#THE PRINCE AND MARI ARE STARTING TO SOFTEN

[ahatintimepieces]

Even with a fey doctor helping out, the prince and Hat struggle to take care of Mari in the fey world. Of course, the prince’s tendency to antagonize their patient doesn’t help, but maybe he can swallow his fear long enough to get her home.

#a hat in time #ahit florist #ahit prince #fey prince au #my writing #i think you'll like the fey doctor ;3c #BUT IT'S HAPPENING #THE PRINCE AND MARI ARE STARTING TO SOFTEN #anyway thank you so much for reading! #i hope you're having a lovely day and i'll see you next week!

[asingleietsist]

"A Green Queen" AU

Chapter VIII

TW: Discussion of Self-ham

A few hours passed as the two discussed various agreements, commerce deals, supply exchanges, and of course the Grand Peace Flair Ball. Luigi sat on the side next to Kamek, taking notes as the MagiKoopa guided him and kept him up to pace with the conversation. He had chimmed in a few times to give his thoughts on certain guard stations or small reminders of past agreements King Totomesu had stood by. He felt a sense of distance every time the Prince or Bowser shut him down on ideas, but chalked it up to them having more experience. Kamek also reassured him each time that he was doing fine and gave a small pat on his back for comfort. They had broken conversation a few times to eat and rehydrate before they talked on end again.

And as the night fell, they had finally completed their discussion. Prince Khufo cheered and bound off to the kitchen to check on their nightly meals. Kamek, also took this opportunity to check the older scrolls for new spells and remedies for the Koopalings.

The King, however, was at the edge of the balcony looking up at the stars and humming to himself, he was ready to leave, but too tired to go too far into the palace.

Luigi fixed his papers carefully and placed a little gold slate paperweight on top, so they didn't fly off as the breeze kicked in. He stood up, hair flowed slightly, as he watched as Bowser's head turned to follow a certain passing star that shot by.

He walked over with a chair and sat down beside him, still keeping a bit of distance between them. "They're pretty... D-Do you like watching shooting stars?"

"Yeah... I usually watched them with the little ones, but I doubt we would've made it back in time to see them together.. You should see their little eyes light up when they..."

The large koopa's words trailed off as he noticed Luigi's galaxy blue eyes shimmered, eager to hear him talk fondly about his hatchlings.

"That's sweet of you... They could be watching right now. If that makes you feel any better.."

'Why does it matter what he thinks? You're just-'

"Hah! You underestimate their attention span. Ludwig is probably telling Iggy to stop trying to replicate star patterns with his bombs. And Lemmy is most likely drawing silly faces on their shells when they're distracted, speedy lil champ!" He exclaimed. "Wendy won't be so pleased, once she finds out though, she's not afraid to tackle any of them down and nip at them."

Luigi looked at him mortified. "That sounds...greaatttt.... Um.. Did they all come from the same.."

"No, you've asked before"

"When you nearly severed my arm off?"

"Hey! I apologized!", The large lizard huffed. His arms now crossed on the ledge.

Luigi chuckled a bit, "Uh huh.. What an amazing apology."

"You're damned right it was!", Bowser grinned.

Luigi snickered and rolled his eyes, enjoying the King's confidence. Bowser smiled a bit seeing the Queen's enjoyment and continued.

"I'd found most of their eggs on islands or in dense territory I had conquered. Most Koopas my size will abandon eggs once most of the clutch hatch out.", He huffed and gazed back up at the stars. "Yeah, some of them were a hassle to raise, still are, but I'd caused the entire universe to quake in fear if any of them got hurt.", He chuckled at his own comment.

Luigi eyes lifted slightly as he saw the King's gaze softened. "I raised them myself and even though they drive me insane sometimes; they're family to Junior.."

'Just Junior?'

"What about you? Aren't they your family just as much as they are Junior's?"

Bowser gave a low growl causing Luigi to stiffen.

"N-Nevermind.."

The two stayed gazing at the show, Luigi sighed and started to think about when he and Mario would watch the sky with Peach and Toad.

They shared food and witty jokes about their adventures. The countless of times they had saved or helped the kingdom and allies. It had become a second home to Mario and himself. He always felt some sort of peace being with Mario and wished he had some way to contact his brother outside of the contractual agreement.

The agreement.

In light of the situation, the dreamy atmosphere, the cool breeze. Luigi had forgotten that all of this was temporary.

He was a queen to his enemies and all of it was his fault. He agreed to be Bowser's bride, strictly married to the koopa next to him by circumstance of he and his brother's plans. Despite it being his karma, he still missed Mario, and trembled realizing the passage of time.

A light sense of pain hit his arm again but it stopped as Bowser's claw quickly removed his hand from digging into it.

"Why do you keep doing that?!", he yelled.

"It's nothing! Let go!"

"Greenie"

"I said let go! I'm fine!"

" You're not fine! Just let me see and-"

"Thank you for your concern, but I'm FINE."

Bowser's nose flared at his tone and his claw tightened around his hand slightly.

"You know you're REALLY stubborn!"

"I learned from the best...", Luigi muttered.

Bowser growled deeply, "What'sTHAT supposed to mean!". His grip tightened around Luigi's hand more as his pupils slitted and were locked on him.

Luigi winced from the pain breathing heavily then looked away shaking.

Bowser growled then roared briefly as he let go.

Luigi checked his hand for injury, only to see light bruises on the sides of his wrist. He let out a sigh of relief as he massaged them, then looked over at his captor.

Bowser sighed, his tail swayed violently as he tried to cool off. " Why can't you just talk?"

"You ask me to shut up every other time.", He muttered.

"I-", he turned around to object, but couldn't retaliate. "That's usually because you've said something stupid and you know that's not what I meant, when it comes to that."

He lightly tapped a finger on Luigi's right arm.

"I... You caused this."

The King's head tilted in confusion. "But I said-"

"I know... And I'm glad, but it doesn't erase it immediately. It still hurts me. YOU still harmed me! I want to forgive you, but every time I think I understand I begin to blame myself for not thinking about why I'm here and that all of THIS could've been avoided."

Tears swelled in his eyes the more he went on, only to be met with Bowser's perplexed expression.

"As far back as the wedding, I've just been replaying it over and over! If I didn't let my disguise slip or if I hadn't agreed to be here or if I hadn't bothered you that night! I wouldn't have gotten hurt, I wouldn't have these fucking nightmares!"

Luigi's streams of tears blurred his vision, he was regretting every ounce of information he was telling him. He didn't even bother to look over at the Koopa and kept his eyes on the stars as they reflected in his tears slightly.

Bowser blinked, he watched the small man's body shake and hiccup from crying. He reached over slightly with his claw about to say something then retracted, before getting up to leave.

Luigi sniffled as he covered his face with his hands and slowly slid them back into his hair. A light breeze made him shiver, but they didn't stop the quiet crying.

'Why did I do that... He doesn't care! Get a grip, Luigi!'

Half an hour had gone by and Luigi had rested his chin on his uninjured arm to calm down.

His pink eyes gazed out at the palace fountains and the desert beyond the gates.

Dried snot flaked on his mustache and he didn't bother to try and look for Bowser or call for Spotty once his tears stopped flowing.

Purely out of embarrassment.

As he closed his eyes, he heard claws clank against the tiles, and a mild quake rattled his chair.

He felt a warm sheet embrace him only to open his eyes and see Bowser removing a lid from a small dish with an aroma of hefty spices leaving the plate. He gestured towards his face with some wipes he'd brought back, almost ordering him to take it.

Luigi nodded and took a few to wipe off his face and 'stache, being careful of his eyes and lips. When he finished, he glanced behind him to see the blanket placed over his shoulders. A simple black velvety sheet with Bowser's emblem on it, he sighed looking at it then turned his attention to the food Bowser brought.

He hadn't said a word about his outburst and was a bit ashamed to ask, "I'm s-sorry about all of that!", Luigi laughed. "Just forget I said-"

Before he could finish, Bowser slipped food into his mouth with a spoon. As Luigi began to chew, his face lit up tasting a familiar fruit he hadn't had in a while, tomatoes.

Despite the pleasant surprise he looked up at the King confused.

"You talk too much."

".....Not usually..", he swallowed.

"You also cry worse than a hatchling."

Luigi sighed, "Probably..."

Bowser looked down at him, "So you hurt yourself because of me?"

Luigi didn't say anything nor did he move in response to his comment. He stayed staring at the stars, the blanket covering his shoulders.

Bowser hummed, understanding to not press further for now, and asked if he wanted to just eat.

Luigi nodded, his face flushed as he slightly opened his mouth for another spoonful.

Bowser's tail slowly swung as he fed him again and looked up towards the heavens. He wanted to know more about this self inflicted harm, if he could for a moment, stop the pain as quickly as each star shot above. A pit of guilt growing in his stomach, as brief as the streaks of silver, luminescent, and ever fleeting.

Spotty stepped onto the balcony and stared at the two, "Your highness. The Prince has found intruders in the palace and is requesting your...and the Queen's presence immediately."

Luigi groaned a bit and slightly stood up. His knees shaking as the crying has caused a small headache to form, making him feel dizzy.

Bowser caught him carefully and growled, "Fine, but tell him I'll be taking the Queen back to his room for the night."

"But-", Luigi stammered.

"No. You are going to rest. That's an order."

"....."

Spotty bowed, "Yes, your highness".

Bowser glanced down at Luigi and puffed, "Do you mind if I carry you?"

He shook his head slowly, not wanting to worsen his head ache. "Just...really slowly. My head is spinning.", he gasped.

Bowser nodded and gently slipped his claws under the Queen's thighs. He made sure to avoid digging his nails into the pants, despite wanting to playfully poke at Luigi's soft skin.

Luigi kept close to the koopa's chest, hearing a slow thump thump coming from his shell. He listened to its shallow rhythm and closed his eyes as Bowser carried him down the hall.

Prince Khufo yawned as he stepped down the torch-lit stairwell. His wings opened greatly as he darted down the stairs dramatically, causing the once sunset shimmering flames to blaze ocean blue.

At the bottom, he stepped into a sandstone hall, filled with nearly empty cells, holding long gone dry bones, goombas, and deserted, torn shy guy uniforms. The Prince padded past each cell with a cheeky grin and as he approached the last two his eyes lit up.

"Oh, what a treat! Thinking you could get in here unannounced? And why.. not even a single letter either. We're not plebians yknow..", he pouted.

He held one of the torches closer to the cell and the light shined onto a cloak, covering his captives face.

"Nothing? Really? Hmph, suit yourself. Maybe the Koopa King will have more fun with you and your little band of outcasts. It'll sure be quite the show~", he giggled.

#a green queen bowuigi fanfic #a green queen au #luigi #bowuigi #bowser x luigi #bowser #super mario bros #super mario #bowuigi fanfiction #luigi x bowser

[yxxxxxx1]

Thread about Joanna of Castile: Part 4: The birth of her children

Juana of Castile had six children. Here is a list of her children and their birthdates:

Eleanor of Austria: Born on November 15, 1498.

Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor: Born on February 24, 1500.

Isabella of Austria: Born on July 18, 1501.

Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor: Born on July 10, 1503.

Mary of Austria: Born on June 18, 1505.

Catherine of Austria: Born on February 14, 1507

Eleanor of Austria was born a year after her uncle's death, the precedent heir to the Spanish throne, John, Prince of Asturias, and four months after her mother's sister's death, Isabella of Aragon, Queen of Portugal.

Clearly disappointed that their first child was a girl, Eleanor, Philip required Juana to pay for the infant’s nursemaids and attendants.

“The Archduchess may provide for the places in the household of this child because it is a daughter,” Philip asserted. “When God grants us a son, I shall provide for his household.”

God did grant them a son. Juana gave birth to Charles in March 1500, much to Philip’s joy: fireworks raced across the sky, church bells rang, and Philip gave Juana a magnificent and costly emerald as a reward. Their third child, prudently named Isabella after Juana’s mother, was born in July 1501. Because Juana was pregnant with Isabella when news of Prince Miguel’s death and her subsequent inheritance reached her, she and Philip were unable to start for Spain until the autumn of 1501, a couple of months before her twenty-second birthday. For the death of Prince Miguel at Granada on 20 July 1500, five months after the birth of Charles, at Ghent, would convert Juana into heir apparent, and her lost homeland into her future and destination.

On 15 July 1501, she gave birth, in Brussels, to her third child, Isabella (later queen of Denmark). A new Spanish envoy, Juan Rodríguez de Fonseca, bishop of Córdoba, reported that Juana seemed eager to serve her parents and was widely thought to be “very sensible (cuerda) and very level-headed (asentada).” Opinion was divided as to whether she should do more to promote Spanish interests.

On July 10, 1503, Juana gave birth to her fourth child, Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.

On 15 September, feverish and in pain, the queen gave birth to a third daughter. Marie, the later Mary of Hungary, was baptized on 20 September at the church of Notre Dame de Sablon. Juana’s seclusion and captivity had long deprived her of her children and, during those rare moments when Philip tried to use them to soften her stance towards him, she had found it unsettling. But she now sought to maximize her time with them. Early in November, Philip left Brussels for Mechelen and Antwerp on the first leg of the second Spanish journey. Juana set out separately, intending to travel through Ghent and Bruges, and, Querini noted, she “has had all the children brought from Malines [Mechelen] and takes them with her to enjoy their company …”

Juana gave birth to her last child and daughter, Catherine of Austria in Torquemada, a town in the province of Palencia, Spain. Catherine was born on February 14, 1507, in the Torquemada Castle. When she was pregnant with her last child, Catherine of Austria, Joanna's mental instability had already worsened. She gave birth while she was in the town of Torquemada, and it is said to have been a difficult and complicated birth.

#joanna of castile #juana la loca #juana i of castile #philip the handsome #isabel #spanish history

[jrob64]

Her Heart’s Home - Part II of Where Her Heart Belongs (Killian’s POV)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY @kmomof4​!!!! 

I’m a day early, but since the story is finished & I won’t have time to post it tomorrow, you get an early present! As requested, here is a second part to Where Her Heart Belongs from Killian’s point of view. I hope it’s everything you wanted!

Extra special thanks to @winterbythesea for allowing me to use the beautiful artwork she created for WHHB to make the banner. Thanks also to @hookedmom​ for being the best beta once again. 

**I’ve taken the liberty of using two of the most iconic CS scenes in a different way for this story. I hope no one minds. 

Rating: M (because Mary insisted Krystal would want it that way!)

Words: 6262

Find Where Her Heart Belongs on Tumblr, Ao3 or ffn 

Find Her Heart’s Home on Ao3 or ffn

*********

“I’d say you’ve got your magic back,” Killian said, seeing the wand Emma was holding start to glow. “Now, shall we go?”

She closed her eyes and concentrated and he turned to see a portal beginning to open in the wall of the Dark One’s vault, then gestured for her to go through it ahead of him. When she didn’t do as he indicated, he turned back to face her again, but she wasn’t there. Glancing around the space with an increasing sense of panic, he didn’t see any sign of her.

The only thing he could figure was that she somehow slipped through the portal without him noticing, even though he didn’t know how that could have been possible. Realizing his only chance of escaping the vault was going to close soon, he jumped through it.

When he landed on the floor of the barn, he looked around, hoping to see a flash of blonde hair. His heart sank at the sight of the empty building. He quickly got to his feet and rushed out the door. Just beyond it, he heard a buzzing sound and spotted Emma’s talking phone laying on the ground. He tried to push aside the thought that she probably would have picked it up if she had come through here.

Stuffing it into his pocket, he continued to Granny’s, bursting through the door, breathing hard and scanning the diner for Emma.

“Hook, did you find her?” David asked, rising from the booth where he was seated with Mary Margaret and the infant prince.

“No, I…didn’t she come back here?” Killian asked. “I thought perhaps she made it through the portal and…”

“Portal?” Mary Margaret interjected with alarm. “What are you talking about?”

Killian took another quick look around and realized nothing had changed since he left to pursue Emma. Sighing heavily, he began relating the story of being sucked into Zelena’s portal and their adventure in the Enchanted Forest.

*********

Emma didn’t return that night or the next, or the one after that. For four days, Killian, her family and friends searched everywhere for her, but she seemed to have vanished.

As they sat strategizing in the loft the evening of the fourth day, Regina rose from her seat abruptly and went to stand in front of the mirror where they had witnessed the reunion of Ariel and Eric.

“What is it, Regina?” Mary Margaret questioned, crossing the room to stand beside her.

Regina continued to study the mirror. “I thought I saw…yes! There it is again! Do you see it?”

Henry knocked his chair over in his rush to join his mother, with Killian and David right behind him. “What, Mom? What do you see?”

“It…it’s Emma!” Killian shouted, seeing a blurry image on the surface of the mirror.

The room filled with noise as each of them began to see the same thing as Regina and Killian.

“Regina, can you do anything to let us see her more clearly?” David asked.” Maybe we would be able to identify where she is.”

“You know I can’t perform mirror magic,” Regina snapped. “Obviously, there’s some residual magic left in it from Emma and that’s why we can see her.”

“Can you please try, Mom?” begged Henry. “Please?”

Regina’s eyes softened as she looked at her distraught son. Turning her attention back to the mirror, she held both hands out in front of her, closed her eyes, and concentrated.

“It’s working!” Mary Margaret cried. “Regina, you did it!”

Killian stepped closer, trying to determine Emma’s location. “Do any of you recognize that place?” he asked.

All of them stared at the image, shaking their heads one-by-one, before Henry suddenly shouted, “She’s going into what looks like a library! What does the sign say over the door?”

David squinted. “Columbus Public Library,” he read slowly. “Columbus? Where is that?”

“There are lots of different Columbuses in the country,” Henry informed him, running to get his phone. He Googled ‘Columbus’ and read, “There are twenty-three states with a city of Columbus in them.” His shoulders sagged and he looked up sadly. “How are we supposed to figure out which one it is?”

“Are you saying she’s in the land without magic, Lad?” Killian questioned.

“Yeah. She must be somewhere in the United States, we just don’t know where.”

