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kittybellestark · 3 years

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Falling Apart At The Seams

Hey so this is the bio dad Tony fic I was working on !!

Thank you so much to @peter-is-a-bean @superherotiger @thedumbestavenger @marvelous-1015 and @himaboroshi736 for helping me pick out a title !! I really appreciate the help and all the different opinions !

Summary: Tony was Iron Man and yet he was weak. He should have been able to pull it together, to find his child and raise them. It should have been easy, to be a good father. Yet he can’t bring himself to look for them, he doesn’t even know the sex. It was all his fault. He should have been stronger, better.

TW: PTSD, mention of Rape, Rape/Non-Con elements (no actual described rape), self victim shaming, alcohol, drugings

Read on AO3 Part 1/5

Tony had been kidnapped many times in his life.

It was old hat. Get kidnapped, sit and wait, find out the motive, what the ransom may be. Sit and wait some more. Eventually get released or found. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

Of course there were a few kidnappings where Tony was underestimated just enough that he was able to sneak away, but that didn’t happen too often. Lucky for him, he was small enough to get out of tight situations, and smart enough to trick his captors.

But then it happened.

Mid 2000. He was at some party. Happy and Rhodey were there too. Tony had a little too much to drink and found an opportunity to leave with this girl, Mary, without his friends noticing. She was beautiful and smart, quick-witted and fun. Her eyes were a striking blue and hair golden brown.

Tony shouldn’t have left with her.

When he had woken up next, in bed, naked, it wasn’t much of a surprise. Sure, he couldn’t remember anything that transpired after he left the party and Mary had given him a drink, but that’s normal, really. Tony didn’t enjoy waking up with no memories but he did it to himself.

What surprised him though, was that he was tied down to the bed. And Mary wasn’t actually a nice person, at all. She had wanted a child, and had found out her husband was infertile. Apparently he was not aware that he couldn’t have kids, but Mary felt that Tony looked close enough to him.

It was January of 2001 when Tony was finally released. Mary was confident enough that she wouldn’t lose the child and that keeping Tony around was a waste of time. So after months of being chained down Tony was finally free.

Tony was far too skinny, and he couldn’t help shaking, not unlike a chihuahua. He tried stepping back into his roll of CEO and pretending everything was normal and fine. He had built this sort of a reputation for himself hadn’t he?

The world was more than aware that he was taken, that he wasn’t being held for ransom. It didn’t stop the rumours that he was on a bender, or in rehab though. Obie had stepped in as acting CEO and the world went on without him. But it’s not like he could really tell anyone what happened. He was a man, no one would believe it. He was Tony Stark, playboy extraordinaire, everyone would say he was asking for it.

And now there was a child in the mix. A child he didn’t want. A child he had no choice to help create. He couldn’t be responsible for that. Not when every time he thought about it he’d had such horrible panic attacks that Rhodey had thought he was having a heart attack. They were so bad he’d completely dissociate, or vomit, or pass out. Tony couldn’t deal with a child, he never wanted one, and certainly not one that he was forced to help create.

There was no reality where Tony could tell people what happened to him. Nothing that he could really do. Mary never came asking for child support, or wanting another child. So Tony was grateful. He hoped that the child was well taken care of. That it didn’t inherit it’s mother’s crazy, and that the father was a good person. Tony didn’t feel good about leaving the child in Mary’s care, but he couldn’t do anything about it. It was too much for him.

As years went on Tony learned not to flinch at a persons touch. Of course when Afghanistan happened and all the progress he made in the years of his freedom vanished. He hated being touched, he hated being handed things. Parties were not a place he wanted to be and being left alone in a room with only one other person was enough to send it spiraling.

Tony lived with the overwhelming guilt of knowing he abandoned his child. He would try to talk himself up, search up Mary, find the kid and take it. But as soon as he was in front of the computer, with the search bar open and keyboard cursor blinking, his brain would take him right back. Back to the bed he was chained to and the woman with wild eyes overtop of him, laughing while he sobbed.

He wanted to care about the kid. Wanted to want the kid, but there was nothing. While Tony knows it deep in his heart Mary should not be a mother, he knows that he could never, ever be a father. There was a child out there, that he knew about and Tony was terrified of them, of knowing who they are, of looking at them and seeing Mary. Tony wouldn’t be a good father, not when he can’t even think about his kid.

As Tony had to teach himself how to cope with things again, trying to be normal, he found himself in a relationship with Pepper. Holding hands and kisses and hugs were mostly okay. Pepper was more than happy for the relationship to move as slow as it had been. She was really expecting things to be more rushed from the get-go. Tony was taking baby-steps. He couldn’t overwhelm himself, not with Pepper.

Sometime after Ultron- after Tony nearly ruined the world- did he actually confide in Pepper. He didn’t plan to tell her anything. Tony didn’t ever have plans on saying a single word to anyone. He wouldn’t have said anything, if it wasn’t for some viral video of Spider-Man holding a little girl and telling her about how his babysitter had raped him too. Hearing Spider-Man say those words Tony knew he needed to tell Pepper.

Pepper cried. A lot. So did Tony. They were in their living room, sitting on the couch, a blanket over Pepper’s lap and an box of tissues in-between them as they sat face to face. Tony told her everything; the party, the alcohol, the way Mary smelled, being tied to the bed, hating himself more because of those months, being kept there even after there was a positive pregnancy test, how there was a child out there Tony could never face. Pepper cried as she held Tony, fingers curled in his hair reassuring him none of it was ever his fault. He never wanted to be taken, to be raped, and to have a child. She didn’t blame him for not wanting the kid, for not being able to think about them without spiraling completely. She told him he wasn’t selfish for trying to protect himself.

After that Spider-Man became Tony’s new obsession. Tony built him a better suit and watched video after video. Eventually he was able to find out Spider-Man’s identity and helped cover all of Spider-Man’s traps.

What surprised Tony the most was that Spider-Man was a kid. His name was Peter Parker, he was 14 years old and top of his class at Midtown. He lived with his aunt, May Parker. His uncle, Ben, was murdered in front of him, and his parents, Diane and Jacob Parker died in a plane crash when he was 6. Previous to 2007 there were no files on any of the Parker’s, no tax files, no bank accounts or government ID’s. They were a mystery, but Tony didn’t really see the need to push much farther in the past. By the looks of all the FBI documentation, it was more than likely for their own safety. It was strange though, how the FBI was the one to deal with the case against Steven (Skip) Wescott, and they did it discreetly. Sexual assault cases in New York City were rarely ever dealt with by the FBI.

Now Tony needed to find a reason to approach Spider-Man. He didn’t really know whether it would be better to approach Peter as himself or as the masked vigilante. Tony just wanted to thank the teen. Sure Peter didn’t do very much, not really technically to help Tony. But hearing him talk to the girl, it helped him talk to Pepper. If a 14 year old can do it, so can Tony Stark. And it wasn’t like Tony was going to broadcast it to the world, he just told his long-term partner. People could believe a babysitter hurting doing such horrible things to a child, but they wouldn’t believe Tony.

So he needed to thank Peter. Not because he was grateful that a child went through the same things Tony did, but because he was willing to share. Spider-Man didn’t even care that there were camera’s on him, his focus was on comforting that little girl. Who knows how many people he helped, Tony could only hope it was more than just him.

Peter was 15 before Tony finally built up the nerve to approach him. He was just a kid, who had bad things happen to him, and was now helping others. So what if Tony was scared to see him? Tony just needed the perfect cover story. And he needed to make sure the new spider suit would keep Peter safe. That’s all. Don’t approach until you know that everything is perfect.

Tony was in the Parker apartment. That was fine. May Parker was very nice. Surprised that Tony Stark was at her door, but then suddenly not surprised that it was about Peter. She was a lovely woman, invited him in and told some stories from when Peter was younger.

The panic that started to set in as the time ticked on before Peter arrived back from school was starting to eat at Tony. He could feel his stomach twisting and throat starting to burn. Maybe he should have had Happy come up with him. He was okay. Tony was in control.

Finally Peter arrived before Tony was able to make some cheap excuse about an emergency at SI. Seeing Peter was difficult. This was Tony’s first time since 2000 where he willingly put himself in a situation with a child.

Tony might actually throw up.

Peter had bright brown eye’s, nearly golden in colour and dark brown hair. Of course Tony had seen the government picture of Peter and school photos, but now it was a lot. Peter was a real person and Tony was not prepared for this.

“I was just talking to your aunt about the internship you applied for. With the September Foundation. Youngest candidate to ever apply, and also the most qualified. So I wanted to come and meet you personally, Mr. Parker. You mind if we talk?”

“Yeah, no, yeah, of course.”

Tony couldn’t believe the starry-eyed wonder that Peter had. The wide-eyed innocence. How could this kid who has seen so much tragedy be able to look like nothing horrible has ever happened? It didn’t make much sense.

Peter led Tony to his bedroom, and Tony maintained his space by the door. It said a lot to him, how Peter was okay with having an older man in his room, yet Tony couldn’t really handle being alone with anyone for long periods of time.

“I’m going to cut to the chase. You’re Spider-Man right? I’m not here to harass you about it or anything. I’ve covered you’re tracks for you, actually. Deleted some CCTV footage, made sure no connection existed. Also made you a new suit, it’s got all the bells and whistles.”

And there was the distrust. The squinted eyes, locked jaw and crossed arms that screamed that Peter was uncomfortable and that he did not believe this offer. Peter looked much older now, all signs of youthful innocence gone, now just a cagey-tired kid who didn’t know what to do. Tony tried to make himself appear smaller, less grandios, he knows that’s what he would like.

“What’s the catch?”

“No catch. You inadvertently helped me out, I’m just repaying the debt.”

Peter hummed and paced the room. Tony tried to make sure that if Peter wanted to leave, the door wasn’t completely blocked off.

“Mr. Stark, I never applied for any September Foundation internship thing. It doesn’t even let you try and apply if you aren’t of age. This clearly won’t look like an actual internship, May will see right through it. There is obviously something else you aren’t telling me.”

Smart kid. Already aware of the holes in Tony’s plan. Willing to call him out. Tony liked him, for a teen vigilante. That’s all. Arms length and everything.

“You’ll come to the tower twice a week. I’ve talked to Nat, she saw your hand-to-hand combat. It’s alright, but sloppy. She’s going to make sure you can protect yourself.”

It took a moment before Peter made up his mind. He even turned his back to Tony to move the clearly home made computer on his desk. What a big sign of trust! To allow an older man into his room and then turn his back, Tony couldn’t imagine being okay with doing the same thing with any woman other than Pepper.

“Sure,” Peter nodded, “Yeah, with the Black Widow? I’d be a fool not to accept that, she’s pretty awesome.”

Tony couldn’t help but laughing. He nodded his head towards the Iron-Man poster on the wall, “Clearly not as great as Iron Man.”

Peter laughed. His smile lit up the whole room.

“It’s not like I ever thought you’d be in my room, Mr. Stark. They’re coming down as soon as you leave.”

“No, no you can’t now that I’ve seen them. I’ll fire you if you take them down.”

“I’ll quit first.”

Peter was a quick learner. He also wormed his way in to the Avenger’s lives. It surprised Tony, how Peter was only ever suppose train with Nat twice a week, now he had lab days and would show up sporadically. The teen had inserted himself into everyone’s lives and he fit. Spider-Man was safer out on the streets and the Avenger’s were more than happy to help Peter however they could.

Tony was blown away from how smart Peter was. There were only a handful of times where Bruce and Tony had to slow down and explain things to Peter. It was far more common that Peter would beat them to the answer, or simplify things, and even correct their mistakes.

“You know, if I wasn’t there went you went missing back in 2000 I’d think Peter was your kid.”

Rhodey laughed and clapped Tony on the back, and that was it. Suddenly Tony couldn’t breathe. His wrists were bleeding and the metal of the bedframe was creaking. His eyes were swollen from the constant tears the never seemed to stop streaming down his face. Mary was sitting beside him, her hands on the beginning of a growing stomach. She just wanted to make it through the second trimester before Tony was allowed to go. Her eyes were far too bright and unhinged.

“Tony, Tones, you’re okay. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Peter is an August baby. He’s August. Not April. The dates don’t line up. It’s fine. He’s the son of Diane and Jacob Parker.”

Tony was leaning over, knees to his chest, hands flat on the floor. He’s touching the floor, not a dirty old mattress. Not handcuffs or a bedframe. Just the cool, hardwood flooring.

“Tones, what are you talking about? Are you trying to tell me you have a kid out there?”

So Tony told him. Everything. How he left the party, what happened during all those months. Tony talked about how he discovered Spider-Man, and how he just wanted to thank Peter for sharing his story, because it helped. He wanted to make sure Peter was safe, and this was the only way Tony knew how to re-pay him.

Months went on and it felt like a constant balance of ‘this is too much, I am not enough,’ for Tony. With Rhodey knowing what happened, it helped a little bit. Tony didn’t feel like he was always suffocating in guilt. Of course it didn’t stop Tony from feeling like he was drowning all the time, from the memories of what happened, but he could share his guilt with Rhodey and Pepper, and it helped a little.

Actually it helped a lot. Whenever the team would call Peter ‘Stark Junior’ as a joke. Or when Thor came back and saw Peter immediately dubbing him as ‘Stark-Son.’ Rhodey and Pepper were incredible at talking him down from the edges of his panic attacks. Having people- his people- know what happened helped a lot more than Tony ever thought they would. They believed him. Rhodey and Pepper believed him when he said he didn’t want anything to happen, that he hadn’t asked for it. They didn’t tell him it was his fault or push him to find the mystery kid, but instead they listened. It helped.

Tony didn’t ever think he could get to this point in his life. Not after 2000. He didn’t think he would be able to trust so many people, or talk to about everything. It was nice, to feel some semblance of normal. Not that anything could be considered normal, but learning not to keel over from the weight of everything made it feel more normal. Spiraling at the sight of blue eyes or being near women and seeing children on the streets was not normal.

But Peter in Tony’s lab was normal. And so was Peter in the communal kitchen, his head in the cupboards looking for a snack. It was so normal it ached. Tony hated that he could have this mentor-mentee relationship with Peter and he couldn’t even handle the thought of his own child.

“Hey, you’re no ostrich, get your head out of the metaphorical sand, food is on it’s way up right now.”

“Bad analogy, Mr. Stark, I would have gone with the hand in the cookie jar thing. Y’know because food. It was the obvious one.”

Peter pulled his head out of cupboards a lop-sided smile lighting up his eyes. Even after knowing Peter for nearly a year, Tony was still blown away by Peter’s optimism, and his snark.

“Right, yes, my apologies for not choosing the right analogy. Next time I’ll use the right one.”

The smile on Peter’s face dropped. He looked over to the elevator, his head shaking. “No, no, no. That’s not food, I’m sorry Mr. Stark.”

The elevator doors opened and there stood May Parker with an FBI agent. Neither of them seemed very happy, which definitely wasn’t good. Tony had made sure that there was no way Peter could get in trouble for being Spider-Man, and there was no way the government would find out that are one in the same. Tony did everything right, didn’t he? Peter should have been safe. Everything should be fine.

Taglist: dm/ send an ask to be added !

@peter-is-a-bean @friendshapedcastiel @dead-inside-pt2 @they-were-cloudsinmycoffee @parkersjiggle @7peternotparker7 @thatonecrackheadshipper @kevinthewoman @faline4you @lynxshinon @narutoyaoifan @pastelwheeler @thecrazymarvelfan @bonjour-gays @thebestqueenoftheworld

Temp Taglist:

@marvelous-1015 @himaboroshi736

#irondad #peter parker #tony stark #marvel #mcu #spiderson #spiderman #marvel cinematic universe #avengers #bio dad tony stark #angst #hurt to comfort #irondad and spiderson #spider-man #Iron Man

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starlit-dreaming · 4 years

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[wip tidbit] it was only one night 3

Fandom: WMMAP Rating: M (potential E) Ships: Lucathy (with minor Calena and Felix/Lillian) Goal: 15K Words (Oneshot) TL;DR: Modern Setting + Lawyer Athy + IT Expert Lucas + Unplanned Pregnancy from a ONS

1 | 2 | [3] | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | x | 9 | 10 | 11

WC Progress: 5k / 15k

Note: i said i would do another “sneak peek tidbits” at 5k words sO HERE WE ARE, ONE THIRD OF THE WAY THERE (ignoring the fact that this is only the rough draft and god i’m gonna have to do so much editing to do)

the next time i post a wip tidbit for this au, it might get bumped up to an E rating (i think i’m still far away from writing that NotSafeForWyn-worthy content though)

“So… what do you want to do?”

“I want to keep them,” she admits, sitting still as he glances back up to her — red eyes meeting jeweled blue. “I want to have this child.”

“Okay,” Lucas simply accepts after a moment of their impromptu staring contest.

His eyes break away, focused on the packet of papers — a small treasure trove of information on what to expect. And then there’s silence, with only the sound of rustling papers when he turns the page. It suddenly becomes clear to her that Lucas is skimming through the information, that he’s actually looking and trying to figure something out.

“Okay…?” she blinked, her voice soft as her eyes blurred from unshed tears.

“Raising a kid takes a lot of work,” he mutters, eyes squinting at the papers as he slipped on his reading glasses. “Especially because it’s our kid, and they’re definitely inheriting your temper and my asocial tendencies. Like hell you’re doing this alone — you’ll need all the help you can get.��

“I was an angel as a kid, I’ll have you know,” Athanasia wetly laughs, wiping her tears away with her sleeve.

“Whatever you say, Athena,” Lucas says quietly, “Whatever you say.”

For her first end-of-the-year company party at the law firm, she somehow ended up drifting over to Lucas. They both mutually benefitted in hanging out together — Lucas repelled the men who tried to flirt with Athanasia with only a glance, and Athanasia ended up warding off the women who were pining for Lucas just for being the prettiest person in the law firm. It was the start of a misunderstanding among their coworkers who started to think that she and Lucas were romantically involved, but they didn’t confirm or deny the rumours.

It helped them, so there was never any reason to clear it up. For Lucas, it reduced his ever growing headache when the majority of his coworkers stopped trying to flirt with him while on the job. For Athanasia, it lowered the amount of flowers from secret admirers that she would find in her office as well as put a halt to the rumours about her leading people on just because she smiled at someone that day.

Suffice to say, after that first party, it seemed like a given for her to drift towards Lucas.

(She remembers that night with startling clarity.)

“What is it this time?” Lucas heaved a heavy sigh. He expected her to start crying, as she so often does whenever she thought about her family, about Lillian and Felix who recently got engaged. The reality of where she is today in life finally hits her, as her eyes tear up and she’ll take another sip of her champagne to cling onto that nice, floaty feeling she gets the more she drinks.

“I’m going to die as an old cat lady.”

“Helena and I were gonna get married to each other when we turned thirty for tax benefits,” Athanasia admits, putting away her coloured eye contacts. “But now that she’s finally dating Cabel, and that they’re head over heels for each other, I’m gonna end up alone!”

“You’re a lawyer, Athena. Should you even be admitting that you were going to marry someone to get tax benefits?”

“It’s a perfectly acceptable thing to do.”

“And what’s this about you ending up alone? You’re completely ignoring my existence here,” Lucas flatly says. “I have to deal with them too, you know.”

“That’s even worse!” she cried, burying her face into the palm of her hands, the champagne making her all the more emotional. “I’m gonna end up alone with you. You like cats more than dogs, Luke — we’re incompatible!”

Tagging: @ilyusha-hwang @lithium-15 @bloodredruby (so im just assuming you two also wanted to be tagged??? if not then lmk)

#lucathy #wynter writes #wip tidbit #fic: it was only one night

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masqueradeassane · 3 years

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Fjord didn't remember much, all he knew was that he and Caduceus had been out to purchase a few supplies while Caleb and the rest went to a second meeting with some of that Ikithon man's people, when an oddly desperate looking group of the Law Bearer's Clerics came across them and their Wildmother regalia, as small as his own was.

Now he and Caduceus where on some strange, ethereal plain of existence.

It was odd seeing his own body being carried by The Traveller. Even stranger seeing a semi-translucent Caduceus running next to The Storm Lord of all gods, a confused look on the Firbolg's face as his bloodstained body jostled in godly arms as the two deities ran.

"We're on an Astral plain... in the hopes that the difference in how time runs will get you both to Jester in time."

The Traveller's voice seems to echo through the air and in Fjord's head at the same time.

"The blue child's magic should save the Firbolg, then he can hopefully save you."

Caduceus's... ghost, looked a little miffed at being called the Firbolg, as The Storm Lord's Voice vibrated through their chests like a thunder crack, but he remained silent, concentrating on keeping up.

"Caduceus, you have always been one of the Wildmother's favorites, rumour amongst the godly plains is that she interfered directly upon your mother's beseeching when the darkness of that tainted forest some had met you near had injured her during her pregnancy."

Caduceus seemed remarkably calm as he replied. "Huh, that makes sense actually."

"The Half-Orc would have been well loved for years as well if the abomination hadn't interfered, and is even more loved now because he is loved by the Firbolg."

Fjord flushed a deep, dark green as the Storm Lord's words rumbled through his chest again.

"Like we are any different old man, we love them because ours love them, we protect them for the same reason. If not for the risks posed by being directly healed by a god, you'd both be up on your physical feet by now."

The way The Traveller said risks, made Fjord and Caduceus believe he'd tried it before... to ill effect.

"So why isn't The Wildmother here though, now."

Fjord was speaking more to himself that to those around him, so he jumped a little when his question was answered.

"The Wildmother is a gentle, yet fierce goddess, she feels grief as completely as joy, wrath as strongly as calm. The only thing holding her back is the fact that if we move fadt enough, you might survive... and those clerics... were not truly working in The Law Bearer's name."

Fjord looked at the god carrying his corpse with confusion.

"You noticed it a little, such high ranked regalia on such desperate looking men, yet they fell upon you both with weak, failing magic and mere knives of all things. The Law Bearer was punishing them for something, withholding her powers, but instead of heeding her, the leader claimed it a mere test, and to continue as they were."

Fjord nodded, he had noticed a few things.

He shivered as the voice of The Storm Lord spoke up again, the rumble almost feeling like the beginning of an icy hail storm.

"The Zemnian Empire is going to be punished for this not matter what, how severe it is depends entirely on if we've made it in time."

"Made It..."

The rest of Fjord's words cut off, even in his own head as everything suddenly faded to a cold, empty blankness.

