#yet people don’t care and just say lizzie loves hope

[handonhaven]

So I’ve been thinking about the “friendships” on legacies, and I can’t help but wonder how anyone can take the Hizzie friendship seriously. It was so one sided in all the worst ways. If Lizzie wasn’t gaslighting Hope, she was sitting there trying to change history(ie the whole “you only come to us when you need something” thing 😑). Or she was gonna try and force a rebound on Hope, that she didn’t want. Then she went on this whole mission to try and kill Hope(which I can understand the anger behind that bc of what happened with her dad and Hope), makes this whole speech about how she can’t be the one to kill her bc she cares to much about her. Then the very next day she was dead set on killing her and the only reason she didn’t was bc a sire bound was stopping her.

Yeah... I’m not a fan of hizzie and don’t get how that can be seen as a genuine friendship at all. I mean, I’d thought it was headed in a good direction at the end of season 1, when Lizzie had started treating Hope better. But then in season 3 it’s like that all went out the window and it became, imo, a pretty awful and unhealthy “friendship” with how badly Lizzie treated Hope for the rest of the show. You’re right, it really was one sided, Hope was a friend to Lizzie but Lizzie wasn’t one to Hope.

And yes to everything else you said! Ugh it was all so frustrating to watch, the things Lizzie did and said to Hope were messed up and thinking about it makes me mad all over again. I could add even more things to the list too, like Lizzie minimizing Hope’s grief after she lost Landon, repeatedly being insensitive and showing no compassion for her, never truly being there for her, betraying her to help Aurora, who wanted to hurt her and had been after her family, etc. There’s a whole lot that could be said and I really don’t get why it all basically just gets ignored or excused and treated like some wonderful friendship. It’s yet another popular thing in the legacies fandom that I don’t get but I’m glad I’m not alone haha.

[farfromstrange]

Lizzi's Kinktober 2023

Day 3: Cockwarming

October 18th, 2023

Main Masterlist | Kinktober Masterlist

Pairing: Matt Murdock x F!Reader (use of "good girl")

Summary: Matt is always working, but you need him. So, he gives you what you want. Sort of. But not really.

Warnings: EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT (18+ MINORS DNI), cockwarming, praise, use of "good girl", teasing, slight Dom!Matt, not proofread (I sense a theme here)

Word Count: ~970

A/n: This is a drabble again, and I am so sorry for not posting it yesterday. I finished it and then I fell asleep. Oops. I caught a cold and I am so tired, so I hope this can live up to expectations once again.

Matt’s working. 

He’s always working. Either on a case or out on the streets as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen. The protector. There are only a handful of moments when you have him all to yourself, and sometimes you have to beg for it and hope he caves. 

Just like tonight. 

He’s been working again. He’s been working ever since he came home. He told you he would have to go out at some point that night, possibly after you’ve gone to bed. Maybe he’ll cuddle you, but that is never certain. You can hope, you can pray, but you can never be a hundred percent certain that he will be there.

But you love him. 

You don’t care that he is gone a lot because when he isn’t, he makes up for the time he missed. He treats you like you are an angel on earth. That’s what he calls you often enough.

Angel. Sweetheart. Divine. Heavenly. He loves you more than you’ve ever been loved. He would go to the ends of the earth with you. But you can’t make him stop something that sustains him. You understand. You really do.

He’s doing something to help people, and if you have to spend a night or two alone, so be it. Not everyone could do what he does, and that’s as much a blessing as it is a curse. He has to do it or he will lose himself. Maybe it’s an addiction, maybe it’s unhealthy, but you love him and your love has survived much worse than that.

Still, there are times where your needs become a little too hard to ignore, and most of the time, they take over.

Sometimes, the little voice in your head gets stronger than your common sense, and you become needy. You become so needy, Matt can’t tell you no because deep down, he loves it when you get needy.

It’s the easiest way to distract him, being needy. It’s the easiest way to get him to pay attention to you, yet at the same time, it makes him just want to take care of you in ways he too often neglects. 

Matt has been sitting at the dining table, typing away on his laptop as he listens to witness testimonies on his latest case for what feels like an eternity.

As the time dragged on, you eventually started shifting on the couch, watching him, trying to get his attention. When that didn’t work, you started sighing. It took about thirty minutes until his low voice rang out, “Come here.”

And that is how you ended up here. Part of you regrets it now that you have been teasing him so relentlessly, but you couldn’t stop. You had to do it. This is your compulsion.

His hard cock is nestled deep within your slick folds as he’s got you seated on his lap, chest to chest. He’s so deep inside of you, you can feel him in your very soul.

Your walls are so tight around his girth, you can feel his veins pulsating every time you try to shift your position. You’re clinging onto him for dear life, your head on his shoulder, and he just types. He types away on his laptop as if he isn’t buried completely inside of your wet cunt. The clicking sound is slowly starting to drive you crazy. It’s his moans you want, the sound of skin slapping against skin, not whatever this is.  

It’s torture, to say the least.

“If you’re so needy, you can keep me company while I finish this report,” he said to you after he called you over to him. 

You thought nothing of it until he grabbed your waist and pulled you closer. 

“You can keep my cock nice and warm for me until I’m done, and then I’ll fuck you, baby. I promise. I just have to do a little more work.”

You shouldn’t have pushed him, but God, you love what he feels like inside of you. 

You shift again. His left hand flies to your hip, stopping you. “Don’t move,” he says. “I’m not done yet.”

Your moan is muffled through his dress shirt. “Please, Matthew,” you whine. 

“No.”

Oh, he’s cruel. He’s so, so cruel. 

He knows exactly what he’s doing, too. His rough hands alternating between gently resting on your thighs, stroking up and down, and his nose burying in your hair to breathe in your scent—and every time your clit bumps against his pelvis, you can’t help but moan and seek more friction. But when you do, when you move to seek friction, he stops you time and time again because, “I’m not done yet.”

When will he be done? 

Every time he breathes, every time he talks, his cock moves just a little deeper. He presses against that sweet spot inside of you entirely unintentional, but he knows instantly what effect it has on you.

At this point, you’re sure he’s teasing you. He’s doing this on purpose. Is he even working? You’re sure he can’t be. 

“So beautiful,” he whispers into your hair. “And so good for me. I’m almost done.”

“You’ve said that before,” your voice is hoarse, breathless, on the edge of breaking. 

Matt only chuckles, tilting your head back to give you the softest of kisses. Suddenly, you’re not so mad anymore. The pleasure that simple kiss sends straight to your already dripping cunt, coating his cock in even more wetness and allowing him more leeway as he shifts in his seat now, forcing you closer together—it is inhuman. You moan into his mouth, and the kiss turns heated. 

You are so needy. Maybe he is getting desperate too. He’s kissing you back a bit more forcefully, and you’re sure he’s about to lose it. But then he stops, pulls back, and focuses back on the Braille on his keyboard.

“Be good,” he tells you. 

You try. You really are trying, but it seems nearly impossible. You still bury your face back in the crook of his neck, and you try to breathe. 

The rubberband in the pit of your stomach tightens with every passing second, threatening to snap. Your nerves are on fire. Your muscles are sore. You can feel yourself tensing up, trying not to move, trying not to make a sound…The relief is too far away, still.

“That’s it. Good girl.”

You’re done for. Your teeth sink into his shoulder, and the lewdest moan escapes your lips. 

“You like that?” Matt asks. “Being called a good girl? My good girl? Is that it?”

He shifts again. It’s better than nothing. It soothes the ache in your core, but as soon as he stops, it multiplies. 

“Yes,” you breathe. 

“Then be good just a little longer for me, sweetheart, and I’ll give you exactly what you need.”

You’re going to hold him to that. 

Matt Murdock Smut Tag List: @acharliecoxedfan @gpenguin666 @linamarr @mcugeekposts @itwasthereaminuteago @ravenclaw617 @mattkinsella @norestfortheshelbywicked @yarrystyleeza @littlenerdyravenclaw @etanordoesbullsh1t @thychuvaluswife @harleycao @schneeflocky @imjustcal @pipsqueakkitten @merlinbtch

Also tagging: @blackshadowswriter @1988-fiend

[themultifandomgal]

Hey you! I just read that you take requests for peaky blinders and I’m wondering if you could maybe write something for John x reader? Like from s1 when he calls for a family meeting, that he wants to marry Lizzie. But reader is there maybe she works with Grace at the bar and has known John since they were young. She was in love with him but he married Martha, reader helped with their kids and her births and when his wife died she stayed around to help John. But he never thought she looked at him like anything more than a brother. But Polly knew and Tommy too, so when John asks them about Lizzie in front of you. They all tell him he’s blind to not see how reader loves him and his kids. She is really sad cause she thinks he’s going through with the wedding to Lizzie but when he gets home that night and she’s watching the kids he finally talks to her and asks her how she really feels. Like he would see her in such a loving way he couldn’t even consider she’d ever want a man like him. A real cute ending would be lovely

John Shelby- Tell Me The Truth Pt1

I just realised writing this how similar to my last request this one is so this time I’ve used actual dialogue from the season 1. Might make this one into a little series. Hope you enjoy.

Also trigger warnings- swearing, talking about vomit, violence, the usual peaky blinders stuff.

“Oh for fucks sake” YN groans as a man vomits at the bar “I gotta clean that up now, fucking twat go ‘ome to ya wife”

“Why d’ya think I’m ‘ere love” the chap wipes the vomit from his mouth making YN shudder a little. Rolling her eyes YN goes to get her mop and bucket while she leaves Freddie and Tommy to talk, although knowing it may end up in someone getting hurt

“Hi YN” Finn, the youngest Shelby sibling says smiling at her

“Hey Finn, why aren’t ya at school” the boy shrugs his shoulders

“Borin’”

“It may be borin’ but do ya wanna end up like ya brothers? an alcoholic, an other a deceiver, another married at 17 because he fucked some poor girl. Get yourself some juice then head back to school”

“Fine” the boy whines but does as he’s told, well kind off. YN doesn’t need to know that he’s took the juice and headed off home.

Walking back to the bar with a mop and bucket and some other cleaning supplies, she now sees Tommy and Freddie holding Danny up. Glass and chairs thrown everywhere

“Oh hell did I do it again?” he asks

“You did it again Danny”

“Miss YN I’m so sorry” Danny cries

“It’s ok Danny” YN says sympathising with him. She knows better than anyone how the war has changed so many people and families. She worked as a nurse to help the injured soldiers. Combat Fatigue, or shell shock is what they called it when men would return home, but they weren’t themselves. Unfortunately Danny, once a sweet caring man, now has moments where he forgets where he is. Just a noise could set him off. Knowing this YN knows that she shouldn’t be harsh on him. It’s not his fault

“Mr Shelby you have to do something about him”

“Damn right Harry. You pay the peaky blinders a lot of money for protection. Your the law around here now, aren’t ya Tommy?” Freddie say as Tommy takes a swig of whiskey

“And what would you suggest? Hm? Putting a bullet through his head? Kill an innocent man? Thought you would have done enough of that during the war”

“YN back to work” Harry says pointing at the girl

“Sorry ‘man’s business’ right? that’s a load of fucking bollocks and you know that”

“Harry get YN to drop the bill off at the betting shop. We’ll take care of this” Tommy says putting his cap back on and walking out of the bar

“I don’t know why you’re still involved with that lot” Harry mutters grabbing a broom. YN shrugs

“Grew up with John boy didn’t I. They’re family”

“Yet the man you love married another. I’d leave them before they break you” with that Harry gets to sweeping the floor. What Harry said hurt YN, not the part about them breaking her, no. They wouldn’t do that, the Shelby’s all treat YN as family. The part that hurt YN was that John married Martha, YN’s best friend. Tommy always said it was only because he got her pregnant and wanted to do the right thing, but YN always wondered if he hadn’t of got Martha pregnant would he have ever married her? Would’ve he and YN had a chance? Well it’s to late now. John married Martha and now is a widower with 4 children who YN had help Polly deliver.

Later that evening YN walks home, having to pass Johns house where she can hear the chaos that is bath and bed time. Going against her better judgement, YN finds her feet making their way to Johns house and knocking on the door. A disheveled John answers the door

“Oh thank god your here. I don’t know how Martha did this everyday” sighing YN gives him a weak smile entering his house

“Just get a glass of whiskey for me for when we’re done”

[hyperactivewhore]

Some people have this weird fixation about making Klaus choose Caroline over Hope, especially in fanfics. I’ve seen fics where Klaus abandons Hope, or kills Hayley for disrespecting Caroline, or just ignores Hope in favor of Caroline. Like some people forget Hope’s his daughter - of course, he’s going to choose her over everyone. I think any decent parent would choose their child over a potential girlfriend/boyfriend. And Hayley is Hope’s mom, a very important person in her life. I don’t think Klaus would kill Hayley unless she posed a threat to Hope or if she tried to take Hope away from him. Honestly, I don’t think he would even tolerate people openly disrespecting Hayley in front of Hope, regardless of who it was.

Another thing that I’ve noticed is how people are so determined to make Klaus a father figure to the twins, particularly Lizzie. I’ve read a fic in which Klaus clearly and openly favored Lizzie over his own daughter - which would never happen. I think that if Klaus and Caroline actually did end up together, he still wouldn’t be that present in the twins lives. Since he is overprotective to the extreme, I think that he would hold some resentment over how the twins treated Hope in their younger years. He’s petty enough to hold a grudge against a kid. And anyway, I don’t ever see Alaric allowing Lizzie or Josie to get close to Klaus, no matter what Caroline says.

I don’t know… it’s just weird that people keep diminishing Hope’s relationship with her own father to benefit their ship. Sorry for the rambling.

People fail to remember that Klaus is his own person and not an extension of the ships they like, and that ship half of the time is klaroline because they are obssesed with making him her personal puppy, as if that ever happened in canon.

Granted, Klaus said a few nice things to her and did like two good things to make Caroline not feel so guilty about wanting to fuck him, but other than that there's no way he would ever seriously chose her over his family, especially his own daughter. He chose to save her over Rebekah back in Mystic Falls because his sister is immortal, Caroline isn't.

I've never actually read long klaroline/klamille/klayley fanfiction. Sure, I use to read some oneshots from time to time because they have really good writing, but this fanfics I'll talk about best used to show up while I was in the klaus or mikaelson tag and I used to take a look because I was curious. It has some wild elements, that's for sure.

I've seen a lot of fanfics where they make Caroline some weird ass hybrid/tribrid that manages to be a werewolf, witch and vampire all in one and it's like wtf. They complain constantly about Hope's existence because she breaks canon and yet they make this baby vampire the biggest Mary Sue ever. Yes, the producers created Hope because they wanted to create their own magical baby like Renaissance from Twilight, but they make a fool of themselves by making Caroline be anything but a vampire. Caroline was incredibly mean and a complete hypocrite as a human and don't bring me the "she was insecure and always in Elena's shadow" because I'm insecure too and that doesn't make me be a bitch to the people who love me. Klaus was always threatening her whenever she spoke in a way he didn't like, and that was when she was already the "sunshine vampire" people claim to love so badly, so people who think he would even let her live if he met her as a human are laughable.

Klaroline shippers are so pressed about Hayley being Hope's mother, I can't even tell you how many posts, videos and weird fanfics I've seen of Caroline being her mother and being the "Mikaelson's light". I've said it a lot of times, but the Mikaelson wouldn't like Caroline at all: Rebekah and Hayley were constantly slutshamed by her, Elijah hates people who insult/hurt his family, Kol was literally killed by one of her best friends and he would not be okay with that, Finn couldn't care less and Freya probably just heard bad things from her, if she even knew about her existence. And in top of that, Caroline literally threw a party when she thought Klaus died.

When they have any Mikaelson or Klaus, especially Klaus, kill Hayley, I just lose it. Why the hell would Klaus ever do that? He literally lost his mind when she died, he was a mess and they don't even want to admit he loved Hayley: new flash, he did. She was his family, the mother of his daughter, probably his best and only friend and he loved her. Not in a romantic way, but they still get pressed because how dare Klaus have feelings for anyone other than their queen Caroline.

Also, their obsession with making Caroline be called queen? It's creepy and weird, it must be really annoying for them that Klaus only called Cami and Hayley a queen. Those two girls were a thousand times closer to be considered family by him than Caroline ever could, and his siblings did care for those women too.

