#when she was planning the tour three years ago she was going to marry and have kids with before the dream imploded

[wavesoutbeingtossed]

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[queers-gambit]

The Risk

part one: Match Made in Grey Haven

prompt: after your wedding, you and Elrond embark on your honeymoon touring Middle-earth. your company is attacked on the road by Orcs. help comes from an old friend.

pairing: Elrond x shy!female!wife!reader

fandom masterlist: The Rings of Power

word count: 7.1k+

note: internet researched Elven wedding customs, i don't want to hear it. keep the Elrond requests coming.

warnings: pre events of TROP, the "shyness" more so conveys as inexperience, romance, little bit of fluff, Gil-galad is a girl's girl, and Elven weddings! also cursing! violence! angst! character injury! Orcs! blood! literal hurt and comfort! emotions are hard! abrupt but happy ending, not edited, wonky brain went wonky, and intentionally misspelled words to indicate accent.

You spent a year and a half planning your wedding.

Due to your status amongst the Elves and their court, it was declared the event of the century and the High King himself demanded it be planned to the highest of exquisite detail. Granted, you and Elrond were content to marry in a quicker fashion, leaving it between family, but Gil-galad loved a good party and who were you to refuse your King?

So, you spent about 18 months (on and off) in Lindon, going over details and specifics with Gil-galad while Elrond did the King's actual work. You're positive Elrond was content to escape the wedding planning and honestly, you didn't mind as much as you feared you would because the King was opinionated, decently funny, and decisive. He spared no expense. He encouraged you to branch away from your usual humble taste. He wanted the whole of Elvendom to come together to celebrate. He wanted this occasion to be...his.

You had no objections.

You were honestly relieved someone else wanted to plan such an extraordinary event for you - but were beyond you ready to be married! Several times in the last several months, Elrond actually offered to elope - run away to the Gray Havens and marry before your beloved grandfather, Elrond's old master, Círdan - but the King was putting so much effort into your wedding, you didn't accept. It was nice, though, how mutually anxious Elrond appeared to be to marry you, too.

However, the past three moons, you've been absolutely inconsolable. Your wedding was only days away, Elrond had traveled to Eregion for "business" months ago, and Círdan had yet to arrive! You felt overwhelming panic consume your very being, becoming slightly more irritable as you couldn't help but feel (wrongfully) abandoned - should it not of been for your best mate, fellow Elleth, Bôril. She held your emotions in check, posed as buffer between you and emotional ruin, and was the voice of reason when your rationality vanished.

"What if something happened?" You worried during one of your late night, last minute sessions. "How would we know? What if - while traveling - something went awry?"

Gil-galad sighed gently, "Herald Elrond was sent with some of my most trusted warriors."

"Elrond is warrior enough by himself," Bôril smirked, "you worry for nothing - "

"I am supposed to get married in a matter of days and neither my grandfather nor my intended can be found. I think I have plenty to worry over!" Gil-galad and Bôril shared a knowing look while you wiped your face clear of frustrating fear. "I am not accustomed to not knowing. It's this unknown, the lack of answers that pushes me towards insanity."

"Well," Bôril smirked, her eyes casted towards the hall, "fear no longer, sweet friend, all your answers approach."

In confusion, you turned in the seat you had been slumped in, seeing Elrond and Círdan heading down the hall towards the room you were gathered in. With a gasp, you leapt from your chair and rushed into the causeway towards your dearest loved ones. "Thank the Valar! Elrond!" You gasped first, flinging yourself into his arms; which coiled around you tightly and lifted you, his face burying in your neck. "My love - where were you? What happened - why the delay?" Your voice cracked as your whispered, "You said you'd be only 6 weeks, you were gone twice that! I was so worried!"

"I'm so sorry for worrying you, my star," he whispered back; breath hot in your ear. "I'll explain it all," he promised, lowering you back to your feet to pull back only to instantly take your cheeks in his hands. "I'm sorry it took so long, but I promise, it was for a good reason," he told you softly, thumbs sweeping over the apples of your cheeks; then glancing over pointedly at your grandfather.

"And you!" You scolded playfully. "We expected you weeks ago! Yet you sent no word!"

"We were delayed," Círdan smirked, approaching you as Elrond released his hold; confirming they were together this time. "C'mere, sweet one," he chuckled, bringing you in for a tight embrace. After releasing, he gently tapped the button of your nose, "I am here now, ready to help where I can."

"Oh, please," you chuckled, taking a half-step closer to your betrothed, "there's nothing left to be done, our generous King has planned it all for us. I'm just relieved you are both safe."

Elrond smiled and wrapped his arm around your waist, bringing you in to place a sweet peck on your cheek. "Come," your fiancé encouraged, and when you reentered the planning chambers, you realized others had followed you in.

Evidently, Elrond had gone to Eregion on "business", yes, but it was personal. He had gifted you a ring to symbolize your engagement; modest, silver, simple, gorgeous, and so perfectly "Elrond" - but he wasn't satisfied with it, apparently. As per Elven customs, the engagement rings would be exchanged at the ceremony for wedding bands, and Elrond was determined to give you something extravagant - to prove his adoration. So, he went to Eregion and forged with the Greatest of the Elven Smiths, Lord Celebrimbor, a wedding ring he thought suitable for your finger. Círdan met them to aid in the creation of this gorgeous ring Elrond crafted - insisting you couldn't see it until the ceremony. The trio also crafted Elrond a matching wedding ring that would only accentuate yours; another show of his devotion to you.

Hence their collective delay. Lord Celebrimbor arrived with them, greeting you with mirth; truly excited and honored to have been involved with your wedding band creation.

You were just relieved everyone finally safe and gathered in Lindon. That night, you laid in bed with Elrond; deflated by relief, just staring at him, hand on his cheek, caressing his flesh. "Next time, send word if you're to be late," you requested in a whisper.

"I'm sorry," he repeated, "we were so focused, purely driven by creating something that you'll have forever - we lost track of so much time."

"How many rings did you make?"

"Too many. Though, Celebrimbor will have now options to gift others."

You both snickered, sighing with contentment. Then you whispered, "I fear I might owe a few people an apology..."

"Why? What happened?"

"I was... Operating on a short fuse while worried about you. Might've gotten a little snappy."

"You were rude?" He gasped comically. "I didn't know you even knew how to be."

"Hush," you breathed, leaning closer, "I was worried."

"But I'm here now," he promised, hand to your neck encouraging you to kiss him.

After that, the days passed in a breeze, as if a collective sigh of relief had been heaved by all of Lindon.

And then, the morning of your wedding finally arrived and it was like chaos struck. You never knew, but apparently, outside the chambers you used to prepare in, Gil-galad had everyone rushing around to perfect final details; prepare food, set tables, water and arrange flowers, retrieve whatever was requested by other guests. However, you were none the wiser (as he intended), being fretted over by all types of Elves who were impassioned to make you and your day as flawless as possible.

The High King ensured Elrond was taken care of, the young Herald quiet and seemingly concentrated on his thoughts; lips moving without words, repeating his vows to himself silently. Before it could've been questioned, Círdan arrived with a velveteen jewelry box; appearing ready for the day's events, as if awake for hours.

"Here," Círdan smiled, shooing away the attendants so he could sit beside Elrond, "this is for you, my boy."

"My Lord?" Elrond questioned softly, accepting the gift.

"It's customary."

"What is?" He wondered, opening the lid and revealing a gorgeous, glimmering broach. "Lord Círdan - "

"It's custom for the bride's mother to gift her new son-in-law a gem to be worn as a boastful show of the joining of two families," the craftsman explained. "This... This sapphire belonged to my daughter, and now, I'd like you to have it."

"I don't think I could accept - "

"It is customary," Gil-galad stepped in, seeing the refusal ready on Elrond's tongue.

So, Elrond swallowed his nerves and nodded to Círdan, "Thank you, my Lord. This stone is... Beyond words, surely, only it's previous owner could rival it's beauty."

The tears were bright in Círdan's eyes the rest of the day.

Due to the lack of conventional family, the ceremony was kept between only the High King Gil-galad as officiant and Círdan as witness. The King had designated a private overlook for your ceremony, standing at the cliffside under the golden glow of the Great Tree with Elrond in fine velvet tunics; gorgeous sapphire glittering on his chest, keeping his father's cloak in place as his own special tribute. Just as the sky turned heavenly, sun in position to set, Círdan began to lead you down the pathway - towards your forever.

Elrond choked on air, tears slowly filling his eyes.

You were draped in the finest of silks, a thin veil covering your face; hair in long ringlets, pinned back from your face in an elegant updo. It was like the Light of Valinor itself was shining through you, nearly blinding Elrond with sheer bliss. It was almost as if time slowed, nearly stilling completely; as if your form was moving in slow motion. Even under the sheer veil, Elrond could see your grin and suddenly, he couldn't hear, see, smell, feel anything but your love and light.

With a gentle sniffle, Elrond glanced at Gil-galad, who was beaming with pride already; his own growing, which nobody realized was even possible. Upon approach, Elrond instantly met you at the base of the stone stairs; watching Círdan give a watery smile while hugging you sweetly. He pulled back, gently lifted the veil to flip over your head, and sighed while caressing both cheeks.

In Sindarin, he whispered, "They'd be so proud of the woman you've become... And the man you're marrying. Just as I am."

Now, Elrond choked on his emotion.

"Thank you for everything," you managed to whisper, your grandfather sighing gently before guiding your hand from his into Elrond's. He joined Gil-galad on the platform, both watching proudly as Elrond was at a loss for words - only able to look you up and down.

Finally, he breathed in Sindarin, "Gorgeous."

Before the Elven High King and under your grandfather's loving eye, you and Elrond exchanged vows during sunset. It was intimate and private, either of you slipping your engagement rings off as Círdan presented your wedding bands. You gasped when you saw the ring Elrond crafted for the first time, looking at him with wide eyes, voice gentle as you asked, "You made this?"

"I did."

"For... Me?"

Elrond smiled, "Of course. A wife as beautiful as you deserves a ring that could only strive to embody your shine."

"Don't make me scold you for being so cheesy on our wedding day, my love, please," you giggled, Elrond chuckling while he took your hand to splay before him. He slid the ring onto your index finger, allowing you to do the same with his matching band. Neither of you were able to contain your glee when Gil-galad pronounced you officially as man and wife - Elrond all but lunging forward to hold your cheeks, swooping in to sear your lips with his kiss. You were just as excited, holding onto his biceps to keep him close; feeling warmth swell and burst in your chest as you realized... You were finally married.

After, at the feast Gil-galad had planned, the whole of Lindon was decorated and celebrating your union; hosts of food on long banquet tables, live bands entertaining the crowds, lanterns and candles glowing, conversation turning boisterous as Elves indulged on the castes of wine gifted or collected by the King.

Who, if you were wondering, was hosting the entire affair and having a splendid time as Bôril danced with Camnir - seemingly to Vorohil's chagrin, which Elrond pointed out to you first.

You were just happy to bask in your husband's glory; unable to believe he was yours, that you get to spend your life with him, that you were bound together. He seemed... Youthful in this setting; a young lad that was forced to grow up too quickly, finally able to appreciate the attention directed at him while gracefully accepting words of congratulations everywhere he turned. It was so simple, something decently mundane, but you found it impressive; the way Elrond could accept conversation from just anyone.

It simply intimidated you; content with your written letters and accounts, never truly needing to interact with people on this level. You were better, not quite as shy as before, but old habits die hard and overcoming social anxiety was a lifelong profession. Speaking of, your anxiety spiked from the sheer number of attendants, but Elrond was both sword and shield - intercepting people left and right, saving you from any "on the spot" moments.

The party went deep into the night, and while it was a fun time - complete with Bôril challenging the High King to a silly drinking game, Celebrimbor teaching the steps to an old dance, and Vorohil getting shot down by several Elleths - you were beyond exhausted. Perhaps you didn't hide it as well as you thought because Elrond slid into his empty seat and instantly leaned into your ear to ask, "All right, love?"

"Hmm? Yeah, 'course," you answered, setting the glass of First Age wine (a gift from Celebrimbor) aside to focus on him. Gently caressing his chin, you asked, "You all right?"

"Perfect, actually, just look at my wife," he mused, "though, you look tired, my star."

You hummed, "Can't fool you, can I?"

"It's my job now," he chuckled, letting you lean in gleefully to peck his lips. "How about we slip away? Hm?" He whispered softly, glancing around dramatically - like he was conducting a secret mission.

"Yes, please," you hissed, both snickering lightly. Like a couple of randy youths, you stood with the gifted First Age bottle, hands tangled together, 'sneaking' away to your rooms; thinking you were pulling it off, being so sneaky.

"Oh, bless their hearts, look. Look! I love those idiots," Bôril giggled to the King, "they're so obvious! Look at them go!"

"They're in loooove," Gil-galad teased, refilling his goblet.

"Guess they just can't wait to consummate their marriage, huh? Good for Elrond," Camnir snickered, freezing when Círdan's blank stare registered. "I-I'm so sorry, my Lord, I did not - I misspoke - I didn't think you, uh... I'm sorry."

Círdan just groaned lightly, his friend, Lord Celebrimbor, leaning over to top off his glass and encourage it closer to him; patting his shoulder in sympathy. Bôril and Gil-galad truly tried to hold back, but the scene was truly comical to witness and the two laughed so hard, they ended up leaning on each other and slumping in their chairs.

The party continued without you and Elrond, but it's safe to say, you were engaged in a party of your own.

"You've been quiet, love," you noted softly, one hand held tightly by Elrond's, the other holding your horse's reins; walking to give them a break on this leg of the journey. For weeks, you've been on the road together, touring Middle-earth as part of your honeymoon.

Never having been anywhere other than the Gray Havens and Lindon, you were like a new born fawn in the wilderness - but it was exhilarating to travel.

"Hmm?"

"You're pensive," you amended.

"I am simply in thought, my star, nothing of concern," Elrond assured.

"You're sullen."

"I don't mean to be," he sighed.

"What's troubling you?"

Elrond was quiet for a long moment, stepping carefully as neither of you noticed thick, dark clouds beginning to fill the sky. Finally, he admitted quietly, "We are not far from Khazad-dûm."

You hummed in understanding, then pondered while stepping around overgrown tree roots, "Remind me why we did not extend Prince Durin a wedding invitation?"

"We did," Elrond informed, sighing deeply, "he just... Did not respond..."

"That does not sound like him, based on your account."

"No, it was truly... Odd," Elrond admitted, "perhaps being why I feel strange being close to his kingdom now."

"Do you wish to visit?"

"We don't have the time - "

"We can make time, Elrond," you insisted, squeezing his hand with a grin. "And as far as anyone is concerned, the great Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm is part of Middle-earth, and therefor, part of our tour. I'd like to meet your friend, my sweet. Now, which direction?"

"We don't have time, starlight, we are expected by Lord - "

But Elrond came to a sudden halt, pulling you into his side as both your horses stamped and whinnied loudly; tossing their heads and snorting, the whites of the eyes flashing as ears flattened as they suddenly stopped in place. You flinched into your husband's side, the horses restless, guards circling around the pair of you quickly. Darkness descended.

"What is it?" You asked in concerned confusion.

"Something is amiss," Elrond rushed, looking confused and concentrated. "I-I do not know what, but the shadow has stretched. C'mere, mount up, my love, quickly, please."

"My Lord," Vorohil, one of your guards and a friend to your husband, directed his horse between yours while Elrond ensured you were safely seated, "there's a darkness to the path ahead, the horses - they are refusing to go forward. It grows darker, my Lord."

You had to reseat yourself as Elrond mounted; the horses backing away as there sounded a ghostly moan from the woods surrounding you.

"This darkness?" Elrond repeated, "Where did it come from? 'Tis midday - "

"Look around us!" Vorohil barked, Elrond sending him a sharp look before looking up - realizing there seemed to be a sort of dark cloud covering the sun, your path, and the woods surrounding you.

You gasped when there came a sudden, horrendous, guttural screech in an echo, making it impossible to locate the origin; and suddenly, a force bodied into your side. It knocked you from your horse, but due to the sudden nature of the attack, also took your beast down with you.

You were lucky your leg didn't shatter on impact.

You heard Elrond scream your name; body hitting the dirt and rolling a few feet before being halting by a boulder. Your sight cleared, evened out, gasping again and shoving yourself against the jagged rock in an attempt to create distance when you saw the horrid, gangly creature made of pure, tangible darkness - pure evil - muddy and growling while surging towards you with gnashing teeth.

A sword decapitated the creature before it could reach you, making you flinch at the show of violence. Your name was spoken in a rush, but you couldn't comprehend hearing words yet; staring at the dead creature, twitching from the severed nervous system at your feet - spewing black blood. Your eyes caught sight of it splattered up your skirt.

Boots hit the ground, a pair of hands caressing both your cheeks and making you gasp in panic. But Elrond's worried face was in front of yours, speaking soothingly in Sindarin, "Easy, easy, be calm, it's me, my love, it's just me. I'm so sorry, but we have to go - now, my love, please, get up for me, come with me - "

"My Lord!"

"Elrond!"