#spoilers for critical role #critical role #fjord #caduceus clay #the wildmother #the traveler #the storm lord #tw character death #x2 #could be temporary #could be permanent #open story/prompt #so you can write a chose your own ending if you like

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bisluthq · 3 years

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It’s your kaylor historian here who still can’t remember my log in details to my KH account 🤦‍♀️ (so please make sure this anon just in case it isn’t... I fear them 👀)

Karlie’s tea post before masters heist:

Ok so I can’t remember who posted first and don’t feel like looking, but taylor posted a selfie and captioned it “Friday calmness” and we (kaylor fandom) had been speculating taylor was going to come out as bi on the last day of June / 🌈pride month🌈 since she’d been doing so much stuff that could be seen (and was) as queer coded. We celebrated the “Friday calmness” thinking it was like a ‘calm before the storm’ with the storm being her coming out.

I think Karlie posted after taylor, but am not 100% sure. Karlie posted a selfie with a cup with a caption like “what’s the tea” and the fandom, thinking they were still together, collectively lost our shit. It looked to us like Karlie was playing off Taylor’s post. (I’ll admit, I didn’t think kaylor were still together, but that weekend I was thinking ‘I can’t believe I doubted them!’ Lol)

*there were also rumours that the YNTCD video and single were delayed a couple of times and meant to be released sooner and serve as a soft coming out, but that taylor kept changing her mind about it and is also why she kept the tracklist length under wraps, because she wasn’t sure if she’d go through with it. She was way more vague than ever before. There were also rumours she had a rolling stone cover planned that she was going to come out in but it was scrapped —— I can’t even remember where these “she’s actually coming out” rumours originated anymore and I can’t remember if people had legit sources and gossip or if it was fan fiction planning, but it was mentioned outside the kaylordom too, so take that as you wish.

Then came the masters heist.

Now, to understand the thought process of Kaylors at the time, you have to remember that we thought Karlie & Taylor had a secret romance, Joe was a beard, Josh was a beard - but since he comes from a crime family who have done a lot of bad things (to put it lightly) and are stupidly rich, Josh had Karlie trapped in such a tight contract and has so much blackmail material that Karlie was forced to fake marry him against her will - remember, it was only meant to be a photo shoot for a Vogue wedding spread showing what wedding fashion was available, it wasn’t meant to be a wedding! But josh had his team leak the photos and instead of saying it was all for a photo shoot, Karlie had to say she was now married. <- that was the narrative and thought process within the fandom.

So the fandom thought 🛴 and Josh conspired to announce the purchase of big machine/ taylor’s masters which would derail her coming out plans. The fandom thought Karlie had no idea it was happening. Scooter and Josh were worried Taylor was going to come out, which would ultimately out Karlie since there were so many rumours about Kaylor already, and it would then out Josh and ruin Josh’s image, making it look obvious to everyone that Josh and Karlie were just beards, but kaylor was real. To avoid tarnishing Josh’s hetero card, scooter waited until the end of June to announce he bought taylor’s music for maximum impact.

(Never mind that someone spent $300M to keep a client in the closet) that was how we interpreted the situation (kept writing the fan fiction) and that it was a blow to taylor and a huge betrayal from scooter to Karlie because now they had extra leverage / ways to hurt Karlie.

So yeah. It was a very sad time. This also is why some kaylors think hoax lyrics point to their everlasting love “my best laid plans” = tay ready to come out end of June “your sleight of hand” = scooter tricking Karlie when he bought the masters and any information about taylor that Karlie mentioned innocently was used against them, “my barren land” = taken on a new meaning since Karlie announced her pregnancy, but initially it was seen as the land that was meant to be blooming with love was left barren and empty because of the masters incident delaying her coming out.

It sounds absolutely ludicrous, but the only way to understand how it was easy to rationalise is to understand how adamant the fandom was/ is that Josh and joe are just beards, Karlie is locked in a contract, and taylor is trying to free the both of them. If there were any truth to this at all, it is nothing short of ghastly situation for Karlie and paints taylor as a Nobel warrior trying to save her princess from the tower 🦸🏼‍♀️👸🏼 ....

Karlie had what I think was a scheduled post cause it was ad content , but otherwise was unusually silent on social media for a week + after the announcement. We thought they were grieving together.

——-

Now for Emily Poe. Ok so I really didn’t do my research - I thought Emily was only one or two years older than Taylor, so it never even occurred to me that the idea of that relationship would’ve been extremely predatory and badbadbadbad. I regret not doing my due dillihence when I was part of a fandom that consumed this theory. So Emily theories have been around since Taylor first had gay speculation. Part of this was because of some funny photos like that one where taylor is standing next to a truck that says “...gay Texan” and emily and a guy in the band I can’t think of his name were pointing to taylor and smirking. It’s a funny photo. I can see my dumb teenage self making similar jokes long before I knew my sexuality because LOOOOL GAY was a thing back then. There’s the video taylor made for Emily where she held up the “we love you emily” sign and she went to everyone she toured with including brad paisley to hold up the sign and make heart hands and just be extremely cute - platonic or romantic - both seem plausible - and cute as hell! The video was set to the dashboard confessional song ‘stolen’ which is basically just the lyric “you have stolen my heart” over and over again. This video got renewed interest when people went back and looked back at the you belong with me video. The idea of taylor and her make love interest holding these a4 sheets of paper with “I love you” written on them seemed familiar. The story of how YBWM came about was that Taylor heard her guitarist on the phone with his girlfriend and his gf was yelling at him for something seemingly insignificant/ the gf was painted out as high drama and her guitarist seemed miserable every time he spoke to her for a while. So Taylor had the idea of a song about a girl thinking her friends girlfriend is horrible, but turn it into a love story where the two friends get together - classic romantic comedy trope - she took the idea to Liz Rose and it was one of the last songs written for Fearless and specifically made to be upbeat and preppy because taylor thought the album was lacking that vibe. If you take the story Taylor said inspired the song and swap it from her male guitarist (who she also said she had no feelings for), and change it to her female fiddle player, the story behind the song can be the same, just tweaked to be hetwashed. Emily was a cheerleader and had a boyfriend when she toured with taylor, so it’s easy enough to take those things at surface value and think there was some truth to Emily. Also the two biggest gaylor rumours pre swiftgron came from comments on a gossip site/ forum. One was that ‘Emily was fired after she was caught relieving taylor of stress’ and how ‘emily was interested in law, but this incident cemented she had to leave the band but the swift team gave her money so emily wouldn’t sue for being fired on a sexual harassment issue’ (of course, knowing the age difference, we know this would NOT be the case at all) and it is speculated it inspired taylor to write breathe because she was so sorry for how things ended. They were inseparable and then after her birthday, never seen together or mentioned each other on MySpace again.

The other comment was that taylor ‘was a pillow princess in high school’ and that she was happy to receive but not give because she wanted to maintain her virgin status and thought if she reciprocated it would make her gay — the comment was something like that.

Of course it would’ve been incredibly easy for idk, some random on the internet who has never even met taylor to say those things.... but it was taken as gospel by the gaylor truthers.

People who looked further found a girl they believed was Taylor’s high school gf, her name started with L... but I never really believed it so I don’t have the greatest knowledge of that one. It seemed ridiculous to me she had a 3 year gf as a teenager and not a single person from her high school - or anyone who knew her alleged gf - ever spoke about it publicly??? That would be a lot of NDAs and payouts to keep silent, but a lot of other people believed NDAs and hush money was spent, so yeah... 🤷‍♀️

She also had some fruity MySpace posts which seemed to help the case for gaylor, but imo, it also falls under the ‘teenagers on the internet are dumb especially when social media was brand new and thank god myspace doesn’t exist cause I don’t want to see my old one ever again’ category.

Sorry for the essay, I felt I had been summoned and wanted to give background on the fandom. When I log back in I think I need to change my bio, I’m not really here to talk kaylor , but the fandom. Cause it’s really sad what that narrative within the fandom has become and heartbreaking what that narrative has done to fans, especially queer kids trying to figure themselves out. I couldn’t see how toxic it was for a long time, I’m happy I’m out of there now. but I think it helps to understand how the fandom thought and saw things as to how easy it was for things to spiral to the state it’s in now.

As old T used to sign off, - lovelovelove 💜

Brilliant post thanks KH!

#nat talks the konspiracy

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def-initely-soul · 4 years

Note

Can I get some Jaebum, in a creepy setting with the prompt “I’m calling it. We are lost in the woods.”? If I can't..well...we both know I can. ☺️❤️ Oh and make it 80s themed.

damn right you can! (i mean come on, really, did you think I was gonna say no?)

pairing: jaebum from got7 x reader (f.)

prompts: “I’m calling it. We are lost in the woods.”

genre: supernatural au; witch au; 80s au; horrorish

warnings: mention of pregnancy gone wrong

words: 5.7k (what is wrong with me, these are supposed to be drabbles...)

“I’m calling it. We are lost in the woods.”

Jaebum sighs out loud, already regretting having Jinyoung tag along with him in the first place. He knew his more logic-driven friend wouldn’t have supported this outing and yet he couldn’t leave him out of this. Not when Jackson himself had tagged along as well.

“We’re not lost in the woods okay? I know where we’re going...” Jaebum repeats for what feels like the hundredth time tonight as his flashlight flickers for a second. With a curse, he shakes the thing before the light flickers back on. He can swear he just replaced the batteries in this thing.

“Are you sure? Because all I’m seeing are trees, not some bitchin’ witchin’ house in the woods,” Jinyoung retorts and Jaebum rolls his eyes even if he keeps moving forward.

The reason the three of them are out tonight and not on Mark’s rad Halloween party is that they’re out on a search for their town’s own resident witch. It’s rumoured that once upon a time a witch lived in those woods, granting wishes to children that were brave enough to befriend her. Jaebum supposes it’s more of a cautionary tale about judging someone before you meet them than an actual event.

Still he has to try.

“Oh that sounds gnarly, try saying it quick. Bitchin’ witchin’, bitchin’ witchin’, bitchin’ witchin’...” Jackson interrupts from next to Jaebum, repeating the mantra with a level of concentration Jaebum hasn’t seen him use ever. Not even for math class.

“Yeah, Jackson that’s great but it would be even greater if we weren’t lost in the middle of the woods, searching for a witch that might not be even real! I mean she was here, what? 300 years ago or so?” Jinyoung is relentless in trying to get them to return back home. Jaebum doesn’t answer him and keeps moving forward, his boot crunching the dead leaves on the ground as the sun finally disappears behind the mountains.

Jackson chuckles nervously. “Ugh, take a chill pill dude, Jae said he had a reason to look for her, so we’re here to support him,” he replies calmly and that seems to shut Jinyoung up. The three friends keep walking in silence, Jaebum a few steps ahead as he clutches on the book that has any information regarding the witch.

She first started granting wishes around the 1600s, the then-village having a small period of tranquillity as everyone had their wishes fulfilled and the witch got almost everything she needed for free in return. But then a kid disappeared. A young girl at the age of 18, like Jaebum’s age now, leaving no trace of her behind. No letter, no nothing. They couldn’t find anything and everyone immediately suspected the witch.

They burned her at the stake and she, feeling wronged, threatened the town with her upcoming return to steal all their children until the town went down in ruins.

Of course, that never happened and the only thing that’s left of that bedtime story is this book, reciting the legend and a small poem that’s supposed to help someone find their way to her lair.

Beneath the barren willow tree Eternal maiden of the light shall be The ticking clock appoints to three Three of service and so would be But beware the fickle call of darkness Its binds are full of lies and harshness Black and green won't lie to you Protect that which appeals for you

Most of it doesn’t make any sense but Jaebum at least can tell that he’s supposed to find a barren willow tree.

“Can you at least tell us why we’re going there? What are you gonna ask for if we find her?” Jinyoung tries again, this time much calmer and understanding. And yet Jaebum doesn’t respond.

Jackson sensing Jaebum’s hesitation jumps in to answer the question himself. “Well, I don’t know about you dinguses, but I’m gonna wish for Ana saying yes to one date!” he says, eyes staring ahead dazedly with a lovesick smile and Jaebum drowns a chuckle.

“Isn’t this like, kinda forcing her to go out with you though?” Jinyoung claims and Jackson groans.

“No, I mean I sure hope it’s not! I won’t ask for her to date me, I’m just asking for an opportunity to show her what an amazing boyfriend I’ll be!” Jackson claims and Jinyoung rolls his eyes even though a smile is etched on his features.

“I really doubt you need that man...” he admits and Jaebum agrees. It’s been really fun watching Jackson make a fool out of himself trying to impress her (he even tried moonwalking), but it would be even more fun if he actually didn’t impress her.

The girl is hella mad about him and the only person who can’t tell is Jackson.

Jackson smiles at Jinyoung’s words. “You really think so? I can’t wait to meet her tonight at the party! Wait till she sees my Luke Skywalker costume,” he says, taking out his fake lightsaber to swoosh in the air.

“Hm, but if she’s dressed like last year you won’t match...” Jaebum observes and Jackson lets out a heavy, dreamy sigh.

“Ah, yeah... The Madonna costume...” he says in a lovesick daze and Jinyoung rolls his eyes. Last year Ana went as Madonna for Halloween giving both Jackson and her mother a heart attack. Although it’s safe to say those reactions differed significantly.

Jaebum laughs but at least he’s glad for the distraction. He doesn’t have to answer Jinyoung’s question for now and he’s sure if Jinyoung knew Jaebum was actually searching for his dad like this, he’d be against it.

Jaebum’s dad left them when he was a kid. One day he was there and one day he wasn’t. No one knew where he went and Jaebum’s mother was inconsolable at first. Jaebum was barely 7 and his sister was barely 3. She didn’t remember him but Jaebum knew him long enough to miss him every day. And to wonder why.

“Anywho, what are you gonna wish for, Jinyoung?” Jackson asks as they keep walking deeper into the woods, the last lights of civilization far behind them as the air turns crisp and sharp.

Jinyoung shrugs before turning his head away as if embarrassed. “Nothing. I’m just here cause Jaebum asked us...” he admits and Jaebum finally turns to look at him. It’s not normal for Jinyoung to say such a thing. Normally he’d cringe, shoving anyone that even attempted a hug, not the type to admit to such feelings. Jaebum knows it’s a big deal so he smiles thankfully at his best friend.

Jackson whistles in mockery before playfully jabbing Jinyoung with his elbow. “Oh, is the ice king finally admitting he’s soft for his besties?” he says, well-intended and as Jinyoung shoves him away and tells him to piss off, he can’t help but smile as well.

The three of them have been best friends since diapers. Jaebum figures it’d be a cold day in hell if they ever got separated.

But as Jaebum ponders on that, his eyes catch what he’s been trying to locate on these woods. A barren willow tree.

His feet stop as a sudden stillness fills the air. The trees stand still, air no longer breezing in between the leaves, whatever woodland creatures that might have wandered around these parts long gone as the three friends stand beneath the tree.

It’s enormous, its branches spreading through the forest like veins, empty and dwindled, as the last few leaves fall to join the rest of their brothers on the ground. The silence unfurls, the only sound the sound of their breathing, as their chests heave with something. Something that makes the skin on their necks crawl and goosebumps to cover their hands.

Jaebum swallows the nerves crawling up his throat as he takes a step forward. His eyes, unwilling at first, follow down the trunk of the tree to see what lies beneath it. Just like the poem said.

But all he sees is a massive rock, empty and hollow on the inside as vines and moss cover the cold exterior.

His eyebrows furrow before diving back into the book. It’s supposed to be here.

Jinyoung lets out a shaky breath before shaking the feeling of uneasiness out of his head. “See, there’s nothing here. It’s just a hollow cave with barely enough space to fit a bear. We should go,” he comments carefully. But Jaebum ignores him in favour of the book.

“It’s supposed to be here, why isn’t it here?” Jaebum says frantically, as Jinyoung and Jackson exchange a look. Jackson moves forward, carefully placing a hand on Jaebum’s shoulder. “We can try next year, dude...”

Jaebum huffs in confusion. He can’t spend another year wondering. He can’t.

“Come on, let’s get to the party...” Jinyoung adds on and Jaebum can’t find any more strength to fight back, so he turns his back on the cave.

Until a sound emerges from its depths.

Jaebum turns to look back immediately, eyes traveling inside the cave in search for whatever made that sound. The darkness inside of it doesn’t help him much. Instead, it’s humid, eerie and somewhat enchanting. As if calling him to dive in. As if drawing him into that pure black that seems to have no way out.

Jinyoung heard the sound too. “What in the hell was that?” his eyes are wide in fear as Jackson takes a step back.

“Man, this is totally not tubular...” Jackson exclaims, diving into his fanny pack to get out his own flashlight as well. Both him and Jaebum redirect the light to lighten the inside of the cave but it seems to not work.

Then the sound reappears. But it’s more distinct. It’s high, yet soft and it sounds a lot like...

Meowing.

Wait. Meowing?

And just as Jaebum has that thought, a little black creature emerges from the cave, the culprit behind the sound and it stands before the three boys, staring at them curiously with it’s big, green eyes.

A cat.

Jinyoung sighs in relief and Jackson begins chuckling as soon as he sees the tiny animal staring at the three of them. “Jesus, man, I thought you were a bear or something...’

“Yeah, that’s what we all thought...” Jinyoung agrees quickly as Jaebum kneels down to look at the cat. For an animal living in the woods and having to fend for itself, it doesn’t look very wary of humans. The cat tilts its head as it looks back at Jaebum and he’s not crazy but he can swear the cat seems to look at him as if expecting him to talk.

So he does.

“We’re here for the witch...?” he begins confidently but the statement comes out more as a question as he realizes what he’s doing. He’s talking to a cat. He’s never gonna live this down.

But as he’s ready to get up and urge his friends to leave, the cat nods. It nods as if understanding Jaebum and then it nudges his hand. There’s a name tag around its neck but before Jaebum gets to read it the cat turns to look inside the cave. As if motioning for him to follow it.

Jaebum sucks in a breath. He was right. She was here. And as he stares more into the animal’s eyes he swears they glint with something else, something more aware.

Something more human.

“I’m dreaming. I’m definitely dreaming,” Jinyoung says with wide eyes as Jaebum waves at them to follow him. Jackson simply stares in awe as the inside of the cave illuminates by a warm, orange light. It reveals a much bigger space than before, the formation elongates into a corridor and as the three friends follow the cat inside the cave, they slowly notice the walls transforming. They grow tall, the humidity in the air dissipating as the vines and moss disappear from the walls and the rock turns to woods. The ground bellow them softly gives way for wood and floor and just as suddenly as they were in the cave, they’re now inside a small wooden cottage.

They turn to look behind them but the corridor has disappeared. There are only walls and a door behind them and the friends turn to look at each other in awe.

The house they’re into is small. Wooden floors creak at their steps and the smell of incense and sage fills their nostrils. There’s a table in front of them, big and high like an examining table but it’s full with small trinkets, branches of several plants and every kind of things Jaebum would expect to see on that movie his mother keeps watching, The Witches of Eastwick.

There’s also a fireplace behind the table, small enough to fit a cauldron that’s currently bubbling with something inside. If Jaebum is honest, he doesn’t want to know what’s in it.

The cat meows again, drawing the three boys’ attention to it. It sits on its rear legs next to the only armchair of the house, staring at them in wait. Jaebum can’t figure out what the cat is waiting from them, but for some reason, he can’t shake the feeling that the feline wants to tell him something. But cats can’t talk.

“Oh, I see my darling cat brought in some visitors!” comes a wrinkly but soft voice hiding in the shadows and at once all three of them turn towards the sound of the voice. They see an old woman walk forward. She’s small in size, Jaebum thinks, almost like a child, a shawl is spread around her shoulders like a blanket and her white hair graces her head like a cotton cloud. She seems to be limping, carefully walking forward with a cane in one hand as the other hides beneath her clothes.

Jaebum thinks she doesn’t look at all like a witch. At least not like what he imagined a witch would look like. She looks like someone’s grandma.

She smiles at the three men before a cracking sound comes from her bones. “Oh, would anyone of you boys be a dear and help an old woman to her armchair?” she calls calmly. Sweetly as if talking to her grandson and Jackson is immediately moving.

“Yes, ma’am, of course...” he replies, lending her his hand to support herself and she smiles thankfully at him.

“Oh my, what a young gentleman you are...” she keens as Jackson safely helps her to her armchair and as she sits down, Jaebum observes as the cat slowly walks away to stand in front of the warmth of the fireplace.

The woman, seeing Jaebum wondering stare rushes to explain. “She never was a particularly loving cat that one. I’m just happy she’s safe and warm here...” she comments gently, waving her hand dismissively in the air. At once a cup of liquid appears in the air and the woman reaches her hand a bit forward to catch it. The three boys look at her in astonishment, not quite sure if what they’ve witnessed is real but none seems to know what to say.

The woman (or, Jaebum thinks, the witch) notices their stares just as she takes a sip. “Oh, I’m awfully sorry, do you want some tea as well?” she asks with a welcoming smile and that seems to wake everyone up.

“Uhm, no, madam, thank you,” Jinyoung replies before he gulps, still too awed to say anything else. He’s still trying to process everything.

The woman shrugs before taking another sip. “Sit,” she says, almost commanding and suddenly all three of them found themselves being seated on three wooden chairs. “I assume you three fine young gentlemen are here for the wishes?” she asks ingeniously, looking at the friends from above her tea. The steam of the beverage rises above the cup, towards her hair, giving her an otherworldly aura as if her white hair keeps moving along with the wind.

“How do you know that madam?” Jaebum questions suspiciously but the woman only chuckles at his naivety.

“Oh, please, why else would you be here?” she observes cleverly and Jaebum swallows his words because, well, she’s right.

He doesn’t know what else to say though. This is something he’s been thinking for the past few months, finding the witch and using the wish to find out about his father. But now the words won’t come out. They get stuck in his throat, suddenly this all expedition feels wrong and he can’t shake the feeling of uneasiness prickling at his bones.

“So which one of you will go first?” the woman asks sweetly.

When none of them answers, Jackson decides to speak up. “I guess that’s me,” he chuckles before dragging his chair forward to get closer to the woman. “There’s this girl from my high school and I was wondering...”

But Jaebum misses the rest of the conversation when he feels something against his leg. He looks down curiously to see the cat rubbing softly against his leg. Once again her eyes meet his and he’s certain that those aren’t just normal cat eyes. There’s something off about that cat, something telling him it isn’t just a simple cat.

Then with a graceful jump, she ends up on his lap, paws pressing against his legs as if preparing her bed. Then she curls upon him, her big, green eyes staring back at him, through him and he can’t tell if he’s losing his mind or not but it seems like the cat is trying to tell him something.

