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jamneuromain · 9 months

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Wishful Thinking Chpt. 7

Andy Barber x You (Reader), no use of Y/N

Alternate Universe - College AU

Summary: A new semester. A new task. A new boyfriend, your previous professor, Andy Barber. Everything seems to be going on the right track. So why didn't it?

Warning: Angst, possessive behavior, inappropriate teacher-student relationship, power imbalance, age difference, mention of sex/BDSM, cheating, explicit language, lawyer and divorce, TW: mention of assault and violence

A/N: This fic has some disturbing themes, and discusses potentially upsetting topics. Please read through the warning before engaging with the fic. As I have said, the fic has mentioned a number of (potentially) triggering and heavy topics, you don't have to engage further if you feel uncomfortable about one or more topics.

Wishful Thinking M. List Dancing in the Daydream M. List

Andy POV.

Andy was having a good day. Great day, even.

He got to wake up with you in his arms. He got to talk to you, openly, face to face, about your relationship and your possibilities. He got to kiss you, hug you, touch you.

What more could he ask for?

A lot more, actually, like convincing you to be tied up. Or move in. Or try roleplay.

But he was content for now.

After such a scare of almost losing you, due to the very unfortunate incident of rough sex, he dared not risk all the happiness he had now and try you with kinks and more scarier topics.

Andy went to work, happy and giddy.

Along with his sunny inside, he tolerated the little mistakes students make in class – which is unusual for him, he would normally scold them and give them more extracurricular readings.

No. Today was a happy day. A cheerful day. And with some luck, he’d even have you home for dinner tonight.

Which could possibly mean another night spent at his place. More cuddles. Some light kisses. And tying you up. Mentally, not physically.

He would do anything in his reach to have you stay with him. To have you more dependent on him. To keep you to himself.

He had lost Laurie to another man. He was not going to let you be the same.

He failed to keep his marriage. He was not going to fail this time.

His upright mood lasted for a few hours, until right before the start of the reception, some clumsy freshman spilled coffee on him, ruining his suit. He would have attended the reception with his ruined suit with coffee stains, but it was sticky and slimy – God knows what that kid put in his drink – and wet from his chest down. He thought of you, naturally. He thought you could help if you are still around, you would be able to deliver a new suit to him in time.

Luckily, you were.

Everything was smooth until-

“Anything you’d want to tell me? Anything you’d like to come clean about?” You asked.

A lot of things he didn’t want to tell you. Wouldn’t tell you in a life time.

About the devilish father he had and wished he had never met.

About the marriage with Laurie. The terrible wife he had.

About how it started and how it was going to end.

He would probably take you out for dinner and reward himself with a few celebratory drinks when this is all over. Celebratory sex too. Make up some excuse about wanting to treat you with something nice.

He was lost in thought for a second, before coming up with another truth. Or half-truth.

“I do have a gift for you, sweetheart. But I hate to ruin the surprise.”

It was true. He did have a gift. But it was still in the mall for the engraving. A ring and two pointy ears, having it look like a cat. It would go up your neck with a chain of silver too.

A day collar. A subtle one. Not like those with obvious rings and locks. Or heavy with chains. Or visible with thick leather.

It was subtle, yes, but also claiming you with high profile.

A necklace he bought for you. He would put his hand around your throat, feel the metal warm under his touch, digging into your skin, leaving red marks on your collarbone.

Something he has planned for a while. For almost a month.

He knew it will look good on you, while secretly marking you his.

“Anything else you’d want to share with me?” You ask.

Now this was unexpected.

He didn’t leave his divorce papers open on his desk, did he?

“… I love you.” You said.

“I love you too, baby.” He whispered to your forehead.

A brief hug from you and “See ya, Andy.”

His lies seemed to have worked their way over to you. Having you convinced.

Or did they?

The insecure canned at the bottom of his heart burst the moment you closed the door shut.

For sure, he asked you to come and deliver him his suit. But something had gotten out of hand during the little conversation you had. Something didn’t click. Something had been blasting police sirens on maximum volume.

Andy didn’t dare to think further, opening the door, rushing out to seek you in the vast number of students as lectures ended. He could have sworn he saw your frame in a glimpse. But when he rushed over to the spot where he thought you were, you were nowhere to be seen.

“Dr. Barber?” Professor Rifkin exclaimed when she saw Andy panting, “We were looking for you. The reception starts in two minutes, and – oh my god your pants!”

“Yeah. I’ll be with you soon.” Andy rarely leaks a hint of impatience when talking to other faculty members. But it was you he wanted to talk to. Not that bitch Joan Rifkin who pretended to care only because she was some “BFFFFF” with Laurie.

For now, he could only hope that he’d still be in time for that dinner.

The bullshit reception past in a blur. He did his best to keep up a smiley face and answer questions from students returning to campus, also freshmen who has just been in the department for a few weeks.

The first thing after the tea and the chitchat, Andy grabs his car keys and drives back to his house, nearly running red lights in a row as his mind is occupied with you.

And your goodbye. Which seems more disturbing by the second.

You never say goodbye like that. You certainly don’t say you love him and follow with a goodbye.

You sound like jumping off the bridge right after you’ve said your goodbyes.

Andy grips the steering wheel like an ironclad. He tried calling you ever since the reception is done. A string of busy beeps jests him, laughing at him in his face.

Fuck.

You are not planning to kill yourself. You are not suicidal. You aren’t. He wouldn’t let you.

Andy doesn’t bother to stop the engine when he reaches his place. He jumps out of his vehicle and opens the door, calling out your name but no response came.

No notes. No nothing.

You folded his shirt by his bed.

Even helped him flatten his sheets.

Nothing was out of place. The papers are well-hidden at the bottom of the pile of files, the same way as he left it. No trace of Laurie visible. Fresh dishes in the dishwasher. No doubt you had made yourself some food while you were here.

The question is: Where are you now?

The quietness is swallowing him up. His ears ringing to the deafening silence. His breath quickens. A strong wave of powerlessness washes over him.

Why the fuck did you run away?

Why the fuck did the women in his life keep running away from him?

First his mother. Who looked at him as if he was a monster. Who raised him in fear of him. Who would tell him over and over again that he shouldn’t be his father. Who passed away when he was finishing his doctorate.

Then Laurie. Who loved him so badly at first and the second he thought they were going to be a perfect couple, she cheated.

Now you.

The rough sex. And now this.

He could excuse you for running away when you were scared of him going too far.

But not this.

He planned the gift. He planned to win you back. He planned for everything.

He. Planned. For. Everything.

He will be damned if he lets you go again.

As his cell phone rings, the anger inside him nearly drives him to smash his phone to the wall. He takes a few deep breaths to slow down his frantic heartbeat.

“Yes?”

Less than half an hour later, he arrives at Canavan, Duffy & Associates, a middle-size law firm in Boston, located in one of those skyscrapers. Has about a dozen employees and a few partners. Top floors. Great view. Though Andy himself isn’t particularly keen on heights.

Lawyers, always with their suits and ties.

Andy would have been a lawyer.

Andy would be one of them, if it weren’t for his pops.

His father, notorious for the rape and murder of a teenage girl in the 70s. His grandfather responsible for five killings before changing his last name from “Butcher” to “Barber”.

Because of his family, he once set his mind to be a judge, to wrong the right, and to deliver fair judgement to the felons.

And the first time he was on the stage for a court imitation, he noticed how the lights shone and how the people seemed to be talking about him. He knew it was his imagination, but he wondered if people would dig out the dirt and call him a “Barber Murderer”, like the nickname he was given when he was young. He completely forgot what he was going to say. He stuttered and was driven off stage by his peers.

Since then, he decided something more calming and peaceful would be more suitable for him. Something like literature.

He doesn’t have to face neither victims nor perpetrators, he thought so when he delivered the course selection for his sophomore year, while his roommate Neil pursued law studies.

Neil. His best buddy since college. Who’s been kind enough to introduce him to the law firm Neil was working in, and helped him with his divorce papers. Who guaranteed he is going to get the divorce.

“Hey, thanks for coming in.” Neil pats his shoulder when Andy comes out of the elevator, and pulls him in for a hug, “how are you holding up?”

“Fine. I guess.” He murmurs, tiredness creeping into his voice, “You called about the divorce papers?”

Neil lets out a dry, unamused laugh, “Yeah, pal. Laurie is tough.”

Andy slowly breathes out through the seam of his lips, running his hand down his beard, “Let’s get to it.”

The interior decoration of Canavan-Duffy is simple. Plain wooden color with some light beige. As is the conference room, where Laurie and her lawyer are waiting.

“I’m not getting a divorce.” Is the very first thing that comes out of her mouth.

“Mrs. Barber-” Her lawyer, Mr. Patz, a short bald man, eyes her to stop her voicing.

Andy has never paid much attention to Patz until now. Patz has the uncharacteristic features of smooth skin, plump cheeks, like an innocent child, instead of a somewhat notorious lawyer. It is said that he has ties to the local mob, and could fix almost every problem of his employer – problem, such as the rumored eye-witness teenager to a mob shoot-out, who was found dead in a trench only 12 hours after the shoot-out itself.

Patz flips the sheets of divorce papers on the desk, purses his lips and says, “My client would prefer a more peaceful settlement to divorce.”

Neil sniggers, “Then why would your client get a lawyer?”

Patz raises his short eyebrows almost comically, unaffected by the comment Neil provided, “It has come to my attention that your client,” Patz points his chin towards Andy, “has an affair.”

Neil laughs, pulling his hand into a fist to cover the corner of his mouth to be painfully obvious, “My client would never. Your information is inaccurate, Mr. Patz. Isn’t it so, Andy?”

Andy puts a blank face in reply.

“Andy?” Neil whispers.

Laurie seems to react to the name that has just spoken. Before the word “Andy”, she seems to have drowned in her own little world. Her brown cardigan rumpled and creased. A little bit mismatching to the weather, if Andy were to say anything about it, since it’s nearly 24 degrees Celsius outside. Her lifeless eyes elicit a small light, but only by a little. Dark pupils direct towards the man sitting across the table, as she asks too, “Andy?”

Neil, on the other hand, grabs Andy by the arm, “We’re gonna need five.”

His smile gone too, on the contrary to Mr. Patz, who shares the same dreamy smile as his client Laurie.

“By all means.” Patz points at the glass door, putting his chin on his crossed fingers.

“The fuck, Andy?” Neil growls at his long-time friend, once he makes sure the glass door is properly sealed, “You don’t screw people during your divorce and not tell me about it!”

Andy crosses his arms, his back facing the glass where Patz and Laurie could see. “I’m curious as to how they know that.”

“It’s fucking Internet Era, Andy!” Neil lowers his voice, but even so, his fury is by no means lessened, “Every post, every call, every text is traceable. Even with none of the above, Patz could very well hire his investigator to do his dirty work!”

“She cheated too, Neil.” Andy sighs, “Guess that makes us even.”

“So you did have an affair? With whom? How long?” Neil glances at him, sparing a look at his wristwatch, “Spill. I’m your lawyer now, not your wingman. I need to know everything before they do. Or at least, more than they do.”

Andy lets out an exhale, saying your name, “She used to be my student. We started dating after June.”

“Three months? Did she spend time in your place? A night?”

“About a dozen times.”

“Jesus Christ.”

“Can you work around it? I don’t want her to … get into this mess.” Andy gestures at the conference room behind them.

“Only if we won’t sue for a divorce,” Neil calls someone at the end of the hallway. A short girl trots near, “You need anything, Neil?”

“Yeah,” Neil repeats your name, “do a standard background check. For a divorce case. I’ll need it by tomorrow morning.”

“Really Neil?” Andy shifts his center impatiently, “I told you I don’t want her involved.”

“Might be a little late since you screwed her a dozen times.”

“Neil!” Andy winces.

“For fuck sake, get your shit together.” Neil rolls his eyes extremely unprofessionally, “I’m trying to help you out.”

Andy runs his hand through his beard again. The prickling sensation brings somewhat clarity, “What do you think they want?”

“It’s your wife, you tell me.”

“Soon to be ex.”

“Still your wife.”

“God…” Andy feels like someone just drained the air around him, making it difficult to breathe, “it’s going to come to court, isn’t it?”

Neil considers the idea for a second, before cautiously explaining, “To be honest, the court is going to make everything easier. The judge will rule for a divorce since you have already been separated for six months. And the cheating. The cheating always does it.”

“I don’t want to put her on the stand or anything.”

“It might come to that. If it does, I’ll try my best to keep her off the stand. But no promises.”

Andy sighs yet again.

All these lawyer talks make him tired. Weak. Poking holes and wounds that already exist in his heart.

He hates to let you bear witness to his awful marriage, let alone allow you to testify and be subject to indefinite questioning.

Also the fact that you left without a sound. Andy checks his phone. No reply.

He suspects you have blocked him.

“I need a bottom line.” Neil pulls Andy out of his thoughts, “Court or no court?”

“Court.” It only takes a few seconds for Andy to make up his mind. It is not a hard decision to make after all, “if it goes to court, I’m taking my fair share of our possession.”

“’kay.” Neil nods, “now let’s get back to the room. And you don’t do the talking unless I want you to. Understood?”

“Yeah.”

Before returning to the room, Andy says “thank you” to Neil.

Neil puts up his hands, “Look, pal. No offense, but you’re billable hours.”

Andy snorts, “Yeah, I’m like your boss right now.”

“Even if the court means more billable hours,” Neil lowers his voice again, this time out of kindness, “I’ll try to stay away from it. For the sake of your wallet.” He pauses before adding, “and your little girlfriend.”

“Thanks, though.”

“Nah. No need.” Neil reciprocates the smile on Andy’s face, somehow more genuine, “just remember to introduce me to your divorcing friends, if you have any.”

Neil puts on his fake lawyer smile on returning to the room, laying out his yellow legal pad by the side with a few notes, “Truth is, the 1B-Divorce is already filed five months ago. Another month and both of our clients will attend the pre-trial hearing.” He shrugs, “Since you are still insisting on no divorce, I guess there’s no point wasting any more time.”

Neil snaps his folder shut, looking up at Patz and Laurie, “Now if you don’t mind, I have a meeting in ten minutes.”

Patz steals a look at Laurie, the latter still staring at the table in front of her.

Patz has to shake her arm to snap her out of the hazy state she’s in.

“Mr. Barber and his attorney were insisting that we’d go to court. You want to make any other amends to the divorce agreement?” Patz whispers.

Laurie shakes her head slowly, almost mechanically, “No.”

“Alright. We’re done here.” Neil looks as if he’s ready to leave right this second.

“You won’t.” Laurie stares at Andy with her lifeless eyes, “You won’t ruin our home.”

She speaks with such certainty, that Neil blinks a few times more than necessary, slightly wondering if he got caught up in some kinky real-person roleplay between a real couple.

Now that Laurie is looking at him, Andy realizes there’s something off with Laurie. As if she’s desperate. Or she’s on the verge of prancing over the table and eating him alive.

No, it was her hair. The hair that she used to take great care of, smooth and silky and a mixed color between brown and black. Now it’s dry, stacking up like straw. Andy couldn’t even be sure whether she has brushed her hair before she left the house this morning.

Neil interrupts the weird atmosphere hovering above them, asking on behalf of Andy, “And why is that?”

“I took care of that bitch.” Laurie shrugs, sitting back in her chair, “I told her to fuck off and stop meddling with our marriage.”

A gust of cold wind freezes Andy. Immobile. Blank. Unable to think.

She couldn’t…

She didn’t mean…

Not you.

She couldn’t meet you, right?

“You’re lying.” Andy speaks faster than his brain works, spitting out, “If you so much as talk to her-”

“Andy-” Neil warns him.

“- if you dare to come close to her -” If his eyes can shoot daggers, Laurie would be a fishing net in seconds.

“SHE ruined us!” Laurie slams her fist on the table, standing to her full height, “SHE whored out herself.” Laurie screams, “It’s HER fault!”

Patz puts his hand on Laurie’s wrist, softly pleading, “Let’s all calm down for a second.”

“What did you fucking say?” Andy fires up from his chair, the heavy chair rolls backwards, banging itself on the glass walls with a thud. Neil shoots up too, only putting an arm in front of Andy, in case he gets too excited.

“What did you fucking say to her?” Andy shouts, the veins on his neck bulging and flushing. His voice being so loud that a handful associates turn their heads this way, observing another chaos derived by divorce.

Laurie smiles. Giggles. Slowly turns into full-blown laughter.

“I swear to fucking God I’ll-”

Neil tugs Andy’s sleeves hard.

“What. Did. You. Say.” Andy speaks through gritted teeth. It might be the murderer in him, but he wishes Laurie was dead.

He would do anything to have her dead.

Laurie stops laughing, even though the corner of her lips twitching, turning into something sinister and dark. She’s not looking at Andy, nor her lawyer who has been giving her obvious signals to shut up. She looks up at the ceiling and sighs, dreamily, as if she is high on drugs, “She deserves it. That bitch. I should’ve cut her face instead of slapping her this morning. Thinking of that, I should, probably, so she won’t slut around seducing husbands…”

Andy sees her lips parting and closing. But her words fall on deaf ears.

The edge of his nerves burning with fury and hatred.

He loves to put his hand on your neck. But for once, he’d like to wrap his hands around her neck.

And squeeze the fucking air out of her pipes.

Taglist: @geminiflanagansblog@wintasssoldier@sapphire-rogers@nouk1998

#andy barber #andy barber angst #andy barber x you #andy barber x reader #andy barber x female reader #defending jacob #andy barber fanfiction #professor!andy barber #student reader #dancing in the daydream #wishful thinking

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marblemoonstones · 8 months

Text

🩵 catharsis ~ chapter three

I apologize if there are any minor holes or grammatical errors. Feedback is welcome, but please be respectful. :)

*any similarities to other fics are accidental*

Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

bts ot7 x reader

collegestudentsreader!au

*warnings: f reader, reader with glasses, smirking Kook and Tae, major fluff*

word count: ~ 5.3k

“So…what should we do now?” I ask to Taehyung and Jungkook.

“I don’t care! There’s a lot of things to do in Seoul,” Jungkook says, “Tae, do you have any ideas?”

“How about we do something until lunch and then we can go out to eat? Ooh, how about we go out to eat at Jin-hyung’s restaurant? We can surprise him.” Taehyung smiles mischievously at that idea.

“Yes, great idea TaeTae! What should we do until lunch?” Jungkook asks.

“I don’t know, y/n you choose! You’re the guest here after all.” Taehyung decides to put the decision up to me.

“Do you think we could go shopping? I just need a couple more clothes because I could only bring so many when I left.” I couldn’t bring very many clothes in my rush to pack and leave, so I’m left with some basics. But I want at least one black dress that I know I’ll need for my college music concerts during the school year.

“I love shopping! Let’s go right now.” Jungkook demands.

“Hold up Kook,” I try out his nickname, seeing him grin widely in response, “We’re all still in our pjs. We should probably change and freshen up before we leave. Let’s meet back down here in twenty minutes.”

We all walk upstairs and into our respective rooms. I rummage through my suitcase, trying to find a suitable outfit. I ultimately decide on a graphic tee with black ripped jeans and converse. A basic but still classic outfit. After brushing my hair and teeth, washing my face, and grabbing my black crossbody I’m ready to head downstairs.

As I pass by my open suitcase I see my ring in my pouch. The ring was given to me by my ex. It wasn’t an engagement ring but a ‘promise ring.’ I used to wear it every day.

I walk downstairs and sit to tie my converse. Then I see Jungkook, wearing a monochrome but stylish all black outfit. He’s got a baggy black t-shirt with matching sweats on, but added silver necklaces, chains around his waist, and silver rings. I see his matching mouth ring and small silver hoops and automatically think ‘bad boy’

“Wow Kook, I love your outfit. It is definitely streetwear,” I compliment.

“Thanks y/n, you too! Very casual and cool.” He then grabs his chunky black sneakers from the rack by the front door.

“I wonder what’s taking Taehyung so long?” I ask after finishing tying my shoes.

“Oh, this is normal. Since he’s a fashion designer he’s very particular about his outfits. I’m sure he’ll be down in another five minutes or so,” Jungkook explains.

I guess I forgot about Taehyung being a fashion designer, and am now excited to see his outfit for the day.

Finally he comes down the stairs, wearing a chic but casual outfit. He has a tan short-sleeved linen shirt on with the top button unbuttoned, showing off his collarbones. His white pants are billowy and his gold jewelry ties it all together. He looks so good in the outfit, and my heart does a small leap in my chest. Then I stop myself. No, he’s someone’s boyfriend. Actually, six someone’s boyfriend.

“Wow…Taehyung you look great.” You try to stop your pounding heart as Taehyung gives you a boxy grin.

“Thanks y/n.”

Jungkook runs over and hugs Taehyung, giving him a sweet peck on his cheek. “Baby, you look like you’re ready to be on the cover of a beach-themed magazine!”

At this comment Taehyung laughs.

“Thanks Kookie, you look ready to be a part of a gang. Our tough muscle bunny,” Taehyung says with a smirk.

“Stop calling me that!” Jungkook pushes Taehyung to the shoes rack. “Just put your shoes on so we can go!”

Chuckling, Taehyung puts on his beige sneakers.

“Okay okay I’m ready. You ready, sweetheart?”

Jungkook blushes at the pet name.

“Aw, don’t like the nickname? Well, it’s either that or muscle bunny so let’s go muscle bunny!”

We head to the car, which I see is a black Bugatti Veyron. It’s just now hitting me how rich these people are. Jin must be a very famous actor.

“How do you like my car, y/n?” Jungkook asks slyly after seeing my expression.

“It’s so nice…you guys must be loaded,” I say, still in shock at the million dollar car in front of me. Then I realize what I said.

“Oh my gosh did I say that out loud?! I didn’t mean that, I’m sorry I-“

“It’s okay y/n, no need to apologize. Yes, we’re very well off and am very lucky to be able to afford such nice cars,” Taehyung says.

“Ah, well anyways I’m still sorry for being so brash. Are you sure you want me in this car? It’s so nice and…well…” I gesture to myself, not sure how to say that I’m just a generic person who doesn’t need to be riding in such a luxury vehicle.

“Well what? You’re staying with us now so let’s go before we die of heat out here.” Jungkook sounds a tad irritated, so I quickly nod and open the back door and climb in behind the passenger seat. The cream leather seats are fluffy and I buckle up and internally squeal at being in such a nice car.

Jungkook gets into the driver’s seat and Taehyung in the passenger and after buckling up we’re off to the mall.

Jungkook plays some music on the way and I’m happy to hear that they’re Blinks. We jam out and sing to some of their bangers and then we’re pulling into the parking lot.

I step out of the car and my eyes widen at the mall we’re at. This is a higher end one that’s two stories tall and typically has more expensive stores in it.

We walk in, Jungkook and Taehyung flanking my sides. I definitely look out of place here. There are so many expensive stores and stylish people milling around.

“Okay y/n, did you have anything specific that you were looking for?” Taehyung asks me.