“Well, we can narrow it down somehow, right?” Mary Margaret asked hopefully. “It looks like it’s pretty chilly there, so we can rule out warmer states.”

After Henry pulled up a map on his computer, he and Mary Margaret began checking off states like Texas and New Mexico. Meanwhile, the other three continued to examine the mirror for any more clues to Emma’s location.

The sick feeling in Killian’s stomach gnawed at him as he watched her browsing books in the library. Clearly, her memory had been wiped since she seemed to feel at home in the location and didn’t appear to be attempting to find her way back to them. To him.

“Henry, come here!” David suddenly shouted, noticing something on the wall behind the circulation desk.

The boy quickly did as told, casting his eyes on the spot where his grandfather was pointing. “What are you…oh! That’s a state flag! I think there’s only one that’s shaped like a pennant!”

Rushing back to his computer, his fingers flew over the keys as he typed in another search. “It’s Ohio!” he shouted. “Columbus, Ohio! That’s where she is!”

“How far away is it?” Killian asked. “Can we make it there tonight?”

“We’re not going there,” Regina said decisively.

“What the bloody hell do you mean?” Killian growled. “We have to go get her!”

“Look,” she said, turning haughty eyes on him, “you said you were in the Dark One’s vault right before Emma disappeared. That means he’s probably the one who sent her to that place and obviously wiped her memories. If we go swooping in there to rescue her, she’s not going to know who we are and we’ll never convince her to come back with us. We’re going to have to find another way.”

“And just how do you propose we do that?” Killian spat, stepping closer until he was toe-to-toe with the queen.

“I’m not sure, yet,” she countered, not backing down. “I’m going to have to think about it.”

“Well, think fast, because Emma has already been gone too long!” he stated venomously. “Unless you have another reason for not wanting to bring her back. Maybe you like being with Henry alone. Maybe you like not having Emma around!”

“Enough!” Mary Margaret interjected, cutting off Regina’s retort. “It’s getting late. Let’s all get some sleep so we are refreshed and can try to come up with a solution tomorrow. At least we know where Emma is and have a pretty good idea of what happened to her.”

“Belle might be able to help,” Henry suggested hopefully. “We can ask her in the morning.”

“Aye, and perhaps she can get the bloody crocodile to admit what he did and make him undo it,” Killian snarled.

Regina and Henry said their goodbyes, but Killian was loath to leave the mirror as long as Emma’s image was visible. Stepping in front of it, he was frustrated to see it was blurry once again.

Mary Margaret looked at his forlorn expression and handed the baby to David. “Could you please change his diaper and get him into his sleeper? I’ll be in to feed him in a few minutes.”

David put the fussing infant up against his shoulder, glanced over at Killian, then gave Mary Margaret a nod and went into their bedroom.

“Hook?” Mary Margaret said softly, placing her hand on his forearm. “I know you’re worried about her, but there’s nothing more we can do tonight. Go to your ship, get some sleep, and we’ll get a fresh start in the morning.”

He swallowed hard, then turned sad eyes toward her. “I no longer have my ship.”

Mary Margaret’s brows raised in surprise. “What do you mean? Where is it?”

He studied his boots for several moments, before finally speaking in a low, tortured voice. “I…I had to find Emma and I needed a magic bean, so I…made a deal with Blackbeard.”

“You traded your ship for a bean so you could bring Emma back?” she asked incredulously.

“Aye,” he said simply, his eyes still fixed on the floor.

She stood stock still, digesting the shocking information, finally shaking herself out of her reverie to say, “Stay here. I…I’ll be right back.”

He was still standing in the same spot when she returned. “Here are some pajamas,” she said, holding them out when he turned to face her. “You can stay up in Emma’s room tonight.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Pardon me?”

“Killian,” she began, and at the sound of his given name, his eyes grew even larger. “You sacrificed something very important to you to bring our daughter back to us. The least we can do is provide you a place to sleep.”

His lips turned up with a hint of a smile. “Thank you, Milady.”

“Please call me Mary Margaret or Snow,” she said warmly. “Now get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a very important day and we all need to be well rested…or as well rested as one can be with a newborn in the house. Goodnight, Killian.”

“Goodnight, Mary Margaret.”

After she left the room, he squinted into the mirror one more time, sighing when he was unable to distinguish Emma’s form within the cloudy surface.

He trudged up the stairs and changed into the pajamas, then settled into Emma’s narrow bed, finally relaxing as he was surrounded by her scent. “Tomorrow, Love,” he murmured. “We’ll bring you home tomorrow.” Yawning widely, he turned his face into her pillow and fell asleep.

*********

Unfortunately, nothing they tried brought Emma home the next day. Belle agreed to help and suggested a way to try to jog Emma’s memories. Aided by a spell Regina discovered, they were able to send the storybook through the mirror to Emma. Once she found it, they were relieved to see that her image in the mirror was clear as long as she was looking at the book.

 They also realized that people could be transported through the mirror and several were eager to help, each one hoping they would be the one to trigger the return of her memories. But when Killian attempted to pass through, he was met with a solid, impenetrable wall. He was horrified and furious, sure Rumplestiltskin was the person responsible for blocking him, but Gold claimed to have no memory of doing it.

“Bloody crocodile,” he ground out through gritted teeth, addressing Mary Margaret, David and Belle. “She would recognize me from the illustration in the book if I could just get through to her.”

Belle promised she would try to persuade Gold to remove the magical block, if he had indeed put one on. In the meantime, Killian had to watch one person after another interacting with Emma through the mirror, despairing that he was unable to be one of them.

They saw Emma beginning to put the pieces together little by little, but had no idea how long it would take for her to figure out who she was and where she belonged. As the days passed and everyone returned to their routines, Killian remained, watching her every move.

When the figures in the picture began to dance around the page, he was sure it was her magic causing it, even though she was in the land without magic.

Her parents, Henry, Regina and Belle were with him when Emma wore the red ball gown and pushed her fingers through the page. Killian swiped at them, attempting to make contact, but she pulled them back before he could. When he heard her murmur, “So close, Killian Jones. Someday I’ll make it to you,” his heart shattered.

The group decided to send Ashley and Marco through with the necessary things to complete Emma’s look, everyone hoping it would be enough to help refresh her memory. If not, they knew they had one last chance - sending Killian to her, provided Belle could get Gold to remove the block.

Killian took up his familiar position in front of the mirror, staring into the blank surface as he wondered if Ashley doing her hair and Marco giving her the jeweled headband would do the trick. Suddenly, her image materialized before him, looking exactly like she did in the illustration. His breath caught as she created ripples with her fingers, then he heard her whispered plea - “Please let me get through to you, Killian Jones.” A halo of white light appeared as her hand came through the mirror. Thinking quickly, he pushed his hook toward her searching fingers. As soon as she grasped it firmly, he pulled with all his might.

He caught her in his arms, the relief flooding through him like a tidal wave. “Swan. At last!” he exhaled.

Emma drew back to look at him for several seconds. Just as he was beginning to fear that her memories hadn’t returned, she tugged him to her, fusing her lips to his. His concern dissipated and then he was returning the kiss. She rarely let her walls down enough to give him any indication of her feelings for him, but in that moment, he was almost certain he could feel the love he was pouring into the kiss being reciprocated.

He spent the next several minutes after the kiss ended holding her and answering her questions about what happened. When she started to ask him why he hadn’t come to her like all the others, he could read the trepidation in her eyes and hurried to assure her how much he wanted to, but was blocked.

His heart swelled when she thanked him for never giving up on her, and felt like it was going to burst when she explained that she was talking about all of the times he encouraged her and stayed by her side. She noticed.

Then she told him she and her heart were back with him where they belonged, and he swore he had never felt happier in his entire life.

Far too soon, her family and numerous townspeople came rushing in the door, alerted to Emma’s return by the energy her magic sent through Storybrooke. Wearily, he sat down and watched the happy reunion, suddenly feeling the physical and mental exhaustion fully setting in.

When he glanced up and saw her send him a smile, his weariness lifted long enough to return it. He expected everyone to stay for a while, so he decided it would probably be best to head to Granny’s inn. He stayed there his first three nights back from their adventure in the Enchanted Forest, until Mary Margaret extended the invitation for him to stay with them.

He rose from the bar stool and made his way across the loft, speaking briefly to Belle and Henry before stopping in front of the door. Looking over his shoulder for one more glimpse of Emma, he noticed her giving a hug to August and thanking him for alerting her to the presence of the storybook in the library.

Quietly slipping out the door, he pulled it shut behind him, then started down the stairs. Two steps from the bottom, Emma’s voice stopped him in his tracks. “Killian, where are you going?”

The thrill of hearing his name roll off her tongue zipped through him before he turned to face her. “I thought I would give you time with your family and friends,” he explained.

“And you don’t think that includes you?”

He gave her a tired smile. “I’m happy to know that it does, Love. I just…I was going to get some sleep.”

“So you’re going to the Jolly Roger?”

Dropping his head, he scratched behind his ear. “Actually, I, um, I’m staying at Granny’s,” he admitted.

“Instead of your ship? Why?”

His ears reddened. “It…it’s a bit of a long story, Swan.”

“Well, hang around and once everyone leaves, you can tell me.”

Killian glanced toward the outside doors, then back up to Emma at the top of the stairs. He wasn’t keen to tell her the tale, but he couldn’t deny his Swan anything. “As you wish,” he responded, before climbing up the stairs to join her.

*********

Granny sent food over for the group, who lingered until early evening. When everyone said their goodbyes and left, Henry giving Emma a long hug before leaving with Regina, David cleaned up the kitchen while Mary Margaret got the baby ready for bed. Emma pulled Killian down on the couch with her and intertwined their fingers. They sat quietly for a few minutes, each lost in their own thoughts, simply happy to be together again.

“Mom told me you slept in front of the mirror nearly every night since I was sent away,” Emma finally said, speaking quietly as she stroked her thumb over his rings. “That couldn’t have been comfortable.”

“Your mother provided some bedding and pillows for me. I’ve slept in far worse places.”

“You could have slept in my bed, you know.”

He chuckled lightly. “I did, the first night, but once we were able to see you whenever you opened the book, I didn’t want to take the chance of missing you.”

“You can sleep in there tonight, if you want,” she whispered.

“In your bed?” he asked. Seeing her nod, he hurried to add, “No, Swan. I’ll not make you sleep somewhere…”

“I meant with me,” she interrupted, her eyes not meeting his.

His grip on her hand tightened. “I’m not sure your parents…”

“I’m an adult. I don’t need permission from my parents to have a man in my bed.”

“Even if that man is a pirate?”

She twisted around and placed her fingers under his chin to turn his face toward her. “Being a pirate doesn’t define you, Killian. You’re so much more than that.”

His left eyebrow quirked up. “You truly believe that?”

Placing both hands on either side of his face, she looked into his eyes intently for several seconds before answering with certainty, “All the help you gave us to rescue Henry from Neverland, then finding us in New York and bringing us back, not to mention everything you did to protect and help me after we fell through Zelena’s portal - that’s more than enough proof that you’re an honorable man.”

Killian wondered if she had any idea just how much those words meant to him. He opened his mouth to respond, but found he couldn’t get words past the lump in his throat. He settled for giving her a lopsided smile as his face turned a deep shade of red.

“So, yeah,” she said, “I want you to stay with me tonight, if that’s alright with you.”

He gave a slight nod, and she rewarded him with a smile, then stood and pulled him up beside her. Keeping her fingers threaded through his, she walked into the kitchen. “Hey, Dad,” she greeted.

David was just finishing up the dishes. He pulled the plug to let the water out of the sink, dried his hands, then turned and leaned against the counter, folding his arms over his chest. “Hi, Sweetheart,” he smiled. Shifting his gaze toward Killian, he said, “I guess you won’t need to sleep on the floor in front of the mirror tonight, huh Hook?”

“He’s going to sleep in my bed with me,” Emma said without hesitation.

Her father’s brows shot up and his mouth dropped open, then he cleared his throat. Killian prepared to defend himself, but the next words out of David’s mouth took him by surprise. “You…uh, you’ll need to borrow a pair of my pajamas again, I’m assuming?”

Killian blinked rapidly, trying to register the prince’s question. “Aye, if you don’t mind,” he finally responded.

David’s eyes darted between the two of them, taking in their linked hands, before sighing and leaving the kitchen.

“See? Nothing to worry about,” Emma said, but despite her confident words, Killian was sure he could hear relief in her voice.

Mary Margaret returned with David, going directly to her daughter and giving her a hug. “David tells me you’re heading off to bed.” When Emma affirmed it, her mother added, “The past couple of weeks have been very tiring for everyone. Sleep well, Sweetheart. I love you.”

“Love you, too, Mom.”

Killian could see the tears shining in Mary Margaret’s eyes when Emma pulled away to go give her father a hug. He was sure the tears were in response to Emma easily calling her ‘Mom’, after struggling with it for so long. It seemed her time with her parents back in the Enchanted Forest had something to do with that.

David handed Killian the pajamas, then took his turn hugging his daughter, fixing the other man with an intimidating look after releasing her. Killian didn’t drop his eyes, meeting the prince’s gaze unwaveringly. After several moments, David finally gave him a nod, bade them both goodnight, and followed Mary Margaret into their bedroom.

Emma led Killian upstairs, each taking their turn to change into sleepwear. When he entered her bedroom, she was sitting on her bed waiting for him. “I didn’t know which side you wanted,” she explained.

He subconsciously ran his hand over his hook as he answered, “The left side would be fine, if you don’t mind.”

After pulling the covers back, she slid under them and scooted over, turning on her side to look at him. He unclicked his hook, removed it and laid it on the table beside her bed, then slowly pushed his sleeve up and unbuckled his brace. His hand wrapped around the leather covering his wrist, but he hesitated, looking up at her.

Locking eyes with him, Emma reassured him, “It’s alright, Killian. You don’t have to take it off if you’re not comfortable, but I promise you it’s not going to bother me.”

He paused another few seconds, before firmly grasping the brace and pulling it off, placing it beside his hook. Her eyes never left his as he did, not even glancing at his scarred wrist, despite having never seen it before.

Giving her a small smile, he laid down on the narrow bed, positioning himself so he was face to face with her. “I don’t think I ever want to take my eyes off of you again,” he said, bringing his hand up to rub his thumb along her jaw.

“I would despair if you did,” she smirked.

He grinned, recognizing his own words from their first meeting in the Enchanted Forest. “May I ask you something, Love?”

“Sure, but then I want you to tell me what happened to your ship.”

“If you insist,” he conceded.

“What did you want to ask me?”

“Were you happy in that Columbus place?”

She lifted her left shoulder in a shrug. “I guess, but I was all alone…again. I always had this feeling something was…off. Missing. Things just didn’t feel quite right, you know? And then when I found Henry’s book in the library, it was…” she paused, obviously trying to put her feelings into words. “It was like I had…hope. The stories felt like old friends, even though I’d never read them before; at least, I thought I hadn’t. I guess they were still deep in my memories, despite Rumplestiltskin trying to take them away.”

“We could tell by watching that you were beginning to recognize things.”

“Yeah, especially that picture of the two of us dancing. I couldn’t figure out how it was possible that I could be in there.”

“I knew you would work it out, Swan. You’re bloody brilliant.”

A blush filled her cheeks at his praise. A few beats passed, until she said, “Now, tell me about the Jolly Roger. What happened to her?”

Killian’s fingers switched from stroking her face to scratching behind his ear. “I, uh, she no longer belongs to me,” he admitted softly.

Emma’s eyes grew wide, her mouth forming an O in surprise. “Wh-what do you mean? Who has her?”

He swallowed hard, no longer able to meet her gaze. “Blackbeard.”

“He stole your ship from you?” she asked, anger seeping into her voice.

“No, I…I traded her to him,” he muttered.

She shifted backwards to look more fully into his face. “Why in the world would you do that?”

Licking his lips nervously, he considered how to answer. He hadn’t wanted to tell her all the details about how he found her and Henry after Pan’s curse; what he’d given up and why he made that choice. He was afraid it would overwhelm her to discover how desperate he was to have her back with him. She was just beginning to trust him enough to let down her walls for him, and he didn’t want to give her a reason to build them back up and shut him out.

Finally, he said, “I needed a magic bean and he had one. The only thing he would consider to trade for it was the Jolly.”

“But why would you need a…” she stopped and a strange look passed across her face. “You used the bean to get to New York and find us, didn’t you?”

He raised his eyes to hers. “Aye,” he replied simply.

“You traded your ship for me?” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“It was the only way, Emma. Your family needed you and your boy, and I…I couldn’t bear to be apart from you any longer, so when I got that message from the bird, I did the only thing I could. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have no regrets.”

“But Killian, it’s your home.”

“They say home is where your heart lies, and…” his voice trailed off, unsure of how she would receive his declaration of her being his home. Silence filled the room as they each got lost in their thoughts.

“I remember telling you that the only one who saves me is me,” Emma said at last, “but you seem to keep saving me again and again.”

He wrapped his right arm around her waist and pulled her into his chest, whispering his words into her hair. “You have saved me too, Emma, in more ways than you will ever know.”

She was quiet for a long while as he reveled in holding her close. “Do you think we might be able to catch a break and not have a crisis for the next few days?” she asked.

Killian chuckled. “I wouldn’t count on it, Swan. This town seems to attract every imaginable disaster.”

“And yet you chose to stay here when you could have sailed away and left it behind.”

“I stayed for one reason.”

“I know,” she stated. “To get your revenge.”

“That’s why I came here, but that’s not why I stayed.”

She leaned back to look at him. “Why then?”

“Don’t you know, Emma?” he asked in a hoarse whisper. “It’s you.”

He watched the look in her eyes change from wonder to disbelief to awestruck, as tears gathered in them. Then she leaned in and tentatively pressed her lips to his.

Killian slid his hand up to the back of her head, holding her to him as he returned the kiss. Their lips moved softly and languidly together, the tips of their tongues teasing and tasting.

The kiss they shared when she returned had been filled with relief and passion, and left him breathless. This tender kiss spoke of the deeper connection they now shared with one another; one built on trust, understanding, and another feeling neither of them was quite ready to express out loud.