The woman’s shrill chuckle shakes Jaebum out of his thoughts as he finds the woman staring at the cat on his lap with an indecipherable look in her eyes.

“Seems she likes you...” she comments mysteriously, eyes boring holes through the cat that shifts uncomfortably on Jaebum’s legs. Jaebum senses an air of animosity towards the animal and when his eyes find the woman’s, he’s sure it’s not just his imagination.

“Seems like it, yeah,” he responds with a steady voice and a level gaze at the witch. She seems to be taken aback at his reply but she’s quick to replace her shocked expression with a calm, saccharine one.

Then she returns her attention back to Jackson’s wish and the cat seems to relax once more. Jaebum’s gaze falls to the animal on his lap once more, and once again she looks back. He can’t shake the feeling that...

That her eyes are human.

The cat nudges her head against his palm as if wanting to be petted and Jaebum would have done exactly that if he didn’t take notice of the name tag on the cat’s neck. His fingers reach for the metallic pendant, eyes wary, for some reason not wanting the witch to realise what he’s doing. But she seems too engrossed in Jackson’s story as he drags it out.

So with a bated breath, Jaebum turns around the pendant.

Y/N, it reads.

Confusion engulfs him. Where has he seen that name before?

After a few seconds, it hits him.

It’s the name of the girl that disappeared all these years ago.

His eyes widen and he gasps.

The sound gathers the witch’s attention on him again. “What’s wrong, dear?” she asks carefully but Jaebum can see the calculating glint in her eyes. The cat meows softly on his lap, in a warning.

“I, uh, nothing, nothing, I just...” he gulps, struggling to find something to appease the witch without raising her suspicions. “Ah, the cat, she accidentally scratched me...” he responds swiftly, hoping that’ll be enough.

The witch looks at him suspiciously but doesn’t say anything else on the matter. “And you?”

Jaebum’s eyebrows scrunch in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

The witch smiles. “What’s your wish?”

Jaebum freezes. He knows what his wish is. He knows what he came here for and yet his eyes fall back into the cat. Or rather, you. The girl that disappeared all those years ago at the age of 18, at his age and suddenly none of it feels right.

He doesn’t know what to wish for.

“I, uhm...” he begins unsure, but then his eyes rest on the space above the fireplace. Where a brown, leather book stands and immediately he remembers a passage from the book currently hiding in his bag.

There’s a book rumoured to exist. A book that contains numerous spells the witch uses but also the spell to rid the witch of her powers so she can no longer hurt anyone. A book bound in leather and spells, containing such evil and darkness within but also the salvation for anyone under the witch’s influence. The book’s never been found.

Jaebum bets his walkman that’s said book.

He quickly returns his stare at the cat, for if he wants to be successful he must show no sign of interest in the book.

“I want the cat,” he finally replies, raising his proud stare to look at the witch. Jackson and Jinyoung look at Jaebum as if he’s gone mad and yet the witch’s expression hasn’t changed. She stares stoically at Jaebum, face not at all revealing any of her thoughts and yet there’s a storm brewing in her grey eyes that glint almost silver.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” she finally replies. But her voice is different. It’s low, grave and threatening almost like a growl and Jaebum can feel prickles of fear on his skin.

Yet he perseveres.

“Why not?” he raises his chin up defiantly and he can see the old woman fuming. Good, that means it’s working.

“Because!” she yells suddenly, losing her composure for a second. But then she schools her face back into that sweet expression, that one that now seems to Jaebum sickeningly sweet.

“Because she’s my only companion here. It can be very, very lonely being alone in the woods. I’m sure you wouldn’t wish that for anyone, now would you?” she stares intensely at him and Jaebum can understand that it’s a threat.

So he sighs heavily as if he’s disappointed. “I guess you’re right madam. But I really liked this one...” he complains, waiting for the witch’s reaction.

The woman sighs. “I can’t give you the cat, but I can give you anything else you ask for...” she makes a promise, hoping the promise of something grander will draw him away from the cat but what she doesn’t know is that Jaebum wants exactly that.

“Anything...?” he asks innocently and once it seems like he got the bait the witch smiles victoriously.

“Anything! A witch’s promise is a deal! I will give you anything you ask of me, this I swear!” she proclaims and at once a slight breeze flies through the room even if all the windows and doors are sealed. It’s her magic, taking effect once her promise was out in the wind and now she really has to do anything he asks of her.

And that’s exactly what he wants.

He points to the book. “I want that.”

Once her gaze falls to the item, her face pales. The once sweet smile is wiped off her face, instead a scowl appearing in its place. Her hair begins moving once again as if enchanted and she stands up from her armchair, not needing anyone’s help anymore.

The three boys look at her in horror as her figure elongates and her skin darkens, bones and limbs growing longer and slimmer, resembling branches of a tree. Her fingernails grow, darkening as her fingers crack and turn in weird angles and her feet drag across the floor, the sound like nails on a chalkboard. Her shawl falls off to the floor forgotten, and the white in her eyes disappears completely, now being an electric silver as if seeing lightning. Her face pulls down as if someone is dragging the skin down but her movements don’t stop.

The boys hiss, covering their ears as the cat begins yowling at the witch, ears drown back as her back hunches in alarm but the witch pays them no mind. Her long, bony fingers wrap around the book and she slowly turns around towards Jaebum. Then she moves again forwards as if she’s floating on the air and with heavy movements, she passes Jaebum the book.

Jaebum watches the exchange in alarm, a wicked grin covering the witch’s face from ear to ear, abnormally stretched and revealing the insides of her rotten mouth.

“I’m only giving this to you boy because I have to. You can use it for only one spell and if I find out that you tried to steal it from me, or use it to harm me and my way of living, there won’t be any of you left to tell the story...” her voice is low and deadly, like a whisper as it makes the fine hair on Jaebum arms rise. He swallows nervously, accepting the book with a nod of his head.

“Thank you, madam, I promise I’ll return the book as soon as I use my spell, this I promise!” he repeats the incantation the witch have said before, not because it will take effect, after all, there’s no magic in him, but because he hopes it shows a level of respect towards the witch in front of him.

The witch looks at him for a second, still looming over him in all her wickedness and then she’s back to how she was before; a charming old lady needing some company.

The three boys blink in surprise at the sudden transition but before they get to say anything else, the air around them feels like it’s shrinking and them with it. Like someone is sucking away the contents of the room at the other end, from where they came from. The cat jumps off him, staring at him one last time as Jaebum feels something pulling him backwards and the last thing they see before being dropped out of the cave is the witch’s evil smile.

Suddenly the three of them are outside in the woods again, in front of the cave that now seems normal once more. Jaebum shakes off the leaves from him before he opens up the book and begins searching frantically.

“Jaebum what in the world are you doing?!” Jinyoung yells once he’s up again, approaching him with enraged steps as Jaebum reads quickly page after page.

Jackson is quick to agree with Jinyoung. “Yeah, man what the hell was that? Did you really want a cat from the witch? We could get you one from the mall!”

“Can you just stop talking for a second, I need to find the spell...” he mumbles, irritated by his friends’ interference but they don’t seem too keen on listening to him.

“No, we can’t until you explain to us what in the fudge was that!” Jinyoung insists, voice strict and commanding and Jaebum takes a breath.

“The cat was not a cat, she’s a girl that disappeared when the witch was still alive and this book contains the spell that strips the witch of her magic and I have to find it before she realizes what I’m about to do!” Jaebum grits through his teeth as he turns page after page, searching for the correct spell.

Jinyoung’s left staring at him speechless and at least he’s not bothering anymore as he searches for the spell.

Jackson is the first to react. “Wait, Jaebum, are you sure? How could you tell, I mean, come on, that cat couldn’t be a human-”

“Yeah and at the beginning of this trip you didn’t believe we’d find the witch but look at us now,” he replies swiftly as his eyes run down the pages until-.

He found it.

I seek to rid someone of power I seek to find the truth behind I seek to burn the evil cower The undeserving to unbind

And he begins chanting it out loud. From what he knows he must certainly recount it at least three times before it takes effect.

Jinyoung and Jackson stare at him in shock, not quite sure what to do but as Jaebum begins chanting for the third time, the cave starts to shake.

He stops only for a second before he begins chanting again. A wind picks up between the trees, howling and whistling in anger as the branches dive down to search for the one recounting the spell. But Jaebum doesn’t deter, he chants louder and louder, the wind now almost taking the book out of his hands but he knows the spell by heart by now.

He chants and chants and the cave doesn’t stop shaking and then a shrill screams echoes through its depths, sharp and horrifying and blood curdling before a black shadow comes rushing through from inside the cave. The scream gets louder as the shadow approaches and once it’s out it dissipates with a loud bang, finally disappearing through the air and the scream fades away.

The cave stops shaking and the wind stops.

And then as Jaebum stares at his hands the book turns to dust and disappears as well.

His two friends are left staring at him in shock. They don’t know what to do or say and honestly Jaebum doesn’t either.

But then a cough sounds from inside the cave. A female one.

Jaebum turns his head towards the hollow only to see a young girl, you, walking out. You cough into your hand as the smoke around you dissipates, your long hair unruly and messy, dressed in a white blouse, a black-laced vest and a brown peasant skirt.

You are the girl that disappeared hundreds of years ago and yet you’re still alive.

Jaebum is frozen in his spot, staring at you and too afraid to move. For some reason, fearing that if he’d move you’d disappear.

Only when you stumble on a tree root, he jolts back to awareness and rushes to help you.

He grabs you by the arm to stabilize you as you seem to not have found your footing just yet.

“Are you okay?” he asks quickly, not knowing you one bit but wanting to make sure you’re alright.

You turn to look at him and once your eyes meet, he knows it was you. That it wasn’t all just in his head.

You nod your head, tears prickling at your eyes from the smoke. “Yes, I think I am...” comes out your rough voice, probably from not speaking for 300 years. Then you turn to look at Jinyoung and Jackson, admittedly a bit bewildered by their clothing but you’re well aware that it’s been hundreds of years since your time and things were bound to change.

You swallow nervously, your throat closing up. “Thank you...” you say softly, “for saving me...” you add as you turn to look at the man holding you up. Truth is he’s quite handsome, sending a reddening blush to your cheeks but you chastise yourself. You shouldn’t feel that way for a strange man. Maybe he’s betrothed and that would be improper.

Jaebum swallows the nervousness that arises in him when he meets your eyes. “No problem... Y/N, right?” he asks just to make sure.

You nod at him as you softly remove your hand from his, now that you feel like you can walk again. “And you are?”

Jaebum face falls just a bit but he’s quick to hide it. “I’m Jaebum, and this is Jinyoung and Jackson,” he responds instead, pointing at his friends.

You turn around to greet them when the one called Jinyoung steps in front of you with wide eyes. You gasp, taking you by surprise and you take a step back, suddenly too overwhelmed with the man’s proximity.

“Are you really the girl that disappeared?” he asks in wonderment and you realize that he doesn’t seem hostile. Only curious.

“Yes. I realized that around the time the witch started granting people’s wishes, a lot of women from my village started losing their unborn children. Once I realized it was the witch’s fault, she turned me into a cat and I could never leave her sight,” you reply softly, eyes downcast as you barely remember pieces of your previous life.

“Until we came along...” says the other boy named Jackson with a boyish grin in an attempt to cheer you up and, indeed, it draws a smile on your lips as you agree with him.

The other boy, Jaebum, coughs into his hands and you turn to look at him curiously. “So, uhm... Do you have a place to stay?” he says but he quickly slaps himself in the forehead.

Of course she doesn’t you airhead!

Your eyes widen with the realization, that no, you do not. How are you supposed to survive in a place that you don’t know anyone and in a time that’s not your own?

“You can stay with one of us! I’m sure our parents won’t mind!” Jackson rushes to say, a helpful smile on his lips and you look at him bewildered.

“Oh, no, I couldn’t ask that of you, you already did so much...” you reply, feeling overwhelmed by their offer.

“It’s no problem, really! And we can teach you all you need to know about this time so you’ll adjust!” Jinyoung adds on and the truth is it doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.

“Of course we understand if you feel uncomfortable with that...” Jaebum is quick to say, obviously the only one that realized you might be wary of the idea because they’re all men.

The other two guys exclaim in realization as they agree.

“Well, in that case, I think you’d be better off living with Jaebum. He has a little sister and his mother would probably beat up anyone that tried to hurt you...”Jinyoung chuckles at his joke but Jaebum only seems to fluster with the attention.

“It’s true...” he admits nervously, “My mother is kind of a tough cookie...”

But when he sees your face of confusion he rushes to explain. “It means she’s strong. And she always takes care of us,” he admits out loud and seeing your eyes twinkle in wonderment he realizes it was the right thing to say.

You ponder on it for a second before you turn to them again. Ready for your answer.

“It would be lovely if I could stay for a few nights until I get my bearings. If your mother agrees of course...” you conclude with a shy smile and Jaebum feels himself smile as well.

“I’m sure she won’t mind,” he replies, for once certain he made the right choice.

#kwritersworldnet #jaebum #got7 #got7 jaebum #jaebum fanfic #got7 fanfic #jaebum drabble #got7 drabble #jaebum supernatural #got7 supernatural #jinyoung #jackson #witch au #jaebum witch au #got7 witch au #halloween themed #jaebum halloween themed #got7 halloween themed #halloween requests

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shra-vasti · 4 years

Text

JEON WONWOO

Series : To all the boys

Pairing : Jeon Wonwoo x reader

Type : non idol au, ex-lovers au

Genre : angst, drama, fluff, romance

Warnings : none

Word count : 2k approx

Synopsis : You decided to write some letters to every boy who was a part of your past as your last message after getting diagnosed with chronical disease.

MAIN MASTERLIST

[Received, 09.10.2020] | previous | next

"Hey y/n, did you hear about the news which is swirling around the school?"

"News about?"

You were currently sitting inside your class with Jane and your other classmate, Sylvia, the gossip queen. It was a free class, not many student were entertaining the classroom so you decided to just spend time there but Jane and Sylvia followed soon.

"Your beloved Wonwoo ofcourse."

You rolled your eyes at the prefix used by her, you had recently told her about your crush on Wonwoo since 7th grade and all you can say is that you genuinely regret telling her about it.

"What about him?"

"About him getting Yena pregnant."

You eyes widened at the information given to you. You remember Sylvia telling you how wrong it was to have feelings for someone who already had a girlfriend and you told her that she came into his life after you did and you aren't a threat to their relationship.

You weren't a threat, Sylvia realised that but she did wondered how you would cope up with your feelings whenever you saw them together.

You had told her that you just cared about him, nothing more than that and feelings can't be stopped, you didn't even know how he fell in love with her that fast when all he did in the past was play around with girls.

You guessed he settled down for good.

"How would you know they are just kids come on we are in high school."

You could already hear your heart beating loudly in your ears, him getting into relationship with the new transferred student even though he knew about your feelings just wasn't enough that now this news surfaced, it was honestly too much for you since you have always took care of him from the past without asking anything in return, silently.

"Y/N, don't think that Yena is innocent okay, I've helped her to take the pregnancy test, she always used to call Wonwoo to meet him up in my place to hungout cause my parents are always out of town and they have many times made out in my room, I know."

Her words silence you, you were aware how Sylvia was, she was someone who would add extra information on a certain scenario just to make others believe her words and you knew she was doing just that, it wasn't new at all but that didn't help the pang you felt in your chest at her words.

Your mind drifted off to 10 minutes before when you saw a really concerned Dani, your other friend beside Zeny and Andie, bumping you. You asked her what's wrong and all she said was she had to talk with Wonwoo and it would be great if you just stay away from him for sometime.

You knew from then that something was off, maybe you're friends were trying to save you from another heartbreak because of him, you knew the information given by Sylvia wasn't all fake and some of it was true.

You shook your head at her as Jane and Sylvia continued to argue whether the information was true or not. You crossed your arms and put your head down on it blocking both the girls from seeing your face as you tried your best to have a control over your rapidly beating hard.

It wasn't much of use since you could feel the tears slipping from your eyes and onto your uniform which your were wearing.

The class was going to end soon and if you didn't control your tears, everyone would know about your little breakdown and you didn't want to entertain anyone else.

"Y/N are you crying?"

You felt your head being pulled up by the two girls and Jane was quick to her action when she saw your tear stained face. Sylvia stayed glued on her seat, shocked to see you out of all people crying over someone.

Jane grabbed your hand and took you out of the class informing the teacher at the door that you've had an emergency and wanted to go to the clinic.

The hallway was empty since every one had retreated back to their classes, you let Jane drag you all through till you reach the turning point where the girl's washroom was supposed to be, then you untangled your wrist from her hand and made a run towards the washroom.

Tears were constantly slipping from your eyes and you were afraid anyone else would see them. Jane looked at your running figure before speeding up to catch up with you.

You bumped into Yena on the way as she was coming out of the washroom. She looked at you corcernly after seeing your tear stained face which just made you ever more hurt because she and her boyfriend were the mere reason you were this miserable.

You didn't listen to her and continued your way towards the washroom, you heard Jane telling her that you had some personal issues and that she shouldn't interfere in it.

"Y/N?"

You lift your head up when you noticed someone calling your name to see Bora heading in your direction.

You immediately ran up to her hugging her tightly as you let your emotions free and cried on her shoulder. She patted your head to console you. Jane reached to both of you as she patted your back and explained everything to her.

"Hey, you know how Sylvia is, don't mind her. I know Wonwoo, he wouldn't do something like that for sure, he's just a teenager and so is Yena."

She kept on consoling you explaining why you shouldn't let these things affect you, she knew about your feelings from day one so she understood how hard it must have been for you.

She told Jane to head back to the class and that she would stay in the washroom with you since she knew you weren't in the condition to do the class.

"I'll go get my things so we can head to cafeteria."

You finally were able to get a hold of yourself and you stayed in the washroom with Bora till the lunch break arrived. You knew you couldn't stay here for long because all of the girls would start piling inside the washroom.

You were sure Jane would have told Zeny and Andie about your situation when both of them came crashing down at the washroom immediately engulfing you in a hug.

"Okay let's go, Bora, thanks for taking care of y/n."

The hallway was a bit busy but it seem as if no one really minded your absence much, to which you were glad. The classroom was empty as you reached the back of the class to get your things.

You bend down when your book fell to get it unknown of the fact that Wonwoo hurriedly entered the class, seeing no one since you were hidden by your desk, he got out of the class running towards the girls washroom.

"Jane, where's y/n?"

He was out of the breath as he held Jane by the shoulder asking her about you.

"In class?"

"No, I went inside the class but I didn't see anyone."

He shook his head as he made his way towards the girls washroom when a hand grabbed his making him stop on his tracks.

"Yah, Wonwoo where do you think you're going?"

He looked at Bora for a second taking her hand off his, then continuing to go inside the washroom to search you only to be held back by Bora again.

"I'm searching for y/n, if no one is going to tell me then I might as well search everywhere I can."

"Why do you want to see y/n?"

His patience was getting thin as he sat on the stairs which led to the girls washroom, Bora stood in front of him to make sure he wouldn't actually go inside the washroom as she crossed her arms across her chest looking at Wonwoo.

"You know all well why I want to."

"Y/N isn't Yena, Wonwoo, don't show so much care to the wrong person."

"I know who's important for me and who's not, you don't need to educate me on that and y/n means more to me and you know that."

With that he stood up heading back to the direction he came from, Bora shook her head before making her way towards the cafeteria where her friends were waiting for her.

He continued walking in the empty hallway, his head hung low thinking about the possible place you could be but sighing when nothing came into his mind.

He look up when he heard the sound of door getting locked, his eyes widening when he finally saw you by the door of the class, head hung low and you started making your way towards him unknown of his presence.

"Y/N!!"

He yelled gaining your attention, you looked at him to see him smiling widely at you before running towards you, standing few feets away.

"Where were you I was searching for you everywhere."

"You don't need to know, I've to go, others are waiting for me."

You sided him continuing your path as you had no energy left in you to have a talk to him cause you knew your emotions would take the best of you.

You stopped in your track when Wonwoo grabbed your hand and turn you around to face him again.

"You're avoiding me now?"

"Why would I?"

He knew you weren't going to give in so easily and he was right. When he came to know that you cried, his first instinct was to find you cause he didn't like you shedding a single tear, he wouldn't let that happen, he needed to know the reason behind it so he searched for you only to get more desperate to find you when he learned the reason behind your breakdown.

"Why did you cry?"

He knew exactly why you cried but he wanted you to voice it so that he would be able to explain it to you.

"It's none of your business, Wonwoo please."

You pushed him aside as you once again started making your way towards the cafeteria but Wonwoo quickly catched up and stood in front of you successfully blocking you from going any further.

"You know the rumours aren't true, I want you to trust me okay?"

"I don't care about that Wonwoo and please don't worry about me anymore, you've a girlfriend for God's sake worry about her."

You hated the way he treated you at times and you hated the way he behaved when he was alone with you, he was completely opposite in front of everyone.

He cupped your cheeks as he leaned his forehead on yours closing the distance, you could feel the warmth of his body and you hated how his simple gestures affected your heart when your mind always warned you to be cautious around him.

"I care about you y/n therefore I worry about you, you know how much I care about you, what do you want me to do tell me, you want me to leave Yena? I'll do that just give me sometime."

You hated him for making you feel like you were on seventh heaven, how he had such impact on you. He had a girlfriend, you had to remind yourself time and again as you pushed his hands away from your face and took a step back.

It felt so wrong to be this close to him but at the same time it felt like your heart was finally at ease. Your heartached as you saw disappointment in his eyes but he needed that, he needed to know he already had a girlfriend and he shouldn't cross his lines.

"Don't do that Wonwoo, don't give me hope."

On your peripheral vision you could see Yena coming in your and Wonwoo's direction as you inhaled deeply.

"Trust me y/n I'll come back to you, just wait for me."

"Wonwoo?"

He turned around to see Yena standing few feet away from both of you, she made her way towards where you were immediately getting concerned when she saw you.

"Are you okay now?"

She asked as she grabbed your shoulder lightly smiling at you. You nodded your head at her thanking her and telling her not to worry much.

"I was looking forward to eat lunch with you."

She turned towards Wonwoo who simply smiled at her but his eyes were focused on you so you decided to get away from them. Seeing them together would just hurt you more.

"I'm sorry for that, I was having a talk with y/n, I'll make it up to you."

