#while Vasco is kind of in your face immediately

[canisalbus]

✦ Calico ✦

[keenzinemugstudent]

Lookism Vasco x black fem reader! Misunderstandings!

You are best friends with Daniel and Vasco thinks you two are in a relationship.

"Daniel!" You and ran at the tall boy full speed than jumped on his back making him let out a surprised grunt from you

"Y/n be careful you might fall off!"

"Oh hush i'm not going to fall and besides your strong enough to carry little old me!"

"Little my ass..."

"What was that?!" You pulled on his ear making him yell out in pain.

"Also think of this as punishment for making me do your homework! Again!!" You say while putting him in a headlock causing him to chock and try to prior arms off of him which was difficult.

"O-oh come on I said I'd make it up to you! Y/n please have mercy!"

"You said that last time you dweeb!" As this was happening Jace and Vasco were walking by and watched the scene.

"Looks like Daniel once again has managed to piss off Y/n." Jace says shaking his head watching you killing the poor boy Vasco just stayed silent.

"Vasco you good buddy?"

Jace to look at what his friend was looking and of course it was you watching a smile on your face. Jace winced he knew his best friend had a crush on you the girlfriend of Daniel Park and it hurt to see Vasco sad that the girl he liked was already taken.

"H-hey don't sweat it man there's plenty of other girls out in the world out there who would like you!"

"But I don't like other girls I like her..." He says still looking at you.

Damn that hurt. The first time Vasco had met you was in the cafeteria where you stood up for a girl who's being bullied by boys Vasco immediately came to your defense but you already handled the issue by punching one of the guy's in the face for trying to touch you he was out like a light. Vasco was surprised that such a small girl like you could have pack a punch not only that you were sweet and kind always there to help others that was one of the main reasons why Vasco liked you so much because of your kind heart and that you always gave him some food and snacks along with nice cold milk.

"Hey! Vasco!"

Both boys look up and see you running towards them causing the Burn Knuckle leader to sweat nervously a tiny blush appearing on his face.

"We still on for cleaning duty right?"

He nods his head unable to speak any words you give him a grin.

"Alright than let's go!"

You grab his arm and drag him to the class Vasco looks back at Jace with a nervous look but all his friend did was give a smile while giving a wave.

(Later)

You and Vasco were in the art room cleaning you had to move some stuff not like you got an issue with Because You Loved art class the issue is that you were going to be doing it by yourself and nobody wanted to help which it was when Vasco took the opportunity to volunteer and help which was really sweet of him to do considering how busy he usually so you were lucky he was here cause you were to small to reach some things is standing up on chairs always made you scared you were going to fall backwards and hit your head.

"Thanks for volunteering to help me out Vasco I really appreciate it."

He gives you a nod taking a heavy box of paint out your hands he flinched as his hands laid on top of yours he quickly took the box out your hand and apologized.

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to do that!"

"Haha It's fine Vasco don't worry."

He blushed hearing your laugh it was so cute but he was embarrassed that you were laughing at him. Next thing he knew you walked towards him and gently grab a hold on to his hand making him freeze up at your gently touch.

"Wow I never noticed how big your hands were compared to mine!" You say amazed while in twining your hands together with his Vasco felt a bit faint you were so close he never has been this close to a girl before and having you holding his hand while standing so close just did not help it just made his feelings for you grow bigger. He of course tried to suppress them knowing that you were his friend's girlfriend but at the same time he wasn't sure if that was true or not seeing as they were just rumors he heard but he wanted to know for himself so this was the perfect opportunity for him to find out so he can confess his feelings for you!

He took a deep breath getting your attention he looked you dead in the eyes with a serious face expression.

"Y/n if it's okay can I ask you something?"

"Sure ask me anything I'll be completely honest!" You say smiling not letting go of his hand they were just so warm you didn't want to let go.

"What is...what is your relationship with Daniel?"

Well that definitely caught you off guard you tilted your head at him confused at the strange question.

"Huh me and Daniel? Oh we've known each other since we were kids, we're really close!" You say looking at him with a soft smile making his heart beat faster.

"Your that close huh?" He held your hands tighter not enough to hurt you of course but just enough to know that he did not want to let your hand go.

"Yeah. Though he can be annoying sometimes and no matter how many fights he gets himself in I still love the idiot."

And there it was Vasco's heart broken in a million pieces at your words and felt his shoulders drop down.

"O-oh I see sorry." He let go of hands making you look up at him shocked at the loss of his warmth.

"I-i should probably leave now I'll talk to you later Y/n..." Before you could say anything he walked out the class with his head down making you worried. Since that conversation Vasco has been avoiding you like the plague and doesn't help you with cleaning he had gotten someone else to take his spot, it honestly made you upset that even Daniel tried to talk too him but didn't get any information so you talked to Mira a about it at lunch.

"I just don't get it Mira!"

"And you say he's been avoiding you since that day?"

"Yes! It's been bugging me I don't know what to do!"

"Okay run this by me again from the beginning."

"Well he asked me about me and Daniel's relationship and I told him that we've been closed since middle school."

Uh huh.

"And that no matter how much trouble he gets himself in I still love the idiot. And he got sad than left." You say taking a sip from your drink Mira froze turned to look at you eyes wide.

"You love Daniel?!"

"Well yeah he's my best friend why wouldn't I love him?"

"You mean you love love him or do you love him as a friend?"

"As a friend of course!" You stared at her with confusion as she let out a sigh looking at you with a frown.

"Oh Y/n you are so oblivious sometimes ya'know that?"

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that I think Vasco got the wrong idea of what you meant by you loving Daniel."

"The wrong idea?"

"You really don't know?!"

"Know what?"

Mira nearly threw her food at you but stopped herself she didn't want to be a violent person unlike Zack.

(Zack somewhere in class sneezing)

"Oh my god are you serious? You're the smartest student in school how do you not know?!"

"Just tell me what I need to know woman!!"

"Ugh! Y/n! Vasco likes you!" Mira yelled at the top of her lungs glaring at you making you drop your food eye's wide as dinner plates. He likes me? Vasco? The Burn Knuckle leader likes me?! Me? Of all people me?!

You sat there silent making Mira look at you worried before she could touch your shoulder you stood up cleaning up you food and running towards the door.

"W-where are you going?!"

"I'm going to that idiot!"

"Which one?"

"Vasco! And I'm going to get so damn answers from that boy!" With that you ran full speed looking for him Mira stared after you letting out a small sigh and a smile on her face shaking her head Vasco was in a lot of danger and she'd hoped that he could manage how to explain himself to you.

(Listen to this while reading👇)

As you were running in the hallway bumping into some people who glare your way telling you off but you honestly could care less all you were focused on was findng Vasco you looked everywhere you run into Daniel's class he looked up and saw your face flustered from running.

"Y/n you okay?"

"Where is that idiot?!"

"H-huh? Who?"

"Vasco! That's who now where the hell is he?!" You say everyone just looked at you confused and slightly scared because you sounded angry.

"U-um?"

You turned to look at Jiho who had his hand up looking at you nervously.

"I think he's in his class."

"Thanks!" You left Daniel got up from his seat.

"Y/n wait!"

Daniel called out for you to be was about to run after you to see to see if you needed help but Zach held on his wrist causing Daniel to look at him confused Zack he just shook his head with a annoyed look on his face.

"Don't even try it pretty boy she's on a mission."

"A mission?"

Zack just went back to sleep ignoring Daniel's question as for you, you got into the architecture department you saw the burn knuckle gang and they turned to you hearing the front door slam open.

"Is *huff* Vasco *huff* here?"

"Uh he just left."

"Yeah ya just missed him."

you let out a groan in annoyance and continue to run you were honestly tired but you forced you legs to keep going hey you thought back at his sad face and when you told him that you love Daniel which you wanted to kick yourself for because how did you not notice that he liked you honestly why didn't he tell you that he liked you? You were going to get answers out of that boy one way or another! You got to the front entrance and you could see him just his back though you ran out the door full speed then called out to him in rage.

"Vasco!!!!!!" He turned around with a frown but then his eyes got wide when he saw you running at him his face went from confused to terrified at your face expression (face👇)

"Don't you dare take another step forward!"

He looked scared Jace who was standing next to him slowly slides away not wanting to get hit by the deranged angry girl running towards his friend.

"You're not going anywhere until you answer some questions!"

"Y-y/n clam down!" Vasco held his hands up trying to defend himself but you just continued running at him than jumped at him arms wide open he held his arms out to catch you and when he did he held you close arms around your waist and spun you around he even feel backwards with you on his chest.

"Y/n! Are you okay?!" He asked in a panicked voice checking to see if you were hurt anywhere you just hide your face in his chest.

"I'm not going to look at you until you tell me that God honest truth!"

"T-the truth?"

"Is it true that you think that me and Daniel are dating?"

"Y-yes."

"When I told you that I love Daniel that is the truth I love him."

"I know..." He frowns down at you hands holding your smaller ones you than looked up at him with a frown.

"As a brother!"

"H-huh?"

"I love Daniel as a brother! I've known him since we were in Middle School we grew up together and I've never once saw him in that way so what I meant that 'I love him' I meant love him as family!" You held his cheeks making him look into your eyes, his were wide and had tears in them poor boy was getting emotional.

"So-so your not dating?"

"No!"

"And you aren't in love with him?"

"Yes!"

"W-what? I thought you said you weren't?!"

"Huh? No I meant yes as in yes you're right I am not in love with Daniel!"

"O-oh." He blushed making you frown at him you got up turning you back at him arms crossed.

"Ugh! Your such a fool sometimes Euntae Lee!" He flinched at your angry tone and at you using his full name.

"But I guess that's one of the reasons why I like you so much." You say softly still not looking at him because your face was red. He let out a surprised gasp along with Jace who was standing on the sidelines.

"You mean it?"

"Yes."

"You like me?"

"Yes."

"And not as a friend?"

"Yes!" Next thing you knew you were being picked up and hugged by the tall boy who was hiding his face in your neck crying tears of joy.

"I'm so happy! Y/n I'm so happy you like me back!"

"H-hey stop it your getting my uniform dirty come on!" You say kicking your feet in the air trying to remove him from you. But he didn't listen and just hugs you tighter making you blush a bit but you're blush only deepen once you heard the loud cheers and clapping from your classmates, your friends and the Burn Knuckle gang.