This reminds me of a really good point in klaroline fics: if Caroline is the one pregnant with Hope, Klaus will react a lot better. I just can't see this, Klaus’s daddy issues are literally the main point of his character. He hated Mikael as much as he desired his love, he always yearned for one of his parents to care and no one did: Mikael, because he was a piece of shit, Esther, because she was terrified of her husband and there's literally no other reason in canon that explains why she allowed Mikael's abuse and Ansel, because he was forced to stay away and was killed twice. That isn't gonna change just because he got Caroline, sorry to tell you.

I can see him reacting less murderer and less threatening. Alkaline covers this so well and it's one of my favorite Klaus fanfics, if he has a romantic relationship with the woman he got pregnant he wouldn't tell the witches to kill her and their baby, but I do think he would still think at first she cheated, not only because of his paranoia but also because he is supposedly incapable of having kids.

The whole Lizzie and Josie thing is really a good point! I agree, Klaus would never favor the twins over Hope or even Marcel. Those are his kids, he raised them and he never met Josie and Lizzie until they were like what, twelve? Thirteen? He even said people needed to ask him permission to even talk to Hope, he would 100% hold a grudge against the Saltzman twins for being mean to his daughter. I also think that the whole "Klaus would like Lizzie more than Josie" is because physically and in terms of personality, Lizzie is the one that resembles Caroline the most. So when writers have him openly prefer Lizzie isn't only weird, it has some uncomfortable pedophilic vibes.

I've only seen klaroline and some klayley shippers say that about klope, how he would love x girl more than Hope and etc. I hardly doubt they even remember canon Klaus, just their fanfic version because if Klaus ever had to chose he would always chose his daughter. I've also seen, in a lot of fanfics, not only klaroline ones, how Klaus would love more or completely ignore his oc kid (they also have Hope he a complete bitch from the start, even if it's her seven years old version) and it's just strange. There are a lot of reasons why Klaus and Marcel didn't have a stable relationship, mainly all the bad blood between them and the fact that Marcel was already grown up by the time they met, but he never hesitated to put himself in danger for him. Klaus even refused to kill him, knowing he was endangering Hope. I just can't see him ignoring his kid, especially if he got to actually see him/her grow up.

This is not bashing to the writers btw! Sorry if it came out like that.

[catindabag]

TBOSAS on Crack short take (66)

*Are those our new friends?* Read [this] first.

Coryo: Clemmie, please stay.🥺

Clemensia: No! I want to go home-

Felix: Bestie, they haven’t served us the lobster yet. So I insist that you must stay.

Sejanus: For the lobster!

Diana: Mr. Lobster!

Clemensia:. . .

Diana: Pretty please.🥺🙏

Clemensia: I- I do like lobster.

Coryo: You can have the first bite.

Clemensia: Fine! But no more funny business. *side eyes Casca*

Drunk!Casca: That’s easy for you to say, Ms. Dove Goat.

Clemensia: It’s Dovecote.

Drunk!Casca: Dove Goat.

Clemensia: Whatever. Just don’t go arguing with old people-

Strabo: I’m not old.

Sejanus: Yes, you are.

Strabo: Strabo is sad now.

Drunk!Casca: Lol. Old-

Clemensia: Sir!

Drunk!Casca: But I have to win against that rock merchant-

Strabo: I sell guns, you drunk!

Drunk!Casca: I’m not drunk! I’m Casca!

Strabo: Drunk.

Sejanus: Pa, go away! You’re embarrassing me in front of my darling Coryo again!😫

Strabo: Little Snow doesn’t mind.

Coryo: I don’t mind.

Drunk!Casca: I mind.

Clemensia: Sir!

Drunk!Casca: Ugh. Fine! I’m here to tell you that there has been a change this year. One final assignment to prove your worth-

Festus: Are we having a dance-off competition?😀

Coryo: A singing contest!

Sejanus: Bake and Brawl!

Domitia: Dungeons and Dragons!

Livia: Love Island!

Pup: Please be Ninja Warriors!

Gaius: A stand up comedy show!

Persephone: Fear Factor!

Urban: Spelling Bee!

Hilarius: Singles Inferno!

Urban: Let’s do Project Runway instead!

Juno: I agree!

Io: Me too!

Drunk!Casca: What?! No! We are not doing those! This is the Reaping Ceremony! Not the fun and games party!

Felix: Let me guess, it’s a cooking competition, isn’t it?

Drunk!Casca: Heck, no! This is about the Hunger Games, you brats!

Livia: Boring!

Juno: Ew.

Felix: Sir, you do know that we don’t like watching the Hunger Games, right?

Drunk!Casca: I know. That’s why-

Florus: Think about my war traumas!

Coryo: Think about mine!

Persephone: Mine’s the worst!

Clemensia: No offense, but Monty takes the cake on this one.

Palmyra: I’m fine.☺️

Io: Monty-

Palmyra: I’m totally fine! Do you want a slice of my family’s pie?😀

Io: Ew. No.

Drunk!Casca: The important thing is that-

Coryo: No one likes the Hunger Games. Period.

Androcles: Yeah! Coryo’s right! Your Killer Kids Game sucks!

Drunk!Casca: That’s the point! No one watches the games!

Io: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Urban: Don’t look at me. I don’t care either way.

Drunk!Casca: Ugh! How should I explain this-

Festus: In simple terms. I’m dumb.

Apollo: I’m also not the sharpest tool in the shed. So-

Drunk!Casca: Each one of you brats will be assigned one Tribute.

Festus: So all of us will have a Tribute?

Drunk!Casca: Yes.

Lysistrata: Even Livia and Monty?!

Livia: Even me?!

Palmyra: I’m fine.🙂

Drunk!Casca: Unfortunately.

Coryo: What for?

Drunk!Casca: You will serve as their Mentors for the games-

Diana: Sir, can we befriend our Tributes?

Drunk!Casca: Why would you want to-

Gaius: That’s a good idea, Ring! Let’s all befriend our Tributes!

Felix: I do want a new friend.

Dennis: Or a business partner.😈

Lysistrata: I just hope that they won’t hate us for being a bunch of spoiled Capitol Nobles-

Clemensia: Lizzie, I’m pretty sure that they already despise us for being born Capitol.

Lysistrata: You’re right.😢

Felix: Bestie, don’t be sad. Just give them some vitamins-

Drunk!Casca: No! You’re going to be their Mentors and nothing else!

Felix: But-

Drunk!Casca: You are all forbidden to befriend your Tributes!

Diana: But I want a new friend!

Vipsania: I need a new gym brother!

Pup: I want to sleep.

Coryo: I still want to eat.

Livia: I need someone to carry my very expensive diamond encrusted handbag while I do my makeup and shopping!

Everyone:. . .

Palmyra: So who wants to eat raw meat?😀

Drunk!Casca: Ugh! Why are you brats acting so dumb and difficult?!

Festus: Because we are?

Urban: I’m not dumb. I’m just difficult.

Drunk!Casca:. . .

Felix: Sir, the Reaping Ceremony-

Drunk!Casca: As the reaping progresses live, I will allocate each District Tribute a Capitol Mentor-

Palmyra: That’s us!😀

Drunk!Casca: Unfortunately.

Palmyra: Yey!

Drunk!Casca: But behind the scenes, you brats must persuade them to perform for the cameras-

Persephone: Can we perform with them?

Vipsania: I want to perform too!

Hilarius: I can play the guitar.

Gaius: We can start a band!

Io: I can juggle.

Domitia: Jasper, you can’t juggle.

Io: I can-

Domitia: You can’t.

Io: Coryo, give me your plate.

Coryo: Sure-

Domitia: Coryo, don’t.

Io: Jasper is sad now.😢

Festus: But can my Tribute and I have an epic dance battle on stage?

Drunk!Casca: You can’t perform with your Tributes!

Festus: Why not?! The crowd would love it-

Drunk!Casca: Creed, please! You’re making me want to quit my job so bad right now!😩

Festus: Isn’t that a good thing?

Drunk!Casca: Ugh! Let’s just get this over with-

Coryo: How about a sing-off battle?

Drunk!Casca: Fine! Do whatever you want! I don’t care anymore.

Everyone: Yey!🥳

Drunk!Casca: But let me just make this clear-

Felix: Can we wear costumes?

Hilarius: I wanna wear a onesie.

Persephone: Are fursuits allowed?

Drunk!Casca: *sighs* You can wear whatever you want as long as it’s appropriate.

Hilarius: Can I wear-

Drunk!Casca: Short shorts are not allowed.

Hilarius: How about-

Drunk!Casca: Mini skirts are also not allowed.

Hilarius: My mom-

Drunk!Casca: Your mother is not allowed to help you.

Hilarius: My old man-

Drunk!Casca: Creepy Mr. Heavensbee Sr. is banned from attending the show. Period.

Hilarius: So I’m alone?

Drunk!Casca: You’re on your own, kid.

Hilarius: But-

Drunk!Casca: You always have been.

Coryo: Can we cheat to win?

Drunk!Casca: Sure. Why not. Just don’t tell Dr. Gaul.

Dr.Gaul: I’m still here-

Dennis: Nice! *evil laughs*

Drunk!Casca: But don’t forget, your role is to turn these children into spectacles-

Palmyra: Like us!😄

Drunk!Casca: Unfortunately.

Apollo: What’s the prize?

Florus: Is it worth it?

Coryo: Is it money?

Hilarius: I want money.

Persephone: Food!

Iphigenia: Free therapy!

Domitia: A cow!

Io: Love!

Crack!Casca: No! Victory in the games doesn’t mean much if your Tribute doesn’t perform well.

Domitia: So no cow?

Crack!Casca: No. However, your entire future rests on this last project-

Coryo: Oh, thank Panem! Thank you, Panem for giving me a rich man to marry! I don’t need to think about winning some sh*tty game!

Sejanus: I’ll give you anything and everything, my love!😍

Coryo: I know, Babe. That’s why I love you and your daddy’s money.

Sejanus: Kiss?😘

Coryo: Kiss.

Drunk!Casca: No kissing and making love inside my hall!

Hilarius: Technically speaking, this is my family’s hall-

Drunk!Casca: My school, my hall!

Clemensia: Sir, your speech.

Drunk!Casca: Oh, yeah. Where was I?

Clemensia: Last project.

Drunk!Casca: Oh, that’s right! Let the Reaping Ceremony begin!

Felix: I can’t wait to make new friends!

Diana: Yey! New friends!

Drunk!Casca: District 1 boy Fabric goes to Liver Cardew!

Livia: Fabric?! My Tribute’s name is Facet, you drunk!

Drunk!Casca: I don’t care, Liver.

Livia: Ugh. I’m telling mother.

Drunk!Casca: District 1 girl Velvet Bean goes to Palmolive Monthly!

Palmyra: Yey!🥳

Florus: Sorrows and prayers.

Felix: May the odds be ever in poor Velvereen’s favor.😔

Drunk!Casca: District 2 boy Marius-

Sejanus: No.

Drunk!Casca: Walrus.

Sejanus: Still wrong.

Drunk!Casca: Like I care! Martin from 2 goes to boyfriend stealer Syllabus Plinth!

Sejanus: Coryo, look! That’s my first best friend!

Coryo: Babe, is he the one who keeps ignoring your letters?

Sejanus: Yup! He’s just shy.

Festus: I think Marcus just doesn’t like you-

Sejanus: He’s just shy!

Coryo: Whatever you say, my love.

Drunk!Casca: District 2 girl Cabin-

Florus: Sabyn.

Drunk!Casca: Sharyn.

Florus: Her name is Sabyn.

Drunk!Casca: Saber Salamander goes to Flower Friend!

Florus: It’s f*ckin’ Sabyn!

Drunk!Casca: Doubt. District 3 boy Circuit goes to I Owe Casper.

Io: Is he smart?

Drunk!Casca: You tell me. District 3 girl Tesseract goes to Turban-

Urban: How the f*ck does a simple name like Teslee become Tesseract?!

Drunk!Casca: That’s her name. Deal with it. District 4 boy Milton-

Persephone: Mizzen.

Drunk!Casca: Martian.

Persephone: Mizzenmast!

Drunk!Casca: The little gremlin from 4 goes to Miss Maid Stew!

Persephone: I hope he likes pizza.

Drunk!Casca: District 4 girl Carlo-

Festus: It’s Carl.

Coryo: Her name’s Coral.

Festus: I’m pretty sure it’s Carl.

Drunk!Casca: Toyota Corolla goes to Fetus Creed!

Festus: It’s Festus!

Drunk!Casca: District 5 boy Hyena goes to Tennis String.

Dennis: Cool.

Drunk!Casca: District 5 girl Solar Flare goes to the local grocer.

Iphigenia: Is that me?

Drunk!Casca: Unfortunately.

Iphigenia: Ok!☺️

Drunk!Casca: District 6 boy Oslo goes to Apple Ring.

Apollo: Nice!

Drunk!Casca: District 6 girl Jenny goes to Dino Ring.

Diana: My new friend!

Drunk!Casca: District 7 boy Leech goes to Insignia Sicko.

Vipsania: My new gym bro!

Drunk!Casca: District 7 girl Stamina Mina goes to Tiny Harry Tone.

Pup: She’s already crying.

Drunk!Casca: District 8 boy Bobby Corn Poppy goes to You Know Flips!

Juno: You gave me a peasant?!

Drunk!Casca: District 8 girl Winnie-

Hilarius: No.

Drunk!Casca: Little Whitney from 8 goes to the clown wearing short shorts!

Hilarius: Her name’s Wovey and my short shorts are fabulous!

Drunk!Casca: Good luck, Queen Bee. District 9 boy Panini Pablo goes to Bias Green.

Gaius: I hope he likes bread.

Drunk!Casca: District 9 girl Chief goes to the local kleptomaniac.

Androcles: Nice! A new partner in crime!

Drunk!Casca: District 10 boy Toner goes to the farmhand.

Domitia: I hope he likes cows.

Drunk!Casca: District 10 girl Brady-

Arachne: Brandy.

Drunk!Casca: Right. Candy goes to Acne Crane.

Arachne: Whatever. Like I care.🙄

Drunk!Casca: District 11 boy Reacher-

Clemensia: His name is Reaper.

Drunk!Casca: The Creeper Paper Meter goes to that annoying angry dove sitting right over there!����

Clemensia: I’m so telling Capitol News about this.😠

Drunk!Casca: District 11 girl Drill goes to President Raven’s Bill!

Felix: That checks out.

Drunk!Casca: District 12 boy Jessie goes to our local drug deal-

Lysistrata: I sell vitamins!

Drunk!Casca: Doubt. District 12 girl Lucile-

Coryo: No.

Drunk!Casca: Suzy!

Coryo: Not even close.

Drunk!Casca: Louis!

Coryo: That’s still wrong.

Drunk!Casca: I don’t care! Juicy Bae Bird goes to Crassus Xanthos Snow!

Coryo: It’s Lucy Gray-

Drunk!Casca: Goosey Lay Beard is your Tribute, Honey! End of story!

Coryo: Sir-

Drunk!Casca: Crassus, my love, the Reaping Ceremony is finally over! Let’s go on a date!

Coryo: Nope. That’s illegal. I’m going home with my boyfriend.

Sejanus: I’ll go get the car, my love!😍

Coryo: Thank you, Babe. Let’s go.

Festus: Yeah. I’m also going to Seji’s place.

Lysistrata: Me too.

Felix: Thanks for the lamb stew.

Gaius: Peace!

Diana: But what about Mr. Lobster?!

Androcles: Don’t worry about it. The lobster is now secured.😏

Dennis: Andie, why is the lobster inside your bag?

Androcles: For security reasons.

Diana: Ok! Let’s go to Seji’s!

Felix: To the Plinth Mansion!

Everyone: Yey!🥳

Drunk!Casca: Yo, can I go-

Everyone: No!

[occulthours]

out of curiosity, are you a hosie or a hizzie? you're pretty loud about your dislike for handon, but i rarely see you post either hosie or hizzie.

Honestly, I had to think hard to answer this because I really did enjoy aspects of both ships. Short answer, I like both but don't love either. If I had to choose I would likely say Hizzie.

With Hosie I feel like they lacked a lot of the depth despite them being the most popular ship in the show. Ironically enough, they followed in KC's footsteps in that sense. They never really had enough build-up for them to start a relationship at any point in the show and it didn't help that the writers seemingly put a ban on them in s3. After being called out for queerbaiting the audience they just decided to completely cut Hope and Josie off from each other, even in situations that would've called for them to interact (s2 literally ended with them having an episode heavily centric on their dynamic, yet there was no follow up in s3?).

