#would Rhea tell them the truth about who they are? I she would

[randomnameless]

Why do the FEH devs insist on ignoring Nabatean lore so much?

I recently had a surprisingly cordial discussion on redshit with someone about the "nabateans = colonisers" take, and one of the main points raised was that the game was purposedly foggy around Nabateans/Sothis/their story because it would obviously favor a certain narrative (and thus make another narrative look, uh, not that marketable anymore).

To be honest, we still ended up with a product that had a lead go "this race and its blood* is the reason why the world sucks" and yet that lead is still marketable enough to have raunchy cipher cards and 5 FEH alts, so I actually wonder if, while pissing on that lore had that purpose, it was ultimately pointless since Supreme Leader can still sell goodies despite her incarnation in FE16.

And not only Supreme Leader - but the entirety of WC where we basically have 70% of the cast crying/complaining about their "mixed blood" or lack of and basically adding their 10 cents to the "this race and its blood is the reason why the world sucks".

I mean, can you imagine Sylvain selling any goodies and alts if Flayn replied to his "wah wah people only are kind to me and want to fuck me because I have Nabatean blood :(" by some uncharacteristic "good for you, I have to hide my ears, had to dye my hair, have to lie about my family because if the truth is found out about my identity, I will be hunted and vivisected like an animal and harvested for parts by people who call my kin abominations - just like what happens in the game where the same people who call my kin "abominations" ally with a classmate who calls me a creature and pretends I am incapable of human feelings based on my race".

FE Fodlan's main selling point is its cast of students, for various reasons, but even if I tried to kid myself, Nopes and FEH made it clears : students are the main selling point.

If you spare more time and attention to the Nabatean plot/lore, the students either grow from "likeable" to "despicable" or worse, you won't gaf about them because yeah sure, Hilda might be upset because people expect things from her due to her crust, but it would feel like a "peanut" compared to Seteth's irrational (granted, it's not so irrational since GW exists) fear that Flayn's newest friends would dissect her if they learnt she was a Nabatean, and being conflicted by finally letting her have human friends and form bonds she crave, or protect her due to the trauma from the genocide of their species.

Don't get me wrong, I love peanuts, I mean, not everyone can have a tragik of loaded backstory!

And yet, given how this verse's DNA is "can you fight against the red emperor who uwus about you", they had to add copious amounts of Earl Grey to their games so there's no clear-cut factions :

The "Your alien blood and its influence on the world corrupted it, so I want to reform it under my command" vs "I don't want to die and you oppose me due to my race and side with the people who genocided my kin"

is turned to :

"Your alien blood Crests and its your church's influence on the world corrupted it, so I want to reform it under my command"

"I don't want to die and you oppose me due to my race and side with the people who genocided my kin"

Sprinkle with the cast's hammering here and there that the "reforms" might be needed - but never develop on what they are - and add a few baseless and groundless takes as a toping (basically everything Claude says about tolerance and the general "isolationism/foreign policy" stuff) and you get FE Fodlan where the Red Emperor's war isn't seen as the catastrophe it is in the other entries from the series!

Now, for FEH...

FWIW, the F!F!Billy's trailer had them try to explain that Sothis was a bit pissed about her slaughtered/massacred children when Nopes never gave any reason about why she was pissed - maybe on Billy's behalf bcs Jerry's dead, but come on, she would indeed deserve the medal of the worst parent in the franchise if that was the case, since Billy can murder her daughter without Sothis taking over ! - but given that they cannot write/go against the source game those characters are from.

They tried a bit, with B!Supreme Leader and Hegemongard's FB, but then it stopped (because she had no "new unit" released since then lol) and I can understand why : Hegemongard came out before the Supreme Emblem, and Hegemongard hates dragons who are seen/perceived as gods by some of their human followers. Come FE17, and now Supreme Emblem accepts Alear because they are "one of the good ones". We can come up with HCs and details and talk about what are emblems or if Hegemongard's views were only hers at the end of AM all day long... But imo, Doylist wise, it still feels it's a retcon because the devs from the main games tried to scrap and remove the most "controversial" traits she had.

For the other characters... Well, you see what Marianne is in FEH (but even in her base games), she's one of the few characters who reacts - in a way - to the partial history about relics and demonic beasts and all... only to give sad uwus to Maurice.

FE16 (and Nopes) refused to have any "student" character react to the Nabatean lore/reveal, about what are relics and all. There are no lines, Claude shared some knowledge in the explore section of VW's last chapter, but we don't have anyone muse or think or even talk about what are relics, what are crests, and what kind of fuckery their ancestors or the ancient humans of Fodlan did.

With that in mind, FEH can't do much : either they write Marianne in a retcon-y way like what happened for Hegemongard (and they're not afraid to piss on characterisation, look at Lyon!), or they flanderise her "character" and develop her around 3 lines she had in the game in her paralogue, and continue to give sad uwus about Momo when he was at best a guy who slaughtered and murdered so much that he abused the Nabatean turned into a relic to the point where he turned in a demonic beast even if he had a matching crest, or at worst, had been part of Nemesis's piñata party in Zanado and was something of a genocider.

Tldr :

Why FE Fodlan never gaf about Nabateans : earl grey + the marketable cast has to stay marketable and you can't sell peanuts at the same price you'd sell swordfish

Why FEH dgaf about Nabatean lore : they can't afford to retcon characters + they have to sell peanut alts with the same seasoning they had in their base game.

For what it's worth though, I think FEH is more daring than the base game(s) given how they gave more lines and screentime to Rhea - through her different alts - than GW. And they even designed her Halloween!alt's lines to piss on some of Claude's assertions, while the various FB involving members of the church also - indirectly - reply to some accusations thrown their way in FE16 when, FE16, never gave them an opportunity or lines to explain that those takes were full of dung.

*"but random, maybe she doesn't know that the crests she often decries is "dragon blood"!"

It's highly debatable, especially given what she and Hubert throw to Billy in CF - but even if she doesn't, Doylist wise we still have a character who, knowingly or not, says "this race and its blood* is the reason why the world sucks" and who is never called out on her prejudice. That's more of an issue regarding the general writing though, she has to be a red emperor and took pages from Ashnard's book, and yet, the player must still feel bad and want to romance her, so her mindest/goal cannot be looked at too closely, because, I guess, even the devs thought it would be difficult to romance her (thus sell goodies!) if more light was shed on the "blood from this race corrupts our people" schtick -> which in turn would also make characters whose backstory and gimmick rely on "crying about crests" be way less likeable, thus marketable and able to sell goodies.

[queers-gambit]

Tell Me Every Terrible Thing [ part one of two ]

part two: And Let Me Love You Anyway

prompt: you embark on a secret but passionate affair with the Rogue Prince, and when his wife, Rhea Royce, passes away, he chooses you to wed next - a decision that angers his niece and changes history.

pairing: Daemon Targaryen x female!Hightower!reader -> hair color specified reader

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

word count: 5.6k+

note: what the fuck is this, Cherry? also two parts 'cause author gets carried away!

warnings: show spoilers, cursing, author has small bouts of feministic ideas, author also really likes the "little birds" storyline (let her live!), wonky brain is wonky, i think hurt and comfort, angst, very mild NSFW (brief female receiving oral), technically alternative timeline 'cause this goofy-ass author has an overactive imagination, #icanmakehimworse, another reader insert (this warning is for the fucking losers in my inbox).

"How angry do you think he'll be with me?"

You offered your best friend, The Realm's Delight, Crowned Heir to the Iron Throne, Princess Rhaenyra, a unamused, stale look. Sarcastically, you replied, "Oh, come now, Nyrie, why would your father be angry? It couldn't be because you rejected every suitor His Grace put before you, or even how you abruptly ended the tour with two months remaining. What father would be angry after that?"

She groaned, "I know, I know, you don't have to be so right all the bloody time. I just... I couldn't do it anymore, you saw what it was like," her head bowed and you knew the girl was truly overwhelmed by her 'job' picking a suitor.

"This was no easy feat to arrange, Princess," you spoke diplomatically, aware of the ship's crew dotting around the royal ship. "Our fathers went through much difficulty to ensure this tour's success, Princess, and I'd imagine neither will be thrilled by our early arrival."

"But it's just - "

"I know," you soothed with a knowing, sympathetic smile. Your arm extended around her, her head dropping to your shoulder for comfort. "In an ideal world, women would have a real say in their futures. Perhaps, that is what you're meant to do, Nyrie... Perhaps you're meant to break this wheel, give the other half of humanity a fighting chance against the men who have long suppressed us. Being heir is a monumental stereotype to shatter, but most women are not born into royalty and have nobody protecting or defending them."

She picked her head up to stare at you for a single moment, then nodded slowly, "That's a lot of pressure."

"Less if you pick a respectable man to help you lead," you advised softly, reaching to caress her cheek briefly. "You're to be Queen, Nyra, which means you need a King Consort that the common folk will respect, who will play his part in the courts to come. I know it's not ideal, my friend, but it's not meant to be - it's meant to be strategic." You paused, adding, "Similar to Ali marrying your father, yes? That was a strategic move on my father's end. Now it's up to you to chose your own match, to plot your own strategy."

"Who would you see me marry?"

"In truth? I'm unsure if anyone would fit the bill perfectly, so, I don't know who I could see you with. Definitely someone smart, though."

She only hummed, sighing deeply and making you frown. Before another word could be said, there came a distant screech that sounded all too familiar - though you refused to let it show that you knew this particular dragon's sound.

Nyra moved away from the ship's railing to stare longingly up into the sky, and about a minute later, without visible sight of any threat, Ser Criston Cole was shouting, "Take cover!"

And then, like a bird swooping to snatch a fish, a crimson dragon descended from the cover of clouds - seemingly materializing from nowhere. The large, long, slithery beast with wings knocked into the ship's main mast; jolting everyone on board enough to topple over.

You tried to stabilize the Princess, but you lost balance and dropped to your knees as Cole rushed to help Rhaenyra to her feet. When able, you looked to the sky; grinning to yourself as you recognized the retreating Blood Wyrm. Seeing the distinct form of Caraxes made you giddy with anticipation, however, that was short lived as you clocked Rhaenyra's gaze of awe and wonder.

It seems she was excited for her uncle's return, too. Though, it won't be till later that you learn the extent of her adoration.

Less than an hour later, the ship was docking and you escorted Princess Rhaenyra from aboard; her guards surrounding you both as you trekked to the Red Keep. "Just... Perhaps try to stay invisible," you advised your friend, arm-in-arm. "The King won't be pleased if you interrupt court, even just by being there. With luck, we won't be noticed."

She agreed softly, continuing on. She started fiddling with her necklace, the piece of Valyrian Steel jewelry that her uncle, Daemon, had gifted her years ago before Queen Aemma passed away. Your lover had told you the Princess was owed a piece of her Valyrian history, and since he could not gift a sword to a young lady, the necklace was chosen, crafted, and gifted.

When you returned to the Red Keep, it was just in time for court to be called to session and your friend was all too eager to join. "Nyra," you warned, hand in hers.

"It's all right," she assured, "come, it must be Daemon - "

"No, I should return to my chamber. Don't piss your father off too much," you warned her with a smirk, watching her grin in response, squeeze your hand, and then file into the Throne Room with the other members of court.

You retreated to your old room, sighing in relief when you discovered nothing was disturbed. "My Lady!" A voice gasped at the open door. You glanced over, smiling at Milah, your usual handmaiden, and opening your arms when she rushed forward. "You're not supposed to be back yet! Oh!" She tutted, looking you over. "I'll get your bed made and - "

"No, it's fine - "

"Nonsense, let me do this," she insisted, already busying around the room. "I was wondering why they were bringing things into the foyer - must be all the Princess' luggage, hmm?"

"Yeah," you sighed, helping her strip the bed and change the sheets. "It was strange," you admitted, "the men, I mean, and the way they all competed for her hand in marriage."

"Did you expect anything else?"

"I did not think they'd honestly kill one another. Though it was more so their pride than the Princess they fought over."

Milah smirked, "Sounds about right. Well, what of you? Anyone catch your eye?"

"Of course not," you sighed a little sadly.

"Still hung on the Prince, aren't you, my Lady?"

"Perhaps," you mused.

You spent the better part of an hour gossiping with Milah before she had to go grab a few things, but promised she'd send your belongings up as soon as possible. You thanked her, walked her out, assuring you were just going to get a bath or something, and just as you shut and locked your chamber door, gasped when a pair of hands seized your waist.

"Daemon!" You hissed when you saw the short, white locks of your surprise guest. "The bloody fuck is wrong with you?" You demanded, turning in his grip to shove your hands into his chest. "What're you doing here? Want to get us caught?"

"Three years," he grit, gathering you in his arms to heave upward and force your legs around his waist if you wanted to keep balance, "three fucking years I've been gone - away - missing you, do not deprive me a moment more."

"Someone will come looking," you whispered, caressing his face as your forehead met his. "And perhaps I want a moment to just look at you, 's been years," you breathed. "You cut your hair," you commented, running your hands through the short strands.

"I cut my hair," he agreed softly, just holding you close and tight.

"I like it... But I'll miss braiding it."

"I will, too," he admitted. He nuzzled closer, inhaling your neck sharply, boldly licking a flat tongue up your pulse point to make you shudder lightly.

"Daemon," you whispered, pulling his head back so you could look in his eyes, beaming, "I missed you, too."

"Viserys is arranging a lunch for my return," he informed, turning so he could approach your newly-made four-poster bed; dropping you flat on your back with a grin. "Which roughly translates into only allotting a few minutes to make up for lost time."

"We will have time later - "

"I overheard Viserys saying he and Otto intend to take evening tea with you regarding the Princess' return from tour," he eased, reaching to spread your legs, bunching your skirts. "But I will call upon you tomorrow? Yes? Officially?"

"If you insist," you teased, letting him finally descend to smash his lips against yours. In truth, you were used to his empty promises of 'calling on you officially' because of his marriage to Lady Royce, but it was his way of telling you without words that he wished it was you instead of Rhea.

Daemon groaned, melting into your form; breathing heavily. "I've missed you past words," he whispered, nuzzling your nose with his. "But for now, I just need a taste - "

"We don't have time - "

"We'll be fast. Tell me, love," he nipped your pouting lips, soothing his tongue over the puckered skin, "have you taken another in my absence?"

"Of course not," you hissed in offense.

"Good," he nodded, kissing you sweetly.

"Need I ask?"

"There were no concubines," he mused, "though, they were offered, I did not accept. So, we'll be quick - faster than quick," he promised, pawing at your undergarments and exposing your dampening cunt to his sight. "I'll take my time with you later, but for now, I need this," he all but seethed before diving tongue-first into your core.

His spit mixed with your arousal, creating a slippery mess.

"Shit," you hissed, grabbing his shorter hair as his tongue flattened to lap at your entrance, dripping in your essence. One of his hands held your thighs apart for his access, the other releasing his cock from the pair of breeches he wore. Daemon groaned at the taste of you, lapping wildly like a man starved, and stroking his bare cock in rhythm with his ministrations.