"Woohoo go Vasco!"

"Its about damn time!"

"She did all that running just to confess her feelings?!

"How romantic!"

"Wish someone did this too me one day!"

"Uh I have you chocolate for your birthday babe?"

"Shut up that's not the point!!!"

"I feel like I'm living in a TV drama this is so cute!"

"Those two? A couple? I mean good for them but what about me?!"

"Oh shut the hell up man! This isn't about you!"

"I'm so happy for you Y/n and Vasco!" Yelled Daniel smiling along with Jay who was also smiling, Zack just rolled his eyes.

"Congratulations Y/n and Vasco!" Yelled Mira yells out clapping with a goofy smile on her face you just shot her a bird behind hiding your face in Vasco chest in embarrassment.

"Thank you everyone!!!!" Vasco yelled at the top of his lungs grinning like he's won the lottery all you can do is just shake your head and hide your blushing face still In the boy's arms.

"I'm never going to live this down."

"Jace your the best man at our wedding!"

"Huh!??! Already!?"

"Yes and we'll have five kids together Y/n I want to be with you forever!"

"Five?! We are NOT having five kids Euntae Lee!"

"That's the second time you've said my name your so cute Y/n!" He spins you around in circles making you scream in his arms.

"Stop it you goof ball!"

Jace just shakes his head smiling at the couple.

"Those two are going to make this year a wild ride."

I had fun writing this honestly lol hope y'all like it

[seeasunset]

◤❀Cнαrαcтer'ѕ Sтυdy: ✿◢

➤ The cons of dating Vasco is quite something. While he will not choose between the sea and your muse - and if they attempt to do so, they will immediately be called out on - he will be at work or at sea for a long periods of time. I'm not talking a few days, but a few weeks or a some months, depending on where he is going. Of course, he'll try to communicate with your muse in some way. Letters, phone calls / face time (if he gets any signal), etc. He's not going to go out at sea without some kind of communication.

Not to mention, he is quite distant and will try to avoid talking about himself. Just because he doesn't think he is that interesting to be talked about. That and he thinks there's better things to talk about. So, you may hear him talk about the most traumatizing event in his life first before you'll learn what his favorite color or favorite food is. But! One thing to know about the basic stuff is watch him and how he reacts to certain things. When he gets excited / delighted to see his favorite food or when there's twinkle in his eyes when he spots something of interest or how his voice changes whenever he is presented with something of interest.

He is also a bit cheesy and awkward when it comes to love. Best to keep that in mind if you want to ship with him. He will be flustered easily, have a hard time admitting his feelings without falling back onto something (providing a poem to show how much he cares for you, giving you gifts, etc), the list goes on. He may be great at respecting your boundaries and your needs though.

Vasco will attempt to put your muse and the Nauts and his friends on equal grounds. Just know he may lean a bit more on the Nauts because they are family to him. While he wants to give as much attention to those he cares about outside the guild, he has grew up with these people and will not hesitate to drop your muse or put them into their place if they attempt to go at the Nauts in any way. He can take feedback or criticism well. Just not any insults or any of that sort.

And since he is a Naut, he does have secrets. Mostly from the guild. So, he will not hesitate to not reveal them. If he finds out your muse is only dating him to get to the secrets - and best to know he will find out quick - he will immediately drop them. He will not sell any secrets or out his fellow sailors because he is in love.

He is also a bit chatty. So, if you don't mind him rambling every now and then, then, this isn't a con at all.

The small things too is to be taken note of. How he sleeps, how he eats, etc. Like, he is a light sleeper and will not hesitate to show it off. He is also a big cuddler and will tangle himself with your muse, which will wake him up if they attempt to untangle themselves from him. He does get cold easily. Best prepare for his cold hands and feet to be touching you. Or the fact that his hair can get in the way if he isn't pulling it back from his face. Pieces of hair all over the place, getting in the way when trying to admire him, etc. He will not hesitate to show his appetite.

[spaceyflowerswriting]

make some headcanons with the boys leaning down to give their fem s/o a kiss on the cheek <3 and she holds his face and gives him a big smooch on the lips lmao thought it was cute.

Danny,Eli,Zack,Jake and Vasco pls you can take zack out if is too much. Thx!

lookism boys leaning down to give reader a kiss

details: fluffy headcanons, gender neutral reader but written in 2nd pov, reader has been dating character for a while

a/n: sure, anon!! its a very cute scenario <3 and i only write for genderneutral, please check request rules T_T

the headcanons kind of came out as mini scenarios themselves;; hope that still works for you !

×

daniel

> ever since you two started your date, he's been wanting to lean down and kiss your cheek as a dating milestone for him but his nervousness kept stopping him

> believe me, he's attempted like 5 times but whenever you turned his way he'd straighten back up and exclaim something like, "n-nice weather out today, huh?"

> eventually he gets the courage to towards the end of the date out of a last minute pressure

> it's a quick, shy peck and he backs away pretty fast. his initial reaction is to scream internally and then feel proud of himself before immediately apologizing to you if the kiss was bad

> you just smile and cup his cheeks, gently leading him back down to give him a loving kiss on the lips as reassurance <3 he melts into the kiss and becomes like a lovesick puppy!

> when you two part and he heads home, he's rolling around in his blanket thinking about how much he likes you and how he can't believe you like him, too <3

eli

> being one of the few (the only? lmao) men with actual romantic experience, kisses come much more naturally and casually to him

> simple kisses are an easy way for him to be physically affectionate, alongside holding your hand

> so, it's not uncommon for him to greet you with a kiss! especially if you two have been apart for a while. he'll stroll over to you and lean down to kiss your cheek.

> "i missed you."

> of course, you missed him, too, but today the feeling was just stronger than usual. before he straightens back up, you hold his face in place before giving him a smooch on the lips <3

> he's pleasantly surprised, but kisses you back, smiling into the kiss. when he pulls away, he cups your face back and adds an extra kiss on your forehead while chuckling~

zack

> the kiss came as a surprise to both of you honestly

> at a carnival date, you end up scoring a high score with one of the games and he leans down to smooch your cheek before pulling away to exclaim in joy

> it's only after his adrenaline sizzles away does he realize what he did. he tries to play it cool though, like it was totally planned

> it's easy for you see through the act though and you decide to grab a hold of his face and kiss him on the lips in a sort of teasing way <3

> despite his shock, he doesn't waste a second before kissing you right back. when you pull away, he's grinning like a lovesick fool

> "if i win you a prize at a different game, will you kiss me again?"

jake

> he's very playful so he's almost always leaning down, pretending he's about to do something important when all he does is give your cheek a quick kiss (and occasionally he runs off after lol)

> now was one of those times: except this time his tactic was saying, "hey, you're missing something here," while tapping on your cheek.

> as soon as you reply, "and what is that exactly?" he leans down to kiss where he tapped and replies, "my kiss," with a smirk.

> deciding to be playful back, you quip, "well, you're missing something on your lips, too," and hold his face to smooch him on the lips <3

> he holds back a laugh so you can have your moment while kissing you back with the same enthusiasm

> after pulling away from each other, he laughs and pulls you in a bit. "we could do this all day, you know~"

vasco

> if there's anything this man knows about romance, it's that kisses = good and he's full of love so he'll express that 100% ^_^

> always asks for your consent first !! like he excitedly runs over to you, already bending down a bit to be at the same level as you before asking, "can i kiss your cheek?"

> you nod and he smiles before leaning forward to smooch your cheek!

> much to his surprise though, you decide to keep him in place for a moment by cupping his cheeks and moving to kiss his lips <3

> when you pull away, he's so giddy he straight up picks you up into a hug and spins you around. when he sets you back down, he asks, "oh, yeah! can i kiss you back?"

> you say yes, of course, and he's kissing you back while cupping your cheeks~ may be squishing them though lol

[evacado3]

Hey can I ask Vasco who is interested in s/o smokers (which we know he doesn't like a smoker :D) tq

Of course! And that’s quite an interesting topic ngl and I almost immediately had an idea. Just saying in this fic y/n and Vasco aren’t in a relationship yet.

Cigarette stains

Word count: 542

Underage smoking

You couldn’t keep count of how many times it got you suspended, but it’s not like that has ever stopped you.

You became a heavy smoker since 16, and has never thought of quitting.

But now your potential boyfriend is whining about you should stop?

It’s obvious that this man is interested in you, and to be honest, he’s quite hot.

His aura wasn’t the kind that girls would approach, and his appearance made him look a lot older than he is.

Though surprisingly you found that somewhat attractive, and his manly presence was actually just your type.

But how on earth does this man not smoke? He looks like he could finish a packet in a day, have y’all seen Vasco? And he’s literally Tabasco

He pinches the tip of the your lit cigar and snatched away your lighter.

"Don’t."

Chuckling, you puffed out a breath of smoke in his face, to which he respond by coughing his soul out.

Drama queen

"Since when were you so bossy?"

He flapped his hand, pinching his nose with a displeased face.

"Since this is illegal, and that wasn’t very nice of you."

"It wasn’t supposed to be," you reverted your attention back to the scenery.

The roof of the school had such a great view, though it wasn’t supposed to be opened in case of suicide. But smokers like you sees this place as an escape route.

"Is your hand okay?" You sighed, feeling a little guilty about him burning his fingertips.

"What about yours?"

You glanced at him, what is he talking about?

Vasco pointed to your index and middle finger, where some yellowish marks remained.

"Oh, you mean cigarette stains."

"Cigarette stains?" He tilted his head, he’d look so cute if it wasn’t for his hand that was waving around behind.

"Look, let’s go back down and get you an ice pack."

He shook his head and took your hand into his, "Does it hurt?"

This time you couldn't hold in your laughter, "Vasco, these are just nicotine stains, it doesn't hurt!"

He can be such a sweetheart at times.

"Well wipe it off, it looks disgusting."

Never mind, I take that back. How rude.

"Why did you follow me here if you don't smoke anyways? Don't tell me you came for me, I won't believe you."

"Then don't believe me, but I came here just for you."

He peered into your eyes, almost as if he was attempting to tell you something. Vasco's not the best at expressing his feelings, so he's basically praying to god that you can see what he's struggling to convey.

And you stared back, admiring his prominent features. But only after a good minute did you realize the desperation in his eyes.

"What are you trying to do?"

"Trying to get you to kiss me."