Their dynamic for the most part bored me, even as someone who enjoys the friends-to-lovers trope. Often times their scenes felt a bit empty, which definitely could’ve been intentional on the writers part to dissuade people from shipping them to be fair! They just didn’t get enough content for me to fully jump on board. I do think that out of Hope's popular ships, they had the best chemistry. They felt very natural in the scenes they shared and could've been great in canon. Had DRR and Kaylee been given the chance, Hosie would’ve been one of the few canon Legacies ships that had real romantic chemistry.

Hope and Lizzie’s relationship very clearly the star of the show. The best elements of the show were jumpstarted by their relationship (their rivals-to-friends era in s1, their hilarious scenes in s2 and 3, and their tribrid/heretic, sirebond, and enemies era in s4). The writers put more effort into Hizzie than any other aspect of the show, including Hope and Lizzie's canon relationships with their boring boyfriends. Typically, Hizzie is the thing the Legacies writers are praised for the most, and the praise is deserved.

Based on the writing alone Hizzie would've gone down as one of my favorite TVDU ships, maybe even one of my favorite ships period. But I don’t think DRR and Jenny have much romantic chemistry. Very close friends and platonic soulmates, yes. Girlfriends... I'd have to actually see it to believe it. They had the potential to start something, especially in season 4, but I’m not sure how it would feel to actually watch them have romantic scene.

It’s hard to say which I'd rather have been canon because of this. I can't see how Hope and Josie’s relationship being entertaining to watch (assuming that I can't go back and rewrite their relationship) and unless DRR and Jenny were specifically toning down whatever romantic chemistry they may have, I can't see myself rooting for them to kiss on screen. If I absolutely had to choose? Before s4 I would’ve said Hizzie by a long shot, but s4 gave Hosie an edge (I love ships where one or both of them are obsessively down bad and s4 Josie fit that to a T. Josie caring more about the girl that beat her father nearly to death, threatened to kill her mother, and actually killed her sister? EAT EAT EAT!), but also the sirebond gave Hizzie a bit of an edge (how could you not get even a little buzz from “I hate you for making me love you”?)… Hizzie was the first Legacies ship I fell for so I feel like I’m always gonna be a bit bias towards them.

I’d choose either one of these ships over the train wreck that was Hope and Landon in a heartbeat though! Both had potential to be excellent in their own ways if H.ndon wasn’t shoved down our throats.

[imaginepirates]

I’ve been in a kinda depressed mood lately when this thought came into mind, what would the characters feel/do after finding out that they’re on a one-sided relationship? -🦑

Hey squid anon! I know you asked this forever ago, but I hope you're feeling better anyway.

Jack: Jack feels very conflicted over the situation. On the one hand, he’s crushed more than he’ll even admit to himself over how things have turned out. On the other hand, he knows that sometimes, people will do anything in their own self-interest, and if you thought you could get something out of the relationship without having feelings, he can’t entirely judge you. He does wonder whether his flirtatious, insincere nature is the cause of it all in the first place—he has a hard time expressing genuine emotions, so the idea that you just didn’t know he actually cared for you crosses his mind. So does the idea that you’re taking the relationship as seriously as he could appear to be, which is to say, not much. (This is operating under the assumption that he still hasn’t been particularly vulnerable with you yet, that your relationship has stemmed mostly from flirting and physical intimacy.)

Will: Will is understandably very sad. He just doesn’t get why you would choose to be with him without loving him; there’s nothing he can really give you in terms of social standing or even just money, so there’s no true reason for the two of you to be together other than affection. He’s the type of person to let think of it as being his own fault, as not being enough for you. He probably puts in extra effort to get you to like him more, but seeing that it doesn’t work, he would quietly resign himself to his fate, unable to force himself to stop loving you, either. 

Elizabeth: Lizzie doesn’t quite understand. She’s tried so hard to be everything you could want, and it stings to know you don’t see her in that light. It’s part vanity — she likes to think she could seduce anyone — but she’s genuinely hurt that you decided to enter a relationship without actually liking her. She probably gets angry at you to protect herself from that pain, giving you the cold shoulder and ignoring you, telling you it’s what you wanted anyway whenever you decide to confront her about it. She never lets you see her cry, though she certainly does. 

James: Firstly, he’s crushed. He would never have expected you to enter a relationship with him if you didn’t want to, and the knowledge you felt obligated to be with him breaks his heart. He deliberates over whether or not to tell you that he knows how little you feel for him, but eventually decides it’s for the best, offering you the easiest, most graceful ways out he can find. He also tries to make you feel like it’s not your fault, that you’ve done nothing wrong, even though he’s agonizing over your lack of love. He wonders if it’s his own fault, if he could do things better, but is simultaneously terrified of trying harder and failing despite it all. 

Beckett: Honestly, the implications of this one scare me. He expects it, of course. Who could love him? That idea has been drilled into his head from childhood. Yet, having only ever held feelings for you (let’s be real), he’s livid with himself for allowing this sort of weakness. It reaffirms his belief that love is false and brings nothing but despair, and he does his best to shut off his feelings. He never tells you how he feels, instead twisting your relationship to his benefit as much as he can. 

[violivs]

NMTDaily: VOX POPS

- Hi all! I’m going to be rewatching along with TCWs NMTDaily and making posts about each episode, or as many as I can (I might miss some, but I hope not!)

- I want to start by saying thank you again to The Candle Wasters for making my favorite thing. Just, the amount of joy and creative fulfillment and friendship and delight I’ve gotten from this show and this fandom is still unmatched. Thank you so much for making it and sharing it. The love and care and skill with which NMTD was made still shines through and I’m still so awed by it. I think I was probably somewhat overdramatic about my reactions to Lolilo in places where you, TCW, could see, on my main blog, and you didn’t deserve that. I really hope I didn’t send you any aggressive asks about it, or make you uncomfortable in any way. I’m a little afraid I did, but I don’t know for sure. If I did, I apologize. I’m older and more mature now, I promise. I hope you’re all doing so very well now!

- I didn’t realize until today that Project I: VOX POPS was posted first, before any other video in the series. I didn’t start watching NMTD until right around the time Benedick’s first Q&A video was posted, so I binged the first chunk of episodes around that time. It will be interesting to watch them at a slower pace this time!

- I am immediately overwhelmed with warm fuzzies at seeing these characters again. They’re such babies! I love them!

- I never made a post about this, but Ben’s first line being about how he shares a (differently spelled) name with a Pope is both a great first line for him on a character level since he starts as kind of a cocky overconfident asshole (a cover for his soft sensitive insides) AND it’s evidence for my theory that he’s probably Catholic, but lapsed/non-practicing/maybe agnostic or atheist solely because I WILL keep projecting parts of me onto this character, it’s just what I do at this point. Other evidence: he has a confirmation name. We don’t get his full name til Lolilo, but still. And he’s partly Scottish, which can account for the fact that English people usually are not Catholic.

- “you need to imitate an eagle, that’ll scare them away!” That’s Ben’s second line and first bird reference! Already! Wow.

- The favorite band question! Mumford and Sons! Fife and the Drums! Sheep Dog and Wolf! The LORE! The REFERENCES! We’re already off to the races.

- “I don’t need chat-up lines” Beatrice I love you , and you have no idea what’s coming.

- I forgot about Beatrice’s Favorite T-Shirts Ranking System lol

- Extremely funny that Ben says bananas are his favorite food and then he goes on to become synonymous with mangoes instead. Sorry, buddy, you will always be Mango Skin Boy to us. xD

- I forgot how delightful Dogberry and Verges are in this episode

- “that you would leave me” oh Meg. Oh honey. Oh no.

- I’ve seen nine seasons of Doctor Who and only five episodes of Game of Thrones since 2014. Sorry Bea, I side with Ben on this one. And I’ve seen one season of Community. I’m slowly hacking away at the list of media referenced in nmtd that I need to watch!

- love it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you, it will set you free! ❤️

- Balthazar plays every instrument, of course.

- Bea must not have an ear for music if she hated that question enough to force Ursula on-camera so she doesn’t have to answer it… Unless Ursula asked her something else she didn’t want to answer! Lol

- Ben makes me cringe so hard a couple times this episode. And yet I still love him. To be fair, that’s just every Benedick at the start of Much Ado, though. The cringy lines are completely in character.

- I decided to save the full story of how I discovered NMTD for whenever the NMTDaily email for Ben’s first Q&A episode goes out, because then it will actually be ten years almost to the day since I started watching. But I’m so impatient and excited to tell the story!

- It’s amazing how back then, these kids were my contemporaries and the Lizzie Bennet Diaries cast felt impossibly old compared to me. Now the NMTD kids are babies and I’m older than Lizzie Bennet! Trippy. It sure has been a nice ten years.

Until the next one! Happy NMTD Day, fellow flamangoes!

💖🥭🦩

[evita-shelby]

i’m a huge fan of Jenna as Flora and in that spirit can i get little glimpse of the relationship between her and Tommy. Diane is the first daughter but Flora strikes me as a more quiet one and kinda reserved like Tommy.

Can there be like a moment now that Diane is out of the house (chasing her man) and Charlie is out trying to forge his own path Flora kinda feels some loneliness. Or she’s really scared due to WW2 fearmongering and asks her daddy (who works in the government) if their family is gonna be okay?

I kinda love in the show how Tommy let his guard down with ruby (rip OG) and showed her a side of him he doesn’t really show anyone not even lizzy. He was truly relaxed and jovial when he had her in his arms

Safe

Some Florence and Tommy fluff, sprinkled with angst and mild spoilers for Tie your heart to mine

Gif by @shxrpeava

1940

When Florence turns ten, war is declared on Germany and its allies.

Charlie leaves and trains as a pilot, Diane rushes to marry Tom because neither want to die without knowing what could have been after nearly he almost died in the Battle of River Plate, Gabe begins joining a boot camp after school to do his part and Flora finds herself all alone in Arrow House most of the time.

At school they are taught what to do in case the enemy attacks, how to provide basic first aid and that Germans will come like they do in her father’s nightmares.

Daddy is hardly home, mami is busy making sure everyone is prepared and eventually everyone is told to come here and hunker down because it won’t be long until the bombings start.

And yet, having the house filled to the brim has her feeling lonely.

Doesn’t help everyone whispers about what the Nazis are doing to their people.

Her mother mutters a curse to them , the Germans, especially one called Mengel, when she is told by Esme about what the doctors are doing to Romany they capture.

Florence Eleanor Shelby is scared.

Scared that Tom died in Dunkirk, scared that Charlie gets captured by the nazis and he gets tortured for being Rom, scared that the German bombers will kill them here.

So she goes to the one who can tell her the truth about it.

Not mami who lies and tells her she sees the war coming to an end and them defeating the nazis and their allies.

Flora goes to her father, the man who is second to the leader of his party and part of the Prime Minister’s inner circle.

He’s working, or hiding from everyone, in his office.

She is careful to not make much noise and yet he knows its her even without looking up from his papers until she is tugging at his sleeve for his attention.

He stops working and lifts her on his lap with a groan.

“Getting too big for this, sweetheart.” He said into her dark hair.

There is something about her dad that always makes her feel safe.

Between the smell of cigarettes, the mint he chews to hide it and the cologne mom makes for him in the stillroom, Florence feels safe.

Even when he isn’t here, she just comes into his office and wears his coat to pretend he is there with her.

It makes her feel safe, just like mami feels safe when she hides in her parlor from everyone and wears daddy’s shirts to sleep.

“Daddy, are we going to die?” she asks once she is comfortable.

“I don’t know, sweetheart.” He answered honestly. “But your mum sees Charlie coming home and Dia being happy with her Tom, you and Gabe growing up in a world after the war, so maybe if we work hard enough, we can have that future.”

“Do you really think so?” she asks knowing sometimes mami’s visions don’t come true.

“Yeah, I think so. Your mom’s never wrong.” He said before kissing the top of her head.

“Can I stay here with you?” she asks hoping he says yes.

“Don’t you want to play with your cousins, Flora?” he asks knowing why she’d run here.

“They’re too loud.” She answers and he laughs quietly.

They didn’t like too much noise, house feels too small and sometimes they just need to go outside where no one can find them.

“I’ll make you a deal, Florence, you let me finish up my work and we go to the stables once I’m done.” Her dad says and she nods in agreement.

“Can I ride Helsing with you?” she asks, dad’s favorite horse was the big black one that hates everyone except mami.

Says it reminds him of him.

“Only if you don’t tell your mother.”

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 63. brb x oc

a/n: oh my god we reached 63 chapters holy sHIT i swear i am just.........speechless...wow thank you guys so much for the constant support! Mean so much to me!!!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none, Rooster being in love with Bea and missing being a dad uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/

25/26/27/28/29/30/31/32/33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41/42/43/44

45/46/47/48/49/50/51/52/53/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/61/62

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @j-6o @louisahale @leobabbyyy @kulicny @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @dhwanishah09 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23

-

Bradley missed them so much already. It was almost painful how much he missed Beatrice’s smile and Nicole’s little squealed laughs, and the dogs. God he missed the dogs too. He couldn’t say how long he stayed looking at his phone where several pictures of Bea and Nicole were, pictures he took without her knowing.

Like the one where she was sitting on the floor with her hair up in a bun, Nicole sleeping on her chest and the dogs lying around them, Beatrice’s eyes on the tv as she watched a documentary he couldn’t remember what it was about now.

Or the one where she’s outside with Nicole, sitting on one of the lounge chairs they bought looking at a few birds that made  their nest in Beatrice’s birdhouse, the one she made months ago. And he lied on his bunk looking at the pictures for God knows how long, smiling at every single one he saw and hoping his girls were okay.

Which they were,if that wasn’t the case surely he’d know about it already.

But he couldn’t help but remember Cyclone’s words, how he said Nicole was going to question his absence,question why he had to leave,question why he was gone for so long…he hated how that made him feel. Of course his daughter was too young to actually know what was happening but she was also very smart for an infant considering how she was already vocalizing and giving people the stinky eye.

Bradley sighs heavily, dropping his head on the pillow,reaching down in his bag to grab the scent pouch Beatrice made him. It was still fragrant albeit the fabric of the pouch itself was a bit frail in the middle because of his constant touching and rubbing, just like he was doing now. He didn’t want it to rip open so he had to be extra careful with it right now. He looked at the dry flowers inside, moving them about for a few seconds and then groaning with his hands coming up to his eyes.

“Fuck,I miss her so bad.” he mumbled, damn him for having such a soft heart when it came to Beatrice. He knew this wouldn’t change anything in his job besides the constant earning of having Beatrice back considering that the second he stepped out of his bunk and into the jet his focus was on getting the job done so he could go back to Bea and Nikki.

He didn’t want to do it, but he was looking it up online to see how big a four months old baby would be. Nicole was already a big infant so he assumed she’d spurt up quite quickly by the time he returned. When he saw the pictures his heart clenched because it was like he was missing so much already.

“I can’t be thinking like this.” And yet he was “Bea is going to update me with pictures of Nikki, it’s going to be fine. I don’t have to worry so much about it after all, it wasn’t like it’s the end of the world.”

And yet.

Bradley huffed out a sigh, dropping his phone on his chest as he looked at the top bunk above him. This time there was no snoring Fanboy like usual, it was Payback who was there instead and he slept like a rock. Like a big,silent rock, he was the one person no one minded sharing a bunk with since he was so quiet all the time. 

And while Rooster appreciated it, he kind of missed the noise from Fanboy because his thoughts were getting too loud. He knew it was late here but he couldn’t sleep, so he grabbed his phone and quickly typed a message to Bea

Rooster (23:33)

Hey gorgeous, I know it’s only been a week since I was gone but…I really miss you. And I miss Nikki and the dogs. how have you been? I know it’s probably late there so you don’t have to reply yet,I just wanted to hear from you <3

Amazingly, the chat bubble popped up seconds after he sent it.

Bea (23:35)

Roos! It’s okay :) me and Nikki are watching the Golden Girls. We are fine, she’s been fine too, the dogs as well. We are managing everything! We miss you too so much but we both know you’ll come back soon :3 oh let me show you something.

He waits by rereading her words again and his stomach is warm with butterflies, no matter how long their relationship was he still had the same feelings from the first time they got together. That’s the power of being with someone who is your soulmate. He blinks when he sees it’s a video, so he hurries to grab his air pods to not wake Payback up, peeking at the other pilot only to see that he was facing the wall.

He gets comfortable, with the air pods on and press play on the video.