It truly took no time at all once he found your clit and sucked mercilessly, the hand holding your thighs now extended up to paw roughly at your tits. Alternating his tongue around your sloppy cunt added to your heightening pleasure, swirling his tongue as he bobbed and shook his head - making an absolute mess, and causing your climax to shatter your mind and soul.

Your legs twitched, spine curled, stomach contracted as your arms quivered from the rush of adrenaline; hand slapped over your mouth to keep your moans to a minimum. You grabbed his hair so tightly, he groaned in mock pain; legs then contracting to a suffocating grip around his ears and head while Daemon met his own end, spending in his hand whilst milking you for all you had.

He panted with satisfaction when he pulled back, grinning at you in mischief when you released your hold on him. "Good fuckin' girl," he praised, standing to his feet only to slither over top of you. "Like not a day's gone by, huh?" He whispered, kissing you messily, smearing your cum on your tongue; grinding his bare cock into your recovering core to make you shudder. "Take a moment, then get ready," he whispered. "I expect to see you at the celebrations... Wear that dress I got you for your fifth-and-twentieth nameday," he smirked, adding, "if you'd so please, my darling."

You chuckled, "You magically learned manners during the war?"

"Perhaps," he mused, pecking your lips again.

"Hey, Daemon?"

"What is it, my sweet one?" He asked, seeing the sincerity in your eyes and hearing the seriousness in your voice - something in his heart jumping.

"Would you tell me about it all later? The war, I mean? Would you tell me what you've endured?"

"I do not think it's a tale befitting a lady's ears."

"Please? I wish to know..."

"Then I will tell you," he promised, "but only if you wear that dress."

Your eyes rolled in humor as Daemon stood. You watched him wipe his cum on a spare rag, tossing it away, and after one last kiss, was leaving out of the secret passageway's door. Taking another moment, you finally stood on weak legs and unlocked the main door, preparing how you could for your day before Milah returned.

After arriving at the luncheon, you made a beeline for your father, greeting him happily before explaining your surprise reappearance. He filled you in on that day's court, explaining that Prince Daemon was back; and you felt almost guilty for the way your skin was still set ablaze from your lover's earlier visit.

For all Otto's faults, he was still your father, and you felt guilty for sneaking around with Daemon behind his back. Your father ushered you off to mingle, insisting he was only there for the King; and no, he wasn't hungry. So, you parted ways with a chaste peck to your forehead; the feeling of his scratchy beard lingering on your guilt-riddled flesh.

"Sister, what a surprise!" Alicent happily distracted by greeting you with a bright grin. You adjusted course to approach the Queen, King, and newly-returned Prince. "Oh, what a lovely dress you've chosen," she complimented with ease, reaching for your hand. "You always do have the best eye for clothes, I feel as if need you to live in my wardrobe, tell me what to wear everyday."

"Thank you, Your Grace, I'd be honored," You smiled at her, holding her hand, looking to the others. "My King," you curtsied to Viserys, glancing at Daemon and bowing your head respectfully, "my Prince, how nice to see you, again. Welcome home."

"Thank you, my Lady," he smirked. "Might I welcome you home as well? I hear you've been gone from the Capital."

You hummed with a nod, "I was on tour with the Princess, my Prince. I've only arrived home today, as well - though not by dragonback."

He eyed you up and down, offering, "I must agree with the Queen, my Lady, that is a lovely dress you've chosen."

You pet the black material, smiling genuinely, "Thank you, my Prince. It's one of my favorites."

"I can see why, given how beautiful you look," he flirted, and from behind you and Alicent, you could hear your father scoff.

"Thank you," you whispered. "What conversation did I rudely interrupt before?"

"Oh, nothing of importance," Daemon told you, looking to his brother and your sister.

"Because we spoke of how Daemon, here, was always Mother's favorite," Viserys grinned. "Do you want to know, my Lady? About how much Mother adored Daemon?" He asked you, his little brother trying to drone over him - but Viserys was determined to tell you the examples he could think of regarding his brother's favoritism.

You giggled from both Viserys' stories and Daemon's evident embarrassment.

However, almost awkwardly, on Alicent's other side, Princess Rhaenyra approached the group and stood amongst you. You knew the King must be unhappy with his daughter, but did not voice any opinion since you were not the source of disappointment at the moment. Instead, you listened to the King's complimenting words to his brother; thinking it was interesting that Daemon was so egotistical and yet, flushed under his brother's praise. Princess Rhaenyra waited until a natural lull to tell Daemon, "Congratulations on your victory."

It was awkward as Viserys just glared at her, Rhaenyra's expression falling short. Daemon covered smoothly, "Thank you, Princess."

Trying to save the tension, your sweet sister offered, "Perhaps Prince Daemon would care for a tour of the gallery? He hasn't yet seen the new tapestries gifted to you by Norvos and Qohor."

Viserys nodded and whispered, "Oh, oh," mockingly. He asked his brother, "Would you like to see the tapestries?" But by the end, he broke character and laughed with his brother; the latter who whom you knew spat on trivial things - such as tapestries and such. Through their laughter, Viserys proclaimed to his wife, "He has no interest in such things!"

"But thank you for the offer, sister," you smiled at her, trying to reassure her when her husband laughed in her face. "The tapestries are very beautiful, you've chosen a grand place to display them. I saw them on my way here."

"I'd like to see them," Rhaenyra jumped in, seemingly to Alicent's aid - something she'd not done in an age considering the tension between them. You just smiled politely, seeing the way Viserys dropped his grin when he looked at his daughter with distain while the rest of you looked away sheepishly.

"Then you should not deprive yourself."

Rhaenyra offered a pained, pursed smile, "I shall enjoy them alone."

You, Alicent, and Daemon all stared after Rhaenyra with varying degrees of pity as she walked away to sit solemnly by herself on a distant bench while Viserys went on about his and Daemon's youth; over Daemon being their mother's favorite. However, Alicent excused herself to follow the saddened Rhaenyra, perhaps to offer the Princess comfort in her father's anger. The King looked ready to protest, but instead just shook his head in disappointment.

Viserys turned you and Daemon away from the sight of the girls, showing off the Godswood in bloom; your father approaching you three stiffly. "Your Grace," he bowed to Viserys, then nodded in resepct, "my Prince. Daughter," he smiled, trying to instigate, "how was tour with Princess Rhaenyra?"

"Oh, as eventful as a Royal Tour can be," you smiled, deflecting, "though I must admit, while seemingly exciting at some parts, I'm sure it pales terribly in comparison to the Prince's adventures in the Stepstones." Viserys smirking broadly at your redirection. "I do wonder, what brought the war to an end? We've heard rumor, but surely the Prince might know for sure what brought the Triarchy down?"

"Surely," The King nodded, looking to Daemon expectedly.

The Rogue Prince smirked and readjusted his stance, deflecting, "Perhaps a conversation for later."

"Oh, come now, brother!"

"Your Grace," Otto interrupted, "I do apologize, but there are matters at hand that require your attention. The Tully's still - "

He sighed and waved your father off, "Yes, yes... Well," Viserys nodded, "I'll call upon you both later."

"Your Grace," you instantly curtsied.

"Your Grace," Daemon bowed right after. Viserys smiled and nodded back at you both, patted his brother's shoulder, turned, and when he walked away, Otto followed with a single look to you and Daemon.

"Daughter," he bid curtly - and you read between the lines. He really wanted to say, "Do not linger around the Prince."

When the King moved, his usual procession of advisors, guards, and entourage followed right after. You sighed as almost all of the Godswood cleared out, Daemon eyeing you as he readjusted his stance; subtly reaching out to pet your hand with his fingers.

"Daemon," you warned quietly.

"Nobody is watching us," he smirked. "You look beautiful, love. I'll have to buy you more dresses, you wear them so well."

"I cannot believe I will not see you tonight," you whispered with a pout.

"I will call on you tomorrow," he reminded.

You opened your mouth, but another voice answered. "Sister," Alicent called, you looking over and smiling innocently. You caught sight of Princess Rhaenyra glaring at her uncle, but didn't think much of it.

"I look forward to your tales from the Stepstones," you told him calmly, offering a curtesy.

He took your hand, pressing a soft kiss to the back, "I look forward to any time spect together, my Lady."

You hummed in contentment before stepping away, instantly taking Alicent's arm when close enough. "What was that about? Daemon looks so smitten!" She whispered with a growing grin.

"He was being polite," you whispered back, "and simply being Daemon - you know how he is. He's got three years of mischief to make up for."

"I see," she giggled. "He's quite handsome with the short hair, isn't he? It suits him well."

"I have to agree," you gossiped. "I can see why the ladies of court have missed him so."

Your younger sister giggled, smiling at you, offering, "I've missed you greatly. Come... I wish to hear of your time away."

"Oh, sister, please, I've only just returned."

"But... Wouldn't you tell me before the King?" She whispered.

You paused, then nodded, "Got me there, sister-dearest."

"We'll take tea together," she decided, leading you around the Keep until she saw a familiar face she knew. "Talya, my sister and I wish to take tea in the gardens, please. Privately, of course, so do not announce it," she directed the handmaiden. "We'll be in the gazebo in the rose gardens, bring tea, sandwiches, and my sister's always loved those peach crumbles?"

"I know the dessert," she nodded, smiling at you. "Can I interest you, Your Grace, in anything specific?"

"No, but bring enough for us both. Come, sister."

You three parted ways, Alicent leading you to the gardens as promised. She dismissed anyone in the area, even telling her guards to wait at the front hedges to give you ideal privacy while deeper in the roses at the gazebo. While sitting, you exchanged gossip about what happened while you were away, Alicent happy to catch you up because she was happy to finally have a friend, even if it were a sister, back in her corner.

You were happy, too.

While you loved Rhaenyra, the tension between her and Ali made you feel in the middle despite both parties assuring you "you weren't". Nyra was a good friend, your best, even! But it was something about your sister that was calming and assuring. She was trustworthy to a fault, but she was still your strongest pillar.

As Talya dressed your table with tea, lemon water, sandwiches, fruits, and other foods (including the peach crumbles), you giggled at Ali's retelling of whatever failed proposals occurred this past season you were away. When alone, at last, Ali turned to you in her padded chair and asked, "Tell me in truth, how was the tour? Why did you return early?"

"In truth, sister, vying men made the Princess uncomfortable. She did not need the two months more, she knew she was unhappy with the men so far presented to her."

Alicent sighed, "So, who does she intend to marry?"

"Yes," a new voice agreed, you both jumping in shock and looking up to see Viserys approaching with your father behind him. "Who does my daughter intend to wed, Lady Hightower?"

"Your Grace," you uttered, both you and Alicent standing in respect to bow your heads.

"Please, please," he permitted you both to sit, taking the lone chair across the table as your father remained standing. "I only wish for the unfiltered truth. I know what is said, I know what is reported, I know..." He sighed, "I know what my daughter might say, but please, Lady Hightower, what is the truth of it?"

"The truth, Your Grace, is that Rhaenyra was overwhelmed. Perhaps it was too long for her that she eventually, I'm not sure, shut down? She did not care towards the end which men was presented, she was overwhelmed with the options and pace at which everything moved."

"Kings and Princes before her have done the same, many Queens and Princesses embarking on their tours to find proper suitors," Otto reminded. "Why was this different, my Lady?"

"Because she is the first," you reminded. "Never before has a woman been named heir - she holds a different responsibility. Perhaps having everything thrown at her was too much, she has to filter through lesser men that would be King Consort. Nobody stood out, she became discouraged, and honestly, Your Grace?" You spoke earnestly, "I think it just made her sad. She did not want to disappoint you by choosing a man not worthy of being her King, so, she would rather face your anger in coming home early."

Alicent frowned but nodded to herself.

Otto adverted his eyes.

Viserys looked dejected, but sighed, "I see... Thank you for your words, my Lady, truly, you've always been a trustworthy advisor to the Queen, Princess, and I."

"It's the least I can do, Your Grace, since you and Queen Aemma - you - you were so kind to me when Mother passed. And Rhaenyra - to both Alicent and I - she was a true friend. I am in debt to you, Your Grace, and whatever I can do, be it just a simple different perspective, I am happy to provide."

"Well," he considered, "in the spirit of your unfiltered perspective, who would you see Rhaenyra marry?"

You blinked in shock, "Oh, Your Grace, I-I am not qualified to say."

"You serve as my Master of Whispers, do you not?" He smirked. "Speak, please."

You sighed deeply. With a small gulp, you blinked twice, then admitted, "I do not think my opinion matters, but... It would make sense to marry her to Ser Laenor Velaryon, would it not? He's a warrior who survived the Stepstones, is of Valyrian stock and blood, rides the dragon, Seasmoke. He's kind, brave, true, unmarried, heir to Driftmark. I think when it comes to filling the position of King Consort, Ser Laenor Velaryon would make a fine candidate."

Apparently, this was all Viserys needed to hear.

You could not sleep that night. You could not explain why, but something foul was in the air and prevented you from drifting off. So, you chose to browse your private library, select a literary favorite, and stroll the deadened halls of the Red Keep; reading by flickering torch light.

Good thing you were up and out, because one of your Little Birds chirped at you from the shadows. You looked around to see nobody in the hall, but another chirp directed your attention to a darkened alcove. "Hmm, oh, Kaela," you hummed, approaching her slowly and bending at the waist. "What is it, child?"

"I came as fast as I could."

"What's wrong?"

"I've seen something - something you'll want to know," she glanced up and down the hall, "but not anyone else."

"Come," you whispered, pushing her further back into the dark and sheltering yourselves safely. Once knelt before her, you asked the child, "All right. What is it you have seen, little one?"

"Do not get angry, my Lady..."

"I promise I won't," you spoke softly, confused - you never got angry at your Little Birds... Why start now?

"I-I saw... I saw the Prince Daemon and... Princess Rhaenyra."

You nodded slowly, asking quietly, "Where?"

"In the city, in a pleasure house."

You blinked, "And what were they doing?"

"What grown-ups do."

"I see. They were coupling?"

She shrugged, "No, just kissing, but it stopped fast. He left her there."

"He left her there? In the pleasure house?"

The little girl nodded. "The Prince looked sad... When the Princess tried to kiss him again, he pulled away... Then he left."

"Where did he go? After?"

She blinked, frowning, "My brother, Grenn, said he saw him at the pubs - but he was always on the move, very drunk. I came here right away."

"Good girl," you smiled, offering her whatever Gold Dragons from the pouch you usually kept on your person under your robe for times like this. "Where will you be tomorrow evening? I will bring you and Grenn supper."

She smiled, "We can meet you at the dock!"

"The dock?"

"He likes watching the boats."

"The docks, then. By the Fisherman's Pier?"

"No, Grenn like the Harper's Pier. They're not there around supper, they're still out at sea."

"Harper's Pier for supper," you agreed. "Go on."

The little girl looked around before scampering off down a different passageway and you stood from your knelt position with a stony look of tentative contemplation on your face. With a deep breath, you did the only thing you thought you could... You went to your father.

With a rapid knock at his chamber door, it took a moment or two before he was opening it - still dressed. "What is it, daughter?" He asked gruffly. "It's late, this should wait till morning."

