when he realized the whole class had stopped to look at things, that he finally called the course over early so that everyone could go and independently work on their flames.

I did not know what the reaction from the others would be, when it was clear the teacher had no interest in talking to me, I made sure to be the first out of the room. I heard Nael calling after me, but I slipped around a corner and then drew the shadows to cloak me in invisibility.

Quickly, I made my way back to the Den and to Sera Mags, who told me I looked like... how did she put it? Complete and utter mammoth shite strung out on a line in the sun.

Hardly lacking in colorful expressions, the great Mama Mags. She asked what bottle I wanted and I indulged in some brandy and a little bit of rotmeth. I paid her the coin for whichever of her employees had been the most free and spent the next few hours with a Redguard who managed to engage me more than enough to allow me to escape the racing thoughts within my mind.

I had a meal and then offered to sell my services. Mama Mags begrudging allowed me to help with the music for the evening guests. Maglan, the centaur who I was so in awe of before, was performing, so I was more than excited to be able to help provide her musical accompaniment.

After an evening of entertaining patrons with my music, I was requested by, of all things, an Altmer woman. I was not eager to have caught the eye of an Altmer, but I also did not wish to cause a scene or arouse any suspicions turning down the coin.

As it turned out, I was easily able to look beyond her being an Altmer, she did not wish to have any lights on, save for one candle on the other side of the room. She wished also to be gagged and tied up, which certainly helped to ease my latent anxieties. I could image her being someone else and so could give myself almost entirely over to the night. Particularly knowing that, if nothing else, I was using an Altmer to make prayers to my Prince. If I had not been within the Den, I might have considered offering her life too. But it is best not to draw any unwanted attention to such a fine establishment.

At a point there was a knock in the door and I was informed that I had another client who was waiting on me and that my current client only had another 15 minutes worth of payment made and that extension could not be granted on my services tonight.

The woman started to protest, but I told her that, like she herself, my hands were tied in this matter.

I do not think she enjoyed my little play on words and she immediately gave sign that she wished to be ungagged. I complied and heard the string of complaints about not being allowed to fully enjoy the time she paid for. I said that I could only apologize that things were not to her satisfaction and asked what we could do to make the rest of her evening as pleasant as possible before time was up. And then I used my birthgift to make sure that she rid herself of her anger and concentrated on all the good that was to come her way.

She gave me some minor instructions and I made sure to keep her satisfied until I had to excuse myself. I left her to redress and took a quick washing before I went to the room I had been told to report to next. I was eager to be free from an Altmer and curious who it may have been who requested me.

I arrived to the room and knocked. I heard a male voice bid me enter.

Inside the room was wholly dark. The voice told me to come and kneel before the bed. I complied.

Then I was instructed a to the rules of the evening, my role as submissive, and the punishment for not being obedient. I agreed to it all once I heard the perimeters of the scenario. I was even more excited when I heard another two voices.

Needless to say, I enjoyed my role and made sure to give myself over to performing to the best of my ability.

Right in the crescendo of it all, the person behind me leaned in to my ear and I heard a familiar voice. She told me I was still just as desperate a rover and a shameless whore as she remembered.

I opened my mouth to speak and got a hard strike across my flank. I was told I had not been told I could speak. So I shut my mouth,

I smiled in the dark as Nabine told me to show her friends a good time and prove how much I was willing to make up for breaking my word.

Of course I was happy to do whatever it was that pleased her and her two friends. I used every part of my body and all the tricks that I knew to accommodate their desires.

When at last they were tired, Nabine bid them farewell and told them she was going to leave me a tip so they should go on ahead and she would follow afterwards. And when they shut the door behind them, it was dark once again.

When it was just her and I in the dark room, so threw her arms round my neck and kissed me all over my face. I asked if I did not need to do more, for I wished to make it up to her.

She laughed and told me that of course there was. In fact, she had come up with a perfect solution, something that I had to agree to should I have any desire for us to ever do anything together again.

I told her to name it, for short of harming a loved one I was sure to do it.

Her hands ran across my chest as she explained that I had to make good on my earlier promise then. I asked her which one and she said, the one where we returned together to Mournhold. And when we did, we would kill Urtisa in the manner that she best deserved.

My mind raced. I told her that I of course was happy to do so, but that I would need time to figure out the best way to accomplish it without raising suspicions. Surely it would be too easy to trace back to us if we were to arrive and then she was found dead.

Nabine agreed. She also said that she knew with my background that I was more than capable of finding a way. She is not wrong. It just will take some time, which I told her.

I also said I had another matter of Mournhold to discuss with her, but she told me to shut my mouth and get in the bed with her. Who was I to argue with the woman I love best?

#ESO #TES #Dunmer #Elder Scrolls Online #The Elder Scrolls

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tu-mint · 4 years ago

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WELCOME TO UA!

[OC Jade Lofota/Dome Introduction]

Hey everyone! Hope all is going well and that you’re all staying safe and washing your hands and wearing masks! So I just wanted to write a little piece introducing my OC to UA High and explaining the AU I chose to have My Hero Academia based in. A very special S/O to @gureii and @camurica for allowing me to add their OCs into my story (follow them on Tiktok to learn more about their characters!)

International AU!

Word Count: 4K+

The goodbye felt much too soon from her family, but her father and mother had firmly assured there was nothing she needed to worry about. She sighed. Lies. There was rarely a time where worry wasn't weighing on her shoulders, contemplating her parents' well-being or if her siblings made it home safely or if the house survived another week untouched...she couldn't allow herself to forget why she was doing this. For them.

She was only a few years into elementary when the news came about of new institutions being established in select locations. UA High, only the highest ranked school for hero education in Japan had eventually received this rating internationally and now began putting forth effort in providing the best of their assets around the world. School boards had apparently been planning this concept for years, seeing it as the opportunity for nations to come together and give the world a "brighter future". It made her scoff in amusement. The program was officially named "UA International: Heroes of Tomorrow", and the idea was to input UA institutions on every continent. Hundreds of thousands of students began registration immediately while retired or fellow Pro Heroes displayed interest in supplying staff; it became the hot topic across the globe. Los Angeles was one of lucky bunch to become an official location and it left townsfolk ecstatic. She overheard conversations between her family and schoolmates and neighbors about the wonders of attending such a prestigious named school, but to her, it didn't matter all that much. Yes, UA may live up to the pedestal it sat on, but to have the best of heroes derive from only there? Fat chance. Her father was a prime example of heroism without the grand background.

Lima was his hero name; it translated to 'hand' from Samoan language and was chosen because his hands were where his quirk was strongest when used. He often liked to tell his children deeper reasons for his name so it wouldn't sound boorish, but they never thought such things. It always filled Jade's chest with pride knowing her father had served as a mighty and fearless leader, never relying upon a title or popularity to carry his duties. Her parents never pressured her or her siblings into joining UA, though they all easily could've been considered because of Lima. While she had no intention of going in the first place, it seemed as though fate made the decision for her one early morning.

Being one of the eldest, Jade often carried out all most of her parents requests, and going to the corner store for chips and soda was a common task. A burglary had taken place shortly after she entered. She recalled a masked stranger pointing a gun at the cashier while holding down a woman by her neck using his knee. The woman was visibly shaking and had a growing red spot on her shoulder. It was the first time Jade had experienced a life threatening situation with no one to guide her, but she knew standing around would do nothing to help. She couldn’t be afraid. Fear will get you killed. Her mind shifted into gear, and swiftly she’d gotten her hands around the burglar’s head, manipulating their mind into moving away from the woman while dropping their weapon. Police arrived shortly after, along with her parents, relived to see their daughter unscathed. In the midst of news reporters and flashing cameras, the injured woman approached from the back of an ambulance and revealed herself to be an admin under UA Los Angeles. “I was passing through and stopped by to get a small snack, but a little altercation took place and I found myself on the floor. My quirk doesn’t aid me in combat, so I really was helpless, but,” she paused and peered down at Jade, “this brave little girl had stepped in and stopped the perpetrator. At such a young age with no help at all, she took a huge risk in ensuring the safety of another; that’s an admirable act of heroism.” The admin bent down to the child’s level and grinned. “It's not often I meet people as fearless as you, little one. You have the passion of a hero, to bring justice and light to the world. UALA is going to be looking forward to your attendance in a few years. I hope to see you there.”

And thus, that interaction was what brought Jade to this point. She and roughly a hundred other kids were flown to Japan as representatives from their schools to partake in a trip to the original UA to learn of its origins and meet with some of the world's best acclaimed heroes. When they'd arrived, two double decker buses were present, each driver holding a list designating which schools would be riding with them. Musutafu was said to be at a far distance, so Jade took time to observe the students among her. Some were rather calm and sat quietly, occupying themselves with a book or music. Others showed more bubbly and extroverted nature, introducing themselves to the students behind or in front of them, laughing and telling jokes in a language she couldn't understand. All kids from different UA schools...if I remember correctly, Principal Tomar told me the people on this trip were handpicked by the national school board, meaning that these are the best of the best. I have to be prepared at all times. I won't let my time here be a waste, not while my family depends on me. "Thinkin' a bit hard over there, aren't ya?"

Jade snapped out of her thoughts and turned to the seat across from her. There sat a slender female who looked about her age with horns that stuck out either side of her head and long, thick waves of hair falling past her waist. Her most prominent features were her eyes, two sets with a cat-like shape, one atop the other, with red irises and deep onyx scleras.

"It's a habit," Jade replied sheepishly, flashing a small smile. It wasn't unlike her to be consumed in thought, she couldn't help it. After all, it was an inevitable tendency that began after her brother--

"Happens to best of us," the girl across shrugged. "Can't exactly blame you, we are training to become pro heroes, am I right?" She moved a bit closer to the walkway of the bus and stuck out a hand. "Kou Maeda, or in America it would be Maeda Kou if I'm not mistaken."

It's a different setting, so respect their culture. In Japan, you address by surname, not first lest they say otherwise. "A pleasure to meet you, Kou. I'm Jade Lofota, or vice versa in the Japanese language, but you may refer to me as Jade." She took the girl's hand and gave a firm shake.

The fellow student grinned and leaned against her seat with her shoulder. "I appreciate your courtesy, but Maeda is fine. Which UA institution are you from?"

"UA Los Angeles."

"Los Angeles? I've heard so much about that place, home to Hollywood and some of the best films I've seen. I've been thinkin' about flying out there with my friends for a little getaway after we graduate, ya know? Enjoy our freedom before hittin' the reality of adulthood and dedicating our lives to being heroes."

Jade refrained herself from saying something negative that would ruin the friendly aura. "That sounds nice, but let me just tell you from firsthand experience, LA is not everything it's made to seem like on TV; it does have its ups and downs. Traffic for one is cra-a-a-zy, and most, if not everything, is expensive over there. I would probably suggest Hawaii, at least there you won't have to worry about drivers with road rage." She smiled seeing Maeda laugh. If anything, angry drivers would be the last of her problems when she saw the crime rate level down south -- but she didn't need to know that.

Maeda tapped her chin in thought. "Hm, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea. I've always wanted to visit that pineapple patch I heard about, and ride a few waves while I'm at it. Any who, I'm actually from the original UA and supposed to be your tour guide, but some of you guys looked a bit too worn out to hear me blabbering." She gestured to the back of the bus at everyone who'd fallen asleep. "I figured that whole travelling process must have been a lot to sort through and you guys didn't get much shut eye."

H O N K ! H O N K !

The sound of the bus's horn abruptly going off shocked the students out of their slumber as they began speaking frantically among each other. Jade heard Maeda swear under her breath before standing up and walking to the front. What the hell is going on right now? She peered out her window trying to see what the hold up was but could only make out a large crowd and thousands of flashing lights. As other students on the bus fought to get a look outside, a voice came over the speakers. "Students of UA International, this is your tour guide speaking. I ask that you please remain calm as we are currently experiencing a few difficulties getting to our designated building. In the meantime, please return to your seats and ensure that you have all your carry on items with you. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items, though as a hero in training, such an act should not be of a concern lest you wish to face consequences." There was a pause before she continued, "Further instructions will be given at the dorms. For now, sit tight and get to know the people around you, you're going to be with them for the next few months. This is your tour guide, Kou Maeda, signing off. Thank you for choosing UA International: Heroes of Tomorrow." About fifteen minutes passed until the bus began moving again and the four eyed female returned.

"You make quite the speaker," Jade commented cleaning up her area.

Maeda smirked and flicked her wrist. "You flatter me too much. It just gets annoying always having to deal with all those news reporters and the media. They made a barrier in front of the other bus and refused to move, so we had to call in some escorts and extra security."

"Ah, I see," said Jade as she looked at the faces the vehicle passed, seeing a Pro Hero holding off the crowd. They were a lot more compliant compared to the crowds in LA, so she was fine having to deal with that for the next few months. Commotion picked up within the students again as the bus stopped before a huge building. The structure stood wide with three stories and a sturdy looking wall surrounding it. What caught Jade's eye, however, was the overwhelming amounts of people that were surrounding the buses and standing at the entrance. It was a jumble of cameras, flashes, confetti, signs, whistles, streamers -- They're really that excited to see UA International students? Huh, well that means I've got eyes and ears from all directions. Gotta be careful of my interactions. She tugged on her gloves and got out of her seat, taking a deep breath before stepping out into the open.

Automatically, strangers fought their way closer to the students, firing questions and pushing mics or recorders into their faces. Jade was thankful for the great amount of Pro Heroes in attendance, otherwise she would've been trampled alive. After retrieving her luggage, she peered around looking for Maeda, frowning when she failed to spot her. "Hmph," Jade grumbled to herself, "I swear she was right by the bus--" A loud and dramatic laugh boomed in the distance, cutting off the girl's thoughts. The sound had apparently excited the crowd even more, but Jade barely had enough time to turn around before other travelling students were running with their luggage. They're rushing down the aisle to the entrance, but for wh--a gasp caught in her throat. At the wall stood a tall and lanky man, fists at either hip. His chest was puffed out proudly and nose high with pride, but there was no denying the striking blonde hair and trademark smile that gleamed from a mile away. Jade looked on in disbelief, realizing the former Symbol of Peace, the great All Might, was merely a few steps away from her. It came as a shock to everyone the news of his retirement and true form, but even in this state confidence and power radiated heavily from him. She snapped out of her starstruck gaze when more students roughly pushed past her, dying to get close to the world known hero. Jade began moving, but her current speed didn't match those around her and resulted in students now stepping on her shoes or ramming into her shoulder. She growled under her breath in irritation. Keep calm Jade, everyone's just a little excited, don't get pissed off and--ack! In that moment, she'd accidentally tripped over her own foot, too focused on trying to not get her toes squashed. Everything felt in slow motion as her carry on bag slipped off her outstretched arm, flying a few feet ahead of her. She swore up and down in her mind as her body lurched forward. This for sure was gonna be the new hot topic, she thought, clumsy girl from UALA makes a fool of herself before even entering the building. Jade shut her eyes and readied herself for collision with the cement ground...

But it never came.

The girl instead found herself leaning against a solid wall, except this wall didn't feel so...brick like, and it apparently boarded around her arms, stopping her fall entirely. She opened her eyes and was face to face with a bulky arm decorated with a few scars. It took her a second to realize her cheek was pressed against someone's chest and she quickly pulled away in embarrassment. "I am so sorry about that!" she spewed out with a nervous laugh, unable to meet her savior's gaze. Jade noticed they too adorned the UA uniform and mentally swore again. This person had to be a UA student, great! Just my damn luck! So much for first impressions, Jade! "I just got so caught up seeing All Might standing at the entrance, and everyone began running--"

"Hey hey, don't sweat it! I know it wasn't your fault" the stranger chuckled. The girl peered up; before her stood a young male who she assumed was older by a year or two. His physique was hulking and towered over her own, which in her eyes was impressive considering the fact that she wasn't petite nor slender. Fair skin, blonde hair, and a grand smile, he could've easily been mistaken as a younger version of All Might, she thought, observing him. Hm, nice voice, pretty face, takes care of his body...not bad, I'll give him that much. "Heh, glad you're enjoying the view there." Crap.

"My bad, I didn't mean to stare," Jade faked another laugh, rubbing her shoulder in embarrassment.

"It's all good, you're quite the sight yourself," replied the boy coolly, handing her the carry on bag she'd dropped. The girl’s face felt hot at his comment as she pursed her lips. "My name's Togata Mirio, I'm a third year student here at the original UA."

"Lofota Jade, but Jade is fine. I'm a second year student from UA Los Angeles."