The first thing he sees it’s Nicole’s big green eyes staring back at him, she’s lying on top of Beatrice’s thighs and her hands are trying to take hold of the phone “Nikki,no,hold on!” her laughter sounds magical to his ears and he sees she’s holding the phone a bit higher to show Nicole’s outfit “So,this is one of Marcus’ gifts for Nikki,” the shirt was white with tiny birds drawn on the fabric, all of them in different shades of orange and red “And I thought it’d be nice to- Nikki, no,mommy needs the phone.”

Cue to Nicole reaching for the phone one more time and eventually taking hold of it “Oh,okay, okay,I was just showing daddy your outfit!” Nicole’s eye was huge as she pushed it up against the lens, moving around curiously with the vocalization of ‘ah,ah,ah’, holding it back to then press her mouth against it, “No!Nikki, don’t bite it,” cue to their daughter continuous gummy chewing, “No,no, honey you can’t chew it,Okay, give it to me. Thank you.”

“Anyway,” she lifts the phone again “It’s something I wanted to show you because I thought you’d like it. Because Nicole looks so cute,” she tickles Nicole’s tummy making the little girl gurgle out a laugh “Oh!Another thing,Jake and Bob showed up and Jake said he is the best uncle. I know you’ll probably have something to say about that, but you know, it’s something to think about..oh! And he gave Nikki, uh…” there’s the sound of ruffling in the background while he still has Nicole looking up at him “Found it! Look.”

It’s a chick hair clip. It’s an actual chick hair clip.

“He said he saw it and thought of her. I’ve tried on her head and she didn’t hate it so,” cue to Nicole’s eyes moving to the hair clip, trying to grab the largest part - the chick - of it only for Beatrice to move it away, turning the camera to her face this time, “So,yeah! That’s what’s been happening and- the dogs are fine too by the way! They are fine! We all are.” she smiles down at the phone, “Anyway,I think I recorded too much so I’m going to end this here! Say bye to daddy,Nikki!”

Nicole just ‘ah’s’ trying to grab the phone again, so Beatrice grabs the arm reaching up to give the camera a little wave “Bye,daddy! I love you so much!” and the recording is done.

When the video is over he’s immediately reminded of the time he lurked in Beatrice’s Instagram and saw her video with Bianca - who was probably two or three by that time - and how that just latched into his brain for so long. Maybe it was the one thing that made him fall in love with her back then without him even knowing.

Because Beatrice was normally so guarded and shy while at the bar, seeing her having fun,smiling, holding her little niece like that just showed that under that shield protecting herself was someone who was fun and sweet and who he wanted to talk so badly. He was more than happy to have this update, it meant a lot to him considering his thoughts from earlier…Beatrice was right, there was nothing to worry about especially because she’d always message him about Nikki.

Roos (23:55)

Gorgeous, thanks for the video. I loved it and she looks adorable as always…and tell Jake to fuck off about being the best uncle, I’d never allow that.

Bea (23:55)

Roos.

Roos (23:56)

Okay,maybe I’ll allow a little bit just because the gift he got Nikki is super cute and it’ll only make our girl look even cuter than she already is…but you sound tired,gorgeous. have you been sleeping well?

Bea (23:59)

Ah, you noticed that. I’m fine,I’m sleeping normally it’s just that the bar is so packed that I’m…waking up more tired than normal lol. But I promise you I’m fine.

Roos (00:00)

Hm,if you say so,pretty girl.

Bea (00:00)

I promise…Oh! There’s um, there’s another video I’ll send you…later. Just,well,maybe I’ll send it to you via email. We’ll see.

Roos (00:01)

Oh? Gorgeous, what are you planning?

Bea (00:02)

Nothing! Just…something I can’t tell you much yet. :3 

His heart felt at peace just by this conversation, the blue light of his phone illuminated his face and the curve of his smile as he reread her texts over and over. The pang in his heart was still present but much less, he knew he’d go home soon and safe, he knew that his girls would be okay and he knew they wouldn’t be alone.

Neither Jake nor Bob messaged him these past weeks, the group chat barely active since they were out of the country right now so he just accepted the obvious: they’d be fine. 

He’d be up for more time but his eyes started to droop, the tension from moments before dissipated into nothing as the words on the screen blurred together into unknown blobs of color.  He just woke up more when he felt it vibrate in his hand with another message from Beatrice.

Bea (00:10)

Roos? Are you asleep? If you are, ignore this!!

He chuckled quietly,”You are so cute.” he whispered, “Cutest thing in the whole fuckin’ world,I swear.”

Roos (00:10)

Blacked out for a second gorgeous, nothing more. But I should sleep right now.

Bea (00:11)

Oh no! Am I keeping you awake? :( I’m sorry!

Roos (00:11)

Baby, of course not, you aren’t doing anything wrong. I promise you.

Bea (00:12)

Well,if you are tired Roos, pls sleep. I want you to have a good night of sleep and be alert for whatever is thrown at you!

Roos (00:13)

Ugh, you are so cute.I love you so much…but you are right,I’m going to hit the hay now…talk to you soon okay? I love you, please kiss Nikki for me.

Bea (00:13)

<3 I love you too,Roos. Stay safe and I will!!

Rooster smiled at his phone for a few more seconds before he dropped it back inside his bag, turning it off to save battery for the next few days. Once he did that and the whole area was darkened and silent, he turned on his side to have his left hand close to his face. The lack of light only made it harder for him to see his wedding ring but he didn’t mind, he turned it around his finger with his thumb for a few seconds until his eyes fluttered closed and he finally fell asleep.

-

There was always the weird feeling of waking up and not seeing Rooster and panicking for a brief second only to remember he was deployed. Beatrice sighs while on the bed, dropping her palm over her eyes with a groan as she rubs her face. She keeps her hands on her cheeks after rubbing the sleep off her eyes, only to keep her vision on the ceiling because she’s still one thread away from dreamland.

She was so happy to hear from Rooster, she knew he was busy and never complained how long it took for him to reply to her messages as long as he did so. Beatrice sighs, one of her hands reaching over to her phone to check the time “Yep, still five in the morning,” she mutters, yawning quietly before pushing herself to a sitting position to check the baby monitor app in Nicole’s room.

Her daughter was asleep still, thankfully, with a perfect starfish pose inside her crib with Ellie and Jack keeping her company lying by her crib. Beatrice smiles, closing the app and then checking her phone since she’d be busy with Nikki in a few minutes. There were no messages from Rooster, but she had one from Marcus who asked her how she was and apologized about the time since he had just returned from Greece and was getting used to the California time zone again.

Beatrice just typed a message back to him saying that he shouldn’t worry. Her cousins also got quiet, they didn’t block her but they were eerily silent since her outburst in their mother’s house, “Good, let’s keep it that way.” 

She also checked the weather, thinking it’d be nice to take Nikki out that morning if the time was nice enough. From what she checked it wasn’t going to rain until late in the afternoon so she decided that after breakfast they could go out with the dogs to a park and enjoy themselves.

Beatrice furrows her brows however when she sees a message from Hannah. While the two weren’t on bad terms anymore it was strange to have her messaging suddenly, they weren’t that close after all.

Hey, can we meet up today? To talk?

Weird.

But Beatrice replied with “What time? I have to take care of my daughter so my time is limited.” she added an emoji at the end…then noticed that the message was sent seven hours ago and it was obvious that Hannah was asleep, “Sorry! I just saw the time you sent it! Ooops!” she hoped it wouldn’t bring anything bad out of her because of that mistake.

While on Instagram she saw that there were, again, more anon accounts and she couldn’t really bother trying to block them anymore since they always showed up no matter what.

While looking down at the gray icon she just…felt this anger. Why is this still happening and there was no resolution? No matter what they always come back, it’s been…about three years now? Almost four years since this has been happening, ever since she and Rooster got together.

Beatrice narrowed her eyes at the account, opening the dms to send them a message until the baby monitor app popped up on the screen to let her know that ‘NICOLE is awake!’ with a small video of Nikki wriggling her little arms as she breaks out of her slumber. Beatrice pauses, looking from the video to the account and sighs, “There are better things in my mind.” she says before blocking this account as well.

She just kicks the covers off, deciding to make them after breakfast, and marches to Nicole’s room. Eleanor and Jack are already up and about, with the youngest of the twins marching out of the room so his sister is the one in there with Beatrice until Jolene joins them as well, “Hi,Nikki,” she coos, seeing her daughter’s scrunched up face. She gasps softly seeing that the expression is identical to Rooster when he wakes up: squinty eyes, pursed lips and hair a mess. “Hi,sweetie, good morning.”

Nicole rubs her fists against her face in a feeble attempt to clean her eyes, “Okay,come on, up you go, let’s check you out and then give you breakfast yeah?” Nicole hums, much like Rooster did while waking up too, “God, you are so much like him already.”

After changing and cleaning Nicole and giving her the breakfast - which she was very eager to have - they walked downstairs to where the dogs were,lying next to the bouncer as usual. She greeted them after putting Nicole down and getting ready to prepare her own breakfast which she had no idea what it’d be.

Pancakes wouldn’t hurt but she feared it’d only make her miss Rooster way too much.

Thinking about him made a smile appear on her face though, because their conversation from yesterday was so fun and helped her own fears disappear. She felt a bit bad about lying to him that Nicole was okay with his absence, she wasn’t, not really but it has gotten better these past days and she’s not crying that much.

Staying with her nonni helped a lot too, her parents always made sure to give Nicole enough attention so she wouldn’t be so upset.

That and Rooster’s shirt that she left by the crib, that’s been helping Nikki too. 

“Ah,Nikki,” she begins as she cracks two eggs in a bowl, “You have no idea how much you and your dad are similar, expression like, you know? I mean it’s like looking at a mirror when I look at you.”

And the fact that she had seen Bradley’s baby pictures and the similarity was on the nose.

Nicole babbled a bit, kicking her little legs as she tried to reach the mobile yet again but instead touched Eleanor’s pink snout when she sniffed her hand. Her daughter’s eyes were locked on Eleanor and she gurgled a giggle, this time gently touching the dog’s face, “And you love dogs too, just like him….and well, me too.” Beatrice grins, pouring some milk in her omelet before mixing a bit more, “...I just hope he gets home soon…and safe…he worries so much in his job. And it’s a dangerous one too.”

More babbling from Nicole.

“I mean, he’s also so good at what he does.” Beatrice smiles as the pan sizzles, “And he’s so smart and funny and sweet and–” and the dreamy sigh that escapes her mouth was enough to make her cheeks turn red, “And he still makes me feel like I’m floating everytime we talk.” she bites her lower lip, “It’s a shame we won’t be able to celebrate our anniversary though,I know he was so excited for it.” but she had something planned for the time their anniversary came up at least, so she could be excited for that.

Nicole babbles again, ‘ah’s’ and ‘oh’s’ followed by the constant gurgling only made Beatrice smile, “I agree,Nikki, your daddy needs to have something fun to come back to…and you’ll be a pretty big baby-well more than you already are- when he comes back.” she says, looking back at Nicole only to see her legs kicking and moving more, “Oh, before I forget we need to get you to your check up, we can take uncle Mikey with us! I just need to check with the clinic and make sure it’s scheduled.”

As she said that she heard her phone ping from upstairs and she couldn’t really leave the kitchen to get it - and for someone to send a message so early in the morning? Must’ve been important.- “Ellie, can you get my phone for me?” the white dog tilts her head at Beatrice, “The phone, you know?” she holds out her pinky and thumb to her ear, “This thing? You got my bag before but I need my phone now.”

Eleanor stares at her for a few more seconds before sprinting up the stairs to retrieve the phone. And she does retrieve the phone much to Beatrice’s surprise! It’s slobbery all over and the phone case has some dents because of Eleanor’s teeth but it’s working. “Thank you,Ellie!”

She wipes her phone the best she could and furrows her brows when sees that Marcus was the one who messaged her.

Marcus (06:15)

Darling! Can you come over by the studio today? I’d love to see you so we can discuss the new collection!

Bea (06:15)

Marcus, oh my god did you even sleep? 

Marcus (06:16)

Of course! I am fine, my darling! But can you come over? Around morning?

Bea (06:16)

Well…I don’t know I…I have my baby with me and Rooster is deployed so I don’t know if that would be possible?

Marcus (06:17)

Darling! Bring the little one over!I want to meet her! :) plus she’ll have a little spot prepared just for her in any case. It’s just to sit down with you a bit.

Bea (06:18)

Sit down with me? But the last time we did this you didn’t have to sit me down?

Marcus (06:18)

Exactly,darling! :) can you come?

Bea (06:19)

Hmmm…okay, I think I can show up quickly. I can’t stay too long though.”

But Marcus was just glad to hear a ‘yes’ from Beatrice…even if the brunette was confused as to why he needed to see her so soon. “Well,” she says out loud, “Looks like you are meeting Marcus today,Nikki.”

[supernovaa-remnant]

I heard about this Shubble person recently, I stayed out of drama as much as I could but, what happened now??? You even wrote this in one of your tags "#I really did love him a lot (parasocially)". I was busy this week so I don't know what is happening now.

I highly recommend people watch Shubble’s vod on her twitch channel (I don’t have a link but I can’t imagine it’s that difficult to find). Be mindful though as the vod does talk about abuse which is a very triggering topic, so make sure to be taking care of yourself. I’m gonna put the rest of the post under the cut, so people can easily scroll past this if they want to.

As a little summary, Shubble streamed yesterday and talked about her abusive ex. She didn’t name anyone, but she also wasn’t hiding who it was, and contrary to what some people may say, a lot of the dots being connected are stuff we know from past streams and comments from friends and not leaked info.

So, the incredibly most likely case is that it was Wilbur. I’m not gonna get into everything Shelby said because she said it on her stream, but the signs do point to Wilbur, and you’d have to reach significantly further to claim she was talking about someone else. There’s not a lot of British male ccs who have a bigger audience than her who have a history of biting people and have reason to be going on long travels (tour) where they wouldn’t see each other often.

Listen. I was a certified dreambur blog, okay? Everyone who glanced in my direction knew that I was a Wilbur fan. Everyone knows that I loved him so fucking much. But that’s not an excuse to bury my head in the sand and ignore everything, y’know?

Anyway, this is gonna be the last time I talk abt this publicly (I’m sure my friends will hear more in DMs though sorry <3), so I’m gonna throw a bit more stuff here abt my blog going forward.

I will eventually talk abt c!wilbur again. I’m still gonna write my silly little c!dreambur aus, I’ve just put them on the back burner. regardless of cc actions, I genuinely do love so many of the characters on the dsmp. I’ll probably be focused on some other fics for a while, but c!wilbur’s my cat and I don’t think he’s leaving my brain soon. I just need a little time.

I think cc!wilbur is someone who needs help. and I genuinely do hope he gets that help. but having mental health struggles isn’t an excuse. and I just can’t see myself engaging in his content in the foreseeable future. you’re not gonna see me post neg about him. you’re just likely not gonna see me post anything about him at all.

I’m happy to know Shubble has an amazing support system. I’m so sorry she had to go through something so horrible. I’m wishing her nothing but the best, and everyone should check out her YouTube channel!! I haven’t watched her newest video yet, but I did watch Lizzie’s pov of the collab, so I know it’s a fun concept

If people have questions that this post doesn’t answer, then I’m happy to answer them in DMs, but I don’t wanna talk abt this publicly anymore. (I reserve a right to change my mind though if I for some reason feel the need to post abt it again)

Anyway, take care of yourselves. Love is never ever wasted, okay? And all that love belongs to you. And it’s always a good thing to put more love out into the world. Never feel guilty for loving, okay? 🫂

[the-lady-in-progress]

Here is a short story I wrote a few years back for fun. I hope you like it. It takes place in the world of Black Butler but you don’t need to watch the show to understand the story.

Story here:

Ciel's P.O.V.

"Stupid." I mutter pacing in the study. "Stupid. Stupid. STUPID! " anger overcomes me as I throw a book across the room, hitting a book shelf and knocking it over.

That damn demon has disappeared AGAIN. Probably off feeding the dozens of cats in the attic he thinks I don't know about. I may be a human but I'm not stupid. Lately my allergies have been worsening and Sebastian seems not to care, he disappears all day and acts like nothing happened when he comes back.

Time and time again he misses bringing my snacks or neglects chores, sometimes he doesn't even come when i call. He really doesn't care. No one cares. Not Sebastian, not Finny, Bard, Mey-rin, Tanaka. If they did, I wouldnt be here, now, going in circles over and over again.

They said revenge isn't worth it, and they were wrong. Revenge will be bitter-sweet and juicy. And i cant wait to taste it, like a ripened berry straight off the vine. But i believe I'm too young to obtain what i wish by myself, and my butler doesn't appear to want to help. And if i wait till im an adult to go after my parents' murderer, Sebastian might have gotten bored and hungry by then and have broken the contract and killed me anyway.