"The castle is about to wake - "

"I know and I've much to attend to - "

"Father," you hissed, glancing up the hall.

He sighed and let you in, "What is it?"

"I carry scandalous news," you muttered, his door's lock echoing around you. "About the Princess Rhaenyra."

He turned to you sharply, you taking a step back in surprise. "You... Know?"

"About her sneaking around in a pleasure house?"

Otto frowned, "Do you know with who?"

You could not tell him, so you answered, "No, just that she was seen in disguise."

"Who told you this?"

"One of my Birdies."

"All right," he decided, nodding to himself, "thank you, daughter, for reporting this. I will... I will figure out what to say to the King."

"Should you say anything?"

"I'll figure it out - but now we both know."

You nodded, "So you knew before I came?"

"I was awoken an hour ago to hear this news."

You nodded slowly, "Then I will leave you to it."

"Thank you," he whispered, letting you peck his cheek in parting before slipping out of his chambers. With nothing left to do or anything else to say, you went back to your chambers as to limit your exposure to the castle's tenants.

The less that could say they saw you this night, the better.

Once safe in your chambers with a locked main door, you could do nothing else but (over)think, wishing to all the Seven Gods you didn't know what you knew. Information and knowledge was vital to maintain power, this is true, but it also made you dangerous - also a target. The more you knew, the bigger the target.

It was only a few hours after dawn when the secret passage doors to your chamber opened. You were braiding your hair, ignoring the man you knew to have the only balls to use that door - especially now.

"I've always wondered, if we had children, would they have white hair or waves of fire, like you? Perhaps something between?"

"Fuck off, Daemon."

"So, you've heard," he sighed deeply. "Won't you even look at me?"

"I can't stand the very thought of you right now, nor the actual sound, I'll lose my stomach if I have to look at you."

"Let me tell you the truth," he begged, "before I have to leave the Keep, let me tell you the truth. Let Viserys and everyone have their ideas and opinions, their lies and slander, but let me tell you!"

"Excuse me?" You asked, whirling around in your seat to glare at him fully. "Viserys banished you, again?"

"He did... Back to the Vale."

You scoffed, "Good... Your Lady wife awaits you."

"Viserys thinks I've sullied Rhaenyra's virtue. I do not need you thinking the same, so, please, let me tell you what happened - no matter how uncomfortable, please, let me tell you the truth."

"What difference does it make?"

"I can't have you thinking something more occurred. Was I tempted? Yes, but I refrained. Did I touch her? A little - but not how you think."

You sighed, shaking your head, "I don't care, you're returning to your wife in the Vale, and I will be rid of you. No matter for how long this time, you will be gone - "

"For a time, yes, but I intend to return for you."

"No, I think I'll let Father make me a match. I despised the North, it was too cold, so the handsome Cregan Stark is out. I don't mind Dorne, perhaps a Martel to marry? Or even a Tully of Riverrun?"

"Do not speak such atrocities to me."

"You're one to talk! Your niece, Daemon? The girl I consider my closest friend? You couldn't just find that whore you like and be satisfied with her? Couldn't wait a single day, could you? Huh? How fucking pathetic!"

"Perhaps you are not as close with Rhaenyra as you thought," he tisked, making you feel disarmed. He spent the next hour and a half explaining to you what happened the previous night, and despite your disgust, you just listened.

Knowledge was power.

"I will return," he sighed at the end, "and in that time, you can make your own decisions if you want me or not. But I will return and I will have you, if you will have me, and this foolishness will be behind us."

"I'll give you a single year. I will not wait for you longer than that," you whispered, tears streaming down your face. "I can't stand that you've done this, but I will wait one single year for you to find a way out of your marriage and back to me. Any longer than that, and I will simply move on. I do not want to live my whole life in the Red Keep, and the truth of it is, I cannot live in the Princess' shadow any longer. One year, Daemon."

"One year," he nodded, stepping closer. "My love, please - "

"Do not assume to touch me. Not after you've touched her," you snapped, stepping away. "Get out, I need to be alone, you have been banished - you need to go, you cannot be seen here." Your eyes rolled, muttering, "Probably have to go collect your whore for this banishment, too."

"Not this time," he smirked, "this time, I leave with my promise that I will return for you, my sweet Lady Hightower."

"Fuck off, you perverted Prince Daemon," you sassed, watching him slip out the door; shutting you in an echoing silence. Your heart ripped itself apart, making you wonder what the fuck you had done to deserve getting caught in such a scandalous affair. But you knew, in your heart, you'd do anything for Daemon - the thought sickening your stomach as you pondered how far this would all go.

part two: And Let Me Love You Anyway

requesting rules and masterlist

HOTD masterlist

[darknight3904]

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖆𝖈𝖊

ᴀᴇᴍᴏɴᴅ ᴛᴀʀɢᴀʀʏᴇɴ x ꜰᴇᴍ!ᴏᴄ! ᴛᴀʀɢᴀʀʏᴇɴ

ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴏ��ꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴛ / ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ /ᴍʏ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ

129 AC

Her chamber is suffocatingly warm, the soft morning breeze that she normally was indulged in was missing today. However, it was not the stifling heat that bothered her today, the news that was being spoken to her was.

"How long have you known?"

Her voice is stronger than she thought it'd be.

"Since Rhaenrya and Laenor's wedding. His...face that night gave his actions away."

Rhaella could scarcely believe what Rhaenys had just said. She had known for so many years and chosen not to tell her? Every night at supper she had looked at Rhaella and chosen to withhold information from her?

Her hands shook with anger. Anger for what might've been her life, for a mother she did not know.

"I will not return to Driftmark with you and my cousins on the morrow." She said

"I am sorry." Rhaenys said. As much as Rhaella hated it, she sounded sincere

"Get out!" She yelled, hoping no tears had escaped her eyes yet.

"I thought that if I kept my silence he'd tell you himself," Rhaenys explained

"He clearly had no intentions of ever telling me of Lady Rhea." Rhaella yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Rhaenys, "Just like you he is content with keeping me in the dark."

"You were a little girl when you came to me, I did not want to burden you with such a truth." Rhaenys said, trying to take a step closer to Rhaella.

"I am not a child any longer! You have had every opportunity to tell me!" Rhaella cried

"I know...I was wrong in withholding it...If you might-"

Rhaella lets her hands come down on the trinkets and ink well that sit on the table that separates her from Rhaenys. Papers and a jewelry box go flying to the floor while the ink well smashes into the wall.

"No. You knew how much I yearned for a family, for kin that were related to me, that is why I accepted your invitation to live with you. Because Baela and Rheana are my blood, yet you stood by and let me build a relationship with the very man who murdered my mother!"

Rhaenys' lips press into a firm line and Rhaella feels her face twitch in anger and sadness.

"I never wish to see you again." Rhaella declares, "Leave. Go back to Driftmark and let the tides swallow you whole."

She turns so her cousin cannot see the tears that are beginning to fall. The clicking of heels and the sound of a door shutting let her know Rhaenys is finally gone. Rhaella lets herself drop onto her bed. The blankets are soft and comforting as she cries into them. She's not even sure why she cries, mourning for a woman she has never met, a woman she will never know.

Aemond takes note of Rhaella's absence in the training yard immediately. She had just a day left her in Kings Landing and now she was standing him up after he offered to show her how to hold a longsword better. His spine was tight with anger as he searched the Red Keep for her. She wasn't in the library, her chamber, or even with Heleana. He was ready to even check in Aegon's chamber when the sight of his own chamber's door ajar caught his eye. Surely he had shut it entirely before departing for the training yard this morning.

He pushes it open, expecting one of Heleana's twins to be riffling though his things again. He'd had candy on his desk one time and now they expected it every time, they were truly going to be the fattest Targaryens if they weren't careful. Fortunately, it is not his niece or nephew who is in his chamber but Rhaella herself. She sits at his desk writing something. She had stood him up in the training yard to invade his private chambers?

"What are you doing?" He asked, still upset about her absence, "You have your own quill."

He crossed the room quickly and his dexterous hands snatched the quill from her hand. He expects her to laugh and try to take it back, like she usually would but instead is met with bright violet eyes tear-filled eyes.

"What has happened?" He asks, suddenly fearing the worse," Was it Aegon? I'll kill him if he touched you."

His hand jumps to the thin dagger he keeps at his side, a practice he had adopted after he lost his eye.

"It wasn't, Aegon. It's Daemon." She says sadly

"What has he done?" Aemond asks

Daemon was not eve in attendance for his name day celebration, he and Rhaenrya had stayed on Dragonstone.

"Rhaenys told me the truth of my mother's death. She did it today, I do not know why she chose to do it now, after knowing for so long. But Daemon is the reason my mother was taken from me, not a hunting accident like I was told for so many years." Rhaella explains, a stray tear escaping her eye

Aemond's fingers twitch with the need to wipe it away.

"I'm writing Daemon to tell him what a terrible person he is for doing that to my mother. I want him to regret it for the rest of his life." Rhaella says, glancing at a half-written raven scroll.

"I am sorry, for your mother," Aemond said

He doesn't know what to do. He has no experience with tears or feelings, even his own are a mystery to him. Most of all though the tears of a woman are something he has never been trained to deal with.

He is even more unsure of himself when she suddenly stands and wraps her arms around him. He's sure her snot is now wiped in his hair.

"Thank you." She whispers

He can feel the movement of her lips on his neck.

"What can I do for you? Is there anything?" He asks, tightening his own arms around her.

"Ask your father if I can stay here again. I cannot go back to Driftmark with Rhaenys and my cousins. I'll die if I have to see her again." Rhaella confesses

"Of course. I'll make sure he agrees." Aemond says

Soft silence settles around them as Aemond gently runs a soothing hand up and down Rhaella's back. He had seen the wet nurses do it to his niece and nephew when they cried so it seemed appropriate.

"I also ask that you let me use your quill and ink...I broke mine." Rhaella confesses

"Use as much as you want," Aemond says, a smile forming on his lips.

Okay, now our filler chapters can begin. A fluff arc is incoming. Also for reference, As of this chapter, Rhaella is 14 and Aemond is 13.

Next Part

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Taglist:

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[howdoesagrapewrites]

𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐈𝐈

Plot: Imagine being the legitimized bastard of Daemon Targaryen, and having a very devoted family.

Cw: incest/targcest, yandere/lovesick behavior, unhealthy relationships, platonic and romantic yanderes, not everyone is romantically involved with reader, yandere EVERYONE x reader, Aegon II is creepy

Notes: someone told me they were waiting for part 2  🥹 btw I hate the show's timeline as a book reader because it makes absolutely no sense and I can't write properly, halfway through this I literally have decided to throw it away and run with what my heart tells me, otherwise I'll combust

>When your father came back from the war of the stepstones in 115 a.c, newly wed to Laena Velaryon, you didn't think anything was going to change, right?

>You missed the Vale, you didn't like seeing your father and Rhea fighting, but she was so kind, just like your wet nurse, she wasn't here in the castle either

>But there was a lot of new people here, and you liked them all, since they're all your family, it is only natural you'd love them all, they often say they love you too

>When the news of Rhea's death and Daemon's nuptials came, almost arriving together, it sparked a sense of empathy and compassion throughout the red keep

>All of the Targaryens were already too "heedful" with your care, declaring you'd be cared for only by family, and in the extraordinary case no one was around, there was two very meticulously chosen handmaidens who were to watch over you until a family member was available

>This measure was whispered from Otto Hightower to king Viserys, this passed as a safety measure, saying that because of your origins, you were at risk, setting the infamous "princess of Flea Bottom" title as precedent to say you were not welcomed by everyone, and therefore in danger (even if everyone who was even rumoured to be against your stay in the castle, had already been "taken care of"). Of course no one objected

>This reawoke an old rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent, old playmates with unspoken grudges, now desperate to prove they could be a better, more adequate influence in your life

>Willfully ignoring your young age, and the fact you'll likely forget half of whatever they say by the time you're ten, what matter is that even when Daemon takes you away, you'll be able to remember one of them with particular fondness

>It was the truth, a hard and bitter truth, that you'd have to eventually leave, everyone looking for excuses to give to Daemon once he arrived, in order to keep you around longer, maybe indefinitely

>Alicent felt uneasy when thinking of stealing you away from your sire, as much as she disliked Daemon, and believed you'd be much better off being raised as hers, along with her children, you clearly loved him, you drew pictures and saved "treasures" to give to him once he returned

>You also used to ask about Rhea, no one had the heart to tell you, but still fearing the crude words your father would use to tell you of her passing, after all, Rhea was still "his bronze bitch". Finally, it was Viserys who had to break the news to you, he was considerate and comforting, even explaining how his parents and former wife passed away as well, and how he still carries them in his heart

>You lacked the proper cognitive development to fully process it, but it made you sad you were never to see Rhea again, this made you even closer to Viserys

>Alicent wondered if there was a possibility of offering one of his son's hands, if that would make you stay, she certainly wouldn't be displeased to have as a daughter in law, Rhaenyra did the same, after all, wasn't the heir to the iron throne a much better match?

>But the day finally came, where you had to leave

>Your father forsook his crown as King of the narrow sea to Viserys, who humorously put the crown on your little head, and named you princess of the narrow sea

>With the crown falling to your forehead due to its size, you hugged your father as soon as you saw him, with giggles and words of affection, as much as it endeared them, it broke everyone's heart to remember how your time in the red keep was nothing but extraordinary. Viserys thanked the seven no one could hear his thoughts, it would be improper for a king to wish for war, just to keep his baby niece around

>This moment created a long string of creative bards singing about Y/N Targaryen, princess of the narrow sea, queen of hearts

>It was finally time for you to go to leave, Laena was ecstatic to take you with her after meeting you for the first time, but she was a smart girl and noticed she was taking away something very precious

>But celebrations had passed and it was time to go

>You lived in Pentos for the next 10 years of your life, with your father, step-mother and little sisters, Rhaena and Baela

>Daemon was not so happy to take you to King's Landing for different events, however, Laena said it was good for you to be around your cousins and nephews, good for the twins as well

>And she said that since you had your own dragon, it's best to just, it'd be better for you to not feel trapped, otherwise one day you'll just get on dragonback and do as you please

>Daemon did not like the idea of you ever leaving or having enough independence to just hop on a dragon and leave, but he understood his wife was right

>When Laena lightheartedly told the prince of Pentos that he must only ask if he wished to marry one of the girls, Daemon grimaced in his classic unsubtle fashion

>You and your sisters were excitedly ogling the new dragon egg that was meant for your sibling

>One night, Rhaena came to your room looking for comfort, she feared her new little brother or sister would have a great dragon like Vhagar, or swift as Moondancer and then she'd be left alone

>You had Dagahrion, and Baela had Moondancer, both dragons were bonded with you since birth, but Rhaena's died shortly after hatching. She was given another egg, that sadly had not even hatched

>According to the dragonkeepers, Dagahrion still needed a little more time before you could safely ride, and Moondancer had a long way to go.