Elrond was forced to stand over you and use his bloody blade to defend you both; choking back tears as you realized this was an ambush by Orcs, creatures of pure hate; something Middle-earth thought extinct after not having been seen in an age. And you were defenseless.

"NO!" You gasped when a hand came around your throat, hoisting back into the boulder; holding you in place as two Orcs ravaged your body for anything of value they could've taken. When they tried taking your wedding ring, you fought back harder - struggling in their putrid arms, sobbing, trying to stave them off. "ELROND!" You begged, gagging when the hand around your throat constricted to close your airway.

"Just cut the bloody thing off!"

You whimpered when you were overpowered, hand flattened to the rock forcefully; fingers spread, the Orcs snarling as a dagger was brandished and stabbed directly into the boulder through your pointer finger.

"Y/N!" Vorohil was heard struggling, your cries muffled from the lack of air and tight hand. The gem-glittering belt you wore was yanked from your waist just as the Orc holding you hostage was ripped away, making the other react by stabbing your lung with his dagger between your ribs.

After Elrond killed the first Orc, he instantly engaged the second; only Vorohil catching sight of you freezing before slowly collapsing against the boulder and sliding down it. He noted the smear of blood you left on the rock before the blade protruding from your ribcage.

You were in shock. The pain was insurmountable, yet you felt nothing at the same time. Numb. Confused. Overwhelmed. Paralyzed.

The fighting lasted several long minutes after that, your dress now properly saturated as you knew enough survival skills to not pull the blade free of an injury; it acted as a plug to keep the blood from pouring OUT of your body. You were left on the ground, slumped, weakly holding your wound and feeling unable to react when an Orc leered closer to you.

Elrond's blade emerged from the Orc's chest and was yanked free, the body dropping to reveal your husband; bloodied, panting, caught off guard, but obviously fairing well enough. He was in the heat of the moment, battle turning his blood hot, eyes catching something glittering in the mud and only thinking how out of place it looked. When he blinked, Elrond realized it was your wedding ring - complete with your severed finger still in it.

Elrond snatched the digit from the mud, eyes raking over you, needing to do a double look when he realized the extent of your injuries. Your finger was lost but your ring was secured in your husband's belt.

"No," he whimpered, rushing forward and dropping his sword to take hold of your cheek; blood gently leaking from your nose at a slow but steady pace. "No, no, no, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, stay with me, stay awake for me," he begged, sniffling emotion as his other hand laid over yours around the dagger's handle, "just let me see, let me see the damage, my love, c'mon, I've got you. I need to see to help."

You were too weak to fight him anyways, letting his muddy hand pry yours away to reveal the weeping wound. His eyes widened, nodding as he assessed the situation; wanting to get you out of here, but the Orcs weren't yet vanquished.

In fact, Elrond was tackled off you by another Orc, crying out when the momentum yanked the dagger free. Ironic timing, perhaps, because an injured Orc was clawing at your legs; biting at your flesh; making you grit your teeth, pick up the dagger, and drive it into the Orc's eye. You were relieved when the creature stopped moving; adrenaline instantly draining and making you slump back once more.

You didn't notice when the Orcs were fully killed off until Elrond was propping you up again, sprayed in blood and mud, tears in his warm brown eyes. "No, my starlight, no, you have to stay awake, you must," he reminded, getting one arm around you, the other first laying to your openly bleeding wound, then shoving the dead Orc off your legs. Elrond cursed in Sindarin when he noted the bite marks, how dirty nails left deep streaks after clawing up your body. "Please, stay awake," he hissed, cradling you into his chest before calling out, "Vorohil!"

"My Lord!"

"We need to get her to a healer - where? Where?" He begged, sniffling as you were shifted into his arms and lifted; few surviving horses being wrangled in.

"I don't - I don't know - "

"You are the cartographer!" Elrond snapped, "Tell me where to take her, where are we closest - !?"

"My Lord," Vorohil sighed, "t-the closest civilization to these parts is-is Khazad-dûm - "

"Hurry!" He barked, situating you sideways on his horse before swiftly mounting; settling you into his chest with a secure hold. The others were left in the dirt as Elrond spurred his steed onward, knowing the way to the Great Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm.

Upon arriving at the gates, he was a frenzied mess. Elrond doesn't even remember the procession of events; he just knows his men showed up at his flank, he was holding your limp body, begging for aid, and someway, somehow, was then lead into the Kingdom's healing quarters.

"Elrond?" A voice questioned softly, a few nurses and healers checking over the remaining company as you were laid on a surgical table. "Is tha'... You?"

He looked over, eyes void, dead, still splattered in the blood and grime of his enemies. "Durin," Elrond whispered.

"What happened?" The Dwarf Prince asked carefully, taking a slow step forward.

"We... We were..." Elrond looked back at you, hating how many healers surrounded you, "We were attacked - just less than a league from here."

"I see. Who... Who attacked you?"

"A pack of Orcs," he whispered, stumbling back into a wall as his breathing turned ragged, "while we were on the road."

"She's not breathing!" It was announced, Elrond sliding to the floor as horror struck his face. Panic seized his heart, short circuited his brain.

"Elrond?" Durin worried, Disa rushing into the room after him. "Hey? Can yah hear me?" The ginger asked, hand to Elrond's shoulder. "Elrond? Elrond, can yah - "

"I need help! Hold here! She's bleeding!"

"I can't see the wound - cut the corset!"

" - the finger's been lost - "

"She's got bruising on her neck, help me save her windpipe!"

Elrond's breathing became erratic, knees pulling into his chest as his men stood firm in support. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, Durin asking his name again, then, "Who is she?"

"M-My wife - she's my wife, Durin, she's my wife - "

"Okay, okay, okay," Durin comforted, kneeling to the ground at Elrond's side; keeping themselves separate as Disa neared them slowly. Durin shot her a look, silently saying 'close enough', and she stopped - heart aching for the devastation on the Elf's face.

"What's this? An Elf!?" Another Dwarf was heard barking.

"We do not deny aid!" A different Healer Dwarf barked, quickly shedding your dress and revealing your wounds to the room; making a few avert their eyes and hiss as ebony poison had taken to the veins around the wound.

"Do what needs done!" Durin barked, "To save her life! Use any means necessary!"

"You heard your Prince!"

"C'mon," Disa encouraged the Elves, "we should let the Healers work, we do not want to get in their way."

"Is there... Somewhere we can wait, nearby?" Vorohil asked nervously, glancing at you, who was being fussed over as blood splattered onto the ground; wound raging, blood covering your side as they seemed to aggravate the wound in order to clean it of the infection. "What if they need us?" Vorohil whispered.

"We have somewhere close-by for yah's," Disa assured. "Durin?" She asked, "Perhaps Elrond would like t'wait with us?"

"We'll be along," he agreed, knowing Elrond was like a rock in that moment. Disa lead the others away, leaving Durin to sigh and take a seat beside Elrond; just watching the Healers at work. "So, uh, how long yeh been married?"

"We... We sent you, um, a, uh..."

"Oh, right, yeah, yeah, of course. So... Only a couple months, then?"

"Seems like no time at all."

Durin chuckled, "Nah, two months in? You's two are still in that blissful state."

"And when it ends?"

"Oh, yeh'll see, married life becomes all yah know." Durin sighed, hating himself but needing to ask, "What happened to her, Elrond?"

The Elf shook his head, the tears never ending; suffocating him. "The horses," he managed to choke out.

"What of 'em?"

Elrond gulped. "They picked up on it first - that's what I noticed. They didn't want to go down the path, then this sort of darkness came... It was quick... It happened so quick, Durin, I did not - I did not see nor hear them. We were unprepared."

"What else?" Durin was unusually soft.

Elrond shook his head, "I got her on her horse, something didn't feel right. I thought - I just thought to get her out of there, get to safety - you know?"

"Just in case?"

"Yes. But the darkness - it brought them, let them move in the daylight. They tackled her from her horse - I tried to get to her. I swear, Durin, I tried, but it was all so fast - I didn't even see her get hurt. I just found her like that, holding on. What kind of husband can't even defend his own wife? By the end... She was... She wasn't..."

Elrond melted into sobs, folding in on himself, Durin's frown deep and concerning. Despite his own feelings of malcontent towards his old friend, he reached out and let his arm wrap around Elrond's neck. This allowed the Elf to lean into the Dwarf's neck and absolutely lose his shit. Not like anyone heard him, though; the Healers all yelling over one another as they rushed around in an effort to pull the blackened poison from your body.

You don't remember much. Just pain.

Then you remember voices. They were all around you, yet hazy; like you were underwater.

You remember smells - like alcohol and disinfectant.

You remember warmth in your hand; a weight, a constant presence that you squeezed when you felt ready to open your eyes. The twilight had passed, you were awake, a soothing voice cooing and encouraging you back into reality. It was just hard to pull yourself out of the tarpit your mind was seemingly lost in.

Upon regaining consciousness, you were greeted by Elrond's tearful expression of relief. "My love," he spoke clearly, "can you hear me?" You nodded, trying to open your mouth, but he rushed, "No, no, do not - don't do that, don't try to talk. Save your strength, please. You're okay." You nodded again, watching his watery smile warble before dissolving into sobs. "I thought you wouldn't make it," he admitted through his emotional breakdown, hovering close to you if only to feel your warmth and be assured that blood still pumped freely through your body.

"I had reason to come back," you whispered, earning a stony look of reprimand before he sighed and leaned in to kiss your forehead.

"Here, I have something for you," Elrond sniffled, reaching for his belt, "and I cannot keep it any longer." Your brows furrowed when your husband retrieved a bright gem, quickly realizing it was your wedding ring. Elrond saw your confusion, lifting your hand to place the ring on your pointer finger - making you lift the other, finding it bandaged with only four fingers. Your head snapped towards Elrond, but he begged, "Please, just rest, my star, you've been through enough - "

"What happened?" You demanded in a gravely voice.

"Do not - "

"Tell me."

Elrond sighed and situated himself at your side, careful not to jostle your form. "Well, first... We are in the Dwarven Kingdom of Khazad-dûm." He descended into the tale of how you lost your ring and obtained further injury, then rushed to get help, being reunited with Prince Durin, and ending on how you've been asleep for 'too long'.

You croaked, "I'd like to thank our hosts..."

"That can wait until you've rested longer. You've been unconscious for days."

"Then I've rested enough."

"I almost lost you," Elrond growled, "you will not move, not until you are cleared to do so. And I have the best authority to ensure you follow the rules."

You chuckled, "Oh?"

Elrond went to answer, but frowned in a panic when you started coughing from the dry prickle in your mouth and throat; quickly fetching the cup of water from the side stand. "Easy, my star, here, carefully, carefully," he whispered, holding the back of your neck, helping you sit up only slightly as to not irritate your abdomen, and tip the cup to your mouth to fill it with cold, fresh water.

"How's our patient doin' today, Elrond?" A voice asked cheerfully, "I'm tellin' yah, I can feel it, she'll be awake in no time, real soon, and then you'll actually sleep - "

"You have not slept!?" You asked sharply, looking to Elrond and noting the contradiction to his flesh; how pale he appeared with dark circles under his eyes, cheeks sunken.

Yes, Elves didn't need sleep like humans or Dwarves, but still, they needed some - and it was evident Elrond had none.

The Dwarf gasped and whirled around to spy you awake and conscious on the stony bed they had layered with fluff, furs, and blankets for your comfort. She dropped the tray of nutrients to another table, looking like she wanted to rush you. "You're awake!" She squealed.

"Disa - "

"DURIN!" She bellowed, hiking up her skirts and rushing from the room, "SHE'S AWKAE! DURIN! DUUURIN!"

You couldn't help the laughter that burst forth, wincing when your side seared in pain - making you choke on air. Elrond muttered to himself in Sindarin, finding a wet cloth and approaching your injury, carefully lifting the thin sheet covering you and peeling the bandage off. You heard Elrond hiss between his teeth, you trying to glance at the mark - but your husband would not let you. "Just stay still, my love," he whispered, "this won't take long, but it might sting - "

You grunted and whimpered when Elrond began soaking your wound; the cold water feeling nice in the hot infection, but making you squirm from discomfort. "Elrond," you begged, hand slapping to his wrist, "please."

"I know, but it needs cleaned - it won't hurt forever, my love."

"Oi," the Dwarf, Disa, snapped as she reentered the room, "get away from there, Elrond, go, go, go, shoo, let me through."

"Disa - "

"No," She now scolded Elrond, pushing him to stand straight and take the cloth from him, "your only job is to be a husband, not Healer - that's my job. You stand over there, hold her hand, and - DURIN!" She suddenly shouted towards the door, where a ginger Dwarf revealed himself sheepishly.

"Oh," you breathed in interest, trying to sit up a little, "Prince Durin, what an honor - "

"Oh, no, no, you don't, lassie, you lay back - just lay back."

"Listen to Disa, starlight," Elrond worried, both their hands reaching out to try to gently encourage you back down.

"It's customary to greet royalty on your feet - "

"Not in yer state, dearie," Disa comforted softly, patting your shoulder; Elrond gently caressing the top of your head. "Just rest - Durin will come to you," She shot her husband a look, who slowly entered the room.

"I just - I want to thank you, Prince Durin," you stuttered, wincing as Disa started tending to your wound again. "For saving me - or saving us, so I hear."

"Ah," Durin cleared his throat, nodding with pursed lips, "'twas nothing, uh, my Lady, we just... Couldn't say no to the state of things."

"Still. Thank you," you breathed. "And for your friendship to Elrond, it's been - "

"Starlight," Elrond quietly discouraged you with a small head shake, looking just as uncomfortable as the ruddy-faced Dwarf.

"What? What's wrong?" You asked, but neither man could meet your eyes. So, you looked to Disa, "What did I say?"

"Oh, you said nothin', dearie; 's just two stubborn mules refusin' to speak of the boulder in the room," she tisked with a small smirk.

"Do you think this boulder has to do with your absence from our wedding? I must admit, I allowed myself to feel excited, thinking we'd finally meet; and was entirely saddened by your lack of attendance."

"I know, sweetling, me too," she assured with a sigh, "but their boulder is truly suffocatin' - prevents them from speakin'."

"Oh-hhhh," you hitched the word to exaggerate, both your husbands stunned into silence by the quickly casual conversation, "so, like most men?"

"Mhm," she hummed sassily. "Friends for decades, Durin even considers Elrond a brother - "

" - So does Elrond - "

" - And yet, the fools cannot bear t'speak few words t'mend the bond! Oh, it's absolutely pigheaded!"

"What exactly needs mending?" You pondered softly. "I thought..." You looked over to see Elrond's head bowed, both hands resting in your single one; looking ashamed. "Elrond?" You asked, squeezing his hand.

"It's nothin' of note anymore, my Lady," Durin stepped in, making your suspicion grow, "just... A little, uh..."

"Distance," Elrond supplied finally, lifting his head and nodding, "our tension stems from a matter of distance."

"Hm," you noted, turning to Disa - who was already offering you a tired, pointed look. "What do you know of this boulder?"

"Oh, aye, it's distance," she nodded, frowning, "some... 20 years of it? Or just about."

"Has it been only 20?" Elrond questioned softly, looking earnestly to his friend; who stiffly looked away, but you saw the cracks in the ginger's foundation.

"'Only'?" You repeated, Disa sending her husband a look. "Prince Durin, my Princess, you must forgive my husband - he can forget how... Long life is. 20 years is a mere blink to an Elf, but to the other races, Elrond, it's a lifetime."

"I did not mean to offend," Elrond told you.

"I know, love, but you speak to the wrong person - I am not the one who deserves to hear your apologies," you said, pointing at Durin with your wedding ring firmly in place.

Elrond agreed and turned to his friend, admitting, "I'm sorry for the offense I've caused. I did not realize so much time had passed." Durin scoffed, Disa growling his name. "Is there more I've done? I do not understand, I have missed my friend - "

"Missed!? Yah missed my weddin'!" Durin snarled in a shout, your head resting on the pillow under your head and deflating in pain as Disa worked to fix one of the stitches.

"You missed ours - "

"And the birth of my children! Two of 'em!" Durin tacked on. "You cannot barge into my mountain and demand I welcome you with open arms! You cannot claim that which you discarded! I did yah this favor because of the obvious threat to life, and I comforted you in the wake of yer wife's injury! I ignored my own woes and bygones because that was the decent thing t'do! I mean," he chuckled without humor, "even when yeh wrong me and refuse to even take ownership - accountability - for yer wrongdoings, I still comfort yah!"

"'Discarded'? 'Refuse to take'..." Elrond repeated, "Durin, I - "

"It's as yer wife said!" Durin growled, "20 years might be the blink of an eye to an Elf... But I've lived an entire life in that time!" Emotion caked Durin's tone. "A life you missed! So, yeah, yeh know what? We missed yer weddin', yeah... But you've missed the past 20 years..." There came an awkward sort of silence, the group stewing in their tension. The Dwarven Prince scoffed a couple times as Elrond processed his words, asking with attitude, "So what do yah have t'say to that... 'Friend'?"