Togata tapped his chin and cocked his head in thought. "Jade, like the gemstone? Pretty name for a pretty face, eh?" She couldn't hold back her smile that time and let her head down, face now feeling like it was on fire. Kid knows how to spit game—gotta be one of the school flirts. It wasn't often Jade received this kind of playful attention as many feared her appearance or incredible strength, believing they'd get beat to a pulp for any kind of joke. While that technically was an open possibility, she wasn't one to get mad at harmless banter. Still, it was fascinating to watch this stranger do it so openly, not hesitating on his words.

"Mirio!" Both heads snapped in the direction of a woman attempting to run towards them. She was dressed in all black and held a camera in her hands. Jade noticed how the woman wasn't stopped by any of the Pro Heroes or policemen, and the blonde guy didn't seemed bothered by her, so she remained put. "Thank goodness you were able to get a hold of one of the international students! Many of them zipped past me to see All Might down there," she heaved, moving some locks out of her face. The shades she wore were pushed atop her head as she smiled at Jade. "Sorry if I scared you, hon, I'm Exposure. I work here at the original UA as their photographer, and I'm supposed to be taking pictures of the students coming from overseas. Is it alright if I could snap a few photos?"

"Oh! Well I don't exactly look my best right--"

"Nonsense! You look great, Jade!" All heads turned to find Maeda and two other students walking towards them. A male and a female with young faces. "Sorry for leaving you, I wanted you to meet my friends. We're all second year students, so we'll be seeing each other pretty often while you're here." The two students stepped forward with warm expressions.

"Ishikawa Ren, at your service," said the female student; her voice was light and feathery. She had short silver locks pulled back into a low ponytail, and eyes of the same color. Her snowy white skin gave her complexion that of a porcelain doll's.

"Arata Kubo, nice to meet you." Jade nodded at the male when he introduced himself. While he also had the snowy skin complexion, his hair was a deep umber hue. She was unable to see his eyes as his bangs draped just above his nose, but she swore an electric blue eye peeked out at her. He stood a few inches above her, not necessarily Togata's height, but enough to where she looked upwards.

"Lofota Jade, but please call me Jade. It's nice to meet you both as well." Just before she could continue speaking, she heard clicking and snapping. Jade turned to find Exposure getting to work with her camera, holding it at different angles and pausing momentarily to look back over her images. She smiled at the students.

"Please, go on ahead! This is what I was hoping to capture, our local and travelling students conversing freely and getting to know one another. It really helps people to see visuals of any and everything involving this program."

Jade nodded, then got an idea. "Is it possible if I can take a group picture with these students, miss? I really need to be heading inside the building to check into my dorm soon, but I do wish to remember those who welcomed me first upon my arrival."

Exposure nodded excitedly. "That's a clever and kind idea, Jade. I totally forgot about the sign in procedures, but we can make this quick, I promise!" She used her hand to gesture to the four other students. "C'mon now everyone! We can't have an international student late on her first day here. Quick quick!" Maeda and Ishikawa stood closest to Jade on either side while Arata squatted in front of her. Mirio stood behind at a respectful distance and held peace signs behind her head, a goofy smile stretched on his face. Exposure leveled the camera with her eye and stood immobile, her finger moving at a rapid pace. She suddenly stopped and the grin she initially wore fell; she slowly pulled the device away from her face. Jade saw her eyes were focused on the image she'd just snapped, but she looked concerned, like she'd seen something she wasn't expecting to. The international student's expression also became that of concern. Did something happen while she was taking our picture?

"Everything okay, Miss Exposure?"

Immediately, the woman's look changed into one of relief. She chuckled softly while shaking her head, "Yeah, my screen just went blank for a sec, thought my battery died just now. I would've been dead had that happened, though I probably could've had you help me, Kubo." He and the two female students laughed then chatted among themselves, but Jade kept her gaze focused on Exposure. I don't know if they could tell, but that was definitely a cover up. Her laugh was nervous, and I saw clear as day that she took the picture, no black screen or nothin'! She must’ve seen something caused by her camera, but she played it off saying there was a malfunction. Her eyes briefly met Jade's before she glanced around at the other students. "Well kids, thank you for your time. Maeda, Ren, Kubo, if you'd be kind enough to walk this young lady to her designated room that'd be great. Mirio, I'm gonna need some help trying to snap photos of the crowd." She waved before turning on her heel and walking away, heels clicking on the pavement.

The blonde haired student looked at the second year kids and gave a cheeky grin before following suit. "See ya later, gemstone," he called over his shoulder as he strutted away. Jade rolled her eyes at the nickname and gripped her luggage tighter. Annoying boy. A hand lightly fell on her shoulder; she turned to see it was Maeda.

"C'mon newbie," she said, "we gotta get you in and settled, then we can show you around to some cool places." Jade nodded and began walking towards the entrance. She conversed with the three students, learning about them and their quirks: Maeda could manipulate glass, Arata could possess electronic devices and Ishikawa had blood that could heal whoever consumed it. She shared about her quirk of mind manipulation, being sure not to touch on too many details, and further explained how wearing gloves was in connection to it. Jade couldn't deny how pleasing it was to see the trio and their genuine efforts in getting to know her. It put her mind at ease and for once since arriving she'd felt sedate.

After getting some help from the girls into her dorm room, the ringing of a cellphone went off. Ishikawa pulled out her phone and held it to her ear after tapping it; she smiled and slipped into the hallway, giggling and cracking bird related jokes. Jade raised a brow and looked to the four eyed girl. "It’s probably her boyfriend,” she shrugged in response, moving closer to the door. “Anyways, Ren, Kubo and I are gonna go back to our dorms to freshen up, then we'll meet you at the entrance in two hours. You got my number, so call me if anything happens, okay?"

"Gotcha," Jade replied with a smile. "Thank you for the welcome, I seriously appreciate it from you and your friends."

"Oh, we're not done with our version of welcoming," Maeda winked. "There's a lot we have planned, so get some shut eye, you're gonna need your energy fully restored."

"Heh, okay bet!" Maeda tilted her head to the side with a confused expression. Forgot they probably wouldn't understand US slang. "It's an informal way of speaking, I'm not actually making a bet." She nodded, her lips forming an O shape, then made her exit out of the room.

Jade let out a huge sigh and fell back on her bed. This was where she'd be for the next few months, alone in a completely new environment. She'd almost felt as though she'd returned to that corner store, to the seven year old version of her watching and making heavy decisions with nobody to direct her. Though her life wasn't in danger (at least not yet) in this moment, Jade knew that she could not afford to have her guard down, even with her newfound friends. She would not let her parents or her siblings down. You can't let them down, they look up to you. Mom and Dad are watching you, anything you do can and will affect them. The girl sighed again and stared at a family photo she'd packed with her clothes. Her thumb ran over all the faces, then stopped at a male that stood beside her. They both wore wide smiles and ridiculous poses; she smiled at the picture before a tear escaped her eye and dropped onto the male's face. Don't you worry, Manu, I didn't forget you. This is especially for you, and I know you meant well with everything you did. I'm gonna give my absolute best to take care of Mom and Dad and the little ones. Your spirit resides within the family crest, and I will always honor you with the ancestors. I hope to see you again someday. I love you, brother. Jade wiped her eyes with her sleeve and placed the photo down. She would be strong, she had to be. It was now her who had to take on the leadership role. She would carry on the mantle of her bloodline and stand tall for her family. She would fight to her last breath for them. Anything for them.

For further information on Jade, click HERE to read more (: Hope you guys enjoyed this! School starts up again soon, so updates may slow down, but I hope my character can keep you entertained during quarantine!

#my hero academia #mha oc #mha dome #bnha oc #my hero academia oc #anime oc #anime #mha au #international au #international student #mha #bnha #quarantine #i havent gotten any sleep 😀

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aspirationauthor · 4 years ago

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Potential New WIP. Basically Random Writing

Today I’ve turned seventeen and it’s a terrible day to do so. But alas, such is my fate. Today is The Thinning, The Spill, The Day of Frozen Blood, it has many names, but officially it’s called The Day of Dancing Maidens. By exactly midday, all the girls in the city who are seventeen are to gather in Town Square, in our ceremonial dress, every family has one made for each daughter just in case. It is not always on the same day, but it does happen every twenty years. In our cracked bedroom mirror I watch my mother fiddle with my braid, ensuring there are no stray hairs. I smile faintly when I notice the tears in her eyes. “It’s okay, mama. I’ll be fine.” I try to reassure her. She smiles and backs away a bit, so I can turn around.

“I’m sure you will.” I can tell she’s lying but instead of saying anything about it, I simply hug her. I’m sure my mother can tell I’m not as confidant in my safety as I pretend to be for her sake, but she also says nothing about it. Only so many girls will get to live today and I’m not so sure I’ll be one of them. I don’t have the delicate and soft features that my people find so beautiful on women; instead I look more like my father. My features are sharp and strong, my jaw is square, and my lips are thin. Being traditionally beautiful is what I’ve heard, has saved many of those who’ve lived through The Thinning. And that traditional beauty is something I don’t have. My mother pulls back and kisses my cheek. “Alright, you should get going now Gesa. You don’t want to be late.” She kisses my cheek and when she pulls back I see that a few tears have spilt.

“Oh, mama.” I say and hug her again. She returns my embrace before pulling away again.

“I’ll be fine. If all goes well, your name won’t be one of those announced when the ceremony is over.” She makes a small shooing motion with her hands and I reluctantly walk out the door. Potentially for the last time.

When I step outside the first thing that greets me is the biting cold, its typical weather for Eligor, even more typical for the city I live in. Elhaven, the capital, and still I am nowhere near prepared for the weather. None of the girls are allowed to wear clothing appropriate for the weather, as it would cover our ceremony dresses and that isn’t allowed to happen. As I arrive in Town Square, I take note of how many other girls there are, there have always been more women than men in Eligor but seeing how many are all seventeen today is something else. Like myself the other girls are shivering and many are covered in grime and dirt and coal. A woman’s life is not easy in a world ruled by men. I however, am lucky enough to work at a general store rather than in the mines or a whorehouse or some other horrible job. All of us stand there in our identical white dresses, many with white flowers in our hair or being worn as a flower crown, a sea of cold, nervous young girls. No longer considered children but not yet adults. The perfect age to be sacrificed to the Gods, in exchange for Eligor’s continued prosperity, despite being almost entirely cut off from the other nations. The palace’s balcony looks over Town Square and when the doors open, any quiet murmuring is immediately replaced by silence. The king walks out to the edge of the balcony, followed by guards and the seer. Only one ever exists at a time and she’s always a girl, easily identifiable by the large, gold, sun shaped mask she wears.

“Greetings, young maidens.” The king speaks in a deep, booming voice that commands your attention. “Today, we give a gift to the gods, a gift of entertainment and of sacrifice. Today fifteen of you will remain due to the blessing of the Gods and be chosen by fifteen of the most esteemed men in the city. Either for work or for marriage but you should be thankful.” Me and all the other girls nod. “Now if you will.” The king claps and looks to the orchestra I hadn’t noticed arrive on the balcony. The orchestra begins playing the song of offering and the king looks back to us. “I trust you’ve all memorized the ceremonial dance for this event, so dance.” He grins. After the first girl starts dancing, a domino effect happens and girl after girl begins the dance, only seconds after each other. I try to focus on the music and on dancing, rather than the fact that I might die today. While I have the dance memorized I have two left feet, so there’s no chance of my dancing being my saving grace. The longer I dance the harder it becomes, at this point there’s frost forming in my hair and focusing on the music isn’t easy when I see a few girls dropping from exhaustion or stopping because of the cold. There are guards taking note of all this and although it’s for the Gods, the king seems to be enjoying himself quite a bit. Something about the look in his eyes unsettles me. I have no idea how much time passes before the song ends and we can finally stop dancing. I hug myself, trying for whatever warmth I can get. The king introduces the men that will be picking girls but I’m barely paying attention. All I want is to go home to my mother, to my simple life. I don’t have much but I have enough, I want my mother’s singing, I want the warmth of the fireplace, I want the comfort of my familiar, but not actually so comfortable bed. I’m lost in thought when the sensation of someone toying with my braid pulls me back to reality. My eyes widen when I notice it’s the king. “Such pretty eyes.” He murmurs, still toying with my hair. I curtsy as much as I can with the king holding onto my braid. “And respectful. You’ll make a nice gift for my son, when he returns. Come with me, you get to live.” He drops my hair and starts walking. After a moment I follow him. I get to live? I got chosen by the king? As a gift for his son but still the king is allowing me to live. But why? I’m not traditionally beautiful, I can’t dance well, I’m not from a noble family…so why? Why would he allow me to live? I may not have wanted to die or been prepared but I also don’t want to live away from my mother. I want to go home, not to live in the palace. Palace girls are rarely seen by anyone outside of them. I realize I should be grateful but another part of me is outraged that I’m being whisked away, to be gift, to continue to have no choices and unable to go home. I let out a breath and the king glances over his shoulder and smiles, seeming to think that it’s out of relief. Really I’m just trying to calm myself. I know I can’t change anything or control anything so there’s no point in getting upset. Once the king and I are on the balcony he speaks again. “Now, my congratulations to the girls who’ve survived. To the rest of you however, it’s time to look to the sky and say your final prayers.” The rest of the girls kneel and lean their heads back, looking at the sky, as a few guards unsheathe their swords. One by one they slit each girl’s throat and I feel sick. It’s horrible and although I want to look away I find I can’t. When all the remaining girls are dead bodies and blood liter the Town Square. They probably had families, friends, they were all so young and their lives were just taken from them without a second thought. That could have been me, lying dead on the ground blood spilling from my neck. I understand why The Thinning is needed of course but, to see this makes me nauseous. I don’t realize I’m crying until I hear a small sob escape me. As the king says his final words about the ceremony a guard leads me inside.

The king comes in only moments after, followed by the seer and the other guards. “Leave us.” He commands and they quickly obey. He puts a hand on the small of my back and starts leading me through the palace. “Good Gods, girl stop crying. You should be celebrating; this is no occasion for tears.” I mumbled a quiet apology and the king sighs. It’s silent other than my quiet sobs and when I stop crying it becomes completely quiet. It continues to be silent until we stop at a room. “This will be your room; uh…what’s your name?”

“Gesa. Gesa Krieger.” I respond and he nods. Before saying anything else the king ushers me into the room. It’s a bedroom and quite a lavish one at that, there’s an attached bathroom and a large dresser, a vanity too. I honestly have to wonder why I’m being given a room of this caliber. “The room is very nice.”

The king nods. “I’m glad you like it. It is your room now. One fit for a consort. Although don’t get too used to it.” My confusion must be visible because the king laughs. “Pitiful, Gesa. You didn’t really think you would live the rest of your life in luxury now did you? You are a gift for my son, who I’m sure you’re aware is currently traveling the kingdom. When he returns what happens is up to him. Now you might be good fun, but you aren’t of noble blood and surely you’ve seen yourself.” I flush with anger but bite my tongue. I cannot speak back to the king. “I doubt you’ll be around long, so enjoy the room while you can. I’m sure I’ll find some job for you in the meantime.” He starts to walk off but stops at the door. “Oh, and I will send word to your mother about where you are and what will happen now that you’re here.” With that he leaves. I shut the door and lay on the bed. So this is my life now is it?

#Writing #Creative writing #Story writing #My writing #New WIP?#Idk #Random #Fantasy #Blood #Death #Dancing

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emospritelet · 5 years ago

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Key to the Cell - chapter 8

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [AO3 link]

Gaston is, yet again, a piece of shit (please check full tags on AO3), and Belle makes another deal

Belle found the ball dull after the Dark One had gone, and was half-hearted in her participation. She doubted that anyone noticed; she danced as much as she could, and made the right noises when guests talked to her of the latest court gossip and rumours of ogres marching in the east. That last topic of conversation was a concern, and she resolved to ask Gaston and her father what they planned to do to protect their adjoining lands from any attack. As soon as they had sobered up, anyway. Gaston had spent much of the ball getting progressively drunker, and as a consequence was absent from breakfast the next day. Belle spent a pleasant morning chatting with her father and eating pastries, free of the oppressive presence of Gaston in a foul mood.

Some of the guests had stayed over, but all seemed to be suffering from an excess of drink, and so Belle took a morning walk in the gardens alone, twirling her parasol between her fingers to shield her face from the autumn sun. The gardeners were at work on the endless job of weeding the flower beds, and she stopped to admire some of the late-blooming roses, breathing in their heady perfume.

“Excuse me, milady?”