>Dagahrion and Moondancer were polar opposites, where Moondancer was small, slender and agile, with lightly coloured pale sage green scales and pearl horns, Dagahrion was growing larger by the day, heavy and mighty, with black scales that shone like a green tourmaline in the sun, and dark laurel colored horns. The dragons would often play together, and were called "the greyhound and the mastiff"

>Rhaena feared her bond with you would be outshined by the future races and sky stunts you and Baela would share. And when Aemond took Vhagar, it felt even worse

>After Laena's death, you had lost a mother again. You deeply mourned her, but you felt a different kind of sadness watching Rhaenys coddle the girls in the funeral, and Corlys telling Lucerys he'd be the lord of Driftmark. Rhaenys had you on her embrace as well, but the looks on you had brought a bitter truth to your attention, one that was nonexistent in Pentos, and swept under the rug in King's Landing. You were a bastard. The whimsical melodies about the princess of the narrow sea, had made you forget the princess was born illegitimate

>You were now 13, and the stares and whispers your family shielded you from, were words much easier to put together, faces much easier to see

>The lords and ladies gossiped when everyone ran to hug you before the true orphans, you felt guilty

>"Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the coast" said Vaemon. You smiled through the pain

>Your father started laughing to try and shut him up, it worked

>It also pained you to reunite with your beloved playmates, and see Aegon, your azantys, who you admired, now turned into a creep. He hugged you longer than he did with anyone else, but his hands lingered in a way you couldn't enjoy

>Lucerys and Jacaerys were there with you and your sisters, just like you could see the look thrown at you, you could see them being thrown the way of the Velaryon brothers. You didn't talk much, but you enjoyed their company

>Aemond tried to latch onto you and take you to where his family was, but after some time you had to return to your sisters, he didn't like that

>Helaena was just like you remembered her, she was still ever so gentle and had so many things to tell you about her bugs

>But some of her words were now cryptic to you

>"My dear Y/N, dragon in the flesh, do not believe the dragons in thread" she kept repeating, not even looking at you

>You slept in the room that was meant for your father, he hadn't returned yet. You slept in the second bed in that room rather than with the other children, you wanted to cry, but wanted to appear strong for your sisters, so you preferred to be away for the night

>However, the ruckus woke you up, Aemond stole Vhagar, and Lucerys made him lose an eye

>Jacaerys told you about the "hilarious" time they gave Aemond a pig, you silently reprimanded them, you didn't find it funny, but to go and steal Rhaena's last connection to her mother?

>Vhagar was not a heirloom, not a thing, but Rhaena deserved a chance to try to tame her before others did

>You were upset, however tried to stay at Aemond's side, after all, he was the one who lost an eye

>At least until you heard your nephew. "He called us bastards", you looked at him with a sad, disappointed expression before completely (and literally) turning your back on him to go console your sisters

>Rhaena was the most affected, her connection to her late mother, and to her sisters, was stolen by Aemond. In the moment, she feared Aemond would steal you away too, you seemed to be fond of him, and the queen would often tell stories of how close you were with her children. Losing you to Baela was one thing, she was her twin, and you would be within reach, but Aemond?

>Aemond was true to his words when he said gaining a dragon was worth losing an eye

>But he wasn't so sure it was worth losing you

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Musician Age Gap AU Pt 17

Kara's phone vibrates in her pocket. She knows without looking who it must be, but her eyes remain glued to the photo of Lena kissing another woman.

All Kara can see of the woman in the first photo is that she has dark hair and delicate features, but when she scrolls down other photos paint the woman more clearly. A lump catches in Kara's throat.

It's Rhea Elle. A model turned actress, she's notorious in the press for younger partners and absolutely drop dead looks. In these photos, it's hard to say which of the two women the photographer had actually meant to capture. Kara's stomach sours.

Lena calls again. This time, Kara reaches into her back pocket and retrieves her phone. She shoots her family a look, and finds them staring warily back at her, uncertain and waiting for her reaction.

Kara lifts Esme's phone, still glowing with the incriminating photos. "Can I hold onto this for a second?"

Esme nods.

Retreating to the guest room, Kara finally answers Lena's call. "I told you my leaving wasn't about us," she says shakily.

"I know," Lena says quickly. "I know and I believe you, I swear. This--"

"Isn't isn't what it looks like?" Kara finishes for her, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice. "Are you really going to tell me they faked these?"

"They're from *months* ago!" Lena exclaims, voice lifting in volume momentarily, before she forcefully brings it down. "I can explain everything..."

A beat of silence follows after Lena trails off, and Kara remains quiet.

"Right," Lena mutters when she realizes that Kara is waiting for her to continue. "After my last break up, Rhea's team reached out to me on her son's behalf. They suggested a publicity romance, to get the focus off the fact that I'd been dumped."

"And in return?"

"Her son Mike gets on the playing field. He-- he wanted to move beyond the affable idiot roles he'd been getting, and they hoped being seen with me would align him with the heartthrob roles he wanted."

Kara grinds her teeth together. "And this correllates to you making out with his mom how?"

"I declined, obviously, and Rhea inferred that to mean I might be more agreeable to a more... feminine touch."

"How would that help her son?"

"It wouldn't, but it would have helped her." Lena sighs. "Kara, she kissed me. I didn't ask for it, and I shut it down. When she realized she'd overstepped, her team quashed the photos."

"Until now."

"She says it was Mike who leaked them, but..." Lena's voice deepens. "It doesn't matter now."

Kara swallows thickly. "Lena..."

"Please, Kara. I wouldn't do that. Not to anyone."

In spite of herself, Kara senses the truth in Lena's voice. As insane as the excuse sounds, in Kara's albeit limited googling into Lena's public life, she's never found any hint of cheating. She's been called a serial dater, a heart-breaker, sure... but never a cheater.

"Kara, I-- jesus. Maybe this would be better in person..."

Kara grimaces. "I'm not ready to come back yet."

"No, I didn't mean-- of course. You can take as much time as you... shit. You don't need my permission--"

"Lena?" Kara cuts in carefully. A small smile curls her lips when Lena sputters to a stop. "Do you want to come join me?"

Silence answers her for a long moment, then--- "Really?"

Kara carefully considers the out Lena is offering, weighing Alex's hospitality against the tiny note of hope in Lena's voice.

"Yeah. Esme would love to see you again." Kara pauses. "And we could talk. For real."

Lena's throat clicks. "I-- I would like that. After tonight I have three days before I need to be in Madrid... I can book a hotel--"

"I'll check with my sister, since I'm currently staying in her guest room," Kara allows, "but it might be easier to keep a low profile if you stay here."

"Okay!" Lena says quickly. "I mean... but only if you're sure. And if Alex says it's okay."

Kara isn't 100% sure her sister would approve of the decision, but is at least majority percent sure that she'll go along with it.

"I'll text you."

There's a rustle as Lena nods against the phone. Then Kara hears her take a breath, and somehow the sound is nervous, anxious, and perilous. As though Lena stood at the edge of a chasm.

Then Kara hears the release, and the trust that comes with it.

"Okay."

[madhatterbri]

Confrontation | F.B.

Summary: Can i request a Finn Balor x reader fic please?, Reader caught Finn talking to Liv, so she confronts him, accuses him of cheating and also gives him attitude (Because why not 😉). You can decide on the ending.

Finn Balor Masterlist

Requested by: @nzkuki95

Taglist: @plentyoffandoms @theworldofotps

Y/N knew she had to confront him eventually. All the shady things he was doing with Liv Morgan. It had to all come to an end at some point. The some point just happened to be after RAW that night.

Finn and JD were able to secure the tag titles from the Awesome Truth. The Irish man thought he was going to celebrate with his Y/N. He certainly had another thing coming to him.

"Wow, spending the night with me? Is Liv busy?" Y/N asked rudely. Her anger got the better of her. Every time she closed her eyes, all she saw was the sneaky things he was doing with her. The hotel card, being alone in a room with her, everything.

"What do you mean? I would never touch her. We are just...."

"Just what? Working together? Looks a little more complicated than that," she snapped. Y/N placed her luggage on the floor. She started to go through her clothes. After being in a hot stadium all night, she wanted to shower and change.

"I know it looks bad, but please, believe me. I'm trying to get Judgment Day under control. You heard what Damian said tonight. He thinks we need him," Finn argued. He ran his hands over his face.

Y/N paused. She knew that hurt him. Damian was supposed to be his friend. Her mind told her to cool off on the accusations, but her heart wasn't so forgiving. She wanted to fight and a fight she was going to get.

"No, this was happening before he said that. I know your feelings are hurt, but so are mine. Imagine if I was alone in a room with someone. I was suddenly given a title match. Imagine if I had a hotel key for another wrestler. What would you think?" She demanded.

"I would believe you if you told me nothing happened. I would believe you because,"

"Yeah, right, Finn. You glare at anyone who even looks at me. Then you run to Adam and get a match and beat them up!" She accused. This was the truth. A couple of wrestlers picked up on not messing with Y/N. Her friends shied away from her.

"They were bothering you, and I took care of it as a man should," he defended his previous actions. "Why are you looking for an argument? I love you and only you,"

"Then why did Liv tell me that you two kissed?" She yelled. Tears filling her eyes. A few even strayed down.

Finn's eyes flickered to the floor before looking back at Y/N. Guilt riddled on his face. Her mouth dropped open in shock. She felt like she was punched in the gut. Y/N placed a hand over her mouth and sat on the bed.

"Y/N, it isn't like that,"

"You kissed her. Oh my God," her voice cracked.

"I confronted her in the hotel room. I told her to leave Dom and Judgment Day alone. Rhea is going to come back and kill her. She was crying about not having any friends," he explained. Well, tried to explain.

Y/N started to laugh. "So your lips decided to be her friend? You and I have done things together since the hotel key card incident. You mean to tell me I was kissing her? Get out,"

"Y/N, I went to comfort her. I went to hug her, and she kissed me. I pulled away immediately. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to hurt you,"

"I said get out, Finn. The room is in my name. Go to JD, Dom, and Liv for all I care about. Just. Get. Out," she demanded. The last two words punctuated clearly. Y/N pointed at the door behind him. Finn felt his heartbreak.

"Y/N, I'm sorry,"

"GET OUT!" She screamed. Finn sent her a pleading look. When it didn't work, he quickly gathered his belongings and walked out the door. He closed the door behind him. Y/N's sobs could be heard through the door.

Finn took a shaky breath. In one night, he lost his best friend and girlfriend.

What was he gonna do now?

[thesithdiaries]

Betrayed (Damien Priest/TJD imagine)

Summary: Adding a new member to the group isn't a bad idea if the person is trustworthy but what if that person wants to ruin everything?

Pairing: Damien Priest x female!reader, platonic TJD x female!reader

Warnings: wrestling, violence, cursing, mentions of bad anxiety, mention of injury

-

Anxiety. That's all Y/N felt. It was crippling. She couldn't sleep, couldn't concentrate.

The end was near, she could feel it.

Y/N joined The Judgement Day two months after Dominik Mysterio because Rhea had taken an interest in her. They had all seen what Y/N could do in and outside of the ring, she was also a fan favorite, regardless of what she did.

Damien’s interest, however, went beyond work. He fell first and fell hard. Y/N thought it was a silly crush on his part, even though she had a crush on him as well, but thanks to Dom, they realized how crazy they were for each other.

Over dinner, Dom couldn’t resist and had to speak up. “You two seem close, you know?”

Damien and Y/N looked at each other. “What do you mean?” Damien asked.

Dom smirked. “I mean, have you ever considered that there might be more to your friendship than just being coworkers?”

Y/N and Damien blushed. They stammered, trying to come up with an explanation, but the truth was that Dom had figured it out.

Dom leaned in to talk. “Look, it’s okay if you’re into each other. Sometimes the best relationships start as friendships.”

As Dom left their hotel room that evening, Damien and Y/N found themselves alone. The atmosphere had changed, and they both realized that Dom had been right. Their connection ran deeper than friendship, and they had been oblivious to it.

Y/N managed to find the courage to speak first. “Damien, Dom was right. I think I might have feelings for you.”

Damien smiled. “Y/N, I was going to say the same thing. I’ve been crazy about you for a while now.”

Y/N was currently out of action due to a shoulder injury, but still went to the weekly shows and traveled with everyone despite their protests.

The tension has been thick since Summerslam. Damien and Finn were not on the same page at all, and Y/N could feel the riff. Rhea had tried to fix it and make them get along. That only lasted a few hours, because they would find something to argue about. And, to make things worse, JD McDonagh entered the picture.

He was Finn’s friend, who liked to meddle and get into people's business. Y/N knew what it meant, knew what was about to happen and there was no way she could stop it.

“That briefcase has to go, bro,” is what JD said to Damien the night after Payback. Y/N eye's widened at his audacity, quickly holding Damien’s bicep before he could even reply. “Look, you don't need it. Look at you guys, you have all the gold. You don't need that briefcase, you need this one.”

JD reveals a purple briefcase that says “Señor Money in the Bank”. Y/N couldn't hide her grimace, what the fuck was that? Everyone around her was cheering, Rhea and the boys were surprised and seemed to like it.

Y/N didn’t.

-

She sat on a storage box in the hallway, anxious. Her stomach was turning.

“Hey babe,” Damien called, standing in front of her. “There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you.”

Y/N smiled softly at him but focused her gaze on her twiddling fingers.

“What's wrong?” He asked with concern, “Are you feeling okay? Is it your shoulder?”

“No no, I'm okay, it's just that…” Y/N looked up at him, frowning. “I don't think you should use that briefcase. I have a bad feeling.”

Damien raised an eyebrow, “Why? I don't think JD did anything to it though.”

Y/N shook her head. “It's just too much of a coincidence. At first, he tells you to get rid of it and now he gives you a new one. I really don't think you should use it.”

He glanced at the briefcase he was holding, contemplating what she said. “It'll be fine, I promise.” Someone from the crew called him from the other end of the hallway. “I have to do a promo with Finn, I'll be right back,” Damien gave her a soft peck on her lips before turning and walking away.

Y/N went to find Rhea, maybe she could help her.

-

Rhea was sitting on a couch with Dom, watching some funny video.

“Hey Rhea, can we talk?” Y/N asked.

“Sure, what's up?” She replied, not looking up.

“Alone,” Y/N added after hesitating for a few seconds. Both of them looked at her, and Rhea got worried because of her expression.

“Come on,” Rhea quickly jumped to her feet and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards a secluded part. “Are you okay?”

"Rhea," Y/N began, "I don't want to sound paranoid or anything, but I've got this gut feeling about JD. Something just doesn't sit right with me."

Rhea turned to Y/N, her eyebrows furrowing in curiosity. "What do you mean? JD seems like a nice guy, and he's been friends with Finn forever. Sure, he's annoying but if Finn trusts him, shouldn't we?"

Y/N sighed, "I know, but that's the thing. I can't explain it, but I can't shake this feeling that something's off about JD and the new briefcase he gave to Damien."

Rhea softly brushed her fingers on Y/N’s cheek, studying her expression. "I get that you're worried, but it's going to be fine. Finn has known JD for years, and they've got this weird deep bond. I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt. If we see something weird, we tell Finn."

Y/N nodded, appreciating Rhea's attempt to reassure her. "You're probably right," she said, trying to convince herself. "I just need to stop overthinking things."