She giggled as she hugged him making you involuntarily roll your eyes at him, how typical of him. It was like he just wanted to lift you up only to make you fall down hard and it certainly worked everytime.

You shook your head, knowing he wouldn't stop you now that his girlfriend was with him, you started walking.

Wonwoo grab your hand again, you turn your head to find him still hugging Yena as he looked at you, his other hand guiding Yena's head at the crook of his neck so she won't see what he was doing.

"I'll make it up to you, you just have to wait for me."

He said, his eyes directly looking into yours as if telling you that he meant that for you.

"Of course Wonwoo I'm not angry at you, we can go on a date after school if you are feeling sad about not eating with me."

"Of course babe, whatever pleases you."

You chuckled at the fact that Yena didn't realize whom the sentence was directed to, you shook your head at Wonwoo before removing his hand from your wrist.

You continue to make your way towards the cafeteria, this time succeeding as he didn't stop you. How would he, when he had her in his arms.

In the end it didn't matter how much he care about you because he would always choose her over you and you hated that.

You wondered if Yena ever feels the change in his behaviour or she's just too blinded to see that a person like Wonwoo wants the world and wouldn't settle till he gets what he wanted.

In your case, he wanted to stay beside his girlfriend but wouldn't trade you for anything and you wondered if you ever will be able to get away from his maze.

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amymel86 · 4 years

Text

Inspired by this post

A while ago I made @vivilove-jonsa a promise - that I wouldn’t post anything new (bar my drabble event entries) until I’d finished Redamancy. I could work on new things - but not post.

So here’s my chance to sort of cheat (Ssshhh! No one tell Vivi!)

This is a kind of modern post-apocalyptic ish au (and is currently untitled) - basically a couple of decades after a global pandemic, the majority of the world’s female population is left infertile and the government are providing incentives and schemes to try and boost the efforts to repopulate.

Guess which girl is left fertile?? (I know, I know, predictable, right? I don’t even care - I’m having fun)

You’ll see this is very rough - there’s notes in there for myself where I’ve not made up my mind about stuff - even stuff that’s already there may well get changed.

But I’d like to share some of what I have already if you guys don’t mind (and Vivi doesn’t kill me)...

I’d also like to invite other authors to share some of their WIP!

“They’re offering money now,” Anya’s plummy whisper carried through from the kitchen. Sansa paused. She’d been getting ready for hers and Harry’s night out - one of many, but she loved them. She adored the heady buzz of her dirty margaritas and the belly-warming glow she felt when Harry would keep her close, proud to have her on his arm. Sansa found that she craved distractions and her well-to-do boyfriend certainly was that. “There’s a whole package of incentives, Harry, you really should consider it.”

With fingers rolling the cut jet beads of her long-looped necklace, Sansa hovers between seconds, waiting to hear Harry’s answer. She’d asked him before; about having a baby. The new normal is not having to worry about all that – or worrying far too much.

Just over a decade ago, the highly contagious disease, [[NAME DISEASE]] spread its vicious reach throughout the population of Westeros; a disease that the infected had a coin’s toss chance of surviving, but left a staggering amount of surviving women barren. Left in the virus’s wake, there were also women like Sansa – anomalies. With seemingly no medical explanation, the [[disease name]] allowed them to keep hold of both their lives, and their ability to reproduce.

Sansa had thought, what with her having the rare ability to give Harry children, he would have been enthused by the idea when she’d broached the subject. Instead, he’d brushed it aside, seemingly uninterested.

And now his mother is getting involved. Anya Waynwood; a greying woman whose age has left her no less formidable both on a personable level and on a business one. Sansa knows this since she works directly under her at Waynwood’s Estates and Lettings.

“Think of it,” Anya whispers, filling the silence, “a baby of your own, with beautiful sandy hair and chubby cheeks. Just like you. You were such a happy babe.”

“Mother,” Harry starts. Sansa can hear him place his beer bottle down on the polished marble kitchen island. She begins to worry her lip as she listens. “Just because Sansa’s a peach, it doesn’t mean we’re going to have a baby.” She winced at that. ‘A peach’ – it’s not quite a derogatory term for a woman like her – a fertile, but it’s not considered polite either. Still, it’s better than when creeps find out what she is and start to tell her she’s ‘ripe for the plucking’... she supposes. She’s a novelty to them – her and women like her. They’re the kind of guys that search that subsection of illegal porn dedicated to the genre of ‘peaches’ for filthy connoisseurs with a breeding kink.

Harry’s not like that. He’s always been careful when they were intimate... well... he’s always finished in a way that would be biologically impossible to result in a pregnancy anyway. And... he cares for her... doesn’t he?

The thing is, Sansa really would like to have a child. The gods allowed her that ability for some reason, surely? Having a child might bring a sorely missed smile to her mother’s face – a smile that hasn’t really appeared since the virus took father and Robb away. They could bundle up their precious babe and take a trip up north to Winterfell and-

“I don’t even like children,” Harry continued, making Sansa frown. “I can’t even remember the last time I saw anyone under the age of... I don’t know... sixteen? I wouldn’t know what to do with a baby.”

“Well, that’s what Sansa’s for.”

Sansa rolled her eyes so hard they hurt. She’s tempted to go out there and show her face so that this conversation can peter off into the silence that that particular comment deserves. She could picture Anya’s expression perfectly during her next words; brows raised in expectancy, a devious twinkle in her eye and her coral pink painted lips twitching upward in a smirk.

“The government are offering a 15k incentive for the first baby, and all medical bills taken care of. There’s even talk of a new housing development especially for breeders. Now doesn’t that sound like it’s worth considering?”

Urgh. ‘Breeders’. Sansa hates that one too. There’s been rumours of these ‘repopulation incentive packages’, but she hadn’t realised they’d be so... generous. If-... if Harry’s convinced then she could send some extra money up to her mother for Bran’s chair – might even be able to get some to Arya wherever she is, off backpacking, living from youth hostel to youth hostel.

“Mum,” Harry lowers his voice, the deep timbre of it only just making it to Sansa’s ears. She moves closer to the bedroom door, tilting her head as if that would help her hear better. “I... I can’t.”

“Nonsense, of course-“

“No, Mum. I can’t. I can’t have children. I’ve been tested.”

Sansa’s heart thumpity-thumped against her ribs. She’s not meant to be hearing this... and yet at the same time, she feels like she should be hearing this.

Anya sounded aghast. “What do you mean? Of course you can have children!”

“You remember Cissy and Saffron?”

Harry’s exes. But he’d said that Sansa was his first girlfriend who was also a fertile so why-

“Your other peaches? Yes.”

Oh.... Oh no.

“Well it wasn’t like I was careful with them. It never happened because it can’t. I can’t... It just... never happened and so I got tested and I’m... I’m okay with never having kids.”

Sansa’s gut started to roll.

Where was that damned dirty margarita?

***

“And what’s your marital status, dear?” the older woman asked over her wire-rimmed glasses.

Sansa swallowed. “Single.” It hadn’t taken long for her to come to the conclusion that Harry was no different than all the others. She, as ‘his peach’ was purely a status symbol to hang on his arm. Oh, she could kick herself now for all the times she enjoyed his attentions and how he loved to show her off. Why hadn’t she seen it sooner? Harry didn’t care about her. He didn’t see a future with her. All he cared about was his own significance and status. But, of course, as soon as she’d broken things off with her darling son, Anya had made her working life a living hell. Sansa needed more options but she knows Anya is loathed to give her a good job reference and she’s hardly qualified for anything above partying her life away to distract herself and minimum wage. She can’t afford to stop sending her mum money for her medication, and Bran needed his physiotherapy sessions and a new chair. All the equations point towards sticking it out at Waynwood Estates but -

“A pretty thing like you? That is surprising!” the woman – a Mrs S Mordane as per the name plate on her desk – says with a small smile.

Sansa shrugs, not wanting to get into the nitty-gritty of the failings of her love-life – and especially not with a stranger in a little cubicle at The Vale Council Offices. She clears her throat. “I-I heard there was some sort of matching service?”

The woman’s eyes light up behind her spectacles. “Oh, yes. Is that something you’re interested in?”

Well, she needed to do something.

“I... I don’t know. Can you tell me more?”

A bundle of leaflets were handed over to Sansa before Mrs Mordane tap-tapped on her computer to print out even more information for her. “We have a whole host of potentially lucky fellas for you to choose from. They’ve all been extensively quizzed and along with the answers from your questionnaire –“ she paused, nodding her head towards the handful of papers now in Sansa’s grasp, “ – we’ll be able to narrow down who might be best suited for you.”

Sansa’s eyes fell to the leaflet on top. There was a photograph of a smiling, gummy baby. “A-and then what?”

***

“That fucking dipshit crook! I’m gonna fucking kill him the next time he’s at Hobb’s I’ll-“

Jon opened his trailer door with a creak and a slam to see what all the racket was about. It was Mance, of course. No one else ‘round here for miles anyhow. He squints his one good eye at the sun reflecting off the sandy dirt that led up to Mance’s farmhouse.

“I’ll kill ‘im, Jon! I will!” the man exclaimed when he’d caught sight of him, right before he kicked up some of the dust beneath his tattered leather boots.

Leaning his shoulder against the door frame, Jon smirked as his sight adjusted to the blinding sun. “Who you killin’ this time old man?”

“That damn bastard Slynt, that’s who!”

Jon straightened. Slynt owned a chain of used car lots in the area. His branches in the two nearest towns always sent cars for fixing straight to him and Mance. It was a slow but steady influx of work and meant that Mance could afford to keep his property and his land from falling into the hands of the tax man – which also meant Jon could continue to live there too; in his trailer parked up beside the farmhouse.

They really needed those cars to fix.

“Shit.”

“Yeah. ‘Shit’ is ‘bout right, boy.”

***

It didn’t take too long for Mance to come and find him later that day. Normally, unless they’re working on a vehicle together, Mance leaves him well enough alone until dinner time which suits Jon just fine. But here he is peering into the old barn, finding Jon working on the project he has going for himself. The old man had told him not to purchase it – the broken down compact utility tractor – but they’d been visiting a farm closure auction for possible parts and Jon fancied himself to be able to fix up the piece of machinery and sell it on. Turns out, it needs more parts replacing to get it going than he’d originally anticipated, but Jon was nothing but determined to make this baby purr into life again. Jon straightened, wiping his oily hands in an old rag while his one good eye followed Mance as he approached.

“I been thinkin’.”

Jon snorted quietly.

Mance ignored him. “With what we got in the bank, those council folk will be sniffin’ ‘round here, comin’ to take my land from me in little more than 4 months – 6 tops.”

Fuck. OK, he knew they’d needed Slynt’s cars but he hadn’t known it was this dyer. He felt his tongue roll around his mouth as though he could find a solution between his teeth. “We need more cars to fix.” Mance pierced him with a ‘no shit, dumbass’ kind of look making Jon sigh. “We can go into town, post flyers, fix folk’s cars up ready for their M.O.Ts, fuckin’ clean and polish ‘em too if it comes to that.”

“[[INSERT NAME OF TOWN]] has a population of about 200, 202 if yer countin’ us. And half of ‘em are either poor as dirt or just as handy with a wrench as you an’ me. Ain’t nobody keepin’ us afloat from that town, boy.”

Jon’s gaze drifted around the dusty old barn. “We could go further afield, to [[INSERT TOWN]] or [[INSERT TOWN]], even go as far as [[INSERT TO----]]

“It’s not gonna work, Snow.”

“Well we gotta try somethin’!” Jon hollered, slamming the rusted hood of his tractor down with a loud clang. He paced away, dirty hand running through dirty hair. “What about the land?” he asked, staring at the ancient farming equipment abandoned in the corner of the barn, left unused for a few decades a least. “Your family used to farm the land. We could too.” He turned to look at Mance. Sure, they’d have to clear at least one field of decaying vehicle carcasses and other miscellaneous rusted objects, and the rest is currently being strangled by a carpet of brambles. But they could do it, couldn’t they? The Rayder’s used to be grain farmers before the land was handed down to Mance and he, already a mechanic by trade had had no love nor want to carry on the tradition.

Mance blinked at him, his lips twisting in consideration. “That would take a long time to get going, Snow. Longer than we can afford.”

Jon felt a prickle up his spine. The words ‘well have you got any smart ideas, then wise-ass?!’ right on the tip of his tongue when Mance interrupts.

“I’ve been on the phone with a woman. A woman at the council.”

Jon flung his arms into the air, giving his back to Mance while he shook his head in dismay. Great. Now they know we’re in trouble. They’ll be sniffin’ ‘round here sooner.

“She was talkin’ ‘bout a scheme,” the old man continued

“Financial aid?”

“Not exactly. You sign up for the scheme an’ if yer selected they... well, they go easy on yer for taxes an’ they give yer some money too.”

Jon turned to face him again, a furrow to his brow. “That don’t sound right. Why would they go easy on taxes and give us money? They ain’t gonna do that, old man.”

“They will if there’s gonna be a wee baby on the property.”

What?!

#Jonsa #jon x sansa #jonsa fic #wip wednesday

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1d-fics · 4 years

Text

What I’m Reading: February & March

Re-reads:

1. Just Lay With Me (givemesumaurgravy) - Louis is the coach of Harry’s daughter’s football team and Harry likes Louis’ bum. One day there’s a parent football game and Louis, just maybe, starts hitting on Harry and, just maybe, Harry gives in.

2. Whether Clouds or Clear Skies (onewasturning) - Louis gets into the habit of stealing baked goods while Harry’s busy keeping tabs on the weather.

3. Take My Hand (and My Heart and Soul) (bananasandboots) - Harry hasn’t spoken to his best friend in sixteen months and he can’t remember why.

4. Nothing Else but Us Right Here (supernope) - Louis sighs and gives himself a mental pep talk as he smooths his jumper down over his hips. He can do this. He can resist the draw of Harry Styles, because he is a responsible, mature adult, and as much as he wants to tangle his fingers in that mess of hair and map those ridiculous tattoos with his tongue, he does not want to get his daughter’s favorite teacher fired.

5. Celebrity Discount (loadedgunn) - Louis fell for Prince Harry when he was ten and Harry was eight and peeked behind the Queen’s elegant gown for his first public appearance - a shy smile and a mess of curls. He fell for him when he caught Lottie putting up a magazine cover of Harry on her wall and all she had to say for herself was, “He’s such a good person, yeah?” and, yeah. He fell for him when Harry gracefully accepted his demotion. He fell for him when Harry came out and stayed out.

6. Shine (togetherwecouldbealright) - Louis is an actor who needs to get away from the real world. He does the only thing that he can and runs away, finding himself in a small town where he happens upon Harry. What Louis doesn’t expect is to somehow fall in love and end up having to face what he was running from all along.

7. Two Halves of a Blue Sky (dea_liberty) - Harry had tried to get used to the attention fame had brought him - had learned to at least pretend to deal with the rumours and speculation about every aspect of his life - but after being outed all too publicly, it all became too much. A break from it all on an island in the middle of the Pacific seemed to be just the sort of thing Harry needed.

8. Up to No Good (whoknows) - Harry doesn’t think of himself as a womanizer, not at all. Sure, he enjoys sex, enjoys how women feel underneath him, and by some people’s standards he has sex with quite a lot of people, but that’s no reason to tell him that he can’t have a female PA anymore. It’s especially no excuse for giving him a male PA who’s possibly the most gorgeous boy in the world who won’t even let Harry look at him for too long. Sometimes Harry hates his life.

9. Another Hazy May (delilah) - Louis is a terrible poet and Harry lives in the now and they have six weeks to fall in love but, really, it only takes six seconds.

New Reads:

1. Come Along With Me (darkofthenights) - Harry is a magician and Louis doesn’t believe in such a thing.

2. Here For You (blitztrigger) - Louis needs a bit of a hand and Harry’s more than willing to help out (fake dating au).

3. Not Happening (ZIAM) (scottmcniceass) - Zayn and Liam are roommates. They hate each other. (Most of the time.)

4. The Dark And The Dentist (sunshiner) - An account of the events of November 2014.

5. Dreaming of You (velvetoscar) - The world is winter and steamed milk and creamy espresso shots. The world is a never ending queue. The world is a Starbucks logo and a pink-cheeked smile from Niall and a bored scowl from Zayn and the world is Louis watching his best mate, Liam, fall in love with their newest customer, Harry. Who may or may not be in love with Louis. The world is cruel.

6. Night Changes (colourexplosion) - Louis and Harry are soulmates (with a twist).

7. Loving You’s a Little Different (oakland30) - Harry’s in love with his roommate. Misunderstandings abound.

8. Come Closer Show the Marks Upon Your Skin (snowingwhite) - Louis spends too much time crying on kitchen floors and being sad. Harry brings color back into his life and makes him feel less alone. Through the changing of the seasons they make it work.

9. I’m Caught on Your Coat Again (annewithane) - Louis owns a cafe next to Harry’s bakery. Harry bakes Louis cake and Louis names tea after Harry and eventually they fall in love.

10. Needing You More and More, Let’s Give Love a Try (supernope) - When Harry gets pregnant after a one night stand, Louis helps him get everything together, from buying pregnancy clothes to taking him on a babymoon. Somewhere along the way, they realize that their feelings for each other are more than platonic.

11. Boy Most Likely (ZIAM) (saltwatergirl) - Zayn’s the chair of the abstinence club, Liam’s the last person anyone expected to join it.

12. Tug-of-War (cherrystreet) - Louis’ husband dies suddenly and he is left with nothing. Well, not really nothing. He has Harry. And a St. Bernard puppy named Link, whom his late husband left behind for him. Louis takes care of Link and Harry takes care of Louis. Everything is okay until suddenly, it isn’t.

13. Happiness Comes in on Tiptoe (scagnetism) - Louis is new to the neighborhood and Harry is the angel living next door.

14. Looking Through You (allwaswell16) - Just as Louis and Liam were starting out in the music industry, writing and producing for up and coming artists, a fateful meeting with new pop singer Harry Styles changes everything. Four years later, just as Harry is set to embark on his next world tour, a drunken confession causes a rift between once inseparable friends.

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mgkconfessions · 3 years

Text

AMAs 2020 2/2

The tattoo

Actually she got the gunman as a tattoo, because the gunna or gunner would be el artillero. I guess that didn’t sound as nice so she went with el pistolero, but it isn’t really his nickname and with everything that she pretends to know about Kells, it makes me laugh that this is what she wanted on her body to honor him! Says a lot about who she is as a person and what version of Kells she cares about in this relationship. She got a nickname of his stage name, not his real name. She’s all about MGK and doesn’t give a fuck about Colson. Even Col would have been better for a love tattoo and would have been a lot more personal and shown him that she accepts and loves Colson too and not just MGK. But el pistolero only makes her look like a groupie who is excited to date her favourite singer and she’s obviously living out her bad boy fantasy with him. It’s even more tacky, because she’s supposed to be his real first love and serious girlfriend, but all she cares about is his public fame side and she only needs Colson to make MGK depending on her.

It’s embarrassing and she should get it removed as quickly as possible! Maybe she can get Brian’s tattoo removed together with Kells’ then :). Don’t feel bad for her, first time it’s a mistake, but second time it’s a choice. She or they want to be stupid, let them be stupid. They have to live with the tattoos and public humiliation.

No, she said that she got his nickname, but we only ever heard her call him Buddha and Lamby, so we joked around which one she would choose and for her own sake she should have gone with Buddha, because that would have been the one that people would associate the least with Kells.

We talked about the tattoos and Banyan Tree before, but absolutely not planned at all Megan properly revealed the tattoo for the first time on her red carpet debut with Kells to get more attention for it. And even less calculated she started rumours about it only shortly before with the fan pictures. I assume that Kells is next with a public love declaration, maybe we will see his M.F. tattoo for her that I will forever read as mother fucker ^^! I assume it’s somewhere near his crotch or hip or on his butt cheeks. If it’s on a body part that we have seen then it’s very unnoticeable. The tattoos are real, but I believe that they didn’t show them on purpose to reveal them at the best time for the most media coverage. Imagine that’s how your relationship is like. Everything is planned to fit into your PR strategy! Sorry to say this, but Kells isn’t smarter than this. He does and says stupid things all the time and whatever you thought about Kells doesn’t apply to his 2020 Megan Fox version. This isn’t Kells anymore, this is Richard! Old Kells would have never done that, but Richard surely does these things and calls the paparazzi to become more famous. Kells has a tattoo for Casie and got it quite early on. It’s right under his nipple, close to his heart :)! I don’t think that Megan has any tattoos for her kids tho, she seriously got a tattoo for Kells before she got one for her own children!

Apparently neither of them learned anything from the past tattoos and relationships. Megan got the second time a tattoo for a man who she knew around 3 or 4 months at that time although her last relationship and marriage didn’t last either despite having a tattoo of Brian’s name. An anon said that the woman on Kells’ side is about a comic figure, but I couldn’t find a picture of that comic figure with a mole on her face which Kells’ woman has and Hedi has one too. Then with the caution band around it, I still believe that it means that he should be careful with women like Hedi and still with that tattoo on his body he’s dating someone even worse than her now. Neither of them learned anything from their past mistakes, we can only hope that they will do it now when their relationship ends. I don’t think that the fang tattoo has anything to do with Megan, because his Instagram caption was “take me away from all this death” and I think that it’s more about how he has lost so many friends and important people in the years that he wants to be taken away from it and vampires are also dead but still alive.

It’s so many things this year that made him incredibly unattractive! I honestly can’t even imagine them having a normal conversation with each other, so I don’t think that there was any discussion about their tattoos for their exes. I don’t see them bringing up topics that might be a sensitive spot for the other one so that they will never fight.

She did this the second time now. I don’t know why after Brian she didn’t realize that tattoos for your boyfriends aren’t a good idea and especially not for guys who majority of people believe to still be capable of cheating, because they’ve done it in the past all the time.

They were already doomed when Megan decided that he was her twin flame on the second day, but the tattoo is an amazing symbol for a relationship that will fail too. :)

It’s just Megan trying to be edgy and cool. From all of his nicknames and symbols she could have got for him as a tattoo, the wrong version of the gunna just shows that she’s obviously living out her bad boy fantasy and she wants to be the hot chick at the side of this bad boy MGK LMAO! ^^ It doesn’t fit to her caring about his well being tho and that he calmed down, which I doubt he has, and since she’s pouring him Tequila and emotionally manipulated him from the beginning, I don’t think that she truly cares about him either. She’s dating his image and his celebrity, but not the real Colson. Kells struggled so much with accepting that there’s Colson too and his own girlfriend gets his “nickname” as a tattoo, but even she only cares about MGK. Megan hasn’t seen Kells’ party and wild side yet when he’s on tour and on stage performing. Would she still want to date him if he was sucking on girls’ boobs on stage, hip thrusting them into the crowd and have sex inside the tour bus with multiple girls? I don’t think so, because remember Megan was the one who got him out of the fast lane and Colson Baker doesn’t need more women anymore or that whole party lifestyle. No, he’s an obedient lamby to Megan now :)!