Your eyes nearly popped out at that outrageous sentence, when did he become so brave? Not gonna lie, that caught you off guard and your cheeks are a little heated, but you won't lose in these kinda games.

Leaning towards him, he was speechless at your sudden move while you glazed at his slight opened mouth

"Only if you kiss me first."

===================

Damn I really like this request ngl, but it was shorter than I expected. And I wrote this cause I was damn nervous and couldn’t sleep ✌🏻

I might have wrecked my exams today, but I swear I passed, barely, wish me luck tomorrow

[dannyboyzone]

Why these Lookism Bad Guys are liked, a rant by me

Alright, so I have came across a post talking about how Johan is hated on despite being a "bad person", and trashing other characters for absolutely no reason other than guilt tripping people. I personally think the post is immature, but due to my own personality and mental state, it has still got me kind of pressed, because it all sounds ridiculous. This post will be about some people in Lookism that are viewed as a bad people and or are hated on, and why I think they are liked. I won't speak for everybody liking these characters, and it will include some characters that I hate. This post is just to give a general idea for people who are really ignorant about why some characters might receive love. You might have come across that post, and if not, I am talking about this one below. - Well, only a small part of it, that threw me off. -

I didn't include the person's username out of respect and also so they don't feel attacked or anything of the sort.

Before starting this off, there are a few things I would like to say. If I sound petty, I truly don't care. I never saw anybody hating on Johan, at max maybe give criticism, I also don't hate Johan or try to disvalidate anyone's feelings, just get some things straight. Liking someone's looks does not immediately mean you are attracted to them, neither does liking the person's look you are attracted to mean you are toxic. It means you are loving. If you like someone's personality, you will find them beautiful consciously or subconsciously. If someone finds a character handsome, it is not a crime, people have types and preferences, and if they do it's none of your business. Hating good looking people doesn't make you woke, neither hating on people who are attracted to good looking people. What are you, Crystal Choi? And yes, people will be attracted to looks, it's a normal human act. People will notice if they find someone more attractive or unattractive which is not a bad thing. What is a bad thing when they start treating people different because of it. I assure you, most of the lookism fandom that I have came across doesn't do that.

This post will not include Seong Yohan because I never saw him get hated and I don't think nobody knows where he is coming from.

Samuel Seo

Yeah, so what seemed to be a surprise for me is that not a lot of people like Samuel, or at least understand why the people liking him would. Now, I personally feel no romantic attachment towards him. - Which is yes, normal, even if he is fictional. It's called fictophilia and I better see no judgement about it. - However, I do love Samuel a lot, and would love to care for him and grow a strong bond. To me, Samuel is not a monster. At all, believe me, Samuel isn't liked only for his looks. For me, personally, I love him so much because I can relate to him. I absolutely hated him at first, but grew to love him because he is human. He is complex, has a hard life and isn't perfect. That's exactly why I love him, and someone else I really adore does too. Yes sure, as you grow to like someone's personality, you find them handsome and or pretty. It's so much easier to say someone is pretty than to say, 'Hey, I love this person because they helped me go through so much.' Not everyone has the same love language, not everyone is comfortable with blunt affection. Besides, Samuel can and will achieve anything he wants. He has SO much sides to himself, not just 'good looking violent guy with big tits'. That's not Samuel at all. Besides, if PTJ oversexualises him, it's hard to not notice his body.

Yes sure, Samuel hits women, but I personally, don't f%cking care. Your vagina doesn't define if you deserve violence or not, your behaviour and the person's you face personality does. I am personally someone that doesn't mind violence as long as the person deserved it, because some scumbags in this world do. If they happen to be a woman, that's not on me, they shouldn't have done whatever they did. If you are not a violent person, I am not even sorry to tell you this, but you are probably sexist. It's not like all women are fragile and unable to get hit. Besides, if his violence is the problem, why is it fine that he hits men? Because men can handle it? According to statistics women have a higher pain tolerance. By your logic, you should call him out for hitting anyone in his way. Stop acting like hitting women is a necessarily bad thing, start saying that hitting innocent people is a bad thing.

If you must hate on him, maybe use the fact that he killed his abusive and neglective parents. Don't give a hard time to others for liking him though.

Ahn JongGun

Does Gun seem like a bad guy? Absolutely, he has done some horrible things. Then why do we like him? Because he seems to have a smaller character development coming, he has so many things to him and he is an absolutely incredible and complex character. I am very curious of his background and what caused him to be so violent and yet so calm. I like him because he allows himself to be human. From his religion, to his knowledge of material arts, to his adoration towards Vasco's material arts teacher - I forgot his name, so excuse me for that -, to his attention to details, to his fashion sense, it all makes him human. It's nice to see someone be a human, instead of just 'hot guy' or 'villain'. He is a nice character that brings many depth to the story. I could list a hundred of reasons why I love him, and no, none of it is his "weird" fashion sense. I do find him incredibly stylish, I just think some people in this fandom don't understand fashion. - Oops, I guess. - My main reason to liking him is that he is most likely either bisexual or pansexual. That he has a crush on Daniel. I might seem like I have a weird fetish or something, or that I am a crazy "fangirl". That's not the case though. I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and while not huge, I adore the hell out of the representation. It's nice to see such a smart, elegant and powerful guy be the representation. Because he is a character that's not there simply to be gay and full of stereotypes. Like, no hard feelings if you fit into stereotypes, but as a person who doesn't fit into them, it's a refreshing thing to see someone that's allowed to have many sides to himself other than just 'the gay friend'. Of course I am sure there are a lot of people who have many other reasons to love him, like his endless knowledge of material arts. There is so many reasons to be interested in his character, and just because you can't see it that doesn't mean others are blind to it too.

Yeah, he might have slept with countless women, but the main reason you can't count it is because he never stated the amount of women he slept with, neither did anyone else. Sure, he did say that Daniel is better than any women he ever slept with, but for all you know that could have been 3. Even if, it doesn't matter. He could have slept with 3, or 70 women. It doesn't matter, because not everyone's sexual life will reflect your own. And other people's sexual life is none of your business. Sure, you can say it's only fiction, and that I am overreacting, but when it comes to such small or personal details, people tend to put their own personal view into it. It's really not fine to shame others for their sexual life. As long as he uses protection, and didn't make anyone pregnant and doesn't play with the feelings of anyone, who gives a f%ck.

Some people tend to lash out sexually if they experience trauma or stress, and no, I don't mean they go and r%pe people, I mean that they go and have sex with different people who give consent. Even if he doesn't do it because of that, why does it bother you so much? Sex isn't a disgusting act. Some people like it, some people don't. Whatever their decision is, as long as no one is hurt, you should respect their decision.

Kim JoonGoo

Alright, this got me f%cked up. Goo is such a good character, and no way he would ever cheat on his S/O. He has morals and a lot of good sense in himself. Sure, he might have said that Samuel will be his secret friend, which led OP to believing Goo would cheat, but that's... a terrible reason, in my opinion. Gun knows that Samuel works for Goo, and Goo owns up it too. Besides that, nothing, absolutely nothing would lead to the fact that Goo would cheat. Because he wouldn't.

Now, why do I like Goo, and why some other's might like him too. He is such a well put together character, unpredictable yet so simple. He damages people to a point they have to retire, doesn't get scared of murderer, is a money maniac and hates his boss. You would think, he is dirty and fits the "gangster" stereotypes. That's not the case at all. He is more hygienic than most of the characters of lookism, if not the most hygienic one. He hates drinking and smoking, doesn't have tattoos - not that there is anything wrong with that - and is incredibly patient.

He might be a money maniac sure, but his ability to control money so well the way he does just shows how high his IQ is. I find that amusing, since it's something hard to do. What I completely love to the moon and back about Goo is his creativity.

When he gets into fights, he is patient and maybe let's himself get hit a few times. That's a good thing because he has time to learn about what he is facing. I think that's neat, because not a lot of people think about that during fights, and he taught me to do that. Also, the way he harms people is very creative too, no matter how harsh that sounds. He stabs people with chopsticks, kicks people with a glass piece stuck in his shoe and harms people with a katana. It's all so unpredictable yet fits him so well. I really love the way he fights and handles situations because it tells so much about him. Also, he is so fun, who would do karaoke after beating a bunch of guys unconscious? Only your one and only Kim JoonGoo. He is such a fun person to study and to read about.

So, no, I will not put up with the bullsh%t that he would cheat on his s/o, because he is a very respectful and none judgemental person. Just because his fights look violent to you, and his friendship with Gun unstable, that doesn't mean he is a bad person. It just means he is different from you, and yeah, he does f%cked up things, I won't deny that. That's exactly what makes him an interesting character.

Xiaolong

Now, I personally don't like Xiaolong that much, so this will not come from heart, but a place of logic. For a disclaimer, I am not caught up on the latest chapters, because I want to binge read it.

Now, even though I do not like Xiaolung, I can see why other people would.

He is a responsible person, who takes good care of himself even though he has to look after Vivi 24/7. He is not only good in his job, but takes it very seriously too. He isn't afraid to take action to make sure his job is going smoothly, and that everything is on it's place. He would do anything to protect Vivi, which can be appealing to some.

And from what I saw from spoilers, he is very strong. No, admiring his strength does not make the person toxic or fragile. It means they find the place in their heart to appreciate the type of struggle and hard work he puts into it. He has an unique way of fighting, which I could only see a small portion of. However it's clear that he must be impressive. I completely understand if people find that neat.

Also, Xiaolong seems like such a f%cking loyal person. That's so incredibly important. A lot of people can find that appealing, for various reasons. I am aware there are poly people, or anything similar to that, but loyalty is so important for some people and can form a very deep sense of love.

Yeah, he might take care of Vivi when she is drugged and let her get away with drugs but consider this that's his job. He is payed to do that and swore to do his best in it, as it's very important to him.

Outro;

Yeah, I don't care, like who ever you want to and defend them, but if you drag down other characters and guilt trip people because of liking specific characters, you are not going to be "woke" or special. And I will find you, and e a t you. - For legal reasons, that's a joke. -

That is not the only post that I saw shame those characters and people who like them, but is the one that made me messed up.

This fandom absolutely loves shaming people if they love the character design and looks of their favourite character. Let me tell you something though; You are missing the point of the whole manhwa you are reading.

Finding people attractive and beautiful is completely normal. Treating them differently because of that is not. As far as I am concerned, I never saw any lookism fans hate on characters they find less attractive. - Rather on the attractive ones. -

People have a type and that applies to looks and personality. Literally everyone does, even if it's unconsciously.