-

Over the next few weeks, Y/N tried her best to push those thoughts away. She watched JD closely but couldn't find anything specific to validate her feelings. The group seemed to finally enjoy JD's company, and he effortlessly slipped into their routines and conversations.

That night, Seth Rollins had a match against Gunther and lost. He was lying mostly unconscious in the middle of the ring with a referee and two paramedics attending to him.

Damien took the opportunity, running out with his briefcase. Y/N ran after him, both excited and scared. That weird feeling she tried suppressing for so long was slowly creeping up on her. What if?

He got in the ring, pushing his briefcase into the ref’s hands, “Go! Quick!”

Y/N watched as Samatha Irwin, a producer, and the referee talked, for what seemed to be a long time. The ref turned to look at Damien, “You can't use this.” Y/N who was about to enter the ring stopped, holding the rope while feeling faint.

“What do you mean?” Damien yelled, furious. “It's not expired.”

“There's no contract in this briefcase.”

Damien turned to look at Y/N for a quick second, who was shaking her head in disbelief. No contract? But where could it… Oh. Oh no. It's in the green briefcase. The crowd started going crazy but nobody was paying attention until a yelp made them look.

Y/N was pulled by her feet, causing her to fall and hit her head on the edge of the ring. Feeling dizzy, she looked up and saw a familiar face… JD McDonagh. He grabbed a chair, hitting her repeatedly on her shoulder, agitating her injury. Y/N cried, trying to push herself away from the hits but it wasn't stopping.

Damien wanted to save her and beat JD’s ass as he heard those horrible screams but he couldn't, because someone hit him on the back of the head repeatedly and pushed him out of the ring.

Disoriented, he saw how Finn Bálor handed the green briefcase to the referee, urging him to call it. Samantha, outraged and confused, still had to do her job announcing that Finn was cashing in “his” Money in the Bank contract.

The crowd got louder. Damien turned his head groggily to see Rhea and Dom running down the ramp. Their faces were red with anger. Rhea quickly got rid of JD, knocking him out cold. Her heart was beating uncontrollably as she saw the state Y/N was in. Dom was helping Damien up, both of them walking where the girls were.

Everything was happening quickly. Finn managed to secure the victory, pinning Seth and becoming the new champion. Finn grabbed the belt and raised it high, finally getting what he wanted. The boos from the crowd were deafening.

He and Damien locked eyes. Finn had a smirk on his face while Damien looked somber. “You will regret this,” he informed him, making the new champion laugh.

Damien picked Y/N up trying to not hurt her shoulder more. “I’m sorry I didn't listen to you,” he admitted in a whisper as they walked backstage. Y/N didn't reply, only nestled her face on his shoulder. Rhea was yelling curses all over and throwing things around while Dom tried to calm her down.

The Judgement Day lost a member that day. Damien and Rhea felt like shit for not listening to Y/N. She was right all along.

[fantasyinvader]

I think I just reached a point of numbness with this whole thing. It just comes down to the fact these localizers saw the original script and for some reason decided to alter it. They tried to make Edelgard a hero in line with the rest of the game, that her route is all about the power of friendship and all that jazz... except they should have known that wasn't what the game was saying.

I think about the end of White Clouds, where Edelgard tells Byleth that she wishes Byleth could have been swayed by her words and actions. In the English, she says she WOULD have done anything for that to happen, but in the Japanese she admits she was trying to sway Byleth. It's the game admitting that whatever she said to Byleth in that route, she was attempting to manipulate them which backs up with Jeralt says earlier when he met the Flame Emperor. Her words were meaningless because they were never truthful.

Oh, right. They also changed Cornelia's “We thought Edelgard was dancing to our tune, but really she made us dance to hers” to just saying that Edelgard was their puppet in order to downplay the manipulation, but to try and downplay “Edelgard was tricked by a bunch of racist goth assholes into killing Rhea” by making the Church needs to be “rehabilitated” rather than restored.

And then there's her S support, where she says that up until that point she was walked the path of hadou. That's her saying she has used her power to impose her will on others, it's not meant to be a good thing. S supporting her reveals to the player that they chose to side with a tyrant after the route made it very clear that Edelgard lies and keeps her allies in the dark about what's really going on. But the localizers saw this and changed it to her walking a solitary path instead, invoking sympathy rather than smacking the players in the face with the cold hard truth. This leads into how that ending is supposed to reveal that Edelgard's reforms were designed to push people to be “independent” in the sense she wants them to self-reliant in spite of her big speech to Rhea. Her reforms invoke the same ideals she spouts to Dimitri in Moon, so instead it's changed to her striving for a “free and independent” people (Just ignore Hubert putting down rebellions in the shadows) to make it appear as though she had actual character growth thanks to Byleth, rather than her lying and faking it while hiding her true beliefs.

And of course, the example of the Japanese version of Verdant Wind having Edelgard admit her ideals AREN'T like Claude's. You know, Claude's “I want to create a world where people aren't othered based on their beliefs and places of origin.” Edelgard wants to impose her will upon Fodlan, getting rid of anyone who opposes her in what would be considered genocide. Her ideals are not like Claude's. Claude's are actually something good, so of course the localizers make it sound like Edelgard isn't too different from Claude despite being a genocidal dictator.

They had these kinds of things, stuff that should clue players in that Edelgard is not a good person and needed to be stopped... and they decide to try and say “No, she's a good person. She'd be just like Claude and Dimitri if you help her. This is morally grey everybody.” Except the game wasn't meant to be morally grey, Edelgard was the villain all along. Trying to change that messes up the messages, themes and whatnot of the game even if the localization tried to erase the themes. Hell, they even tried to alter the script and blame the Church to back up Edelgard's fraudulent claims when the game has themes about seeing the truth and not being swayed by propaganda. And in the process, they inadvertently gave justification to the Agarthans even when they were supposed to be nothing more than Saturday Morning Cartoon villains.

I swear to god, the translation was pretty much a fanfic itself, and not a good fanfic either. It's like one that misrepresents the source material, like stories where Shinji Ikari is a complete badass outside of Super Robot Wars.

[maidragoste]

👾👾👾

I'LL BE BACK WITH DAEMON'S WIFE AU but now let's indulge on Dark! Male Alicent! His personality reminds me of book Alicent, if you read the books, Book! Alicent is ruthless, very ruthless but she loves her children.

Aelyx being obsessed over sea Dragon! Reader who ends up becoming queen and obviously she's very, very miserable because you know, it's Viserys and ends up having an affair with Aelyx🤭

"I thought the Targaryens were closer to the gods" Aelyx says with a chuckle, then add "You would bed a low blood, my queen...?"

OR EVEN BETTER, Alicent is still Alicent and sea!dragon marrying Viserys who decides to marry Alicent to Daemon.

Then both girls have an affair😍😋

Now I need to figure out Who the heck Nyra is going to marry!!!not Harwin!

HI ANON!

A THOUSAND APOLOGIES FOR TAKING A LONG RESPOND 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I LOVE HOW YOU THINK. The truth is I had never imagined Sea Dragon with Male! Alicent but now I can see the vision

(important clarification: Aelyx aka Male!Alicent belongs to floatyflowers)

OMG THE AUDACITY OF THAT MAN TO SAY THAT TO THE DAMN QUEEN 🥵

Error 404, Sea Dragon stopped working for a minute but then you try to regain your composure by telling Aelyx that he should feel lucky that you chose him but if he keeps talking then you could change your mind and find someone else.

Aelyx is proud when you get pregnant for the first time. He does not doubt that he is the father after all he knows that you always drink moon tea after sharing the marriage bed with Viserys. (You never tell him that you get the tea thanks to Larys, it's a little secret)

I can see Aelyx convincing you to name their first child Aegon, but at first, you are against it because it seems like an open statement to Rhaenyra's claim to the throne.

Now talking about Alicent marrying Daemon

Honestly, if Alicent gets engaged to Daemon, Sea Dragon would be so jealous😭😭 she would hate her because she always wanted Viserys to annul Daemon's marriage to Rhea so she could be with him. I honestly think the two would run away and get married in secret because I can't see Daemon agreeing to marry Alicent or letting Viserys have Sea Dragon

BUT assuming that in the end, Alicent does marry Daemon and Sea Dragon will marry Viserys. Rhaenyra would be furious with Alicent and Sea Dragon, she would be mean to them and they both suffer because they have just lost the princess's friendship so the pain, Rhaenyra's rejection, and their unhappy marriages end up uniting them. There is no other person who understands their situations better than the other. They had no choice, marriage stood in their way.

One day Sea Dragon and Alicent are in Alicent's chambers talking again about her marriage.

"At least I'm sure Daemon makes you feel good in bed."

Alicent can't help but feel annoyed as she recognizes the longing in your voice. "He never touched me" wasn't a complaint, it was a fact. Although the truth is if Daemon was the same as King Viserys in the marriage bed then she preferred to continue without receiving any attention from her husband.

"I can touch you if you want" you offered without a hint of shame and you laughed as you saw the mortification on Alicent's face and how she turned red at your daring "Come on, I'm sure I can make you feel good" Alicent's heart began to beat. hammer when your hand touched his face to brush away a strand of his hair. "Aren't you curious? Plus I noticed how you look at me sometimes."

"I don't know what you're talking about," the daughter of the Hand denied, turning her face away from you to avoid continuing to see you. She felt her nerves increase when you grabbed her chin, making her look back into her eyes.

"You look at my lips too much so you must want to kiss me" you affirmed and smiled triumphantly as you saw her eyes rest on your lips again "But you are too much of a coward to do it, luckily for you, I am not."

Then you kiss her and Alicent can't continue denying that she loves you so she follows the kiss. At first, she moves her lips hesitantly but little by little she begins to gain confidence and deepens the kiss, feeling dizzy from the euphoria of knowing that you want her as much as she wants you.

Alicent never wants to stop kissing you. While she tastes your lips, she doesn't think about how ashamed her father would be of her, how the gods will punish her for committing such a sin. Nothing matters while she is in your arms.

But her bubble of happiness breaks the moment Daemon enters the chambers and sees the two of you with your hair in a mess and your naked bodies covered only by the sheets. Alicent is afraid, she can see the fury in her husband's eyes and she expects that at any moment he will come out to inform the entire castle of the betrayal they have just committed. She can already see how Viserys orders them both to be executed and she wants to cry. You notice her distress so you start caressing her leg before saying to Daemon:

"Do you want to join us?"

Alicent shouldn't be surprised to see how Daemon strides towards the bed and takes your face in his hands before kissing you as if he were a hungry man after all the only thing she and her husband had in common is they both want you.

This is how Daemon and Alicent have to learn to share Sea Dragon 🤭

It may be controversial but I feel like it would be fun if Rhaenyra married Jason Lannister, he would be a himbo 🥴

Thank you very much for writing to me anon, I hope you are well and I hope to hear from you again 🥰🥰💖💖

[riptideripley]

Chapter two of: Addicted.

word count: 1,836

Roman sat up out of his bed with a groan, waking up to his 7:30 alarm. He sat up and was instantly sore, giving him a fresh reminder of last night. He sighed and grabbed his phone off the charger, eyes widening when he saw 3 missed calls from Rhea. He instantly called her back as he flipped the covers off his legs and stood up to stretch.

"Hey Rips, what's up?"

"Did seth tell you"

"Tell me..what?"

"Well he set up a breakfast "date" for us to go to so we can talk. It's at 8:30 so hurry up."

She spat out and hung up quickly leaving Roman stunned. He put his phone back on the charger and grabbed his essentials out of his suitcase, heading to the bathroom.

Rheas POV

I hung up almost instantly after talking to Roman. Why the fuck would Seth set this shit up knowing I'm still pissed?! I glanced over at Dom who was peacefully sleeping, god he looked beautiful. I gently shook him, "Hey Dom..I have to go soon alright?" I spoke softly not wanting to really disturb him.

"Yeah..? Alright mami be safe" he mumbled tiredly back to me, kissing my hand before turning to the other side to get comfortable. I smiled and got out of bed, walking to the bathroom to check myself out. I've already went to the gym, showered, and did everything a woman needed to do. I checked the time and saw it was already 8:10 so I grabbed my mini bag and headed out the door, giving Dom a kiss on the cheek before leaving.

15 Minutes Later.

I arrived and I'm instantly irritated. I see Roman and Seth sitting at a small squared table off to the corner, walking over there. "Rhea! Glad you could make it." Seth said with a smile in which I returned one as I sat down. Looking at Roman just made me sick.

No ones POV

All Roman could do was look at her. I mean he felt guilty and tried everything to apologize, but he knew it would take some time.

"Rhea look, I know I've already explained everything to you. I'm really sorry alright? I never meant for him to find those messages and find out everything."

Rhea sighed, stirring the coffee stick around in her black coffee Seth ordered for her. "Yeah..I guess I accept your apology. I just don't want Jimmy around me ever. again."

"Alright I can promise that no worries" he responded with a smile, finally all of this would be put to rest.

"Soo..how's you and Dom?" Seth questioned, taking a sip of his coffee. "Things are..meh. Same old same old I guess" Rhea responded with a slight smile, not wanting to go into detail about the truth.

Truth be told, after Dominik found out about Rhea sleeping with Roman things went sideways for a while. He wouldn't book hotel rooms with her, he wouldn't even sit next to her in the car rides with the group. It took him a few weeks to finally talk to her and at least..attempt to move on from it. Things went well for a while and then they didn't. It took them a while to get back on track and just let things smoothe over on its own.

Roman looked around taking in the scenery when he spotted someone. Dean. He damn near jumped up out of his seat to go run and hug him but remained composed. "Rhea you know you can always talk to us right?" "Yeah..Yeah I know" she spoke which snapped Roman out of his zone. He was too busy looking around and staring at Dean to realize the conversation they were having. They were going on and on about the whole situation from Elimination Chamber and how her relationship was with Dom. He felt bad truly but god it was just unfair Dom got to have her and not share.

Rhea checked her phone and stood up almost instantly. "Hey I um- I gotta go. Something happened with Damian and Finn" she spoke quickly, grabbing her coffee cup and leaving.

Seth noticed Roman staring at someone and looked, it was Dean.

Flashback.

"Dean this isn't fair and you know it."

"Oh cmon Seth. You know he'll never love you the way he loves me just fucking face it dude."

Roman just sat there completely silent and out of it. He was in love with his two best friends and didn't know what the fuck to do. Seth walking in on him and Dean didn't make things any better for him either.

"One day Seth you'll realize. Nothing and no one can replace me in his life."

End of flashback.

Seth's blood boiled and his heart sank. Dean was the one person he didn't want to see ever again after those words Dean spoke to him. Roman seemed to notice this and sat there quietly, his gaze shifting off to look outside the window.

"Go talk to him, I know you want to."

"Seth I-" "Go."

Roman silently stood up and made his way over to the table were Dean was sitting alone. "Holy shit- Ro?" Dean spoke damn near choking on his drink. Roman chuckled and smiled. "Hey Dede..haven't seen you in a while you know. Ever since you went to AEW you kinda ghosted me" he spoke and took a seat in the chair across from Dean.