Belle turned at a familiar voice, and broke into a smile as Gerta bobbed a curtsy. Her blonde hair was hidden by a neat white scarf, her ragged too-large dress replaced by neat livery in Gaston’s house colours of green and white.

“Gerta!” said Belle warmly, taking her hands. “I see you took me up on the offer of service. Has the chamberlain been kind?”

“Kind enough, milady,” said Gerta. “He wasn’t too keen before I gave your name, but he’s given me a place as a maid. I can’t thank you enough.”

“And your children?”

“Back at our cottage with my sister and her little one,” she said. “We’re all very well provided for. Thanks to you and to— well, never mind me going on. We’re well, milady, I promise you. Enough food to see us through the winter, and now with this wage coming in, we’ll be able to fend for ourselves as a family.”

Belle didn’t miss her slip, and her curiosity about the deal Gerta had made with the Dark One was almost too much to bear. She decided not to mention it, as Gerta clearly didn’t want to discuss the matter.

“I’m glad to see you looking so well,” she said.

“I - I just wanted to say thank you,” said Gerta. “I’d better go and clean the windows in the library, before the chamberlain thinks I’m getting above myself.”

She bobbed another curtsy and hurried off, and Belle smiled after her, her spirits lifted.

“Lady Belle?”

Turning at a familiar voice, her smile widened, and she spread her skirts in a curtsy to answer the deep bow made by Prince James. He was a handsome young man, with close-cropped blonde hair and wide blue eyes above a pleasant, open face. He also seemed to be one of the few nobles that genuinely seemed to care for the poor in his lands, and to dislike war. She got the impression that he was something of a disappointment to his father King George.

“It seems we’re in the minority this fine morning, Your Highness” she said, and he smiled as he straightened up.

“Father doesn’t drink much,” he said. “He was up early for a ride, but other than that, I believe you’re right. Too much wine makes for a late breakfast.”

“Or a late lunch,” she observed. “Sir Gaston will be hunting alone at this rate.”

“Oh, I suspect the prospect of killing things will drag them from their beds,” he said, in a dry tone. Belle smiled, and fell into step beside him.

“How are you enjoying the gardens?”

“Very much,” he said. “You grow some roses here that I haven’t seen before. I always enjoyed growing things.”

“You must ask the gardeners for some cuttings,” she said. “Although in reality, these gardens belong to Gaston, not to me.”

“Not yet,” he said, looking across at her. “You marry soon, isn’t that right?”

“So I’m told.”

She wanted to bite her lip at letting her bitterness show, but Prince James shot her a look of understanding.

“Having certain expectations placed upon you is a burden,” he said carefully. “My father has very specific ideas about who I am to marry. I can’t say that my own feelings on the subject carry much weight.”

“I can sympathise.”

“Sometimes,” he said. “I wonder if we place too much emphasis on gaining lands and power. Surely happiness and love must come into it somewhere?”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she said, and he turned to face her, making her halt her progress.

“I’m not sure if the fate of a Prince is any easier to change than the fate of a Lady,” he said gently. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, does it?”

Belle got the impression he was talking to himself as much as her, as though he were steeling himself for something. Standing up to the King, perhaps. She reached out to him, squeezing his hand.

“Of course we should try,” she said. “We should never stop trying.”

He returned her smile, putting a comforting hand over hers.

“Well, I see at least some people are up.”

Gaston’s voice made them jump, and Belle pulled back, turning to face him as he came striding towards them, a scowl lowering his brows. He bowed his head to the Prince.

“Your Highness.”

“Sir Gaston,” said Prince James, easily. “A fine party last night. I was just admiring your roses. Lady Belle suggested I ask you for some cuttings. I’d be happy to return the favour next time you visit the palace.”

“Lady Belle is generous to a fault,” said Gaston coolly, eyeing her.

His tone made Belle nervous. It seemed as though there was a dark cloud hanging over him, and she hoped it would pass when his hangover wore off. She pretended an interest in the roses near her, still feeling his eyes on her.

“Are we still hunting today?” prompted Prince James, and Belle felt Gaston look away, his glower turning from her and making her sigh in relief.

“I’ll get the horses saddled,” he confirmed. “We may be a little later than I planned, but I daresay there’ll be game enough for us to enjoy the chase. Come! Let’s wake the others. I feel the urge to get some blood on my hands.”

He let out a deep laugh, slapping the Prince’s shoulder, and Prince James bowed his head to Belle.

“Good day to you, my Lady.”

“Enjoy the hunt, Your Highness,” she said. “Good luck.”

“Are you not going to wish me good luck?” asked Gaston, his voice still cold. “Hunts are dangerous things, Belle. Can I not depend on my intended’s good wishes?”

“Good luck, Sir Gaston,” she said demurely. “The deer don’t stand a chance against you.”

He huffed, mollified.

“Indeed they don’t. Until later, my Lady.”

He grasped her upper arms possessively, pulling her to him for a rough, hurried kiss, and Belle froze in his arms, eyes flying wide open in shock. It was over in a moment, and she watched him stride away with the Prince at his side. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, shuddering. If he gets gored by a stag I wouldn’t lose a wink of sleep.

She immediately felt guilty for wishing harm on another person, and irritated about feeling guilty when he had caused so much harm to others. Yet again her desire to do good appeared to be all too easy to ignore, and she wondered if she would ever feel truly at peace with herself. Perhaps she would get the chance to find out when she made her escape.

With Gaston and most of the men gone, it was left to her to entertain the ladies. Only a few had stayed over, and it was easy enough to organise a picnic by the lake, making the most of the early autumn sunshine. Princess Snow had invented a game that involved doing impressions of the gentlemen that were out hunting, resulting in gales of laughter from the assembled ladies. Belle couldn’t stop giggling at her impression of Gaston, fists on hips and legs spread wide with her chest thrown outwards as she called for more wine in a booming voice. The servants looked at them askance as they refilled glasses and passed around plates of cakes, and eventually Belle suggested that they return to the castle for some music. Princess Abigail played the harp, and a number of ladies were skilled singers. Belle slipped out halfway through to check on the plans for dinner, and was told that the hunt was returning.

The men had been drinking all day, it seemed, and some were barely able to sit in their saddles. Gaston was not one of them; he was skilled enough to know that a swift hunt required swifter reflexes, and so he returned relatively sober, boasting about the game he had brought down. He made up for his sobriety at dinner, downing pints of ale and wine and following it with brandy. Belle sat quietly by his side, not wanting to antagonise him. He seemed to have been in a bad mood with her all day, and she wasn’t sure why. It meant that he had ignored her for most of the dinner, so it wasn’t all bad, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was building himself up to shout at her again, and she didn’t want to feel as helpless and afraid as she had the last time it happened. Nervousness stole her appetite, and she picked at her food, wishing that the dinner would end and she could go to bed.

At last she was able to excuse herself, after making plans for a morning ride with some of the ladies.

“I’ll accompany you on the ride,” said Prince James. “Two days of hunting is a little tiring. I’d prefer to take things easy before we journey back to our own castle, what say you, Father?”

“Ride with the women if you so choose,” said King George coldly. “Perhaps it’s closer to your nature. I myself will be hunting.”

Prince James glanced away, trying to hide the irritated twist to his mouth, and Belle felt the need to defend him.

“I’m sure we would all appreciate an escort,” she said. “I for one would be delighted to have you accompany us, Your Highness.”

“I’m sure you would,” drawled Gaston, lounging in his chair with a glass of wine swinging from one hand. “That’s my girl. Always so obliging. Can’t resist a pretty face.”

Belle flushed, and Prince James frowned at Gaston.

“The Lady deserves more respect than you give her, Sir Gaston,” he said.

“I’ll speak as I wish in my own house,” growled Gaston. “Who’s gonna stop me? You?”

“Are you threatening your Prince?” asked Prince James quietly. There was a steely edge to his voice, the air around them growing thick and oppressive, as though a storm was coming. Silence fell, the other guests picking up on the change in atmosphere, and Belle stood up, her heart thumping with anxiety.

“I’m sure Sir Gaston meant no offence,” she said. “A little too much brandy, perhaps.”

“Don’t speak on my behalf, woman!” snapped Gaston. “You’re not my wife yet, and when you are you’ll speak when spoken to!”

Belle squared her jaw, lifting her chin, and jumped as the King banged his goblet on the table.

“Stop bickering, all of you!” he snapped. “Sir Gaston, keep a civil tongue in your head in the presence of your betters! James, don’t insult Sir Gaston in his own castle! I swear, young men today have no sense of duty or honour! What say you, Sir Maurice?”

“Too ready to drink and fight, Sire,” agreed Sir Maurice, holding out his cup to be refilled.

“They need a good war to knock some sense into them,” added the King. “Fortunately, one seems to be brewing. The two of you can go and take your tempers out on the ogres.”

The conversation turned to the ogre threat, and Belle heaved a sigh. She made her excuses, earning a sharp look from Gaston as she slipped away. His eyes were on her as she left the room, a sharp pricking between her shoulder blades, and she quickened her pace, feeling something like relief as she moved out of sight. She reached her bedroom, and rang the bell for Marilee, kicking off her heeled slippers.

“Do you need me to prepare anything for tomorrow, milady?” asked Marilee deferentially, as she helped Belle out of her gown.

“I’m riding in the morning,” said Belle. “My blue riding habit, if you please. Our guests will be leaving after luncheon, so perhaps the pink gown when I return.”

“Very good, milady.”

“I’d like some warm milk to drink, if you can arrange it,” she added. “I’m feeling restless tonight, I think I need something to help me sleep.”

“Of course.”

Marilee took the gown from her, crossing to the wardrobe to hang it and returning with her nightgown as Belle stepped out of her petticoats and tugged off her chemise. She held up her arms for the nightgown, letting out a sigh as cool silk slipped down over her body. Marilee bundled up the petticoats and chemise in her arms.

“I need to fix your hair, milady,” she said.

“I can do that,” said Belle tiredly. “If you could please hand me my robe?”

Marilee fetched the embroidered silk dressing gown, and Belle pulled it on, belting it at the waist.

“I’ll send the maid up with some warm milk, milady.”

“Thank you.”

Belle sat down at the dresser, beginning the lengthy process of taking the pins from her hair and unfastening the braids. The pins went into the small porcelain pot ready for the next day, and once she had her hair loose around her shoulders, she began brushing it, dragging the brush in sweeping strokes to make it shine. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror, counting the strokes as she counted the days to her freedom. Nine days. Nine more days. I can hold out that long. The squeak of the door opening caught her attention.

“Put the milk on my nightstand, if you please,” she said.

“I’m not the maid.”

Gaston’s voice made her jump and drop the brush in fright, and she turned around, getting to her feet and clutching the robe tight across her chest. He was looming near the chair where she liked to read, his coat off and his waistcoat unbuttoned. She could smell brandy on him from six feet away.

“Gaston,” she said, her voice wobbling a little. “It’s - it’s late.”

“You’re awake, aren’t you?”

“You shouldn’t be in my room,” she said. “Father wouldn’t like it.”

“We’ll be married soon,” he said. “What does it matter? Your father sets too much store by tradition. I prefer a more modern approach to these things. As do you, I imagine.”

“Not when it comes to my honour,” she said stiffly.

“Your honour?” He chuckled. “I’ve seen little enough of that the past few days. It’s like you can’t stand to be around me.”

“I’ve been tired, that’s all,” she said. “Can we talk about this in the morning? You’re drunk, and I want to sleep.”

“Well, whether I am or am not drunk is not the issue,” he said, taking another step towards her. “And we’re gonna talk about it now.”

“Gaston, please…”

“These past few days I’ve been getting the feeling that you’re not too excited about the idea of marrying me,” he said. “Set your sights elsewhere, have you?”

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

“Really? Then can you explain why you’ve been avoiding me?”

“I haven’t!” she insisted. “We’ve had guests, I had to entertain them.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of how seriously you take that duty,” he spat. “Where was your honour when Princess Snow was making fun of me? The servants told me everything.”

“She - she was doing impressions of all the men, not just you,” she said, inwardly cursing the servants’ loose tongues. “It was all in jest, she meant no harm!”

“And you thought you’d laugh along with her, did you?”

His anger was rising; she could see his nostrils flaring, his eyes protruding, and it was making fear ripple through her. She eyed the door, but he stood between it and her, and so she held up her hands in a soothing gesture, hoping she could calm him down enough to get him out of her room.

“It wasn’t malicious,” she insisted. “You have my word!”

“Your word means nothing, it seems to me!” he spat. “I’ve seen you whispering and giggling with those bitches that think they’re better than me!”

“I haven’t!”

“Flirting with every man that comes to the palace!” he went on. “Throwing yourself at Prince James! What, a noble knight isn’t enough for you? You have to set your sights on the Prince?”

“I was only being friendly! He was—”

“Did he touch you?” he demanded. “Did any of them touch you? What about the man you were so taken with at the dance, hmm? How many of them are there?”

“No one!” she insisted, “There’s no one, I swear it!”

“Don’t lie to me!”

Belle backed up against the dresser, her heart hammering in her chest, mute with fear as he approached, hands opening and closing, as though he wanted to squeeze the life from her.

“You think you can make a fool of me before we’re even married?” he rasped. “You think I would allow that?”

“I’ve done nothing wrong, I swear to you!”

“Perhaps you think it’ll get you out of this match,” he went on. “You think you’ll get a better offer, is that it?”

“No!”

“You are mine!” he growled. “I told you that when you were promised to me, but it seems you didn’t believe me.”

“Gaston, please!”

“Well, if I take you now, you won’t be able to marry anyone else, will you?”

Belle shook her head in horror, unable to take her eyes from him, and his mouth curved into an ugly grin.

“If I take you now, you won’t have a ch—”

A crash of breaking pottery cut off his words, and Belle clapped her hands to her mouth as he slumped to the ground, broken shards of her water jug rolling on the floor. Behind him stood Gerta, wide-eyed with shock, the handle of the jug still clasped in her right hand and a spilled cup of milk on the floor at her feet, still steaming a little. Belle let her breath out in a sigh of relief, trying to calm her racing heart. She shuddered at the thought of what could have happened, what would have happened, had Gerta not been willing to intervene. The jug handle dropped to the floor with a dull clink.

“Oh - oh gods!” stammered Gerta. “I’ve killed him! I swear I didn’t mean to, milady, I just wanted to help!”

Belle sat down on her heels, skirts spreading around herself as she felt for Gaston’s pulse. It was throbbing away fiercely, and she looked up.

“He’s not dead,” she said. “Just unconscious. I daresay he’ll have a terrible headache, and if he remembers what happened, we’ll both be in trouble.”

“I assaulted the lord!” said Gerta wretchedly, wringing her hands. “They’ll have me flogged, milady. That’s if they don’t just hang me. What shall I do?”

Belle pushed to her feet, shoving away her panic as an idea formed.

“You called on the Dark One,” she said, in a low whisper, and Gerta looked fearful.

“How - how did you know?”

“Because he told me so,” said Belle, grasping her hands. “Please, don’t be afraid, I’m not angry. I think he can help us.”

“You shouldn’t get mixed up with the Dark One, milady!” she said urgently. “Not for my sake! I’ve heard tales of what he can do, of what he has done to those that crossed him!”

“He doesn’t frighten me,” said Belle firmly. “And didn’t he help you? Why fear him?”

“He - he saved me and my children,” she admitted. “He kept his word, milady, but - but it’s dark magic! My mother always said that no good came from messing with magic, and dark magic especially!”

“You let me worry about that,” said Belle. “All I need from you is how you summoned him.”

“Why, with his name, of course.”

“You - you know his name?”

“Heard it from my aunt,” said Gerta. “She said he’d saved her farm from the famine and her family from the plague, some years back. She said that he always kept his word, but to beware his price. My mother had thought her mad to call on him. She’d have thought me mad too.”

“What price did she pay?” asked Belle nervously, and Gerta swallowed.

“Her new baby,” she whispered. “Just weeks old, she was. Taken away and never seen again. I - I was so afraid, milady. Afraid that he’d take one of my children, but I was desperate! I’d have lost them both to starvation if I hadn’t called on him!”

“And because of you, they are safe and well,” said Belle soothingly, putting her hands on Gerta’s shoulders. “You said you called his name. Can you whisper it to me?”

She nodded, and Belle leaned forward, Gerta taking a breath and whispering in her ear. Belle felt her brow crease at the unfamiliar word.

“Rumplestiltskin,” she murmured, then, louder: “Rumplestiltskin!”

“Yes, yes, no need to shout!”

He appeared in a puff of red smoke, and Gerta squeaked in alarm and darted backward. Rumplestiltskin’s eyes narrowed, but then he swept a deep bow. He was dressed all in black leather, the trousers tight around his slim thighs and the coat fitted to his body over a shirt of black silk.