“Yes, actually. I need a black dress for my college concerts. My old one is at my ex’s house still,” I explain.

“Okay, so black dress. Got it. I’m also assuming that you need shoes for the dress?”

“Actually, I still have my black flats. They should be fine even though they’re a little worn.” I think about my faded black flats in my suitcase. They’re not the nicest but they’ll do.

“No, that won’t do. You have to wear good shoes for standing at a concert! We’ll also add black shoes to the list.” Taehyung says.

“It’s okay! I don’t think I can pay for new shoes right now, so I’ll just wait until my old ones are falling apart,” I try to say to Taehyung.

“Then consider it a welcome to the group gift. I’m not letting you go out to a concert in old shoes.” Taehyung says adamantly.

I try to discourage him again, saying he doesn’t need to do that but then Jungkook also agrees so I give up trying to stop them.

“Okay okay! Black dress and black shoes. But that’s it. Are you guys here for anything?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

“Not really. I just like shopping.” Jungkook says, shrugging.

“I could use a red leather jacket,” Taehyung says.

“Tae, you could just borrow Yoongis,” Jungkook says giving Taehyung a duh look.

“No I can’t because his has flowers on it! It’s cute, but I need a plain one,” Taehyung protests.

Jungkook just shakes his head.

“See y/n? This is what it’s like to live with a fashion designer. Always needing more clothes and never using the ones he has.”

“Hey! I do need a wide variety of clothes you know!” Taehyung pushes Jungkook slightly.

“Yeah yeah yeah whatever. So now our list is black dress, black shoes and red leather jacket. Where should we look first?”

“How about there?” Taehyung points to an expensive looking store that has casual clothes.

“Okay let’s go!” Jungkook strides in eagerly with Taehyung following.

I walk a little slower, still unsure about the expensive pricing. Jungkook sees this and turns around to lead me into the store.

“Don’t worry about the pricing y/n. If you see something you like tell us and we’ll buy it for you! A welcome to the group gift if you will.” He winks at me and I roll my eyes at the excuse.

“Whatever Kook. I’ll just look around in the clearance rack.” I start over before Jungkook can protest.

On my way I pass Taehyung, who is already looking at leather jackets.

Once I find the clearance rack I sift through it, looking for cheap options. But most things on the rack are still more than I would ever spend.

“Finding everything okay?” A store worker asks.

“Oh, yes thank you.” I say back, not seeing anything great for the price.

“Okay, well let me know if you need any help!” The store worker leaves and I sigh. Might as well look in the non-clearance section for fun right?

I look at the dresses for fun, seeing some crazy colors (neon orange and purple?). My gaze then lands on a beautiful dress that’s perfect for autumn. It has long gauzy sleeves with a sweetheart neckline and the skirt is flowy and reaches just above the knee. But what makes me love it the most is the beautiful crimson color with a gorgeous gold flower print. I check the price tag and see that it’s a couple million won. Nope. Too expensive.

“That’s a beautiful dress y/n,” says a voice behind me.

I turn around to see Taehyung, a red leather jacket in his arms.

“Yeah…” I say wistfully, still thinking about the price.

“Do you want it?” Taehyung asks, looking at the price tag, “It’s a good brand, the materials are good quality, and price is not bad.”

Not bad? I’d consider it highly pricey but I know that must be nothing to them.

“No, it’s okay. I don’t want you to pay for anything other than the shoes you insist on buying for me,” I say, trying to get rid of that gleam in Taehyung’s eyes.

“It’s not a big deal. You need to get used to letting people buy things for you because we love to spoil people,” Taehyung says casually.

Since all the boys are rich, I’m sure that spoiling each other comes naturally. But I’m not used to this kind of treatment. My ex would splurge on nice things for me occasionally, but we were always careful with money because we wanted to buy our own house together someday. He bought me that ring along with taking me out on expensive dinner dates, and that was all I needed.

I would bad having the boys spend their money on me. I wasn’t a permanent fixture in their household and it was only the first full day of me being with them.

“We just met yesterday, Taehyung! I don’t need to be spoiled. I’m a simple girl who doesn’t need expensive things to make me happy.”

“But buying things for other people makes me happy,” Taehyung whines.

“Ooh, that’s a really pretty dress. Are you thinking about buying it y/n?” Jungkook reaches us, a few pieces of black clothing in his arms. He must really like the color.

“She really likes it but she says it’s too expensive,” Taehyung snitches.

“Hey! I never said I liked it!”

“The look in your eyes said it all.”

“How about we buy it for you if it’s too expensive?” Jungkook cuts in, interrupting our bickering.

“Hah! That’s what I said but y/n went into this whole thing about just meeting us yesterday and not needing to be spoiled or have expensive things to make her happy and blah blah blah…”

“Even though we did just meet yesterday I feel comfortable with you y/n! We just clicked and now we’re besties, right? And I want to spoil you as my bestie and surely a couple expensive things won’t hurt, right?”

Jungkook’s big doe eyes look at me pleadingly and I can hardly say no to such a look. I sigh.

“Okay, just this once.”

The duo cheers and then tells me to grab the dress in my size and try it on just to make sure it fits. I do, then head over to the nice dressing room. The boys sit down on the couch outside the dressing room. I slip the dress over my head then realize I need help with the zipper.

“Um, do you guys think you could get a worker? I need someone to zip me up,” I ask the boys through the curtain.

“Sure! Excuse me, do you think you could help our friend in the dressing room?” I hear Jungkook ask.

A moment later a worker comes in and zips me up.

“You look great hon. Those boys out there will probably think so too.” She winks and leaves before I can say anything. My cheeks heat slightly, and now I don’t even want to go out there. But I know they’re waiting, so I take a deep breath and step out of the dressing room.

There’s a slight pause while both boys look me over, and I swear I see Jungkook’s eyes widen and Taehyung swallows.

“Wow…y/n you look absolutely gorgeous,” Taehyung compliments.

“It’s perfect on you,” Jungkook says, doe eyes big.

“Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. I also really appreciate you buying this for me!”

“Of course. It’s made for you,” Taehyung says.

“Aw, well I’m flattered. Thank you again,” I say, stepping back into the fitting room. After successfully unzipping myself (Yes! I mentally say) I change and then come out holding the dress on its hanger.

“Okay, is everyone ready to check out?” Jungkook asks.

“Yes, I’m ready,” Taehyung states.

“Me too,” you say.

We check out, Jungkook buying a pair of black jeans and a sweatshirt, Taehyung with his red leather jacket and my dress.

“Where to next?” Jungkook asks.

“How about we look for your black dress now y/n?” Taehyung asks me.

“Good idea! Are there any dress stores nearby?” I ask them while looking at my surroundings.

“There should be one a couple stores to the right according to this map,” Jungkook says.

We walk to the right and sure enough there’s a store called ‘Blue and Grey Formal Shop - for all your formal dress needs!’

“Let’s go!” Jungkook steers me in and straight to the black dresses.

“Wow, someone’s excited,” I laugh.

“There’s so many options! What do you like y/n?” Jungkook asks, expression in awe of the selection. I will admit, there are many beautiful dresses here.

Taehyung browses through them, criticizing some and praising others.

“Hmm, this price for those materials? Not worth it. This isn’t bad but the sequins are cheap.”

“Hey Mr. Fashionista, why don’t you calm down a bit and just let me pick?” I ask Taehyung, bemused at his reactions to some of the dresses.

“I can’t just let you pick because as a fashion designer it’s up to me to make sure that you look good! Consider me your personal stylist!” Taehyung declares.

You burst out laughing.

“Tae, it’s okay I don’t need a personal stylist and I can choose my own clothes fine.”

“But fashion is literally my job and-wait. Did you just call me Tae?” Taehyung stops himself in the middle of his sentence.

“Yes…? Is that okay? If not I can call you Taehyung it’s just that you told me I could and-“

“We’re besties now!” Taehyung suddenly hugs me and I feel myself tighten at the hug. Nobody ever has just randomly hugged me before like this, but I soon relax a bit in his hold and tentatively hug him back.

“Aww look at you two! So cute together,” Jungkook says from behind us.

“Thanks Kookie, we do look good together,” Taehyung winks at me after letting me go.

I flush yet again, confused at his change in character.

“Okay guys, how about we actually look for dresses for me?” I ask, turning back to the racks.

They nod, and we go back to searching. We each find a couple options, and I go to try them on, the boys waiting outside again. I try on Jungkook’s options first. The first dress is too big and the second one shows too much skin for a formal concert.

“You sure you don’t want that one just for fun?” Jungkook says.

“I’m sure. I don’t feel comfortable with this much skin showing,” I say, covering myself up and going back into the dressing room.

Jungkook’s third dress fits great, and it’s simple but elegant enough for a concert. Simple scoop neck and flutter short sleeves with a slight nipped in waist and goes to the middle of my thighs. The material is silky and soft and looks nice but is still comfortable.

I step outside and feel their gazes on me.

“This one is great Jungkook! I will definitely keep this as an option while I try on the other dresses,” I say, twirling in the mirror and loving how the fabric flows around me.

“Yeah…great job Jungkook,” Taehyung says, still looking at me. I nod then go to the changing room to try on Taehyung’s two dresses. Neither of the dresses fit me right, so I move on to my three choices.

The first dress is too itchy and hot (should’ve checked the material-wool?!) but the second one fits like a glove. Off-the-shoulder style, but it doesn’t go too low in the front. There are subtle sparkles on the waist that also shimmers down to the skirt. When I move I can see them flash prettily in the light.

I show the boys again, the change, saying “I don’t know which one to get! Jungkook’s or mine!”

“They both look so good on you why not get both?” Jungkook asks.

“You know I’m only getting one! We already discussed this,” I scold, then ask Taehyung, “What do you think Mr. Fashionista?”

“What do I think? I think you should get both. Besides, isn’t there more than one concert?”

“Well, yes, but-“

“Great then it’s settled! You buy both and wear one to each concert.”

“But-“

“No buts! And if you can’t afford it, then we’ll buy both of them for you. Let’s go!” And before I can protest more Taehyung sweeps up Jungkook’s and my dresses.

I groan, then turn to Jungkook only to find him up at the cashier with Taehyung. How did the little sneak get up there so fast?

I meekly come up to the register where the cashier is ringing up my total of a couple million won each. Millions of won for two dresses? Oh man. I don’t know how I can ever pay them back for these dresses and the red one I got from the other store.

After paying with a crisp black card (seriously, how much money do they have?!), Taehyung grabs the bags and we leave.

“Last thing before lunch is to find y/n black shoes!” Jungkook cheers.

“Jungkookie is such a baby because he’s always hungry.”

Taehyung reaches to pinch Jungkook’s cheeks but he swats him away.

“Hey! I’m your baby,” he pouts.

“Yes, you are! Who’s my baby Kookie? You!” Taehyung says in a baby voice. Jungkook laughs as Taehyung peppers his face with kisses.

Your heart melts at the sight of the teasing and banter but it also aches. How would it be to be in such an open and sweet relationship? Kisses and affection aren’t foreign to me, but seeing them be so caring to each other in public was different than what I was used to. Sure, I got affection but it was never this easy. I think back to how I always had to initiate it with my ex. Since he was my first serious boyfriend, I always wanted to be one of those couples who was cute and affectionate in public. But whenever we went on our dates the most he would do is hold my hand.

“You okay y/n?” Taehyung asks with a worried look on his face.

I see now that both Taehyung and Jungkook are looking at me.

“Yeah I’m fine! Let’s go look for my black shoes!” I dart into the next shoe store I see, and start looking, ignoring their confused looks.

After finding a classy pair of black heels I’m starving and ready to go to Jin’s restaurant.

“Alright, everyone ready?” Jungkook asks.

We go to the car and load the bags into the trunk and then we’re off, singing to BlackPink yet again.

Finally we reach a cozy looking restaurant. Its white brick with a clean black border and Thomas-Edison lights draped outside. A hand painted sign reads ‘Serendipity.’

“Wow, this is such a cute restaurant,” I say while getting out of the car.

“Thanks y/n! Jin-hyung really wanted it to be a cozy and cute cafe,” Jungkook says.

We step inside and it’s decorated with cute hanging and potted plants. As we go wait in the line I look at the menu. I notice that there is a wide variety of desserts.

“Jin-hyung’s restaurant is really famous for its desserts so we should definitely order some of those,” Taehyung says.

“Hello and welcome to Serendipity, may I take your order?” The girl at the cashier asks with a friendly smile.

“Yes, hi, I would like the chicken bulgogi with brown rice and a slice of cheesecake please,” Taehyung orders. (a/n, I’m sorry the food orders aren’t probably accurate, and for desserts I’m sticking with more American ones)

“Okay, and for you sir?”

“Yes, I’d like the beef teriyaki with the stir-fried vegetables and strawberry ice cream please,” says Jungkook.

“Alright, and finally for you miss?”

“I’ll have the kimchi soup please with rice and…the triple fudge brownie please.” Those desserts in the display make my mouth water by just looking at them.

Jungkook insists on paying, saying that “TaeTae paid for your dresses so now I have to pay for something!”

“Here’s your total, and your number is 72. Thanks again for coming to Serendipity!”

We go get our waters and then find a booth to sit at after waving to Namjoon, who’s sitting at a table with a cup of tea, laptop, and papers everywhere. Jungkook slides in one side with Taehyung and I get in the other side.

“Namjoon looks hard at work,” I say, looking at the man who is concentrating on the papers hard.

“He tries his best to make math fun for the high schoolers, and I think he mostly succeeds,” says Taehyung.

I bet his students love him, as he cares so much about his boyfriends, so why wouldn’t he care as much for his students?

“I bet so. He looks very hard at work.”

“Yes, he does work very hard. Sometimes too hard. Our Joon-hyung has so much to do and also care for us. I honestly don’t know how he does it all,” Jungkook says, eyes shining with respect for his boyfriend.

There’s a short pause.

“So does Jin cook today? Or is he just supervising?” I ask, changing the subject a bit.

“Depends, but he usually can’t resist cooking,” Jungkook says.

“Knowing him, the staff probably already told him that we’re here so he’s probably going to cook our food,” says Taehyung with a fond eye roll.

“Wait, the staff recognizes you?”

“Yes, there’s many pictures of him and us around here.” Taehyung points them out. There are sweet pictures as well as silly pictures of the seven of them

“Aw, that’s so sweet! You guys are so cute,” I say.

“Thanks y/n,” Jungkook says. He then kisses Taehyung short and sweet. I smile at them, happy that they have each other.

We talk for a while longer before a familiar voice calls out, “Order number 72 for…two brats and a nice kid?”

“Jin-hyung.” Jungkook and Taehyung say in unison, then grin and get up to get the order. I also get up and walk to the counter. Sure enough, there’s Jin, orders in front of him, and hands on his hips.

“Why didn’t you brats tell me you were coming in today with y/n? Is it because you’re not behaving? Y/n what did they do?”

“But hyung-“ Jungkook protests.

“I wasn’t asking you.” Jin scolds.

“They really didn’t do anything…they said it would be a surprise for you!” I say, trying to calm Jin down.

“Well it was a surprise! I’m just glad you didn’t burn another toaster or something worse. Anyways, here’s your food. Enjoy y/n, and if anything does happen to go wrong today just let me know and I will punish these kids,” Jin says, all while ignoring Jungkook’s and Taehyung’s whines.

“Will do Jin. These two have been angels so far though,” I say, patting their heads like a baby.

“Good. Seriously, if anything happens let me know! I’ve got to get back to the kitchen now, but enjoy your meal!” Jin disappears through the swinging kitchen doors.

We take our food back to our booth. As I eat the best kimchi soup I’ve ever had, us three talk about anything and everything. Then I try the triple fudge brownie. My eyes widen as I eat the richest, smoothest fudge brownie I’ve ever had. Jungkook and Taehyung laugh at my expression.

“Is it good y/n?” Taehyung asks through his laugh.

“Ot’s o dood,” I say with stuffed cheeks.

“What was that?” Jungkook asks with a smirk.

I swallow then glare at both of them.

“I said it’s so good,” I sass.

“Someone’s got an attitude,” says the still smirking Jungkook.

“Whatever,” I cross my arms, “Don’t be rude to me.”

“Ooh, is that how it is?” Taehyung says, now smirking like Jungkook.

I gulp under their gazes, which are now slightly dangerous.

“Yeah, don’t be rude to me or else I’ll tell Jin.”

This makes them revert back to their usual goofy selves.

“No no please don’t!”

I laugh and then we continue eating.

After a long afternoon of shopping (I refuse to let the boys get me more things, so I mostly just watch them try things on. Which, of course, they look good in everything) we come home, throw our shoes off, and collapse on the living room floor with the bags.

“Long afternoon?” Namjoon asks, relaxed and stretched out on the couch. I’m assuming he finished his lesson planning for today.

“So long,” I say to the floor. Who knew carpet could be so soft?

Namjoon chuckles, and then asks “How much did you guys spend today?”

“Not much hyung, don’t worry,” Taehyung says. I know that’s a lie and that they spent at least ten million won each.

“Okay…sure. You guys have such a big appetite for spending I wouldn’t be surprised if you spent millions of won today,” Namjoon says, shaking his head.

“Hyung! Don’t always assume the worst,” Jungkook scolds.

“Okay okay, I’m not assuming; I’m asking. Y/n, how much did they spend today?”

Suddenly all eyes are on me. Dove and siren eyes pleading and dragon eyes questioning.

“Um…I don’t know the exact amount but it was over a couple million won each…?”

“Y/n!”

“How dare you?”

The sputtering of protests come flying out of Taehyung and Jungkook’s mouth.

“Really? Thank you y/n. Boys, what did I tell you about spending so much? Just because we have money doesn’t mean we need to use it all,” Namjoon scolds.

The two don’t give up yet, saying “But hyung I need clothes for my design inspiration!” (Taehyung) and “I just need more black clothes!” (Jungkook)

“Tae, you have tons of clothes already, and Jungkook you don’t need more black clothes as they make up most of your closet!” Namjoon runs his hands through his hair.

“I’m sorry they dragged you to stores y/n. Did you get something at least?”

“Yes I did! I actually got three dresses and a pair of shoes.”

“See? learn to control yourself like y/n! Only four items.” Namjoon points at me.

“Dang it y/n you-“

“No, no blaming y/n. She didn’t make you spend all this money. Now, go take all the clothes upstairs including y/n’s. Put them on her bed,” orders Namjoon.

They sigh, roll their eyes, and grab the bags and go upstairs, Jungkook winking at me to show that they’re not actually mad at me.

“Ah, those boys will be the death of me,” Namjoon tells me after they disappear upstairs.

“They do seem to be quite a pair together,” I say, smiling while thinking about their antics.

“Yes, we sometimes call them ‘double trouble’ because you never know what’s going to happen when you’re with them,” says Namjoon, “Anyway, are you hungry? It’s about dinner time.”

I check the clock and sure enough it’s 5:30pm.

“Is Jin or anyone else going to be here?” I ask.

“Jin-hyung will probably stay at the restaurant late, I’m pretty sure that Yoongi would rather die than come back early, and our dancer boys will probably be late too,” says Namjoon.

“Okay, so just us and double trouble?”

Namjoon’s dimple smile comes out at their nickname.

“Yep just us and double trouble.”

“Surely you’re talking about yourself and y/n? Because I know we’re definitely not double trouble,” says Taehyung, coming down the stairs with Jungkook in tow.

“Oh hey boys! We were just wondering what we should eat tonight, since it’s just us,” I say, “I’m not a great cook as I prefer baking and judging that you two burned a toaster I don’t think you’re that great either. No offense. Namjoon, can you cook?”

I don’t know what it is, but the maknaes immediately rush over to Namjoon and grab him, holding him in place.

“No y/n, Namjoon can never, ever be allowed to cook. If you thought us burning the toaster was bad, this man has done much much worse. We can not let him cook.” Jungkook’s serious face cracks me up and I start to giggle.

“Okay then, how about ordering pizza? And can you boys get off of me now? I promise I won’t go in the kitchen,” Namjoon grumbles.

They climb off of him and agree that pizza is the best option. Namjoon orders and then we sit and play Mario Kart until it arrives. We eat the greasy slices of heaven and then decide to watch a couple movies until the boys (minus Yoongi, as Namjoon told me that he’ll probably be there until early morning) get back. It’s a Disney movie night, we decide, so we start with Aladdin. After popping popcorn and digging through the cabinets to find candy we settle in to watch Zootopia. Halfway through the movie the Jin come back and after showering joins us in the movie marathon. Next we watch Tangled, and Jungkook sings along to the songs. His angelic voice makes me wonder why he isn’t in the music industry. The movie is almost over when the dancers finally sneak back in. They too shower and come join us. I know Yoongi probably won’t come back before I’m asleep, so I just snuggle under the blanket I stole from Jimin. Namjoon and Jungkook are in either of my sides and their handsome features shine bright in the tv screen, making me mesmerized. But, eventually my eyes start to droop as the boys start another movie, and I eventually go to sleep, peaceful and content.

Thanks for reading! I had to do the classic shopping scene, sorry not sorry ;). Also major fluff because I’m such a sucker for it. Hope you enjoyed! ❤️

#bts #bts ot7 #bts ot7 x reader #bts college au #college!au #ot7 bts #btsot7 #marblemoonstones

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highwaytothedangerzone502 · 2 years

Text

India Lima Yankee - Bonus Info!

First off thank you to everyone who read/liked/commented on my story - I wrote it so quickly because of all the love y'all gave it 🥰 This post here is facts that didn't necessarily warrant a full chapter but stuff I thought y'all would like to know!

Juliette asked Maverick to walk her down the aisle; he tried not to cry at the honor she was giving him, but a few tears escaped

For the Father-Daughter dance, Juliette danced with Maverick to 'You'll Be in My Heart,' the song she would've danced to with Iceman had he lived to see her get married

Rooster danced with Sarah Kazansky to 'Beyond the Sea' to honor the woman who raised him and the woman who took over when Carole passed.

Rooster and Juliette married two years after getting engaged because of the news they received at the end of the chapter; they wanted their baby to be in their wedding and Jules wanted to get back in shape and lose some of the baby weight

They had two kids: Nicholas Thomas Bradshaw (named after Goose and Iceman) and Carole Michelle Bradshaw (named after Carole, obviously, and the feminine version of the name Mitchell for Maverick).