It left him equally breathless.

When it ended, Emma snuggled into his chest, his arms encircling her and holding her tight. He knew she could probably feel his heart hammering in his chest, but if she did, she didn’t mention it.

They lay quietly for so long, he was sure she had fallen asleep, so her words murmured into his neck took him by surprise. “Killian, may I ask you something?”

“Of course, Love.”

She raised herself up to rest on her elbow and looked into his face. “Do you ever think about…taking our relationship…to the next level?”

“The next level?” he asked, hoping he understood what she meant.

“Yeah, you know…physically,” she said, a blush moving up her throat.

He reached up to brush his fingertips over her reddened cheek. “I have,” he affirmed. “It just…it never seems to be the right time.”

She ran her hand down his chest and teased the skin under the hem of the henley he was wearing. “Now seems like a pretty good time,” she whispered into his ear, sending shivers of excitement through his body.

“Are…are you sure? Your parents are right downstairs.”

“Despite the upstairs being open, sound in the loft doesn’t really travel; it’s almost as if it’s been soundproofed. I never hear them when they’re…being intimate. Thank the lord.”

A grin spread across his face, but faded almost as soon as it appeared. “Emma, are you really sure?”

Her eyes darted between his before she leaned in and kissed him again, her tongue demanding permission to explore the warmth of his mouth. When she pulled away, leaving him panting, she asked, “Does that answer your question? If not, maybe this will.”

Her hand moved lower to rub against the pronounced ridge of his cock through his flannel pajama pants. He groaned, closing his eyes as he felt his erection stiffen even more. “Gods, Emma!” he gasped.

“Shh, this place might be reasonably private, but I don’t want to test that theory,” she mumbled against his lips.

He would’ve been able to follow her instructions better if she hadn’t squeezed his cock at the same time she was admonishing him.

As she continued to move one hand up inside his borrowed shirt and give attention to his rapidly swelling shaft with the other, Killian began to lavish open-mouthed kisses from below her ear down to her collarbone.

“Too many clothes,” Emma murmured. “I need…”

“Need what, Love?” he asked, between licking at the small marks he had sucked under her clavicle.

“I need to feel your skin on mine,” she whispered. “I just…I need more.”

He nodded his understanding before reaching behind himself to grasp the collar of the shirt and yank it over his head. Her fingers went to work right away, skimming through the abundant hair on his chest and abdomen.

“Do you have any idea how often I’ve wanted to do this?” she sighed. “You and your aversion to buttoning your shirts has nearly driven me wild sometimes.”

Her light touches were doing the same to him at the moment, but he wasn’t about to complain. He spent the last two weeks yearning to bring her back. Being separated from her cemented his awareness that he had to have Emma Swan in his life.

“Your turn, Swan,” he said, pulling at the collar of her pajama top.

She sat up and gave him a sultry smirk, then slowly began undoing the buttons down the front of the shirt. His breath caught as her fingers pushed each one through the buttonhole, knowingly teasing him. He was sure it would be worth the wait.

His assumption was verified when she finally shrugged out of the shirt, exposing her splendid breasts to his hungry eyes. “Bloody hell,” he exhaled on a shaky breath, and then he was giving them the attention they deserved - fondling, licking and kissing them, while Emma closed her eyes and moaned with pleasure.

She fell back on the bed and he shifted to hover over her, his hand and wrist working their way down her ribcage to the top of her pajama pants. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him and he halted his movements.

“Is…is something wrong?” she questioned.

“What if I…impregnate you?” he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

“I’m using birth control.” At his quizzical look, she explained, “That means there’s hardly any chance I’ll get pregnant from…doing this.”

“Oh, I see. That’s good to know,” he replied. “Shall we, um, proceed?”

In response, she grinned and trailed her fingers down his stomach and under the waistband of his sleep pants. He inhaled sharply as her fingers wrapped around his girth, returning the favor by easing his hand down the back of her pants to squeeze her lovely backside.

Their pajama bottoms and underwear soon joined their shirts on the floor and they were completely bared to each other. He knew his Swan had nicely toned muscles on her trim form, but gods above, he could never have imagined how breathtaking she was, her body absolute perfection.

Killian took his time mapping her curves with his fingers, lips and tongue, while her hands roamed and stroked his physique. He didn’t know how much longer he would be able to hold himself back, but he was determined to let Emma be the initiator for every step.

When his fingers found their way to the heat between her legs, he could feel that she was very ready. He slid them through her sodden folds, his thumb finding her bundle of nerves. Her legs began trembling and her fingernails dug into his sides.

“K-Killian,” she stammered, voice low and sultry, “I…please say you’re ready.”

“Aye, Love,” he grunted, his cock so painfully erect, he was afraid he would explode as soon as he was inside her.

She arranged herself underneath him, widening her legs, and he settled between them. Looking up, his eyes met hers and he was awed by what he saw there. This wasn’t about satisfying lustful feelings for either of them; he could tell it was more than that. If he had to put into words what was shining in her eyes, he would say it was affection and trust, and a large part of him hoped he wasn’t reading too much into it by thinking he saw love there as well.

Bending her legs, she brought them up on either side of him, then reached down and aligned him at her entrance. He pushed into her slowly, watching her face for any sign of discomfort, but her eyes were closed in bliss as she ran her tongue across her bottom lip, puffing out short breaths.

When he was completely engulfed in her heat, he rested his forehead against hers, biting his lip to keep from saying the words that were on the tip of his tongue. She had said her heart was back with him where it belonged, but stopped short of saying those three little words. Even though he was completely in love with her, he wasn’t going to tell her, until she declared her love for him first. He couldn’t take the risk of making her run to avoid her feelings, as she was prone to do. For now, he was going to savor the feeling of being joined together with her.

 Once he was sure he could move without climaxing too soon, he slowly withdrew and pushed back in. “Faster, Killian,” Emma whimpered, digging her nails into his arse.

He complied, snapping his hips while trying to muffle his groans of pleasure. The pleading gasps she pressed into his chest spurred him to deepen his thrusts and she began lifting her hips to meet them.

Killian could tell she was getting close and started adding an extra grind with his pelvis, which quickly had the desired effect. She wrapped her legs around him, pulling him to her tightly as her orgasm washed over her. He saw her biting her lip to keep from crying out, briefly wondering what it would be like the next time when they were in a more private setting - if there was a next time. Gods, he hoped there would be a next time.

Her walls squeezing his cock prompted his own release. He stilled within her as he spasmed, his breathing harsh and raspy in the crook of her neck.

Their sweat and breath mingled as they lay tangled together, neither ready to move away from the other yet. Her fingers kneaded the skin on his back as he scattered kisses over her shoulder and throat.

After several minutes, Emma finally spoke. “Do you remember when I told you it was a one-time thing after we kissed in Neverland?”

“Aye,” Killian assured her, wondering with a bit of apprehension where the conversation was heading.

“I won’t say that this time, because I’m really hoping it’s not,” she said, lightly trailing her fingertips along his jaw.

“I’m very happy to hear that,” he sighed, pushing up to look into her eyes.

She cupped his face between her hands. “You look exhausted, Killian. We should both get some sleep.”

“Aye, Love. I won’t argue with that, as long as I can stay here with you.”

She gave him a soft kiss. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

After using tissues from her bedside table to clean up, they redressed and settled into bed. He held her in his arms, her head on his chest and her legs tucked between his.

“Goodnight, Killian,” she whispered.

“Goodnight, Love,” he returned, then drifted off into his first restful sleep since she was pulled away from him, intent on never letting her go again.

*********

Please send @kmomof4​ some birthday love. If anyone deserves it, she certainly does! 

Tagging: @xsajx​ @hookedmom​ @kymbersmith-90​ @kmomof4​ @lassluna​​ @pirateherokillian​ @teamhook​ @stahlop​ @elizabeethan​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ @resident-of-storybrooke​​ @therooksshiningknight​ @jennjenn615​ @lfh1226-linda​​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​ @killianswannn​ @stories-enchanted​​ @eleveneitherway​ @withheartfulloflove​ @kday426​​ @lyssapup27​​ @swanlovato @djlbg​ @kristi555​ @laschatzi​ @xarandomdreamx​​ @lkles08​​ @wyntereyez​​ @bubblegum1425​​ @xhookswenchx​​ @yasbio2015​​ @tiganasummertree​​ @winterbaby89​​ @wefoundloveunderthelight​​ @hollyethecurious​​ @let-it-raines​​ @jonesfandomfanatic​​ @searchingwardrobes​​ @dreamingdreamsalways​​ @oncechicagolove​​ @andiirivera​​  @gingerchangeling​​ @everything-person​​ @klynn-stormz​​ @qualitycoffeethings​​ @vampcoffeegyrl23​​ @enchanted-swans​​ @ohmakemeahercules​​ @donteattheappleshook​​ @bluewildcatfanatic​​ @the-darkdragonfly​​ @demisexualemmaswan​​ @lavenderbudd​​ @grimmswan​​ @spartanguard​​ @flslp87​​ @ultraluckycatnd​​ @thisonesatellite​​ @captainswan21​​ @zaharadessert​​ @mariakov81​​ @snowbellewells​​ @xouatxcs​​ @kiwistreetswan​​ @batana54​​ @nadine200179​​ @probalicious17​​ @courtorderedcake​​ @julesep3026​​ @jackieorioncat​​ @whatthehell102082​​ @jarienn972​​ @sthonour​​ @linda8084​​  @pirateprincesslena​​ @daxx04​​ @winterbythesea​​ @artistic-writer​​ @cocohook38​​ @captainswan4life85​​ @molly958​​ @kingofmyheart14​​ @badwolfreturns​​ @itsfridaysomewhere​​@fallingforthecaptain​​  @onceratheart18​​ @strangestarlighttree​​ @omgmarvelousmorgan​​ @justanother-unluckysoul​​ @mrs-potato-but-likes-tomato​​ @anothersworld​​ @deckerstarblanche​​ @purplehawkcaptain​​  @superchocovian​​ @k-leemac​​ @citygirlscowboy​​ @laughterandbooks​​ @sotangledupinit​​ @apiratewhopines​​ @huntressandlioness1​​ @cosette141​​  @gingerpolyglot​​ @motherkatereloyshipper​​ @cs-rylie​

#csff #her heart's home #jrob64 #part II of where her heart belongs #killian's pov #a birthday story for Krystal #happy birthday @kmomof4 #canon divergent #portal transport #wiped memories #cs smut and fluff #cs fanfiction #captain swan fan fiction #captain swan fic #ouat captain swan fanfic

[justmybookthots]

Guild Codex: Demonized

4/5 stars

Hello to this series that has consumed my life the past couple of days. What is wild is that I almost did not read this series. I saw in the reviews that the demon was in a contract with the heroine in exchange for cookies, and I was like, that sounds overly comedic and I personally dislike it when comedy dominates fiction, so no.

But after reading the first two books in the Red Winter trilogy by the same author, I decided to give this one a try.

LUCKILY IT WASN’T ANYTHING LIKE THAT (the cookies were something the demon had no choice but to accept because they were both desperate for a contract at the time) AND THIS SERIES HAS ETCHED ITS PLACE AMONG MY FAVOURITE BOOKS. 

I just binged this entire series (all four books) from Sunday to Thursday, wtf. I started the first book on Sunday and finished it on Monday (I think??), then tried to take a break but ended up bingeing anyway. The first book was pretty much near perfection; there was almost nothing I could critique about it. Every scene with Zylas (ZYLAS!!!) hit the spot and while I feared their exchanges would become repetitive, each scene was chef’s kiss and had a purpose that led to a greater picture. The other three books weren’t as perfect, especially the last one, but they still had me in an iron-grip and had me zooming through all of them.

The last time I was this engrossed in a series, it was with Cruel Prince. I think it was my obsession with Zylas that really sucked me in. I haven’t loved a male lead like that in a while. At some point, I thought he even rivalled Cardan (now, maybe not? I don’t know). He was rude, cruel, even kind of sociopathic in the first book, which made sense because he was a demon. I was so worried he’d soften up right away and just end up behaving like a normal person (which so many books make the mistake of. Being arrogant but tortured does not make a male lead a demon, just a stereotypical hero, thank you very much) but he was always so unpredictable. I loved how he touched Robin’s hand - then grabbed her into the summoning circle and asked how her blood tasted. It was totally out of nowhere in an otherwise soft moment that had lulled me into a false sense of security. 

I also loved that he wasn't considered strong for a demon, and had to use his cunning to fight a lot of times. °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° My heart almost broke, though, when Robin forced him to fight the demon from the First House and nearly got him killed. Gahhhhhhhhhhhhh. I don't know why, but I found that plot point soooo good.

Also, in the second book, him harassing Socks (the cat) was EVERYTHING:

I also really liked Robin - she wasn’t the badass, snarky heroine that I’ve read in so many fantasy books. She was timid, and combat-wise really useless. She had to struggle to make herself useful during battle, and was more book smart than street smart. AND I LOVED IT. It was such a refreshing change from what I was used to, and what I’d been looking for. I’d even asked Reddit for recommendations… I wonder why they didn’t recommend this to me? Or maybe they did, and I forgot.

But I digress. 

I think Annette Marie is really talented, and while the language is very straightforward and not very pretty or flowery or anything like that, the story is extremely well-written. My eyes started glazing over when the action got too intense, though, and I ended up skimming the fight scenes. I’ve never really cared about action in fiction, if I’m being honest. I always skim that, including in thrillers. 

The last thing I’d like to add is that after Robin and Zylas consummated their relationship in the last book, their tension kind of ebbed for me, and I wasn’t as invested in them anymore. I’m not sure why - was I so invested in their slow burn that I didn’t care afterwards? I also think the sex scene was meh, and could have been done with better foreplay and all that shit to make it more intense, because it felt - no pun intended - kind of anticlimactic. If the romance is slow-burn, so should the. Fucking. Sex!!!!!

(Also I would have liked Zylas to be more... in pursuit, lmao, but that's neither here nor there.)

Overall, it was so FANTASTIC, and I just loved, loved, loved their little makeshift family with Amalia (GO AMALIA!!! Loved how Robin and her formed a friendship that lasted all the books) and Socks. I was terrified of finishing the series too fast because I’d have a massive book hangover, so… yikes. Thankfully, I think I’m okay, because the last book wasn’t hitting as hard.

I hope I'm okay...

Also, some of my favourite quotes:

❤️❤️ (Can I also say I'm obsessed with his tail? FIRST CARDAN, NOW ZYLAS. WHY DO I KEEP FALLING FOR MEN WITH TAILS?)

- 20 July 2023

#booklr #bookworm #guild codex: demonized #Annette Marie #reading #currently reading #book blog #bookish #fantasy books

[lemonhemlock]

There was a knock on her door "My lady a gift from Prince Aemond has arrived for you" the gurad said. Maris sighed, putting her brush down on her table as she got up to retrieve the gift she couldn't help but think 'of course she should have expected the gift to come soon, he truly doesn't waste any time with sending her gift does he?'. The voices outside her door snapped her out of her thoughts. As she opened the door she saw her father standing there beside the gurad looking at the gift in his hand excitedly.

"Father please clam down" she clamly said while rolling her eyes at his antics. Truly you would think the gift came for you with how excited he was acting.

"Dear daughter of mine I'm merely just excited for you! You must open the gift immediately it is from the prince after all". He replied excitedly.

She answered with a little sort while taking the gift from the gurad. She wondered what her prince sent her this time, last it was a mans head maybe this time its the mans eyes she thought to herself but couldn't help but get amused at the mere mention of eyes from her prince, the mere word had so much of their hostory behind it. After all it were the eyes of Lucerys Velaryon that got them betrothed.

"Oh! Don't forget to tell me what he sent you and what he wrote to you!"

"Don't worry father I will". Her words seemed to please her father as he walked away from her room with the guard likely telling him to get the musicians so they could write another song about her prince and her.

She closed the door behind her went went straight to her bed to open her latest gift. It was box not quite big and was light, definitelynot a heart this time she thought. She couldn't think what her prince would have sent her this time.

She quickly opened the box and paused. How curious she couldn't help but think. She slowly and carefully picked up the white crown out of the box. It was strange and quite like how a normal crown would look like. It was heavy in her hands but seemed to be made of a wood like material. It was beautifully crafted, a white crown with yellow jewels embedded in it. She put it to her side and looked back into the back just like all the other times this gift too came with a letter.

"My dear Maris, I do hope you enjoyed my gift this time it is the gift I spent the most time preparing. It is a crown made of a stags bones. I hunted the stag myself and skinned its skin off. It took me days to clean the bones and craft them into a crown. I even put those yellow jewels you find so beautiful into it. I hope you this gift was to your liking.

I also wished to tell you that I have spoken to my grandsire and there should a letter arriving shortly to stroms end asking your fathers permission to allow you to go to Oldtown. I know how much you wish you learn and my mother side of the family is more than excited to welcome you specially Daeron. I wish to the best and will come to take you to Oldtown my self with my last courting gift.

With love yours truly, Prince Aemond Targaryen"

She couldn't help but chuckle as she put the crown on her head, oh her sweet prince always so thoughtful for her she mused.

She walked to towards the painting in her room and pused against the picture of the apple at the edge of the tree. She heard something and pushed the painting aside. There in the center of the room laid a man cut in pieces carefully preserved to stop the body from rotting away. Who the man was she knew not nor did she care too.

She walked up to the man and looked at his body. There was only one piece left to finally finsihing him, his eyes, the very thing that started their love shall end their courtship. How romantic.