"Shit dude sorry about that. Works have been busy and you know how shit is" Dean spoke feeling guilty about just leaving Roman alone how he did. "It's fine I get it, how'd you like it over there?" Roman questioned.

"Awe man you've got to come watch one of my matches if you aren't busy- I'm having a blast" he spoke, seeming very enthusiastic about it which made Roman chuckle to himself. "I'll try, hey did you uh get a new number or something" he asked as he pulled out his phone from his pocket. "Shit- I did, here give me your phone"

Seth just sat there. Watching as Dean typed his new number into Roman's phone. This whole interaction just made him more and more pissed off, so he stood up and walked out of the building. Roman noticed and just sighed in his head, continuing his conversation with Dean.

When Seth got back to the hotel, he was not expecting the scene he saw in the lobby.

"Damian what the absolute FUCK is wrong with you huh?! You go out with Dom for one fucking night and come back with a pregnancy?!" Rhea was fussing at Damian at the top of her lungs. From what Seth gathered within the 5 seconds of him being there, Damian and Dominik went out to a club and Damian got someone pregnant. Thank god this was a WWE only reserved hotel or shit would've hit the fan quickly.

Finn was pacing around furious while Dom just stood there silently. He knew who the girl was sadly and if he told Rhea it would just make her more mad. He noticed Seth out of the corner of his eye and sighed as he quietly walked over to him.

"Is everything..good?" "Fucks no. I mean you hear what she's saying" Dom responded very quickly as he sat down in a lounge chair with Seth.

"So he got someone pregnant huh?" Seth asked as he sipped on the coffee he got to go. "Yeah..I mean I told him it was a bad idea to go home with the girl but he didn't listen to me. And I mean you know the whole thing between him and Finn right?" Seth shook his head no.

"Shit dude you've got to keep up with the locker room whispers. Apparently they're in some sort of relationship without a label on it, it's confusing shit and I just gave up on trying to keep up with it."

"So that's why he's so mad.." "Yup."

At this point Roman had returned and Rhea's former tag partner Liv showed up from all the commotion. "Rhea! Calm the fuck down ok?" Liv spoke as she held onto Rhea's arm to pull her back from slapping the taste out of Damian. Rhea snatched her arm out of her grip and walked off to go calm herself down. Dominik took this opportunity to stand up and go after her to make sure she didn't break anything like she tends to do. Damian stood there pissed after being yelled at like a fucking 2 year old but to be honest he deserved it.

Hours later. 7:30 pm.

It was a saturday so everyone tended to head out to a club or something to relax and have fun. Rhea invited Roman,Seth,Liv,Dom, and Bianca out to a bar for the night to cool off. When Roman arrived, he spotted Rhea alone and went to go talk to her. "Hey you alright? Where's everyone else?" "Oh hey..well the girls and seth are over there bothering some people. Dominik decided not to show up and instead went to Damian's room" he nodded at her words and ordered him a double whiskey.

"See you ordering the same thing as me hm" Rhea spoke and chuckled to herself, sipping on her glass of whiskey. Roman smiled and took a sip of his drink when he received it, looking off in the distance at Seth.

"You two still messing around?" Rhea asked, trailing her foot up his leg. She knew she was wrong for doing this but she couldn't help herself when he looked that good in his all black tight fitted shirt and sweatpants. Roman noticed this instantly and chuckled to himself, running his hand up her leg. "Yeah..we are. Is that an issue Miss Ripley?"

"Oh not at all..I can change that tho" she spoke with a smile and finished off her drink, Roman doing the same.

Fast Forward to the next morning.

Rhea sat up and looked next to her, instantly jumping out of the bed. How the fuck did she get in bed with Roman of all people? She quickly dressed herself and was about to leave but was stopped at the feeling of a hand on her waist. "Leaving now Rhea?" a familiar voice of Roman's in her ear.

"Yes Roman..Dom is probably worried sick about me alright?" she spoke and shoved his hand off of her. "Fine, go ahead and leave. We'll talk about this at some point" he spoke and watched her leave, loving every second of the view. He turned over in his bed and grabbed his phone, calling Dean to plan to meet up.

Rheas POV

I banged on the door, trying everything to wake at least Dom up. Finally he opened the door and looked at me, not seeming too happy to see my face.

"So..Roman again huh?" shit.

[randomnameless]

Hc family lizards: what do you think rhea would’ve raised billy like if jeralt stayed/fucked off but left billy behind

Maybe Sothis would have woken up earlier?

Anyways, I think Billy is happier - they're not called by a nickname they don't like - they maybe participate a lot in the chorals (since no one is here to tell anyone their singing is a "bother"), still pick up things on the ground to help randoms around, etc etc.

Maybe Billy would have had more friends - and wouldn't feel that self-conscious about their supposed "lack of emotions" since the monastery people accepted them nonetheless. I think they would still find a way to be a teacher - maybe not a church official, Rhea doesn't force people to participate in the Church after all - but I think they'd really like to be a member of the Officer's Academy.

We basically have the Billy from the pre TS, before Jerry kicks the bucket.

As for Sothis... if Billy shows no signs of awakening, then Rhea dgaf, but if she learns Sothis is in Billy and is still alive, idk, would Sothis be like the Atem to Billy's Yugi? Or maybe Rhea would try to find a way for Sothis to transmigrate in a body of her own, idk. Ditto for Billy taking her role, just like what happens in the game, she'll ask them if they want it or not. Maybe teach them what she does, why she does those things, and how it can help people, etc. Billy will have to choose, later, if they want to take care of Garreg Mach and guide Fodlan like Rhea tried to - with Sothis's help maybe? - or if they prefer to remain a teacher.

Ultimately, the most difficult point would be for Billy to be a fighter - Rhea wouldn't want them to fight, it's too dangerous! But if Billy realy really really wants to fight - to protect their fam - then I can see her giving them sword lessons (and punching lessons, but they must keep it a secret from Seteth!).

And they would eat Zanado Fruits sat on a warm rock after each "training session".

[bittersweetastoria]

twas another rando idea, just to get some sad vibes off myself onto a character thus this happened.. didn't proof cause, heads in a bad spot and wouldn't catch anything anyways so i guess just, enjoy??

title/prompt; "what's the matter, pretty girl?"

Hands through dirty locks, head held in your hands, a heavily defeated sigh left your lips. The sea air was doing wonders for your ability to finally breathe again, after feeling like you couldn’t for hours now since the fight happened. You’d sat where you’d been left for ages, your family had left for food - giving up on getting you to function at all as they did. How you ended up out here by the ocean hours later, you weren’t sure. But you were thankful for the peace it gave you, the isolation you found in this little slice of sand off behind the hotel you all stayed at. Lost to the sound of the waves crashing before you, time and time again. Just barely out of your reach from where you sat in the sand, having not thought about a towel or anything.. Sand would be up in everything with how small your shorts were, but you didn’t have it in you to care.

“What’s the matter, pretty girl?” Head snapping up quickly, your blurry vision took in the Aussie before you. She sniffled before you even realized what you’d done, a little hiccup leaving your lips as you forced them into a fake sugary smile. “Nothing,” You lied, not wanting to rope her into listening to your sap story of fighting with your best friend yet again. It was truly a broken record. One even your family didn’t care about anymore. You two always got past it, and that’s what your family focused on. Not their daughter/sister falling apart cause of it before then. They weren’t willing to deal with you and your sadness. Why would anyone else?

Next thing you knew, you weren’t sitting alone. You could feel her presence before she even spoke up again. It was weird honestly. This little connection you felt with her, when you were barely even friends. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to be friends. It was more of, she was this larger than life star - and someone your best friend couldn’t stand for whatever dumb reason she wouldn’t tell you. It was just, easier to keep your distance and not step into the true friendship zone - or beyond. Because truth be told, despite barely knowing her, you did have a crush on Rhea. Who couldn’t though? Just, look at her! While everyone obsessed over Mami, the darker made up persona she played. You found the beauty in her true self, in the woman below all the gothic stuff. Not that you’d ever say that out loud. “You’re a terrible liar.” The moment she spoke those words, your head snapped in her direction. The look of shock on your face, mouth agape as you went to protest and yet found no words. “Okay, fine. I lied. What of it?” You quipped, shaking your head as you watched her slide closer to you. All too easily, she slung her arm around your shoulders and pulled you into her frame. Should you? Probably not. But somehow you found yourself leaning into the muscular woman. Your breath exhaling softly as your eyes move from her to the wave, watching as they moved closer to the both of you. “What of it? Really y/n? That the best you got?” Rhea asked, clearly amused as she nudged your side. You laughed despite yourself, hiding behind your hair for a moment before she leaned forward to see your face. “Are you hiding from me, missy? Come on, just tell me. Do I gotta tickle it out of you or something? Cause I will.” Rhea spoke, causing you to laugh slightly.

It took you a moment, your lips pursed as you thought about it. Before you finally sighed, giving in to her requests. “Just the millionth fight with B.. It’s not a big deal. My emotions just like to over react.” You finally answer, sniffling a bit as you laughed despite yourself. Feeling your hair move, you look up to find Rhea tucking it behind your ear. Her hand lingering upon your cheek a little longer than needed as she watched you, a faint smile upon her lips. You could see her brows furrowed just slightly, a tell of her worry for you. It was confusing, given she had no reason at all to care about how you felt or what you were going through. “If you feel them, it’s not an overreaction.” She replied shortly after, her hand finally leaving your face though she continued to watch you closely. “Anything I can do to help love? Just name it.” She added quickly, causing her lips to twitch up at the corners for a moment.

“Just, sit with me?” You begin, your eyes locked on hers for a moment before ducking to the sand beneath you. Your hand ends up in it; digging the earth as your question sat heavy in the air while it settled in for her what you’d said. Without even answering, her tattooed hand slid through the sand to find yours. Once found, she held and squeezed your hand. “Of course.” Was the only answer she gave, as you both smiled at one another then turned your gazes to the ocean.

[deathbirby]

K here are some terrible takes I have collected. Short thoughts for each one.

"Rhea intentionally caused famine by not sharing knowledge with Faerghus"

We have no idea what kind of knowledge she shared. And pick a side! Rhea has to stay out of human affairs because she's not human, OR she has to involve herself with human affairs because otherwise she's bad?

"The Church is homophobic"

Nowhere is it even implied that same-sex relationships are frowned upon in Fodlan. Hell, the archbishop, goddess, and many devout characters are queer, and nobody raises a fuss about their love lives in their endings.

Their holy book also says that the goddess does not deny love.

The whole crest stuff is not the church's fault. They tell you not to abuse crests, and had no hand in the creation of them. Humans did. And speaking of humans, Edelgard says that the people are the ones who elevate crest bearers, not the church.

The Church also has no control over the nobles, who would be the homophobic ones in this scenario??

"Cyril is Rhea's slave"

Cyril was an actual slave at House Goneril until Rhea saved him, something he is expresses his gratitude for by doing chores. He wants to feel useful in some capacity. This is a child who wants to feel useful and takes on extra chores because of that. He's a stubborn little lad, and we love him for it.

"Rhea keeps Cyril uneducated on purpose"

Cyril says in his and Lysithea's support that he keeps his illiteracy a secret because he doesn't anybody to feel like he's not up to a task because of it. AKA: He wants to help out!

"Seteth is doing propaganda"

I'm guessing this refers to the Shadow Library. Seteth removes books there that are either inappropiate or have information that's extremely dangerous if it got out. Some books talk about bans, but since those books are in the shadow library, that likely means they're outdated.

Or this refers to him calling Edelgard mean things?? She declared war against them; of course he's not happy.

"Byleth regains their humanity in CF"

Byleth was never human. Their mother is VERY much implied to have been a Nabatean, and their heart belongs to their (likely Nabatean) mother and the goddess.

Byleth also embraces their Nabatean heritage. Remember that Silver Snow is called Byleth's Route.

Byleth's Legendary Alt in FEH is their Enlightened One version.

Byleth's Brave Alt in Feh is Sothis's regalia, and they sing the Song of the Nabateans.

Byleth's Halloween Alt is a Duo with Sothis.

Byleth's Summer Alt is a Duo with Rhea.

Byleth's Khadein Alt talks about the Goddess's hand in events.

Byleth's Fallen Alt's Forging Bonds has Sothis taking over their body to protect them.

This argument also implies that it's bad for someone to be Nabatean, which is like... yikes.

"Seteth kills the western church members cuz theyre heretics"

"Indeed. The Western Church is attempting to seize sacred ground by force."

- They explain it to you in the exact same paralogue!

"The Nabateans benefit the most from the current state of events" / "The Nabateans are the ruling/top class in Fodlan"

How does the nearly extinct group benefit most from a system where their people's bones are used as WMDs?

They are walking on glass, y'all. If the truth (or even a lie) got out, they would get hunted down.

"Lonato is a good man"

He incited an armed rebellion against a church and would've mowed down villages to get there. He also goes around the knights to attack the students. No, he is not a good man.

"Nabateans ruled over humans in the past and their rule was bad" / "Nemesis did the right thing by taking out the Nabateans"

The word the devs use for the Nabatean rule is apparently something like "cure."

It is also NEVER stated that their rule was bad? Just that the Agarthans hated it (because they hate everyone).

Even the Agarthans talk shit about Nemesis. Nobody liked him.

And you can't... justify genocide? What?

"Sothis and her kids are colonizers and the Agarthans are the natives who got wiped out"

Fun fact! Despite all my theories, it is never made clear whether or not humans already lived on Fodlan when Sothis got there! The beginning cutscene flashes (Sothis's memories) show us a gorilla first, which implies that either life was not advanced, or humans did not exist by then.

Let's say humans did exist then. Sothis landed there and just started her own family. She never took any land by force? She shared knowledge with the humans which allowed them to build modern cities. That's not colonization. Please look up cases of actual colonization; I beg of you.

Sothis is more accurately an immigrant who shares her own culture with others.

"Sothis is not a god but a space alien"

It's never confirmed if Sothis is a space alien so that's actually just theory/headcanon.

Even if, all of her feats (and the dev's words) say that she's a god.

There are many more takes like these, but these are the ones I remember from the top of my head.

[burning-academia-if]

How would the RO's react if MC had an accident, lost their memory and completely forgot about them or at least that they're dating?

Rook: This is so tragic with him, like it took So Much for the two of you to finally get to the dating stage, and for MC to look at him like 'haha wow, in all our years our friendship, it's weird for you to be this frantic about me' like all that progress is just....gone. How can he say that in the blank space, the two of you had really and truly fallen in love despite the odds?

Beck: He does what he can about it. He's the type who probably wouldn't bring up the relationship at first until you're adjusted and then explain things. Also is willing to accept that there's a chance that if MC doesn't get their memories back, they might not fall for him again. As long as you're alright, he'll be fine

Rhea: She's frantic over your well being, but the relief she feels when you open your eyes and don't recognize her is dulled. She'll say it calmly at first, that she's your partner. They eerie calm of her voice makes it seem like she's stating the weather. She won't try to make MC remember, but she might ask lingering questions, like 'does this remind you of anything...?' Tries to make it work if MC wants to try

Zoe: They're at a loss at what to do, but they at the very least not going to to default to the awkward person they was back when they first met MC. They go into full Big Sibling mode, and they probably forget to even mention what was once between you two so caught up in making sure MC's alright askjfals it isn't until MC asks why they're going so far for them, that they'll admit "We were in love, before you forgot."