This was Juliette's wedding dress

Rooster and Juliette had their wedding rings engraved on the inside with 'India Lima Yankee'

Rooster and Juliette both wanted to surprise each other with a way to honor their parents, and the secretly met up with their wedding planner to have honorary chairs set up for Goose, Carole, and Iceman (needless to say, both were moved to tears at the gesture)

Maverick was Rooster's Best Man, and Firefly was Juliette's Maid of Honor. Bob, Joey, Jack, and Hangman (yes, you read that right) were Rooster's groomsmen. Phoenix, Halo, Penny, and Amelia were bridesmaids for Juliette. Their color for the dresses and ties were- naturally- navy blue

For the wedding poem "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," Juliette had her locket tied around her flower bouquet for 'something old,' treated herself to some Christian Louboutin wedding shoes for 'something new,' had her mother's diamonds as her jewelry for 'something borrowed,' and blue flowers in her wedding bouquet for 'something blue'

Rooster would become the youngest captain in naval history (Hangman was the second - this balanced out their little rivalry of the two air-to-air kills for Hangman vs Rooster's one)

Juliette and Hangman became best friends, and after some convincing, she convinced Rooster to let Jake be the godfather to Carole. After seeing how Hangman interacted with his daughter the first time, Rooster never had any problems with it moving forward; Phoenix was godmother to Nicholas

This is the locket I based Juliette's off of (and I may or may not have bought it on Etsy with this link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/790375930/anchor-cameo-locket-necklace-photo?ref=cart)

Have any other questions about what happened to them? Let me know!

Want a teaser of the new Top Gun story I'm working? Check it out here

Tags: @lgg5989 @shanimallina87 @polikszena @summ3rlotus @souslesyeuxde @gleasonmalfoy @icemansgirl1999 @supernaturaldawning @thedarkinmansfield @lyannaforpresident @lapilark @getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth @simpofthecentury @shadeops21 @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @double-j @picklejuicesposts @bradshawsandbridgetons @majdoline @jakexfmc @catsandgeekyandnerd @peachiicherries @multifandomcnova @fandomsstolemylife00 @bookloverhorses @nicangelinee @mak-32

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bad-at-names-and-faces · 8 months

Text

Wait

ao3

ffn

chapter index

Anna watched her daughter Inga run back to the castle. She had the council scheduled to meet the following afternoon, but Inga was asking to meet with only herself and Kristoff, along with Henry. She was going ahead with this, even if she still hadn’t said so in so many words. Most of the past year there had been rumors that the two of them might be engaged, but for Anna it still seemed like a bit of a surprise. Anna had pictured Inga growing up, assisting her more and more with royal duties, or traveling abroad if she so desired. Until recently, she hadn’t seemed interested in any sort of romance.

Still, Henry seemed like a good choice. They already knew the family, and Elsa had expressed no concerns about Henry from the summer before, so what more was there to do than get the blessing of the council to move forward?

***

Inga was feeling giddy as she made her way up the stairs, trying not to run and attract attention. She found herself at the top of the stairs in the guest wing. Henry came running up the stairs behind her.

“I thought you were already here!” she whispered.

He was a little out of breath. “A few more people wanted to talk to me, sorry!” he panted.

Inga grabbed his hands. “You told me you had something for me?”

He smiled, and they walked to his room.

“Wait right here!”

He let himself into his room, leaving the door open a crack. Inga walked over but resisted the urge to look in. He would be out in a moment. Suddenly, she heard someone coming from around the corner, and jumped into the room in a panic. The door shut behind her with a light slam.

The window was wide open, letting in the warm summer air. The music and muffled voices from the party down below made her wonder if anyone had noticed that she was gone.

Henry looked up in surprise. He was unbuttoning his shirt, and it took Inga a minute to look away, focusing on his jacket, vest, and tie tossed on the back of a chair.

“Sorry,” she apologized, glancing back at Henry, “someone was coming, and I didn’t want to be seen lingering around up here.”

“Oh, it’s, um, fine,” he replied, fiddling with the button that was halfway out of a buttonhole. “I didn’t mean to be so long, um, but when I saw James earlier, he made a comment about needing to send my things to the laundry tomorrow, so, um, I wanted to change shirts. It’s warm, and-”

“It’s fine,” Inga said before he could continue. “I was with you all night.”

Inga stepped toward him, glancing at his hands on his shirt. “It is rather warm though, isn’t it?”

Henry looked her up and down. “You are much better dressed for the weather than I am.”

Inga fiddled with the chain around her neck without thinking about it.

“You can take the ring out of hiding, now,” Henry smiled.

“Could you help me with the chain?” Inga asked, stepping toward him, lifting her hair.

“How do you even get this off?”

“There’s a clasp right there,” Inga explained.

“Oh, um, yes, I knew about the necklace,” he stammered, “but, your dress…”

“What?”

“Sorry, you can pretend I didn’t say that,” he apologized and stepped back, holding the chain with the ring in his hand.

Inga reached for the necklace, leaving her hand in his. “I can get this dress on and off on my own. It’s easy.”

“You-”

“Nevermind,” Inga interrupted. “You had something for me?”

Henry set the necklace on the bedside table and picked up a small wrapped package tied up with string.

“What’s that?” Inga asked as he handed it to her. She untied the string and pulled aside the paper to reveal a small framed painting of herself, the way she had dressed at his coronation ball the summer before. She could only stare at it.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

She kissed him. “Yes,” she said, holding the painting to her chest.

He touched her cheek, tracing a line down to her shoulder, which her dress left exposed. He played with the tassels on the short sleeve, before his hand moved down to her bare arm. She shuddered a little bit and giggled. They weren’t supposed to be in a room alone like this, and yet here they were. There was something exciting about it.

***

The sun had set over the ocean an hour earlier, but the sky remained light. The party would continue through the night. Anna loved the activity.

Kristoff helped Anna fend off diplomats who didn’t want to wait for their scheduled appointments later in the week, and they danced together as the light faded.

After a particularly vigorous dance, they took a break to walk through the gardens.

“So,” Kristoff began, “does the council know why you’re calling them together tomorrow afternoon?”

“I suppose some of them suspect,” Anna said. “Dagmar told me as much.”

“I forgot she’s on the council,” Kristoff laughed.

“We rarely need her for a quorum, and her estate is a bit far.”

Kristoff nodded. “Are you going to start planning the wedding, then?”

“Only if Inga wants. And I don’t want to rush her, of course. They’re both young, so they can wait.”

Kristoff gave her a look.

“They can wait,” Anna repeated. “I know what you’re thinking.”

Kristoff gave a bit of a smile. “I’d be happy for them to wait, of course. There isn’t any hurry.”

The clock struck midnight, barely audible over the continued music of the party in the courtyard. Elsa appeared at the edge of the garden.

“I’m glad I found you,” she told Anna. “I just wanted to let you know I’m heading to bed now. Do you think breakfast tomorrow will work?”

“Around ten?” Anna asked.

“Perfect. It was a delightful party, Anna.”

“Good night.”

***

Elsa walked up the stairs toward the family bedrooms. At the top of the stairs, she heard some commotion, and Frederick, Anton, and Peder ran past her on the stairs and toward their rooms.

“It’s after midnight. You should try to be quieter so people can sleep.”

“Everyone is still at the party,” Anton protested.

“I’m not,” Elsa reminded him.

“Well, almost everyone.”

“Inga already went to bed, and we’re right outside her room.”

“I didn’t see her come in,” Frederick said.

“It was an hour ago,” Elsa pointed out, “and if you’ve been running around like that, I’m pretty sure you missed her.”

“Oh,” Frederick sighed.

“You don’t have to go to bed,” Elsa offered, “but maybe find someplace away from the bedrooms to run around? And please, not the guest wing!”

“Fine,” the boys groaned.

“Good night,” Elsa said.

“Good night, Aunt Elsa.”

***

The morning sun streamed across the room, and the door opened without a knock.

“Oh, excuse me, Your Highness,” James apologized, “I was not expecting you to be up this early.”

“I… it’s the sunrise. It’s so early here, you know, James,” Henry answered with an unsteady voice.

“Very well,” James said, bustling around the room, “I’ll just take these to the laundry, if you don’t mind.”

“Thank you, James,” Henry replied, letting out a long breath as the door closed behind his valet.

***

It was hot and noisy in the laundry, and as usual in the summer, they tried to get started before dawn, in the hopes of being done before the heat of the day, particularly if there were any guests at the castle. The regular diplomats who stayed on were bad enough, but other visitors would send down clothes at such odd times, they simply needed to be ready.

“The nerve of some of these visitors,” the younger girl complained, “This dress, her maid only brought it down not even a half hour ago, and we’re supposed to drop the other laundry to get it clean!”

“Are you complaining about that dress?” the head laundress shouted over the din, “the dress belongs to the daughter of the Queen’s former lady-in-waiting, I’ll have you know.”

“We’re working on it,” the older girl shouted, “but you might want to check on the man who just came in here. He's standing in the doorway right behind you.”

“Yes, what is it?” the head laundress grunted at the foreign valet standing there.

“Sorry, this place is so confusing. It took me forever to get here. I see others know their way better than I do,” he said, eying the dress.

The laundress raised an eyebrow. “Just tell me what you need us to do.”

“Could you just see that Prince Henry’s clothes get cleaned?” the valet told the head laundress.

“Prince Henry, eh?” the woman said. “Well, here, give me His Royal Highness’s clothes. I'll make sure they’re taken care of!”

“Thank you,” the valet said, exiting the laundry.

The woman went back to talking.

“Wait, you say the chambermaid saw that girl going into his room last night?” was the last thing James heard as he went up the stairs.

***

Inga lay on her bed, thinking about getting ready for the day. A bath first might be good. Perhaps she should call up Oline to collect her dress, but then they would feel the need to run her bath for her, and she could do that herself.

She and Henry were going to be meeting with her parents, and the council was already called to meet later in the afternoon. She felt a little giddy, but also a little terrified at the idea. Henry had mentioned the steamships between Arendelle and Corona, so they could probably get his family over in time for a wedding. Wedding planning wasn’t a thing she put much thought into. She just wanted to get married.

Kate and Edith would giggle about weddings all the time, discussing dress details and bridesmaids and flowers and cake, though as far as she could tell from their conversations, they didn’t have anyone in mind to take part in their future wedding plans yet. It didn’t matter to the sisters, they just liked the idea of weddings.

Inga set the water running in the bathtub, got some towels ready, and went back to check on the clothes she would put on. She thought of the ring and felt her finger. But of course it wouldn’t be there, because she had been wearing it on a necklace. She put her hand to her neck, then looked over on the nightstand, but it wasn’t there. She must have left it in Henry’s room.

Inga decided not to let this bother her, and went to soak in the tub. She thought about what they might say when meeting with her parents. Her mother wouldn’t be surprised, of course, so there would be no objection.

Frederick had mentioned to her more than once that the council would probably quickly decide against having her first in the line of succession if she was married to Henry. She had never particularly liked changing the succession, anyway, and even if she had felt ambitious, she could understand that the council would not want the risk of having the two countries in personal union. But as it was, she was glad if the decision was made simpler.

The water started to cool down while she was lost in thought, and even with the warm breeze coming through the window, she decided it was time to get out. She dried off and began to dress, finding something appropriate for the meeting with her parents. Once she was dressed and her hair done, she rang for Oline to come up.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” Oline said as she came in.

“I just need my dress from the party taken to the laundry,” Inga smiled.

“Will Your Highness need it soon? There’s a bit of a backup with all the guests.”

“Goodness, no, I don’t think I’ll be wearing the dress for a while yet.”

“Very good, Your Highness,” Oline replied with a curtsey, picking up the clothes to leave.

***

Henry lay in bed and looked around as the sun slowly moved across the room. Soon, he would need to get ready, since he was going to be meeting with Inga’s parents later in the day. His painting of Inga was still sitting on the nightstand, along with the ring and the chain. He would need to figure out how to get those to her.

In the meantime, he would lie down on the bed a little longer. He needed to clear his head. The night had been more than he could have hoped for, and he didn't know how he could focus on anything today. He would have to try for the sake of talking to Inga’s parents. As he laid back on the covers, staring up at the ceiling, images from the night before earlier flashed in his mind. He grabbed his notebook and pencil and started studying the moldings on the corners of the ceiling. They were fascinating wood carvings, and drawing them was going to require intense concentration. He proceeded to fill several pages with detailed sketches of the ceiling and the furniture, and the window trimmings.

***

Kristoff had woken up when the clock tower struck eight, which was later than he usually slept. The party had gone on through much of the night, so he ended up sleeping in. Still, someone would need to let the reindeer out of the stables for some morning exercise, and he preferred to do it himself. Outside the stables, he heard some commotion, and an all too familiar smell was wafting in.

“Hello!” he shouted, hoping whoever it was would say something.

The stable hand ran to the door. “You two, don’t you know you can’t smoke here?” he shouted. Kristoff walked toward the door, hoping his appearance would provide some backup against whichever idiot visitors had decided that the stables were in any way a sensible place to take a smoking break.

“Sorry, sorry! We won’t smoke, we just were looking for a quiet place to take a break!” the young man said. His companion looked like he would try to light up a cigarette the minute they were alone again.

“Fine, but don’t think we won’t notice,” the stable hand reminded them. “Remember, that’s dangerous with all this straw around. We’re not just being killjoys.”

Kristoff stood back and let him come back inside to tend to the horses. “Idiots,” Kristoff mumbled, and the young man gave an exasperated smile back and rolled his eyes.

Kirstoff stayed by the door for another minute to see if the young men would try to light up their cigarettes after the warning they had just gotten.

“So, you and that chambermaid?” the one nudged the other.

“Nothing that interesting. She's pretty, but a bit of a gossip, to be honest. There’s better girls back in Bergen, if you ask me.”

“What kind of gossip?” the first one asked with a chuckle. “I heard someone say they’d pay good money for stories from royalty.”

“Ohhh… well then, you know the prince visiting from Corona?” the second one hinted.

“Yes, of course,” his friend scoffed.

“Seems, according to my laundry girl, he had one of the noble girls from the countryside in his bed last night.”

“You don’t say… how’d she hear this?”

“She was up in the guest wing during the party last night, and said she saw the girl going into his room with her own eyes.”

“Really? I thought it was him and, you know…” the friend told the other young man.

“He’s a prince. When does that stop them? Besides, the prince asked her for the first dance, you know, instead of the princess, and later someone saw them running off to the garden.”

“You don’t say… that is interesting,” the one nodded, starting to light up his cigarette.

Kristoff stepped out. “Didn’t someone tell you not to smoke here?” he growled. “Go into town if that’s what you want to do, but not here!”

The two ran off, and Kristoff tried to calm down as he went back to finish letting the reindeer out. He reminded himself that there was some kind of misunderstanding, but he needed to speak with Anna, even if she was with her sister right now. Perhaps it would be better if Elsa was there.

***

“Your Highness,” James said as he returned to Prince Henry’s room, “I hope I’m not… interrupting.”

Henry looked up. “What do you mean?”

“Your Highness,” James began, appearing to be carefully selecting each word before speaking. “I apologize for intruding this morning. I promise not a word will leave my lips.”

Henry swallowed. “It’s… it’s fine… but… I… I’m not entirely sure I understand. Who else would even know?”

“I heard some talk in the laundry room. I’m not sure who or what they exactly saw, but I’m fairly certain that it is linked to you.”

“So, James, what did you see?”

“That doesn’t matter.” James walked over to the bedside table and straightened out the picture and the chain with the ring. “But please remember, I may be discreet, but I’m not blind.”

“I swear…” Henry began, not sure what he could say.

“Your parents have asked me to keep an eye on you.”

“Yes,” Henry sighed. “And I’ll be writing to them later today to let them know what the wedding plans are.”

“I hope that happens soon,” James told him.

#frozen fanfic #kristanna #prince of two realms #OC fanfic #OC Inga #1865

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thedarknesssings · 2 years

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Prompt 10: A Night’s Work

Prompt 10: Channel - FFXIV Write 2022 Characters: Lore, the highwayman of Coerthas; some unsuspecting ladies and their driver.

“Good evening, ladies and gentleman.” The highwayman’s engaging voice resounded through the starlit night. The tip of his pistol waved the driver from his seat toward the ground. “I am the dashing rogue who will be holding you up for your precious jewels and gil tonight. Come off there now, my good man, open the door for the ladies to descend.”

The driver did as bid, scrambling down from his perch and darting over to swing the carriage door wide. He beckoned the passengers out, hand held to help each one down. “Come, come, my lady, do as he says and we’ll be off soon.”

“I am not giving up my jewellery to this scum.” A haughty sniff accompanied the woman’s imperious tone.

The woman’s shoe was encrusted in fine bead work, pearls and bits of precious stone. The gown that adorned her body was equally lush with finery, lace, seed pearls and gold flashed in the light of the carriage lanterns. The piece about her neck was exactly what the bandit wanted.

The highwayman stayed where he had planted himself, in the middle of the road blocking the narrow path that traversed between some rock rises in the land on either side. Difficult spot for a carriage to turn or swerve around him, and few tried to run him over when they spotted the pistol levelled on them.

The man wore a floor length leather coat, black leather breeches, and tall leather boots up to the thigh. The claret coloured shirt lay open at his throat, the dark ash brown of his skin bared to the eye. The curve of his muscle beneath rose with the breath he took to speak. The most striking part of the man was the surfeit of bright red hair atop his head, flaring like fire beneath the streams of moonlight.

The pistol butt gestured the three ladies and their driver away from the carriage. “Such lovely gowns, my ladies. Must have been some party. Now then, my good man.” His smile stretched wide and charming over shapely lips. The mask across the upper part of his face hid the rest of his features, but given the line of his jaw and the shape of his cheekbones, this bandit hosted fine looks himself. “I’ll have the ladies’ necklaces and bangles. Leave them their shoes and gowns. I’d not send any fine lady away in just her knickers.”

“Ah, ah, yes, sir,” The drivers stumbled over to the first lady, his voice lowering for her ears. “Please, my lady. A few trinkets and he’ll leave us be.”

“I will not!” A dainty foot stamped on the cold night ground.

“M’lady, know this be stressing for you, but rumours say he’s shot a man that didn’t do as told just a week ago.”

The two younger ladies gasped loudly. One started to unfasten the necklace adorning her throat, tugging the pearls clasped to her ears, and the rings from her fingers.

The other turned toward the elder of the three. She grasped onto the woman’s arm, eyes wide with worry. “Please, mama, just do as he says.”

“I wonder if he’s as handsome as he sounds.”

“Camille!” The older woman admonished her daughter. She tugged a gold bangle off her wrist and stuck it in the waiting driver’s hand.

“What? His voice is like silk, mama.”

“She’s right.”

“Enough!” Warning glances were given each of the young ladies. The three finished stripping their jewellery off in stormy silence, the articles given over to the care of the driver and the makeshift platter he made of his coattails.

“Gil purses as well, if you please, ladies.” The highwayman piped up in reminder.

The older lady exhaled a withering sight and plunked her purse down atop the jewellery the driver held. “My daughters haven’t their own purses.”

The pair of younger woman shook their heads, hands splaying to either side to show no delicate pouches were tied to their wrists or waists. The one daughter bit into her lower lip and demurely dipped her head. The highwayman smiled, head tipping just slightly to enjoy the lean line of a leg she offered beneath the lay of her gown. Just the right stretch and twist of her figure gave him plenty to look at while she stepped back into the carriage.

The driver rushed closer to where the highwayman stood, drawing the redhaired man’s gaze back to him. He shook his head and pointed to flat stone on the side of the road. “Just there. You’ve been a fine audience tonight, my friends. Thank you ever so much for your donations. I will see the gil distributed to the most needy of Ishgard’s populace.”

The man stayed in the middle of the road until the women had returned inside the carriage and the driver back to his place atop. He bowed his head, sword issued out in a twirl to fancify the movement. The pistol never wavered from the driver, even as he sidestepped into the darkness along the side of the road. The red fire of his hair was the last thing to vanish.

They never saw him pick up their precious belongings, but as the carriage rumbled away, not a single sparkling jewel was left atop that flat stone.

#FFxivWrite2022 #Prompt 10 #ffxiv writers #writers on tumblr #highwayman #elezen #ishgard #coerthas #Lorian

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marshmallow-rainbow139 · 2 years

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One month before their second year anniversary Jean impulsively bought an engagement ring from a jewelry store in the continent. He went inside the store just to buy her necklace for their anniversary. He took one look at the variety of engagement and without thinking asked the clerk if he could see some of them. He left the store with a necklace and the ring.

Jean walked the streets while looking at the ring in the marron box. He smiles while thinking how it would fit perfectly on Mikasa’s ring, like a glove.

What if she doesn’t want to marry you?

A voice whispered in the back of his head. He stopped, he felt cold, like someone just dropped a cold bucket of ice water on him.

That feeling prolonged even when he reached his hotel room he laid on the bed and clutched the marron box to his chest.

The voice continued.

What if she doesn’t love you?

No.

He shakes his head and continues walking

The first ‘I love you’ that came out of her mouth was shy, scared to say it because she’s afraid of losing another love. She told him that after she said it for the first time.

He remembers the look on her face when she said it for the first time. The fear and love on her face was so beautiful and heartbreaking. He just held her to his chest and said that he loved her and that he would always be with her.

What if she doesn’t want to get married?

That made him rethink a lot of things and cursed because they never talk in depth about it. It was their first actual relationship in their lives. So many things were new to them.

What if she says yes but will regret it afterwards?

What if she goes ahead and marries you but regrets it years later?

What if one day you wake up and she’s no longer there? In her place there is only the engagement ring and wedding ring that you gave her.

What if you have children and she regrets them because they are not his?

What if your children end up hating you and leave you?

You’re going to end up all alone because you pushed Mikasa into something she wasn’t ready for and only said yes because she felt sorry for you.

He groaned and threw the box across the room in frustration. The ring made a loud sound as it rolled on the floor. He covered his ears and begged the voice inside his head to shut.

She loves me.

She has always been honest to me.

She 's not cruel.

She’s everything but cruel.

After he calmed down, he picked up the box and the ring and put it in his jacket pocket.

…

When the ferry lands on the port he is shocked to see her there waiting for him.

Like always, she takes his breath away. It was summer and she was wearing an orange summer dress with white flower designs and her hair was half tied up.

She waves when she spots him.

In his pocket the maroon box weighted him down like an anchor.

“JEAN!”

She runs to him and he meets her halfway in. He puts his arms around her waist and twirls her around. Two lovers reunited after being apart for so long.

…

On their second anniversary, Jean just gives the necklace he brought.

#jeankasa #jean kirstein #aot #mikasa ackerman #drabble #snk

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jqnehr · 2 months

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les améthystes du ciel | neuvillette — part 16

two individuals under pressure to marry. one has the hydro archon on his back, and the other has her matchmaking friend pushing her along. when the two meet at a ball, and both in dire need of peace from two meddlesome females, what better arrangement is there than their own betrothal?

pairing : neuvillette x fem!reader warnings : uh, haha, SUGGESTIVE, some angst (you're overthinking again), this is sfw. word count : 8.4k (enjoy your food everyone <3) note : pls don't hate me too much for this one y'all

! not proof read

! do not copy, redistribute, translate, or use my work with or without credit in any way. thank you.

part fifteen⋮ masterlist ⋮ part seventeen

ao3 ⋮ playlist

...

Labelling the enthusiasm you presently feel for tonight as ‘excitement’ would be an understatement. More aptly, you’d say you’re buzzing with anticipation, and slight apprehension. It could be an ineffable mixture of all four—but, either way, you cannot wait.