She should start preparing for her soon departure to Oldtown after all she won't be able to come back as soften she thoyght to herself as she skipped out of the secert room humming to herself as the crown on her head shined with the morning lifting reflecting off of the jewels in it.

you did it. you managed to condense all our maris headcanons into one mini-fic. congratulations, anon, they shall write songs of your bravery 👁👁👁

#DEAR DAUGHTER OF MINE I'M MERELY JUST EXCITED FOR YOU 😂😂😂😂 #LOVE that she has a secret room that opens via some contraption in the wall #all gothic heroines do #maris baratheon #ask #anon #aemond/maris

[chcsinghcppiness]

______________________________________________________________

name: Porthos

cursed name: Patrick Landsberg

age: 30

occupation: musketeer

sexuality: straight

status: single

current location: Enchanted Forest / Storybrooke

shipping status: open

Porthos was born in a village near the castle of King Leopold and Queen Eva in the Enchanted Forest. Along with his mother and younger sister, they owned a little farm house. Growing up as the son of a Royal Guard, Porthos knew from a young age that he wanted to become one as well. His father, personal guard of the king himself taught him to fight and handle a sword from a very young age on. Porthos knew, he wanted to become a musketeer, a royal alliance of guards for the closer circle of the king and queen.

At the young age of eighteen, Porthos left his home to join his father at the castle, starting as a normal guard. Porthos got taught to be patient and soon he climbed up rang by rang. A few years later, the boy had just turned twenty-five, queen Eva died. The whole kingdom was in devastated over the loss. Shortly after, Porthos father died as well during a battle in the Enchanted Forest, leaving him placed in his father’s footsteps. He became a musketeer. But not only was he supposed to protect the king, along with his other two musketeers Athos and Aramis, but he was assigned to protect the young princess Snow at all costs. It was not until Regina became queen and soon the king died. She questioned the loyalty of the musketeers towards her and when she realized that none of them would ever serve her, she banned them from the castle. They gave up their positions and the musketeers died along with the king.

Porthos went back home where his used to live before she had passed, leaving the house to his sister and him. They settled down there, doing nothing else than drinking and fighting Regina’s guards whenever they seek trouble. The musketeers were the best skilled guards in the entire Forest. No one was able to beat them.

Years passed and on his day out, Porthos ran into a young thief that was looking for trouble. It took him a moment to realise it had been Snow who was on the run now. From the first minute he saw her, Porthos had fallen deeply in love with her. And the promise he once had made came back to his senses. He would protect her at all costs. Though, he had those strong feelings for her, Porthos never declared his love to her. Instead, he stayed loyal to her and true to his promise. He and the others brought the musketeers back to life, to protect Snow and Prince Charming and go into the battle against the Evil Queen. But they had been led into a trap by no one else but his own sister, who from now on was known under the name Milady de Winter. She helped Regina finding Snow and the rest, putting up the curse and bringing them right into the land without magic.

Cursed in Storybrooke, Porthos received identity. As the little bakery owner Patrick Landsberg, he represents charm and moodiness combined. He has a very good hand when it comes to woman, making them swoon over him but he only has eyes for the cute school teacher Mary-Margret. After Emma comes into town and changes the way of things, he soon received a little apprentice called Luke and he taught him how to stay out of trouble. Or how to get into trouble and get away with it. With Luke, his temper softened, seeing in him some sort of family and someone who supported him on asking Mary-Margret out. After she agreed, the two went out and had a short run of a relationship until she called it off when things between her and David grew more serious. Patrick was devastated as he had never felt his heart hurt like that before. And he knew he would never want to fall in love again.

After the curse broke and Porthos remembered who he was, he reunited with his friends who had become family to him. He all let them move back into the house he owned. Porthos felt a little guilty, especially after David found out about the love affair he had with Mary-Margret. He declared that he had no such feelings for Snow or was intending to steal her away, that his cursed self had been off the reality. They believed him and so he was safe with his feeling, no one else knowing about it but D’Artagnan. He eventually reunited with sister as well.

#;character bio #;bio { porthos } #;ouat

[miss-mossball]

Bnnuy

thank youso much Zoeee <33333

Full Name: Veronika Veleteen Lapin, but goes by Bunny!

Gender and Sexuality: female + Demibisexual

Pronouns: she/her

Ethnicity/Species: half human, half Bunnyplu

Birthplace and Birthdate: July 27th, from a small town run by ‘Herz Purists’ further into the country, somewhere akin to the American Midwest

Guilty Pleasures: Daydreaming about affection :v sweet things!! Sewing at strange hours of the night, trailing behind her brothers to slip into social situations

Phobias: being Found Out™ or Doing Badly™ , whatever these mean

What They Would Be Famous For: working too hard on people's commissions =<=; idk maybe she makes an art book or childrens book that pops off or something! Bunny would never want to be famous, just known enough to make a humble living. She'd probably get a little traction as Nette's adopted sister

What They Would Get Arrested For: being a runaway from ‘home’, if her mother just decided to fuck things up for her one day

OC You Ship Them With: @duckroulette ‘s Mic, and also Bo, and also Prince Fredrick, and also King Aries…, she has a bit of a crush on Mia too :v

OC Most Likely To Murder Them: Mr. Lapin and his associates. Maybe Nette if he accidentally decided to yet Venus o_o;

Favorite Movie/Book Genre: rom coms and chick flicks in general~

Least Favorite Movie/Book Cliche: slasher horror ;<; (subtle horror is great tho)

Talents and/or Powers: she can turn into her bunny blob form, which can crawl up walls and ceilings :v also, she has a slightly different sense of gravity and can jump around or fall from high heights n be softened in landing

Why Someone Might Love Them: she loves very passionately :> her love language is giving gifts, so u might end up with doodles and little sewing projects or baked goods. And idk for the most part shes pretty chill and accepting to most people. Shes the type to tell people she loves them very much and supports them 1000000%

Why Someone Might Hate Them: shes socially awkward and a bit weird :v she doesn’t understand ‘social games’ and can’t take a hint, you have to be rlly direct with her. Also, her memory is shit and social energy runs out really fast

How They Change: she starts as a nonverbal doormat, but I like to think over time, she learns how to talk to people and let them love her :v but also, set boundaries !!! and accepts all parts of herself lovingly

Why You Love Them: idk man I like myself!! I’m coming to accept its okay to like my persona and use her for stories I would used to label as ‘mary sue’ stuff cuz I don’t care anymore. Shes also fun to draw! I love bunny motifs

#bunny lapin #my ocs #persona #oc askeses #' x ' <( #she is just Doing Her Best tm

[nanagoswife]

Noticing You, Noticing Me

Chapter Ten

Summary: The Festival of Light continues for reader and Obi-Wan.

W/C: 3.8k

Warnings: scraped knee, angst? (not really), just more soft moments

- - -

Somehow Daisy had managed to pull her brother back so that they could properly lead you to where their mother had set up. You were looking forward to seeing Mary again. It had been a while since you had seen her and she was just delightful.

As you followed Christian and Daisy, you and Obi-Wan stayed silent. Instead of chatting, you elected to listen to the banter of the brother and sister.

It didn’t take long to get to Mary’s setup. She always did choose the best spots. It also helped for anyone that needed to get a last minute lantern since she was right in the middle of it all. There was always a reason she had a stockpile of lanterns.

“Princess Organa! How nice to see you,” Mary called out as soon as she saw you. “I hope these two didn’t cause much trouble,” she added when her two children hugged her.

“Oh they never do. Besides, they're too sweet to see any wrongdoings.”

Mary chuckled as he ruffled the hair of Christian who let out a small sound of protest. Then, she registered the fact that you were clinging to the arm of Obi-Wan. “And who might this be?” she asked kindly.

“Prince Obi-Wan Kenobi of Coruscant,” he said, bowing the best he could without unhooking his arm from yours. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“A-and you, your highness,” she stuttered as she realized who she was talking to and curtseyed. Unlike the children, Mary and the rest of the adults around the village would know who Obi-Wan was. Even if it’s at least the name.

“Please,” Obi-Wan started with a small wave of his hand, “there’s no need for that. Call me Obi-Wan.”

“Yes, your- Obi-Wan. So, what can I do for the two of you today. Looking for a lantern?”

“And returning your children,” you chimed in with a smile.

“Well, as always we have a broad selection. Whichever one you’d like, I’ll make sure it’s reserved for you and you only.” Mary’s smile was large and genuine as it nearly always was.

You smiled and thanked her as you turned your attention to the lanterns. A part of you was surprised that they hadn’t caught your attention sooner. Every year she seems to outdo herself with the designs. This was no exception.

“Which one do you like?” Obi-Wan whispered into your ear.

For a moment you stayed silent as you still hadn’t found one that caught your eye. Well, one that caught your eye more than the others. Then, you saw it. One with an amazingly wonderful design of a crescent moon. It had little stars around as if it were a full night sky. You only thought about how much more beautiful it would look at night as it floated into the actual night sky.

Obi-Wan must’ve seen you staring, because he looked at you with a smile and asked, “That one?”

“Yes,” you replied. As your eyes met his, a smile curled your lips. “It’s perfect.”

If you were being honest, the design actually made you think of the night you met Obi-Wan. The only thing it was lacking was the rest of the scenery that laid beneath the starry sky.

Once you told Mary, she gladly took it out of view, putting it to the side for you later. Although she always insisted you didn’t have to pay her, you always did. It was the least you could do to help her out and they were all just so beautiful.

“Princess Y/N, you should come to the Maypole!” Christian excitedly shouted as he jumped up and started running circles around you and Obi-Wan. “You too, Prince Obi! It’ll be fun!”

“Yeah! And you can dance around it with us, Prince Obi!” Daisy chimed in. She came over and lightly tugged on Obi-Wan’s sleeve, looking up at him with hopeful little blue eyes as her brother ran off.

You watched the exact moment as he gave in. His expression softened as you watched his shoulders relax from letting go of his will to say no. It made you almost laugh at the fact that he took such a liking to the little girl so much that he already can’t say no to her.

As you found yourself being towed along in the line, you couldn’t help but think of having kids with Obi-Wan again. The image of having your own daughter and him never being able to refuse her whims made you smile. You could just imagine how adorable it would be as you watched him getting pulled around by a little girl that he loved so dearly.

It was such a sweet thought that it took up the entirety of the trip. You hadn’t noticed how you had to push through the crowds of people that were flooding the streets.

No, your thought wasn’t broken until a shrill cry from Christian rang out. There was no hesitation from you going over to the boy that was now on the ground, holding his knee as tears poured down his face.

-

Obi-Wan watched as you immediately went to Christian.

Daisy soon followed, pulling him with her as she still held his sleeve. Her brother that had been once enthusiastic and playful was now crying and holding his knee. It wasn’t too badly scraped, but it was enough that it would cause a great deal of pain.

“Shh,” you started as you gently brushed the boy’s hair from his face. “It’ll be alright, Christian. Just breathe, okay?”

He nodded as he stared into your eyes, his breath catching as he tried to slow it down.

“Let it go and breathe with me. You’ll feel better afterwards.”

Once again, Christian nodded. He said nothing but made a small sound of pain as he took his hands off of the scrape. What he did was focus on your breathing as you guided him through it to help him feel better.

As the little boy’s tears began to slow and his breathing calmed, Obi-Wan couldn’t help it. His heart warmed at the thought of you with your own little boy like this.

It didn’t last long as he felt a tug on his sleeve from Daisy.

“Prince Obi, could we please go to the Maypole?” she asked in such a sweet voice that he didn’t want to say no to.

Obi-Wan knelt down beside her. “I think you should ask your m- your brother and Princess Y/N if it’s okay first,” he told her. He had to suppress the heat that threatened to take over his cheeks at his near slip. Embarrassment wanted to creep in but, at the same time, it was something that he wanted with you.

-

Daisy nodded at Obi-Wan, turning to you and Christian.

For a moment, you were stunned. His near slip of the tongue didn’t go unnoticed by you. Even with helping Christian, that moment stuck.

“Christian,” you started, trying to keep your voice steady, “is it alright if they go? I can stay with you and maybe you can go if you’re feeling better later.”

The boy rubbed a hand at his cheeks, sloppily drying them from tears. He only nodded in response before hugging you, clinging to you like his life depended on it. Easily, you stood up with him in your arms. His legs came to wrap around you the best they could.

Obi-Wan had also stood up. “You two can go. We’ll be over at that bench watching,” you said, gesturing with your head.

“Alright, darling. I hope you feel better soon enough, little Christian,” Obi-Wan said, tickling the boy under the chin. Christian couldn’t help but smile and giggle gently at the motion.

You watched as Daisy became impatient and now dragged Obi-Wan by the sleeve. A few other kids and parents were there, but there were still ribbons available.

So, as you sat with Christian and gently stroked his soft, black hair, you watched Obi-Wan and Daisy go around the pole. Daisy must’ve been telling him what to do because you constantly saw her pointing in several directions and that’s where Obi-Wan went. There was even one moment where she got fed up with how he didn’t know what she wanted, so she grabbed his sleeve and pulled him where she wanted. It all made you lightly chuckle to yourself.

This went on for roughly ten minutes before you saw that Daisy was getting bored. She had a keen mind, but not everything could hold her attention long. She constantly moved from interest to interest, and you were curious as to what she would do in the future. With an attitude like hers, she could really do good in the future.

It wasn’t much longer until that boredom that you witnessed actually took over. This time, Daisy didn’t pull Obi-Wan by the sleeve. No, she took his hand instead and did the same thing. You had thought there wouldn’t be anything cuter to see between the two earlier, but you were wrong. This took over.

“How are you feeling, my little lion,” you said as you brushed his fringe away from his face. You saved your little nickname only for moments like these. It never failed to make him feel even more better and now was no exception.

He beamed. “A lot better. Thank you Princess Y/N.”

“Christian! You missed it!” Daisy called out as she approached with Obi-Wan still in tow. “It was so much fun!”

“Maypoles aren’t that fun,” he replied, slightly grumpily. You knew he was lying. This little boy loved this part of the festival. You really hoped that he could have some fun with it before the proper dance was performed.

“Alright you two. It’s about time to start getting ready for the releasing of the lanterns,” you said as you noticed how it was beginning to get dark. “You should probably go help your mother give out the lanterns to everyone.”

The two siblings beamed at the thought. They always loved handing out the lanterns to everyone. They loved releasing their own even more.

As the two ran off, you called out to Christian to be careful. Even still, he ran off just as excitedly as he had run to this area.

“Oh, to be young and forget your fears,” you said to yourself as you watched them disappear into the crowd.

“How lovely those days were,” Obi-Wan chimed in.

You hummed in agreement, still looking to where the two children had gone.

He came up partially behind you and warped his arms around your front. In the process, he pressed a light kiss to your forehead, causing you to melt into his embrace. The feeling of him like this was more comfortable than you thought it would be as he rested his head against yours.

“Daisy seemed to really like you,” you mused as you closed your eyes, taking in the way Obi-Wan felt. The slight scratch of his beard on your cheek was magnificent.

Obi-Wan hummed in agreement. “She’s quite the little leader, that one,” he said quietly into your ear. It sent a small chill down your spine.

“Yes. It comes in handy with Christian. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say no to her,” you said.

“Well, my dear, I think you wouldn’t hear the end of it if he did. I’m sure Daisy would use it against him some day if he did.”

You laughed at the thought. In all honesty, it was true. If Christian ever went against his sister’s wishes, depending on the situation, it would be a constant topic. It would probably be something you heard every time you visit Naboo.

“And, can I just say how well you did with Christian? The little one just adores you,” Obi-Wan continued, now gently swaying with the music playing.

Your smile grew as you relaxed even more than you thought was possible against him.

A long stretch of time went by where you both stood like this, the celebrating crowd around you drowned out by the moment. All you focused on was the feeling of his steady heartbeat against your back, the feeling of his breathing as it fanned over the skin of your neck. Everything had you only focusing on him.

That is until you had an idea. Well, more like remembered that there was a place you wanted to show Obi-Wan. A place that would have more privacy with him.

“I want to show you something,” you said as you turned your head to look at him.

“Are you sure Padmé doesn’t need us?” he asked innocently. Earlier you had told him that once you got to Naboo that your friend wouldn’t need anything from the two of you. Although both you and her had assured him that once you had gotten to the village that no assistance would be needed, he kept asking. You thought it was cute.

“I’m sure. Now, shall we?”

His smile grew. “We shall.”

As you brought him in the direction of the lake, the two of you stayed silent as you took in the surroundings. There was so much excitement all around you. So many beautiful decorations and the sound of laughter everywhere.

Obi-Wan stopped for a moment, filling you with confusion.

“I’ll be right back. Stay here,” he requested before taking off. Although you wanted to know what he was up to, you stayed put. You wondered if he spotted some sort of merchant selling something that caught his eye. It wouldn’t be a surprise to you. The amount of gifts you got for the rest of your family from this event alone makes up the majority of them.

It wasn’t long before Obi-Wan came back, now carrying a sack at his side.

“Now where did this prince run off to?” you teased, trying to peek into the sack before he pulled it away from view.

“Well, since the princess would like to know, I got her a gift.”

“When will the princess learn of this gift?”

“As soon as she shows me what she’s been wanting to since this morning,” he replied with a cheeky smile.

Playfully, you rolled your eyes before resuming your trip to what could be considered your own surprise.

-

The lake was beautifully glistening in the light of the dying sun. You knew that the bridge across this particular section would be free from any others. Everyone else was in the village all celebrating together.

You had long since switched to holding Obi-Wan’s hand instead of respectfully linking your arm with his. The pathway to this bridge cleared up super early on. Nearly the whole way up the two of you talked. The sound of both your laughter and his filled the empty path.

“Is this where you plan to let go of the lantern?” he asked once you reached the middle of the bridge.

It made you pause in horror.

“I forgot the lantern!” You started to pace from one railing of the bridge to the other, holding your head in your hands.

“Hey,” he said, gently grabbing your wrist, stopping you in your tracks, “It’s alright. Is there not enough time to go back and get it?”

You sighed in annoyance, “No. By the time we got back here, the lanterns would already be released.” You could hear as your voice began to shake. This moment was supposed to be special. It was supposed to be perfect but you forgot the key ingredient.

“Hey, it’s alright,” Obi-Wan said, pulling you into a hug. “Don’t worry. Just because you forgot it, it doesn’t mean that we can’t still enjoy the night.”

He pulled back just enough so that he could look at you. The grin he offered along with his words helped you feel better. It only got better as he gave you a small squeeze to help ease your disappointment away.

“So, what were your plans for while we were here?” he asked into your hair, placing a soft kiss there.