You smirked gently as Elrond did not respond, instead slowly approaching his friend as if a skittish, injured deer. Slowly, in a fluid movement, Elrond laid his hand to Durin's shoulder, squeezing as he spoke with sincerity, "Congratulations." Disa laid her hand in your bandaged one, both smiling as she paused her cleaning session to watch and listen. "On your wife, your children," Elrond elaborated. He slowly retracted his hand, "And thank you for your help, the aid that saved my wife's life. Thank you for comforting me, too; I hope you can come to forgive me."

You cleared your throat, the two turning to find their wives watching them smugly. "I think you might owe someone else an apology, my love," you whispered.

"Disa - "

"Don't even," she beamed, "yer already forgiven."

"Ah, don't let him off easy," Durin grumbled.

"His wife almost died in front of him, I think that's reparation enough."

Durin paused for a long moment, then nodded, "Yeah, all right, fair enough."

"Now," Disa announced, standing, "I think the Lady's wound is as good as it'll get for now - it's up to you for the rest of the healing," she patted your shoulder.

"On the morrow, we shall - "

"Oh, no, you mistake me," Disa smirked to Elrond, "there's no leavin' yet. She's not ready - she can't sit on a horse, one awkward bump on the road and she'll pop a stitch, start bleeding, risk worse infection - "

"How long?" Elrond worried, magnetized to your side again with one hand in yours, the other caressing the top of your head to stroke your hair in calming motions.

"Just a few days, until the stitches come out," Disa assured. "Yeh'll stay with us!"

"No, they will not," Durin argued.

"They're staying."

"They're leaving."

"They're staying!" Disa scolded her husband, who huffed and shook his head before pacing in a circle. "Now, yeh wanna try t'move around a bit, love?"

"Please," you begged, "losing my mind just sittin' here."

"All right, just be careful - your legs took a beatin', too. Them buggers got you good with their teeth - easy, easy, there's a good girl." Once on your feet and both hands in Disa's, she distracted you from the pain by asking, "So, go on, lass, tell us 'bout yer weddin', hmm?"

You chuckled, stumbling a little into her arms before rightening yourself while answering, "Oh, it was lovely. 'M pretty sure my best friend hooked up with the High King, too."

"No!"

"I know! I knew the King wanted the party of the century, but there's other ways to achieve such status."

Durin snickered, thinking Elrond looked like he was going to have a stroke as Disa helped guide you around the room to earn your bearings. Behind you, Durin's hand held Elrond's shoulder to keep him in place; letting Disa assist you as the two men appreciated the obvious relationship blooming before them.

And years from now, when your daughter rescued the Ring Bearing Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, your husband would heal him; a direct result after nearly losing your life that caused him to study the art.

part one: Match Made in Grey Haven

requesting rules and masterlist

TROP masterlist

[therealcocoshady]

Could you do a request where lily is 5 or 6 and she gets really emotional because her dad is going on tour and he looks at her kinda confused as to why she is upset as she is and she’s like “I don’t want to lose my best friend”🥺

Please don’t go

Author’s Note : Hi ❤️. Thank you for your request ! I hope you enjoy it 🥰.

Side note : this happens before Reader gets pregnant with the twins.

Four weeks. It was one of the shortest tours he’d ever done, with only a few dates planned and a lot of days dedicated to resting but it still seemed too long a time to spend away from home. The last time Marshall had gone on tour was three years ago, when Lily was two. Now, she had just turned five and it was the most time he would spend away from her ever since he’d married you and adopted her. He hated being away from you and you knew it. You spent the couple of days prior to his departure together, enjoying some family time and helping him pack his bags. You were in the bedroom while he was checking his bag for the last time.

- Babe, didn’t I put my jewelry in the bag yesterday ? He asked.

- Yep, you replied. Small wooden box.

- It’s there but there are pieces missing, he groaned. My nugget bracelet ? My rope chain ? They were there weren’t they ?

- I put them in there myself, you said. Have you checked thoroughly ?

- Babe, it’s a small box and I’m not dumb, he sighed. Look !

He showed you the box and you immediately noticed that the pieces were, indeed, missing. He was already an ogre about his departure, stressed out and neurotic about the packing and you knew that this would make things even worse. You spent the day searching the whole house for the jewelry, but to no avail. You tried suggesting that it wasn’t dramatic, that it had to be home, but he insisted he couldn’t perform without them. When it came to performing, he was all about traditions, habits and superstitions.

- Fuck, he groaned. We’ve searched everywhere.

- Not everywhere, you said suddenly.

- Mmmh ? He asked with a raised eyebrow.

- There’s one room we haven’t checked, you explained.

He looked at you and sighed. Indeed, you had not checked Lily’s room. It didn’t make much sense for the jewelry to be in her room, but it had to be somewhere. Marshall went upstairs and knocked on the door before entering.

- hey bug, he said. Are you having fun ?

- Do you want to play with me ? she asked.

- I can’t, sweetie. I’m still packing, he explained. Speaking of which… have you seen my gold jewelry ?

- Which jewelry ? She asked innocently.

- My gold bracelet and my chain, he said patiently.

- No, I haven’t, she said in a small voice.

He looked at his daughter, who was looking away. She was a good kid. Too good, most of the time, which meant that she was a terrible liar. Her gaze focused upon her bed, avoiding his stare.

- Lily, he warned. Are you telling the truth ?

- Yes, she said even though he could see she was lying through her teeth.

- Lily, I’m giving you one last chance, he sighed. Did you take my stuff ?

- Yes, she whispered as she looked down.

- Where did you put it ? He asked.

- Under my pillow…

He looked and, indeed, found his jewelry under her pillow. He grabbed it and looked at her before sighing.

- Do you have an idea of the time Mommy and I lost while we looked all around the house ? He groaned. I’m leaving on Monday, I don’t have time for this !

- I’m sorry, Daddy, she said as tears welled up in her eyes.

- Why did you do this ? He sighed. You know lying and stealing isn’t ok. We raised you better than this !

- Because I’m going to miss you ! She cried.

Before he knew it, his little girl was sobbing and hiccuping, with tears streaming down her face and her voice breaking. She was obviously distressed and it broke his heart. He put the jewelry on the nightstand and kneeled besides her before pulling her to him.

- I’m sorry, Daddy, she hiccuped.

- Shhhh, he said as he stroked her head. Breathe, sweetie.

It took a couple of minutes for her to calm down. When she finally did, he looked at her and wiped her tears with his thumbs.

- Did you really think that stealing my stuff would prevent me from leaving ? He asked with a raised eyebrow.

- You said you couldn’t leave without, she said apologetically. I don’t want you to leave…

- I have no choice, he sighed. I have to work.

- But I’ll miss you, she whined.

- I’ll miss you too, baby, he assured her. I’ll miss Mom and your sisters as well. And Winky too. But I can’t cancel work, you know ?

- Ok, she sniffled. Am I grounded ?

- I should ground you, he nodded. Because I know you know better than to steal and lie. But I understand that you’re sad.

She nodded and he kissed her forehead. She wrapped her small arms around his neck and hugged him as tight as she could.

- I would have been sad if I’d had to leave without my jewelry, you know ? He explained.

- I’m sorry, she mumbled. I won’t do it again. I didn’t want to steal. I just didn’t want you to leave.

- I know, he said softly as he kissed her forehead. I don’t like leaving you either. But this jewelry makes it easier for me when I’m away. Like a good luck charm, you know ?

- Yes ? She asked.

- Yeah, he explained. I wear my wedding ring all the time because it reminds me of Mommy. And I have my bracelet to remind me that I can do a good job.

- And the chains ? She asked.

- A friend gave it to me, he said with a smile. And it remind me of someone really special, too.

- Who ? She asked. Your friend ?

- No, he chuckled as he grabbed the chain to show her. See these ? They’re teeth marks. Yours, actually.

- Mine ? She asked with a raised eyebrow.

- Yeah, he said with a smile. When you were little, you always played with it and, sometimes, you would put it in your mouth. So now, every time I wear it, it makes me think of you. That’s why I need it with me.

- So you don’t forget me ?

- I could never forget you, sweetie, he chuckled. But yes, the chains remind me of you. And that, even when I’m far away, I have a piece of you with me.

- I love you, Daddy, she said emotionally as she hugged him again.

They stayed like this for a minute. He was going to miss his baby girl and he was gutted that he couldn’t take the both of you on tour with him. The two of you had even studied the logistics and envisioned pulling Lily out of preschool, but you simply had too much work to do for Shady Records, especially now that you were trying for a baby. You hoped to get pregnant within the year and, being a workaholic, you were already trying to get work done before going on maternity leave.

Now that he had found his jewelry, his mind was at ease and he allowed himself to spend some time playing with Lily. At dinner, you were joined by his eldest daughters, so that he could spend some time with everyone before leaving the next day. At one point, the conversation shifted to the plans while Marshall would be gone and Lily’s mood started to get grim again. She was looking down at her plate, sulking.

- Are you excited for the sleepover with your friends next weekend, Lily ? Hailie asked.

- No, the little one pouted.

- Come on, it’s going to be fun ! Alaina said as she tried to cheer her up.

- I don’t care, Lily whined.

- What’s up, sweetheart ? Marshall asked. All your friends will be here.

- You won’t be here, Daddy ! She pouted. You’re my best friend, but you’ll be gone…

The comment made his heart melt. He went to her and hugged her tight.

- I’ll miss you so much, he said. But it’s only one month. And then, I’ll be back just in time for summer vacation and we’ll spend plenty of time together, I promise !

- Ok, she sniffled.

- You know, when we were your age, Dad was on the road a lot too, Hailie pointed.

- And I was gone for much, much longer, Marshall recalled. So, you know, one month is not that long. And you’re going to have fun, with Mom and your sisters. I promise I’ll be back before you know it.

Lily nodded and hugged him again, not letting go. Everyone melted at the sight of the embrace and Alaina joked at how good Lily had it. Obviously, being the youngest, she didn’t realize it, but she had it far easier than her eldest sisters. It also helped that Marshall was more mellow. When it was time to go to bed, he swore to her that he’d wake her up to say goodbye. He kept his promise and, around 5AM the next day, he went to her bedroom. She was fast asleep and he stared at her for a minute, thinking of how much he would miss home. Before she woke up, he took off the silver chain necklace he wore almost everyday and placed it under her pillow, so that she’d have something of his, hoping it would make her smile when she’d find it.

- Good morning baby, he whispered as he shook her shoulder.

- Good morning Daddy, she yawned.

Her eyes were still closed, and she sleeplily reached for his hand. He stroked her cheek and smiled.

- I have to go, bug, but I wanted to say goodbye, he said softly. You take care of Winky and Mom for me, alright ?

- Yes, she promised. I’m going to miss you.

- I’m going to miss you too, sweetie, he said. I’ll call tonight, ok ?

- Ok, she said before hugging him.

He held her in his arms for a while, humming some soft lullaby and she fell back asleep. He tucked her in again and went to find you in the kitchen while you prepared coffee for him. You were also sleepy, exhausted by his last attempt to get you pregnant before his tour. He hugged you from behind and you gave in to his touch as he placed a loving hand on your stomach.

- Did you wake her up ? You asked.

- Yeah, I said goodbye, he nodded. She went back to sleep, though. As should you.

- I’m not letting you go until I absolutely have too, you yawned as you nuzzled his neck.

- I’ll miss you girls, he said. And that little guy, too.

- Winky ? You asked.

- Nope, the baby, he said as he stroked your stomach. It worked this time. I know it. I’m sure.

- Oh yeah ? You asked with a raised eyebrow. I guess we’ll know by the time you come home.

[eyes-of-rock]

Love Again

Bruce Kulick X Rockstar OC

Chapter One

Plot: Ren was once a guitar icon in the late 80s, but now it's 1992. Her heart and band broke, and now she's a shell of her former self. Her sister thinks Bruce might be the man to help her get her spark back, so with the help of her fiance, Eric, they devise a plan to get them together.

Bruce’s POV

“Thanks for letting me borrow your car, baby.” Alexandra, Eric’s girlfriend, thanks him by kissing him.

I looked over at the wrong moment. Of course, I'm happy for him; he has a less-than-great dating history and deserves it. She’s also his fiance, so of course they will do that. It's just that you don't want to see your buddy making out with someone.

She’s here with her teenage sister, who looks unimpressed to be in the room with an old rock band. She keeps rolling her eyes and pulling annoyed faces. I guess some things never change, and teenagers is one of them.

“Can we go now?” She asks once Alexandra stops kissing Eric.

“Yes, we're going,” Alexandra says, annoyed at her attitude, as they disappear out the door.

I turn my attention back to my guitar and the rehearsal at hand. The tour is in a couple of weeks, and we've been rehearsing like crazy to ensure everything is tight.

“You guys are coming to the party, right?” Eric asks me, Gene and Paul.

The party is his engagement party. It’s wild to think that soon, I’ll be the only one in KISS who's not married. Gene isn't legally married, but he might as well be. He has two kids with Shannon. Paul recently got married, and now Eric. That leaves me. I did almost get married once, but that never worked out.

“We’re all coming,” Paul speaks for all of us.

“Doesn’t she have like six sisters? Gene asks, looking at Eric.

“Yup,” Eric says, “and they all live together; for now, once we get married, Alexandra is going to live with me.”

“That house must be something else,” Paul comments.

“It’s a mansion. Her sister, who's three years older than her, is Ren Blix. She was the guitarist of the band Savage Seduction.” Eric informs us all.

Many years ago, on my first tour with KISS, we went on a tour with them. I remember thinking Ren was a very talented guitar player. They took off during that tour and went on to headline arenas worldwide, having a few hit songs that got to number one. Then they disappeared. I haven't heard anything about them since then.

“Oh yeah, I remember her.” Gene pipes up, “It’s a small world.”

“I wonder what ever happened to them?” Paul ponders, “I haven't heard anything about them in years.”

“I have no idea.” Eric shrugs, “The party is at the house, so you could always ask Ren.”

“I might.” Paul shrugs, “Now, let's get back to rehearsals.

——————————————————

Ren’s POV

It's wild to think my sister is getting married to a member of KISS. I remember back in 1984 when I toured with them as the opening act. That was the tour where Savage Seduction took off. The tour where we got our first number-one song and album. That tour holds a special place in my heart.

During the tour after that, we headed to the arenas with our opening act. The way it would be for the rest of our careers until the band's bitter end. I wish he hadn't ended how it ended.

It still hurts. Jayce was my first love and musical companion since we were thirteen. We built a whole life together, and I thought we'd never lose that. How stupid I was. We were kids in love who thought nothing would change that. Of course, time and fame change everything.

Hindsight is 50/50. You should never start a band with your boyfriend. I know that. I just thought, hey, it will be different for us. We’ve known each other since we were thirteen; nothing can tear us apart, but time and fame will find a way.

We drifted apart, but we kept holding on like idiots. We didn't want to ruin the band we worked so hard to create. We might have been able to save it if we just let go, but we didn't.

He cheated on me. He cheated on me a lot. Then, it was published in a tabloid magazine to rub salt into the wound. He published it. He fucking humiliated me like that. He exposed his unfaithfulness to the world and made me look like an idiot. The band ended because we couldn't be in the same room anymore.

I’m happy for my sister. I am. Eric seems like a good guy. Then again, so did Jace; we know how that turned out. I still want to stay optimistic about my sister even if I'm overly loved. That's why I'm throwing her this engagement party.

I look into the living room and spot my youngest sister, Cassidy, who’s thirteen, yapping someone's ear off. She loves to talk and will talk about anything with anyone. Tonight, her victim seems to be Bruce Kulick.

He's the guitar player of KISS. If I remember correctly, my tour with them was his first. I've met him before, but that tour was hectic, so we didn't interact much.

He's politely listening to her Yap. Which is nice of him, but I feel bad for the guy. He's getting yapped at by a thirteen-year-old girl about god knows what.

“Oh hey, Ren!” She greets me enthusiastically. “She’s also a guitarist.”

“I know; I've seen her play before,” Bruce replies politely with a small smile.

“We toured together before,” I tell Cassidy.

“Oh, cool!” She says excitedly.

“Cass, come here. I have got to show you something!” My sixteen-year-old sister, Jade, comes running into the room.

“Okay!” Cassidy says, “Nice talking to you! Bye!”

“Bye.” Bruce laughs as she disappears with our sister to see who knows what.

“I’m sorry about her.” I apologize, “She loves to talk.”

“It's fine; she's a nice kid,” Bruce says, waving it off.

“I was just admiring that guitar.”

He points to my Ibanez costume. The one with my matt dark purple finish and fuck off written on the back with sparkly black paint.

I have one on my living room wall as decoration and the other in my guitar room. The one on the wall has never actually been played. It's just a backup in case the other one gets stolen. The other guitar has seen many gigs, though. I played it almost exclusively for years.

It's displayed in the living room, face down the back is what's being shown to the world and the fuck off.

“Thanks.” I smile, “You had some nice ones, too; I love the radioactive one. Your guitar work on Crazy Nights is great.”

“Thanks, that means a lot is coming from you.” He smiles, “I still have that guitar.”

“I’m a guitar hoarder, so I still have all of mine.” I laugh, “I can show you more if you want.”

“I always love looking at guitars.” He tells me.