The fact of the matter is, im too ahead of my time, the growth of my brain and of my body don't match up, and it is prohibiting me from obtaining revenge. Im human. That is my flaw. Im weak. Powerless. Enough not even be able to keep my own damn butler in check.

My whole existance has been absolutely meaningless, i pretty much do nothing all day, aside from expanding my company and helping solve crimes for the queen. The queen. All i am to her is a servant. All i am to the towns people is a spoiled rich brat that thinks he owns everything. All i am to Sebastian is a meal not even worth plating.

And Lizzy may think she loves me, but i know she deserves more, she always has. And after Madam Red died, i had no one who i really loved as part of my family. Theres no one. Nothing. Im a joke. An accident my parents' murderers didnt mean to leave alive.

What more do i have to live for? Besides catching them and watching the burn in hell, that's all i have.

Im meaningless. I feel myself open the window behind my desk and stand on the windowsill. Looking out to the grounds of my estate i remember all of the times Finny ruined the roses or tangled the garden hose, and Mey-rin would squeal and try to help fix it only to make it worse. And Bard would come running out with the flame thrower, somehow thinking it would help. And Sebastian would appear and scold them, fixing the mess in a matter of minutes, and doing their jobs for them.

Just the thought was enough to bring a tear to my eye. "Goodbye, Sebastian." I whispered with a leap of faith off a litteral balcony.

The wind feels cool on my face despite the slight sting. My eyes are closed. I'd rather not see what's coming towards me, though I know I made this choice.

I'm not really sure why I jumped, now that I think about it. The wind whistles through my coat and button down. I haven't gotten my revenge yet. I still have so much to live for. So much to do. So much to see.

Maybe I've made a mistake...

My arms fly in front of my face, I think, it's hard to feel with the weight of gravity pulling me down quickly. I know I'm about to hit the ground. It's about to be all over. And I'll be dead.

Goodbye world. Goodbye Sebastian.

The wind is knocked from my lungs as I land, but it isn't on the ground and I'm not dead.

When I can finally get air into my lungs again, I open my eyes, looking up to see Sebastian, holding me in his arms and we float softly toward the ground.

How is this possible?

"Nice try, young lord," he smiles as we land gently. "Your job is not yet done and there is much to do."

Breathing heavily, I say nothing. Of course my demon saved me. I should've known he would. And for once I was kind of... glad he was here. Maybe I'm not as alone as I thought.

That is until I get revenge on the people who murdered my parents and then Sebastian eats my soul, as per our contract. But that day is not today. I relax in the demons arms and allow him to carry me back into the house.

I need a cup of Earl Grey and some biscuits.

[melissa-titanium]

OMG. takes the microphone from you.. indeed i do have comments my friend vox....... hm hm hm hmmmmmm.

ALSO anon i love you you are entirely entitled to your opinions and i hope you have a wonderful day. i hope i will not be making you uncomfortable by writing my personal thoughts on this and am perfectly content w deleting it if youd like to reach out & ask :) I JUST !! like writing about this stuff!!!

I PERSONALLY DONT LIKE DOLLZI EITHER. but just like. for my own reasons. i see them as related so my brain kinda freaks out every time i see someone shipping them because i forget its not canon haha. BUT IN THE CASE OF NOLL... i do like them (GREATEST UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE 21ST CENTURY) so im def thinking about this...

doll's whole "i push people away even if they offer help" deal is what intrigues me about her. you do have to take into consideration how she's lived her life.

uzi had no one, but neither did doll.

uzi was actively subjected to bullying on the regular throughout most of her life, and while doll wasn't, her interactions with lizzy show TO ME AT LEAST that her relationships with uzi's bullies were nothing more that superficial, perhaps lizzy being the closest thing to an actual friend shes had

but even then she seemed to keep lizzy at arm's length considering lizzy didnt really. seem to Care a lot about shit that went down with doll, being more than happy to betray her in favor of a girl she LITERALLY JUST MET who she KNOWS killed dolls parents.

uzi has had no friends. doll has had nothing more that superficial connections. but that changes for uzi when she meets n & v. she gets to sort of heal, to understand what its like to have someone supporting you. doll still does not have that.

“If I find what I’m looking for, I’ll help you too.” Ok but like. Why not help her now?

i imagine she was still grappling with the fact that she's not alone. i talk about this alot in my own analyses (?) solely because i think its very interesting but. again i cannot stress enough how long doll has lived in solitude with motivations festering over the course of her life stemming from the fact that she thinks doing one specific thing (killing v) will solve a good portion of her problems, only to have the rug pulled out from under her. she has this thrown at her with literally no warning and she must be internally torn. she wants to complete her goals, and believes she'll be capable of helping uzi, but she's been working at them by herself for so long that she really isn't ready to step into the unfamiliar territory that is having someone at your side. and she ALSO has to grapple with the fact that if she's working with uzi, she's working with her parent's killer. clearly, considering the events of the entire episode beforehand AND in episode six, she had not gotten over that quite yet.

“You don’t even know that that thing does.” THEN TELL HER INSTEAD OF STEALING WHAT SHE KNOWS AS “The only clue to what’s wrong with [her]” GAAAAAAHHHHH

IM ACTUALLY NOT TOO SURE ABOUT THIS PART MYSELF... i do think its an extension of "i need to see if i can do this myself, since working with others is literally my least preferred option." i doubt she was intentionally just trying to be mysterious because. i really don't think she... planned to die before being able to tell uzi everything. like. you get me. okay im sort of getting lost on this I DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW THIS RELATED TO NOLL B UT LIKE . YOU GET ME this was just how i feel about dolls character.

i think doll could change. if, by some fucking miracle (please liam vickers for the love of robo-god,) doll comes back fresh and alive, she could definitely change. sure she's defensive and often has impractical approaches to problems with obviously simpler solutions... but so was uzi, to be fair! which is where n comes in. you saw what happened with n & uzi, you saw how he helped her change. i could say a LOT about the parallels between uzi, doll and v but ultimately because this was meant to be a shipping analysis (OOPS LOL) i think doll and n could work. if the situation was different, they could absolutely work. now, i could say alot about how romantic relationships make no sense to me, but that's like. another post.

OKAY THANK YOU FOR READING. i love my yuri

Found out what bugs me about NxDoll (and Dollzi I suppose) outside of it just not getting the ship(s)

Doll did the same fucking thing to Uzi that V did to N (minus the whole “had a romantic relationship in the past” bit).

Episodes 3-6, she refuses to communicate to Uzi what she’s looking for and why, pushes Uzi away despite Uzi being willing to help one of her literal bullies (pushes other people away too but, y’know), fucking antagonizes Uzi while she’s vulnerable, and guess what fucking happens to her because of this.

“If I find what I’m looking for, I’ll help you too.” Ok but like. Why not help her now? And what are you looking for? Wouldn’t teaming up make finding this thing easier? You obviously have an idea of what to look for, why not tell them? No dont fucking run- and she’s gone.

“You don’t even know that that thing does.” THEN TELL HER INSTEAD OF STEALING WHAT SHE KNOWS AS “The only clue to what’s wrong with [her]” GAAAAAAHHHHH

Doll i love you and most of the other characters but lordy loo you brought your demise unto yourself. Godspeed Ms. "Pragmatic"

.

[clairecrive]

Hi could we please get a really angsty fic with nikolai (with a happy ending pls) where reader and he has had a fight so they maintain the facade on the outside bc they're royals but in private it's just ignoring each other/angst?

Young Royals

A/N: ahh, this is angsty alright but it seems I'm only capable of writing hurt/comfort lately. This took a life of its own and it's long af but I hope you like it anyway x

Warnings: miscommunication, angst, fighting, hurt/comfort, Nikolai is a bit absent, you're a bit jealous of his relationship with Zoya

Tags: @jupiterandbutterflies, @agentsofsheilds , @for-bebbanburg , @randomoutsiders , @pansysgirlfriend , @hannaxmaria , @vintagebitc , @story-scribbler , @crowssixof , @odetostep,@lizzie-he4rts, @korol-lantsov, @subjecta13-thefangirl, @gallysonegoodlung, @a-c-lee, @mriddlemethis, @carnationworld,@thanossexual, @luvxginger, @sanna2020,@partiesandblurrypolaroids, @edithsvoice, @wafflesandschemingfaces (tag list form)

SHADOW AND BONE MASTERLIST

"Do not put words into my mouth, Nikolai."

"Please, you already have so many, my love," he scoffed and the use of the term of endearment hurt the most.

"You're making me sound like a brat while I'm providing you with a viable solution," you insisted with a flare of your hands, frustrated by his unwillingness to listen to you.

"No, you're not. What you're doing is being childish."

"I'm your queen, Nikolai. I'm only asking to be more involved."

"You're my wife, y/n, and you know nothing about politics or running a country." He retired, putting emphasis on wife. This felt a lot like being put into place. And the fact that it was your husband doing so, hurt. It was also the most you had seen him this week.

"Neither did Zoya, nor Genya or anyone who's currently running the country."

"That's different and you know it."

"Only because you're making it so," you exclaimed finally exploding. His despondency got on your nerves and this conversation was going nowhere anyway.

Surprised by your raise of voice, Nikolai stood before you just blinking at you.

Sighing, you took a step toward him, holding your hands up, "look, you're right, I don't know about running a country but teach me. I'm not stupid, I'll pick it up."

"Why are you insisting so much? You've never shown any interest in politics before." He gave you a puzzled look like he didn't really believe your intentions.

"I've never wanted to be queen before." before meeting you.

"Ah, I see," he chuckled mirthlessly, "I put you in this situation and now you're taking your revenge."

To insinuate that your marriage with him was you "being put into a situation" rather than a consensual decision you had made out of love was absurd.

Nikolai was right. You had never cared about politics or diplomacy before meeting him. You were a soldier. There was no reason for you to meddle with something that didn't concern you.

But now you were queen and you felt a responsibility towards your people. You wanted to help but so far, Nikolai hadn't allowed you to take part in any meetings. He said that anyone who needed to be there was already involved. What he didn't tell you was that while Grisha made excellent soldiers and even good councillors, one of them being a royal was a very different matter.

He had indulged his love for you by marrying you. You were his vice and he simply couldn't accept the idea of being without you anymore. He had married you, consequently making you queen, going against what his advisors told him.

While he ignored his warnings he was painfully aware, however, how difficult it was going to be for a Grisha on the throne. It was the first time something liked this had ever happened and unfortunately, the country was filled with people who resented Grisha for their powers.

Nikolai feared that the people were never going to accept you. Hence why he'd been keeping you secluded in the palace.

To be fair, you were doing a wonderful job. Like he had pointed out, you were not accustomed to politics but you made up for that with empathy and kindness. You started to interest yourself with the problem of poverty and lack of provisions for some parts of the country.

And while no one was aware of it, Nikolai often turned to you for military strategy. You were an apt soldier and had fought bravely alongside him and everyone else in the battle of the Fold. You were the very reason why he was still alive, to be honest.

While this arrangement worked for the first months of your reign, it was starting to feel an inadequate effort. You needed to do more, you wanted to do more. You didn't expect Nikolai to oppose it so vehemently.

"If I didn't want to be here I wouldn't be, Nikolai, you'd do well to remember it," you pointed out coldly, straightening your spine.

"Since you seem so adverse at spending time with me or including me in important matters, I'll find someone else who will." And with that, chin held high, you walked out of the room.

You missed him. It felt absurd to say this but you missed your husband. He was always busy with meetings or official visits to some noble across the country. For most of them, he went alone or with Zoya.

You knew that she was his first in command but you couldn't help but be bothered by it. It was one thing to accept the fact that he hadn't given the role to you "because the queen cannot have that role as well", it was a whole other thing to accept the fact that another woman spent more time with your husband than you did.

Countless were the fights you had with him in this regard. But they were pointless. Nikolai was still set on not bringing you and he and Zoya were always found together.

You didn't know what hurt more. The blow at your pride for being denied a position you deserved because of who you loved, the jealousy or being punished for your identity.

One thing was sure though, it was getting too much. At first, you pulled thought for Nikolai but now that you didn't have him anymore, your efforts seemed to be in vain.

So, like you had told Nikolai, you looked for someone who was willing to teach you. You wanted to help and if Nikolai wasn't going to let you here at the palace, then you'd find somewhere else.

Count Kirigin had always been nice to you and he was a very generous host. You knew that he played a central role in Nikolai's plan so you thought that there was no one better than him.

You reached out to him, wrote him a letter in which you showed interest in his activity and asked him if he was willing to show you. Of course, anything that came from the queen or the king couldn't be denied but you knew that the Count truly enjoyed your company. If your position didn't put so much higher than everybody else, you'd even consider him a friend.

You waited for his reply before putting in motion the preparations for your departure.

In the meantime, you and Nikolai kept conducting your separate lives. Usually, you'd only see him at night when he returned to your chambers if you were still up. Now, you had decided to sleep in separate rooms too.

If he wanted a wife, then a wife he'd get. But kings and queens do not sleep together.

If the new arrangement was bothering him, you didn't know. He hadn't reached out to you nor made any move to rectify your decision.

Turns out that he wasn't even at the Palace. He had left for a mission near the border with Shu Han and wouldn't be back for at least a week. Well, then. Of course, he didn't even bother with telling you. Not even a small note.

Jokes on him though, you thought, since when he was going to come back, he'd finally get what he wanted. You weren't going to be there to bother him anymore.

Differently from him though, you did indeed left him a note. Nikolai found it a week after you had set it on his pillow. Its presence made him furrow his eyebrows since he had already been wondering where you were. You usually came out to meet him at the gates whenever he'd come back from a mission and even though you had fought before he went away, you weren't one for holding grudges. So e guessed there was something holding you.

Unfolding the paper he was met with your familiar chaotic writing.

"I don't know when you're going to find this letter but if I'm not there yet it means that I'm still at Count Kirigin's. Do not bother with writing or visiting, I'll come back when my business with him is done.

Y/n"

What in the name of every sweet loving saint???

The letter wasn't dated, no dear, no yours no nothing. Fuck. You were still mad or worse, hurt.

Asking one of the servants, he learned that you had been away for a week already. But what business could you possibly have with the Count??

Nikolai had nothing against him. Seeing Kirigin get all flustered as he tried to flirt with Zoya amused him to no end but the idea of him and you in the same house? Alone?? Unacceptable.

Not even bothering to change clothes after his long journey, Nikolai headed to the stables to ask for a well-rested horse. Luckily, Count Kirigin's estate was not too far away. A couple of hours ride.

Turns out that the Count had a lot to teach. Despite his aloof reputation and extravagant clothes, he was very observant. He lacked ambition, which was why Nikolai trusted him and had a curious way of behaving in social situations.

But Emil had been born and raised in high society. He knew how things were run even if he had no desire to be in charge of them.

So far, you'd be having a wonderful time. Emil was a wonderful host, as you remembered, but without Nikolai's presence, he was even more extravagant. He had an unexpectedly dry sense of humour and a never-ending list of jokes.

Being in the open and in the company of someone who saw y/n instead of the Queen of Ravka proved to be even more needed than you thought. You felt reinvigorated and much lighter than you'd ever been.

You had also been learning a lot. Emil had been teaching you about diplomacy. About the best ways of formulating a sentence so that you wouldn't offend anyone but still get what you wanted. He had also been talking to you about your husband's ministers. About their weaknesses and vices and what was the best way to approach them to get what you wanted.

So far, it was proving to be a wonderful decision to come here.

Whenever your mind strayed on Nikolai, you willed it to focus on something else. You didn't know if he had already come home or seen the letter. A part of you thought that if he had, he would at least write one back. But the thought felt a lot like hope and seeing as how little he saw you even before you left, you didn't think it safe to harbour it.

When Nikolai reached the estate, he was met with Kirigin's servants. They welcomed him inside and profusely apologised for the Count's absence. They told him that at this time of the day, Kirigin and his guest would usually go out on a ride but that they were also about to return.

So Nikolai waited, sitting in the most comfortable chair the Count owned, fuming at the thought that his wife had felt the need to go away and be in the company of another man.

"If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be Nikolai. You'd do well to remember it."

Your words haunted him. They were the last thing that you told him. How stupid had he been to let you walk away. How utterly careless of him to disregard you like that.

He had promised himself to truly talk to you about it once this pressing matter of state was taken care of. Apparently, he had waited too long.