If you want your favorite character to get more love, don't make other people's comfort characters look bad on purpose, because in their eyes they aren't simply the bad qualities you see in them. And if you highlight them at least make sure they are true or at least reasonable bad qualities.

Well yeah, that was my little rant. And I didn't even mention the psychological aspects of why each character is like, or in other words what people they might attract. Or, the difference kind of personal life experiences people had to go through to appreciate each kind of little detail about the characters.

Yeah, this is the end of my little rant. If this post will get actual mature answers and discussions, I will make a similar one for Vinjin, Logan, Olly and Jiho. Yeah, I hate all of them, but other people might not.

END

[khhunniewriting]

The Others (15)

[ Mafia/Gang AU ]  [ Index ]

Warning: Suggestive/Mature content

In order to give you and his son an official title Joonkyung went to work. He had to find Jia’s real father, assert his dominance over Ambition, and most importantly... divorce Kylie.

Joonkyung presented the divorce forms to you as a result of his work the past few weeks. Everything was in place. He worked his lawyers day and night to look for any and all loopholes. If he was going to do this he had to make sure everything was covered. 

He would keep all of Illionaire and Ambition. He would share custody of Ji-hoon until he was of age to make his own decisions. If money was all that Kylie wanted then Joonkyung would willingly compensate her, he would give half his fortune as long as he was free of her. Besides, he could always make more money. His businesses were in place and would continue to make revenue while she piddled away at the finite amount. 

By then she would be another man’s problem.

“I thought you said divorce was impossible.”

It was strange, Leo knew nothing of other families except for what he had seen on television but he knew this wasn’t normal. Their lives revolved around these meeting-like gatherings in Joonkyung’s office.

It was obvious Ji-hoon was used to it by how he often tuned in and out at appropriate times. 

“Our marriage was based on a contract between my father and hers. I handed over the contract to the lawyers who specialize in the laws of our organizations. They know the rules pertaining to the others.”

The others meaning, the other son and mother.

You looked over at Leo who simply looked back showing no sign of discomfort. 

After several weeks of this, he found himself quickly adapting. All he had to do was sit idly and listen to the information. Like this, he quickly found out what kind of man his father was. He found out what he did, how he did it, and why his life was so complicated after finding out he was his son. 

Despite knowing his father’s circumstances, a part of Leo refused to accept him. He felt that if he truly loved his mother he could have looked for her despite her leaving him. He obviously had the means to look for people.

His thoughts were broken by Ji-hoon’s abrupt stance. 

Ji-hoon sat up stomping his feet on the ground to lean forward. Everything seemed in place to the adults but there was one problem Ji-hoon wished to address.

“She can’t force me to go with her right?”

Both you and Joonkyung put your qualms on hold to address the teen’s concerns. 

“Shared custody means she has equal rights of interaction with you. The lawyers took into account the fact that you have been living with me for the past five months and that you are enrolled in a school nearby. If anything your mother can claim her rights every weekend. You won’t have to live with her but-”

“I have to see her every weekend? What if I don’t want to? Is she just going to show up like last time?”

Clearly, Ji-hoon had many concerns that you felt were best handled by Joonkyung. You gave him a look asking him to assure Ji-hoon that everything would be alright but Joonkyung had his own way of handling his son.

“I can’t stop her from claiming her parental rights until you are eighteen.”

“Joonkyung, I’m sure you can do something if he doesn’t want to go with her.”

Ji-hoon had been dejected until you stepped in to help him. His eyes grew wide with the hope that perhaps he could set the limit on his interactions with his mother. As it was now, seeing her every other weekend was enough of a challenge. She continuously asked about his father’s business and interactions, pestered him to continue studying things he had no interest in, and polishing his image.

Joonkyung silently contemplated. 

He hadn’t foughten for full custody of Ji-hoon knowing very well that Kylie was solely interested in their son inheriting everything. He figured this would be the only way she would sign the papers. If he dared to fight for full custody it was probable this would amount to nothing. 

“There’s not much we can do.”

Ji-hoon looked over at you with pleading eyes knowing there was a much better chance of you convincing his father.

You held his hand assuring him you would do your best to help.

“But there is something right?” You were quick to catch onto the meaning behind his words.

Joonkyung relented and regathered the papers that would have to be redrafted. “I’ll see what I can do.”

\\\

After weeks of drama with their parents and each other Leo and Ji-hoon were happily getting back to their usual routine- despite the legal talk. They would go to school where they could be themselves- to a certain extent. 

Leo still forbade Ji-hoon from calling him little brother while Jihoon practically begged to hear him call him big brother once more.

“Don’t we have a game soon?” Ji-hoon asked Cjamm as he settled down into his seat and put his feet up onto his desk. After being benched the last game due to having missed so much school and practice, he was feeling a build-up of energy and possibly aggression. 

Cjamm nodded, “Should be this week but coach says it might be canceled.”

“Why?”

“The team we’re going up against has some major issues. A few of their stars were injured after going up against this really tough team. Their team was small to begin with so there aren’t many people to stand-in.”

“I really want to play~” Ji-hoon groaned.

“Don’t worry, we might play that tough team instead.”

“Anyone is fine just let me play-” Ji-hoon yawned not even a few minutes after arriving into his classroom. He pulled the hood of his jacket down over his eyes and began drifting not without mumbling first. “Leo’s mom really wants to see...”

Nauen immediately perked up hearing Leo’s name.

“I want to see Leo’s mom,” Cjamm sighed.

Ji-hoon immediately sat up, “Don’t even think about it.” Now he understood Leo’s previous actions. Leo’s mom wasn’t just Leo’s mom anymore. She was also his father’s girlfriend- Illionaire’s Lady. 

“Not you too... she’s not your mom.”

“Still, she and my dad-”

That’s all Naeun was able to hear before the bell rang signaling the beginning of class.

\\\

After following Kylie around Beenzino was able to report the places she frequented to Dok2. Out of all the places, there were a few hits for known money launderers and they all pointed to one group.

“So it’s JM?” The Quiett speculated who out of the group was the one crazy enough to associate with Kylie. They had a few high-ranking officers that would attract Kylie but only a couple of names came to mind. “Could it be Vasco?”

“He’s married and has his own kids.”

“That’s clearly not a problem,” Hyoeun chimed in.

“Then what about Swings, he has a long history.”

Beenzino nodded bringing said list to their attention. “There are five kids, all boys from different mothers, the youngest is seventeen. I looked into them but none were ever married to him. They all got compensated but none hold power of JM.”

“Did he suddenly mature and grow a conscience?” Changmo asked.

Beenz shook his head, “According to my information, it seems he has maintained a stable relationship since then with a married woman. Is this married woman Kylie, you ask?” Beenz tried to add some dramatic pauses before slamming down the damning evidence. “It is!”

There it was a picture of Swings and Moon Jia.

“Swings, legal name Moon Ji-hoon.”

No one had been able to dig up much of his personal life. Swings wasn’t like them who inherited their groups or were born int the organizations they serve. He built it up from nothing, he was an orphan with no record... or so everyone thought.

Joonkyung held back his anger. Seeing his wife’s lover wasn’t the problem, what bothered him was the fact that she dared to name their son after him. It was a slap to his face and his ego.

“Donggab arrange a meeting with the lawyers.”

“Yes,” The Quiett immediately stepped out of Dok2′s office relieved he was dismissed after such a revelation.

The rest awaited their chance to escape never meeting Dok2′s eyes.

“You three,” Dok2 pointed to the top three Ambition guys. Hash Swan, Changmo, and Hyoeun. They had been newly recruited when Ambition first came into his possession so they were incredibly loyal to Dok2 despite deriving from Ambition. “Find out who knew about this and who within is still loyal to Kylie.”

“Yes Boss,” the three responded and escaped in unison. 

Only Beenz remained. He was now able to take a seat in one of the empty chairs. “What now Boss?”

“I need 100% assurance that it’s his.”

Beenz was slightly startled by the dark tone. Jia suddenly became an object rather than a person as Dok2 continued to talk about them.

“I can’t just get a sample from JM’s leader.”

“Do the same thing you did with Leo and Ji-” Dok2 inhaled sharply unable to say his own son's name. “Get one of his sons to cooperate. A willing testimony from one of the older ones should assist our case. Compensate if you have to.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Once his office was emptied Dok2 slammed his fist into the desk. Now he knew why she insisted on naming their son. She had been playing him for a fool all these years. 

“What!” he shouted when he heard a knock on the door.

You hesitated but opened the door slightly. “Sorry, I thought you said to come back at this time.”

Joonkyung had sent you off to another room where he asked you to look through countless files pertaining to AOMG while he held his meeting. You had to quickly familiarize yourself with the threat in order to assist him.

“No, it’s fine- come in.” Dok2′s hands unclenched feeling the slightest bit of relief after seeing you.

You stepped up to him going beyond his desk to stand beside him and set the files down. “I went through everything and-” you jumped at the feeling of his hand running up the back of your thighs before resting on the bottom of your ass. 

“What are you DOING?!” Your voice went an octave higher as his other hand joined in the mischief.

He wrapped his arms around you pulling you against him so his face hid in your abdomen while his hands continued to evoke a blush from you. There was no response for a while. He eventually sat you down on his lap securing you there with his arms around your waist, only moving them when your hair or clothes got in the way. 

Joonkyung kissed your shoulder continuously going up to your neck and ear.

“I’m upset.”

“What did I do?” You quickly asked not aware of the situation.

“Not you.”

His responses were annoyingly short.

“Then why- ah!” You groaned loudly as he bit down on your sensitive spot. “Joonkyung!” You slapped his hands but he responded by readjusting them on the swell of your chest. 

Your shirt began to ride up as his movements became needier. You tried pulling it back down into place but Joonkyung got a hold of your hand and instead brought it behind you to rest on his lap.

Instantly you felt his need and began to hear the thumping of your heart. Blood was rushing to all the wrong places. Your mind was no longer thinking straight, you were no longer wondering what upset him. All you could feel was the warmth that overtook you. 

It was strange how often you found yourself going along with his desires. It took a lot more out of you to match his pace now than before when you first met but- “Joonkyung we just... this morning.”

“So?”