“I guess, just… talking. There wasn’t much of a plan other than getting here,” you told him, laughing a little nervously. “Well, except for the lantern.”

Obi-Wan offered you a gentle smile. “Talking it is then.”

He gestured to the railing where you could both lean. It gave you the most beautiful view as the last of the sunlight disappeared. The music from the village could still be heard as it wafted over the water. He helped you forget about the lantern

That wasn’t what you were paying attention to. What you were paying attention to was how he had moved to stand behind you just like he had after Daisy and Christian left. You quickly fell back into the comfort that this position held.

As you looked out over the lake, you watched as the lights of lanterns began to light up. It created a magnificent glow on the shore.

“I guess it’s that time,” Obi-Wan muttered.

You nodded as you watched the first lantern, almost undoubtedly let go of by Padmé and her family, floated up and over the water. It was soon followed by more as the releasing officially began.

As you looked out over the lake, the reflection of the lanterns glowed as more and more floated to the sky. Looking up, you watched as they were becoming stars themselves.

From behind you, Obi-Wan’s chest pressed into your back just a little more as he watched the lanterns as well. His chin gently rested on your shoulder, his head tilted so it rested against yours.

Guilt began to fill you. You really wished that you could’ve added your own lantern alongside Obi-Wan. You wanted to give him the full experience, and now you couldn’t because you forgot. Mary was probably wondering why you hadn’t grabbed it.

You sighed as you watched them all float in the air.

“What is it?” Obi-Wan said into your ear quietly.

“I feel so bad for forgetting the lantern. Of all the things I had to forget, it had to be the only thing that I truly wished to share with you.”

Obi-Wan lifted his head so that he could look at you with a smile. The way he looked in the lantern light was breathtaking. His hair glowed and his eyes sparkled. He was the only thing that made you feel like it would all be okay.

“Do you mean this,” he said, revealing to you the lantern that he had seen you drawn to earlier. The crescent moon was even more wonderful now that it was night time. You could only imagine what it would look like in the yellow light.

It took a moment to realize how dumbfounded you must’ve looked. Immense relief filled you now as you realized that this was his gift. Now you knew exactly what his short disappearance was earlier.

“Surprise,” he whispered, now discarding the sack from his shoulder. “Now, shall we get this going before all the others float away?”

That broke you out of your shock, nodding in response. You watched as he lit the lantern, bringing a brilliant yellow glow to the designs. Like you had thought, the crescent moon was amazing with it’s glow.

“Oh, Obi. Thank you,” you said as he held it out to you.

“Of course. I couldn’t let you be upset all night, now could I?”

You couldn’t help but giggle. He always was making sure you stayed happy, that you felt comfortable, safe. He made you feel truly seen for the first time in your life.

“So, what do we do?” he asked, now letting confusion wash over his features.

“Now, we say something we wish for before letting it go. It can either be said out loud, or you can keep it to yourself.”

Obi-Wan smirked as he nodded.

For you, you kept what you wished in your mind. Part of you wanted it to stay a mystery, but he didn’t stay as quiet. In fact, he looked at you right as he said the words that nearly made your heart explode.

“I wish that you would forever be mine, and be my bride,” he said. It nearly made you freeze and not allow you to push the lantern into the air. “I wish for every day to be like today with a family of our own.”

Both of you paid no attention as the lantern went straight up into the air to join the rest. No, you were looking him in the eyes, your hands being gently grasped by his. All you could feel was your heart hammering in your chest as earnestness was the only thing you could see in his eyes.

“I’ve already discussed this with your parents, with my father, and there was not a single objection. All I need to know is if you’ll have me, my love, my sweet darling.”

His eyes glimmered with hope, and you could only feel the same thing grow in your heart. Hope that nothing will ever come in between you and this man that you loved so dearly. With your answer, you can guarantee that nothing ever will.

So, with a trembling hand, you brought it up to cup his cheek. You felt as your smile spread from one ear to another as you gave your answer, “Yes. A million times, yes!”

Obi-Wan’s own smile grew, and this time, there were no slow lean-ins, no build up to be interrupted. No, this time you both met each other halfway faster than you ever had before. Now, you finally kissed, your hand sliding into his soft hair as his hands pull you closer by the waist.

“I love you,” he whispered against your lips, not wanting to separate from your lips.

The two of you refused to part for a few more blissful seconds before resting against each other’s foreheads.

“I love you too, Obi,” you say, almost breathlessly. You had read in so many books where the character has to catch their breath from a kiss. Nothing, though, could prepare you for the feelings that truly went behind it.

As you stared into his eyes in the warm yellow light, you gently began stroking his hair. It started at his temple, drawing along until it stopped at the nape of his neck. From there, you would repeat the motion, causing Obi-Wan to slowly relax with each soft stroke.

“Finally,” you whispered, gently laughing.

Obi-Wan smirked as he brought one of his hands to cup your cheek.

“It was long overdue,” he whispered back, now beginning to sway with the soft music playing from the lake’s shore. “I love you,” he whispered again before drawing your lips to his again.

- - -

@stardancerluv @where-fantasy-meets-reality @jaydenwoo @madmax2003 @mackycat11 @generousrunawaydonut @imabeautifulbutterfly @animalgirl05 @blondekel77 @thereluctantherosrose @cosmicsierra @badbatch-simp24

#obi wan x you #obi wan imagine #obi wan kenobi imagine #obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan fanfiction #obi wan x reader #obi wan star wars #obi wan fic #obi wan #obi wan kenobi #obi wan fluff #obi wan kenobi x you #obi wan x y/n #princess!reader #prince!obi #prince!obiwan #royal au #Daisy and Christian #maypole #Festival of Light #Naboo #the wait is over #obiwan #kenobi

[chatonne-rousse]

First Day

A gift for my sweet friend @sketchy-panda.  Wishing you all the best!

***

Their little girl is growing up so fast. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was an infant? Adrien is not ready for this.

Read it on Ao3 here.

***

The first pale rays of dawn have barely lit the eastern windows of their bedroom, but Adrien lies awake, staring at the ceiling as morning slowly pushes the shadows away.

He is not ready for this. He was never going to be ready for this.

Tears gather in the corners of his eyes, finally escaping to slip into his hair; he turns his head left, then right, to wipe his temples against the pillowcase, but it's no use when more tears follow.

He closes his eyes and remembers the first time he saw his daughter, brand-new and beautiful, a perfect creation of love. He thinks of nights spent suited up, purring her to sleep, tucked close to his chest against cool magical leather. Her first smile, first tooth, first wobbly steps. The first time he made her laugh.

Oh, Emma. The little kitten who made him a dad. That incredible moment feels like yesterday at the same time it feels like a lifetime ago.

He's just not ready for this. What parent is ever prepared to watch their child walk away into a whole new life?

His breath hitches on a sob that he tries in vain to choke back.

"Kitty?" Marinette murmurs sleepily beside him. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

He can't hold it in anymore, covering his eyes with one hand as he gasps out the words. "I'm not ready, Mari! I can't let her go!"

"Oh, Chaton," she coos, rolling over to her side and rubbing his arm. "I know, it's a big day. But she'll be fine! We've checked and double checked that she has everything she needs. She's going to make so many new friends. Emma will love it."

Adrien nods. "I know. I know that." He takes a shaky breath. "She's ready, but I'm not."

"Neither am I, honestly."

Something in her voice interrupts his own spiraling thoughts. His hand slips from his face to his chest and he turns his eyes to his wife, surprised to find tears clinging to her eyelashes. He reaches across the pillow to wipe them gently with his thumbs.

He gives her a sad smile. "This part of parenting sucks."

Marinette huffs a little laugh. "It really does. When did our baby grow up?"

Adrien just shakes his head. He wishes he knew, but the only answer he can think of is, "Too fast. Way too fast."

Silence settles over them as they think about the day ahead. The apartment will be too quiet without Emma's constant chatter. Nothing will be the same without her there.

Just as the rising sun spreads the light of a new day across their bedroom, Marinette reaches for his hand and presses his palm to the side of her belly. A grin to rival the dawn lights Adrien's tear-stained face at the feeling of their son moving around and getting comfortable, likely at the expense of his mother's comfort. Adrien's gaze flickers to hers, but her smile is gentle and soft.

"I think Hugo is going to miss Emma while she's at maternelle, too."

"She can tell him all about her first day of school when she gets home."

"Yeah," Adrien breathes, overwhelmed with thoughts of his kittens, his wife, the things that fill his life with wonder and joy.

Marinette interrupts his reverie with a loud yawn, then stretches to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth. "You know, you woke Hugo, so you owe us breakfast."

He snorts a laugh. "How did I wake him up when he's inside you?"

She pushes up to a sitting position and shrugs as she grins at him over her shoulder. "He'd like strawberry jam on his toast."

"Ah. Well, as the little prince wishes."

Adrien wipes his eyes again, still laughing, and swings his legs over the side of the bed.

Time to make sure his princess gets the very best start to her very first day of school.

Even if he's not quite ready.

****

Emma is ready.

A bright grin on her sweet little face, she beams up at her parents as they stand at the door to her maternelle classroom.

Adrien crouches down to give her a big hug. "Have the best day ever, Kitten."

Emma nods. "Bye, Papa," she says, kissing his cheek.

Her mom gets the next hug and kiss, and Marinette whispers good wishes into her daughter's ear. Emma pauses to press a kiss to Marinette's belly.

"Bye Mama, bye Hugo!"

Emma waves. Adrien blows her a kiss. And just like that, their little girl turns and marches straight into the classroom, never looking back.

The sudden wave of pride takes him by surprise. He aches with the memory of Emma as a precious, helpless infant, but oh, his baby girl is growing up to be independent and strong, just like her mother, just like he dreamed of being when he was a child. It's everything he could wish for her - to go to school, to make friends, to have a childhood full of the things he never had.

Adrien's face lights with a proud grin as he watches Emma hang up her little bookbag, her blonde pigtails bouncing as she scurries over to join a group of children playing dress-up.

Their little girl is going to be just fine. Better than fine.

Emma is happy.

Marinette's hand tightens in the crook of his elbow, and he turns to his wife to find tears streaming down her face as she watches Emma settle in.

"I'm not ready for her to grow up," she whispers around the lump in her throat.

His smile never dims but his eyes soften in understanding. "Neither am I, My Lady." He walks with her a few paces down the hall, then wraps her in a hug and lets her cry into his shoulder.

"I hope she has a first day as wonderful as mine was," he murmurs, "when I saw courage in action, when I made my first friend." He squeezes her tighter, presses a kiss to her temple. "When I met the love of my life. Twice."

Marinette sniffs and giggles into his shirt. "Those were a momentous two days for you, weren't they?" She gazes up at him. "At least Emma won't have to fight a supervillain on her first day. And I hope no one accuses her of something she didn't do."

Adrien shrugs and wraps an arm around her waist, leading Marinette back down the hall toward the entrance.

"If she does, who knows? Maybe that will be a story to tell at her wedding."

Marinette's surprised laugh is as bright as the morning sunshine streaming through the glass double doors.

He steadies her down the front steps and takes her hand as they head home. The apartment will be quiet, but soon enough it'll be filled with stories about Emma's first day of school.

And Adrien can't wait to hear them.

#miraculous ladybug #ml fanfiction #married adrienette #dadrien #mominette #emma #almost hugo #gift fic #future fic #ily sketchy #my writing

[justcourttee]

could you do one where dami and mari are dating but they havent told the waynes yet and they keep seeing hints of their relationship (like clothes around the place, dami talking to on the phone and smiling, stuff like that) but they cant figure out whats happening!!!! the ice prince is softening and theyre like wtf!!!

I’m sorry, it’s a little different. I got carried away! I hope you still like it!

Tim is Like a Genius or Something..

It was official. Tim had lost it.

At least that was the sentiment the family shared as they watched him tumble down the rabbit hole that he had sprawled out across the dining room table.

“-and then he smiled at me. At me! That has never happened before, at least not a genuine one.” He paused to catch his breath, allowing his theory to sink in.

“Timmy, don’t you think you’re giving the boy too much credit?” Jason was the only one able to voice what they all were thinking, at least the one with the best chance of not getting their head torn off. “I mean, he has trouble communicating with his own gender and now you’re telling me he’s been able to woo his female lab partner?”

Tim slammed his hands on the table in frustration before sinking back into the chair he had started in. For weeks now he had been gathering evidence of his brother’s oddities and for weeks he had been haunted by a softer and friendlier Damian.

“Think about it guys, please!”

His pleads seemed to fall on deaf ears as one by one they left the table, each offering their own look of sympathy until he was the only one in the room. It wasn’t long until he himself had given up, collecting his pictures from the table, tearing them in half one by one.

Maybe Dick was right. His hallucinations were getting the better of him. After all, even if Damian was changing, it couldn’t be because of one girl, right?

Absolutely nobody in the world could wield enough power to reign in a demon such as him. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim had survived another week of hallucinations. He had tried sleeping more, laying off his coffee, and even cutting his hours back from Wayne Enterprises. But as he sat in the kitchen, going through his emails, his mind remained drowning in thoughts of his replacement.

“Timmy, do you know who this jacket belongs to? The ladies say it’s not theirs and if it’s one of Brucie’s night friends, I bet it’s worth thousands.”

Tim spared a glance from his laptop to where Jason stood in front of him, his fist clenched around a small black pullover. He had half the mind to wave him off when something pink flashed from the corner of his eye.

“Jason, let me see the jacket.”

Jason tossed it, his face cautious as if Tim were about to dart with his next paycheck, but it was the furthest thought in the younger Wayne’s mind.

“The girl that Damian is always bringing over, it belongs to her. His lab partner.”

“You mean Marinette? Damn, then I probably won’t make much off of it. Guess I’ll probably give it back next time I see her.”

Tim waited, his face showcasing the perplexion he felt as Jason seemed to walk away thoughtlessly. How he could come to the same conclusion that he did? How? It felt like it was so obvious.

“No.” His voice was firm, barely above a whisper as he shook off the thought, returning to his laptop. He agreed that he would drop it and that’s what he was going to do. “Marinette was just a nice girl trying to help out Damian and he probably views as some intriguing toy, yeah, that’s all.”

Besides, it was just one jacket and why would he want to damn the girl over one jacket.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . He should have damned her. That was the only thought that plagued his mind as he listened to the conversation at breakfast.

“Did you guys know that the Demon uses his phone during patrol?”

Bruce looked up from his paper, his face a mixture of disappointment and interest.

“Can you elaborate Dick? What do you mean by uses his phone?”

“Exactly that! We took a break on a roof in our sector and right as I was about to turn around to ask him where we should check next, he was answering a phone call! We sat on that roof for an hour because he said ‘he couldn’t hang up yet’.”

Tim nearly choked on his coffee as he slammed his mug into the table earning a glance from both the men.

“Richard, who was calling him?”

“Hmm? You know, I tried asking him but he waved me off instead.”

“You mean he didn’t try to tear your head off?” Tim watched in horror as Dick shook his head in denial, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Maybe he finally has a friend other than Jon!”

Bruce nodded as if the notion weren’t completely insane, his eyes returning the newspaper in his hands. Dick smiled, returning to his crossword as if there was nothing wrong with the world as if he didn’t drop the largest bombshell in history.

“This is so wrong, why can’t any of you see how wrong this is?”

Neither spared him a glance as they continued their morning routines with thoughtless giddy expressions.

At this point, Tim wasn’t sure he could drop it anymore. There was so much evidence piling up, so much pointing that Damian obviously liked the girl at least. Why was he the only one who could see that?

It was decided. The next time Marinette came over, he was confronting this once and for all.

.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tim waited and waited. Weeks passed between her last visit to the manor. Damian had left several times and random hours of the day, always giving him vague answers as to where he was going. It was as if the little demon read his mind and decided it was safer to meet her outside the manor.

He was so close to giving up when a truly diabolical thought crossed his mind. His smile was sinister as he approached Bruce’s office, his plan foolproof. He gave a slight knock on the door, two voices asking him to enter.

“Hey Bruce, Dick. I was just thinking the other day, we haven’t seen Marinette around lately. You both know that Damian is terrible at keeping up with his acquaintances. Maybe we should invite her for dinner one night! I mean, we all adore her, right? She is such a good influence for Damian too.”

It was like clockwork. Both Dick and Bruce jumped on the opportunity each pulling out their phones to let both kids know the details of when this dinner party would occur. As Tim left out the room, he couldn’t help the hysterical giggle that escaped from his lips. For good measure, he made sure to linger by Damian’s room, awaiting the reaction he was longing to hear. Surely enough, a soft ‘shit’ could be heard followed by heavy footsteps echoing as if he was pacing his room. It was the best sound Tim had heard in weeks.

Three agonizing days passed before Tim found himself waiting at the manor door to welcome Marinette into the manor. Damian had volunteered to bring her to the dining room himself, but Tim argued that it would be rude if not a single one of them were also there to greet her. In the end, Tim and Dick were volunteered to accompany one angry demon to see Marinette to the dining hall.

“Thank you so much for having me! I was surprised when I received a call from not just Damian, but you too Dick. I was under the impression that Damian hadn’t said anything yet.”

Damian’s face paled as his eyes darted to Dick’s as if Marinette said something damning. Tim caught onto immediately, his eyes also watching Dick’s face for any indication that he had realized the weight in her statement.

“Said anything? You mean about your friendship? Well, it’s impossible to pry anything from him, but we couldn’t let him keep you all to himself!”

In all of his blissful ignorance, he turned on his heel, dragging Marinette with him, chatting idly about whatever came to mind. Damian raced after him, his face a mixture of panic and hatred. It was a sight that warmed Tim to his core.

All dinner he watched as Damian stirred the conversation off Marinette only for someone to inevitably bring it right back. He relished in Damian nearly pulling his own hair out to ensure no one asked the question that Tim had been pressing for weeks now.

As the night drew to an end, Damian couldn’t rush her out of the manor fast enough. The doors slammed shut with a loud thud ricocheting through everyone’s ears.

“So, we’re in agreeance right?”

Tim turned his attention to where Jason leaned against the entryway, his lazy smirk building hope in the younger boy’s chest.