“Me too.” I laugh, “That’s just a guitarist thing, I think.”

“I think you’re right.” Bruce agrees as I lead him to my guitar room.

I must admit it's nice to talk guitars with someone again. I haven't done that in two years and never realized how much I miss it.

——————————————————

Alexandra’s POV

It’s been about two years since I've seen my sister engaged in conversation with anyone who isn't in our family ever since Jace broke her heart and destroyed her life in the process.

She’s pretty much been a shut-in. Which I hate seeing. She used to be much different. She lost her spark. For the first time in forever, I see that spark again in her eyes when she’s talking to Bruce.

Bruce has always been a nice guy. From the moment I met him, he's been nice to me. He's also a guitar player, just like her. Maybe he's precisely what Ren needs to get out of this slump.

The cheating is the straw that broke the camel's back, but in my opinion, Jace never treated her right. He was talking down to her, but she never saw that. It pissed all of us off.

She deserves better, and maybe Bruce is that better. How do I pull this off, though? I know Ren, and she's never going to take my suggestions.

“Eric?” I ask my lovely fiance.

“Yes?” He replies.

“Is Bruce single?”

“Yup, he almost got married once, but it didn't work out.” He tells me, “Why?”

“I was thinking of maybe getting Ren and him together,” I suggest.

“That's not a bad idea.” Eric agrees with me. “But how are we going to make that happen?”

“Leave it to me,” I tell him; I have just the plan.

[dcbbw]

WIP Wishlist 2024

Hello tumblrs , and Happy March 2020-4! I’m still waiting for the new year to actually feel like a new year instead of a continuum of the year before it. Can anyone else relate? 

At the very beginning of the year, while battling a never-ending case of RSV, I saw posts here about people’s writing resolutions and goals for this year. Me? I have a wish list of stories I want to start, continue, and/or finish. I will still be writing original stories, but thinking this may be the year I settle down and write/publish my own Great American Novel. We’ll see.  

Meanwhile, below is a glimpse of what immediately came to mind when I thought to put this together. Where applicable, snippets will be posted. As usual, everything is in states of rough drafts and flux, and final publication may vary from what you read here.  

Newbies:  

These are stories that are in the creation conception stage; ideas, thoughts, some words.  

The False Queen 

A long ago battle between the True Queen (Ravika/Riley) and her usurper (Magda/Madeleine) resumes during the Cordonian Social Season. Think Xena, Warrior Princess with some time travel thrown in. 

Untitled 

An unlikely pair (Justin/Anton x Kiara) finds love during the Engagement Tour. But with Anton having other plans in mind, the path to happily ever after is anything but smooth.  

Wolves and Sheep 

Combining my Riam, Anton, and Secrets of Cordonia AUs, this is the story of the trial of Anton Severus.  

At the prosecutor’s table sits the Duchy’s High Counsel and Lord Rashad Domvallier. Folders and papers are stacked neatly on the table while the men converse quietly as they type on laptop keyboards.  

The defense attorneys sit at a table across the aisle from them: a statuesque blonde woman wearing a gray pantsuit and an African man in a pinstriped three-piece navy suit. The woman is reviewing a document, her pen occasionally scribbling on the paper. The man is speaking in hushed tones into his cellphone. 

Security is omnipresent: King’s Guards work and stand side-by-side with the local constabulary and guardians of the Court.  

A side door swings open; two guards, followed by the defendant and two additional sentries enter. The guards part, allowing the public its first glimpse of Anton Severus in over five years. The quiet of the courtroom is broken by rustling and whispering as everyone strains forward. Members of the Cordonian Court are no exception.  

A sneer of disdain twists the mouth of the Duchess of Lythikos, Anton’s ex-wife. Her fingertips unconsciously begin rubbing the area on her abdomen where his dagger tore her flesh. 

The King leans forward intently, his dark-ebony eyes hard as obsidian. His expression is stoic, betraying nothing. 

The Queen is sitting ramrod straight, her eyes wide. “Holy FUCK, he’s hot!” she murmured. “I could make that man a King.” 

Without breaking his gaze on his nemesis, the King lightly slaps her thigh, causing his wife to frown at him. “I said what I said,” she hisses. “I did it for you, I can do it for him.” 

“I was royal long before I met you, and King when I married you,” Liam reminds her in a slightly reproving tone, his eyes still fixed on Anton. 

“There you go, twisting the narrative,” Riley huffs as she reaches for her husband’s hand. He readily allows her to hold it. 

Affairiage 

I thought I was making Leo Rys and Savannah Walker leads in my version of Same Time Next Year, but it appears I’m doing a fanfic of 28 Summers 

Heartland 

Back in the Year 500 BC, I came up with the idea of a late 1950s period piece featuring the TRR crew, and promptly never said another word about it:  

Well, cauldrons are beginning to bubble, and plans are being made to rework plot and premise to turn this into an anthology series set in the American Midwest during an era where Dick Clark reigned, Jim Crow ruled, and innocence began to lose its bloom.   

Sixteen Candles 

Another story that popped into my brain and left just as quickly. But thoughts of Drake Walker as Jake Ryan and Liam as Long Duck Dong are back and this time, I don’t think they’re going anywhere. 

Small Town Secrets 

This was originally titled Life in a Southern Town aka The Political AU and was going to follow the political campaigns of five mayoral candidates: Riley Brooks, the incumbent; her ex-husband Liam Rys (they still live together in the same house and co-parent their two daughters), a former state senator; Madeleine, District A councilmember; Leo Rys, the dark horse candidate; and Drake Walker, Riley’s former (?) lover who calls her a demon and a plague on the town.  

However, life events and imagination are collaborating, and I am repurposing the story to include political intrigue, hidden secrets, and humor in inappropriate places.  

Debating if this will be a Great American Novel nominee, and whether to use OCs versus the usual cast of characters.  

Little Nobles 

A (somewhat) light-hearted look at the childhoods of my favorite noble gang, along with the friendships and rivalries between their parents. 

In Progress: 

Stories that are nagging me to write them/finish them 

City Girl, Country Boy 

Tis the season, and Liam finds himself alone on holiday in Manhattan where he runs across an old friend. 

From the corner of my eye, I glimpse height and dark wool; hands stuffed in pockets. Perfectly combed dark hair and Asiatic features on a half-shadowed face. I mentally shake my head as I continue walking. It’s been over a decade since we last laid eyes on each other; there’s no way it’s him.  

I’m disappointed that after all this time, I still search for his face in the crowd, that I still hope he will pursue me despite the different trajectories our lives have taken. My steps are quicker as I pass apartment buildings, skyscrapers, and storefronts gaily decorated in the theme of the season. Street vendors hawk bootleg wares  

I’m nearing Canal Street subway when I hear running footsteps behind me. Automatically, I step to aside, so I don’t get barreled over but the steps slow as they near me.  

“Excuse me, miss,” a familiar baritone says, and I stop walking.  

It can’t be.  

I haven’t heard that voice in 12 years, but I don’t need to look to know who it is. I turn anyway so my ears and eyes can be in agreement. I am hoping my expression is neutral despite my insides being a squirrel in traffic.  

He hasn’t changed.  

His hair is still black with that streak of gray on the side; his face still unlined. Or maybe the New York night softens his years. He wears a custom-tailored, black wool coat; his wingtips are so polished, I see the streetlamps reflected in them. His cologne is subtle and not the one I remember. He still exudes confidence despite the smidgen of uncertainty in his eyes.  

Me on the other hand, I am now more TJ Maxx and Macy’s clearance rack than Louboutin. I don’t smell expensive; more like affordable. My trench coat is … vintage, and long overdue for a dry cleaning. My shoes are a dull matte black, scuffed from traversing streets and subways.  

“It is you.” I hear his disbelieving whisper despite the throng of people impatiently jostling past us. 

The Odd Couples 

It’s throwback DC AU gang, all mixed up: Liam x Liv; Drake x Madeleine; Leo x Riley; Max x Penelope 

The couple was in Baltimore for the weekend, attending a costume party thrown by Liv’s employer. There had been a buffet, open bar, and a prize for the best costume. Which Liam and Olivia did not win; Carlos Santiago, a member of the Environmental Services team, along with his wife and three children came costumed as birds and bees and won the prize.  

Liam and Liv were The Ricardos: Olivia’s red hair was done up in Lucy’s signature poodle hairstyle, and her dress was a dead ringer for the world’s most famous housewife’s iconic frock. He had wanted to wear a tuxedo and carry a conga drum but settled for Ricky’s purple polka dot silk smoking jacket with shawl collar, black pants, and black velvet slippers.  

“I can’t believe we didn’t win!” Liam muttered beneath his breath as he came behind Olivia, arms encircling her waist; his palms splayed against her flat, toned stomach. She responded by leaning against him, her back pressed against his chest.  

“Don’t hate!” she admonished. “With those Korean features and Boston accent, no way were you a convincing Cuban band leader. Besides, you have to admit the birds and the bees is a pretty creative idea.” 

“Not more creative than my SOCK GAME! I mean, Liv … you gotta admit, it’s damn good tonight!” 

He was wearing black, knee-length socks with red hearts inscribed with “I Love Lucy” scattered all over.  

Olivia rolled her eyes in exasperation at the mention of his sock game. 

This man and his socks! He thought his sock game could cure cancer and bring about world peace. 

“You’re sock game is great as it always is, darling. But it was a costume contest,” Olivia placated in a soothing tone as his fingers began removing bobby pins from her hair.  

She spun around, facing her boyfriend. Her hair fell in soft curls that framed her face. Her green eyes twinkled as she pressed a quick kiss against his lips.  

“You big, spoiled baby,” she teased. “Wanna smoke? I brought a couple of blunts along.” 

Quickly, he shook his head. “No way am I going to be in BALTIMORE off some loud.” 

Alienation of Affection 

An installment of my Gritty City AU loosely based on true events where sneaky links and self-loathing collide. Reader discretion will be advised. 

Caught 

Inspired by a keysmash-filled convo with @ao719, a twist on the night of the Engagement Ball 

This is her first admission of guilt and/or wrongdoing our entire time together.  

She has no choice.  

I attempt a deep inhale, but my chest is too tight.  

The wedding is in one week. Tonight was our engagement gala.  

“Yes, Liam yes!!! A THOUSAND TIMES, yes!” 

I caught her … them … in the act. The woman I love madly, truly, deeply and the man I trust more than anything in the world.  

I manage to choke out a single question. “Why?” 

Her shoulders slump as her head falls forward, causing her hair to cover her profile. “It hasn’t been going on long; it started on the Engagement Tour. I told him in Vegas that what we had would have to end.” 

I watched her leave the stag party arm-in-arm with Drake Walker. My best friend, with whom Riley wanted to have a fling. She swore it was a one-time affair; she was too much in love with me, but she wished to satisfy her curiosity.  

I attempted to leave first, but I was not only one of the honorees, I was also King.  

Per traditional protocol, the King is the last to leave.  

So I remained behind, drinking copious amounts of American liquor, making small talk in a loud voice so as to be heard over noisy music, and dancing with women I had previously rejected.  

All while Riley spent the night with another man. 

“But it hasn’t,” I interrupt harshly. 

Based on Tumblr Events:  

Untitled Song Rewrite 

Based on Jill Scott’s Epiphany 

Sisters Someone 

A two-part story that brings together Sloane Washington and Kiara Theron for their respective appreciation weeks (hosted by @lizzybeth1986) 

Untarnished Silver 

For King Liam Appreciation Week (KLAW), a look at 25 years of the rule and reign of Cordonia’s favorite King 

The Grand Ballroom in the Palace’s West Wing had been completely transformed into an elegant banquet hall:  

Buffet tables filled with steaming trays of foods catered from two of Cordonia’s newest and most critically acclaimed restaurants: The Little Lamb, and its sister eatery The Commoner’s Crown, were conveniently placed next to open bars throughout the humongous room.  

Tables were covered with white linen cloths and topped with floral centerpieces of irises, Peruvian lilies, and magnolias in silver vases. The flowers represented congratulations and longevity, sentiments that had been expressed repeatedly to the King and his family during the tour.  

Balloon bouquets colored silver and cream floated near the ornate ceiling, as well as being tied to chairbacks. Dining tables strategically ringed the room, affording the 1,500 attendees a full view of the stage and podium. Life-sized photographs hung from brocaded walls, capturing moments of the King’s life:  

Accepting the Crown Princeship one week to the day his brother Leo abdicated.  

Coronation night, wearing the King’s crown, royal robes, and holding the family scepter.  

Feeding ducks at Lake Fabian with his mother.  

He and Riley’s engagement portrait.  

Their wedding day, mouths opened in laughter with their faces covered in cake and frosting.  

In a dressing gown, his back to the camera and face in profile as he held one of his sons in his arms. 

Atop a horse with a frown of concentration on his face, playing in a charity polo match, the camera catching his mallet mid-swing. 

Speaking with Chancellor Merkel at a summit, a half-smile on his face as they looked down at a document, his index finger pointing to something on the paper. 

He and Riley dancing at their 20th wedding anniversary party, her face nuzzled against his neck while his lips hovered above her ear. 

A funny family portrait, complete with exaggerated poses and expressions. 

The Couple Next Door 

A reworking of the 2005 action comedy hit, Mr. & Mrs. Smith 

Final Cut 

Based on the first three chapters of a Round Robin hosted by @choicesprompts 

Bertrand Beaumont turned off the microphone before shuffling, then paper-clipping his index cards. He glanced up briefly to see the group filing out of the hotel’s ballroom; a curious expression crossed his face when he saw a few laggers approach others, striking up conversations.  

What have I gotten myself into? 

Starting a public relations firm had seemed a great idea a year ago. With the Duke’s diverse background in fashion, finance, and political legalities, coupled with his penchant for decorum and obsession with appearances, it had seemed a no-brainer. 

Savannah was his operations manager, responsible for events logistics and administrative support. Justin Severus was his right-hand person; he had done a marvelous job restoring the Queen’s reputation after the unfortunate incident at Applewood.  

He stepped from behind the podium and briskly made his way off the dais, looking down at his watch as he strode through the room. Looking back up, he saw Justin leaning against a wall, waiting for him at the elevator bank. The closer Bertrand approached his deputy, a wide smile spread across Justin’s face.  

“You were great!” he greeted the Duke. “You kept the rowdies in line and gave them just enough to pique their curiosity.” 

 Bertrand pushed the call button. “This group is not what I was expecting. South American overlords. Hollywood has-beens and wanna-bes. AMERICANS! We’re going to need to double-check the mentor list again.” 

Bertrand had postponed the mentor/mentee matchup because it was not yet finalized.  

“It’s a hella group, for certain. The subject of an international child custody case, a lawsuit-riddled doctor, disgraced C-suite executive, Leo, Trystan, Olivia, a scandal-ladened starlet, America’s Sweethearts, Princess Marguerite, and Duke Dick.” 

Bertrand gave Justin a withering glance. “DO NOT engage in intercourse with the Princess!” he warned.  

“Too late,” Justin smirked.  

Bertrand shook his head before commenting again. “The Selection Committee must have been drunk when they approved their choices. Have the other members of Court arrived?” 

The elevator arrived and the gentlemen boarded. Justin’s index finger punched their floor number as he shook his head.  

“Not yet. A storm is coming in, waves are choppy. They should be here by 4, and that will be the last ferry into and out of the Isle until Monday morning.” 

Bertrand mulled over the information. “At least we don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking off.” 

Finish Them:  

So these are stories that are soooo close to completion, but I am on the fence with two of them; the others, not sure why they are still sitting around gathering dust.  

House of Cards 

Based on the international phenomenon Squid Games, this is the backstory of “The Salesman”. On the fence about this story, and more so about posting this one in the fandom. 

On this, the night of Day 2, the remaining participants were playing yet another “game”: Pillow Fight.  

Innocent sounding enough.  

Except everyone knew there would be a deadly twist, and all wanted to be alive in the morning. After realizing that this was a game to the death; overcoming the initial shock of a robotic doll the size of a fully grown tree whose eyes were infra-red cameras, and learning elimination meant certain demise … partners had already become opposition.  

Player 081 inadvertently set the match to the fuse. No one knew if it was intentional. No one cared. 

The middle-aged man, who was less than 48 hours into a dry drunk, muttered “fuck” under his breath as he stood on his top tier bunk in an attempt to press his palm against the glass pig’s underbelly.  

No one was sure why.  

Was he trying to steal the bank’s treasure? Or turn off the irritating light? 

 It no longer mattered.  

The money wasn’t his and now, it never would be. 

As pillowcases filled with objects such as rocks, sturdy tree branches, and in some …mere feathers randomly swung wildly, the white cotton slowly seeped red. Hollers and screams filled the room and echoed off walls and ceilings as beds collapsed from metal bars being snatched by the frenzied mob or being tipped over in the melee.  

On the other side of the bunker, a thin, petite woman who looked no older than a teenager sniffled, the tears she cried streaking a bruised cheek covered with the dried blood of a corpse. A young man lay on his side behind her on the narrow mattress, his cracked voice in her ear.  

“It’s gonna be okay, Soo-Ah; just four more games and then we can leave,” he assured her in a ragged whisper. 