His hand held your chin turning you to the side so his lips could claim yours. The kiss was automatically deepened as he felt starved for attention. His heart was settled having you near but his mind was in a bad place now due to the new information. He felt like killing someone but he knew he couldn’t... yet. Instead, he would focus on what he could do now that Kylie had dug her own grace. 

Now he could fully enjoy your company to his heart’s content.

“It’s never enough,” he panted as he released your lips. By now your shirt was rolled up to your neck, one of his hands was inside the black lacey cup, and the other was on your lap working on the button and zipper of your jeans.

A knock on the door startled you into a panic imagining yourself being caught exposed like this. The door was clearly not locked, as you had proven by entering earlier. If someone uncourteous were to come by they would open the door to a sight.

“Go away!” Joonkyung immediately responded. 

At this point, he could no longer be stopped.

His kisses were deeper, his tongue pushing past your lips to tangle itself around yours. There was nothing he wanted to do more than you. 

“Clothes off,” he demanded after finally letting you go.

“What, here!?” Your eyes widened seeing him toss his own shirt and jacket aside, now only his chains hung around his neck. It was a sight that took your breath away. “What if someone-”

He didn’t allow you to finish voicing your concerns. He continued to kiss your neck until your mind was once again muddled. With only Joonkyung on your mind and in your eyes, you began acting on instinct.

Outside Dok2′s office, The Quiett stood watch knowing exactly what was going on behind the closed door when his assistant informed him you were the last person to enter. If anyone else were to interrupt they would all surely pay for it. Since the lawyers were all present in the building and available he thought it best to bring them by as soon as possible. He was only gone a few minutes, he never imagined his Boss would be so quick to get in the mood.

The Quiett ignored the lawyers questioning looks and directed them to instead wait in one of the meeting rooms. 

“I will bring the Boss shortly.”

The Quiett’s low voice was overpowered by a sudden chorus of moans on the other side of the door. Everyone in range averted their eyes as they pretended to hear nothing.

“Joonkyung!” You bit your lip unable to suppress every moan. Your hands were holding the edges of Joonkyung’s desk, knuckles turning white, to avoid from falling face-first into the wooden surface. 

Papers were scattered everywhere in the heat of the moment but Dok2 didn’t care. He was enjoying the intimate moment- as primal as it was. After rekindling their relationship Joonkyung had yet to be this brazen or demanding.

It was embarrassing but you were also enjoying. It reminded you of your younger selves when Joonkyung could hardly keep his hands to himself. When you heard him begin to grunt you knew he was close.

Soon his grip on your hips began to tighten and his movements became far more erratic. “Y/N I’m-”

“I know,” you panted allowing him to finish however he pleased.

There was one last moan. 

The Quiett sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. He was trying to rid himself of the blush that had inadvertently taken over his face. If he hadn’t left his notes in Dok2′s office he would have run off without a care in the world. 

He waited several minutes before knocking once more.

This time there was no verbal response only shuffling. 

Dok2 quickly picked up the papers that littered his floor while you locked yourself in his personal bathroom. Once everything seemed normal, to an extent, he called Donggab in.

The Quiett warily entered his eyes focused solely in Dok2′s direction afraid of seeing something he shouldn’t. “The lawyers are in the meeting room on the second floor.”

“Alright, let’s go talk to them.” Dok2 quickly knocked on the bathroom door to let you know he would be leaving. 

It was then that The Quiett saw the disarray of files on the boss’ desk. That was the end of The Quiett’s patience. “There is a couch right there!” He exclaimed while pointing out the nearly new leather couch in the corner of Joonkyung′s office.

\\\

After cleaning and straightening out your appearance you emerged into the empty office clutching onto your chest. The adrenaline and euphoria that helped you forget your environment were now gone. The thought of stepping out and meeting people after what you just did had your heart thumping in your ears.

You decided to wait for Dok2 there. Sitting down in his chair you began to fix the files that had been corrupted. Some were torn and crumpled rendering them useless but you did what you could. 

As you organized you came across the files pertaining to Jia and her father. It wasn’t clear whether you were allowed to read these files but you were hardly able to look away. When you saw the picture of a  man carrying a little girl you immediately put two and two together. 

“This must be Moon Jia...” you realized she looked exactly like Kylie. It was scary to think there would be another version of her to deal with later in the future. Although you hoped she would be far less threatening than her mother.

Next, you picked up a stapled packet, thick with various pages. You quickly browsed them until you were left with an unhinged jaw. “Five different mothers!”

Joonkyung walked in at that moment with The Quiett in tow.

You quickly put the scary file together and stacked it atop the rest. 

“What’s wrong?” he asked seeing your shock still clearly present on your face.

“Nothing, it’s just-” your eyes wandered to the file. “Jia’s father is... busy.” Busy was the only word you could manage to use to describe him. 

The Quiett would argue you two had no right to talk when you couldn’t be trusted to be left alone in an office.

“You read it?” Dok2 circled his desk but allowed you to remain sitting while he stood. You deserved to rest after what he just put you through. 

“Not all of it.”

Dok2 searched through the documents to pull out the old juvie record from a foreign country of a young Swings. “He goes by Swings, his real name is Moon Ji-hoon.”

Once again your jaw was left to hang. “Ji-hoon,” you repeated. It was hard to call it a coincidence. Had she not known about Leo and Ji-hoon having their blood tested she might have begun to suspect Kylie was unfaithful long before Jia. Still, she had the nerve to taunt Joonkyung like this?

“I have people looking into their relationship for anything useful that might help us with my son’s case.”

\\\

At home Leo finished his homework, having started as soon as they arrived from school while Ji-hoon lazed around and took a nap. 

“Finished already?” Ji-hoon stumbled into Leo’s room not bothering to knock despite Leo’s constant warnings to do so. “if only we were in the same class...” he sighed wishing he could just copy his little brother’s work.

Leo silently glared at him not bothering to remind him that he could easily do so if he would do well on more than just the tests.

Of course, Ji-hoon understood that is what he meant with that glare- now that he was proficient in his brother’s silent language. “There’s more to life than school and basketball my dear little brother.” He plopped down on Leo’s well-made bed with a sly smile. “Don’t you have any other interests?”

Leo looked over at the trophies and belts that rested in a display case on the opposite wall.

“Besides Taekwondo.”

Leo blinked, there was nothing else he particularly found interesting.

“What about video games, cars, motorcycles, fashion, girls...” Ji-hoon suddenly remembered how much attention his silent brother got from the female population at school. “What kind of girls do you like?”

Leo shrugged.

“Fine, I’ll say it first. I like sexy girls that like to dress provocatively and wear strong perfume.” Ji-hoon thought for a moment what else was important, “big boobs too.”

Leo rolled his eyes at the last part. “You would say that.”

Although Leo had never put much thought into what kind of girls he found favorable, he knew what he didn’t like. “As long as she isn’t annoying.”

Ji-hoon laughed. “Sure but what about looks?”

“Does it matter?” Leo shot back. Honestly, he didn’t think much of the girls that approached him. They always seemed to be like the girls Ji-hoon just described. He noted they tended to roll up their skirts and unbutton their shirts until a portion of their chest was visible. “Someone with some sense would be better,” he thought out loud.

Ji-hoon nodded understanding what it was all amounting to. “So you like the smart shy types.”

“Smart and shy is better than dumb and annoying.”

-end-

A/N: I’m setting up a lot for the future content of this series. That’s the best I can do when it comes to smut and such.

I also included an index since this is getting lengthy.

[alj4890]

Love/Angst Prompt

(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) as requested by many for the twins birth.

(Thomas x Amanda) from the storyline of And Then I Met You

A/N: Here's the end to this three part look. We've had it all with this couple during the pregnancy: joy at discovering they were having twins, sweetness with Kathleen, fear, angst, and now we have the birth.

Masterlist

@lxaah11​​ @alleksa16​​ @penguininapinktuxedo​​ @blackcoffee85​​ @stopforamoment​​   @hopefulmoonobject​​   @krsnlove​​   @annekebbphotography​​    @cora-nova  @hopelessromantic1352​​ . @sunflowergirl05​​ @desiree---1986​​ @greywitchyshots​​ @lilyofchoices​​ @emceesynonymroll​​ @dr-nancy-house​​ @aworldoffandoms​​ @ab1901​​   @lolablackwrites​​   @flyawayboo​​ @i-bloody-love-drake-walker​​ . @trappedinfandoms​​ @kate-mckenzie​​ ​

Catch up Part 1, Part 2

The Unexpected: Part 3

"We'll be fine." Maxwell insisted. "Go and enjoy breakfast with Kat." He placed a hand on Amanda's shoulder. "Unlike Liv, I'll panic and call you immediately if something happens."

Amanda narrowed her eyes at Maxwell. He met her gaze and shrugged. "You can't convince me otherwise when it comes to something like this that is so far out of my comfort zone."

She made a slight frustrated sound and focused on her husband. "You should get going."

"Will you give us a moment, Maxwell?" Thomas asked.

"Sure thing." He smiled at them both and left the room.

"You're not allowed access to your phone." Thomas began.

"What?!" Amanda's jaw dropped when he moved it from her bedside table and plugged it over across the room. "I am not some little girl who--"

"The only reason I am leaving is because I can trust Maxwell." His expression hardened. "After the stunt you pulled with Olivia--"

"I apologized and explained my reasons. Many times this past week." She snapped. "You need to--"

"You have yet to earn my trust back when it comes to your health." He interrupted. "I do not hold it against you, since you were somehow under the delusion that it was better to leave me in the dark." He pressed a kiss to her creased brow. "I am merely removing the temptation away from you trying not to interrupt my having breakfast at the palace with Kathleen."

Amanda grumbled about being treated like a child.

He tilted her face up and coaxed a kiss from her. "I'll be back in a couple of hours." He tenderly caressed her cheek. "Be good for all our sakes."

A laugh escaped her lips. "It's not me. It's our troublemakers."

He smiled and kissed her once more. "Only five more days left until we can scold them properly for this." His humor dimmed. "I know you feel uncomfortable. Is anything else bothering you?"

She shook her head. "That is pretty much it other than the occasional twinge from babies bouncing around on my bladder. And of course being so tired." She squeezed his hand. "Go on. Kathleen was so excited when you said you would be there for breakfast."

Maxwell knocked on the door and poked his head in. "Is it safe to come back?"

Thomas kissed her while whispering his love for her and said goodbye to the two of them.