“Lady Belle,” he said, glancing up at her. “So, you learned my name. Resourceful, aren’t you?”

“When I need to be.”

His mouth quirked, and he straightened up. He was standing still, but he tapped his fingers together rapidly, as though his body was filled with an energy he couldn’t quite shake. If he had been anyone but the Dark One, she would have thought him nervous.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you quite so soon,” he said.

“I need your help,” said Belle quickly, and he glanced at the prone body of Gaston.

“Disposal of corpses is a speciality of mine,” he said cheerfully. “I won’t even charge you for the privilege.”

“He’s not dead,” said Belle, shooting him a dry look. “And I told you, no killing. Could you please ensure you get him to his room and - and somehow make him forget that he was here and that Gerta hit him? I don’t want her in trouble, she was only trying to protect me.”

Rumplestiltskin looked deeply amused, fingers twirling in the air.

“What did he do that merited you breaking a jug over his head, pray tell?” he asked snidely, and Gerta gulped. Belle stepped forwards, putting a hand on his arm.

“Please, Rumplestiltskin,” she said urgently. “Please. Before he wakes up, or one of the servants sees.”

He had glanced down at her hand on his arm, and she quickly took it away again. When she looked up, he was watching her, amber eyes wide and curious.

“There’s the matter of my price, my Lady,” he said quietly, and she nodded.

“I thought about that,” she said. “Why don’t you let me do something for you?”

“Such as?” he drawled. “Embroider me a cushion, perhaps?”

“No,” she said, and raised her chin. “Let me try to return what was taken from you.”

He stared at her for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively, as though it were an afterthought, his eyes still fixed on Belle’s, bright and burning. A plume of red smoke engulfed Gaston, and when it lifted he had disappeared. Gerta squeaked again, and Rumplestiltskin glanced at her.

“Go and tell the chamberlain that his master took a fall from his bath and has taken to his bed,” he said. “When he wakes, which won’t be for a few days, he will remember nothing of this incident, and will be just as vile and obnoxious as ever, I assure you.”

Gerta dropped a curtsy and hurried off, and Rumplestiltskin turned back to Belle.

“Did he hurt you?” he asked quietly.

His voice had changed in tone, grown lower and warmer, the accent stronger. He sounded more human, more real. Belle hesitated.

“No,” she said. “No, he - he scared me, that was all.”

“You’re absolutely sure you don’t want me to kill him?” he said lazily, fingers flickering. “I’m more than willing to change the deal.”

“I’ve already paid the price for you getting me out of the marriage.”

“Oh, I’m always happy to throw a little murder into the mix, in a special case like this one.”

Belle shot him a flat look.

“We made our agreement,” she said. “I gave you my name, and you said you could deal with him without the need for violence.”

“And so I can.”

“Good,” she said. “About the new deal I propose, then?”

Rumplestiltskin pursed his lips, fingers twitching in the air again.

“You wish to return my dagger to me?”

“I do,” she said. “You said that you knew where it was, but you couldn’t tell me. I presume you can’t take it back for yourself, so I’ll do it for you.”

“I don’t even know if that’s possible.”

“Well, it certainly won’t be if we never try.”

There was a hint of a smile at that. He turned away from her, beginning to pace back and forth.

“The Blue Fairy will have protected it,” he said. “I suspect there’ll be more than just the barrier spells to keep me from it. You could get hurt.”

“Without risk, it wouldn’t be much of a price, would it?”

He glanced around at that, his eyes gleaming.

“And you wish to put yourself in danger in return for me saving the man that abuses you?”

“I wish not to have his blood on my hands,” she said. “You promised me that you would protect me and my people from him without the need to cause him harm. I’d prefer that if possible. I won’t drag myself down to his level. There’s been too much suffering in these lands already.”

He was silent for a moment.

“You are a very singular young woman, my Lady.”

“So you’ve told me,” she said. “And frankly, coming from you, it’s a compliment. Do we have a deal?”

He smiled, the light gleaming on his strange, scaled skin.

“I can’t take you back with me this way,” he said, gesturing between them. “You’ll need to use the book again.”

“I can do that.”

“And you’ll need something to - to protect you,” he said. “It’ll take magic.”

“A good thing you’re the most powerful sorcerer in the land, then.”

His smile grew.

“You’re fearless, my Lady.”

“Oh, I’m really not,” she said. “There are many things I fear, Rumplestiltskin. But not you.”

“Good,” he said softly. “Then we have a deal.”

#fic: key to the cell #rumbelle fic #dark castle rumbelle #my fic #gaston is a massive butt-trumpet #abuse tw #non-con threats

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seigyokus · 6 years ago

Text

10.5 - Wait for Me

Idolish Seven - Part 3, Chapter 10.5 For more Part 3 translations, click here!

Translation below the cut!

Tsukumo Ryou: Soon, it shall be complete. Midou Torao: What are you talking about? Tsukumo Ryou: Oh, fear not-- I’m referring to TRIGGER, not ŹOOĻ. Tsukumo Ryou: TRIGGER pulled out of SoundShip at the last minute. The first time is fine-- unexpected circumstances happen all the time. However, once happens a second time, they'll be seen as incompetent and impertinent. Tsukumo Ryou: There’s a shining chance for TRIGGER to repair their image-- neither Re:vale nor IDOLiSH7 will be appearing at the Tokyo International Festival of Music and Arts, a high-brow and formal affair. (1) Tsukumo Ryou: TRIGGER lose their place at that event-- I’ll make sure of it. Natsume Minami: And how will you accomplish this? I'm certain they are also aware that this is a chance for them to recover from their current predicament. Tsukumo Ryou: You see, before I became the president of an entertainment agency, I used to dabble in trading alongside some rather dangerous fellows. I can use those connections.... Tsukumo Ryou: ...To abduct TRIGGER. Inumaru Touma: ...Hey. I ain't getting involved in anything criminal. Tsukumo Ryou: Ahaha! Oh, we won't be involved at all. TRIGGER are very famous stars-- it'll be the work of a couple stalkers, so to speak. Isumi Haruka: Hmph. Isumi Haruka: ...I don't care. If that's what it'll take to see that brat and his father in tears, then go ahead. Isumi Haruka: I want him to reject everything he's ever worked for and despair. Tsukumo Ryou: Alrighty then! Who wants to call TRIGGER? Midou Torao: Do you have all of their numbers? I only have Ryuunosuke's. Tsukumo Ryou: About that. My friend Momo is a simple person, you see. He set his birthday as the passcode to his phone-- 1111. And so, I extracted all of their numbers. Inumaru Touma: Oh shit, I should change my passcode.... Natsume Minami: You better. We live in an era where entertainment agency presidents casually glean personal information from their friends' phones, after all. Midou Torao: It’s better to change them periodically. Girls love to sneak glances at my phone screen. Isumi Haruka: Won't you forget your code if you change it? ...Well, I guess this should work. Inumaru Touma: What'd you change yours to? Isumi Haruka: My year in high school, followed by my class number and seat number. Inumaru Touma: Ah. Sure is nice to be a student. Midou Torao: Seriously, though. Using your birthday as your passcode when you're a celebrity? When literally everybody knows what's written on your profile? That's stupid. Natsume Minami: You know, Inumaru-san was also using his birthday to unlock his phone until very recently. Inumaru Touma: I'ma make my password super complicated!! Tsukumo Ryou: Now, now, children. Stop playing with your phones, and listen to me. Midou Torao: Hey, Ryou-san. Got RabbitChat? I’ve got some funny stamps I could send you. Tsukumo Ryou: Oh? What are they like? Natsume Minami: We should all add each other. Do you know how to do it, Isumi-san? Isumi Haruka: ...I don't. Do it for me. Natsume Minami: So you shake your phone like this.... Here, everyone should try it. Inumaru Touma: Wait! I'm still changing my passcode so I'm not there yet!!

*phone rings* Kujou Ten: ...Who is it? It's from an unknown number.... Isumi Haruka: It's me. Do you want everyone to stop attacking TRIGGER? I can make it happen. Kujou Ten: ....... Isumi Haruka: I'll give you the conditions. If you agree, then I’ll consider it. Can you meet me outside right now? Alone, of course. Kujou Ten: .....Alright. I'll get ready.

*phone rings* Yaotome Gaku: ...Hello? Who the hell are you? Inumaru Touma: Woah, it's Yaotome Gaku's voice.... I can't wimp out right now.... Yaotome Gaku: ......? Inumaru Touma: You wanna save your dad and TRIGGER, right? Yaotome Gaku: You.... Inumaru Touma: If that's the case, then come outside right now. Alone. If you agree to the conditions, I might consider it. Inumaru Touma: And you better keep this a secret. Got it? Yaotome Gaku: I won't tell a soul. ...Where should I meet you?

*phone rings* Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Hello? Torao-kun, is that you? Midou Torao: Hey. It's been a while, yeah? Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I've reached out to you several times about Hanamaki-san.... Also, I didn't know you were going to debut-- Midou Torao: Shh. All of this is part of a deal, and a secret one at that. You're my friend, after all. Midou Torao: There's a way to stop everyone from attacking TRIGGER. It might be a little risky, but do you wanna know what it is? Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Of course I do. Midou Torao: I knew you'd say that. I need you to meet me right now, and make sure no one knows where you're going. The place is....

Takanashi Tsumugi: I'm glad everyone was able to take today off! Izumi Mitsuki: We gotta cheer TRIGGER on! I even made a fan for them! Are we allowed to have these at the Music and Arts fes? (1) Osaka Sougo: I've brought a light stick for everyone too! Nikaidou Yamato: Woah, look at that! There's a car all decked out, with TRIGGER's logo painted on it! It's.... (2) *car rumbles* Nikaidou Yamato: ...Stopping right in front of us. Okazaki Rinto: Hello! I see like everyone's matching! Yotsuba Tamaki: What’s this car, Okarin? Okazaki Rinto: It's the Revale Stylish Wagon. The manufacturers were kind enough to gift it to us. Nanase Riku: And you made it into a TRIGGER car!? Yuki: We did. Momo: 'Cuz we're celebrities! (3) Rokuya Nagi: Oh, amazing! How wonderful! This makes want to get a Kokona car! Osaka Sougo: I'm so ashamed.... I can't believe I was satisfied with mere light sticks.... Izumi Mitsuki: I feel ya.... I was so hyped up about my fan.... Izumi Iori: I'm certain the car manufacturers would be very surprised to hear that a model they expressly named after Re:vale was repurposed into a TRIGGER car instead. Momo: Let's all cheer for TRIGGER today! They haven't replied to me yet, but if they're free afterwards, we should grab food together! Nanase Riku: I'd love to go! I invited them out this morning as well, but they haven't read my messages yet. Osaka Sougo: I bet they're putting their all into rehearsals! *phone rings* Momo: Oh, Kaoru-chan's calling me! ....... ...What? Momo: Hey, does anyone know where TRIGGER are right now? Izumi Mitsuki: Where? ...You mean they aren't in the arena yet? Momo: Apparently she hasn't been able to contact them all day and has been trying since this morning.... Nanase Riku: What!?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Anesagi-san, is everything alright? I heard you haven't been able to contact any of the members.... Anesagi Kaoru: None of my calls are going through, and no one I've contacted has found them. Everyone at the agency is looking for them right now, but.... Okazaki Rinto: It's strange that all three of them disappeared. Have you contacted the police yet? Anesagi Kaoru: Mhmm. And they gave me lovely advice. Apparently they won't budge until 12 hours have passed since the last recorded contact. Anesagi Kaoru: It must be that Tsukumo man! He's trying to get in our way and wants to stop TRIGGER from performing on stage! If anything has happened to those boys, I.... Nanase Riku: I'll go look for them at Tsukumo Productions! Izumi Iori: Please wait! If you fixate on that tidbit and just march into their agency, it'll only cause more problems! Nikaidou Yamato: They ain’t stupid either. There's no way they'd do that-- it’s way too obvious. Nanase Riku: But! Momo: I understand your concerns, but we gotta leave this to Yaotome Productions. I don't wanna be in the way, so I think we should give them some space. Momo: Okarin, Maneko-chan-- You guys should stay with Kaoru-chan. Takanashi Tsumugi: I agree. Anesagi-san.... Okazaki Rinto: I'm sure everything will be alright....

Izumi Iori: If they can't perform tonight, then it'll dredge up the SoundShip incident from last year and only further the bashing.... Nanase Riku: This is bullying!! Everyone just keeps hating on TRIGGER, and only them! …...What if Ten-nii got kidnapped!? Osaka Sougo: The event will be over by the time the police start moving.... Even reporting the incident is a bit of a sticky situation in and of itself.... Momo: Don't worry guys, I'll talk to President Tsukumo. I'm gonna make sure he pays me back for everything he owes me, and then some! Yuki: I'll come with you. Momo: You can't! Yuki: Why not? Momo: You know how I run really fast? And you're really slow? Well, if he starts running away and I run after him at full power, you'll be left in the dust. Yuki: I guess you're right. Momo: And because I love you so much, Yuki, I'll have to stop chasing after him and run back to you.... Yuki: Momo... Izumi Mitsuki: I don't really wanna say this to you guys since you're our senpai, but.... Now is not the time for that!! Momo: Anyhow! Yuki, you stay put and keep watch! All of you are good kids, so you better hold the fort down! Got it? Nikaidou Yamato: Let us come with you. We can leave the minors behind.... Momo: You can't! That man is utter poison! I don't want him to pollute my darling IDOLiSH7!! Osaka Sougo: Since when did we become yours, Momo-san..... Nanase Riku: Is President Tsukumo really that scary? What if something terrible has happened to TRIGGER!? Momo: He's not the type to engage in violence. Not directly, that’s for sure. He's a very smart man, but his personality is godawful. Rokuya Nagi: And why in the world are you close to a man like that? Momo: He helped me out when I was stuck in a rut, so I thought he was a good person. Back when we were poor, he gave us really tasty organic vegetables, among some other things.... Izumi Iori: So not only did something similar happen with Chiba-san, it happened with him as well? Re:vale gets baited with food much too easily and way too often…. Izumi Mitsuki: In times like this, we should all charge in! It won't be so dangerous since it'll be all of us! Izumi Iori: We can't do that, Nii-san...! Izumi Mitsuki: Hey. If it comes down to it, can any of you fight? Izumi Iori: Like I said, we can't do that!! Nanase Riku: I can fight! Izumi Mitsuki: No, you can't, Riku. Ossan, you’re up. Nanase Riku: Yes, I can! Nikaidou Yamato: Hold up! This onii-san here can't fight!! Izumi Iori: The mere idea of idols engaging in fist fights is outrageous! Nii-san, this is too dangerous-- Izumi Mitsuki: I said, if it comes down to it! We won't initiate. What about you, Tamaki? Can you fight? Yotsuba Tamaki: So. You know how I'm really tall? Usually if I glare at ‘em like this-- the other dude looks away super fast. Like whoosh. Yeah. Yotsuba Tamaki: But some dudes don't look away, and they're really good at fighting. Whenever that happens, I just go whoosh.... And look away. Izumi Mitsuki: So are ya good or not!? Nikaidou Yamato: I'd say we cast him as an extra. Osaka Sougo: Tamaki-kun is a minor, so if you must insist, I will go. Nikaidou Yamato: Oh yeah, didn't you do kendo? What was your best move? Osaka Sougo: Stabbing my opponent in the throat. (4) Nikaidou Yamato: Mm, executing that move on someone who doesn’t have any protective gear isn’t exactly ideal, but.... Sou, I'm casting you as our ace-- you’re our secret weapon. (5) Osaka Sougo: Understood. Izumi Mitsuki: Nagi? Rokuya Nagi: Fighting? No problem. However, I forgot my Magical Stick, so I won't be able to unleash my true power. Yotsuba Tamaki: I remember you protected that one tower from a terrorist attack though, Nagicchi! Way back when we went to that TRIGGER concert. Izumi Mitsuki: I’ve said this before, but that joke isn't funny so stop saying it! Yotsuba Tamaki: But it's true!! Nikaidou Yamato: What about you, Yuki-san? Can you fight? Yuki: I may look like this, but I'm actually a black belt. Nikaidou Yamato: ...You're kidding, right? Yuki: Yep. Nikaidou Yamato: ...I'll cast Yuki-san, our local indoors person, as Riku's childhood friend. Together, they'll cheer us on from this bench! Nanase Riku・Yuki: Hip hip, hooray! Izumi Iori: You cannot do this! I will not allow it! Momo: Yeah! If anything happens to you kids, I'll never be able to face Ban-san ever again!! Momo: Oh, man.... I don't think I could live if Ban-san hated me.... Izumi Mitsuki: It'll be okay! We're just gonna look for TRIGGER the normal way! Izumi Mitsuki: But in the off chance that we bump into trouble and there's no way around it, there are a couple ground rules I'd like us all to follow since we're idols! Momo: Rules? Izumi Mitsuki: Rule number one! Even if they try to pick a fight.... Yotsuba Tamaki: No hitting until they’ve thrown the first punch! Izumi Mitsuki: Rule number two! If a civilian sees you.... Nikaidou Yamato: We're filming. Izumi Mitsuki: Rule number three! What do you do with your face? Rokuya Nagi: Protect it with your life. Izumi Mitsuki: We should be okay if we follow those rules! We don't want TRIGGER to have any more trouble, right guys? Izumi Mitsuki: Also, the media might cook something weird up again if someone from Yaotome Productions goes. So, let's give it a shot! Izumi Iori: sigh ...... No roughhousing, okay? Izumi Mitsuki: Gotcha! Don't you worry, Iori! Izumi Iori: ....... I'm filled with nothing but worry.... Momo: Oh God, I hope we don't bump into any trouble.... Ban-san will murder me.... Nanase Riku: Wait for me, Ten-nii. I'll definitely save you!