The woman hitched her breath. “My pillowcase has FEATHERS, Sang-yul! If they pull me into the fray, I’ll be leaving here a lot sooner than four days!” Her body shook with silent sobs. 

The 23-year-old street urchin said nothing. Instead, he swallowed heavily and tried not to puke at the smell of blood, both old and fresh, assailing his nostrils. His arms tightened around Soo-Ah, his only friend in this hellhole.  

The pig’s lighting flickered faster and more erratically as the fighting grew more frenzied. Sickening thuds, bellows of pain, and the sounds of shoe soles squeaking against the blood and brain splattered linoleum flooring were as loud as bombs.  

Sang-yul chanced a glance over his shoulder, his body tensing at the sight of someone headed in their direction, their face pale and ghoulish in the broken light. A metal pipe was carried in one hand, a bloodied cloth sack in the other.  

Coal black eyes darted everywhere looking for a victim.  

Less players meant more money. 

Sins of the Father 

A Gritty City AU installment. Reader discretion will be advised. 

He met Madeleine at her car door, his lips crashing uninvited against hers in a kiss filled with desperation and disbelief. When the kiss ended as abruptly as it began, Madeleine adjusted her tortoise-shell glasses while her green eyes searched Liam’s face almost warily.  

“What the hell was that?”  

“Someone killed Poppa Joe tonight!”  

Madeleine quelled a shiver that raised goosebumps on her exposed skin before reaching back inside the car for her purse. “Thank GOD,” she breathed as opened the rear driver-side door to release Hans and Gunther, who bounded out of the car and sat before Liam so he could rub their heads and murmur sweet gibberish to them. 

The restauranteur was yet another of Poppa Joe’s victims; when she was 15, the priest had gotten her pregnant. The scandal was handled quietly by the parish and her parents; the latter believed the father of the baby was an upperclassman named Tariq.  

The young blonde left school for one month due to “illness”. It wasn’t a complete fabrication. 

Madeleine’s abortion was a back-alley botch job which left her with a raging infection and too much blood loss. She survived but had to have an emergency hysterectomy.  

She no longer cared. When she and Liam were getting serious and discussing marriage and family, he was relieved they would be unable to have children.  

Tariq, the son of poor Moroccan immigrants, was transferred to an exclusive private school in the city’s North End, all expenses paid via a scholarship provided by St. Joan’s Academies. 

“How did the rest of the party go?” she asked quietly as they began walking towards the house, holding hands; her blonde hair bounced against her shoulders. 

Liam nodded slightly. “Good. We got Sloan Enterprise and slew of new donors.” His side-eyed his wife. “Where did you go with the dogs? It was supposed to be a walk.” 

Madeleine turned her head vaguely, meeting her husband’s gaze.  

“Ice cream,” she replied in a soft voice.  

Her husband nodded thoughtfully. The term was code between them; when situations became too overwhelming, too triggering, they said they needed “ice cream.” 

“I hope you brought me some back.” Liam squeezed Madeleine’s hand more tightly.  

“You don’t like chocolate.” 

The Queen’s Friendship 

Riley was chatting with Maxwell in the Delegates Dining Room at the UN, waiting for the gala to begin. Liam was at the head of the room, arm in arm with Madeleine. His eyes spotted Riley and he winked. Riley rolled hers and turned her back to him.  

“Blossom, don’t act like this! You know he’s trying,” Maxwell begged.

“WE’RE trying! He’s kissing his fiancée,” Riley retorted. Her eyes scanned the room. “Oh, look … there’s Drake,” she stated before walking away from Maxwell.  

Riley had no idea if it was Drake or not, she just wanted away. From Liam, Madeleine, Maxwell … Cordonia. Riley figured now was the time to make the break. She was back home in New York City. She still had her apartment, for the next month at least. She passed by elegantly dressed tables and came upon an hors d'oeuvres station; she paused to pile a tiny plate with even tinier bits of food when she heard her name.  

“Riley Brooks?” 

She turned, a disinterested expression on her face until she saw who it was. Riley hurriedly set her plate on the edge of the buffet table before wrapping her arms around Veronica.  

“OH MY GOD, Ronnie! What are you doing here?” Riley shrieked.  

Veronica hugged her old friend tightly. “It’s so good to see you!” The women separated. “You look great, girl! I’m one of the event planners, why are you here?” 

Riley shrugged. “I’m with the band.” 

Veronica shook her head in disbelief. “How did you end up with royalty?” 

“I answered an ad to be a waitress.” 

DC AU Series, Chapter 6 

The chirping of birds and a full bladder woke Riley up. She arched her neck, eyes still closed; they opened quickly when she felt arms around her waist and Liam’s soft snores behind her. Last night ran through her brain: their fight, their kiss, their confessions. Riley inhaled and let out a shaky breath; were they really going to do this? 

Yes. 

Was she ready for it? 

No.  

Her hands curled around Liam’s wrists, trying to pull them apart. He resisted at first, but let his arms fall away from her body. Riley missed their warmth immediately.  

“Where are you going?” Liam mumbled.  

“Bathroom and to take my meds.” 

“Your pill and a bottle of water are on your nightstand.” 

Riley looked and saw the pink pill sitting on a tissue, next to an unopened bottle of water. When did he do that? 

“Thank you. But unless you put a toilet on the nightstand as well, I gotta get up.” 

Liam shifted, allowing Riley to move and sit up. He watched her adjust her night shirt; his eye was caught by a mole on the back of her neck.  His finger reached out, touching it experimentally. Riley giggled as she shrugged away from his touch.  

“It’s like a potato bug,” Liam said as he tried to touch the mole again.  

“Oh, dear God! Don’t you have to go to work or something?”   

Liam lay on his back, hands behind his head. “Not going in today. You need me here.” 

Riley frowned at him as she walked past the foot of the bed. “I’m fine, Liam. It’s just Drake.” 

“Drake with apologies and explanations and closure. Different Drake than what you’re used to. I’ll feel better if I’m here.” 

Riley shook her head as she stepped into the bathroom.  

“This is what having a man who wants to claim you is like, Riley B.!” he called out.  

“We’re not there yet!” she hollered back.  

“Practice makes perfect!” 

Oldies but Goodies: 

New chapters/updates of old stories:  

Timing 

Object of Affection 

Betrayal (Riam) 

The Commonerr’s Wife 

The Commoner (not that old, but I too want a thrid chapter) 

One Night Stand 

UnRomance 

Streets of New York

Platinum (truly needs to be filed under Finish Them)

Best Friend (Depeche Mode Diary entry, needs to be a Finish Them)

Liara 

And these are my #goals for 2024 writing-wise. I hope something caught your eye, piqued your interest. For all those still hanging with me and exercising the utmost patience while I let life kick my ass, I LOVE YOU! Something’s coming soon-ish, just not sure what.  

Hope you’re here for it. 

Tagging: @jared2612 @marietrinmimi @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @liamrhysstalker2020 @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @beezm @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @gardeningourmet @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @alj4890 @lovingchoices14 @lady-calypso @choicesficwriterscreations

[its-vannah]

How Can I Love Again? | Prologue | Eddie Roundtree x Reader

A/N: It’s been a while since I’ve written. I’ve just been so busy that by the time the ideas start forming in my head, I’m passed out from exhaustion. Regardless, here’s a ten part series to make up for it. Well, probably ten parts. I have most of it planned out (in my head), so we’ll see how it goes from there. I hope you guys all enjoy, and as always, feel free to leave a request!

Warnings: Profanities, crying, allusions to sex, break up

Daisy Jones and The Six Masterlist

Taglist: @celestialstar111 @stokzr @scenesofobx

You had never been a fan of the tabloids—the endless gossip and chatter about who slept with who and how much weight so and so had gained. Half of the time, it wasn’t true. And the other half was just plain hurtful. These celebrities had a lives, too—star studded lives filled with private jets and millions of dollars to waste—but lives nonetheless. They deserved privacy, and selfishly, you deserved to be able to go somewhere without seeing your ex-fiancé on the cover of said tabloids.

Waiting in line at Hazelwood Coffee, your sister, Leah, stepped in front of the magazine rack in a failed attempt to spare your feelings, “So, Y/N, you going to go with iced or hot today?”

Although you appreciated her attempt to protect you from the countless photos of Eddie getting handsy with girls on tour, it didn’t take long for your brother-in-law to audibly gasp at the magazine, “He did what?”

Leah glared back at him, rolling her eyes. They had started dating after you and Eddie split, so he hadn’t been around for the countless nights you spent crying into her arms on your mother’s couch. No, he had grown to love The Dunne Brothers, reminding everyone that he had, in fact, gone to hear them play at a bar in town center one night a few years back. Despite his knowledge of your past with him, nothing could cover up the shock on his face whenever he saw their faces on the front cover of The Scoop or whatever tacky magazine he stumbled across.

Despite your efforts to act like you didn’t care about where he was in his life, Leah saw right through you, reassuring you that it was okay to be hurt. You were supposed to be right there with him, backstage as he played in some of the greatest concert venues in the world. But you weren’t, because three years ago, Eddie Roundtree had left you at the alter.

————————————————————————————————————————

3 Years Ago

It was a warm day in June, the perfect amount of clouds in the sky but not enough to block the sun from beaming down on you. Everything was perfect. You were getting married to the love of your life and, to you, nothing could possibly go wrong. But your idea of perfection would come to bite you in the ass when you heard a knock on the door.

Leah looked up from doing your makeup, “You stay here, I don’t want you messing up your hair or brows.”

You smiled up at her, staring at your reflection in the mirror. You had never felt more beautiful.

When you noticed how long Leah had been gone for, you tuned into the conversation she was having at the door, “Eddie, it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

“I really need to see her, Leah. It’s important.”

“Eddie, don’t start this marriage off on the wrong foot. I’m telling you, it’s bad luck,” She groaned, “Can’t you just wait to screw her until after the ceremony?”

You whipped your head around, “Leah!”

She glanced back at you apologetically, “It’s Eddie. He wants to know if he can come in.”

“Right now? I’m not done getting ready, but he can take a seat while you finish.”

Eddie pushed the door open a bit more, “I need a minute with you—alone.”

Leah raised a brow, looking between the two of you, “Hear that? Alone. Can’t blame a girl for wondering, can you?”

“Out, Leah,” You said, shaking your head, unable to contain your amusement.

She stepped out of the room, letting her soon to be brother-in-law squeeze past her. He shut the door behind him, twisting the lock. It was at this moment that you realized he wasn’t in his suit yet. He was still wearing his bell bottoms and turtleneck.

You swiveled around in your seat, “You’re not dressed yet? The weddings in an hour, Eds.”

He nodded his head, sitting down on an ottoman across from you, trying to think of the words to say.

Watching him struggle in silence, you rose from your seat and moved to sit across his lap, “Everything alright?”

His heartbeat starting picking up as you ran your hands through his hair, undoing the tangles, “You know you can tell me anything right? Including why you aren’t dressed yet.”

You watched as he swallowed hard, pursing his lips, “I’m leaving today.”

Letting out a breathy, confused laugh, you tilt your head, pressing the back of your hand to his forehead to check him for a temperature, “I know, honey. That’s kind of how honeymoons work. Are you feeling alright?”

“We’re not going on a honeymoon.”

“What? Why? We’ve been planning it for months.”

Eddie took a deep breath, “Because we’re not getting married.”

You felt your heart break in an instant, confusion spreading across your face. Enveloping his head in your hands, you shook your head, “What are you talking about?”

He didn’t meet your eyes, instead he just bowed his head.

Sliding off his lap, you took a step back, crossing your arms. You went through a list of reasons as to why this was happening in your head, pacing the room before turning back to him, “You’re a fucking dick if you think this is funny. I love you, Eddie, but doing this on our wedding day is a sick joke.”

He winced before looking up at you, “I’m not laughing. It’s not a joke.”

Tears starting falling down your face and your chest heaved, your voice cracking as you asked the one question he didn’t want to answer, “Why?”

“Honey…”

You shook your head, “Don’t call me that. Don’t you fucking call me that. Is there someone else? Someone who you love enough to run away with on our wedding day?”

“Y/N, it’s not like that, I promise.”

Shaking your head, you narrowed your eyes, “Well you seem to make a lot of promises you can’t keep.”

“The band is moving out to LA, Y/N.”

“So? I’ll go with you.”

He shook his head, “I can’t ask you to do that. You have school.”

“I’ll graduate in two years, Eddie. I can just transfer to a school out there.”

“No, you worked hard to get where you are—and your family is here.”

You took a step towards him, “I can still see them on trips. It’s not like I’ll be gone forever. Besides, you have family here, too.”

“I just have Gran. It’s not like I’m leaving an entire family behind.”

“You’re leaving me behind.”

He bowed his head, “Y/N…”

“Well, it’s true.”

“I’m doing you a favor.”

“No, you’re taking the easy way out.”

A knock on the door stopped him from responding, but you hastily called out, “Hold on!”

“Don’t give up on me, Eddie—on us.”

“We’ll be living paycheck to paycheck, all crammed in a four bedroom apartment. I can’t support you like that.”

You sighed, “Then I’ll get a job, pull some weight. It’ll be enough to float us.”

“No, you have too much to focus on with college—I don’t want you to have to worry about making ends meet.”

That’s when you broke, desperate for him to change his mind, “Please, Eddie. If you change your mind and marry me right now, I’ll pretend none of this ever happened. I’ll forget about it—you’ll never hear a peep from me. I love you, baby. I’ll go anywhere with you—I’ll finish school out here and follow you out there when I’m done. Just please, please marry me.”

“I’ll always love you, Y/N. But if I can’t give you the life you deserve, I don’t deserve to be in your life.”

It was routine for him to kiss you whenever he left, whether he was going in another room or off to an audition. This time was no different, except that the kiss he pressed to your cheek meant goodbye instead of see you soon.

Watching him walk out the door, you stood unable to move.

Leah shuffled back in, eyeing him as he walked down the hallway before closing the door, “Did you two have fun in here?”

Seeing your sister come into view, you fell to your knees, sobs racking through your body. She rushed over to you, cradling you in her arms as she had done the day your parents had bought you home from the hospital. Petting your hair as you cried into her chest, she squeezed you tightly.

“Oh, honey, what happened?”

“The wedding,” You choked, “Is off.”

Leah winced, holding you tighter to her as you cried.

Eddie had left you to make it big—and that was enough for you to crumple. How could you ever love again?

[ivy-diaries]

ᝰ MY is the EIGHTH mini album by IVY. It was released on MAY 30, 2023. The mini album has seven tracks, a total of 24 minutes.

IVY performed the track “ drive ” for five weeks. The track “ drive ” won nine music show wins. she performed the b-side “ holo ” for another three weeks. The track “ holo ” won five music show wins.

✦ — ... TRACKLIST !!

# 001 ─── ROSE

# 002 ─── DRIVE [ TITLE ]

# 003 ─── SOFTLY

# 004 ─── TE AMO

# 005 ─── CHARGING [ FEAT. JUNNY ]

# 006 ─── 소나기

# 007 ─── HOLO

✦ — ... STYLING !!

✦ — ... ALBUM CONTENTS !!

photobook ( 80 pages ) ⋆ three random photocards out of twelve ⋆ two random mini poster out of seven ⋆ one lyric book ⋆ one mini fandom keychain ( your choice ) ⋆ two sticker sheets ⋆ one poster out of three

✦ — ... HIGHLIGHTS !!

fans were really excited for this mini album cuz its been a while since ivy had released one. her last mini album was in 2020 to be exact.

fans were really excited to see blonde ivy for the first time! when asked why she suddenly went blonde after all this time, she said it was about time she listed to the fans' requests

fans were really surprised ro know that she spoiled the whole chorus of drive back in 2019. she replied to this saying she's spoiled a lot of things and soleils just doont know about it

previously she mentioned how the album was just a 9/10 and finishing up the promotions would make it a 10, when asked about the rating after promotions ended, she replied it was a 100 because she almost won every single week she was nominated! yeonjun even had the opportunity to hand her the trophy on inkiayo!

for her last stage on inkigayo, soleils were surprised to see yeonjun and her bestfriends join her for the encore stage! fans who were presesnt say that it was one of the best encores of her career

when asked if she'd go on tour after this cb, she says that she wishes that she would but she reassured saying she'd go on tour soon just not now.

when fans asked what was her next plan, she mentioned that she'd be quite busy for the time being with someting! when moas noticed yeonjun saying the same thing a few weeks ago, moas and soleils have been trying to put two and two together.

fans were pretty mad at some articles questioning if ivy and yeonjun were going to get married after being in a relationship for almost being together for 8 years. in reply to this, ivy said if she's getting married anytime soon, she'd tell the reportes the first.

overall fans were really happy to see ivy really satisfied with this comeback! they spotted her parents and siblings in the crowd of some performances and were happy to know that the singer is spending time with her loved ones!

✦ — ... GET YOUR PHOTOCARD HERE !!

ivy taglist: @stealanity @alixnsuperstxr @riikiblr @skz-libby @escapetheash

[because-she-goes]

parental guidance

warnings: none, just some anniversary fluff!