Dressed in an elegant, flattering casual evening dress, you give yourself one final once-over in the floor-length mirror in your room, heart thumping in nervousness. Your gown for the night is modest and classy; the small waist-string dangling from a deftly tied bow provides an accentuation of your middle; moderately-high pumps that you haven’t broken-in yet, and you’re worried you’ll get blisters; a pair of lovely teardrop earrings that glitter just right when the light hits them, and a humble chain necklace with a star pendant that’s jewelled in the centre. Your selected hairstyle is a charming updo with two strands of your hair framing the sides of your face, fastened with a single hairpin that is subtly embellished with miniature and gemmed lumitoiles. This pin was gifted to you by Neuvillette himself just earlier this afternoon, and the note he had attached to the small, velvet box contained his ‘deep’ expression of regret for not being able to present it to you personally, but that he is looking forward to seeing you wear it tonight. A wave of excitement floods you at that thought. What will he think?

You’d taken great care with your makeup tonight—and much credit was due to the nimble hands of Anaïs helping you with putting on your dress and assembling your hair. And her skill with cosmetics was truly exceptional—you dare say yourself, you most certainly scrub up well. The way Anaïs styled your eyeliner is really quite exquisite.

“You look breathtaking, my lady.” Anaïs smiles at you in the mirror. “You needn’t fret so much. The Monsieur will be most impressed.” “…I hope so.” You have to physically restrain your hands from fidgeting with your hair, lest you pull it apart and ruin it. “I haven’t been so nervous in years. And it’s only for a magic show.” “And dinner.” The maid’s smile grows teasing. She steps forward to adjust your dress’s skirt, taking extra care to make sure it does not crease. “At an expensive Inazuman restaurant, no less. I’d say he’s spoiling you, and as he should.”

“Spoiling me?” You turn from the mirror to face her, shocked. “No. No, he couldn’t. Honestly, with the way I’ve been treating him lately…”

“Nonsense. The Chief Justice is too kind of a man to resent anyone for anything.” Not too sure about that. You try to hide your grimace. But it’s undeniable that he’s a most sincere person. Neuvillette is much too lenient with you, you think. Well, I simply must change my behaviour. That should resolve it, yes?

He’s one prone to sending too many mixed signals, and it leaves you confused also. Such is his invitation for tonight. So are we just going to ignore the contract now? You stare at yourself diffidently in the mirror, absentmindedly fidgeting with your engagement ring. I don’t want this to continue, but then I do…

Three quick knocks sound at your door, and Anaïs straightens from her patting of your skirts to answer. “Could that be him? But he said he’ll arrive to escort you at six…”

Your stomach drops and rolls in anxiety, with half a mind to hide. Did I overdo things with the bling? Or, is my makeup too little to actually—

“[Name]!” You could collapse in relief when you lay eyes on the angelic frame of Navia, her gold curls bouncing jovially as she bounds over to you, swiftly taking your hands. “My goodness! You look just gorgeous!” Her smile is bright and beaming, and suddenly, all your previous reluctances to see Navia after the stunt she pulled at the tea party has faded.

You awkwardly smile back, somewhat ruefully; feeling warm inside. “You think so?” “Oh, Neuvillette won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.” Navia’s baby blues sparkle with delight. “This dress does wonders for your figure. Who knows! The night may never end.”

You blush at her slick wink and suggestive tone, smacking her arm. “Don’t even! That won’t happen. Having dinner is enough.”

She rolls her eyes, letting go of your hands and placing her own on her hips with a huff, shooting you a mock-exasperated look. “I told you I wanted a goddaughter! How else am I supposed to get one if you two don’t hop to it?” If you weren’t so conscious of your perfect makeup, you would’ve put your head in your hands in agony. Either way, you groan and pinch the bridge of your nose, ears burning. “Enough, Navia! I tell you—that is not going to happen.” Any time soon. “Sure, sure. You know, this is what every couple-to-be says when they keep on denying their clear sexual attraction for one anoth—mmph!”

“Oh, look at the time!” You exclaim as you slap a hand over Navia’s mouth, muffling her next words that you did not need to hear. “Can’t keep Neuvillette waiting, haha! I’d best head off then!” “Argh, [Name]! You smeared my lipstick—!”

“Haha! The show starts at seven, and it is very nearly time! If you’ll excuse m—” “You idiot, wait a moment! It’s barely six, what are you on about?” Navia’s hand clamps down on your wrist and pulls you to a stop. “I came to tell you that I would be attending the show also.” “Really? Will you be sitting beside me?”

“No! I’ll be sitting somewhere else.” Navia shakes her head in actual exasperation now. “How rude of me would it be to tell Neuvillette that I’d be tagging along with you? Thus ruining any chances of you both sneaking a snog?” “Heavens, Navia!” You’re about to explode from embarrassment. “What have you been reading? Do I need to break into your home and go through your bookshelves? What in Teyvat is giving you these wild ideas?” “I didn’t want to have to break it to you so…cheesily, [Name], but you’re a blind idiot.” You find yourself being gently spun around in a circle as Navia scolds and inspects you. “I’ll come see you after the show. Where on earth did you get this lovely dress? And—oh, look at that hairpin!” “Neuvillette got it for me.” You don’t even realise how your tone sounds so affectionate when Navia stops and looks you right in the eye, deadpan. Her silence is a reply enough. “It was a considerate gesture! Don’t you overthink it now, Navia.” “I’m ‘overthinking’ it?” She prolongs her look for a moment longer before shaking her head in frustration. “You’re in denial. Anyway! Aren’t you excited? You’re finally getting to have a nice dinner alone with your husband. This wasn’t in the contract, was it?”

“…We’re making exceptions.” You look away, brushing some hair from your eyes. “For now.” Navia seems to have decided she’s teased you enough for the moment as she turns and saunters for the door, a swing in her step. “Well then! Must be time to go.” She opens the door. “I’ll see you lat—oh! Monsieur Neuvillette?” Lo and behold, there the man is, hand raised in the motion of knocking, seemingly rather taken aback. “Oh, hello, Miss Navia. I didn’t know you were visiting.” “Haha! Yes, I just stopped by to say hello to your wife.” You grimace at her purposeful wording, turning away; not wanting to face the man until the last minute. You have to gather your wits and nerves and sort yourself out before feeling brave enough to present yourself to the man. You’ve never felt so conscious about your appearance before. You give yourself one more look in the mirror, making sure your makeup is flawless, dress creaseless and everything perfectly in place. Will he like it? I wonder what he’ll say?

“I’ll see myself out now. Have fun, you two~!” With a flourish, out bounces Navia, dress trail and honey-blonde hair gliding out behind her as she disappears behind the door frame. Finally, Neuvillette enters, closing the door behind him and then stops dead in his tracks when he sees you.

You can’t gauge his reaction very well. “Uh, good evening, Neuvillette. I hope I haven’t overdone anything. Are the earrings too much? I did try to go for casual evening wear…” “No, no, you’re fine.” He’s trying very hard not to ogle you too much; eyes slowly trailing up and down your figure. Rooted in place, you only barely catch Anaïs turning away with a poorly-hidden grin on her face, exiting the room silently. “I just…you look stunning.”

“Thank you.” You drop your stare and tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, hands trembling, blood racing. Neuvillette himself looks dashing tonight, dressed in his usual colour scheme of deep-sea blue and those dragon-scaled coattails of his. You always tend to feel bashful before this man, no matter the circumstance—but now, it’s a different story. You’re so relieved he approves. “Anaïs did a wonderful job.”

“She most certainly did.” He takes a few slow steps forward and stops right before you, taking your hand. He brings it up to his lips and places a chaste kiss to the top of it, staring at you piercingly through his lashes. “It almost makes me want to cancel our plans.”

“Sorry?” You blink, shocked, unable to process his words. Since when did he have such…humour? “I—what are you suggesting? I spent so long getting prepared this evening!” Neuvillette chuckles humorously, pulling you gently towards him so you can link arms. “I spoke in jest, beloved. You look absolutely breathtaking tonight. I believe I’ll have quite a fight on my hands trying to keep everyone other man’s off of you.” “Oh, you exaggerate.” You playfully smack his arm, turning your head away so he can’t see your bright red cheeks. You adjust your purse’s strap on your shoulder, ruffled. “We both know that no such thing shall happen. Now, shall we?”

“No need to fret now.” He doesn’t appear to be inclined to giving up his joking any time soon; completely breezing over your attempt to switch the topic. “For I am here. I know how to fight.”

“Neuvillette, really.” You don’t think you’ve ever blushed so much around one person before. “You’re just being silly now. There won’t be any fighting on your part, as there will be no one to fight. Now! Shall we?”

He seems to finally get the hint; heaving a breath of a laugh and shaking his head. “Alright, dearest. We shall set off now. We’ll be arriving home at about midnight, by the way. The show ends at nine, and our reservation is booked for nine-thirty.”

He opens the door and you both step out. Closing it behind him, he leads you down the hallway, continuing, “I am relieved that you enjoy Inazuman food.”

“Who doesn’t?” Maybe him, as he isn’t fond of foods without much sauce. “I believe you will simply guzzle the miso soup. I assume you aren’t too inclined to sake?” “I can drink alcohol, but it is not a preferred beverage, is all.” Neuvillette pauses beside you as you gather up your skirts to head down the steps for the carriage outside comfortably. His hold is strong and steady, more than prepared to catch you if you were to fall. “And I know you’re responsible, but I will not be pleased if you drank too much.”

“Why? What would you do if I did get drunk?” You both finally make it to the bottom of the steps and begin to stride toward the awaiting carriage. You throw him a coy grin. “I’d honestly love to see what your reaction would be.”

“Would you?” He gives you an intense sidelong look that immediately compels you to break stares with him, unless you were to be alright with him seeing your flushed face. Neuvillette says nothing more, helping you up into the carriage, giving a polite nod to the coachman, before settling in before you. He quirks a brow at you, slinging one leg over the other, posture upright and head tilted. “If so, then I will have you know now that I’d never let you have a sip of alcohol in my presence again.”

“What, you’re acting like my jailer!” You laugh, waving a hand at him. “It’s alright, Neuvillette, I’m responsible. I haven’t gotten wasted in years. Hangovers are much too uncomfortable.”

“Hm. I am very glad to hear that.” You can see why the Melusines view this man as a father figure—there he is, sitting so stiffly, hands clasped together upon his lap, staring you down with a most stern expression. One very much like a strict parent—except, his concern for you right now is out of more husbandly, friendly intentions. Deciding to tease him a little, you gather your skirts up and deftly hop across to sidle up to him, much too close for the reserved man to handle. And there you have it—his features swiftly morph from one of severity to surprise and astoundment. If you had looked a little more closely, you might’ve spotted how pink the tips of his ears became. “I—what are you doing, [Name]?” “Having a seat next to my husband, of course!” Oh, he’s terribly fun to tease. His flustered expressions never disappoint—they’re always so awfully adorable; with his lavender hues so wide and frame so tense, mouth parted into a comical ‘o’ shape. Thus, you place a hand on his lap—as he had uncrossed his legs to try and slide away to put more polite distance between you both—cornering him. You press your chest into his side, not fully aware of the nice frontal view you’re currently giving the poor man. You lean your cheek against his shoulder, smiling up at him. “Isn’t that what wives do?” “I—” Neuvillette’s eyes flit down to a certain area of your anterior before he hastily squeezes them shut, turning his face away. “…Please don’t torment me so, Madame.” “Torment?” And we’re using honorifics now? You want to play that game, Neuvillette? Alright, then. “Wherever did you get that from? Are you disliking this?” Your thumb slips up slightly beneath his robe and shirt, brushing against the bare skin just above the waistband of his trousers. The Iudex flinches roughly, and before you can even process what hits you, his hand grabs both of your wrists, and your back hits the cushioned seat below you with a whomph. Squeaking in surprise, the end of your hairpin digs uncomfortably into the back of your neck and you panic for a moment about the state of your hair—but the latching of teeth at the skin of your nape makes such worries instantly flee. Neuvillette nibbles at the side of your throat, and your chest heaves as you claw to regulate your breathing. “Neu-Neuvillette!”

Looking down, you meet eyes with a pair of shadowed indigo ones, his head tilted into the crook of your neck. “You temptress. Must you push me to ruin your lovely makeup and dress, right in here, right now?” His free hand brushes against your left thigh, which is propped up upon the curve of his waist, fingers ghosting over your dress’s skirt. The material has begun to ride up your leg, and you can physically see your chest pounding erratically with the speed of your heart rate. You’re speechless, just staring at him with wide eyes, unable to move. Neuvillette’s present expression is awfully similar to that of when you both had a moment in the kitchen, his gaze much too piercing for you to hold. Voice rumbling against your nape, he continues, “You really do look so lovely this evening. It would be a shame to rip it all off of you, after the amount of work you put into it.”

“I…” It’s quite easy to tell that Neuvillette means what he says. “You’ve never…done this before.”

The glint in his eye is carnal, and the look goes right to your core. You make no move to push him away, and he slowly emerges from your throat, hovering above you. His shoulders are enough to cage you in. “Mm. Let’s just say you’ve pushed me a bit too far.”

You jump when a gloved hand slowly trails its way up the outer side of your thigh, dipping beneath your skirt. “Oh! Why, you’re eager—!”

“Eager?” Neuvillette adjusts his hold on your wrists. It’s almost frightening, really, how easily he can overpower you. His entire palm is enough to engulf both of your hands into his grip securely. But you don’t squirm or try to escape. No, you stay right where you are, like putty beneath his form. This position is sending your imagination quite wild—what would it be like in a bed chamber, with nothing but the moon for light, spilling in and over and across his disrobed frame? With you, right below him, just as now, tearing at the sheets for grounding? It isn’t something you can see yourself denying.

“Hm, well, when you have a wife whose favourite pastime is to taunt her husband—then, yes, I suppose so.” The kind, quiet Chief Justice you’ve come to know so well is merely figmental right now, replaced with a man of lascivious eyes and blistering touch. He, by instinct, parts your legs a little bit and moves to settle between them. “What will she do when she is finally shown up?” “Does it frustrate you that much?” You recollect your wits enough to flash a small, sly grin and make the (rather foolish) decision of pushing his buttons even more. “Well, then, if you’re so eager, kiss me. Ruin my lipstick.”

Neuvillette’s brows flick up in surprise. “…What?” “Kiss me,” you repeat, lifting your leg and resting upon the small of his back snugly, pulling him in closer to your centre. He jolts in surprise; the grasp he has on your hip beneath your skirts inadvertently tightening. “Go ahead and kiss me.”

He stares and bites down on his own lower lip, hesitating, debating. You wish one of your hands were free to swipe a thumb across that lip, to feel its softness against your own. Good thing you have some lipstick in your purse, ready to be reapplied if the need arises. And it looks like it will.

After a moment of clear contemplation, Neuvillette seems to have finally made his decision as he removes his hand from your hip, moving to cup your cheek so tenderly, tilting your chin down to give him easier access to your mouth. Your breathing quickens, reduced to brisk little inhales, heart pummelling at your ribcage. He finally lets go of your wrists, arm slipping beneath the small, natural arch of your back and lifting you up, now pressed against his middle fully. Your free hands seem to have a life of their own; shifting to wind themselves around his neck, and as he hoists you up to essentially straddle his lap, your face now lingers above his. Your breaths mingle, you breathe in that crisp, husky scent of his, and he moves to smother your mouth with his own.

This is the moment you’ve been dreaming of since the night on the beach. You’re finally continuing what shouldn’t have been overthought and should have been finished back then, right now. You’re ready to proudly parade into the Opera Epiclese with swollen lips and smeared lipstick if it means you’ve finally gotten the kiss you have been needing for not weeks, but months now.

His lips just brush against yours when the carriage rolls to a halt and the coachman knocks on the door. “Monsieur and Madame! We’ve arrived at the Main Station.”

And the spell, once more, is broken. You slump against him in disappointment, and he sighs deeply, wearily. Gently, he pries your hands off him, kindly adjusting your skirts and tightening your hairpin for you in two swift movements. You quickly take out a compact mirror from your purse and inspect your appearance thoroughly, cheeks scathingly hot. He places you from his lap and onto the carriage seat, avoiding your eyes. “…Alright.”

Of all times. Of all damn times to get interrupted. You spray on some perfume and touch your mascara up a little, snapping your compact mirror shut with a sharp clack, shoving it into your purse. We’re not finished. I’m going to corner him again as soon as I get the chance. No way are you leaving this whole thing unfinished for a second time. And you’ll make sure he won’t, either.

You notice Neuvillette giving you a wary look from your periphery, but you ignore it, quickly gathering up your skirts and taking his hand to step down from the carriage. Now you both must board the aquabus, and suffer through an agonisingly long ride across the harbour to Erinnyes, where the Opera Epiclese is located. You suppose this is no large change of routine for the man at your arm, who silently guides you towards the boarding dock. He regularly travels from the Court to Erinnyes for hearings much too often. And, as expected, a Melusine is awaiting the both of you dutifully at the bow of the aquabus. She chirps a bright greeting to the Chief Justice, who responds with a soft smile and word.

“Oh! And the Madame is here!” The Melusine, Elphane, brightens even more at the sight of you. “I was wondering why you were coming out here at such an hour, Monsieur Neuvillette. You must be taking Madame on a date!” “A date…yes.” You both shuffle a little bit as you settle onto the seats, side by side, with a small bit of distance between you. For the best. “We’re going to see Lyney and Lynette’s magic show.”

“How exciting!” Elphane claps her small paws together elatedly. “Oh, Madame, isn’t Monsieur Neuvillette just so kind? Surely you’re both going to have a candlelight dinner afterwards!”

“Uh—not quite,” you laugh awkwardly. “We will be having dinner, but there won’t be any…candles.” “Are you averse to such an idea, Madame?” Now Neuvillette seems to have decided to join in on the fun, having apparently gotten over the little ‘physical altercation’ you both got into in the carriage mere minutes ago. Such a realisation stings you a little. Is he unaffected by this? Maybe his aloofness is finally getting the better of him—however, now is an awful time for it to happen.

Unbeknownst to you, Neuvillette is only trying to lighten the mood. Trying. The look on your face tells him that he’s failing miserably. Wracking his brains for some other, maybe more appropriate method (he’s always been absolutely terrible at cracking and understanding jokes), he attempts a smile. “Is this not a private outing between us? Isn’t it meant to be…well, romantic?” Elphane gasps quite audibly, before she slaps her paws over her mouth. You both look at her questioningly. “Don’t mind me! I’m not here. Please continue!”

“…I suppose so,” you carry on rather subduedly, eyeing the Melusine. She’s watching you both with wide, sparkling eyes, utterly immersed in…this. You do suppose it’d be rather interesting to hear the reclusive, abstinent Chief Justice talk about romance. With a woman at his side. A woman that is his wife. And then that makes you remember the contract, and that you both should really not be doing this—it’s bound to get back to Furina somehow, and she’ll be on your backs about it in an instant—but you find you don’t care. You’re getting that kiss from him. You’re determined to pin him against the wall in a secluded, empty hall somewhere in the opera hall if necessary. And with that rather searing glint in his eye that he’s had since you both emerged from the carriage, you’re almost confident he feels the same.

“Well! Dear me, but I’m sure my sisters will be utterly overjoyed to hear the news,” Elphane giggles and claps her paws together once more. “You must be so happy, Neuvillette, being with a woman like the Madame here.”

“…Yes. I do suppose I am.” He looks at you, the breeze brushes his bangs aside a bit, providing you full exposure to the sheer intensity of his stare. Breathless, you thank the gods for the cool breeze and poor lighting so that he isn’t able to fully see the effect his words and soft inclination just had on you. Neuvillette doesn’t appear to be done, though. “Who knew such advantages could be taken out of such a hapless situation?”

“Oh, but is it really unfortunate?” Elphane adds, giggling. You and Neuvillette haven’t stopped staring at each other. “Because it seems to be going pretty well!”

“Yes, uh, well…” You finally break gazes and look down at your lap, fidgeting with your fingers. “Never does any harm to make good of something…inauspicious.”

Elphane and Neuvillette begin quietly chatting, the former occasionally throwing some good-natured, teasing quips in your direction, to which you smile and laugh awkwardly at. In your silence, you’re beginning to overthink things again: do I really deserve to ask that of him? Do you even have the right to take it that big of a step forward—to totally disregard that line that’s now so blurry, you can’t really see it anymore? You always forget to ask him what he wants, you always just assume. Since when was I like this? Have I always been like this? Even the cool night breeze and full moon isn’t enough to calm you. Shall I take a step back? Oh, what was I thinking, telling him to kiss me?

You would write it off as a ‘spur-of-the-moment’ thing, but it was a fully conscious decision. You wanted it—so badly, you were ready to throw dignity into the wind. Your marcid emotions are now so inordinate; even just his presence sends you haywire, an incalescent burn that will maul you to shreds. It’s happened before, but why is this experience so much more intensely agonising than the last?

You’ve gone over this so many times before; battled with yourself to just leave and never look back—but you don’t want to. Does he want you to leave? It doesn’t seem like it, but will he turn on you? Like how you’ve turned on yourself?

You’re yanked the gloom of your thoughts when a warm hand rests itself upon your shoulder and pats it, the individual calling for your attention. Neuvillette is speaking to you. “[Name]? Are you alright? You’re so silent.” “Uh—oh, I’m quite fine, thank you.” You school your features back into your usual mask of impassivity. “Have we arrived?” “Not just yet.” Damn you, Neuvillette. Those eyes, so clear and teeming with solicitude. Such compassion, like he’s experienced this exact scourge himself before, but never had anyone to sincerely ask if he was all right. The man is so full of empathy, and readily imparts it to others, but he’s never had such a thing endowed upon him. How can you not love someone like him?

“Is there something on my face?” Neuvillette’s soft clearing of his throat and retraction from you spears you as much as it startles you. “Oh! No, there’s nothing, I just tend to stare…at random things when lost in thought.”

“…I see.” Great. I’ve made him uncomfortable. Seems to be a poor habit of yours, putting people in awkward positions. The reputation you’re beginning to amass will eventually proceed you. You suppose it’s a given for someone as reprehensible as yourself; it amazes you people such as Navia have stuck by your side for so long. What is the appeal within you? What compelled Neuvillette to be inclined toward you in the first place?

You look at him fleetingly, and he’s as beautiful as ever; the cast of the moon and its veneer of shine upon him befits the man entirely. You adore and detest how looking up at the moon from the day you leave and on will bring his face to the forefront of your mind—even for years subsequent. They say he stands out most when seated upon that eminent chair of his in the Opera Epiclese, but you’ve come to disagree. Neuvillette is at his peak when relaxed and within his element, not tense with the pressure of the Oratrice and the deafening jeers of the onlookers. He shines the most when bathed in the gentle glow of the moon, and when he stands with his face turned to the sky as the rain tumbles down.