"See you soon." She promised.

Maxwell took over the chair next to her bed. "So? What kind of trouble should we get into?"

She laughed and shook her head at the thought.

*************

"Daddy!" Kathleen ran over to Thomas when he walked into the dining room.

"Good morning." He kissed the top of her head. He greeted the royal family and took a seat beside his daughter.

"How's Amanda this morning?" Riley asked.

"The end is approaching, making her more anxious, but other than that she has been handling everything well." He answered while he helped Kathleen cut her waffle.

"Who's with her?" Liam asked.

"Maxwell." Thomas said with a rueful grimace. "Out of everyone, he’s the only one who won't listen to Amanda when something happens out of his control."

*************

An hour later...

"Maxwell?" Amanda struggled up. "I need some help with--"

"I'M CALLING THOMAS!!" He shouted, backing away from her.

"Stop! I need help out of bed." She yelled back. "I have to go to the bathroom."

"Oh." He put his phone back in his pocket. "Here we go." He helped her stand up. "You good?"

"Just a little light headed." She mumbled. "You pull me up much faster than everyone else." She grabbed her IV stand while he unplugged it.

"You want to cruise the hallways or go outside when you're done?" He called out when she shut the door. "I can find us a wheelchair."

"I don't think I'll be able too." She called back.

A few moments later she weakly walked back to her bed. "Max."

"Hmm?" He looked up and noticed how pale she was turning. Her lips were tinged gray "Amanda? What--"

She slumped sideways on the bed. "Call for the nurse. The bleeding...is...so much... worse." Her voice trailed off.

He looked down at the thin streams of blood trailing down her legs and ran out of the room, yelling for a nurse.

*************

Thomas chuckled at the story Emerick, Kathleen, and Ellis were telling him when he felt his phone vibrate. He quickly answered it while standing.

"Maxwell? What's--"

"The hemorrhaging became worse." Maxwell interrupted. "Dr. Vasco rushed her into surgery. He said they can't wait any longer."

"I'm on my way." Thomas said. He turned to the anxious group at the table. "The doctor is operating now."

Kathleen lowered her head as her tears built.

Thomas tried to comfort her. "I'm going to go see how she is." He held her tight when she threw her arms around his waist.

"Can I go?" She pleaded. "Please."

Thomas hesistated. If his worst fears came about, he didn't want Kathleen to suffer with waiting and then the news that one, two, or possibly all three were gone.

Liam and Riley stood up. "We'll all go." He called out for Bastien and made travel arrangements. Riley sent out a group text to everyone else.

"Us too?" Emerick asked.

"Yes." Riley decided "You two can help keep Kat company while we wait."

"I need to go." Thomas told them. Kathleen gripped his hand. "We'll see you there."

************

Two hours later...

Being a part of nobility had its benefits. With the press taking note of the sudden activity at the palace and hospital, reporters flocked to the waiting room in the hopes of getting an exclusive. The medical staff destroyed that notion and had a private waiting area that the group was put in.

Thomas paced back and forth before the door. His mind went from one outcome to this nightmare to another. His fear grew with each minute that passed with no news. The thought of hearing he had lost his wife made every moment one of acute agony.

Kathleen was sitting beside. She leaned her head against the duchess's side, wishing she had her mother holding her.

Olivia's face was pale as she wrapped her arm around the little girl. Her own past came back to haunt her with memories of being Kathleen's age when she lost her parents. She thought of the night Liam had found her crying while holding her mother's dress. Knowing that something similar could happen to the little girl next to her made her heart break.

Drake stood against the wall beside them and gently laid a hand on Olivia's shoulder. He knew what was going through her mind, the fears she rarely gave words to. His eyes touched on their two children, Jackson and Juliet, for once sitting quietly. He then observed the darkening frown growing on Thomas's face the longer they were stuck here with no word. He sympathized with him, knowing he would be the same if it were his wife so near to death's door. Drake couldn't stand the thought of seeing his two without their fierce mother.

Liam's jaw spasmed as he tried to hold onto his patience. His own childhood memories with his mother's murder were tormenting him. He didn't know how they would be able to help Thomas, Kathleen, and possibly two newborns heal from what might happen. He knew firsthand that nothing they could do would ever make things right.

Riley reached over and took his hand. She smiled softly at his fingers gripping hers, simultaneously giving and taking the comfort they both needed in this hour of uncertainty.

Maxwell paced on the other side of the room, unable to sit still. He didn't think he would ever get the image out of his head of his best friend fainting and bleeding. Somehow he had a calmness settle over him after it happened and he had gotten a nurse. This waiting though, he couldn't stand it. It reminded him of when his mother died. Maxwell and Bertrand had been shut away in a private waiting room, hoping for hours that a miracle would occur. He rubbed the spot on his chest where the tattoo in memory of her resided and focused on thinking more positive about this situation. Any moment now, they would hear--

Nadia jumped in her spot by the waiting room phone. The shrill ringing cut through the prevailing silence and made everyone freeze. When Thomas seemed to be immobile, she braced herself and lifted the receiver.

"Hello?" Her voice cracked. She lowered her eyes to see the little dimpled hand of her daughter's slipping into her own. Mia looked up at her, trying in her own way to comfort her mother. Xavier came closer too, as if sensing his mom needed support. Maxwell felt his heart tweak at his family leaning on one another during this trial.

"Yes, he's here." She held the receiver out toward Thomas. "It's one of the nurses."

He forced himself forward. He took a deep breath and lifted the phone to his ear.

"This is Amanda's husband." He choked out.

*************

An hour later...

"Don't make me laugh." Amanda, pressing a bed pillow to her abdomen,  pleaded to everyone. "I really don't want my stomach to burst open." 

"Again?" Maxwell teased.

She groaned at his joke and cuddled a giggling Kathleen closer. "I would prefer to never relive that moment again."

Joy and tears of relief had flooded the private waiting room when Thomas had been given the news that all three were doing well. Dr. Vasco had been able to operate before circumstances turned critical for Amanda. Their many prayers for the nightmare to end had been answered.

Thomas relinquished Elizabeth to a demanding Olivia and took a fussy Ian from Nadia and Riley. He gently swayed with him in his arms, smiling at the creased brow and slight frown forming around his pacifier. It seemed his son didn’t care for being the center of attention anymore than he did.

Drake leaned down to get a closer look at Elizabeth. "I think she's going to end up looking like Kat."

"I thought the same." Thomas added, smiling at his daughter's new interest in her baby sister. "She'll be a minature version of her."

"I think Ian will take after you." Amanda said, watching with happiness as her husband cuddled the bundle in his arms.

"I think he might." Thomas replied, fighting against too proud of a smile.

Kathleen and the other children went back and forth looking at the babies and then talked Maxwell and Nadia into taking them outside to the courtyard to play.

"How are you feeling?" Liam asked quietly while sitting in a chair near Amanda.

"Sore." She whispered. Her smile dimmed. "I didn't think I would survive when the bleeding began again."

"But you did." He said firmly. "And the twins are perfectly healthy. That's all that matters."

"A miracle." She whispered, smiling at Olivia and Drake arguing over who Ian looked like while Riley stole a chance to hold Elizabeth again. "That's the only way to explain it."

************

That night, Thomas placed the sleeping infants back in their shared bed.

"We have about two hours before the next round of diapers and feeding." Amanda whispered with a sleepy smile.

He sat down beside her on the bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Now that they were finally alone, he was able to come to terms with all that had happened.

"Thomas?" She whispered when she noticed how serious he looked.

He cupped her cheek and kissed her in a long, tender fashion. He pressed his forehead against hers and softly breathed the words thank you.

"For what?" She asked.

"For them. For Kathleen. For nearly a decade of putting up with my grumbling and stubborn ways." He ran the back of his fingers down her cheek. "For working so hard to bring my children into the world." He swallowed at the emotion building. "For loving me and staying alive for my sake."

She pressed another kiss to his lips, brushing her fingers across his stubbled jaw. "I could thank you for the same things." Her teasing smile formed against his lips. "Except for the grumbling."

He smiled softly. "I love you with all my heart, Amanda. All that I am is and has been yours from the moment we met."

She tugged him closer to her. "I love you just as much and have since you took my hand to reassure me when we first met."

He glanced over at one of the twins moving and letting out little cries. He got up and checked on which one was upset. He softly shushed his daughter while lifting her in his arms.

Thomas thought back to the time before meeting Amanda. He had been so satisfied in a life where all his passions had been poured out into his film projects. He didn't think he was the kind of man to marry and have a family. He thought he had all he needed to have a productive, fulfilled life.

He felt a great deal of sympathy for his misguided former self. This was what now fueled his existence. This was what had allowed him to experience true happiness. His wife had opened his eyes more than once to what life had to offer. He stood there, gazing upon the two new pieces of his heart, and knew how blessed he truly was.

How could he not when he had been given everything?

[thefirstcourtesan]

The Royal Recap: A Tale of Two Houses

It’s time for my thoughts on chapter 3 of TRM and I almost managed to get this out before chapter 4 aired but Tumblr was working against me. Oops. But I was trying to catch up from the first two chapters, plus Halloween. Hopefully I’ll be on track from here on.

As always, I refer to both Hunter and Kayden as men because they are in my playthrough. I also refer to Kayden as Dante.

We open this chapter with the MC about to get ready for the Grand Hunt and our aunts burst in. Aunt Elise (the nice one) is apologetic. But Aunt Zya is unrepentant and she is also pissed that we are now officially the head of our house. Oops. Maybe we should have consulted them? Nah, they are terrible, they can suck it up.

Thankfully that conversation is interrupted by Renza. Interestingly, Zya seems a little wary of Renza and issues us a warning, and then the aunts depart and leave us with Renza, who is there to extend an offer from House Fierro to escort us to the hunt.

There is a large caravan waiting for us, including Dante (as a guard) and Hunter. We ride in a coach with Hunter and Renza and they, specifically Renza, wastes no time getting to business. But first, she hands us a glass of whatever beverage we chose in chapter 2. This girl is observant.

The twins ask us to formally align with them and support House Fierro’s bid. At this point, that seems like a no brainer, since Hunter has been kind to us and seems like a good man and Cyrus is gross. But I feel like as simple as that seems now, it will be less so later on. However, it’s not really a discussion, we readily agree to the proposal.