“Very much. They are definitely courting, or what is the phrase you call it now? Dating? Hangin’?” Bruce chuckled at his own joke before his gaze dropped to meet Tim’s. “It looks like we owe you an apology.”

Words never sounded more beautiful to Tim, he honestly felt like he might shed a tear. A heavy weight caused him to stumble as Dick threw himself onto Tim’s back.

“Tim is like a genius or something, right guys? I mean who would have ever guessed that Damian had a girlfriend! Hey, do you think they’ll get married? Does that mean at this point Damian is your best chance at getting grandkids?”

Tim dealt with the picking and jokes and the onslaught of fake apologies as they remained crowded in the entrance, waiting for Damian’s return. To him, none of it mattered as much as seeing his replacement’s face the minute they walked through the door.

After all, it was a large reward for a small price to pay. It all comes with being a genius.

Permanent Tag List:

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#maribat #daminette

[liquid-luck-00]

Consolation + The “Talk”

Bio!Dad Bruce

Day 9: Consolation and Day 10: The “Talk”

@biodad-bruce-month 

Ao3 ~~~ First ~~~ Previous ~~~ Next

This got a little long, sorry not sorry

~~~~~~~~~~

One week, one week has passed since Damian started school in Paris. One week since the tower of lies that Lila has built began to crumble and fall. 

By the beginning of the next day she had backed off all her lies about the Wayne family but she just re-doubled all her efforts on lies that included Prince Ali, Clara Nightingale, and Jagged Stone. But the tower she had built was going to fall. 

And Damian was ready to bring an end to this liar’s reign.

So you can trust that he would find a way to avenge his sister without the use of violence against her, especially in Paris, and especially knowing his father’s mantra of vengeance not revenge. But revenge is needed. So, Damian made a few phone calls. Over the course of the next week he would have enough video and audio evidence to prove his little sister is innocent. But what would really put the icing on the cake is if he could convince the principal to hold a career day or week. Granted it shouldn’t be too hard, he is the only blood son of Bruce Wayne after all. So, telling his sister that he would meet her after fencing practice he went off early in search of principal Damocles. He found the man quite simply and was it far too easy to convince the man to go to career day parents of the students will be able to come in to do you demonstrations or speeches as well as anyone else who they would like to invite.

---

Damian left for his fencing practice which left me packing up my things getting ready to leave. I was one of the last ones out so of course something had to happen. Adrien came up to me then “hey Mari can we talk.”

‘Sigh’ “If this is about the highroad again Adrien. Her lies are hurting people it doesn’t matter if you think it’s right, she’s hurting people’s futures their chances it…” He cut her off, great this is going wonderfully.

“It’s not that, well it is that but that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.” He was stumbling over his words and she softened her expression slightly “Marinette what’s the difference between infatuation and love?”

“What?” That was not what she was expecting. This is confusing, and where was this coming from anyways. Never mind why “can you explain it to me more I’m having a little trouble wrapping my head around the question.”

He had sheepish smile and started “I. I love ladybug but I’m not sure if I love her or what she represents more”

“You don’t know if you like the idea of her more than the person who she is?” Marinette asked him seeming to understand where this conversation was going. 

“before we go even further down this rabbit hole, Adrien why don’t we meet up somewhere more private”

“why? “

Marinette simply pointed towards the door “We seem to have gained an audience”          

There at the door was Alya filming but unknown to her someone else was behind her. “Bean we have to go” Alya you jumped at the sound of Tim’s voice.

“OK Tim I’ll be out just give me a minute,” Tim nodded and left Alya having scurried off when she was found out. “I’ll text you place and time to meet up and talk further that is if you’re still confused about your feelings about this girl”

“Sounds good and thank you Marinette” he whispered as she left the room. Once she got to the car she glanced at him oh no, was the only thing that went through her mind “you look like a cat who ate the canary Tim spill” she was moving in to tickle him to get the info out. “Fine, fine, fine I give I’ll tell, but” she shot him a look. “only if you make me some coffee, today feels like an all-nighter”

“Deal! Now spill”

“Damian set up that next week there is going to be career days for the entire week at the school.”

“Okay” she nodded her head understanding where her brothers’ train of thoughts were heading. “The career week will be the perfect opportunity to expose the rest of Lila’s lies. At least that’s what you and Damian are hoping to accomplish isn’t it.”

“Mari, you do know you’re my favorite sister” Tim replied with a smirk that would rival even Damian’s.

So, the two of them got to work. Damian may think he’s clever and the most discrete out of everyone, but he wasn’t able to pull off hiding the cameras and microphones well enough that Mari wasn’t able to figure it out. This means they are going to have plenty of video and audio evidence use against the liar.

Now when Damian got home from practice the three of them really set out to destroy the liar. With all the audio evidence as well as the footage proving it was Lila speaking Marinette made several phone calls.

Jagged and Clara were both on board completely and wholeheartedly, especially after hearing what was going on. With those two she called the principal and he had agreed to keep them as a special surprise for the last day.

She called her father and he was willing to fly out to speak on one of the first days. Her father also happened to be able to get into contact with Prince Ali, and once hearing of everything that was going on, he to agree to come and speak.

Damian had called the Kent’s so Lois Lane, Clark and, and Jon were all going to come to speak, well Lois Lane in Clark were going to speak, Jon was coming to hang out with his two best friends.

Once Mr. Kent heard it was going on well it wasn’t long afterwards for Barry Allen to come to speak about forensics science, Oliver Queen to speak further on different aspects of business, and several other members of the league who seem to have fallen in love with Mari.

Everyone knew that as soon as Lila saw the names on the list, she would be tempted to spread the lies about every single one of them, so they would continue to record everything that was said in the class.

And who’s to say that a couple of the heroes may or may not make an appearance was well, but it was to be determined if Lila lied about them or not. Within the hour the three Wayne siblings knew, oh they knew this liar would not have a chance to escape. And anyone left believing her by the end of the week, well they felt sorry for those poor souls who still believe her every word.

---

After about two hours getting our allies ready for the incoming slaughter of the liar I met up with Adrien. And that was different.

“Mari” Adrien seem unsure of how to start. We had we decided it would’ve been best to meet up at the Wayne Enterprises Paris branch that way we can have a conference room to discuss it somewhere private, I won’t have to worry about people eavesdropping. Well everyone except for my brothers but it’s a price I’m willing to pay. “This is the first crush I’ve ever had, I, I don’t know…”

“Adrien I’ve known you now for about a year. You are quite honestly still sheltered. Well that’s the best way I can describe it.”

“What I’m not! I’m no?” Adrien began to stutter because that was not where the conversation was originally going.

“Adrien you are still quite sheltered. The way you think things should be handles when it comes to lies or personal space is the same way that people deal with the paparazzi and those are not the same at all. But I’m saying that because it’s normal to be confused when it comes to a crush. I had a crush on you for the longest time and was unsure how to act on it. I got to know about you a bit more and the crush well it changed.” He was looking at me shocked by my proclamation.

“How? Why? What are you mean? I’m not.” Adrien seemed a little taken back before he finally decided what he was going to say. “You said had?”

“I had the biggest crush on you until I learned you were a coward, or what seemed like cowardace. You decided that someone you didn’t know was more important than the person you claim to be a friend. This past week has shown me that you are a pacifist, not a coward, but you strive for peace with everyone. but that’s not how everything goes. I learned that about you that’s what made me move on. So what is it about this girl that makes you stay or is there something about someone else who makes you want to stay with them instead?“ He was silent he wasn’t staring at me, but he was starting off into space. He seemed to not know exactly what to say, but the thought was there. 

“Ladybug she’s my…” He was about to say something but stopped himself, almost as if he knows her as more than just the heroine. But that is not possible the only ones who interact with her while in the mask are now her family and…

“Your Chat Noir” she said it’s so calmly and as such a fact that he just stared at her calm and unblinking until the inevitable freak out which cost him to pass out. Great now she’s stuck at a conference room trying to revive her partner who doesn’t know she’s his partner. Once he finally came to, she just watched as it to make sure he wasn’t about to faint again.

“I’m not! I can’t be! I’m not superhero, that’s crazy Mari your” he was rambling. In the past month she has perfected the Batman Glare and well Adrien was getting it, because she was not believing the bullshit that was coming out of his mouth.

“Are you paws-itively certain about that Chat.” He went silent, but doesn’t know if it was because of the pun or because she called him Chat.

“How?” Adrien whispered to her.

“Well I figured it out since it seemed like you knew Ladybug more than just a hero.” She stated hoping that her identity was not compromised. “anyways Ladybug’s your partner but what were you going to say afterwards”

“she’s my partner and my best friend. She’s the person who may know me the best out of everyone, except I think that goes to you now” he began to chuckle, but it evolved into full-blown laughter and Mari couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

“You know it makes a lot of sense of your Chat. Chat is always carefree and bubbly, but he always makes sure to keep it professional. Sure, flirting in the middle of the battle isn’t the best. But knowing Adrien and Chat Noir are the same person makes the whole so much more. What’s the word complete” she muses tapping her chin.

“Ladybug is the hero Paris deserves. But I don’t think I love her. I thought I did. I thought about this a lot, I love that when I was with her, I was free. I don’t know the girl underneath the mask. But I do you know the girl beneath the mask is strong and courageous. She is undoubtably amazing. But maybe you are figuring out my identity snapped things into focus, because I love the way I feel around her. But I also love the way I feel about my friends. Thank you, Mari.”

“For what I haven’t said anything this was all you.”

“Exactly, I needed someone to hear me, and not force me into a conclusion they thought was best. And at this point you are my first true friend. Can we. Can we be friends again Marinette?”

Mari looked at him for a second and then broke into a smile. “Of course, Adrien we’re friends”

“Good now let’s bring down a liar”

---

Of course the week leading up to career week was unexpectedly full of lies, all coming out of the Italians mouth. Oh, Barry Allen yeah she met him on Central city oh Oliver Queen she once saw him at a charity event in Star City oh she’s practically Lois Lane and Clark Kent‘s daughter, Jonathan their son, is her best friend. The list goes on and on. Everyone on the left side excluding Adrien do believe every word that came out of her mouth. The three in the very back on the right side, being herself, Damian, and Chloe couldn’t contain their laughter. This usually resulted in a Alya yelling at them from laughing that of course Lila wouldn’t be lying and then defending Lila as she began to cry her crocodile tears.

The entire school was informed that the entirety of career week was mandatory and missing a single speaker would be equivalent to failing a midterm for and class, meaning there was no skipping at all.        

 Monday

Today there were three guest speakers, them being Bruce Wayne, Prince Ali, and John Stewart.

Prince Ali was the first to go up go up and just let’s just say that many people we surprised that he did not do go green charities but in fact did children’s charities called a few things in the question specifically from Rose and Mylene.

Luckily for Lila she didn’t lie much about John Stewart, who spoke of his time as a marine and about currently being an architect, but that was a short-lived victory on her part, when he showed up as the final school guest at the end of the day as Green Lantern. He gave her a speech about honesty and the importance of discipline and hard work in order to succeed.

Bruce spoke about honesty and a hard work when building a company as well as the importance of working with reputable companies and brands.

At the end of the day she had two ceases and desists, one from Prince Ali and one from the Wayne family.

On the bright side a new Wayne charity was in the works alongside Prince Ali for children’s medicine.

 Tuesday

Was Barry Allen who spoke about pursuing forensic sciences and the work he does alongside the police.  

Wonder Woman who was speaking as an ambassador of Themyscira, and way at being an ambassador entailed. 

And Mayor Bourgeois spoke on what it means to be a part of the political and legislative sectors of the government.

Again, Lila received two cease and desists from Barry Allen and Wonder Woman respectively.

 Wednesday

Went similar to the previous two. Oliver Queen spoke about ways to modify businesses and expanding them in order to change with consumers.

Wang Cheng, Marinette’s uncle, spoke and gave a demonstration of cooking techniques for the school.

Tomoe Tsurugi, Kagami’s mother, spoke about fencing and also about ableism against disability, mainly that even being blind she can hand many fencers their asses without breaking a sweat.

Lila only received one cease and desist.

 Thursday

Nora, Alya’s sister, spoke of being a professional boxer and the training she does for it.

Lois and Clark gave a joint presentation, and of course Alya wanted her idols to review her blog. And well that did not go so well for her, Lois tore her interviews with Lila apart stating she gives no further evidence and simply takes what the girl says at face value. However other interviews she did provide more links to her information which prove she is a capable journalist, but there is room to grow.

The Kent’s also presented Lila a cease and desist, luckily for Alya she hadn’t posted anything in the past two weeks since Marinette’s return about anything Lila had said, and she was glad for that right now.

 Friday

Jagged Stone and Clara started Friday with a mini concert, that included a special duet with the two artists. Jagged spoke about Rock’n Roll and the changes and subcategories of the genre.

Clara Nightingale spoke on the pop side of the music industry and how she got started at a young age, as well as her background in dance and choreography.

Gabriel Agreste was the final speaker, we’ll he was on video call actually, and spoke on the fashion industry, the standards that come with the consumer market, and the way public opinion shapes brands and companies.

Gabriel was about to log off when Jagged walked in front of the camera.

“Too true Agreste, public opinion does shape the way many of those who have spoken this past week” many don’t know this about Jagged but mess with his family and he will not hold back. “That is why you should know, your model, Lila Rossi has had a total six cease and desists field against her this past week. As un-Rock’n roll as it is Clara and I will be adding two more to that list. I will also be suing for defamation of character as well. Clara?”

“Lies and cheats, make for poor feats. I will also be suing as well for defamation of character. This has made me so mad I can’t even come up with a rhyme.” She called out to the crowd.

“So Agreste, how will your totally not Rock’n Roll model affect your business?” Jagged asked. Everyone was watching the screen for Gabriel’s reaction.

“It would seem it is best we terminated contact Miss Rossi. Also, Adrien.” The poor boy practically jumped in his seat.

“Yes”

“There will be no contact between you and Miss Rossi until we are able to discuss this further. Goodbye”

The entire school was in a shocked silence. This final day as set up so the whole school would see it altogether.

Lila began to cry until she became furious. She jumped from her seat and yelled. “You did this! You set me up! You ruined my entire empire Marinette!” She was glaring daggers at me.

“If it’s any consolation to you Lila you made me miserable for eight months. You took my friends, those I’ve known since I was practically in diapers. You made my life hell and if that’s consolation to you fine. I will also be suing you for slander and defamation of character. But just know this I have people who genuinely care for me and I’m sorry if you felt threatened by me to blame all this on me, but I don’t care about your opinion or the opinion of those who turned on me without batting an eye not anymore.” It’s so liberating to say that to them. Oh, a weight has been lifted off my chest and so I walked out of the school side-by-side with Damian, Adrien, and Chloe with my head held high. And for the first time and I can’t remember when I could breathe. They weren’t going to hold me down any longer.

~~~~~~~~~~

Just for to clear this up Marinette is the youngest out of all the children. She and Damian are the same age but he is older by a few months.