The noise of the crowd was deafening. Nora shook her head quickly, ridding herself of the nerves. Tonight was her and Matty’s 3rd wedding anniversary, they were in her beloved big apple at her favorite venue in the world. Matty had had this tour date circled on the calendar since he found put about it, wanting to plan something extra special for the concert - and ofcourse for Nora.

“Now, ladies and gentlemen before we get into this next bit. We have to bring it back to basics, yeah? I mean c'mon admit it… your life wouldn’t be as dramatic without this song.” Matty’s voice booms out of the overhead speakers as the band begins the intro to Robbers. Nora braces herself for the inevitable hunt Matty goes on trying to find someone in the crowd to pull on stage and kiss. He jumps down to the barricade and feigns his search, already having a surprise planned out in the back of his head. He walks to one side, then the other before jumping back up onto the stage and he struts his way over to the side stage where his wife is absentmindedly watching the crowd still.

“Actually, we have a different plan tonight everyone. As some of you may know, I got married three years ago today, in this exact city! In honor of that, I’d like to invite a special someone to join me for this song in particular.” Nora comes back to her senses once she hears the words married and special someone and her face goes white. He knows how she hates big public romantic gestures like this, always commenting on people who propose at sporting events on the jumbotron and how much pressure that puts on the moment and the person being asked the question.

Her eyes lock onto Matty’s as he walks toward her with a small bouquet of white flowers in his hand, other hand reaching out to her. White tee shirt and dress pants suiting him wonderfully. Matty almost freezes when he sees her outfit. They came separately since he had to soundcheck and she was busy finishing up work for a buyer in her studio so she got changed since he last saw her. Nora had decided to go a bit out of her comfort zone for their anniversary, not thinking she would be pulled out on stage to face a crowd of tens of thousands of people. The sheer lace bralette adorned her body beautifully, black caging framing her ribs and contours of her chest. She also had thrown on the red lipstick she knew he liked and a pair of his black jean she had cut into shorts since they were more comfortable and roomy than normal women’s ones. She also had brought the anniversary present she got the two of them with her, thinking he’d like it for the afterparty.

He gulps, rethinking his plan for half a second. She notices the worry flash across his face and how he was thinking about subjecting her to face a crowd in her current outfit. She holds a finger up to him and pulls out their anniversary gift. With leather being the customary third year wedding gift, she had gotten custom leather jackets made for both him and her. Embroidered with their New York wedding date and the skyline on hers, and the Manchester wedding date and map of the city on his. Pulling them out of the bag and handing over his, she slips hers on. “Happy Anniversary, handsome.” He pulls off his button down and swings on the jacket. She kisses him on the cheek as she walks past him and out onto the stage. Waving a hello to the now mental crowd, she smiles - Matty still bumbling behind her in awe. “And everyone please welcome my wife, the incredibly talented Nora Downey! Now, I have a surprise for you tonight. You, my dear, have always mentioned wanting to get some tattoos of your own… Well, I’d like to also welcome our tattoo artist for the evening.” Nora is practically buzzing with excitement over how she is about to get her skin permanently etched with symbols that remind her of Matty. They had decided ages ago to do matching tattoos and figured out what they’d be, but their schedules never aligned with any of the openings the tattoo parlor in London Matty had gotten all of his at had. The tattoo artist walked out on stage with her kit and in a lab coat like the rest of the crew members. Nora took her seat on the comfy couch and pulled off her jacket. Matty sits next to her, getting comfortable as he tells the tattoo artist what he’d like - the words “i’m a man” scrawled along his ribcage as well as the number 12 on his right collarbone. Nora then follows the idea up with her own. They decided to do the three ideas Nora was most certain on: a MOM tattoo on the top of her wrist, i’m a woman also along her ribcage and then finally a 12 on her thigh.

Matty was first. He peeled off his jacket and leaned back in the couch, letting his abdomen be on full display. While the tattoo artist artist got to work, he began to sing. Head leaning back, “she had a face straight out a magazine, god only knows, but you’ll never leave her. Her balaclava is starting to chafe…” and Nora looks at Matty dead in the eyes as the next bit comes, ink finally piercing his skin.

“And when gets his gun, he’s begging ‘Babe stay, stay, stay, stay, stay. And I’ll give you one more time, we’ll give it one more fight. Said one more line, will I know you?” Matty’s voice rings out over the crowd and Nora can barely look away. Her brown eyes locking onto the tattoo beginning to form, mouth agape at the man in front of her. He has never looked more himself in this moment, he has never looked more like her Matthew. Singing his heart out, skin being decorated with inky blotches she has now memorized, curls going in a million directions around his angular face. In that moment, like every other moment she has ever looked at him, she knows he is the love of her life. The song progresses a bit more and the tattoo begins to form. Matty holds Nora’s hand tightly as the needle dances over the bony part of his ribs, pain starting to seep into his voice a bit. She glances down from his face and to their hands, forgetting the crowd of 20 thousand people staring at them. A blush crawls over her cheeks as she admires their silver rings glinting in the light - like the moon being mirrored off the ocean.

“Now if you never shoot, you’ll never know. And if you never eat, you’ll never grow. You’ve got a pretty kind of dirty face, and when she’s leaving your home she’s begging you to stay, stay, stay, stay, stay.” Nora mouths the words to Matty and he feels his heart soar out of his chest, the emotions of both the song, the moment, the night flooding him. He has never loved anyone more in his entire life, he has never seen a more beautiful human being, he has never known anyone better than Nora. The thought he had when he first saw her all those moons ago in Las Vegas, and every other time he ha ever looked at her, reverberates in his brain… she is the light of his life.

Finally, “I’m a Man” adorns his ribs. The artist cleans the area and wraps it up. Moving up to his clavicle for the 12 he requested.

“We’ll give you one more fight said, one more line. There’ll be a riot cause I know you! Well, now that you’ve got your gun it's much harder now the police have come. And I’ll shoot him if its what you ask…” The tattoo needle quickly draws the number on his shoulder, Matty glances down at his two new pieces and smiles to himself, then to Nora. “Sing it babies!” He commands the crowd before leaning over to her.

The whole of MSG screams: “But if you just take off your mask, you find out everythings gone wrong! Now everybody’s dead!! And they’re driving past my old school.” Nora takes his face in her hands, thumbs rubbing his cheeks as they soak in the moment. Both sets of eyes glassy and overcome with how much they love each other in this moment. As they continue to yell, Matty takes his microphone to his lips and Nora mouths back to him.

“He’s got his gun, he’s got his suit on and she says ‘Babe, you look so cool! You look so cool, you look so cool!” He now forgets everything else and kisses her like he never has before, all the love and admiration in the world being poured into it. The rest of the world evaporates around them and suddenly it is just her and Matty together. That is until Goerge is yelling in his in-ears to move to the next song and get his mind together.

“Right, we have another surprise everyone. In honor of my lovely wife being here, we’d like to play the first song she ever heard from us. Because I can be romantic, thank you very much!”

With that, the boys jump into Settle Down as her and Matty switch spots on the couch. Nora’s face breaks into a mile wide smile as she starts to lightly sway to the music. Her and the tattoo artist agreed on doing her upper body pieces first then moving to the 12 on her thigh.

First, the “I’m a woman” on her own abdomen, right under the bralette. Matty sings beside her while holding her hand as she braced for the needle hitting her own ribs.

“A soft sound, into the way that she wears her hair down covering up her face. And oh what a let down I don't seem to be having any effect now, falling all over the place.” Nora bites her lip as the needle hits her skin, trying her very best to contain herself and the slight, but constant pain. Matty’s thumb brushes over the back of her palm soothingly and she instantly relaxes into the couch. Remembering to take deep breaths so as to not pass out on the stage.

Matty continues to sing, but his eyes never leave her. Worry flashes across his face a few more times during the song but once she is finished with the rib tattoo, he knows the worst pain is over - his wrist one was a walk in the park and so were the ones he had gotten on his legs.

Getting her own abdomen wrapped and sealed, she offered her wrist to the woman beside her. Luckily this one would only be three letters and not a whole phrase like the other one.

“A small town, dictating all the people we get around. What a familiar face, do you know what I mean now? I’m so fixated on the girl with the soft sound, her hair all over the place.” Matty takes another glance in Nora’s direction before getting off the couch and back to walking around and dancing to the music. She gives a thumbs up to him and with that, the worry slides off of him. He blows a kiss and off he goes.

“And you’re sure that I’d learn. I’m pushing through bodies, avoiding me and walking ‘round you. And you’re cold and I burn, I guess I’ll never learn ‘cause I stay another hour or two.” He knew that was one of her favorite lyrics he had ever written and he smiled, glad he could surprise her and give her such a lovely night.

With the mom tattoo now complete, they moved to the 12 on her thigh. She thought about how their hands would now look holding hands - wedding rings, matching tattoos and all. She swooned. She couldn’t have dreamt of a better husband than Matty.

“For crying out loud, settle down! You know I can’t be found with you, we get back to my house. Your arms, my mouth, now I just stop myself around you for crying out loud!” The song finishes as soon as the 12 is done and Nora runs to Matty once she is all finished and jumps into his arms. Like out of a movie, the two kiss in front of Madison Square Garden as it erupts in cheers for the happy couple.

[owl-lover013]

Fic Masterlist

Spider-Man (Tom Holland)

Multichapter

The Ballad of Mona Lisa (Complete): It has been five years since Peter Parker's "death." In those five years, the world has kept turning, causing Peter's world to flip upside down seemingly overnight. Mr. Stark and Miss. Potts got married and have a five-year-old daughter named Morgan--who has grown up on exaggerated stories about the greatness of Spider-Man, stories that Peter can't live up to. May and Happy also married each other during the Blip--the name being used to call the five years half the population missed. Needless to say, Peter is struggling to find where he belongs in this new world. But, he has always persevered through the difficulties life gave him, and he can make it out of this one as well, right? And if he needs the help of an up-and-coming hero named Mysterio…well, no one can fault him for that one, right?

Peter Parker's Europe Trip (Complete): After his junior year of high school--a year filled with chaos because of the Blip--Peter’s science class decide to go to Europe. They spend the weekend touring various places in Europe, including Venice and Paris--where Peter is planning on asking his crush, MJ out. His plan half-works, as he manages to get MJ to agree to go on a date to the Louvre with him, yet it fails when they find themselves involved with a heist that may or may not involve stealing the Mona Lisa… (Part One of "The Many Adventures of Peter Parker, Michelle Jones, and Ned Leeds")

The Mystery of Peter Parker (Complete): Michelle Jones has a normal life where nothing weird has ever happened, besides the lack of knowledge of how she had cut her head or the lack of knowledge of how she had gotten the broken necklace around her neck. But when a stranger walks into the café where she works, a stranger that she can't help but feel like she knows, Michelle gets the feeling like she's missing a major part of her life. And Michelle is nothing but determined to get to the bottom of what's happening with Peter Parker, the boy who she swears is familiar. (Part One of "Remembering Peter Parker")

May Parker's Secret (Complete): It has been a week and a half since May Parker's death and Happy Hogan is still struggling with life after her passing. When he is stopped by two high schoolers at a FEAST shelter, he is struck with the possibility that the woman he had loved had hid a secret from him. And Happy is intent on figuring out the truth behind May's secret and to help the nephew named Peter Parker that he had never heard of before. (Part Two of "Remembering Peter Parker")

Spider-Man's Arrest (Complete): Ever since the city's blizzard a week ago, Spider-Man has not been seen. Rumors are circulating around, but nothing is taken seriously until Midtown School of Science and Technology's Academic Decathlon team, spurred on by Peter Parker, start saying that the police have arrested Queens' beloved hero. Taking matters into their own hands, the people of New York City feel an obligation to help their hero. Peaceful protests quickly turn into a riot as the NYPD continues to deny arresting Spider-Man. (Part Two of "The Many Adventures of Peter Parker, Michelle Jones, and Ned Leeds")

One-Shots

A Birthday Surprise: A day after Peter's birthday, he goes to the Avengers Compound, planning on spending the weekend with his mentor. Little does he know what the Avengers team is planning...

All Mr. Rhodey's Fault: "Let him fight with us and reprimand him later,” Mr. Rhodey said. Mr. Stark sighed. “Fine. But if he gets hurt, it’s your fault, honeybear.” --- Or, Peter skips school to help the Avengers fight aliens, much to the frustration of Mr. Stark. From there, Peter may or may not have gotten injured...

Birthday Shadows: On Peter's eighteenth birthday, he reflects on the people not present for it, grieving for the people not there to celebrate it with him. --- A birthday story written for Peter Parker. (Part Three of "Remembering Peter Parker")

You Remember?: Tony and Pepper need a babysitter for Morgan. Enter Peter Parker, a random teenager Tony trusts to watch Morgan for him. What could go wrong?

Ranger's Apprentice

Left Behind (WIP): Horace heard a cry of pain and he looked up, his heart skipping a beat as he watched Will crumple to the ground, clearly unconscious. “Will!” Horace shouted, stopping to watch as Evanlyn scrambled to pick up Will’s discarded bow off of the ground, watching as Skandians hurried out to where she and Will were. Behind him, he could hear Tug’s distressed whinnies, seemingly upset by the sight of his master being knocked unconscious. “Evanlyn!” he yelled, his voice breaking as the emotions of the current moment caught up to him, as he watched a Skandian grab her, holding her tight, heedless of her struggles. He could hear her cries of frustration from where he stood and he blinked back the tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. --- Or, the story detailing Horace's reaction to that scene in Burning Bridge. **NO update schedule**

Owl_Lover013's Ranger Gathering 2024 (WIP): Welcome to my addition to the Ranger Gathering 2024! I hope to do as many--if not all--of the prompts I can.

Original Work

The Archer's Son (WIP): Tension has been brewing in the continent of Esmaya for seventeen years now. With the Aspayan Empire taking control of three of the four kingdoms, it seems inevitable that a rebellion is about to erupt against the Aspayan Empire… Thomas Hayes has grown up without any knowledge about his family. When he is offered information about his family, he leaps at the chance, heedless of the warnings whispering in the back of his head. Hunter Wright is intent on his quest to avenge his parents’ death. When he finally gets the chance to, he does so, ignoring the feelings that he might be doing something wrong. Braya Moore is looking for her missing brother. When she meets up with two people heading the same direction as she is, she travels with them, holding a secret tight to her chest, a secret that could become the starting flame of the rebellion. Three people with different backgrounds, countries, and desires find themselves thrust together, their fates intertwining together. They carry with them the chance to take down the Aspayan Empire and they find themselves carrying the fate of their kingdoms and the future of the continent of Esmaya. **NO update schedule**

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"TRIED TO KILL ACTRESS WHILE RIDING IN AUTO," Hamilton Spectator. August 30, 1912. Page 1 & 14. --- Mysterious Affair on Highway Near Bronte --- Police Claim to Know Nothing Whatever of the Case ---- Agnes Cartello, a chorus girl, 27 years of age, who recently finished a spring and summer engagement with the Ziekfield Moulin Rouge company at the Moulin Rouge theater, New York city, was shot in the left breast while riding in an automobile on the stone road leading to Toronto between Bronte and Oakville, at 12.45 a.m. this morning. She was not seriously injured, owing to the fact that a steel in the woman's corset deflected the bullet and forced it upwards.

The man who did the shooting was said by her to be Clarence Abenstein, her husband, who is a comedian, and who was riding in another automobile. The woman's companion was a man named David Gillespie, said to he a broker of Chicago, and a chauffeur whose name could not be learned.

The husband, Clarence Abenstein, sped away after the shooting and has not been heard of since, while the woman and her companion made their way for Buffalo, after receiving medical aid from Dr. W. B. Hopkins.

Dr. Hopkins said that at 2 o'clock this morning a man wearing a long automobile linen coat, rang the bell of his surgery door, and said he had a woman friend in the automobile ar the curb who was badly hurt.

Dr. Hopkins said with the assistance of the man, Gillespie, the broker, and his chauffeur, the injured woman was carried into his office in an unconscious condition. Her waist about the breast was soaked with blood.

An examination of her injuries proved that she had been shot, but first the doctor said she refused to tell how she had been hurt, and so did the chauffeur and her male companion.

When the woman revived sufficently to talk, the doctor said he asked her how she had been hurt, but it was only after being advised to do so by Gillespie that she consented.

She said she was employed as a chorus girl for the last nine years. The was born in Kansas City, Mo., and last July finished her engagement at the Moulin Rouge theater in New York city. About two weeks ago she left for Chicago, where her husband, Clarence Abenstein, to whom he had been married for five years, was rehearsing in a new play.

WERE AT EXHIBITION She said her husband and she had never been very happy. They were stopping at the Blackstone hotel in Chicago, and shortly after she arrived there he immediately became abusive to her and accused her of misconduct.

About three weeks ago she said she was introduced to David Gillespie, who was her companion when she was shot. She said he asked her to company him on an auto tour from Chicago to Toronto, where he intended seeing the Toronto exhibition. She consented, and last Tuesday morning she and Gillespie, with his chauffeur, left the windy city. Her husband was unaware that she had gone, but had told her a few days before, she said, that he was tired of her.