To be continued....

TL Notes/comments:

Thank you Bicky (@denego_ on twitter) for betaing!!!

(1) uchiwa are these little round paper fans that people bring to concerts that have messages on them (for the artist) or a picture of said artist's face. (2) ita-sha is like the car equivalent of an ita-bag... think of those cars u see at cons with a massive hatsune miku painted all ovr it ALSO, Revale Stylish Wagon is stylized like that because the original is written as リヴァーレ, which is the romanization of Re:vale’s name in katakana and I am an uncreative fuck so I had no clue what to eigo it (3) i switched the orders of the lines bc english/jpn syntactical flow (4) IM NO KENDO MASTER BUT THE "TSUKI" IS A THRUST AT THE THROAT, SEE ATTACHED VIDEO FOR A DEMONSTRATION-- SOUCHAN IS NOT HERE TO FUCK AROUND (5) these moves are !!! not to be done on people without the proper protective equipment. In kendo you have a mask, and a lot of other things protecting you from bodily injury, and uh, death, amongst other things hence why that move is okay in the context of kendo and why yamato says this

As usual, if you see any mistakes/mistranslations/etc, please message me!

Thank you for reading!!

#idolish7 #アイドリッシュセブン #story3:text #story3:tl #translation

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schrijverr · 6 years ago

Text

Weird Wayne Parties

Christmas coutdown day 3

It’s time for the Christmas party that the Wayne family give each year where they are supposed to be acting normal and totally not being weird superheroes, key word supposed.

Ships: none

Warnings: none

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bruce was looking around to check if everything was good to go for the annual Wayne Christmas party. There were tables with food, music set up, room to dance, decorations and the kids, his gaze shifted over to them and his shoulders sagged, well, at least they were dressed properly. He observed his kids for a while as he wondered what this night would bring.

Dick was doing acrobatics in time with a carol that was playing, Jason was rolling his eyes as he sat on the bottom of the stairs cleaning his guns and Damian was sitting next to him sharpening a few of his knifes, Cassandra had never looked so uncomfortable in a dress and heels and she looked ready to murder someone as she glared at the speaker, Tim was in the corner and he was, sadly, one of the more normal ones in this situation, his eyes were bloodshot and tired as he was tapping away on his phone, to a bystander it might have seemed that he was playing a phone game, but Bruce knew better and if he strained his eyes he thought he could see the logo of the Gotham Police department.

He sighed deeply again and cleared his throat, which had no effect at all, so he cleared his throat again. This time they looked his way. He made a gesture to gather around which they did. “The party starts in 45 minutes,” he began, “we need to fit in and strengthen our position as a clueless party family, a normal clueless family.” He looked them all in the eye.

Jason groaned and said: “Why can’t I just go on patrol with Duke and Stephanie?”

Bruce raised an eyebrow at him and said: “You know why. As the recently revived Wayne son, who was assumed dead, people expect you to make an appearance, so you will.”

Jason groaned again, but dropped it. He didn’t want to ruin the Christmas party by arguing. Bruce turned to the other and asked: “Any more questions?”

Cassandras hand shot up and she said: “Can I leave?”

Bruce smile sympathetically at her and said: “I’m sorry, but no. Barbara will be here any minute, I hope that helps.” she nodded, but her shoulders sagged. “Yeah, Dick, what do you want to know?”

“Who is your favourite?” the oldest boy smiled.

Bruce felt himself age ten years as 5 pair of curious eyes blinked questioningly. As he facepalmed he sighed: “Dick, how many times do I have to tell you to stop asking that? I don’t have a favourite.”

Dick pouted, but was distracted by Barbara who decided to save Bruce by showing up.

The party was in full swing and Bruce had slapped on his party persona. He had danced with a few beautiful ladies, whom he had forgotten the name of already, he had thanked Commissioner Gorden for his services and charmed a few investors. He was smiling at people when he decided that it was probably a good time to check on the haggle of children who were supposed to behave, sort of.

The first ones were easy to spot, he heard some screaming and followed it. He rounded the corner and spotted Damian hanging upside-down on the stairs railing while holding Tims phone, Tim was on the ground beneath him screaming at him to give his phone back. Bruce could see he was frustrated that he couldn’t just grab it back, because he was supposed to be the non-athletic one.

Bruce got closer to help Tim out as he got closer he heard what Tim was yelling. “I swear to God, demon child give me back my phone or I will personally murder you! And it will be slow and painful! I’m going to pull all your nails out one by one and shove them down your throat and watch as you choke on them!”

Damian just laughed as the people surrounding Tim looked disturbed and moved as far away from him as possible. Tim didn’t notice as he continued to yell threats at his younger brother that got more violent as time passed. When Bruce finally arrived he yelled at Damian: “Damian! Give Tim his phone back and come from that railing, you know you’re not allowed to be up there, it’s dangerous.”

He could feel Damians eyeroll, but he listened nonetheless. As he was walking down he turned to Tim and chided: “Turn the violence down a notch will you?”

Tim blushed and looked kind of sheepishly, but that melted away when his phone was pushed back into his hands and he became absorbed into their most recent case again. Bruce smiled softly at the boy as he quickly grabbed Damians scruff.

Damian frowned and pouted as he ignored his fathers glare. Bruce told the side of his face: “I told you to try to behave like other kids, other kids don’t swing from the stair case as they laugh at violent threats.”

Damian huffed: “Like you know what kids do.”

Bruce felt for the kid and he got on one knee beside him and said: “You’re right, I don’t know what normal kid behavior is, but can you not do things that give people a heart attack today?”

It was quiet for a second then he said: “Sure, but you should tell Dick and Jason that too.”

They heard a loud crash and Bruces head shot in the direction. He started cursing and let Damian go, who was smiling evilly as he stalked away to find some new entertainment.

Bruce was wading through the crowd as he tried to get to his oldest sons before they accidentally killed themselves. He finally made it through the cheering crowd. When he got to the front his heart nearly stopped, there in the middle of the room was an intoxicated Dick doing a handstand on a pile of furniture that was being built higher and higher by a cackling Jason. His eyes searched for Barbara, who normally stopped this before it got so bad, but found her at the side cheering along.

He made his way to her and asked: “What they hell, Barbara! Why are you cheering we have to stop them.”

She looked at the confused her eyes unfocused, also drunk, Bruce concluded. She asked: “Why? They’ve done more dangerous shit.”

Exasperated Bruce said: “I know that, but this is a party. People, Barbara, people.”

Something clicked, but she couldn't really place it. Bruce gave her a bitchface as he threw a glass of water in her face. She sobered up a bit and when she was blinking like a confused owl he pointed at her brothers and said: “Help fix this.”

She saw what they were doing and immediately sprung into action. She ran to Jason to stop him in his quest to higher the pile for Dick to climb on his hands. While she handled Jason Bruce was on his way to stop Dick. He easily climbed the, already ten ft, pile. He came face to face with Dick who waved at him while balancing on one hand on a chair top. Bruce took a deep breath as he ignored his hair that he could feel graying more and more every second this dragged on. Dick slurred: “Heya B. Hows it going.”

Bruce just grabbed him and threw him over his shoulder and carefully climbed back of the pile. The crowd was booing, but Bruce ignored him. He met up with Barbara who had freed a coffee table from Jasons grasp. They looked at each other and nodded, then they both dropped their drunk vigilanty in the snow and watched them freeze. The crowd cheered for that.

As both boys sobered up Bruce asked Barbara: “Where is Cassandra?”

Barbaras eyes went wide as she checked all around her. Cassandra wasn’t in sight. Bruce rubbed his temples and said: “Babysit those for a sec will you. I’ll go see if I can find her.”

Barbara nodded as she turned back to the boys in the snow, hand on her hip eyes angry.

Bruce looked and looked but he couldn’t find Cassandra. He dropped down on a couch while groaning and promptly found Cassandra. She was chilling on a support beam with some snacks, watching the spectacle from above. He smiled and send her a text.

- You good up there?

He saw her nod and then type

~ I hate people, can I stay here?

- Sure

- but leave if you are spotted

She send him a thumbs up and put a snack in her mouth as she went back to watching. Bruce texted Barbara where Cassandra was, he got a picture of the boys back. They both had hot coco in their hands and were warming up by the fire, their noses were still red from the cold and she had edited antlers on their heads. Bruce smiled, but rolled his eyes at the satisfied smiles they both wore.

The next day Bruce was regretting his life choices as he was skimming the newspaper headlines. One read: Does money make people crazy? Look at the Wayne and that is proven!

The article was a report from the night before, with pictures. There was one of Damian on the stairs with an angry Tim, one of Dick and Jason with their pile and one of them in the snow, and one of him carrying Dick down the pile, there was also one of him throwing a drink in Barbaras face, and one of Barbara with both Jason and Dick under her arms while she carried them to the kitchen.

Bruce wondered if they would ever learn how to act, but he doubted that. He looked over his hall where Tim had crashed a while back next to the passed out Jason and Dick, who were snuggling, and a sleeping Barbara on the couch. Damian and Cassandra were eating breakfast on the ground next to them a beat and tired Duke and Stephanie, and the Christmas tree was in the background. Bruce didn’t notice Alfred snapping a picture of him smiling softly with everyone in the background. Their little imperfect perfect family.

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penumbra-rp · 6 years ago

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Congratulations Dean, you have been accepted for the role of Rabastan Lestrange!

“Does reputation matter to you?”

“My reputation? Who do you think I am, Taylor Swift?” he questions tauntingly.

Admin Ash: Dean, from the moment we heard of your interest in Rabastan, we had a feeling he had just the vibe that would be perfect for you, and this application only proved how right we were. Rabastan is hilarious, he’s animated, he’s completely and utterly obnoxious -- just as you stated in his traits -- and I found myself cackling out loud to his antics and the numerous ridiculous things he said. Much like the gem above. He’s a proper nuisance -- wearing his place at the bottom of his graduating class like a medal and taking utter pride in spicing up any dinner party -- and I found that I adored him all the more for it. I know he’s going to give many of our Death Eaters a headache that’ll be too hard to shake. I’m so excited that you’ll be bringing our rambunctious rockstar to us!

Please check out our checklist for joining Penumbra.

01. Out of Character

NAME: Dean

AGE: 21

YOUR BIRTHDAY: July 4th 1997

PRONOUNS: She/Her

TIMEZONE: GMT

02. In Character

CHARACTER: Rabastan Lestrange

CHARACTER’S PRONOUNS: He/Him

FACECLAIM: Robert Sheehan

CHARACTER’S BIRTHDAY: July 29th

PERSONALITY:

+ Persuasive

+ Comical

+ Boisterous

- Argumentative

- Obnoxious

- Impressionable

BRIEF BULLET POINT BIO:

‘What a beautiful little girl you have,’ strangers would coo, easily mistaking the boy’s long dark eyelashes as a feminine feature. The compliment felt like a stab in the heart for a woman who had mothered two sons when she had spent the majority of her second pregnancy dreaming longingly for a daughter.

The minute he had said his first words, the Lestranges knew he would be nothing like their first child. Rabastan was demanding, his mother’s disinterest and father’s sternness only making him thirst more for their approval. He’d approach the world as if it were a stage and his friends and family was his audience. Every move calculated strategically as a plead for more attention, plots intertwined intricately to remove wishfully himself from his older brother’s seemingly overbearing shadow and earn his own moment in the spotlight. When that didn’t work, Rabastan turned towards misbehaving. Playing cruel tricks on Rodolphus which were reciprocated with pure disdain from the young teenager, saying inappropriate things when there were guests around and neglecting to follow any rules. There were no limits, so long as he knew it would obtain him the measliest bit of recognition.

As his troublesome ways manifested and endangered on becoming a larger problem, Rabastan was swiftly packed up and sent to a private school. One where the tuitions were sky high since there was the promise to straighten out unruly children and turn them into well-behaved future politicians and lawyers. The first couple of years, Rabastan was no stranger to disciplinary procedures. Hours upon hours spent in detention, letters sent home on numerous occasions and not to mention the extra load of homework he’d receive on the basis that he never seemed to be listening in class. Yes, within the three years of his enrolment, the youngest Lestrange was fast becoming one of the rare cases that the school couldn’t fix. Foreseeably a failure in the eyes of his teachers and his parents.

That was, of course, until they decided to place the boy in front of a piano. Fingers gliding effortlessly across ivory keys and filling the room with delicate twinkling accents. What was meant to be another amercement spun into Rabastan’s saving grace, the first time he’d receive acknowledgement for the right reasons and actually feel some contentment in what he was doing. When he’d returned home that year for the summer, his piano lessons continued. Quickly followed by learning the guitar, the violin and even the saxophone. Essentially, it was considered to be a miracle, at long last, they’d found the one thing that installed some calm into Rabastan’s relentless frenzy of a personality.

Throughout the years, Rabastan’s creativity and musical talent only appeared to flourish. Carefully written lyrics sang in perfect pitch over another one of his original guitar riffs, an angelic voice filtering through the house and reverberating a gentle symphony in the bleak hallways. But when the time came, the answer was a clean cut ‘no’ to his proposal of studying anywhere else other than the Slytherin school of Social Business. Despite his talents, his father would have sooner fallen into an early grave than see one of his son’s graduating with anything that wasn’t a business degree.

The confinements the course held over his time to express artistic freedom entirely reignited Rabastan’s dormant compulsion to rebel. Skipping one too many classes and spending more time drinking than he ever did in the library. When it came to graduating, the life of the party and class clown unsurprisingly had barely scraped the mark. Proudly taking the place at the bottom of his class and leaving the school entirely unqualified to fulfil a role in the family business.

Rabastan had won. One last swipe of his father’s credit card was enough to book a couple of days in a recording studio and the rest, as they say, was history. Songs that he’d masterfully been pouring all of his efforts into during his studies turned to meticulously crafted pieces of art. With a pretty face and sleek style, it wasn’t long before a record label picked him up and churned him into a full-fledged rockstar. Fame and notoriety came second nature. Orchestrating publicity stunts with his PR team and spreading his own rumours were all part of the game in establishing his very own empire. It was as if Rabastan was created for this fast set lifestyle, stepping on other people’s toes so he could climb the social ladder right to the very top.

Rabastan Lestrange had become a household name. Securing a number one in the UK charts for three consecutive months and selling out venues shortly after the release of his debut album. His quick-witted opinions and outrageous interviews going viral across social media, gaining him the admiration of many and resentment of others. It wasn’t long after that, that his family name would call on his like a curse to act dutifully to another cause.

Owning one of the major organisations that formed the frameworks of the Sacred 28 meant that the Lestrange family were no strangers to the acts of Death Eaters. Regularly, it had been part of the dining room chatter that Rabastan was effectively escorted away from, untrusted with the secrets that Rodolphus’ silver tongue was so often wrapped around. That was until they’d seen an opportunity in the younger Lestrange’s childish arrogance and increasing influence he held over the public. Rabastan’s lust for trouble and manipulative discourse fit suitably within the skill sets of a Death Eater. They would use him as a middle man, putting his sweet talk and skilled bribery to good use and when that failed, he’d follow precise orders and discard of the target.