Renza informs us that with the support of the MC’s house, they now only need one other house to support them, either Beaumount or Nevrakis. Theodosia has a pretty undeniable crush on Cyrus and I wonder if that will come into play. But Renza has a bit of a curveball for us, our support will come at the price of a marriage arrangement!

Uh, what?

Turns out a betrothal is the best way to secure an alliance and Hunter has to stay single to secure a foreign alliance and Renza is already married (hmmm). So that leaves House Fierro’s new ally to step up and carry the burden.

Thanks.

The MC accepts, saying that we want to fulfill our sister’s dream and then Hunter asks about our dreams. He promises to name us High Chancellor and fulfill any wish within his power. Renza seems a little surprised by his offer, which is interesting.

Viola wants to know the identity of her parents while Livia wants her own lands and estates. Either way Hunter promises to deliver.

The conversation turns back to a potential marriage alliance. Our first target is House Beaumont. If we can win the tile of master of horse, Percival will likely offer us a suitor from his house. Ok, we can do this.

But first, Renza stops us and criticizes our dress. Diamond outfit time. Renza has us try on the outfit in the carriage. The outfit is cute though it doesn’t seem like that much more mobile, but what do I know? The dress is Rosario colours and I think the default dresses will rotate between the three houses. The masquerade dress was Aster colours, this one is Rosario, then next one will be Everhart and so on.

Livia buys it, Viola does not. If you don’t buy the dress, Renza decides that they have enough of a numbers advantage to manage. She also straightens our skirt and promises to find us a spouse. For Livia it is a husband, for Viola a husband or wife (nice touch, PB, acknowledging the player’s choices) and she also assures us that Hunter won’t let us have an unhappy marriage and that the engagement can be ended.

When MC points out that is not fair to the other party who entered the arrangement in good faith, Renza has this gem to say:

If I wasn’t already suspicious of her, alarm bells would be ringing.

Speaking of suspicious, we get to the hunt and greeted by a surly Damon who then stomps away. Hello to you too. Next up is Cyrus, who is condescending and gross at the same time. Unfortunately, he is also our host, which Percival points out when he approaches. If we are wearing the diamond outfit, he also comments on how prepared we look and either way he asks if this is our first hunt and offers us a dagger to protect ourself. First, though, he sharpens the dagger with a magic whetstone, our fourth magic item (useful, but I would still choose the cloth).

Cyrus and Percival leave and Dante brings over four horses, he will be riding with us to protect Hunter since Kendra’s assassins are still out there. Renza may be shady, but she has style. She hates the outdoors and lacks herself wine, cheese and pillows to get through the hunt. I approve (though I actually love riding).

Cyrus reveals this year’s quarry: our house sigil. So a wolf for Viola and a bear for Livia. This is obviously not an accident, which Dante comments on. This was chosen to send us, the newest and most vulnerable house, a message. Message received.

Once the hunt starts, Dante pulls us and comments he is surprised to see us as part of Hunter’s caravan and we tell him that we have agreed to secure the third vote, which he immediately understands means marriage. He wants to say something, which we call him on and he says it is not a place. Viola lets it go but Livia presses and he asks about whether we will be happy and there is a charged moment before Livia tells him that she will be happy to secure her house’s fortune.

The promos promised us a forbidden romance and they are definitely delivering. The longing, the class barriers, the sense of duty holding them back, this romance is going to be tortured and I am here for it.

Back to the group and since the quarry is our animal, the MC is knowledgeable about it and it’s hunting habits. Time to find a wolf or a bear.

First we come across Cyrus and Lord Pompadour and we make noise and throw them off the scent. Next we find Perceval and Theodosia caught in a trap and get them down. Perceval is friendly and appreciative, Theodosia not so much. Hmm.

We find a den and it’s time to look around, it’s dark, so Hunter lends us the last magical item: the glowing sun charm or basically a magical flashlight.

The den is empty and Hunter decides we should split up and look for it. Renza refuses to move but encourages the MC to go, setting up a diamond scene. You can choose to go with either Man or stay back with Renza for free. Livia went with Dante and Viola with Hunter.

We learn that Hunter was Kendra’s High Chancellor and that it is the second most powerful position in the kingdom. This is the position he just promised us, remember, so he obviously trusts us a lot after knowing us two days. We also learn that he didn’t want to take the position because he was too committed to pursuits of pleasure but he also makes it sound like those days are behind him and he is committed to being a good ruler and that could also be a fun dynamic.

The talk turns to the MC and how long we has been away from court and the adjustment we will have to make with Hunter offering advice from a place of experience. We also end up in a garden and have a romantically charged moment before Hunter pulls away.

Meanwhile Livia and Dante discuss their shared circumstances, him rising up the ranks for the guard and her as a scribe.

Dante helps us up a tree and we bask in the beautiful scenery and then the talk turns to the transition the MC has made and then we fall into Dante’s arms and have a romantically charged moment.

I liked both these scenes and how different they were. I like what we learned about Dante and Hunter respectively and the setting up for the respective romantic dynamics. Hunter is committed to putting duty over romance now despite their obvious attraction to us. While Dante is very aware of his position and ours and that will hold him back. There is so much potential for both romances and I love it.

Both diamond scenes end with us catching sight of our quarry and catching up with whichever man we didn’t choose. Working with Hunter and Dante, we capture our prey and we sound the horn, ending the hunt and are declared master of the Hunt.

After that follows an awful scene with Damon, who takes the task of “releasing” the quarry but instead takes the opportunity to warn us away from Hunter and threaten us by killing our house animal.

The one thing I am most looking forward to about the eventual reveal of the MC’s parentage is the look on Damon’s face because I hate him so fucking much.

Damon walks away and Vasco finds us, we tell him what happened just as the bear/fox/wolf’s cub crawls out in search of it’s mama. We then get a chance to adopt the cub ourselves or let Vasco take care of it. Obviously I adopted both pets. I actually switched Viola to Aster just to get a wolf.

The fox is cute but the bear and wolf are such fun callbacks to two of Kenna’s pets and I reused the names I used on TC&TF and called the bear Ursa and the wolf Fenris. After we bond with our pet, we leave him in Vasco’s care and rejoin Hunter and Renza where we tell them what their father did. 

Hunter is stunned and outraged, while Renza merely points out his lack of subtlety. Hunter walks away angry and Renza compliments us on a job well done and then Perceval approaches and offers us a suitor: Emery Beaumont.

For Viola, Emery is a woman and for Livia Emery is a man. There is no choice like with Hunter and Kayden, the game decides for you based on your expressed preferences because of this I don’t think Emery is an LI, but I am glad preference is taken into account.

This chapter was good. It introduced Hunter and Dante a bit more as LI’s and we got to learn more about them and explore the relationship dynamic. Damon was solidified as an antagonist while Renza showed herself to be shady AF and worth keeping an eye on. We are only 3 chapters in but so far, so good. The world building and balancing is well done so far and I actually think only have two gender customizable LIs could work in the book’s favour as it is allowing both LIs to be well developed and important to the plot.

[thefirstcourtesan]

The Royal Recap: A Tale of Two Houses, Chapter 2

Welcome back to my TRM recaps! Now we tackle chapter 2. Little bit of housekeeping before we get started. I really wanted a pet wolf, so I changed Viola from House Rosario to House Aster. So from this point on, I have Viola of House Aster and Livia of House Everhart.

I also have male Hunters and Kaydans, so I will refer to them as such, and my Kaydans are Dante. I will offer a ficlet to the first person to guess why I used Livia (the whole reason because it is layered) and Dante 😂.

So the queen is dead and Annalissa is unconscious. The assassin helpfully tells us she will never wake again and that we are going to join her. Which is obviously the right time to start questioning the assassin or yelling at him 😂

Before he can harm us though Vasco rushes in, followed by the guards, one of whom looks like a bald Will Jackson. Apparently working for the Queen is an inherited position, but good hair does not run in the family. The guards chase the assassin and Vasco tends to Annalissa. Though he is more concerned about the future of our House than the fact that Annalissa is in some kind of magic sleep. Basically, he tells MC that she has to take over as head of the house and see through Annalissa’s plan to make their house noble.

As I said in my first recap, I am suspicious of Vasco, but not in a “he hired the assassins” way, but I think he knows exactly who MC is and that he is pulling a lot of strings that we don’t see. He has Raydan (and Bastien’s) face after all and as I noted before, the free outfit has the same color palette as his clothes.

It only takes a moment for the MC to agree to take Annalissa’s place and host the house’s debut and then MC and Vasco move Annalissa back home and Cordonia goes into mourning for the queen (though not that deep since the whole court is going to be at the ball 😂)

The next day keep vigil near Annalissa’s bed and talk to her and then it’s time to get ready for the ball, we can’t go to the ball in our scribe outfit. We can wear the black dress or a fancy house dress that Vasco produces for us (at the low cost of 25 diamonds).

I find the Aster dress prettier, but I have to conserve diamonds on that device so Viola got the plain black dress while Livia got the Everhart dress. After we choose the outfit it is time to greet our guests and meet the major players.

The first person of note introduced is the King Regent: Hunter! If you didn’t dance with Hunter at the ball, this is your chance to name him. We learn his last name, Fierro,. Hunter introduced himself to Livia, telling her it is a pleasure to once again make her acquaintance and she realizes he was the man in the sun mask, while Viola expresses surprise that she danced with the King.

Hunter tells us he is not yet the king, only the king-regent, and will be so until Kendra’s will is read because he is not a prince and has no blood-right to the throne but he was Kendra’s chosen heir. Also that Kendra had no children.

Sure she didn’t. I believe that. Really I do.

Next up, we’ve got Dante or as Viola refers to him “imposing man”. If you didn’t dance with Dante/Kayden, you get to choose his name. Dante and Livia reunite, while Viola denies meeting him, which he corrects and she realizes that he is the man in the moon mask. Livia has a warmer interaction with Dante and Viola with Hunter but both are cordial with the man they did not dance with.

After introductions are done, Hunter informs us that the debut is not enough to make our house noble, instead it is a test. We have to win over the majority of the royal families. There are 4 plus the crown. And this is our only chance, otherwise our house will remain “common” for another generation (oh the horror). I mean, I feel like that isn’t going to happen, even if we screw this up, but I hate failplays and can’t do it 😂, so I will be left curious.