Pregnancy rumours

Megan isn’t pregnant. At the AMAs she had a little belly, but she’s a mother of three and even skinny people can have a small belly. The shiny fabric only emphasized it. Last year in December she had a little belly too and wasn’t pregnant. It’s probably just her figure or she was bloated. Also it doesn’t seem like Kells got any other girl pregnant since Casie’s mum and he has been smoking a lot of weed every day for years too. I think he takes children quite seriously and I don’t really see him accidentally get a girl pregnant, not even Megan. And Megan didn’t sound like her body could take another pregnancy either or like she wanted more.

Kells’ post

I honestly think that her finger was the only thing that he could grab of her lmao! ^^ With all the other pictures from that day and the way Megan announced him, it looked like she didn’t even want to take one of their couple mirror selfies with him that day. Kells was ready to take the picture and trying to get her in front of the mirror too, but she didn’t want to. Even her smile isn’t really a smile. It’s like she was awkwardly saying “yeeeaah” to appear like she wanted to take a picture and was having fun too, although she hated being there or maybe she wanted to give us a different facial expression, because they always look so serious in their mirror selfies and now she wanted to show how much fun she can be in a not very convincing way tho. It looks awkward and they seem off in that picture too.

I think that he did sleep with a gun right next to him, however not all the time, because Casie has been sleeping in that bed too and who took the gun away then? Not Megan! Because she wasn’t even around that time! He needed an Instagram caption that again would make everyone believe how real and deep their love is and how much she changed him into a new man :’). I can’t take anything seriously that he says about them, because he’s always doing too much and it’s always the same old story just with different words. Also what does it matter if she made him put the gun away when she’s enabling him in his alcohol excesses. For the boys sharing their pictures, I don’t believe that anyone of them cares a lot about Megan and is very interested in getting to know her, because she’s dating their friend. Kells went to the AMAs with Megan of course they will choose their couple pictures to post about it.

Watching AMAs

I believe that Megan only came to watch the show and then left, because her signature water bottle left the table eventually and Megan wasn’t on any of those pictures anymore either and when Kells was in the kitchen with many others too, Megan wasn’t there and she’s usually where Kells is. I assume that the food wasn’t organic and sushi enough for her and instead of bringing something as well that she and others could eat from too, she didn’t eat there and left early. I believe that she really only came to watch it. She doesn’t seem to like his friends anyway. It must have been embarrassing for her to see her announcing Kells and Travis on television in front of everyone! It’s funny how nobody filmed that part of their performance to put it on Instagram ^^.

Twitter Trends

You know what’s sad? When Megan Fox and Sydney Sweeney were both trending on the day of the AMAs, but Kells the guy and reason for them to even have the opportunity to be trending on Twitter, wasn’t. Kells’ performance wasn’t amazing and one time he even sang the wrong lyrics and overall he seemed quite out of breath too, but it’s obvious that whenever Megan will be there, everyone focuses on Megan and not him. Regardless of that I don’t think he needs Megan, because he’s the one who is getting all these opportunities to be seen and heard and not her. So yes, she has to insert herself into everything to get her 5 minutes of fame and Kells allows it, because her name gets him more attention and he can show everyone that he’s dating her for his own ego.

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chocoluckchipz · 4 years

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A Bride for the Prince - 10

A03 ~ < Previous ~ Next >

Adrien didn't remember when was the last time his back was this stiff, but somehow it didn’t matter. Watching Marinette peacefully snoozing, cuddled onto his chest, was worth every ache. When he had fallen asleep, Adrien didn’t even know. The last thing he remembered was covering Marinette with his jacket, next, he heard a rooster singing nearby and saw the sun nearing the horizon.

That he’d kissed her temple that morning was something Adrien attributed solely to his not fully awake state. In all truth, it wasn’t even really him. It was his body moving on its own. She was nervous and he wanted to comfort her and he didn’t know how and his mom had always kissed his forehead to make him feel better, but Marinette’s forehead was far from his lips while her temple was right there and he was half asleep and therefore hadn’t fully thought out his actions because—

“If you will ignore me,” Gabriel intruded into his thoughts. “Then why did you bother to come at all? Wasn’t it you who insisted we share our meals?”

Adrien stirred. “I’m sorry, Father. I just spaced out for a moment. Did you ask me something?”

Gabriel quirked an eyebrow. “I was inquiring about your interviews yesterday. Were they successful?”

Adrien furrowed his eyebrows, trying to remember. The consequences of many late nights this and previous weeks and a less than comfortable sleep last night were getting to him already, and it was only breakfast time. Hopefully, Marinette was doing better; she did sleep partly on him instead of on bare ground like he did.

“Are you feeling alright?” Gabriel asked, frowning.

“I’m just feeling a little under the weather.” Adrien nervously chuckled. “Nothing serious, and yes, there was one lady I liked from yesterday.”

“Only one out of four?”

Adrien hummed.

“May I have the name?”

“Lady Riposte.”

“Good choice.” Gabriel nodded. “She comes from a very distinguished family.”

“I haven’t made up my mind yet, though, so don’t start planning anything.”

“Alright. I also heard you cancelled on one?”

Adrien groaned. “Yes. Lady Volpina. She was too overbearing for me to handle after a long day. I promised her a make-up meeting instead of yesterday.”

“Lady Volpina?” Gabriel leaned back into his chair. “I know you are at odds with Duke Barbot, but you’d better not treat his cousin badly. Their family—”

“—is an important part of the court with vast connections and influence not only in our kingdom but in quite a few others.” Adrien finished. “Yes, I know who she is, Father.”

Gabriel nodded. “Good. I’ll be leaving for the Duke D'Argencourt’s estate in an hour and won’t be back until sundown. Nathalie will put her in the place of one of the other ladies today. I trust you to appease her by then.”

“Of course, Father,” Adrien said before quickly changing the subject.

After breakfast, the day dragged as usual. Adrien shortened his study session to meet with the next candidates Lady Raincomprix and Lady Lavillant. Both were nice and beautiful. Both left no more impression on Adrien than that.

Lunch couldn’t come any faster, but once he finished his meal, Adrien stalled. There was another hour before his meeting with Marinette. His head was too fuzzy for studying. His body too tired for a quick sword practice, and he didn't really need to spy on the ladies anymore since he was meeting them one on one now. However, a little cat nap sounded perfect. All those late hours over the last few weeks were starting to affect his energy levels, and if Adrien wanted to continue meeting with Marinette after hours, he’d better catch some rest during the day before someone started asking questions. With that thought, Adrien retreated to his room and closed his eyes for a little while, images of his happy childhood and playing in the fields with Marinette invading his dreams.

Way too soon, Nino barked above his head, “You’ve got some nerve, Your Highness.”

Adrien forced his eyes open. His arms crossed over his chest, Nino towered over Adrien, seething through his teeth. “Want to tell me yourself or should I repeat what Alya told me?”

Yawning, Adrien sat up and stretched. “Do me a favour. I’m not fully awake yet.”

Nino narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t you sleep at night? Why are you suddenly taking a nap in the middle of the day?”

“Just feeling tired. These meetings are exhausting.”

“Oh, really?” Nino quirked an eyebrow. “Or maybe it’s sneaking around and spending your nights out with Marinette who-knows-where that exhausted you?”

“This isn’t what it looks like, Nino,” Adrien shrugged, getting out of the bed. “We just went out for a walk.”

“For the whole night?”

“We were tired and stopped to rest and accidentally fell asleep.”

“Do I need to tell you on how many levels and how wrong this is?”

“Nothing happened,” Adrien said. “Nothing will ever happen. Marinette’s just a friend.”

“Marinette was kissing you when you two parted ways. Alya saw you two.”

A corner of Adrien’s lips tugged up in a smile, his whole body filling with excitement at the mere memory. She did kiss him. He asked for it. And it felt so nice. Just like that kiss he sneaked on her temple without asking and with little thinking. She certainly noticed because she tensed and—

His gut twisted into a knot. What if she didn't like it? What if she hated him now for that? What if—

He was probably overthinking it. He needed to stop.

“A cheek kiss, Nino,” Adrien countered, pushing the thoughts aside. “Nothing unusual. People kiss each other's cheeks all the time. Every day, in fact. And that was just a thank you for helping her.”

“‘Helping’ my ass, Adrien! Are you out of your mind? How is sneaking around ‘helping’ her? You’re lucky no one apart Alya so far has caught you yet. Do you even realize—”

“You and I have been sneaking around for ages. It’s never bothered you before.”

“This is different, Adrien. Marinette has too much at stake to be sneaking around with you and risk being caught. And I’ve already told you that you two aren’t kids anymore—”

“And I told you, Nino, there is nothing to worry about. We’re friends and no one will be falling in love with anyone.”

“Adrien—”

“Nino,” Adrien groaned. “Stop it. Just stop. You'd better watch out for Duke Barbot instead of fuming over something so insignificant.”

Nino frowned. “What about him?”

“He’s been bugging Marinette.”

Nino growled. “This just gets better and better. Perfect. I thought you’ve dealt with him.”

“I did. He won’t tell anyone anything about her not being the real Lady Bug, but I can’t stop him from approaching her completely.”

The pair stood silent, Adrien looking out of the window, Nino watching him. In a moment, he walked to Adrien and turned him to look at him, placing both hands on Adrien’s shoulders.

“Those are just rumours,” Nino said. “None of those women could prove the kids were his.”

“He’s a duke,” Adrien replied, returning his eyes to the view outside the window. ”If he doesn’t want someone to prove anything against him, believe me, he knows how to make it happen. But having multiple women accuse him of tainting them and a few pregnancies as a proof is suspicious, wouldn’t you say? And don’t tell me,” Adrien continued before Nino could reply, “that you believe his innocence claims even for a second. Not all of those women were commoners who just wanted his money.”

Nino let his hands fall by his side.

“And now he’s got his eye on Marinette,” Adrien seethed through his teeth, his voice dripping with anger. “I won’t let him harm her.”

“Then we’d better warn her,” Nino said. “And by ‘we’ I mean Alya and I. You—” He pointed at Adrien, narrowing his eyes, “—you’ll be staying away from her.”

Adrien looked at the clock tower and turned to Nino, mischief playing in his eyes. He smirked. “Sorry. Can’t do. Marinette is in my official schedule and I’m due to pick her up in a few minutes so—” He put his white mask on and stepped around Nino, “—see you later.”

“I’m coming with you if you’ve forgotten,” Nino barked, following Adrien. “And I’m watching your Royal ass, so you’d better behave.”

“Can’t promise anything.” Adrien winked.

Nino grated. “You will behave or you’ll be facing the consequences.”

“Make me,” Adrien said.

“I will.”

“You can’t. You couldn’t even stop me from sneaking around with her for days now. Did you know I’ve spent my nights teaching her dancing every single day for almost a week?”

Nino’s eyes widened for a speck of a moment before he composed himself and snapped, “That won’t happen again.”

Adrien laughed. “I could sneak away from you in a broad daylight with Marinette in tow if I wanted so.”

“In your dreams.”

“Want to bet?”

“Not happening.”

“Are you scared?”

“I’m not. I just don’t waste my time on bets that are impossible to lose. There is no way you’ll manage that.”

Adrien stretched his arm. “If we sneak away for at least ten minutes, you’ll stop bugging me about spending time with her.”

“If I catch you before ten minutes are up,” Nino said, taking Adrien’s hand. “You’re never to speak to her as Adrien again. As the Prince only and solely on official business. Adrien will suddenly depart to do King’s chores someplace far away.”

“Deal.” Adrien shook their hands with a smirk playing on his lips. He already had a plan forming.

•••

“Would you mind helping me with something, my Lady?” Adrien whispered about half an hour into their interview. Strolling along the paths and chatting with Marinette was fantastic, but there was a deal and their future together was on the line. The time was pressing.

Marinette looked at him with a slight confusion on her face. “Depends on what you need my help with, Your Highness.”

“Nothing much.” Adrien smiled and signalled with his eyes. “Do you see that hedge labyrinth we are nearing? Once we reach the entrance, can you play along with me and appear tired and thirsty?”

Marinette quirked an eyebrow. “Will you enlighten me as to the reasons?”

“A little later, if you don’t mind. I don’t want Nino to overhear us.”

Her lips pursed in thought. For a moment, Adrien was afraid she’d refuse but then she replied, “Alright.”

They walked in silence for the next few minutes until Marinette stopped right by a bench that stood near the entrance to the labyrinth made of hedges twice Adrien’s height.

Adrien sprung into action. “Would you like to rest, my Lady? You seem a little tired.”

“Yes, thank you.” Marinette smiled and sat down on the bench.

Adrien sat beside her and took one of her hands in his. Bringing it close to his lips, he placed a lingering kiss on the top of her fingers. “You look exceptionally gorgeous today, my Lady.”

Behind them, Nino cleared his throat, but Adrien locked his sight on the adorable blush spreading on Marinette’s cheeks. “Like a rare flower, my Lady, your beauty can rival the sun, the moon, and all the stars combined.”

Nino coughed again.

Adrien swooped closer to the girl, glancing at his friend.

Marinette opened her fan and looked away, her blush deepening. “Don’t you find this day to be a little too hot, Your Highness?”

“Not at all, my Lady,” Adrien crooned with a satisfied smirk on his lips. He could practically feel the steam coming out Nino’s ears behind them as he leaned even closer to the girl. “When I’m with you, I feel like I’m walking on clouds amongst the heavenly realms.”

Nino coughed a few more times as Marinette’s face went dangerously crimson. She hid behind the fan. Adrien continued, “However if you are hot, may I offer you a glass of water, my beautiful Lady?”

“Yes, please,” she whispered.

Adrien kissed her hand one more time and looked at Nino. “Could you please, ask someone to get the lady a glass of water? We’ll rest here meanwhile.”

Nino frowned and looked around: the nearest guard was a few dozen meters away. He glanced back at Adrien who happily started another compliment assault on Marinette, her hand still in his. Reluctantly, Nino left his post.

“When he reaches the guard we run,” Adrien whispered, not taking his eyes of Nino. “But try to stay quiet so he doesn't notice right away.”

Marinette's eyes widened. “Run? Where?”

“Inside. Are you ready?”

She nodded and, in a few seconds, Adrien got up and pulled her along. “Let’s go.”

They entered the labyrinth and sprinted. Nino’s shout split the air behind them. Adrien ran faster. Marinette kept the pace. They passed multiple intersections. Adrien hadn't paused at either, knowing exactly where he wanted to go. There was only one exit, a multitude of dead ends, and both Nino and he knew them by heart.

In about five minutes, they reached one of the dead ends. It was a cozy space, drowning with greenery and flowers with a gazebo standing in the middle, a bench, overgrown with vine roses under it. Adrien turned to Marinette and couldn’t help but smile. Her flustered face was glowing, eyes filled with wonder. She struggled to catch her breath, so he walked them to the bench and offered, “I apologize for making you do this. Would you like to sit down to rest?”

“Thank you,” Marinette replied and took his offer, motioning him to the other end of the bench. “Please, rest too, Your Highness.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Adrien chuckled and sat down. Inhaling deeply, he looked around with a smile. “It’s still just as beautiful here as I remember.”

“It really is,” Marinette echoed him, looking around. “A secret garden?”

“One of many. This maze has a couple of similar oases. It was always fun to explore them.”

Marinette smiled at him. “I can see why.”

“You must think me even more eccentric now?” Adrien chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“We’re all eccentric to some degree. Though, I do wonder what just happened.”

Adrien grinned. “We won a bet.”

“A bet?”

“Yes. I bet Nino we can ditch him for at least ten minutes and as far as I’m concerned, we’ve already won.”

“So, we aren’t lost?”

Adrien laughed. “Nope. I figured Nino most likely will think I’ll go for the exit and will follow me there without thinking. So, instead, I went for one of these spots farthest from the exit.”

“Which gives you the time you needed to win.”

“Exactly.” Adrien grinned.

Marinette chuckled. “Clever.”

“I hope it isn't too weird for you.”

“Oh no. It’s rather fun. Are all your interviews this amusing?”

Adrien scoffed. “I wish. Most of those ladies are way too pompous for anything even remotely entertaining. They’d never go along with anything like this.”

Marinette visibly tensed.

“Marinette—that's your name, right?” Adrien nervously asked, remembering that the Prince shouldn’t know her as anyone other than a Lady Bug.

“Yes,” she replied quietly. “That’s my name.”

Adrien stood and walked to face her. He kneeled, taking her hand and squeezing it lightly in a reassuring gesture. “I want you to know that Adrien told me your story.”

Her eyes opened wide in shock. “He did?”

“Yes. When I saw your name in today’s list, I remembered Duke Barbot’s claim that you weren’t noble, and since I barely know you, I asked Nino and Adrien what they thought. Adrien had told me your story, and both of them had a lot of good things to say about you.”

A shy smile tugged at Marinette’s lips. “Really?”

“Yes,” Adrien nodded. “Adrien is quite fond of you. He said you’re one of the best people he’d ever met.”

“I can say the same about him,” Marinette breathed. “Adrien’s an amazing person. You’re lucky to have him as a friend.”

His heart fluttered, cheeks warming up. Marinette thought he was amazing. And she said it with the look of the utmost tenderness and reverence on her face.

“I admire your bravery,” he continued the conversation, mostly to distract himself from melting into a puddle. “Not everyone would risk so much for a friend.”

“It’s nothing, really. If anything, it was rather reckless and stupid.”

“It’s impressive.”

“It really isn’t—”

“Hey,” he scolded playfully, squeezing her hands anew. “Who is the future sovereign of this country here? I am, and whatever I say is the law, and I say it’s impressive. You don’t give yourself enough credit, Marinette.”

Marinette blushed. It was adorable. “Thank you, Your Highness. I’m flattered you think so.”

“I just wanted to make sure you know that you don't have to worry about me knowing your secret. I won’t get you in trouble.” He paused for a split moment. “My father, though, is a different story, so be careful. And don’t forget about the ladies: some of them won’t think twice before trampling all over each other to reach the top. But if anything happens, let me, Adrien, Nino, or Alya know, and we’ll do our best to help you out.”

She visibly relaxed, giving him a smile. “Thank you. I’m sorry to cause you so much trouble.”

“It isn’t trouble at all,” Adrien said, smiling. “Oh, and I also need to warn you about Duke Barbot. Keep away from him as far as you can. He won’t be an issue in terms of spoiling your secret, but he has a reputation of using lovely maidens of all social statuses and then abandoning them when either they fall pregnant or he gets bored.”

“Bastard,” Marinette barked lowly, her hand tightening in a fist. In a moment, she stirred. “I’m so sorry, Your Highness. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Adrien laughed. “Don’t worry. I have my own extended vocabulary for that man and believe me, there are much worse words in there than yours.”

“Well then, I’m not sorry. He’s a bastard.”

“Much more so. Promise me you’ll stay away from him.”

“I will. Thank you for warning me.”

“Good,” Adrien said and stood up. He offered his hand to Marinette. “We’d better go now and let ourselves be discovered. The victory is ours already, but if I’m late for my next appointment, I’ll get in trouble.”

“May I ask who are you seeing next?”

Adrien groaned. “Lady Volpina.”

Marinette giggled. “Accept my condolences. She is quite a character.”

“One I’d rather stay away from, but alas—” Adrien dramatically swooned, “—those are the things I must endure for the sake of the kingdom.”

Marinette laughed. “Poor you, Your Highness. Such a tragic fate.”

“Adrien.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Adrien? What about—”

“Call me Adrien,” he said. “That’s my name, and before you ask, yes, we share a name with your friend Adrien. Nothing unusual. It was quite popular in the year we were born.”

Nino’s voice sounded somewhere close. Adrien took Marinette’s hand. “Let’s save him at least some dignity.”

“Alright.” Marinette giggled and followed Adrien only to immediately stumble and fall right into his waiting arms. Adrien held her close to his chest when she raised her eyes to look at him.

“Careful,” Adrien whispered, his throat suddenly dry, his eyes locked on hers. Blue like the sky, clear as morning dew, sparkling like a river, deep as an ocean...

“You have beautiful eyes.”

She gaped at him, her cheeks coming ablaze. “Thank you.”

Adrien continued to hold her, his eyes shifting to follow the trail of freckles that spilled all around the plane of her nose. The blush made them look soft and beautiful. His eyes slid lower and locked on her lips. Full, pink, pretty—no, not just pretty—perfect pair of delicious lips. The skin of her temple was incredibly soft. Her lips were, most likely, even softer. He wondered—

“You’ve got some nerve!” Nino shouted, suddenly appearing. Adrien sharply pulled back, straightening up and helping Marinette. “What, are you a child, Adrien!?”

Adrien smirked. “I won, though, didn’t I? Thanks to the lovely lady over here.” He bowed to Marinette and taking her hand placed a gentle kiss on top. “I must thank you now for assisting me.”

Marinette protested. “I didn’t do much. In fact, I did nothing but followed you.”

“Without which we would’ve never won,” he insisted. “I’ll get my agreed-upon reward from Nino. Right, Nino?” Adrien watched his friend glare at him until he relented with a nod before turning back to Marinette. “Thus, it’s only fair you get a reward from me, my Lady. Is there anything specific you’d like?”

“No. There is nothing I need.”

“I’m sure there is—” Adrien remembered her less than impressive jewellery, and how at the ball the others ladies were mocking Marinette for it after she’d left. His mother’s extensive collection he’d inherited came to his mind as well. Adrien smirked. “Allow me to surprise you, my Lady?”

“Oh, no,” Marinette said, balking away from him. “You don’t have to.”

“I insist.”

“But—”

“I’m going to interrupt your lovers’ quarrel right there,” Nino said, his eyes closed, his hand pinching the bridge of his nose. “Because if we aren’t back in ten minutes, we going to have an issue with Lady Volpina.”

Adrien groaned. “Please, no.”

“You know you have to,” Nino crossed his arms over his chest, the look of absolute exasperation on his face. “And don’t you think you can escape the talk about your behaviour just now later, Your Highness. Now, follow me. Both of you.”