Next

~~~~~~~~~~

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#bio!dad bruce wayne #b ! dbwm2020 #bio! dadbrucewaynemonth2020 #miraculus ladybug #dc x miraculous #dc x mlb #maribat #mlb x dc #miraculous x dc #ml marinette #marinette dupain cheng #lila salt #ml lila #class salt

[wreckofawriter]

Sweater

Pairing: Lily Evans x Reader

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: Deals with heavy topics such as coming out and homophobia. also swearing (the f-slur is used once). a shit ton of angst

Summary: You are in love with Lily and finally get the courage to do something about it

A/n: this is purely a rant for me. I wrote this on a whim out of anger and sadness. I recently had multiple friends cut me off when I came out to them and I need somewhere to put those emotions. sorry if it is garbage writing and everything is ooc

    When asking what made humans human you would receive thousands of answers. Some would probably go on about anatomy and evolution, others would consider philosophy and psychology. Although there would never be one correct answer there would always be one thought that would drift through conversations consistently. It would even be pushed next to the definition of humanity itself by some. That thing was love. 

    It was cliche but as a child, you had believed the same. Love has defined the human race in your mind for years. Love was what you were taught through books of princes and princesses and by your mother and father. Love was represented by beautiful flowers and sunny days. It was sung about by artists and written about by authors. It surrounded you, separated the good from the bad in clean lines. But time caused those lines to blur. 

    It didn’t take you long to realize that love wasn’t as forgiving as everyone said it to be. Love for some was a box, a small, neat box. A box that only some could fit. The edges were sharp and when you couldn’t fit you got cut. And each time you stepped from that little box the cuts would only get deeper. 

    Love was something you had grown to hate yourself for. Something you tore yourself apart because of. It had contorted into some type of sick monster in your mind. One which manipulated you with strings, keeping thoughts you knew you shouldn’t be having locked away only to be exposed in late hours when you could only shame yourself. 

    You watched as she laughed next to you, her hair shining in the flames which floated above your table. She turned to you, lips still spread in a wide beam and your breath caught.

    “You can still go to Hogsmeade with me today right?” Lily asked before taking a bite of the apple she was holding.

    You nodded gaze locked on the mesmerizing green of her eyes. 

    She let out a small sigh, “Thank Godric, Malreen ditched us and I thought the plans were ruined.”

    “Ya’know you could always come with us Lils.” 

    You held back a groan at the sound of James’s voice. Your glare focused on him but he didn’t notice, only concerned with Lily’s existence. 

    She scoffed, “Yeah right, that sounds like a nightmare.”

    James tsked his tongue, “So feisty.” his voice was sultry.

    Your hands tightened to fists and you tucked them under your thighs. James Potter had never done anything to you before. He was actually very nice to you, never once letting you become victim to one of their pranks or harassing you the way he did some. He was nothing but polite and kind to you. But he wasn’t that way because of his kind heart. Instead, it was because of the love he held for your best friend. Love which you shared, but couldn’t be shared for very much longer. 

    “Whatever,” Lily mumbled, returning her attention to you, “We should go to Dervish and Banges. I want to pick up a few books.” 

    “Sounds good.” You spoke back forcing a grin as you watched her eyes flirt back to James. 

   

    By the time you left that morning, it had begun to snow. The flakes were light and danced to the ground in delicate patterns. You and Lily walked side by side, feet leaving prints in the thin layer of white as your lazily intertwined hands swung between you. Your dark thoughts had been pushed away by her touch even though your skin was separated by mittens. The Three Broomsticks was full of laughter and warmth as you sat across from each other talking of stupid things that didn’t matter all that much. Part of your mind let you pretend it was a date, the thought making wings erupt in your stomach.

    When you exited the pub you shivered, the air had sharpened cutting through your thin coat. 

    Lily sighed as you clutched your arms closer to your body, “I told you to bring warmer clothes.” 

    “I know.” You huffed, “I should have listened.” 

    With a roll of her eyes, she began to remove the heavy sweater she was wearing passing it to you with a softening smile.

    “But you’ll be cold.” You mumbled guilt setting in quickly.

    “I’ll be fine.” She insisted, “Just take it.” 

    You started at her, searching for any hint of hesitation. When you found none you took the sweater from her hands and tugged it over your head. The warmth accompanied by the scent of cinnamon and vanilla made your heart pound with buried feelings. 

    “Thank you.” You murmured, tucking your nose under the collar and letting her perfume surround you.

    Lily giggled, “You look cute, better than I did in it anyway.” 

    You hoped she would blame the roses of your cheeks on the cold.

   

    You sat in front of the gates of the shrieking shack still wrapped in her sweater, a chocolate frog in hand, “Do you actually think there’s anything in there?” you asked through a full mouth. 

    Lily shrugged, “Probably not. Dumbledore wouldn’t let anything dangerous that close to the school.” 

    You snorted, “The school is like ten feet from something called the Forbidden Forest and the Whomping Willow.” 

    “I suppose you’re right.” She snickered.

    The two of you fell quiet, snowflakes doing lazy loops above you. The smell of fresh snow was pleasant in your nose. You felt an itch and turned to see Lily staring at you, her gaze causing a fresh blush to paint your cheeks. You tilted your head in question.

    “You are really cute, you know.” She spoke, her breath warm on your face.

    “Really?” you asked.

    She nodded.

    A sudden rush of confidence overwhelmed you. You felt your heart race, her sweater suddenly feeling light on your shoulders, “I think I’m in love with you.” the words slipped seamlessly from your lips, echoing in your mind as the damage you just caused hit. 

    Lily’s eyes widened, mouth dropping slightly.

    Your head spun, you tried to open your mouth to cover the words you had just spoken but you felt like you had been frozen in place. 

    Suddenly Lily was leaning forward, hand cupping your jaw until your lips met and it dropped. She tasted of sugar and butterbeer, her lips soft and cold against your own, your hands moved to her waist and suddenly she was pulling away. 

    Panic struck her green eyes and she was standing in seconds. 

    “I shouldn’t have done that.” She spoke rushing from the clearing.

    You scrambled to your feet. You called after her running in her footprints. Just as you were about to make it out of the woods you were knocked backward, hitting the light layer of snow with a groan. You looked up to see Marleen. Mary and Angelica at her sides. 

    “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” The former hissed with an emotion that could only be described as disgust. 

    “Marleen?” You asked, voice shaking as tears brimmed in your vision. 

    “Don’t go near Lily or any of us ever again you fucking faggot.” she sneered, turning away from you.

    The last word she spoke sent a blade through your heart. You felt like you were choking on it.

    “I can’t believe she slept in the same room as us,” You heard Mary whisper as they left. 

    You weren’t sure how long you sat there, tears freezing to your eyelashes and snow soaking through your pants. Suddenly her sweater couldn’t protect you from the harsh wind that blew through the woods. You began to shiver again.

    The news spread like wildfire and you were suddenly locked out of your dorm room and glared at in hallways. Only a few of your friends would still talk to you and many of them seemed uneasy to do so. You didn’t say a word to whispers around you, slurs and mocking names pushing the knife deeper into your heart with every word. 

    Lily didn’t even look your way after that day. She hid behind Marleen and others when you walked past, refusing to meet your eye in the common room or great hall. 

   

James and her started dating not but a week after she kissed you. Your heart throbbed as she wore his sweater around the common room, each step she took seeming to take her further from you. 

You felt sick to your stomach most of the time now. Days seemed to blur together a fog covering everything you did. Classes and assignments were a distant dream as you moved through life on autopilot. James’s arm around her shoulder making your want to nose dive into the ground. 

A month passed. People had moved on. Some Ravenclaw cheating on her boyfriend taking the schools spotlight off you. A few still muttered insults and your dorm room remained locked but the room of requirement had more comfortable beds anyway. 

You were making your way to that very place when Lily appeared before you. Her head was hung, red hair falling in front of her face like a curtain. Neither of you spoke, the flicker of torches casting shadows of broken hearts and confused feelings. 

Unshed tears made your eyes sting as you stared at her, “Why did you kiss me?” your voice was hollow.

She didn’t respond for a moment, her head finally turning to look up at you, “I wasn’t sure how to respond when you…” Her voice trailed off and fragile silence once again filled the corridor.

“That's not fair.” You choked. “It’s not fair.” 

“I’m sorry.” She spoke, “I am so sorry.” 

You wanted to break her the way she broke you, take something she had hidden away, and expose it to the world as she had to you. You yearned for her to feel pain the way you had felt it. But all you could do was sob as she stood in front of you until she walked away. 

Taglist:

@accio-rogers @roslea @k3nz-doodl3 @theseuscmander @sleepingalaska @chloe-geoghegan1 @obsessedwithrandomthings @coldlilheart

Masterlist

#and thats on unhealthy coping mechanisms #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter fandom #harry potter #harry potter imagine #harry potter x reader #harry potter imagines #harry potter x y/n #harry potter x you #harry potter x oc #young marauders #harry potter marauders #marauders era #marauders au #hp marauders #marauders fanfiction #marauders x y/n #marauders x you #marauders x reader #marauders x oc #marauders imagine #marauders imagines #lily evans ship #lily evans x reader #lily evans imagine #lily evans #lily evans imagines #james x lily

[skullsandwineglasses]

Awu - A coping character

Like a lot of people, my immediate reaction after watching episodes 59-63 was dissatisfaction and frustration. It seemed like Awu was a passive character. I still think she is passive, but that’s not necessarily a flaw or something that we should fault her about. This is going to be a helluva long post, but let me try to explain. 

Awu is what you would call a “coping” character. She copes with obstacles thrown at her. She reacts to the machinations that blow up around her. She doesn’t really strive for things, except for probably general happiness. In the trailers, you hear her say in the voiceover, “I just want to be with the one I love”. Awu is a romantic. We saw this when she was young and crushing on Zi Tan and how she begged the emperor to grant her the wish of marrying for love. When she is a married woman, we see her wanting to start a family with Xiao Qi. We see her actively seek out ways to boost her health so that she can bear a child. Her ultimate goal is to find true love and have a family. 

In a way, she reminds me of the Mandalorian. There’s a meme that says that even though the Mandalorian is the main character that the audience follows, in the grand scheme of things, the Mandalorian is actually just a side character among a group of main characters. The Mandalorian doesn’t strive for much. He just wants to be a Space Dad (TM) to Baby Yoda and to find a jedi to train his adopted child, and he has absolutely no interest in the politics in the galaxy. But, he’s always unwillingly thrust into politically-charged situations by these “main” characters around him who have their own political missions. 

As a princess, Awu is the center of attention. Everyone dotes on her. But she isn’t a key player in the palace politics at all. She has no desire to be apart of it, even though everyone tries to pull her into it: Daddy Wang trying to force her into an military-advantageous marriage, her Empress aunt trying to get her to marry her son the crown prince, and then her Emperor uncle using her to help protect his will. Everyone has their own political agenda that each would have long-lasting consequences to the empire, but all Awu wants is to live happily ever after with the person she loves. This goal of hers never changes throughout the drama, which I admire. Even up to episode 63, she’s asking Xiao Qi to let go of vengeance and leave the capital with her to go live up north like they’ve always dreamed and planned together. While I don’t really agree with her asking XQ to give up vengeance, I completely understand why she asks him. 

Among a cast of characters who are constantly planning and scheming, even Xiao Qi now with his drive for justice and vengeance, it almost feels like Awu doesn’t belong, and I think this difference between her and the people around her is why it can seem frustrating to some viewers. We project our emotions onto her and expect her to react as we would. We expect her to act like how we think we would act in that situation. But Awu has always been different from the people around her. I don’t think she’s ever really been in-sync with any character expect maybe for her mom, her maids (Jin’er doesn’t count), and Xiao Qi. So now that her and XQ are slightly out of sync in terms of their attitudes, we’re feeling a little on edge. 

I think many would agree that Awu is a smart character, but she doesn’t scheme. And again, that’s because she’s a simple young woman, so we can’t expect her to scheme since she’s never had to. She’s never had to scheme to survive. Even when her whole family schemes, they always think about sparring her because of how much they loved her in the past. People complain about her being the last one to find out about things, but that’s because she doesn’t really involve herself in matters outside the house. She always thinks the best of people and so she never suspects them. She’s saintly to a fault. In a way, Awu is a very idealistic character, but also a resilient one since she’s able to remain true to her original nature even after witnessing the worst of her family. I admit, this was a little hard to buy at first, which was why I was frustrated with her, and her character isn’t everyone’s cup of tea because it’s a really Mary Sue kind of character, but after having cooled down these past few days, I’ve learned to respect her. With all the cunning and ruthless female leads recently, it’s nice to see a female lead who stays true to herself even after facing adversity, instead of becoming hardened and jaded and cynical. I feel like we hate on these kinds of FLs too much, kind of like how everyone hated Bella from Twilight back in 2010. I secretly really liked Bella and related to her when I was a teen, but I boarded on the hate-bandwagon because everyone else hated her. 

BUT, I think what’s causing all the backlash is what people expected Awu to become based on how she was set up from the beginning. It almost feels like the writers couldn’t decide if they want her to be brash and rebellious, or loyal and true to the times. So we end up with a confusing combination of both, and different viewers end up having different expectations of what they want her character to be, hence all the disagreements about how to interpret her actions and decisions.

At the beginning, we’re introduced to a sheltered, loved, and carefree young woman of noble blood. Awu is then forced to marry a man she hardly knows, her lover won’t elope with her, and her husband leaves her on her wedding night. This is her first major turning point, and we see an immediate change in her. She matures overnight. She seems to have lost her carefree innocence. She isn’t as bubbly as before. 

Because we see this major change in her character so early on in the drama, this is what we expect to continue moving forward for her character, and that she’s going to keep being molded in this way by life-changing events.

She’s then captured by Helan Zhen and has to try to survive, and she does this very well when you consider her sheltered and noble upbringing. In fact, a lot of the things that Awu does in the drama are out of line with her upbringing. She supports the Emperor’s decision to grant XQ, a peasant-born general, the ranking of a prince. She is able to adapt to the rough lifestyle in Ning Shuo. She’s able to whistle like a bandit, much to Xiao Qi’s surprise. And when you think about it, you begin to wonder, where did Awu learn to whistle and ride a horse like that? Who snuck her out of the prime minister’s manor in order to teach her these things? I doubt it was her brother or the princes, considering how useless and misogynistic they are. Her grandmother taught her politics and the arts, which helped her become worldly and cultured, but she didn’t teach Awu what a peasant’s lifestyle is like. So it’s actually a huge surprise that the spoiled daughter of a princess is able to fall in love with a low-born general and feel safe and at ease with him so quickly and easily. We’re briefly told that Awu likes selfless heroes, and so that’s our explanation for why she was able to fall for Xiao Qi. But to me, I think her falling in love with Xiao Qi is another example of how Awu is able to cope with the circumstances. 

When Xiao Qi rescues her and takes her back to Ning Shuo, she’s resistant towards him. She seems defeated. Lifeless. We think her time in captivity with Helan has induced another permanent change in her. When Xiao Qi opens the window to let some fresh air in, she calls hims “cu lu” ( 粗鲁), which means rough. It’s something you say when you insult someone for being inelegant, thoughtless, and rude. She scorns the women’s taste of clothing in Ning Shuo, and is surprised when she learns that XQ, along with the rest of the army, only showers once a month because of the lack of hot water. 

BUT, what begins to change Awu’s mind so quickly is seeing how righteous and devoted Xiao Qi is. She sees him as a good marriage partner. Her situation could have been a lot worse. After all, after seeing how unhappy her mother, the Empress, and Wanru were in their marriages, Awu expected a similar situation with her own arranged marriage. But instead, she quickly realizes what a lucky hand she’s been dealt, so she accepts XQ and lets herself fall for him. She doesn’t really have a choice anyway, so she embraces it. I especially love the scene during the siege when she tells Zi Tan that she fell in love with Xiao Qi because of his heroism and his selflessness towards the empire, while she now looks down on Zi Tan. If only Xiao Qi were there to hear her confess her love to him so vehemently. 

In Ning Shuo, we see Awu begin to soften towards Xiao Qi. She becomes her old carefree self again around him. THIS is something that deviates from most coming-of-age stories that feature a female lead who is irreversibly changed by a traumatic life event. Awu returning to her normal, positive self instead of being jaded foreshadows how her character will behave for the rest of the drama. Yes, Awu doesn’t “grow” like other female characters, but she stays consistent and optimistic, which is a virtue in itself because it reflects her resilience. 

When Awu is separated from Xiao Qi and has to protect a city against a siege by her uncle, we see her rise up to the challenge on her own. We see her command an army. We see her stand up to Zi Tan. She shows potential of becoming a “rebel princess”, which again raises our expectations that she’ll become more involved in politics. But at the same time, she’s still a young woman who likes to cuddle with her husband and be doted on by him when he returns. This is the Awu that we’ve known from the beginning. She’s used to be doted on by people who love her. What we have to remember from this siege arc is that while Awu showed great leadership skills, this is not who she wants to be. She CAN be this person, but she doesn’t want to be. The drama subtly reminds us of this when Xiao Qi comes back and she melts into his arms. 

This aspect of her character is echoed again in episode 36 when she and Xiao Qi are cuddling in their signature corner of the manor. She says that she doesn’t seem to have to worry about anything when he’s around. XQ teases her about what she would do while he’s gone at war. She tells him that she can face anything on her own when he’s not there, but when he is here, all she wants to do is rely on him. 

We tend to forget that Awu likes to be doted on (e.g., remember all those moments throughout the beginning of the drama where she likes to lie in people’s laps. See this post.) This was how she grew up. Loved and spoiled. But Awu CAN be strong. She’s perfectly capable of being strong. That’s why the Emperor trusted her with his will. That’s why Wanru and Zilong trusted her with their child aka the future of the empire. But, she doesn’t want to be this person who has suddenly become the pillar of the empire. She wants to live a simple life. That’s why she sounds so somber when she talks to Nanny Xu about the meaning behind “Mu Yi Tian Xia”, and her duty as the wife of a general and the descendant of royals to unite the commoners with the blue bloods. It’s a tall order, but she’s willing to take on that responsibility for the good of the empire. Again, this shows that Awu is a reactionary character who copes with turmoil that comes at her, but that’s because she’s taking on goals that she didn’t want or ask for in the first place. She has an entirely different set of goals. She dreams of living out another story. But instead, she’s born into this one. 

After the siege, Awu’s next major turning points involve her family, and I think this is where it becomes divisive. She finds out about her Emperor Uncle having tried to have her and XQ killed, her cousin trying to steal the throne, her Empress Aunt trying to burn the Emperor’s will, her father trying to stage a coup, her mother killing herself as a result, and her having a miscarriage. In the end, she forgives everyone even after having seen the worst of them. Even after realizing that they’d sacrifice her for power. This is all understandable, even if saintly of her. These are the people who raised her, so I get why she would forgive them. Awu values family (to a fault). It’s not in her nature to abandon family, especially given how close she is to them. They helped shaped who she grew up to be. She lived a happy childhood with them. She’s never known abuse. Heck, even when they betray her, like the Emperor, they apologize to her soon after. Everyone seems to want to appease her. Even the Empress after all she’s done. Can you blame Awu for not having it in her to hate people? As rotten as her family is, they always try to spare her, and they only target her as a reluctant, last resort (even though they all want her husband killed though. It’s weird how they justify loving her, but still think it’s okay to kill her husband). 