But Nikolai knew that the problem was at the source. He noticed how hurt you had been when he made Zoya his first in command. Or how sad you seemed everywhere he went somewhere with her and didn't ask you to join.

He was doing so to protect you from the inevitable slander you'd be met with. He should have known though that putting you aside was going to be even worse. You were a fighter just as much as Zoya was, if not stronger.

She hid behind her veil of indifference and superiority while you had never lost that emphatic verve that made everyone love you so much. In his attempt to make you safe, he had only managed to hurt you.

You were a warrior. You had accepted the role of queen only because it was the only way for you to be with Nikolai. And instead of praising you by making you a warrior queen, he had decided to hide you away.

Well, no more.

If his mistakes had not ruined everything already, he was going to make everything better.

Lost in his musing, he didn't hear the sound of hooves approaching but he did indeed hear your laugh. It immediately brought him back to the present and a wave of ugly jealousy hit him.

He couldn't remember the last time he made you laugh.

"I shouldn't even laugh Emil, the joke was terrible," Nikolai hear you giggling from somewhere in the hall. So now he was Emil, huh.

"You know you can't resist my charm, your highness," Emil replied and Nikolai had to call on every bit of his self-control to not barge out of the room and punch him.

"Stop it, you know you can call me y/n."

Before Emil could reply, they had both made it to the sitting room where Nikolai was waiting for them. It looked like no one had warned them of his presence because Kirigin looked surprised then utterly mortified.

"Your majesty, I wasn't aware you were here. Please forgive me for making you wait."

"Don't fret Kirigin, it was an impromptu visit. I came to see how my lovely wife was doing." No matter how green he was feeling right now, he knew that Kirigin was loyal to him and the crown. Whatever was happening here wasn't one of his schemes.

"Of course! I'm going to send for some tea while you two get reunited." Kirigin quickly bowed before hurrying out of the room.

Nikolai met your eyes for the first time since you had arrived. If at first, you were surprised to see him, now you couldn't help but be a bit sceptical about this visit.

"What are you doing here?" you asked breaking the ice.

"You leave with only a few lines on where you're going and you expect me to just accept it?" He scoffed, his hands curling on the armrests of the chair.

"It's more than what you gave me," you quipped, crossing your arms on your chest.

Nikolai sighed while his gloved hands run through his hair. You were right and he knew it. He had been a horrible husband lately.

"I know you're mad at me, honey, but listen-"

"I'm not mad. You didn't want to give me what I wanted so I went looking for it somewhere else." Scrolling your shoulders, you interrupted him without meeting his eyes. A list of excuses was not what you wanted nor what you needed from him.

Nikolai didn't miss the innuendo. His jaw clenched, his hands closed in fists. But he willed himself to stay calm.

"You think Kirigin can give you something that I can't?" Nikolai was a master in diplomacy. Never did he get frustrated or angry or raised his voice, even with the most aggravating people. Here though, with you, he didn't have to keep a façade. He spoke through his teeth barely containing his anger.

"Well, so far, he's been giving me attention and interesting pointers that no, Nikolai, you refused to give me."

"So this is how you solve your problems? Running away in the countryside with Emil?" Nikolai sneered, his tone souring around Kirigin's name.

"Don't you do the same with your precious first in command?" Tired after your ride with Emil, you plopped down on the chair in front of Nikolai's. Completely ignoring his tone, you pointed out calmly. The perfect image of aloofness even when it was the last thing you were in this moment.

"That's different," he snapped trying to meet your eyes that were carefully analyzing your hands.

"Yes," you signed, "it seems that when I'm concerned everything is different."

"There's nothing between me and Zoya, y/n and you know it." Nikolai was getting more frustrated by the second. He came here to apologize, to make things right and so far, the conversation was going in the opposite directions.

"Maybe now, but you spend more time with her than you do with me. It's only a matter of time before it happens and you're sorely mistaken if you think I'll just stand by and watch."

"This is not about Zoya," he insisted but so far, he wasn't getting the reaction out of you he wanted. You seemed... resigned at the situation. And that worried Nikolai to no end.

"It never is."

"Why did you run away?" Opting for a more direct approach, he bit the bullet and went straight to the point.

"I did not run away," you scoffed in contempt at his choice of words, "I told you I wanted to do more and Emil is teaching me. Not everyone is so against spending time with me, you know." You shot him a glance.

It was the first time that you had looked at him since you had been left alone.

"I married you, y/n. How can you possibly believe I don't want to spend time with you?" As desperation slipped through his words, Nikolai leaned towards you in his seat. As if he couldn't bear the distance between you anymore. But you knew it wasn't that. You and he had been distant for months now.

"Because that's what's happening, Nikolai," you clipped back and Nikolai had to refrain from wincing at your tone.

"It's not intentional, my love, I've just been busy." His tone softened. It was a poor excuse of an apology but it was sadly the truth.

"But when I say that I want to join or help you with it you strongly oppose?" Again, there was that suspicious implication in your words that Nikolai just couldn't stand. To think that you believed he'd ever cheat on you with another woman when he had done so much, taken so many risks, to be with you.

"It's not what you think, y/n." He insisted again but immediately realized he had said the wrong thing when he saw you leaning back into your chair shaking your head.

"I don't think anything, anymore. Do whatever you want. You do your thing and I'll do mine. I won't be a bother to you anymore." Holding up your hands, you gestured as you spoke.

A beat. Nikolai froze in his seat at what you were suggesting.

"You're never a bother to me. Never." He leaned even forwards in his chair, basically only propping on it now. The desperation was now clear in his voice. He reached out to you to try and take hold of your hands but you were too distant.

"I love you more than anything in this world and if you think that I'm going to let you go without a fight, you're sorely mistaken." The steel determination of his words caught you off guard. Nikolai was strong-headed, you knew that better than anyone else, but it had been a long while since that determination had been directed to you.

"You already did." It was barely a whisper. The sad truth about your reality, the downfall of your relationship. The wavering of your voice, the pain in your eyes were enough to tip Nikolai off the edge.

"Milaya, please."He fell onto his knees in front of you. Leaning forward he reached for your hands that he could now hold. "I'm sorry. I put you in a difficult position when I married you and I tried my best to protect you."

"I don't need protecting, Nikolai, especially if it's by pushing me away."

"I was keeping you away from danger and I know that you're strong and capable but I hate to think of you as the object of public slander." His eyes darted between yours, frantic, desperate to make you understand.

"I'm Grisha, Nikolai. It's nothing new to me," you pointed out but then it hit you.

"By difficult position, you meant a Grisha Queen, didn't you?" Your eyes hardened at the implications, your hands going slack in his hold. You would have pulled them away if Nikolai didn't tighten his hold.

"Please, do not think I'm regretting my choice or I think you're not worthy of the title because that's not true." Pulling your hands, he tried to get you closer to him. "I fear that there will be repercussions among the people." And there it was, at last, the truth.

"And among your ministers," you added remembering Emil's lessons on the people at court and their role.

You scoffed when he stayed silent. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought I was doing the right thing, my love."

"So Zoya can handle it and I can't?"

"For the millionth time," he groaned, "I don't care about Zoya."

"I only care about you and I know you can handle it. I just didn't want you to. You deserve happiness and peaceful life and I know it's impossible to have in this saints' forsaken country but I can at least try." His eyes lowered in shame and his confession sent a pang through your heart. You took a moment to take in what he said.

Never had you thought about the possibility of Nikolai's distance was a form of protection. You were a soldier of the Second Army, after all. But being a queen, especially a Grisha one, was a delicate thing.

It was the first time in history that something like this happened. Nikolai's worries were not unfounded since even after the destruction of the Fold, anti-Grisha movements were spreading fast.

It was sad to see the General's attempt of assuring safety for Grisha, provoking exactly the opposite thing.

"Oh, Kolya," returning his grip, you leaned towards him, "I just want a life with you by my side."

"As do I. I want you always and forever but above all, I want you safe. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, you know it right?"

"I just ask that you tell me the truth and let me play the role I've been given."

"It's not going to be easy. People at court-"

"I know. That's why I'm here. Emil's been teaching."

"Well, no more. I'm going to take care of it from now on."

"Is this a promise or a threat?"

"Rest assured my love, the difference between the two is almost nonexistent." He flashed you a smirk and you couldn't help but smile at him. Here it was, your beloved Nikolai.

"Things are going to change, aren't they?" you murmured softly as he gently rested his forehead against yours.

"We're going to show everyone what a "power couple" is." Here was his promise. Sealed with the gentlest nudging of his nose to yours. The action made you smile and your heart soar. You missed these little moments of intimacy with him.

One of his hands came to cradle your face as the other kept hold of your left hand. Your rings softly clicked as they touched. A form of reassurance.

"I love you, y/n."

"And I you, Kolya."

You were completely lost in your little bubble, even more so when Nikolai's lips finally met yours, that you had forgotten where you were. And that there was an embarrassed Kirigin outside the door waiting for the right moment to come in with tea.

[americancowgirl19]

Tommy’s Little Girl

Summary: You’re the most precious thing to Thomas Shelby. So, when a guy comes into your life he isn’t the most supportive.

Warnings: fluff, angst, cursing

Reader: Female Reader

Pairings: Tommy Shelby x Daughter!Reader, Reader x Male Character (H/n = His name, he can be whoever you want)

Word Count: 5,261

A/n: This was a request by an anon - Please can I request that Tommy Shelby’s daughter becomes engaged to a man behind his back and he refuses to acknowledge the engagement while the rest of the family do. After six months, just before the wedding, Tommy finally comes around to the idea... So, I added a few things to this request, I hope you still like it! I was just going to do the scene that the anon requested but I personally love writing who stories and backgrounds and shit so you get to see an entire life at Tommy’s daughter with the request included! Oh, and John doesn’t die cause fuck that.

Masterlist

You were the ultimate daddy’s girl. From the moment you were born you and your father were inseparable. The only thing that tore you apart was the war. You were barely two years old when he went off to serve his country.

When he left he entrusted Polly to look after you. Of course she treated you as if you were her own. She protected you as fiercely as she protected your father, uncles and aunt. Especially when your Aunt Kitty, Kitty Jurossi, showed up demanding that you were to go with her.

Kitty is your mother’s sister. She never approved of Greta being with Tommy. While Tommy taking care of Greta in her final days and loving her as he did was honorable, Kitty knew what kind of man he is. She knew what kind of family he had, what kind of business he partook in. She didn’t want you around them.

Polly always thought it was amusing how Kitty waited until Tommy was out of country to try and collect you. Kitty wrongfully assumed that Polly would just hand you over. Your mother’s sister was lucky she was able to return to her home with her life, especially when she tried to forcefully take you.

You remembered that day very vaguely. You don’t remember what happened but you remembered the yelling, someone grabbing you painfully and how scared you were. Your father had just left you for the longest time in your life and now this woman was trying to take you from the person you considered your mother.

The years without your father were long and unmemorable. When he finally returned home you were five going on six. You waited on the train platform with Polly, Ada and Finn. Polly kept a tight hold on you as the soldiers came off the train and went to their families.

You tried to find him but you were far too short and all of them were wearing the same uniform and cap. You jumped in your spot just itching to run into his arms. It didn’t matter that you didn’t really remember specific details of him. You remembered the feeling you had with him. You remembered being safe and happy with him. You remembered being sad and lonely without him. You’d rather be safe and happy than the other part.

“There they are!” Ada shouts. Your head darts to where she was pointing. When you spotted him not even Polly was able to hold you back.

You remember him shoving his way through the others to get to you. When you were close he dropped to his knees and pulled you into his arms. You clung to him.

Then, just like before he left, the two of you were inseparable once again. The only time you weren’t together was when you were sleeping (although on rough nights you often found your way in his bed) or when he had dangerous Peaky business.

You were the Shelby princess. You were untouchable. You didn’t figure out how much you could get away with until you were older. You could murder his best friend - not that you ever killed anyone - and the longest he’d stay mad at you would be a few hours, a day at most.

Anything you wanted was yours. You were spoiled but you were also kind and generous. You had bratty streaks but who didn’t? You may have been the light of your father’s life but you were John’s partner in crime. Whenever his own kids got too much or he wanted to pick on his brother’s you were the one he came too.

As much as he did truly enjoy spending time with you, John also knew that with you by his side he wouldn’t get into as much trouble as he would without you. All you had to do was give your pretty little smile and bat those eyelashes and Tommy was wrapped around your finger.

Even when your siblings came into the world you were number one. You didn’t exactly like Charlie, not Grace, at first. They stole your father’s attention, something you weren’t used to sharing. Eventually you warmed up to them.

You were sad when Grace died but not nearly to the extreme as your father. His heart break broke your own heart. You felt as if nothing you did eased his pain. In reality, you were the one person keeping him from completely spiraling. He spiraled but just being with you managed to slowly bring him back.

You were a little more welcoming toward Lizzie and then Ruby. By the time Ruby came around you adored Charlie. Ruby quickly wiggled her way into your heart. You became fiercely protective of them. You helped Lizzie with them when Tommy got too busy. When you needed a break you joined your father to the office and he would continue explaining what he did.

To you, life was perfect. You had everything you needed and everything you wanted. Tommy kept you in the business just enough to satisfy you but not enough to put you directly in danger. You didn’t understand a lot of the politics and drama within the family but to you it didn’t matter. You had your family, you had your fun, and life was great.

Then, as you were creeping up on your mid-twenties, you met the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. You were in the market with Lizzie, Polly, and Ruby. You had wandered a bit from the others. There was some jewelry you were looking at when he came over. 

He was tall, muscular, and extremely handsome. He had a boyish smile and a flirtatious personality. It didn’t take you long to also figure out that he was clumsy and adorable. You were instantly hooked.

You two talked (flirted) for longer than you thought. Before you knew it Polly, Lizzie and Ruby were rejoining you. Polly was weary of him but it was obvious that he quickly won Lizzie over.

Much to your displeasure, once the three of them showed up you were quickly whisked away from him. Polly had said it was time to go and not many people were brave enough to argue with her. 

Even on the way home you thought about him. You hoped that you would see him again but you figured it was unlikely.

Word got around about you meeting Mr. Handsome at the market. Your uncles teased you and Ada interrogated you. Your father was oddly quiet on the other hand. He didn’t want to talk about it, so he didn’t. He just hoped that your paths wouldn’t cross again.

Tommy knew you were getting older but that didn’t mean he liked it. He wanted you to stay his little girl for a while longer. He wished you were still small enough to ride on his shoulders and small enough for him to engulf you in his arms. But you were growing into a beautiful young lady. Whether he liked it or not other men were bound to recognize your beauty and seek you out. He had been lucky, for the most part, about your disinterest in dating, but it wasn’t going to last.

Most of the women your age were already married with at least one child. You were content by yourself. You were gaining responsibilities with the business and being your father’s personal helper. Even though you were content you wanted more. You wanted your own family to come home to with your own kids.

Fortunately, for Tommy, you wouldn’t see the boy from the market for quite some time. It had been so long you had forgotten about him. Until suddenly he showed back up.

The Shelby’s were having a night at the fights. You were enjoying yourself. You didn’t get dolled up often but when you did you went all out. You felt beautiful thus making you feel confident. On top of that, everyone knew exactly who you were which meant heads turned in your direction everywhere you went. You felt important, untouchable. 

You sat with your aunt Ada, Aunt Polly, and step mother Lizzie. The three of you were talking amongst yourselves while the boys hollered at the match in front of them. When the fighters changed out you happened to look up and there he was.

Ada had been talking to you but you suddenly stopped listening. He was bigger, more muscular, than you remember. He didn’t seem as clumsy anymore yet he was just as handsome. 

“Y/n,” Ada shouts over the crowd.

“Oh, will you look at that,” Lizzie states looking at who you were staring at.

“Who’s he?” Ada questions. Lizzie reminds her about the guy from the market you had met over a year prior. You continued to ignore them.

Right before the match started his eyes connected with yours. He obviously recognized you. He sent you the same boyish smile he had in the market causing a light blush to come to your cheeks. He bravely sent you a wink before focusing on the fight.

Your eyes remained glued on him with Tommy’s eyes started at you. He had noticed the interaction and didn’t like it in the slightest.

When the match ended, with his unfortunate loss, you excused yourself to the loo. You weren’t fooling anybody. Everyone who paid attention knew where you were going and Tommy had half a mind to stop you when something grabbed his attention. The split second his attention was off of you gave you the time you needed to disappear into the crowd.

“H/n,” You say, standing in the doorway of the locker room. You were slightly nervous - a lot nervous - but you weren’t 100% sober so that helped. His head snapped up at the sound of your voice.