As soon as Hunter and Dante leave us, we are introduced to “stern noble” aka. Damon Fierro, Hunter’s father and chief asshole. He starts by telling us that Annalissa deserved her magical coma for forgetting her place. Yeah, two seconds in and I know I don’t like you, dude.

After he leaves us, we are introduced us to “sassy noble”, otherwise known as Lady Renza Fierro, Hunter’s twin. She points out that they are not identical, which I know is meant for those with female Hunters but is pretty hilarious if you have a male Hunter.

Renza tells us that Hunter told her we’d need a friend at court. this must be after the masquerade, which is interesting if you barely interacted with Hunter, though he is obviously aware of who we are and is more aware of us the attitude at court, so it’s not that out of place. Renza tells us her house is out of the question, but that there are still three other houses for us to impress: Vescovi, Beaumont and Nevrakis.

We are introduced to Lord Percival Beaumont aka. Bearded Maxwell. Renza refers to him as “the local expert on the law and the lance” and adds that he has a stick up his ass but no one can get close enough to confirm (is this PB’s way of warning us he will not be an LI or a challenge? Probably the former).

Next up is Lady Theodosia Nevrakis, wearing bright pink and very concerned about how she is introduced. Renza is dismissive about Theodosia and we get a chance to comment and basically, Theodosia is dismissed as frivolous and self absorbed. Basically she reminds me of a less blood-thirsty Zenobia.

Last up is Cyrus Vescovi and Lord Pomadour. The dog is cute and Cyrus has great hair? That is about as much positive as I can say. Unlike Percival and Zenobia, we don’t hear Renza’s opinion of Cyrus, instead we get a chance to form our own as he immediately seeks us out.

He knows exactly who we are, including that we were once a scribe, so court gossip is going strong in one day. Of course, these nobles are well acquainted with Annalissa and she may have told them about her sister, but the point is everyone knows us and we know no one. Fun. Cyrus makes some gross sexual innuendo towards us and then also towards Renza and gets shot down twice, which doesn’t deter him. From Cyrus we also learn that Renza is the Keeper of the Royal Archives. They don’t go into detail what that means, but it is highlighted, so I think we are supposed to take note and I have lots of thoughts.

After Cyrus leaves, Dante appears and whisks is away for a matter of “private security” and leads us into the lawn where he tells us Damon and Cyrus are conspiring against us, we also learn that Dante is Cyrus’ half-brother, same father but Dante is illegitimate!

Dante tells us he is on our side and we can choose how to react, Viola points out that he hates Cyrus, which he confirms, while Livia teases him about liking her which he does not deny. Oh Dante, you are going to fall so hard for her and I can’t wait.

He leads us into the dance floor and tells us a dull story while instructing the MC to keep her ears open and listen to conversations around her. We can listen in on two noble groups. One is a group of women gossiping about Hunter and the other is nobles worries about the magic attack.

One of those nobles is my man Diavolos! Oh how I have missed him. And I love the facial hair. I also love how this book is incorporating reused asset like making the Nevrakis herald the Nevrakis uncle from TC&TF or Jackson a guard. Instead of just reusing the assets and shoving them in place, in this book it makes sense and it is a nice little nod to the History of the Five Kingdoms/Cordonia. Plus I’ll take any excuse to see Diavolos again. They also use some TRR assets, Maxwell of course, but also Lucretia and it’s a nice touch, seeing these familiar faces.

After dancing away from the nobles, it is time to eavesdrop on Cyrus. He tells the page he will speak against us only if he speaks first because he will not risk going against the other house’s, which is interesting, but it gives us something to work with. We also spot Theodosia staring at Cyrus’s ass, giving us an opening.

So Theodosia is into Cyrus? I mean she can do better. But I also kinda like it because it reminds me of Zenobia’s crush on Tevan. But Cyrus is no Tevan.

Before we talk to Theodosia, we get to see her magic artifact. We saw the Vescovi artefact (a magic comb) while talking to Cyrus and now we see the Nevrakis item, which is a magic cloth (as the mother of 3, I would sell a kidney for that cloth). So far the magic items are fun and practical but seem to have a limited scope. There are two items left.

Back to Theodosia. The best way to deal with her is compliment her. I didn’t want to fail play, but I decided to throw away one vote just to see and if you point out she has a magic hanky, she says this... 

Yeah, she definitely reminds me of Zenobia 😂.

After Theodosia wanders off we are back to Hunter and Dante, who are wandering away for a moment’s peace. Of course, this means diamond scene, we have a choice of exploring the study with Dante or the gardens with Hunter. You can do both, but I just did one on each device.

First, Viola explores the garden with Hunter. We learn that she hasn’t lived on the estate since she was a girl. My guess is that is when the parents died and she was sent to the library, because at the time Annalissa was too young to intervene, even if she was the head of the house.

Back to Hunter, who feels guilty about becoming king and is mourning Kendra, who he says was like a mother to him, but he is confident that she would support his plans for Cordonia and talks about how he has spent his whole life training to be King and knows there is so much good to be done, even if his father doesn’t agree. Hunter has no illusions where his father is concerned, but he has s very warm, perhaps naive view of his sister, pointing out that it was his father who chose which of them would be heir but Renza has been nothing but supportive. When you comment on it, he says this:

Yeah, being outwardly angry would be stupid and pointless. I think Renza is far too smart for that. I have posted about it this week, but I think Renza has a lot more to her than “bubbly bff who introduces us to court” and I think it is interesting that if she has a more scheming, power-hungry side, she has managed to hide it from her own twin, but then love blinds us.

There is a moment of talking about the future and then a little hand holding and then Hunter goes inside. For a guy who has a reputation as a lady killer, he is certainly moving slow. Of course, he is king regent now and may have to be a little more cautious, but still.

Meanwhile, Livia is in the study with Dante. I loved this scene because it sets up the reality of the time so well. Dante was born on the fringes of a noble house, he can read and write but does not have the same access to books that even the MC did, in fact I am guessing that there isn’t much that Dante actually owns for himself since he commented he didn’t even have a shelf, despite his now elevated position.

Dante also points out that the MC was lucky to be sent to the library and have all that access to books. I also think that was purposeful, I feel like Zya made the decision to send MC away but someone else (*cough*Vasco*cough*) decided where she would go and it wasn’t coincidence that she ended up in a place where she had access to knowledge.

We also get confirmation that Kendra was descended from Kenna and that Dante knew her well and that he feels guilty for what happens to her and for failing to protect Annalissa. Also a moment about how Cyrus is his only family but there is no family affection there and then there is a chance to hug Dante, which of course Livia does.

Interludes done, it is time to go back to the business of making allies and of course Renza is waiting for us. It is time to charm Percival with our knowledge of Cordonian property law. Thanks Renza. Thankfully, we do have one tidbit to share, thanks to our work at the library and it works like a charm and Percival is won over.

Renza proposes a drink and asks us to choose our favorite. Livia chooses honey mead and Viola red wine. Renza returns after a moment with our drinks and Hunter and Dante and prods Hunter into calling the vote about whether to grant our house noble status.

Viola didn’t impress Theodosia but she didn’t vote against her, she just didn’t vote at all, which is interesting. Both Viola and Livia for Percival and Cyrus’s vote. Either way, Hunter declares it official, Damon tries to object and Renza shuts him down. Whatever her agenda is, it is definitely not the same as her father’s, but then why would it be?

Renza’s agenda aside, tonight it is in our favour and our house is granted noble status with us as the official head. Now it’s time to celebrate and that means diamond scene!

Renza organizes a drinking party with Percival, Cyrus, Theodosia, Hunter, and Dante. Also, this court needs some new blood if they are resorting to inviting Cyrus to their after parties, just saying. Or Percival.

Dante immediately tries to bow and say he is only there to watch, but Hunter is having none of it. Renza decides on the game, Queen’s Cup (I guess they didn’t have I Never in Renaissance Corodnia 😂). People drink, rules are made, Theodosia lets her thirst show, Cyrus has to compliment his dog, and Percival is the least fun a Beaumont has ever been at party.

The MC draws a 7, which means she will be locked in a closet with someone. This is actually based on prior choices (probably who you danced with) as Viola got Hunter and Livia got Dante. However, the dialogue is pretty much exact the same (except referring to Renza as “your sister” to Hunter), so they isn’t much impact but it is nice that the player’s preferences are being noted.

After that, Renza draws the final queen, meaning she has to drink a giant goblet of wine and ending the game. There is this little exchange:

This is interesting, because it hints that Renza is used to setting things up and having them the work out the way she wants and that she is not above pulling strings. Additionally, when you comment on the amount of wine, Percival comments that Renza can handle it, except she can’t and immediately needs to go outside alone with the MC. Perhaps another benefit to her drawing the final card?

Renza opens up to us about her feeling about her her father choosing Hunter, showing a vulnerable side. But she also manages to twice let us know that she drank quite a lot, giving herself a bit of an excuse. On face value, it can be taken as a bonding between the MC and the best friend character, but I don’t think this is a face value kind of book and I think everything with Renza is very carefully plotted, including this scene and her moment of vulnerability.

I am going to add that I think the Hunter and Renza dynamic is probably even more compelling when they are both women because then there is no difference between them. They are twins, both women, and yet only one can rule the house. Only one can be queen. I kinda want to play with a female Hunter just for that.

Renza’s moment of vulnerability is over and we go back inside just as the Beaumont Page announces that Queen Kendra’s will has been found and that no successor has been named and that a new king or queen will be selected from amongst the noble houses and Cyrus nominates his house, which infuriates Damon.

The speed of his decision and the fact that earlier he expressed a desire not to make enemies amongst the other noble houses makes me wonder if he knew this was coming. The other thing to note, is that he volunteered his house, not himself and I feel like that could be significant later on.

Neither Hunter or Damon are thrilled by this announcement, of course, bout it appears Cyrus’s claim is valid and Percival announces that the social season is about to begin and when it is done, they will choose a monarch. I feel like I’ve done this before, but hey at least my MC isn’t in the race this time, right? she can just sit back and relax. Ha ha ha.

And end chapter 2!

Again, I love this book. The first chapter set up the world, this one introduced all the characters and the political intrigue and I am so ready for it. I love the nods to TC&TF and TRR, I love the characters that we have met so far and I actually enjoy the MC’s role in the story and that she is navigating multiple worlds. A commoner, but one raised in privilege even if she wasn’t born to it, and now a noble. I am really curious to see how it all plays out for her.