Adrien gave an apologetic smile to Marinette and took her hand in his. No matter how many times Nino cleared his throat behind his back, Adrien never let her go until they reached the court where Lady Volpina met them with a suspicious glare and one of the fakest smiles he’d ever seen. His stomach turned immediately, but giving Marinette’s hand one more kiss, Adrien surrendered to his duty as a prince.

For the next hour, he tried his hardest to keep at least some of his personal space. Lady Volpina seemed to not understand the concept.

•••

His father hadn’t made it back in time for dinner which meant Adrien didn’t spend too much time eating his. Nightfall was still some time away, and thanks to that afternoon nap, he wasn’t tired. Nothing of his usual activities looked appealing because, honestly, what Adrien really wanted now was to find out what Marinette thought about his princely self. Usually, he’d wait until after the curfew, but since—not without a good scolding—Nino had given him a reluctant clear to see Marinette whenever he wanted, there was no reason to delay. There were conditions, of course. He promised to spend his nights in his bed instead of random fields. No flirting and no falling in love on either side which wouldn't be an issue because they were just friends, and Nino was being ridiculous. Adrien most certainly was not about to kiss Marinette when Nino had found them in the maze.

He found her pretty quickly. Her and Duke Barbot, standing by a fountain in one of the farther corners of the garden. Dressed as Chat Noir, Adrien stopped nearby, close enough to hear their conversation, but far enough to stay anonymous. Approaching them was out of the question: a mere guard couldn’t interfere with a duke, but revealing himself as Adrien the Prince was something he didn’t want to do yet in front of Marinette. All he could do now was to observe from a safe distance and see if Theo would try something out of the line. Then, Adrien would have a full right to step in.

“Believe me, I’m not lying, my Lady,” Theo said in a voice as sweet as honey. “Your beauty can eclipse the sun, the moon and all the stars combined. I understand too well why the Prince let you stay despite your true identity. Who wouldn't want such beauty around if only for a short while? And believe me, despite my initial rudeness, I come here only with the purest of intentions—”

“I’ve heard of your intentions, Duke Barbot,” Marinette replied with a voice as cold as ice. “I’d like you to know I’m not interested and repeat my desire for you to leave me alone.”

“Please, don’t believe those nasty rumours, my Lady,” Theo said, an anguished look to rival the most skillful of actors on his face. “I’ve been bad-mouthed for a long time by women desperate for my attention. Surely, you won’t believe them. You, my lovely Lady, are the epitome of beauty—”

“I think it’s about time I return to my chamber,” Marinette interrupted. “It’s getting late. Good evening.”

“Oh, don’t be so cruel, my sweet Lady,” Theo whined. “At least allow me to spend another minute basking in your beauty as I walk you back to your quarters.”

He reached for Marinette’s hand.

Adrien growled, his fists clenched by his side. That scum better not touch his Marinette!

“I’d rather not burden you, Your Grace,” Marinette quickly replied and stepped aside. “I’m sure you’d rather spend your time charming some other, more suitable lady than waste your time on me.”

“None of them can compare to you, my dear,” Theo insisted and stepped closer, trapping Marinette between himself and the fountain.

Adrien’s jaw hurt from the way he pressed his teeth together. Disregarding his secret identity, he was about to step in when Marinette masterfully maneuvered, shoving Theo away from her and quickly getting out of his arm’s reach. With nothing to grab onto for balance, the duke fell right into the fountain.

Adrien could barely contain a chuckle.

“Accept my apologies. I haven’t noticed you in my way,” Marinette said, her voice dripping with sarcasm and indifference as she curtsied and started to walk away, barely glancing backward, stopping only when her sight fell on Chat.

“Are you all right, my Lady?” he asked. “Your maid asked me to bring you back to your room.”

“Oh, I didn’t know it was so late.” Marinette looked back at Theo as he was getting out of the water.

Adrien glared his way as well. “She said you should’ve been back some time ago.”

“I got held back, but it has been dealt with.”

“Should we go now, then?”

“With pleasure.”

“After you, my Lady.”

“Thank you.”

They walked in silence for a few moments before Adrien asked, “I hope you had a lovely walk.”

“I did. Until a pesky mosquito interrupted it at the end.”

Chat chuckled. “He’s seasonal and should be gone soon, but I love the way you’ve dealt with him.”

“What could I do if he can't understand me even after I've repeatedly told him hundreds of times to leave me alone?” Marinette replied, turning around. “I think we are far away enough to walk together.”

“Let’s not risk it,” Adrien sighed, regretting that he wasn’t in his princely clothes now. He could’ve walked by her side and held her hand. It felt so nice to do so earlier. “How was your day? I heard you had an interview with the Prince?”

“I did.” Marinette nodded. “It went nothing as I'd expected.”

“Good nothing or bad nothing.”

“I guess… good?” Marinette said. “He’s nothing like the rumours say. I can see why you’re fond of him.”

“So what do you think—” Adrien speed up a little to see Marinette’s face, “—is he a marriage material?”

Marinette looked at him dismayed. “Why would you ask me? You know I’m not eligible.”

“Yeah, but I was wondering what one of my best friends thinks of my other friend? Especially because you’re a girl and can judge more objectively how marriageable he is. That’s all.”

Marinette shrugged. “Then you’ll be disappointed because unless he’s a creep like Duke Barbot, I usually have to meet a guy a little more than twice to form an opinion of that sort.”

“So, you’d like to meet him more?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“No, I mean to deem him to be a husband material or not. Would you like that? To meet him more I mean. I’m sure you’ve had a good enough time so more meetings would be welcome, right? Because he—”

Marinette halted her steps. She looked ahead, not sparing him a glance. “Can you stop this?”

He frowned. “Stop what?”

“Asking me about the Prince and more meetings.”

“Why? That’s just a question.”

“Then here is your answer,” Marinette said. “I’d prefer to stay away from him.”

Adrien’s face fell. “Was spending time with him so horrible?”

“No. But what good would it be if I spend more time with him and find him to be the perfect husband material when I can’t be his wife in the first place?”

She resumed her walk, leaving him behind. Adrien stirred a few moments later and caught up to her. “Sorry. I didn’t think…”

His voice trailed off and for the next few minutes, they walked in silence. When they neared Marinette's room, she quietly said, “If it satisfies your curiosity, I found him to be quite intriguing, handsome even with that mask on, and a wonderful person in general. If I had a real chance at this, I'd definitely want to meet him more, and not because he's a prince.”

Adrien forgot how to breathe, his heart threatening to jump out of his chest.

“Good night, Adrien,” Marinette whispered, turning around and smiling at him. “Thank you for walking with me.”

#A Bride for the Prince #fluff #Adrien's an idiot #tho #Marinette should get half of the kingdom #for tolerating him #Let's hope she isnt going to kill him later on #miraculous #Adrienette

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kinda-iconic · 5 years

Text

You are my Home (part II)

This two-part fanfic was written for Day 1 of the Choices July Challenge…

Pairing: Adrian x MC

Day One Prompt: Home

Summary: Adrian and Amy spend a couple of days in the sanctuary of Adrian’s penthouse. However, when Adrian realises that Amy is sick, he decides to call someone for help. But it isn’t long before their presence leads to a rather startling revelation.

Author’s Notes: This is my second entry for the Choices July Challenge, and one of the first fluff/angst fics that I have written. This fic is also part of a mini series that I am writing; most of my Adrian x MC fanfics for this challenge will be a part of this series.

Tag List: @nk-writes @queerchoicesblog @galaxyside-0 @shelley-parah@desiree-0816 @begging-for-kamilah @choicesfannatalie @adrianadmirer@krishu213 @hhiggs @flowerpowell @nobounderiesplease @theclanless@bhavf @octobereighth @mangoruby @flyawayboo @katyagrayce @dr-brianna-casey-valentine @perriewinklenerdie @lovemychoices @timmagicktoad @choicesjulychallenge @femmeshep @drakesensworld @the-soot-sprite @mfackenthal @itscassandraleigh

At first, Adrian doesn’t know how to react; multiple emotions spring to mind, yet he is unable to settle on a particular feeling; although he is initially overjoyed at the prospect of Amy being with child, one continuous point threatens to tear that happiness away from him.

Vampires can’t have children.

He stands before her, running his hand along the bottom of his chin as his gaze begins to dart between her face and her abdomen.

‘Y...You’re...you’re pregnant?’

She nods.

‘Are you certain?’

‘I took four tests, and Lily said that...’

‘Lily knew about this?’

‘Only a few minutes before you did! That’s why I was so upset when you found me,’ she sits on the edge of the bath, her hand still clasped around one of the tests, ‘it was a very big shock.’

He widens the distance between them, running his hand across his face as he looks at her, his sad eyes glancing down at her stomach once more before he speaks, his words cutting like daggers to Amy’s heart.

‘Does the father know?’

‘W...what?’

‘The father of the child,’ he takes another step forward, crossing his arms over his chest, ‘does he know?’

‘You are the father...’

‘No,’ he shakes his head, his voice deep and stern as he shies away from her, ‘no...no I can’t be...’

‘You are...’

‘No!’ He turns away from her, closing his eyes as his sorrow intensifies, ‘you know that this can’t be true.’

‘Adrian please...’

Within seconds, he is before her, resting his left hand on her waist, the other reaching up to caress her cheek. ‘I’m not angry with you Amy; I know that I’ve been rather distant lately, and that I haven’t been treating you the way that you deserve.’

‘Adrian...’

He runs his thumb across her bottom lip, stopping her mid sentence. ‘You don’t need to explain anything to me,’ he hesitates for a moment, and Amy can tell that this interaction is taking all of his strength to continue, ‘I’m not mad I...’ he clears his throat, glancing up at her, ‘do I know him? The father?’

‘I should hope you do, I’m looking right at him.’

‘Amy...’

‘Look at me, Adrian,’ she cups his face in her hands, the urgency evident in her strong grip, ‘I swear to you that I have not been with anyone else,’ she looks down at the floor, her gaze trailing along the tiles and back to her abdomen, her voice nothing but a soft whisper, ‘I wouldn’t even dream of it...’

‘But it’s not possible!’ He cries, his expression pained and tormented. He rubs his forehead before pinching the bridge of his nose, a defeated sigh escaping him, ‘you know that as well as I.’

The pair remain like that for a while, their silence deafening. They glance at one another, the pain and hurt evident in both their eyes. However, it isn’t long before the silence is broken as Amy speaks, her words a sorrowful whisper, fresh tears beginning to fall onto her cheeks.

‘Why don’t you believe me?’

He tilts his head in acknowledgment, his expression hurt and pained. ‘I want to, believe me I do but...’ he leans in towards her, reaching his hand out to caress her face, but he quickly stops himself, ‘I can’t.’

‘Adrian...’ she hesitantly takes his hand in hers, bringing it to rest on her chest, ‘I swear to you that I haven’t been with anybody else,’ she sniffles, wiping at her eyes, ‘please believe me.’

He looks down at the floor with confliction, pausing briefly for a moment before making his way to the door, ensuring that he doesn’t meet her gaze. ‘I need to make a phone call,’ he steps around her, placing a delicate hand on her forearm as he passes by, ‘I suggest that you go and get some rest.’

‘Adrian...’ she clasps a hand around his arm, turning him to face her, her hand snaking its way up to the back of his neck as her fingers entangle in his hair. They lean into each other, their foreheads pressed together as she speaks, pulling him further into her embrace.

‘Please believe me.’

He draws closer to her, his lips mere inches from hers as the desire to kiss her grows stronger. His lips ghost hers for a moment, but it isn’t long before he pulls away, resting his hands on her waist as he carefully moves her out of the way.

‘I need to go,’ he walks towards the door, briefly pausing to look over his shoulder at her.

‘I’m sorry.’

He closes the door behind him, and Amy is left alone.

She wanders to the door, bolting it shut as she falls down against it, burying her face in her hands as the tears begin to shed.

____________________________

The next few moments pass by quickly, and Amy is able to hear the front door being opened, the faint sound of Adrian’s conversation with another flooding into her ears as the voices draw nearer. She unbolts the door and heads into the corridor, standing in the doorway as she listens in further. The conversation soon turns to the pregnancy, and Amy is very quick to recognise the other voice, echoing through the apartment as the woman’s tone intensifies.

Kamilah.

Amy heads towards the sound, keeping her distance as she watches the pair, her eyes lowering to the ground as Kamilah addresses the situation.

And she doesn’t sound happy.

‘This has got to be the strangest thing that I have ever been called out for,’ she clears her throat, smiling warming at her friend as he ushers her into the apartment, ‘but I guess something as unnatural as this deserves a home visit.’

‘Thank you for coming, Kamilah,’ he shuts the door behind her, ‘I really didn’t know who else to call...’

‘There’s no need to thank me, brother,’ she looks around the room before turning back to him, her brows knitted in confusion, ‘where’s Amy?’

‘I’m here.’

She takes a cautious step towards them, her arms wrapped protectively around her torso as she eyes the pair warily.

‘Hi Kamilah.’

‘Amy,’ she nods her head in acknowledgement, taking a step towards the her, ‘how are you holding up?’

‘Alright, I guess,’ she sniffles, stifling a humourless chuckle, ‘considering the circumstance and the fact that nobody believes me.’

‘Amy...’

She takes a seat on the couch, running her hands along her thighs.

‘i’m guessing that you’re here because of Adrian...’

‘Of course,’ she sighs despondently, walking over to stand by the window, her gaze softening as she looks at the mortal, ‘he was worried about you.’

Amy remains silent, pulling at the threading of her gown as she meets Adrian’s gaze; he looks back at her, his expression solemn as he greets her with a sorrowful smile. Kamilah glances between the pair before throwing up her hands in frustration. ‘This is definitely new territory for me.’

Amy scoffs. ‘It can’t be the first time you’ve been brought in to deal with an argument.’

‘This isn’t an argument, Amy,’ Adrian sighs defeatedly, his sad eyes boring into hers, ‘I told you that I understand why you...’

‘Why I what? Got pregnant? Or are you referring to why I supposedly sought out the company of another?’

‘Amy, please don’t make this any more difficult than it has to be...’

‘Oh I’m the one making it difficult?’ She exclaims rhetorically, her hands beginning to tremble as her anger intensifies, ‘you’re the one that -’

Kamilah holds up her hand to silence them. Once she is sure that she has their complete attention, she reaches her hand into her pocket, retrieving a small vial of crimson liquid. They watch her with uncertainty as she holds it up into the light, before placing it onto the breakfast bar. Adrian stares at the vial, his brows narrowing with intrigue.

‘What is that?’

‘A sample of your blood.’

He looks at her, confused.

'After your phone call, I was set on marching over here and giving you both a piece of my mind, but then I decided to go about this the logical way...’

‘I have no idea what you mean by that.’

‘For as long as we have both shared this existence, we have been told a variety of things about our kind; this list consists of what we can do with our abilities, in addition to what we cannot do. We’ve believed these stories for so long because we have never been presented with a reason not to,’ she focuses her attention on Adrian, ‘but we never actually had any proof.’

‘Proof?’

‘That the rumours were true,’ she stops for breath, pinching the bridge of her nose, ‘that’s why, rather than heading straight over here, I decided to take a little detour to your lab.’

‘My lab?’

‘Yes,’ she walks over to Amy, perching on the armrest, ‘I remembered you saying that you had tested the blood of the First against your own, so I decided to take advantage of that.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I had your scientists test your blood; it took a lot of convincing and a few empty threats, but they finally caved.’ She rests her hand on Amy’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze, ‘I had them test your blood to see if anything had remotely changed since you overdosed on the serum.’

‘But I tested it myself...’ he exclaims, ‘I wanted to know if or how the serum had changed my genetics and it didn’t show anything out of the ordinary.’

‘That’s because you were focusing on how the serum affected your vampiric abilities, not those that pertain to human characteristics, such as your ability to have children.’

‘I...’ Adrian stutters, the surprise of her utterance leaving him unable to speak. ‘What did you find?’

She removes an envelope from her breast pocket. ‘Take a look for yourself,’ she places it in his hands, ‘I have a feeling you’ll be pleasantly surprised.’

He opens the envelope, tearing its contents out with ease. He scans the page, his eyes widening as he reads the results.

The serum had left his vampiric abilities intact, his need for human blood and sensitivity to sunlight left unaffected. But his hormone level is higher than normal for a vampire.

Every hormone that was elevated was known to kickstart chemical reactions in the body; they were elements that affected even the smallest of human reactions and abilities.

Adrian continues to read, his mouth agape as he processes the revelation.

And they were known to increase with fertility.

‘Well?’ she tilts her head in Amy’s direction, ‘Are you going to tell her what it says?’

‘I...’ he runs his hand across his face, shaking his head as he addresses Kamilah with wide eyes. ‘But this isn’t...’

‘Possible? I think you can see from those results that it is very possible indeed,’ she smiles softly at the mortal, ‘and it’s more likely than Amy cheating on you.’

‘I...’ he glances over at Kamilah, his voice hopeful and full of joy, ‘I’m going to be a father?’

She nods.

Adrian looks at Amy, an adoring smile enveloping on his face as he approaches her, ‘Amy...I...’

He reaches down, taking her hand in his, but she removes herself from him, shying away at the touch.

‘Amy?’

‘You didn’t believe me,’ she whispers, her breath catching as a muffled sob escapes her, ‘I swore to you that I was telling the truth, but you thought I was lying.’

‘Adrian can’t really be blamed for jumping to this conclusion,’ Kamilah retorts, the sternness in her voice making Amy grimace, ‘it is a known fact that vampires can’t have children; for one to get someone pregnant it...it’s unheard of.’

‘But it was still an unnecessary jump!’ She snaps, her response hasty and impulsive, ‘you thought that I had been unfaithful.’

‘Amy please,’ he takes another step towards her, ‘please just...I’m sorry.’

She closes her eyes briefly, tipping her head back as she responds to him. ‘I think I’m...’ she rubs the back of her neck, ‘I’m going to stay with Lily tonight.’

‘Amy...’

She ponders over to the door, the events of the evening playing on her mind as she makes her way towards the exit.

‘Amy please!’

She ignores his plea, her head lowered as she unlatches the bolt.

‘Please just hear me out...’

It isn’t long before she feels a sudden warmth on her skin. Kamilah stands beside her, one hand pressed securely on the door, the other clasped firmly around Amy’s arm.

‘Let me go, Kamilah.’

‘No,’ her voice is stern, and Amy can sense that there is a hint of agitation in her words, ‘not until you understand.’

‘What is there to understand? You both thought that I’d been unfaithful!’

‘Listen...’ she holds Amy at arms length, her hands gripping firmly onto her shoulders, ‘for as long as there have been vampires, there have been facts about our kind that have been drilled into our memory; they live inside our subconscious and fester there for centuries.’

‘I wouldn’t exactly say that they’re festering...’

‘The point is,’ she interjects her, her manicured fingers wrapping gently around Amy’s wrists, ‘the inability to have children was one of those; it was a quality that made us human, and for someone that has spent the past two centuries living as a vampire to hear those words it’s just... a big shock.’

‘I’m not following...’

‘He reacted that way because he was scared, Amy,’ she meets her with a sad smile, ‘up until now, he didn’t know that any of this was physically possible and, for the woman he loves to suddenly announce that she was with child... it...shook him up a bit.’

‘Shook him up?’ She sighs despondently, ‘now you sound like Lily.’

‘And what did she say when you told her all of this?’

‘She said that...’ she pauses, her friend’s words etched on her mind as she remembers their conversation.

Lily doubted the paternity too.

She closes her eyes, delicately biting down on her lip as she bows her head, unable to meet Kamilah’s gaze.

‘Lily thought the same as you.’

Kamilah nods in agreement, crossing her arms as she glances back at Adrian.

‘And how did you react to her doubts?’

‘That's no excuse,’ she turns her attention back to Adrian, ’you didn’t even ask me, Adrian, you automatically assumed that I...’

‘If I’d known that any of this was possible, I wouldn’t have dared,’ he steps towards her hesitantly, inviting her into his arms as he slowly wraps them around her, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.

‘I’m sorry...’ he leans back, his soft hands cupping her face once more, ‘for all of this I...’ he hesitates, his words an abundance of fear and doubt, ‘I thought that perhaps you...you had fallen out of love with me and that,’ he pauses once more, ‘that you’d sought out the company of another; someone that is a similar age to you. Someone that...that could give you what I couldn’t.’

‘What? How could you even...?!’

‘Throughout my life, I have barely ever found love; I have been intimate, yes, but those relationships were often brief and weren’t serious enough for me to develop an attachment to that person,’ he reaches up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, ‘besides Eleanor and Celia, I haven’t loved another,’ he cups her face in his hands, resting his forehead against hers, ‘but all of that changed when I met you.’

His arms tighten around her, his chin pressed against her cheek as he nestles his face into her shoulder. ‘You’ve changed my life, Amy,’ he kisses her neck, smiling against her skin, ‘and when you told me that you were expecting a child I was dumbfounded; I didn’t know how to respond...’

‘You thought that I’d cheated on you.’

‘Because I didn’t know that it was possible,’ he looks up at Kamilah, smiling warmly at her before fixing his gaze on the mortal, ‘I only acted that way because I believed that it was impossible,’ he runs his fingers through her hair, clinging onto the ends, ‘I’m so sorry for doubting you.’

She smiles warmly at him, pressing her forehead against his chin. ‘It’s okay.’ She looks up at him, her eyes glistening with tears of happiness as she leans in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss.

‘I understand why you acted that way,’ she sniffles, nestling her face into his shirt, ‘I guess I just overreacted a little bit...’

‘That wasn’t an overreaction,’ he presses a kiss to her cheek, his warm breath ghosting her skin, ‘after the way I reacted, your anger was justifiable.’

‘Adrian...’

They remain like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s embrace, before Adrian breaks away, smiling against her skin as he nuzzles his face against hers. He lowers his voice to a whisper, every word more emotional than the last as he speaks softly to her, cradling her body in his arms.

‘We’re having a baby.’

His hand travels lower, resting comfortably on her hips as he presses closer, showering her face with kisses as she giggles at his touch. Kamilah watches the pair for a moment; with a sigh, she turns away from them, taking their sudden display of affection as a sign that her presence is no longer needed.

‘Now that you two lovebirds have made up, I believe that this is my cue to leave.’

She opens the door, stepping out of the penthouse as she looks over her shoulder at the pair. ‘I shall see you both tomorrow,’ she gestures to Amy, nodding in the direction of her abdomen, ‘and congratulations...to both of you.’