If it weren’t for Rodolphus’s involvement, Rabastan would have never of handed his loyalty to the organisation as easily as he had. Though the Dark Lord may be the ringleader, for Rabastan this went further than ranks. It was about blood. He’d never been that ideal, pristine version of the man his parents anticipated that he’d be. Dismissing controversies to the press with blatant arrogance and refusing to comment on anything associated with Lestrange Industries and the warfare it supported. This was a chance to prove himself, to his bloodline, he was one of them.

INTERVIEW:

i. How do you feel about your current occupation?

“Adoring fans that scream your name, music royalties, fancy events, groupies,” Rabastan lists off one by on his fingers before scoffing, “no, you’re right, I should really go beg my darling big brother for a space in the family business, I’d be a really sexy secretary for a businessman- I mean, picture me in a pencil skirt.” Rabastan puckers his lips at the thought, using his hand to fan himself down, “my apologies, I’m getting all hot and bothered just thinking about it.”

ii. What song would you say describes yourself?

Running a hand below his chin, he’s selecting his next words carefully. “Hmm, now who do I hand out this chunk of free promotion to if not myself… No, really, I say I like something and the sales skyrocket the next day, I guess it’s my charm.” Reclined in his chair Rabastan springs back up once the perfect song comes to mind, “Have you ever heard of The Cheeky Girls?” his own laughter surrounds him in a pitch almost as harmonic as his singing, “In all seriousness, Club Tropicana by Wham! really just radiates my personality.”

iii. Does reputation matter to you?

“My reputation? Who do you think I am, Taylor Swift?” he questions tauntingly. “It’s been said that I’m like marmite, you love me or you hate me. Either way makes no difference to me. This is where my manager comes swanning in to warn me to play nicely with my dearest interviewer, but you know why my fans love me? It’s because I’m genuine, I’m not going to feed them all this bullshit as other singers do- that reminds me! Buy my new EP, available now on iTunes.” he punctuates with a charming wink, though his tone was sarcastic his intent is entirely serious.

iv. What is your relationship with your parents like?

“Mummy and Daddy wanted a little girl so badly, then when I turned out to be a right old diva they still weren’t impressed” He can’t fight the look of pure delight that rules his expression, even as a boy his parents distaste in his demeanour had been hugely entertaining. “Truth is I like being the black sheep of the family, it’s satisfying work for me. That and I make our dinner parties a lot more enjoyable, I inject a healthy bit of personality into the dining room conversations and stop people from falling asleep in their soup bowls, you know?… for example, bear versus shark, who would win? Obviously, it’s the bear.”

v. What languages can you speak?

“Most days I can hardly even speak English,” he declares humorously, “I speak enough French to get by thanks to private schooling. You know the basics… Voulez-vous coucher avec moi,” he’d definitely learned that from Lady Marmalade, not his expensive education.

vi. If your home was on fire and you could only save one item, what would you choose?

“The drugs- Kidding!” he’s aware that he’s yet to answer one question sincerely. “For all my beautiful fans out there, please know that I would NEVER participate in the massive consumption of cocaine, but I didn’t say anything about ecstasy.” Rabastan pauses long enough to make them feel uncomfortable, visibly revelling in the awkward silence. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist, I’m joking, again. I don’t know what I’d save, I could easily replace anything. So maybe my wallet.”

vii. Which Hogwarts University faculty did you study at? The Gryffindor School of Applied Science, the Ravenclaw School of Humanities, the Slytherin School of Social Science, or the Hufflepuff School of Art?

His lips are pressed together in contemplation, finally a question that couldn’t be glossed over with humour or shocking statements. “The Slytherin School of Social Science,” as he answers, he gags to dramatise his disdain. “I wanted so badly to study Literature under the Ravenclaw School of Humanities, but daddy dearest was refusing to financially support me if I didn’t follow in the family’s footsteps. ‘No son of mine is walking around reading Bridget Jones’ Diary’” Whilst imitating his father’s hoarse voice, his expression changes to an unnatural dark grimace and wags his finger in the air. “-Great book, by the way. So that’s the story of how I became a Business graduate and the bottom of the class.” A nostalgic sigh pronounces itself from his lungs as he stares dreamily into the distance, “oh the glory days.”

vix. What is your social media username?

“@RabastanLestrangeMusic, that’s the one I’m meant to plug anyway, or my publicist will have me by the throat- little does she know, I’d enjoy that,” he glances over his shoulder to see if his manager is watching before looking back to them with a delighted grin, “I do have this lesser known Instagram account, @Rab_a_stan, it’s got a couple of thousand followers, I started it last week and I put really weird unfiltered shit on there- wait can I swear during this interview? I never asked, fuck.”

#accepted

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i-write-shakespeare-not-disney · 7 years ago

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Beloved Part 3

Click Here for Part 1

Click Here for Part 2

Ironically enough, the news of twins didn’t send Keith into a panic. The same couldn’t be said about Lance. He’d been shocked into silence since he found out, walking about in a daze. Violet had questioned whether he was okay, but Keith assured her he was just tired. He also asked Allura to keep the news quiet for now. He wanted to be sure there weren’t any complications or problems that would result in something happening to the babies.

That night, Keith waited patiently while Lance sat on the bed, blank faced. He prepared for bed and nudged Lance aside. If he wanted to stay awake, that was fine, but Keith wanted sleep. At some point in the night, Keith woke up to hands shaking him and he grumbled as he opened his eyes. Lance was looking at him, with wide, panicked eyes.

“We’re having twins.”

Keith sighed and turned onto his side, away from him. “Yeah, Lance that’s what the scans claimed.”

Lance pulled on him, turning him back around. “Why aren’t you freaking out?” he whisper-shouted. “That’s two! Two babies! Two humans growing in you! Two that-that have to come out of you, two babies we have to feed and keep safe, two fragile things that…. Oh God, that’s twice as many diapers and crying a-and pooping and when they get sick, it’s going to be two of them crying at the same time, and-”

Keith sat up and put his hands on either side of Lance’s face. “Okay, breathe. Please.” Lance did, but it sounded more like hyperventilation. “Slower, babe.” Lance huffed and ran his hand through his hair. “Lance, calm down.”

“But… this is insane! I thought my stuff wasn’t working, and then we find out it worked too well? What are we supposed to do?”

Keith chuckled and kissed him softly. “It’s going to be fine. We have our family here. And Violet’s going to be a great sister. Let’s make sure everything’s okay before you go off freaking out over two kids. Besides, there’s two of us. We can do it.”

Something in Keith’s words managed to sober him. Lance stopped shaking and leaned into Keith, wrapping his arms around him protectively. Keith looked at his flat stomach and wondered if he would show quicker or if he’d grow bigger than he had with Violet. He wasn’t sure what twins entailed.

He knew it meant double the chaos, but he wasn’t afraid. He wasn’t doing it on his own. They had their space family here to help when they needed it. Everything would be fine. Keith could feel that down to his bones. He felt Lance’s lips at the spot under his ear and sighed in content. It would all be perfectly fine.

***

Keith didn’t feel different. He didn’t get nauseous. His stomach wasn’t growing quicker. A lot of times, he forgot he’d even gotten the news that he was pregnant again. And more often he forgot it was twins this time.

He continued to train, to go out on missions, continued teaching Violet what he could with hand to hand combat when Lance wasn’t whisking her away to teach her how to shoot- using the space equivalent of nerf guns of course.

They were preparing for her birthday party, and Pidge had set up the cloaking around the castle to prevent any sudden attacks. It was a day for Violet, and the last thing they needed was to be sent out on a mission.

Lance had insisted on waking her up early with the Spanish birthday song, so Violet was asleep on the couch in the lounge area while Hunk made her cake and everyone else set up decorations or background music. Allura and Coran were planning something else, but they wouldn’t even tell Keith and Lance what it was. The princess had assured them that it wouldn’t be regarding the pregnancy though.

Some time later, Keith went to wake Violet up and smiled. “Come on birthday girl. Time to celebrate.” She smiled and sat up so quickly, she nearly butted heads with him. He took her to the lounge area where they’d set up a table with a few gifts and her cake. Everyone hugged her and wished her a happy birthday, and although they typically cut the cake before opening presents, Coran insisted on presents first.

“Come on, little one. You have to close your eyes,” Coran told her guiding her out of the room. Keith and Lance exchanged confused looks and followed them.

“What is it, Nino? Is it my own lion?” she asked.

Coran chuckled and squeezed her shoulder. A few moments later, he sat her down by the control room and said, “Alright. Are you ready?” She nodded excitedly and Coran led her into the room.

Keith gasped, but kept himself from saying anything until Violet was told to look. She opened her eyes and Keith watched her eyes go wide. “Noriu!” she shrieked, running forward to engulf her friend in a hug.

“They told us it is your birthday,” he said with a smile. She nodded.

“Liko, Rhotma, Sif!” she cried as she recognized her other new friends. “Where’s Iyalla?”

“Ah, Iyalla was feeling too sick to come, but she said she hoped you have fun,” Coran said quickly. Before the children could say anything, their parents, and the Melkae who had told the children stories came forward to greet her and tell her happy birthday.

Coran gave the other paladins a look, that told Keith the truth. Iyalla must not have made it. Her injuries must have been too great.

Among the adults who had come to greet Violet was the Melkae woman Keith had spoken to the day they visited. He smiled when she recognized him and moved forward to greet him. “Paladin, how have you been?” she asked.

“I’ve been great,” he answered, taking her hand. “How have you been? I’m glad to see you’re much healthier.”

She smiled and nodded. “Yes, you helped me plenty. I’m doing well. My children were excited to see your daughter again.”

Keith smiled as he looked at Violet who had begun a game of tag with the Melkae children. “Oh, this is my husband,” he said, gesturing to Lance. “Violet’s other father.”

“Hello, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Azalia.”

“Lance,” he responded, shaking her hand. Keith realized he’d never heard her name before. “Violet has missed the children so much since we last visited.”

“Well, the princess contacted us and told us her birthday was coming up. They picked us up at the start of the day. We were anxious to see young Violet again.” Lance smiled proudly, obviously pleased that his daughter was so admired on other planets.

“Um, Lance. Azalia is actually the one I talked to about having more children than just Violet,” he said softly.

Lance raised his eyebrows and looked at her before looking back at Keith. “Well, do you want to tell her the news?” Keith nodded and Lance pecked his cheek. “Go on.”

Keith looked at Azalia and tried to hold back his smile. “We’re having twins,” he whispered. “But none of the others know yet. We’re waiting to tell Violet, just to be sure everything turns out okay-”

“Oh, congratulations!” she squealed, wrapping him in a hug. “That’s wonderful news.” She turned to Lance and hugged him tightly. “I’m so happy to hear that your family is growing. And no worries, I can keep a secret.” She smiled and squeezed their hands.

When Keith looked over at Lance, he found his husband smiling fondly at him, admiration clear on his features. “We have plenty of food and we’ll cut the cake once the children get tired of playing,” Lance said. “Let’s go celebrate.” Azalia went to greet the other paladins and Lance wrapped his arms around Keith. “You’re glowing,” he murmured. “When you talk about the babies, you get this glow.” Keith blushed and nudged his rib.

Violet ran towards them and looked at them with a radiant smile. “This is the best birthday ever!”

Keith and Lance helped serve food for the children and Melkae while the other paladins gathered them in the lounge. Hunk managed to make a DIY pin the tail on the Robeast for them to play later.

Keith had never seen his daughter so happy.

***

By the end of the day, Violet was playing with her new toys along with her friends, running through the castle with them. The adults were eating Hunk’s cake and Lance was telling stories of the beginnings for Voltron to entertain them.

Keith was putting away the trash when Shiro went up to him and gave him a look. Keith looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. “There’s something you’re not telling me,” he said.

“What makes you say that?” Keith responded.

“Because I know my brother. And you’re acting different.”

Keith laughed and shook his head. “Well, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He walked away and put the trash in a chute before going to sit beside his husband.

Once the children had tired and the Melkae had to return home, Violet settled herself between her parents and leaned into Lance’s chest. Lance was singing to her as he braided her hair until she fell asleep.

***

Keith’s stomach didn’t distend until he was about two and a half months into his pregnancy. According to Allura, there weren’t any complications. But it was still early. It was still early, and Keith’s body was different than the moms on Earth, it was different from the Galra males that could morph to hold children. He was a half breed and he was different which meant there were still possible complications.

He still didn’t want to tell anyone.

“Calla mientras la cuna se balancea. A la nanita nana, nanita ella.” Lance was singing into his shoulder, his hand rubbing soothing circles along his hard, slightly distended stomach. The muscles he’d gained over years of fighting had smoothed over and rounded. The others couldn’t tell with his shirts, but Lance easily could whenever he ran his hands over his stomach.

“What does that mean?” Keith mumbled into his pillow.

“Hush while the crib rocks for balance. The rest is just soothing.” He pulled Keith’s hair away from his ear. “So what do you think? A boy and a girl? Two girls? Two boys?”

“Mm, one of each,” Keith whispered sleepily. “We need names.”

“What about Leo for a boy? Wasn’t that one you wanted before?”

“I was thinking colors. Blue or Grey for a boy. Scarlet or Ebony for a girl.”

Lance chuckled and turned Keith around. “Really? Violet, Grey, and Scarlet. Our kids better be artists.” Keith smiled sleepily and Lance threaded his fingers through his hair. “I can’t believe we’re the parents that name their kids after colors.”

“’S just an idea,” Keith yawned.

Lance pressed a kiss to his forehead and pulled him in closer. “Duermete, mi amor.”

The next morning, Keith woke up to Lance draped over him, his arms wrapped protectively around his stomach. He smiled and gently freed himself from the embrace. He changed and went into the kitchen to find something to eat.

“Hungry?” he heard Hunk ask behind him. He turned and smiled when he saw Pidge drinking a mug of something hot at a table while Hunk sat across from her. “Morning.”

“Good morning, guys. Yeah, I’m a little hungry. But I don’t really know what I want to eat.”

There was a silence and he turned to see Pidge smirking at him. “How far along?”

“Huh?”

“Your pregnancy.”

Keith’s mouth fell open and he walked toward them, glancing around to be sure Violet wasn’t around. “How did you guys know?”

“You stopped asking us for tests in the lab,” Hunk said. “Plus Pidge had a few theories, and this one fell into two of them.”

Keith raised an eyebrow and sat down with them. “Um. Two months and a week.”

“Seriously?” Pidge asked with a smile. “Dude, congrats! I take it you feel better about this one since you’re older and know what to expect.”

Keith sighed and sat down as Hunk got up and rummaged around. “Actually, no, not really,” he said nervously. She frowned and furrowed her eyebrows. He sighed and tried to determine who else was awake.

“Vi’s with Coran in the lion hangar. They’re getting checkups,” Pidge said.

He nodded and looked at the table. “Allura said it’s twins this time. And I’m freaking out because I don’t know what to expect with my body. I don’t fall into human norms or Galran norms. I don’t even want to tell Violet because what if she gets all excited and after eight or nine months… something goes wrong?” He was vaguely aware of something salty and greasy being cooked, making his mouth water. He sniffed out the source only to have Hunk place a plate in front of him. “Oh my God, thank you.”

“Did I hear that right? Twins?” he asked. Pidge nodded. “Keith, you can’t just not tell Violet. She’s a smart kid, and she’s going to notice when your stomach gets bigger. If something does happen… well, she’s going to have to understand that too.” Keith grimaced and ate his food, not bothering with the utensils he’d been given.

“You know, I really never expected my life to turn into this,” he mumbled, licking his finger clean. Pidge grimaced as he stuffed more food into his mouth and he huffed. “Stop looking at me,” he snapped.

“Alright,” she snorted. “So does Shiro or Coran know yet?” Keith shook his head. “How far along were you when you told us about Violet?”

“I think four months. She’d started kicking.” Pidge nodded and smiled at the memory. Keith suddenly paled and looked at his stomach. “Oh no, no, no. Violet used to go nuts when Lance talked to her, I’m gonna have two of them doing that to me now, how am I supposed to handle that? Oh my God, what if they hurt each other? Can anything happen to them, I mean-”

“Why is Keith freaking out?” Shiro yawned as he shuffled into the kitchen.

Keith felt like he couldn’t breathe. He remembered how much it hurt when Violet had kicked at all of his innards, how he could barely manage his damn bladder because of her weight, how painful and exhausting giving birth to her was even with the advanced Altean medicine.

“Whoa, hey, hey, easy, Keith.” Hunk pulled him up and snapped his fingers in front of his eyes. “Look at me, buddy. Easy, easy. Breathe in. Out. In… hold it.” Keith was shaking. “Out. In. Hold.”