Awu does make some questionable decisions and judgments though, and I feel like she thinks of Xiao Qi too idealistically and takes him for granted, which can sometimes be unfair to him. 

Case 1 is when she goes out of her way to help Qian’er and meets with Helan Zhen in secret and then dances with him. Like what many people have said, they feel angry that she danced with HZ before her own husband. And when Xiao Qi expresses anger and concern over her meeting with HZ, she insults him by saying he lacks a sense of familial duty since she doesn’t have a proper family or clan. This was a low-blow, but I excused it since it was in the heat of the moment. 

Case 2 is the aphrodisiac incident. I think this is when Awu realizes that she hasn’t been considerate enough of Xiao Qi. When she learns that Xiao Qi was the victim in the situation, she immediately defended him and cast out Qian’er. However, up until this point, Awu has always taken Qian’er’s side against him. There’s no doubt that Awu loves and appreciates Xiao Qi, but it sometimes feels like she forgets how much he does for her and how tolerant he is of her family. Xiao Qi, an undefeated general and god of war, is nearly assaulted at the hands of his wife’s cousin because his wife has a big heart and let the predator into the house. Awu has always seen Xiao Qi has invincible, but this was the moment when she realizes that he can be broken, and she can be the cause of it. 

Case 3 is what everyone’s been talking about recently, which is how she is reacting to Xiao Qi’s rage towards his betrayed fallen soldiers. While I understand that Awu is stuck in the middle, it also feels like she’s prioritizing her family over his feelings. She knows that Xiao Qi is angry, and yet she asks him to leave with her. She has the expectation that he will listen to her. She’s (quietly) making him choose between her and his army, which is unfair, even if she’s doing it for his own good. Do I agree with what she’s doing? Not really. But do I sympathize with her motivations? Yes. It’s taken me a couple of days, but I think I now understand. 

Xiao Qi definitely has flaws too (e.g., the contraceptive fiasco). They both keep secrets from each other and try to make decisions for each other. Two sides of the same coin. Ugh, these two frustrate me so much, but I still love them so much. 

Overall, people are expecting Awu to be one type of character, but they ignore how the drama’s been characterizing her. We can agree or disagree with her character’s development, but when you break it down, Awu’s character makes sense and is actually quite consistent, which is surprising for a 68-episode drama. Usually characters take a 180-degree turn after being drawn out for so long, but Awu has stayed true, for better or for worse. Do I still get frustrated at her sometimes? Of course. But, I can sympathize with her. 

Rant over. 

#monarch industry #the rebel princess #上阳赋 #awu #cdrama #this has taken me 2 hours to write #i don't have a life but I have a bunch of assignments waiting for me #rip #cdrama rant #my life hasn't been my own since jan #character analysis #deep dive

[quagmiremarch]

The Lies We Tell to Find Our Truth

New fic for Yuri on Ice Regency Week ( @yoiregencyweek). Cross-posted to AO3. Yuuri Katsuki considered himself a respectable man. Simple, perhaps, from a common family and of no great note in either affect or appearance, but polite and mindful of courtesy. Certainly not the sort of fellow to find himself improper or inclined to rule-breaking. And yet, here he found himself, shoulder-length hair curled and artfully draped as he allowed Mr. Phichit Chulanont, his most trusted acquaintance, to fit him into, of all things, a ball gown, for the purposes of committing a most imprudent and scandalous fraud. All for the sake of saving his family’s good name from his sister’s most willful disregard. It had been her that found the Lord Bin’s carriage disabled along the sea road, and she that chose to bring the unconscious lord and his retainer to the onsen to be tended.  And while Yuuri certainly applauded her kindness, and would most likely have done the same, it was not his ‘uncanny loveliness and kind heart’ that had prompted the elderly lord to issue to the Katsuki family an invitation for Mari and an escort to attend the spring ball where she might ‘find a suitor to raise her to the station that was her due.’ So, why then had it fallen upon Yuuri to prevent shame from befalling his family? Because his sister, while kind, lacked in courtesy and graciousness in the face of societal obligations. Which was the polite way to say that she had taken a single glance at the invitation when it arrived and declared, quite loudly, “I will assuredly not waste a fine evening playing made-up strumpet for a room full of arrogant boot-lickers when there is real work to be done.” And then she had tossed the invitation into the embers of the hearth. Yuuri caught a terrible burn in rescuing it, and a mighty headache trying to explain why Mari had no choice but to accept the invitation. The lord had bequeathed the onsen with accolades, and the Katsukis with an honorary title of no real import or value, but which bore a certain weight of obligation. Mari had responded that should Yuuri care so much for appearances and false niceties then he was most welcome to attend the ball in her place. Though perhaps her wording had been a tad more colorful. Regardless, this is how it came to be that Yuuri found himself bedecked and be-gowned in a likely disastrous attempt to pass himself off as his sister for one night. He’d procured the proper clothing, and Mr. Chulanont had a suspiciously skilled had at the application of hairpins and beauty powders to soften his features to something passingly feminine. Though he suspected ‘uncannily lovely’ beyond his reach.

He had even taken time to learn the roles in the dances he might be expected to know despite the mirth of his mentor in this endeavor. Now, he simply had to get to the proper location, avoid causing any offense, and if lucky speaking at all, and return home without anyone learning of this perfidy.

“Why, Miss Katsuki,” Phichit drawled with a sly grin, “you certainly are a vision.” Then the man frowned and stuck a hand down the front of Yuuri’s grown, adjusting the fabric in place to mimic feminine assets he most assuredly lacked. “There, much better. Shall we?”

With a sigh, Yuuri took Phichit’s arm and let himself be led into the carriage. Already it looked to be a dreadfully long evening ahead.

##

To Yuuri’s great relief, the elder Lord Bin was not in attendance at the ball, a minor ailment keeping him away. Not perhaps that it would much have mattered in the crowded ballroom. Everywhere people moved about like eddies and whorls of bright color, men in dapper suits and tails fluttering from one group of young ladies to another much as bees would traverse a field. Yuuri, in the much simpler attire affordable to him, looked much like a robin among a sky full of blue jays.

He found he did not mind. Being overlooked made his plan of going unnoticed much simpler. Lamentably, he had not accounted for his chaperone disappearing onto the dance floor to leave Yuuri to on his own. Still, he tucked himself away in a corner, a single glass of iced punch at hand, and counted the minutes until he might politely excuse himself.

He’d barely reached seven before the first gentleman approached. Tall and broad of shoulder, the younger Lord Bin looked much as his father must have in his prime, all square lines with the darkest of hair and eyes. Not perhaps to Yuuri’s taste—though he kept his inclinations towards those of his own gender close to his chest – but appealing in a general manner.

“Miss Katsuki,” Lord Bin addressed with what might have been either a deep tilt of his head or the shallowest of bows, “it is a pleasure to find you in attendance. I had thought my father’s claims to your beauty exaggerated, but I see now he had, in fact, rather understated your virtues.”

“Oh.” Yuuri swallowed as he felt the heat creep up his ears. While he’d practiced the dancing and the ways of walking in such binding garments, he’d lacked access to information on the ways of upper class polite small talk, had hoped rather fervently to avoid the need to make any. Now, he found himself at a loss as to the proper response to what seemed a rather forward comment. “Ah. You flatter me to greatly, Lord Bin.” He kept his eyes down and hoped any lack of manners would be forgiven as ignorance due to his lower station and not a complete misunderstanding of the expectations of a woman in such a situation.

“I do no such thing.” He offered his arm. “Might I have this dance?”

Yuuri simply nodded, allowing himself to be escorted onto the floor. He found Lord Bin to be a passable dancer, and the jaunty pace of the Scotch reel left no time or room for words between them. He might, perhaps have feared the conversation to come, had another gentleman not swept him up immediately into the next set.

And so, for some time Yuuri found himself surprisingly more entertained then he had hoped, caught up in the mood and the music, always, it seemed, a new face looking to usher him across the floor, and precious little discussion expected of him beyond the niceties of introductions and polite platitudes.

The break for dinner proved more of a challenge. Yuuri understood that ranking and status determined the proper table at which he should place himself, but had a fair lack of context as to the ranking of most the other guests to use his limited information. Phichit, his absence as chaperone the topic of several comments Yuuri received, remained missing from the gathering and so could not be consulted.

“Do you need assistance, Miss Katsuki?”

Yuuri turned at the words and found himself gazing upon the loveliest man perhaps ever created. Taller than Yuuri, though not by a tremendous amount, his eyes shone blue as the summer seas, and he had hair of so pale a blonde as to shine silver in the lights of the ballroom. A friendly smile danced across the man’s fair features, adding an air of approachability to his noble bearing.

“Miss Katsuki?”

Yuuri started, pulled from his shock and suddenly mortified by his terrible rudeness. “Ah! My apologies. I fear I found myself...lost in thought for a moment.” An atrocious excuse for his blatant staring, but the best Yuuri could manage.

“No need to apologize at all. Might I escort you to a seat?” The man offered an arm.

Yuuri offered a shy smile, skin flushing as he felt the man’s warmth even through the thin silk gloves he’d worn to the ball. “Thank you...” he trailed off, at a loss for how to proceed. He knew not the man’s name, nor rank. He feared addressing him improperly as ‘Mister’ when a ‘Lord’ might be required would cause great offense. He worried even more that this might be some man of great import, a Baron or Earl (or Prince for he certainly looked the part) and that Yuuri’s ignorance of his identity might be just as great an insult.

“Victor, please. Might I be so bold as to have your first name?”

Bold indeed, but caught in that azure gaze Yuuri forgot himself entirely. “Yu-” he coughed, and recovered himself quickly, horrified he had so simply nearly thrown away the whole game. “You may call me Mari.” The words came out low, embarrassed. Even Yuuri knew such familiarity on so brief an acquaintance counted as unseemly and forward to the extreme. And yet, something in Victor’s soft smile and the hand resting firmly upon Yuuri’s own invited such misbehavior.

“Mari,” Victor beamed, smile heart-shaped and bright, “a suitably lovely name for such a beauty as you.”

Yuuri wondered if the aristocratic men were always so flirtatious and forward or if they felt emboldened by Yuuri—Mari’s – lower station. A thing perhaps to ponder, though not a terribly important one. After this one eve he was unlikely to ever see again any of these gentlemen.

Gazing up at the strong line of Victor’s jaw, Yuuri regretted that fact for the first time since he’d conceived of this ridiculous plan. Not that there were any point to longing for further acquaintance. Yuuri had arrived in the guise of a woman; any further meetings would lead only to anger and accusations should his deception be discovered. There simply existed no future for knowing this beautiful Victor. Best not to linger on such thoughts. Once dinner completed, Yuuri might reasonably return home and to his simple, but happy life.

Except that as dinner was served, Victor started speaking. He talked with love and mirth of his darling poodle, of the smell of winter on the sea as his favorite scent, of his love of dance.

Poor Yuuri felt defenseless in the face of these revelations and so shared his own: stories of his own dog, anecdotes about the onsen patrons, a long and passionate tribute to ballet as an art and his own less inspiring studies thereof. To the latter he left out the ridicule his devotion to the art inspired in his local peers. Such a study would seem perfectly appropriate for someone like Mari. Another thing Yuuri envied his sister.

Dinner bled into dancing in Victor’s arms, a waltz followed by a shared moment on the balcony as they each drank in silence side-by-side. In the quiet isolation of that space, bathed in moonlight, Victor looked to the sky as he finally spoke quietly, “You are wonderful company, Mari. Might I call upon you sometime?”

And Yuuri froze, eyes wide. “I--” A drunken laugh interrupted as the balcony doors opened and a much inebriated Phichit stumbled upon them. “Yuuri! Here you are! I--” He stopped, gulped as he took in the other person present.

“Duke Nikiforov. You’re...here. With….Mari. Huh.” Phichit blinked owlishly and then grabbed Yuuri’s wrist. “Well, it is certainly late. We should go. Somewhere. Not here. Very well. Good-bye!”

With that the smaller boy tugged Yuuri back into the crowded ballroom and out the door to their waiting carriage.  One part of Yuuri realized this the best course of action. The rest longed to run back to Victor, to tell him the truth and hope against hope the connection they’d formed remained. A pointless dream, he knew.

But, as he looked back once, catching sight of Victor’s bright hair and strong form chasing after, his heart beat ever faster, and he hoped nonetheless, even after the curtains of the windows blocked his view and the racing horses carried him away from the fantasy and home to the onsen where only lonely reality waited.

#YOIRegencyWeek

[adenei]

Could you write about Ron and Hermione going to a Halloween party and wearing a matching couples costume please 🥺

Hi Hufflepuff Pixie! Or do you prefer Pixie Puff (as I feel like I’ve seen on my feed from other mutuals?) Ah, no matter! Thanks for the ask! Once I got past the writer’s block of the actual costumes, this was a fun one to write! Hope you enjoy!

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Halloween at the Hog’s Head

“Hermione, are you sure this was a good costume choice?” Ron asked as he was looking in the mirror. He was dressed in a grey button up under his black dress suit. He was reluctantly tying a red scarf around his neck, and then placing a Gatsby hat on his head.

“Of course it’s a good costume choice!” Hermione came out of the bathroom dressed in a pleated maxi skirt, ruffled white blouse and red bow tie under a peplum blazer, and fedora with Gerber daisies hot glued to it. She went to the bed where she sat down to put on the Victorian boots she’d acquired for her costume. 

“I just don’t see how this makes sense. We’re going to have to explain who we are to everyone at the Hog’s Head. Most witches and wizards have no idea about muggle movies,” Ron shook his head.

“Ron, you’re the one who wanted to dress up. You know I don’t really enjoy the whole costume scene. I’d much rather dress up as a movie character than some of those completely rubbish punny costumes. I think being Mary Poppins and Bert is a clever idea. You love muggle movies, and this was one of my favorites growing up. The book and the movie,” Hermione tried to reassure him.

“Yeah. Fits us, too. You’re the uptight rule follower that quietly loves the whimsy of the adventure while I’m the more laid-back, all for it type” Ron said with a lopsided grin.

“Just for that, now you’re definitely getting the charcoal makeup on your face,” Hermione shot back playfully. She got up and grabbed the eye shadow, and brushed some on various parts of his face. Hermione was almost done, and then doubled back to put a little smudge on his nose.

“Hey! Bert doesn’t have soot on his nose.” Ron went to wipe it off with his arm, but Hermione grabbed his arm to stop him.

“No! Leave it, please?” she asked him.

“Why?” Ron furrowed his eyebrows as he asked.

“Because it reminds me of the first day on the train. When I told you that you had dirt on your nose.” Her cheeks felt hot as they flushed with color. 

They’d been together for a little over two years, but Hermione still became embarrassed sometimes when she made the realizations that she had been looking that closely at him as early as that first day on the train. Ron’s face softened as he leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.

“It’s really quite adorable when you admit that you were staring when we were younger,” he smiled. “Should we get going then? Harry and Ginny are probably there already.”

Hermione checked her watch. “Oh, yes! We are running late. Grab your chimney sweep!” she said as she grabbed the carpet bag she’d rummaged out of her parent’s attic earlier that week, and they made their way to the fireplace. 

They flooed to the party at the Hog’s Head minutes later, which was already in full swing. Aberforth was tending bar and had managed to acquire a band to play for the evening. All of their friends were there, and Ron and Hermione made their way through to the bar for a drink before finding Harry and Ginny at a table. 

“It’s about time you lot showed up,” Ginny said as they sat down. It looked as though she and Harry were dressed as Ariel and Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid.

“Nice costumes!” Hermione complimented. “And here Ron thought we’d be the only ones dressed up as muggle movie characters.” She gave Ron a look.

“What can I say, Hermione? Looks like we’ve converted them both into movie lovers,” Harry said as they laughed.

“Ariel’s just so relatable! She’s fun, knows absolutely nothing about muggle objects on land, and is fiercely independent, like me,” Ginny laughed.

“Well, that’s good for you,” Harry grumbled.

“Oh come on, Harry, like you haven’t always wanted to be a Prince?” Ron sniggered.

They continued to fall into an easy banter as Neville and Luna joined them, and other former classmates stopped by to say hello. At one point they got up to go participate in a Butterbeer Pong tournament. Ironically, Ron and Ginny ditched Harry and Hermione to be partners because they were an unstoppable team when they got going. 

Hermione was fine with it as she and Harry mingled and sipped on their drinks, enjoying being on the sidelines of the game after they’d been eliminated fairly quickly. They made their way back over to the finals as Ron and Ginny took on Seamus and Dean. They were neck and neck until Dean missed a shot and Ginny sunk hers. The whole bar roared in applause and Aberforth shot them a dirty look. 

The band started playing soon after and Ron and Hermione made their way to the dance floor. “This is fun,” Hermione said as they moved to the music, their bodies pressed against each other.

��You think so? I didn’t think you were going to enjoy this much. I know you don’t like crowds,” Ron commented.

“Yes, well, it’s not so bad when I get to stare at a fine looking chimney sweep all night,” she said seductively.

“That right? Have I done a decent job of ‘sweeping’ you off your feet?” Ron waggled his eyebrows at the pun. She playfully hit his arm as he pulled her in for a long kiss. 

They reluctantly broke apart, and at that moment in time, Hermione decided that she didn’t want to be on the dance floor anymore. She discreetly looked around, and noticed some of the booths in the back of the bar that looked unoccupied. Hermione knew it was too early to leave yet, but they could disappear for a while, and hopefully no one would notice.

“You know, you’ve got a little something on your nose there,” Hermione raised her eyebrows at him as she gave him a look. “Maybe you could go take care of it in the loo, then meet me back there at one of the empty booths?”

He eyed her as if to catch her meaning before saying, “I think that’s a brilliant idea! Be right there,” as he kissed her cheek.

Hermione went to the bar to get them two more drinks, and made her way to the back of the room. It was a bit quieter away from the band, and she saw the top of Ron’s hat around the booth in the back left corner. She walked over and set the drinks down on the table before sliding into the seat next to him.

They wasted no time locking lips as Ron managed to pull her on top of him and unbuttoned her blazer, sliding it off her shoulders. “Ron,” against his mouth,” We can’t do that. Not here.” She’d observed that he’d lost his own suit coat and the scarf.

“I wasn’t meaning that we had to. It’s bloody warm in here and you can barely move your arms in that. We wouldn’t want to rip it,” Ron responded. 

“Good point,” Hermione said, and then their lips met again as they continued to snog heavily in the back of the bar.

After a while they heard someone clear their throat and they broke apart to see Harry looking disgusted at them. “Last I checked you do have a place to go home to if you wanted to do that.”

“It’s too early to go home yet,” Hermione said as she grabbed her blazer and slid off of Ron’s lap and out of the booth. Ron reached for the rest of his own costume and put it back on.

“Yeah, we were just taking a break, mate. You and Ginny were off with Nev and Hannah, so we just snuck away for a bit. We didn’t ditch you or anything,” Ron assured him.

“Yeah, well they’re about to start the costume contest, so I figured you two might want to rejoin for that,” Harry told them. 

“Er, yes, thank you, Harry,” Hermione said. She and Ron shared guilty smiles as they grabbed their drinks, and followed Harry back to the main room.

They may not have won the costume contest, but Hermione still deemed their choices a success. A group of students who were a couple of years younger than them took the prize for dressing as some of the professors at Hogwarts. They’re costumes were quite impressive. Neville had even thought that the person dressed as Professor McGonagall was the actual Professor McGonagall.

“I still think ours were better,” Ron said to Hermione as they made their way back to the table with Harry and Ginny to enjoy one more drink before calling it a night.

“I guess that means we’ll just have to be more clever next year,” Hermione said with a smile.

“Does that mean you’ll be willing to dress up again?” Ron asked hopefully. Hermione responded only with a smile as they continued on with the rest of their night.

#romione #side hinny #hp post war