Lars: He also can't treat MC like how he did in the beginning. Even though he wouldn't say anything at first, the stark difference between how he treats MC vs everyone else is hard to miss. "Why do you treat me so different?" "Don't worry about it. Just worry about yourself." Admittedly, I think he'd have too many complicated thoughts about what to do in this situation and how it might affect MC in regards to even he tells the truth or keeps to himself. He'll tell if MC's ever ready

???: They'll be patient with the process. And even if MC doesn't remember, it's not like the two of them can't start over and build something again. Is careful and gentle through the whole process, although might be a little more over protective then they were before due to the accident

[lunareclipse39]

Dance of the Dragons was Poorly Written

*This will be a long post.

The Dance of the Dragons, the source material in which House of the Dragon is based on, is a poorly-written piece of fiction whose plot has more holes than Swiss cheese. It is George R.R. Martin's weakest piece of writing. I said what I said. The Dance has many unrealistic scenarios, characters being really stupid for no good reason other than to advance the plot, and the story simply violates the rules of the universe it is set in. Let us start with the reason the Dance started.

House Targaryen was having a succession crisis, driving Jaehaerys I to call a council in which the lords of the realm voted on who should rule. The candidates with the strongest claims were Viserys and Rhaenys. The lords chose Viserys, and not only that, but it is said that Viserys won by a landslide, because Westeros will not accept a woman as ruler. Okay, Westeros is a patriarchal society. We are told this time and time again especially in the main series. Rhaenys even at one point tells Rhaenyra that the lords "would rather put the realm to the torch than see a woman rule".

Yet, when Viserys names Rhaenyra his heir, and keeps her as his heir despite having three, true-born sons, the lords seem to have no qualms about this, and we even see half the realm support Rhaenyra. I have questions here. How is a supposedly patriarchal society, who practically laughed out a woman's claim to the throne, suddenly okay with another ruling? What's the reasoning behind this? What makes Rhaenyra so special that half the realm supported her claim and the lords had no problem with her ruling? Despite there being not one but three true-born sons? Before anyone brings up the oaths, those oaths were made before said sons were born, and oaths are broken all the time. Realistically speaking, the lords would have supported Aegon's claim over Rhaenyra's simply because he's a son, and Westeros is patriarchal, with the exception of Dorne. They would have especially supported Aegon after Rhaenyra started siring bastards, which brings me to my next point.

Bastards. Bastard children are treated quite badly, as we see in Jon Snow in the main series. The laws of Westeros dictate that bastards cannot inherit anything over true-born children, and may only inherit in dire circumstances, such as a noble not having any living, legitimate children. Rhaenyra sires three bastard children with Harwin Strong. The realm knows this, yet nobody seems to care except Alicent and her father, Otto. This is just outright unrealistic. Rhaenyra gaslights everyone into accepting her bastards as legitimate children despite the obvious truth and even threatens to execute anyone who dares mention it. This could be explained as the reasoning for many to not seemingly care, however, realistically speaking, Rhaenyra would have lost most if not all support after siring bastards and trying to pass them off as legitimate, with the lords either supporting Aegon or declaring neutrality.

It makes no sense for the lords of the realm to be cool with supporting a woman who has sired bastards and is trying to put one on the throne when a whole ass war, the Blackfyre rebellions, breaks out later on precisely to prevent a bastard from inheriting the throne. Again, why is the realm okay with Rhaenyra's bastards but not with Daemon Blackfyre? Daemon Blackfyre did have supporters, though it was mainly because his supporters did believe in his legitimacy, whereas his opponents believed he was a bastard. In Rhaenyra's case though, it is painfully obvious the kids are bastards, so it makes absolutely no sense for them to have support.

Let me get to the more nonsensical parts of the story.

House Royce supporting Rhaenyra, despite how badly Daemon treated Rhea. Why would they support Rhaenyra knowing who she is married to and how that person treated one of their own?

House Stark supporting Rhaenyra, the oh-so-honorable House Stark, supporting a woman who has sired bastards. This one is especially funny to me given how Ned literally lost his head for trying to expose a bastard and preventing him from inheriting the throne.

House Velaryon. Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this one? We know Corlys is as greedy as Otto, so that could be the driving force for his support of Rhaenyra and her cause, and why he seemingly accepted her bastards as Laenor's sons. They were after all betrothed to his granddaughters. What makes no sense is their continued support of Rhaenyra after Vaemond's execution, and the Silent Five, the Battle of the Gullet, given how costly it was to the Velaryons, and after Rhaenyra tried to have Addam arrested. Supporting Rhaenyra pretty much destroyed House Velaryon.

The Riverlands magically respawning despite being razed to the ground by Aemond.

The Lannister army, supposedly being described as being one of the strongest, coming up short in numbers against the Northmen and being obliterated. In the main series, Tywin musters an army of over 40,000.

Giving two of the largest and strongest dragons to two, lowborn peasants of questionable ancestry without testing their loyalty first. This decision at least does realistically backfire on Rhaenyra.

The storming of the Dragonpit. This one is the most ridiculous of them all. You mean to tell me that Dreamfyre, a dragon bigger than a whale, couldn't have killed all of the people storming in? Especially with other fully-grown dragons inside? Realistically speaking, the small folk would have run away, or tried to, after many bodies started piling up, or being burnt.

The death of Jaehaera. She could have easily been made a Septa. George seems to like killing off characters needlessly, and I understand some characters dying is necessary to advance the plot, but Jaehaera wasn't one of them. If anything, letting her live and have kids with Aegon III would have been a very ironic ending to the Dance. The Greens, who usurped the throne because they value male primogeniture, end up with a woman as their sole living descendant. Not to mention Aegon III's line dies out anyway, so if George wanted the Greens' line to end, he could have let Jaehaera live and the end of the lineage would have still happened. Also, Jaehaera being Daemon Blackfyre's grandma would have been an even more ironic end to the Dance. The Greens, the supporters of male primogeniture, who gave the most importance to Rhaenyra having bastards, not only end with a woman as their sole descendant but their lineage continues with bastards. George really fumbled the ball right there. This ending would have been beautifully ironic and hilarious.

Daenaera Velaryon. Good lord this one gives me the ick. Daenaera is a six-year-old, being presented as the most beautiful in the Maiden's Day Ball, and seemingly just pops out of nowhere. I don't think I need to explain why Daenaera's arc makes me really uncomfortable.

Anyway, that is the end of my little rant/critique. I am so tempted to write a fanfic of the Dance, but make it be Daemon and Rhaenyra versus Aegon and the Greens, and have it be a war of "true Targaryen blood" and Valyrian supremacy versus "not Targaryen enough, not a true Targaryen due to being half Hightower". What do you think?

[all-risejd]

A New Judgment Chapter 8: Dreaming of You (Poly Judgment Day)

Sorry it took so long to post this I am in college and am working on my finals. Thank you for you patience with my updates.

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7.

Rhea quietly leaves the hotel room and enters the hall shaking her head at the ridiculousness she just heard. She steps across the hallway and uses the spare keycard and opens the door. She enters the room to see Damien lounging on the couch, Finn's legs draped across his lap and Dominik sitting on the edge of one of the beds staring at the floor.

"Dom Dom you idiot!" Rhea groans as she closes the door. Dominik looks up at her his eyes wide, the others eyeing him as well. "She still forgives you, she just needs to process that conversation." Rhea explains as she sits on the bed opposite Dom and rests her elbows on her knees, leaning forward and clasping her hands together.

"What did you tell her, Dom?" Finn asks and the three of them look at Dom expectantly. Rhea gestures for him to go ahead and explain and he does. Once he finishes everyone starts talking over each other.

"Jesus Dom, can you form coherent thoughts around her?" Rhea sarcastically asks.

Damien's voice however overshadows everyone, "That's worse than the explanation you gave us at Wrestlemania."

Dominik groans and flops onto his back on the bed. "I know, and it is my biggest regret."

"Wait and she understood that incoherent string of thoughts? And still forgives him and wants to move forward?" Finn asks and Rhea nods affirmatively.

Finn whistles impressed, "Dom, love, you are incredibly lucky. She is gracious enough to forgive and to consider all this." He gestures around them and continues, "Do try not to fuck up the progress you have somehow made with her for all our sakes..."

Rhea stretches before lounging back on her elbows on the bed and asks, "Luis what happened last night?"

"Well aside from Dom not opening doors for her," Damien glares at Dominik who holds his hands up in surrender. "She is very receptive to the thought of the dynamic and said she is willing for all of it, even being romantic with Dom again. She still loves you" He explains further and Dom sighs in relief.

"What else did she say?" Dom asks, encouraged by the last statement.

"She asked sexual questions and answered some in return. I think there is a strong chance she will join us after she gets to know us more. I made it clear she is to communicate if we make her uncomfortable, and that there will be a boundary discussion in the future. Oh, and she almost asked if you all would be ok if me and her fucked, asking about one on one time." This makes Dominik sit straight up and makes Finn and Rhea laugh.

"Wait, you said she almost asked?" Dominik asks for clarification.

"She was about to say 'me' but instead said 'Mami' like I wouldn't notice," Damien laughs.

"And how did you answer?" Finn prompts.

"The truth, it doesn't matter so long as we don't exclude each other all the time, we are all equals in an equal relationship." Damien explains to a chorus of "good".

"We are going to have to make sure she takes care of herself won't we?" Rhea asks, having a good idea of the answer.

"Yeah she focuses more on helping others than herself." Dom explains and the others nod along understanding.

"Dom, we need to talk about why she blames herself for you breaking up with her." Damien's announcement makes Dominik's head jerk in his direction.

"She What!" He yells only to be shushed by his partners.

"She feels like it is in part because she was unable to provide you with a lot of sex, because of the pandemic and her job as well as after you were rarely able to see eachother but once or twice a week." He explains maintaining eye contact with Dom who groans and is filled with even more guilt. The rest of them look at him sympathetically.

"Is that the truth Dom?" Finn asks only for Dominik to snap back at him.

Dominik was not normally harsh, but, "Of course not, I told you why I did it and I was a fucking idiot."

"Then you need to tell her that Dom, and soon or even if she joins us she will feel pressured and we don't want that." Rhea gently tells Dom as she joins him on the bed and pulls him into a hug, gently stroking the back of his head.

"I was so worried for her safety in 2020. She has done so much for me, to protect me and my career, that isn't, I can't believe, fuck!" He rambles and Rhea tries to comfort him.

"It's ok Dom Dom, she was in better spirits when I left the room. Hope is not lost love. That isn't your fault either." Rhea offers to comfort him.

"Yeah Dom, explain that first part to her. The pandemic was hard on all of us. Insecurities are bound to pop up; it is nothing we can't handle."

"Always the voice of reason. " Damien teases, gently squeezing Finn's calf that is still on his lap.

Rhea gives Dom a gentle kiss which helps calm him down, "Practice what you are going to say with me before I go wake her up." She suggests and he agrees.

He takes a minute to collect his thoughts. "Hey Nessa," He laughs at Rhea's attempt to mimic Nessas doe eyes, Damien and Finn laughing along. "Come on Mami be serious." Dom whines and Rhea laughs before agreeing and letting him try again. "Hey Nes, Damien said something about last night that I want to address and clear the air. Nes, I love you and I did not break up with you due to lack of sex or the distance between us because of the pandemic or our jobs. I told you it was because I was scared you were beginning to resent me and I felt bad about not being there for you and that is the truth. It is because I was scared and was a coward and didn't know how to talk to you. The lack of sex wasn't even a factor."

"Hmm it's clear and leaves no room for misunderstanding." Damien nods approvingly.

Rhea however, looks apprehensive. "I think you should also add that you never wanted or want her to feel pressured to have sex. And maybe reiterate how much of an absolute idiot you were." she nudges his shoulder.

"Yeah ok Dems I'll do that." He rolls his eyes. She gets off the bed and leans down to give Dom another kiss and walks over and does the same for Finn and Damien who gives her ass a slap as she walks away.

"It's unfair you have to room away from us now" Damien complains.

"I know, doll, Paul wants me to keep an eye on her and make sure she is ok. We will be rooming again soon hopefully" Rhea swats Damiens hand away playfully and adds on, "I'm going to wake Nes up, I'll come and get you when she is ready Dom." She calls out before closing the door behind her.

Rhea enters the room she shares with Nessa and sits on the edge of the bed where Nessa is sound asleep. She gently brushes the hair off of Nessas face and smiles as she scrunches up her face at the disturbance but doesn't wake up. "Nes wake up love, you gotta get ready for training..." Rhea gently shakes Nessa's shoulders who groans in response and cuddles closer into the covers.

"Five more minutes mom" She mumbles unaware of where or who she is with.

Rhea laughs, "Not mom but I will answer to Mami. Now get up!" Rhea rips the blanket off of Nessa who startles awake, sitting up and looking around. She sees Rhea there with the blanket in her hand laughing and plops back down onto the pillow she just vacated.

"Sorry Demi I'm just so tired" Nessa apologizes and yawns for emphasis.

"It's fine doll, just do me a favor and get ready for training so we can grab a quick bite beforehand. Oh and Dom Dom wants to talk to you before we go is that ok?"

Nessa rolls out of the bed and scratches her head, "Uh yeah, that's fine I guess. What is it about?" She asks while digging through her luggage for her gym gear.

"He feels there is something he needs to clear the air about." Rhea answers watching as Nessa trudges to the bathroom to change.

She comes out after a few minutes and gives Rhea her best puppy dog eyes, "Can you give me a hint what it's about?"

Rhea laughs and shakes her head, "Oh no Ojitos don't work on me nice try, they may work on Dom and Luis but not me," She shuts Nessa down who only pouts.

Rhea stands up off the bed and heads to the door, stopping in the doorway, "I'll go get Dom, we will be in the other room if you need us."

"Thank you Dems," Nessa calls out as Rhea disappears from view. Nessa starts pacing around the room trying to figure out what Dom could possibly want to talk about. She is pulled out of her thoughts by a knock on the doorframe. She stops in her tracks and looks to see Dominik as he is leaning against the door frame.

"Hey Nes, uh, Luis talked to us about last night and he brought up a concern I feel I need to talk to you about." He rubs the back of his neck waiting for permission to enter. Nessa sits on the bed and pats the spot next to her. Dominik walks in, Shoulders relaxed, folding in on himself to seem smaller and sits next to Nessa leaving at least a foot of space between them. Nessa scoots closer to him, wanting to comfort him as well as herself. She decides to break the awkward silence between them.

"I want to apologize for being distant after you explained everything this morning." She begins knowing her response earlier in the car made him feel even worse.

Dom's eyes widen and he starts waving his hands like he is trying to stop that train of thought. "No, No, No, Nes Don't apologize for how you feel and what you need to do to process those emotions. Nessa You are allowed to react and feel and process how you need to." Dom wraps his arm around her shoulders and leans his head against hers.