WIRED HE WOULD KILL HER. At Terra Haute, Indiana, they received a telegram at the hotel where they had breakfast from her husband, who said he had learned where she had gone and that he was going, to follow her and kill her. Gillespie told her not to worry about the message, she said, as they would give the husband the slip by following the lake shore road from Toledo to Buffalo, and thence to Toronto, thus deluding the pursuing husband.

When Detroit was reached Miss Cartello said these plans were not followed, but that they crossed the Detroit river at Windsor and made their way east through Catario from that point.

They had supper at the Brant House last night, and left there for a spin across the beach about 8:30 o'clock, and then turned about and returned on their way for Toronto.

MYSTERIOUS AUTO APPEARS In a dark spot just beyond Bronte she said their car was passed by another large black car, which had its hood up. It was traveling very rapidly and just as it was abreast of them, a man, whom she said she believed was her husband, leaned over the rail of the canopy from the rear seat and pulled a revolver and fired.

The first bullet whizzed past Gillespie, who was sitting in the rear seat with her. She screamed and realized that death was imminent. Gillespie, she said, ordered the chauffeur to put on all speed and endeavored to out-distance the other machine, but this proved fruitless, as the car still kept abreast of them for probably a distance of 75 yards, then the man fired again, and this was the bullet which struck her. She said she remembered nothing after that until they were on their way back to Hamilton, when she became unconscious again.

Gillespie told Dr. Hopkins, that the man, after hearing Miss Cortello scream, yelled to the chauffeur of his car "to beat it," and in the darkness the car was soon lost to view, racing for Toronto at a maddening pace. Gillespie said his car was stopped at once as soon as he knew his companion was shot, and after reaching Bronte he learned that Hamilton was the nearest point where medical aid could be procured. Why he did not stop at Bronte or Burlington, the man would not say.

At York street Gillespie said he accosted a policeman and asked him where he could find a doctor. The police told him, he said, to go to a Dr. MacCrobie, on Hess street, just below York street on Hess. Gillespie said he could not arouse any person there and was finally told by a wayfarer to go to Dr. Hopkins, on Cannon and Mary street.

Dr. Hopkins said he told both the woman and the man that he wanted to notify the police so they could apprehend the husband of the woman at Toronto, but both of them manifested a strong disinclination to this as they said any notoriety would ruin both their reputations. This was said after the woman learned that she was not seriously injured.

GOING BACK TO NEW YORK She told Dr. Hopkins she was to be In New York by next Thursday, where she was to begin rehearsals for some musical comedy. Gillespie also said he was well known in Chicago and that any publicity would affect him.

Dr. Hopkins said he believed the party gave him fictitious names and left the city for Buffalo, where they said they were going when they departed from his office, after the woman's injuries had been attended to.

The constable who was said to have directed the man Gillesple to Dr. MacRobie's could not be found, and the police said they had received no report of the shooting whatever.

[moonchild-in-blue]

Ohh, this is nice! Brb I'll be wiping my tears 🥺💔 Thank you for this wonderful question!

(tw: depression; implied sh/suicidal thoughts)

Alright, so. I heard about them earlier this year when The Summoning came out. I had seen their name pop-up a few times before (when they toured with Issues back in 2019) but knew absolutely nothing about them and payed no mind (still beating myself up for it).

There is this one account on Instagram (also TT but I don't use/have) that kept popping up on my discover page. I never interacted with his content, nor had any interest, but every few weeks his reels would show up and he often used the Sexy Funky Part™ on them. The comments were always crazy over it, but again, I payed no attention.

Until the 3rd of June (I have the date on my journal). That day I woke up with that section on my head, and I finally decided to look it up. And oh. My. God. I heard it once, twice, three times. Then I listened to TMBTE (the song). Then Chokehold. CHOKEHOLD. Listened to The Summoning again. Decided that, okay, I need to listen to this album, who are these guys?? Listened once, twice. Looked them up. Oh, they're anonymous? Oh, there's lore?? Oh, there's masks??? Oh, oh, oh-

And so it began. About a week later I posted here, saying that I needed someone to talk to me about them, not really expecting to see any replies - I was mostly venting since I had no one else irl to talk about them. To my surprise, so, so many wonder people actually reached out to me. It was so heart warming. For the first time in a very long time, I felt genuinely part of a community. Not just as a spectator, but as someone actively in it. Everybody was (and still are!) so welcoming and friendly, it's great.

(if any of my moots reads this, I'm sending you a billion hugs and kissies and wonky heart signs 🥺💖)

Now, for context. I have been in the metal/emo/alt scene since I was around 11/12. It's always been my main music, and the reason why I'm still alive and standing today. About 7 years ago, when I moved away for uni, I coincidently started to get super into kpop, which then led me to embrace many other genres, like r&b and hip-hop (my 14yo self would call me a normie if she knew I was obsessed with Tyler the Creator).

For several reasons, I stepped back a little on the heavier side of music. I had a really bad depressive episode in 2018, and I was scared I'd go back to old habits. I needed to break my usual "listens to sad music to cope" cycle, because during that particular time, I was in very real danger of hurting myself again. Things got better, and I still listened to my old stuff, but with a much broader range added. I shifted my focus, and what was once an overwhelming presence in my life, became just one more thing. I changed and silenced many parts of myself. Some for the better, some because they were necessary to survive.

Fast forward to late 2021. I moved back home after graduation, as I needed some time to heal. My mental health had been wrecked beyond recognition during the pandemic, and as an art student, I was experiencing extreme burn-out. In a way, I still am. I went to painting and being in a studio everyday, to completely stop creating. Even just simple sketches were a huge task for me. I stopped writing my poetry, my stories. In the last year, I may have picked up a paintbrush twice.

I was glad to be back, but started to feel so left behind, as if time had moved a much slower pace to me than to everyone else. Somehow, three of my closest friends got married within months of each other. Others were finishing degrees, getting Big Jobs, moving in with partners. Me? I was back to living with my parents. I was taking driving lessons - something most of them had been doing for years. I had left 5 years ago, with plans and hopes and expectations, and came back absolutely broken, nothing but a shell of a person that no longer existed.

I was lost. I spent so much time not knowing what to do, or where to go. I had plans post-grad, but everything seemed impossible to achieve. I had 0 motivation, 0 energy. Somehow, somewhere along the way, I had forgotten about who I was.

But when I got into Sleep Token, something inside me clicked. It was as if their music took all the scattered fragments of me and glued them back together. For the first time in a very, very long time, I was so excited for something. The music was so unlike anything I had ever heard. Every cell of my being glowed and vibrated with each new song, each element. The lore was so interesting to study, the people here were wonderful to interact with. The words, his voice, everything - it was like I had woken up from a very long, hazy dream.

Thanks to them, I began writing again. Lore and lyric analysis, fanfiction, my own personal things, you name it. I have just picked up painting and I'm so happy to be creating again. Thanks to them, I've connected and met so many wonderful people here. It may sound silly, but I'm genuinely having so much fun these days in here.

Also thanks to them, I've re-kindled my love for my older music/bands, and I feel like myself again. I can't say I'm 100% okay, as I'm very much not, but I at least have the strength to face and accept that things are not okay, instead of bottling it up. I spent so long trying to adapt and survive the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing, that I ended up abandoning who I was.

I don't know if this will make much sense or not but, yeah. Listening to Sleep Token has allowed me to connect with parts of me I thought were gone, while still allowing me to confront and make piece with my struggles. I think Euclid is a very fitting description of all the changes ST has brought in me. It's accepting reality for what it is, and knowing that, even though there are still things that linger, there is more to life. To myself. There is more than wallowing in grief or staying stagnant - and I am deserving and capable of that.

Like Vessel once said, "We are here to remember. We are here to forget. We are here to worship". Above all, I think Sleep Token's music is defined by connection, by shared experiences. Be it through the music, the lyrics, the band/Vessel, something about it allows us to connect with ourselves and with each other. And I think that's what I was missing - the ability to make a meaningful connection to something/myself.

By now, the night belongs to you

This bough was broken through

I must be someone new

How did you find out about Sleep Token and how have they changed your life?

Even if it's the smallest of changes,it still matters. I'd love to hear everyone's stories.

[dflogerzi]

Musings

I don’t know about anyone else, but I truly feel low in how things are currently playing out with the BRF. I suppose it just goes along with the trajectory of the world itself... 

I keep thinking back to this young optimistic girl all those years ago in 1981. Just out of college, a girlfriend and I had planned for almost a year to head across the pond from California and see the dream. Europe. And we were going to be in London for the royal wedding. In those days young people from all over the world would pack their backpacks, purchase various train passes, and tour on very little money all over the UK and the continent. 

The months came, we spent three in total, and had mapped it out carefully to be in London for the wedding day itself. I had for most of my young life been an art and history lover and I was in absolute heaven. Back then the city was not the same as in these times. I did see the changes darken slowly through the years as I traveled often, but there was a golden haze in 1981. Smiles, decorations, flags, and on every corner souvenirs. You felt so safe zipping around on the underground, all were kind, and London felt like my own personal playground. We all fell in love with Diana of course, she was the fairytale. And I became a royal watcher for the first time.

Through the years as I watched through the lens of my own busy life her boys were born, raised, the dramas and traumas ensued, and I can tell you exactly where I was when I heard of the crash and then her death. As I lived in California there was not much I could do to express my sorrow, so I hung flowers on my door. It was a terrible week, and I had not one girlfriend or acquaintance that did not feel exactly the same. 

Time passed, William married, and I got up in the middle of the night to watch and beam at my TV with happiness and pride. And I did the same for Harry. I was one of those that was so happy for him. Finally he met a woman to start a life with who loved serving it seemed, and he could set down roots and continue his role as a huge part of the Monarchy’s future.

Never, ever, ONCE did I ever imagine we would be where we are. What Harry has done has made Edward VIII look almost tame. It is beyond belief to me that a son of Diana would take these despicable actions onto a global stage and work to destroy a legacy spanning over a thousand years. 

I have been feeling depressed. I am in low spirits for these developments, and for our world in general. Gone now are the chances for optimistic youths to travel freely, learn in person, and experience life in different places and cultures. It was not perfect when I came up, but it was golden in my memories... And no one can take them away. I could cry right now in the joy of them. I was so blessed. Thank you God and my angels.

I just had to write. And wander. And grieve. And although William will never see this and that is fine... my thoughts are with him and his family daily. I pray he finds strength as he navigates these terrible days. I hope I am here one day to see the good that will come. May he stay safe and blessed.

Thanks to anyone who got through this. Hug your family. We are promised nothing. 

Done with the writing of it. I suppose I will feel better. But I doubt it. 

[watchmegetobsessed]

BABY MAMA

A/N: woke up and just knew i needed to write about dad Harry, bc lets be honest, he is my fav. this fic is perfectly fine as a oneshot, but if you'd like, it could be a sequel to Grammy Winner Husband and Baby Grammy, i wrote things to line up with them!

PAIRING: Husband!Harry / Dad!Harry x Reader

WORD COUNT: 2k

masterlist

The arena is blowing up, the fans are screaming from the top of their lungs and Harry is putting out a show just as good as the previous ones have been. He is blowing the stage up, singing, dancing, joking around with the fans, enjoying this time he gets to spend with the people who got him to this point in his life. He’ll never be not grateful for what he has, what he is experiencing, no matter how hard this life can get sometimes.

“Dallas, how are you feeling tonight?” he asks in the mic as he walks back to his water bottle to have a few sips. The crowd erupts, the screams almost burst his eardrums, but he just chuckles, easing his thirst with some water before he returns to the microphone stand.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he teasingly asks, though the reaction is the same. Insane screaming. “Alright, let’s move this show on before you get bored,” he chuckles playfully, the band starts playing the next song and he is back at what he does the best. Performing.

Though not far from the arena, there’s someone who thinks there’s something he is even better at than performing. That person is you, and you’re one hundred percent sure Harry is best at being a father to your five months old son.

Owning the stage, putting out the utter best he can, Harry’s thoughts still wander away from the show he is supposed to be focusing on. He can’t help it, his instincts are just completely drawn to his baby in the hotel suit, dying to know how he is doing. Leaving for the show late afternoon was harder than usually, because baby Theo was having a fever and coughing quite badly. His heart was breaking that he couldn’t help his son, didn’t even know what could be done for such a tiny baby.

“Love, he’ll be alright, okay? The doctor is on the way, it’s gonna be fine,” you told him gently as he was cradling Theo to his naked chest, always so eager to be skin-to-skin with him. Harry kissed his soft little curls on top of his head before nodding, though you knew it was eating him away.

“Call me or Jeff if something happens, okay?” he told you, handing Theo over to you, who was finally asleep after fussing for hours.

“I will,” you nodded, but he cupped your face to make you look at him.

“Y/N, I mean it. I’ll come off the stage if—“

“You won’t come off the stage, Theo is gonna be fine, he just probably got a cold from the aircon at the greenroom in Denver. He’ll be here when you get back, okay?”

He knew this tone, this was your momma bear voice and he would never argue with you when you used it, so he just nodded, kissed you and then Theo’s chubby cheek before heading out.

Now as he is nearing the end of the show he can’t help but think about finally being back at the hotel with his wife and baby, though he won’t let it be seen how eager he is to get off the stage.

The last song passes, the whole arena blows up from the energy and he is throwing kisses everywhere as he heads off the stage, down the aisle that leads him backstage. As he puts on his mask he turns around one last time, throwing some more kisses around to his beloved fans before disappearing behind the curtains.

“Did she call?” he instantly asks Jeff instantly, who hands him his phone over, a text from you already waiting for him.

Doc just left, everything is fine, left some meds for bub. Love you Xx

Even though this is what you told him before too, he feels relieved that the doctor confirmed it, but he still can’t wait to see the two of you.

“Alright, get the car ready, I’m leaving in ten,” he tells Jeff.

“Got it,” he nods, not even daring to argue with him. He knows better than to stand between Harry and his baby.

His legs bounce nervously on his way back to the hotel and he jumps out of the car as if it was on fire, running inside in a rush. He swipes the keycard through the reader on the door and opens it quietly, scanning over the place for you and Theo and there you are, sitting in one of the armchairs with his sleeping son in your arms, your hand gently tapping on his bum. You must have just finished feeding him, because a rag is still thrown over your shoulder and your shirt is all wrinkled around your chest. Theo loves playing with the fabric while you breastfeeding him and Harry loves watching his tiny fingers grab onto it and massaging it aimlessly.

“Hey,” he breathes out, quietly pushing the door closed behind him before he walks over, kneeling in front of you. He kisses Theo’s forehead first, before pressing his lips to yours too. “How is bub feeling?”

“He is doing good. The doc gave him some meds for the fever and we have a syrup for the coughing. He said he’ll be fine in a few days,” you softly explain to him, nodding towards everything the doctor left you on the coffee table.

Harry grabs the bottles, inspecting them as if he knows anything about medicine and you can’t help but smile as he furrows his eyebrows, reading the packaging.

“Want to put him to bed?” you ask him, his head snapping up right away.

“Of course,” he nods eagerly. You both stand up and he carefully takes the little boy from your arms without waking him up. “Hey bubs, I missed you,” he coos at Theo and as you watch him sway with the sleeping baby, your heart could easily burst from just the sight of them.

You didn’t know what life would be like as a family of three. After Harry posted a picture of you with his Grammy award and your belly ready to pop, the whole world went crazy over the fact that Harry Styles is going to be a dad. Despite the buzz, you managed to stay hidden for the rest of your pregnancy and just three weeks after that post, Theodore Styles decided to come to the world. Harry cancelled everything for the first two months, it was just the three of you, showering in the joys of parenthood. You had all the ups and downs, but you wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Then tour got rescheduled and Harry was hesitant whether it was a good idea to go on the road with a five months old.

“Sarah and Mitch are coming too, she gave birth a week after me,” you reasoned when Harry was about to cancel the whole tour. It took you some time to convince him that it’s gonna be fine, though you knew he would be extra cautious with Theo.

Now as you see him gently sway his way to the bassinet next to your bed, knowing that he just performed to thousands of people and now he is here with you and your son, you wouldn’t change it to some peace at home. Besides, you’re convinced tour is gonna do good for Theo, make him get used to people around him, not just the two of you or the grandparents and aunts. During the first night in Vegas, he barely spent an hour in your arms, everyone wanted a piece of him and you gladly let them befriend him, especially because he loves meeting new people, just like his daddy.

As Harry lays him into the bassinet and stands next to it with a lovesick smile on his face, you sneak behind him, wrapping your arms around his waist. He smells so fresh, he surely had a quick shower before heading back to the hotel, but you’re already planning to seduce him to join you for a quick shower as well. He won’t say no.

“Watched a livestream for a bit, you were so good,” you hum, kissing his right shoulder blade and you don’t miss how he leans back against you. “Loved the shimmery outfit.”

“Yeah?” he chuckles softly. Reaching around, he pulls you forwards so he can wrap you in his arms, kissing your forehead gently. “I missed seeing you dance at the side,” he smirks at you and you don’t miss the reference to the old times.