When Hunk managed to calm him down, Shiro put a hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Keith gulped and stole the cup Shiro had served himself juice in much to the latter’s annoyance. “I dunno I’m pregnant with twins and I have no fucking clue what that means for them or my body and I’m terrified, I mean what the fuck.”

Shiro faltered and looked at Keith with wide eyes. “You’re what?”

Lance walked in a few seconds later and stopped short at the sight of the other’s worried faces. “What happened?” he asked, immediately tensing up. His eyes went to Keith who was holding his stomach as he tossed the juice back. “Keith?”

“You guys are pregnant?” Shiro asked.

Lance furrowed his eyebrows and pursed his lips. “You told them? I thought we were gonna do that together.”

“Well, we actually figured it out, and then Shiro walked in mid-panic attack.” Lance’s head whipped to look at Keith.

“What happened?”

Keith felt his throat close up as Shiro and Lance looked at him in worried confusion and Hunk seemed tense and ready to stabilize him again. Pidge was the only one not looking right at him. “Nothing,” he said softly.

“Well… why are you about to cry?” Lance asked.

“I’m not!” he whined indignantly. Only his voice cracked because, yes he was. “I….” He whimpered and dashed out of the room, feeling his heart pounding in his ears.

He felt someone tug him by the arm and then he felt himself get pressed against someone’s chest. “Baby, hey….” Lance. “Mi tesoro hermoso, what’s going on?”

Keith started crying and shook his head. “I don’t know, I just feel really scared about everything. I just…. There’s going to be double everything and I don’t know how I’m gonna make it, or if they are and-”

He hid his face, feeling embarrassed because he hadn’t broken down like this in a long time. He was an adult and he felt like he was acting like a teenager.

“Hey, no remember, you said it yourself. We have our family. We’re in this together.”

Keith shoved him away and scowled. “You’re not the one who’s going to be getting kicked at each time you come back from a mission! You’re not the one that’s going to feel like your body is tearing itself in two twice! And if something goes wrong, it’s my fault because it’s my body! I’m going to be the one dealing with those pains, and you have no way of even coming close to knowing how it feels!” Lance clenched his jaw and waited for Keith to finish before considering his words.

“Look, you’re right. There’s some stuff I can’t share with you exactly.” Keith scoffed and turned away, hugging himself. Lance touched his arm lightly and tilted his head up. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna be there for you, mi amor. I’ll be there to soothe you when they kick you. I’ll be there holding your hand when they’re born. And I’m going to do everything I possibly can to pamper you and help you feel better, to ease the pain.” He bit his lip and placed one hand on Keith’s cheek. His voice became lower and his eyes became sad. “And if something goes wrong, I’m going to be right there crying with you. And I’m never going to blame you. I’ll be suffering with you and we’ll pull through it together.” He took Keith’s hands and kissed them. “But I’m also going to do everything I can right now to help you and make sure we don’t reach that point. You hear me?” Keith took a breath and nodded, letting Lance pull him into a hug.

He wasn’t sure how he’d gotten so lucky as to have Lance as a lifetime partner.

Once his stomach started growing, it seemed to grow quicker. By the third month, he couldn’t fit into his suit anymore. Shiro took his place again and Keith played it off by telling Violet he wasn’t feeling good. They stayed behind with Coran and helped make sure their family returned safely.

By the fourth month, Keith’s stomach was pretty distended and even Violet could tell over his shirts and jacket.

“Daddy, you’re getting fat,” she said once while she played with a doll that resembled an Arusian.

Keith looked down at his stomach and ran a hand over it. Allura had said he was completely healthy, and so were the twins. So far, there hadn’t been any complications. The only changes Keith felt was increasing hunger and very sudden mood swings that made him cry at least twice a day and he’d argue with Lance over the tiniest things. He could tell Lance was wearing thin with the arguments, but they simply took some time apart to cool off.

“No I’m not,” Keith answered, shoving more space chips in his face.

“Daddy, I see your stomach,” she pointed out. “And you make Papi bend over to pick stuff up for you all the time. You’re fat.”

“You’re mean,” he mumbled. She giggled and continued to make her Arusian doll beat up a stuffed animal that resembled a dog. “I’ll be right back, pumpkin.” She nodded and continued to play on the floor.

Keith left in search of Lance and he found him in the control room fussing over a holographic map. Keith wasn’t sure what he was looking for among the coordinates, but his eyebrows were furrowed in concentration, and in the light of the hologram, Keith could see the scar under his eye.

He looked so serious and pensive…. There was stubble on his chin and Keith could actually hear the scratch sound it made when Lance scraped his fingernails over it. It made him shudder. Not to mention, he’d just showered so instead of hair being gelled over like he’d taken to doing in the recent years, it fell limp in front of his eyes and the look was so sexy Keith had to take a breath to calm himself down.

That was another thing. His sex drive had gone through the roof halfway through the third month. But he didn’t have the confidence to do anything about it which ended up making him cry out of embarrassment or get angry because of the frustration. He hadn’t told Lance, because he knew Lance would simply assure him he was still beautiful and try to fuck him, but Keith wouldn’t feel sexy and he wouldn’t enjoy it anyway because he had a bulging stomach and that was gross.

“Keith?” He jumped at the sound of his name and the hologram was swept to one side as Lance noticed him. “Hey gatito, what’s up?” he asked with a smile.

Keith bit his lip and forced his hormones to calm the fuck down. He was a grown man for crying out loud. He walked up to Lance and Lance’s hands immediately rested on his stomach, fingers scratching gently to rub his belly. Keith interlaced his hands over his shoulders and kissed him lightly. “Violet just told me I was fat.” Lance snorted before he could stop himself, and he covered his mouth, looking at Keith wide-eyed. Keith knew he was waiting to see if he would start crying or yelling. But Keith just bit back a smile. “I was thinking… that we should tell her tonight.”

“Yeah?” Lance asked with a smile. Keith nodded and he pulled Keith into a hug, burrowing his face in Keith’s neck which just made Keith have to fight off another heat wave. “I’ve been waiting for this day, oh my God. She’s going to be so excited.”

“Pidge is actually supposed to help Allura with a check up today, so…. Maybe we could take her? Or get like a picture and tell her when we put her to bed.”

“I like the second idea. I kind of want it to be just us with her, you know?” Keith nodded and kissed Lance again. “I love you, mi rey.”

“I love you more,” he whispered, with a smile.

Later that night, after Keith had gone to his checkup and Pidge had assured him the babies were fine, Keith and Lance went to get Violet from the kitchen where she was watching Hunk experiment with a new dessert for them to eat in the morning.

“Come on, princesita, it’s bedtime.”

Violet hopped off the chair and hugged Hunk’s leg. “G’night uncle Hunk,” she said. “I can’t wait to eat that tomorrow!” Hunk chuckled and watched her bound off to her fathers.

Keith tucked her into bed after Lance braided her hair and they smiled at each other. “Hey, Vi?” Keith murmured. She hummed, hugging her purple stuffed lion and rubbing her eyes. “Do you still want a little sibling?”

She opened her eyes and tilted her head. “Like a little sister?” she questioned. Keith nodded. “Yeah. But I know you can’t because it’s scary right now. But Daddy?” Keith hummed with a smile. “If there’s a war, how come you had me?” Keith’s smile fell and he looked up at Lance.

Lance held his gaze for a moment before taking his hand. “Well, mi niña, that’s a long story. You see me and Daddy didn’t know we were gonna have you. And when we found out, we got really excited. We knew you’d be strong and brave enough even with a war. We were still a little scared, but look at you. You’re the bravest little girl in the whole universe.” She smiled and threw a hand over Lance’s lap.

Even after seven years of parenting, Lance was still better at breaking down and communicating the more difficult topics. “In fact, we have a little surprise for you,” Keith whispered, afraid to talk much louder. He felt emotional again. He knew that one day Violet would be old enough to understand that she was different in more ways than one. That the fact that she’d come from him and Lance wasn’t exactly normal, that they’d been young when they had her, and it had in fact been an accident. Keith feared the day she would piece it together.

“What is it?” she asked, sitting up halfway.

Keith looked at Lance and nodded. “Well, your daddy looks like he’s been getting fat because there’s babies in his stomach,” he said with a smile.

“Babies?” Violet shrieked, sitting up completely. “Like, more than one?”

Keith smiled at the excitement in her eyes. “Yeah,” he laughed. “There’s two. They’re gonna be twins, and they’re gonna be here real soon. Five more months.” Violet squealed and covered her mouth as she kicked at her covers.

“Can I see?” she asked.

“Well, you can’t see them yet,” Lance said. “But we do know about how big they are. Look.” Lance pulled out what resembled a sonogram pictures. “See? They’re just sleeping in there, cuddled up together. Here’s one, and here’s the other.” Violet’s mouth fell open and she grabbed the picture with nervous little hands. “Look, touch how hard Daddy’s tummy is,” he murmured, taking her hand and pressing it to Keith’s stomach.

“Oh!” Violet looked at Keith, nervous that she’d hurt him, but Keith just smiled at her and nodded. “Can they hear me?”

Keith nodded. “They should be able to now,” he said.

Violet crept closer and splayed her small hand out on his stomach. “Hi, little babies! I’m your big sister! You should come out faster so I can see you.” Keith laughed and touched her cheek lightly. “I’m gonna be the best big sister ever, and I’m gonna take care of you all the time,” she whispered. “Goodnight, little babies.” She kissed his stomach lightly and hugged him gently. “Thank you, Daddy.”

Keith chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Violet. Now go to sleep, okay?”

She nodded and laid back down. “Hey, Daddy?” Keith hummed as he got up and took Lance’s hand. “How did they get in your tummy?”

Keith looked at Lance who looked just as panicked as he did. “That’s… a conversation for another day, pumpkin. Just go to bed, okay?” She grumbled but was quick to smile again as she shut her eyes.

Keith and Lance left her room and stifled their laughter as they returned to their room.

Keith got ready for bed, wearing his boxers and one of Hunk’s old shirts. Hunk had given them to him once Keith found he wasn’t able to sleep comfortably in his own, and they didn’t exactly have pregnancy clothes stores at the Space Mall.

Lance slept in his boxers and deemed it enough as he wrapped his arms around Keith. His hands rubbed Keith’s stomach idly as he began to fall asleep, but Keith couldn’t fall asleep.

He was completely pressed against Lance, encased in his warmth, in his scent, in his touch. And it was making him hyperaware. He tried to stay still so he wouldn’t feel more than he already did, but he was struggling to catch his breath and fall asleep.

Somehow he managed to. But his dreams were filled memories of fervid nights spent tangled up with Lance and Keith hadn’t realized how much he was thrashing until Lance shook him awake. He looked disheveled and his gaze was heated and curious.

“What?” Keith asked breathlessly.

“Are you okay?” Keith licked his lips and held back the tears of frustration that were burning his eyes. “Keith. You were dreaming something… intense.”

“I know,” he moaned. “Why’d you wake me up?”

Lance raised an eyebrow and caught a runaway tear in his thumb. “Are you crying because I woke you up from your dream?” He nodded, his lower lip quivering. “But I’m right here. I can make you feel it all for real.” Keith shook his head. “No? Why?” Lance pressed gentle kisses to his cheeks and let out a soft, warm breath against his throat.

“Because I look gross,” Keith whined, out of annoyance and arousal. “I’m all swollen with babies and it’s weird. And I know you’re going to say you don’t care, but I do. I feel gross, and I’m going to look weird trying anything with you with this fucking bulge between us.” He felt more tears slip out and covered his face.

Lance took his hands gently and pried them away. He was smiling. “You know me so well,” he chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind. Because I don’t think it’s gross. I love looking at you when you’re pregnant. I love knowing I did that with you.”

“You’re so fucking weird,” Keith grumbled sighing at the lips mouthing at his neck. “Only you would be able to get off to a fucking swollen belly filled with babies.”

“Well, when you say it like that,” Lance laughed. Keith groaned and pushed him back. “Hey, you’re obviously really pent up if the noises you were making say anything.” Keith blushed and turned away. “I’ll make you feel good, baby. You won’t even have to think about your stomach. Just close your eyes when I tell you to and keep them on mine when I tell you to. You wanna try that?” Keith hesitated and looked down at his stomach. “Ah, ah. Eyes on me,” he whispered. Lance’s hand fell to his boxers, going up the leg. He pressed his fingers against Keith, making him stifle a sharp gasp. “Jesus, you’re soaking,” Lance groaned. “Don’t you want me to help you? You’re my husband after all….”

“Okay, okay, okay, okay,” Keith gasped, pushing his hips down. “Please, please, Lance. I’m going fucking crazy.” Lance smirked and kissed him, leaning over him.

He tugged the boxers away and Keith gulped. “Eyes on me,” Lance reminded him gently.

Keith did as he was told. He shut his eyes when Lance shuffled down to spread his legs and mouth at whatever the hell was down there. He focused on the grip Lance’s hands had on his and the feelings coursing through his body, making him shiver and moan. And he kept his eyes on him when Lance draped over him, holding the headboard to hold himself a little higher and as he began to push into him. Keith had been so completely overwhelmed and touch starved that it was surprisingly easy to forget why he had been embarrassed to ask for this before. He just knew he was surrounded by Lance and all he was aware of were blue eyes and light caresses and soft bilingual whispers interrupted by passionate grunts and moans.

Keith felt like every knot in his body had been untied by the time Lance cleaned him up and laid beside him, pressing soft kisses to his shoulder.

“You made me come like five times, Lance what the fuck,” Keith breathed, keeping his eyes shut because he was still tingling and he was so sleepy and Lance was so warm.

Lance chuckled and pressed his body closer. “You’re so sensitive,” he whispered. “How long were you keeping this from me?”

“A few weeks,” he mumbled. “Little over a month.”

“Jesus.” Keith grumbled again and turned on his side so he faced Lance. “There’s nothing wrong with sex while pregnant, Keith. I’ve heard it’s actually healthy.”

“From who?”

“Pidge.” Keith groaned and buried his face into a pillow. Lance laughed and pressed a kiss to his nose. “You don’t have to be embarrassed with me, baby. I’m your husband.”

Keith hummed, talking through his sleep haze. “I just… I want to fuck you all the time, and I feel so weird about it. But God, that was so oh my God.” Lance chuckled again and laid an arm over him.

“Well, you’re lucky because I love you so much and I kind of want to fuck you all the time too, so….” Keith opened one eye and saw Lance smiling at him with the most heart melting look in his eyes. “Go to sleep,” he whispered. It wasn’t that hard to do exactly that.

A couple days later, as Keith munched on some leftovers from dinner the day before and Violet talked to his stomach, Keith felt a hard and sudden kick against his stomach.

He jolted upright and Violet looked at him with wide eyes. “What happened, Daddy?”

Keith frowned and ran his hand over his stomach. He’d felt them wiggling around, but he had yet to feel them actually kick at him. He wasn’t sure if that’s what that had been or not. “Nothing, love.”

She frowned and decided to stay away from his stomach for a while. She sat down near the table and began to doodle. Ever since she found out, she’d given Keith and Lance countless drawings of their growing family. Keith laid on the couch and yawned, ready to fall asleep when he heard a siren go off.

Violet gasped and stood immediately, grabbing her father’s hand.

Keith felt himself tense, but he struggled to remain passive to keep his daughter calm. They made their way to the hangar where Lance was suited up and sheathing his bayard.

“I love you,” he told Keith, pressing a kiss to his lip. He knelt down and hugged Violet tightly. “Take care of Daddy, okay? You know how worried he gets.” She nodded, her face resolute and so similar to Keith’s Lance couldn’t help but smile. He touched Keith’s stomach and kissed it lightly. “Be good for your dad, tesoritos.” Then, before Shiro could call for him to hurry, he turned away and got into his lion.

Keith hated the feeling of watching him leave. Violet took his hand and tugged him back. They joined Coran in the control room. Violet sat beside her godfather, eyes on the screen in front of them, showing her the layout of the battle about to begin. Keith paced behind them and tried not to panic.

When he’d been pregnant with Violet, he didn’t struggle so much to keep himself together. He was tense, yes, and afraid. But he’d never hyperventilated and cried and shook the way he had with the twins. Violet understood why Keith had begun doing that now, but Keith still felt like a horrible dad when he had to get comforted by his seven year old child.

He was keeping a similar panic attack at bay as he paced, and Violet stole glances at him now and then.

Violet suddenly shrieked, “Papi, cuidado!” and she was up, hauling Keith toward the door. Keith felt a shudder go through the castle and he pulled himself away from Violet, anxious to see the screen and what had happened.

“No, Daddy! Don’t, just come with me.”