You’d like to say he is most riveting when next to you, but that’s much too vain of a statement to express. How ironic is it; you’re thinking of his correlation to the moon, while you’re ‘mooning’ over the man right now—and when alone. You reason that one would have to blind—to be brainless to not love this man in some kind of way. To the Melusines, he is a kindly father figure, and maybe even to Furina also; to you, he is a friend you consider an anchor, someone who understands you deeply—to a raw, emotional level, and someone you don’t want to be friends with. You want to be able to call him your husband as how a woman would refer fondly to the man she loves, and is to spend the remainder of her life with. Does he think the same? Or would he be averse to such a thing?

Maybe you aren’t seeing the bigger picture here. There are signs you refuse to see—and even now, you disregard such a train of thought. The high and adrenaline rush that raced through your veins in the carriage is coming down now, leaving you with the low that dashes your spirits further. He’s a drug that will drive you to death.

Your hip still tingles with the aftermath of his touch. How you crave for it. The gods abhor you.

“You’re lost in thought again, [Name]. What has you looking so sad?” Will you stop being so kind? You wish you had the strength to glare at him. Now, you’re incapable of even being annoyed with him. You long to hate him, you long to have him make you his. Mustering some semblance of a smile, you shake your head weakly. “I’m alright. Are you looking forward to the show? I am.”

Neuvillette’s gaze and silence lingers for a brief few seconds more before he warily nods and responds. “…I suppose so. Is this your first time seeing the two live?” “Uh, yes, it is.” You avoid his stare, turning to ‘admire’ the view instead. “Let’s hope nothing goes awry like how their previous one did. The one that put them on trial, I mean.” “Yes.” He’s staring holes into the side of your face; you look down at your lap and hands to avert from it even more. “I’m sure all will be fine. We have good seats, therefore it will be an enjoyable experience for you.”

“I believe so.” Remembering Navia’s presence at the show gives you some comfort. “I hope I am not overdressed.”

“Even if you were, it wouldn’t matter.” Neuvillette seems to have a knack for flirting; he takes your hand and places yet another soft kiss to the top of it. “You look like an angel. It’s almost annoying how I am not the only one who will lay eyes upon you tonight. It makes me want to keep this sight for myself.” Your eyes become round at his words; you throw a frantic look in the innocent Elphane’s direction, who looks on with a vaguely perplexed expression. What is he implying? “Enough with your blandishments! I cannot stand it when people lie to my face, Neuvillette.” Ha! The irony…

“Ah, that we have in common, but I am not lying.” The aquabus finally arrives at its stop at Marcotte Station, and you both bid farewell to Elphane as you hop off, beginning your brief walk to the Opera. Your arms are entwined; Neuvillette bends down to whisper into your ear: “My words are not empty. Don’t you wish to continue our unfinished little escapade in the carriage elsewhere sometime later?” Gasping, you trip, stumbling forward. Your foot comes loose from your shoe, leaving the pump on its side upon the pavement. “Oh, Neuvillette, you idiot! Don’t say such things at random!”

He chuckles deeply, turning to retrieve the shoe, smirking at you. You’re out of breath; your face is probably the colour of a tomato. “Your reaction told me all I needed to know. Good thing you didn’t twist your ankle, hm?” “And it would’ve been your fault if I did!” Your emotions are too high-strung to handle this right now. “Give me my shoe. I’ll put it on.”

Neuvillette responds by sweeping you up and swiftly placing you down on a nearby park bench. The action was too fast for you to comprehend immediately, leaving you disoriented. “Oh!”

He kneels before you, pushing the hem of your skirts up, gently holding your ankle as he slips your high heel back onto your foot. It’s the bare minimum for a gentleman, but it hits you right where you’re weak. The Chief Justice, the most important man in this country, kneeling before me? You’re so undeserving, but here you are. He just stares up at you for a moment, head tilted and the corners of his mouth curled into a smug smile, unmoving. Great, he’s getting ready to tease me again. “Isn’t it so convenient that we’re in rather isolated seats for the show? We won’t be interrupted this time.”

It’s like he’s become a whole new person! You’re glad you’re not wearing a shawl, you’re too hot and bothered for this. Standing abruptly, you turn to stride away, flustered enormously. “I take it back! Don’t become a poet, Neuvillette. I misjudged your affinity for it.”

“Why? Is it because only you want to hear such things?” Neuvillette immediately catches your wrist and pulls you toward him, eyes crinkled up in amusement. “That can be arranged. Somewhere dark, private, without a soul around—”

“Oh, please stop!” You put your face in your hands and let out a cry. “You’re embarrassing me! Oh, I shouldn’t have provoked you in the carriage…”

Gentle hands squeeze your shoulders as a chuckle rumbles from his chest, almost sympathetic. “Do I still get that kiss?”

You’re about to combust. “…Later. Let’s go, or we’ll be late for the show.”

・・・・

When you both arrive at the Opera and enter the theatre, the entire room falls silent.

Arm-in-arm with the Chief Justice, you force yourself to keep your head high as you both make your way through the aisles of the Opera and make your way up for your private seats. Soft music is playing as a “THE SHOW WILL BEGIN SOON” projection is displayed across the drawn curtains of the stage. Shyness and humiliation is like an invisible hand trying to push your head down, but you resist, keeping your eyes up and ahead, expression carefully blank. Every eye in the room is on you both; whispers filter about the area, each one filled with shock, each one so sickly enthused with this sudden turn of events. Yes, it is a good thing you’re both seated far from everyone else—there would be no way you’d be left alone.

It’s ten minutes to seven, and you both arrive at your designated seats. These seats are only a little way away from the ones you last sat in and in which you had a panic attack; overlooking the stage at an ideal angle. You examine the guests for Navia’s familiar head of blonde hair and classy hat. You soon spot her, and relax back in your chair, breathing a humourless laugh, whispering, “Well, don’t we have some lovely memories here?” “To you, maybe,” he softly replies. “But standing out on the balcony with you was quite nice. Don’t you agree?” “If you say so.” You settle into your seat, adjusting your skirts, opening up your paper bag of Conch Madeleines you’d purchased at in the foyer café. “Care for one?” “I’m alright, thank you.” Neuvillette waves his hand and summons two eloquently-designed cups out of thin air, each filled with water. Handing you one, he turns to face the stage again. “This batch of water I ordered from Inazuma is quite decadent.” “I believe it would be.” You take a quick sip and place it to the side, deciding not to mention that it just tastes like regular water, maybe a tad bit crisper. “Oh, but you really are missing out on these Conch Madeleines. They’re still hot from the oven, and they’re divine.” “Well, then, all the more for you to enjoy, yes?” Neuvillette crosses one leg over the other, settling into his seat. “I’m quite alright with water, but thank you for the offer.”

“If you say so!” With that, you take a bite, humming at its sweet taste. This one has a bit of a lemony flavour, with cream inside. Good thing you bought more than three. You have two hours worth of entertainment to get through, best you savour them each instead of eating them all before the show even starts.

Soft murmurs flit throughout the hall, the subject of their hushed, breathless conversations clear: it is not excitement about the upcoming show, no—it’s excitement over the star pair of Fontaine sitting just above them in the VIP docks. The only thing that finally silences them is the sudden burst of music that apprises everyone that the show is finally beginning.

Drums roll, the theatre darkens, and the curtains swish aside, the single spotlight illuminating the centre of the stage and the individual standing in an extravagant pose upon it. It’s instantly obvious who it is; with his head bowed and signature top hat dipped down over his eyes, Lyney holds up his free hand with five playing cards spread out through the cracks of his fingers. Then, with a flourish, he throws up his hat, tosses the cards out in front of him, and disappears.

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome, our lovely guests this evening, to the one and only Lyney and Lynette’s Magic Show!” The cards flutter down to the stage floor, the spotlight still shining upon that area, with no Lyney to be seen. Only his smooth voice rings out, “We dearly hope you will enjoy tonight’s spectacle, for we’ve prepared many delightful sights to be seen.” And then silence falls. The spotlight goes out, and everything is left in darkness once more.

Then, suddenly, after a few tense seconds, a burst of orange-red flames and sparks flare across the stage, with Lyney coming swinging down from some kind of trapeze unseen above. He has cards in his hands again, with some sailing in an arch above him, completely defying the laws of physics. “First off, we have a most enthralling extravaganza of pyrotechnics powered by yours truly! If you are afraid of the curtains and surroundings catching fire, not to worry; my first stunt for the evening is this.” With a snap of his fingers, a previously-invisible square in the centre of the stage roars aflame, so bright and hot, the people seated at the front recoil and fan themselves from the heat. Shocked murmurs ripple throughout the crowd, while Lyney grins from his position onstage.

“Oh, yes, I will be walking face-first into this wall of fire.” He pops his hat off his head, spins it smoothly around one finger for a second before holding it out to the audience. “And within my trusty top hat is the sole item to put out this blaze before it burns me up—or will it?” The magician whirls around fluidly on one heel, strolling amiably towards the blustering flames, apparently unaware of the horrified audience who sit, mouths agape, in silence. “Let’s have a look-see, shall we?” Continuing to amble worry-free towards direct danger, he shuffles through the contents of his ‘bottomless’ top hat, humming thoughtfully. “Hm. It appears the item is nowhere to be seen.” Lyney throws an insouciant, catlike grin over his shoulder to the audience. “Any guesses, my lovely guests?” “Where’s Lynette?!” One member yells. “Surely she is the key to putting out the fire before you kill yourself?!”

“Excellent guess! Unfortunately, mon ami, you are wrong.” Lyney continues to meander casually toward the flames, aggravatingly slow, his pace unrelenting. Even though you know he’s going to be fine—at least, you hope so, considering how wrong his last show went—you grip at your seat handle and lean forward breathlessly, bag of conch madeleines lying on your lap, forgotten. The magician then stops in his tracks and swings around on the balls of his feet, pointing to the audience. “One of you shall be my saviour! One of you sits in a seat that holds the ‘key’ to my survival. Which one of you could it be?” The entire procession exchanges glances; people hop up to check their seats, stooping to look underneath and find the item Lyney needs before it’s ‘too late’. The boy grins rather diabolically as he watches everyone fuss about and gradually descend into chaos. You throw a glance in Neuvillette’s direction—although his expression is his usual business-like coolness, there’s a hint of amusement gracing that full mouth of his. He seems to be faintly enjoying the unfolding of such disarray right before him.

“There is hope, all!” Lyney’s sing-song voice abruptly rings out and brings everyone to a halt. “For we are honoured with the presence of two very esteemed guests tonight; I’m sure most of you know who I am talking about…” Suddenly, you’re blinded—your conch madeleines tumble off your lap at your surprise, and you lift a hand to shield your eyes from the intensity of the spotlight now upon you and Neuvillette. “Please give a warm welcome to the one and only Chief Justice, Monsieur Neuvillette—and his lovely wife, Madame Neuvillette!”

“Did—did you know about this?” You hiss at Neuvillette, cheeks hot with humiliation and surprise. You cannot stand being caught off-guard and put in the spotlight—and in this case, you literally are. “What is going on?” “I—I wasn’t told about this,” he whispers hurriedly back, not looking very impressed himself. He stands. “Master Lyney, what is the meaning of this?” “Not to worry, Monsieur!” Lyney jovially responds, completely unbothered by the Iudex’s withering stare, sweeping an elegant arm in your direction. “For, most unexpectedly, the Madame here happens to be seated upon the very means of my viability!”

Confused, you lean forward, mustering the courage to answer, “Young man, it would’ve been more optimal if you had notified me beforehand.”

“But that takes away the wonderful element of surprise, which I strive for!” He doesn’t seem to fully understand the embarrassment he’s forced you into. This is going to make major headlines, and what a headache is that going to be. “So, if you please, Madame—I politely implore you to hand over the item so everything will continue on smoothly!” Something in his tone tells you to do the opposite—and you, genuinely curious as to the full extent of this huge trick he’s playing, go along with it. “…No. I don’t think I will.” The audience gasps, Neuvillette whips around to gawk at you, and Lyney’s eyes light up. Aha.

“Well, then!” The magician feigns betrayal and spins around to saunter toward the inferno once more. “If my lady orders me to, I must oblige!” Settling back down into your seat, you lean your cheek against your hand as you watch on, rather invested. Neuvillette heaves a sigh, sitting down also, and the spotlight disappears from hovering over the both of you. It’s a relief, though the audience takes their time with turning back from gawping at you both as if you were two exotic animals in a zoo. Maybe that is essentially what you are to them. People to idolise, and thus people to ridicule. Society has always been the same.

You had found the ‘item’ Lyney had ‘lost’ under the back cushion of your seat; a small remote-like gadget, its purpose obvious. Along with a small note instructing you what to do and when to do it, you have begun to find this quite amusing, despite the abrupt, rather unideal circumstances.

Apparently, everyone in the audience is concerningly gullible, as they irregularly throw harrowing glares in your direction. How they managed to believe that you’re actually going to let Lyney die in the ‘fire’ beats you. Ignoring them, you await your cue.

Lyney throws one final, beseeching look in your direction (what an astounding actor, you think, impressed), before wailing, “this is the end!” dramatically and stepping entirely into the flames. You’re finding the audience’s reactions much more interesting than the actual show; the majority of the people in attendance gasp and cry out in dismay at Lyney’s ‘demise’. Hitched silence falls, and with no sound from Lyney, you count down in your head for your cue, before hitting the button.

Jazz music blares, the flames intensify, and Lyney’s silhouette is outlined against the curtains’ backdrop as he makes his signature pose. “And there you have it, everyone—Madame Neuvillette is a true heroine!”

Brief silence, and then the entire hall erupts into thunderous applause. It appears as if everyone loves you now. Neuvillette throws you an amused smile, to which you grin back at.

The subsequent acts for the rest of the show were just one amazing spectacle after another—when Lynette came onstage, summoning a mini-tornado (that managed to not make a bit of mess, wondrously) with her Vision that even made your hair blow around a bit, the crowd went crazy. Lyney did some neat tricks for the little children that got them all starry-eyed and excited, Lynette poured a cup of tea from a teapot without even holding it, Lyney presented a young woman in the front row with a bouquet of wildflowers and equally flowery words and the twins ended their show with a most baffling trick shot—Lyney had disappeared behind the curtain, leaving Lynette alone to continue entertainment, before a huge ‘malfunctioning’ Gardemek trudged onstage. And thus did Lynette and the Gardemek ‘spar’—for only a pretend battle, it was really quite realistic and transfixing. The performance displayed Lynette’s combat prowess and her strength intensely, leaving you dazed with admiration. Oh, how I’d love to have a Vision and learn to wield a weapon like that! Another pipe dream of yours, however; it is unlikely that you would ever do anything noteworthy enough to garner a Vision from the gods. It would be cool to have one, but then again, you’re unsure if you’re fully inclined to being ‘favoured’ like so from the divine, considering all of their track records. You’d never been very religious or devout—the Archons’ existence is a given and very much real, however, you just don’t care. You chalk it up to Archons such as Furina giving deities a rather bad look. But that’s a bit biased, you suppose.

Either way, when the two hosts give their graceful bows and farewells with a flourish, you quickly turn to Neuvillette with wide eyes. “Now, wasn’t that just marvellous?”

“It most certainly was,” the man answers, fidgeting with his cravat. It is rather hot in the opera hall, and you quickly stand, ready to depart. Sitting down for two hours certainly is so stiffening; you turn away a bit and stretch, a few bones popping nicely. There’s a rustle of clothing from beside you, and the Iudex holds out an arm. “You enjoyed that, it seems.” “Oh, thoroughly!” You’ve never been to see Lyney and Lynette live before, and you really weren’t disappointed. No wonder they are so famous. “Those two are exceptionally talented at what they do. That performance with the Gardemek and Lynette? Goodness, if only I had a Kamera on me to record it!”

Neuvillette chuckles. “Well, then, it appears you’re quite unbothered by that unexpected little hiccup before.” He smiles down at you. “You looked most uncomfortable and embarrassed, being put on the spot like that. I’m sure they’re relieved you took it the right way in the end.” “Oh, yes, I would’ve appreciated it if they’d let me know beforehand so I could consciously play along and put a bit more of a show,” you say coolly, gathering up your skirts to head down the steps to the ground floor from your seating dock. “But, it turned out for the best, did it not? Though, the audience didn’t like me much.” “C’est la vie, non?” Neuvillette pats your hand amiably. “Such is the life of a high-profile person. It is truly no walk in the park.”

“And you’ve been handling it for centuries, Neuvillette.” You shake your head in slight incredulity, rather confounded at his resilience. Perhaps that’s what you admire about him the most. “It must get so wearisome. Hopefully we will dine in a seat far away from everyone else, and won’t be disturbed by the press.” “It is an Inazuma restaurant; over there, they have little private rooms for people to eat in. It’s the same here.” He guides you toward the entrance, where people are still filing out. “And that reminds me—how about a…stroll on the beach afterwards?”

“That sounds lovely, Neuvillette.” You both stride toward the awaiting carriage. Now you two must travel back to the Court on an aquabus again; at least now, the mood is more relaxed. Best to leave the conversation for what happened in the carriage for another time. You don’t know how you will manage to walk along the sand in your dress, though. “You must be trying to get in as much reprieve as you can before you are drowned in work again, no?” He sighs. “You are correct. And we must prepare for the banquet on Friday. We don’t have to—” “[Name]!” You both pause at the call, and you turn to see Navia waving for you a distance away. She makes her way over, nodding politely to the Chief Justice. “Apologies for interrupting, Your Honour. I just came to greet your wife.”

You’re glad to see her, but you’re not impressed with her tricky wording, again. Neuvillette also looks rather perplexed at her phrasing, but he obscures it well. “Ah, of course, Miss Navia. Would you like me to step away to give you both some privacy?” “No! That’s quite alright, but thank you, Neuvillette,” Navia assures him, beaming. Then she turns to you. “I only came to say hello and goodbye. And that I can’t attend the banquet.”

“What?” Dread pools within you. “Surely you can try to, Navia? How will I manage without you?” “You will manage just fine, actually,” she sternly replies, arching a brow. “You’ve got Neuvillette here and Clorinde just told me she’d be coming along too, having been coerced into it by a certain Archon. So! You’ll have a few friends there. You can’t rely on me forever, you know.” Not wishing to make yourself seem like a helpless child in need of coddling, you stiffly nod at her. “Alright. Where are you going this time, then, if you’re too busy to attend? Not investigating André, I hope.” Navia blinks, before letting out a laugh with the slightest, almost undetectable tremor within it. “No, no, of course not! I’ve got another case on my back, one more demanding, frankly. Well then! I’ll see you sometime soon, okay? Take care!”

You know she’s just running away from you, but you let her go, rather fatigued and, most of all, hungry. You watch Navia’s fading figure for a moment more before turning to the Iudex. “Alright, let’s head off, Neuvillette.”

You have a very busy week ahead of you. You surmise it’s best to do what Neuvillette is doing—savour what reprieve you have left before diving head-first back into the pandemonium Furina so kindly built for you both.

hey guys 🫡 how are y'all...? 🙂

when I said you guys would be out for my blood, I meant it. I can hear the marching, battle cries and war drums already 🥲

ANYWAY! yet another unnecessarily long chapter, but y'all had a long wait so I swooped in for the rescue 🥰 even tho this chapter is a HOT mess, I hoped u all still enjoyed 🙏

they will kiss soon. rest assured. I know it sounds like an empty promise but it WILL happen eventually 🤭 in the very near future 💛 just not yet <3

taglist!

@shiroonekoo @just-here-reading @avyakaslana @eternal-dokja @confusedparticle @xitrinez @tanspostsblog @vcatson @sek0ya @loving-august @mxyarylla @ultigoblin @constantlyoverthinking @pvbbyb0y @lynettezzp @esthelily @furblrwurblr @sangoqueenkoko @lacunaanonymoused

#⌗ ༘ ⋆｡𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐒❜ works #genshin impact #genshin #neuvillette #fontaine #neuvilette genshin #chief justice neuvillette #neuvillette x reader #genshin x reader #genshin imagines #furina #genshin impact x reader #neuvillette x female reader #neuvillette x you #neuvillette x y/n

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ddarker-dreams · 3 years

Text

Christmas Together / Scarlet Ribbons.

kicking off the christmas season with some highly indulgent hcs ! i’m also planning to write mini scenarios of getting caught under the mistletoe with each bucci gang member ehehe

[Scarlet Ribbons description]

Bruno Bucciarati;

It’s likely that Bruno will be the one you spend your first Christmas in Italy with. He’ll do everything that he can to make it a memorable experience for you, from taking you sightseeing to offering to spend the day together. His emphasis is always on the togetherness the season is meant to bring, so he’ll do what he so you never feel lonely or homesick.

When you’re dating, he’ll ask to take you to his hometown on the sea during the holiday season. Bruno wants to show you, the most important person in his life, where he had made beloved childhood memories. Of course, this includes treating you to meals and a stay in a luxury hotel. Bruno’s overjoyed to share this aspect of himself with you, an innocence that he long thought departed from him. You get to create new memories and reminiscence on old ones together.

The most likely from everyone here to propose during the holiday season. It feels fitting somehow, after sharing this much about himself and his ideals, that you two could eternally be tied together. Should you say yes, Bruno would obviously be elated, holding you so tight without intending to let go for as long as you should indulge him. Afterward, he’d bring you to the area his father is buried, saying that he’s now in good hands with you.

What Bruno would get you: A ring, whether it be an engagement ring or just a token of his love until you’ll have him as your husband. It’d likely cost a small fortune, a gold twist ring with a diamond in the center.

What Bruno would like from you: Honestly, this man needs a week or so away. Of course with you to sweeten to deal. Promise him a cruise and he’ll be putty in your hands.

Giorno Giovanna;

Growing up, Giorno never got to truly celebrate Christmas, only learning about it in school. Due to that, he’s knowledgeable about the holiday but doesn’t feel a real connection to it. His newfound enthusiasm would come from getting to watch you enjoy the various activities. He does his best to create more time in his busy schedule as not to miss out on this time meant to be spent with those dearest to him.

He would honestly melt if you brought him hot chocolate while he’s working in his office. It’s a small but touching gesture that warms his heart, it feels so surreal to him to have someone who loves him as much as you do. Giorno will invite you to stay with him so that the two of you can sit on the couch together, setting his work aside as he by far favors your company. Might get a bit mischievous and dab away the whipped cream you get on your face, leaning in closer than necessary with a sly smile.

Gold Experience Requiem is something of a sentient Stand, but still closely reflects Giorno’s wishes that he keeps locked away. While the two of you are walking somewhere, his Stand will imbue life into a nearby object, creating mistletoe that hangs above your heads. Giorno would bashfully apologize for his Stand’s behavior, only to be pleasantly surprised when you go on your tiptoes to kiss his cheek. He will be thinking about this moment for the rest of the week, god, your lips are so soft and feel so nice.