Adrian’s arms tighten around Amy’s midsection, her back resting against his chest. He smiles down at her, his grin widening as he looks up at Kamilah.

‘Are you sure that we can’t tempt you to stay for a drink?’

‘I appreciate the offer, but I’m afraid that I have some business to attend to,’ she smiles fondly at him, holding out her hand in Amy’s direction, ‘besides...it would only be the two of us.’

_______________________________

Less than 20 minutes after Kamilah’s departure, Amy stands before the bathroom mirror; she stares at her reflection for a moment, her long hair cascading down her shoulders as she tries to adjust her clothing. She had quickly changed into her pyjamas, her soft green pyjama top exposing her bare torso as she regards her complexion once more. Her arms instinctively wrap around her abdomen, her gentle hands tracing their way across her skin to rest upon her stomach. She looks down for a moment, her mouth agape as the realisation of the situation becomes apparent.

She really is pregnant.

She lowers her gaze to the floor, clinging to the sink as she tries to regain her composure, her mind racing with thoughts of the future. Adrian appears from behind, gently pulling her into an embrace as his arms constrict protectively around her. He nuzzles his face into the crook of her neck, planting a trail of soft delicate kisses in his wake.

She turns her head slightly, cupping the side of his face with her hand as she looks up at him, ‘hey...’

‘Are you alright?’

‘Yeah I’m just...’ she hesitates for a moment, her expression a mixture of happiness and exhaustion, ‘it’s just...’

‘Something that neither of us were expecting?’

She nods.

‘I can relate to the feeling.’

‘You’re okay with this?’

He smiles softly at her, his hand reaching down to caress her abdomen. ‘This baby is a very welcome surprise,’ he captures her lips in a sweet kiss, his mouth mere inches from hers as he continues, ‘I never thought that I would have this opportunity again.’ He exhales sharply, nestling his head into the crook of her neck, ‘I may have failed to save my last family,’ he smiles sadly at her, pressing yet another kiss to her bare skin, ‘but I’ll be damned if I fail you too.’

‘Adrian...’

‘I think it’s about time that we get some rest,’ his arms constrict tightly around her as he turns her towards him, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips once more. His voice lowers to a hushed whisper, his hand still trained on her stomach, ‘all three of us.’

He escorts her back into the bedroom, his fingers entwined with hers, before the pair climb back into bed. Adrian loops his arm around her midsection, edging her body closer to his. He presses a tender kiss to the top of her head, nuzzling his face against her forehead. She smiles at this gesture of affection, an innocent giggle escaping her.

‘What is it?’

She chuckles once more, interlacing her fingers around the back of his neck, ‘you...’

‘Me?’ He meets her with a mischievous smile, his eyes trained on hers, ‘well, if I have amused you so much...’

Amy begins to feel a rather strange sensation on her waist as Adrian’s hands snake around her, his fingertips delicately gracing her skin.

‘Adrian... what are you...’

He begins to tickle her, his gentleness becoming ever more apparent as he attacks her sides, ensuring that he isn’t too rough with his touch. Her melodic laughter carries across the room, though it isn’t long before the giggling subsides, replaced with a quiet sob.

‘A...Amy?’ He leans over her, his brow knitted with concern as his eyes widen, his gaze panic-stricken, ‘are you alright? Did I...did I hurt you?’ He caresses her cheek, wiping away at the tears that stain her skin, ‘I should never have thought that was a good idea I -‘

‘Stop...’ she turns herself to face him, wiping at her eyes as the tears continue to fall, ‘you didn’t hurt me...’ she reaches forward, cupping his face as she tries to calm herself, ‘I’m just being silly that’s all...’

‘No you’re not,’ he bolts upright, tracing his hand along her forearm, ‘what’s troubling you?’

She sits up slowly, resting her back against the headboard as she adjusts herself, her lips curling into a sad smile. Adrian leans forward, supporting her back as she sits beside him.

‘I...’ she hesitates for a moment, unable to find the proper words to speak. ‘I’m worried.’

He narrows his brow in confusion, his curiosity fuelling his response, ‘worried?’ He runs his hand through her hair, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as he speaks, ‘what is worrying you?’

She meets his gaze for a moment before her hand comes to rest on her abdomen, her fear for the future evident in the wideness of her eyes.

‘This.’

Adrian watches her, laying one hand on top of hers. ‘The...the baby?’

She nods.

‘Why?’

She inhales sharply, bringing her knees to her chest as her hands clasp around her head. ‘I just...’ she hesitates, her voice lowering to a soft whisper, ‘I don’t think that I’m going to be a good mother.’

He pushes forward, his arm encircling her waist. She flinches at the sudden touch, her face still buried in her hands as she falls onto him, her head now resting against his chest.

‘Why would you possibly think that about yourself?’

‘I don’t know it’s just...’ she sobs, her breath raspy and urgent, ‘I mean look at me, Adrian; I’m 22 years old and I can’t even look after myself half of the time!’

He cradles her in his arms, his thumbs tracing soothing patterns on her bare skin. ‘Please don’t think that of yourself,’ he looks at her, his expression pained and one of guilt, ‘no matter what happens, I know you’ll be an incredible mother.’

‘You have to say that,’ she sighs, running her fingers through her hair in agitation, ‘I’m carrying your child of course you’re going to say that I’ll be amazing...it’s what you expect of me, after all.’

‘And you doubt this?’

‘I...’ she turns away from him, fresh tears staining her rosy cheeks, ‘I don’t know; all I know is that...well...’ she buries her face in her hands once more, ‘I...ahhhhh why is this so difficult!’

She removes herself from his grasp, perching on the edge of the bed as she turns away from him. He crawls across the sheets to sit behind her, reaching up to give her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

‘Amy...’ he pauses, unable to find the words to speak, before he manages to continue, ‘I know that you are scared, as am I, but we will get through this together...’ he tucks his head into the crook of her neck, ghosting her skin with soft kisses, ‘you have my word.’

‘I don’t need your word, Adrian,’ she sighs defeatedly, ‘I need your help.’

‘You need not ask for it,’ he leans in, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, ‘I will always be here to help and support you.’

‘And love me?’

‘What?’

He is taken aback by her words, the mere thought of her doubting his affections causing him to grow wary.

‘Will you still love me?’

‘Do you believe that I don’t?’

She turns to face him, her eyes brimming with tears, ‘I don’t know...’

‘You need not ask for something that you already have, my love,’ he whispers softly to her, ‘you have my heart and soul; my body is yours, as is my spirit,’ he takes her hand in his, squeezing it tightly, ‘why do you believe any different?’

She smiles sadly at him, reaching up to wipe at the tears as they threaten to fall once more, ‘I just...’ she pauses, inhaling sharply, ‘I need to hear you say that you are here because you want to be, and not because you feel obligated to.’

‘Amy...’

‘I don’t want this baby to be an obligation to you, Adrian; if you decide to stay by my side, I want that to be because you genuinely want this child...’ she hesitates, her words muffled by the sob as it escapes her, ‘and not because you feel like it is your duty.’

‘I would never see this child as anything but a blessing,’ his arms encase her, ‘a dream that I thought would never come true.’ He kisses her cheek, his forehead pressed to her temple as he whispers in her ear.

‘I want to be with you,’ he sighs softly, ‘both of you.’

‘So I’m not an obligation?’

‘Why would you even think that?’

‘I don’t know,’ she mutters, ‘but you read it in books don’t you? You see it in documentaries...’

‘I don’t follow...’

‘In the olden days, particularly the 18th and 19th century, men would marry women that were carrying their children. Most of them never wanted to be married, heck some of them didn’t even care for the women that they were with, but chose to be wed because they felt like it was their duty to the child - like it was the right thing to do.’

‘That’s not entirely accurate...’

‘But it’s true, isn’t it? Some men did do that?’

‘They did, yes,’ he runs his hand down her back, ‘but a lot of those did in fact marry for love, at least the poorer gentlemen anyway.’

‘That’s oddly specific.’

‘Well, our history has always been a conundrum; ever since the Middle Ages, men would marry for power and fortune, some even married for political reasons,’ he presses closer, resting his hand on her abdomen, ‘or due to unexpected pregnancy.’

‘So I was right, it was hardly ever about love.’

‘No,’ he smiles warmly at her, ‘a lot of the richer men would marry women for those reasons, but the poor,’ his arms gently tighten around her stomach, ‘they barely had any money at all; to marry was an expense that could empty their pockets entirely.’

‘But if they were only marrying because the woman was pregnant...’

‘Even back then, most never entered into marriage unless they truly loved their betrothed. If a wedding had the ability to bankrupt a man, why go ahead with one if the decision wasn’t based on the love that one had for another?’

‘Still...’

He brings his hands to her cheeks, his thumbs tracing intricate patterns on her skin, ‘I’m not staying with you out of duty or because it’s the ‘right thing to do’... I’m staying with you because I love you,’ he meets her with a loving smile, ‘and I want you and this baby more than anything.’

‘Are you certain this is what you want?’

He captures her lips in a tender kiss, his arms constricting around her as he pulls her closer to his body. Before long she is straddling him, her soft blanket covering the pair as he continues to shower her with an abundance of kisses, each one more heated than the last. He nuzzles his face into her chest, his arms tightening protectively around her as he clings to her warmth.

‘I’ve wanted a family of my own for what feels like an eternity,’ his hands trail down her sides, ‘and though my first was taken from me, the heavens seem to have blessed me with another.’

‘And you’re not worried?’

He sighs despondently, running his hands along her thighs and up towards the small of her back. ‘I’ll always be worried,’ he cups the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him, their faces mere inches apart, ‘you are my home, Amy,’ he presses forward, kissing her tenderly, ‘and your happiness is everything to me...’

‘But?’

He smiles sadly at her, his hands never leaving her skin, ‘you’re so young and innocent, and I feel that my recklessness has taken that away from you...’

‘You haven’t been reckless,’ she runs her hand through his hair once more, her fingers entangling in the hair at the nape of his neck, ‘you’ve been so gentle with me...’

‘You’re pregnant, Amy; I promised to keep you safe and yet, by doing this, I’ve put you in even more danger than you already were.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘I’m not talking about you carrying the child or the delivery,’ he traces a pattern along her spine, ‘vampires are not meant to have children; it is unnatural and impossible...’ he looks around the room, lowering his eyes to rest on her stomach, ‘if others were to find out about this baby, then we’d all be in terrible danger.’

‘I don’t understand...’

‘The child would be seen as a hybrid of sorts and, though some may see their birth as a miracle,’ he meets her eyes for a moment, silent rage festering in his voice, ‘others would see them as a threat.’

‘A threat? To what?’

‘My kind,’ he speaks softly to her, his anger quickly dissipating, ‘and they would do anything to ensure that the threat was swiftly removed.’

‘But...it’s just a child...’

He looks up at her, her golden hair illuminated by the glow of the sun as it sets in the west. He rests his hands upon her hips, his dark eyes boring into hers as he continues, ‘I’ll never let anyone hurt you,’ he gazes back at her abdomen, ‘or the child... you know that, don’t you?’

‘What about Gaius?’

Adrian goes silent for a moment, his jaw working, before focusing his attention on her once more, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.

‘I promise you, for as long as I shall live, that that monster will go nowhere near you or the child; he will not harm you. He will not touch you. He will do nothing that puts either of you at any risk,’ he raises her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her palm, ‘you have my word.’

‘Are you sure you can promise that? I mean... Gaius hasn’t exactly been predictable since he returned...’

‘You need not fear him,’ his voice is soft, yet Amy is able to sense that his words are sincere, ‘the day he decides to come for you will be his last.’ He runs his hand through her hair, ‘and I will stop at nothing to put him down.’

She smiles faintly at him, before a loud yawn escapes her. She glances over at the clock, her smile soon fading as she acknowledges the time.

‘We have an hour before we have to go back to the office,’ she sighs, removing herself from on top of him as she rests her head on his chest, curling herself into a fetal position as she nestles into Adrian’s side, ‘I better get ready soon...’

‘For what?’

She looks up at him quizzically, her brows narrowing in confusion. ‘Work,’ she exhales sleepily, ‘If we’re to get there before eight.’

‘We’re not going to work this evening.’

‘What? Why not?’

He smiles down at her, his arm draping around her shoulders as he lies down beside her, wrapping the duvet around them, ‘because you’ve had a long day,’ he presses a sweet kiss to her cheek, ‘and I’d like to savour this moment for as long as I can.’

‘Oh?’ She returns his gaze, her lips curving into a mischievous smile, ‘and what moment is that, exactly?’

‘The ‘My mortal girlfriend is carrying my half-human possibly half-vampire baby’ moment.’

‘Ah,’ she giggles quietly, ‘it’s not everyday you get one of those.’

‘Indeed.’

They remain like that for a moment, their eyes trained on the skyline as they watch the city illuminate in their own little sanctuary before she speaks once more, her voice soft and apologetic.

‘Adrian?’

‘Mmmm?’

‘I’m sorry for flipping out at you today,’ she sighs, ‘I let myself get angry over something that I should have been able to understand and-‘

‘No, I’m the one that should be apologising. I didn’t react well, and my behaviour towards you was unforgivable and...’

‘I yelled at you, Adrian, and you didn’t raise your voice once.’

He runs his thumb across her bottom lip, stopping her mid sentence. ‘That was yelling?’ He chuckles slightly, trailing soft patterns across her skin, ‘if that was you at your angriest, then I have nothing to worry about.’

She pokes him playfully in the side, ‘you know, I’m not too sure as to whether that was a compliment or an insult.’

‘Definitely a compliment,’ he takes her hand in his, pressing a soft kiss to her palm before glancing over at the clock, ‘I suggest that we try to get some sleep.’

‘Are you tired?’

‘Not really,’ he strokes her face, kissing her cheek, ‘but I wouldn’t mind holding onto you for a moment.’

She tilts her head upwards, capturing his lips with her own, before placing her head against his chest.

‘I certainly wouldn’t say no to that.’

He kisses her once more, his lips grazing her skin as she wraps herself around him, nestling further into his embrace, before their shared warmth lulls Amy into a peaceful sleep.

_______________________________

Tick...Tick...Tick...

A quiet noise woke Adrian from his slumber. He rubs his eyes, glancing over at the clock as he tries to pinpoint exactly how long he has been asleep.

Two hours.

He sighs, looking down at Amy as she dozes in the comfort of his embrace, her warm breath tickling his skin.

He carefully removes his arms from around her, sliding down the bed to sit adjacent to her torso. He hesitates for a moment, looking over at Amy; she sleeps soundly under the covers, her beautiful frame cocooned in the blankets as she tucks an arm under her pillow, pressing it closer to her cheek.

He leans in towards her, his gentle hands ghosting her skin as they run down her sides before he addresses the child, his voice soft and comforting.

‘Hello little one,’ he rests his hand on Amy’s abdomen, drawing delicate patterns on her bare skin with his thumb as he ponders on his words, ‘you may not recognise my voice just yet, but it is one that you will come to know very well.’ He looks up at Amy, her soft, balayage hair cascading down her shoulders as she stirs, her beautiful frame reacting to the warmness of his touch. ‘I am your father,’ he leans in closer, his face resting mere inches from her stomach, ‘and words cannot even describe how excited I am to meet you.’

He presses forward, placing a tender kiss to her abdomen, ‘for centuries, all I have known is darkness; though I was gifted with strength and eternal life, for some time I believed that I had lost everything that made me human.’ His gaze softens as he looks up at Amy, a warm smile enveloping his face as he watches her, ‘after I was turned, I thought that I had lost everything; my home, my humanity, my morality...’ he pauses for a moment, his breath hitching in his throat as he pushes himself to continue, shifting his gaze back to her stomach.

‘My family.’

He exhales, running his hand through his hair, ‘after Charles and Eleanor died, I came to terms with the idea that I was never meant to have a family; my fate was one of anger and hatred and, for some time, I had convinced myself that I was destined to be alone,’ he pauses for a moment, lowering his voice to a hushed whisper, ‘that was until I met your mother.’ He closes his eyes, his smile growing wider as he recalls the memory, ‘she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen; a true beauty that not even Aphrodite herself can behold. She is kind and courageous,’ he takes her hand in his, his fingers slowly interlacing with hers, ‘and so very, very brave.’

He remains seated beside her, his fingertips tracing delicate circles on her skin as he edges closer, resting his hand on her abdomen once more, his mind racing back to the memories of his son. ‘You had a brother once...’ he pauses, unsure as to how to continue, ‘he was beautiful; a precious little chap. He liked to laugh and play with his toys, and was never one to cry.’ He hesitates, a sad smile gracing his face as he continues to run his hand across her stomach. ‘He made me happy,’ he leans in once more, planting a delicate kiss on her torso as he lies down beside her, nestling his face into her side, ‘and one day, you will too.’

Adrian curves his arm around Amy’s waist, draping it protectively across her abdomen. ‘You are a part of me, my little one,’ he closes his eyes, pulling her body further into his embrace, his voice a hushed whisper as he speaks tenderly to his child.

‘My little miracle.’

#choices: stories you play #playchoices #choices bb #bloodbound #fanfic #adrian raines #adrian x mc #kamilah sayeed #Choices July Challenge #Day 1 #prompt #Home #part II

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lovelyharrystories · 5 years

Text

Falling is the easy part (single!mom) - Chapter three

Masterlist

Harry had a hard time wrapping his head around the fact that you had a son. Did this mean you had a husband? You lived with Kelly that was for sure, but you could have a husband or maybe just a boyfriend because he can’t remember seeing any rings on your fingers.

He walked inside his mom’s house and she greeted him with a smile. Her smile did turn into a concerned frown when she saw her son with a troubled look on his face.

“Harr,y are you okay?” She asked, and Harry was pulled out of his thoughts by his mom’s voice.

“Oh yeah mom, I am fine. I just discovered something and have a hard time wrapping my head around it.” Harry said and walked towards the fridge. Anne couldn’t help shake her head at her boy. How he hasn’t changed, coming home and immediately going for the fridge.

“What was it you discovered, something about work?” Anne asked while leaning against the kitchen counter. Harry looked at his mom and offered her a part of his Twix which she declined.

“No, just something about a person and I really did not expect it.” He said, trying to dodge his mom from talking about it but she was smarter than that.

“Okay spill it. I know you, the fact you are giving so much hints yet being vague means you want to talk about it so do it.” Anne said.

“It’s about this girl who used to be in my class, her name is YN.” Harry said and Anne’s eyes lit up at the mention of the girl’s name.

“YN? Really?” Anne said in a teasing tone.

“Oh stop it.” Harry said and Anne couldn’t help the small laugh leaving her, it is a parents pride to sometimes know their children better than they expect.

“I started talking to her at the reunion and it was fun, it was nice talking to her. And then today we ran into each other at the coffee shop you mentioned and we had a good time as well.” Harry said

“So what is the problem, YN is a nice girl. You two would make a cute couple.” Anne said biting into a an apple from the kitchen counter.

“That’s the thing, it isn’t us two. She has a child.” Harry said and Anne was surprised at the tone her son held.

“What’s up with that? You knew she had a baby boy, I told you about it when the little Finn was born. I even showed you the present I got for her.” Anne said.

Now it was Harry’s turn to be surprised because he really can’t remember his mom talking about YN being pregnant.

“I can’t remember. So you can imagine my shock when Jake told me. She didn’t even tell me but Jake did. It was like she was trying to hide him or something?” Harry said stress very clear in his voice.

The fact that Harry was so freaked out about it, made Anne concerned. Never had she seen her son so stressed about finding out a girl he just met 2 days ago had a child.

“Harry, darling, calm down will you. She probably thought you already knew. Everybody knows, her pregnancy was quite the talk of the town. And why are you so bothered by it?” Anne asked, and she could see Harry’s brain spinning.

His mom was right. Why was he freaking out about it so much, it’s not like he was going to marry her and he all of a sudden found out she had a child. She has a child, a son, she is 24 years old. It isn’t that uncommon for people her age to have a child. But what about the father?

“What do you mean she was the talk of the town?” Harry asked, already imagining how people are. He himself had been his fair share of rumours.

“Oh, darling, I don’t know if she would like me to tell you. I think she would love the fact that you don’t know and maybe tell you the real story herself because honestly all I know are rumours and you know how much I hate rumours.” Anne said.

“I feel stupid for freaking out.” Harry said after a while. There was a bit of a pause after his mother talked. He was glad he shared his troubles with his mom. She always knows how to make him feel better. In that moment he felt like he was 15 years old again telling his mom about his girl trouble or a big test that was coming up.

“Darling, you aren’t stupid. The fact you reacted that way means you care about her a lot and you were just surprised by the news, it’s a normal reaction. I just hope you won’t let the fact that she has a child stand in the way of getting to know her better.” His mother said.

“I won’t, I just wish I had her number or something. So, I could ask her out.” Harry said.

“Well, I don’t have her number, but I do know she will be at the dancing studio tomorrow night for her weekly yoga lessons. I know how you like to do some yoga yourself. Maybe you can go too and ‘coincidently’ walk into her there.” Anne said and gave him a hug leaving the kitchen.

Harry walked into the dancing studio a bit nervous. You weren’t some big producer he had to impress, you weren’t a manager, you weren’t a thousand people crowd. No, you were just you and maybe that is the reason why it makes sense why he was so nervous. He feels so at ease with you and feels like he can talk to you about anything. So, he really didn’t want you to think bad about him.

He spotted you in the crowd immediately. It was like you were some kind of angel that always attracted a little bit more light than other people.

“Well ladies it seems like we will be joined by a man today.” He heard a female voice say and all heads turned towards him including yours.

“We are very happy to have you with us today. Finally, a man who dares to do yoga.” The teacher said with a laugh and a couple of older women joined her. Harry felt quite embarrassed not because of the fact that he is the only male in the class but because you were looking at him with a look he couldn’t really understand.

“Now ladies and man, get your mats and then we can get started.” The teacher said, and everybody started walking to the back of the room. Harry followed but noticed you weren’t walking along with the group. It wasn’t until he passed you, you joined him.

“So, is this your way of getting the ladies? Show up at yoga lessons.” You said with a teasing voice. It surprised Harry a bit that you were teasing him, you were normally very shy.

“What are these accusations? Where is the YN I know?” Harry said, and you laughed at him. Your laugh was honestly so contagious he couldn’t help but laugh himself.

“No, I do this a lot back in LA, it isn’t that uncommon there for men to do yoga. But, I had to know that Holmes Chapel would be a different story.” Harry said.