"Look Mi.." He sighs and continues correcting himself, "Look Nes, Luis said that you think at least somewhat that the reason or a reason I broke up with you is because we couldn't have sex a lot, from 2020 to traveling again and you felt, feel possibly that it is your fault." He starts, what he rehearsed going out the window. He feels her shrugs and he uses his free hand to grab hers closest to his body and he continues.

"Because that was not and will never be a factor. I was so afraid for your life these last few years and even the thought of sex was an afterthought. I did what I did out of fear as I explained this morning. You have always been and will be enough. I was, am and will be happy with whatever you are willing to give, we will all be. So hermosa, don't ever blame yourself for my own stupidity. And if that is not clear enough I did not break up with you because of lack of sex." He kisses her temple happy that she doesn't pull away.

He takes in a sharp breath and groans, "Fuck thats not how I practiced it!"Nessa surprises him by pivoting and throwing her arms around his waist and burying her face into his shoulder, taking in his familiar and comforting scent.

"Thanks Dom. Just, thanks." She mutters into his chest.

He physically relaxes and places his hand gently on the back of her head and plays with her hair like he used to.

The little moment of peace is interrupted by Finn poking his head in the open door his hand "covering" his eyes, his fingers spread so he can look through them.

"Oi love birds the rest of us don't want to get fined again so lets go" He fully steps in the room and takes his hand off his face and laughs at the confused look Nessa is giving him.

"Come on Nes" Dom stands up and offers his hand to help her up. She gently takes it and stands up herself ignoring the snickering coming from the doorway.

"Yeah let me just grab my gym bag." Nessa looks around the room trying to find it.

"Is it this love?" Comes Finns voice teasing as he holds it up in his hands.

Nessa steps towards him holding out her hand reminescent of the night before with Damien.

"Thank you Finn, I can carry my own bag." She cocks her head expectantly waiting for him to hand it over. He only laughs and slings it over his shoulder walking into the hallway. Nessa groans frustrated at how stubborn the men are that she is finding herself drawn to. She crosses her arms and stomps into the hallway grumbling to herself and almost walks straight into Rhea.

"Whats wrong now" Rhea asks throwing her arm around Nessas shoulder and walking with her.

"Just stubborn men not letting me carry any of my bags." Nessa complains nudging Rhea.

"You carry your purse, so you do get to carry one of your bags." Damien calls out over his shoulder where both his and Rheas bag are slung over his shoulder.

"Thats only because you macho men don't want to be seen carrying a purse." Nessa shoots back and sticks out her tongue.

"Bet" Is all she hears before her purse is pulled out of her hand and slid up Finns forearm.

He begins to strut ahead of them and out the door, the car keys in his other hand. Nessa sees an opportunity as Damien and Dominik are discussing something and not paying attention to her and she bolts out from under Rheas arm once Finn is at the car and flings open the car door plopping into the passenger seat victorious and doing a happy dance.

Dom gets in the car first in the back seat taking the middle between Rhea and Damien who gets in last and closes the door before leaning forward, his head between Finn and Nessa.

"Enjoy that because that is the last time you beat me to the car princess" He growls before plopping back and fastening his seatbelt.

Nessas puts her hand towards the backseat only for Rhea to slap it like a high five.

"Dom phone please, I liked that playlist from earlier and I want to listen to it again." Nessa asks, no room for denial in her tone as she does the give it here motion. He hands his phone over right away.

"What playlist, Finn is driving so he picks the music thats the rule." Damien asks confused.

"She is a passenger princess she makes the rules." Dom shrugs just happy Nessa isn't upset or giving him the cold shoulder anymore.

"We can allow it this time" Rhea speaks up with a tone of finality.

"Yeah and sometimes it isn't the driver picking, you are just scared of what she is going to pick babe" Dom elbows Damien who grunts in annoyance being squeezed against the door.

Nessa unlocks Doms phone, surprised he never changed the passcode and opens his spotify and is floored by the name of the most recent playlist. "Memories of Ness <3". She glances back at him, a blush creeping up both of their cheeks. She links the phone and clicks play, the first song gaining a sigh of relief from the people in the back.

"Thank god its something reasonable, Black Veil Brides Rhea praises." Nessa leaves it on, smirking to herself seeing the next song on the playlist. She locks the phone and places it in the center console, Damien bemoaning the choice of band. Nessa doesn't see, but she hears a smack assuming Rhea thumped his thigh for complaining about one of her favorite bands.

Rhea and Nessa sing along as Finn drives and Damien bicker over space since all three of them are squished together in the back seat. Soon enough the song changes and Barbie girl comes on and Nessa giggles and bounces in her seat singing along.

"I'm a barbie girl"

"Nuh uh, No. We aren't doing that." Damien unbuckles himself to lean forward to grab the phone, the other two in the back fighting to hold him back. Damiens arm comes between the seats only for Finn to snatch the phone and toss it under his leg sitting on it.

"Sit the fuck back down, you are not about to make me wreck or get a ticket." We are going to listen to the music Nessa chose respectfully just as she will when It is our turns." Finn orders, slapping Damiens hand away from his thigh.

"You're gonna pay for that" Damien growls in Finns ear, squeezing his thigh tightly before sitting back down and refastening his seatbelt. Nessa stops singing watches Finn as he swallows and fidgets in his seat.

"Whats wrong mini me, why did you stop singing" Rhea reaches forward and touches her shoulder. Nessa places her hand on top of Rheas.

"Yeah just got distracted." Nessa answers shaking her head and returning to singing along, though with not as much energy as she had before. Damiens promise to Finn making her feel as if ithe car heat up and wishing it was directed towards her.

The song changes again, this time Dreming of you comes on and Nessa locks eyes with Dominik through the rearview mirror recognizing their song, and she smiles at him. Nessa sings along softly matching the mood of the song, Dominik singing along with her.

Rhea and Damien share a look across Dominik, Damien mouths,

"Pay up" slowly for emphasis.

Rhea just flips him off and laughs, happy that her Dom Dom is happy and getting what he wants. They pull into the gym where they are to meet their trainers before the song ends.

Rhea places her hand on Nessa's shoulder to distract her for long enough for Damien to jog behind the car and come to her side and open both doors.

"Oh it's like that?" Nessa asks playfully as she steps out of the car Rhea doing the same and laughing, throwing her head back enjoying the lighthearted frustration Nessa is showing. "Come on lets go in, you can have your standoff later." Finn calls out from behind the trunk grabbing His and Nessa's bags again including her purse. Nessa sticks her tongue out at him before making her way towards the door between Rhea and Damien.

_________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later they exit the building, Nessa groaning.

"Oh my god I wanna die" Nessa throws her hands up in the air then whimpers exaggeratedly. Rhea snorts at her theatrics.

"Mamita, it wasn't that bad. It's good for you." Damien chimes in, eyeing her up and down just to be sure she is ok.

"Why aren't you complaining about us carrying your bags this time?" He adds on, adjusting the bags in his hand.

"I'm too sore, you can have this round" Nessa shrugs grabbing Rheas forearm and tossing her arm around her shoulders like it was the most natural thing to do. Staying like that until they reach the car.

Nessa leans against Rhea, waiting for the boys to finish tossing the bags into the trunk and open the car door for them. Nessa to exhausted to fight to do it for herself this time.

"I'm still driving, figure out where you all are going to sit." Finn calls out as he gets in the car.

"You are objectively the smallest of us sweetheart, why don't you sit in the back with us, in the middle so we have some room?" Rhea asks and Nessa nods in agreement, letting out a yawn.

"Ill get shotgun I'm taller than everyone and need some leg room." Damien calls out, looking at Dom, daring him to argue.

Everyone chimes in with some sort of agreement. Both Dominik and Damien go to one side of the car and open the doors, Dom gets in right away and closes the door leaving Rhea and Nessa to go over to Damien. He smiles at her as she slides in and settles in the middle and Rhea gets in beside her.

Once Damien gets in the car Finn starts it and heads back towards the hotel. Dom's phone is still linked to the radio so the song comes back on. Nessa grabs Doms hand and leans her head on Rhea's shoulder and closes her eyes content with the atmosphere in the car.

In no time at all Nessas grip on Doms hand relaxes as she falls asleep, her head still on Rheas shoulder.

"Dom Dom was that your song?" Rhea quietly asks, so as to not wake Nessa up.

"Yeah, when everything shut down this became our song. We were together for a year at that point. It was a way to express how much we miss and love each other." He explained to a chorus of them cooing at him. He blushes at the attention. Nessa stirs and they all quiet down until they are sure she is still asleep.

"Dom, she was translating for us yesterday. She speaks spanish?" Damien asks, plans forming in his head.

"Yes and no. She can understand a fair bit, but she can't actively speak it. It's weird." Dom explains glancing at Nessas peaceful figure and smiles.

"She was fluent as a kid wasn't she?" Finn asks.

"Yeah" Comes Dom's answer.

"That happens sometimes, a use it or lose it situation." Damien comments, rolling his eyes as the playlist continues to be confusing.

"What even is this playlist" He grumbles.

"Songs that Nessa loves and that made her happy." I made the playlist after, well. I missed her and it made me think of her." Dom explains and he feels Nessa grip his hand again telling him she heard him.

"What were you going to say when she stopped you?" Damien asks, the question has been sitting in his mind since it happened.

"I can't tell you. It's not my place nor my story. She will tell you if and when she is ready" Dom answers now aware Nessa is awake.

Nessa picks her head up and stretches, letting out a little groan at her stiffness.

"Lo siento Mamita did we wake you?" Damien apologizes,

"No, not really i'm hungry. I thought we were supposed to eat before going to training." Nessa whines.

"We would have love, but you were too busy cuddling Dom and we ran out of time." Finn explains glancing at her through the mirror.

"We are going back to the hotel to shower and change then we are going out to dinner and to have some fun like we discussed earlier bunny." Rhea explains, trying out a new nickname for Nessa.

"Oh why bunny? thats cute I like it." Nessa says approvingly, nudging Rheas shoulder.

"You are cute, small and bouncy." Rhea shrugs, happy that Nessa is taking everything in stride.

Finn pulls into the parking lot of the hotel. Dom gets out of the car first and holds his hands out palm up offering Nessa assistance. She takes his hand and allows him to help her out of the car and closes the door behind her. Rhea getting out of the other side where Damien holds the door for her.

"Dom, it's your turn to carry bags." Damien calls out over the car. Dom releases Nessas hand and goes to the trunk with Finn who hands her her purse back before grabbing half the gym bags.

_________________________________________________________________________

Nessa and Rhea enter their hotel room, Dominik and Finn following closely behind with their bags. The boys set the bags down by the armchair, Dominik plopping down over the arm rest, Finn leaning against the chair and Damien just leaning against the doorframe.

"Since we all have to shower and change lets say an hour, hour and a half? So you ladies can do your makeup if you want?" Finn suggests, just trying to get the plan set.

"Yeah that sounds perfect babe," Rhea agrees the rest nodding along.

"Well go get started then" Nessa pulls up Dominik and pushes him and Finn towards the door trying to get them to leave so she can start getting ready.

""Ok princesa, no need to get violent" Dominik teases and Finn laughs as the three of them are ushered out the door which promptly closes in their face.

Nessa turns around to Rhea doubled over in laughter.

"What just because I forgive him does not mean he gets to see all this again.... Yet" Nessa gestures to herself and continues.

"And that goes for the others, I havent decided to join... yet."

Rhea's laughter dies down as a question comes to her mind and she decides to ask it.

"But you are comfortable getting ready in front of me, knowing I want you just as much as the others?"

Nessa shrugs unable to explain her ease around the woman.

"I just am." Is the best she can explain.

"Allright then, would you like to shower first. I tend to use up all the hot water." Rhea offers and watches as Nessa opens and closes her mouth before her face flushing as red as she has ever seen it.

"What is it bunny" Rhea asks, stepping towards where Nessa is standing.

Nessa shakes her head trying to clear her thoughts.

"I uh, I had a thought but that would be inappropriate at the moment." Nessa whispers, clasping her hands together behind her back and swaying back and forth.

"What was the thought Bunny, tell me" Rhea asks, having an idea but just wanting Nessa to admit it. Nessa stops swaying and meets Rheas gaze, noticing the calm expression on her face contrasts to the size of her pupils. In that momen Nessa knows that Rhea knew what the thought was and just wants her to admit it.

"That we could share.." Nessa admits almost unable to be heard. Rhea takes a step back to give Nessa some space before she responds.

"We are going the speed you want Bunny, If you want to shower with me all you have to do is ask. But that would be inappropriate at the moment I agree. Not that I wouldn't love to join you gorgeous" Rhea swallows trying to control her tone and actions to not make Nessa uncomfortable but the woman knows how to press her buttons and it has only been a few days.

"I'm sorry.." Nessa starts to apologize only to be cut off.

"No, don't apologize. You are testing waters and trying to see if this is something you want. But if this carrys on we might need to have the boundaries discussion before you have a decision. And before you worry your little head you have not crossed one, we are afraid of crossing yours. Now go shower... Please" Rhea pauses at the end before adding the please.

Nessa doesn't verbally respond, blushing from embarrassment from the last few minutes, instead she does as told and goes into the bathroom and showers, letting out a shuttering breath as she steps into the running water.

She makes sure to be as quick as possible to save hot water for Rhea. Nessa steps out of the shower and wraps the towel around herself, grabbing another for her hair. Once the towl is secured around her she steps out of the bathroom having not brought any clothes in there with her.

Rhea groans seeing this,

"You weren't kidding when you said you were ok with rooming with me." Rhea stands up off the bed and goes over to where Nessa is standing.

"Sorry, I I forgot to bring my clothes in" Nessa stutters as Rhea gets closer an rests a hand on Nessas cheek and leans down close to her face.

"Nessa, if I overstep you need to tell me because they way you have been the last two days, especially today acting as if you have already joined us and we don't want to force you into anything." Rhea rests her forehead on Nessas and gently presses their lips together in a tentative kiss.

Nessa holds her towel with one hand and uses the other to grab the hand resting on her face, pulling it off and placing a kiss to the palm. Rhea shivers at the returned affection and swallows again.

"I'm gonna go shower, to give you time to get ready. Lets uh, talk one on one during dinner" Rhea states softly, not having moved away from Nessa, still looking into her eyes.

"Yeah, ok." Nessa agrees and steps back biting her lip wondering if she went too far, especially without making her decision. Rhea steps forward and grabs her face gently one hand on each cheek.

"Hey, don't do that Bunny. Like I said we are following your lead. If you want distance all you have to do is ask. If you want to explore we can do that too but conversations need to be had before that." Rhea tries to stop the mental spiral that Nessa was starting. Nessa nods her head still in Rheahs hands.

"I need words love." Rhea prompts not satisfied with just nodding,

"Ok Demi." Nessa answers and Rhea kisses her forehead before releasing her grip and heading towards the bathroom and closing the door behind her. Nessa takes a deep breath and calms her self for a minute before getting dressed and throwing on some quick makeup to be ready when Rhea gets out.