What Giorno would get you: Everything . No, but really, Giorno is going to want to spoil you even more than usual. You look at something in a window for .00001 seconds and it’s going to be wrapped up and given to you. Somebody stop this man .

What Giorno would like from you: Poor boy probably hasn’t ever gotten a Christmas present before, so anything would touch his heart. Giorno would love anything handmade or with sentimental value. A scrapbook or photos would be treasured.

Guido Mista;

Mista has honestly never really thought this time of year is anything special, not that he doesn’t enjoy it. He’s just never been big into holidays and stuff. Experiencing all these things with you changes his tune towards it though, it makes it all the more special. Every cheesy couple activity under the sun is going to be done with him, a goofy grin on his face. He’s so in love and can’t wait to make dumb memories together.

For some reason, he’s oddly determined to make a gingerbread man house with you. The gingerbread man cookies he decorates look a little off, their proportions funny and icing smeared everywhere. If you can’t hold back your laughter at the nightmarish looking creatures, he’s going to smear icing on your face, so beware. Mista will lick it off before running away from your wrath.

Sex Pistols get included in the celebration too of course. They’d be over the moon should you make cookies that look like them, though if you look away for a second too long, they’re still going to eat them. Most of your cooking consists of Mista trying to shoo away Pistols while you’re doing a majority of the work lmao. Number Five does his best to help! He’ll turn the recipe book’s pages for you and offer to help decorate. It’s super precious.

What Mista would get you: Ugly sweaters that he thinks are cool looking and literally everything on your wishlist. He spends all day wrapping your dozens of presents with Pistols pitching in.

What Mista would like from you: Mista is an easygoing guy, so he’d love basically anything. Put a bow on your head and say you’re his gift and it’ll really get him going. ; )

Pannacotta Fugo;

Fugo doesn’t associate Christmas with warm and fuzzy memories. He remembers all the dreadful socialite parties his parents would drag him to, how he was forced into uncomfortable tuxedos for hours, pretending like they were a happy family. With you in life his now, he’s willing to give it another go, but would need some encouragement. Fugo would only be doing it for your sake since he’s so whipped for seeing you happy. <3

Would love walking hand in hand with you through Via San Gregorio Armeno, taking in the remarkable craftsmanship of the nativity scenes. Fugo will visibly light up at the chance to impress you with his knowledge. He excitedly goes into rambles about the history of various things, from saints to traditions that were born in Naples. He’ll have a cute flush on his cheeks when he finishes speaking, realizing how you’re able to get him to talk so much. It’s precious.

Fugo is very insistent that you bundle up during this wintery season. Before you leave to go anywhere, he’s mumbling that you’re going to catch a cold, throwing scarves over you. He would never admit it, but the sight of you all bundled up with cheeks flushed from the cold is literally the cutest thing he’s ever seen in his life. Don’t point out his staring, or he’ll get sulky.

What Fugo would get you: Fugo would fret over getting a gift you’d like. He’d go somewhat old fashioned, getting you a beautiful necklace that has your birthstone in the middle.

What Fugo would like from you: Attention. No, but really, he loves learning, get him some books on a topic he recently got interested in and he’ll be over the moon. Especially if you write a little note for him, he’d ascend.

Narancia Ghirgha;

Narancia is practically vibrating in excitement over getting to spend this time with you. He’ll tell you all the stuff he wants to do, enthusiastically waving his arms around, though it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do everything he wants. Narancia is going to be glued to your hip, ready to experience all the mushy couple stuff he can. He’s a bit clingy during this time, but indulge him, he hasn’t had good Christmas memories since his mom was alive and healthy.

God bless your soul if it snows . You probably already expect as much from him at this point, but he’s going to be throwing snowballs at you, laughing and running around when you pout at him. Narancia has a competitive streak, so throwing them back will incite a wild snowball fight. It’s all fun and games until he breaks out Aerosmith to attack your snow fort, then you’re having to reprimand him for using his Stand. >:((

He’ll tell you what it was like being in a detention center during Christmas, opening up more about his past. While he doesn’t seem to recount the time with obvious pain, you know him well and can tell when he’s hurting. Narancia would honestly consider proposing to you on the spot when you comfort him, saying that he’ll never have to spend this time of year alone now that he has you. It’s a sweet moment that he’ll literally never forget.

What Narancia would get you: Narancia would spend days making a custom mixtape, full of songs that you both love!!! He’d accompany the CD with bags of candy, bashfully offering to feed it to you.

What Narancia would like from you: If you wrote a song for him, he would probably cry from happiness. Narancia would be clapping like a madman when you finished singing it, saying it’s the best thing he’s ever heard in his life, and fully meaning it too.

Leone Abbacchio;

From an outsider’s perspective, one might expect Abbacchio to take a Grinch-like approach towards Christmas, but he’s surprisingly fine with it. Aside from loud caroling. He’ll make his displeasure for that known. It’s kind of always been just another month for him, but for your sake, he’ll make an effort to do whatever you please. Abbacchio grumbles as you drag him from place to place, but he’s literally melting on the inside at your cute enthusiasm. :’)

Abbacchio would forever imprint the sight of you in the snow into his memory. He watches the snowflakes dance around you, falling into your hair and glistening beautifully. While you’re going around trying to catch the snow, he allows himself this single happiness, silently wondering if he deserves it after everything he’s done. Before the negative thoughts can fester, you call him over, asking to make snow angels together. He doesn’t do it, he’ll just watch you having fun lmao.

You actually managed to convince him to wear matching sweaters, but not without a fair share of puppy eyes. Abbacchio is inclined to give in to most of your whims and this time is no different. Of course, he’ll only do it if no one is around, to save his honor. He’d enjoy having an arm wrapped around you by the fireplace, closing his eyes in contemplation. He feels immense gratitude to your presence in his life.

What Abbacchio would get you: Similar to Fugo, Abbacchio would feel worried about getting a good gift. He knows he can be prickly at times and feels this would be an opportunity to showcase his love for you. Eventually settles on a night out at your favorite restaurant and gifts you a bracelet at the end.

What Abbacchio would like from you: Your hand in marriage, he’d appreciate simple little things with lots of thought put into them. Making him breakfast, getting him a pair of shoes that goes with one of his outfits, stuff like that.

Trish Una;

Trish lives for all the cute couple-y stuff that you two can do during this season. Even if she won’t admit it outright, you can sense her excitement, but she’ll pout if you point it out. She’s not much for baking usually but will want to make cookies with you on the weekends as a date. Trish especially likes decorating them and gets super focused on getting the details perfect.

You two go on so many shopping trips. Trish will be holding your hand, taking you from store to store, trying on clothes together. She loves giving you recommendations based on what would complement your body type, you’ll be dressed to perfection at the end of the day. Trish doesn’t even bother looking at the price tags, she just picks what looks good and keeps going lmao.

In your downtime together, she’s going to be singing softly to you, running her hands through your hair as you lay down on her lap. Trish lives for intimate moments like this. She remembers how she loved spending Christmas with her mother, and while it hurts she can no longer do that, she’s immensely grateful to be with you. It makes the loneliness she would’ve felt more bearable. If you fall asleep while she sings to you, Trish will place a kiss to your forehead, whispering how she loves you in a way she’d normally be too embarrassed to.

What Trish would get you: Fashion and makeup baby !! It wouldn’t be exclusive to one day either. Lip gloss, eyeshadow palettes, new shoes, jewelry, bath bombs, the whole works. She gets a bit too into it.

What Trish would like from you: Matching accessories would make her heart practically beat out of her chest. That, or a charm bracelet, with charms linked to specific memories of your time together. <33

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simoviacourt · 3 years

Text

Channel 6 studios, outskirts of Zonneminster, late August

*NOTE: this is another long post*

Arturo: Welcome back to The Talk! If you’re just tuning in, we were about to jump right into the engagement rumours that are surrounding Her Royal Majesty the Queen and His Grace the Landgraaf van Hoensbroek...

Previous - Next

Arturo: As you can see, the pair was spotted last week on Blauwe Eilanden and can I get the close-up?

Arturo: (continued) So when we zoom in on the image that’s definitely a ring on that finger! It’s not really a proper close-up but it’s there. What do we think?

Nandu: Well, personally I am super excited for another royal wedding!

Iza: I’m not much of a royal watcher but I do think that the Queen has been doing a much better job for the past months. Now as a woman I’d hate it if it was just because of the Landgraaf, but if they’re happy, good for them.

Anne: I’m sorry but why are we excited about this? It’s hardly news that they’re going to marry. Hasn’t she been wearing the ring like all the time for months now?

Arturo: She does have it on her necklace in this picture from her first official weekly meeting with the prime minister. Do we have the picture?

Arturo: (continued) Yes, that one. Hard to see but I’d say the chances are high that it’s the same ring.

Anne: Exactly! So it’s hardly breaking news. And before you get all annoyed at me, yay for them, happiness and love and all that… but I really don’t see what is so great about yet another privileged Landgraaf or Jonkheer or whatever his title is, marrying into the royal family. Besides, he’s way older than she is!

Nandu: Uh, weren’t you dating a guy 25 years older than you Anne?

Anne: Yes but I wasn’t going to marry him!

Nandu: Right…

Anne: And even if I was, my relationship or its certain failure doesn’t impact the entire nation.

Nandu: Certain failure? What on Earth are you on about?

Iza: I agree that the Queen’s marriage does have far too much impact on the country but that’s why there are approval processes in place.

Elmer: I feel for her. Imagine if the government suddenly said no and she couldn’t marry the man she wanted. She’s the only person in the country who has to ask permission.

Anne: Oh, Elmer, if you feel so bad for her, you can just ask your grandpa to vote ‘yes’ when they bring the question to the House of Lords.

Elmer: Okay wow, that’s very... uh... personal.

Nandu: Don’t worry Elmer, Anne here just has a problem with anyone with ties to royalty or nobility. Or people she thinks are part of the elite.

Elmer: Yeah I get that... And sure, in my case she’s not wrong. I’ve had a very privileged life because of my father’s family and my mother’s success but what would you have me do? Throw it away? I think I can do more good when I can use my position to help others like I do through my foundation.

(applause from the audience)

Anne: Good for you. That doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very specific type of person who gets the chance to become a Prince Consort.

Iza: Again, I hate it but I have to agree with Anne on this. The royal family doesn’t seem to welcome any of us commoners in their midst. It’s one of the many issues with the current system. How can they rule a country when they don’t know its people?

Elmer: I think that has more to do with opportunity than any prejudice. Meeting people is not exactly easy for them. Now, maybe they should have more freedom to mingle with normal people, I’m not arguing against that. But the way things are at the moment... for example only Prince Andrew was allowed to attend school while the Queen was educated by private tutors. And yeah she later went to university but even that was a very sheltered experience. I should know, I was in her year and even I couldn’t approach her without being thoroughly vetted through her security team.

Arturo: Oh you knew the Queen back in the day?

Elmer: Ah... I’m not going to comment on that any further, but I will say that behind the glittering façade is a very lonely existence. It’s easy to judge her and her choices, but we can’t forget that she has very little freedom. She seems to be very happy with the Landgraaf and I think that he is the right type of man for the role of Prince Consort.

Anne: You would, wouldn’t you… too bad it isn’t you out there! Isn’t that what you younger sons get prepped for?

Elmer: First of all, I’m not a younger son, that’s my father --

Nandu: No but there’s an idea! Prince Consort Elmer!

Elmer: (laughs) Oh no, I wouldn’t want to marry royalty… as lovely as our Queen is, I wouldn’t want to have to share her with the whole world or follow all those strict rules. It’s why I’m quite happy that I never got a title either. No, the Landgraaf is a braver man than I am.

Arturo: He does seem to have taken to the role very well. The little princesses seem to be fond of him as well. Can we pull up the picture?

(audience awws)

Anne: Yes yes, very cute. They’re selling him hard to us, aren’t they?

Iza: He is popular in the polls so I’d say it’s working.

Nandu: They make such a cute family already. As I said earlier, I’m all for this royal wedding and if they need music, I volunteer!

(audience laughs)

Anne: Well, it will be on tax payer’s money, Nandu, so you’d better give them a proper show. How much was the last wedding again?

Nandu: It’s not like the Queen chose for her first marriage to end so soon... or is that another one of those mainstream cover-ups that you love to talk about?

Anne: Who knows, but what we do know is that she is about to make us pay for this second wedding too.

Elmer: Actually we don’t know that. She has her own money and the Landgraaf can certainly afford it too. For all we know, they will not even have a state wedding.

Iza: A lot of people will expect it. He will be the Prince Consort, she’s the Queen.

Arturo: I suppose we will see soon. Now, we have more news this week. It would seem that war is brewing on the continent again and we have more information on the condition of the supermodel Elisha Rinde-Huntington who was rushed to the hospital last week. But first, a commercial break!

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#ts4 royal simblr #ts4 royalty #ts4 storytelling #ts4 story #simoviacourt #and that's part two

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word-scribbless · 3 years

Text

Oh Baby part 5

(As a teacher who took many child development courses, I know I made Amelia talk more than a normal one year old but I’m taking some creative liberties haha 😂. Just assume she’s a baby genius!)

Series masterlist

—————

It was the night before Amelia’s first birthday, and the day they would sign the paperwork for Gibbs to officially adopt her. Gibbs and Y/N stood over their daughters crib, leaning against each other, after tucking her in.

“You ready to legally become this little girls daddy tomorrow?” Y/N said as she leaned over Amelia’s crib to stroke the sleeping girl’s cheek.

“Been ready” he smiled and kissed Y/N’s head.

“She’ll officially be Amelia Gibbs!” She whispered as they walk from the nursery to their room, hand in hand.

“You ever think about being a Gibbs too?” He asked as they sat down on the edge of their bed.

Y/N froze slightly and turned to him.

“All the time” she answered truthfully, reaching to touch his face. “but” she continued and looked at him a little sad.

“J you know that with or with out an us, you’ll still be Amelia’s dad right?” She asked him. She knew he loved her, but never wanted to force him to take another step with her because he felt like he had to or because of Amelia.

“Do ya not wanna marry me?” He asked.

“No! I do!” She corrected quickly and he smiled lightly. “God of course I do! Being your wife would mean so much to me! But I don’t want you to feel like you have to marry me because I’m legally Amelia’s mom.”

“That’s not the reason I brought it up” he stated matter of factly and cupped her face.

“You said you’d never get married again” she reminded.

“Then I fell in love with you.” He said with a smirk. He knew she was just trying to make sure he was comfortable moving forward, and he loved her for that.

“J” she smiled. He loved that she never questioned his love for her, she took him for his word and he would never lie to her because of that.

“I bought this a week before you told me about Amelia.” He said, pulling out a beautiful simple engagement ring from his night stand.

“You- you had this ring all that time!” She gasped and ran a finger gently over the band while the other hand cupped his hands. He nodded and smiled at her reaction.

“You bought a ring and I dumped you!” She said and looked so hurt at the idea that she hurt him like that. He quickly shook his head, moving a hand to her cheek to sooth her worried look.

“When I found out why, I knew I loved you even more. I know I’m not great at marriages” he chuckled “but, with you and Amelia i don’t want to run. I want us.” He smiled and reached into the drawer again.

“Bought these the week after we got back together.” He said pulling out 2 wedding bands that had all 3 of their initials carved on the inside.

“I love you!” She said through tears “and I love how sweet you are, but I’ll keep it a secret.” She smiled. She loved how loving and gentle he was, and that only her and Amelia got to see it.

“I love you!” He answered as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her.

“Did you just ask me to marry you?” She asked against his lips.

“Not yet” he laughed

“You gonna?” She asked and he smirked at her before nodding and taking the engagement ring from the box.

Gibbs took her hand and kissed her ring finger.

“Y/N y/l/n I love you, I love our family. You and Amelia make me a better man” he got choked up and she wiped a tear from his cheek. “I don’t ever want it any other way. So, will you do me the honor of being a Gibbs too? Will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes of course!” She said as he slid the ring in her finger and kissed her.she wrapped him in a hug and tucked her head into his neck. “That was so well worded for a functional mute.” She giggled into his neck and heard him huff a laugh before she kissed the skin there.

“You should keep these out too!” She said sitting back up and taking the wedding bands from him.

He raised an eye brow to ask why.

“tomorrow! I- I want to get married tomorrow!”

She said grabbing something from her drawer.

“Wasn’t sure if I was going to bring it up or not but... I looked into what we need to do to make us official tomorrow too.”

“Tomorrow?”

She nodded with a shy smile and took his hand.

“We can wait but” she started and he stopped her saying.

“No! Tomorrow is good.”

“I wasn’t expecting the rings or the proposal but, I want this and I don’t want to wait!” She smiled and kissed her.

“Me either! I’ll keep these with Amelia’s ring for now.” He said and turned back to his bed side table.

“What?” She asked.

“Made her one too”

“You! You did?”

“Yeah it’s wooden, figured she could wear it as a necklace once it doesn’t fit anymore and right now just for pictures but.”

“I love you!” She said cutting him off with a kiss.

“I love you! Ready to be a Gibbs tomorrow?” He asked, kissing her back.

“I’m ready right now! But I’ll settle for tomorrow!” She said pulling him down into the bed with her.

They next morning Y/N woke up to Amelia’s calls for them both and the bed gently shifting as he got up to get her.

“Guess our little girl is excited for her big day!” She said, moving to follow her soon to be husband.

“Come on mrs gibbs let’s go see our girl” He said as he reached his hand out for her.

“I love the sound of that!”

They walked into Amelias room to her clapping, excited to see them there.

“Well hi there our big one year old!” Gibbs cooed as he scooped Amelia from her crib.

“You’re a whole year old today! And officially becoming a Gibbs!” Y/N smiled, what a big day for you bug!” She said and Amelia giggled moved in gibbs arms to hold her mom’s.

“Thank you y/N. Gibbs smiled and kissed Amelia’s head and then Y/N’s. He may not have said for what, but she knew.

“You’ve always been her daddy Jethro! Thank you for wanting this.” She answered and tucked into his side.

After eating breakfast they walked back to Amelia’s room to get ready for the day.

“What do you say Ami! Ready to become Gibbses!” She said tickling her side

Amelia let out a happy squeal and babbled yeah yeah yeah!”

“Me too little one!”

Gibbs smiled as Y/N scooped Amelia from his arms and started to change her diaper. He went to get the little dress they’d picked out and the bow head band.

“Let’s get you ready little miss!” He smiled as he moved to put the dress over her head. “Mommy and Daddy are getting married today so let’s let momma go get all fancy too huh?” He said to the little girl, causing Y/N to smile and move to let Gibbs finish getting their daughter ready.

She stopped right before she pulled her dress on and panicky rushed back to Gibbs.

“A witness!”

“I think mommy’s going coocoo Miss meali” he laughed.

“No Jethro! I didn’t get a witness to be there so we can get married!”

“I’ve got it covered!” He said scooping up a fully dressed Amelia. And spinning her around.

“Our 1 year old doesn’t could as a witness Jay!”

He smirked “I’m aware.”

“So you asked someone?”

He nodded

She huffed “okay I see you nodding but I’m actually gonna need words for this one!”

“Ducky is meeting us at noon.”

“Ahh you think of everything! I love you! And you!” She said kissing them both.

“We love you too! No go get ready!” He chuckled and pushed her back to their room.

At the court house the three of them were all smiles as Amelia and then Y/N became official Gibbs girls. Amelia clung to her Poppa the whole time they were going through the adoption process. When everything was official Y/N and Jethro locked eyes, both brimming with happy tears. They laughed as Amelia noticed her daddy’s tears and wiped them with her little hands before saying “Poppa!” To make him smile. Then looking at Y/N and repeating the process.

“We aren’t sad baby! We are so happy to be a family.” Y/N smiled as Gibbs kissed Amelia’s cheek and said “not sad tears princess, they’re I Love You tears.”

She giggle as he tickled her belly and she cooed “uv ouuuu!” To her parents.

Shortly after, ducky arrived and they prepared for the next big event of the day. Gibbs held Amelia in one arm and Y/N’s hand with the other.

The ceremony was short and sweet and very Gibbs like with no fuss. He promised himself that after everything was said and done he’d plan any kind of party or ceremony she’d want , but he loved that just their little family and a close friend was here for this one.

“Jethro, y/n said before she slid his ring on his hand. “thank you, for choosing and loving me and Amelia every single day, and letting us choose and love you. You two are my everything and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She smiled through tears as she slid on his ring.

Jethro cleared his throat and took her hand. “Not much for words, but I’d write a book for you girls. I love you both so much and always will.” He said and Y/N wiped a tear from his cheek and took Amelia so he could get her ring from Ducky and slide it on her finger.

After they were officially husband and wife,

Ducky hugged them all and said “well Gibbs family, I will see you soon. Are you going to tell the team about this?” He said pointing to their rings.

“Let’s test their skill.” Gibbs joked

“My bet is Tony notices first.” Y/N laughed and ducky shook his head

“I say abs” Gibbs countered and looked at Amelia.

“What do you think meali who will notice mommy and daddy’s rings first?” He asked her with a laugh.

“IVA!” She squealed her version of Ziva’s name and ducky laughed.

“I think she’s on to something, I’ll see you three this evening.”

“Hey Duck” Gibbs said jogging after him while Y/N stood talking and giggling with Amelia.

“Thank you for doing this. Glad you were here.” He continued.

“Oh my dear boy” Ducky said patting his back. “Thank you for letting me be here. You take care of them.” He said nodding towards the girls.

“Always” Gibbs smiled.

A few hours later Y/N and Andi had the whole house decorated and ready for Amelia’s birthday party, while Josh and Gibbs entertained the girls in the back yard.

“So you really did it, tied the knot huh?” Josh asked Gibbs as they held the girls hands while they kick balls around the yard.

“Yup” Gibbs answered with a smile.

“Andi said Y/N wasn’t so sure you’d be up for marriage again. Said she didn’t mind either way, but I know that she is thrilled to be your wife.”

“Pretty thrilled to have her as my wife.” He smirked and Josh smiled.

“Poppa!” Amelia squealed from the grass, he kneeled down and scooped her up.

“What’s up little girl?”

She smile and nuzzled her face against his.

“Someone else is thrilled to be your family too.”

Josh smiled and scooped up Riley.

Gibbs just smiled and kissed Amelia’s head.

“I’m a lucky man Josh.” He stated and went to go find his wife.

“Hey!” She said as he found her in the kitchen and pulled her into a family hug.

“Momma!” Amelia giggled and kissed her face.

“What are you two doing?” She smiled and leaned back into her husband.

“Just missed ya!” He said , she smiled and caught his lips with hers before they heard the doorbell ring.

They walked to get it together, wanting Amelia to greet her first guests. She clapped as they opened the door to the whole team. Abby scooped her up out of Gibbs arms (after making sure Gibbs kissed her first so she wouldn’t scream) and carried her off to play.

Gibbs was sitting with ducky and McGee when Tony walked over.

“Boss, for a man who said he wanted to stay single... you got pretty lucky.”