On his first solo tour, when you weren’t even married yet he often caught you dancing like crazy at the side of the stage, it would always make him laugh mid-song and you loved hearing his giggles through the mic, so you often did it on purpose. A few nights ago in Vegas you did the same, but with Theo in your arms, a massive ear protector on his head so the noise didn’t hurt him. When Harry spotted you, he almost started crying, he mouthed I love youand then carried on with the show.

“I’ll be there soon,” you smile at him, cupping his face in your hands to pull him down for a kiss that’s more than just a peck. “Now, I need help with something,” you mumble against his lips.

“Anything, baby.”

“I need you to help me shower,” you tell him cheekily. He pulls back and stares down at you with a playful grin, his hands already wandering under your shirt.

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yeah, I need someone to wash my back and… maybe somewhere else,” you hum seductively and start pulling him towards the bathroom, peeking at Theo one last time, but he is sleeping so deep, the two of you can have some alone time.

“Alright, I could never deny anything from my favorite milf,” he grins, but you smack his chest with a gasp.

“Harry! I told you not to call me that!” you protest, the two of you walking into the bathroom not to bother the sleeping baby in the room. You start running the water right away so it can be nice and hot for you when you walk in.

“Why? You are a milf,” he smirks, so full of himself, already pulling his shirt over his head.

“Then you’re a dilf, just so you know.”

“Baby, my fans have been calling me that for years, even before Theo,” he chuckles softly.

“You were destined to be a dad,” you giggle, getting rid of your own clothes. “Hey, if Theo feels better tomorrow, we could maybe take a walk in that park we saw on the way here,” you suggest, but when no answer comes, you look at Harry and find him just standing there, fully naked, staring at you grinning widely. “What?” you ask, glancing down at your own naked body. Suddenly, you are way too aware of the weight you haven’t been able to lose after giving birth, the stretch marks on your waist and how you’re not at all freshly shaved. Just as you’d move your hands to cover yourself a bit, Harry grabs your wrists and stops you.

“You are so fucking gorgeous, baby,” he hums, dropping his head until his lips could reach yours.

“Stop being such a flirt,” you giggle, feeling your face heating up.

“It’s the truth! I have the prettiest baby mama and that’s a fact.”

He looks at you with so much love and adoration in those beautiful green eyes, it almost makes you cry, knowing that this man is your husband and you get to spend the rest of your life with him.

Wrapping your arms around his neck you kiss him hard, pulling him into the spacious walk in shower.

“Then come and get your baby mama wet,” you giggle against his lips, making him laugh with the ambiguous request as he shuts the glass door behind him, his lips hungrily kissing wherever he can reach and you’re pretty sure the hot water is not the only thing that’s steaming up the glass.

Thank you for reading! Please like/reblog if you enjoyed!

[nientedenada]

Who wanted the Draconis family dead? J'accuse . . .

Originally posted on r/teslore, reposted here on Halloween as an appropriate tale of murder and ghosts.

In Oblivion, the quest Next of Kin has you kill of all the members of the Draconis family: an aged mother and four adult children. You don’t get an answer who asked for the hit in the first place. Sensible answers discussed in the past include a relative who is eliminating other heirs, or someone with a hatred for the entire family.

But let me share my crazy theory of how Perennia Draconis, loving matriarch of her family, arranged for her own death and her childrens’ at the hands of the Dark Brotherhood. It got less crazy the more I looked at it, and I’m now it’s my personal Truth of the matter.

A lot of people remember Perennia as a nice old lady who wanted to send her children gifts, and unfortunately mistook the Dark Brotherhood assassin as the gift-buying and courier service. But if you pay attention to what she’s saying, she isn’t nice. At all. She’s a nasty old piece of work whose children have gone low or non-contact with her. She has outright awful things to say about three of her four children, and her compliments of the fourth may also be passive-agressive condemnation.

She gives the player a list of where to look for each kid, butchering their characters in the process.

Matthias – Imperial City - Talos Plaza District, Imperial City (he has a home there): Matthias always was a rough and tumble lad. The last I’d heard, he’d fallen in with some pretty tough characters there in the Imperial City. I’d feel so much better if I knew he was well protected, so I’d like for you to find him a nice cuirass. Nothing too light – iron or steel should be fine. And, if possible, I’d like it engraved with “To my Dear Matty, I’ll always be here to protect you, love Mum.”

First kid, gone no contact with her: “the last I’d heard”. After he dies, his tombstone, btw, says

Here lies Matthias Draconis. His mother always told him he’d end up dead if he didn’t clean up his life…“

Next:

Sibylla – Muck Valley Cavern. Yes, my daughter lives in a cave, and no, I’m not very happy about it. Sibby has always loved animals (almost as much as Andy loves beer) and a couple of years ago she apparently thought it a good idea to abandon the Empire and live as a savage with the rest of the animals. In that time, I’m afraid Sibby has kind of… cracked. She’s basically as wild as the beasts she lives with. What can I do? I’m Sibby’s mother and I’ll always love her. She obviously doesn’t want or need anything from civilized society, so what I’d like you to do is find a tanner and secure the largest fur blankets you can possibly find. The last time I saw Sibby she was nearly naked, and I can’t imagine there’s much in that cave to keep her warm. When you do bring them to Muck Valley Cavern, be careful! The wild animals are bad enough, but Sibby herself will probably attack anyone on sight.

Again, has ran away from mom, not in contact.

Caelia – Castle Leyawiin (you’ll find her in the barracks): My beautiful Cae! My dearest daughter broke so many hearts when she was younger. But now that she’s an officer in the Imperial Legion I’m afraid she’s let herself go a bit. Not gotten fat! By Mephala, not that! But she’s settled into a more… practical kind of look. Even a bit boyish, I guess you could say. So what I’d like you to do is get my Cae as much pretty "girl” stuff as you can. Flowers, perfume, Nord chocolate, that sort of thing.

This one is absolutely venomous. It’s the most personally nasty of the lot, and the gift suggested isn’t even useful to Caelia, unlike the other gifts on the list ostensibly are.

Caelia says she defied her mother’s plans for her

I came to Leyawiin after a tour in the Legions. Poor Mother. She hoped I’d choose the chapel or civil service, or perhaps even marry well.“

and Caelia says

My mother? Oh, do you know her? She’s such a sweet woman. I’ve been a terrible daughter I’m afraid. I simply must visit more often! Anyway, I have duties to tend to. If you see my mother, tell her I’ll visit soon! I promise!”

“I simply must visit more often”, doesn’t, moved all the way to Leyawiin after retiring from the Legion, I really doubt Caelia wanted to see her mom that much. She’s keeping her mom at a civil distance, even if she keeps up contact.

Andreas – The Drunken Dragon Inn (he owns the place and lives there as well): Andy has been brewing his own beer and spirits since he was six years old. The opening of that inn was the happiest day of his life. I’d like for you to get him some new tavern glasses. I’m sure there are craftsmen in the Imperial City who could make a fancy set from frosted ebony or Altmeri crystal.

This is the only description of a child that seems kind of positive, but I don’t think the bit about brewing his own beer and spirits since he was six is really meant to be.

Perennia complains about living alone when you first disturb her and here’s her dialogue about the list.

My children? Whatever for? Oh! Oh, dear, excuse an old woman’s stupidity! You’re here to pick up my gift list! Using your gift service was the smartest thing I’ve ever done. My children are spread across Cyrodiil, and it’s so hard to shop for them all! So, here’s the list of all my precious little ones, though I dare say they’re not so little anymore! Ha ha ha ha ha! They grow up so fast, I swear! You’ll notice that the list gives each child’s location and some suggestions for gifts. Oh, and here’s the gold I’m supposed to give you. Now please go. Those children are so dear to me, and I’d really like you to get them something special. Thanks again!“

To me, it begins to look like she is paying the Dark Brotherhood fee here and giving the targets of each child. I see her as a hateful old woman who’d lost control over her children, and asserted final control with this murder-suicide.

Now she does come back as a ghost if you activate her tombstone and she attacks you, which shook me when I discovered that. Maybe she was meant to be an innocent lady who is avenging her slaughtered family. But, on reflection, the sort of person who’d undertake family annihilation via Dark Brotherhood would attack you as a ghost too. You were a tool she used, in this scenario, and now don’t have any use to her if you come bothering her grave. So I stand firm in my belief that Perennia is an evil, evil woman who took out her family when they wouldn’t obey her.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Domestic (7) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three, part four, part five, part six

A Day in the Life of Dan and Phil in Quarantine! (ao3) - silentdescant

Summary: Phil posts a Day in the Life video of a typical day in quarantine.

A Sleepless Night With Phil (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: A jet-lagged Sleepless Night With Phil

adapt (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: this is the story of how dan grew to love neon lights

After All These Years (ao3) - jestbee

Summary: They met her after tour. Martyn’s friend’s dog had puppies and Phil fell in love at first sight. Dan did too, but he’ll deny it if you ask.

Dan tries to keep his distance, because she’s Phil’s dog not his, but she isn’t having any of it.

baby blue and bubblegum pink (ao3) - phantasticworks

Summary: Dan paints his nails. Phil wants to try it.

Basically I'm Gay (ao3) - ChainedKura

Summary: Dan is editing his coming out video when a deep sadness takes over his body. Lucky for him, he counts with a Phil Lester on his side that will do everything in his power to make his partner feel better.

blankets, coffees and afternoon naps (ao3) - zsunsetz

Summary: Blankets, coffee and afternoon naps have become the new normal.

celestial (ao3) - sunflowerwitches

Summary: phil wants to help dan love himself a bit more during quarantine

Chocolate swirls (ao3) - Tarredion

Summary: Dan tries to surprise Phil for his 33rd. He fails, as humans do, but ten years later he has luckily got two adorable little helpers at his side. And maybe that makes everything just a little better.

Dan and Phil and DOG (ao3) - nivi_chip

Summary: It’s Phil’s birthday, and Dan gets him a gift that’s long overdue

distracted (ao3) - sunflowerwitches

Summary: phil telling dan a story but dan isn't paying attention at all because he’s too busy thinking about what a cutie phil is.

Or

a fic that I planned to write for BIG anniversary and didn’t finish it until a few days ago

every kiss is a cursive line (ao3) - phantasticworks

Summary: Iydlmp Dan and Phil through the months of trials and tribulations it takes to plan a wedding… and the wedding itself. (Sort of)

Feet in jelly and eyes looking past the camera (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Phil asks Dan to help film him when he is trying out this spa kit with a jelly bath. What could go wrong?

Forever Home (ao3) - possumdnp

Summary: Phil’s wanted a dog for as long as he can remember, and now that he and Dan are moving into their new house, it’s the perfect opportunity. But there’s just one problem: Phil’s allergic to dogs.

Hang In There, Baby (ao3) - elated_witch

Summary: Dan and Phil document their journey to parenthood through videos

Here’s some faves from my camera roll this year (ao3) - natigail

Summary: 1 birthday tweet. 4 photos. 4 domestic memories. 1 smiling Phil. 1 fond Dan.

I can't help falling in love with you (again) (ao3) - Findus26

Summary: "Do you ever miss that feeling of being newly in love? Like, those first date jitters? Butterflies, if you will?"

It's 2020, the world is falling apart and Dan can't help thinking back to October 2009 when everything was new and exciting. Phil finds a way to recreate the feeling

i come undone when you're gone (ao3) - heartbreakordeath

Summary: who knows what the future holds (i don't know)

don't matter if i got you, got you (i got you)

~bastille, 'future holds'

or: the US tour is over. it's time for dan to come home.

I'd marry you (with paper rings) (ao3) - Tarredion

Summary: Maybe learning calligraphy was of greater importance to Phil, and them, than Dan first thought

It’s in the air and it’s all around, can you feel me now? (ao3) - natigail

Summary: After filming Cards Against Humanity PHAN EDITION, Dan gets an idea into his head involving his DDR mat. He is so focused on that that he nearly misses how Phil starts planning another thing related to the video.

If anyone asks, lap dancing is the perfect way to celebrate a high score on DDR.

Kisses Through The Years (ao3) - undertalednp

Summary: Phil wanted this forever.

And so, forever is what he got.

Night In (ao3) - counting2fifteen

Summary: Phil feels bad after a five second fight with his boyfriend. He is extra soft to make up for it.

quarantine date night (ao3) - calvinahobbes

Summary: Exactly what it says on the tin. Dan and Phil have a date-night in during the corona virus lockdown.

Rain (ao3) - Nefertiti1052 (Succubusphan), schnaf

Summary: When their dinner date gets ruined, the boys need to find a way to make it work.

rip the plaster (ao3) - theloveofbees

Summary: dan isn't sure if things are moving too fast or too slow. nothing is going according to plan. he doesn't know what he's doing. but maybe it's time to just rip the plaster.

Since We've No Place to Go (ao3) - tellsfromhale

Summary: Christmas 2020 is unlike any that's come before and (hopefully) any that will come after. Dan and Phil have to learn how to adjust to the year as it comes.

something visual, not too abysmal (ao3) - sierraadeux

Summary: Dan and Phil get ready for the late night, double feature picture show.

Stacks of pancakes as tall as my love for you (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Phil loves pancakes and he loves Pancake Day but he isn't really in his usual mood for it when the day comes around in 2021. It's a pleasant and befuddling surprise when he finds Dan has taken on a surprise pancake project all on his own.

take a break (ao3) - howellesterfics

Summary: It's late and Dan has been working on his book all day; Phil gets him to relax and rest

Take a Break (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Phil is too tired to function because of tour, so Dan takes care of him (despite also being quite tired).

they grew up so nicely, didn't they? (ao3) - natigail

Summary: Cornelia doesn’t just get a boyfriend when she starts dating Martyn, she gets a whole second family too. Kath and Nigel welcome her with open arms and she becomes a pseudo older sister to Phil.

She is there watching from the sidelines as a boy bolts right into Phil’s heart and sets up camp. She gets to watch as Dan and Phil build careers and an internet community and all the trials and tribulations, as well as the pride and happiness, it brings along.

tiny hands and lots of love (ao3) - Tarredion

Summary: Phil puts baby Evelyn to bed, so him and Dan can get some alone time. But just like her Da, she has to grab things no matter what - even if it means prying something as important as Phil's glasses from his face.

Lucky she's cute, and that her dads are both too distracted (and in love, with each other and her antics) to properly reprimand her.

waking up in your arms with my mind on you and me (ao3) - natigail

Summary: On October 19th 2021, Phil wakes up first. Twelve years ago he woke up way too early, nervous for their first meeting and now they are waking up in their shared bed in their forever home. Phil allows himself to be a little sappy but it's okay because Dan easily joins him.

[appetite4savage]

Family Ties (Modern Sav)

-

Request from anon: Sav’s wife fights with her parents over her marrying him.

-

My parents have not respected Sav since the day they met him. They’ve always claimed he isn’t good enough for me because he’s a rockstar and not a doctor or lawyer. Not to mention, he’s twenty years older than me.

I knew when Sav proposed to me that we would have to do our own wedding and that my parents wouldn’t be involved. So, we got eloped in Hawaii and didn’t tell a soul except his bandmates and their wives.

When my mother found out we did this, she immediately jumped down my throat about it, calling me disrespectful and that she hopes our marriage ends terribly.

Well, this all happened six months ago and we haven’t spoken since. Sav has tried to get me to answer her calls because he values family so heavily but I just can’t do it. I can’t hear the same voice that has been belittling me since the day I was born.

We have since started the next tour with Def Leppard and the three bands that have joined them this time. The last thing on my mind has been her.

A knock on Sav’s dressing room startles me from my thoughts. I open the door, and the person standing in front of me is the person I least expected.

“Mom?”

I look over at her appearance. She’s dressed for perfection as always, not a hair out of place.

“Hi, honey.” She goes in for a hug but I block her.

“What are you doing here?” I narrow my eyes.

“Rick called me. He said you wanted me to come.”

“He would do no such thing. You’re not welcome here.” I scoff. I go to close the door in her face but her pointed heel stops the door.

“Stop with the dramatics. He really did call me. He thinks we need to make amends.”

Why would he betray me like this? My own husband?

Speak of the devil. He walks in with his tail immediately between his legs as he realizes what’s happening. I glare at him and he knows that I’m not very happy at the moment.

“So, I know I should have told you. But with my mother being sick and everything I felt like it was time for you two to make amends before it’s too late. She’s the only mother you have, Y/N.” He explains, putting a hand on my shoulder.

I can’t even be mad at him. I married the biggest hearted person on planet earth. A tinge of guilt runs through me. He’s right, and I know it.

I sigh, taking a seat on the couch and he joins me, my mother taking a seat on the chair in front of us. He puts his hand on my knee for support.

“Your father and I have talked about this a lot. We’re tired of fighting with you. We just want you to be happy, even if all of this wasn’t in our plan for you.” She gestures around the room.

“I promise you, she’s getting taken care of. There’s nothing to worry about.” Sav suggests.

“He’s right, Mom. He would never let me struggle. His bandmates have even become like family.” I smile at him.

“Alright, then. I’m sorry for everything.”

My mother… just apologized? For the first time in my life?

I get up, and she does too. I hug her and a tear slips from my eyes. I’ve waited so long for this day.

“I still think you both need a haircut, though.”

There it is. There’s the Mom I know.