“Y/n,” He says, turning away from his locker and toward you. “Shelby,” He adds. You hadn’t told him who you were. It was obvious he hadn’t known back then and you wanted to keep it that way.

“In the flesh,” You gave him a twirl. “You fought well tonight,”

“I lost,” He deadpanned but didn’t look all that bothered by it..

“Caught me attention,” You told him.

“Guess it wasn’t a complete loss then, aye?” He smirks. “How about you make me a winner tonight and agree to a date?” You blushed.

“I can do that,” You agreed.

From there your relationship blossomed. The two of you fell for each other quickly. He started showing up around the family more. Your uncles hazed him, Ada and Polly constantly interrogated him, and your father silently judged him. No matter how hard you or H/n tried, your father never came around.

H/n didn’t care about Tommy’s disapproval of him. He loved you with all his heart and nobody was going to keep you from him. He may be funny, charismatic and handsome but he knew he was selfish with a side of possessive. In his mind, you were his and he wasn’t letting you go. He would do anything to keep you and to keep you happy.

It honestly was no surprise that less than a year later the two of you were engaged. He had taken you out on a picnic under the stars on a beach. You had dinner, went swimming and had a fire in the sand. While stargazing he proposed with a beautiful ring. You didn’t hesitate to say yes.

The next day, as you two were makin breakfast, you asked how your father handled him asking for permission when H/n told you he never asked. It shocked you that H/n didn’t talk to Tommy first. You knew when it came to your father H/n was a little rebellious but this was different. Honestly, you were a bit upset he didn’t speak with Tommy first. 

It hadn’t even been twenty four hours since your engagement and the two of you were thrown into a fight. A minor one but a fight nonetheless. He didn’t see why it mattered seeing as the two of you were getting married with or without his permission. You argued that it wasn’t his permission you were looking for but your blessing. H/n didn’t understand just how close you and Tommy are but you wished he would at least respect it.

Eventually, he apologized when he finally noticed just how important Tommy’s approval meant to you. You promised H/n that you would marry him no matter what but keeping it from your father was not an option. H/n promised to talk to him.

A few days passed and then a week. H/n still didn’t talk to Tommy. You were fed up and decided to do it yourself. When you arrived at the Arrow House all you found were Lizzie and Ruby. 

Ruby instantly spotted the ring. You desperately wanted to talk to Tommy first but since you weren’t getting passed you sister not Lizzie you conceded.

“So, when did he pop the question?” Ruby asked.

“About two weeks ago,” You answered, a large smile on your face. “He asked me on the beach under the stars,” Ruby swooned but Lizzie didn’t seem to be paying attention anymore. You looked at her. You tensed noticing her looking behind you. Slowly, you turned around and saw your father standing there.

His eyes stare into your eyes and for the first time in your life you can’t figure out what he was thinking. He seemed emotionless but you couldn’t tell if the look in his eyes was anger or disappointment. His eyes glanced down at your hand, at your ring.

“Dad, I-” You didn’t get a chance to explain. He turned around and walked out of the house. You were shocked. He never did that to you. He always let you speak no matter what he was feeling. When you snapped out of it you quickly went after him but he was already in the car driving down the road. “Dad! Wait, please!” But he just keeps driving.

“He’ll come around,” Ruby tries to comfort but her words just go in one ear and right out the other.

For weeks your father avoided you like the plague. You walked into a room, he walked out. You tried to talk, he talked over you. You tried to get his attention, he ignored you. You tried for over a month before deciding to give him some space and focus on planning your wedding.

With the help of Ada, Ruby, Polly, and Esme you planned the wedding. Every day you got a step closer to the date. Every day you got more excited. Yet one thing continued to dampen your mood.

“Y/n, come in,” Esme greets, stepping aside to let you into her home.

“Is John here? I want to talk to him,” You say, fiddling with your fingers nervously. Esme smiles kindly and nods.

“Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll fetch him,” She suggests before disappearing into the house. You walk into the parlor. You smile and play with your cousins for a bit before John finally joins you.

“I wanted to ask you something,” You say after he shoos the kids away. He gives you his attention. You take in a deep breath as tears mist over your eyes. He looks more concerned by the second. “I was wondering if you... would walk me down the aisle,” John frowns his eyebrows.

“You want me?” He asks, shocked. “What about Tom-”

“He hasn’t spoken to me for months,” You snap, struggling to keep your tears from falling. “He can hardly look at me or stand to be in the same room. I think it’s safe to say he’s not coming,” You try to sound angry but curse silently when your voice grows more shaky. John sighs.

“Come here, sweetheart,” He opens his arms and you quickly close the distance between the two of you. He holds you tightly as you cry in his chest. “Tommy’s being a right arse at the moment, everyone knows that,” He mutters. “But nothing in the world is going to stop him from walking you down that aisle,”

“H/n being at the end of it might,” You mutter. John laughs quietly.

“Love, if Tommy really hated H/n, he would be dead by now,” John says truthfully. You see the logic in his statement but it hardly lifts your spirits. 

“The wedding is in two weeks,” You whisper. “He hasn’t budged yet,”

“I want you to do something for me,” John says, pulling back just enough to look at your face and wipe your tears. “I want you to think through your entire life and tell me a time where you didn’t get your way with Tommy,” John challenges. “I’m not even going to wait because it never bloody happened,” You smile a bit. “Now, this has been the longest you’ve had to wait for him to come around but trust me, he is incapable of not doing what you want,”

“Will you still be on standby?” You ask him. He smirks and kisses your forehead.

“Of course,” He whispers. “Bloody hell, has anyone said no to you before?” He asks, smirking as he steps away from you.

“What can I say? I’m everyone’s sweetheart,” You smile. John rolls his eyes and offers for you to stay for dinner, which you accept.

When you returned home you noticed H/n was home as well. You had moved out of Arrow house before the engagement, something your father strongly disagreed with.

When you walked inside, H/n was waiting up for you. You hadn’t meant to be home so late. It’s just when you’re with John and his kids they just make the time fly by. Luckily, H/n didn’t seem upset just tired.

“Come here,” He mutters, opening his arms. You smile and settle in his lap enjoying the feeling of his thick arms wrapped around your body. “Were you at Arrow House?” He asks.

“No, I went to see Uncle John,” You tell him. He hums curiously. “I wanted to ask if he’d walk me down the aisle,” You whisper. H/n holds you tighter.

“I’m sorry, Y/n,” He whispers to you. “I shouldn’t have proposed without asking for his blessing or at least mentioning it to him,”

“No, you shouldn’t have,” You grumbled before sighing. “But this is much more than that. Something else is bothering him,”

“You’re his precious girl, he’ll talk eventually,” He reassures you. You don’t respond, you simply cuddle deeper into his embrace.

A week passed. You had five days until your wedding. You woke up excited as you daydreamed about the day. However, your happiness didn’t last.

BRITIAN     AT    WAR    WITH    GERMANY

Your father and uncles had fought in the first war. The supposed ‘war to end all wars’. Now, only a short few years later there was another war. A war the next generation would fight. A war your H/n volunteered to join.

You were in the kitchen cleaning up. You were doing everything you could to keep buys. Britain was officially at war and you were terrified. You knew everything was going to change. Deep down you knew it would happen but it didn’t register until he was right in front of you.

“When do you leave?” You whisper, desperately trying to stay together as you look at H/n. He was in his uniform with papers in his hand.

“Thursday,” H/n hesitantly whispers. You close your eyes and hang your head. Not only was your soon-to-be husband going off to fight this war but he was leaving before your wedding. On top of that, you only had two more days with him.

“Why do you have to leave?” You whimpered. He doesn’t answer. He just closes the gap between the two of you and pulls you into a tight hug. He hugged you as if he could single handedly keep you from falling apart.

“I will come back to you, Y/n Shelby,” He states firmly. “Heaven nor hell will keep me from you, you have me word,”

“I love you,” You whisper, clinging to him. He pulls back just enough to tilt your head up to his lips. He doesn’t verbally respond but he tries to pour all his love and determination to return to you in the breathtaking kiss.

You cling to him for as long as you can but eventually have to let him go. While he didn’t leave until Thursday he had much to get done before then. He promised he would be back in a few hours but you didn’t want to be alone.

The first thing you did was go to Polly. You froze when you saw her drying her cheeks. Finn had volunteered as well. Together you both cried. 

Finn might have technically been your uncle but he was more of a brother. There was only a few years difference between the two of you. Polly had raised you both. You hated that you could possibly not only lose H/n but Finn as well.

Luckily Charlie was still too young to join but only for another year. You had no doubt that he would join up the first chance he got. He’s Tommy’s son. Neither of them were good at backing down.

When you left Polly you went to Arrow House. You were done. You were done with your father’s stubbornness. You were done with his silence and his judgmental stares. He could be mad about the wedding all he wanted but you needed him to come back to you.

“Did H/n..?” Lizzie’s voice dissipates. She didn’t want to finish the question and she didn’t have too. You just nod and accept her comforting hug. You’ve cried the majority of the day and knew you weren’t done yet. You knew the second you went face to face with Tommy you’d fall apart all over again.

“Where is he?” You ask.

“In his office,” Lizzie says knowing exactly who you were wanting. “Most likely on his second bottle by now,” You sighed, rubbing your face tiredly. “I’ll make some tea,” You send her a smile and a nod.

You don’t even bother to knock, you rarely did. There wasn’t a room you knew about that you weren’t welcome into. Inside you found your father slouched in his chair with a full glass in his hands. He doesn’t bother to look at you. You don’t even know if he registers your presence. 

“I don’t know what you’re so mad at me about,” You began. Your voice sounded strong and you hoped it stayed that way. “Yes, H/n asked me to marry him. No, I didn’t know at the time that he didn’t talk to you but get over it. You haven’t made his time in this family easy, no wonder he doesn’t want to talk to you. 

“When you found out you found out too soon. I was there to talk to you about it but Ruby and Lizzie saw me first. This wasn’t something I wanted to keep from you, I never meant to hurt you. I’m sorry,” You whisper. Hope fills you a bit when he glances at you in the corner of his eye. “I know something else is bothering you but I don’t know what it is and I need you to work it out some how because I need you, dad,” You whimper. 

He finally looks at you. 

“These last few months have been so hard without you and now H/n is going off to war, I’m not sure if I’m even going to get married, and you still won’t fucking talk to me!” You shouted but the tears in your eyes betrays your anger. “I’m scared out of my mind I’m going to lose H/n, that I’m going to lose Finn... That I already lost you,” A few tears fall down your face. “I’m sorry for whatever I did, please forgive me because I need you so fucking back,”

By the end you were close to sobbing and falling to you knees. You sobbed but you never fell. Tommy was out of his seat and was wrapping his arms around you before your knees could give away.

He leads you to the couch and sits down. You curl into his chest like you used to do when you were younger. He hums quietly and rocks you.

“You didn’t lose me, darling girl,” He whispers to you. “I’m so sorry for the way I’ve acted. I should have never treated you like I have. No, I don’t like H/n but not because of who he is but because he’s taking my little girl from me,” You tilt your head to look at him. “For nearly 26 years you have been the center of my world,” He whispers quietly. “Through everything, you have been the most important constant in my life. There were many times you were my only source of happiness, my only will to live,” He admits. “I’m terrified of what I’ll do without you,”

“You’ll never be without me,” You whisper to him. “I live ten minutes away and you’ll still see me daily whether H/n likes it or not,” Tommy smiles a bit. “And maybe when the war is over you’ll have more mini me’s running around,” Tommy scowls at the thought of the process of making children rather than the thought of the actual kids.

“You’re happy with him?” You nod. “You love him and he loves you?” You nod again. “Has he hurt you?” You shake your head. He sighs, slightly frustrated with the lack of reason to murder H/n. Not that he really needed a reason but he knew if he did he would hurt you. He’s already hurt you enough as it is. “Then you have my blessing,” You smile at him.

“He leaves before the wedding,” You whisper. He shrugs.

“So, move the wedding up,” He says nonchalantly. 

“How are we going to set everything up before Thursday?” You ask. He smirks.

“You don’t worry about a thing,” He kisses your forehead. “Let me call Ada, Pol, and Esme. They’ll help you get ready and I’ll worry about the rest,”

“You avoided this wedding the entire time, now you’re going to plan in within a few hours?” You ask.

“I’m Thomas Shelby,” He said as if it were the cure to all diseases. “Up you get,” He gently pushes you out of his lap. “No worrying,” He points at you before kissing your forehead again.

“Who’s going to want to celebrate at a time like this?” You ask before he leaves. He turns toward you and smiles softly.

“Right now is the perfect time to celebrate a moment like this,” Tommy tells you. You can see the honesty in his eyes and can tell he’s briefly reliving the past. You hate that his past is always haunting him and you pray that you’ll be able to help H/s if... when he comes back to you. “Relax, get ready, and I’ll see you in a few hours.”

It didn’t take long for Ada, Polly and Esme to show up. Polly had your dress and Ada had your accessories. The three of them with Lizzie and Ruby helped you get ready for the wedding.

As you got ready, Tommy went to your home where he found H/n just returning. It was obvious that he was surprised to see Tommy but he invited his future in-law inside nonetheless.

“I was a few years younger than you when I was shipped off to France,” Tommy explained to him. “When I returned I wasn’t the same. Nobody who goes through what we went through, what you will go through, returns the same,” Tommy warns. “Y/n was five or six when I got back. She helped give me a reason to keep waking up, to keep moving. When you come back, you’ll need someone that will be able to anchor you into the present. Don’t push people away, especially Y/n... She won’t let you,” Tommy advises with a soft smile as he thinks about you.

“I won’t,” H/s vows.

“You say that now but I promise it’ll be very tempting when you return,” Tommy says. Casually, Tommy walks closer. “Everyone that returns deals with the past differently. I won’t judge you for the drinks you’ll have or even the drugs you may take,” Tommy shrugs. “But if you come back and you turn violent again Y/n at any point. If you so much as hurt her one time, I will personally dig your grave and put you in it,” Tommy promises. “You will come back, you’ll deal with it however you can, and you’ll take care of Y/n and the family you’ll have. If you can’t do that, don’t marry her and walk away now.”

“I love you daughter. I want her happy and I’ll give my life to keep her safe,” H/s vows.

“Good,” Tommy nods. “That’s my little girl. Her happiness is everything to me. You give me one reason to kill you and I promise you and whatever god is out there that I will take that chance,”

“Understood,” H/n slowly nods.

“Good,” Tommy nods again. “Well, let’s get going, you’re getting married in a few hours,” Tommy says walking toward the door. He pulls out a cigarette and begins to light it.

“I am?” H/n calls out confused. Tommy just keeps walking and H/n jogs to catch up.

A few hours later, John and Arthur show up to collect the women.

“Your chariot awaits madam,” Arthur announces loudly. You couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear as he leads you to the car. John winks at you playfully.

“Told you he’d come around,” John teased.

“Should have cried in front of him sooner, that usually does the trick,” You joke back. John grins wider and kisses your head.

“Alright! Let’s get a move on, we’ve got a wedding to get too!” Arthur hollers. When you arrive where the rest of the gypsies and Peaky Blinders are, they cheer for your arrival.

Tommy greets you at the car looking handsome as ever.

“I hope I’m still allowed to walk you down,” He mutters helping you out of the car.

“Of course,” You smile leaning into him. He kisses your head and leads you toward the aisle. At the end you find H/s standing there looking breathtaking. “I’m scared,” You whisper.

“That’s alright,” He promises, slowly walking you toward your future husband. “There’s going to be moment where you’re scared but there will never be a moment where you’re alone,” He tells you. You tighten your arm around his. “These last few months will never happen again,” He vows. “I’ll be there anytime and every time you need me,”

“I know,” You whisper. 

When you reach the end, Tommy turns toward you. You smile up at him. He gently cups the side of your face.

“I love you,” He whispers, gently kissing your forehead. His lips linger as he remembers the day you were born, the day he left and came back from the war. He remembered every moment he shared with you. He hated that future memories would be shared with H/n but as long as you were there he wouldn’t mind.

“I love you too,” You whisper back, basking in the warmth and safety of his embrace for a moment longer. Tommy hesitantly steps back. You both share a smile before he hands you off to your soon-to-be husband.

[somewhatgreatexpectations]

If you need me, let me know (Wanda Maximoff/ Reader)

Hello!