“I sure did DiNozzo.”

He laughed before he heard Ziva yell “NO WAY!” From the kitchen.

He turned around to see Ziva holding y/N’s hand and staring at her rings.

“So very lucky!” Tony said earning a smile from Gibbs. Then he proceeded to make a comment about having 5 wives that quickly earned him a Gibbs slap.

“Guess Amelia won the bet” Y/N said laughing

“What do you mean?”

“We took bets on who would notice first and meals picked you!” She said to Ziva.

“My girl!” Ziva said scooping her up.

“Who said me?” McGee asked, and practically outed when they all looked guilty.

“Sorry Mcoblivious.” Tony laughed and Amelia pouted at him and turned to time.

“We lug ou -I’m -im!” She smiled as she reached for him,

The Gibbs family enjoyed their day with their little found family. Amelia loved her cake and playing with the bows from her presents.

Finally they sat with the last present. It was from Gibbs and y/n was just as out of the loop as everyone else about it. Amelia (with Y/N’s help unwrapped a beautiful jewlrey box.

“Did you make this?” Y/n asked Gibbs with tears in her eyes.

“I did” he nodded.

The box looked exactly like the one Y/N’s grandmother had given her when she was a baby.

“Jethro this is so perfect!”

“Gonna share with the class?” Tony butted in.

“Sorry” y/n laughed “um when I was growing up my grandmother gave me a jewelry box like this and when I turned 18 she gave me our family heirloom locket to go with it.” she touched the locket on her neck. “The jewlrey box was ruined in a flood and this.” She sniffed “this is one Jethro made for Amelia! She can put her ring in there” she said to Gibbs, “and the locket when she turns 18.” She smiled so widely as she watched their daughter run her hand along the carved box.

“Who are you and what have you done with our boss” Tony said to Gibbs and was met by a glare from both Gibbs and his daughter.

“Of all the things she could learn from you she gets the glare!?” Y/N laughed and hugged them both.

What a perfect first official day as a family.

———————-

Next chapter

@drakelover78 @mac99martin @kittenlittle24 @viper-official @ilovemark1951 @theofficialzivadavid @averyhotchner @andreasworlsboring101 @diesinspanishbcimhispanic @hopscotchandlemon @gibbsandpridegirl

#ncis image #ncis #ncis x reader #female!reader #leroy jethro gibbs imagine #leroy jethro gibbs x reader #gibbs x reader

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thefairyletters · 3 years

Text

Ask me a ship and I'll tell you:

NaruSaku

Who proposed to the other first?

Naruto.

It took several practice sessions with Iruka (because Sasuke refused) pretending to be Sakura for Naruto to master the trick of kneeling and presenting the ring with an air of confidence. But when it mattered, Naruto tipped over his shoelaces (he never worn formal attire ever), accidently knocked over the table (somehow) and bumped straight into Sakura (some ninja he was), and that was how both got kicked out of the very expensive restaurant for causing ruckus.

But when Sakura said she thought "formal proposals were overrated anyway", he took her to Ichiraku, looked her dead in the eye while slurping on ramen, passed her the ring and popped the question illegibly.

Sakura understood anyway and threw a ring she brought for him on his face. She never said 'yes' but she didn't need to.

Who kissed the other first?

Naruto.

It was during a mission. They almost got caught by enemy guards (thanks to Naruto who doesn't know what it means to whisper) while they were following their target. Naruto did the only thing that would have possibly given them an edge. He pulled her to shade and initiated the kiss. Sakura only made sure they looked very convincing. Regardless to say, they got (kicked) out from the location, but without damage.

Later, this kiss inspired many more kisses that they began to steal from each other in the dark.

Who gives a good-morning kiss to other?

Sakura.

Although Naruto is always in bliss whenever Sakura stays night at his place and he is always up early if only to see her wake, it is Sakura who, when she wakes up, sleepily, kisses him first and gets out of the bed to prepare for the day. He always remain in bed until the shower is turned on.

Who likes to play with other's hair?

Naruto.

Between two of them, they both know it is Naruto's hair that is much softer to touch. It wasn't always like that of course.

But Naruto has always found Sakura's hair to be the prettiest thing he's ever seen. The way sunshine would turn it gold, and moonlight silver, has always amazed him. He would give special attention to her hair whenever they'd make love and cuddle. Once Sakura asked if he loved her only for her hair, which he doesn't refute, much to Sakura's chargin and amusement.

Who likes to play footsies?

Sakura.

There was something innately sexy about Sakura's arms and legs. It could be that she's got the best built – one that is lean and strong all the same – out of their peers. Naruto's breath hitch every time those legs brush his and her heels trace an imaginary line on his calves. They know they should focus on the meeting. They know it was inappropriate for a Hokage to be distracted in the middle of the what could be a very important meeting. But they also know his very playful and intelligent wife was adept at takes noting of everything. Everything.

Who is the dominant one?

Kurama.

As much as Sakura loves to be on the top, it becomes hard when a demon houses in your lover's body. More often than not, Kurama who more or less has become a part of their relationship would take over Naruto's body whenever Sakura would cross a particular threshold of dominance tolerated to her. Apparently, it was insulting for an alpha male like Kurama to be taken from above by a mere mortal woman, even if the said woman was his host's wife. Not that it was his body she was making love to in first place.

It's only because Naruto could feel everything even when Kurama takes his body that they put up with his sexism. Besides, Sakura doesn't mind.

Who likes to keep a picture of the other with them all the time?

Both.

They each wear a necklace bearing each other's photo inside, to remind themselves of the times they were missing out on, of their significant other waiting for them at return home, to keep them company for the late nights when they get too busy with their duties.

Who likes to buy the other gifts?

Naruto.

He always send his clones to get Sakura flowers to cheer her up on days he hears about loss in the hospital. He often requests Gaara for new poisons he knows Sakura will enjoy in her lab. He takes her out on dates even after years of marriage – particularly to that very expensive restaurant, where he had planned to propose to her, that had kicked them out. They act deliberately loud in that one, but they don't get kicked out of course. Nobody minds what you do when you have power.

Most days, they don't send gifts for one another not because they couldn't but because those things don't spark joy in the face of the brighter things. Like, when Sakura comes to pick him up from office after her late shift, knowing he would still be cooped up in his office because he lost track of time.

Who takes initiative in making physical contact?

Sakura.

She would hit him whenever he would make a mistake, forget something important, or skip meals. Then, next moment she would be patting him like he were a dog, kiss his woes away and be on her merry way. She would come to his office to check if he had his lunch, and would force feed him if he hadn't (more often than not). She would drag him out of his office if he isn't home by 12 or would stay and help him until the work is done. She wasn't gentle nor romantic by any stretch, but she would always touch him for one reason or other.

Who plans their dates?

Naruto.

His clones come in handy. They'd scout the area and report back their findings. Naruto would jot it all down, highlighting their specialities, an habit Shikamaru and Sakura drilled into him, and allows Sakura to make her choice for their next date. Life is simple for them when it comes to making choices. It is when they are together that life becomes exciting.

Who was shy on their first date?

Neither.

Their first date had been no different than any normal meetups they've had before. Except with lingering touches, an innocent kiss turned make up session, and a hug.

Who wakes up the other?

Before marriage: Naruto would wake up first and help Sakura get started on her day – would make her coffee just the way she liked, set her outfit out by the vanity, make sure her bag is set just so she doesn't miss her files, and make bath for them. He would join her on the bed, and wait for her to wake up so he could get his prize for his hardwork.

After marriage: They'd both be too exhausted to find energy in them to wake up. Sakura would be the first to get out of the bed, but only after giving Naruto his customary kiss, and would set bath for them. Her husband would still be lost to the world so she would carry his sleepy ass into bath and prepare him for the day so they could once again be on their way to face the world.

Who was shy in taking their relationship to next level?

Sakura.

When Naruto and Sakura engaged in a kiss that was more passionate than they ever experienced before, Sakura knew what was coming. Her mind was a turmoil of emotions that had nothing to do with the heat that flared inside her body.

Sakura was no stranger to kisses. She liked – no, loved – kissing Naruto senseless. She could think of hundred ways that could make Naruto respond to her with only a kiss, and she loved that he loved kissing her. But, her body was her vulnerability. She could think hard but still would draw blank if it's about telling one positive detail about her body. Naruto always looked at her like she was the only woman in the world – and while the sentiment was flattering, it meant expectations. She was terrified of disappointing him. She didn't want to consider the possibility of him finding her body undesirable. They were dating, not married. He had no ties to her, he was free to find someone who he'd be attracted to, a better life, with someone who'd be a lot, lot better than her. She loved him, and she knew he loved her, but the chances of her messing this up were astronomical and –

Naruto pulled away from the kiss to look at her, to understand why she froze in his arms. He didn't understand the reason behind her anxiety – why she would freeze whenever his hands would inch a little too close to her chest or a little below her hips – so he did what she really wanted him to: stop.

One night, Sakura murmured her fears into his ears and Naruto, who had never seen her look so timid and breakable, gave her what she needed the most: time.

Time until marriage so she wouldn't have a reason to be afraid.

Who hogs up the blankets in their sleep?

Naruto.

When it happened for the nth time, Sakura threatened to kick Naruto out of the bed with only his dear blankets to shelter him from cold. He nodded his consent of course, but it repeated the next day and the day after, too, but Sakura is nothing if not adaptable, so she has thus learnt to keep another blanket on her side of the bed so she doesn't die in her sleep on cold mornings.

Who is easy to get jealous?

Sakura.

You can't help some things from happening when your boyfriend-turned-husband is a war-hero, as Sakura learnt it one week into her dating him. While she isn't bothered per se – being considered quite a hit among men and popular across countries herself – but there is a bold line between people admiring your lover and people feeling up your lover.

It is only because her reputation and her glare which is known to promise suffering that people scurry away from Naruto whenever she is in the vicinity.

No, Sakura is just worried for Naruto. She knows her husband wouldn't try things if he knows what's best for him.

Who cooks in the house?

Naruto.

Sakura can't cook rice to save her life. Period. Everyone in team 7 is well-aware about her inability to be domestic in general. Naruto finds it endearing most of the times– times when she is not attempting to make him her test subject for her culinary experiments.

They don't need chef to make them dinner when they return home, Naruto always makes sure to send a clone to make them dinner. Sakura has more than once told him that she was the luckiest woman in the world to have him as her husband. He makes them fresh bentos through clones. He tries new recipes whenever he gets a day off and surprises Sakura with his skills. Their sundays involve just them and their kitchen.

Sakura still insists on making them dinner whenever she could. She learnt to make a decent ramen after a month long – disastrous – training from Ayame. Although Sakura always adds too much of something, Naruto always licks his bowl clean because to him her ramen is only second to Ichiraku.

Who 'protects' and who 'nurtures'?

Sakura protects him.

Naruto nurtures her.

(Ask me a ship! But not in the comments section lol)

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wheelofmisfortune-hellrat · 2 years

Text

First chapter of the tnt-duo fanfic I’ve been writing, here you go internet people

“C’mon man,” a green man said loudly, motioning his friend over to the blackjack table he was standing by, the man’s friend smiled and walked over to the table “I’m coming Charlie”, a familiar figure with dark brown hair except in one spot where it was unnaturally white, was standing near the table “Will?” he said, moving towards the taller man “yes?” he said, turning to face a black-haired man in black dress pants with suspenders and a white dress shirt stained with blood and reeking of whiskey, smoke, and money. “Ah, Quackity,” the taller man said with a grin “Wilbur” Quackity returned with a bitter tone. Wilbur grabbed Quackity’s chin with a partially rough, scarred hand and smiled sadistically “good luck” he said with a grin that Quackity loved but would never tell anyone, letting Quackity’s head fall but grabbing the small necklace that held two rings on it and pulling it off him, Quackity clasped his hands to his neck at the loss of the rings “What’s this?” Wilbur smiled, holding it just out of Quackity’s reach “Will, give it back” Quackity threatened “fine” Wilbur said with a cheap grin, tossing it back to him, Quackity caught it and tied it back around his neck, and stomped away, muttering under his breath. “Goodbye,” Wilbur breathed as he left the fairly empty casino without another word. Wilbur was waiting outside when he saw two figures moving towards the casino in the distance, one wearing a white shirt with a flame over a black shirt and a white headband and the other wearing a multicolored hoodie, he identified them as Sapnap and Karl, Quackity’s fiances “hey boys!” Will called to announce his presence, they both sighed but addressed him “hi Wilbur” they both said, knowing that the man had most definitely been flirting with Quackity. just then though, a smiling and laughing Quackity exited the casino and much to their surprise didn’t tell off Wilbur, just walked over to his fiances and walked off with them. Wilbur glared at the trio and walked off himself to go find his brother who was probably bragging about a new girlfriend that he didn’t have. Later in the evening, Wilbur went out to snowchester to find Phil to talk to. The next day Wilbur went back out to Las Nevadas to find Quackity. Upon nearing the casino he heard loud yelling which he identified as Sapnap and Karl arguing with Quackity “We just need to stay away from each other for a little bit” Sapnap finally said and Karl and Sapnap walked away with each other, leaving Quackity outside of his casino by himself “damn, every time we argue Wilbur is never around to do his little grin and make me forget about my shitty life” he sighed, slipping into the casino, clearly in a bad mood. Wilbur entered a few minutes after him, following behind until Quackity turned around to see Will looking at the tables and stuff on them “Wilbur?” Quackity asked, making him look up “I he-” Wilbur began to say but was interrupted but Quackity shut him up “shush, someone might be in here,” Quackity said frantically much to Wilbur’s displeasure “Quackity it’s 7:30 in the morning, nobody is here” Will chuckled and Quackity grinned “good,” he said and grabbed the opening of Wilbur’s brown overcoat and Kissed him, being stupid and hungover he dragged Wilbur into a closet. Wilbur stumbled out of the closet after half an hour had passed, he looked confused and his cheeks were flushed, “what the hell” he muttered to himself as he straightened out his hair and clothes and leaned against a wall, Quackity strode out a few minutes later, looking the same as usual “what the hell” Wilbur said, not angry but surprised “what?” Quackity said “what? Quackity you are engaged” Will growled. “They were yelling at me for being around you, so they can go to hell for all I care” Quackity huffed, spinning to look at the taller man who smiled but then just walked away “don’t let them catch you dumbass” he grinned and stepped outside, leaving Quackity alone again. The patrons of his casino didn’t come until it was dark out. Quackity stepped outside for a moment to collect himself and he saw his

fiances

“Hello Quackity” Sapnap said, a bit aggressively” and Quackity was instantly worried “hi” he said then Karl elbowed him “we are sorry for yelling at you earlier” he said angrily “it’s alright” Quackity assured him with a small smile before turning around and heading back into the casino but before he could go back to his table a taller figure in a brown coat with dark brown hair caught his eye and he walked over to him quickly “Wilbur!” Quackity whispered at him and Will turned to look at him “what am I not allowed to spend money” he chuckled but Quackity’s glare shut him up “no because I know you aren’t wasting money, you are looking for any way to be by me” Quackity hissed “says who, maybe I enjoy your grand shack” Wilbur snickered, turning back around “whatever just leave” Quackity spat and went back to his friends. Wilbur rolled his eyes and left but much to his surprise the fiances of Quackity were standing outside talking, they soon caught sight of Will and went towards him “leave Quackity the hell alone” Sapnap bit, Wilbur thought for a second but he didn’t want Quackity dead but he didn’t want to say something inherently sexual “sure but don’t expect to never see me here again” he grinned before walking away. Once again the next day, Wilbur returned to the casino to see Quackity getting scolded by the pair “Stop letting him around you, we don’t like him and he always flirts with you” Karl complained “Well I can’t let him in, he hasn’t done anything wrong, he is spending money and that’s that” Quackity said firmly, turning on his heel and stomping into the casino leaving the pair outside. When he walked in he saw Wilbur once more standing inside in a dark corner just like last night “Quackity” Wilbur said, turning to look and an angry Quackity “yes Wilbur” he responded, his anger softening. “Why don’t we play a little” Wilbur muttered, moving over to a table in a single smooth movement “maybe,” Quackity thought walking over to him, they played a few games then got competitive and played until they heard a loud group of people walking in the casino. The group consisted of; Charlie, Sam, Fundy, Tommy, and Ponk. Though they were a small group they still were loud “Tommy!” Quackity announced, having never seen him go in the casino before. He left his and Wilbur’s game and walked over to the newcomer that was being pushed in “hey Quackity!” Tommy said, walking over to his friend. After multiple hours of playing games and drinking Tommy made a bet with Ponk and Quackity “so I get the kid for you to give to Ponk,” Tommy said, making sure he heard them right “but I get 2 stacks of diamonds before I do this and 2 after and they both nodded “alright pay up first” Tommy said and they both gave his one stack of diamonds each “there you go, now go get the kid” Ponk said and he and Quackity went back to the table, leaving Tommy to leave for snowchester to steal the kid. Silently he put on a black cloak and approached a window just big enough for him to get in and out and shattered it, making a loud noise but he didn’t care, slipping in the cabin to hear the two upstairs a scream sounded from upstairs. He ran to the kid’s room and picked him up, running to the shattered window and bolting back for Las Nevadas then he heard a noise like an enderman teleporting and he knew he was dead, but he ran the wrong way and was suddenly facing an ocean, he turned to look and he saw a furious Ranboo running at him. He pulled the hood farther over his head and as the child was taken from him he felt a clawed hand grab his shoulder and push him forward so he walked the way he wanted him to go. He soon heard Tubbo’s sad calls for his husband then Ranboo called back to him but Tommy didn’t bother to listen to what it was “get in” Ranboo snarled and Tommy obeyed not wanting to make him angrier. Ranboo shoved him to the floor “Who are you” the tall man demanded but Tommy just whimpered and shook his head, a painful slap hit his face and repeated the phrase but Tommy just shook his head again then Ranboo grabbed his collar and made him

stand and yanked the cloak off, the light attacking his eyes was painful but not as painful as what Ranboo could do to him. “Tommy?” Ranboo asked, his voice confused but then his voice echoed through their house “HOW DARE YOU TRY TO STEAL MY CHILD, GET OUT OF MY HOUSE” he snarled, and Tommy scampered outside and out of Ranboo’s view, a few minutes later Tubbo came outside to talk with him “Tommy?” Tubbo asked, his gentle voice warm in the freezing air and Tommy grunted, trying to catch his breath, Tubbo lifted the lantern he was holding so he could see Tommy better then a little giggle came from Tubbo “Tommy what’s wrong” he asked. Then Tommy ran, going back to Las Nevadas. When he returned to the casino his face was red from the cold and he didn’t have the kid. “You better get him, tomorrow man. it’s just a kid you can steal it” Quackity said, drunker than before “one of his parents is fast as hell and can teleport and the other is fast and quiet when he runs” Tommy said, “whatever man just get him tomorrow or no sobreviviras para ver el sol.” Quackity threatened before walking away and back to the table. The next day, he made his way back to his friends’ house on horseback, he knocked on the door carefully, preparing to run if it got violent, Ranboo opened the door and looked down at the man who looked terrified “unless you’ve come to apologize I don’t want to even see you” Ranboo stated. “yes I’m here to apologize for everything” Tommy said and Ranboo thanked him and sat him at the table. Tubbo came down and they talked for a while then Tubbo got up to go into his son’s room so Tommy followed knowing he had an advantage with the horse. “Ranboo might not let you near him,” Tubbo said but Tommy just shrugged. He stood in the doorway of the kid’s room until Ranboo and Tubbo went upstairs to change. Then Tommy slipped into the child’s room and grabbed the kid. He ran outside to his horse, the child crying loudly and alerting his parents but Tommy took off with his horse to Las Nevadas. Ranboo chased after him, teleporting and running until he had jumped on Tommy’s horse “Ranboo no” Tommy pleaded “Tommyinnit if you do not turn this horse around I will make you” Ranboo threatened but Tommy was more determined to get there and made his horse go faster then as Tubbo’s desperate voice calling to his husband echo through the forest and then Tommy saw black and throbbing pain in the back of his head, he slumped over and Ranboo grabbed the child and pulled the limp Tommy off of the horse, Tommy began waking up as Ranboo tied him to a tree and let his horse run back to Las Nevadas. a little while later he heard the sound of snow crunching and he looked up to see the pair approaching him “Tubbo, buddy could you help a brother out” Tommy begged but his friend just crossed his arms and shook his head “c’mon” Ranboo barked and untied him and tied his hands together. They walked him to Las Nevadas to his friends. They threatened him a bit then shoved him forward and walked off without untying his hands. He fell over into the sand when they shoved him forward so Wilbur had to help his brother up “what did I say” Quackity bit, stepping forward. He pulled out his large axe and brought it down over Tommy’s bounds “if you don’t get the kid, I will” Quackity huffed pointing his axe dangerously close to Tommy’s face. When night fell Quackity took it upon himself to let Wilbur in charge of the casino and go and get the kid himself. He stood in front of their house waiting until he heard the approaching footsteps “What” Ranboo hissed but Quackity just smiled “you fucked up my bet with Ponk is what” He spat but it only seemed to anger Ranboo. Then Quackity glanced up with the grin he gave before winning in a game and held up his axe and began to attack Ranboo but before he could kill him a large figure was in front of them, it was Phil and he was pissed. “Get lost Quackity” Phil threatened but Quackity didn’t move just thought for a second then thought better of killing an innocent man and left them alone and went back to Las Nevadas to plan.

#philza #ranboo and tubbo #tubbo #ranboo #quackity #las nevadas #tntduo #quackbur #tommyinnit #dsmp fic #fanfic #crow father #snowchester #dsmp #dream smp #movies

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everythingisawayoflife · 3 years

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JOSH AND DONNA WEDDING HEADCANONS!!

first of all, josh wakes up, or more likely, is already awake late at night, and calls sam

“i’m gonna do it, sam”

“like now?”

“what’s the likelihood she’ll say yes?”

“at this hour, not likely.”

josh then decides to call toby directly after and is met with a lovely string of sleepy curses about how it is the middle of the night and there was no reason to call him at this “ungodly hour”

he softens when he realizes why josh called so late and that there is a reason

josh acts incredibly weird around donna for the next two weeks

one minute he’s tense with her, the next he’s as clingy as a koala bear

he asks her weird and vague questions—by proxy

he gets cj to subtly mention engagements and marriage subtly to see what donna would like

“my cousin, tracy, she just got engaged.”

“oh really?”

“yeah he asked her in central park.”