She tugged on him, tugged his shirt hard enough to make him wince, but he ignored it and went to the screen. “Coran?” Coran looked like he didn’t want to talk, and there was a flurry of exchanges on the comm. “Coran.”

“Red took a hit,” he said, refusing to look away from the screen. Keith noticed he refrained from saying Lance. “He’s fine, he’s on the comm. You should go with Violet.”

“You have to tell them to fall back,” Keith protested. “Tell them to come back!”

“This fleet came to us. If they come back, they attack the castle. That means Violet and the twins. They’ll be fine. I’ll help.”

Keith wanted to protest again, but Violet was tugging on him again and he finally followed her out and to her room. She laid beside him, and Keith could see that she was afraid. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her as close as he could, murmuring soft prayers under his breath. Lance had taught a few to Violet, and though Keith had never really been religious, he couldn’t help but pray for Lance each time he had to leave. Violet joined in after a few moments and he noticed that she visibly calmed down.

If only it were that easy for Keith too.

Countless minutes or hours or days later- at least that’s what it felt like- the door opened and Coran informed them of the team’s arrival. Violet took her father’s hand and they rushed to the hangar. Keith felt his stomach twist when Hunk and Pidge were pulling Lance out of Red and dragging him out of the hangar.

“-have to… see him.”

“Lance? Lance!” Keith rushed forward and noticed Lance struggling to move. “What happened?”

“He got hurt, we need to get him to the pod, fast!” Pidge said. “I’m sorry, Keith, but we have to hurry.” They walked past him and Keith couldn’t help the panic settling in him, making him crumble to the floor. Even with Violet crying beside him, he couldn’t find it in him to put on a brave face for her.

Shiro and Allura came up beside him and Shiro managed to calm him down enough to stand. “Come on, buddy. You can’t stress this much, it’s not good for the babies. You’re scaring Violet.”

“Lance is- what happened- he’s- why is he-?”

“Red took a hit so Lance was on foot while she rebooted,” Allura said gently. “He got hit by a blaster, and Red scooped him up before he could get surrounded. He’s going to be fine, Keith.”

He tried to nod. He tried to remember that they’d all gone through worse injuries and made it out alive. But he felt dizzy and he couldn’t breathe and he couldn’t stop shaking.

Shiro and Allura led him and Violet to the healing pods where Pidge was scanning his injuries and Hunk was looking worriedly at an unconscious Lance inside a pod. Keith hated seeing him like that. He couldn’t stop thinking about how similar he looked to the time he’d almost died. The idea made him short of breath again and he sat down on a chair that Allura had brought in for him.

Violet crawled into his lap, careful of his stomach and hugged him lightly. Her purple eyes were watery and her ears kept flicking nervously. Keith had no idea what he would do if something happened to Lance.

He drifted in and out of fitful sleep. Violet had fallen asleep quickly, quivering now and then with shaking breaths. Shiro took her and put her to bed for Keith while he waited for updates on Lance.

He felt someone’s hand on his and he blinked sleepily. His eyes locked with ocean blue ones and he sat up with a gasp, only for Lance to put his hands on his shoulders and shush him.

“It’s okay, baby. Calm down, I’m okay.”

“You scared the hell out of me,” Keith breathed. “Oh my God.” He wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly, promising himself to never let him go again. Until he was perfectly able to protect and defend Lance himself, he would remain safe in his arms.

His hands rubbed up and down his back soothingly. “I’m okay, corazón. I’m right here.”

“I know, but-” He cut off as he felt another swift kick. Then another. “Ow. Oh my God. Lance.” He took his hand and pressed it lightly into the side of his stomach. Soon another kick made the skin jump and Lance let out a breathy laugh.

“H-hey, baby,” he murmured, leaning down to his stomach. “Papito’s okay.” Another few kicks, these a little quicker and in different parts. Lance laughed and pressed several little kisses to his stomach shushing the babies. “Easy there, tesoritos. Daddy doesn’t like the kicking.”

“If it’s because you’re okay, I don’t care,” Keith answered, tilting Lance’s face up. He leaned down and kissed him, and it wasn’t until their lips touched that Keith’s tension went away and he was able to feel like he could breathe again. The babies started moving more, distracting Keith and making him wince. “Ouch, okay, okay,” he laughed. Lance chuckled and ran his hands soothingly over Keith’s stomach. “Oh, Violet’s gonna be so excited to feel them.”

“Why don’t you get to bed? I’m gonna go wake Violet so she knows I’m okay.” Keith nodded and pushed himself up. He walked with Lance until they reach their room. Then Lance kissed him and kept walking to Violet’s. Keith went into his room and changed into an oversized shirt before crawling into bed. The kicks had let up to an occasional bump.

A few moments later, the door opened and he felt Lance’s hands wrap around his belly and his lips brushed long his cheek. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” Keith breathed, pressing closer to him, comforted by the heat of his presence.

The next day, Violet came into their room and snuggled herself between her parents. Keith figured everyone was awake, but he and Lance decided to stay in bed a little longer after the scare from the night before.

“Hey, princess,” Keith murmured sleepily. “How’d you sleep?”

“Okay,” she said, poking Keith’s belly. “Hello, babies.”

Keith smiled and took her hand. “Wanna feel something cool?” he yawned. She nodded and he took her hand, pressing it to the side that he felt the kicks more often. “Wait for it,” he whispered.

He glance over where Lance was looking at him with a sleepy smile. Lance’s fingers raked gently through his hair and Keith felt warm and safe with his family in bed.

Suddenly Violet gasped and pulled her hand back. “What was that?” she asked.

“That was your baby sister or brother,” Lance told her, smiling down at her. “They’ve got their legs and arms and they’re moving around for more room. And they like hearing us talk.”

Violet cooed and put her hand back. “Hi, babies. I’m your big sister.” She looked up at Keith. “Did I move too?”

“Mmhmm. All the time,” Keith chuckled. “Especially when Papa came back from missions. You’d kick me like crazy.” She giggled and squealed when one of the babies kicked at her hand, making Keith wince slightly.

“Hey, princesa.” Violet looked over at Lance, her hand firm on Keith’s stomach. “I wanted to tell you that I’m really proud of you for being brave yesterday. For helping Daddy. Your Nino said you were very good.” She blushed and looked away, rubbing the hard expanse of Keith’s stomach. “I mean it,” Lance said. “I’m really proud of you.”

“But I wasn’t brave,” she said softly. “I was still scared.”

Keith scratched behind her ear and smiled. “That doesn’t mean you weren’t brave, love.”

“It actually means that you were. You can’t be brave if you’re not afraid or scared. But it’s because you fought the fear and did your best to help Daddy and your little siblings that you were brave.”

“Bravest little girl in the universe,” Keith agreed. She smiled and hugged them each in turn. “I love you, Violet.”

“I love you too, Daddy.”

It wasn’t the last time that a mission had taken Lance away. And it wasn’t the last time that Keith struggled to hold himself together. But he’d already been warned about the stress hurting the babies, half-Galra or not. Keith began secluding himself in his room while Violet helped Coran in the control room.

He was impressed to find that Violet had a very good eye for attacks that had yet to happen. And she often shouted out a warning or command that Coran would end up repeating a few seconds later. But her excellent eye also gave Keith anxiety, so he’d assured her she was fine to help Coran while he tried to keep himself calm in the room.

He’d tried doing what Lance did when he wanted to calm Keith down, which was singing softly under his breath. It managed to keep him distracted which minimized his stress even if it didn’t go away completely.

His stomach continued to grow, and he was certain it was larger than it had been with Violet. Thankfully, the kicking wasn’t unbearable, but the more he went along, the more exhausted and pained he felt.

His feet were swollen, so he usually walked around in socks. His back always ached, so he tried to lay down whenever he could. And he had to pee every. Five. Minutes. He was always sleepy and if he wasn’t, then he was ravenously hungry. But if anyone commented on it, he’d snap by either breaking into tears or yelling at whoever had spoken. Hell, he even struggled to sleep comfortably if he didn’t get the relief of an orgasm before falling asleep as bizarre as that sounded to him.

He wanted these little parasites out of him already.

One afternoon, during one of his many naps, Keith felt a pair of hands shaking him gently.

“Mi amor. Cielo. Keith.” He grunted and pulled the covers higher on him. “We’ve got another checkup.”

“It can wait, they’re like down the hall,” he mumbled back, wanting desperately to fall asleep.

“You want me to carry you?” Keith scowled and opened his eyes to look at Lance. The gentle look in those blue eyes made his scowl go away. Even in this cranky, blown up, sloppy state of too-pregnant and half-asleep, Lance looked at him like he was the most beautiful person in the entire fucking universe. He fully intended to carry Keith if he needed it. And Keith loved him so much for it.

He sighed and struggled to pull himself into a sitting position. Lance helped him with a hand at his back and took his hand to pull him up from the bed. He placed a kiss on Keith’s forehead and smiled at him. “You okay?”

Keith yawned and nodded. “Just really tired of being pregnant.” Lance laughed and let Keith set the pace as they walked to the lab.

Allura was sitting with Pidge and Hunk, talking happily, and she perked up when she saw Keith come in. “There they are! How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” he answered. “How many more checkups?”

“This should be the last one. Violet was born around eight months, right?” Keith nodded. “Well, this one’s already at nine, so they should be arriving any day now.” Keith frowned at that. He’d already passed the nine month mark? How much longer before he went into labor? “Come sit. Pidge will help with the sensors.”

Keith sat down, leaning against Lance as Pidge placed the sensors along his belly and the heartbeat at his wrist. “What’s the average Galra pregnancy?” he asked her.

“Based on what I found, it’s about seven to nine months, pretty similar to humans. But it’s actually safe if they only make it to six months. Nine is late.” She smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because they should’ve been born already. Even if you average it out, I’ve already been carrying them too long.”

She smiled reassuringly and nodded. “Yeah, I mentioned it, but Hunk doesn’t think we should risk inducing you. If you get too close to ten months, we’ll talk about it more. But the original due date Allura estimated was only two days ago.” Keith huffed and nodded, leaning into Lance.

“What’s the risk with inducement? They do it all the time on Earth,” Lance said, wrapping his arm around Keith.

“Well, the inducement medicine is Altean and it’s significantly stronger than anything back home. I’m not sure of the effects it would have on Keith or the twins. Also, their last check up, the twins still hadn’t turned head-down. If we induce them, the actual giving birth part would get… really, really complicated.”

Keith sighed and looked at Lance worriedly. They’d already come so far. They couldn’t take risks. Lance just nodded and squeezed Keith’s shoulder gently.

“Well, the good news is that they’re both starting to flip,” Allura interrupted.

“What’s the bad news?”

She tilted her head and bit her lip. “I can’t tell how long it’ll be before they’re both safely ready for inducement if it comes down to that.”

“We can cross that bridge when we get to it,” Lance assured, holding Keith a little tighter.

Hunk smiled and held up the printed pictures of the graph. “Are you sure you don’t want to know the sexes?”

“Positive. We’re already trying to get Violet to understand they might not both be girls like she wants.” Hunk snorted and stashed the pictures away safely in a folder. Keith looked down at his stomach then over at Lance. “What are we supposed to do if you’re all out for a mission?” he asked. “The last time… I was lucky and you were all on your way back. Coran has to help you and if I-”

“Easy there, Keith,” Allura said calmly. “We’ve already set you as a priority. If we aren’t all here, Coran should focus on you and the babies.”

“Besides, Violet would probably be able to take over. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard her shout a warning before Coran,” Hunk said with a chuckle.

Keith yawned again and Lance pushed his hair away from his face. “Let’s get you back to bed,” he murmured. “Thank you guys so much.” The three nodded and Lance helped Keith up. They shuffled back to their room and Lance helped Keith lay back. “Just the walk and the sitting made your feet swell up again.” Keith grimaced and tucked his feet under the covers. “Why don’t you let me give you a foot rub? My mom used to make my dad do it each time she got pregnant.”

“Because feet are weird. I don’t like touching my own feet, why would I let someone else do it?” He wiggled his toes and blushed. “Plus I’m really ticklish at my feet.”

Lance smirked and squeezed his thigh. “Well, I’m actually really good at foot rubs. It won’t tickle. And I can help the pain ebb a little.” He took Keith’s hand and tilted his head. “Can I at least try?”

Keith hesitated. He’d never had a foot rub, and he never wanted to. But his feet were pulsing from the swelling and the soreness was spreading up his calves. He nodded and put his feet in Lance’s lap. As his hands wrapped around them, Keith winced and bit his lip, tensing. But Lance knew what he was doing. The pressure was enough so it didn’t tickle, and Keith let out a low breath of relief as some of the tension eased.

After a few seconds, Keith put his arms behind his head and looked at Lance. “Hey, Lance?” Lance hummed and looked up at Keith. “What are we supposed to do when this war is over? How is Violet supposed to go to school with her ears? And your family… how are you going to explain all of this to them?” Keith asked, gesturing to his swollen belly.

Lance bit his lip and frowned. “Yeah, I’ve thought about that. I don’t really know how my family will take it. But even if they don’t like it…. Keith, you and Violet and these lazy little munchkins are my family. My husband and my children. And I’ll defend you all to the ends of the universe. As for the kids going to school and living on Earth…. I really don’t know. I don’t want Violet to be ashamed of any part of her. And I don’t know how much these two will show in Galra traits. I don’t know. I guess we’ll….”

Keith sighed and tilted his head. “Cross that bridge when we come to it?” Lance looked at him and chuckled softly. “If we come to it,” he added. “This war’s been going on for a long time, and I don’t see an end anytime soon.”

“It’s been long because we didn’t always have Voltron. Now we do. We just need a good way in.” Keith didn’t respond. He knew Lance wanted to go home. To see the beaches again and the sunrises and sunsets. He wanted human foods and he wanted to see his family again. Lance needed to believe they would live to see the end of the war.

So he didn’t say anything and simply closed his eyes.

When Lance had moved to the next foot, they heard a knock on the door and Keith called for whoever it was to come in. He was surprised to see Shiro with a bag in hand. “I got the kids something! They’re unisex too.” He handed Keith the bag and knelt down beside the bed. “I know we couldn’t plan a baby shower this time, but I still wanted to get you something. And when I saw these, I just knew you’d love it.”

Keith sat up and Shiro placed a few pillows behind him to help prop him up. Lance tilted his head trying to get a glimpse of the bag’s contents. Keith reached in and felt a couple of hangers. He pulled them out and started laughing when he saw the onesies. They were for a one year old, which Keith figured was best. Violet had grown out of her clothes quickly until she turned a year.

One was gray with a kind looking shark face on the hoodie. It even had a dorsal fin on top. He handed it over to Lance who lit up immediately. The other was a dark magenta colored hippo with round little ears on top.

“These are so cute!” he laughed delightedly. “Where did you find them?”

“The space mall recently added an Earth-based store. Earth styles and stuff. Even so, these were the most normal things I could find. Oh, and a few pacifiers too. They’re in there,” Shiro said. He pulled out a pack of pacifiers, each with some sort of attempted depiction of animals. “Coran bought more of the newborn stuff, but he’s got it stored away to not give away the sexes.”

“These are great, Shiro. Thank you.”

“Yeah. Now if only these kids would come out already,” Keith grumbled.

Lance leaned forward and placed his hands on Keith’s stomach. “You hear that kiddos? Daddy wants you out of there. It’s your eviction notice. Time to get out now!” Keith laughed as Lance kissed his stomach and then blushed when he remembered Shiro was still in the room, kneeling beside him.

But Shiro looked content. He was looking at the scene fondly, and he gave Keith a little smirk. “I remember when you were both constantly fighting. I never thought I’d see you two like this.”

“Honestly, Shiro, I don’t think I ever expected to see myself like this either,” he said gesturing to his stomach. Lance was still cooing at it and Keith tilted his head as he watched.

Shiro laughed and ruffled his hair. “I’ll let you get some rest. Violet’s hanging out with Pidge in the hangar, by the way. She’s learning how the lions work.”

“When she’s done there, send her my way. I want to keep training her in the shooting range.” Keith raised an eyebrow and Lance stared at him. “What? I claimed Violet as the one to carry on my legacy as sharpshooter. You can make these two your own little knife-wielding demons.”

Keith glared at him, but Lance simply pulled the blanket over him, put a pillow on his side to help support the weight, and kissed his forehead. “Wake me for dinner,” he mumbled.

“Of course,” he chuckled. Then he left the room with Shiro and Keith tried to ignore the kicks and prods the twins were giving him in hopes of decent sleep.

Click Here for Ch. 4

#mpreg #klance #im projecting lol

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