Can I just say thank you for all the positive feedback I received for "Leave, then go"? I'm so happy you all enjoyed since this idea is fairly different. Here is more double Lizzie! Also known as "Love me (Or let me go)" part 2. Let me know what you all think! :)

Summary: Y/n attempts to navigate being there for Leigh and becomes closer with Wanda. Minor angst but also fluff.

The unexpected sound of your phone piercing through the stillness of the night paired with the bright light of your screen coming to life in the darkness startled you out of your sleep. A quick glance at the time showed you that it was well past one in the morning.

Leigh.

The surprise of seeing her name through bleary eyes almost made you miss the call. Almost. She had been isolating herself for almost two weeks now. Not that you blamed her considering the circumstances.

In a daze, you dragged your finger across the screen to accept the call. “Is this a booty call?” You joked groggily, as your muddled mind slowly began to wake up.

“Yeah. This was a mistake.” Leigh’s reply floated through the line, her tone displeased.

You pressed your palm roughly into your temple, annoyed at yourself. You nervously rushed out a reply hoping she hadn’t hung up yet. “Wait! Leigh, I’m sorry. I was joking. Wrong time. Noted." You paused slightly. "Are you okay?”

Leigh’s next response was quiet, practically inaudible. “I couldn’t sleep.”

As soon as you heard her reply you worriedly sat up on your elbows. Your eyes drifted over to the keys on your desk. If she said the word, you’d be there in an instant. “That’s understandable. Wanda was telling me you seemed overwhelmed when you met her. Is there something I can do to help?”

A tense silence hung in the air and for a moment you were sure she had actually hung up on you. “Seriously? You’ve been talking to her?” The sounds of her moving around drifted from the phone. “Why have you been talking to her?” Everything in you wished you hadn’t said anything.

You should have known better.

Even over the phone you could feel Leigh’s icy stare. “Wanda doesn’t know anyone else around here. I wanted to offer her some support. I don’t know… She’s nice.”

“And I’m not nice?”

You sputtered in shock. “What? Leigh, I never said that. We were talking about Wanda.”

Just as you were about to add more Leigh’s voice interrupted your own. “You know what? Let’s just pretend this call never happened. Goodnight.”

“Leigh-” The dial tone replaced her voice before you could say anything else.

With a groan you threw yourself back against your bed. Every conversation with Leigh felt like bomb defusing and it seemed like you could never stop them from exploding in your face.

Creating a bond with Wanda didn’t mean that you wanted to push Leigh out of your life. You couldn’t.

Leigh was in your veins.

Admittedly, you did speak to Wanda almost daily, but it was mainly over the phone. You had only seen her once since the discovery, briefly. She had randomly got called into work which ended your lunch early.

That day you had seen that she was troubled, so you offered her an ear and a shoulder to lean on which she tentatively accepted. You would have done the same for Leigh had she not rejected each attempt you had made to reach out to her.

The difference between them was that Wanda let you be there for her where Leigh used all her energy to push you away. The only reason you even knew what was going on was because Wanda confided in you. That’s how you learned Leigh was a triplet. Or well… was since Wanda brokenly informed you that their brother had passed away. Leigh would never get to know him.

Even with Leigh pushing you away, you knew you had to keep trying to be there. Maybe it would just have to be in a different way than you were there for Wanda.

______________

As gently as you could you placed the box on the doorstep and took a step back. You pulled out your phone to send a quick message before you left.

Hey. You’re probably asleep

or just don’t want to talk.

I just want you to know I’m

here for you. I said I would be

and I intend to keep my word.

So, when you wake up I left a surprise

for you at your front door.

Hopefully the raccoons don’t get

to it before you can.

If you need me, let me know.

Read 2:07 a.m.

You were surprised to see that your message was read almost as soon as you sent it. This time you didn’t expect a reply, but you were glad she had seen the message at the very least. Just as you had reached the end of the walkway you heard the front door open. You kept walking without turning towards the sound, determined to give her space.

“Where are you going?” The shock of hearing her voice caused you to trip on some loose gravel. The quiet sound of her laughter filled the still night around you.

Straightening yourself, you turned to find Leigh with the box in her hands, her head tilted in amusement. “Um. Home?” If you didn’t know better, you would have thought she wanted to say something.

As you were turning to leave again you heard Leigh’s voice. “Do you want to come inside?”

“Do you want me to come inside?” You countered. As much as you tried, you couldn’t control the way surprise seeped into your words.

Leigh playfully rolled her eyes as she pushed the door further open. “Do you expect me to be able to eat a dozen donuts by myself?”

Strolling back up the path you had walked countless times before felt foreign.

Leigh nudged you playfully as she closed the door and you couldn’t help the smile that grew because for a moment everything felt like it used to. It was dangerous and you knew it.

That’s how you ended up cross-legged on Leigh’s bed, the box of donuts between the two of you as you reminisced moments from your past.

Moments that were safe to reminisce anyway.

“In my defense I did say, David, if you call her that one more time I’m going to punch you in the face.”

“And you broke your hand punching him!” Leigh exclaimed through her laughter. Genuine laughter. Warmth blossomed in your chest at the sound.

You groaned and covered your face with your hands. “Don’t remind me. I swear his head was made of concrete. That’s why that’s the only fight I’ve ever been in.” Leigh’s laughter continued. “It was worth it though.” You added quietly.

You were too busy looking down at your lap to notice the way Leigh watched you, a small smile forming on her face. She quickly wiped it away when you looked back up at her. “If you fought every person who’s called me names, you’d be fighting a lot of people, Y/n.”

“Worth it.” You shrugged, refusing to look at her as you fiddled with a loose thread on her sheets.

A comfortable silence settled in the air. “I can take care of myself you know.” The way Leigh’s lips curled into a smile was easy. Light. Unfamiliar to you after all this time.

“Trust me. I know.” The loose thread snapped under your fingers. “Speaking of, how have you been since, well… you know.” You asked carefully, bracing yourself for the explosion that was bound to come from the question.

Leigh took in a sharp breath and for a moment you were sure she was about to kick you out for overstepping. “It… sucks. Finding out I’m adopted. Finding out I was separated at birth and suddenly have a twin sister.” A bitter chuckle fell from her lips. “I can’t say it’s the worst thing that’s happened to me in the last year and a half though.”

There was nothing you could say that would make her situation better. You knew that. Taking a risk, you sat up on your knees, moved the box to the foot of the bed and hesitantly pulled Leigh into your arms. You hoped the touch could offer her the comfort you couldn’t find the words for.

Leigh tensed almost as soon as you made contact and you were sure she was about to push you away and scream at you to get out. Just as your hands began falling away, she relaxed into the embrace, her arms wrapped around you tightly.

You both stayed wrapped in one another’s embrace for a moment. Leigh was the one who eventually pulled away. “Thank you.” Her words were hesitant.

“Of course. You know,” Gently you pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. You quickly folded your hands back together in your lap immediately after. “if you ever need me, you just have to let me know.”

Before you could say anything else, Leigh surged forward and connected her lips to yours. Despite yourself, you couldn’t help the way your lips easily fell into the familiar rhythm. This was wrong. She was vulnerable. This was so wrong.

When you came to your senses you abruptly pulled away, ignoring the way she chased after your lips. “Leigh… We shouldn’t. You’re vulnerable. I don’t want to take advantage.”

Your heart stuttered in your chest when Leigh straddled you.

Resolve was quickly slipping through your fingers when she looked at you like that. “You’re not taking advantage. Y/n… I need this. You need this. We need this.” She leaned forward so her lips lightly brushed over your own with each word she spoke. “Just this last time.” She whispered as she trailed her lips down to nip playfully at your pulse point.

Absentmindedly you ran a hand up her back until it was tangled into her silky strands. “Just like you said the last time.”

The bright light seeping through the curtains woke you up the next morning. You rolled over to find the bed empty, Leigh nowhere in sight. You wanted to say you were surprised, but you weren’t.

As much as you hate to admit it, you would’ve been more surprised if she actually stayed.

Cautiously you made your way towards the front door hoping to make it out undetected. “Y/n?” You mumbled a quiet curse as you turned in the direction of the voice.

“Jules! Long time no see.” You greeted Leigh’s sister, hoping that she wouldn’t comment on your obvious walk of shame.

The smirk on her face let you know she knew exactly what had happened. She had seen it more than enough times to recognize the signs. “Now Leigh leaving for class early totally makes sense.”

Even though you knew Leigh was avoiding you, hearing it from someone else still stung. “On that note, I need to get to work. Bye Jules.”

“Bye Y/n. Good seeing you again.” Jules took a drink of her smoothie and chuckled as you rushed out the door.

It didn’t matter how high Leigh could make you feel in the moment, it wasn’t anything compared to how low she could make you feel after.

_________

For the first time in your life, you were thankful for a chaotic shift as it prevented you from having to think about anything outside of work itself. Until you were able to take your break and look at your phone at least.

Good morning, Y/n.

I was wondering if you were

free tonight? I wanted

to make up for having

to leave early.

Sent 8:24 a.m.

No pressure though!

Sent 9:18 a.m.

The smile that appeared on your face was immediate as you rushed to send a reply back, hoping the offer was still available since she had sent that text a few hours ago.

Hi, Wanda! Sorry for

taking so long to get back

to you. Work was hectic.

Definitely free tonight.

Read 12:04 p.m.

“And every night for you.” You mumbled to yourself with a smile as you watched the bubbles appear, indicating that she was typing a reply.

Great! Does 7 work for

you? I can pick you up.

Sent 12:05 p.m.

7 is perfect!

Read 12:05 p.m.

See you then, Y/n.

Dress comfortably. :)

Sent 12:06 p.m.

Can’t wait.

Read 12:07 p.m.

You felt giddy at the idea of seeing Wanda again as thoughts of her quickly filled your mind, leaving room for nothing else as you went about your day. The day couldn’t move any slower.

__________

Almost as soon as the clock struck 7, you heard a knock at the door and rushed over to find Wanda standing before you with a shy smile. “Hi. Ready to go?”

She’s so beautiful, you thought to yourself in awe, completely entranced by the woman before you. Nothing else seemed to exist around you when she was around. You noticed that her cheeks flushed a pale pink. “Y/n?” Her eyes twinkled in amusement.

“Sorry! Just zoned out a bit there.” You mentally cursed yourself as you grabbed a jacket and stepped out. “Ready when you are.”

The featherlight touch of Wanda’s fingers grazing the small of your back as she led you to her car set your skin ablaze. “I hope you don’t mind a short hike to get to our destination today.”

Settling into the passenger seat felt easy as Wanda began the drive.

How does she manage to make everything she does look so damn breath taking?

Wanda’s hands flexed lightly on the steering wheel, her lips curling up faintly as though she knew a secret you didn’t. “I don’t mind at all.” You finally replied.

“I’m glad.” Her eyes glanced over at you momentarily before settling back on the road. “How was work today? I remember you saying it was hectic.”

Someone wanting to know about your day felt unfamiliar to you. It was a nice change. “Work was good. There was this little boy, adorable, but he was so scared to get a shot. He was hiding behind his mom the whole time. Wouldn’t even come out to play with some of the blocks we had in my office.”

Wanda hummed to let you know you had her attention. “What did you do?”

A short chuckle fell from your lips as you watched the curvy road pass you in a blur. “He became so brave the second I pulled out this Iron-Man action figure we keep in my office. It was adorable. It was like he wanted Iron-Man himself to see he was brave, you know? I let him keep that toy after he got the shot. It was one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s sweet that you’re so good with children.” The sincerity in her words made you blush.

“I try to be. Part of the job description.” You joked lightly as you deflected the compliment.

Wanda nodded faintly, acknowledging the deflection as she changed the subject. “Do you know much about him?”

You shifted slightly so you could get a better look at her. “My client?”

The was a faint hint of tension that lurked beneath the nonchalance of her next words. You didn't understand why. “No. Iron-man.” She coughed slightly. “I know some people are big fans of his and you know... you had his toy in your office.”

Unable to help yourself, you chuckled slightly. Maybe she was wondering if you were a fangirl. “I buy a lot of different toys every few months or so to keep in my office for situations like this. I also have aliens, barbies, teddy bears. It depends on the kid.” You explained. “I really only know Iron-Man’s name because of the toy. I don’t know much about the revengers in general though.”

“The Avengers.” She corrected before she could stop herself. You noticed that she winced slightly.

You snapped your fingers. “Right, I always seem to get that mixed up. They typically stay on the east coast, so I don’t pay much attention to them. I do respect what they do though.”

Wanda’s shoulders fell slightly, almost as though she was relieved. “We’re here.” She informed you as she pulled off to a dirt space on the side of the curvy road.

When you stepped out of the car, you looked around as Wanda got something out of the trunk. “Yup.”

Wanda stopped at your side. “What?”

You looked over at her and squinted your eyes slightly. “This is the part of the movie where you kill me.”

For a moment she stared at you in surprise until her eyes crinkled and an unabashed laugh fell from her lips. “I promise that was never in the plans, Y/n.” She held out a hand. “The path can be a little tricky.”

Without hesitation, you slid your hand into hers as she led you forward into the dark night, the path only lit by the moon shining brightly above your head. There was something about Wanda that made it easy for you to place your trust in her. There was goodness to her. You’d follow her just about anywhere.

You continued to walk beside her in silence, the cool metal of the rings that adorned her fingers against your skin calmed you.

If it weren’t for her hand in yours, you’d be lost in the breathtaking sight before you when she finally came to a stop.

“Wow…” You breathed out, as your breath hitched in your throat.

Wanda looked over at you, a tentative smile on her face. “Do you like it?”

On stunned feet you stepped closer to the edge, feeling Wanda’s hand fall from your own. “Wanda, it’s amazing. How did you even find this place?”

“A lot of wandering. I like to come up here to think. To get away from it all. To find peace.” You heard her respond from behind you as you took in the bright lights of the city in the distance.

When you turned back you found Wanda setting a blanket on the floor. “I hope I’m not taking away from your peace by being here.”

Wanda pat the space beside her. You took a seat as you both took in the view. “You could never. For some reason, I feel at peace whenever you’re around.” She admitted, her gaze dropping to the blanket.

Your breath hitched again, but the view had nothing to do with it this time. “I feel the same with you.” You placed your hand over hers.

When her glimmering emerald eyes lifted up to meet yours you were sure you forgotten to breath entirely and for a moment it seemed as though the world around you slowed down. All that you could see was Wanda, and you could never look away. You didn't want to look away.

Your chest tightened as you watched her shift forward ever so slightly. You wanted to kiss her. You wanted nothing more than to kiss her… But it wouldn’t be fair to her. Not after last night with Leigh. Wanda deserved more.

With that in mind you begrudgingly turned away and looked back out in the distance. “Is everything okay?” Wanda questioned cautiously, unsure of what just happened.

“Oh, sure. Just a prisoner of my own mind. The usual.” You mumbled petulantly as you picked at the grass.

The curiosity in Wanda’s eyes came back in full force, but you couldn’t find it within yourself to look up and get lost in those eyes again. You wouldn’t have the strength to look away and not give into to what you desperately wanted a second time.

“In a sense aren’t we all prisoners of some sort? Prisoners to our memories, or fear, or disappointment…” Wanda tugged at her sleeves. “Aren’t we all defined by something we can’t change?” She added quietly.

You laid back, so you could look up at the moon through the trees. “I think we’re all defined by what we chose to allow ourselves to be defined by. Like you said, by memories, or fear, or disappointment. Even love and happiness. We chose, so maybe we can change it.”

You could feel Wanda lay beside you more than you could see it, her head rested softly against your own. “I would want to be defined by love.” She whispered.

“Yeah…” Like magnets your hands found one another in the open space between you two. “Me too.”

Once again, you realized that you could lose yourself in this moment. You would never be happier to be lost as long as you were getting lost in Wanda. The sound of your phone chiming in the night went unnoticed as you and Wanda spoke well into the night.

You both stayed there until the first breaks of daylight peaked over the horizon. The sky had never looked more golden or beautiful than when you had seen it reflected in her eyes.

Part 2! This was actually so fun to write (even if I did face a minor block). Hopefully this part made the dynamic that the reader shares with Leigh a bit more clear and developed what the reader is building with Wanda further as well. Don't worry, more will be revealed as the story progresses. Also Wanda has powers which will lightly come into play later.

Let me know what you all think, I'm excited to hear back! Thoughts and comments always welcome. :)

Tag list: (Please bear with me this is my first time trying this, let me know if I missed you.)

@khiaraaa-in-spacee @halobaby @madamevirgo @aimezvousbrahms @trikruismybitch @marvels-writings @izalesbean @causeitswhatjesuswouldfreakingdo