“i wouldn’t like that, being around all those strangers. but i guess if you’re in front of friends and family, it wouldn’t be too bad”

*cue cj secretly taking notes*

sam is his test dummy, as in he uses sam to practice proposing to donna

“wow you’re really bad at this”

“i’ve never done this before, sam”

“i have and i can tell you right now you have it all wrong”

sam was actually pretty reluctant but once he found out he was gonna be josh’s best man, he warmed up

josh recruits sam and toby to write a speech of some sorts

he gets so stressed about it, toby slaps him and tells him to pull what little shit he has left together

since we all agree that jed is basically like josh’s second dad, josh goes to bartlet right before he does it

little sidenote: abbey knows because cj let it slip that josh was proposing and because i believe mrs bartlet is the number one josh and donna shipper, she insists the that she’s in on it

abbey throws a dinner party in manchester that is really a disguise for donna’s proposal

donna can’t help but feel like everyone is staring at her

everyone is here: jed, abbey, toby, cj, sam, ginger, bonnie, charlie, ellie, and zoey

after dinner, abbey invites everyone into the parlor for some “celebratory”champagne

in true donna fashion, she asks what their celebrating

everyone directs their eyes to josh because well it’s his fucking turn to speak and he hasn’t said a damn word all night

josh gives his little spiel about his and donna’s relationship (with donna’s little quips in between) until he finally asks her

donna doesn’t say anything at first

then she takes the ring out of his hand, studies it, then puts it back in his hand

he thinks that it means no and so does everyone else (abbey’s silently cursing) and his eyes even start to well up despite him not wanting them to

“well, are you just gonna look at or am i gonna be the future mrs. josh lyman?”

the look on josh’s face was a mix of relief, love, and happiness—to donna, it was priceless

they kiss of course

abbey is the first to see donna’s ring

which, of course, looks like this:

josh loves saying “my fiancée”

donna secretly (not so secretly) also loves saying “my fiancé”

SUMMER WEDDING (specifically the middle of august)

abbey insists they hold the wedding at the bartlet farm and while josh initially declines, abbey sits him and down and tells him they’re gonna get married under this roof or “so help me god”

SIDENOTE: this is really me letting my inner wedding planner (and chronic self-projector) out of me so prepare yourself

PEONIES & GARDENIAS (gardenias are my favorite flower)

donna was one of those who dreamed of a white wedding but it clearly didn’t go to plan

SHE’S the one calming down josh because he absolutely is going berserk and is panicking

abbey becomes donna’s right-hand woman, going dress shopping with her and giving her advice as a former bride and current wife

donna is superstitious—she goes by the now famous rhyme something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

her something old is a pearl necklace from her mom

her something new is a little belt that goes around the waist of her dress

something borrowed is a pink ribbon her childhood best friend tied around her wedding bouquet

the something blue are these little blue earring studs josh got for her before they were engaged

abbey helps donna pick out her dress along with cj, ginger, her mother, and bonnie

she eventually picks this dress:

AFTERNOON WEDDING

(i actually used this game to design the dress that i felt suited donna—go to azaleasdolls.com and go to exclusive games, scroll a little, and there should be that wedding game)

to be frank, i do not know what the respective bachelor and bachelorette parties would be like, but i know i would prefer to be at the bachelorette party

donna starts crying right before she has to walk down the aisle but manages to pull herself together before walking out

sidenote: jed would gladly walk donna down the aisle if her father could somehow not make it (thats just a cute one bc donna and jed friendship is totally underrated)

i’m telling you right now, this is one of the only times josh lyman has cried in front of people

he sees her walking to him and he just mentally kicks himself because he didn’t see what was so perfectly clear for everyone else

god he loves her

when donna gets next to him, she whispers “stop blubbering or you’re gonna make me ruin my makeup”

the wedding vows are unbelievably so josh and donna-esque

even sam starts crying a little bit

charlie likes to bring it up but sam denies it ever happened

“my allergies just happened to be very inflamed that day and i had spring fever”

“sam it was the dead of summer”

RECEPTION TIMEEEEE

sam’s best man speech is a little drunk but who cares it’s funny and josh and donna watch back the tape in their free time after they first get married

they have a fairly decent sized wedding

guests consist of family, friends, former and current staffers

when they cut the cake, donna 100% smashed a piece in josh’s face

it was a vanilla, three-tier cake and it was gorgeous

in response, he gently dotted her nose with frosting before absolutely demolishing a piece on her face

their first dance is to just the way you are by billy joel bc i really like that song and i’m self projecting again

josh LOVES saying “my wife”

it is “my wife this” and “my wife that”

and donna wonders why she married the dork

she takes his last name but also keeps her so she becomes Donna Moss-Lyman

she does typically go by mrs. lyman when being addressed though (she thinks it has a nice ring to it)

THEY HONEYMOONED IN ITALY—i’m talking the amalfi coast (i’m only saying that because i just happen to be a huge harry styles fan and that’s where the golden mv was filmed and we’re getting sidetracked so that was just a little tidbit)

they went to rome and to that statue thing audrey hepburn and gregory peck put their hands into in Roman Holiday

y’know this one:

in conclusion, the wedding was very beautiful and josh and donna really got the wedding of their dreams

also sidenote just because: josh and donna have three lovely children, two girls and one boy

also this post is dedicated to @stars-on-the-cuffs-of-her-jeans and @meanderingstream who inspired me to write this!

#the west wing #josh x donna #donna x josh #josh lyman #donna moss #josh and donna wedding supremacy!!#wedding hcs #sam seaborn #abbey bartlet #jed bartlet #toby ziegler #cj cregg #sidenote this took two days #pls dont let this flop i worked really hard on it #charlie young

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midnightseonghwa · 4 years

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𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 | 𝐣.𝐲𝐡

𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐮 - 𝟑

✕𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Dragon Shifter!Yunho x Human!Reader

✕𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Dragon shifter, Halloween, Soulmate Au, Angst, fluff

✕𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 3.9k+

✕𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭: The only thing you had wanted from that day was closure but sometimes, fate’s strings can untangle and pull you towards something much more treasureable. Alternatively: “To treasure your soul more than the gold and diamonds he collects.”

✕𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: There is violence, blood and death. Things are a bit fast paced. The setting of the story is very ambiguous. Like very...somethimes it’s the modern world but sometimes it’s not (bear with me here). The reader (you) are a bit of an outcast and have a bad past. Mentions of soulmates and hunters. But overall, Yunho is such a cutie...I just couldn’t not write soft fluff...hehe

✕𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Unedited

✕𝐀/𝐍: Remember that this is fiction. Enjoy! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist. Leave a comment under this post or message me! This is pretty cliched but who doesn’t like a cliche plot every now and then. I will revisit this though...I feel like there are a lot of plot holes but that is a story for another day...Thank you to the anon who decided to give me that extra encouragement and support, this being posted much earlier than what I had in mind...I have some special love for that anon <3

✕𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭: @pancakes-for-teddy

✕𝐀𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜: Here

You felt a disgraceful feeling creep up the back of your throat as you walked into the small shop that looked horribly suspicious. Your friend had informed you that they dealt with all things. Anything sparkly and they would take it off your hands at a reasonable price.

At first, you had been a little off-put by her description of their service but you were desperately trying to get rid of an item and even the slightest bit of off-put feelings were not going to stray you.

The little bell above the door tinkled as you pushed it open, the dust on the door flying about, causing you to cough and wheeze a little.

"Good afternoon! Welcome to Wonderland, how may I help you today?" A cheery voice greeted you from behind the counter and you came face to face with a boy, maybe the same age as you or a year older. His hair resembled the colour of charred orange and you could even smell a faint fruity but toasty smell coming from him.

"Hi, I heard you guys could...take something off my hands?" You said shyly and clutched your bag tighter around your shoulder.

The boy smiled and came out from behind the counter.

"My elder brothers are actually not here at the moment..." he trailed off and sheepishly scratched the back of his neck.

"And?" You asked, the small hope in your body blackening to ash as you realised that what they did for your friend might've been a one-time thing.

"Well...ugh. Okay, just come around here and I can try to help you out," he said and led you to the backroom.

He wasn't planning on killing you or anything...right?

You followed the auburn-haired boy meekly as he led you down a narrow corridor and then opened up one of the rooms.

"Come in," he said and watched with a smile as you gaped and gawked shamelessly at the amount of precious and semi-precious stones that were sparkling on the wall.

"You'll be surprised how desperate people can be for money...or even closure sometimes," he said and turned to look at you with a cheeky smile.

You touched the various pieces of jewellery swearing at the light that reflected off of every cut and chisel in the stone. You could've sworn that you had seen some of these pieces hanging off the necks of the royals you had seen in your high school history textbook.

"How old are these?" You asked and the boy laughed with his teeth on display.

"Pretty old, ancient if I can say but my brothers take care of them really well. They're a sort of treasure, you know?"

You snorted at his last remark and peeked at the article you had come to handoff. Compared to all the extravaganza lining the walls, yours looked like a rock you had picked up from the beach.

"I can only imagine what sort of treasure..." you trailed off and let your eyes roam the room one last time.

"Now, show me. I've been dying to see what you're so eager to get rid off."

The boy was practically bouncing off the walls. His smile was reaching the tips of his eyes and you felt a small pang in your heart at the betrayal he was going to feel once you showed him.

"Well...it's nothing much..." you said and wrung your fingers together. You fished through your bag and produced a small velvet blue pouch that was tied by drawstrings.

The boy pushed a tray towards you and watched in odd fascination as you tipped the pouch onto the tray to produce a monstrous diamond ring. It was almost the size of one of your eyes and the way the boy looked at it, you could tell that even he was quite astonished at the size of it.

Raising an eyebrow, he held the diamond closer to his face, giving it a quick sniff and then holding it to his eye.

"I have no idea where you got this from but I'm sure Yunho hyung will be glad I decided to help you," the boy mumbled under his breath and you exhaled sharply at his comment.

That meant he was willing to take it off you right?

Placing the ring back on the tray, the boy gave you a smile, "I think you-" he started but was quickly interrupted when another voice sounded in the room.

"Jongho, how many time have I told you- oh," the voice said and you turned to face probably one of the tallest humans you had ever seen in your life.

With stark white-ish silver hair and pale skin, he was at least two heads taller than you. His eyes were the colour of soil on a warm spring day and you find yourself staring a little when the boy, apparently named Jongho coughed to gain your attention.

"Yunho hyung! I was just thinking about you! This person here has something I think you're going to like," Jongho said and ushered Yunho into the room.

The male, Yunho's eyes never left yours and you found yours following his figure as well. You felt the strings of fate finally untangle and pull you towards the male who was standing in front of you.

"Yes, uhm..." Yunho muttered and looked at you with a puppy-like smile.

"What can I help you with," he said and you suddenly found it very difficult to get any words out.

"They want you to get rid of that ring," Jongho said and handed the ring to Yunho who looked pleased with the big size of it.

"May I ask where you got this from?" He said and you sighed a little before biting your lip.

"It's my engagement ring," you said and shook your head when you noticed the smile drop from the two boys' face.

"No no, it's alright. It was an arranged marriage anyway and thankfully he was able to kick the bucket before he could walk down the aisle," you laughed sorrowfully and heard Jongho snigger before Yunho slapped his arm.

"Well, for what it's worth, we'll gladly take this off your hands. I hope you can get the closure you deserve," Yunho said and put the ring back into the pouch before turning to one of the displays on the wall.

"Thank you," you said and exhaled as a weight lifted itself off your chest. You were finally able to leave that part of your life behind.

"Before you go," Yunho said and placed in front of you a small translucent white and silver satin pouch with drawstrings.

"I think this will be a nice little replacement for the piece you are giving up," he said and you picked up the pouch to inspect the content on the inside.

Although the fabric was slightly blocking your view, you concluded that whatever parts you could see where a guarantee that the piece would be a lovely one.

While you inspected the piece, Jongho looked at Yunho with wide-eyes and a smile as the older boy nodded back in silent confirmation.

"I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you," you said and smiled, warming Yunho's heart.

"Just come back and visit us sometime," Yunho said and you nodded, agreeing to the male's request.

"Before you leave, can I at least get your name?" He said and blushed a little before tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

"It's (Y/n)."

"(Y/n)," Yunho sighed dreamily and flopped onto one of the chairs at the back of the shop.

"Who's (Y/n)," one of his brothers, Mingi asked as he entered the room with the rest.

"His soulmate," Jongho piped up from the other end as the boys erupted into awe-struck comments and questions.

"Is this...(Y/n), a dragon as well?" Mingi's question, although in sheer excitement, sank Yunho's heart.

His soulmate was not a dragon...you were a human...

"No...(Y/n)'s a human," Yunho mumbled and Mingi quieted down with a shocked face.

"Hey, hey it's alright, hyung. They accepted your courting gift, that has to mean something right?"

Yunho smiled at his youngest brother. Jongho was right, you had accepted his courting gift and that had to mean something right?

"Yeah, I'm sure it means something," he said but this time, his big and dreamy smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

Meanwhile, you couldn't help but let curiosity get the better of you when you reached back home. Quite literally pushing your shoes off, you scattered up to the kitchen island and turned on one of the spotlights.

Reaching into your bag, you pulled out the satin pouch and laid it against the granite countertop. You undid the drawstrings and tipped it onto the counter when a gold chain attached to some sort of stone slinked out of it.

You held it up to the yellow light and watched as the teardrop-shaped stone sparkled under it. It was an opaque white with small gold flecks. Its colour resembled Yunho's hair and you find yourself giggling lightly at the thought.

The stone was smooth under your touch and had a gold hook that was connecting it to the chain.

Undoing the clasps and stringing the necklace around your neck, you smiled as the stone sat perfectly right beneath where your collarbones met and for some reason, you felt as if the necklace was made for you.

"(Y/n), you will not believe-" your friend poured into the living room, her hair wild as she stopped in front of you who was still sitting at the kitchen counter.

"Where did you get that from?" She asked and pointed to the necklace on your neck. Your hand instinctively flew up and guarded it against your friend's prying eyes.

"Someone gave it to me," you said dismissively but she raised her eyebrows, giving you a suspicious look.

"Is that person a special someone?" She asked and you sighed, toying with the white stone, the light reflecting off the stone causing reflections on the wall.

"I wish," you sighed and thought back to Yunho's handsome face. Everything about him seemed too good to be real. What kind of man with that face and height walked around single?

But he did seem interested in you...

You dismissed that thought what a shake of your head. Of course, he seemed interested in you. You practically gave off your ring worth millions for nothing but closure and a white stone necklace.

"Okay, regardless. (Y/n), apparently, there have been dragon spottings around here," your friend said and nudged herself closer to you. She had a serious look on her face but you couldn't help but let out a small mocking laugh slip out.

"Didn't dragons all get hunted down?" You asked with a slight tilt in your head and your friend just shook her head.

"Apparently there are still some left. The town's hunters are going to look for them now."

You gulped at your friend's statement. Dragons were beautiful creatures, royals of the skies and here your kind was, sick puny humans, biting off more than they could chew.

"Why can't the town's people leave them alone?" You reasoned and your friend sighed before leaning her head against the counter.

"Human are always scared of the things they can't control," she said and you found yourself nodding at her statement.

A wave of silence took over before your friend got up and walked to the fridge.

"What do you want for dinner?" She asked and you shook your head, politely declining her question.

"I'm good, thanks. Just probably going to go and get some fresh air."

Your friend looked at you sceptically, pulling some vegetables from the fridge and then nodding.

"Alright, but be careful, don't go to the outskirts of town."

Gathering your things, you thanked your friend and walked down the road, the town eerily quiet with most of the people hiding.

Your footsteps echoed in the air around you as they trudged through the dirt, your shoes kicking small pebbles and stones as you walked on, ignoring your friend's warning and going towards the outskirts, the forest.

"Hey!" A voice caught your attention as you turned around and saw a man run up to you.

"What're you doing here? Don't you know about the dragons?" He sneered and stumbled back a bit as he came closer and closer to you.

"I-" you started but were interrupted when he let out another disgusted sneer.

"Or are you one of them? One of those pesky human shifters? Maybe I should skin you and take your scales home for my family," he said and you bit back the whimpers that were threatening to fall out of your mouth.

The man grabbed your arm as he pushed you into a secluded corner of the street, weapon raised he was just about to strike when a loud roar sounded in the air, causing the man to lose his focus and falter a bit.

You took this opportunity and ran. Ran as if your life depended on it; which it did. You could hear his heavy footsteps behind you as you quickly tried to lose him by rounding a corner but that only slowed you down and before you knew, he had caught you by the hair, making you fall onto your back, hitting the asphalt with a sickening skid.

"Show yourself to me you disgusting creature," he said and raised his hand when a voice sounded behind him.

"Don't you dare touch (Y/n)."

You recognised the voice as Jongho's, the same burnt orange hair peeking over at you with concern as your attacker turned around with a furious glare.

"Who are you?" He demanded as Jongho helped you up and ushered you to the side.

"None of your business," Jongho responded and you watched in shock as the boy's eyes flared a rich golden colour.

Your attacker's eyes widened when he saw Jongho's eyes change colour, the blood draining from his face as he sank to his knees, begging for his life.

Not giving the man a glance, Jongho pulled you along and started running towards the forests on the outskirts of town.

"Jongho..." you panted as the male pulled you along, "Where are we going? And...and your eyes...are you a dragon?"

Jongho let out a frustrated groan before turning around to face you.

"(Y/n), there's no time to explain, okay? Right now, I need your help."

"Jongho, what do you mean? Why do you need my help? Jongho, I-" you stuttered and stumbled in your steps before Jongho held you by the shoulders.

"(Y/n)! Listen to me! Yunho hyung, he's hurt. Please, you have to help him. You're the only one who can help him."

Your world stopped spinning as you registered Jongho's words. At the thought of Yunho hurt, a deadly amount of pain unfurled in your body as you hunched over, trying to soothe the pain.

"Jongho, what's happening? Wh...why does it pain so much?" You cried, tears spilling from the side of your eyes.

Jongho cursed under his breath and picked you up, running faster towards the forest.

The pain sizzled through your body like an unbearable heat. It was almost as if your heart was getting ripped out of your chest, each nerve and muscle being ripped out and torn to shreds.

"Jongho, it hurts," you cried and pressed your hands over your chest to ease the pain.

"Yes, I know but just hang on, okay? The mate bond is severing due to Yunho hyung's condition right now and I need to get you to him as fast as possible so just hang on."

"Jongho, you took long enough," Mingi muttered and looked at the very pained human in his arms before groaning.

"Where did you go?"

Jongho nodded, out of breath and placed you next to Yunho's massive dragon form where the grass had now taken on a bright firework red. You were barely conscious but enough to raise yourself to your hands and knees, forcing some air to go into your lungs. You turned to view the dragon behind you, the pain shallowing out in waves like the tides of the ocean you despised.

"Is this..." you trailed off and Jongho gave you small nod. A cry of sorrow broke out from your lips as you felt the last few remaining threads of the mate bond severe.

You hadn't even gotten to know the boy, claimed to be your mate. With hair like snow and eyes like the moon that would keep all your secrets. You weren't sure why you were crying but in a world where you had been pawned off from at a young age, you were crying for the love you had never gotten to know, to experience, to have and hold until death do you apart.

You collapsed onto Yunho's form, his scales bristling slightly under you at the touch of their mate, the one who's touch they had been made for and craving ever since they had been brushed into existence.

"Jongho," you cried again and held Yunho's form as much as could.

"Please, I haven't even gotten a chance to know him yet. Just...please...please help him," you begged until your throat was raw and scratchy.

"Just wait (Y/n), help is on the way," Jongho whispered, but his words fell on deaf ears as fate broke the last bond that attached your soul to Yunho's and your eyes fell shut.

At least you would be with Yunho now.

"My sweet treasure," you heard a voice call out accompanied with soft touches that swept your hair out of your face. The warmth radiating into your skin made you nuzzle your cheek into the voice's hand.

"Fate must look kindly upon me for giving me such a beautiful soulmate," the voice whispered again and your eyes fluttered open. Squinting slightly to adjust to the yellow sunlight, you caught a glimpse of silky white strands and a puppy-like smile that was looking down at you.

It almost felt as if you were in a dream...his face and voice resembled Yunho's so much and you sniggered at fate's cruel tricks before turning on your side and closing your eyes again.

For a dead person, fate sure made your afterlife comfortable...

"(Y/n), my treasure," the Yunho look-alike whispered again and slowly coaxed you awake. Kissing lightly on your forehead, then your fingers one by one and then finally leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses on your cheek.

This time, your eyes opened for the second time and you slowly sat up. Smiling, you touched Yunho's cheek but instead of him disappearing, you were met with warmth and a smile.

"Are we...not dead?" You asked ridiculously and Yunho laughed, certain mirth filling his eyes as he looked at you endearingly.

"We are...not," he said and you shot up from where you were sitting, launching yourself at Yunho.

You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him close, your soul feeling whole as if Yunho's arms was where you were always meant to be.

"Yunho, I-" you stuttered but no amount of words could ever convey the relief you felt.

"Shh, it's alright, my treasure. You're here with me now and that's all that matters." Yunho said and stroked your hair as soft tears of happiness covered your cheeks.

Picking you up off the bed, Yunho nuzzled his head into your neck, inhaling the soft smell of nutmeg with fresh dew drops. He pulled you closer into his chest, rubbing his cheek against yours as he pulled out of the room and into the narrow corridor.

The boys cheered as you and Yunho made an entry into the small living room that you had first seen when Jongho had led you down the narrow hallway a few days ago.

"You're awake!" Jongho beamed and moved forward to give you a hug before Yunho let out a growl and pulled you into his chest.

"Not your mate, Jongho," he said and gave the younger a warning glare.

Jongho sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and cowered away causing you to laugh and smack Yunho on the arm lovingly.

"Yunho! That's mean," you said and pressed yourself further into his chest, the silver-haired boy protectively putting his arm around you.

"Nothing is mean if it involves my treasure," he said and kissed the top of your head, all his brother making gagging noises at the display of affection.

To Yunho, the everglades had never felt more alive. Spring had finally arrived and the lush green grass felt like cotton under his feet.

The Cherry blossom trees had reached full bloom and Yunho smiled as he watched you twirl and dance around the falling petals. His heart had never felt so full but it always seemed to make more space for you.

"Yuyu! Come and see this!" He heard your voice and walked to you before playfully lifting you off your feet and spinning you around, causing you to let out happy squeals.

The white teardrop-shaped stone glinted in the sunlight as the gold flecks seemed to move across the stone. Yunho smiled as he watched the necklace sway from side to side as you ran through the grass and yelled for him to chase you.

Leaning down, he pressed his forehead to yours and whispered a soft 'i love you' before capturing your lips with his. It was a short loving kiss but each little nuzzle, peck or Eskimo kiss always left you wanting for more.

You wrapped your arms around Yunho's midsection and cuddled into his chest, the dragon in him rolling over with happiness like a puppy as he covered his body with yours and held you suffocatingly close. Resting his head on top of yours, his dragon swelled with pride at the newly created and stronger mate bond. You had finally let Yunho's dragon mark you after a few months of lovely coaxing and Yunho couldn't be prouder that a person like you was willing to bear his mark.

It made you his treasure, his to protect and his to guard.

A treasure more valuable than all the diamonds and gold he kept collected.

"I love you, my sweet treasure. More than all the gold and diamonds I could ever collect.”

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