“I have never been to LA, but I am pretty sure Holmes Chapel and irs citizens aren’t anything like LA.” You said and reached for a mat.

“No not at all and I use to not like that.” Harry said and reached out for a mat as well.

“And now?”

“Now? I am starting to fall in love with this town all over again.”

The yoga class was fun, it wasn’t the hardest he had taken. So, he didn’t had a hard time following.

“Wow, I never thought you would be so good at it.” You said.

“I feel offended.” Harry said while putting his hand up his chest.

You both walked out of the studio laughing.

“So where is your car parked?” Harry asked.

“I didn’t come with the car, Kelly needed it for some business.” You said.

“Oh, well then I will drop you off.”

“No that’s okay Harry. I really only live 15 minutes’ walk away.”

Harry shook his head at your stubbornness. “YN look up, these clouds are telling me it will start raining any minute now.”

You looked up and you gave a defeated sigh and walked to his car. Harry felt amazing knowing the fact that he just won this argument and got to spend a little bit more time with him and also it does look like it will be raining any minute.

You gave him directions to your house and with only a five-minute drive harry pulled over.

“Thank you for driving me.” You said not looking into his eyes. It was like the confident YN he had seen in yoga was only an illusion.

“No problem at all.” Harry said feeling a bit awkward at your sudden shyness.

You were halfway out of the car when he heard you call his name. He looked at you and you said, “Would you like to come in?”

He was very surprised by the fact that you had invited him in and a bit nervous because that was the house you and your son lived in. He wasn’t really sure how he should react when he sees your son. Should he be surprised or be casual about it? You both hadn’t really talked about it. He didn’t really know how to bring it up and had hoped you would have done it naturally.

“Eeuh, sure.” It was now Harry’s turn to not look you in the eyes.

You opened the door to the small yet cosy looking house, you walked in and held the door so he could walk in as well. The entrance was small but there was a big mirror on the side wall which made the space look bigger than it actually was.

“You want me to take of my shoes?” Harry asked, and you smiled shaking your head.

“No that’s fine. Kelly walks in with her shoes all the time.” You said and let him to the main area downstairs. He could see a couch and tv on his right and the kitchen to his left. Both spaces were decorated with colourful items, giving the house a cheery and cosy feeling.

“Sit down and I will make us something to drink. Would you like some coffee, tea or rather something refreshing?” You asked already walking towards the kitchen.

“Coffee is fine, thank you.” Harry said raising his voice a bit so you could hear him. He felt a bit awkward not really knowing what to expect. He looked around and everything was quite neat for two woman and a child living here.

“Here you go.” You said while putting down a platter with two cups of coffee, milk, sugar and some biscuits.

“Thanks.” Harry said. “You live very beautifully here.”

“Well it isn’t big but big enough to fit us all. I am hoping to find a home with a bigger yard next year because Finn is growing up so fast and really enjoying football.” There it was the mention of your son, Finn. He had to say he really liked the name.

Harry looked outside and even though it was dark he could see the fence that marked the garden was showing a very small square.

“I think mom still has my old goal in the garage, if you want you can have it.” Harry said.

“I can’t really place it right now but thank you for offering.” You said.

The rest of the conversation consisted of more talking about your childhoods and a little bit about Finn but not much. Harry was kind of glad because he wouldn’t really know how to react about it.

“No way, you have never been to London?” Harry asked, looking with shock at you.

“I haven’t really had the time you know. I have been quite busy these past eight years with uni and having a four-year-old.” You said and it than struck Harry that indeed he could not underestimate being a single mom and having a full-time job.

“I am sorry.” Harry said, genuinely feeling sorry about his insensitive comment.

“Oh no, I don’t need your pity. I have been happy for the most part of these eight years so don’t look at me like that.” You said.

“Crazy thought, I am going to London next week for three days because I need to meet with a producer. Come with me.” Harry said and the look on your face was priceless.

“Harry, I don’t know, I can’t just leave like that.” You said.

“Well I need to leave now, because I promised mom I would have dinner with her but here is my number and if you want to go and find a way to go with me give me a call. Or even if it isn’t about London and you just want to hang out.” Harry said and pulled you into a hug. You seemed a bit surprised by his bold gesture, but you relaxed into the hug after a few seconds.

You said your byes and Harry walked back into his car. When he saw you close the door he couldn’t help but curse.

Really Harry? Inviting her to London? He just really hopes he didn’t scare you away with his bold move.

#Harry Styles #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #Harry Styles Fan Fiction #harry styles one shot #harry styles au memes #harry styles blurb #harry styles imagine #harry styles imagines #harry styes fluff

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eleonorebirk · 4 years

Text

Choices

“Hey. Thanks for coming,” Elisa said as she let Matt into her apartment.

“Not at all.” He hung up the light jacket he was wearing. “I’m just surprised you invited me for lunch. I’d have thought you would spend the weekend at the Eyrie and we’ll see each other tomorrow.”

“I just wanted to keep you informed.” Elisa took a sip of her water, wishing it was something alcoholic. “I’m telling Captain Chavez about the clan tomorrow.”

Matt watched her. He knew his partner well enough by now to understand that this was not a spontaneous decision, this was part of something bigger. “Why now? Not that I think it’s a bad idea but why so suddenly?” During the Unseelie War, it would have made sense. But now, with no looming threat?

Elisa took a deep breath. “Because I need to tell her that I have to be on desk duty and then early maternity leave due to a high-risk pregnancy. In the sense that no one knows how a pregnancy with a half-gargoyle child is going to develop.”

Matt stared at her, then down at her belly. “How? I mean, I can guess how but didn’t you say your genetically not compatible? Because gargoyles lay eggs?”

She shook her head. “Coyote decided to... ‘help’.”

“The robot or the trickster?”

It said a lot about their lives that the question not only made sense but that he asked it to matter of fact. “The trickster. He somehow knew that my father mentioned wanting grandchildren, so...” She motioned down at herself. “Only he did not plan for anything further than conception so we’re flying blind now. We have no idea if an egg will form around the embryo or how my body will deal with the wings.”

“At least Goliath has no beak or horns,” Matt pointed out.

“Thank you very much for that reminder.” Elisa shook her head. At least all the tricksters at the Eyrie had been kind enough not to point that out Friday night. Then again the conversation had soon turned into a lesson about the trickster version of ethics and the necessity of thinking the consequences of a spell through. And hadn’t that been a strange experience.

“But it sounds as if you managed to talk to a doctor who knows about gargoyles. No offence to Sata, but she is probably not very familiar with human pregnancy.”

“Well, turns out Burnett arranged for Fox to have a halfling as gynaecologist before she even learned of her heritage.” Elisa did not want to know the details about the relationship between the two Xanatoses and Owen and had been all too happy to ignore the looks they’d exchanged after learning that he had arranged for her to get the medical care she needed. She was just happy to benefit from Owen’s pretty much doting on them by having someone who could at least make an educated guess about how her pregnancy might go and was ready to monitor her during it all. “Doctor Moss went over my options with me.”

Matt did not like the look in her eyes. “Which are?”

“They’re certain that the pregnancy will not be viable without intervention. Not long enough for the child to develop enough. Not that we know how long that is. Gargoyles are pregnant for 6 months, then lay an egg that takes ten years to hatch. So that means that either I am turned into the gargoyle along with the child or the child is changed into a human child. Or it’s put in a tank to grow, like the clones were.” She paused before mentioning the last option. “Or I can terminate the pregnancy now.”

“Have you made your decision yet?”

“No. That’s another reason I asked you to come.”

“Okay then. Let’s figure it out. We managed robots, terrorists, clones and a magical war that began millennia ago. We should be able to figure out a pregnancy.”

“Don’t forget your suspicions about the Illuminati turning out to be true.”

“See?” He was relieved to note that she seemed a bit more relaxed. “First things first. Do you want a child?”

“I don’t know. I had made my peace with not being able to have children with Goliath. And I mean, the clan is so small, only two eggs in the next rookery.”

“That’s not what I asked. Do you want a child now?”

It was the one question she had not been able to formulate yesterday, not out loud. Did she want a child? This child? How would that even work? She was 41, almost 42. If the child lived as a gargoyle, she would be over 80 by the time it reached adulthood. If she lived that long. Could she live with that? With being able to only have her child at night? And yet. “I want that. A child with him.”

“Okay.” His lips twitched. “And you have to admit, things have come full circle then, after all you both already have a daughter with Demona. So a son might be nice.”

Elisa let out a startled laugh. “True. We’ll figure out how to raise it, even if I’ll only see it at night.”

“You can ask someone at the castle to turn him human during the day,” Matt pointed out. “Coyote as apology, for example. And didn’t Alex turn some of the clan into humans a few years ago? Or Angela when she spend a day with her mother?”

“They might agree to a remedial lesson. And they’re easier to reach than Coyote on Avalon.”

“And the fewer people who know the incantation to get to Avalon, the better.” Matt remembered all too well how the Unseelies had kidnapped him, thinking he could tell them the incantation. When he had been assigned as Elisa’s partner, he had never expected all this, gargoyles and clones and mutants and magic and fay. Fighting and being taken prisoner in a war between a faction of the fay and mortals.

And yet if someone offered to take him back – because time travel was a thing, of course it was – he would not change a thing.

But the memories and the plans for who to ask for help had time. From what Elisa had said, there was another decision she had to make first. Even if it was not a topic he had ever expected or wanted to talk about. “How do you want to go along with your pregnancy?”

“They’ll ask questions if I’m obviously pregnant.”

The precinct would sooner or later notice the pregnancy, he agreed with Elisa there. And none of them knew of her marriage or rather mating, so they would try to figure out who the father was. “I’m not exactly eager for rumours that I knocked you up.”

“I’m not interested in rumours I was stupid enough to get pregnant from a random hook-up,” Elisa shot back. She pushed her glass back and forth on the table. “This child will likely be my only child.” She glanced at Matt, remembering his comment from earlier. “The only one where I was involved in the conception.” She paused. “I will ask them to turn me into a gargoyle for the next months.”

Matt nodded. “All the more reason for you to talk to the Captain tomorrow.”

“And who knows, you might get lucky and have Sara as partner.”

“Oh, shut up. I fully expect to be named godfather, you know?”

“I don’t think gargoyles have baptisms.”

“Naming day, whatever.” He grew more serious. “But I mean it. You’re my partner. If you or the child need anything...”

“Thanks, partner.”

#My writing #gargoyles #Just Write trope bingo

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prettywordsyouleft · 5 years

Text

Overheard

Summary: Even though you loved Taekwoon, being the partner of a celebrity always came with hearing what others thought of you.

Pairing: Jung Taekwoon (Leo) x reader

Genre: married idol au / angsty fluff? Tbh I don’t know what to label this one

Warnings: feelings of insignificance

A/N: requested by anon. I really loved that k-drama but gosh it’s been forever since I watched it. I think I remember the scene you mean though. Either way your request spurred me in this direction. Sorry it’s not a boyfriend story but I’m sure this detail change shouldn’t be too much of an issue!

Word count: 2599

You were used to the underhanded comments. You had heard them for as long as you had been dating Taekwoon. At first, they hadn’t bothered you as you had anticipated the backlash of disgruntled fans. But you loved Taekwoon more than anything else in this world. You were genuine, heck you had risked your job as VIXX’s senior coordinator just for your love. In your eyes, putting everything on the line for Taekwoon had meant something major to you.

To others though, your actions were seen as the problem.

“How convenient, the star who fell in love with the staff.”

“She’s only after her quick grab on fame herself. Did you see her? She’s not pretty at all, so she couldn’t get into the limelight in any other way.”

“She had to have seduced him. There’s nothing special about her. Wow, what does oppa see in her? She’s just old and frumpy.”

It hadn’t been your idea to go public with your relationship. It had remained a secret for an entire year because of the implications dating you had for him. Taekwoon hated hiding how much he loved you, yet you knew how much more he had to lose than you did. Your career was a huge part of you, and you had worked years to get up to this point. Even if you were an essential key to the smooth running of group and individual activities, you knew your role could ultimately be replaced and you could work elsewhere if needed. Yet his singing career could be shattered forever if the public took your relationship negatively. And because of this, you had broken up with him several times, not wanting to be the cause of ending his hopes and dreams just because you held feelings for him.

Those intense feelings brought you back to his side every time. It was the way he would look at you as if you were the only one he saw in this world that helped you through when the relationship suddenly was released by Dispatch, and his endless reassurances that you would both be okay was how you overcame the backlash. Most fans accepted Taekwoon’s happiness with you at his side, and the comments lessened.

But they never quite stopped.

Now, five years on, married and with children, you had hoped that your place at Taekwoon’s side would be measured up by the true definition of love and balance. You had done more than enough for the entertainment industry and had even gained endorsements yourself when you were newlyweds and again when you were pregnant with your first child. It had enabled you to use your position to voice things that mattered to you, and to other women alike. You had become an ambassador of women’s rights and supported many pregnancy and motherhood led initiatives.

Instead of seeing it as receiving fame by being Taekwoon’s wife, you had continued to use your strengths as a person to be effective and find ways to help others.

Doing so meant others had something to talk about you, however.

“Does she think she’s the newest Mother Theresa? She’s only the wife of a singer, not someone powerful in this nation.”

“I’m so sick of seeing her face branded for helping women, you can see right through her scheme it’s to keep her husband’s career relevant. His fans are too old and have families of their own to support now instead of paying his bills. Gosh, they need to go be quiet somewhere in the country.”

“Have you seen her body? After having her two kids she’s really let herself go.”

“Was there much there to let go of beforehand?!”

The hardest thing was overhearing these comments from the people who you worked alongside on campaigns. Yet you didn’t falter, not once. You weren’t doing the things you had done so to please these people. You didn’t have anything to prove either.

“Why do you let them talk about you like that?” Jaehwan’s wife, Tori asked and you glanced at your friend, smiling weakly. “They’re talking absolute rubbish about you, yet again! Weren’t they just praising your efforts on the new scheme to help victims of sexual abuse?”

“Let them be, they clearly aren’t happy with their own lives and need something to gossip about. They’re not hurting anyone.”

“Except you,” she mentioned, concern etched within her gaze. “Y/N, you really need to-”

“I’m fine, I promise. I’ve had this for the entirety of my relationship with Taekwoon, it’s nothing new.”

“It’s shouldn’t be something you’re fine with,” Tori said sadly, shaking her head and glaring over at the women in their fancy dresses discussing other guests at the event. “Taekwoon sure wouldn’t like to hear about this.”

“And he won’t,” you replied firmly.

It had been the one thing you had carried silently within. You weren’t naïve; of course Taekwoon had his fair idea of what the public had said in the past. But things were different now. The rumours and negative comments weren’t penned in online forums but by the people you collaborated with. It was harder for him, especially when he still had a somewhat busy career, to find out about such talk.

And you wanted it to remain that way.

“Get dressed, we’re going out,” he proclaimed and you glanced up at your husband from your laptop. On one side of you was your daughter napping and your son was sprawled out on the floor watching television. On the other side was a stack of proposals you had to get through this weekend to decide on the focus for next month at work.

You laughed softly. “You’ve just come home from the tour in Japan, aren’t you tired? Where are we meant to be going?”

“To my parents’ house,” he announced and your son diverted his gaze from his show immediately.

“To Grandma and Grandpa’s?!”

“That’s right,” Taekwoon confirmed and even your daughter stirred enough to catch on to her brother’s excitement. You watched your husband curiously. He grinned. “We can drop the kids off for the night.”

“Are we really getting to stay over?” your son asked once more as your daughter squealed in delight.

“Of course! They’re already planning the best sleepover!”

“Really?!” your daughter was up off the sofa you and she were upon and went running down the hallway to get her favourite toys together.

You sighed. “What have you planned?”

“I want to take my beautiful wife out.”

“Where’s she right now? I only see me here,” you teased, looking down at your sweats and reaching to touch your messy bun on your head.

Taekwoon shifted over to you and kissed you on the forehead. “She’s right here. Come on, you’ve been working non-stop and with me gone you had to look after the kids for the whole week. Let me spoil you. I’ll drop them off and you focus on getting ready.”

“How ready do I need to be? Date in a movie theatre ready or dinner at an expensive restaurant ready?”

He grinned. “You and your need to know everything. Just wear something that can do both. I’m not telling you anything!”

“Why did I marry you?” you asked as you closed your laptop, smiling to yourself all the same. “Not knowing things is my weakness!”

“I know and I’m going to use it well to make you remember exactly why you said I do all those years ago!” he called after you as you headed down the hallway, kissing both kids on their heads as you passed on by.

You couldn’t deny the excitement that built within at the idea of having a night with just Taekwoon. Sure, you often collapsed on the sofa together most nights but there wasn’t much said in those moments. You were both satisfied with your efforts throughout the day and glad that the kids were fed, bathed and tucked away in their beds. Tonight, you’d get the chance to really spend time with Taekwoon. To talk, laugh and hopefully do something other than fall asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow. The longer you thought about it as you got dressed in your favourite black dress that seemed to tick any and every box of date night standards, you realised how much you missed spending more time together. Having your children was something you’d never regret, yet sometimes you forgot what it was like before you had them. How you didn’t have to fight for his attention with two excitable little humans talking a million miles a second about their days to their attentive father. Even though you loved that scene too, tonight would be all about just you and him.

A small giggle left you and you continued to get ready, waiting for Taekwoon to return for you. And when he did, his eyes soaked you in hungrily, his lips soon finding yours. “Maybe we should stay inside instead. I don’t know if I want to take you away from here now.”

“I didn’t just spend all that time fighting with my eyeliner to have you keep me here. We’re going out!” you exclaimed and Taekwoon chuckled, kissing you again briefly before he took your hand and led you out to the car. After twenty minutes, you looked at your husband determinedly. “Where are we going?”

“I told you I wasn’t going to give you any hints.”

“What if I guess where then will you answer?” you compromised and Taekwoon laughed.

“You’re distracting me from driving. Stop being so adorable, baby.” You bit your lip and sat back in your chair, gloating with the warmth of his affectionate sentence. And before you could try again to guess the destination, Taekwoon drove the car into an underground parking lot. You read the names of the companies that used this facility and gasped, realising where he was taking you.

“You’ve brought me to see Jaehwan’s new musical?!” you enquired and Taekwoon nodded.

“And then dinner after, how does that sound?”

“Perfect!”

The show had been magnificent and you were now seated in a neighbouring restaurant waiting for your meal to arrive when you noticed a group of ladies being escorted to a nearby table. You diverted your gaze to your glass of water and sighed. Your reaction wasn’t lost on Taekwoon. “Do you know them? Oh, isn’t that Kim Soobin, one of the women you work with?”

“Yeah, they must have been at the show as well.”

“Do you want to leave?” he asked, his expression puzzled by your now quiet demeanour. You shot him a strained smile as you shook your head. “But you look uncomfortable.”

“I want to share a meal with you,” you insisted, reaching over the table for his hand. You held it gently and smiled more genuinely this time. “Let’s stay.”

“Y/N?” a voice called out and you blinked rapidly as you glanced up. Soobin smiled graciously. “Oh, it is you. Hello, Taekwoon, it’s been a while since I last saw you!”

“Hello, are you well?”

“Better now that I’ve seen you both! Did you watch the musical as well? Fabulous, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was very charming,” you mentioned and then got to your feet. “Would you excuse me, I just need to use the bathroom.”

“Of course, darling, I’ll talk with you next week at the office!” Soobin called after you as you moved off to the bathroom, standing in front of the mirrors and staring at your wide-eyed expression. Why were you anxious about running into Soobin? It wasn’t as if you had anything to feel inferior about around the woman. She was the wife of a politician and chose to work in a few various committees to simply keep her nose in among the gossip. Was that why you were frazzled by her appearance? Or had you wanted time tonight for just you and Taekwoon that having anything or anyone from your usual environment appear had diminished your joyous mood? You weren’t sure but you focused on composing yourself, smiling at your reflection before you stepped back out and went back to your table.

It was empty.

Following a familiar voice, you gasped when you found Taekwoon towering over the five ladies seated at their table. “Did you think purposely raising your voices as you gossip about my wife loud enough that I could hear would make me feel frustrated enough to come and rage at you to stop?”

“Oh Taekwoon, we weren-”

Taekwoon merely stopped to take a breath before cutting Soobin off. “You were basically asking for me to step over here. And I have, though not to do what you’re hoping for. Keep talking. Keep saying vicious things and making yourselves feel good about who you are whilst you spout nonsense. Everyone around you is well aware of how lonely you all are because you have busy husbands. Those husbands you find out what they’re feeling and doing by reading the news or social media posts they make instead of ringing home to tell you instead. Keep talking yourselves up to be amazing mothers and wives whilst under appreciating the hard work of others despite having in-house staff that keep your homes running so you can enjoy outings like this instead of tucking your children into bed and getting to know what they dream of. I implore you to continue. Because at the end of the day your lives are the sad ones, not my wife’s. I don’t care what you say about her, at all. Do continue. Your words mean nothing when I know how vastly different your world is from ours.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Oh, your meals are here. Enjoy,” Taekwoon mentioned, bowing slightly and returning to your table. He glanced up at you standing where you had stopped to listen on and smiled. “Ah there you are, our dinner is ready!”

You sat down at the table and smiled weakly. “You should have ignored them.”

“Is that what you do?” he asked softly as he cut into his steak with more force than needed. You didn’t answer right away and Taekwoon sighed. “You face so much more than I realised. I’m so sorry.”

“I’m fine.”

“I’m not but I won’t leave until we’re done eating. They don’t deserve the satisfaction of ruining someone else’s night.”

You grinned up at your husband. “Who said our night is ruined? You were right with what you said; our world is different, so let’s enjoy it whilst the night is still young, hm?”

“I love you, Y/N. I’m so glad you choose to be at my side, even if others don’t appreciate you, I do.”

“Woon-ah,” you called him affectionately, still smiling. “The people who matter do appreciate me. Sure, I’ll have to deal with their behaviour over the next week from you standing up for me like that but I’d happily ignore all their negativity if it means waking up next to you every day. I love you too.”

“Let’s not stay for dessert,” he announced pettily, and you giggled at seeing how red his neck was. “I think we can find something better elsewhere.”

“You told me to dress for anything. Ice-cream in the car whilst taking a late night drive sounds good to me, what do you think?”

“Anywhere is perfect if you’re there too.”

“Where else would I be? My husband is actually at my side and I don’t have to use social media to track him down either.”

Taekwoon blushed. “You heard it all huh?”

“Every word. It was quite the performance.”

_________________

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